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” 

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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.”

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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”

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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.”

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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 1^st.

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”

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James stint in the hospital with COVID-19 caused pneumonia has given him a unique outlook on the virus for a lawmaker. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The Paycheck Protection Program is out of money.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Baton Rouge Representative Ted James has mostly recovered from COVID-19 but says his recovery was grueling and the disease should not be taken lightly.

The 37-year-old Democrat says he became symptomatic March 22^nd when he woke up in a pool of sweat, and a week later he was suffering in a hospital with pneumonia.

Cut 3 (07)  “…wiped out”  

James suspects his history of asthma and sinus issues may have contributed to his severe case despite his young age and generally good health.

James says it’s been frustrating to see a rising chorus of legislators calling for the rapid reopening of the state before conditions are safe.

Cut 4 (11)_ “TORT reform”

Cutoff Representative Reggie Bagala died last week of COVID-19.

The Legislature does not have a firm date to return, but James says his experience has convinced him that when they do return the session must be laser-focused.

Cut 5 (06)  “…budget”

James made the statements earlier today on Talk Louisiana.

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Governor Edwards announces the creation of an 18-member panel tasked with producing guidelines that would allow parts of the economy to reopen. Edwards says the Resilient Louisiana Commission will reach out to stakeholders in various sectors of the economy, asking them…

Cut 6 (11) “…spike”

The Commission Co-Chairs are Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson, and healthcare executive Terrie Sterling.

Pierson says the real work of the Commission will be handled by 15 task forces dedicated to various economic sectors.

Cut 7 (09) “…a look.”

Edwards says the Governor’s office has the sole power to make reopening calls on a case by case basis for each business sector, but…

Cut 8 (11) “…stand up”

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Congressman Steve Scalise has been appointed to President Trump’s Task Force on Reopening the Economy.  Scalise spoke at the Governor’s daily press conference and touted the quickness of federal response and the impact of the Paycheck Protection Program.

Cut 9 (12) “…out of money.″

Scalise says there are still thousands of additional businesses in Louisiana that need that relief that did not get it prior to the program’s funding running dry, adding that the President is asking for an additional $251 billion.

Cut 10 (12) “…next few days”

Scalise says he’s been on many calls with everyone ranging from local restauranteurs to the heads of some of the biggest companies in the world on taking steps to safely come back.

Cut 11 (12) “…to do both.”

In addition to Scalise, Congressman Mike Johnson has also been added to the President’s task force, along with Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy.

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Food banks are seeing an increase in demand as more people continue to seek assistance due to rising unemployment and Second Harvest that serves 23 parishes across southern Louisiana is no exception. Spokesperson  Jay Vise says they’ve had to change how they distribute goods, with help from the National Guard.

Cut 12 (12) increase”

Vise says Second Harvest, along with other food banks across the state, need donations and there are several ways you can help.

Cut 13 (11) “…can provide”

Vise says anything that you would normally buy at the grocery store is what they need for donations, from cleaning supplies to feminine hygiene products.

Vise says they have disturbed a million extra pounds of food in the last month compared to a year ago.

Cut 14 (10) “…out there”

If you are in need of assistance call 211 to find your local food bank or visit NoHunger.org

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