Governor Edwards says the state continues to flatten the curve but warns life is unlikely to go back to normal anytime soon. Models show a steep drop-off in expected COVID deaths in Louisiana relative to projections at the start of the month, but…
Cut 4 (07)_ “…May.”
Edwards says that’s not an official announcement that the stay at home order is being extended, but it’s a possibility.

The governor is expected to announce soon that schools will be closed for the remainder of the year. Ethan Melancon, director of education policy at Pelican Institute for Public Policy, understands the need to close physical school sites, but parents still have a lot of questions…
cut 12 (07) “…in grade”
Melancon says 44-percent of the districts are not providing adequate distance learning opportunities.

The Attorney General’s office is assisting the state department of health in investigating whether Louisiana’s three abortion clinics are violating the stay at home order by performing non-emergency medical procedures. Attorney General spokesperson Deanna Fortin on what happens if these facilities are found to be in violation…
cut 8 (12) “…this”

Easter is different this year, but Easter baskets can be filled with traditional candy favorites. CEO of Ponchatoula-based candy maker Elmer Chocolate Rob Nelson says the Easter Bunny should not experience any disruptions in the supply chain as they got their candies prepped early.
Cut 13 (07) “…back in February.”
Nelson says Easter candy sales have slumped recently with residents focused on shopping for essential items, but he’s optimistic sales will pick up this weekend.

The Attorney General’s Office is investigating reports of elective surgical centers, including abortion clinics, continuing operations despite the state’s stay at home order, which prohibits elective medical procedures and surgeries. A-G spokesperson Deanna Fortin says they’ve received complaints about two of the state’s three clinics…
Cut 6 (03) “… Rouge.”
Governor John Bel Edwards was asked if he thought an abortion was an elective procedure…
cut 30 (10) “…soon”
And the governor is expected to announce soon that schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. Schools have been closed since mid-March and BESE president Sandy Holloway says they’ve heard that 39 of Louisiana’s 69 school districts have offered various forms of distance learning, while others say learning is still taking place…
cut 10 (03) “…of learning”

Ponchatoula-based candy maker Elmer Chocolate says the pandemic isn’t impacting the availability of their holiday candy. Brooke Thorington has the story.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

There’s the potential for severe weather on Easter Sunday. Forecasters say the northern half of the state is under a moderate risk of severe weather, while south Louisiana is under an enhanced threat. Strong storms moved through south Louisiana last night, knocking down numerous trees in Opelousas.

A state lawmaker has passed away from the coronavirus. Freshman House member Reggie Bagala from LaFourche Parish died yesterday at the age of 54. He was on a ventilator for more than a week. Governor John Bel Edwards calls Bagala a successful businessman, devoted family member and active volunteer.

The state is investigating whether two abortion clinics are performing procedures during the Governor’s stay at home order. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Governor Edwards is expected to announce that schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. Pelican Institute for Public Policy education director Ethan Melancon says before any decision is made, the state should release a specific plan for how and when students will return to school for remediation of the time spent out of the classroom…
cut 11 (10) “…instruction time”

It is Good Friday and kids would normally be out of school today for this religious holiday. Kids also enjoy Easter candy at this time of the year. CEO of Ponchatoula-based Elmer Chocolate Rob Nelson says sales have slumped with consumers focused on shopping for essential items, but he’s optimistic sales will pick up this weekend…
cut 14 (06) “…Heavenly Hash”
Nelson says they’ve donated thousands of chocolate eggs to health care workers on the front-line and food banks.

Governor John Bel Edwards says it is likely schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has sent a letter to the Governor supporting such a move. BESE president Sandy Holloway says it is in the best interest of public health…
Cut 9 (07) “…facilities too soon.″
Interim Education Superintendent Beth Scioneaux says if schools remain closed, every community needs a plan for continued learning.

