According to the personal finance website WalletHub, 43 percent of shoppers are participating in comfort buying during the pandemic. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

____________________________

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

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

_____________________________

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.

Restaurant dining rooms are closed and takeout orders are now booming. Graves says once the tables open back up he expects many customers will keep these new habits…

Cut 4 (08)_ “…buisness.”

Graves says Cane’s is back to full projected sales but many restaurant owners he talks to who don’t have a drive-through are at about 50 percent. He says long-term the biggest fear is…

Cut 5 (07)  “…recession.”

Graves made the comments on Talk Louisiana.

_________________________________________________

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.  Around 60 percent of people aged 30-44 report comfort buying compared to just 32 percent over the age of 59.

Gonzales says in terms of the non-essential purchases, most of it is related to entertainment.

Cut 7 (13) “…people buying toys.”

Gonzales says deliveries are causing anxiety for shoppers.

Cut 8 (11) “…this time too.”

__________________________________________

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.″

Seabaugh believes they can get 53 lawmakers in the House to sign the petition since there are 69 Republicans in the lower chamber. He says Edwards could not veto and the petition can prevent the governor from issuing an even more restrictive order for the next 60 days

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, plus re-opening schools and change unemployment provisions.

The governor’s stay at home order is designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, but 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.”

______________________________

Governor Edwards met with President Donald Trump today in the Oval Office and afterwards 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”

Edwards is hopeful the state can begin a phase one reopening of the economy on May 16th.

Based on the state’s latest update, at least 155-thousand people have been tested.

It was six months ago when the President made several trips to Louisiana urging Republican voters to vote Edwards out of office. But both men are on the same page now and feel good about the direction Louisiana is heading

Cut 13 (13) “…the best”

Edwards personally thanked the president for helping to provide federal resources in the early stages in the state’s fight against the spread of COVID-19

Cut 14 (12) “…the key”

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”

_____________________________________

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”  

____________________________________________

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.”

______________________________

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.”

____________________________________

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”

_____________________________________

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.”

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 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” 

_____________________________

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”   

LABI is asking the state to use the extra time to develop a comprehensive plan to allow all businesses to open by May 15^th at the latest.

Waguespack pointed to the many businesses deemed as essential as proof that companies can operate safely right now.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…the same.”

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.”

_________________________________________________

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.  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 100construction jobs lost, down 1 percent.

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.”

__________________________________________

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.″

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”

While a majority of those who ask for help are granted assistance, 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 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, 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, while Acadiana is seeing increased cases.

Mayo says just driving around town he still sees groups of people getting together and disregarding social distancing.

Cut 13 (10) “…not good”

Mayo says he’s also not seeing nearly enough people wear masks in public.

Cut 14 (11) “…with”

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.

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”

_____________________________________

A team from LSU develops a smartphone app to help track medical equipment and supplies that are in transit around the state. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

Louisiana’s ban on elective surgeries ends today, which means after a month-long hiatus, doctors can go back to performing non-emergency medical and surgical procedures…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards could announce today new restrictions on residents and businesses that will go into effect on May 1st. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says a big question is whether Louisiana’s coronavirus testing capacity can stay ahead of the epidemic

Cut 4 (11)_ “…stage of reopening.”

Scott says childcare social distancing guidelines and the availability of such services may create hurdles for parents that have a chance to return to work.

Cut 5 (11)  “…go to work.”

Many businesses are eager to re-open. But Scott says there is an underestimated problem in getting commerce and industry going again and that is the potential legal liabilities against a business if an employee or customer gets COVID-19…

Cut 6 (10) “…a major issue.”

______________________________

A team from LSU develops a smartphone app to help track medical equipment and supplies that are in transit around the state.  LSU Stephenson Disaster Management Institute director Brant Mitchell says ComTrac 2.0 was developed to follow the same idea of tracking resources after a hurricane.

Cut 7 (12) “…those particular assets.”

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.”

While the app will be compatible with the two major smartphones, it won’t be available to everyone in the App Store.  The app could help tackle issues related to supply chains.  Mitchell says the app is customizable to add items in the future that may not have been thought of yet.

Cut 9 (10) “…on the mission.

