A House committee shoots down a proposal allowing all registered voters in Louisiana to vote by mail. Recent LSU grad Catherine McKinney and supporter of the legislation says vote by mail is already an option for Louisiana college students…
Cut 10 (11) “…plan”
The legislation would have allowed voters to request the Secretary of State’s office mail them a ballot. The proposal ran into opposition from Republicans like Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges who says vote by mail is more prone to fraud than showing up at a booth.
Cut 11 (08) “…integrity”
The vote was nine to five against and the proposal is dead for the session.

Some technicians are back at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans continuing their work on a rocket for a spaceship that will take the first woman to the moon by 2024. Michoud Director Robert Champion says many engineers continue to work from home…
cut 6 (10) “….attitude”
The decision to return technicians to the facility was made after NASA officials observed a decrease in COVID numbers across the New Orleans region over a 14-day period.

Cal-Maine Foods in St. Helena Parish donates nearly 600,000 eggs to food banks in Louisiana. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says Cal-Maine had an excess and wanted to donate it, so they filled two tractor-trailer trucks with 1,560 cases of eggs each and they are on their way to food banks…
Cut 14 (03) “…people”
Strain says that’s 23,400 dozen cartons of eggs.

Workers are back at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to continue building rockets for the Artemis Program, which aims to put the first woman on the moon by 2024. Michoud Director Robert Champion says technicians returned Monday.
Cut 4 (10)_ “…project.”
Champion says they are still under 25 percent of their full production capacity, but they are still on schedule.

A House Committee has rejected a bill that would have allowed all registered voters to vote by mail. There’s a push to allow eligible voters to vote by mail to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, but Denham Springs Representative Valerie Hodges is confident safety protocols can be put in place so voters can still safely go to the polls…
cut 13 (09) “….to vote”

Senator Bill Cassidy introduces legislation that would deliver $500 billion in emergency funding to states and local governments. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Cal-Maine Foods in St. Helena Parish is donating nearly 600-thousand eggs to five food banks. General Manager Corey Davis says they had an excess of eggs because schools and restaurants have been closed…
cut 16 (10) “…with them”

A legislative effort to allow all registered voters in the state to vote by mail fails to get out of a House Committee. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is expected to vote on a new Superintendent of Education today. Jefferson Parish Superintendent Cade Brumley, Assistant Superintendent for the department of education Jessica Baghian and former St. James Parish superintendent Lonnie Luce (loose) are the three finalists.

Senator Bill Cassidy wants to help state and local governments who face significant budget cuts because of a downturn in revenues. Cassidy and Democratic New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez have co-introduced the SMART Act which provides 500-billion dollars in emergency funding to states and communities. Cassidy says Louisiana’s tax revenue has taken a hit of 42-percent and points to all of the tourism dollars lost…
cut 8 (11) “….in Lafayette etc”

Cal-Maine Foods in St. Helena Parish has donated 600-thousand eggs to five food banks in Louisiana. General Manager Corey Davis says they were able to make this donation, becuase they had an excess of eggs…
cut 15 (13) “….customers”
Cal-Maine will distribute the eggs by the end of the month.

NASA’s Michoud Assembly Center in New Orleans East is slowly ramping up production again after an extended closure due to the pandemic. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The head of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board says the reopening of riverboat casinos and video poker truck stops are off to a really good start. Ronnie Jones says a few casinos reported crowds like you would see on a Friday instead of a Monday.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has formally introduced his legislation that would provide 500-billion dollars to state and local governments who are losing tax revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cassidy says the President has indicated his support for the measure, but there are hurdles to clear to get the bill to his desk. He says the faster the money gets to local and state governments, the better…
cut 9 (09) “….have to do”
The Edwards administration believes right now they can avoid deep budget cuts, based on the federal money they’ve already received.

Cal-Maine Foods, based out of Pine Grove, donates nearly 600,000 eggs to food banks in Louisiana. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says Cal-Maine had an excess and wanted to donate it, so they rolled in with two tractor-trailer trucks with 1,560 cases of eggs each in tow…
Cut 14 (03) “…people”
Strain says that’s 23,400 dozen cartons of eggs.

Forbes Magazine reports Mercedes Benz will not renew its naming rights deal with the Superdome when it ends in 2021. UNO Senior Associate Dean and Marketing Professor, Paul Hensel, says during these tough economic times it will not be easy to find a new naming rights sponsor, but a company will emerge that believes it’s a good investment
Cut 13 (12) “events too”
The Mercedes Benz Superdome is scheduled to host its next Super Bowl in 2024. But it will have a different name by then. Mercedes-Benz became the Superdome’s first naming rights sponsor in 2011 and the 10-year deal is worth a reported 50-to-60 million dollars.

