Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette will be shifting to a virtual festival format this weekend. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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 Tulane will conduct a clinical trial to see whether hydroxychloroquine can be used to prevent COVID-19 cases. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Governor Edwards says face masks will be the new normal in public places…

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette is one of the many events canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of trying to push back to the fall, a virtual music festival will happen instead. Festival spokesperson Carly Viator says they will stream musical performances starting tomorrow through Sunday.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…some surprise collaborations.”

Virtual festival participants are encouraged to dress up just as they would for the physical event and prepare something interesting to eat.

Viator says due to popular demand, the famous festival punch will be available at several locations.

Cut 5 (09)  “…their souvenir cups.”

Pins, posters, and flags will be available to purchase at these locations, or you can snag yours online.

Viator says there will also be a virtual 5k for those who need an excuse to get out of the house and run.

Cut 6 (09) “…to run with.”

This would have been the 34^th year for the festival and the live stream takes place on the event’s Facebook page.

______________________________

Tulane is set to study whether hydroxychloroquine can be used to help prevent people who’ve been exposed to coronavirus from developing COVID-19.

Tulane School of Medicine Infectious Disease Epidemiologist Dr. Patricia Kissinger says the treatment has shown promise, but it needs to be proven in a human clinical trial.

Cut 7 (10) “…cells”

Kissinger says if you’ve been in close contact with a confirmed case, and you’re interested, they’ll have you do a telemedicine conference, then…

Cut 8 (08) “day 28.”

Tulane hopes to enroll 500 local participants.

Kissinger says the treatment is much like prophylactics given to those exposed to HIV, and it could be a vital tool once contact tracing becomes more widespread.

Cut 9 (10) “…infection.″

The trial is part of a nationwide effort with other sites in Baltimore, Washington, New York City, Boston, and LA.

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Governor John Bel Edwards is calling on Louisiana residents to “mask up” which means wearing a face mask in public places. Edwards says wearing a mask reduces the chances of asymptomatic, or mildly symptomatic people unknowingly transmitting the virus to others.

Cut 10 (06) “for them”

Guidelines still call for anyone feeling sick to self-quarantine, even if they have a mask.

Edwards says if you don’t have a mask then you need to get one or make one ASAP.

Cut 11 (08) “…covering.”

Edwards says while masks are recommended for the public, gloves are not. He says they can cause more harm than good.

Cut 12 (12) “their face”

The Governor says the state is currently around day seven of a 14 day period of a measured decline in case growth he would need to see in order to partially reopen the economy on May 1st.

___________________________

Since March 27th, the Louisiana Workforce Commission has paid out more than $561 million in unemployment benefits to 302,000 claimants.  LWC executive director Ava Dejoie says when putting it into perspective with last year, it showcases just how much the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the state’s workforce.

Cut 13 (09) “…short of mindblowing.”

Last year, there were only 103,000 claimants.

Dejoie says beginning Sunday, the LWC will allow individuals to file their weekly certifications based on the last digit of their social security number.

Cut 14 (12) “…accept all numbers.”

Dejoie says they are currently in the process of adding an additional server to its network to be able to handle more online volume.

Cut 15 (07)“…that we can.”

Dejoie says all individuals will get the payments they are entitled to retroactive to April 4 and for any other time period related to COVID-19 events.

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At least four members of the 2019 national champion LSU football team will be selected in the first round of tonight’s NFL draft. Football analyst Mike Detillier says Joe Burrow will be the first pick and Justin Jefferson, K’Lavon Chaisson and Patrick Queen will also go in the first round. Detillier says safety Grant Delpit could also be a first-round pick, even though his production fell off last seasons…

Cut 16  (16)  “…hurt Grant” 

Detillier says the Saints could use the 24th overall pick to take former LSU linebacker Patrick Queen. He says the Black and Gold could also take one of the talented wide receivers in this draft class…

cut 17  (14) “…select em” 

____________________________________________

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis, head coach Sean Payton and the team’s top scouts will communication with the league office and each other from their own homes. Loomis says he’s planned for internet and power outages

Cut 18  (22) “…the league”   

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Saints did not bring in any players for personal workouts. Loomis says some of the virtual pro days that players put together are useful…

cut 19 (25) big picture”  

