3:30 PM LRN Nov 12

State Judge William Morvant rules a petition signed by Republicans in the Louisiana House to end the governor’s coronavirus emergency order is unconstitutional. Loyola of New Orleans University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says today’s ruling is a victory for the governor, but the state’s highest court will likely have to weigh in…

Cut 13 (10) “…first circuit.”

Senate President Page Cortez did not urge Senators to sign the petition, because he didn’t think the state needed to loosen the restrictions.

As a number of coronavirus vaccines appear to be nearing completion and state officials are planning on how to make sure you can get one as soon as possible. State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says the first people to get a vaccine when available will be frontline healthcare workers who have contact with COVID patients.

Cut 6 (09) “…employees”

A 54-year-old Shane McKinney a Baton Rouge pediatrician faces a simple battery charge after allegedly hitting and then verbally assaulting a Southern University student who was jogging by as the LSU Lakes in Baton Rouge Monday. McKinney claims his elbow contacted the accuser as she passed on a narrow sidewalk. Baton Rouge police spokesman Sergeant L’Jean Mckneely says accusations of racial language currently lacks evidence.

Cut 5  (12) “…that charge.” 

Hurricane Zeta knocked out power to more than 480,000 Entergy Customers, and two weeks later power has been restored.  Entergy Spokesperson David Freese with Zeta says it took a large team to get power restored.

Cut 9 (08) “…Louisiana.”

1:30 PM LRN Newscast Nov 12

A Baton Rouge judge denies the petition of House Republicans to revoke, the Governor’s current coronavirus restrictions. Judge William Morvant ruled the petition unconstitutional saying it requires approval by both chambers of the legislature. An appeal is expected and most likely the State Supreme Court will have to hear the case.

FDA approval for a COVID vaccine could come as early as by the end of the year but most folks won’t be getting a shot for months. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

The Department of Health reports 2,173 new positive COVID-19 cases today. Case numbers were not released yesterday due to the holiday

54-year old Shane McKinney a Baton Rouge pediatrician faces a simple battery charge after he allegedly hit and verbally assaulted a Southern University female student near the LSU Lakes Monday. Baton Rouge police spokesman Sergeant L’Jean Mckneely says so far, they have not determined a motive that led to the incident.

Cut 4 (09)   “…chest area.”  

McKinney issued a statement from his attorney claiming he’s innocent and allegations that he threw a punch and made racially offensive comments are not true.

Hurricane Zeta knocked out power to more than 480,000 Entergy Customers, and two weeks later power has been restored.  Entergy Spokesperson David Freese says their quick response was key in getting power restored quickly.

Cut 10 (08) “….storm “

Zeta marks the third major hurricane restoration effort in Louisiana this season following Laura and Delta.

11:30 AM LRN Newscast Nov 12

A Baton Rouge physician is charged with simple battery stemming from an incident involving a Southern University female-athlete on Tuesday afternoon near the LSU Lakes. Baton Rouge Police spokesperson Sergeant L’Jean McKneely says 54-year old Shane McKinney came in for questioning Wednesday after a photograph of McKinney, given to police by a witness was circulated and identified him as a suspect.
Cut 3 battery arrest :12
A number of coronavirus vaccines look like they’re nearing completion and state officials are game-planning how to make sure you can get one as soon as they are available. State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says the first people to get a vaccine when it becomes available will be frontline healthcare workers who have contact with COVID patients.
Cut 6 (09) “…employees”

LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says President-elect Joe Biden’s win over President Donald Trump could cause problems for Louisiana’s oil-dependent economy. Biden’s climate policy calls for the country to be carbon-neutral by 2050 along with the rollback of fossil fuel-related industries. Scott says on Biden’s campaign website it says if elected he would stop all permitting in public waters, which includes the Gulf of Mexico.
Cut 8 (12) “…of this.”

A new state law gives families who have special needs children at group homes the ability to see each other during the coronavirus pandemic. Ville Platte Representative Rhonda Butler says her measure also puts rules in place for the children to leave the facility and return…
cut 12 (07) “…the facility”
Butler has a 31-year-old child who lives in such a facility.

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

A hearing is underway to determine whether a petition signed by House Republican members has the power to cancel the state’s coronavirus restrictions put in place by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. But Judge William Morvant has told attorneys for the Attorney General and GOP lawmakers in the Louisiana House that the petition dealt with a previous emergency order from the governor, so any ruling from him would be moot. Edwards issued a new coronavirus order on Friday.

LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says President-elect Joe Biden’s win over President Donald Trump could cause problems for Louisiana’s oil-dependent economy. The Obama Administration placed new limits on offshore drilling through executive orders, bypassing Congress. Scott says a repeat could spell trouble for one sector.

Cut 7 (10)  “…of Mexico.”

