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

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

Another common symptom is a persistent dry cough.

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

Cut 13 (12) “…hundred tests”

Edwards reaffirmed that his office will announce all confirmed cases.

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

Cut 3 (08)  “…months”  

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

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

Cut 10 (12) “…row crops.”

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

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

Cut 12 (12) “…great state”

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

Cut 8 (13) “…in writing yet.”

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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

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

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

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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

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

Cut 5 (11)  “majors”.

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

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

Cut 9 (11) “…that experience″

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

Cut 7 (13) “…at the soonest.”

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

Cut 4 (11)_ “…below.”

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

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

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Two weeks after he was hit by a pitch in the head LSU designated hitter Gavin Dugas hit two, two-run home runs as the Tigers rallied to beat U-Mass Lowell six to four yesterday. The Tigers have won four straight since they were no-hit last Sunday.

Louisiana Tech was swept over the weekend as they dropped three at Wichita State. The Bulldogs rallied from an eight-run deficit but still lost to the Shockers 10 to nine yesterday.

McNeese avoided a sweep as they defeated ULM three to one yesterday. Reid Bourque hit a two-run homer. U-L Lafayette defeated Troy eight to four to win two of three in Pensacola.

Northwestern State won its opening Southland Conference series over Abilene Christian, while Southeastern Louisiana and Nicholls both lost.

Five days after suffering a bad home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans got revenge last night beating the T-Wolves in Minnesota 120 to 107. Jrue Holiday had 37 points. New Orleans is four games back of the eighth-seeded Grizzlies in the Western Conference with 18 games to go.

In college basketball, the Ragin Cajuns have a second-round Sun Belt Tournament game tonight at Georgia Southern. The Eagles won their two meetings against U-L Lafayette earlier this season, including a 20-point win in Statesboro. Cajuns Coach Bob Marlin is looking forward to the challenge of winning a Sun Belt Tournament game on the road…
cut 18 (18) ” as well”
The winner will play at Georgia State in a quarterfinal game.

LSU is the three-seed in the SEC Tournament and the Tigers will play a quarterfinal game late Friday night in Nashville. Louisiana Tech will play in the Conference USA Tournament on Thursday night against either Marshall or UTEP.

The Southland Tournament gets underway Wednesday in Katy, Texas. Northwestern State faces Corpus Christi, while McNeese matches up with Lamar, who they just beat on Saturday to get into postseason play. Nicholls is a three-seed and they will have a second-round game on Thursday.

The 2020 legislative session gets underway this afternoon and passing legislation to lower auto insurance rates expects to be a major topic. Republicans say tort reform is one avenue towards lower rates. Matt Doyle spoke with advocates on both sides who laid their cases out….
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor John Bel Edwards will address a joint session of the House and Senate at 1 PM.

Louisiana Department of Health officials have tested eleven people for the coronavirus and all have tested negative. State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says someone who experiences symptoms would first need to 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.”

Oil prices plummeted nearly 30 percent overnight and the price for a barrel of oil its in the low to mid 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”

The 2020 legislative session begins today and for many lawmakers, lowering auto insurance rates is a top priority. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says tort reform could be the answer as Louisiana has the highest jury trial threshold at 50-thousand dollars, which means a jury will not hear a case unless there are at least 50-thousand dollars in damages. He says this allows trial lawyers to judge shop for favorable venues…
cut 7 (09) “…system”

Over 11-hundred bills have been filed for the session that must end by June 1st. Sports betting and recreational marijuana are among the issues to be discussed. Political analyst Clancy Dubos expects to see a push to abolish the death penalty and other criminal justice bills…
cut 5 (08) “…the table”

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is co-authoring legislation that he says will lead to bigger social security checks for teachers, first responders and other public servants who receive Social Security according to their work history. Cassidy says the bill will produce a better formula that allocates based on what workers earn throughout their lifetime…
cut 15 (10) “…should be”
Cassidy says Louisiana is one of 16 states with is called a Windfall Provision.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation announces a three-year, $600,000 grant investment into the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Monroe. Foundation President Michael Tipton says the money will lead to more cancer screenings, prevention and education programs in 12 parishes.
Cut 11 (11) “…the Delta region.”
Tipton says parishes in the Louisiana delta have some of the highest rates of cancer but also some of the latest-stage diagnoses.

State lawmakers return to the capitol for a three-month-long legislative session today. The biggest issue to be discussed is how to reduce auto insurance rates. Republican lawmakers will look to tort reform, including lowering the jury trial threshold from 50-thousand dollars as a way to lower rates. But Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl says lowering the threshold is just a handout to the business lobby…
cut 8 (12) “…rates”
Governor Edwards supports legislation that addresses the factors that lead to higher auto insurance rates, like a person’s credit score and whether they are single.

And the governor is also expected to push for a higher minimum wage and equal pay legislation. Political analyst Clancy Dubos doesn’t see these bills passing…
cut 6 (06) “…opposing them”
The session must end on June 1st.

Federal legislation is introduced that would undo a law penalizing Louisiana teachers and first responders when it comes to social security benefits. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation is providing a three-year, 600-thousand dollar grant to the Mary Bird Perkins Center in Monroe to increase cancer screenings in 12 northeast Louisiana parishes. Foundation President Michael Tipton this area has a high rate of late-stage cancer diagnoses…
cut 13 (12) “…outcomes for people”

Today marks the beginning of the 2020 legislative session. Kevin Barnhart spoke with a political analyst on what to expect.
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Just over 11-hundred bills have been filed. The session gets underway at noon and it must end on June 1st.

Meanwhile, state health officials continue to monitor for coronavirus. Eight people have been tested for Covid-19, but the tests came back negative, so still no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Louisiana.

Senator Bill Cassidy has co-authored legislation that he says would replace a formula known as the Windfall Elimination Process, which is known for calculating Social Security benefits for teachers, first responders and other public servants. Cassidy says Louisiana is one of 16 states to enforce the Windfall Provision, but he’s still confident the legislation will pass….
cut 16 (12) “….pass
Cassidy says the bill has the support of the Louisiana State Employees Retirement System.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation has provided the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Monroe with a 600-thousand dollar grant to increase cancer screenings. Foundation president Michael Tipton says the Louisiana delta has some of the highest rates of cancer, but also some of the late-stage diagnoses…
cut 12 (07) “….much better outcomes”

The 2020 legislative session begins today and is expected to be dominated by “tort reform” and whether lawsuit reform would actually lower auto insurance rates. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Louisiana has the highest jury trial threshold at 50-thousand dollars, which means a jury will not hear a case unless there are at least 50-thousand dollars in damages. He says this allows trial lawyers to judge shop for favorable venues to get the largest payment for their client…
cut 7 (09) “…system”
Instead of lowering the jury trial threshold, Real Reform Louisiana is backing a series of bills that would end insurance rate discrimination policies that are banned in other states. Real Reform Louisiana spokesperson Eric Holl…
Cut 9 (13) “…credit score.″
The legislative session must end on June 1st.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is co-authoring legislation that he says will lead to bigger social security checks for teachers, first responders and other public servants who receive Social Security according to their work history. Cassidy says the bill will produce a better formula that allocates based on what workers earn throughout their lifetime…
cut 15 (10) “…should be”
Cassidy says Louisiana is one of 16 states with is called a Windfall Provision.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation announces a three-year, $600,000 grant investment into the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Monroe. Foundation President Michael Tipton says the money will lead to more cancer screenings, prevention and education programs in 12 parishes.
Cut 11 (11) “…the Delta region.”
Tipton says parishes in the Louisiana delta have some of the highest rates of cancer but also some of the latest-stage diagnoses.