For the first time in the state’s history, gaming operations for all 20 casinos in Louisiana will be closed for at least two weeks.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________

Lawmakers adjourn the legislative session until March 31st due to COVID-19 fears. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (25) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

___________________________

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.

Cut 3 (13)  “…into the network.”  

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.”

Davis says if you work from home, set a work schedule and designating a work area.

Cut 5 (13)  “…different office now.”

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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 decision comes after discussions with the Governor’s staff throughout the weekend.

Cut 6 (11) “…public health standpoint.”

Governor Edwards has banned gatherings of 50 people or more.  Jones says the casinos were notified this was likely to happen, adding owners have been very supportive.

Cut 7 (13) “…of everything else.”

Jones says the order is only applicable to a casino’s gaming operations.

Cut 8 (08) “…from local government.”

Jones estimates the lost state revenue will be about $1.6 million each day of the closure.

____________________________________________________

Legislative leaders have decided to temporarily adjourn the 2020 session until March 31st due to COVID-19 concerns.  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…

Cut 9 (11) “…contact″

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. However a budget will still need to be passed by July 1^st, but…

Cut 11 (08) “budget.”

_________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Education will continue serving meals during the statewide school shutdown.  Assistant State Superintendent Catherine Pozniak says food operations will be modified to serve as many families as possible.

Cut 12 (10) “…nutrition and meals.”

Some areas are already providing the services today.  Pozniak says the food service is made possible by waivers from the federal government, adding that more schools are working out the details of exactly how to best serve food.

Cut 13 (12) “…to four days.”

Pozniak says the meals at these sites are open to all children, regardless of where they are enrolled in school.

Cut 14 (11) “…age of 22.”

While coronavirus testing availability may be limited, Surgeon General Jerome Adams feels confident Louisiana has enough testing available in the state.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________________

Louisiana Department of Health is now offering a 24/7 information hotline for COVID-19.  Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Over 20,000 Medicaid recipients were warned in February they could lose their benefits by mid-March due to income eligibility concerns. Matt Doyle spoke with an advocate who says that’s a bad idea…

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

____________________________________________

The number of the state’s presumed COVID-19 cases has climbed to 19 and while testing availability may be limited, Surgeon General Jerome Adams feels confident Louisiana has enough testing available in the state. But Adams, along with Governor Edwards, stressed that unless you are showing symptoms, you should not try to get tested.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…now for coronavirus.”

Adams says the amount of testing locations is limited and it takes about 4 to 6 hours to run each test.

Cut 5 (12)  “…twice a day.”

Ochsner Health has designated three urgent care locations devoted to COVID-19 testing in New Orleans, Houma, and Mandeville. Tests will only be provided if recommended by the Louisiana Department of Health.

Adams says once samples get to a testing lab, there is a need to slow down the process as to not use up all the wells in a test kit.

Cut 6 (11) “…in the process.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana Department of Health is now working with the statewide 211 network to answer questions about the coronavirus outbreak.   Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says the 211 service is one of the most trusted points of information for the public when it comes to health and human services.

Cut 7 (11) “…their loved ones.”

The 211 service has previously been used in natural disasters like hurricanes.  Billioux says the department has previously had a 1-800 information line for COVID-19, but it was only staffed from 8am to 4:30 PM.  211 will answer questions 24/7.

Cut 8 (10) “…where resources are.”

Billioux says the service can be used to debunk misleading information about the virus that may be spreading on social media.

Cut 9 (07) “…their loved ones.″

There is also a text alert system available by texting LACOVID to 898-211

______________________________________________

All SEC sports have been canceled through March 30^th at all member schools, and spring sports championships are set to be pushed back.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says it wasn’t easy to cancel the SEC Basketball Tournament. He says some of the students playing won’t have another chance to win one…

Cut 10 (12) “about.”

Automatic full ticket refunds will be made by March 31^st for all sports.

Sankey says the decision was made after experts consulted the SEC and told them the risks. He says he heard those consultations just as the NBA had announced it was suspending it’s season.

Cut 11 (11) “…myself”

Soon after all other NCAA conference basketball tournaments were canceled.

When asked if he expects sports to resume after March 30^th, Sankey said he just doesn’t know.

Cut 12 (11) “…beyond.”

LSU announced it will transition all remaining spring classes to online.

