The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee has asked Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin to revise his plan for the July 11th presidential primary over concerns that his proposal that expands mail-in voting to too many people. Shreveport Senator Barry Milligan says the more people who can vote by mail, the greater chance for fraud

Cut 3 (06)  “…than ever”  

St. John the Baptist remains one of the highest county/parishes per capita in COVID-19 deaths largely because of an outbreak at a veterans’ home in Reserve that’s claimed 16. Deputy Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Julie Baxter-Payer says all of their facilities have been inspected by state and federal health officials, and they’re doing everything they can to keep residents safe while supporting them emotionally.

Cut 8 (12) “…day.”

Governor Edwards says Louisiana will make more medical services available when the state begins the transition of reopening the economy. Elective surgeries such as colonoscopies and arthroscopic surgery are not allowed under the stay at home order, but the governor says you can only postpone those procedures for so long…

Cut 9 (09) “rather than later ″

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the state is working on a set of guidelines to potentially get restaurants and other service industry businesses open in May. But Nungesser warns that even if we do reopen next month an estimated 5.9 million tourism-related jobs will have already been lost nationwide.

Cut 13 (09) “…towards that”

The number of people who have died after testing positive for COVID-19 in Louisiana rose by another 90 today to 1,103. 16 of the victims lived at a Veterans Home in St. John the Baptist Parish. Deputy Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Julie Baxter-Payer says 26 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and those who’ve been infected are all in the high-risk group…
cut 7 (09) “….seeing”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the state is working on a set of guidelines to potentially get restaurants and other service industry businesses open in May. Nungesser says if it is safe to lift the stay at home order in May, restaurants could come back under strict guidelines…
Cut 12 (09) “mask”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin laid out his plans for how the state should handle the presidential primary that was scheduled for this month, but is now being pushed back to July. There’s a lot of concern about people going to the polls, but Ardoin opposes a universal vote by mail system…
cut 4 (13) “…under my watch”
But Senate Republicans are asking Ardoin to come back with a different proposal, because they believe it’s too broad and allows anyone over 18 to vote by mail.

Governor Edwards has said he plans to issue an order that will keep public schools closed for the remainder of the academic year, but the state has not released details on how educators should measure a student’s performance. Edwards says he’s not canceling school, just keeping the campuses closed…
cut 15 (06) “….should”
The governor is expected to release more information at his 4 PM press conference.

The latest Department of Health report indicates the state’s COVID-19 fatalities have hit 1,103 with 90 new deaths reported. New cases: up 433 to 21,951. Hospitalizations down 34 to 1,943. Ventilator usage is down by 11 to 425.

16 residents at a veterans’ home in Reserve have died of COVID-19, an outbreak that is driving St. John the Baptist Parish’s high per capita death rate. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin informed lawmakers today on his plan to push Louisiana’s presidential primary and other local elections until July. The presidential primary was originally set for April, then delayed until June and now Ardoin has set a July 11th election date with an expanded 13-day early voting period. Ardoin says the expansion of absentee ballot voting should not be confused with a universal vote by mail system, but adds the qualifications for absentee voting broadens the availability to include…

Cut 5 (06)  “…transmission of COVID-19.”

Governor Edwards says Louisiana will make more medical services available when the state begins the transition of reopening the economy. Edwards says when the green light is given to open up more businesses, social distancing will continue, adding the new normal will also have reduced occupancy limits…

Cut 11 (10) “…go into this”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin informed lawmakers today on his plan to push Louisiana’s presidential primary and other local elections until July. The presidential primary was originally set for April, then delayed until June and now Ardoin has set a July 11th election date with an expanded early voting period…

Cut 3 (10)  “…themselves.”  

St. John the Baptist remains one of the highest county/parishes per capita in COVID-19 deaths largely because of an outbreak at a veterans home in Reserve that’s killed 16. Deputy Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Julie Baxter-Payer says the facility saw its first resident show symptoms March 19^th, and…

Cut 6, 12 seconds, homes

The statewide stay home order was put into place March 22^nd.

The Governor’s current stay at home order lasts through April 30^th but Edwards has indicated he could extend it. He says when the green light is given to open up more businesses, social distancing will continue, along with other measures…

Cut 10 (09) “state”

Any limited opening would also require businesses to demand limited occupancy.

The Center for Reproductive Rights is suing Louisiana for the state’s attempts to close abortion clinics as part of a shutdown of all services deemed non-essential. Kathleen Pittman, administrator for the Shreveport Clinic, says her facility should not be closed because it is compliant with safety measures designed to restrict the spread of coronavirus.

Cut 8 (08) “…issued.”

Ohio, Oklahoma, and Alabama have had similar suits filed against them.

Governor Edwards says Louisiana will make more medical services available when the state begins the transition of reopening the economy. Elective surgeries such as colonoscopies and arthroscopic surgery are not allowed under the stay at home order, but the governor says you can only postpone those procedures for so long…
Cut 9 (09) “rather than later ″
The governor’s current stay at home order lasts through April 30th and Edwards has indicated he could extend it.

The Department of Corrections has created a review panel that will determine if certain inmates nearing the end of their sentence should be released in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus within jails.  1,200 inmates are eligible for the program.  Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says if an inmate is furloughed, they will not have the same freedoms as someone being released.
Cut 12 (07) “of the furlough.”
Reviews begin Friday.

