09:30 Newscast, November 2nd, 2017

Governor Edwards suffered a loss in the courtroom Wednesday as a state appeals court ruled against his executive order that sought to project LGBT state workers from discrimination. President of Louisiana Trans Advocates Dylan Waguespack says the ruling is disappointing, but there has been progress in getting laws adopted to protect the LGBT community:
Cut 8 (09) “to happen”
Attorney General Jeff Landry argued the governor didn’t have the constitutional authority to implement this policy.

Louisiana earned an ‘F’ grade on the latest March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card. Dr. Martha Whyte with the state Department of Health says 60-percent of births in Louisiana are unplanned, and their goal is to work to make sure women are healthy before getting pregnant…:
Cut 6 (11) “as possible”
She says the preterm birth rate in Louisiana is 12.6-percent.

UL Lafayette has fired its highly successful softball coach Michael Lotief, claiming he created a hostile learning and working environment:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A former sergeant with the Walker Police Department is suing the city and chief for defamation and wrongful termination, after supervisors say Mark Fruge hung a noose in the department’s squad room. Fruge is arguing that the incident was misrepresented as racist, and that the department was looking for a reason to fire him. The chief called the act deplorable.

08:30 Newscast, November 2nd, 2017

A three-judge panel of Louisiana’s 1st Court of Appeal has ruled against Governor Edwards’ non-discrimination executive order protecting the LGBT community from discrimination in state employment. Attorney General Jeff Landry argued lawmakers make laws, not the governor’s executive orders and the court agreed…:
Cut 10 (08) “the legislature”
Governor Edwards says discrimination in state government is bad for business and economic development.

Louisiana received an F letter grade on the latest March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card…:
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

UL Lafayette has fired its highly successful softball coach Michael Lotief, citing claims of vulgar language and assault. Speaking after his termination, Lotief denied the allegations, but admits he has a loose tongue in competitive situations…:
Cut 12 (11) “it’s a lie”
UL-Lafayette says they won’t tolerate such behavior.

November is Adoption Awareness month, and DCFS reports a record number of kids got permanent homes in a one year period ending September 30. Child Welfare manager Shannon Catanzaro (cat-an-zaro) says there are still children waiting to be adopted…:
Cut 14 (12) “forever home”
764 children were adopted up from the record of 735 the previous year.

07:30 Newscast, November 2nd, 2017

A state appeals panel has sided with Attorney General Jeff Landry over Governor John Bel Edwards’ executive order seeking to protect the LGBT community from discrimination in state employment. The President of Louisiana Trans Advocates Dylan Waguespack says it’s sad LGBT people can’t be protected at work…:
Cut 7 (08) or expression”
Landry applauds the ruling saying Edwards overstepped his bounds…:
Cut 9 (06) “of power”
Edwards says discrimination in state government is wrong and bad for business.

The Baton Rouge Police Department says a man was shot and killed by a homeowner after allegedly forcing his way into the residence. Police believe 33-year-old Micha West may have been under the influence and wasn’t aware it was someone else’s house. But the homeowner still has a right to protect himself.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services reports a record number of kids were adopted form the state’s foster care system in a one year period ending September 30. Child Welfare manager Shannon Catanzaro says many of these children are getting forever homes from relatives…:
Cut 15 (09) “as well”
November is Adoption Awareness Month where the state increases efforts to find homes for 140 children up for adoption.

UL Lafayette has fired its highly successful softball coach, claiming that Michael Lotief created a hostile learning and working environment. His attorney, John McElligott feels Lotief wasn’t liked by higher ups because he fought for more support for women athletics…:
Cut 11 (12) “federal law”
The university says Lotief subjected students and coworkers to violent, vulgar language.

06:45 Sportscast, November 2nd, 2017

The Astros won the World Series for the first time in franchise history, making two former Tigers World Champions. It took a wild 7 games, but Houston came out on top after last night’s 5-1 victory over the Dodgers. Former LSU shortstop Alex Bregman posted phenomenal numbers for the ‘Stros in the World Series, running in 5 to score, blasting 7 hits; 2 home runs and 5 RBIs. Former Tiger Will Harris, a relief pitcher, threw two scoreless innings in the series.

UL Lafayette has fired its highly successful softball coach Michael Lotief, claiming he created a hostile learning and working environment:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Three starting offensive lineman for the Saints, guards Larry Warford and Andrus Peat and tackle Terron Armstead did not practice yesterday. Warford has an abdomen injury, Peat has a hip injury and Armstead continues to rest his shoulder, where he had surgery. We already know Warford is expected to miss several weeks. The Saints take on Tampa Bay this weekend.

There are three important high school football games taking place today.

Cedar Creek at Oak Grove, they battle for the District 2-1A championship. Oak Grove has 26 district titles, including coming off two in 2015 and 2016. Cedar Creek has two.

Edna Karr and Easton are also set to face off tonight, in a possible preview of the 4A state championship.

Sterlington takes on Richwood this evening. Sterlington has won 18 in a row, Richwood has won five in a row.

