The state reports its biggest single-day COVID-19 case count increase since April 10, with 827 new cases. The large increase is due in part to an influx of old results from labs that are just now being reported, including a large lab reporting 609 cases administered as early as March. Total cases: 33,489. 36 new fatalities bring the state’s death toll to 2,351.

Governor Edwards says as the state begins to reopen its economy, it’s important to remember we are still battling a public health crisis. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Louisiana Senate votes 31-5 to ban the hand-held usage of cell phones while behind the wheel and the bill is heading to the House for further discussion.  Bill sponsor Covington Sen. Patrick McMath says he has spent a significant amount of time drafting the legislation to make it less burdensome on drivers when it comes to being able to still utilize a phone while in a vehicle.
Cut 10 (10) “…all that stuff.”
Similar measures have failed to make it to the Governor’s desk in the past.
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser announces the reopening of 18 of the 21 state parks this Friday.  Nungesser says state parks are incentivizing residents to staycation and check out all the trails, the fishing, and more.

Cut 14 (12) “…4^th night free (x2).”

All out-of-state bookings at state parks have been canceled through phase one of the economic reopening

Gyms, movie theaters, nail, and hair salons can reopen Friday. Barbershops and salons have been closed since March, so the backlog of those in need of a haircut may create the need for extended business hours.  Director of the State Board of Cosmetology Steve Young says that should not be an issue.
Cut 5 (09)  “…sure many will.”
Mask-wearing and other spread mitigation efforts will be mandated during a hair appointment.
Governor Edwards releases a proclamation today that will officially loosen restrictions on restaurants and churches starting tomorrow. The COVID-19 death toll in Louisiana has reached 23-hundred and the state is reporting nearly 33-thousand cases as the state prepares to reopen a portion of its economy. Edwards says the rate of transmission in some parts of the state is lower than one and he hopes to keep it that way.
Cut 8 (09) “…do that”

Some business advocates are frustrated that tattoo parlors, bars, and spas will not be allowed to open for business Friday.  But Louisiana Department of Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says it’s just not safe to open those sectors yet, and cited White House guidelines recommending places like bars remain closed.  Billioux says some establishments, like restaurants, lend themselves well to adapting to social distancing guidelines, and some business models just could not make it work.

Cut 12 (11) “…that setting”

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser announces the reopening of 18 of the state’s historical sites, and 18 of the 21 state parks this Friday.  Nungesser says state parks have lots of cancellations, so there has never been a better time for locals to enjoy what state parks have to offer.

Cut 13 (09) “…by Louisiana residents.” 

State Parks will begin taking reservations on Friday.

Governor Edwards releases a proclamation today that will officially lift the stay at home order tomorrow, which will loosen restrictions on restaurants and churches. Gyms, movie theaters, nail, and hair salons can reopen. Edwards says moving to phase one doesn’t mean life returns to pre-coronavirus. He says if people do not follow the CDC and state health department recommendations, we will be back to square one…
cut 7 (10) “…would”
Barbershops and hair salons will partially reopen Friday and the experience is expected to be drastically different. Louisiana Cosmetology Board executive director Steve Young…
Cut 4 (09)_ “…the appointed time.”
Under phase one guidelines, salons can only open at 25-percent capacity and each station has to be at least six feet apart. Young says there could be a buffer time of 15 to 30 minutes between each customer to make sure all equipment gets wiped down.

Most of Louisiana’s state parks will reopen this weekend and the state wants to make sure Louisiana residents take advantage of them. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Even though Louisiana is moving into phase one of reopening, the LHSAA announces that offseason workouts will not begin until at least June 8th. Executive Director Eddie Bonine says the delay gives schools more time to make sure they have all the proper safety measures in place.

Louisiana’s stay at home order is set to end tomorrow and today Governor John Bel Edwards will release the official phase one reopening guidelines that he’s expecting businesses to follow. Churches and restaurants can reopen at 25-percent of their normal capacity.

