Tulane researchers uncover evidence that coronavirus particles can suspend in the air and remain infectious for up to 16 hours once expelled. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Pelicans depart for the NBA bubble in Orlando today with some players a bit uneasy about resuming play. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields requests BESE suspend fall sports for K-12 schools, but it isn’t sitting well with everyone. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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Tulane researchers discover SARS-Covid-2 can be exhaled on tiny droplets that occur naturally when breathing, suspend itself in the air, and remain infectious for over half a day.

Tulane National Primate Research Center Director of Infectious Disease Aerobiology Chad Roy says they tested the infectious droplets in a highly controlled setting.

Cut 4 (12)_“…suspension”

That controlled setting did not account for the effects of sunlight, wind, or other naturally occurring things that could impact the particle.

Roy says that level of staying power is unusual for a coronavirus.

Cut 5 (09)  “…2003”

While it is concerning to know that the virus can be spread by more than just coughing, Roy says the good news is those droplets can still be stopped by a mask.

Cut 6 (11) “…material”

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The Pelicans depart for the NBA Bubble in Orlando today with a few players having mixed feelings about the restart of the NBA season.

Forward Brandon Ingram was asked if he was confident about the bubble experiment working out and the season actually finishing. He says he’s not confident about that.

Cut 7 (09) “…we’ll see”

Florida has seen an explosion of COVID cases recently, with Orlando being one of the state’s hotspots.

Guard Lonzo Ball has been active in George Floyd protests in his native Los Angeles since the season was paused. He says there’s just so much more going on right now that’s more important than the game.

Cut 8 (06) “…going on.”

The NBA has committed to painting black lives matter on the Orlando courts and allowing players to wear other BLM messaging on their jerseys.

Veteran Guard JJ Reddick says all of the outside distractions will weigh heavily on players, and the winning teams may not be the ones that just had the most talent.

Cut 9 (10) “…group”

The Pels start the season July 30^th against the Jazz and are 3.5 games back of the 8^th seed with eight games to be played.

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Federal wildlife managers have agreed to study if rare freshwater turtles found only in Louisiana and Mississippi should receive endangered species protections. Jason Totoiu (Two-toy) Sr. Attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity says the Pearl River and Pascagoula turtles have been on the decline due to a threat of their habitats and…

Cut 10 (12) “…medicinial markets.”

Totoiou says if the Feds decide to grant endangered species protections for the two freshwater turtles’, the Fish and Wildlife Service will have to enter in consultations with other federal agencies.

Cut 11 (07) “…be reviewed.”

In addition to cooperation with other federal agencies, Totoiou says the designation would also secure funding dedicated to preserving the species.

Cut 12 (08) “…and restoration.”

The turtles, which can live 30 years, are considered some of the least-studied reptiles in North America.

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Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields has asked BESE to suspend fall sports for K-12 schools because of COVID-19.  Catholic High football coach Gabe Fertitta says the request caught him and many others by surprise, adding that it feels like a knee-jerk reaction.

Cut 13 (11) “…to do that..”

Fields made the request in a letter to BESE on Monday that would include all athletic activities with student in-person participation in a group setting such as conditioning, practice, and team meetings.

Fertitta’s football program has only seen three players test positive for COVID-19 and he feels that the proper precautions have been taken without a massive outbreak.  Fertitta says the LHSAA has yet to issue guidance but does not blame them since the whole situation feels like a big waiting game.

Cut 14 (07) “…football in phase 2.”

Fertitta says he doesn’t have the answer at this point but continues to stress the importance of embracing each day to his players.

Cut 15 (07) “…what happens tomorrow.”

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The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations is back above one-thouand for the first time since the middle of May. 1,025 are now hospitalized as a result of COVID-19, 109 of them are on ventilators. The state also reported 23 new deaths for a total of 68,263.

