3:30 PM Newscast

President Donald Trump praised Louisiana today for its response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Republican President met with Edwards in the Oval Office today. The Democratic governor says they could not do it without the help of the federal government…
Cut 14 (12) “…the key”
Edwards is hopeful that additional test kits from the federal government will result in Louisiana testing 200-thousand individuals for the coronavirus next month.

Not all Republicans are happy with Governor Edwards and his extention of the stay at home order until May 15th and are looking at overriding the emergency declaration. The governor’s stay at home order is designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, but Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says it’s also forcing people into poverty, especially in parishes that are reporting a small number of cases…

Cut 11 (09) “…of New Orleans.”

Restaurant dining rooms are closed and customers appear to be getting more and more comfortable with grabbing multi-course take-out meals. Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves predicts this trend will continue long after the virus is defeated.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…buisness.”

Graves made the comments on Talk Louisiana.

Personal finance website WalletHub says their survey shows 43 percent of Americans are comfort buying, spending more on non-essentials now than they were before the pandemic. Around 60 percent of people aged 30-44 report comfort buying compared to just 32 percent over the age of 59. Analyst Jill Gonzales says in terms of the non-essential purchases, most of it is related to entertainment.

Cut 7 (13) “…people buying toys.”

230 PM LRN News

Republican lawmakers are looking to revoke Governor John Bel Edwards emergency declaration that would revoke the state’s stay at home order.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Governor Edwards met with President Donald Trump today in the Oval Office, thanking the President for committing to provide Louisiana with additional testing supplies…

Cut 13 (13) “…the best”

About 58 million Americans are spending more money now than before social distancing according to the personal finance website WalletHub.  While some overspending may be attributed to stockpiling essentials, WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says many shoppers are “comfort-buying” online.

Cut 6 (09) “…to social isolation.”

Of those who have engaged in comfort buying, 63 percent are keeping their purchases below $150.

Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves predicts many of the restaurant industry changes made due to the coronavirus outbreak will stick around long after the virus fades. Graves says the industry is notorious for having workers come in even when sick, and that’s unlikely to be the case going forward. He also pointed to additions like sneeze guards in drive-throughs…

Cut 3 (06)  “…members”   

Graves adds sanitation and food safety practices implemented during this time are also likely to be maintained due to public demand.

130 PM LRN News

Governor Edwards met with President Donald Trump today in the Oval Office and afterward praised the federal government’s commitment to supply Louisiana with enough test kits so that it can test at least 200,000 individuals a month for the coronavirus.  Edwards says that’s a critical piece in their COVID-19 response efforts

Cut 12 (06) “…the economy”

Governor Edwards’ stay at home extension may have the President’s seal of approval but it isn’t backed by many local Republican leaders. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh is set to circulate a petition that if signed by half of either the Senate or House would override the order. He says Edwards could not veto it.

Cut 10 (07) “…be over”

The governor’s executive counsel has sent a letter to legislative leadership informing them that rescinding the governor’s order would threaten billions of dollars in federal funding to Louisiana.

Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves says after an initial 30 percent hit to his company’s sales due to the COVID shutdown they’ve bounced back to even, but most local restaurants aren’t so lucky. He says do to expanded carry out options many have been able to hit 50 percent of their expected sales and hope to survive long enough to make it to the economic reopening. Even after that though, the biggest fear is…

Cut 5 (07)  “…recession.”

About 58 million Americans are spending more money now than before social distancing according to the personal finance website WalletHub. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says people are staying in and ordering more online, but deliveries are causing anxiety for shoppers.

Cut 8 (11) “…this time too.”

Louisiana reports 44 new COVID-19 related fatalities today.

1230 PM LRN News

Louisiana reports 44 new COVID-19 related deaths today, along with a continued decrease in hospitalizations, and a plateauing in ventilator use. 57 percent of those who have died from the disease are men.

Republican lawmakers who are upset with Governor Edwards extending the stay at home order until May 15th are looking at overriding the emergency declaration. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says state law allows lawmakers to revoke a governor’s disaster order if a majority of the House or Senate agree to a written petition

Cut 9 (09) “…do this.″

The governor’s executive counsel has sent a letter to legislative leadership informing them that rescinding the governor’s order would threaten billions of dollars in federal funding to Louisiana, plus re-opening schools and change unemployment provisions.

Restaurant dining rooms are closed and customers appear to be getting more and more comfortable with grabbing multi-course take-out meals. Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves predicts this trend will continue long after the virus is defeated.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…buisness.”

Graves made the comments on Talk Louisiana.

Personal finance website WalletHub says their survey shows 43 percent of Americans are comfort buying, spending more on non-essentials now than they were before the pandemic. Around 60 percent of people aged 30-44 report comfort buying compared to just 32 percent over the age of 59. Analyst Jill Gonzales says in terms of the non-essential purchases, most of it is related to entertainment.

Cut 7 (13) “…people buying toys.”

1130 AM LRN News

Raising Cane’s founder and CEO Todd Graves predicts many of the restaurant industry changes made due to coronavirus will stick around long after the virus fades. Graves says the industry is notorious for having workers come in even when sick, and that’s unlikely to be the case going forward. He also pointed to additions like sneeze guards in drive-throughs…

Cut 3 (06)  “…members”   

Graves adds sanitation and food safety practices implemented during this time are also likely to be maintained due to public demand.

About 58 million Americans are spending more money now than before social distancing according to the personal finance website WalletHub.  While some overspending may be attributed to stockpiling essentials, WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says many shoppers are “comfort-buying” online.

Cut 6 (09) “…to social isolation.”

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High School Seniors don’t seem to be deterred from heading to college in the fall despite the uncertainty caused by COVID-19. According to University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson applications and admissions are up across the board.

Cut 11 (08) “…don’t know”

Henderson also adds they plan on having campuses open in fall.

Acadiana is one of the state’s regions where the coronavirus case count continues to climb, but the area is now seeing a decrease in total deaths and hospitalizations. Lafayette Mayor-President Josh 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.”

Some lawmakers appear to be considering a legislative effort to overturn the Governor’s stay at home order.

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”