For the first time in the state’s history, gaming operations for all 20 casinos in Louisiana will be closed for at least two weeks. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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Lawmakers adjourn the legislative session until March 31st due to COVID-19 fears. Matt Doyle has the story.
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Many people are finding ways to work from home in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Tech Gumbo host Haggai Davis says the internet infrastructure is there to handle the influx of web traffic, but other hurdles remain.
Cut 3 (13) “…into the network.”
Davis believes a lot more people are going to become more comfortable with working from home as it is becoming an easier process.
Cut 4 (09)_ “…handle this capability.”
Davis says if you work from home, set a work schedule and designating a work area.
Cut 5 (13) “…different office now.”
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Casinos in Louisiana will be ceasing gaming operations tonight at midnight for at least the next two weeks as the coronavirus continues to impact Louisiana. Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board Ronnie Jones says the decision comes after discussions with the Governor’s staff throughout the weekend.
Cut 6 (11) “…public health standpoint.”
Governor Edwards has banned gatherings of 50 people or more. Jones says the casinos were notified this was likely to happen, adding owners have been very supportive.
Cut 7 (13) “…of everything else.”
Jones says the order is only applicable to a casino’s gaming operations.
Cut 8 (08) “…from local government.”
Jones estimates the lost state revenue will be about $1.6 million each day of the closure.
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Legislative leaders have decided to temporarily adjourn the 2020 session until March 31st due to COVID-19 concerns. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says initially the plan was for the session to continue, with social distancing enforced and to check those who enter the Capitol for a fever…
Pinsonat says it’s the right call because it only would have taken one positive test to shut down the Capitol…
Pinsonat says the compressed schedule is likely going to result in non-essential legislation being abandoned. However a budget will still need to be passed by July 1st, but…
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The Louisiana Department of Education will continue serving meals during the statewide school shutdown. Assistant State Superintendent Catherine Pozniak says food operations will be modified to serve as many families as possible.
Cut 12 (10) “…nutrition and meals.”
Some areas are already providing the services today. Pozniak says the food service is made possible by waivers from the federal government, adding that more schools are working out the details of exactly how to best serve food.
Pozniak says the meals at these sites are open to all children, regardless of where they are enrolled in school.