6:30 LRN newscasts

There are a number of reports claiming a combination of existing medications can treat COVID-19, but one health care professional says it’s far too early to tell…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Louisiana has pushed back its tax filing deadline to July 15th. Federal taxes are also due that day.

And according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, 71-thousand people have applied for unemployment as of Saturday.

Today is the first full day of the governor’s stay at home order. But some businesses remain open and that includes chemical plants. Louisiana Chemical Association President Greg Bowser says access to facilities is limited, worker’s temperatures are checked on entry, shift sizes are smaller and lunch breaks are done differently….
cut 11 (10) “…spots”

Essential critical infrastructure workers are now eligible for child care assistance through the state department of education. A reason why child care facilities remain open is so health care workers on the frontlines of taking care of COVID-19 patients can go to work. Assistant State Superintendent of Education Jessia Baghian says this program allows eligible families to access subsidized care for children age 12 and under…
cut 8 (13) “….out to us”
An application for the child care assistance program can be found at Louisiana-Believes-dot-com.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

New Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders says he’s happy to be in a pass-happy offense. Sanders has signed a two-year, 16-million dollar deal. The Texas native also said his family wanted him to sign with the Saints. The 33-year-old caught 66 passes for 869 yards and five touchdowns last year.

Safety Malcolm Jenkins is glad to be back with the Saints again. New Orleans selected Jenkins with the 14th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft and helped the Saints win a Super Bowl in his rookie season. Jenkins spent his first five seasons in New Orleans and then went to Philadelphia and won a Super Bowl with the Eagles. After he was cut by Philly, he signed a four-year deal to return to the Saints and he’s glad to be back
cut 17 (20) “…again”

As the coronavirus continues to spread across the country, some might be worried about whether football can played in the fall. LSU interim president Thomas Galligan was asked about that possiblity on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster…
cut 11 (10) “…normal life”
The football program brought in 55 million dollars last year.

An IOC member has told the USA Today that the 2020 Summer Olympics will be postponed. The games are scheduled to start on July 24th, USA Today has learned they will not start on that date and the Summer Olympics will likely move to next year, with the details to be announced over the next month.

And another Saints signing to tell you about. The team has reportedly inked a deal with defensive end Noah Spence. He played in seven games with Washington last season and had three tackles. 7.5 sacks during his four-year NFL career.

LRN PM Newscall March 23

A Louisiana professor has determined the Bayou State has the fastest growth rates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. Brooke Thorington more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

____________________________

The National Federation of Independent Business indicates a sharp rise in the coronavirus pandemic’s negative impact on small businesses.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________

According to a UL-Lafayette study, Louisiana has one of the fastest growth rates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. Dr. Gary Wagner, Acadiana Business Economist Endowed Chair at UL-Lafayette says he compared the state’s numbers for the first 13 days to other recorded numbers of other cities and nations first two weeks.

Cut 3 (12)  “…in the world.”  

Wagner, who does not specialize in healthcare, has a few theories on why Louisiana is seeing a large growth of cases compared to other areas.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…other states.”

Wagner says he will continue to track to the statistics and share them with the Department of Health. At first, the cases were in the single digits but then they started to double daily.

Cut 5 (08)  “…ahead of it.”

__________________________________________

The National Federation of Independent Business says 76% of small businesses are now being negatively impacted by the spread of the coronavirus, up from 23% ten days ago. NFIB state director Dawn Starns says of those that are seeing disruption, the biggest factor to the increase is slowed sales.

Cut 6 (11) “…the last survey.”

Nine percent of small businesses cite sick employees for being a disruption for operations.

The level of concern has spiked significantly.  Starns says about 68% of small business owners are very concerned about COVID-19 compared to just 16% on the last survey.

Cut 7 (10) “…saying they are.”

The state has ordered that many businesses shut down in an effort to slow the spread.  Starns commends Governor Edwards handling of the pandemic, saying he’s been great at keep businesses in the loop.

Cut 8 (10) “…we can do.”

____________________________________________________

LSU says they will only have a limited number of essential personnel on campus as part of the governor’s stay-at-home order. Interim President Dr. Thomas Galligan says only a small number of students remain on campus… 

Cut 9 (10) “…them″

Some food service staff serving carry out bags and other select staff will also be permitted on campus.  

The campus is set to remain a ghost town through the end of the spring semester but Galligan says they’re willing to be flexible if the situation improves.  

