AM Newscall 03/18/2020

The state’s senior Senator, Dr. Bill Cassidy, has a message for his constituents…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

 The restaurant industry is feeling the impact from the fight against COVID-19.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

Unemployment insurance claimants will no longer have to wait a week from their last check to file, and requirements for keeping benefits are being relaxed. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________________________

Congress and the President are discussing a massive series of potential bailouts and financial aid packages to counter the economic devastation being caused by COVID-19.

A growing number of lawmakers and the President are backing a plan to send every American a check in the next few weeks. Senator Bill Cassidy says that is one of the plans rapidly gaining support…

Cut 4 (11)_ “patch”

Lawmakers are debating how much the check should be, but the most common number proposed is 1,000 dollars.

The clock is ticking on due payments for a growing number of workers who have been laid off by businesses who’ve had to shut their doors. Cassidy is confident this aid will be in people’s hands soon.

Cut 5 (10)  “…etcetera.”

The price tag for this economic intervention is huge, likely over 800 billion dollars, but Cassidy says it must be done and can be done responsibly.

Cut 6 (06) “…higher.”

____________________________________________

The restaurant industry is having to adapt to the precautionary closings of dining areas.  President and CEO of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Stan Harris says there is a fear of the unknown within the industry as questions remain as to how long this could last.

Cut 7 (06) “…part of it.”

The Governor’s proclamation deems operations may be able to resume on April 13, however, the situation will be reevaluated a week prior to that date.

Restaurants are stilled allowed to serve food via drive-thru window, curbside pickup, or delivery.  Restaurants are adapting and Harris says the industry is grateful for these exceptions.

Cut 8 (06) “…to their customers.”

Harris the association’s website, LRA.org is a valuable resources for industry workers who are impacted by the outbreak and says more information will be coming soon for consumers trying to locate open restaurants.

Cut 9 (09) “…times a day.″

______________________________________________

With many workers being laid off the Louisiana Workforce Commission is expediting results on COVId-19 related unemployment insurance claims and loosening requirements for those collecting benefits.

LWC Commissioner Ava Dejoie says understand if you do qualify, you can collect for a maximum of 26 weeks in a year, and just know…

Cut 10 (10) “…dollars.”

LWC is waiving the requirement that workers wait a week from their last paycheck to file a claim.

Dejoie says they are seeing claim volumes multiple times higher than during the same time last year which is causing much longer than usual waits, so…

Cut 11 (10) “…as well”

The number to file a claim is 866-783-5567, and you can also apply online at www.louisianaworks.net/hire.

Not everyone will qualify. Dejoie says keep in mind that if you’re a 10-99 employee…

Cut 12 (13) “…benefits.”

LWC is also waiving the requirement that those receiving benefits prove they are actively searching for work.

____________________________

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says committee hearings are already scheduled and bills are in order to start moving when the legislative session is scheduled to resume on March 31.  Schexnayder says he and Senate President Page Cortez have worked on a contingency plan in the event that COVID-19 slows down things even worse, but he does not foresee that being an issue.

Cut 13 (04) “people’s jobs done.”

Schexnayder says a big concern is that if a budget isn’t passed, many people will have to go without vital services being funded.

Cut 14 (10) “…to a halt.”

Schexnayder says he’s not too concerned about the number of days that will be left to conduct the remainder of the session.

Cut 15 (10) “…people of Louisiana.”

630PM LRN News

In the last update for the day, the Louisiana Department of Health reveals that 196 cases of COVID-19 have been found in the state so far up from 136 yesterday. 136 are found in Orleans Parish. East Baton Rouge also finds it’s first case today. Four people have so far died from the virus, with two of the victims coming from a New Orleans nursing home that’s seen a number of cases.

The Governor ordered the closure of a number of businesses yesterday, and restrictions on restaurants as a result of the growing number of cases, and the 2020 Legislative Session was suspended until March 31st as a result. Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins isn’t happy about that decision. Higgins says it’s an infringement on people’s rights, and there’s no way to charge them.