ComTrac 2.0 will be available to the National Guard this week.

____________________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy says the feds are looking at investments that could allow economies to become close to fully functional even before a coronavirus vaccine is available.

The 1,200 dollar stimulus checks helped float many through the first month of the shutdown, and Cassidy says if we can expand testing enough we won’t need a second round.

Cut 10 (09) “reopening”

Cassidy says aggressive, preemptive testing in hotspots will need to be funded. He says the key to reopening the economy safely is tracking transition rates and adjusting reopenings accordingly.

Cut 11 (10) “…data”

Cassidy says the reopening of the economy should also be tied to the ability to contact trace. He says the federal government should provide hotels and meals to those who are ordered to quarantine.

Cut 12 (10) “economy”

_____________________________________

For the first time in a month, many elective medical surgeries are set to proceed in Louisiana.

State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says emergency procedures have been happening, but medical centers will now be allowed to catch up on much need time-sensitive, but less pressing surgeries.

Cut 13 (10) “…carefully.”

Your trip to the doctor will not be the same as it once was. Guidry says medical facilities have strict social distancing guidelines to follow.

Cut 14 (11) “…conditions.”

Waiting room space will either be limited or not available during this time.

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 that have taken a huge financial hit over the last month.

______________________

The Saints 2020 draft class consists of just four players, but the franchise believes it will be a successful class. In the first round New Orleans drafted Cesar Ruiz, a center from Michigan and then traded multiple picks to select two players in the third round, Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun and Dayton tight end Adam Trautman. G-M Mickey Loomis says it’s about the quality of the picks, not how many you made…

Cut 16  (25)  “…find there” 

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” 

The Saints sent their fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh-round draft picks to Minnesota to take Trautman with the 105th pick. The F-C-S tight end had 70 catches for 916 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Trautman was a quarterback in high school but switched to tight end when he got on Dayton’s campus

Cut 18  (15) “…obviously now”   

The Saints made a trade with the Texans to get a seventh round pick and used that select Mississippi State quarterback Tommy Stevens. He has a lot of athleticism for someone who is six-foot-five and could play a Taysom Hill role for the Black and Gold.

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo says debris from the Easter tornado may have traveled far, acts of kindness have traveled in from much further.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

____________________________

States need to meet certain COVID testing benchmarks before they can implement federal Phase One reopening guidelines, but Governor Edwards says Louisiana is setting a higher bar…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________________

The Dean Lee Research Center in Alexandria will need to be rebuilt after taking direct hit from a tornado on Wednesday night. LSU AgCenter Central Region Director Tara Smith says the damage will impact the research and extension programs

Cut 3 (11)  “…the station”  

Smith says thankfully the LSU-Alexandria campus did not suffer any major damage and no injuries were reported. She says the mega-shelter that the state uses during hurricanes also took a direct hit

Cut 4 (07)_ “…fairly unharmed”

Smith says buildings east of Highway 71 suffered significant damage, some are a total loss. The wheat plots for research will also have to be re-built, but their cattle herd is safe. She says they working with other units in the Ag Center community to gain access to equipment so research continues

Cut 5 (06)  “…immediately.”

_________________________________________________

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo says the Easter Sunday tornado that swept through the city carried paperwork from the Masur Museum in Monroe into a Mississippi town 138 miles away.  Mayo says someone found it and mailed it back.

Cut 6 (12) “…into the trash.”

Mayo says that wasn’t the only act of kindness as a Monroe, New Jersey resident anonymously mailed the city a $100 donation after hearing of the tornado’s impact on the town.  Mayo read a letter from the donor.

Cut 7 (13) “…and rebuilding lives.”

The money will be used at a local food bank.  Mayo says the he was deeply touched by the letter from a total stranger wanting to help.

Cut 8 (05) “…wanting to help.”
__________________________________________

Governor Edwards says the state is ramping up COVID testing capacity with the goal of being able to perform 200,000 tests in a month by May.

Edwards says currently the biggest challenge to meeting that mark is not lab capacity.

Cut 9 (08) “…specimen″

Louisiana is second in the nation for per capita testing behind Rhode Island.

The Governor says to meet the 200,000 test objective the state is trying not to have to rely so much on importing testing supplies.