________________________________

Roughly 24,000 people were warned in mid-February they could lose Medicaid eligibility due to income requirements, with those cancelations set to happen mid-March right as COVID-19 is ramping up.

Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller says it would be hard to find a worse time to kick people off of Medicaid. He’s calling for the program to freeze all coverage suspensions.

Cut 13 (12) “…sick.”

The deadline to respond to the letter warning of cancellations passed in late February.

Moller says the new automated income eligibility check is punishing those who didn’t fill out the right paperwork, and those who make just over the 18,000 dollars a year max when they need it most.

Cut 14 (12) “…they need”

Moller says kicking these folks off Medicaid isn’t just a risk to their health. He says Medicaid is populated by service industry people who interact with you every day.

Cut 15 (08) “…people.”

LDH Health Secretary Stephen Russo told the advocate when asked about the topic that “there has not been any talk that we would delay any of that.”

Stress levels are rising as the number of COVID-19 cases grows. Matt Doyle spoke with an LSU Health New Orleans expert about how to manage that stress…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says everybody in Louisiana has a role to play in slowing down the spread of the coronavirus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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COVID-19 is provoking anxiety in many as the number of cases continues to grow internationally, and locally.

LSU Health New Orleans professor of Clinical Psychology Michelle Moore says one way to reduce anxiety is to make sure that you are getting your news from a legitimate source.

Cut 3 (12)  “…fact”  

Moore says logging off of social media, for the time being, is another way to reduce anxiety.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…sites”

Moore says the best way to handle the stress of this growing pandemic is to approach it like you would a hurricane.

Cut 5 (10)  “…from it.”

She adds talking to your children about the virus may be a difficult conversation, but teaching them how to stay safe at this time is important.

___________________________________________

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to pummel the stock market as today trading was halted after the DOW was down more than 2100 points.  Tulane Professor of Finance Peter Ricchiuti says for those investors who have their money tied up in the market and are feeling uneasy, it is understandable to want to offload some of that stock.

Cut 6 (08) “…really that uncomfortable.”

Ricchiutti says for older investors, investment allocation is important as most advisors would recommend decreasing the percentage of investment in volatile stocks as an investor gets older.

Cut 7 (11) “…the stock market.”

Ricchiuti says for younger investors, he’d be hesitant to recommend making any moves because of a built-in advantage.

Cut 8 (09) “…make it up.”

____________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says every Louisiana resident has a role to play in slowing down the spread of the coronavirus. The state is up to 14 presumptive cases and Edwards says the virus can be spread by a person who doesn’t have any COVID-19 symptoms

Cut 9 (06) “…loved ones.″

Edwards also says cover your cough and stay home if you’re sick. U-S Surgeon General Jerome Adams visited with Louisiana leaders today and said if you believe you should be tested for coronavirus, call your health care provider…

Cut 10 (14) “…back quick.”

Adams says it usually takes 24 to 48 hours to get the results of the test back. The governor says he has not been tested since he has no symptoms and has not come into contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.

Adams says while young people might not get sick from the coronavirus, they still need to be smart in order to protect the elderly…

Cut 11 (16) “…to Europe.”

_______________________________________

Sporting events are being wiped out across nation due to the coronavirus and LSU has not been exempt.  All SEC sports events have been axed through March 30^th.  LSU Baseball coach Paul Mainieri talked to reporters upon hearing the breaking developments.

Cut 12 (10) “…to Oxford today.”

Mainieri says after the hard work being put in by everyone involved with the team, the timing is discouraging but says he’s explained to the players about putting this into perspective.

Cut 13 (08) “…baseball games canceled.”

Mainieri says he is sad for the players as this time in their life they’ll never be able to relive.

Cut 14 (12) “…in the world.”

State officials announce in a Wednesday afternoon press conference the presumptive cases of coronavirus in Louisiana has grown to 13. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________________

The public is advised against visiting nursing homes by the Louisiana Nursing Home Association. Matt Doyle spoke with LSU Health New Orleans about the request…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

LSU is encouraging the campus community not to travel this Spring Break. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

____________________________________________

Louisiana now has 13 presumptive cases of COVID-19, a number that’s ballooned from just one reported case Monday.  The elderly are at risk for the most devastating impacts of coronavirus, so Governor Edwards says recent developments at a New Orleans nursing home are raising concerns.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…Lambeth House.”

