The average gas price in Louisiana has dropped to $1.85 a gallon. Brooke Thorington talks to a Petroleum Analyst on the outlook for the Bayou State.
Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”
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Congressman Ralph Abraham backs the use of experimental, or off-label treatments for COVID-19. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”
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As the coronavirus forces the economy into a freefall, oil and gas prices continue to drop. Patrick DeHann, Head of Petroleum Analyst with Gas Buddy says prices at the pump for the month of March continue to drop and oil prices are the lowest we’ve seen in eighteen years. DeHaan gives an update on Louisiana.
Cut 3 (09) “…a year ago.”
DeHaan says even with $1.85 being the statewide average they have seen prices far lower than that in certain parts of the state.
Cut 4 (07)_ “…Baton Rouge.”
DeHaan says while some might see a reduction at the pump as a relief while their personal income has been reduced due to the coronavirus pandemic, however…
Cut 5 (08) “…low prices.”
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Four people are dead, including a 2-year-old, following crash on Progress Road in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Don Coppola says last night around 9:30, a driver and two passengers were in an Oldsmobile traveling at a high rate of speed when control of the vehicle was lost.
Cut 6 (06) “…a residence.”
56-year-old Patrick Dunn, an occupant of the home, and front passenger 22-year-old Destiny Nelson both died at the scene. The driver, 28-year-old Jamarcus Brown and 2-year-old passenger Jamarcus Brown Jr. died after being transported to the hospital.
Coppola says he’s not sure why the three were out on the roads during the Governor’s shelter-in-place order.
Cut 7 (09) “…get through this.”
The investigators continue to search for answers. Coppola says the massive loss of life compounds the already tragic situation.
Cut 8 (06) “…you had four.”
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There are currently no FDA approved treatments for COVID-19, but there’s a growing number of people advocating for the expanded use of experimental treatments for the disease.
Congressman Ralph Abraham is one of those advocates. He says when a situation is serious enough, patients should be allowed to take off-label treatments.
Cut 9 (10) “…decision″
The President has touted what he says are good results from the use of an anti-malarial drug called Hydroxychloroquine. The treatment does not have FDA backing, but Abraham says anecdotally…
Cut 10 (08) “others.”
Small scale studies of hydroxychloroquine on COVID-19 patients have yielded mixed results, and a Kaiser Family Foundation director labeled it a “drug of last resort” due to its side effects.
Abraham says even though these experimental drugs don’t have FDA approval and may have side effects, some patients don’t have other options.
Cut 11 (11) “…with”
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Saints QB Drew Brees commits $5 million dollars to help feed Louisiana residents who are struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Second Harvest Food Bank is one of the recipients of this generous donation, and President and CEO Natalie Jayroe calls Brees a true leader.
Cut 12 (09) “…can’t be understated.”
Brees says he’s also working with Oschnser Health System, Walk-Ons, Jimmy Johns, Small Sliders and Waitr to prepare and deliver over 10,000 meals per day throughout Louisiana.
Jayroe says this will help with feeding those that have lost employment and seniors whose ability to access food may now be challenged.
Cut 13 (10) “…meals as schools.”
Second Harvest currently has the ability to crank out 2,000 meals per day and the contribution will help to increase that number.
Cut 14 (07) “…that is hunger.”
Brees made the announcement on Instagram. The exact size of the allocation to Second Harvest has not been released.