7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll likely make an announcement early next week on what restrictions will be lifted when the current stay-at-home order expires on April 30th. Edwards says as we get ready for a new normal, residents should get used to wearing masks in public places…
cut 11 (08) “…covering”
Edwards says the state is halfway through a 14-day period of a downward trajectory of new cases which is needed to partially reopen the economy.

Since March 27th, the Louisiana Workforce Commission has paid $561 million in unemployment benefits to 302,000 claimants. LWC executive director Ava Dejoie says when you compare the numbers to last year, it shows the massive impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the state’s workforce.
Cut 13 (09) “…short of mindblowing.”

We are receiving reports about storm-related deaths in DeSoto and Rapides Parishes. We’ll have more on this in future newscasts.

Tulane University is launching a study to see if hydroxychloroquine can prevent transmission in people exposed to COVID-19. Tulane School of Medicine Infectious Disease Epidemiologist Doctor Patricia Kissinger says if you’ve been in close contact with a confirmed case and you’re interested, they’ll have you do a telemedicine conference, then…
cut 8 (08) “…day 28”
Tulane hopes to enroll 500 local participants.

There is no Festival International in downtown Lafayette this weekend, but a three-day virtual music festival will begin tomorrow night. Festival spokesperson Carly Viator says their famous festival punch will also be available…
cut 5 (09) “…souvenir cups”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis, head coach Sean Payton, and the team’s top scouts will communicate with the league office and each other from their own homes for tonight’s NFL draft. Loomis says he’s planned for internet and power outages…
cut 18 (22) “…the league”
The Saints have the 24th pick in tonight’s first round. New Orleans also has picks in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds.

ESPN reports that Payton has told the players there will not be a virtual offseason training program. The coach who has recovered from COVID-19 reportedly told the players to take care of their families, but show up in July for training camp in great shape.

Tonight will be a big night for LSU football as at least four members of the 2019 national champs will be selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Football analyst Mike Detillier says Joe Burrow will be the first pick and Justin Jefferson, K’Lavon Chaisson and Patrick Queen will also go in the first round. Detillier says safety Grant Delpit could also be a first-round pick, even though his production fell off last season because of injuries…
cut 16 (16) “….hurt Grant”
Detillier says the Saints could use their 24th overall pick to take former LSU linebacker Patrick Queen. Former Tigers cornerback Kristian Fulton could also be a first-round pick.

Former All-American La Tech cornerback Amik Robertson will hear his name called tomorrow night in either the second or third round.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards is calling on Louisiana residents to “mask up” which means wearing a face mask in public places. Edwards says wearing a mask reduces the chances of asymptomatic, or mildly symptomatic people unknowingly transmitting the virus to others.
Cut 10 (06) “for them”
Edwards has also indicated that early next week he’ll announce what restrictions will be lifted when the current stay-at-home order expires on April 30th.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission has paid out 561-million dollars in total benefits to 302-thousand Louisianans whose employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Many have found it difficult to file claims or receive their benefits on a timely basis, but L-W-C executive director Ava Dejoie says they are adding an additional server to its network…
cut 15 (07) “…we can”

Tulane will conduct a clinical trial to see whether hydroxychloroquine can be used to prevent COVID-19 cases. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Tonight is the night for former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, who is expected to be selected with the number one pick in the NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.

AM Newscall 04/23/2020

Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette will be shifting to a virtual festival format this weekend. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

_____________________________________

 Tulane will conduct a clinical trial to see whether hydroxychloroquine can be used to prevent COVID-19 cases. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Governor Edwards says face masks will be the new normal in public places…

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________________________

Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette is one of the many events canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of trying to push back to the fall, a virtual music festival will happen instead. Festival spokesperson Carly Viator says they will stream musical performances starting tomorrow through Sunday.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…some surprise collaborations.”

Virtual festival participants are encouraged to dress up just as they would for the physical event and prepare something interesting to eat.

Viator says due to popular demand, the famous festival punch will be available at several locations.

Cut 5 (09)  “…their souvenir cups.”

Pins, posters, and flags will be available to purchase at these locations, or you can snag yours online.

Viator says there will also be a virtual 5k for those who need an excuse to get out of the house and run.

Cut 6 (09) “…to run with.”

This would have been the 34th year for the festival and the live stream takes place on the event’s Facebook page.