The Saints will not have an offseason conditioning program or virtual OTAs. Coach Sean Payton has asked the current players to show up in July for training camp in the best shape of their lives. Loomis says they understand many of their rookies might not make a huge impact in 2020, because of this unusual offseason…

cut 20 (22) “  ordinarillyl”  

A U-L Lafayette student’s face mask sewing operation is receiving national attention. Kevin Barnhart has more on Sewing with Savoie…

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Legislative committes approve a plan to allow expanded use of mail in ballots for the July and August elections. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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A UL Lafayette student’s face mask sewing operation receives the national spotlight from CBS.  Sewing with Savoie founder Christine Savoie says requests for masks have picked up with the CDC now recommending wearing a face covering when in public.

Cut 3 (12)  “…to feel protected.”  

Savoie says she’s got a tight-knit group of friends helping to contribute to the assembly of hundreds of masks.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…a small group.”

Savoie set up a Facebook page for the operation to help in distributing sewing patterns, take requests, and donations of resources.  Savoie says it has been rewarding seeing the pictures of people wearing some of the different masks she has made.

Cut 5 (12)  “…some thin mints.”
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A proposal for expanded mail-in ballot voting in the July and August elections clears key Legislative committees.

The legislation expands voting options, doubles the early voting period, and more. Houma Representative Tanner McGee says it’s not perfect but AG Jeff Landry backs the plan.

Cut 6 (08) “…process”

The bill also moves voting booths out of nursing homes and funds some preventative measures to limit viral spread at voting locations and will cost about four million dollars.

Passage wasn’t unanimous. In House Governmental Affairs, state representative Rodney Schamerhorn of Vernon Parish says his constituents oppose any election rule changes.

Cut 7 (08) “determined”

The vote passed the House committee 11-5.

Democrat Royce Duplessis, a state representative from New Orleans,  ultimately backed the plan but raised concerns to Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin about requiring residents to disclose health conditions to get mail-in ballots, and…

Cut 8 (10) “…manner”

The proposal will go before the entire House and Senate for approval by mail-in ballot.

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According to Gas Buddy, the average price of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $1.64 a gallon and some service stations are selling gas for close to a dollar a gallon. Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the average price is down about a nickel from last week.

Cut 9 (09) “selling pressure.″

There have been some prices as low as $1.05 a gallon in New Orleans.

DeHaan predicts prices could drop another twenty to forty cents a gallon.

Cut 10 (07) “…the country.”

As some states start to lift their stay at home orders and the demand for gas slowly increases, DeHaan says he doesn’t expect to see a big jump in pump prices.

Cut 11 (08) “…to this”

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The Resilient Louisiana Commission began its work today in coming up with recommendations on how the state can jump-start its shuttered economy. Governor Edwards says great ideas are needed from this 18-member panel…

Cut 12 (11) “…what you do.”

Edwards says some businesses could re-open on May 1st, if the state sees a downward trajectory in COVID-19 cases, reported flu-like symptoms and hospitalizations. But the governor says life will not return to pre-COVID right away

Cut 13 (12) “…economy too.”

Edwards says he plans to announce early next week what restrictions will be in place starting on May 1st.

The commission will examine 15 different sectors of Louisiana’s economy that include energy, manufacturing, health care, tourism, and education and provide the governor with strategies on how they can be more resilient. Edwards gave the panel words of encouragement…

Cut 14 (06) “…innovation.”

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is studying lifestyle changes as a result of social distancing and COVID-19 restrictions through an online survey.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Governor Edwards says he’s not letting any protests change his mind about keeping the stay at home order in place until April 30th. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Senator John Kennedy blames Speaker Nancy Pelosi for the delay in replenishing funding for the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is studying lifestyle changes as a result of social distancing and COVID-19 restrictions.  Researcher Leanne Redman says a 15-minute online survey includes questions about work changes, physical activity, diet, sleep, and well-being.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…neighborhoods in general.”

Redman says the goal is to get one million responses to the survey and so far they’ve received 6,000 from participants from all over the world.

Cut 5 (06)  “…Norway and Germany.”

Redman hopes the survey will be able to hone in on some of the nuances of the social distancing and stay at home orders that maybe have not been realized before.

Cut 6 (08) “…working at home.”

Redman says anyone over the age of 18 can participate in the survey, just go to pbrc.edu/covid19andyou.

