AM Newscall 05/01/2020

Restaurants are allowed to have outdoor dining today, Brooke Thorington on what to expect.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

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West Feliciana Parish plans to reopen today, defying the Governor’s statewide stay-at-home order extension. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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 Governor Edwards responds to a legislative effort to overturn his public health emergency and stay at home declarations…

Cut 3 (27)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Beginning today, restaurants can have outside dining with no wait service. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says all restaurants that provide outdoor patio venues must adhere to strict mitigation standards…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…normal restaurant.”

Also, outdoor capacity must be 25-percent of what is allowed by the State Fire Marshal. No more than 10 people to one table and there can not be any gatherings of individuals waiting to sit outdoors.

Browning says there will be no wait service.

Cut 5 (08)  “…move outside.”

According to the restaurant association, only four percent of restaurants in Louisiana have an existing outdoor patio. However, Browning says restaurants are allowed to create temporary structures.

Cut 6 (12) “…COVID-19.”

While inside dining is forbidden, restaurants can allow patrons to use their restrooms but social distancing of six feet remains applicable. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is not allowing outside dining

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LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease experts say studies show antiviral treatment Remdesivir has promise for treating COVID-19 patients.

Chief of Infectious Disease Dr. Julio Figueroa says there were no statistically significant indications that it impacts overall mortality, but…

Cut 7 (09) “…Remdesivir”

National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease Director Dr. Anthony Fauci says Remdesivir is not a cure for COVID-19 but will become the “standard of care” for infected patients.

Remdesivir was originally developed by Gilead Sciences to treat Ebola patients. Figueroa says it wasn’t very successful in that application, but it seems to help those infected by coronavirus.

Cut 8 (05) “…replication”

Figueroa says Remdesivir is not a prophylactic treatment and requires a patient to receive an intravenous dose every day, and unfortunately, supply may be limited.

Cut 9 (10) “…outcomes”

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West Feliciana and LaSalle Parishes are planning to reopen today, defying the Governor’s statewide stay-at-home order extension through May 15th.  West Feliciana Parish President Kenny Havard believes the one size fits all stay-at-home extension will not be beneficial to his parish.

Cut 10 (09) “…we know them.”

While many of the Governor’s other guidelines will be followed, Havard says restaurants in his parish will be allowed to operate with 25% capacity but will monitor the clientele.

Cut 11 (13) “…shut it down.”

Havard is also permitting churches to be reopened with the congregations following strict social distancing guidelines.

Cut 12 (10) “…dang common sense.”
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Governor Edwards officially extends the stay at home order to May 15th and blasts a legislative petition that if passed would overturn the state’s public health emergency declaration backing the order.

Edwards says passage of the petition would potentially disqualify Louisiana from what could be hundreds of millions of dollars in federal aid and put the public’s health in jeopardy.

Cut 13 (10) “…idea.”

The Governor says overturning the order would be “just completely irresponsible and nonsensical”.

Cut 14 (12) “…country.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry sent a letter to Edwards asking him to allow churches to reopen before the order ends. Edwards says that’s not in the cards right now.

Cut 15 (08)“…cases.”

Edwards did say churches can hold outdoor services with proper spacing, and in Phase One churches can hold indoor services at 25 percent capacity.

West Feliciana and LaSalle Parishes announced they’re going to reopen today, but Edwards says while local authorities can impose stricter measures, they can’t authorize relaxed restrictions.

Cut 16  (11)  “…order” 

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LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade is like many coaches, hoping there will be a season next year. Wade says at this time he’s optimistic

cut 17  (20) “…time frame” 

If the Tigers are able to get on the court next season, LSU should have a good team. Wade signed the fifth best-recruiting class in the country according to 24-7 sports. Wade credits good relationships with high school prospects

Cut 18  (25) “…play here”   

Last year’s leading scorer, Skylar Mays, has graduated and is getting ready for the draft. Four underclassmen, Trendon Watford, Darius Days, Emmitt Williams and Javonte Smart have entered their names in the draft but could return. Most of those guys are expected to return to join a loaded recruiting class. Wade likes the two-point guards he signed, Jalen Cook and Eric Gaines

cut 19 (30) strength on him”  

530 PM LRN News

Governor Edwards calls a legislative petition aimed at ending his stay at home order and public health emergency “completely irresponsible and nonsensical”, but a petition proponent says they already have more than half the signatures they need to pass the veto-proof instrument. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says the petition is popular with his constituents.