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell recommends no more festivals for the remainder of 2020 due to the coronavirus. When asked what this means for the Saints, Cantrell says she doesn’t think anyone has a clue right now. Cantrell cites the economic and cultural significance of the Saints, and says they are working to do everything in their power to make it work as it is too important for the city. Organizers behind Essence Fest which is typically held in July at the Superdome has announced the events cancellation. Cantrell expressed concern over not only the local efforts to flatten the curve, but how other states where visitors live are preventing further spread.
Congressman Ralph Abraham and the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team will take to the skies over Monroe and West Monroe in aerial tribute to first responders and healthcare workers.  Abraham says a team pilot contacted him about performing the tribute after the area was impacted by Sunday’s tornado outbreak.
Cut 4 (12)_ “…in the backseat.”

The flyover will take place at 1pm this afternoon.

Many Louisiana residents look forward to the day when the governor makes the decision to begin the process of reopening the economy. Edwards says when he decides to loosen some of the restrictions, one of the things you’ll see is more medical services available…
cut 14 (08) “….long”
Many “non-essential” medical facilities were shuttered to conserve PPE and free up healthcare workers for a surge in COVID-19 patients.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry believes abortion clinics should not be operating during the stay at home order. The Center for Reproductive Rights has filed a lawsuit to make sure abortions continue. Nancy Northup argues abortion services are time-sensitive and essential…
cut 7 (09) “…services’

The Department of Corrections has created a review panel that will determine if certain inmates nearing the end of their sentence should be released in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus within jails. 1,200 inmates are eligible for a furlough review. Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says the first group of inmates up for consideration have a pre-existing medical condition and meet other criteria.
Cut 10 (10) “to receive them”
A second group without medical concerns will require the same criteria, plus having already served at least six months.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is asking laid-off workers to be patient as the state agency works to make sure unemployed workers receive the assistance they are entitled to. Out of work residents complained on social media they only got one 600-dollar payment when they should have received two. The L-W-C says an unprecedented crush of unemployment claims continues to create problems.

The number of people who have died from COVID-19 complications has surpassed one-thousand. The state reported 129 additional deaths yesterday to bring the death toll to 1,013. Matt Doyle has reaction from Governor Edwards…
voicer 3 (28) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has recommended the city should not host any large events due to the coronavirus pandemic. This morning Essence Fest organizers said they will no longer move forward with their plans to have a festival in 2020.

The Center for Reproductive Rights files a lawsuit to stop Louisiana from blocking abortions during the coronavirus crisis. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says clinics are non-essential facilities and should not be in operation, but abortion rights activist Nancy Northup says medical experts disagree…
cut 9 (13) “…care”
Several other states are also facing similar legal challenges.

Congressman Ralph Abraham will fly with the Aeroshell Aerobatic team over the Monroe area at 1 PM today in a tribute to first responders and health care workers. Abraham says Aeroshell will take to the air in four vintage aircrafts…
cut 6 (13) “…sometimes not”

The State Department of Corrections has set up a special review panel that will consider whether certain non-violent offenders within six months of the completion of their sentence should be released from jail. Corrections Secretary James LeBlanc….
cut 11 (12) “….public health emergency”
LeBlanc says this effort to alleviate the crowding in jails due to the coronavirus pandemic mirrors what U-S Attorney General William Barr has recommended with federal prisons.

At 4 PM today, Governor John Bel Edwards will provide a COVID-19 response update. Joining him will be Acting State Superintendent of Education Beth Scioneaux to discuss how to handle the remainder of the school year as physical campuses will remain closed for the rest of the academic year…
cut 15 (06) “….should”

An abortion-rights group files a lawsuit against the state for designating abortion clinics as non-essential and requiring those services to be shut down as part of the Governor’s stay at home order…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Congressman Ralph Abraham will ride along with the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team for a flyover at 1 PM today over the Monroe area in four World Two-era planes. Abraham says they are doing this to thank first responders and healthcare workers and it should be a great show…
cut 5 (08) “….possible”

Louisiana has surpassed one-thousand deaths from COVID-19. The state reported 129 more fatalities bringing the death toll to 1,013. Governor John Bel Edwards says much of the spike was the result of a reporting backlog, but that doesn’t make it any easier to process…
cut 13 (10) “….anyone”
Today, the governor holds his monthly call-in show at two PM.

The Center for Reproductive Rights has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the state’s efforts to close abortion clinics because of the coronavirus pandemic. Kathleen Pittman, administrator for the Hope Medical Group in Shreveport, says their facility is practicing social distancing and they do not use equipment needed by most hospitals…
cut 8 (08) “…issued”
Attorney General Jeff Landry says the abortion clinics are trying to make the argument that the rules do not apply to them.

The coronavirus pandemic is giving about 12-hundred non-violent inmates a chance for a medical release. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell recommends no more festivals for the remainder of 2020 due to the coronavirus. If that becomes a reality, it would mean the cancellation or postponement of events such as Jazzfest, Essence Fest, French Quarter Fest, and Voodoo Experience. Cantrell expressed concern over not only the local efforts to flatten the curve, but how other states where visitors live are preventing further spread.

National Weather Service indicates at least seven tornadoes ravaged north Louisiana and that number is expected to grow. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

There’s activity underway again at the PMAC on LSU’s campus but it’s not the norm. Ashley Arceneaux, Chief of Staff for the LSU President says the university community is working together to support medical providers and the facility has become a production center for PPE, like reusable gowns from billboard vinyl with locally donated materials.

Cut 3 (10)  “…themselves.”  

Arceneaux says the vinyl is donated by Lamar Advertising and Circle Graphics.

LSU Health New Orleans has enrolled its first patient in a clinical trial that will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine alone or with Azithromycin as a treatment for COVID-19. Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Meredith Clement says they are enrolling patients who meet these criteria…

Cut 9 (11) “prior″

The study may enroll up to 600 at University Medical Center, if they have enough patients eligible.