______________________________

Tulane is set to study whether hydroxychloroquine can be used to help prevent people who’ve been exposed to coronavirus from developing COVID-19.

Tulane School of Medicine Infectious Disease Epidemiologist Dr. Patricia Kissinger says the treatment has shown promise, but it needs to be proven in a human clinical trial.

Cut 7 (10) “…cells”

Kissinger says if you’ve been in close contact with a confirmed case, and you’re interested, they’ll have you do a telemedicine conference, then…

Cut 8 (08) “day 28.”

Tulane hopes to enroll 500 local participants.

Kissinger says the treatment is much like prophylactics given to those exposed to HIV, and it could be a vital tool once contact tracing becomes more widespread.

Cut 9 (10) “…infection.″

The trial is part of a nationwide effort with other sites in Baltimore, Washington, New York City, Boston, and LA.

____________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is calling on Louisiana residents to “mask up” which means wearing a face mask in public places. Edwards says wearing a mask reduces the chances of asymptomatic, or mildly symptomatic people unknowingly transmitting the virus to others.

Cut 10 (06) “for them”

Guidelines still call for anyone feeling sick to self-quarantine, even if they have a mask.

Edwards says if you don’t have a mask then you need to get one or make one ASAP.

Cut 11 (08) “…covering.”

Edwards says while masks are recommended for the public, gloves are not. He says they can cause more harm than good.

Cut 12 (12) “their face”

The Governor says the state is currently around day seven of a 14 day period of a measured decline in case growth he would need to see in order to partially reopen the economy on May 1st.

___________________________

Since March 27th, the Louisiana Workforce Commission has paid out more than $561 million in unemployment benefits to 302,000 claimants.  LWC executive director Ava Dejoie says when putting it into perspective with last year, it showcases just how much the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the state’s workforce.

Cut 13 (09) “…short of mindblowing.”

Last year, there were only 103,000 claimants.

Dejoie says beginning Sunday, the LWC will allow individuals to file their weekly certifications based on the last digit of their social security number.

Cut 14 (12) “…accept all numbers.”

Dejoie says they are currently in the process of adding an additional server to its network to be able to handle more online volume.

Cut 15 (07)“…that we can.”

Dejoie says all individuals will get the payments they are entitled to retroactive to April 4 and for any other time period related to COVID-19 events.

____________________________________________

At least four members of the 2019 national champion LSU football team will be selected in the first round of tonight’s NFL draft. Football analyst Mike Detillier says Joe Burrow will be the first pick and Justin Jefferson, K’Lavon Chaisson and Patrick Queen will also go in the first round. Detillier says safety Grant Delpit could also be a first-round pick, even though his production fell off last seasons…

Cut 16  (16)  “…hurt Grant” 

Detillier says the Saints could use the 24th overall pick to take former LSU linebacker Patrick Queen. He says the Black and Gold could also take one of the talented wide receivers in this draft class…

cut 17  (14) “…select em” 

____________________________________________

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis, head coach Sean Payton and the team’s top scouts will communication with the league office and each other from their own homes. Loomis says he’s planned for internet and power outages

Cut 18  (22) “…the league”   

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Saints did not bring in any players for personal workouts. Loomis says some of the virtual pro days that players put together are useful…

cut 19 (25) big picture”  

The Saints will not have an offseason conditioning program or virtual OTAs. Coach Sean Payton has asked the current players to show up in July for training camp in the best shape of their lives. Loomis says they understand many of their rookies might not make a huge impact in 2020, because of this unusual offseason…

cut 20 (22) “  ordinarillyl”  

530 PM LRN News

The latest numbers from the state are in and currently, the state has recorded 25,258 positive cases of COVID-19. Up 404 from the previous day. And is now reporting 1,473 fatalities up 68 from Tuesday.

A bill that would expand mail-in voting for the July and August elections heads to the full House and Senate. The legislation expands voting options, doubles the early voting period, and more, but it didn’t have unanimous support. In House Governmental Affairs, State Representative Rodney Schamerhorn of Vernon Parish says his constituents oppose any election rule changes.

Cut 7 (08) “determined”

The Resilient Louisiana Commission began its work today in coming up with recommendations on how the state can jump-start its shuttered economy with a few words from the Governor…

Cut 14 (06) “…innovation.”