Cases are now being found around the state and Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says it appears people are now contracting the illness within Louisiana.

Cut 5 (12)  “…New Orleans area.”

The NBA has suspended the season and the NCAA says spectators will not be present at March Madness games, including the Women’s Final Four that is scheduled to take place in New Orleans.  Governor Edwards expects the announcement of more event changes, postponements, and cancellations will be coming in the next few days.

Cut 6 (12) “…with local governments.”

____________________________________________

Lawmakers in D.C. are considering their options for potential economic stimulus if coronavirus fears lead to a prolonged economic slowdown.

President Trump has floated the idea of a substantial payroll tax cut. Senator Bill Cassidy says they haven’t seen any firm plans for it yet, and he’s unsure about the idea.

Cut 7 (10) “…anyway”

Cassidy says the best way the country could avoid an economic slowdown would be if Congress came together to pass a robust infrastructure package.

Cut 8 (12) “…jobs”

There are growing fears the lack of sick days and hourly pay of the service industry could result in sick workers spreading the virus because they can’t afford to miss work. Cassidy says that’s a real concern, and…

Cut 9 (08) “…child.″

______________________________________________

There are three presumptive positive COVID-19 cases at a New Orleans nursing home, and The Louisiana Nursing Home Association is asking it’s members to restrict access to facilities.

The statement asks the public not to visit a nursing home until further notice. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says that means even if you aren’t showing symptoms…

Cut 10 (11) “…transmitting it.”

A Seattle nursing home housing 108 patients has been on lockdown, and experts say it was the perfect environment for the virus’s spread. Lopez says we can’t let that happen here.

Cut 11 (05) “…of COVID-19.”

Emotional health is critical to elderly nursing home residents, and Lopez says, unfortunately, that’s likely to be impacted by these restrictions.

Cut 12 (08) “…the nursing home.”

Nursing homes in Louisiana will be expected to update their infection control procedures, and implement an extensive screening process for employees and visitors.

________________________________

Spring Break is coming and LSU is asking the campus community to consider canceling any travel plans they may have.  Students on campus were recently asked about the idea of changing travel plans and some say they are now staying put.  Reese from New Orleans says his Spring Break travel plans have already fallen through due to a Miami music festival cancelation.

Cut 13 (09) “…first world problem.”

Shola from Baton Rouge says she’s also scrapped any travel plans.  She says developments in recent days have changed her outlook on just how serious the virus is.

Cut 14 (11) “…get a notification.”

A statement from LSU says they are considering closing the school after spring break as they realize that students may still choose to travel.  Gabe from Lafayette believes the worst is still to come and says he’s got no issue with the school halting on-campus classes.

Cut 15 (10) “…that pretty easily.”

State Health officials briefed Senate health this morning on important questions related to COVID-19. Matt Doyle covered the hearing…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

____________________________

The Lt. Governor disagrees with New Orleans Mayor Layota Cantrell’s decision to cancel many city events in the face of a growing number of COVID-19 cases…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

___________________________

State health officials went before the Senate Health and Welfare Committee to give a COVID-19 update as the number of cases in Louisiana rises to six.

The virus is shuttering schools around the world, but State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry says kids seem to handle the virus well, and there’s risks in sending them home…

Cut 3 (09)  “…older person”  

Guidry says unless teachers begin to fall ill, schools should maybe stay open.

Health officials are begging business owners to prepare work-from-home options, and to not pressure workers into coming in sick. Guidry says know that your workforce is likely to shrink…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…of operations”

Guidry adds use of facemasks is not advised for those not in high-risk groups. He says their effectiveness is questionable, and there’s an ongoing shortage.

The outbreak is centered in New Orleans right now, and the city has canceled St. Patrick’s Day events this weekend. Guidry says there’s another festival that may need to be reconsidered.

Cut 5 (09)  “…festival.”

Festival International is currently set for April 22^nd-26^th.

___________________________________________

Parks Senator Fred Mills files legislation to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21, which would align state law with the federal law that was enacted in December 2019.  Mills says the clock is ticking to comply with the federal legislation.

Cut 6 (10) “…law is presently.”

