6:30 A.M. LRN Newscast 09/04/2020

As many make plans for Labor Day Weekend Governor John Bel Edwards implores citizens of the state to remain diligent when it comes to social distancing so the state will continue to see a decline in COVID-19 cases numbers. In the past, two weeks after holiday gatherings the state has seen a spike in cases.
Cut 4 (11)“ …away from them.”

LSU Health Shreveport is reporting encouraging results from the first round of findings in its participation in a clinical trial trying to determine if nitric oxide can treat COVID-19 patients with mild and moderate symptoms. Principal investigator at LSU Health Shreveport, Dr. Keith Scott…
Cut 10 (11) “…it’s been administered.”

A House committee meets this morning to discuss the future of fall high school sports. Matt Doyle spoke with the Committee Chairman…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

AM Newscall 09/04/2020

 

Governor Edwards wants Louisianans’ to keep their Labor Day celebrations as small as possible to mitigate the spread to COVID this year. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

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 A House committee meets this morning to discuss the future of fall high school sports. Matt Doyle spoke with the Committee Chairman…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

The first round of findings from a clinical trial using nitric oxide therapy on COVID-19 patients is showing encouraging results. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

______________________________

As many make plans for Labor Day Weekend Governor John Bel Edwards implores citizens of the state to remain diligent when it comes to social distancing so the state will continue to see a decline in COVID-19 cases numbers. In the past, two weeks after holiday gatherings the state has seen a spike in cases.

Cut 4 (11)“ …away from them.” 

Labor Day weekend is also the first-weekend many college students will be returning home for the first time. College students also fall into the age group with the highest growing number of COVID-19 case numbers. Even the governor takes precautions with his own college freshman.

Cut 5 (10)  “…to do that.”

Edwards says while traditionally many choose to cookout with family and friends for Labor Day he wants to remind everyone to protect those who are most vulnerable like those over the age of 65 and…

Cut 6 (11) “…mindful of that.”

___________________________________

The House Education Committee meets this morning with a session laser-focused on the future of fall high school athletics.

Chairman Ray Garofalo says the committee has been working with the LHSAA, BESE, the Department of Health, and other stakeholders to set a firm date for when contact practices and games can resume.

Cut 7 (10) “…right now”

The high school football season is tentatively set to begin October 8th, and there’s a push to restart contact practices on September 11th.

Garofalo says the biggest stumbling block for resuming sports has been concerns over legal liability should any students or staff get COVID-19. He’s confident they can get liability protection for high school sports by addressing legislation passed at the end of the special session.

Cut 8 (09) “…right now”

The LHSAA says under current interpretations of the law high school football is not feasible until the state enters Phase Three, and it’s still in Phase Two until at least September 11th.

Garofalo is optimistic that the meeting will pave the way for turning back on those Friday Night Lights.

Cut 9 (08) “…as well.”

The meeting is set to begin at 9 AM this morning.

_______________________________

LSU Health Shreveport is reporting encouraging results from the first round of findings in its participation in a clinical trial trying to determine if nitric oxide can treat COVID-19 patients with mild and moderate symptoms. Principal investigator at LSU Health Shreveport, Dr. Keith Scott…

Cut 10 (11) “…it’s been administered.”

Nitric oxide has been used for 25 years in children with respiratory failure and in the last 15 years, it’s been shown to be impactful in adults as well.

Scott says this study was inspired by the use of nitric oxide during the SARS-COV 1 outbreak since the genetic variability is very similar between that virus and the current one.

Cut 11 (11) “…the lung itself.”

More is needed to be done in the study of the therapy. There are still some seriously ill patients being treated with the gas daily as part of the study.

Many hospitals already have nitric oxide on hand and Scott says if the therapy is given the overall greenlight, that means the treatment could be available instantly.

Cut 12 (08) “…to deliver it.”

__________________________

Facebook takes down a post by Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins for threatening to shoot armed protestors that come to Lafayette.  LSU Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow says the post is Clay Higgins being Clay Higgins.

Cut 13 (13) “…for Congressman Higgins.”

Higgins posted pictures of an armed black militia group indicating that if they came to the state to protest, he would “drop any ten of you where you stand” and “if you show up like this, you won’t walk away.”

