A Police Chief says the mother of a controversial suburban Baton Rouge pastor has organized a campaign to flood his department’s phone line with calls to get her son out of house arrest…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry wants Governor Edwards to issue guidance to allow for the reopening of churches. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

_____________________________

The Central Police Department warns their phone lines are clogged with out of state callers protesting the house arrest of Life Tabernacle Church Pastor Tony Spell.  The call to action was posted on a Facebook page claiming to be Magi Spell. Police Chief Roger Corcoran says it’s a dangerous stunt that could prevent people from reporting emergencies.

Cut 3 (10)  “…help”   

Spell was arrested last week for allegedly trying to hit an anti-Spell protestor with a church bus and violating the ban on mass gatherings by holding multiple large church services.

Corcoran says the parents are apparently trying to leverage the harassment campaign into getting their son set free.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…our call.”

The Chief adds the ankle bracelet was ordered by a local judge.

Spell says they can’t transition to social media services like most other religious organizations have, but Corcoran says this campaign disproves that claim.

Cut 5 (08)  “…clearly.”

_________________________________________________

Senator John Kennedy says he’s not in favor of rubber stamping federal legislation to help state and local level governments cover expenses without seeing some indication as to how much revenue is expected to be lost.  Kennedy thinks some mayors and governors will see spending money that they don’t have as being the new normal.

Cut 6 (10) “…do revenue projections.”

Kennedy believes there are cost savings that can be done in chopping nonessential spending of government.

Cut 7 (12) “…any proposed cuts.”

Kennedy believes the only way to recover economically is to get the economy opened back up in a smart and safe way.

Cut 8 (13) “…and smart about it.”

__________________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry is encouraging Governor Edwards to allow the reopening of churches.  Landry says there is becoming some social unrest and one of the first steps to helping that is to allow churches to reunite their congregations.

Cut 9 (08) “…with their lives.″

In a letter to the Governor, Landry highlights that religious liberty is a bedrock principled right from which freedom flows.  Landry says the timing is right for the move as Louisiana appears to be beyond the peak of new cases.

Cut 10 (09) “…practicing their faith.”

Landry offered Edwards a draft set of guidelines and says the Governor needs to issue guidance for houses of worship just like he would for other portions of society.

Cut 11 (11) “…very responsible manner.”

______________________________

Supporters of a legislative petition that would overturn the Governor’s stay at home order say they have over half of the signatures needed for passage.

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says the petition is popular with his constituents.

Cut 12 (10) “…but them”

Edwards recently extended the stay at home order to May 15^th.

McCormick says the areas of the state that don’t have a lot of cases should be allowed to open tomorrow. He says the petition is based on three considerations.

Cut 13 (06) “…constitution”

Petition supporters appear to be are all Republicans but not everyone in the GOP is on board. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiburg supports the Governor’s decision.

Cut 14 (10) “…the feds”

Freiburg says she’s been in frequent meetings with health officials and says the data shows reopening tomorrow wouldn’t be a good idea.

Cut 15 (10)“…order”

Shopping malls face a major hurdle in resurgence following the coronavirus pandemic. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________________

Customers will be allowed to eat takeout meals outside of restaurants starting tomorrow but the Louisiana Restaurant Association says only about four percent of restaurants currently have patio dining…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Some budget analysts suggest Louisiana could face a five percent reduction in state revenue for the next fiscal year. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________________________

Shopping malls have already had a tough time competing with e-commerce, but following the pandemic, the challenge of retaining a customer base will likely grow even more.  LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says several factors will contribute to how much of a hurdle the mall industry faces.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…to these places.”

Rice says the challenges faced by malls depends on the variety of mall structures, with enclosed malls being the most at-risk for permanent closure.

Cut 5 (10)  “…restrictions are lifted.”

Rice says the malls will have to figure out ways to make their brick and mortar establishments a destination that consumers feel compelled to visit.

Cut 6 (09) “…that kind of thing.”

Governor Edwards says malls can be open for curbside pickup service beginning Friday.

______________________________

Governor Edwards is expected to provide additional guidance today ahead of tomorrow’s order allowing customers to eat take out outside of restaurants.

Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says this hasn’t been the most cohesive launch of guidelines he’s seen, and some important questions still need to be answered.

Cut 7 (10) “…food.”

Harris says most of the communication on this order his members have had so far has been with local officials.

Despite the lack of specificity, Harris says he is glad the state is allowing it. He says the restaurant industry is taking heavy losses and any chance to offer more services is appreciated.

Cut 8 (10) “…and back”

Harris says only about four percent of state restaurants have patio dining.

Harris says companies are also sorting out how to partially reopen indoor dining in the near future. He says between supply chain disruptions in the meat industry and staffing questions it’s tough.

Cut 9 (11) “…operate”

The Governor has suggested he could implement Phase One, allowing restaurants to open at 25% capacity, by mid-May.

____________________________________

Early estimates show the state budget for the next fiscal year will likely have a hefty shortfall due to the COVID shutdown and the collapse of oil prices.

House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says that equates to about a 500 million dollar budget shortfall, but at least this year’s budget shouldn’t be impacted.

Cut 10 (10) “revenue”

A five percent revenue hit may sound low given the ongoing economic collapse but the Houma Republican says federal dollars will help soften some of the blow.

Cut 11 (12) “…weather”

The session is set to resume Monday and Zeringue anticipates budget discussions will start the week after meaning they’ll have a brief three weeks to craft the spending plan before the session ends on June 1st.

Cut 12 (06) “numbers”

Zeringue says the Revenue Estimating Conference will meet mid-May to hopefully provide lawmakers with a dollar on how much the state can spend. A balanced budget must be approved by July, so a special session is possible if a budget is not approved by June 1st.

_____________________________________

The road to recovery for Baton Rouge Police Cpl. Derrick Maglone continues who was wounded in a shootout that left another officer dead.  Former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson is Maglone’s uncle and says Maglone is able speak in short sentences.

Cut 13 (08) “…bits and pieces.”

But Edmonson says it is the nonverbal communication that has meant the most to the family.

Cut 14 (12) “…knees were wobbling.”

While they are still respecting social distancing guidelines in visiting, Edmonson believes the interaction Maglone has had with other officers at the hospital has been helpful.

Cut 15 (11)“…about allowing that.”

Maglone was shot during a standoff on Sunday while looking for a suspect in a homicide earlier that day.  A 21-year veteran of the BRPD, Lt. Glenn Hutto Jr. was killed in the shoot-out.

______________________

After starting 70-games in his five-year NFL career. Jameis Winston is now a back-up quarterback with the New Orleans Saints. The former number one pick says it’s wise for him to spend a season learning from head coach Sean Payton and future Hall of Famer Drew Brees

Cut 16  (17)  “…of men” 

Winston led the N-F-L in passing yards last season, but he also led the league in the interceptions. So during the offseason he got LASIK surgery and Winston says he also began working with physical therapist Kevin Wilk, who is one of Brees’ longtime mentors

cut 17  (20) “…my body” 

After an up and down career, Winston is looking forward to being an understudy to Brees…

Cut 18  (15) “…use Google”   

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” 

___________________________________________

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.”

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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” 

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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”  

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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.”
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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.

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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.

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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” 

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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” 

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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” 

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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 ”

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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.″

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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”