For the first time since March 28^th the state is reporting less than thousand COVID-19 hospitalizations. The Health Department released numbers today and currently, 931 patients are hospitalized with the coronavirus, down 73 from the previous day. Vent usage also declined by two to 110.

The state reported 27 new fatalities bringing the total to 2,485.

The state’s top school board selects Jefferson Parish Schools superintendent Cade Brumley as the state’s new education superintendent. Brumley will fill the position once occupied by John White. The Sabine native was one of 21 applicants and during his interview, he described a team effort to improve public education

Cut 12 (11) “…those things”

Brumley has led Jefferson Parish Schools since 2018.

The feds award Louisiana 190-million dollars to expand COVID-19 testing and establish antibody testing in the future once the FDA approves a procedure. Congressman Garret Graves says the level of testing this funding provides is vital to returning to some sense of normalcy before a vaccine is made.

Cut 11 (11) “…reemergence”

Governor Edwards has expressed optimism the state will move into Phase Two in June.

Casinos are off a promising start reopening after being closed since mid-March and Two properties are set to reopen today. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says there is still a chance that Diamond Jack Casino in Bossier City, which had previously announced a permanent closure, may still reopen.

Cut 8 (08) “…back in business.”

The feds award Louisiana 190 million dollars to expand COVID-19 testing and establish antibody testing in the future once the FDA approves a procedure. Governor Edwards has expressed optimism the state will move into Phase Two in June. Congressman Garret Graves says this funding ensures we have the testing capacity to meet the federal benchmarks to do so.

Cut 10 (11) “…program”

The Louisiana Department of Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak that’s infected about 100 people at three Acadiana crawfish farms. Crawfish Promotion Board Chairman David Savoy says the outbreak occurred at the end of the season and likely will not impact overall production.

Cut 4 (05)_ “…too great.”

Savoy says the workers live in communal spaces where social distancing is not possible.

Casinos are experiencing a promising start to reopening after being closed since mid-March.  Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says out of town guests are showing up since a majority of the state’s gaming tourism does not rely on air travel.

Cut 7 (11) “…some Louisiana folks.”

Properties are limited to 25% occupancy and can operate half of their gaming positions.  Before guests are allowed on the gaming floor, they go through a temperature check, sanitize their hands, are given masks, and are encouraged to wear them.

Louisiana reports 27 new COVID fatalities and 278 new confirmed cases but drops below a thousand hospitalizations for the first time since March 28^th, continuing the general decline of coronavirus spread. Current hospitalizations are at 931 and those on vents are down two at 110.

Louisiana reports 27 new COVID fatalities and 278 new confirmed cases but drops below a thousand hospitalizations for the first time since March 28^th, continuing the general declining curve of coronavirus spread.

The feds award Louisiana 190 million dollars to expand COVID-19 testing. Early on in the pandemic, it could be hard to get a test even if you thought you were exposed, but Congressman Garret Graves says once this funding is applied that will no longer be the case.

Cut 9, 9 seconds, tested

The Louisiana Department of Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak that’s infected about 100 people at three Acadiana crawfish farms. The outbreaks are centered on dormitory housing for migrant workers. Crawfish Promotion Board Chairman David Savoy says these farm outbreaks are unlikely to spread into the local community.

Cut 3 (11)  “…together.”  

Senator Bill Cassidy introduces legislation that would deliver $500 billion in emergency funding to states and local governments. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Jefferson Parish schools superintendent Cade Brumley is named the next Superintendent of Education in Louisiana. He replaces former Superintendent John White.

A legislative effort to allow all registered voters in the state to vote by mail fails to get out of a House Committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

Two State Police Troopers are injured after being dispatched to assist Hammond Police with a pursuit around 2:15 this morning. A tire deflation device was deployed, disabling the suspect’s vehicle, and upon the troopers retrieval of the device, they were struck by a Hammond Police unit involved in the pursuit. One trooper has been treated and released, the other is in critical condition.

More workers are returning to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to continue building rockets for the Artemis Program, which aims to put the first woman on the moon by 2024. Michoud Director Robert Champion says they’ll still be under 25 percent of their full production capacity as they enter NASA’s Stage 3 Return to On-site Work.

Cut 5 (11)  “…where needed”

Stage 3 of NASA’s plan roughly coincides with the federal government’s Phase One.

Senator Bill Cassidy has introduced bipartisan legislation that would deliver $500 billion in emergency funding to states and communities through what’s called the State and Municipality Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) Act.  Cassidy says a state’s share of funding would be based on three factors.