The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the New Orleans Pelicans 104-98. Boogie Cousins had 35 points and nine rebounds. Anthony Davis added 24 points and 10 rebounds. With the loss, the Pels fall to 1-3 at home.

06:30 Newscast, November 2nd, 2017

Louisiana’s 1st Circuit Court of Appeal strikes down Governor Edwards’ executive order that sought to protect LGBT people in state contracts. Kelley Ray has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Two former LSU Tigers are World Champions, after the Astros won against the Dodgers in Game 7 last night, 5-1 — it’s the first World Series win for Houston in franchise history. Third baseman Alex Bregman posted phenomenal numbers for the ‘Stros in the World Series, running in 5 to score, blasting 7 hits; 2 home runs and 5 RBIs. Will Harris, a relief pitcher, threw two scoreless innings in the series.

Louisiana earned an ‘F’ grade on the latest March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card. Dr. Martha Whyte with the state Department of Health says the preterm birth rate in Louisiana is 12.6-percent. She contributes this trend to high levels of poverty…:
Cut 4 (11) “your neighborhood”
She also says 60% of births in Louisiana are not planned which is a problem.

UL-Lafayette has fired head softball coach Michael Lotief saying he violated university policies by subjecting student-athletes and coworkers to violent, vulgar language and verbal and physical assault. Lotief responded to the allegations saying he’s never been in a physical confrontation in his life.

AM Newscall November 2

The Bayou State received an F letter grade on the latest March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________

Louisiana’s 1st Circuit Court of Appeal strikes down Governor Edwards executive order that sought to protect LGBT individuals who work for state government from discrimination.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

______________________________________

UL Lafayette has fired its highly successful softball coach Michael Lotief, claiming he created a hostile learning and working environment. Jeff Palermo has more….

Cut 3   (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

___________________________________________________

Louisiana earned an ‘F’ grade on the latest March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card. Dr. Martha Whyte with the state Department of Health says the preterm birth rate in Louisiana is 12.6-percent. She says this is a trend we’ve seen in Louisiana for some time and contributes it to the high levels of poverty.

Cut 4  (11) “your neighborhood”

Caddo Parish has the highest number of premature births in the state with 17 out of every 100 babies born preterm. Whyte says African American women also have more premature babies in the Bayou State.

Cut 5  (08)  “baby”

60-percent of births in Louisiana are unplanned. Whyte says changing this failing grade starts with addressing chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity. She says they have made it a goal to make sure women are healthy before getting pregnant and start planning their reproductive life.

Cut 6 (11) “as possible”

_________________________________________________________

A three-judge panel of Louisiana’s 1st Court of Appeal has ruled against Governor Edwards’ non-discrimination executive order protecting the LGBT community from discrimination in state employment. The President of Louisiana Trans Advocates Dylan Waguespack says the ruling is disappointing because gays and transgendered people are discriminated in the workplace at an alarming rate…

Cut 7 (08)  or expression.”

Waguespack says even though he is disappointed by the ruling, he notes there has been progress in getting laws adopted to protect the LGBTQ community…

Cut 8 (09) “to happen.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry applauds the ruling.  He says his concern is with Governor Edwards and how he is overstepping his bounds…

Cut 9 (06)  “of power.”

Landry says any change in law needs to come from the state legislature, not Governor Edwards and the Court of Appeals upheld the law as he interprets it…

Cut 10 (08)  “the legislature.”

Edwards released a statement that said, “Discrimination in state government and by state contractors is wrong, makes us weaker and is bad for business and economic development.”  He also cites President Trump’s executive order that remains in place and was identical to his order.

______________________________________________________

UL Lafayette has fired its highly successful softball coach, claiming that Michael Lotief created a hostile learning and working environment. Lotief was placed on administrative leave in early October. Attorney John McElligott says university administrators didn’t like how Lotief fought for more support for women athletics

Cut 11 (12) “federal law.”

In a news release, the university says Lotief violated school policies by subjecting student-athletes and coworkers to violent, vulgar language and verbal and physical assault. Lotief admits he has a loose tongue in compeititve situations, but it shouldn’t result in his firing…

Cut 12 (11) “it’s a lie”

Lotief holds a record of 729-174 and led the Lady Cajuns to the Women’s College World Series three times. While speaking from his lawyer’s office, his former players surrounded him and said the allegations against him are unfounded…

Cut 13 (10) “not around.”

Lotief has not made a decision on whether he’ll sue the university. Athletics Director Doctor Bryan Maggard says a national search for a new head softball coach will begin immediately.

________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services reports a record number of children were adopted form the state’s foster care system in a one year period ending September 30 764 children were adopted up from the record of 735 the previous year.  Child Welfare manager Shannon Catanzaro (cat-an-zaro) says even with the record numbers there are children waiting to be adopted…

Cut 14 (12) “forever home.”

So why the increase in adoptions?  Catanzaro says it starts with better awareness of what is involved in adopting and some family members are making the decision to adopt their own kin…

Cut 15 (09) “as well.”

