Updated LRN AM Newscall April 28 ##Updates the time of voicer 1###

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”

_____________________________________

The number of fatal crashes is up in Louisiana despite a significant decrease in the amount of traffic. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

An international agreement to reduce oil production is not going to save the Louisiana oil sector from massive furloughs according to the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________________________

Governor Edwards extends the statewide stay at home order to May 15th citing concerning levels of case growth outside of the Metro New Orleans epicenter.

Cases have recently increased in northeast Louisiana, Baton Rouge, and Acadiana, and Edwards says every doctor and scientist advising him agreed with the extension…

Cut 4 (12)_ “…counts.”

Vice President Mike Pence was informed of the plan and agreed with it as well.

Edwards says the stay at home order has not been a failure, and it helped the state avoid a worst-case scenario but it hasn’t slowed case growth fast enough just yet.

Cut 5 (11)  “…perspective”

Three minor changes were announced as well allowing pick up outside mall-based retail stores, customers to eat take out orders outside of restaurants, and one requiring employees working with the public to wear masks.

Stay at home orders in neighboring Mississippi and Texas are set to end this week, but Edwards says you can’t compare us to them.

Cut 6 (10) “…first.”

Edwards says the next announcement on the stay at home order’s status will be made May 11th.

______________________________

Fatal crashes were up eight percent from March 16th to April 20th compared to the same time last year despite an estimated 30 to 40 percent fewer cars being on the road.

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says it appears the more open roads are bringing out the worst in some motorists.

Cut 7 (10) “…at risk.”

The state counted 66 fatal crashes during that March to April period.

It’s a rough time to get into a bad crash and end up in the ICU. Freeman says be courteous to our frontline medical heroes and don’t drive recklessly.

Cut 8 (10) “…sure.”

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, and oil futures are likely to again trade in the negatives.

President Gifford Briggs says estimates show the world is producing 30 million barrels of oil a day more than it can consume. He says more than half of state wells are set to shut down as a result.

Cut 10 (11) “wells”

He says the recent international deal with OPEC and Russia to cut production by 10 million barrels a day just wasn’t enough.

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”

Briggs says the industry needs tax relief, lawsuit reform, and other state and federal help to survive the historically tough period, but most of all…

Cut 12 (09) “travel”

_____________________________________

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness announces the opening of additional state-supported drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites in Ascension and Lafourche Parishes.  GOHSEP Deputy Director Casey Tingle says the sites will be located in Donaldsonville and Raceland.

Cut 13 (08) “…can get it.”

The two sites had a soft opening for first responders and seniors yesterday with a full opening to all Louisiana residents today.  Tingle says those being tested will not need to get out of their vehicle and says there has been a change in the swabbing process.

Cut 14 (11) “…that they need.”

Candidates for examination must be at least 18 and have a Louisiana ID.  GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says there is a process that may eliminate some patients from swab eligibility.

Cut 15 (08)“…just not necessary.”

The sites are open daily from 8am until noon and can be found at the Donaldsonville Primary School as well as the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Range.

5:30 PM Newscast

Originally set to expire on April 30th, Governor Edwards extends the stay at home order until May 15th. Edwards says the decision was made due to several regions didn’t meet White House criteria for the first phase of reopening. Some restrictions will be eased for malls and restaurants, including the allowance of the use of outdoor dining. Employees working with the public must wear masks starting Friday.

Dental procedures resumed today after a month-long ban. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

LSU interim president Thomas Galligan says the plan is for students to be back on campus this fall. Galligan says the university needs to get back to business, but they ‘ll do it in a safe manner….

Cut 12 (10) “…probably”  (2x)

Galligan says he’s hopeful football will be played in Tiger Stadium this fall, but the Tigers will only take the field when it’s safe and delaying the start of the season is a possibility…

Ouachita Parish Sheriff Deputies arrest a West Monroe man for allegedly firing shots at the home of Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson. O-P-S-O spokesperson Glenn Springfield says 38-year-old Daniel King Jr. has been charged with aggravated assault for the drive-by shooting that happened Friday afternoon.Springfield says surveillance cameras provided important evidence in leading to a quick capture of the suspect.

Cut 5 (06)  “…aware of it.”