Cut 10 (10) “…so forth”

Edwards says the minimum testing capacity needed to enter Phase One of reopening the economy is 140-150,000 tests a month, and the state performed over 140,000 tests over the last six weeks.

Cut 11 (09) “…everyday”

Less than five percent of all tests completed in Louisiana have been done in state labs, but Edwards says they’re looking to improve that number.

_______________________________

The NFL held the first round of it’s “Virtual Draft” last night and the Saints grabbed a highly regarded interior lineman, while a school-record five LSU Tigers were drafted in the 1^st round.

At 24 the Saints grabbed Michigan big man Caesar Ruiz. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says linebacker was a more pressing need, but the center was the best interior lineman in the draft.

Cut 12 (09) “…contract”

Warford was abused in the Saints season-ending round one playoff exit against Minnesota. Detillier expects Ruiz will play center, while last year’s 2^nd round pick Eric McCoy replaces Warford at guard.

Joe Burrow, K’Lavon Chaisson, Justin Jefferson, Patrick Queen, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire made for a record-setting LSU class. Detillier says he’s particularly excited about Edwards-Helaire’s fit in Kansas City.

Cut 13 (07) “…chiefs.”

Detillier says he expects three tigers to go off the board pretty early tonight in Grant Delpit, Kristian Fulton, and Lloyd Cushenberry.

The draft continues tonight with rounds two and three. Detillier says you may see UL Lafayette’s Robert Hunt and Louisiana Tech’s Amik Robertson find new homes.

Cut 14 (10) “…play.”

The coronavirus pandemic may result in the demise of many department stores according to retail experts at Columbia University’s Business School. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

_____________________________________

The SPCA is asking folks not to request COVID-19 tests for their pets. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

A petition is circulating urging Governor Edwards to allow parishes to make their own decisions on when, and how to lift the stay at home order and implement the federal phase one reopening…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________________________

Few department stores are likely to survive following the coronavirus pandemic, according to retail experts at Columbia University’s Business School.  New Orleans consultant of real estate valuations Wade Ragas says department stores have already had a tough enough time keeping up with e-commerce in recent years.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…with this country.”

Ragas says social distancing potentially creates overwhelming hurdles for the current business model of department stores.

Cut 5 (11)  “…into the store.”

Ragas says even if the brick and mortar stores begin to disappear, it is possible to shift familiar brands into the e-commerce space.  As far as which shopping brands have done the best in the pandemic…

Cut 6 (09) “…of this, Costco.”
______________________________

The Louisiana Supreme Court extends an order delaying all jury trials until June 30^th.

The order was initially filed April 6^th and there’s some fear that a three-month delay in cases will create a nightmare of a trial backlog, but Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Louisiana learned from Katrina and Rita…

Cut 7 (08) “…hurricanes”

Mid-March was an unlucky time for anyone to get locked up but Meche says DAs and sheriffs have made an effort to release low-risk detainees who are awaiting trial.

Cut 8 (08) “running”

Meche says it’s unlikely the extended delay will result in any legal or constitutional challenges that would impact the court once trials resume.

Cut 9 (09) “…that occur.

____________________________________

While there is limited evidence cats can suffer from COVID-19, the Louisiana SPCA is asking owners not to seek tests for their pets.

CEO Anna Zorrilla says right now we want to make sure COVID testing is focused on humans, who have a more critical need.

Cut 10 (09) “infected”

Two cats tested positive in New York City, but the CDC reports there is no evidence cats can transmit the virus back to humans.

If your pet is suffering from what appears to be COVID-like symptoms Zorrilla says talk to your vet before doing anything else.

Cut 11 (09) “…care”

Cats can qualify for a COVID test if they meet three strict criteria: direct explore to a known case, evidence of respiratory symptoms, and they’ve received a respiratory diagnostic from a vet.

While cats can catch the virus, Zorrilla says the SPCA recommends people suffering from mild or moderate cases of COVID-19 still keep them their pets with them.

Cut 12 (12) “at the time”

If you are positive Zorrilla says you should practice extra caution when interacting with your pet.

___________________________

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt starts a petition urging Governor Edwards to allow parishes to make their own decisions on when and how they reopen their economies.