November is Adoption Awareness Month so the state will increase it’s efforts to help 140 children who are in need of a permanent home…

Cut 16  (05)  “older youths.”

DCFS will host a statewide advocate awards show on November 16 at the Governor’s Mansion.

_________________________________________________________

17:30 LRN Newscast November 1

Governor Edwards suffered a loss in the courtroom today as a state appellate court ruled against his executive order that sought to project LGBT state workers from being discriminated against. Edwards says discrimination is wrong, but attorney general Jeff Landry argued the governor didn’t have the constitutional authority to implement this policy.

CenturyLink’s 24-billion-dollar acquisition of Level 3 Communications has been completed, making it the state’s largest public company. Kelley Ray has more…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

The open enrollment period began today for those who would like to purchase change or renew their health insurance policies through the Affordable Care Act. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says policyholders can anticipate an 18 and a half percent increase in premiums, because of an uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act.
Cut 7 (11) “its passage”
The enrollment period ends December 15.

When it comes to popularity in Congress, both of Louisiana’s US Senators rank in the middle, according to a new Morning Consult poll. John Kennedy’s approval rating is at 50-percent, while Bill Casssidy’s is at 47-percent. Cassidy is up for re-election in three years…
Cut 13 (10) “Republican state”
That’s ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley.

16:45 LRN Sportscast November 1

The oddsmakers are expecting a blowout this Saturday between LSU and Alabama as the Crimson Tide are 21 point favorites. Bama Head Coach Nick Saban says his players need to be ready for a physical game on Saturday…
cut 20 (19) “..understand that”
Alabama has won six straight in the series between the two teams.

Three starting offensive lineman for the Saints, guards Larry Warford and Andrus Peat and tackle Terron Armstead did not practice today. Warford has an abdomen injury, Peat has a hip injury and Armstead continues to rest his shoulder, which had surgery on it. We aleady know Warford is expected to miss several weeks.

ULM is getting ready to host Appalachian State this Saturday. The Mountaineers are 4-0 in league play and Warhawks Coach Matt Viator says they have one of the top defenses in the Sun Belt…
cut 18 (14) “…excited about it”
Kick-off is at 2 PM.

UL Lafayette announced the firing today of successful softball coach Michael Lotief. The university says Lotief created a hostile learning and working environment by subjecting athletes and coworkers to violent, vulgar language and verbal and physical assault. Lotief was recently placed on administrative leave. His attorney says the coach was fighting to improve basic services for his female athletes.

The Pelicans are home tonight to take on the improved Minnesota Timberwolves.

16:30 LRN Newscast November 1

The Louisiana First Circuit Appellate Court ruled against Governor Edwards non-discrimination Executive order protecting LGBT people who work for state government.  Members of Louisiana Trans Advocates are in discussions with the administration to decide how best to handle the next move and decide whether or not to hear more arguments in the case.  AG Jeff Landry says the Governor overstepped his bounds in making the order…

Open enrollment for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act begins today and runs until December 15th. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

On the day Louisiana is releasing 19-hundred non-violent offenders, a state audit finds the Department of Corrections is not able to track offenders or did not have proper methods in place to calculate correct prisoner release dates. Auditor Kristen Jacobs says the DOC tried to plug up the holes in the records system.  They spent 3.6-million-dollars a few years ago on a computer data system that was quickly abandoned…

Cut 10 (07) “and testing.”

When it comes to popularity in Congress, both of Louisiana’s US Senators rank right about in the middle, according to a new Morning Consult poll. US Senator John Kennedy is ranked 39th out of 100 Senators, and Senator Bill Cassidy was number 62. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the approval numbers are essentially the same..:

Cut 12 (11) “Affordable Care Act”

15:30 LRN Newscast November 1

A state appeals court rules Governor John Bel Edwards is unable to put an executive order in place that protects LGBT individuals who work for the state from discrimination, harassment or dismissal. It’s a legal victory for state Attorney General Jeff Landry. Landry has argued the governor exceeded his authority. Edwards says there’s no place for discrimination in Louisiana.

Open enollment is underway for those indivduals who need to purchase or change a health insurance policy with the online marketplace that was set up by the Affordable Care Act. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon offers these tips…
cut 8 (11) “….expenses”
Open enrollment ends 45 days earlier this time, so on December 15th. For more information visit healthcare.gov.

The 24-billion-dollar acquisition of Level 3 Communications by Monroe based CenturyLink is now complete. CenturyLink Spokesperson Ann Marie Sartor says this merger will allow them to expand in the US, and overseas:
Cut 4 (06) “for us”
CenturyLink’s corporate headquarters will remain in Monroe as they must do so based on a state contract that runs through 2020.
According to a poll from Morning Consult, Louisiana’s junior US Senator John Kennedy ranks as the 39th most popular Senator in the country, while Bill Cassidy ranks 62nd. Both have approval ratings around 50-percent. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley is not surprised Republican Caucus leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was ranked least popular…
cut 14 (10) “…mentions in Tweets”
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders ranked as the most popular.