Lawmakers at the Capitol for this year’s session say they’re reconsidering shaking hands and kissing babies now that COVID-19 has arrived…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

Six people have been arrested in a human trafficking sting executed by north Louisiana law enforcement.  Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis says the arrests took place at an area hotel.

Cut 3 (10)  “…if you will.”  

Three of those arrested were also hit with drug charges.

A woman is dead and her boyfriend, 59-year-old Luis D. Valdez, has been charged with second-degree murder in Iberia Parish. Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Wendell Raborn says witnesses told investigators the couple had been fighting all day long, off and on, on Saturday before investigators arrived.
Cut 10 (11) “…apprehend Mr. Valdez.”
The manner of death has not been released and the victim has been identified as 38-year-old Stephanie Worley of New Iberia.
Washington Parish Sheriff’s deputies make an arrest in the shooting death of 17-year-old Ja’Quarius Taylor, apprehending the victim’s cousin, 20-year-old Jo’Andre Dawson.  Taylor was shot in the head three times in January and was found in a wooded area near the town of Angie. The crime was viewed by some as a potential hate crime.  Haley Chief Deputy Mike Haley says they are uncertain of the exact motive that led to the killing.
Cut 12 (08) “…of the moment.”
Bond is set at $800,000.

Glad handing and hugs are likely on their way out at the Capitol this session as the threat of coronavirus has lawmakers reassessing the way they interact with each other and the public. Many lawmakers were business as usual before Monday’s news of the state’s first case broke. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says he shook a lot of hands earlier in the morning…
Cut 7 (04) “…elbows.”
Louisiana has tested 17* patients so far, with one of them, a Jefferson Parish resident, coming back presumptively positive.
Six people have been arrested in a human trafficking sting executed by north Louisiana law enforcement.  The arrests took place at an area hotel. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis says further charges are possible and the investigation will continue.
Cut 5 (11)  “…to anybody else.”
Three of those arrested were also hit with drug charges.
A woman is dead and her boyfriend has been arrested in Iberia Parish. Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Wendell Raborn says deputies were dispatched to the scene in reference to a possible homicide just before 10 PM Saturday night.

Cut 9 (12) “…the victim deceased.″

The manner of death has not been released and the victim has only been identified as a 38-year-old white female. The suspect has been identified as 59-year-old Luis D. Valdez.

Washington Parish Sheriff’s deputies make an arrest in the shooting death of 17-year-old Ja’Quarius Taylor.  Taylor was shot in the head three times in January and was found in a wooded area near the town of Angie.  Chief Deputy Mike Haley says the suspect has been identified as the victim’s cousin, 20-year-old Jo’Andre Dawson.

Cut 11 (06) “…set at $800,000.”

Haley says they are uncertain of the exact motive that led to the killing.

A human trafficking bust in Bossier Parish Friday night leads to six arrests, and a number of drug seizures. Three of those arrested were also hit with drug charges.  Authorities recovered marijuana, meth, ecstasy, a firearm, and a vehicle.  Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis says over the years the area has seen various arrests linked to prostitution, but the human trafficking factor takes the arrests to the next level.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…not a victimless crime.”

Seventeen people have now been tested for COVID-19 in Louisiana with one presumptive case being a resident in Jefferson Parish. Those coronavirus fears have many lawmakers at the Capitol avoiding the customary hugs and glad-handing, but Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says not everyone is afraid of a handshake.

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Typically drivers start seeing increases at the pump this time of year, but that isn’t the case in 2020. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

We’re officially in session as lawmakers begin three months in Baton Rouge amidst growing uncertainty over collapsing oil prices and the state’s first presumptive case of COVID-19.

The Governor’s budget calls for a combined 64 million in new spending for early childhood education, and K-12. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says the oil collapse could impact those priorities…

Cut 14 (09) “…of that.” (Cut down)

Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson is concerned the uncertainty could result in the legislature having to wait longer than usual for a consensus from the Revenue Estimating Conference.

Cut 15 (12) “…yet.” (Cut down)

Without that they can’t craft a final budget.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says it’s not good news, but…

Cut 16  (09)  the budget”  (Cut down)

COVID fears, tort reform, and oil prices may be dominating the conversation but Governor Edwards says he’s not going to be deterred from pursuing his goal of raising the minimum wage, and ending pay secrecy, which the governor says will close the state’s highest in the nation gender pay gap.

Edwards is upping the ante this year, backing a larger increase in the state’s 7.25 an hour minimum than he did in his first term.

Cut 11 (12) “…in July.”

National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn Starns says it’s disappointing and frustrating to hear Governor Edwards double down on pressing forward with minimum wage increases and equal pay legislation.  Starns says the Governor’s attempt to fulfill a campaign promise will only result in lost jobs.

Cut 12 (07) “…next ten years.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first presumptive positive case of the COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus. The patient is a Jefferson Parish resident who is hospitalized in Orleans Parish. Governor Edwards reaffirmed that his office will announce all confirmed cases and that the state is being as proactive as possible to contain the virus.