Hewitt says the Governor’s preference to issue stay at home orders on a statewide basis is not working for areas of the state with low case counts.

Cut 13 (10) “…guidelines.”

The stay at home order is set to end April 30^th, but New Orleans has already extended the order locally until May 16^th.

Hewitt says the petition at Open-LA-Now-Dot-Com allows state residents to tell Edwards they want to see Louisiana implement President Trump’s plan for reopening locally.

Cut 14 (08) “…heard.”

Edwards says he does not plan on allowing local parishes to open before the stay at home order ends, or to allow parishes to relax restrictions more than others.

Cut 15 (09)“…phase one.”

Edwards says as of now it appears some restrictions will be lifted statewide after April 30^th, but he wants everyone to have their expectations properly set for what it will look like.

Cut 16  (09)  “…before” 

_______________________________

As expected the Cincinnati Bengals select quarterback Joe Burrow with the number one pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Burrow becomes the third LSU Tiger to be picked number, JaMarcus Russell and Billy Cannon are the other two. The Heisman Trophy winner says he’s ready to go to work in the Queen City…

cut 17  (10) “…this city” 

Burrow was the first pick in the virtual draft. Commissioner Roger Goodell, general managers, coaches and the players were all at their own homes, instead of Las Vegas where the draft was supposed to be held. Burrow says he didn’t mind hanging out at his home in Athens, Ohio…

Cut 18  (23) “…acquintances”   

Burrow will have to compete with veteran Andy Dalton in order to be the starting quarterback. The 23-year-old looks forward to the competition…

cut 19 (30)  focused on”  

The Legislative Economic Recovery Task Force began the difficult assignment today of providing the state legislature with ideas on how to jump-start the economy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

____________________________

A Rapides Parish woman was killed by a suspected tornado and a DeSoto Parish man died in a flash flood yesterday as severe weather battered the state again. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________________

The coronavirus pandemic could result in an unemployment rate above 20-percent in Louisiana. Economist Loren Scott estimates 349-thousand unemployment claims for the month of April, because of the economic shutdown…

Cut 3 (07)  “…22-percent”  

The Tax Foundation estimates about 16-percent of the workforce has applied or is receiving unemployment benefits in Louisiana. Scott says low oil prices will prevent Louisiana from bouncing back as fast as other states…

Cut 4 (06)_ “…Lafayette”

Scott made the comments during the first meeting of the Louisiana Economic Recovery Taskforce which legislative leaders formed in an effort to provide the Legislature with policy recommendations on how to jump-start the economy.

Chairman Jason DeCuir says the regular legislative session is expected to resume next month and lawmakers are looking for immediate triage ideas by May 7th…

Cut 5 (10)  “…immediately.”

Decuir says a special session dealing with the economic recovery issues is expected later this year, so the task force will also have a chance to develop long-term solutions.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder has confidence in the group of private-sector business leaders they have on this task force…

Cut 6 (11) “…the economy back ”

_________________________________________________

Car dealerships are seeing slow sales and not as much work for their service departments as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association President Will Green says they are certainly impacted by the stay at home order…

Cut 7 (09) “…more than that.”

Green says implementing social distancing guidelines means they are moving the transactions from the showroom to the internet. He says car buyers can test drive a vehicle and not even go to the dealer.

Cut 8 (08) “…get your vehicle.”

Green says car shoppers should be able to find great deals…

Cut 9 (08) “…vehicle than now.″

______________________________________

Deadly storms slammed central and north Louisiana yesterday, killing two in DeSoto and Rapides Parishes.

In DeSoto, rains sparked flash floods that claimed the life of an unidentified Mansfield man.  Sherriff’s spokesperson Mark Pierce says the heavy rainfall produced a strong current in a drainage ditch…

Cut 10 (10) “…too strong”

The current reportedly carried the man about 50 yards before his body was recovered.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson told local media that the flooding was “water like I’ve never seen in many, many years if ever”. Pierce says rains just hammered the region.

Cut 11 (10) “…rain”

In Rapides Parish 67-year-old Becky Roberts was killed by a potential tornado in Lecompte. National Weather Service forecaster Seth Warthen says the suspected supercell was highly unusual for the area.