But not every business can reopen tomorrow. Massage, tattoo parlors, amusement parks and bars that do not serve food must remain closed. Matt Doyle has more…
voicer 2 (30) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

Salons and barbers can welcome customers back to their business tomorrow. But under phase one guidelines, they can only open at 25-percent capacity and each station has to be at least six feet apart. Louisiana Board of Cosmetology Executive Director Steve Young says stylists are also required to wear masks…
cut 6 (05) “…be sanitized”
Young says there could be a buffer time of 15 to 30 minutes between each customer to make sure all of the equipment gets wiped down.

Eighteen of 21 State Parks reopen this weekend. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says all previously booked out of state reservations are canceled, giving Louisiana residents a chance to visit a state park…
cut 14 (12) “…night free”
State Parks will begin accepting reservations tomorrow.

Governor Edwards will release a proclamation today that officially lifts the stay at home order, which will loosen restrictions on restaurants and churches and allow many retailers, gyms, movie theaters, nail and hair salons to reopen. But Edwards says the fight against the coronavirus is not over and he’s asking residents to wear maks, social distance and practice good hygiene…
cut 30 (10) “…wrong direction”
Some business advocates are frustrated that tattoo parlors, bars, and spas will not be allowed to open for business tomorrow. Assistant Health Secretary Doctor Alex Billioux cited White House guidelines recommending places like bars remain closed.
Cut 10 (12) “…the state.”

The full Senate has approved a bill giving voters a chance to decide if they want sports betting legalized in their parish. Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says if his proposal gets full legislative approval, the proposition will appear on the November ballot
Cut 16 (13) “…moving forward.”
The proposal passed on a 29-8 vote and heads to the House for more consideration.

Congressman Ralph Abraham pens a letter to Tesla founder Elon Musk inviting the tycoon to relocate his California based company to north Louisiana. Musk reopened his Tesla production facility in spite of a local stay at home order shuttering all non-essential businesses and is facing potential legal action.
Cut 7 (11) “…What’s right.”

Hair salons, restaurants, and movie theaters can re-open tomorrow, but tattoo parlors, bars, and spas will have to wait until phase two. Assistant health secretary Doctor Alex Billioux says they have three criteria for when, and how businesses can open: The number of potential COVID contacts in a facility, how long you would have contact with a COVID case, and whether the business model could be adapted to limit contact.
Cut 11 (10) “…together”
Billioux says the Phase One reopening still calls for extensive social distancing and only focuses on businesses deemed “low risk”.

State parks, historic sites and state museums reopen this weekend under phase one guidelines. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says park rangers and attendants will be there to greet visitors…
cut 15 (11) “…back to Louisiana”

Are you ready to get your hair cut or nails done? Remember you are not the only one as these facilities re-open tomorrow. Kevin Barnhart reports appointments will likely be needed…
cut 1 (29) “….I’m Kevin Barnhart”

After most of Tuesday was consumed by lawsuit reform arguments the Legislature managed to get some other issues moving through the process Wednesday. Legislation banning handheld use of mobile devices while driving clears the Senate and is headed to the House.

And the full Senate also overwhelmingly passed a bill giving voters a chance to decide if they want sports betting legalized in their parish. Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says if his proposal gets full legislative approval, the proposition will appear on the November third ballot

AM Cut 16 (13) “…moving forward.”

Henry says if residents in a parish vote for this proposition, then the legislature will decide how it will be taxed and regulated during the 2021 fiscal session…

AM Cut 17  (14) “…you on it” 

While the House Appropriations Committee awaits a budget proposal from Governor Edwards lawmakers are planning what they hope will be an expedient path to passage. The proposal must include a billion dollars in cuts due to the COVID and oil related deficits, and House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says the unfortunate reality of a billion-dollar deficit is that our constitution is clear on where those cuts must come from…

Cut 12 (11) “…do.”

A balanced budget must be passed by the start of the next fiscal year, July 1^st.

Zeringue says crafting that budget is difficult because right now we don’t know how much federal aid the state will get, or how we can use it.

Cut 13 (11) “longterm”  

Thursday a slate of minimum wage and equal pay for women bills will be taken up by a House Committee that is known for routinely shooting down such efforts.