Cut 12 (10) “…but them”

Senator John Kennedy says he’s not in favor of rubber-stamping federal legislation to help state and local level governments cover expenses without seeing some indication as to how much revenue is expected to be lost.  Kennedy thinks some mayors and governors will see spending money that they don’t have as being the new normal.

Cut 6 (10) “…do revenue projections.”

The Central Police Department warns their phone lines are clogged with out of state callers protesting the house arrest of Life Tabernacle Church Pastor Tony Spell.  The call to action was posted on a Facebook page claiming to be Magi Spell. Police Chief Roger Corcoran says it’s a dangerous stunt that could prevent people from reporting emergencies.

Cut 3 (10)  “…help”   

Attorney General Jeff Landry is encouraging Governor Edwards to allow the reopening of churches.  Landry says there is becoming some social unrest and one of the first steps to helping that is to allow churches to reunite their congregations.

Cut 9 (08) “…with their lives.″

Edwards responded to the letter saying he’s not considering allowing churches to open before May 15th.

4:30 PM Newscast

A Police Chief says the mother of a controversial suburban Baton Rouge pastor has organized a campaign to flood his department’s phone line with calls to get her son out of house arrest…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

Legislative leaders announce that the legislative session resumes Monday. Most of the bills filed will not be heard. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says the focus will be on passing a budget, COVID-related bills, and legislation that could help the economy. The session is set to conclude on June 1st, but if a budget is not passed by that time, a special session could be needed.

 

Attorney General Jeff Landry is encouraging Governor Edwards to allow the reopening of churches.  Landry offered Edwards a draft set of guidelines and says the Governor needs to issue guidance for houses of worship just like he would for other portions of society.
Cut 11 (11) “…very responsible manner.”

Governor Edwards responded at his briefing today that churches could hold services outside as long as they practice social distancing and wear masks but does not plan to lift the order to allow indoor gatherings of more than 10 people until after May 15th.

Senator John Kennedy says he’s not in favor of rubber stamping federal legislation to help state and local level governments cover expenses without seeing some indication as to how much revenue is expected to be lost.  Kennedy believes the only way to recover economically is to get the economy opened back up in a smart and safe way.

Cut 8 (13) “…and smart about it.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Former LSU Tiger Joe Burrow has an excellent opportunity to be the number one quarterback in Cincinnati. That’s because the Bengals have released Andy Dalton after nine seasons in the Queen City.

Former Buccaneers Quarterback Jameis Winston is excited to be with the Black and Gold after five up and down seasons in Tampa Bay. Winston says he’s eager to learn from Hall of Famer Drew Brees…
cut 18 (15) “….use Google”
During this offseason, Winston has undergone LASIK eye surgery and he’s also turned to a mostly vegan diet.

Former Saints wide receiver Ted Ginn Junior has found a new home. The Bears have reportedly signed the veteran after he caught 30 passes last season in New Orleans.

A CNBC reports says there are team executives in the NBA and agents calling on the league to cancel the rest of the 2019-20 season and focus on safely resuming play next season. LeBron James was quick to respond and said on his Twitter page that nobody he’s spoken with has talked about canceling the rest of the season. The NBA has sent a memo to teams that they could open their practice facilities on May 8th, but the Pelicans will wait until Louisiana’s Stay at Home order is lifted. Also, the NBA is looking at playing games at Walt Disney World, if it can resume its season.

There’s been a lot of talk about allowing college athletes a one-time opportunity to transfer without sitting out for the season. But The NCAA Board of Governors recommended today that such a rule change is not appropriate at this time. But the Division One Council could vote in May on making the waiver change and have it go into effect immediately.

3:30 LRN Newcast April 30

Attorney General Jeff Landry wants Governor Edwards to issue guidance to allow for the reopening of churches. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

 

Governor Edwards responded at his briefing today that churches could hold services outside as long as they practice social distancing and wear masks but does not plan to lift the order to allow indoor gatherings of more than 10 people until after May 15th

Supporters of a legislative petition that would overturn the Governor’s stay at home order say they have over half of the signatures needed for passage.