Can you ask for a raise during the coronavirus pandemic? And if so, how? Kevin Barnhart talks to an expert for the answers.
cut 2 (30) “…reporting”

Over 103-thousand people early voted in person for Saturday’s presidential primary and at least another 76-thousand sent in a mail-in ballot. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says those are huge numbers for a presidential primary already decided…
cut 3 (12) “…newsworty”
Couvillon says it’s also newsworthy that more blacks than whites voted early based on numbers posted Sunday by the Secretary of State’s office.

A team of scientists that includes researchers at LSU Health New Orleans believe they’ve discovered a new class of pipeline drugs that can relieve pain and reduce fever with the danger of addiction. Doctor Nicholas Bazan says they also believe their drugs are less toxic to the liver and kidneys than the painkillers on the market…
cut 10 (09) “…to the kidney”
Bazan says the drugs they discovered need FDA approval.

Both Democratic and Republican Presidential Primaries are basically decided but there’s still been a robust turnout for Saturday’s election. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Add Shreveport to the list of local governments requiring masks for everyone inside a business. Mayor Adrian Perkins’ order goes into effect tomorrow at 5 PM. The number of people hospitalized statewide by COVID-19 surpassed one-thousand today and deaths increased by 23 to 3,211.

LSU Health New Orleans researchers have discovered a new class of pipeline drugs that can relieve pain and reduce fever with the danger of addition or damage to the live or kidneys. Dr. Nicolas Bazan says they believe these new chemical entities reduced pain in two models and reduced fever in another model. He says the Food and Drug Administration will begin their investigation soon…
cut 11 (07) “…new drug”

Another major festival in Louisiana has been postponed until 2021. The 2020 World Championship Gumbo Cookoff in New Orleans will not take place in October, but they may still have a virtual food event. Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce CEO Janet Faulk-Gonzales says that’s because everyone loves a good gumbo…
cut 14 (11) “…the world”

Voting by mail has been a very popular option so far in the early voting period of the 2020 presidential primary set for July 11th. JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says 44 percent of early voting has come by mail this year, and he forecasts 17 percent of all primary ballots will be mail-in by the time the primary ends. Extrapolating that for the general election…

Cut 5 (10)  “…votes.”

Another Louisiana staple announces a cancellation, The 2020 World Championship Gumbo Cookoff in New Iberia is the largest tourism event for the parish and Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce CEO Janet Faulk-Gonzales says the annual October event is a large undertaking and they waited as long as possible to make a decision about the event.

Cut 12 (08) “…this year.”

Can you ask for a raise during the coronavirus pandemic?  And if so, how? Kevin Barnhart talks to an expert for the answers.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

The number of people hospitalized as a result of COVID-19 has surpassed one-thousand as the state health department reports another 61 hospitalized today because of the coronavirus. The number of total cases rose by 19-hundred and deaths increased by 23 to 3,211.

Both Democratic and Republican Presidential Primaries are basically decided but Louisiana voters are still highly engaged in the upcoming July 11^th election. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Can you ask for a raise during the coronavirus pandemic?  And if so, how? Kevin Barnhart talks to an expert for the answers.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says we’ve seen unusually high early voting turnout for the upcoming July 11^th Presidential Primary election.

Couvillon says both primaries have already been decided, and with turnout still high that likely portends a high turnout November election.

Cut 3 (12)  “…newsworthy.”  

JMC estimates this year we could see turnout at 70 percent in the general election.

Black Democrats make up about 37 percent of the early voting turnout so far, which is much higher than normal. Couvillon says that won’t change any races here, but will have an impact in swing states…

Cut 4 (07)_ “…trump.”

44 percent of early voting has come by mail this year, and Couvillon says he forecasts 17 percent of all primary ballots will be mail-in by the time the primary ends. Extrapolating that for the general election…

Cut 5 (10)  “…votes.”

In-person voting has ended, but mail-in ballots can still be submitted for the primary.

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With all the economic uncertainty in the world today, can you ask for a raise during the coronavirus pandemic?  And if so, how?  UNO Professor of Finance Mark Rosa says it is possible, but you need to consider a few things first about your company such as the pandemic’s impact on the business.

