8:30 LRN Newscast

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.

7:30 LRN Newscast

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.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Many Saints fans didn’t like Jameis Winston when he played for Tampa Bay, but the former first overall pick is officially a member of the Black and Gold. New Orleans has announced the signing of Winston, who led the NFL in passing yards last season but threw 30 interceptions. Winston’s contract is for one year. The former Heisman Trophy winner said on Instagram Live that playing for Coach Sean Payton and with Drew Brees will provide him with a Harvard education for quarterbacks.

LSU has added an offensive lineman from Harvard. Six-foot-five, 270 pound Liam Shanahan is signing with the Tigers as a grad transfer. He’s started at right guard, right tackle and left guard during his three seasons with the Crimson. Shanahan was an All-Ivy League first-team selection last season.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is optimistic NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway will happen at the end of May without fans.

The NFL has set the dates for the 2021 draft. It will take place in downtown Cleveland from April 29 to May 1st. The league says the plan is to incorporate some of their innovations and special access from the 2020 draft into their draft plans for next year.

There’s a report Major League Baseball will hold a virtual draft in June. There was some talk about pushing the draft back into the summer. We still don’t know the length of the draft, it could be as short as five rounds or maybe as long as ten rounds.

NCAA President Mark Emmert holds a press conference today where he is expected to announce that the association has come up with rules on how college athletes can make money off of their name, image, and likeness. It would reportedly allow student-athletes to be paid for modeling apparel as long as that apparel doesn’t include school logos or other school marks. And athletes will be allowed to hire an agent to help procure marketing opportunities.

6:30 LRN Newscast

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.

AM Newscall 04/29/2020

Governor Edwards addressed a promise by the feds for more testing equipment and concerns of a canceled 2021 Mardi Gras at yesterday’s press conference…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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UL system students should plan on heading back to campus in fall. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The surviving Baton Rouge Police officer wounded in Sunday’s fatal shootout that killed another officer is starting to show promising signs of recovery.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Governor Edwards announces the feds have committed to provide Louisiana with the resources needed to be able to administer 200,000 COVID tests a month.

Edwards says starting next month the state will receive increasingly larger shipments of test kit materials every week to help them reach that goal.

Cut 4 (09)_ “to get.”

Louisiana Department of Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says that’s great because they’re testing more potential asymptomatic carriers who work or live with those in high-risk groups.

Cut 5 (06)  “…individuals”

First responders and those who work in nursing homes were targeted for potential increased asymptomatic testing.

Edwards also addressed comments by New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell who told reporters she’s considering canceling Mardi Gras 2021.

Cut 6 (08) “…to know.”

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Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory addresses Governor John Bel Edward’s decision to extend the stay-at-home order.  Guillory says he knows the call may have been a disappointing or frustrating development, believes the Governor is acting in good faith.

Cut 7 (08) “…Governor’s coming from.”

Guillory says his region was able to get in front of the virus surge with spread mitigation efforts early on and flattening the curve has lengthened the timeline for reopening.

Cut 8 (10) “…extending the timeframe.”

Guillory remains optimistic the state will move into phase one reopening when the Governor’s stay at home order extension expires, but calls on the public to make that happen.

Cut 9 (13) “…is team player.”

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University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says he’s planning on having students back on UL 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 Tomas Galligan says they’re planning on doing the same at the flagship campus.

Despite the pandemic throwing most plans out the window, Henderson says applications and admissions are up across the board.

Cut 11 (08) “…don’t know”

The state budget could take a crippling hit from the COVID shutdowns, but Henderson says that it doesn’t necessarily mean the system will go under.

Cut 12 (08) “staff”

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Louisiana is at the beginning of termite season and LSU AgCenter Entomologist Karen Sun says now is the time to brace for the incoming swarm.  Sun says the problematic Formosan subterranean termites are an invasive species originally from Asia but thrive in the heat and humidity of Louisiana.

Cut 13 (09) “…worst infested areas.”

The bugs will be swarming for roughly the next two to three months.  The swarms begin at dusk and Sun says one of the best mitigation techniques is limiting outdoor lighting.

Cut 14 (09) “…if that’s possible.”

The termites generally dissipate by 10:30 PM, at which point you should be able to turn back on outside lights.

A lot of folks know about clearing dead wood from the perimeter of your home, but Sun says there are other maintenance efforts that can help keep the termites from becoming a bigger problem.

Cut 15 (10)“…just not necessary.”

5:30 PM Newscast

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 15th. 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 15th 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”

430 PM LRN News

Governor Edwards extends the stay at home order until May 15th 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.″

3:30 PM Newscast

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 15th 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”

2:30 PM Newscast

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 15th.  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 15th 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 15th 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”

1:30 LRN Newscast April 28

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 15th 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”