In the last update for the day, the Louisiana Department of Health reveals that 196 cases of COVID-19 have been found in the state so far up from 136 yesterday. 136 are found in Orleans Parish. East Baton Rouge also finds it’s first case today. Four people have so far died from the virus, with two of the victims coming from a New Orleans nursing home that’s seen a number of cases.

The Governor ordered the closure of a number of businesses yesterday, and restrictions on restaurants as a result of the growing number of cases, and the 2020 Legislative Session was suspended until March 31^st as a result. Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins isn’t happy about that decision. Higgins says it’s an infringement on people’s rights, and there’s no way to charge them.

Cut 5 (13)  “…is our property.”

The Governor’s office has responded saying Congressman Higgins clearly cares more about Facebook views than Louisianans.

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 evaluation. BESE President Sandy Holloway says certain requirements for graduating seniors have also been set aside…

Cut 8 (12) “…them through this.”

BESE has already decided that annual school performance scores will not be announced next year.

Drew Brees and the Saints have reportedly agreed to a new two-year 50-million dollar contract to keep the future hall of famer in New Orleans. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says he’s getting old but Brees can still win games…

Cut 13 (09) “…this league”

There are some Saints fans who believe the team should turn to backup Teddy Bridgewater. But Bridgewater is reportedly finalizing a deal with Carolina.

Louisiana is up to 196 COVID-19 positive tests as the pandemic continues to spread across the state, with East Baton Rouge Parish now reporting it’s first case.

Congress is also negotiating with the Trump Administration about a potential financial aid package, headlined by the President’s call that every America receives an aid check in the mail to help head off economic damage caused by COVID-19 closures. An exact number has not been agreed to, but the number most commonly floated is one thousand dollars.

 Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says the fed assistance is appreciated, but locals need to pitch in too with the Gift Card Challenge. He says gift cards will give restaurants the cash they desperately need now.

Cut 11 (07) “near term.”

900,000 people in the state are employed by small businesses.

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 evaluation. BESE President Sandy Holloway says BESE and the Louisiana Department of Education are also crafting a letter to the United States Department of Education because they have the ultimate authority in granting any sort of flexibility.

Cut 7 (10) “…for a waiver.”

Drew Brees and the Saints have reportedly agreed to a new two-year 50-million dollar contract to keep the future hall of famer 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.”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins releases a video aimed at Governor Edwards, criticizing his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.  Edwards ordered the closure of bars, movie theatres, casinos, and limiting restaurant service to carry out and delivery.  Higgins says it’s hard to comprehend the Edwards’s decisions.

Cut 3 (10)  “…they’re not stupid.”  

The Governor’s office has responded saying Congressman Higgins clearly cares more about Facebook views than Louisianans.

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 evaluation. BESE President Sandy Holloway says with schools closed until April 13th, this is the right thing to do.

Cut 6 (10) “…families and educators.”

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says state companies are getting hammered right now as a result of COVID-19 shutdowns. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says the crisis is an threat to the existence of the state’s 450,000 small businesses that employ 900,000 people whose jobs are now threatened.

Cut 9 (10) “…this″

LABI is also encouraging residents to buy gift cards from local impacted businesses, and order online to support them.
Drew Brees and the Saints have reportedly agreed to a new two-year 50-million dollar contract to keep the future hall of famer in New Orleans. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it’s the right move to re-sign the 41-year-old at an affordable price for a star quarterback…

Cut 12 (10) “…some leeway.”

The latest numbers show there are 171 cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana, with the death toll rising to four in the most recent report. Of the 12 parishes reporting cases, the New Orleans region leads the state, with 116 cases in Orleans Parish and 31 cases in Jefferson Parish.
The Saints and quarterback Drew Brees have reportedly agreed to a new two-year contract 50-million dollar contract.

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is encouraging residents to buy gift cards from local businesses impacted by COVID-19, and order online to support them. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says if you want to see those businesses reopen, you have to support them.

Cut 10 (10) “challenge.”

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 evaluation. BESE has already decided that annual school performance scores will not be announced next year. BESE President Sandy Holloway says certain requirements for graduating seniors have also been set aside…

Cut 8 (12) “…them through this.”

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says state companies are getting hammered right now as a result of COVID-19 shutdowns. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says the crisis is an existential threat to the state’s 450,000 small businesses who employ 900,000 people whose jobs are now threatened.

Cut 9, 10 seconds, this

LABI is also encouraging residents to buy gift cards from local impacted businesses, and order online to support them.

The Governor’s order that everything from gyms to movie theaters close and restaurants switch to carry out, drive through, and delivery, is not sitting well with southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins. Higgins says it’s an assault on your freedoms.