A new state law allows close family members to visit special needs individuals living in group homes during a public health emergency. Ville Platte Representative Rhonda Butler authored the measure. She has a 31-year-old child in a facility in Alexandria and the rules call for precautions to be taken during those visits…

cut 11 (07) “….their child”
Over 35-hundred children and adults live in nearly 500 sites statewide.

In the past few days, Louisiana State Police have been made aware of a telephone scam by a caller pretending to be a State Police Investigator.  The scammer has targeted people living in the Orleans and Jefferson Parish area.  Louisiana State Trooper Monroe Dillon explains how the perpetrator has pulled off the scam.

Cut 13 (11) “…. investigation.”

AM LRN Newscall Nov 12

Governor Edwards and the House, represented by Attorney General Jeff Landry, face off in court today over the fate of the Governor’s public health emergency declaration. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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An LSU Economist warns President-elect Joe Biden’s victory could spell problems for oil-exploration dependent south Louisiana economies. Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Taylor Sharp.” 

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Parents of special needs children now have the right to visit them in intermediate care facilities during public health emergencies in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Today a Baton Rouge judge hears a case determining whether a State House petition has the power to overturn Governor Edwards’ public health emergency.

Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the House is arguing the act that gives the Governor the power to issue those orders also allows a majority vote of one chamber the right to cancel them. Edwards disagrees…

Cut 4 (06) “…arguements.”

The House is represented in Judge William Morvant’s court by Attorney General Jeff Landry. Last week Morvant rejected a request by the AG to block the Governor’s extension of Phase Three pandemic restrictions into December.

The act used by the House was passed and signed into law in 2003 but never utilized until now. Ciolino says the Governor is arguing it is unconstitutional because of the power it gives a single chamber.

Cut 5 (09) “…to the test.”

A similar petition was never circulated in the State Senate. Senate President Page Cortez said that was because of member’s concerns there’s not enough data to support overturning the orders.

Edwards has so far prevailed in court defending the declaration, but Ciolino says previous legal attacks only focused on the constitutionality of the public health restrictions.

Cut 6 (10) “…federal constitution.”

Edwards vetoed the only legislative instrument that made it to his desk from the recent special session that would have allowed the Legislature to limit his public health authority.

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LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says President-elect Joe Biden’s win over President Donald Trump could cause problems for Louisiana’s oil-dependent economy.

The Obama Administration, where Biden served as Vice President, placed new limits on offshore drilling through executive orders, bypassing Congress. Scott says a repeat could spell trouble for one sector.

Cut 7 (10)  “…of Mexico.”

Biden’s climate policy calls for the country to be carbon-neutral by 2050 and for the expansion of renewable energy jobs along with the rollback of fossil fuel-related industries.

Scott says on Biden’s campaign website he vowed that if elected he would stop all permitting in public waters, which includes the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 8 (12) “…of this.”

Governor Edwards has also vowed to see the state cut its carbon emissions by a quarter in the next five years, half within the next ten years, and be carbon neutral by 2050, a goal set by the Paris Climate Agreement.

Scott says Biden’s energy policy impact would be most felt most in exploration-based economies in south Louisiana…

Cut 9 (09) “…Port Fourchon.”

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There’s a new law that allows parents of special needs children in intermediate care facilities access during public health emergencies. The measure was approved in the recent special session and Ville Platte Representative Rhonda Butler says it’s an issue that hits close to home. She’s a mother of a special child.

Cut 10 (10) “…the table.”

The bill signed into law by the Governor allows visitation for close family members, and Butler made sure the law required precautions be taken during those visits.

Cut 11 (07) “…their child.”

Some special needs patients go back and forth between home and a care facility, and regulations were set in place for those situations like Butler’s.

Cut 12 (10) “…the facility.”

More than 3,500 children and adults live in nearly 500 of the sites statewide with intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and other ailments that require 24-hour treatment.

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In the past few days, Louisiana State Police have been made aware of a telephone scam by a caller pretending to be a State Police Investigator.  The scammer has targeted people living in the Orleans and Jefferson Parish area.  Louisiana State Trooper Monroe Dillon explains how the perpetrator has pulled off the scam.

Cut 13 (11) “….investigation.”

Although this hoax sounds well-thought-out, it’s not exactly accurate.  Trooper Dillon explains what a legitimate investigation would be like.

Cut 14 (09) “…phone call.” 

Even though phone calls are not the norm, Dillon says that if you’re concerned, you should ask questions during the call.

Cut 15 (05) “…number there.”

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A win on Saturday over South Alabama and the Ragin Cajuns will clinch a Sun Belt West title and a spot in the conference championship game. It would be the third straight divisional title for Coach Billy Napier

Cut 16 (20) “…of the season.”