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Senator Bill Cassidy is pushing for a 500 billion dollar relief package in Congress aimed at aiding local and state governments who are facing coronavirus related fiscal cliffs.

Lafayette is expecting to lose 35 percent of its expected revenue for the year, and Monroe and New Orleans are facing one million and 150 million dollar deficits respectively. Cassidy says…

Cut 7 (08) “…that you want.”

The City of Crowley is expecting a 1.3-1.6 million dollar shortfall and announced the layoffs of 15 employees and reduction of hours for remaining city employees via a four-day workweek.

Cassidy says essential services must be propped up at a local level not just to save lives, but to make sure businesses have reliable foundations to reopen under.

Cut 8 (12 ) “…to be controlled.”

The proposal is being pitched with the help of  New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menedez.

Cassidy says the money would be distributed based on how severely a locality has been hit by both the virus and the economic impacts of virus-related shutdowns.

Cut 9 (09) “…for lost revenue.″

Localities with populations over 50,000 would be given the money directly to manage without having to go through state government.

____________________________________

Louisiana saw small crowds of protesters in the Capital over the weekend calling for the state to end its stay at home order, with more protests apparently set for this weekend.

Governor Edwards says those complaints about the shutdown won’t shake him from the position that the stay at home order will hold until April 30^th.

Cut 10 (11) “safety”

But he says if he were a betting man he’d bet a dollar that the statewide restrictions come May 1^st will not be the same they are today.

Edwards says the criteria for reopening remain firm: A measured 14 day period of declining cases, increased hospital capacity…

Cut 11 (06) “…illness.”

Edwards made the statements at his daily afternoon press conference. He also announced Popeye’s was donating one million meals to a New Orleans foodbank. He says he called their CEO…

Cut 12 (10) “chicken.”

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The U-S Senate has approved a $483 billion dollar coronavirus aid package. 331-billion dollars will replenish funding for a small business loan program that ran out of money.  Senator John Kennedy blames House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for the delay.

Cut 13 (09) “…were not emergencies.”

Kennedy says the one-week delay in replenishing the funding will cost the nation thousands of small businesses and calls Pelosi’s actions wildly irresponsible.

Cut 14 (08) “…my rear end.”

Kennedy says the funding is just a small part of keeping America afloat but adds that if the nation does not kick back into gear soon, it will eventually collapse the state and national economy.

Cut 15 (08)“…so can poverty.”

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The Bengals are expected to select former LSU Q-B Joe Burrow with the number one pick in tomorrow night’s N-F-L draft. If that’s the case, Burrow will play for a franchise that has not won a playoff game since 1991. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says Burrow will look forward to the challenge in making Cincinnati a winner

Cut 16  (25)  “…at Cincinnati” 

JaMarcus Russell was the last LSU quarterback to be picked number one. The Raiders selected him number one in 2007 and the Alabama native turned out to be one of the biggest flops in NFL history. Oregon expects Burrow to have an outstanding career

cut 17  (14) “…great player” 

Orgeron says he’s tired of watching television and is ready to get back to work. He’s optimistic the Tigers will be back on the practice field in August and says his projected starting quarterback, Myles Brennan, is doing what he can to stay ready

Cut 18  (22) “…is here”   

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Alabama-based Radiance Technologies has agreed to be the title sponsor of the Independence Bowl for the next five years, giving the bowl game in Shreveport stability for the first half of this decade. Independence Bowl Foundation Chairman Frank Auer says Radiance is a technology solutions provider of the highest caliber

cut 19 (22) Radiance Technologies”  

Over the next five years, the Independence Bowl will have games featuring BYU or Army against teams from the PAC-12, American Athletic Conference or Conference USA. The 2020 game will pit Army against a Pac-12 school. Radiance Technologies CEO Bill Bailey says they’ve been looking for the right opportunity to increase their brand awareness nationally and they found it with this partnership

cut 20 (22) “  Independence Bowl”  

The Louisiana Department of Education is asking childcare providers impacted by the economic shutdown to apply for a piece of a 10 million dollar federal award. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The Pastor of Life Tabernacle Church who continues to hold large church services was arrested at the Central Police Department after he allegedly tried to run over a protestor Sunday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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The Louisiana Department of Education will award nearly 10 million dollars to childcare providers who are hurting for cash during the coronavirus shutdown.

