12:30 LRN Newscast May 5

The number of COVID-19 deaths has surpassed two-thousand as the state reported 51 more fatalities today, bringing the death toll to 2,042. The Louisiana Health Department also reports 323 new cases as the total number of cases is just shy of 30-thousand.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is urging the governor to open up barber shops and hair salons. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Louisiana set another record with 53-million visitors in 2019. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they are looking at a sharp decrease this year, but his office is reaching out to groups that canceled their events in Louisiana…
cut 7 (08) “….musician”
Nungesser says the state can start welcoming tourists back once Louisiana enters phase two of re-opening the economy.

After ruling all non-unanimous jury verdicts unconstitutional the US Supreme Court will now decide whether that decision applies retroactively. The case involves a Baton Rouge man serving multiple life sentences, but the jury hearing the case did not deliver a unanimous verdict in 2006. His attorney Andre Belanger explains the objective…
cut 3 (10) “…petition”
Belanger’s client, Thedrick Edwards, was convicted on multiple counts, including kidnapping and rape.

10:30 LRN Newscast May 5

Louisiana has set up a new website called open-safely-dot-la-gov that will assist businesses and religious organizations on how to safely resume operations once the state moves into phase one of reopening the economy. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the site also allows the public to report non-compliant businesses…
cut 9 (10) “….followed”

A Louisiana Oil and Gas Association survey has found that 78-percent of operators have already begun taking steps to shut-in production. LOGA spokesperson Kati Hyer says many operators have received loan assistance, but it’s still not enough…
cut 15 (09) “….layoffs

The House Appropriations Committee heard a bleak outlook when it comes to state revenues from the legislature’s chief economist. Greg Albrecht says mineral revenue, sales, and income tax collections will be down for the foreseeable future and it will take a long time for tourism to bounce back…
cut 24 (12) “…people are seeing”
An official revenue projection will be made next Monday when the Revenue Estimating Conference meets.

This afternoon a Senate committee will consider proposals that would ask voters in November if they support the legalization of sports betting in Louisiana. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says we’ve given our neighbors to the east a competitive advantage by waiting to legalize sportsbooks…
cut 11 (07) “…time”
Johns is the author of the Louisiana Sports Wagering Act.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The state has activated a new website called open-safely-dot-la-dot-gov. It provides guidance to businesses and churches on how they can get back on their feet as Louisiana moves towards re-opening more of the economy. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning…
Cut 7 (11) “…commerce”
Governor Edwards could announce next week that the state is moving into phase one of re-opening of the economy.

It’s Cinco De Mayo, traditionally a big day for Mexican restaurants. Edwards is reminding people that social distancing still needs to be observed as restaurants are able to have outdoor dining. The governor is pleased with how restaurants and customers responded last weekend…
cut 6 (08) “…that was safe”

A Senate committee will consider several proposals this afternoon that would allow voters to decide if sports betting should be legal at the state’s casinos and race tracks. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

LSU has announced it will hold a virtual graduation ceremony online starting at 10 AM on May 15th. After the ceremony, the names of the graduating class will be displayed in Tiger Stadium. A university spokesperson says a physical graduation ceremony is still planned for the 2020 class, but a date on when that might occur is unknown.

8:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association says a new survey finds just over half of its members believe bankruptcy is likely because of low oil prices. LOGA spokesperson Kati Hyer says a price war and significant drop in demand have driven oil prices through the floor.
Cut 13 (13) “…and local governments.”
Hyer says their members have already been forced to lay off 23-percent of their workforce.

Louisiana is approaching 30-thousand coronavirus cases and two-thousand deaths from COVID-19. Governor Edwards says Louisiana is seventh in the nation in per capita infections…
cut 5 (10) “….being number two”

The governor’s office is asking businesses and churches to register with a new website called Open Safely Dot-Gov. The site provides detailed guidelines for re-opening. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says those that sign up will be put on a list for in-person compliance checks, but you don’t have to wait for that inspection to open, once the state moves into the different phases of re-opening…
cut 8 (11) “….provided”
It’s possible Governor Edwards will announce next week that the state is moving into phase one of re-opening the economy.