Cut 6 (11) “…could go through.”

Rosa says even if your employer has been hit hard with furloughs and layoffs, it is still possible to ask for a pay bump if you are picking up the extra work left in the absence of former coworkers.

Cut 7 (07) “…money my way”

Some companies may have a salary freeze in place, so asking for a bonus might be the path to extra money.  But if you absolutely can’t get more money, Rosa recommends asking for perks such as more paid time off.

Cut 8 (13) “…their cash reserves.”

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Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans Neuroscience Center of Excellence discover a new class of pipeline drugs to relieve pain and reduce fever.  The findings are now published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.  Senior Author Dr. Nicolas Bazan says this drug could be used as a non-addictive substitute for opioids.

Cut 9 (06) “…and so on.”

But addiction isn’t the only problem this drugs can tackle.  Bazan says other painkillers when used above a certain level are toxic to the liver.

Cut 10 (09) “…to the kidney.”

Bazan says the intellectual property behind these new technologies have been licensed from LSU Health New Orleans to the life science start-up South Rampart Pharma and development is continuing inot late pre-clinical stages.

Cut 11 (07) “…new drug.”

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Another Louisiana staple announces a cancellation, The 2020 World Championship Gumbo Cookoff in New Iberia is the largest tourism event for the parish and Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce CEO Janet Faulk-Gonzales says the annual October event is a large undertaking and they waited as long as possible to make a decision about the event.

Cut 12 (08) “…this year.”

Instead, they are entertaining virtual options. Faulk-Gonzales admits it’s hard to conceptualize a virtual food event, but in planning for alternatives this year she’s heard some creative ideas.

Cut 13 (06) “…about that.” 

Because more people are cooking at home due to the pandemic Faulk-Gonzales hopes they will look to the 2020 Virtual Gumbo Event for guidance.

Cut 14 (11) “…gumbo in the world”

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Cut 15 (10) “…stadium” 

Cut 16 (11) “ light bills” 

JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says Democratic participation in early voting for the 2020 Presidential Primary is way up from 2016, even with the race already having been decided and Joe Biden a lock to take on President Trump in the primary. Black Democrats make up about 37 percent of the early voting turnout so far, which is much higher than normal. Couvillon says that won’t change any races here, but is not a good sign for the President’s reelection effort…

Cut 4 (07)_ “…trump.”

Another Louisiana staple announces a cancellation for 2020, the World Championship Gumbo Cookoff in New Iberia waited as long as possible, marinating on options but decided to postpone due to the resurgence of COVID-19.  Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce CEO Janet Faulk Gonzales says instead of holding it in person they are looking at a virtual event.

Cut 12 (08) “…like yet.”

With all the economic uncertainty in the world today, can you ask for a raise during the coronavirus pandemic?  And if so, how?  UNO Professor of Finance Mark Rosa says it is possible, but you need to consider a few things first about your company such as the pandemic’s impact on the business.

Cut 6 (11) “…could go through.”

Some companies may have a salary freeze in place, so asking for a bonus might be the path to extra money. 

Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans Neuroscience Center of Excellence discover a new class of pipeline drugs to relieve pain and reduce fever.  The findings are now published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.  Senior Author Dr. Nicolas Bazan says this drug could be used as a non-addictive substitute for opioids.

Cut 9 (06) “…and so on.”

JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says we’ve seen an unusually high early voting turnout for the upcoming July 11^th Presidential Primary election.

Couvillon says both primaries have already been decided, and with turnout still high that likely foreshadows a high turnout November election.

Cut 3 (12)  “…newsworthy.”  

JMC estimates this year we could see turnout at 70 percent in the general election.

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields is asking Louisiana’s public schools to cancel athletic activities for the fall semester out of an abundance of caution due to the pandemic. Fields is the chairman of the state Senate’s education committee and made the statement ahead of next week’s state school board meeting. Fields sent letters to the heads of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Louisiana School Boards Association.

