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

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

Cut 9 (09) “…do this.″

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

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

Cut 4 (08)_ “…buisness.”

Graves made the comments on Talk Louisiana.

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

Cut 7 (13) “…people buying toys.”

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

Cut 3 (06)  “…members”   

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

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

Cut 6 (09) “…to social isolation.”

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

Cut 11 (08) “…don’t know”

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

Acadiana is one of the state’s regions where the coronavirus case count continues to climb, but the area is now seeing a decrease in total deaths and hospitalizations. Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory says his region was able to get in front of the virus surge with spread mitigation efforts early on and flattening the curve has lengthened the timeline for reopening.

Cut 8 (10) “…extending the timeframe.”

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

The state is working to increase coronavirus testing and what about Mardi Gras next year. Matt Doyle reports the governor spoke about both topics…
voicer 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Edwards is in Washington D.C. today. He’s one of a handful of governors who President Donald Trump asked to meet with one-on-one. In a statement, Edwards says he plans to talk with the President about plans to re-open additional businesses next month and surging their testing capacity.

The University of Louisiana System is planning to have students on their nine campuses this fall. And U-L System president Doctor Jim Henderson says despite a lot of uncertainty, applications and admissions are up across the board…
cut 11 (08) “….don’t know”
LSU interim president Thomas Galligan has told faculty and staff that LSU plans to begin a phased approach to returning to campus around May 15th.

There is frustration over Governor John Bel Edwards extending the stay at home order until May 15th. The governor says there are three regions of the state that’s still seeing an increase in cases. Acadiana is one of those areas. Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory calls on the public to do its part, so a phase one re-opening of the economy can begin…
cut 9 (13) “…is team player”

Governor John Bel Edwards is in Washington D-C today for a one-on-one meeting with President Donald Trump. Edwards says he looks forward to the conversation with the president about the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The governor says he’ll also share the state’s plans to re-open additional businesses next month and efforts to surge the state’s testing capacity to 200-thousand tests per month.

The surviving Baton Rouge Police officer wounded in Sunday’s fatal shootout that killed another officer is showing promising signs of recovery. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (24) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

On Friday, restaurants can begin to offer outdoor dining, where customers can pick up food for take out, but instead of going home, they can eat at a table outside of the restaurant. But New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says that will not happen in the Crescent City and Cantrell says a discussion should take place on whether Mardi Gras can happen next year. Governor Edwards was asked his thoughts on Mardi Gras 2021…
cut 6 (08) “…to know”

The Termite swarm season is starting, mostly a south Louisiana event. LSU AgCenter Entomologist Karen Sun says the problematic Formosan subterranean termites are an invasive species originally from Asia but thrive in Louisiana’s heat and humidity…
cut 13 (09) “…worst infested areas”
The pests will swarm through June, congregating around lights after dark.

Governor Edwards announces the federal government will provide Louisiana with the testing kits needed to administer 200,000 COVID tests a month. So far just over 150,000 tests have been performed. Assistant Secretary for the state office of public health, Dr. Alex Billioux, says a surge in testing will allow for testing of asymptomatic people, especially in prisons and nursing homes…
cut 5 (06) “…individuals”
Billioux also explains why it’s important to wear a mask…
cut 30 (20) “…mutually”

UL system students should plan on heading back to campus in the fall. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Doctor Karen Sun says the Formosan subterranean termite season has arrived. The swarms begin at dusk and Sun says one of the best mitigation techniques is limiting outdoor lighting…
cut 14 (09) “….that’s possible”
The termites generally dissipate by 10:30 PM, at which point you should be able to turn back on outside lights.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces the federal government will provide Louisiana with the resources needed to administer 200,000 COVID tests a month. So far just over 150,000 tests have been performed. Edwards says starting next month the state will begin to receive more testing kits and the weekly allocation will increase over time…
Cut 4 (09)_ “to get.”
The governor is in Washington D-C today for a one-on-one meeting with President Donald Trump. Testing will be one of the major topics.

Universities are planning to welcome students back to their college campuses this fall, but how much of a state funding hit will these schools take. The state is anticipating lower revenues because of the COVID-19 shutdown, but University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says that it doesn’t necessarily mean the system will go under…
cut 12 (08) “…students”

The surviving Baton Rouge Police officer wounded in Sunday’s fatal shootout that killed another officer is showing promising signs of recovery. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (24) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

State lawmakers have approved Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan for more early voting days and expanded mail-in balloting options for the July and August elections. Ardoin says this is a temporary response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But many Republican lawmakers are concerned about the mail-in voting expansion.

The state is working to increase coronavirus testing and what about Mardi Gras next year. Matt Doyle reports the governor spoke about both topics…
voicer 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Edwards is in Washington D.C. today. He’s one of a handful of governors who President Donald Trump asked to meet with one-on-one. In a statement, Edwards says he plans to talk with the President about plans to re-open additional businesses next month and surging their testing capacity.

University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says they plan on having students back on their nine 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 Thomas Galligan says they’re planning on doing the same at the flagship campus.

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory supports Governor John Bel Edwards’ decision to extend the stay-at-home order to May 15th. Guillory says he knows many are disappointed, but he believes the Governor is acting in good faith.
Cut 7 (08) “…Governor’s coming from.”
The governor says rising cases of COVID-19 in Acadiana, Baton Rouge, and northeast Louisiana played a major role in extending the stay at home order for another two weeks.

The COVID-19 pandemic hits Louisiana’s construction sector hard, but industry leaders are calling for increased investment in infrastructure to reverse that trend. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

The state records 61 additional fatalities today, bring the death toll to 1758. Total cases: 27,286, up by 219. Both hospitalizations and ventilator usage have gone down.

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says he’s disappointed in the Governor’s decision to extend the stay at home order to May 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.

A survey from Lending Tree indicates that 91 percent of coronavirus-impacted homeowners, who asked for assistance or forbearance on their mortgage are successful. Lending Tree Chief Credit Analyst Matt Schulz says unemployment relief and stimulus checks are helpful, but they trickle in, receiving immediate assistance from creditors is more effective.

Cut 10 (10) “…getting recently”

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.

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says he’s disappointed in the Governor’s decision to extend the stay at home order. Waguespack pointed to the many businesses deemed as essential as proof that companies can operate safely right now.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…the same.”

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

Cut 6 (13) “…the association tracks.”

New Orleans saw construction jobs dip by 2,800 from March 2019 to March 2020, a 10 percent drop. 

A survey from Lending Tree indicates that 91 percent of coronavirus-impacted homeowners, who asked for assistance or forbearance on their mortgage are successful. Lending Tree Chief Credit Analyst Matt Schulz says he’s surprised by the high percentage, but it shows it’s worth the time to reach out to your lender.

Cut 9 (09) “…your lender.″

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry disagrees with Governor Edwards’ decision to extend the stay at home order to May 15th. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

The state records 61 additional fatalities today, bring the death toll to 1758. Total cases: 27,286, up by 219. Both hospitalizations and ventilator usage have gone down.

The Associated General Contractors of America says the pandemic has hit the construction industry hard. CEO of the Louisiana AGC Ken Naquin says increased investment in infrastructure could help mitigate the economic downturn by putting more people back to work in high-paying construction careers.

Cut 8 (10) “…it on infrastructure.”

New Orleans saw construction jobs dip by 2,800 over the year, a 10 percent drop.

Governor Edwards extends the stay at home order until May 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 says just driving around town he still sees groups of people getting together and disregarding social distancing.

Cut 13 (10) “…not good”