Governor Edwards declares a public health emergency as the state now has 13 presumptive cases of COVID-19, a number that’s ballooned from just one reported case Monday. Cases are now being found around the state, and community spread is thought to be occurring.

The nationwide spread prompted a historic decision by the NCAA to bar fans from attending all Men’s and Women’s NCAA tournament games, including the Women’s final four set for April 3^rd and fifth in New Orleans.

Tulane, Loyola, and UNO have also announced they are transitioning to online teaching.

Edwards says there’s also a concerning development at a New Orleans nursing home…

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is criticizing New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrel’s decision to cancel several city events, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade set to roll this weekend. Nungesser says until the Governor or feds call for events to be canceled such a declaration is only going to hurt the tourism industry, and tell tourists that Louisiana is not open for business.

Cut 14 (08) “…New Orleans.”

To compensate for potentially declining international tourism, the Lt. Governor plans to reallocate advertising to areas within driving distance of the state.

With the cancellation of those New Orleans events there’s growing interest in whether or not other major festivals like French Quarter, or Jazz Fest, would also be axed. State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry says those are being looked at, but there’s one event in particular that is concerning…

Cut 5 (09)  “…festival.”

COVID-19 was the talk of the Capitol as the Senate Health and Welfare Committee took the lead in questioning the Louisiana Department of Health’s State Health Officer crucial questions that need to be answered as the number of coronavirus infections in Louisiana continues to rise.

The committee raised concerns about the state’s upcoming festival season that’s jam packed with big gatherings in public spaces.  State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry says there’s one festival in particular that may be problematic.

Cut 5 (09)  “…festival.”

Other health officials at the meeting begged business owners to prepare work-from-home options, and to not pressure workers into coming in sick.  Guidry says know that your workforce is likely to shrink…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…of operations”

COVID fears aside Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects the legislature will have a bitter fight this session over the right for local governments to sue oil and gas companies for damage to their coastlines. The oil lobby is pushing hard for the change. Pinsonat says it would likely result in fewer suits filed against the industry.

Cut 13 (10) “…companies.” AM AM

Parks Senator Fred Mills files legislation to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21, which would align state law with the federal law that was enacted in December 2019.  Mills says the clock is ticking to comply with the federal legislation.

Cut 6 (10) “…law is presently.”

The federal law holds retailers responsible for underage sales, and applies to vape sales as well.

The NCAA says March Madness games, including the women’s Final Four in New Orleans, will be played without spectators in attendance.
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser addressed concerns that COVID-19 could cause a significant disruption in the state’s tourism industry. Nungesser says he doesn’t see a need to announce any festival cancellations unless the feds or Governor call for cancellations. He says we owe it to the industry not to disrupt tourism unless necessary.
Cut 12 (10) “…trip.”

State health officials went before the Senate Health and Welfare Committee to give a COVID-19 update as the number of cases in Louisiana rises to six. The virus is shuttering schools around the world, but State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry says kids seem to handle the virus well, and there’s risks in sending them home.
Cut 3 (09)  “…older person”  

Parks Senator Fred Mills files legislation to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21, which would align state law with the federal law that was enacted in December 2019.  Mills says he could foresee some pushback in getting the law pass.

Cut 8 (12) “…it into law.”

The law would apply to vape related products as well.

Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison today in a case that fueled the global me-too movement and encouraged women to speak out against sexual assault and harassment. Weinstein was sentenced 20 years for first-degree criminal sexual act and three years for third-degree rape. Kelli Knight, an outreach coordinator with Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault says today’s sentencing sends a message.

Cut 9 (09) “…assaulted.″

The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. In Louisiana, there have been six presumptive cases of COVID-19 and Governor Edwards told the Baton Rouge Rotary Club that we expect to see more

Cut 15 (11) “…help anything.”

Edwards urges residents to wash their hands frequently and practice social distancing, which includes not shaking hands.

Parks Senator Fred Mills files legislation to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21, which would align state law with the federal law that was enacted in December 2019.  Mills says the objective is keeping tobacco out of kid’s hands.

Cut 7 (13) “…welfare of people.”

The Lt. Governor disagrees with New Orleans Mayor Layota Cantrell’s decision to cancel many city events in the face of a growing number of COVID-19 cases…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Louisiana Nursing Home Association is recommending it’s members restrict access to facilities to avoid spreading COVID-19 to those most vulnerable to the virus. The statement from the LNHA asks the public not to visit a nursing home until further notice. Nursing homes in Louisiana will be expected to update their infection control procedures, and implement an extensive screening process for employees and visitors.

The state health department confirmed three new presumptive positive coronavirus cases last night to bring the total number of cases to six. All of the patients are from the New Orleans area, which prompted Mayor LaToya Cantrell to cancel all St. Patrick’s Day Events. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says given the information from the CDC, he sees no reason to cancel any events or festivals…..
cut 14 (08) “….New Orleans”
Nungesser says the plan is for Jazz Fest to go on as scheduled in late April and early May. But state health officer Doctor Jimmy Guidry says there’s another festival that may need to be reconsidered…
cut 5 (09) “…festival”
Festival International is currently set for April 22nd-26th.

Governor John Bel Edwards holds a meeting this afternoon with his Unified Command Group today to discuss the state’s response to coronavirus. The state currently has six presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 and Edwards told the Baton Rouge Rotary Club today that health officials try to determine when the patient contracted the virus…
cut 16 (12) “….so forth”
The Louisiana Nursing Home Association is asking the public not to visit nursing homes until further notice.

A New York judge has sentenced disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein to 23 years in prison in his rape case. The 67-year-old was facing 29 years. Kelli Knight with the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault hopes Louisiana judges take notice…
cut 11 (09) “…with that”

State Health officials briefed the Senate health and welfare committee this morning on important questions related to COVID-19.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

State Police say 36-year-old Edward Young III of Lutcher was wounded late Tuesday in a shootout with sheriff’s deputies. Police say St. James Parish sheriff’s deputies encountered Young during an investigation shortly before midnight in Lutcher. Police didn’t say who shot first or what may have prompted the shooting.

Parks Senator Fred Mills files legislation to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21, which would align state law with the federal law that was enacted in December 2019.  Mills says the clock is ticking to comply with the federal legislation.

Cut 6 (10) “…law is presently.”

Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison today in a case that fueled the global me-too movement. Kelli Knight, an outreach coordinator with Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault says on average one out of five women have been raped or sexually assaulted. Not every woman chooses to come forward or come forward immediately. Knight says the general public doesn’t understand the trauma of the situation.

Cut 10 (11) “…do it.”

The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. In Louisiana, there have been six presumptive cases of covid 19. All of the patients are from the New Orleans area. Louisiana’s Health Officer Doctor Jimmy Guidry told state lawmakers that business owners should have work-from-home options and they should not pressure workers into coming in sick….
cut 4 (11) “…operations there”
Major public events surrounding St. Patrick’s Day and St. Joseph’s Day in New Orleans have been canceled in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser takes issue with that decision because he says we owe it to the industry not to disrupt tourism unless necessary.
Cut 12 (10) “…trip.”
Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison today in a case that fueled the global me-too movement and encouraged women to speak out against sexual assault and harassment. Kelli Knight, an outreach coordinator with Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault says today’s sentencing sends a message.
Cut 9 (09) “…assaulted.″

A Baton Rouge woman accused of stealing a truck with a dog inside and then abandoning the vehicle on a hot summer day, resulting in the canine dying, has pleaded to several criminal charges. 30-year-old Leslie Aguillard will be sentenced in June.