AM Newscall 10/01/2020

The Senate unanimously approves legislation that will be heard in a House committee Thursday requiring the Governor to consult with Legislative leaders before extending emergency orders. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Relief groups in southwest Louisiana still need donations to help get people back into livable housing. Matt Doyle spoke to one group trying to make that happen…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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A Denham Springs man is in a Florida jail after he’s found hiding in a teenager’s closet and authorities estimate he’d been living in that closet for over a month.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Today a House Committee will consider Senate approved legislation that would require the Governor consult with Legislative leaders before extending an emergency order.

The legislation was brought by the Senate President and won unanimous approval in the Upper Chamber. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says it gives lawmakers a seat at the table.

Cut 4 (09) “…powerful.”

The bill creates a committee of legislative leaders that the Governor, or his staff, must report to and explain why an order had to be extended and when it could feasibly end. The Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court must also be informed.

If passed the Governor would have to give lawmakers seven days’ notice of his intentions to extend an order. Shreveport Senator Barry Milligan says that’ll save legislators a lot of heartburn…

Cut 5 (05) “…live.”

The legislation won support from Senate Dems but some, like New Orleans Senator Troy Carter, worry the bill could be amended to undercut the Governor’s public health authority in the House.

Cut 6 (09) “dangerous”

In its current form, the legislation does not block the Governor from setting restrictions during an emergency, it just requires his office to explain why the restrictions have been set.

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The pace of new donations to Hurricane Laura relief is slowing down, but advocates on the ground say more assistance is still badly needed. Community Foundation of Lake Charles CEO Sara Judson says their organization has raised six million dollars so far with that money focused on efforts that will get people back into housing.

Cut 7 (13) “…thing”

An estimated 12 to 14 billion dollars in damage was done to the region as a result of Laura’s landfall.

The Community Foundation is now about halfway to their final goal and has distributed one million of those dollars to local aid groups, but Judson says they still have a ways to go.

Cut 8 (08) “…to help”

Judson says donations have come into the Foundation from 48 different states and many different countries and from over 3,000 total individuals.

If you’d like to help Judson encourages you to donate at foundation-swla-dot-org, and they’d love to have your money or your time.

Cut 9 (10) “…volunteers”

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A House committee will take up a bill today by an Oil City Republican that aims to block the state from charging people who gather for religious activities against state orders during a declared emergency.

Representative Danny McCormick says the state’s restrictions on religious gatherings during the pandemic are unconstitutional, which is why he brought the bill.

Cut 10 (03) “…constitution.”

Earlier in the pandemic, all public gatherings, including religious gatherings, were banned. Currently, churches are limited in how many people they can have at a service, and how they have to be spaced out.

McCormick says the bill was in part inspired by the story of Central Pastor Tony Spell who was arrested and charged after holding services against state orders.

Cut 11 (10) “…liberty.”

The legislation also provides civil immunity related to religious gatherings during emergency orders.

Governor Edwards has stated that the restrictions on large gatherings were, and still are a vital part of the state’s pandemic mitigation plan, but McCormick is confident most legislators will take his side…

Cut 12 (03) “…this.

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A Denham Springs man is arrested after he’s found hiding in a Florida teenager’s closet, where authorities estimate he’s been staying off and on for over a month.  Hernando County Sheriff’s Detective Tom Cameron says 36-year-old Johnathan Lee Rossmoine was found when the victim’s mother saw movement in her daughter’s bedroom.

Cut 13 (08) “…in the closet.”

The victim and the suspect had first met through a chatting app two years ago.  Police reports show the victim indicated initially she told Rossmoine she was 18, before admitting prior to meeting in person to actually being 15.

Cameron says Rossmoine had traveled from Louisiana to the victim’s Spring Hill, Florida home to have sex on several occasions.  The current stay had lasted about five weeks and the two kept it a secret from the parents.

Cut 14 (10) “…of the closet.”

Cameron says the victim is receiving counseling and checkups to make sure she is okay both physically and mentally

Cut 15 (07) “…boyfriend from her.”

The suspect is charged with four counts of lewd and lascivious behavior with a victim between 12 and 16, obscene communication, and travel to meet after use of a computer to lure child.  Additional charges are pending.  Bond is set at $25,000.