South Alabama brings a 3-4 record into Lafayette, 2-and-2 in league play. Napier says when he watches the tape, he sees a fundamentally sound Jaguar football team…

cut 17 (19) “…and yards.”

South Al has the Sun Belt’s most accurate passer in sophomore Desmond Trotter. Napier says receivers Jalen Tobert and Kawaan Baker are also very good

cut 18 (19) “…for you.”

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The Saints will host a banged-up San Francisco 49ers team this Sunday in the Superdome. The defending NFC Champs have been hit by the injury bug as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, All pro tight end George Kittle and pass rusher Nick Bosa are out with injuries. But Coach Sean Payton says the scheme San Francisco uses still makes them a tough team to beat

cut 19 (24) “…well-coached.”

Last season, the 49ers pulled off a 48-46 victory over the Black and Gold in New Orleans. Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders threw a touchdown pass in that game for San Fran and he also caught seven passes for 157 yards and a TD. Payton is glad Sanders is on his team this time…

cut 20 (20) “…we are doing.”

4:30 PM LRN Newscast Nov 11

Saturday’s LSU-Alabama game in Baton Rouge has been postponed due to Covid-19 issues within the LSU program. The Tigers do not have any bye weeks to make up the game before the SEC Championship game, but Coach Ed Orgeron hopes the SEC can figure out a way for the rivalry game to be played this year…

Cut 3 (10)  “…challenge”  

Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says the vote to legalize sports betting in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes on Election Night paves the way for sports bets to be placed in Louisiana by the end of next year. Legislators will work on rules and regulations in the upcoming spring session, Henry says a big point of contention that will shape sports betting, is how virtual the activity can be…

Cut 13 (11) “…establishment.”

The mandatory evacuation order in Cameron Parish was finally lifted early this morning for the entire parish. The southwestern coastal parish had been under a mandatory evacuation order since Hurricane Laura made landfall on August 27th. Vice President of the Cameron Parish Police Jury, Scott Trahan says they hope to have power restored in Cameron by the end of the week, but water remains undrinkable.

Cut 11 (12) “…power company.”

A committee studying potential policing policy reforms met again yesterday with Chair Cleo Fields questioning new State Police Superintendent Lamar Davis on dash and body camera policy.

Fields summarized the day’s findings to Davis…

Cut 6 (13) “…situations.”

3:30PM LRN Newscast Nov 11

A physician at Our Lady of the Lakes hospital in Baton Rouge is on administrative leave pending a criminal investigation after being identified in an alleged racially motivated altercation Monday evening near LSU lakes. The victim, a Southern University female student-athlete, says she was punched in the chest and verbally assaulted. After police released a photo of the male suspect, they received multiple tips, they declined to release a name.

The LSU-Alabama game will not be played due to Covid-19 concerns.  Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ I’m Taylor Sharp”  

Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says the vote to legalize sports betting in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes on Election Night paves the way for sports bets to be placed in Louisiana by the end of next year. Henry indicated sports betting may not end up being as restricted as was once thought…

Cut 12 (12) “ do it” 

A committee studying potential policing policy reforms met again yesterday with Chair Cleo Fields questioning new State Police Superintendent Lamar Davis on dash and body camera policy. Fields seemed to back implementing a policy barring officers from turning off their cameras while performing their duties…

Cut 8 (10) “…duties.”

 

PM LRN Newscall Nov 11

The LSU-Alabama game will not be played due to Covid-19 concerns.  Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Taylor Sharp”  

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The mandatory evacuation order for Cameron Parish was lifted this morning, 11 weeks after Laura made landfall. Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Saturday’s LSU-Alabama game in Baton Rouge has been postponed due to Covid-19 issues within the LSU program. The Tigers do not have any bye weeks to make up the game before the SEC Championship game, but Coach Ed Orgeron hopes the SEC can figure out a way for the rivalry game to be played this year…

Cut 3 (10)  “…challenge”  

For the time being LSU will turn its attention to Arkansas, who they are scheduled to play next Saturday.  Orgeron says that LSU should get a lot of their players back next week and could be ready to play the Razorbacks.

Cut 4 (12)   “…positive ”  

One key player that will not return next week is quarterback Myles Brennan, who continues to be sidelined because of an abdominal injury.  When asked about Brennan’s status, Orgeron says Brennan may need season-ending surgery…

Cut 5  (08) “…happens.” 

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A committee studying potential policing policy reforms met again yesterday with Chair Cleo Fields questioning new State Police Superintendent Lamar Davis on dash and body camera policy.

Fields summarized the day’s findings to Davis…

Cut 6 (13) “…situations.”

Davis says troopers are subjected to random screenings of their video-recorded interactions with the public.

Fields raised concerns about giving troopers the ability to turn their cameras off…

Cut 7 (14) “…sir.”