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says the areas of the state that don’t have a lot of cases should be allowed to open tomorrow. He says the petition is based on three considerations.

Cut 13 (06) “…constitution”

 

Petition supporters appear to be all Republicans but not everyone in the GOP is on board. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiburg supports the Governor’s decision. She says she’s been in frequent meetings with health officials and says the data shows reopening tomorrow wouldn’t be a good idea.

Cut 15 (10)“…order”

 

Governor Edwards sites significant increases in COVID-19 cases for extending the stay at home order. He noted a 22 percent increase in just one week in cases in Ouachita Parish alone, also increases in East Baton Rouge and St Tammany Parishes.

230 PM LRN News

Supporters of a legislative petition that would overturn the Governor’s stay at home order say they have over half of the signatures needed for passage. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says the petition is popular with his constituents.

Cut 12 (10) “…but them”

Edwards recently extended the stay at home order to May 15th.

Petition supporters appear to be are all Republicans but not everyone in the GOP is on board. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiburg supports the Governor’s decision.

Cut 14 (10) “…the feds”

Louisiana reports 60 new COVID fatalities today. But continues the decline in total hospitalizations. 341 new positive tests were reported as well putting the total above 28,000.

Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran says the parents of Pastor Tony Spell have launched a harassment campaign at the department aimed at getting their son out of house arrest. Spell was arrested last week for allegedly trying to run over a protestor, and for holding multiple services in violation of the stay at home order. Spell says they can’t transition to social media services like most other religious organizations have, but Corcoran says this campaign disproves that claim.

Cut 5 (08)  “…clearly.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry is encouraging Governor Edwards to allow the reopening of churches.   Landry says the timing is right for the move as Louisiana appears to be beyond the peak of new cases.

Cut 10 (09) “…practicing their faith.”

LRN PM Newscall April 30

A Police Chief says the mother of a controversial suburban Baton Rouge pastor has organized a campaign to flood his department’s phone line with calls to get her son out of house arrest…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Attorney General Jeff Landry wants Governor Edwards to issue guidance to allow for the reopening of churches. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The Central Police Department warns their phone lines are clogged with out of state callers protesting the house arrest of Life Tabernacle Church Pastor Tony Spell.  The call to action was posted on a Facebook page claiming to be Magi Spell. Police Chief Roger Corcoran says it’s a dangerous stunt that could prevent people from reporting emergencies.

Cut 3 (10)  “…help”   

Spell was arrested last week for allegedly trying to hit an anti-Spell protestor with a church bus and violating the ban on mass gatherings by holding multiple large church services.

Corcoran says the parents are apparently trying to leverage the harassment campaign into getting their son set free.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…our call.”

The Chief adds the ankle bracelet was ordered by a local judge.

Spell says they can’t transition to social media services like most other religious organizations have, but Corcoran says this campaign disproves that claim.

Cut 5 (08)  “…clearly.”

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Senator John Kennedy says he’s not in favor of rubber stamping federal legislation to help state and local level governments cover expenses without seeing some indication as to how much revenue is expected to be lost.  Kennedy thinks some mayors and governors will see spending money that they don’t have as being the new normal.

Cut 6 (10) “…do revenue projections.”

Kennedy believes there are cost savings that can be done in chopping nonessential spending of government.

Cut 7 (12) “…any proposed cuts.”

Kennedy believes the only way to recover economically is to get the economy opened back up in a smart and safe way.

Cut 8 (13) “…and smart about it.”

__________________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry is encouraging Governor Edwards to allow the reopening of churches.  Landry says there is becoming some social unrest and one of the first steps to helping that is to allow churches to reunite their congregations.

Cut 9 (08) “…with their lives.″

In a letter to the Governor, Landry highlights that religious liberty is a bedrock principled right from which freedom flows.  Landry says the timing is right for the move as Louisiana appears to be beyond the peak of new cases.

Cut 10 (09) “…practicing their faith.”

Landry offered Edwards a draft set of guidelines and says the Governor needs to issue guidance for houses of worship just like he would for other portions of society.

Cut 11 (11) “…very responsible manner.”

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Supporters of a legislative petition that would overturn the Governor’s stay at home order say they have over half of the signatures needed for passage.

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says the petition is popular with his constituents.

