430PM LRN News

The Trump Administration issues guidelines to states on how to reopen their economies in three “phases”. Phase one continues to encourage social distancing but allows activities like limited dine-in access to restaurants. Governor Edwards says any implementation of these phased reopenings will be done on the advice of his Resilient Louisiana Commission that will study the potential tradeoffs of opening the economy.

Cut 14 (10) “…die”

New infections are down in Louisiana but the death toll continues to rise with 57 new COVID-19 fatalities reported today.

The Governor toured the PMAC today.  The home of LSU basketball is playing host to a giant operation to create PPE for frontline healthcare workers.  Interim LSU President Thomas Galligan says the operation started in the garage of the head of LSU’s Medical Physics department.

Cut 9 (08) “…an arena operation.″

Dangerous weather conditions are expected with the arrival of two cold fronts into the state this weekend. State climatologist Barry Keim says the first front will roll in late Friday night into Saturday morning.

Cut 3 (10)  “…severe weather potential.”  

The forecaster puts the portion of Louisiana between I-10 and I-20 in the slight to an enhanced risk category for severe weather.

The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation is raising money to help bar owners stay afloat and keep your favorite local watering hole alive through the COVID Crisis. To contribute or to seek aid visit LHF’s website and look for the South Louisiana Bar Owner Relief Fund.

Cut 8 (06) “…plan”

That’s LHF Executive Director Jennifer Kelley who says locally officials could help bars by expanding alcohol delivery laws.

330PM LRN News

Louisiana’s total COVID death count hits 1,213 after another 57 deaths were reported today. The virus still seems to be mostly effecting three areas in particular: Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and the New Orleans metro area which is home to over half of the state’s total cases. Ventilator use and hospitalizations are down.

Social distancing won’t be hard this weekend as Louisiana could see another round of severe weather on Sunday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Trump Administration issues guidelines to states on how to reopen their economies in three “phases”. Phase one continues to encourage social distancing but allows activities like limited dine-in access to restaurants, and Phase One reopenings are being left to local governments with recommendations of implementation on a parish by parish basis. The Pelican Institute VP of Policy and Governmental Affairs Renee Amar says her organization backs implementing this plan come may 1st

Cut 13 (10) “…place”

The Governor toured the PMAC today.  The home of LSU basketball is playing host to a giant operation to create PPE for frontline healthcare workers.  Interim LSU President Thomas Galligan says the makeshift PPE factory has produced gowns from donated billboard vinyl.

Cut 10 (08) “…first three days.”

 

2:30 LRN newscast April 17

Phase One of the federal guidelines on reopening the economy call for limited access to dine in restaurants and gyms, reopening of elective surgical centers, and more. Matt Doyle has local reaction…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said on CNN she understands the NFL is looking at its options when it comes to starting the regular season in September, but she thinks no fans inside the Superdome is the best way to go.

At this hour, Governor Edwards is at LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center, where university employees are producing Personal Protective Equipment for those on the frontline in the fight against COVID -19. LSU interim president Thomas Galligan credits the ability of departments to work in unison…
cut 11 (11) “…as a team”
Galligan says vinyl from old billboards is being used to make gowns.

The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation is raising money to help bar owners stay afloat and keep your favorite local watering hole alive. LHF Executive Director Jennifer Kelley says all bars are closed and unlike restaurants, they don’t have the option of takeout or delivery.
Cut 6 (10) “…bills”
To contribute or seek aid, go to L-H-F’s website.

LRN PM Newscall

Louisiana could see another round of severe weather on Sunday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Phase One of federal guidelines on reopening the economy call for limited access to dine in restaurants and gyms, reopening of elective surgical centers, and more. Matt Doyle has local reaction…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________________

Dangerous weather conditions are expected with the arrival of two cold fronts into the state this weekend. State climatologist Barry Keim says the first front will roll in late Friday night into Saturday morning.

Cut 3 (10)  “…severe weather potential.”  

The forecaster puts the portion of Louisiana between I-10 and I-20 in the slight to an enhanced risk category for severe weather. Keim says the potential for severe weather is not as great as it was last weekend, but it could still be a bumpy ride and is still worth monitoring.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…across into Georgia.”

Keim says the rain potential is up to about an inch and a half, adding that it is much needed in south Louisiana.

Cut 5 (09)  “…a bigger problem.”