The federal law holds retailers responsible for underage sales.  Mills says the law aims at keeping tobacco products out of the hands of those that are within the age range most susceptible to addiction.

Cut 7 (13) “…welfare of people.”

The law would apply to vape related products as well.  Mills says he could foresee some pushback in getting the law pass.

Cut 8 (12) “…it into law.”

____________________________________________________

Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison today in a case that fueled the global me-too movement and encouraged women to speak out against sexual assault and harassment. Weinstein was sentenced 20 years for first-degree criminal sexual act and three years for third-degree rape. Kelli Knight, an outreach coordinator with Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault says today’s sentencing sends a message.

Cut 9 (09) “…assaulted.″

Knight says on average one out of five women have been raped or sexually assaulted. Not every woman chooses to come forward and if they don’t come forward immediately are often criticized for waiting. Knight says the general public doesn’t understand the trauma of the situation.

Cut 10 (11) “…do it.”

The maximum sentence Weinstein could have been received was 29 years and the New York Judge sentenced him to 23 years. Knight says she hopes judges in Louisiana will take note.

Cut 11 (09) “…with that.”

If you are a victim of rape or assault you can visit the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault website at LAFASA-dot-org for resources.

_______________________________________

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser addressed concerns that COVID-19 could cause a significant disruption in the state’s tourism industry.

Nungesser says he doesn’t see a need to announce any festival cancellations unless the feds or Governor call for cancellations. He says we owe it to the industry not to disrupt tourism unless necessary.

Cut 12 (10) “…trip.”

To compensate for potentially declining international tourism, the Lt. Governor plans to reallocate advertising to areas within driving distance of the state.

Nungesser says prematurely ending the spring tourism season without good cause could put a lot of companies out of business…

Cut 13 (09) “…year.”

The state’s six presumptive cases all center on the New Orleans area, and Mayor Layota Cantrell canceled a number of city events in response. Nungesser disagrees with that call.

Cut 14 (08) “…New Orleans.”

The St. Patricks Day Parade was one of the events canceled, but just up the road in Baton Rouge the celebration is still on.

___________________________________________

The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. In Louisiana, there have been six presumptive cases of COVID-19 and Governor Edwards told the Baton Rouge Rotary Club that we expect to see more

Cut 15 (11) “…help anything.”

Edwards urges residents to wash their hands frequently and practice social distancing, which includes not shaking hands.

Edwards says once they get a presumptive positive case, health officials try to determine when the patient contracted the virus

Cut 16  (12)  …so forth”

A series of vaccine-related bills have been filed by a Houma representative that may cause some controversy as COVID-19 numbers rise…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

Coronavirus fears have taken attention away from the seasonal flu, but health officials warn it’s still necessary to be vigilant.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Could some of Louisiana’s festivals be at risk of cancellation or postponement due to coronavirus?  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

____________________________________________

Houma Representative Beryl Amedee files a series of vaccine-related bills as the Capitol copes with the growing threat of coronavirus.

Amedee says one of the bills mandates healthcare providers provide patients more information about what is in their vaccines, and potential side effects those vaccines may have.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…happening.”

The bill would also require providers inform patients how effective the vaccine is.

Another of her bills would prevent employers from requiring their workforce be vaccinated. She says this legislation was inspired by complaints she heard from nursing students.

Cut 5 (08)  “…vaccines.”

Amedee says she is not sure whether or not the spread of COVID-19 will hurt or help her cause, but…

Cut 6 (12) “….the bills”

The state has seen three coronavirus cases so far, all in the New Orleans area.

____________________________________________

While the focus of many may be on coronavirus, Louisiana is still dealing with an intense flu season. Assistant state health officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says the seasonal flu is should still not be taken lightly as it can be devastating for both age extremes in both younger and older people.

Cut 7 (09) “…in the country.”

In a typical flu season, the regional baseline for the percentage of doctor visits for flu-like symptoms is just below 4 percent. Kanter says currently, the national and statewide rates are outpacing that number.

Cut 8 (10) “…we’re at 9.8%.”

Kanter says with more people taking action to prevent the spread of coronavirus, they are also helping in the fight against the spread of the flu.

Cut 9 (09) “…both of those.″

The best protection from the flu is getting vaccinated.

______________________________________________

Some of the biggest festivals in the nation are getting cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus. Could we see that here in Louisiana?  State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says they are monitoring the situation and working with event organizers.

