Congress and the President are discussing a massive series of potential bailouts and financial aid packages to counter the economic devastation being caused by COVID-19. Senator Bill Cassidy says a growing number of lawmakers and the President back a plan to send every American a check in the next few weeks.
Cut 4 (11)_ “patch”
Lawmakers are discussing sending Americans a one-thousand dollar check.

The restaurant industry is facing a difficult time as the spread of the coronavirus has prohibited the public from eating inside those establishments. Restaurants can still serve food via drive-thru, curbside or delivery. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says the industry is grateful for these exceptions…
cut 8 (06) “….to their customers”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the number of people to file unemployment claims was triple than the normal volume on Monday and Tuesday. Casinos, bars, gyms and movie theaters are closed for a month. The tourism industry is also taking a hit. L-W-C executive director Ava Dejoie says workers who are experiencing a temporary layoff or reduction in hours are encouraged to apply for benefits but keep in mind if you’re a 10-99 employees…
cut 12 (13) “…benefits”
L-W-C is waiving the requirement that those receiving benefits prove they are actively searching for work.

You are not able to eat inside a restaurant today or go to the movies, a bar or your local fitness club as a result of new restrictions put into place by Governor Edwards. But Congressman Clay Higgins is upset that the governor demanded certain businesses to shut down and wonders how the state plans to enforce it…
cut 5 (13) “…is our property”
Law enforcement agencies issued a joint statement this afternoon that they intend to enforce the governor’s restrictions on public gatherings.

Small businesses will suffer as a result of this partial economic shutdown. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack is asking the public to purchase gift cards from their favorite local restaurants…
cut 11 (09) “…some another month”
Waguespack is calling it the gift card challenge.

Schools are closed for a second straight day across the state and they’ll remain closed until at least April 13th. Students were set to take standardized tests in a couple of weeks, but Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Sandy Holloway says they are seeking a waiver from the state and federal government so they do have to give LEAP exams this year…
cut 7 (10) “…for a waiver”

The Saints and quarterback Drew Brees have reportedly agreed on a two-year, 50-million dollar contract. Brees is 41-years-old, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the future Hall of Famer gives New Orleans the best chance to win in 2020…
cut 13 (09) “…this league”
Backup Q-B Teddy Bridgewater is reportedly set to sign with the Panthers as Carolina is reportedly looking to trade Cam Newton.

The state health department reported 35 new cases of coronavirus today and an additional death, bringing the death toll to four and there are now 171 cases. The governor’s office says two of the four victims are from the Lambeth assisted living facility in New Orleans.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins calls out Governor Edwards for shutting down restaurants, bars, and other businesses because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking a waiver so they can cancel standardized exams for this year, which would also mean test scores would not be part of a teacher’s evaluations. Public schools are closed until April 13th because of COVID-19. BESE President Sandy Holloway believes Governor Edwards will grant the request.
Cut 6 (10) “…families and educators.”

There is good news for many Saints fans today, Drew Brees has reportedly agreed to a two-year, 50-million dollar contract to stay in New Orleans.Before announcing that he would play a 20th season, Brees says he’s taking it year-by-year on whether he’ll keep playing. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says a two-year contract benefits the Saints
Cut 14 (10) “…wiggle room.”

The number of coronavirus cases in Louisiana is up to 171 and now four people have died from COVID-19 based on information released this morning by the state department of health. Two of the four people who have died, lived at the Lambeth House assisted living facility in New Orleans.

The rising number of deaths is why Governor John Bel Edwards has put new restrictions in place through April 13th. All bars, gyms, movie theaters and casinos are closed, and restaurants are limited to carry out and delivery service in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus Edwards has also called for the mobilization of 400 guardsmen…
Cut 10 (13) “…week.”

There is good news for many Saints fans today, Drew Brees has reportedly agreed to a two-year, 50-million dollar contract to stay in New Orleans.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the COVID-19 crisis is making it difficult for some people to take care of their pets. Strain says unless you absolutely cannot care for your pet, don’t turn it over to the state, or set it loose.
Cut 4 (05)_ “pet.”
Strain says your pet can not be infected with COVID-19, but pets may temporarily harbor the virus on its coat or other areas of the pet’s body. He says if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, allow a family member to care for your pets.

An official announcement is expected today from the Southeastern Conference that its baseball and softball championship events are canceled. And athletics director Scott Woodward says the financial impact of sports cancellations are not a concern, adding that ticket holders will see money coming back for games that were not played, it just may take a little time…
cut 16 (08) “…refund your tickets”

You can not sit in a restaurant today as a result of Governor John Bel Edwards’ mandate that has limited restaurants to delivery and takeout. But Edwards says the country’s food supply chain is intact and efficient and grocery stores are not in danger of completely running out of food…
cut 11 (13) “…of time”
Edwards has also shut down bars, casinos, movie theaters, and fitness center.

And the Louisiana Legislature has adjourned until March 31st. Lafayette Republican Stuart Bishop told the House that mathematically there is no way to get business done if following CDC guidelines that limit public gatherings…
cut 7 (11) “…to pass anything”
When lawmakers return, they’ll need to pass a budget by July 1st.

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward says the coronavirus pandemic raises plenty of questions on the impact on LSU sports. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Sun Belt Conference has announced that spring sports have been canceled for the remainder of the year. Conference USA has made the same decision due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

And Organizers with the Festival International de Louisiane has canceled the five-day music festival that was set to begin April 22nd in Lafayette.

Bars, casinos, gyms, and fitness centers are closed today in response to the state’s effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Restaurants can only offer delivery or take out. The state is reporting 136 cases of COVID 19 and the virus has been confirmed in eleven parishes. But Governor Edwards expects every parish will soon be impacted…
cut 12 (15) “….in the country”

Edwards has banned public gatherings of 50 people or more. Senator Bill Cassidy, who is also a doctor, is urging residents to listen to the governor. He says these restrictions are the only way to minimize the number of lives lost.

State lawmakers have returned to their districts as the 2020 regular session has been suspended until March 31st. Lake Charles Republican Phillip Tarver is the only legislator to object because he says adjournment is the wrong message to send to citizens and they must continue to conduct the state’s business…
cut 8 (08) “….citizens to do”
Lawmakers will have to pass a budget by July 1st.

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward says he wants to see the spring sports athletes get another year of eligibility after seeing their seasons cut short as a result of the coronavirus. The NCAA has already indicated this will happen. He says there are about 120 student-athletes remaining on campus and some services are open to them, like the cafeteria…
cut 15 (13) “…as we are talking”