Cut 12 (08) “…assesment.”

There were reports of two potential tornadoes in the area.

Warthen says the potential tornadoes were part of a long track supercell that appeared to have traveled a long distance.

Cut 13 (10) “…Parish.”

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The state has surpassed 15-hundred COVID-19 deaths as the Louisiana Department of Health reported 67 additional fatalities bringing the death toll to 1,540. Governor John Bel Edwards

Cut 14 (12) “…Hurricane Katrina.”

Edwards says the state continues to flatten the curve. Louisiana reported 481 new cases and the number of patients hospitalized and on ventilators continues to decline.

During his daily COVID-19 briefing, Governor Edwards was asked if there will be high school football this year. The governor says he remains optimistic…

Cut 15 (07)“…to be”

Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette will be shifting to a virtual festival format this weekend. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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 Tulane will conduct a clinical trial to see whether hydroxychloroquine can be used to prevent COVID-19 cases. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Governor Edwards says face masks will be the new normal in public places…

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette is one of the many events canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of trying to push back to the fall, a virtual music festival will happen instead. Festival spokesperson Carly Viator says they will stream musical performances starting tomorrow through Sunday.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…some surprise collaborations.”

Virtual festival participants are encouraged to dress up just as they would for the physical event and prepare something interesting to eat.

Viator says due to popular demand, the famous festival punch will be available at several locations.

Cut 5 (09)  “…their souvenir cups.”

Pins, posters, and flags will be available to purchase at these locations, or you can snag yours online.

Viator says there will also be a virtual 5k for those who need an excuse to get out of the house and run.

Cut 6 (09) “…to run with.”

This would have been the 34^th year for the festival and the live stream takes place on the event’s Facebook page.

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Tulane is set to study whether hydroxychloroquine can be used to help prevent people who’ve been exposed to coronavirus from developing COVID-19.

Tulane School of Medicine Infectious Disease Epidemiologist Dr. Patricia Kissinger says the treatment has shown promise, but it needs to be proven in a human clinical trial.

Cut 7 (10) “…cells”

Kissinger says if you’ve been in close contact with a confirmed case, and you’re interested, they’ll have you do a telemedicine conference, then…

Cut 8 (08) “day 28.”

Tulane hopes to enroll 500 local participants.

Kissinger says the treatment is much like prophylactics given to those exposed to HIV, and it could be a vital tool once contact tracing becomes more widespread.

Cut 9 (10) “…infection.″

The trial is part of a nationwide effort with other sites in Baltimore, Washington, New York City, Boston, and LA.

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Governor John Bel Edwards is calling on Louisiana residents to “mask up” which means wearing a face mask in public places. Edwards says wearing a mask reduces the chances of asymptomatic, or mildly symptomatic people unknowingly transmitting the virus to others.

Cut 10 (06) “for them”

Guidelines still call for anyone feeling sick to self-quarantine, even if they have a mask.

Edwards says if you don’t have a mask then you need to get one or make one ASAP.

Cut 11 (08) “…covering.”

Edwards says while masks are recommended for the public, gloves are not. He says they can cause more harm than good.

Cut 12 (12) “their face”

The Governor says the state is currently around day seven of a 14 day period of a measured decline in case growth he would need to see in order to partially reopen the economy on May 1st.

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Since March 27th, the Louisiana Workforce Commission has paid out more than $561 million in unemployment benefits to 302,000 claimants.  LWC executive director Ava Dejoie says when putting it into perspective with last year, it showcases just how much the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the state’s workforce.

Cut 13 (09) “…short of mindblowing.”

Last year, there were only 103,000 claimants.

Dejoie says beginning Sunday, the LWC will allow individuals to file their weekly certifications based on the last digit of their social security number.

Cut 14 (12) “…accept all numbers.”

Dejoie says they are currently in the process of adding an additional server to its network to be able to handle more online volume.

Cut 15 (07)“…that we can.”

Dejoie says all individuals will get the payments they are entitled to retroactive to April 4 and for any other time period related to COVID-19 events.