4:30 PM Newscast

Governor Edwards extends the stay at home order until May 15th. Edwards says the decision was made after meeting with doctors and scientists, following of White House guidance, as well as analysis of current data. Originally set to expire on April 30th, Edwards says the extended closure came with the support of Vice President Pence.

LSU students are taking online classes to finish up the spring semester, but the university plans to have students back for the fall semester. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A Baton Rouge Police Officer is dead and another is fighting for his life after responding to tips about a domestic violence homicide suspect.  Chief Murphy Paul says the two officers were shot during a four-hour standoff with the suspect, 36-year-old Ronnie Kato, on Sunday.

Cut 9 (12) “…Rouge Police Department.″

Kato has been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish jail. Kato was a suspect in a homicide that occurred earlier on Sunday and affidavits indicate Kato has previously made threats against law enforcement.

The state has now seen a substantial decline in new cases and deaths over the past week, and with that comes the relaxing of some restrictions, including dental work. Former Louisiana Dental Association President Dr. Kristi Soileau (swallow) says cosmetic work is not allowed, but…

Cut 7 (10) “…radiograph.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast April 28

LSU plans to have students and football return to campus for the fall. But interim president Thomas Galligan says the Tigers will only take the field when it’s safe and delaying the start of the season is a possibility. He says whether Tiger Stadium will be packed is a question they can’t answer now…
Cut 13 (08) “…do so”
Galligan says chancellors and presidents of SEC schools speak every week and there’s a lot of planning taking place.

Longtime LSU band director Frank Wickes has passed away at the age of 82. Wickes directed the Golden Band from Tiger Land from 1980 until his retirement in 2010. A cause of death was not announced, but we know that Wickes passed away at an assisted living facility in Florida.

LSU point guard Javonte Smart announces he’s entering his name into the NA draft but will retain his eligibility. Smart averaged 13 points and four assists last year.

The Saints have a small draft class as they selected just four players over the course of seven rounds. These rookies will not have the benefit of an offseason conditioning program or O-T-As. But Saints Coach Sean Payton doesn’t believe they will be too far behind when training camp starts…
cut 17 (15) “….Saint players”

ESPN is reporting that the NBA has sent a memo to its teams that they can open their practice facilities to the players for limited workouts on May 8th. The league could push back the opening date further if developments warrant.

And ESPN is also reporting that Major League Baseball is confident there will be a season and the league hopes to have a plan in place by the end of May. An 80 to 100-game regular season would start in July and postseason games in November will be at warm-weather sites.

3:30 PM Newscast

A Baton Rouge Police Officer is dead and another is fighting for his life after responding to tips about a domestic violence homicide suspect. The two officers were shot during a four-hour standoff with the suspect, 36-year-old Ronnie Kato, on Sunday.  Chief Murphy Paul says the shooting has shaken the law enforcement community.

Cut 10 (11) “…so forth”

The only information released about the officers indicates the deceased officer was on the force for 21 years and the surviving officer has been on the force for seven years. Kato has been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish jail.

LSU interim president Thomas Galligan is hopeful football will be played this fall, but the Tigers will only take the field when it’s safe and delaying the start of the season is a possibility. He says whether Tiger Stadium will be packed is a question they can’t answer now…

Cut 13 (08) “…do so”

Ouachita Parish Sheriff Deputies arrest a West Monroe man for allegedly firing shots at the home of Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson. O-P-S-O spokesperson Glenn Springfield says 38-year-old Daniel King Jr. has been charged with aggravated assault for the drive-by shooting that happened Friday afternoon.

Cut 3 (09)  “…did the shooting”   

Springfield says investigators are not releasing details about the shooter’s motive in firing several shots at the property. While several family members live at the property, no one was injured.

Many dentist offices opened back up again today along with time-sensitive elective medical surgeries. Former Louisiana Dental Association President Dr. Kristi Soileau (swallow) says the only work not being allowed is cosmetic dentistry that is for the sole purpose of enhancing someone’s appearance.

Cut 6 (08) “…aesthetic.