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ULM is still in search of its first win and the Warhawks as its hosts  Georgia Southern on Saturday to complete a three-game homestand. All three of the Warhawks losses have been by double digits. Coach Matt Viator knows his team is better than this

cut 16 (20) “…disappointing”

The Eagles come into Saturday’s game with a one and one record as they lost by two points last week to the Ragin Cajuns. Southern runs an option offense, but Coach Matt Viator says they can throw the ball too

cut 17 (16) “..as well’

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After giving up 37 points in a loss to Green Bay on Sunday, Saints Coach Sean Payton wants to see his defense play with more discipline. He says it was disappointing to see how they played the boot leg on Sunday night

cut 18 (13) “…corrected” 

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Saturday was a tough day for the LSU secondary as the Tigers defense allowed Mississippi state Quarterback KJ Costello to throw for an SEC record 623 passing yards. On the other side of the ball, the Tigers gave up seven sacks. After reviewing the tape, LSU Coach Ed Orgeron on the Tigers line play, starting with D-Line

cut 19 (20) “..better there’

Orgeron says he expects All American cornerback Derek Stingley Junior will be able to play this Saturday at Vanderbilt after missing the season opener with an illness. Commodores Coach Derek Mason says Stingley’s return will be a big boost for the Tigers defense

cut 20 (18) “..the field”

LRN 5:30 PM Legislative Report

The discussion over the 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events took the spotlight at a legislative committee this morning. Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter defended the current spectator cap by saying it isn’t the social distancing in the stands that is the area of concern, but the choke points within a venue. Kanter says the challenge extends beyond knowing and accepting the risk involved because coronavirus spreads even without any symptoms.

Cut 8 (13) “…without knowing it (x2).”

Baton Rouge Republican Rick Edmonds says the inability to attend high school football is detrimental to families who feel it’s a time-honored tradition. Edmonds tells state health officer, Dr. Jimmy Guidry, he wants the policy to be reviewed for possible amendments to allow more people in the stands.

Cut 9 (07) “…given to that.”

 

The Senate unanimously approves legislation that will be heard in a House committee Thursday requiring the Governor to consult with Legislative leaders before extending emergency orders. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A House committee will take up a bill today by an Oil City Republican that aims to block the state from charging people who gather for religious activities against state orders during a declared emergency.  Representative Danny McCormick says the state’s restrictions on religious gatherings during the pandemic are unconstitutional, which is why he brought the bill.
Cut 10 (03) “…constitution.”

4:30 PM Newscast

The discussion over the 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events took the spotlight at a legislative committee this morning.  Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter defended the current spectator cap by saying it isn’t the social distancing in the stands that is the area of concern.

Cut 7 (10) “…risk of transmission.”

The high school football season kicks off tomorrow night.

State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry warns a Legislative committee there will be another spike in COVID cases during flu season, and the spike will rival the numbers we saw in spring.  Guidry says his prediction is based on the 1918  Spanish Flu pandemic where a spring wave subsided only to be replaced by a much deadlier late fall outbreak.

Cut 3 (10)  “people”  

 

 

 

The House Governmental Affairs Committee heard several bills today that would give lawmakers more of a say when it comes to emergency orders. Most of the focus was on Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s bill. It would create a Council of State to give input on whether an emergency order should go beyond 30 days.  The governor, state treasurer, attorney general, House Speaker, and Senate President would be members on the council  Democrats on the committee have concerns, including Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins…

Cut 14 (10) “these decisions”

Attorney General Jeff Landry visits with the family of a Jefferson Parish fourth-grader who was suspended earlier this month after handling a BB gun in view of his webcam during a virtual learning session.  Landry says the punishment, including a weapons violation on his permanent record, is an overreaction.The child was not given a chance to appeal his punishment.  Landry says after meeting with the family, it is clear the parents taught their children about accountability.

Cut 11 (07) “…to be accountable.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast Sept 30

LSU Center Liam Shanahan says Saturday’s loss to Mississippi State was a wake-up call for the Tigers and there are no excuses for their performance. During a zoom conference with reporters, Shanahan was asked if the unusual preseason was a factor in the 10-point defeat to the Bulldogs…
cut 30 (20) “…I’m confident”
And today, LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says he expects All-American cornerback Derek Stingley Junior will play Saturday at Vanderbilt.

College football news reports that the College Football Playoff will stay at four teams this year after a proposal was discussed to expand the playoff to eight teams.

There was a lot of discussion at the State Capitol today over the 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events. High school football programs are not happy with this coronavirus restriction. Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter says while fans might sit apart from each other, there are times when they may get close to each other and we know that a person can spread the virus even if they are asymptomatic.
Cut 8 (13) “…without knowing it (x2).”
Baton Rouge Republican Rick Edmonds says the inability to attend high school football games is detrimental to families who feel it’s a time-honored tradition. Edmonds tells state health officer, Dr. Jimmy Guidry, he wants the policy to be reviewed to see if the cap can be raised.
Cut 9 (07) “…given to that.”
The high school football season begins tomorrow night.

3:30 PM Newscast

State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry warns a Legislative committee there will be another spike in COVID cases during flu season, and the spike will rival the numbers we saw in spring.Guidry expressed concerns about efforts to further relax public health restrictions. He says numbers may be low now, but they’re only low because of the ongoing mitigation measures.