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas teamed up with Raising Cane’s today to provide front-line workers throughout the New Orleans area with three-thousand meals. Way to go Can’t guard Mike.

Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin says he anticipates NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will make a decision in the first two weeks of June on whether 2019-20 season will resume. Play was halted with 18 games left in the regular season and the Pels 3.5 games back of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Griffin says when the season resumes, the schedule will likely look different
Cut 18 (26) “…schedule”
It’s been reported the NBA is looking at resuming the season by holding games in Las Vegas and Orlando. But Griffin says the league has not dismissed the option of games played at NBA arenas across the country.

House Republicans pass legislation telling Governor Edwards to reconsider his blanket 25 percent occupancy cap on businesses during Phase One. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the limit is a one size fits all solution that doesn’t work for places like restaurants.

Cut 9 (09) “…boxing ring.”

But Governor Edwards says the limitations are a public safety requirement that will cautiously guide the state economy back into action without risking a new wave of cases. The Governor says if we continue seeing lower caseloads through the end of the month it is likely the state will progress into Phase Two in June. Edwards says they’ll use two weeks of data to determine if Louisiana is still doing a good job in stopping the spread of COVID-19

Cut 8 (10) “…easing of restrictions”

Louisiana receives an additional $58 million in fishery disaster funding due to the impacts of the Bonnet Carre opening in 2019.  Congressman Garret Graves says of the three states receiving funding from the Bonnet Carre Spillway opening, Louisiana is receiving 2/3 of the allocated $88 million.

Cut 4 (07)_ “…clearly represents that.”

There is an additional $12 million to be allocated at a different time.

Forbes Magazine reports Mercedes Benz will not renew its naming rights deal with the Superdome when it ends in 2021. UNO Senior Associate Dean and Marketing Professor, Paul Hensel, it’s tough to say what corporation would like to put its name on the side of the iconic sports arena right now with the economy in shambles…

Cut 14 (07) “…be interested”

The Superdome is scheduled to host its next Super Bowl in 2024.

Louisiana receives an additional $58 million in fishery disaster funding to offset the impacts of the 2019 Bonnet Carre Spillway opening. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

Legislation passes the House urging Governor Edwards to reconsider his order limiting businesses to 25 percent occupancy during Phase One. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________________

Louisiana receives an additional $58 million in fishery disaster funding.  Congressman Garret Graves says the money will be used to offset the impacts of the 2019 Bonnet Carre Spillway opening on the seafood industry.

Cut 3 (12)  “…the United States.”  

Earlier this month, the state had received $14.7 million allocated to Louisiana fisheries to relieve the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which Graves had previously called abysmal due to the fact that it was only 4.9% of the total $300 million for nationwide relief.

Graves says of the three states receiving funding from the Bonnet Carre Spillway opening, Louisiana is receiving 2/3 of the allocated $88 million.

Cut 4 (07)_ “…clearly represents that.”

There is an additional $12 million to be allocated at a different time.

Graves says some in the state’s seafood industry are on their last leg and need the money fast, adding that if the local industry goes away, there will be a bigger reliance on inferior, imported seafood.

Cut 5 (08)  “…around the country.”

Mississippi will be receiving $21 million and Alabama received $8.6 million.

_________________________________________________

Governor Edwards is optimistic Louisiana can move to phase two of reopening of the economy in early June. Edwards says they are watching COVID-like symptoms being reported to emergency rooms, the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and testing capacity

Cut 6 (11) “that decision”

Edwards says he plans to announce a decision as early as June 1st. He says the public will play a huge role in that decision…

Cut 7 (12) “our cases”

Under the White House’s Phase two plan, large venues can operate under moderate physical distancing protocols, bars can re-open with maximum occupancy restrictions, and schools and organized youth activities can resume.

Edwards says they’ll use two weeks of data to determine if Louisiana is still doing a good job in stopping the spread of COVID-19

Cut 8 (10) “…easing of restrictions”

_______________________

Legislators spar over a resolution that would urge the Governor to reconsider his 25 percent occupancy limitation for businesses in Phase One.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the limit is crippling struggling businesses.

Cut 9 (09) “…boxing ring.”

Social distancing guidelines call for businesses to space households out six feet away from other households and plot out table seating that leaves ten feet of space.

Harris says the success essential businesses had during the stay at home order and regulations allowing casinos to have 50 percent of gaming positions open undercuts the Governor’s position.

Cut 10 (12) “…CDC.”

The request to urge the Governor to reconsider the limit was successfully amended onto a resolution that passed the House.

Amite Representative Robby Carter opposed the amendment. He says the guidelines are in place to save lives.

Cut 11 (12) “…business”

Carter cited comments by Governor Edwards indicating the state is currently on track to lift the 25 percent limit in Phase Two which may take effect in early June.