Davis then said that’s when the trooper would be given additional training or potentially disciplined if they did turn off a camera at an inappropriate time.

Fields seemed to back implementing a policy barring officers from turning off their cameras while performing their duties…

Cut 8 (10) “…duties.”

The State Police Legislative Liaison then recounted situations, such as bathroom breaks, where a blanket policy of automatic recording might be inappropriate.

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The mandatory evacuation order in Cameron Parish was finally lifted early this morning for the entire parish. The southwestern coastal parish had been under a mandatory evacuation order since Hurricane Laura made landfall on August 27th. The area then was also impacted weeks later with Hurricane Delta on October 9th. Vice President of the Cameron Parish Police Jury, Scott Trahan….

Cut 9 (08) “…not pottable.”

Trahan says power is still in the process of being restored so water is still undrinkable.

Trahan says now with Louisiana off the radar for Hurricane Eta, tents have been set up to act as a temporary hospital.

Cut 10 (12) “…the ambulances. “

Trahan says they hope to have power restored in Cameron by the end of the week, but water remains undrinkable.

Cut 11 (12) “…power company.”

Evacuation orders were lifted September 25th in the towns of Hackberry, Klondike, and Lowery in Cameron Parish.

___________________________________________

Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says the vote to legalize sports betting in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes on Election Night paves the way for sports bets to be placed in Louisiana by the end of next year.

Henry indicated sports betting may not end up being as restricted as was once thought…

Cut 12 (12) “…do it.” 

Henry says a big point of contention in the upcoming April regular session, the session that will shape sports betting, will be how virtual the activity can be…

Cut 13 (11) “…establishment.”

Henry says the nine parishes that did not OK sports wagering will likely not be able to take advantage of any revenue the state collects from the activity.

Cut 14 (09) “…this point.” 

1:30 PM LRN Newscall Nov 11

The LSU-Alabama game in Baton Rouge this Saturday will not be played due to Covid-19 issues within the LSU program. In the meantime, LSU turns its attention to Arkansas, who they are scheduled to play November 21st. Coach Ed Orgeron says they should get a lot of their players back next week and could be ready to play the Razorbacks.

Cut 4 (12) “…positive.”  

A committee studying potential policing policy reforms met again yesterday with Chair Cleo Fields questioning new State Police Superintendent Lamar Davis on dash and body camera policy. Fields summarized the day’s findings to Davis…

Cut 6 (13) “…situations”

The mandatory evacuation order in Cameron Parish was finally lifted early this morning. The southwestern battered coastal parish had been under a mandatory evacuation order since Hurricane Laura August 27th. Vice President of the Cameron Parish Police Jury, Scott Trahan, says now with Hurricane Eta off their radar, tents have been set up to act as a temporary hospital.

Cut 10 (12) “…the ambulances. “

Hurricane Delta impacted the parish as well on October 9th.

Lucille Bridges, the mother of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, who walked with her then-6-year-old daughter past crowds screaming racist slurs as she became the first Black student at her all-white New Orleans elementary school, has died at the age of 86. Mayor LaToya Cantrell said, “Today we mourn the loss of one of the mothers of the Civil Rights Movement in New Orleans with the passing of Lucille Bridges —May she rest in God’s perfect peace.”

 

12:30 PM LRN Newscast Nov 11

The LSU-Alabama game that was going to take place this Saturday in Baton Rouge has been canceled due to Covid-19 issues within the LSU program.  The game between the Tigers and Tide has turned into one of the biggest rivalries in all of college football and head coach Ed Orgeron says he expects this game to be rescheduled.

Cut 3 (10)  “…challenge”  

The mandatory evacuation order in Cameron Parish was finally lifted early this morning. The southwestern coastal parish had been under a mandatory evacuation order since Hurricane Laura made landfall on August 27th. The area then was also impacted weeks later with Hurricane Delta on October 9th. Vice President of the Cameron Parish Police Jury, Scott Trahan,

Cut 9 (08) “not pottable”

Trahan says power is still in the process of being restored so water is still undrinkable.

Governor John Bel Edwards announced a major technology agreement in northwest Louisiana Tuesday at LSU-Shreveport. The more than $3-million agreement with the university and LED will help advance students’ careers in technology. Edwards says LSU-S is the fastest-growing higher education campus in the state and the new Cyber Collaboratory will only continue to attract new students.
Cut 11 (11) “…campus”

Hurricane Zeta did a lot of damage to citrus crops and nurseries in southeast Louisiana, the most hurricane damage suffered in the area since Katrina in 2005.
LSU Ag Center Horticultural Agent Joe Willis says the worst damage was in the poinsettia crops. Willis says 95 percent of the holiday staple crop was lost in southeast Louisiana.
Cut 6 (07) “…crops”