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At least four members of the 2019 national champion LSU football team will be selected in the first round of tonight’s NFL draft. Football analyst Mike Detillier says Joe Burrow will be the first pick and Justin Jefferson, K’Lavon Chaisson and Patrick Queen will also go in the first round. Detillier says safety Grant Delpit could also be a first-round pick, even though his production fell off last seasons…

Cut 16  (16)  “…hurt Grant” 

Detillier says the Saints could use the 24th overall pick to take former LSU linebacker Patrick Queen. He says the Black and Gold could also take one of the talented wide receivers in this draft class…

cut 17  (14) “…select em” 

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Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis, head coach Sean Payton and the team’s top scouts will communication with the league office and each other from their own homes. Loomis says he’s planned for internet and power outages

Cut 18  (22) “…the league”   

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Saints did not bring in any players for personal workouts. Loomis says some of the virtual pro days that players put together are useful…

cut 19 (25) big picture”  

The Saints will not have an offseason conditioning program or virtual OTAs. Coach Sean Payton has asked the current players to show up in July for training camp in the best shape of their lives. Loomis says they understand many of their rookies might not make a huge impact in 2020, because of this unusual offseason…

cut 20 (22) “  ordinarillyl”  

A U-L Lafayette student’s face mask sewing operation is receiving national attention. Kevin Barnhart has more on Sewing with Savoie…

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Legislative committes approve a plan to allow expanded use of mail in ballots for the July and August elections. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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A UL Lafayette student’s face mask sewing operation receives the national spotlight from CBS.  Sewing with Savoie founder Christine Savoie says requests for masks have picked up with the CDC now recommending wearing a face covering when in public.

Cut 3 (12)  “…to feel protected.”  

Savoie says she’s got a tight-knit group of friends helping to contribute to the assembly of hundreds of masks.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…a small group.”

Savoie set up a Facebook page for the operation to help in distributing sewing patterns, take requests, and donations of resources.  Savoie says it has been rewarding seeing the pictures of people wearing some of the different masks she has made.

Cut 5 (12)  “…some thin mints.”
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A proposal for expanded mail-in ballot voting in the July and August elections clears key Legislative committees.

The legislation expands voting options, doubles the early voting period, and more. Houma Representative Tanner McGee says it’s not perfect but AG Jeff Landry backs the plan.

Cut 6 (08) “…process”

The bill also moves voting booths out of nursing homes and funds some preventative measures to limit viral spread at voting locations and will cost about four million dollars.

Passage wasn’t unanimous. In House Governmental Affairs, state representative Rodney Schamerhorn of Vernon Parish says his constituents oppose any election rule changes.

Cut 7 (08) “determined”

The vote passed the House committee 11-5.

Democrat Royce Duplessis, a state representative from New Orleans,  ultimately backed the plan but raised concerns to Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin about requiring residents to disclose health conditions to get mail-in ballots, and…

Cut 8 (10) “…manner”

The proposal will go before the entire House and Senate for approval by mail-in ballot.

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According to Gas Buddy, the average price of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $1.64 a gallon and some service stations are selling gas for close to a dollar a gallon. Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the average price is down about a nickel from last week.

Cut 9 (09) “selling pressure.″

There have been some prices as low as $1.05 a gallon in New Orleans.

DeHaan predicts prices could drop another twenty to forty cents a gallon.

Cut 10 (07) “…the country.”

As some states start to lift their stay at home orders and the demand for gas slowly increases, DeHaan says he doesn’t expect to see a big jump in pump prices.

Cut 11 (08) “…to this”

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The Resilient Louisiana Commission began its work today in coming up with recommendations on how the state can jump-start its shuttered economy. Governor Edwards says great ideas are needed from this 18-member panel…

Cut 12 (11) “…what you do.”

Edwards says some businesses could re-open on May 1st, if the state sees a downward trajectory in COVID-19 cases, reported flu-like symptoms and hospitalizations. But the governor says life will not return to pre-COVID right away

Cut 13 (12) “…economy too.”

Edwards says he plans to announce early next week what restrictions will be in place starting on May 1st.

The commission will examine 15 different sectors of Louisiana’s economy that include energy, manufacturing, health care, tourism, and education and provide the governor with strategies on how they can be more resilient. Edwards gave the panel words of encouragement…

Cut 14 (06) “…innovation.”