Cut 5 (13)  “…is our property.”

The Governor’s office has responded saying Congressman Higgins clearly cares more about Facebook views than Louisianans.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking a waiver so they can cancel standardized exams for this year, which would also mean test scores would not be part of a teacher’s evaluation. BESE President Sandy Holloway says certain requirements for graduating seniors have also been set aside…

Cut 8 (12) “…them through this.”

BESE has already decided that annual school performance scores will not be announced next year.

Drew Brees and the Saints have reportedly agreed to a new two-year 50-million dollar contract to keep the future hall of famer in New Orleans. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says he’s getting old but Brees can still win games…

Cut 13 (09) “…this league”

There are some Saints fans who believe the team should turn to backup Teddy Bridgewater. But Bridgewater is reportedly finalizing a deal with Carolina.

530PM LRN News

Louisiana is up to 196 COVID-19 positive tests as the pandemic continues to spread across the state, with East Baton Rouge Parish now reporting it’s first case.

Congress is also negotiating with the Trump Administration about a potential financial aid package, headlined by the President’s call that every America receives an aid check in the mail to help head off economic damage caused by COVID-19 closures. An exact number has not been agreed to, but the number most commonly floated is one thousand dollars.

 Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says the fed assistance is appreciated, but locals need to pitch in too with the Gift Card Challenge. He says gift cards will give restaurants the cash they desperately need now.

Cut 11 (07) “near term.”

900,000 people in the state are employed by small businesses.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking a waiver so they can cancel standardized exams for this year, which would also mean test scores would not be part of a teacher’s evaluation. BESE President Sandy Holloway says BESE and the Louisiana Department of Education are also crafting a letter to the United States Department of Education because they have the ultimate authority in granting any sort of flexibility.

Cut 7 (10) “…for a waiver.”

Drew Brees and the Saints have reportedly agreed to a new two-year 50-million dollar contract to keep the future hall of famer in New Orleans. Before announcing that he would play a 20th season, Brees says he’s taking it year-by-year on whether he’ll keep playing. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says a two-year contract benefits the Saints

Cut 14 (10) “…wiggle room.”

4:30 PM Newscast

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins releases a video aimed at Governor Edwards, criticizing his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.  Edwards ordered the closure of bars, movie theatres, casinos, and limiting restaurant service to carry out and delivery.  Higgins says it’s hard to comprehend the Edwards’s decisions.

Cut 3 (10)  “…they’re not stupid.”  

The Governor’s office has responded saying Congressman Higgins clearly cares more about Facebook views than Louisianans.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking a waiver so they can cancel standardized exams for this year, which would also mean test scores would not be part of a teacher’s evaluation. BESE President Sandy Holloway says with schools closed until April 13th, this is the right thing to do.

Cut 6 (10) “…families and educators.”

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says state companies are getting hammered right now as a result of COVID-19 shutdowns. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says the crisis is an threat to the existence of the state’s 450,000 small businesses that employ 900,000 people whose jobs are now threatened.

Cut 9 (10) “…this″

LABI is also encouraging residents to buy gift cards from local impacted businesses, and order online to support them.
Drew Brees and the Saints have reportedly agreed to a new two-year 50-million dollar contract to keep the future hall of famer in New Orleans. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it’s the right move to re-sign the 41-year-old at an affordable price for a star quarterback…

Cut 12 (10) “…some leeway.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints and quarterback Drew Brees have reportedly agreed on a two-year, 50-million dollar contract. Brees is 41-years-old, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the future Hall of Famer gives New Orleans the best chance to win in 2020…
cut 13 (09) “…this league”
Backup Q-B Teddy Bridgewater is reportedly set to sign with the Panthers as Carolina is reportedly looking to trade Cam Newton. Newton said on Instagram that he never wanted to be traded and it’s the Panthers who forced this.

Could Tom Brady end up in the NFC South. Brady announced on social media today that he will play in 2020, but not with the New England Patriots. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Chargers are the most likely landing spots for the 42-year-old.