Cut 10 (13) “…online”

Many are worried some of LSU’s most essential staff may not be taking the field come August if COVID-19 is still an issue by them. Galligan says if football must be canceled, they will, but hopefully, it won’t… 

Cut 11 (10) “…life.”

The football program brought in 55 million dollars last year.  
_________________________________

East Baton Rouge Coroner Beau Clark is reporting the first two COVID-19 deaths in Baton Rouge. One of the victims was a 90-year-old Mississippi resident who died at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. Clark says the second victim was a 44-year-old female from Baton Rouge who had underlying health issues. He says she went to the hospital with complaints of shortness of breath and died on Sunday

Cut 12 (10) “…COVID-19”

Clark says asthma is an underlying health condition that could contribute to serious illness and possibly death from COVID-19. Most of the people who have died from the virus have had an underlying health condition. Clark says smokers are also at a higher risk

Cut 13 (12) “…respiratory illness”

___________________________________________________

The state is up to 1,172 Coronavirus cases, an increase from 335 the day before. There have been 34 deaths reported and 41 of the state’s 64 parishes are reporting COVID-19 cases.  Governor Edwards says if your parish is not reporting a case that doesn’t mean COVID-19 is not present

Cut 14 (15) “…the country.”

The governor’s stay at home order goes into effect today at 5 PM and it will last until April 12th. Edwards on why it’s so important that people not gather in groups of ten or more…

Cut 15 (10) “…contact with.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Department of Health has reported another sharp rise in the number of coronavirus cases. The state has 1,172 positive cases, an increase from 335 the day before. 34 have died from the virus and 41 of the state’s 64 parishes are reporting COVID-19 cases.

A Louisiana professor has determined the Bayou State has the fastest growth rates of confirmed COVID-19 in the world. Brooke Thorington more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

As we told you in the first segment the state health department says 34 Louisiana residents have died from COVID-10. East Baton Rouge Coroner Beau Clark says his office has investigated its first two fatalities. One of the victims was a 90-year-old Mississippi resident who died at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. Clark says the second victim was a 44-year-old female from Baton Rouge who had underlying health issues. He says she went to the hospital with complaints of shortness of breath and died on Sunday…
cut 12 (10) “…COVID-19″

Many businesses are closed today as a result of the governor’s stay at home order that runs through April 13th. National Federation of Independent Business Director Dawn Starns says 76-percent of the small businesses they’ve surveyed are negatively impacted by the outbreak, over half say they’ve seen sales dip…
cut 6 (10) last survey'”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards has issued a statewide Stay at Home order that will go into effect at 5 PM last until April 12th. Edwards says the order is needed because the state has the fastest growth rate of confirmed cases in the world. The order means that people should stay at home unless they are traveling to get food or medicine. Workers at grocery stores, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and other critical infrastructure are allowed to go their job. Edwards says there will be no checkpoints or enforcement of travel restrictions, but the governor is asking people to be good neighbors and follow the order, or we will see an untenable spike in cases…
cut 14 (11) “…risk group”
Edwards says we are in a race against time in an effort to avoid what happened in Itay, where coronavirus cases overwhelmed their hospitals.

Governor Edwards, along with health experts and members of his administration will discuss Louisiana’s response to COVID-19 during a one-hour program that will air on radio and TV stations starting at 7 PM tonight. Kevin Barnhart has more..
Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Many parents are turning to homeschooling or online learning as schools are closed for a second week. Head of Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy Daniell Scott says keep learning habits as normal as possible and set a schedule…
cut 5 (11) “…playtime”

7:30 LRN Newscast March 23

Governor Edwards issues a stay at home order as Louisiana’s case count increases by tenfold over the last week. Matt Doyle has the story…
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Louisiana has 837 positive coronavirus cases. The state ranks third in the nation, behind New York and Washington state-in per capita cases. 36 parishes are reporting cases and 20 people have died. Louisiana is the ninth state to announce a stay at home order and it lasts until April 12th.

Making sure health care providers have the equipment they need to treat coronavirus patients is a priority for government leaders. Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says they’ve received additional ventilators and they are expecting more this week. He says they are also opening additional rooms for Coronavirus patients…
cut 11 (12) “….other regions”

Meanwhile, schools are closed for a second week and parents are turning to other methods to educate their children, like homeschooling or online learning. Head of Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy Danielle Scott says have a designated area for learning…
cut 4 (07) “….the TV on
Scott says children also need a routine, so parents should create a schedule for their child.