Sadow says social media giants started coming down on controversial posts like this from politicians several years ago after one particularly traumatic event…

Cut 14 (11) “…what they want.” 

Sadow expects to see more and more inflammatory posts from politicians on social media as November draws near.

Cut 15 (11) “…to the polls.” 

530 PM LRN News

The state now reports 19 deaths related to Laura as two more fatalities are by the Department of Health linked to heat exhaustion in Rapides Parish.

Hurricane Laura is estimated to be an eight-to-nine billion-dollar insured loss event, the second-highest in the state’s history only behind Katrina.  Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says to make sure you’re not left out of the coming deluge of settlements, present before and after photos of your house’s damage to your insurance company.

Cut 11 (13) “…out to you.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says despite the devastation he’s optimistic about the recovery.

Cut 3 (11)  “…to go”  

Beauregard Parish is still reeling from Laura, 80 percent of Parish households are still without power, 17,900 in total. Sheriff Mark Herford says there are hundreds of linemen working in the parish right now…

Cut 7 (10) “…back up”

49-year-old George Burns of Melder was shot by a Rapides Parish Sheriff SWAT marksman during a standoff after Burns allegedly barricaded in a home and fired at deputies after he called police threatening to kill himself. Rapides Sheriff Chief of Staff Carnline says it’s a sad situation and appears to be a family-related incident related to Burns’ estranged wife, but…

Cut 14 (12) “…often” 

4:30 LRN Newscast Sept 3

It’s been one week since Hurricane Laura made landfall in Cameron Parish and cut a line of devastation from Lake Charles to Ruston. The Public Service Commission reports 211-thousand customers are still without power, down from the post-Laura peak of 615,000. Governor Edwards warns many of those are still in the hardest-hit areas.

Cut 4 (07)“ …restored” 

Nearly all of Winn, Beauregard, Calcasieu, and Cameron Parishes are still without power.

Beauregard Parish Sheriff Mark Herford says some areas of his parish could be without power for close to a month. He says Beauregard is your typical quiet rural parish, but there’s a lot of activity taking place now.

Cut 8 (11) “…do something”

Hurricane Laura is estimated to be an eight-to-nine billion-dollar insured loss event, the second-highest in the state’s history only behind Katrina.  Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says with the mass amount of claims coming into insurers, policyholders need to file as soon as possible.

Cut 9 (07) “…resolve your claim.”

49-year-old George Burns of Melder was shot by a Rapides Parish Sheriff SWAT marksman during a standoff after Burns allegedly barricaded in a home and fired at deputies. After retreating from the home with Burns’ family Rapides Sheriff Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline says deputies called in the SWAT team and negotiators to try to talk Burns down, but it wasn’t working, and Burns began firing at law enforcement.

Cut 13 (11) “…Burns”

Burns is in stable but critical condition.

4:45 Sportscast

The Saints have conducted a full go scrimmage today as they are eleven days away from the season opener against Tampa Bay. Coach Sean Payton says he likes what he’s seen so far from backup quarterback Jameis Winston…

Cut 17  (17) “…smart player” 

The Buccanneers are reportedly signing running back Leonard Fournette, who was cut by Jacksonville earlier this week.

The Associated Press the NCAA will furlough its entire staff, that’s about 600 employees, for three to eight weeks, starting on September 21st The furloughs will not affect senior executives.

The F-B-S college football season begins tonight with Southern Miss hosting South Alabama.

 

 

In a move that even surprised ULM head football coach Matt Viator, Warhawks defensive coordinator Mike Collins has decided to step down. Collins says he can’t provide his players with what they need in what has been an emotional and physically-draining year for him. Linebackers coach and former Northwestern State head coach Scott Stoker has been promoted to defensive coordinator.

The Daily Advertiser’s Tim Buckley reports that U-L Lafayette wide receiver Brian Smith broke his hip and he’s the fourth Cajuns receiver to suffer a major injury this offseason.

Baseball America ranks LSU’s recruiting class as the second-best in the country behind Miami. It’s the Tigers third top-five finish in the past five years.

The House Education Committee meets tomorrow and they’ll discuss high school football and the start of other fall prep seasons. LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine is scheduled to be there.