__________________________________________

The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation is raising money to help bar owners stay afloat and keep your favorite local watering hole alive through the COVID Crisis.

LHF Executive Director Jennifer Kelley says all bars are closed and unlike restaurants, they don’t have the option of takeout or delivery.

Cut 6 (10) “…bills”

Many small businesses are keeping the lights on by taking advantage of federal programs like the CARES Act. Kelley says, unfortunately, bars have a very unusual business model…

Cut 7 (11) “sense”

Kelley says locally officials could help bars by expanding alcohol delivery laws.

To contribute or to seek aid visit LHF’s website and look for the South Louisiana Bar Owner Relief Fund.

Cut 8 (06) “…plan”

___________________________________________________

The Governor toured the PMAC today.  The home of LSU basketball is playing host to a giant operation to create PPE for frontline healthcare workers.  Interim LSU President Thomas Galligan says the operation started in the garage of Wayne Newhauser, the head of LSU’s Medical Physics department.

Cut 9 (08) “…an arena operation.″

Galligan says the makeshift PPE factory has produced gowns from donated billboard vinyl.

Cut 10 (08) “…first three days.”

In the near future, Galligan believes the operation will be outputting 1000 gowns a day.

Galligan credits the ability of departments to work in unison to get the job done.

Cut 11 (11) “…as a team.”

________________________________________________

The Trump Administration issues guidelines to states on how to reopen their economies in three “phases”.

Phase one continues to encourage social distancing but allows activities like limited dine-in access to restaurants. The Pelican Institute is calling on Louisiana to implement Phase One May 1st.

Cut 12 (07) “recommended”

That’s VP of Policy and Governmental Affairs Renee Amar.

Phase One reopenings are being left to local governments with recommendations of implementation on a parish by parish basis. Amar says the phase-ins are effective because they’re flexible…

Cut 13 (10) “…place”

Governor Edwards says any implementation of these phased reopenings will be done on the advice of his Resilient Louisiana Commission that will study the potential tradeoffs of opening the economy.

Cut 14 (10) “…die”

1:30 PM Newscast

Dangerous weather conditions are expected with the arrival of two cold fronts into the state this weekend. State climatologist Barry Keim says the potential for severe weather on Sunday is not as great as it was last weekend, but it could still be a bumpy ride and is still worth monitoring.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…across into Georgia.”

The forecaster puts the portion of Louisiana between I-10 and I-20 in the slight to an enhanced risk category for severe weather.

The Governor tours the PMAC today.  The home of LSU basketball is playing host to a giant operation to create PPE for frontline healthcare workers.  Interim LSU President Thomas Galligan says the operation started in the garage of Wayne Newhauser, the head of LSU’s Medical Physics department.

Cut 9 (08) “…an arena operation.″

In the near future, Galligan believes the operation will be outputting 1000 gowns a day.

The Trump Administration issues guidelines to states on how to reopen their economies in three “phases”.  Phase one continues to encourage social distancing but allows activities like limited dine-in access to restaurants. The Pelican Institute is calling on Louisiana to implement Phase One May 1st.  VP of Policy and Governmental Affairs Renee Amar…

Cut 12 (07) “recommended”

The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation is raising money to help bar owners stay afloat and keep your favorite local watering hole alive through the COVID Crisis.  Many small businesses are keeping the lights on by taking advantage of federal programs like the CARES Act.  LHF Executive Director Jennifer Kelley says, unfortunately, bars have a very unusual business model…
Cut 7 (11) “sense”
Kelley says locally officials could help bars by expanding alcohol delivery laws.

1230 PM LRN News

Over 1,200 people are now confirmed to have died of COVID-19 in Louisiana as the state tallies another 57 fatalities. Despite the growing loss of life the spread of the virus appears to be slowing consistently as ventilator use and hospitalizations are down.

This will be a good weekend for social distancing with some nasty weather headed our way.  State climatologist Barry Keim says the rain potential is up to about an inch and a half, which will be a relief for south Louisiana…

Cut 5 (09)  “…a bigger problem.”

Bars statewide remain shuttered and bills are piling up so the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation is raising money to help owners stay afloat. LHF Executive Director Jennifer Kelley says to contribute to your local watering hole or to seek aid visit LHF’s website and look for the South Louisiana Bar Owner Relief Fund.