With all the economic uncertainty in the world today, should you ask for a raise? And if so, how?  UNO Professor of Finance Mark Rosa says some companies may have a salary freeze, so asking for a bonus might be the path to extra money.  But if you absolutely can’t get more money, Rosa recommends asking for perks such as more paid time off.

Cut 8 (13) “…their cash reserves.”

Baton Rouge Family Practice Attorney Nancy Sue Grégoire says the courts have seen and increase in divorce filings but now instead of going to a courtroom they have to use ZOOM for court proceedings due to the virus, and Grégoire believes for some they don’t understand the reality of the situation.

Cut 9 (11) “…going to do it”

The number of people hospitalized as a result of COVID-19 has surpassed one-thousand as the state health department reports another 61 hospitalized today because of the coronavirus. The number of total cases rose by 19-hundred and deaths increased by 23 to 3,211.

State Farm has announced its lowering its auto insurance rates by an average of 10-percent. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in the lower rates…
cut 11 (07) “….at home orders”

Is it wise to ask for a pay raise during a pandemic? UNO Finance Professor Mark Rosa says you might have a good argument if you’re workload has increased because of furloughs and layoffs at your place of employment…
cut 7 (07) “…money my way”

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Both Democratic and Republican Presidential Primaries are basically decided but Louisiana voters are still highly engaged in the upcoming July 11th election. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Here are commodity prices…

With all the economic uncertainty in the world today, can you ask for a raise during the coronavirus pandemic?  And if so, how?  UNO Professor of Finance Mark Rosa says it is possible, but you need to consider a few things first about your company such as the pandemic’s impact on the business.
Cut 6 (11) “…could go through.”
Rosa says even if your employer has been hit hard with furloughs and layoffs, it is still possible to ask for a pay bump if you are picking up the extra work left in the absence of former coworkers.

State Farm auto insurance policyholders can expect nearly a 10% decrease in their rates.  Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the drop is not linked to recent tort reform.

Cut 10 (09) “…by State Farm.”

State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the state, with a million policyholders.

There was little action on police reform in the recent special session but reform advocates say that is not going to be the case in the fall or 2021 session. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James they will revive an effort to revoke qualified immunity for officers. He says the effort to allow cops to be held liable for misbehavior in civil court will be a major part of reform discussions. He says right now…
Cut 4 (10)_ “…liability.”

Legislation is awaiting the Governor’s signature that would allow electric co-ops to create their own hi-speed internet networks in rural areas that lack broadband access. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell (My-Zell) says the pandemic has put a spotlight on the serious problems her rural constituents face with their current non-broadband services.

Cut 13 (07) “…speed.”

State Farm has announced its lowering auto insurance rates for Louisiana policyholders by an average of 10-percent. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says this decrease, combined with three other rate decreases in the last couple of years has resulted in a 23% total rate decrease. Donelon anticipates other insurers will follow State Farm’s lead….
Cut 12 (07) “…driven by competition.”
The effective date of State Farm’s current reduction is August 24.

Because of the parameters put on the special session, lawmakers were not able to pass police reform legislation as the George Floyd protests were taking place across the country. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says these difficult conversations will take place in a possible special session in the fall or a regular session next year…
cut 6 (10) “….police”

Baton Rouge attorney Nancy Sue Gregoire says she’s seen an increase in divorces since the pandemic started….
cut 7 (08) “…get along”
Gregoire says changes in employment is making it harder to settle a divorce proceeding.

A bill that passed in the special session that’s awaiting the governor’s signature is a bill that would allow electric co-ops to create their own high speed internet networks in rural areas that lack broadband access. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says many of her lower-income constituents could benefit greatly from broadband in ways they might not expect…
cut 15 (10) “….money”
Mizell says the governor is expected to sign the legislation. The senator made the comments on Talk Louisiana hosted by Jim Engster.