At the state capitol today, a Senate committee will hear several bills that seek to put a question on the November ballot that asks voters do they support legalizing sports betting. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns knows there is support for the proposal…
cut 12 (10) “…that time”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards says the state’s fight against the spread of COVID-19 is seeing encouraging numbers. Edwards says over the last three days, the deaths reported have been the lowest seen in over a month. He says residents are taking mitigation efforts seriously.
Cut 4 (10)_ “…out and about.”
The state reported 22 deaths on Monday, after reporting 19 on Sunday and 23 on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association says 78-percent of oil producers have already begun taking steps to shut-in production. LOGA spokesperson Kati Hyer says shuttering is happening at an alarming rate…
cut 14 (08) “….if they shut-in”
The State Fire Marshal encourages business owners to sign up for reopening updates at Open-Safely-Dot-LA-Dot-Gov. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Legislature’s chief economist tells the House Appropriations Committee to expect a big drop in available revenues for next fiscal year’s budget. Greg Albrecht says all you have to do is look at the price of oil.
Cut 23 (09) “…etcetera.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The son of former Saints quarterback Doug Nussmeier, Garrett Nussmeier, has committed to play for the LSU Tigers. The four-star Q-B from Flower Mound Texas picked LSU over Texas A-and-M, Texas, Penn State, and Baylor. Nussmeier told Rivals-dot-com that LSU’s offense is unbelievable. His dad, Doug, is currently the quarterbacks coach for the Cowboys.

The N-F-L has announced it will release its schedule on Thursday at 7 PM. The league has already announced there will be no international games. New Orleans could be featured on prime time several times this season. Of course, there’s the home-and-home against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. The Saints will also host the Chiefs and 49ers and they have road games at Philadelphia, Denver, and Las Vegas.

The Pelicans had nine more homes games when the season was suspended. Season ticket holders are now being offered the option of receiving a refund or receive credit toward next season.

A Senate committee will consider several proposals this afternoon that would allow voters to decide if sports betting should be legal at the state’s casinos and race tracks. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

If you’re looking for live sporting events, ESPN has started airing baseball games from Korea. Today is opening day for the K-B-O and ESPN will air six regular-season games per week. If you want to catch them live, they’ll happen in the middle of the night or early in the morning.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association says an oil glut along with the global COVID-19 pandemic has 78-percent of operators taking steps to shut-in production …
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association is seeking relief from the state legislature, calling on the passage of House Bill 506 which would reduce the severance tax rate by half a percent each year for the next eight years. The House Ways and Means committee approved the bill yesterday and it heads to the House floor for more discussion.

A Senate Committee will hear several sports gambling-related bills today. Lake Charles Republican Ronnie Johns has a proposal that calls for a proposition election on sports wagering to be held in every parish in November. Johns says sports betting is already happening illegally…
Cut 10 (09) “…legal industry.”
If parishes were to legalize sports gambling, the activity could not begin until the Legislature approves the tax structure during next year’s fiscal session.

It’s Cinco De Mayo, which is traditionally a big day for Mexican restaurants. Governor John Bel Edwards is reminding people that social distancing still needs to be observed as restaurants are able to have outdoor dining. Edwards says he’s pleased with how restaurants and their customers responded this past weekend…
cut 6 (08) “…that was safe”

4:30 LRN Newscast

Seventy-eight of the 104 House members were present when the Louisiana House gaveled in this morning to resume the 2020 legislative session. Harvey Representative Rodney Lyons says he’s recovered from COVID-19 and asked legislators to wear a mask when talking with others…
Cut 5 (08) “…doing so”
The House Appropriations Committee heard a bleak outlook when it comes to state revenues from the legislature’s chief economist. Greg Albrecht says mineral revenue, sales, and income tax collections will be down for the foreseeable future and it will take a long time for tourism to bounce back…
cut 14 (12) “…people are seeing”
An official revenue projection will be made next Monday when the Revenue Estimating Conference meets. Albrecht is a member of that panel.

The Louisiana Department of Education distributes 260 million dollars in federal funding to school districts, with guidance on how to properly use the funds…
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Nearly two-hundred employees at the Georgia-Pacific lumber facility in DeQuincy will be out of a job soon. That’s because Georgia-Pacific says it’s ceasing operations at that facility.

Carnival Cruise Lines has canceled all North American cruises through July. A date has not been given on when Carnival will re-start operations at the Port of New Orleans.

4:45 LRN Sportscast May 4

The Revenue Estimating Conference meets on Monday and they’ll give a projection on how money the state will have available for next fiscal year.

The Louisiana Office of Tourism says tourism is Louisiana’s fourth-largest employer, but Albrecht says it will take a while for that part of our economy to bounce back.

LSU football has received a verbal pledge from a quarterback out of Texas. Four-star prospect Garrett Nussmeier from Flower Mound, Texas said in a video message today that he wants to play for the Tigers. His father, Doug Nussmeier, played for the Saints in the late 1990s. Garrett Nussmeier is listed as the 16th best player in the state of Texas. He also had offers from Texas, Texas A-and-M and Miami.

An NFL coaching legend has passed away. Former Dolphins head coach Don Shula has died at the age of 90. He’s the NFL’s all-time winningest coach with 347 victories and coached in six Super Bowls, winning two titles. Shula retired following the 1995 season and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997. Saints Owner Gayle Benson says Shula embodied everything that so many of us love about the N-F-L. Saints Coach Sean Payton says we’ve lost a football legend. Shula is the only coach to guide an NFL team through a perfect season when Miami went 17-and-0 in 1972.