Cut 10 (11) “…a mutual decision.”

Southern California’s Coachella and Stagecoach are moving the events to October.  Austin’s South by Southwest and Miami’s Ultra Music Festival will not be holding events in 2020.

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival takes place over the course of ten days and welcomes around 400,000 visitors each year.  Welch says COVID-19 is not going to spread well in an open-air environment.

Cut 11 (05) “…of disease that way.”

Welch says COVID-19 still has the ability to spread at festivals if people are greeting each other with hugs, kisses or handshakes, but also sharing cups, glasses, and utensils.  There are other steps to take to avoid contamination.

Cut 12 (12) “…are spreading around.”

All of the St. Patrick’s parades in New Orleans this weekend have been canceled.
__________________________

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects the legislature will have a bitter fight this session over the right for local governments to sue oil and gas companies for damage to their coastlines.

The oil lobby is pushing hard for the change. Pinsonat says it would likely result in fewer suits filed against the industry.

Cut 13 (10) “…companies.”

Pinsonat says Governor Edwards has always supported the lawsuits, and he may come out swinging against the proposed change.

Cut 14 (11) “…veto.”

Pinsonat says the legislation already has the votes in the Senate, and since they already have the vote in the Upper Chamber…

Cut 15 (11) “…session”

________________________________________

19th ranked LSU hosts South Alabama tonight before it begins SEC play on Friday at Ole Miss. We’ll see if sophomore Gavin Dugas is back in the line-up tonight. The Houma native hit two home runs on Sunday in a come from behind six to four win over U-Mass Lowell

Cut 16  (11)  part of” 

After a standout prep career at Houma Christian, Dugas has struggled with injuries and consistency. He’s hitting .250 this season with three home runs and 5 RBIs in 12 games. Dugas hopes the hits and the playing time will come more frequently after a break-out performance on Sunday

Cut 17  (13) “in baseball” 

Looking ahead to the series against Ole Miss. Coach Paul Mainieri says Landon Marceaux will start game one to give Cole Henry an extra day after experiencing some arm soreness after his last start

cut 18  (20) “not throwing”   

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” 

____________________________

Authorities have arrested a suspect in the January shooting death of a Washington Parish teen and it’s the victim’s cousin.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

___________________________

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.  Authorities recovered marijuana, meth, ecstasy, a firearm, and a vehicle.  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.”

Davis says further charges are possible and the investigation will continue.

Cut 5 (11)  “…to anybody else.”

___________________________________________

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.

Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson says she’s keeping Purell and Lysol on her at all times, but says there needs to be an official policy on contact at the Capitol.

Cut 6 (11) “…interact”

Governor Edwards announced this afternoon two more presumptive cases of coronavirus. All three of Louisiana’s cases are from the New Orleans area.

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.”

But Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says not everyone is afraid of a handshake.

Cut 8 (09) “…over there”

____________________________________________________

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 been identified as 38-year-old Stephanie Worley of New Iberia. The suspect has been identified as 59-year-old Luis D. Valdez.

Raborn says witnesses told investigators the couple had been fighting all day long, off and on.

Cut 10 (11) “…apprehend Mr. Valdez.”

Valdez is charged with second-degree murder.

_______________________________________

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 his body was found in a wooded area near the town of Angie.  Chief Deputy Mike Haley says their suspect is the victim’s cousin, 20-year-old Jo’Andre Dawson.

Cut 11 (06) “…set at $800,000.”

The crime was viewed by some as a potential hate crime.  Haley says they are uncertain of the exact motive that led to the killing.

Cut 12 (08) “…of the moment.”

Washington Parish criminal records do not show Dawson had any prior criminal history in the parish.  Haley says the family expected the suspect would be someone Taylor knew.

Cut 13 (09) “…was a relative.”

__________________________

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

_____________________________________

Louisiana reports it’s first presumptively positive test for COVID-19, a Jefferson Parish resident currently at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his agenda to lawmakers on the opening day of the legislative session. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

____________________________________________

Louisiana drivers are seeing savings at the pump during a time of year when prices traditionally increase.  A significant drop in oil prices has now sent the price per barrel into the 30s.  GasBuddy.com petroleum analyst Allison Mac says the spring and summer months usually bring an added expense for transitioning to summer grade gas.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…well into March.”