The Southeastern Conference announced today that the 2019-2020 athletic season is officially over as there will be no baseball or softball regular-season games. Spring football games and pro days have also been canceled. The league previously said that all competition was suspended until April 15th.

In a conference call with reporters, Athletics Director Scott Woodward says fans who had tickets to events that were canceled will get their money back, it just may take a little time…
cut 16 (08) “….refund your tickets”
Woodward says their focus also moves to the fall sports and the hope that football can start its season on time.

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine is still holding out hope that spring championships can be played and is willing to hold them in June if it is possible. Schools are shut down until April 13th so no games can be played until after that time.

3:30 PM Newscast

The latest numbers show there are 171 cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana, with the death toll rising to four in the most recent report. Of the 12 parishes reporting cases, the New Orleans region leads the state, with 116 cases in Orleans Parish and 31 cases in Jefferson Parish.
The Saints and quarterback Drew Brees have reportedly agreed to a new two-year contract 50-million dollar contract.

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is encouraging residents to buy gift cards from local businesses impacted by COVID-19, and order online to support them. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says if you want to see those businesses reopen, you have to support them.

Cut 10 (10) “challenge.”

 

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking a waiver so they can cancel standardized exams for this year, which would also mean test scores would not be part of a teacher’s evaluation. BESE has already decided that annual school performance scores will not be announced next year. BESE President Sandy Holloway says certain requirements for graduating seniors have also been set aside…

Cut 8 (12) “…them through this.”

LRN PM Newscall March 17

Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins calls out Governor Edwards for shutting down restaurants, bars, and other businesses because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________

The Saints and quarterback Drew Brees have reportedly agreed to a new two-year contract 50-million dollar contract.

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

___________________________

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins releases a video aimed at Governor Edwards, criticizing his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.  Edwards ordered the closure of bars, movie theatres, casinos, and limiting restaurant service to carry out and delivery.  Higgins says it’s hard to comprehend the Edwards’s decisions.

Cut 3 (10)  “…they’re not stupid.”  

Higgins tells the Governor just because he thinks he knows best, he shouldn’t be limiting the freedom of citizens.

Cut 4 (13)_ “…Chinese virus, okay?”

Higgins says he won’t go down quietly about this and wants to know what statute the Governor plans on charging citizens with for violations.

Cut 5 (13)  “…is our property.”

The Governor’s office has responded saying Congressman Higgins clearly cares more about Facebook views than Louisianans.

___________________________________________

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking a waiver so they can cancel standardized exams for this year, which would also mean test scores would not be part of a teacher’s evaluation. BESE President Sandy Holloway says with schools closed until April 13th, this is the right thing to do.

Cut 6 (10) “…families and educators.”

Holloway says BESE and the Louisiana Department of Education are also crafting a letter to the United States Department of Education because they have the ultimate authority in granting any sort of flexibility.

Cut 7 (10) “…for a waiver.”

BESE has already decided that annual school performance scores will not be announced next year. Holloway says certain requirements for graduating seniors have also been set aside…

Cut 8 (12) “…them through this.”

____________________________________________________

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says state companies are getting hammered right now as a result of COVID-19 shutdowns.

LABI President Stephen Waguespack says the crisis is an existential threat to the state’s 450,000 small businesses that employ 900,000 people whose jobs are now threatened.

Cut 9 (10) “…this″

LABI is also encouraging residents to buy gift cards from local impacted businesses, and order online to support them. Waguespack says if you want to see those businesses reopen, you have to support them.

Cut 10 (10) “challenge.”

Waguespack is encouraging every Louisiana citizen to participate in the Giff Card Challenge. He says gift cards will give restaurants the cash they desperately need now.

Cut 11 (07) “near term.”

_________________________________

Drew Brees and the Saints have reportedly agreed to a new two-year 50-million dollar contract to keep the future hall of famer in New Orleans. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it’s the right move to re-sign the 41-year-old at an affordable price for a star quarterback…

Cut 12 (10) “…some leeway.”