Cut 4 (12)“at home” 

The state reports 452 new COVID cases today, surpassing a grand total of 166,000 cases. The active case count is estimated to be just over 6500.

The discussion over the 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events took the spotlight at a legislative committee this morning.  Baton Rouge Republican Rick Edmonds says the inability to attend high school football is detrimental to families who feel it’s a time-honored tradition.

Cut 6 (10) “…of those families.”

The high school football season kicks off tomorrow night.

 

Attorney General Jeff Landry visits with the family of a Jefferson Parish fourth-grader who was suspended earlier this month after handling a BB gun in view of his webcam during a virtual learning session.  Landry says the punishment, including a weapons violation on his permanent record, is an overreaction.The child was not given a chance to appeal his punishment.  Landry says legal action can often be a lengthy process, but he’s committed to seeing this through and getting justice for Ka’Mauri.

Cut 12 (09) “…be made whole.”

The House Governmental Affairs Committee heard several bills today that would give lawmakers more of a say when it comes to emergency orders. Most of the focus was on Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s bill. It would create a Council of State to give input on whether an emergency order should go beyond 30 days. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White is also concerned McFarland’s measure will result in a public health emergency turning political

Cut 15 (07) “for direction” 

230 PM LRN News

Attorney General Jeff Landry visits with the family of a Jefferson Parish fourth-grader who was suspended earlier this month after handling a BB gun in view of his webcam during a virtual learning session.  Landry says the punishment, including a weapons violation on his permanent record, is an overreaction.

Cut 10 (09) “…into their home.”

Woodmere Elementary 4th grader Ka’Mauri Harrison was suspended for six days.  His brother tripped over the gun when entering the room, at which point Harrison moved the gun, but still within view of his web camera.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee heard legislation that would create a Council of State to give input on whether an emergency order should go beyond 30 days. Representative Jack McFarland of Jonesboro authored it…

Cut 13 (07) “…line of communication”

A vote on McFarland’s measure could come as early as tomorrow.

Lawmakers questioned state health officials about the 25-percent cap on spectators at athletic events today in a House committee meeting.

cut 2 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is one of only five representatives to not sign onto a House resolution reaffirming a commitment to an orderly and peaceful transfer of power if President Trump is no reelected. In a statement Higgin’s called the resolution a Democrat stunt and while he supports a peaceful transition post-election he won’t vote for gimmicks.

LRN PM Newscall September 30

The State Health Officer issues a dire pandemic prediction to a Legislative committee. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…Jeff Palermo”  

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Lawmakers questioned state health officials about the 25-percent cap on spectators at athletic events today in a House committee meeting.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

cut 2 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry warns a Legislative committee there will be another spike in COVID cases during flu season, and the spike will rival the numbers we saw in spring.

Guidry says his prediction is based on the 1918  Spanish Flu pandemic where a spring wave subsided only to be replaced by a much deadlier late fall outbreak.

Cut 3 (10)  “people”  

Committee members also questioned Guidry about the small number of totals deaths that were solely attributed to COVID. Guidry says that number is misleading because of the nature of COVID, which pushes people with manageable illnesses to death’s door.

Guidry expressed concerns about efforts to further relax public health restrictions. He says numbers may be low now, but they’re only low because of the ongoing mitigation measures.

Cut 4 (12)“at home” 

Governor Edwards has indicated the current Phase Three guidelines could be in place until a vaccine is publicly available.

Guidry says the current success in limiting outbreaks in schools is unlikely to last long. He expects as the semester continues students will slack off on prevention measures and the virus will spread.

Cut 5 (07)  “for us” 

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The discussion over the 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events took the spotlight at a legislative committee this morning.  Baton Rouge Republican Rick Edmonds says the inability to attend high school football is detrimental to families who feel it’s a time-honored tradition.

Cut 6 (10) “…of those families.”

Many high schools object to that number and point to the higher capacity that’s allowed inside restaurants and casinos.  Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter defended the current spectator cap by saying it isn’t the social distancing in the stands that is the area of concern.

Cut 7 (10) “…risk of transmission.”

Kanter says this extends beyond knowing and accepting the risk involved because coronavirus spreads even without any symptoms.

Cut 8 (13) “…without knowing it (x2).”

Edmonds tells state health officer, Dr. Jimmy Guidry, he wants the policy to be reviewed for possible amendments to allow more people in the stands.

Cut 9 (07) “…given to that.”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry visits with the family of a Jefferson Parish fourth-grader who was suspended earlier this month after handling a BB gun in view of his webcam during a virtual learning session.  Landry says the punishment, including a weapons violation on his permanent record, is an overreaction.

Cut 10 (09) “…into their home.”