A UL Lafayette student’s face mask sewing operation receives the national spotlight from CBS.  Sewing with Savoie founder Christine Savoie set up a Facebook page for the operation to help in distributing sewing patterns, take requests, and donations of resources. Savoie says it has been rewarding seeing the pictures of people wearing some of the different masks she has made.

Cut 5 (12)  “…some thin mints.”

Oil has rebounded from its price earlier this week in the negatives, but it’s unlikely to make much of a difference at the pump. Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan predicts prices could drop another twenty to forty cents a gallon.

Cut 10 (07) “…the country.”

As some states start to lift their stay at home orders and the demand for gas slowly increases, DeHaan says he doesn’t expect to see a big jump in pump prices.

4:45 LRN Sportscast April 22nd

The Bengals are expected to select former LSU Q-B Joe Burrow with the number one pick in tomorrow night’s N-F-L draft. If that’s the case, Burrow will play for a franchise that has not won a playoff game since 1991. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says Burrow will look forward to the challenge in making Cincinnati a winner
Cut 16 (25) “…at Cincinnati”
A Cincinnati television station is reporting the Bengals have already informed Burrow that they will select the Heisman Trophy winner with their number one pick. And there’s a billboard up in Baton Rouge that has an image of Burrow thanking LSU and Louisiana.

In a time of great uncertainty, the Independence Bowl has been able to agree to a title sponsorship agreement with Radiance Technologies out of Huntsville, Alabama. If the I-Bowl is played in December, it will feature Army versus a team from the PAC-12. Radiance Technologies CEO Bill Bailey says they’ve been looking for the right opportunity to increase their brand awareness nationally and they found it with this partnership…
cut 20 (22) “…Independence Bowl”

Saints Coach Sean Payton has told his players that the team will not conduct an offseason conditioning program. He told his guys in a Zoom Call to take care of your families, health and show up for training camp in July in the best shape of your life.

4:30 PM Newscast

The markets remain volatile and the price of oil continues to plummet. According to Gas Buddy the average price of gasoline in Louisiana is $1.64 a gallon today. Head of Petroleum Analysis at Gas Buddy Patrick DeHaan says the average price is down about a nickel from last week.
Cut 9 (09) “selling pressure.″
DeHaan says there have been some prices as low as $1.05 a gallon in New Orleans.

A proposal for expanded mail-in ballot voting in the July and August elections clears key Legislative committees. The legislation expands voting options, doubles the early voting period, and more. Democrat Royce Duplessis, a state representative from New Orleans,  ultimately backed the plan but raised concerns to Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin about requiring residents to disclose health conditions to get mail-in ballots, and…

Cut 8 (10) “…manner”

The Resilient Louisiana Commission began its work today in coming up with recommendations on how the state can jump-start its shuttered economy. The commission will examine 15 different sectors of Louisiana’s economy that include energy, manufacturing, health care, tourism, and education and provide the governor with strategies on how they can be more resilient. Governor Edwards gave the panel words of encouragement…

Cut 14 (06) “…innovation.”

Edwards says he plans to announce early next week what restrictions will be in place starting on May 1st.

A UL Lafayette student’s face mask sewing operation receives the national spotlight from CBS.  Sewing with Savoy founder Christine Savoy says requests for masks have picked up with the CDC now recommending face masks and she says she’s got a tight-knit group of friends helping to contribute to the assembly of hundreds of masks.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…a small group.”

3:30 LRN Newscast April 22

Legislative committees approve a plan to allow expanded use of mail-in ballots for the July and August elections. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

According to the department of health the state has recorded 25,258 positive cases of COVID-19. Up 404 And is now reporting 1,473 fatalities up 68. Of the fatalities reported 32-percent are from nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the state.

The Resilient Louisiana Commission meetings today coming up with recommendations on how the state can jump-start its shuttered economy. Governor Edwards says some businesses could re-open on May 1st, if the state sees a downward trajectory in COVID-19 cases, reported flu-like symptoms and hospitalizations. But the governor says life will not return to pre-COVID right away

Cut 13 (12) “…economy too.”

Edwards says he plans to announce early next week what restrictions will be in place starting on May 1st.

A UL Lafayette student’s face mask sewing operation receives the national spotlight from CBS.  Sewing with Savoie founder Christine Savoie says requests for masks have picked up with the CDC recommendations.

Cut 3 (12)  “…to feel protected.”  

2:30 LRN Newscast April 22

 

The Resilient Louisiana Commission began its work today in coming up with recommendations on how the state can jump-start its shuttered economy. Governor Edwards says great ideas are needed from this 18-member panel…

Cut 12 (11) “…what you do.”