Assistant State Superintendent Jessica Baghian says only about 30 percent of childcare centers are still open, and even the ones still open are bleeding cash.

Cut 3 (08)  “…and it happens.”  

A report indicates child care providers have already experienced a 1.7 million dollar loss in revenue since the shutdown began.

Applicants must complete an assistance form by Thursday, and the money is expected to be disbursed in early May. Baghian says it’s a vital injection of funds.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…have to take.”

One-third of providers say they’ll have to close permanently if the state remains shutdown, and Baghian says we can’t afford to lose them.

Cut 5 (11)  “…of making payroll.”

The money comes courtesy of the congressionally passed CARES Act.

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Defiant Pastor Tony Spell was arrested today for allegedly backing a church bus into the direction of a protester on Sunday. Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran says Spell wanted to be arrested at his church this morning following a press conference, but he was handcuffed at the Central Police Department instead.

Cut 6 (11) “…to here”

Spell was booked in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for aggravated assault, improper backing, plus two outstanding bench warrants. He was released a short time later on bond. Spell’s attorney Joe Long says the pastor was only going to confront the protestor not run him over.

Cut 7 (12) “drove off”

When questioned if today’s arrest would deter Spell from holding large services as opposed to live stream, Corcoran wasn’t sure.

Cut 8 (09) “…President’s order”

Long says the Life Tabernacle Church plans to hold services tonight as usual. Police say the number of people attending the services has declined lately. Spell already faces six misdemeanor counts for violating the governor’s order regarding crowd sizes.

___________________________________________________

Congressman Garret Graves is optimistic Congress will approve additional funding for a program designed to help small businesses maintain payroll.

The 350 billion dollar program ran out of cash just 13 days after it began dispersing money earlier this month, and Graves says now many businesses can’t access the funds.

Cut 9 (08) “trials.″

The program offers forgivable loans to companies with fewer than 500 employees who spend 75 percent of their loan allotment on payroll. Graves says it was highly popular.

Cut 10 (05) “…day.”

Qualifying businesses received a loan worth 2.5 times their average monthly payroll from 2019.

Graves says the program has bipartisan support but it’s being held up by politicians who want to tie it to pet projects.

Cut 11 (09) “…new trial”

Graves says if the program isn’t replenished by the end of the month then everyone in Congress should be thrown out.

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A survey of crawfish producers shows the decreased demand for their crop has pummeled the industry at a time when producers usually make their most money. LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry says a dip in demand has resulted in lost income of about $500 per acre.

Cut 12 (07) “…farm gate value.”

The survey findings are being used to showcase the pandemic’s impact on the industry to the US Department of Agriculture and Louisiana congressional delegation.

The normal crawfish production season starts near the end of December and will go through the middle of June, but Guidry says some producers have already pulled the plug on their season or will end it by the first week of May because of prices falling below their breakeven point.

Cut 13 (11) “…of market outlet.”

Guidry says producers who hired foreign labor to bring in the catch are still on the hook to pay those workers for a guaranteed amount of a full season’s work due to contractual obligations.

Cut 14 (07) “…pay for that.”

A total of 67 producers responded to the survey, representing more than 10% of the acres in the state.

3-D printing is proving to be a useful tool in creating important COVID-19 testing supplies.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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 Beginning April 27th time-sensitive elective medical procedures will be permitted under the state’s coronavirus social distancing guidelines. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The Louisiana House GOP Leader and Governor disagree on just how the state should begin to reopen in May. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Nasal swabs for COVID-19 testing are now being 3-D printed at LSU Health Shreveport. The swabs, which are a crucial part or the testing kit, have been in short supply.  Molecular and cellular physiology professor Dr. Steven Alexander hopes the extra swab availability will lead to an expansion of testing eligibility.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…with the COVID-19.”

Alexander says they have obtained the swab design printing files to produce the resin polymer nasal swabs and hope to be producing nearly 1,000 swabs daily.

Cut 5 (06)  “…324 per day.”

Alexander says the light-activated printing technique can produce medical devices which are chemically inert, sterile, and compatible with accurate testing procedures.

Cut 6 (07) “…to existing swabs.”