Cut 4 (13)_ “…Chinese virus, okay?”

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain requests that if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 that you allow a family member to care for the pet, and If you receive a pet from an infected family member, Strain says you need to disinfect it.

Cut 6 (08) “…reccomended.”

Strain says if you receive a pet from a family member, wear gloves, a facemask, and immediately change your clothes after bathing the potentially contaminated pet.

In some non-COVID news, Drew Brees and the Saints have reportedly agreed to a new two-year 50-million dollar contract to keep the future hall of famer in New Orleans. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it’s the right move to re-sign the 41-year-old at an affordable price for a star quarterback…

Cut 12 (10) “…some leeway.”

Backup Teddy Bridgewater is reportedly set to sign with Carolina.

A fourth Louisianan has died of COVID-19, this time another resident of a New Orleans based nursing home as the state registers 171 positive cases of the virus. As the numbers grow, so too does the state’s response, with a mandate that all restaurants switch to carry out only, and all gyms and bars shut their doors until April 13^th. The Governor also asks residents not to panic about food shortages. He says that’s not going to happen.

Cut 11 (13) “…of time”

Edwards noted the April 13^th timeline could be extended another 13 days.

That fourth death should be a reminder to everyone about the importance of social distancing.  Our Lady of the Lake Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal says to save your vulnerable friends and family, you need to put COVID-19 on your calendar…

Cut 13 (11) “remotely.”

The 2020 Legislative Session is suspended until March 31^st after a 100-1 vote in the House yesterday. Lafayette Republican Stuart Bishop says it’s in the public, and lawmaker’s best interest.

Cut 9 (09) “…people of Louisiana.″

Bishop noted that it would be awful hard to get 53 votes to pass any legislation when the state is banning gatherings of more than 50 people.

One person who is not happy about everything shutting down for COVID-19? Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins. Higgins blasted Governor Edwards for ordering the closures of everything from movie theaters to casinos and more. Higgins says it’s hard to comprehend the Edwards’s decisions.

Cut 3 (10)  “…they’re not stupid.”  

Higgins says there is no statute to charge businesses under if they chose to stay open.

After the recommendations of the CDC, the Louisiana Legislature has adjourned until at least March 31.  Lafayette Republican Stuart Bishop spoke to the House and says mathematically, there is no way to get business done if following CDC guidelines.
Cut 7 (11) “…to pass anything.”
Lake Charles Republican Phillip Tarver objected to the adjournment saying it is the wrong message to send to citizens and it is the duty as leaders of the state to conduct business.
Cut 8 (08) “…citizens to do.”
The resolution of adjournment was adopted a 100 to 1 vote.    Bishop says the move is in the best interest of the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cut 9 (09) “…people of Louisiana.″

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says initially the plan was for the session to continue, with social distancing enforced and to check those who enter the Capitol for a fever but it’s the right call because it only would have taken one positive test to shut down the Capitol…

Cut 10 (11) “situation.”

Pinsonat says the compressed schedule is likely going to result in non-essential legislation being abandoned. However a budget will still need to be passed by July 1^st, but…

Cut 11 (08) “budget.”

Louisiana is up to 136 positive COVID-19 cases, and is now reporting it’s third death, a victim at a New Orleans area nursing home. One of those new cases was the first in the Capital Region, found in Ascension Parish. Governor Edwards has also issued a new series of business restrictions, calling for the closure of gyms and bars, along with the closure of dining rooms for restaurants. Restaurants will be confined to providing curbside pickup take out options until April 13^th, with a 13-day extension possible. All gatherings of 50 or more people are banned by the state, while are gatherings of ten or more are not recommended by the CDC. Casinos in Louisiana will be ceasing gaming operations tonight at midnight for at least the next two weeks as the coronavirus continues to impact Louisiana.  Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board Ronnie Jones says the casinos were notified this was likely to happen, adding owners have been very supportive.

Cut 7 (13) “…of everything else.”

Legislative leaders have decided to temporarily adjourn the 2020 session until March 31st due to COVID-19 concerns.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s the right call because it only would have taken one positive test to shut down the Capitol…

Cut 10 (11) “situation.”

Pinsonat says the compressed schedule is likely going to result in non-essential legislation being abandoned.

Many people are finding ways to work from home in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus.  Tech Gumbo host Haggai Davis says the internet infrastructure is there to handle the influx of web traffic, but other hurdles remain with equipment availability and other tech issues. Davis believes a lot more people are going to become more comfortable with working from home as it is becoming an easier process.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…handle this capability.”