There are some Saints fans who believe the team should turn to backup Teddy Bridgewater. But Bridgewater is reportedly finalizing a deal with Carolina. Detillier says Brees can still win games…

Cut 13 (09) “…this league”

Before announcing that he would play a 20th season, Brees says he’s taking it year-by-year on whether he’ll keep playing. Detillier says a two-year contract benefits the Saints

Cut 14 (10) “…wiggle room.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

You are not able to eat inside a restaurant today or go to the movies, a bar or your local fitness club as a result of new restrictions put into place by Governor Edwards. But Congressman Clay Higgins is upset that the governor demanded certain businesses to shut down and wonders how the state plans to enforce it…
cut 5 (13) “…is our property”
Law enforcement agencies issued a joint statement this afternoon that they intend to enforce the governor’s restrictions on public gatherings.

Small businesses will suffer as a result of this partial economic shutdown. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack is asking the public to purchase gift cards from their favorite local restaurants…
cut 11 (09) “…some another month”
Waguespack is calling it the gift card challenge.

Schools are closed for a second straight day across the state and they’ll remain closed until at least April 13th. Students were set to take standardized tests in a couple of weeks, but Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Sandy Holloway says they are seeking a waiver from the state and federal government so they do have to give LEAP exams this year…
cut 7 (10) “…for a waiver”

The Saints and quarterback Drew Brees have reportedly agreed on a two-year, 50-million dollar contract. Brees is 41-years-old, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the future Hall of Famer gives New Orleans the best chance to win in 2020…
cut 13 (09) “…this league”
Backup Q-B Teddy Bridgewater is reportedly set to sign with the Panthers as Carolina is reportedly looking to trade Cam Newton.

1:30 LRN Newscast March 17

The state health department reported 35 new cases of coronavirus today and an additional death, bringing the death toll to four and there are now 171 cases. The governor’s office says two of the four victims are from the Lambeth assisted living facility in New Orleans.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins calls out Governor Edwards for shutting down restaurants, bars, and other businesses because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking a waiver so they can cancel standardized exams for this year, which would also mean test scores would not be part of a teacher’s evaluations. Public schools are closed until April 13th because of COVID-19. BESE President Sandy Holloway believes Governor Edwards will grant the request.
Cut 6 (10) “…families and educators.”

There is good news for many Saints fans today, Drew Brees has reportedly agreed to a two-year, 50-million dollar contract to stay in New Orleans.Before announcing that he would play a 20th season, Brees says he’s taking it year-by-year on whether he’ll keep playing. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says a two-year contract benefits the Saints
Cut 14 (10) “…wiggle room.”

1230 PM LRN News

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says state companies are getting hammered right now as a result of COVID-19 shutdowns. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says the crisis is an existential threat to the state’s 450,000 small businesses who employ 900,000 people whose jobs are now threatened.

Cut 9, 10 seconds, this

LABI is also encouraging residents to buy gift cards from local impacted businesses, and order online to support them.

The Governor’s order that everything from gyms to movie theaters close and restaurants switch to carry out, drive through, and delivery, is not sitting well with southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins. Higgins says it’s an assault on your freedoms.

Cut 4 (13)_ “…Chinese virus, okay?”

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain requests that if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 that you allow a family member to care for the pet, and If you receive a pet from an infected family member, Strain says you need to disinfect it.

Cut 6 (08) “…reccomended.”

Strain says if you receive a pet from a family member, wear gloves, a facemask, and immediately change your clothes after bathing the potentially contaminated pet.

In some non-COVID news, Drew Brees and the Saints have reportedly agreed to a new two-year 50-million dollar contract to keep the future hall of famer in New Orleans. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it’s the right move to re-sign the 41-year-old at an affordable price for a star quarterback…

Cut 12 (10) “…some leeway.”

Backup Teddy Bridgewater is reportedly set to sign with Carolina.