Edwards says he plans to announce early next week what restrictions will be in place starting on May 1st.

According to Gas Buddy, the average price of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $1.64 a gallon and some service stations are selling gas for close to a dollar a gallon. Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says as some states start to lift their stay at home orders and the demand for gas slowly increases, he doesn’t expect to see a jump in prices.

Cut 11 (08) “…to this”

A proposal for expanded mail-in ballot voting in the July and August elections clears key Legislative committees. It also moves voting booths out of nursing homes and will cost about four million dollars. Passage wasn’t unanimous. In the House Governmental Affairs Committee, Vernon Parish Representative Rodney Schamerhorn says his constituents oppose any election rule changes.

Cut 7 (08) “determined”

It still needs full Senate and House approval which will be voted on by mail.

A UL Lafayette student’s face mask sewing operation receives the national spotlight from CBS.  Sewing with Savoie founder Christine Savoie set up a Facebook page for the operation.  She says it’s been rewarding seeing pictures of people wearing her masks.

Cut 5 (06)  “…alligators.”

Updated ##LRN PM Newscall added a sentence to Edwards story after cut 13###

A U-L Lafayette student’s face mask sewing operation is receiving national attention. Kevin Barnhart has more on Sewing with Savoie…

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________

Legislative committes approve a plan to allow expanded use of mail in ballots for the July and August elections. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________________

A UL Lafayette student’s face mask sewing operation receives the national spotlight from CBS.  Sewing with Savoie founder Christine Savoie says requests for masks have picked up with the CDC now recommending wearing a face covering when in public.

Cut 3 (12)  “…to feel protected.”  

Savoie says she’s got a tight-knit group of friends helping to contribute to the assembly of hundreds of masks.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…a small group.”

Savoie set up a Facebook page for the operation to help in distributing sewing patterns, take requests, and donations of resources.  Savoie says it has been rewarding seeing the pictures of people wearing some of the different masks she has made.

Cut 5 (12)  “…some thin mints.”
__________________________________________

A proposal for expanded mail-in ballot voting in the July and August elections clears key Legislative committees.

The legislation expands voting options, doubles the early voting period, and more. Houma Representative Tanner McGee says it’s not perfect but AG Jeff Landry backs the plan.

Cut 6 (08) “…process”

The bill also moves voting booths out of nursing homes and funds some preventative measures to limit viral spread at voting locations and will cost about four million dollars.

Passage wasn’t unanimous. In House Governmental Affairs, state representative Rodney Schamerhorn of Vernon Parish says his constituents oppose any election rule changes.

Cut 7 (08) “determined”

The vote passed the House committee 11-5.

Democrat Royce Duplessis, a state representative from New Orleans,  ultimately backed the plan but raised concerns to Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin about requiring residents to disclose health conditions to get mail-in ballots, and…

Cut 8 (10) “…manner”

The proposal will go before the entire House and Senate for approval by mail-in ballot.

___________________________________________________

According to Gas Buddy, the average price of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $1.64 a gallon and some service stations are selling gas for close to a dollar a gallon. Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the average price is down about a nickel from last week.

Cut 9 (09) “selling pressure.″

There have been some prices as low as $1.05 a gallon in New Orleans.

DeHaan predicts prices could drop another twenty to forty cents a gallon.

Cut 10 (07) “…the country.”

As some states start to lift their stay at home orders and the demand for gas slowly increases, DeHaan says he doesn’t expect to see a big jump in pump prices.

Cut 11 (08) “…to this”

________________________________________________

The Resilient Louisiana Commission began its work today in coming up with recommendations on how the state can jump-start its shuttered economy. Governor Edwards says great ideas are needed from this 18-member panel…

Cut 12 (11) “…what you do.”

Edwards says some businesses could re-open on May 1st, if the state sees a downward trajectory in COVID-19 cases, reported flu-like symptoms and hospitalizations. But the governor says life will not return to pre-COVID right away

Cut 13 (12) “…economy too.”

Edwards says he plans to announce early next week what restrictions will be in place starting on May 1st.

The commission will examine 15 different sectors of Louisiana’s economy that include energy, manufacturing, health care, tourism, and education and provide the governor with strategies on how they can be more resilient. Edwards gave the panel words of encouragement…

Cut 14 (06) “…innovation.”