There will be no NFL games in London or Mexico City this year, because of the coronavirus pandemic. Commissioner Roger Goodell says he made the decision after talking to the teams, national and local governments, the NFLPA, medical authorities and international stadium partners.

The NFL is planning to release a 2020 schedule this week that would have the first regular-season game on September 10th and the Super Bowl on February seventh in Tampa. But the schedule will have contingencies built-in because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Dolphins say they’ve come up with a plan on how fans will enter and exit their stadium and still adhere to social distancing guidelines. Hard Rock Stadium can hold 65-thousand fans, but the Dolphins says they might only have 15-thousand at their games this season.

Former LSU running back Leonard Fournette will likely be a free agent after the 2020 season. The Jaguars declined to pick up the fifth-year option on the former fourth overall pick. Fournette rushed for 11-hundred yards last season and led the team in receptions, but only scored three touchdowns.

LRN PM Newscall May 4

The Louisiana Department of Education disperses 260 million dollars in federal funding to school districts, with guidance on how to properly use the funds…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

____________________________

The Legislature’s chief economist Greg Albrecht warned state lawmakers to expect a slow recovery once the coronavirus pandemic ends. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

_____________________________

The 2020 legislative resumed this morning when the Louisiana House convened this morning. 78 out of the 104 House members were present for roll call. The Legislative Black Caucus urged legislative leaders to reconvene on May 15th instead. But House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says they can’t wait any longer

Cut 3 (10)  “…work to do”   

Schexnayder says the state faces significant health and economic challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but as a legislative body they are up to the task

Cut 4 (09)_ “our way.”

The Louisiana House is a member short. Representative Reggie Bagala of Lafourche Parish died from COVID-19. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James has said he will not be at the capitol after COVID-19 and sent him to the hospital.

Harvey Representative Rodney Lyons says he’s recovered from COVID-19 and asked legislators to wear a mask when talking with others…

Cut 5 (08)  “…doing so”

_________________________________________________

Louisiana school systems receive a 260 million dollar coronavirus relief grant from the feds, with guidance on how to use the funds coming from The Louisiana Department of Education.

Assistant Superintendent Jessica Baghian says the funds will make sure every kid has a computer and access to the internet if school campuses remain closed.

Cut 6 (10) “…happen.”

The money is being disbursed to schools by LDE based on the number of low-income children served in each district.

Bahgian says the funds will also be used to make a plan for every student based on their academic progress and, if needed, provide extra time to help some catch up to their classmates, so…

Cut 7 (11) “…might have.”

Louisiana received an additional 27 million from the feds that will be set aside for grant opportunities and support for critical systems.

Baghian says with this funding districts can develop a plan for the 2020-2021 school year to ensure every student hears from an educator every day.

Cut 8 (08) “…minds”

LDE also encourages school districts to use the money to craft flexible scheduling for the next school year.

______________________________

The Louisiana Lottery has come up with a way for players to redeem cash prizes between $5,000 and $600 since lottery offices are closed. Spokesperson Kim Chopin says send photocopies of the winning ticket, along with a completed prize claim form and a picture of your driver’s license to lottery headquarters…

Cut 9 (05) “…present to us.”

A Louisiana Lottery Prize Claim form can be found on their website.

When you send photos of your winning ticket Chopin says to be sure to take clear photos and….

Cut 10 (08) “…that ticket.”

Chopin also advises you to hold onto the original ticket incase your prize gets lost in the mail.

Chopin says if you have a winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket, or your Louisiana Lottery winning ticket is over $5000 they are providing an option to claim that prize

Cut 11 (08) “…CDC guidelines.”

To set up a prize payment appointment, email prizepayments@louisianalottery.com

The emergency prize claim extension remains in effect until claim offices are deemed fully functional.  Tickets set to expire March 24 – May 25 are extended until August 15th. Prize tickets of less than $600 can be redeemed at any Lottery retailer.

______________________________

The Legislature’s chief economist tells the House Appropriations Committee not to expect a quick economic recovery once the coronavirus pandemic ends. Greg Albrecht says Louisiana will not be able to recover, until the national and world economy recovers…

Cut 12 (11) “…like this”

Albrecht anticipates a significant loss in state revenues for the fiscal year that begins in July.  He says all you have to do is look at the price of oil.

Cut 13 (09) “…etcetera.”

The Revenue Estimating Conference meets on Monday and they’ll give a projection on how money the state will have available for next fiscal year.

The Louisiana Office of Tourism says tourism is Louisiana’s fourth-largest employer, but Albrecht says it will take a while for that part of our economy to bounce back…

Cut 14 (12) “…people are seeing.”