Mac says the price drop can be directly attributed to coronavirus fears reducing the demand for fuel.

Cut 5 (11)  “…out to eat.”

Louisiana started the workweek with a statewide average at $2.07 for a gallon of regular gasoline and Mac foresees more drops in the near future.

Cut 6 (11) “…the state average.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana has it’s first case of COVID-19, and an email to VA employees indicates that person is currently at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans, after having been admitted Friday.

Governor Edwards says it was inevitable that we got our first case. He says now is not the time to panic, but now is the time to get prepared.

Cut 7 (09) “…them to do.”

The patient was later deemed appropriate for COVID-19 testing by the Louisiana Department of Health. This test was determined to be presumptively positive Monday.

Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says the state is currently trying to identify people who were in contact with the patient, and need to take additional precautions.

Cut 8 (09) “…know that information.”

The results of the test are being submitted to the CDC for confirmation. That confirmation is expected Tuesday.

Billioux says the state is expected to be able to begin testing a larger number of people in the near future as commercial testing sites come online.

Cut 9 (05) “…do this testing.″

______________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards tells legislators on the opening day of the session that it’s unacceptable for Louisiana to continue to have the largest gender pay gap in the country. Edwards is asking lawmakers to pass a pay transparency bill that would prevent anyone from losing their job for discussing their salaries

Cut 10 (08) “…more equity.”

Since Edwards became governor in 2016, he’s pushed to raise the minimum wage, but he has not been successful. Edwards says this year he’s supporting New Orleans Senator Troy Carter’s legislation

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.”

Starns says the pay gap between men and women is closing on its own and with a non-business friendly lawsuit climate, there is no need to create another reason for an employer to get sued.

Cut 13 (12) “…for our state.”

______________________________________

The collapse in the price of oil has lawmakers concerned the state’s energy-dependent budget could take a big hit.

The Governor’s budget calls for a 128 million dollar increase in general fund spending, including 25 million for early childhood education, and 39 million for K-12 spending. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says that could impact those priorities…

Cut 14 (09) “…of that.”

There’s debate as to whether the K-12 spending increase should be used to fund a 500 dollar teacher pay raise.

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

Cut 15 (12) “…yet.”

Without an official REC forecast, a state budget cannot be crafted.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the only good news here is that Louisiana has managed to diversify it’s revenue streams.

Cut 16  (09)  the budget” 

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” 

____________________________

A Jefferson Parish resident being treated in Orleans Parish becomes the state’s first “presumptive-positive” coronavirus patient.  Kevin Barnhart has more on the testing process

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

___________________________

Oil prices have tumbled and the price for a barrel of oil is now in the 30s. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. Eric Smith says COVID-19 fears and worldwide overproduction could lead to a prolonged period where prices stay in the upper 20s, lower 30s per barrel.

Cut 3 (08)  “…months”  

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

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.

Reports indicate the price war is partly an attack on American shale companies. Smith 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.

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The Louisiana Department of Health has reported the state’s first presumptive-positive case of coronavirus.  A Jefferson Parish resident is currently hospitalized in Orleans Parish. State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says anyone who experiences symptoms should call their doctor to see if they fit the profile for someone in need of testing.  If they do, special accommodations will be made.

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

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.

Welch says LDH is working with all insurers within the state, including Medicaid, to make sure the test is covered.  As far as uninsured individuals, LDH is working with the federal government to make sure that cost is not a hurdle in getting tested.

Cut 8 (13) “…in writing yet.”

The governor’s office says 15 tests have been completed in Louisiana, 14 came back negative and one is positive. It still must be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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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″

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.”

If elected Letlow says he would seek a committee seat on the House Agriculture Committee.

Cut 11 (10) “…those committees.”

Letlow is the third Republican to announce he’s running, along with State Representative Lance Harris of Alexandria, and Ouachita Parish Police Juror Scotty Robinson of West Monroe. Candy Shoemaker-Christophe or Alexandria is the only Democrat to announce her candidacy.

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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 told lawmakers about the case on the opening day of the 2020 Legislative session

Cut 12 (12) “…great state”

Edwards 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 and that the state is being as proactive as possible to contain the virus.

Cut 14 (12) “…the spread.”