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 15^th 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”

The state has released the newest coronavirus numbers, positive cases are up 218 from Monday, a total of 27,286. And fatalities are now at 1758 up 61 from the previous day. Total hospitalizations are at 1666, down 17 and vent usage is down 18 to 244.

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 15^th.

Waguespack says the Governor should trust business owners to implement rules that would limit viral spread on their properties.

Cut 3 (08)  “…businesses”   

The governor says he made the decision to extend the stay at home order because the state did not meet the phase one guidelines issued by the White House.

The Associated General Contractors of America says the pandemic has hit the construction industry hard.  Spokesperson Brian Turmail says the nationally 68 percent of construction firms report having at least one project that was underway canceled or delayed since the start of the pandemic and Louisiana is part of that trend.

Cut 6 (13) “…the association tracks.”

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.  Lending Tree Chief Credit Analyst Matt Schulz says he’s surprised at the number, but if you need help, he says it’s worth the time to reach out to your lender.

Cut 9 (09) “…your lender.″

The survey also indicated only 1 in 5 knew to contact their lenders for such assistance.

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”

Northwest Louisiana is under an enhanced risk of severe weather today that includes the Shreveport area, Natchitoches, and Minden.

Fatal crashes were up eight percent from March 16^th to April 20^th compared to the same time last year despite an estimated up to 40 percent fewer cars being on the road, and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa 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.

President Gifford 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”

Governor John Bel Edwards has extended the statewide stay at home order to May 15th citing concerning levels of case growth in northeast Louisiana, the Baton Rouge area, and Acadiana…
Cut 4 (12)_ “…counts.”
Edwards said that Vice President Mike Pence was informed of the plan and agreed with it as well.

There are some changes with the new stay at home order. Starting on Friday, restaurants can have customers eat outside of their establishment, but with no waiter service.

Cut 20 six feet :17

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”

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has opened new drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites in Ascension and Lafourche Parishes. GOHSEP Deputy Director Casey Tingle says the sites in Donaldsonville and Raceland will be open daily from 8 AM until noon
Cut 13 (08) “…can get it.”
They will be at the Donaldsonville Primary School and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s office range.

Originally set to expire on April 30^th, Governor Edwards extends the stay at home order until May 15^th. 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.”

Governor Edwards extends the stay at home order until May 15^th. 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 30^th, 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.”

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.

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.”

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 30^th. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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.”