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 longer Louisiana brick and mortar stores stay closed, the more comfortable Louisianans will get ordering online from out of state vendors.
Cut 5 (08)  “…Louisiana.”
LABI is asking the state to use the extra time to develop a comprehensive plan to allow all businesses to open by May 15^th at the latest.
The Associated General Contractors of America says New Orleans saw construction jobs dip by 2,800 over the year, a 10 percent drop.  Spokesperson Brian Turmail says metros across south Louisiana are seeing the worst of the state’s over-the-year downward trends.
Cut 7 (11) “…in Baton Rouge.”
Shreveport saw 100 construction jobs lost, down 1 percent.

A survey from Lending Tree indicates that 91 percent of coronavirus-impacted homeowners, who have asked for assistance or forbearance on their monthly bill, are successful.  While a majority of those who ask for help are granted assistance, Lending Tree Chief Credit Analyst Matt Schulz says many are unaware, almost one in five, that the option is even available with their mortgage.

Cut 11 (09) “…need to.”

Schulz says if you need assistance you have to make the effort to reach out to your mortgage company.

Governor Edwards extends the stay at home order until May 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, adding he’s also not seeing nearly enough people wear masks in public.

Cut 14 (11) “…with”

The newest covid-19 cases from the state show positive cases are up 218, a total of 27,286, the smallest percent increase since the outbreak began and fatalities are up 61 to 1758.

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

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Governor Edwards extends the stay at home order until May 15^th citing concerning COVID-19 case growth in areas outside of the New Orleans epicenter like Monroe.

Ouachita Parish reports 651 total cases and 16 COVID deaths, Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo supports the stay at home extension.

Cut 12 (10) “…worse”

LDH reports the Monroe and Baton Rouge regions are seeing increases in both cases and hospitalizations, while Acadiana is seeing increased cases.

A survey from Lending Tree indicates that 91 percent of coronavirus-impacted homeowners, who asked for assistance are successful. Lending Tree Chief Credit Analyst Matt Schulz says unemployment relief and stimulus checks are helpful but immediate assistance is more effective.

Cut 10 (10) “…getting recently”

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

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says he’s disappointed in the Governor’s decision to extend the stay at home order to May 15^th.

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

Cut 3 (08)  “…businesses”   

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

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

Cut 6 (13) “…the association tracks.”

A survey from Lending Tree indicates that 91 percent of coronavirus-impacted homeowners, who have asked for assistance or forbearance on their monthly bill, are successful.  Lending Tree Chief Credit Analyst Matt Schulz says he’s surprised at the number, but if you need help, he says it’s worth the time to reach out to your lender.

Cut 9 (09) “…your lender.″

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

Governor John Bel Edwards has extended the stay at home order until May 15th. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (44) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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

Fatal crashes were up eight percent from March 16^th to April 20^th compared to the same time last year despite an estimated up to 40 percent fewer cars being on the road, and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says reckless, drunk, or distracted driving is in some ways possibly more dangerous than it used to be with all the new foot traffic on sidewalks these days.

Cut 9 (12) “…factored in”

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association warns the sector is on pace to be hit harder than previously thought.

President Gifford Briggs says roughly 33,000 people earning wages over three billion dollars directly work in the industry. He says surveys indicate 70 percent of those jobs will now be lost.

Cut 11 (10) “…economy”

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

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

Cut 20 six feet :17

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association warns the sector is on pace to be hit harder than previously thought, and oil futures are likely to again trade in the negatives. President Gifford Briggs says estimates show the world is producing 30 million barrels of oil a day more than it can consume. He says more than half of state wells are set to shut down as a result.

Cut 10 (11) “wells”

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

Governor John Bel Edwards has extended the stay at home order until May 15th as Louisiana continues to rank sixth in the nation for confirmed coronavirus cases per capita. There was hope the state would begin to reopen its economy on Friday, but the governor says we have to be smart about this…
cut 6 (10) “…to more restrictions”
Edwards says he’ll announce on May 11th if the stay at home order will extend beyond May 15th.

New drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites are open today in Donaldsonville and Raceland in Lafourche Parish from 8 AM to noon. GOHSEP Deputy Director Casey Tingle says those meeting the minimum requirements for testing will not have to get out of their vehicle…
cut 14 (11) “…that they need”
The drive-thru sites are located at Donaldsonville Primary School and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office range.

The number of fatal crashes is up in Louisiana despite a decrease in traffic. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin has been released from federal prison as a part of a plan to reduce prison populations because of the coronavirus pandemic. The 63-year-old Nagin reported to prison in 2014 after he was convicted on 20 counts of corruption, bribery, and fraud. He had nearly four and a half years left on his 10-year sentence.

Governor Edwards has extended the stay-at-home order through May 15th, because the state continues to see coronavirus cases and hospitalization rise in northeast Louisiana, Acadiana and the Baton Rouge area. Edwards says the state ranks sixth in the nation in per capita infections…
cut 5 (11) “….perspective”
None of the states in the top ten per capita cases are reopening on May 1st.

The news that many businesses will remain closed is not good for the Louisiana Oil and Gas industry..
cut 12 (09) “….travel”
That’s Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Gifford Briggs who is calling for a complete suspension of state severance taxes and an end to coastal lawsuits against oil companies.