LRN PM newscall April 27

Dental procedures resumed today after a month-long ban. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

LSU students are taking online classes to finish up the spring semester, but the university plans to have students back for the fall semester. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

_____________________________

Ouachita Parish Sheriff Deputies arrest a West Monroe man for allegedly firing shots at the home of Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson. O-P-S-O spokesperson Glenn Springfield says 38-year-old Daniel King Jr. has been charged with aggravated assault for the drive-by shooting that happened Friday afternoon.

Cut 3 (09)  “…did the shooting”   

Springfield says investigators are not releasing details about the shooter’s motive in firing several shots at the property but adds luckily no one was injured.

Cut 4 (03)_ “…to the houses.”

Springfield says surveillance cameras provided important evidence in leading to a quick capture of the suspect.

Cut 5 (06)  “…aware of it.”

_________________________________________________

Many dentist offices opened back up again today along with time-sensitive elective medical surgeries. Former Louisiana Dental Association President Dr. Kristi Soileau (swallow) says the only work not being allowed is cosmetic dentistry that is for the sole purpose of enhancing someone’s appearance.

Cut 6 (08) “…aesthetic.

Ongoing orthodontic procedures like check-ups for braces, wires, or aligners are allowed, and procedures to do new braces or aligners are allowed as well if they are not solely for cosmetic reasons.

Soileau says the order does allow people to come back to their dentist for a regular checkup.

Cut 7 (10) “…radiograph.”

While most procedures are back, social distancing will be observed. Soileau says patients will notice that were will either be no or very few people in the waiting room.

Cut 8 (09) “…done.”

She also encourages patients to wear masks and says all trafficked areas will be regularly disinfected.

__________________________________________

A Baton Rouge Police Officer is dead and another is fighting for his life after responding to tips about a domestic violence homicide suspect. Chief Murphy Paul says the two officers were shot during a four-hour standoff with the suspect, 36-year-old Ronnie Kato, on Sunday.

Cut 9 (12) “…Rouge Police Department.″

Kato was a suspect in a homicide that occurred earlier on Sunday and affidavits indicate Kato has previously made threats against law enforcement.

The only information released about the officers indicates the deceased officer was on the force for 21 years and the surviving officer has been on the force for seven years. Paul says the shooting has shaken the law enforcement community.

Cut 10 (11) “…so forth”

Paul called for the prayers of the communities for the families of the officers and says this is another reminder that they are more than just public servants.

Cut 11 (11) “…that we’re in.”

Kato has been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish jail. Detectives believe he’s responsible for the fatal shooting of 58-year-old Curtis Richarson in what authorities are calling a domestic violence incident.

_______________________________

LSU interim president Thomas Galligan says the plan is for students to be back on campus this fall. Galligan says the university needs to get back to business, but they ‘ll do it in a safe manner….

Cut 12 (10) “…probably”  (2x)

Galligan says he’s hopeful football will be played this fall, but the Tigers will only take the field when it’s safe and delaying the start of the season is a possibility. He says whether Tiger Stadium will be packed is a question they can’t answer now…

Cut 13 (08) “…do so”

Galligan says chancellors and presidents of SEC schools speak every week and there’s a lot of planning taking place.

If students return to campus for the fall semester. Will dorms be open? Galligan says they want to make sure campus living is safe, which means some dormitories will remain closed…

Cut 14 (12) “…to be.”

Galligan says despite all of the uncertainty, the Baton Rouge campus is setting records for the number of applications.

2:30 LRN Newscast April 27

Governor Edwards says he will make an important announcement at 4 PM today. It’s expected Edwards will announce a gradual re-opening of the economy starting on Friday, but it’s unclear what businesses may re-open. The state reported 27 new COVID-19 related deaths today and 295 new cases.

Dental procedures resumed today after a month-long ban. Matt Doyle has more…
voicer 1 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

LSU interim president Thomas Galligan says the university is planning to have students return to campus for the fall semester. Galligan says classes with a large number of students may stay online and they are also looking at dorm life…
cut 14 (12) “…to be”
Galligan is optimistic there will be a football season, but will it be delayed and how many fans can be in the stands are questions that can’t be answered right now.

38-year-old Daniel King Jr.of West Monroe has been charged with aggravated assault for allegedly doing a drive-by shooting on the home of Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson. Ouachita Parish Sheriff spokesperson Glenn Springfield says investigators are not saying why King fired several shots at the Robertson’s estate…
Cut 4 (03)_ “…to the houses.
Springfield says several families are living on the property.