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The Department of Education releases a survey showing all 69 school districts are offering some level of distance education in public schools while campuses are closed.  Department spokesperson Sydni Dunn says the survey looked at both traditional and charter schools handling of the pandemic.

Cut 7 (08) “…in the future.”

32% of school systems are connecting with students every day.  One in four students are not receiving feedback on their learning.  Dunn says the methods used in continuous education varies greatly by school system depending on the unique needs of their students.

Cut 8 (12 ) “…other online platforms.”

28% of students do not have access to a school-issued or personal tablet or computer and only 66% have home internet access.

Dunn says the survey asked what districts needed to be more successful with distance learning, and many said more professional development was needed for teachers.

Cut 9 (09) “…to be successful.″

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Louisiana House GOP Leader Blake Miguez says Louisiana needs to reopen its economy on a parish by parish basis, but Governor Edwards disagrees.

Miguez wrote a letter to the Governor calling on him to implement Phase One of the federal reopening plan after the stay-at-home order ends April 30^th.

Cut 10 (10) “owners”

Phase One allows for limited reopening like dine-in restaurants while calling for sustained social distancing and use of public PPE.

But Edwards says he’s leaning towards issuing any guidance at a state level. He says for those getting anxious under the current stay at home order…

Cut 11 (09) “…stay home.”

Phase One guidelines advise reopenings can be handled at a parish level.

Edwards says he will be using hard benchmarks for deciding if the state will implement Phase One after April 30^th, one being that Louisiana has the capacity to test 140-150,000 people a month.

Cut 12 (10) “in place.”

The Governor says he plans to announce what restrictions the state will keep days before the current stay at home order expires on April 30^th.

Miguez says testing capacity is important, and so are the other benchmarks, but if they are not met the state still needs to consider allowing some businesses to start back up.

Cut 13 (09) “…detrimental”

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Governor Edwards gives the go-ahead for some time-sensitive elective medical procedures that have been canceled under the stay at home order to resume next Monday.

The relaxed restrictions are a result of lessening pressure on hospitals due to a flattening of the curve, but State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says not every procedure will be deemed necessary.

Cut 14 (10) “…decision.”

There’s been an ongoing challenge as to whether or not abortions count as essential procedures, but Guidry says under the relaxed order some abortions may proceed.

Cut 15 (08)“…or not”

National reports show a growing problem of people canceling vital treatments that are needed for chronic issues. Guidry says this order helps encourage those folks to get back to a doctor.

Cut 16  (11)  “…corona” 

Crude oil traded in negative territory today. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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A survey of Louisiana small businesses finds nearly 60-percent of them are at the risk of closing over the next five months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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For the first time ever, West Texas Intermediate oil futures traded in the negative today.  Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Gifford Briggs says the energy industry is on the verge of collapse…

Cut 3 (08)  “…and it happens.”  

Briggs says the industry is facing a crisis, with many Louisiana wells planning to shut in 100% of their production due to storage constraints as companies are being told they can’t take delivery in May.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…have to take.”

Briggs believes the biggest element to stabilizing the industry is to get the economy rolling again and says there are relief efforts such as broad-scale royalty relief in the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 5 (11)  “…of making payroll.”

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Ten years ago today the BP Oil Spill killed 11 rig workers and coated much of the state’s coastline in tar.

Congressman Garrett Graves was the head of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority at the time. He says his first thoughts upon seeing the news were about the lives lost, and the work that had been undone.

Cut 6 (10) “…made”

The Deepwater Horizon well sat about 41 miles off the Louisiana coast drilling in the Macondo Prospect.

The cleanup job was immense, but Graves remembers it was expedited by a one of its kind agreement cut with BP to get projects off the ground in record time…

Cut 7 (10) “down payment”

Along with its financial penalties, BP also plead guilty to 11 counts of manslaughter and felony lying to Congress.

Louisiana received just over eight billion dollars in settlement funds to help restore the coast and billions more in economic damages as a result.

Cut 8 (09) “…states”

The spill pumped 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf.

___________________________________________________

The US Supreme Court rules all felony trials must be decided by a unanimous jury verdict, a decision likely to result in dozens of retrials in Louisiana.

In 2018, Louisiana passed a constitutional amendment ending its practice of allowing non-unanimous verdicts, but Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the amendment was not retroactive…

Cut 9 (08) “trials.″

After the amendment passed Oregon remained the only state not to require unanimous jury verdicts.