Cut 7 (12) “…the financial impact.”

House Republicans pass legislation telling Governor Edwards to reconsider his blanket 25 percent occupancy cap on businesses during Phase One. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the limit is a one size fits all solution that doesn’t work for places like restaurants.

Cut 9 (09) “…boxing ring.”

But Governor Edwards says the limitations are a public safety requirement that will cautiously guide the state economy back into action without risking a new wave of cases. The Governor says if we continue seeing lower caseloads through the end of the month it is likely the state will progress into Phase Two in June. Edwards says they’ll use two weeks of data to determine if Louisiana is still doing a good job in stopping the spread of COVID-19

Cut 8 (10) “…easing of restrictions”

Louisiana receives an additional $58 million in fishery disaster funding due to the impacts of the Bonnet Carre opening in 2019.  Congressman Garret Graves says of the three states receiving funding from the Bonnet Carre Spillway opening, Louisiana is receiving 2/3 of the allocated $88 million.

Cut 4 (07)_ “…clearly represents that.”

There is an additional $12 million to be allocated at a different time.

Forbes Magazine reports Mercedes Benz will not renew its naming rights deal with the Superdome when it ends in 2021. UNO Senior Associate Dean and Marketing Professor, Paul Hensel, it’s tough to say what corporation would like to put its name on the side of the iconic sports arena right now with the economy in shambles…

Cut 14 (07) “…be interested”

The Superdome is scheduled to host its next Super Bowl in 2024.

Louisiana receives an additional $58 million in fishery disaster funding to offset the impacts of the 2019 Bonnet Carre Spillway opening. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Legislation passes the House urging Governor Edwards to reconsider his order limiting businesses to 25 percent occupancy during Phase One. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Louisiana receives an additional $58 million in fishery disaster funding.  Congressman Garret Graves says the money will be used to offset the impacts of the 2019 Bonnet Carre Spillway opening on the seafood industry.

Cut 3 (12)  “…the United States.”  

Earlier this month, the state had received $14.7 million allocated to Louisiana fisheries to relieve the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which Graves had previously called abysmal due to the fact that it was only 4.9% of the total $300 million for nationwide relief.

Graves says of the three states receiving funding from the Bonnet Carre Spillway opening, Louisiana is receiving 2/3 of the allocated $88 million.

Cut 4 (07)_ “…clearly represents that.”

There is an additional $12 million to be allocated at a different time.

Graves says some in the state’s seafood industry are on their last leg and need the money fast, adding that if the local industry goes away, there will be a bigger reliance on inferior, imported seafood.

Cut 5 (08)  “…around the country.”

Mississippi will be receiving $21 million and Alabama received $8.6 million.

_________________________________________________

Governor Edwards is optimistic Louisiana can move to phase two of reopening of the economy in early June. Edwards says they are watching COVID-like symptoms being reported to emergency rooms, the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and testing capacity

Cut 6 (11) “that decision”

Edwards says he plans to announce a decision as early as June 1st. He says the public will play a huge role in that decision…

Cut 7 (12) “our cases”

Under the White House’s Phase two plan, large venues can operate under moderate physical distancing protocols, bars can re-open with maximum occupancy restrictions, and schools and organized youth activities can resume.

Edwards says they’ll use two weeks of data to determine if Louisiana is still doing a good job in stopping the spread of COVID-19

Cut 8 (10) “…easing of restrictions”

_______________________

Legislators spar over a resolution that would urge the Governor to reconsider his 25 percent occupancy limitation for businesses in Phase One.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the limit is crippling struggling businesses.

Cut 9 (09) “…boxing ring.”

Social distancing guidelines call for businesses to space households out six feet away from other households and plot out table seating that leaves ten feet of space.

Harris says the success essential businesses had during the stay at home order and regulations allowing casinos to have 50 percent of gaming positions open undercuts the Governor’s position.

Cut 10 (12) “…CDC.”

The request to urge the Governor to reconsider the limit was successfully amended onto a resolution that passed the House.

Amite Representative Robby Carter opposed the amendment. He says the guidelines are in place to save lives.

Cut 11 (12) “…business”

Carter cited comments by Governor Edwards indicating the state is currently on track to lift the 25 percent limit in Phase Two which may take effect in early June.

