Governor Edwards announces the federal government will provide Louisiana with the testing kits needed to administer 200,000 COVID tests a month. So far just over 150,000 tests have been performed. Assistant Secretary for the state office of public health, Dr. Alex Billioux, says a surge in testing will allow for testing of asymptomatic people, especially in prisons and nursing homes…
cut 5 (06) “…individuals”
Billioux also explains why it’s important to wear a mask…
cut 30 (20) “…mutually”

UL system students should plan on heading back to campus in the fall. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Doctor Karen Sun says the Formosan subterranean termite season has arrived. The swarms begin at dusk and Sun says one of the best mitigation techniques is limiting outdoor lighting…
cut 14 (09) “….that’s possible”
The termites generally dissipate by 10:30 PM, at which point you should be able to turn back on outside lights.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces the federal government will provide Louisiana with the resources needed to administer 200,000 COVID tests a month. So far just over 150,000 tests have been performed. Edwards says starting next month the state will begin to receive more testing kits and the weekly allocation will increase over time…
Cut 4 (09)_ “to get.”
The governor is in Washington D-C today for a one-on-one meeting with President Donald Trump. Testing will be one of the major topics.

Universities are planning to welcome students back to their college campuses this fall, but how much of a state funding hit will these schools take. The state is anticipating lower revenues because of the COVID-19 shutdown, but University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says that it doesn’t necessarily mean the system will go under…
cut 12 (08) “…students”

The surviving Baton Rouge Police officer wounded in Sunday’s fatal shootout that killed another officer is showing promising signs of recovery. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (24) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

State lawmakers have approved Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan for more early voting days and expanded mail-in balloting options for the July and August elections. Ardoin says this is a temporary response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But many Republican lawmakers are concerned about the mail-in voting expansion.

The state is working to increase coronavirus testing and what about Mardi Gras next year. Matt Doyle reports the governor spoke about both topics…
voicer 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Edwards is in Washington D.C. today. He’s one of a handful of governors who President Donald Trump asked to meet with one-on-one. In a statement, Edwards says he plans to talk with the President about plans to re-open additional businesses next month and surging their testing capacity.

University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says they plan on having students back on their nine campuses for the fall semester. Henderson says it is important to have the students back in class so they can continue their education and not suffer further setbacks.
Cut 10 (09) “uncertainty”
LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan says they’re planning on doing the same at the flagship campus.

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory supports Governor John Bel Edwards’ decision to extend the stay-at-home order to May 15th. Guillory says he knows many are disappointed, but he believes the Governor is acting in good faith.
Cut 7 (08) “…Governor’s coming from.”
The governor says rising cases of COVID-19 in Acadiana, Baton Rouge, and northeast Louisiana played a major role in extending the stay at home order for another two weeks.

The COVID-19 pandemic hits Louisiana’s construction sector hard, but industry leaders are calling for increased investment in infrastructure to reverse that trend. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

The state records 61 additional fatalities today, bring the death toll to 1758. Total cases: 27,286, up by 219. Both hospitalizations and ventilator usage have gone down.

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says he’s disappointed in the Governor’s decision to extend the stay at home order to May 15^th. Waguespack says the Governor should trust business owners to implement rules that would limit viral spread on their properties.

Cut 3 (08)  “…businesses”   

LABI is asking the state to use the extra time to develop a comprehensive plan to allow all businesses to open by May 15^th at the latest.

A survey from Lending Tree indicates that 91 percent of coronavirus-impacted homeowners, who asked for assistance or forbearance on their mortgage are successful. Lending Tree Chief Credit Analyst Matt Schulz says unemployment relief and stimulus checks are helpful, but they trickle in, receiving immediate assistance from creditors is more effective.

Cut 10 (10) “…getting recently”

Governor Edwards extends the stay at home order until May 15^th citing concerning COVID-19 case growth in areas outside of the New Orleans epicenter like Monroe. Ouachita Parish reports 651 total cases and 16 COVID deaths, and Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo supports the stay at home extension.

Cut 12 (10) “…worse”

LDH reports the Monroe and Baton Rouge regions are seeing increases in both cases and hospitalizations.

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says he’s disappointed in the Governor’s decision to extend the stay at home order. Waguespack pointed to the many businesses deemed as essential as proof that companies can operate safely right now.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…the same.”

The Associated General Contractors of America says the pandemic has hit the construction industry hard.  Spokesperson Brian Turmail says nationally, 68 percent of construction firms report having at least one project that was underway canceled or delayed and Louisiana is part of that trend.

Cut 6 (13) “…the association tracks.”

New Orleans saw construction jobs dip by 2,800 from March 2019 to March 2020, a 10 percent drop. 

A survey from Lending Tree indicates that 91 percent of coronavirus-impacted homeowners, who asked for assistance or forbearance on their mortgage are successful. Lending Tree Chief Credit Analyst Matt Schulz says he’s surprised by the high percentage, but it shows it’s worth the time to reach out to your lender.

Cut 9 (09) “…your lender.″

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry disagrees with Governor Edwards’ decision to extend the stay at home order to May 15th. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

The state records 61 additional fatalities today, bring the death toll to 1758. Total cases: 27,286, up by 219. Both hospitalizations and ventilator usage have gone down.