3:30 LRN Newscast Sept 3

Hurricane Laura is estimated to be an eight-to-nine billion-dollar insured loss event. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (25) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

The Lafayette city-parish government is suing the person behind a satirical Antifa Facebook event page which had authorities respond to events this summer in River Ranch and at the Acadiana Mall. The lawsuit, filed Monday, alleges the hoaxes have cost taxpayers a considerable amount of money because law enforcement had to investigate each event. The defendant, 28, year-old, John Merrifield, says the social media posts have been taken out-of-context.

A lot of the attention on hurricane recovery in southwest Louisiana has been on Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes, but Beauregard Parish also took a significant hit from the Category Four storm. Sheriff Mark Herford says 85-percent of the parish is without power, but you will not go hungry…

Cut 6 (12) “…people here.”

49-year-old George Burns of Melder was shot by a Rapides Parish Sheriff SWAT marksman during a standoff after Burns allegedly barricaded in a home and fired at deputies. Rapides Sheriff Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline says deputies responded to a call from a suspect threatening to kill himself. Carnline says when deputies entered the home…

Cut 12 (09) “…of aggravated arson.”

Burns is in stable, but critical condition.

PM Newscall 09/03/2020

Governor Edwards says about 212,000 households are still without power a week after Laura made landfall. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

Hurricane Laura is estimated to be an eight-to-nine billion-dollar insured loss event. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (25) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________

It’s been one week since Hurricane Laura made landfall in Cameron Parish and cut a line of devastation from Lake Charles to Ruston.

Governor John Bel Edwards says no storm has ever maintained so much strength across so much of the state but despite the damage, he’s optimistic about the recovery.

Cut 3 (11)  “…to go”  

The Public Service Commission reports 211-thousand customers are still without power, down from the post-Laura peak of 615,000. Edwards warns many of those still out are in the hardest-hit areas.

Cut 4 (07)“ …restored” 

Nearly all of Winn, Beauregard, Calcasieu, and Cameron Parishes are still without power. Half of the customers in Natchitoches, Sabine, Vernon, Grant, and Allen Parishes are still out. These numbers come from the PSC.

Edwards says as of this morning nearly 12-thousand people are being sheltered by the state, nearly all in hotels, and he’s concerned about what would happen if out of state evacuees were to return right now.

Cut 5 (09)  “…demand”

The Governor asks anyone being sheltered out of state to remain out of state for the time being.

_________________

A lot of the attention on hurricane recovery in southwest Louisiana has been on Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes, but Beauregard Parish also took a significant hit from the Category Four storm. Sheriff Mark Herford says 85-percent of the parish is without power, but you will not go hungry…

Cut 6 (12) “…people here.”

Herford says there are hundreds of linemen working on getting the electricity and they deserve a pat on the back

Cut 7 (10) “…back up”

Herford says some areas could be without power for close to a month. He says Beauregard is your typical quiet rural parish, but there’s a lot of activity taking place now

Cut 8 (11) “…do something”

________________________

Hurricane Laura is estimated to be an eight-to-nine billion-dollar insured loss event, the second-highest in the state’s history only behind Katrina.  Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says with the mass amount of claims coming into insurers, policyholders need to file as soon as possible.

Cut 9 (07) “…resolve your claim.”

Whether it is tarping a roof, removing a tree, or whatever actions that need to be done, Donelon recommends taking whatever remedial steps can be taken to minimize the loss.

Cut 10 (08) “…connection therewith.”

Donelon says anyone who took photos of their property before the storm should also take photos of the damage caused by the storm for comparison by an adjuster.

Cut 11 (13) “…out to you.”

_______________________

49-year-old George Burns of Melder was shot by a Rapides Parish Sheriff SWAT marksman during a standoff after Burns allegedly barricaded in a home and fired at deputies.

Rapides Sheriff Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline says deputies responded to a call from a suspect threatening to kill himself. When deputies entered the home…

Cut 12 (11) “…with them.”

After retreating from the home with Burns’ family Carnline says deputies called in SWAT and negotiators to try to talk Burns down, but it wasn’t working and Burns began firing at law enforcement.

Cut 13 (11) “…Burns”

Burns is in stable but critical condition.