Cut 8 (06) “…plan”

The Department of Education has provided guidelines for local districts in student advancement.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

1130 AM LRN News

Voodoo Fest joins the growing list of major New Orleans festivals calling it quits for 2020 as concerns over the viability of any large gatherings happening anytime this year grows. Jazz Fest and Essence fest canceled earlier this week and CEO of New Orleans and Company, the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau, Mark Romig says this is going to blow a major hole in the city’s budget…

Cut 8 (10) “…with that”

Jazz Fest alone generated 400 million dollars in economic activity last year.

Dangerous weather conditions are expected with the arrival of two cold fronts into the state this weekend. State climatologist Barry Keim say the first front will roll in late Friday night into Saturday morning.

Cut 3 (10)  “…severe weather potential.”  

The worst weather will be found between I10 and I20

The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation is raising money to help bar owners stay afloat and keep your favorite local watering hole alive through the COVID Crisis. LHF Executive Director Jennifer Kelley says all bars are closed and unlike restaurants or retailers these businesses don’t have the option of takeout or delivery.

Cut 6, 10 seconds, bills

To help you can contribute, or to seek aid visit LHF’s website and look for the South Louisiana bar owner Relief Fund.

The state department of education has provided additional guidance to local school districts on determining if a student should advance to the next grade. Assistant state superintendent Ken Bradford says the districts can have the freedom to allow teachers to break away from the traditional time restrictions for that decision…

Cut 12 (10) “through the summer.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 17

President Donald Trump has issued guidelines on how to reopen the economy and that includes bringing sports back. The President says when sports return, fans will not be allowed inside the arena or stadium at first…
cut 30 (19) “…to be”
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was a guest on CNN yesterday and said she understands the NFL is looking at its options, but she thinks no fans inside the Superdome is the best way to go.

ESPN reports the NFL plans to release its 16-game schedule on May ninth, but the schedule is being done to allow for flexibility. The Washington Post reports the league could close off stadiums to fans or let a certain percentage in.

10:30 AM Newscast

For the first time in it’s 50-year history Jazz Fest will not happen. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

A parishioner at the Life Tabernacle Church in Central has died from complications related to COVID-19. The pastor at that church in suburban Baton Rouge, Reverend Tony Spell, has refused to obey the governor’s order of no gatherings of ten people or more. An attorney for Spell is also hospitalized with COVID 19.

LSU Health Shreveport is bringing testing online that will allow them to check people’s blood for antibodies that may indicate they are immune to coronavirus. But Immunology Professor Matthew Woolard says it’s not just enough to know if you have anti-coronavirus antibodies, we need to know how effective they are, and how many are needed to be effective.
Cut 4 (08)_ “…standard.”
If a person is found to have effective antibodies they could return to a normal life without fear of getting themselves or others sick.
A group dedicated to delivering meals to children in Southeast Louisiana is granted $50,000 to continue its operations through the summer from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana for Community Crisis and Disaster Response.  Operation Manager for The Three O’clock Project Jeff Landry says he has hired more than 350 workers to prepare and distribute the meals.

Cut 13 (10) “…case may be.”

9:30 LRN Newscast April 17

The state department of education has provided additional guidance to local school districts on determining if a student should advance to the next grade, with schools closed for the rest of the academic year. Assistant state superintendent Ken Bradford says in some cases a sit down must occur between the parents, teachers, and counselors to discuss how a child can catch up in time for next school year…
cut 11 (07) “….through the summer”

The three o’clock project is a group that delivers meals to students across much of south Louisiana. Operation manager Jeff Landry says they just received a 50-thousand grant so they can continue this service into the summer. Landry says they’ve hired more than 350 workers to prepare and distribute 20-thousand meals a day…
cut 14 (10) “…as we speak”

LSU Health Shreveport will start to conduct serology testing that will help determine if someone had COVID-19 but were asymptomatic. Once a person has COVID-19 they build antibodies to fight the virus if it tries to re-enter their body. Immunology Professor Matthew Woolard says they will also document the rate at which a person loses antibodies by retesting a person’s blood regularly…
cut 5 (09) “…infection”

The cancellations of Jazz and Essence Fest will pummel New Orleans’ expected 2020 tourism revenue, with more festivals likely to announce similar decisions. CEO of New Orleans and Company, the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau, Mark Romig says the loss of those iconic events is a blow, but they’ll be back.
Cut 7 (08) “…2021.”
Jazz Fest previously announced a postponement until the fall.