Cut 14 (12) “…the spread.”

The governor’s office says 15 tests have been completed in Louisiana. State immunization director Dr. FrankWelch says anyone who experiences symptoms should call their doctor to see if they fit the profile for someone in need of testing. Welch says the first thing doctors will test for is the flu since the symptoms are so similar.

Cut 7 (13) “…at the soonest.”

While awaiting testing results to come back, it is recommended that someone isolates themselves for that couple of days.

Oil prices have tumbled and the price for a barrel of oil is now in the 30s. Smith says a big part of the collapse is news that Russia and OPEC will both ramp up oil production in an apparent price war, suppressing global prices. Reports indicate the price war is partly an attack on American shale companies. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. EricSmith says it’s likely it’s many of them will consolidate with larger companies, or just go out of business.

Cut 5 (11)  “majors”.

Smith adds it won’t harm all Louisiana drilling, as liquid natural gas exists in a separate market.

Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham’s Chief of Staff, Luke Letlow, formally announces he’s entering the race to replace his boss who’s not seeking reelection for the 5^th Congressional District. Letlow, was immediately endorsed by Abraham and If elected Letlow says he would seek a committee seat on the House Agriculture Committee.

Cut 11 (10) “…those committees.”

A Jefferson Parish resident is the first presumptive case of COVID-19 reported in Louisiana. State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says if you show symptoms, specifically a fever, call your doctor and see if you meet the criteria for testing. If you do, special accommodations will be made.

Cut 6 (12) “…personal protective equipment.”

Another common symptom is a persistent dry cough.

Governor Edwards announced that first case earlier today at the start of the session. He encourages lawmakers to share accurate information with their constituents and also gave them the most up to date information about ongoing testing in the state.

Cut 13 (12) “…hundred tests”

Edwards reaffirmed that his office will announce all confirmed cases.

The international oil market is tanking, with oil prices per barrel hovering in the mid to low 30s due to COVID-19 fears and a price war that’s leading to increased production at a time of deflating demand. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. Eric Smith says these prices won’t just be a short term blip.

Cut 3 (08)  “…months”  

This morning’s price collapse is the biggest since 1991.

Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham’s Chief of Staff, Luke Letlow, formally announces he’s entering the race to replace his boss who’s not seeking reelection for the 5^th Congressional District. Letlow, a native of the small town of Smart in Richland Parish, says he identifies with the rural members of his district.

Cut 10 (12) “…row crops.”

Letlow is the third Republican to announce he’s running.

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first presumptive positive case of the COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus. The patient is a Jefferson Parish resident who is currently hospitalized in Orleans Parish. Governor Edwards addresses the virus during his opening remarks at the 2020 Legislative session

Cut 12 (12) “…great state”

State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says LDH is working with all insurers within the state, including Medicaid, to make sure the test for COVID-19 is covered.  As far as uninsured individuals, LDH is working with the federal government to try and make sure that cost is not a hurdle in getting tested.

Cut 8 (13) “…in writing yet.”

Matt Doyle spoke with Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. Eric Smith about last night’s dramatic collapse in the price of oil…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

The Safety and health of cruise passengers and crew members are a top priority for the Port of New Orleans after the State Department’s advisory was issued in reference to the coronavirus. The port of New Orleans issued a statement that they are working with the Coast Guard and the CDC. Cruise lines at the port are now administering temperature checks and screenings before passengers embark on all vessels.

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first presumptive positive case of the COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus. The patient is a Jefferson Parish resident who is currently hospitalized in Orleans Parish. At this time this is the only know case of the illness in the state

What should you expect if you need to be tested?  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The Governor will hold a 3:30 press conference this afternoon.

Oil prices plummeted overnight and the price for a barrel of oil now sits in the low to mid 30s. Reports indicate the price war is partly an attack on American shale companies. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. Eric Smith says it’s likely many of them will consolidate with larger companies, or just go out of business.

Cut 5 (11)  “majors”.

Smith adds it won’t harm all Louisiana drilling, as liquid natural gas exists in a separate market.

Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham’s Chief of Staff, Luke Letlow, formally announces he’s entering the race to replace his boss who’s not seeking reelection for the 5^th Congressional District. Letlow, was immediately endorsed by Abraham and says his experience with the three-term congressman will continue to move Louisiana forward.

Cut 9 (11) “…that experience″

Louisiana Department of Health officials have tested eleven people for the coronavirus, and all have tested negative. State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says the first thing doctors will test for is the flu, since the symptoms are so similar.

Cut 7 (13) “…at the soonest.”

Oil prices plummeted overnight and the price for a barrel of oil now sits in the low to mid 30s. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. Eric Smith says a big part of the collapse is news that Russia and OPEC will both ramp up oil production in an apparent price war, suppressing global prices.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…below.”

That news led to a stock market collapse of seven percent, leading to the markets being halted for 15 minutes this morning.

The 2020 legislative session is underway.  Kevin Barnhart spoke with a political analyst on what we can except.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”