The Attorney General’s office is assisting the state department of health in investigating whether Louisiana’s three abortion clinics are violating a state order against non-emergency medical procedures during the stay-at-home order. Attorney General spokesperson Deanna Fortin on what happens if these facilities are found to be in violation…
cut 8 (12) “…this”

Louisiana now has 18-thousand positive cases of COVID-19 and 702 have died, including state lawmaker Reggie Bagala, a freshman member of the House from Lafourche Parish.

But there have been positive signs. The rate of new hospitalizations has slowed and the number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators has decreased. Many are wondering if the governor’s stay at home order will be lifted in May, But Governor John Bel Edwards says even if it is, things will not go back to normal right away…
cut 5 (10) “…period”

It’s Easter weekend. Ponchatoula-based candy maker Elmer Chocolate has donated about 15-thousand candy eggs to those battling the pandemic…
cut 15 (06) “…two food banks”
That’s Elmer Chocolate CEO Rob Nelson.

Governor Edwards says the state continues to flatten the curve but warns life is unlikely to go back to normal anytime in the next few months. Federal projections show a steep drop-off in expected COVID deaths in Louisiana relative to projections at the start of the month, but…
Cut 4 (07)_ “…May.”
Edwards says that’s not an official announcement that the stay at home order is being extended, but a warning that it’s a possibility.

The governor’s stay at home order calls for the suspension of all elective and non-emergency medical procedures. The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office has activated a task force to help the state health department investigate possible violations. Spokesperson Deanna Fortin says they’ve received complaints that abortion clinics in Shreveport and Baton Rouge are still performing procedures….
cut 7 (08) “…cancer”
But the abortion rights group Louisiana Lift says abortion is essential health care.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is among several groups asking Governor John Bel Edwards to close schools for the remainder of the year. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The state health department reports that 130 nursing home residents are among the 702 people in Louisiana who have died from COVID-19. Office of Public Health Assistant Sec. Doctor Alex Billioux says the state is working with nursing homes and senior care facilities to make sure they have personal protective equipment…

Cut 5 (09)  “…new communities”

Zachary police report a tragic murder-suicide where it’s believed a man shot and killed his two stepchildren the day after his wife, their mother, died. Zachary Police Chief David McDavid says it appears 77-year-old James Brannon was distraught over the loss of his wife and shot 48-year-olds Deborah Ross and Beverly Watts.

Cut 12 (10) “before”

The LHSAA has canceled all spring sports and Governor Edward has indicated that there is a good chance that Louisiana public schools will not reopen for the remainder of the school year. Additionally, Edwards says this Easter holiday will not look like other years and urges continued social distancing efforts.  Edwards has no issues with crawfish boils for families that live together, but it shouldn’t be turning into a block party or a family reunion.

Cut 10 (13) “…can avoid it.”

Louisiana Crawfish Farmer’s Association President David Savoy says sales for crawfish are at 40-percent of what they were last year. Savoy says usually Easter is the industry’s Super Bowl, but this weekend they project a massive drop-off relative to what they would normally sell.

Cut 6 (12) “phone calls”

The LHSAA has canceled all spring sports and Governor Edward has indicated that there is a good chance that Louisiana public schools will not reopen for the remainder of the school year. Additionally, Edwards says this Easter holiday will not look like other years and urges continued social distancing efforts.  The Easter holiday does not create an exemption from mitigation efforts of virus spread.

Cut 9 (10) “…of the virus.″

The state health department reports that 130 nursing home residents are among the state’s coronavirus fatalities. Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Doctor Alex Billioux says these facilities where clusters have developed, you have residents who have the virus, those who are suspected of having COVID-19 and those who are free from having the coronavirus.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…tight spaces.”