1:30 PM Newscast

A Baton Rouge Police Officer is dead and another is fighting for his life after responding to tips about a domestic violence homicide suspect. The two officers were shot during a four-hour standoff with the suspect, 36-year-old Ronnie Kato, on Sunday.  Chief Murphy Paul…

Cut 11 (11) “…that we’re in.”

Kato has been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish jail. Detectives believe he’s responsible for the fatal shooting of 58-year-old Curtis Richarson in what authorities are calling a domestic violence incident.

LSU interim president Thomas Galligan says the plan is for students to be back on campus this fall. Galligan says the university needs to get back to business, but they ‘ll do it in a safe manner….

Cut 12 (10) “…probably”  (2x)

Galligan says he’s hopeful football will be played in Tiger Stadium this fall, but the Tigers will only take the field when it’s safe and delaying the start of the season is a possibility…

The Governor gave the OK for most dental procedures to begin again today along with time-sensitive elective medical surgeries. Former Louisiana Dental Association President Dr. Kristi Soileau (swallow) says patients will notice that there will either be no or very few people in the waiting room.

Cut 8 (09) “…done.”

She also encourages patients to wear masks and says all trafficked areas will be regularly disinfected.

Ouachita Parish Sheriff Deputies arrest a West Monroe man for allegedly firing shots at the home of Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson. O-P-S-O spokesperson Glenn Springfield says 38-year-old Daniel King Jr. has been charged with aggravated assault for the drive-by shooting that happened Friday afternoon.Springfield says surveillance cameras provided important evidence in leading to a quick capture of the suspect.

Cut 5 (06)  “…aware of it.”

1230 PM LRN News

27 more people are reported to have died from COVID-19 in the state bringing the state total to just under 1,700 fatalities.

The state has now seen a substantial decline in new cases and deaths over the past week, and with that comes the relaxing of some restrictions, including dental work. Former Louisiana Dental Association President Dr. Kristi Soileau (swallow) says cosmetic work is not allowed, but…

Cut 7 (10) “…radiograph.”

A Baton Rouge Police Officer is dead and another is fighting for his life after responding to tips about a domestic violence homicide suspect.  Chief Murphy Paul says the two officers were shot during a four-hour standoff with the suspect, 36-year-old Ronnie Kato, on Sunday.

Cut 9 (12) “…Rouge Police Department.″

Governor Edwards could announce today a loosening of restrictions on residents and businesses once the current stay at home order ends on April 30th. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

1130 AM LRN News

The Governor gave the OK for most dental procedures to begin again today. Former Louisiana Dental Association President Dr. Kristi Soileau (swallow) says the only work not being allowed at this time is cosmetic dentistry that is for the sole purpose of enhancing someone’s appearance.

Cut 6 (08) “…aesthetic.

Ongoing orthodontic procedures like check-ups for braces, wires, or aligners are allowed, and procedures to do new braces or aligners are allowed as well if they are not solely for cosmetic reasons.

38-year-old Daniel King Jr. has been charged with aggravated assault for allegedly doing a drive-by shooting on the home of Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson. Ouachita Parish Sheriff spokesperson Glenn Springfield says investigators are not releasing details about the shooter’s motive in firing several shots at the property but adds luckily no one was injured.

Cut 4 (03)_ “…to the houses.

Governor Edwards is expected to announce the relaxing of some restrictions on businesses today at his 4 PM press conference.

Dental work isn’t the only activity set to start up again today. For the first time in a month, many elective medical surgeries are set to proceed in Louisiana. Governor Edwards says now that cases have plateaued we have to resume normal medical care.

Cut 15 (11)“…from.”

The Governor also adds these elective procedures are the economic lifeblood of hospitals.

A team from LSU develops COMTRAC 2.0, a way for National Guard and other emergency responders to track PPE and medical equipment while it’s being shipped around the state. LSU Stephenson Disaster Management Institute director Brant Mitchell says almost all of the development for the application was done by LSU students and says with classes being out, it allowed them to have extra time to dedicate to the building process which would normally take about six months.

Cut 8 (06) “…about five weeks.”