There are likely hundreds of people incarcerated in Louisiana due to non-unanimous verdicts whose cases are decided and whose appeals are done. Ciolino says for them…

Cut 10 (05) “…day.”

The decision will likely result in some high-profile retrials. Ciolino says one of those will likely be for Ronald Glasser who was convicted of murdering NFL running back Joe McKnight in 2016.

Cut 11 (09) “…new trial”

The 6-3 ruling came as a result of an appeal by Evangelisto Ramos, who was found guilty of killing a woman in New Orleans in 2014 on a 10-2 vote that he appealed on constitutional grounds.

________________________________________________

A Main Street America survey shows nearly 60-percent of small businesses in the state are in danger of closing permanently due to COVID-19 in the next six months. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is a co-chairman of the Resilient Louisiana Commission which will make recommendations on how to reopen the state’s economy…

Cut 12 (11) “…shops, etc”

Nungesser says while the Mayor of New Orleans has extended its stay at home order to May 16th, but he’s optimistic the rest of the state can reopen businesses sooner and that even Mayor Cantrell might reconsider the extension.

Cut 13 (09) “…make it”

Nungesser encourages Louisianans to have a staycation when they can venture out again and to visit a part of the state they’ve never been to and support the local economy.

Cut 14 (08) “…local restaurant.”

A Louisiana Tech freshman is 3-D printing a contraption for medical personnel intended to relieve the pressure on the ears from the elastic bands on face masks. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Ten years ago today, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig off the coast of Louisiana exploded, killing eleven workers and spewing nearly five million barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Matt Doyle reports many of the species impacted still haven’t recovered…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

High School seniors and juniors are missing out on spring graduation and ring ceremonies, but that’s not stopping them from getting their caps, gowns, and rings. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________________________

A Louisiana Tech freshman is 3-D printing ear guards for medical personnel.  Mechanical engineering major Avereigh Barras says she was inspired to start creating the devices after seeing a Canadian boy scout’s invention intended to relieve the pressure of elastic bands from masks on the ears.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…it would be.”

With the contraption, the bands no long touch the ears.  The mask bands hook to the device behind the head.  Barras says as of now, she’s created just over 1,600 and hopes to hit the 2,000 mark in the first two weeks of manufacturing.

Cut 5 (13)  “…some bigger hospitals.”

Barras recently started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of the shipping and manufacturing which she says has seen an abundance of support.

Cut 6 (07) “…do add up.”

______________________________

Today marks ten years since the BP Oil Spill ravaged the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, and environmental scars exist still to this day.

National Wildlife Federation Gulf of Mexico Restoration Director David Muth says the critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle was recovering as a species before 2010 but since then…

Cut 7 (09) “…effects.”

Muth says Coastal bottlenose dolphins have seen their successful birthrate remain less than a quarter of what it was before their habitat was poisoned by the spill.

Cut 8 (11) “…dolphins”

The spill also killed off 17 percent of the Gulf’s Bryde whales, an impact that’s seen them be added to, and remain on the endangered species list since.

Muth says the overall ecological impact remains horrific, but the one silver lining to result from the calamity was the more than 16 billion in fines that paid for coastal restoration projects like…

Cut 9 (05) “…restored″

Muth says Louisiana received over eight billion dollars in payments as a result of the spill.

____________________________________

Some schools are organizing drive-through pickup for caps, gowns, and class rings for juniors and seniors who are missing out on some of the seminal events of their high school years.

Jostens sales rep Jim Rabb says his company is working with schools to establish drive-by locations where parents can bring their kids to get some semblance of pomp and circumstance.

Cut 10 (09) “possible.”

For many kids, these drive-throughs are the first time they’ve seen their fellow students and teachers in person, and Rabb says most of them are run by a familiar face…

Cut 11 (10) “…again.”

Rabb says they’ve taken precautions to maintain social distancing and all employees are wearing at least gloves. He says it’s not mandatory, but if you do come he asks you to put on a mask…

Cut 12 (10) “possible.”