Louisiana Crawfish Farmer’s Association President David Savoy says sales for crawfish are at 40-percent of what they were last year. Savoy says Easter usually is the industry’s Super Bowl. Many farmers use peeling factories as a buyer of last resort when private sales are down, but Savoy says the peelers are so inundated with crawfish that you can’t sell to them at a profit.
Cut 8 (06) “dollar.”
Savoy says the industry needs federal and state assistance for all struggling farmers, and soon.
Zachary police report a tragic double-murder suicide where it’s believed a man shot and killed his two stepchildren the day after his wife, and their mother, died. Zachary Police Chief David McDavid says it appears 77-year-old James Brannon was distraught over the loss of his wife and shot 48-year-olds Deborah Ross and Beverly Watts.McDavid says they’ve had an uptick in mental health-related calls in the past few weeks.
Cut 14 (10) “…worried”

Governor Edwards noted at his briefing, that today marks one-month anniversary since Louisiana reported its first case of the coronavirus. The state now has 18,283 positive cases and has reported 702 deaths.  Tonight at 8 pm 150 iconic landmarks across the nation will become beacons of blue to honor healthcare workers, they will include the Louisiana State Capitol, Superdome, Governor’s Mansion, Tiger Stadium, F.G Clark Activity Center and the LA Tech Fountain.

The state health department reports that 130 nursing home residents are among the 702 people in Louisiana who have died from COVID-19. Office of Public Health director, Doctor Alex Bilioux, says it’s critical that employees at these facilities practice social distancing when they are away from work.

Cut 3 (11)  “…that reason”  

Zachary police report a tragic murder-suicide where it’s believed a man shot and killed his two stepchildren the day after his wife, their mother, died. Zachary Police Chief David McDavid says it appears 77-year-old James Brannon shot 48-year-olds Deborah Ross and Beverly Watts. McDavid says officers reported seeing the family out in their yard during their community policing rounds.

Cut 13 (07) “…area”

McDavid says they believe the shooter was distraught over the loss of his wife, they’ve had an uptick in mental health-related calls in the past few weeks.

Louisiana Crawfish Farmer’s Association President David Savoy says sales for crawfish are at 40-percent of what they were last year. Savoy says the biggest problem they are facing is the cancellation of major 100-150 bag corporate events, and the reduction of family boils from 12 bag events to three to four bag boils.

Cut 7 (11) “…outside that.”

State health officials reported 50 more COVID-19 deaths the total number of fatalities to 702. Jeff Palermo reports the climbing death toll is why Governor Edwards urges residents to stay away from large gatherings this Easter weekend…

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Lousiana Department of Public Safety says eighty respirator masks taken by a high-ranking official have been returned to a makeshift hospital for recovering coronavirus patients in New Orleans. Vernon Giscombe, the director of public safety for Morial Convention Center was arrested over the weekend and charged with one count of malfeasance in office.

Zachary police report a tragic murder-suicide where it’s believed a man shot and killed his two stepchildren the day after his wife, their mother, died. Zachary Police Chief David McDavid says it appears 77-year-old James Brannon was distraught over the loss of his wife and shot 48-year-olds Deborah Ross and Beverly Watts.

Cut 12 (10) “before”

Louisiana Crawfish Farmer’s Association President David Savoy says the industry is being devastated by coronavirus with many seeing sales at only 40 percent of what they were last year. Savoy says Easter is the industry’s Super Bowl, and they’re projecting a massive drop-off.

Cut 6 (12) “phone calls”

Governor John Bel Edwards says this Easter holiday will not be like any other in years.  Edwards continues to urge social distancing in order to combat COVID-19.  Edwards has no issues with crawfish boils for families that live together, but it shouldn’t be turning into a block party or a family reunion.

Cut 10 (13) “…can avoid it.”

The state health department reports that 130 nursing home residents are among the 702 people in Louisiana who have died from COVID-19. Office of Public Health director, Doctor Alex Bilioux says the state is working with nursing homes and senior care facilities to make sure they have personal protective equipment…

Cut 5 (09)  “…new communities”

Religious congregations face an unprecedented dilemma approaching one of the holiest times of the year for different faiths. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

According to the National Multifamily Housing Council, only 57-percent of renters in Louisiana paid rent by April 5^th, a drop of more than 20-percent from April of last year.  The state had one of the lowest rates of rent payments in the nation for April, as unemployment has soared across the state.  Governor Edwards suspended evictions in Louisiana through April 30 through his stay at home order.