Cut 12 (09) “…deaths”

____________________________

Forbes Magazine reports Mercedes Benz will not renew its naming rights deal with the Superdome when it ends in 2021. UNO Senior Associate Dean and Marketing Professor, Paul Hensel, says during these tough economic times it will not be easy to find a new naming rights sponsor, but  a company will emerge that believes it’s a good investment

Cut 13 (12) “events too”  

The Mercedes Benz Superdome is scheduled to host its next Super Bowl in 2024. But it will have a different name by then. Hensel says it’s tough to say what corporation would like to put its name on the side of the iconic sports arena

Cut 14 (07) “…be interested”

Hensel says many stadiums have naming rights deals with insurance and major financial companies. He says Superdome officials wish the economic climate was different as they searched for a new naming rights sponsor

Cut 15 (08)“  no name.”

Mercedes-Benz became the Superdome’s first naming rights sponsor in 2011 and the 10-year deal is worth a reported 50-to-60 million dollars.

_______________________________________________

Cut 16 (10) “…crossing.”

Governor Edwards indicates Louisiana is making good progress towards potentially being able to enter Phase Two in early June where large venues can operate under moderate physical distancing protocols, bars can re-open with maximum occupancy restrictions, and schools and organized youth activities can resume. Edwards says he plans to announce a decision as early as June 1st.

Cut 7 (12) “our cases”

Forbes Magazine reports Mercedes Benz will not renew its naming rights deal with the Superdome when it ends in 2021 and UNO Senior Associate Dean and Marketing Professor, Paul Hensel, says that’s rough timing because finding another sponsor in this economy is going to be tough.

Cut 15 (08)“  no name.”

Mercedes-Benz signed the 50 million dollar deal with the Dome in 2011.

Louisiana receives an additional $58 million in fishery disaster funding to offset the impacts of the 2019 Bonnet Carre Spillway opening.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Cal-Maine foods, an egg producer, donates 280,000 eggs to five food banks across the state today. The eggs will be distributed to food banks in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Monroe, New Orleans, and Shreveport by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture. Commissioner Mike Strain says Cal-Maine has a surplus of eggs right now and found donating to be a better use than disposal.

Republican House legislators urge Governor Edwards to reconsider the 25 percent limit on capacity for businesses during Phase One. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the success essential businesses had during the stay at home order and the flexibility offered to casinos are evidence that the blanket statewide 25 percent cap is too heavy handed…

Cut 10 (12) “…CDC.”

The request was successfully amended onto a resolution that passed the House.

Amite Representative Robby Carter says the limit is there to protect public safety, and it may not be in place for much longer…

Cut 12 (09) “…deaths”

Carter says if trends like today’s numbers hold up it is likely the state will move to Phase Two in early June. The state reported 18 new COVID fatalities and 329 new cases, along with declines in ventilator use and hospitalizations.

Governor Edwards is optimistic Louisiana can move to phase two of reopening of the economy in early June. Edwards says they are watching COVID-like symptoms being reported to emergency rooms, the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and testing capacity

Cut 6 (11) “that decision”

Under the White House’s Phase two plan, large venues can operate under moderate physical distancing protocols, bars can re-open with maximum occupancy restrictions, and schools and organized youth activities can resume.

After getting shortchanged with a paltry 14.7 million dollar payout for fisheries funding relief from the feds Louisiana is awarded an additional 58 million dollars.  Congressman Garret Graves says the money will be used to offset the impacts of the 2019 Bonnet Carre Spillway opening on the seafood industry.

Cut 3 (12)  “…the United States.”  

The state announces 18 new COVID-19 fatalities bringing the death toll to 2,458. Total Cases: 35,038, up 329. Hospitalizations: 1004.

Legislators spar over a resolution that would urge the Governor to reconsider his 25 percent occupancy limitation for businesses in Phase One. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the limit is crippling struggling businesses.

Cut 9 (09) “…boxing ring.”

Social distancing guidelines call for businesses to space households out six feet away from other households and plot out table seating that leaves ten feet of space.

Amite Representative Robby Carter opposed the amendment. He says the guidelines are in place to save lives.

Cut 11 (12) “…business”

Louisiana receives an additional $58 million in fishery disaster funding.  Congressman Garret Graves says the money will be used to offset the impacts of the 2019 Bonnet Carre Spillway opening on the seafood industry.Graves says some in the state’s seafood industry are on their last leg and need the money fast, adding that if the local industry goes away, there will be a bigger reliance on inferior, imported seafood.

Cut 5 (08)  “…around the country.”

Forbes Magazine reports Mercedes Benz will not renew its naming rights deal with the Superdome when it ends in 2021. UNO Senior Associate Dean and Marketing Professor, Paul Hensel, says during these tough economic times it will not be easy to find a new naming rights sponsor, but  a company will emerge that believes it’s a good investment

Cut 13 (12) “events too”