The Associated General Contractors of America says the pandemic has hit the construction industry hard. CEO of the Louisiana AGC Ken Naquin says increased investment in infrastructure could help mitigate the economic downturn by putting more people back to work in high-paying construction careers.

Cut 8 (10) “…it on infrastructure.”

New Orleans saw construction jobs dip by 2,800 over the year, a 10 percent drop.

Governor Edwards extends the stay at home order until May 15^th citing concerning COVID-19 case growth in areas outside of the New Orleans epicenter like Monroe. Ouachita Parish reports 651 total cases and 16 COVID deaths, and Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo says just driving around town he still sees groups of people getting together and disregarding social distancing.

Cut 13 (10) “…not good”

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says he’s disappointed in the Governor’s decision to extend the stay at home order to May 15^th.  Waguespack says the longer Louisiana brick and mortar stores stay closed, the more comfortable Louisianans will get ordering online from out of state vendors.
Cut 5 (08)  “…Louisiana.”
LABI is asking the state to use the extra time to develop a comprehensive plan to allow all businesses to open by May 15^th at the latest.
The Associated General Contractors of America says New Orleans saw construction jobs dip by 2,800 over the year, a 10 percent drop.  Spokesperson Brian Turmail says metros across south Louisiana are seeing the worst of the state’s over-the-year downward trends.
Cut 7 (11) “…in Baton Rouge.”
Shreveport saw 100 construction jobs lost, down 1 percent.

A survey from Lending Tree indicates that 91 percent of coronavirus-impacted homeowners, who have asked for assistance or forbearance on their monthly bill, are successful.  While a majority of those who ask for help are granted assistance, Lending Tree Chief Credit Analyst Matt Schulz says many are unaware, almost one in five, that the option is even available with their mortgage.

Cut 11 (09) “…need to.”

Schulz says if you need assistance you have to make the effort to reach out to your mortgage company.

Governor Edwards extends the stay at home order until May 15^th citing concerning COVID-19 case growth in areas outside of the New Orleans epicenter like Monroe.  Ouachita Parish reports 651 total cases and 16 COVID deaths, and Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo supports the stay at home extension, adding he’s also not seeing nearly enough people wear masks in public.

Cut 14 (11) “…with”

The newest covid-19 cases from the state show positive cases are up 218, a total of 27,286, the smallest percent increase since the outbreak began and fatalities are up 61 to 1758.

The COVID-19 pandemic hits Louisiana’s construction sector hard, but industry leaders are calling for increased investment in infrastructure to reverse that trend. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Governor Edwards extends the stay at home order until May 15^th citing concerning COVID-19 case growth in areas outside of the New Orleans epicenter like Monroe.

Ouachita Parish reports 651 total cases and 16 COVID deaths, Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo supports the stay at home extension.

Cut 12 (10) “…worse”

LDH reports the Monroe and Baton Rouge regions are seeing increases in both cases and hospitalizations, while Acadiana is seeing increased cases.

A survey from Lending Tree indicates that 91 percent of coronavirus-impacted homeowners, who asked for assistance are successful. Lending Tree Chief Credit Analyst Matt Schulz says unemployment relief and stimulus checks are helpful but immediate assistance is more effective.

Cut 10 (10) “…getting recently”

The state has released the newest coronavirus numbers, positive cases are up 218 from Monday, a total of 27,286. And fatalities are now at 1758 up 61 from the previous day. Total hospitalizations are at 1666, down 17 and vent usage is down 18 to 244.

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says he’s disappointed in the Governor’s decision to extend the stay at home order to May 15^th.

Waguespack says the Governor should trust business owners to implement rules that would limit viral spread on their properties.

Cut 3 (08)  “…businesses”   

The governor says he made the decision to extend the stay at home order because the state did not meet the phase one guidelines issued by the White House.

The Associated General Contractors of America says the pandemic has hit the construction industry hard.  Spokesperson Brian Turmail says the nationally 68 percent of construction firms report having at least one project that was underway canceled or delayed since the start of the pandemic and Louisiana is part of that trend.

Cut 6 (13) “…the association tracks.”

A survey from Lending Tree indicates that 91 percent of coronavirus-impacted homeowners, who have asked for assistance or forbearance on their monthly bill, are successful.  Lending Tree Chief Credit Analyst Matt Schulz says he’s surprised at the number, but if you need help, he says it’s worth the time to reach out to your lender.

Cut 9 (09) “…your lender.″

The survey also indicated only 1 in 5 knew to contact their lenders for such assistance.

Governor John Bel Edwards has extended the stay at home order until May 15th. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (44) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Northwest Louisiana is under an enhanced risk of severe weather today that includes the Shreveport area, Natchitoches, and Minden.

Fatal crashes were up eight percent from March 16^th to April 20^th compared to the same time last year despite an estimated up to 40 percent fewer cars being on the road, and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says reckless, drunk, or distracted driving is in some ways possibly more dangerous than it used to be with all the new foot traffic on sidewalks these days.

Cut 9 (12) “…factored in”

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association warns the sector is on pace to be hit harder than previously thought.

President Gifford Briggs says roughly 33,000 people earning wages over three billion dollars directly work in the industry. He says surveys indicate 70 percent of those jobs will now be lost.

Cut 11 (10) “…economy”