_________________________________

The state health department says I-C-U doctors should receive credit for helping to lower the number of COVID-19 patients who need ventilators. On April 4th, the state reported 571 of their COVID-19 patients needed ventilators, now that number is 349. Assistant state health officer Joe Kanter

Cut 13 (09) “…the country”

Kanter says the mortality rate for someone placed on a ventilator in Louisiana is between 40 and 60-percent, while New York and Seattle are over 80-percent. He says are I-C-U doctors have learned how to better treat the disease

Cut 14 (07) “…fluid.”

Kanter says critical care specialists are also finding success in having sickest coronavirus patients lay on their stomach because it helps to increase the amount of oxygen into their lungs

Cut 15 (14)“…working well”

He says it takes a sophisticated ICU team to pull it off to prevent sores and prevent injury to their head and neck. He says they are not sure if this method works with patients before they go on the ventillator.

______________________________________________

The NFL draft is this week as the Saints have the 24th pick in the first round on Thursday night. Mike Triplett covers the Black and Gold for ESPN says New Orleans is in position to take the best player available

Cut 16  (18)  “…player’s grade” 

The Saints are known to trade up in the first round. Triplett says New Orleans is in a win-now mode, so it’s a possibility they could do that again on Thursday…

cut 17  (18) “…will though” 

Triplett says the Saints do not have a second-round pick, which probably reduces the chance they move up in the first round. Many mock drafts have New Orleans selecting Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray. Triplett says Murray and LSU’s Patrick Queen would bring more athleticism to that position

Cut 18  (24) “…the draft”   

Louisiana could see another round of severe weather on Sunday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Phase One of federal guidelines on reopening the economy call for limited access to dine in restaurants and gyms, reopening of elective surgical centers, and more. Matt Doyle has local reaction…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Dangerous weather conditions are expected with the arrival of two cold fronts into the state this weekend. State climatologist Barry Keim says the first front will roll in late Friday night into Saturday morning.

Cut 3 (10)  “…severe weather potential.”  

The forecaster puts the portion of Louisiana between I-10 and I-20 in the slight to an enhanced risk category for severe weather. Keim says the potential for severe weather is not as great as it was last weekend, but it could still be a bumpy ride and is still worth monitoring.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…across into Georgia.”

Keim says the rain potential is up to about an inch and a half, adding that it is much needed in south Louisiana.

Cut 5 (09)  “…a bigger problem.”

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The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation is raising money to help bar owners stay afloat and keep your favorite local watering hole alive through the COVID Crisis.

LHF Executive Director Jennifer Kelley says all bars are closed and unlike restaurants, they don’t have the option of takeout or delivery.

Cut 6 (10) “…bills”

Many small businesses are keeping the lights on by taking advantage of federal programs like the CARES Act. Kelley says, unfortunately, bars have a very unusual business model…

Cut 7 (11) “sense”

Kelley says locally officials could help bars by expanding alcohol delivery laws.

To contribute or to seek aid visit LHF’s website and look for the South Louisiana Bar Owner Relief Fund.

Cut 8 (06) “…plan”

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The Governor toured the PMAC today.  The home of LSU basketball is playing host to a giant operation to create PPE for frontline healthcare workers.  Interim LSU President Thomas Galligan says the operation started in the garage of Wayne Newhauser, the head of LSU’s Medical Physics department.

Cut 9 (08) “…an arena operation.″

Galligan says the makeshift PPE factory has produced gowns from donated billboard vinyl.

Cut 10 (08) “…first three days.”

In the near future, Galligan believes the operation will be outputting 1000 gowns a day.

Galligan credits the ability of departments to work in unison to get the job done.

Cut 11 (11) “…as a team.”

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The Trump Administration issues guidelines to states on how to reopen their economies in three “phases”.

Phase one continues to encourage social distancing but allows activities like limited dine-in access to restaurants. The Pelican Institute is calling on Louisiana to implement Phase One May 1^st.

Cut 12 (07) “recommended”

That’s VP of Policy and Governmental Affairs Renee Amar.

Phase One reopenings are being left to local governments with recommendations of implementation on a parish by parish basis. Amar says the phase-ins are effective because they’re flexible…

Cut 13 (10) “…place”

Governor Edwards says any implementation of these phased reopenings will be done on the advice of his Resilient Louisiana Commission that will study the potential tradeoffs of opening the economy.