Woodmere Elementary 4th grader Ka’Mauri Harrison was suspended for six days.  His brother tripped over the gun when entering the room, at which point Harrison moved the gun, but still within view of his web camera.

Landry says after meeting with the family, it is clear the parents taught their children about accountability.

Cut 11 (07) “…to be accountable.”

The child was not given a chance to appeal his punishment.  Landry says legal action can often be a lengthy process, but he’s committed to seeing this through and getting justice for Ka’Mauri.

Cut 12 (09) “…be made whole.”

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee heard several bills today that would give lawmakers more of a say when it comes to emergency orders. Most of the focus was on Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland’s bill. It would create a Council of State to give input on whether an emergency order should go beyond 30 days

Cut 13 (07) “…line of communication”

The governor, state treasurer, attorney general, House Speaker, and Senate President would be members on the council  Democrats on the committee have concerns, including Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins…

Cut 14 (10) “these decisions”

Bogalusa Representative Malinda White is also concerned McFarland’s measure will result in a public health emergency turning political

Cut 15 (07) “for direction” 

McFarland says if the Council of State wants to amend an emergency order, the governor will still have final say under his legislation

Cut 16 (10) “…they do” 

A vote on McFarland’s measure and the other bills heard by the committee could come as early as tomorrow.

1:30 PM Newscast

The State Health Officer issues a dire pandemic prediction to a Legislative committee. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…Jeff Palermo”  

The state reports 452 new COVID cases today, surpassing a grand total of 166,000 cases. Total fatalities… 5,321, up by 13. Hospitalizations… 553, with 79 on ventilators.

The discussion over the 25-percent maximum capacity at athletic events took the spotlight at a legislative committee this morning. Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter defended the current spectator cap by saying it isn’t the social distancing in the stands that is the area of concern, but the choke points within a venue. Kanter says the challenge extends beyond knowing and accepting the risk involved because coronavirus spreads even without any symptoms.

Cut 8 (13) “…without knowing it (x2).”

Baton Rouge Republican Rick Edmonds says the inability to attend high school football is detrimental to families who feel it’s a time-honored tradition. Edmonds tells state health officer, Dr. Jimmy Guidry, he wants the policy to be reviewed for possible amendments to allow more people in the stands.

Cut 9 (07) “…given to that.”

1230 PM LRN News

Many lawmakers say they’ve been flooded with calls from parents who are frustrated with the state’s 25 percent occupancy cap at outdoor sporting events, a limit that prevents communities from enjoying Friday Night Lights together. Many high schools object to that number and point to the higher capacity that’s allowed inside restaurants and casinos.  Assistant state health officer Dr. Joe Kanter defended the current spectator cap by saying it isn’t the social distancing in the stands that is the area of concern.

Cut 7 (10) “…risk of transmission.”

While the state has seemingly had success limiting COVID outbreaks in K-12 schools State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry believes that success is unlikely to last much longer. He expects as the semester continues students will slack off on prevention measures and the virus will spread, helping lead to what he predicts will be another major spike in cases for Flu Season.

Cut 5 (07)  “for us” 

The Main Street Recovery Program which assists small businesses with pandemic recovery losses puts the breaks on applications. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

A Louisiana man has been arrested in Florida for allegedly having a long-term sexual relationship with a Florida minor. 37-year-old Johnathan Rossmoine allegedly lived in that Florida minor’s closet for long periods of time, only coming out when the minor’s parents left the house.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The 20th ranked LSU Tigers look to rebound this Saturday when they visit Vanderbilt at 6:30 in Nashville. Safety Jacoby Stevens says they can’t let Saturday’s loss longer….
cut 17 (17) “…press on there”
Today on the SEC Media teleconference, Coach Ed Orgeron said he believes Derek Stingley will play Saturday night against the Commodores after missing the season opener with a non-COVID illness. But he says starting left tackle Dare Rosenthal is questionable with an injury. Cam Wire would start if Rosenthal can’t play.

La Tech starting left tackle Willie Allen has decided not to play anymore this season. In a statement on Twitter, Allen says there’s too much going on this country and he’s concerned about his health and COVID-19.

The Saints are in Detroit this Sunday to face the Lions. Both teams are 1-and-2 on the year. Detroit won last week beating the Cardinals in Arizona. Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns. Coach Sean Payton on the veteran Q-B….
cut 28 (18) “….played well”
A new injury report comes out today. We’ll see if Michael Thomas is able to practice. He’s missed the last two games with a high ankle sprain. Starting guard Andrus Peat suffered an ankle injury in the loss to the Packers and we’ll get a better idea of the severity today.

The NFL has posptponed its first game because of COVID-19 concerns. The Steelers-Titans game will be played either Monday or Tuesday. Tennessee had nine positive cases among staff and players.