Carnline says it’s a sad situation and appears to be a family-related incident related to Burns’ estranged wife, but…

Cut 14 (12) “…often” 

Charges are pending on Burns. Carnline says this is the second barricading incident Rapides deputies have responded to this week.

________________________

2:30 LRN Newscast Sept 3

Governor Edwards says about 212,000 households are still without power a week after Laura made landfall. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

The state surpasses a total of 150-thousand COVID-19 cases today, up by 884.  Total fatalities… 4858, up 17.  Hospitalizations drop by 22 to 851, the lowest since July. Ventilator use is 128, down by 4.

It’s been a week since Hurricane Laura made landfall in Cameron Parish and cut a line of devastation from Lake Charles to Ruston. Governor John Bel Edwards says as of this morning nearly 12-thousand people are being sheltered by the state, nearly all in hotels, and he’s concerned about what would happen if out of state evacuees were to return right now.

Cut 5 (09)  “…demand”

The Governor asks anyone being sheltered out of state to remain out of state for the time being.

Hurricane Laura is estimated to be an eight-to-nine billion-dollar insured loss event, the second-highest in the state’s history only behind Katrina.  whether it is tarping a roof, removing a tree, or whatever actions that need to be done, Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon recommends taking whatever remedial steps can be taken to minimize the loss.

Cut 10 (08) “…connection therewith.”

 

1:30 PM Newscast

It’s been one week since Hurricane Laura made landfall in Cameron Parish and cut a line of devastation from Lake Charles to Ruston. The Public Service Commission reports 211-thousand customers are still without power, down from the post-Laura peak of 615,000. Governor John Bel Edwards warns many of those still out are in the hardest-hit areas.

Cut 4 (07)“ …restored” 

Nearly all of Winn, Beauregard, Calcasieu, and Cameron Parishes are still without power.

Beauregard Parish Sheriff Mark Herford says some areas of his parish could be without power for close to a month. He says Beauregard is your typical quiet rural parish, but there’s a lot of activity taking place now.

Cut 8 (11) “…do something”

 

Hurricane Laura is estimated to be an eight-to-nine billion-dollar insured loss event, the second-highest in the state’s history only behind Katrina.  Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says with the mass amount of claims coming into insurers, policyholders need to file as soon as possible.

Cut 9 (07) “…resolve your claim.”

Whether it is tarping a roof, removing a tree, or whatever actions that need to be done, Donelon recommends taking whatever remedial steps can be taken to minimize the loss.

And when you do hire contractors for repairs, State Licensing Board for Contractors spokesperson Brad Hassert recommends verifying someone is a licensed contractor. Hassert says it will mostly be unlicensed workers that will try to trick people out of money and one of the ways they do so is by asking for a large amount of payment upfront.

Cut 14 (11) “…question for me.” 

License verification can be done online at lslbc.louisiana.gov.

12:30 PM Newscast

It’s been one week since Hurricane Laura made landfall in Cameron Parish and cut a line of devastation from Lake Charles to Ruston.  Governor John Bel Edwards says no storm has ever maintained so much strength across so much of the state but despite the damage, he’s optimistic about the recovery.

Cut 3 (11)  “…to go”  

The Public Service Commission reports 211-thousand customers are still without power, down from the post-Laura peak of 615,000.

A lot of the attention on hurricane recovery in southwest Louisiana has been on Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes, but Beauregard Parish also took a significant hit from the Category Four storm. Sheriff Mark Herford says there are hundreds of linemen working on getting the electricity and they deserve a pat on the back

Cut 7 (10) “…back up”

 

Hurricane Laura is estimated to be an eight-to-nine billion-dollar insured loss event, the second-highest in the state’s history only behind Katrina.  Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says anyone who took photos of their property before the storm should also take photos of the damage caused by the storm for comparison by an adjuster.

Cut 11 (13) “…out to you.”

Donelon says with the mass amount of claims coming to insurers, policyholders need to file as soon as possible.

The state surpasses a total of 150-thousand COVID-19 cases today, up by 884.  Total fatalities… 4858, up 17.  Hospitalizations drop to 851, the lowest since July 2, down 22. Ventilator use is a 128, down by 4.