Cut 14 (10) “…die”

LSU Health Shreveport now has the ability to conduct serology tests that check to see if a person has coronavirus immunity. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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 For the first time in its 50-year history Jazz Fest will not happen. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The Department of Education has provided guidelines for local districts in student advancement.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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LSU Health Shreveport is bringing testing online that will allow them to check people’s blood for antibodies that may indicate they are immune to coronavirus.

But Immunology Professor Matthew Woolard says it’s not just enough to know if you have anti-coronavirus antibodies, we need to know how effective they are, and how many are needed to be effective.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…standard.”

If a person is found to have effective antibodies they could return to a normal life without fear of getting themselves or others sick.

Woolard says their work will also be to document over time the rate at which a person loses antibodies by retesting a person’s blood every so often…

Cut 5 (09)  “…infection.”

This research will be done using blood donated to the lab from the LifeShare Blood Center for plasma therapy trials.

The federal plan to reopen the economy uses wide-scale coronavirus testing, but Woolard says their work is important because basic testing can only provide so much information.

Cut 6 (11) “…does”

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The cancellations of Jazz and Essence Fest will pummel New Orleans’ expected 2020 tourism revenue, with more festivals likely to announce similar decisions in the near future.

CEO of New Orleans and Company, the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau, Mark Romig says the loss of those iconic events is a blow, but they’ll be back.

Cut 7 (08) “…2021.”

Jazz Fest had previously announced it was postponing until fall.

475,000 visitors attended Jazz Fest last year for an estimated 400 million dollar total economic impact. Romig says that money, and money from other festivals is not easy to replace.

Cut 8 (10) “…with that”

An estimated 12 million total visitors stayed overnight in New Orleans in 2018.

Romig says they’re pushing to avoid a total loss. He says large gatherings may be off the table this year but the city still offers other tourism opportunities, but one sector must reopen for that to happen…

Cut 9 (11) “…vacuum″

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell has called for the cancellation of all large events, including sporting events, for the remainder of 2020.

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Historically, school systems have had assessments to determine promotion for students.  In the absence of those assessments this year, Assistant state superintendent Ken Bradford says the Department of Education is advising districts use other tools on the local level to make the determination as to a student’s advancement.

Cut 10 (09) “…went on throughout the year.”

If a student is borderline on their ability to advance, Bradford says there needs to be a sit-down discussion between the parents, teachers, and counselors to hammer out how they can be caught up in time for next school year.

Cut 11 (07) “…through the summer.”

Bradford says the districts can have the freedom to allow teachers to break away from the traditional time restrictions that are normally in place during a regular school year.

Cut 12 (10) “through the summer.”

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A group dedicated to delivering meals to children in Southeast Louisiana is granted $50,000 to continue its operations through the summer from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana for Community Crisis and Disaster Response.  Operation Manager for The Three O’clock Project Jeff Landry says has hired more than 350 workers to prepare and distribute the meals.

Cut 13 (10) “…case may be.”

Many of the workers might not have an income during the pandemic, but Landry believes that they’ve created a business model that helps both workers and children and it could be something other organizations could adopt.  Landry adds they are about to expand operations too.

Cut 14 (10) “…as we speak.”

Landry says the group has seen a major uptick in demand, with the group setting a single-day meal distribution high this week.

Cut 15 (10)“…it was 36,000.”

For the first time in its 50-year history, the New Orleans Jazzfest has been canceled. The event had initially been postponed until the fall, but festival organizers officially pulled the plug on the event today. The news comes following the recommendation of New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell to cancel all festivals for the remainder of 2020 in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Baton Rouge Representative Ted James stint in the hospital with the virus has given him a unique outlook on the illness for a lawmaker. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

Governor Edwards announces the creation of a commission tasked with producing guidelines that would allow parts of the economy to reopen. Governor Edwards says the Resilient Louisiana Commission and its task forces will begin engaging stakeholders in various sectors of the economy, asking them…
Cut 6 (11) “…spike.”
The Commission Co-Chairs are Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson, and healthcare executive Terrie Sterling.
Congressman Steve Scalise has been appointed to President Trump’s Task Force on Reopening the Economy.  Scalise spoke at the Governor’s daily press conference and touted the quickness of federal response and the impact of the Paycheck Protection Program.

Cut 9 (12) “…out of money.″