Cut 12 (10) “…but them”

Edwards recently extended the stay at home order to May 15th.

McCormick says the areas of the state that don’t have a lot of cases should be allowed to open tomorrow. He says the petition is based on three considerations.

Cut 13 (06) “…constitution”

Petition supporters appear to be are all Republicans but not everyone in the GOP is on board. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiburg supports the Governor’s decision.

Cut 14 (10) “…the feds”

Freiburg says she’s been in frequent meetings with health officials and says the data shows reopening tomorrow wouldn’t be a good idea.

Cut 15 (10)“…order”

1:30 LRN Newscast April 30

Attorney General Jeff Landry is encouraging Governor Edwards to allow the reopening of churches.  Landry says there is becoming some social unrest and one of the first steps to helping is to allow churches to reunite their congregations.

Cut 9 (08) “…with their lives.″

In a letter to the Governor, Landry highlights that religious liberty is a bedrock principled right from which freedom flows.

Senator John Kennedy says he’s not in favor of rubber-stamping federal legislation to help state and local level governments cover expenses without seeing some indication as to how much revenue is expected to be lost.  Kennedy believes there are cost savings that can be done in chopping nonessential spending of government.

Cut 7 (12) “…any proposed cuts.”

The newest COVID-19 numbers from the Department of Health showcase numbers are up by 341 to 28,001 and an increase in fatalities by 60 to 1862.

Customers will be allowed to eat takeout meals outside of restaurants starting tomorrow but the Louisiana Restaurant Association says only about four percent of restaurants currently have patio dining…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

New Orleans is excluded from outside dining that will be allowed in the Phase One Measure beginning on Friday.

12:30 LRN Newscast April 30

The newest COVID-19 numbers from the Department of Health show an increase in fatalities by 60 to 1862 and case numbers are up by 341 to 28,001. Hospitalizations are down by 28 to 1601 and ventilator usage is down by 13 to 231.

The Central Police Department warns their phone lines are clogged with callers protesting the house arrest of Life Tabernacle Church Pastor Tony Spell. Spell was arrested last week for allegedly trying to hit a protestor with a church bus and violating the ban on mass gatherings. Police Chief Roger Corcoran says the parents are apparently trying to leverage the harassment campaign of jamming the phone lines into getting their son set free.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…our call.”

The Chief adds the ankle bracelet was ordered by a local judge.

Senator John Kennedy says he’s not in favor of rubber-stamping federal legislation to help state and local level governments cover expenses without seeing some indication as to how much revenue is expected to be lost.  Kennedy thinks some mayors and governors will see spending money that they don’t have as being the new normal.

Cut 6 (10) “…do revenue projections.”

The regular legislative session is set to resume next week and the big priority for lawmakers once they return to Baton Rouge is passing a budget for next fiscal year. The session is set to end June 1st. House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says they need the Revenue Estimating Conference to provide them with a dollar figure on how much they can spend next fiscal year…
cut 12 (10) “…have time”
Zeringue says he’s been told to expect at least a 500-million dollar drop in revenues.

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 30

It looks like Joe Burrow will be the starting quarterback for the Bengals heading into the season. That’s because Cincinnati has released veteran Andy Dalton, who has been the starting Q-B in the Queen City for the last nine seasons.

It’s been an up and down five NFL seasons for the Saints new backup quarterback Jameis Winston, but the former number one pick wants to become a more consistent performer. After leading the league in I-N-Ts last season, Winston had LASIK surgery and began working with physical therapist Kevin Wilk, who has worked for a longtime with Drew Brees…
cut 17 (20) “….my body”

The NCAA Division One Board of Directors is not in favor of allowing undergraduate student-athletes the right to transfer one time without forcing them to sit out a season. The NCAA’s Transfer Waiver Working Group recommended that a one-time waiver proposal be approved. But the Division One Board says this might not be the appropriate time to change such a rule.

The NBA will allow teams to reopen facilities on May 8th, but the stay at home order in Louisiana has been extended until May 15th. Multiple reports say the Pelicans facility in Metairie will remain closed through the state’s stay at home order. Also, the NBA is reportedly considering playing games at Walt Disney World in Orlando if the league can resume the regular season.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is not taking a salary during the coronavirus pandemic. And some workers in the league office could also be furloughed.