6:45 LRN Sportscast March 23

Looks like the Saints have found a number two wide receiver to compliment Michael Thomas. New Orleans announced yesterday they signed unrestricted free agent wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders on a two-year contract. He’s 33-years-old and over the last seven seasons, he’s averaged 63 catches for 825 yards.

32-year-old Malcolm Jenkins returns to the Saints after a six-year run in Philadelphia. Jenkins says he’s yet to talk with the Saints about his role as a leader…
cut 18 (20) “….that is”
The Saints have also re-signed veteran safety D-J Swearinger to a one-year deal.

The I-O-C says it will discuss over the next month whether the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo should be postponed. The Olympics are set to begin on July 24th. World Athletics president Seb Coe says July is neither feasible nor desirable. U-S Swimming and Track Associations have both called on their national Olympic officials to push for a postponement.

The coronavirus pandemic has halted the NASCAR season, but NASCAR I-Racing held a virtual race from the Homestead-Miami Speedway yesterday. Three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin beat Dale Earnhart Junior. Timmy Hill, Chase Briscoe, and Garrett Smithley rounded out the top five.

No word on when Major League Baseball will begin its season. Toronto Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro says when baseball does resume, the players will need a second spring-training lasting about four weeks before regular season play can begin. Shapiro says they are waiting to see some sort of flattening of the curve before play can begin.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards issues a statewide shelter in place order, and the closure of all “non-essential” businesses in Louisiana. The order does not apply to grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, and allows for restaurants to serve takeout or drive-through meals, but for individuals…
Cut 13 (12) “go out.”
Edwards says the shelter-in-place goes into effect at 5 PM and lasts until April 12. He says it’s necessary because Louisiana has the fastest growth of new Coronavirus cases in the world. The state has 832 positive cases.

Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says its health system is prepared to handle a potential influx of COVID-19 patients. Despite reports of hospitals lacking personal protective equipment and not enough respirators, Thomas says they are in good shape right now.
Cut 10 (11) “equipment.”
Thomas says they are sourcing new beds to increase their capacity should a surge of patients arrive.

Governor John Bel Edwards will take to radio and television airwaves tonight at 7PM for a one-hour broadcast to address Louisiana’s fight against the spread of COVID-19. Edwards’ spokesperson Shauna Sanford says the goal is to answer many of the questions the public has about the pandemic.
Cut 7 (12) “…who are unemployed.”
There will be no audience at the LPB studio, but Edwards and a health care professional along with other guests will answer questions from the public that were sent in over the weekend.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 21

Started the day at 537 coronavirus cases in Louisiana and 14 deaths. Now up to 585 and 16 dead. There have been reports of another death at the Lambeth House in New Orleans and a contract worker at a plant in St. Charles Parish has also died.

Governor Edwards, along with health experts and members of his administration will discuss Louisiana’s response to COVID-19 during a one-hour program that will air on radio and TV stations starting at 7 PM on Monday. Kevin Barnhart has more..
Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says their health system is prepared to handle a potential influx of COVID-19 patients. Despite reports of hospitals lacking personal protective equipment and not enough respirators, Thomas says they are in good shape right now.
Cut 10 (11) “equipment.”
Thomas says they’ve already begun sourcing new beds to increase their capacity should a surge of patients arrive.

Unemployment insurance claims are skyrocketing. Louisiana Workforce Commission executive director Ava Dejoie says the department has received over 30,000 new claims this week.
Cut 3 (08) “…call claim volume.”
Dejoie says the best way to file a claim is online at LAworks.net.

LRN Newscast 9:30

Governor John Bel Edwards will take to radio and television airwaves Monday at 7PM for a one-hour broadcast to address Louisiana’s fight against the spread of COVID-19. Edwards’ spokesperson Shauna Sanford says the goal is to answer many of the questions the public has about the pandemic.
Cut 7 (12) “…who are unemployed.”
You can watch at L-P-B and it will also be heard on many of these same stations.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has dipped to $1.93. COVID-19 economic impacts, as well as overproduction between OPEC and Russia, are the main factors. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman…
Cut 6 (08) “…were at $2.13”
Oil prices are at their lowest levels since the early 2000s.

Children are preparing to transition into online learning as physical schools are shut down. Kevin Barnhart talks to an expert for tips to make the change easier.
Cut 1 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Louisiana has waived its standardized testing for students this school year. Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory has shut down salons, spas, and tattoo parlors. And Rapides Parish Sheriff deputies arrested 27-year-old Waylon Bailey of Forest Hill on one count of terrorism for an alleged social media post that said the sheriff’s office has issued an order to shoot anyone who has the coronavirus.