Cut 12 (09) “…deaths”

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Forbes Magazine reports Mercedes Benz will not renew its naming rights deal with the Superdome when it ends in 2021. UNO Senior Associate Dean and Marketing Professor, Paul Hensel, says during these tough economic times it will not be easy to find a new naming rights sponsor, but  a company will emerge that believes it’s a good investment

Cut 13 (12) “events too”  

The Mercedes Benz Superdome is scheduled to host its next Super Bowl in 2024. But it will have a different name by then. Hensel says it’s tough to say what corporation would like to put its name on the side of the iconic sports arena

Cut 14 (07) “…be interested”

Hensel says many stadiums have naming rights deals with insurance and major financial companies. He says Superdome officials wish the economic climate was different as they searched for a new naming rights sponsor

Cut 15 (08)“  no name.”

Mercedes-Benz became the Superdome’s first naming rights sponsor in 2011 and the 10-year deal is worth a reported 50-to-60 million dollars.

_______________________________________________

Cut 16 (10) “…crossing.”

Governor Edwards indicates Louisiana is making good progress towards potentially being able to enter Phase Two in early June where large venues can operate under moderate physical distancing protocols, bars can re-open with maximum occupancy restrictions, and schools and organized youth activities can resume. Edwards says he plans to announce a decision as early as June 1st.

Cut 7 (12) “our cases”

Forbes Magazine reports Mercedes Benz will not renew its naming rights deal with the Superdome when it ends in 2021 and UNO Senior Associate Dean and Marketing Professor, Paul Hensel, says that’s rough timing because finding another sponsor in this economy is going to be tough.

Cut 15 (08)“  no name.”

Mercedes-Benz signed the 50 million dollar deal with the Dome in 2011.

Louisiana receives an additional $58 million in fishery disaster funding to offset the impacts of the 2019 Bonnet Carre Spillway opening.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Cal-Maine foods, an egg producer, donates 280,000 eggs to five food banks across the state today. The eggs will be distributed to food banks in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Monroe, New Orleans, and Shreveport by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture. Commissioner Mike Strain says Cal-Maine has a surplus of eggs right now and found donating to be a better use than disposal.

Republican House legislators urge Governor Edwards to reconsider the 25 percent limit on capacity for businesses during Phase One. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the success essential businesses had during the stay at home order and the flexibility offered to casinos are evidence that the blanket statewide 25 percent cap is too heavy handed…

Cut 10 (12) “…CDC.”

The request was successfully amended onto a resolution that passed the House.

Amite Representative Robby Carter says the limit is there to protect public safety, and it may not be in place for much longer…

Cut 12 (09) “…deaths”

Carter says if trends like today’s numbers hold up it is likely the state will move to Phase Two in early June. The state reported 18 new COVID fatalities and 329 new cases, along with declines in ventilator use and hospitalizations.

Governor Edwards is optimistic Louisiana can move to phase two of reopening of the economy in early June. Edwards says they are watching COVID-like symptoms being reported to emergency rooms, the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and testing capacity

Cut 6 (11) “that decision”

Under the White House’s Phase two plan, large venues can operate under moderate physical distancing protocols, bars can re-open with maximum occupancy restrictions, and schools and organized youth activities can resume.

After getting shortchanged with a paltry 14.7 million dollar payout for fisheries funding relief from the feds Louisiana is awarded an additional 58 million dollars.  Congressman Garret Graves says the money will be used to offset the impacts of the 2019 Bonnet Carre Spillway opening on the seafood industry.

Cut 3 (12)  “…the United States.”  

The state announces 18 new COVID-19 fatalities bringing the death toll to 2,458. Total Cases: 35,038, up 329. Hospitalizations: 1004.

Legislators spar over a resolution that would urge the Governor to reconsider his 25 percent occupancy limitation for businesses in Phase One. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the limit is crippling struggling businesses.

Cut 9 (09) “…boxing ring.”

Social distancing guidelines call for businesses to space households out six feet away from other households and plot out table seating that leaves ten feet of space.

Amite Representative Robby Carter opposed the amendment. He says the guidelines are in place to save lives.

Cut 11 (12) “…business”

Louisiana receives an additional $58 million in fishery disaster funding.  Congressman Garret Graves says the money will be used to offset the impacts of the 2019 Bonnet Carre Spillway opening on the seafood industry.Graves says some in the state’s seafood industry are on their last leg and need the money fast, adding that if the local industry goes away, there will be a bigger reliance on inferior, imported seafood.

Cut 5 (08)  “…around the country.”

Forbes Magazine reports Mercedes Benz will not renew its naming rights deal with the Superdome when it ends in 2021. UNO Senior Associate Dean and Marketing Professor, Paul Hensel, says during these tough economic times it will not be easy to find a new naming rights sponsor, but  a company will emerge that believes it’s a good investment

Cut 13 (12) “events too”