Even though there are fewer motorists on the roads, the state is reporting an increase in fatal crashes. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission executive director Lisa Freeman says too many drivers are engaging in risky behaviors that put themselves and others at risk of serious injury…
cut 8 (10) “…sure”
Between March 16th to April 20th there were 66 fatal crashes in Louisiana, during the same time period last year there were 61.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has set up two new drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites, one at Donaldsonville Primary School in Ascension Parish and the other at the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Range in Raceland. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says people will be assessed once they arrive at the site…
cut 15 (08) “…necessary”

Governor John Bel Edwards has extended the stay at home order until May 15th. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (44) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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

Data from the state Department of Transportation shows fatal crashes were up eight percent from March 16th to April 20th compared to the same time last year despite an estimated 30 to 40 percent fewer cars on the road. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman…
Cut 7 (10) “…at risk.”
The state counted 66 fatal crashes from March 16th to April 20th, there were 61 fatal crashes during the same time period last year.

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

Governor John Bel Edwards has extended the statewide stay at home order to May 15th citing concerning levels of case growth in northeast Louisiana, the Baton Rouge area, and Acadiana…
Cut 4 (12)_ “…counts.”
There are some changes with the new stay at home order. Starting on Friday, restaurants can have customers eat outside of their establishment, but with no waiter service. And malls can offer curbside service.

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin becoming a free man. That’s according to his lawyer, who says Nagin is back with his family in Texas. He was serving a ten-year prison sentence in Texarkana, Arkansas, but gets an early release as officials reduce the prison population. Nagin was convicted in 2014 on corruption charges.

An international agreement to reduce oil production will not save the state’s energy industry from massive furloughs according to the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Governor John Bel Edwards has extended the stay at home order until May 15th. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (44) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

The number of fatal crashes is up in Louisiana despite a significant decrease in the amount of traffic. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

An international agreement to reduce oil production is not going to save the Louisiana oil sector from massive furloughs according to the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________________________

Governor Edwards extends the statewide stay at home order to May 15^th citing concerning levels of case growth outside of the Metro New Orleans epicenter.

Cases have recently increased in northeast Louisiana, Baton Rouge, and Acadiana, and Edwards says every doctor and scientist advising him agreed with the extension…

Cut 4 (12)_ “…counts.”

Vice President Mike Pence was informed of the plan and agreed with it as well.

Edwards says the stay at home order has not been a failure, and it helped the state avoid a worst-case scenario but it hasn’t slowed case growth fast enough just yet.

Cut 5 (11)  “…perspective”

Three minor changes were announced as well allowing pick up outside mall-based retail stores, customers to eat take out orders outside of restaurants, and one requiring employees working with the public to wear masks.

Stay at home orders in neighboring Mississippi and Texas are set to end this week, but Edwards says you can’t compare us to them.

Cut 6 (10) “…first.”

Edwards says the next announcement on the stay at home order’s status will be made May 11^th.

______________________________

Fatal crashes were up eight percent from March 16^th to April 20^th compared to the same time last year despite an estimated 30 to 40 percent fewer cars being on the road.

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says it appears the more open roads are bringing out the worst in some motorists.

Cut 7 (10) “…at risk.”

The state counted 66 fatal crashes during that March to April period.

It’s a rough time to get into a bad crash and end up in the ICU. Freeman says be courteous to our frontline medical heroes and don’t drive recklessly.

Cut 8 (10) “…sure.”

Freeman says reckless, drunk, or distracted driving is in some ways possibly more dangerous than it used to be with all the new foot traffic on sidewalks these days.

Cut 9 (12) “…factored in”

____________________________________

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association warns the sector is on pace to be hit harder than previously thought, and oil futures are likely to again trade in the negatives.

President Gifford Briggs says estimates show the world is producing 30 million barrels of oil a day more than it can consume. He says more than half of state wells are set to shut down as a result.

Cut 10 (11) “wells”

He says the recent international deal with OPEC and Russia to cut production by 10 million barrels a day just wasn’t enough.

Briggs says roughly 33,000 people earning wages over three billion dollars directly work in the industry. He says surveys indicate 70 percent of those jobs will now be lost.

Cut 11 (10) “…economy”

Briggs says the industry needs tax relief, lawsuit reform, and other state and federal help to survive the historically tough period, but most of all…

Cut 12 (09) “travel”

_____________________________________

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness announces the opening of additional state-supported drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites in Ascension and Lafourche Parishes.  GOHSEP Deputy Director Casey Tingle says the sites will be located in Donaldsonville and Raceland.

Cut 13 (08) “…can get it.”

The two sites had a soft opening for first responders and seniors yesterday with a full opening to all Louisiana residents today.  Tingle says those being tested will not need to get out of their vehicle and says there has been a change in the swabbing process.

Cut 14 (11) “…that they need.”

Candidates for examination must be at least 18 and have a Louisiana ID.  GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says there is a process that may eliminate some patients from swab eligibility.

Cut 15 (08)“…just not necessary.”

The sites are open daily from 8am until noon and can be found at the Donaldsonville Primary School as well as the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Range.