4:45 LRN Sportscast September 21

This afternoon the roof of the Superdome caught on fire sending black smoke to the sky. Officials say the fire occurred on the exterior of the Caesars Superdome in the gutter tub of the roof. The fire was quickly extinguished and it’s believed a pressure washer being used to clean the roof caught on fire. The damage is still being assessed. The Saints are set to host the New York Giants in the Caesars Superdome on October 3rd.

Meanwhile, the players are off today and they’ll return to practice tomorrow in Fort Worth, Texas on the campus T-C-U. Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach says they will strive to be more consistent after suffering a loss at the hands of the Panthers last Sunday….
cut 20 (20) “…more consistent”
This Sunday, the Saints are at New England.

In LSU’s win over Central Michigan on Saturday, four different wide receivers caught at least five passes. Coach Ed Orgeron says it’s good to have a number of guys who can make plays in the passing game…
Cut 18 (20)”…heartbeat.”
On the injury front, defensive end Andre Anthony will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. But Orgeron expects freshman running back Armoni Goodwin will return to the field after injuring his ankle in the McNeese game. Coach O is also hoping free safety Jay Ward can return to the field because he says they need him going up against Mississippi State’s air raid offense.

In the NBA, former Pelican and three-point specialist J-J Redick announced his retirement today ending a 15-year career in the NBA.

4:30 pm LRN Newscast Sept 21

Trying times continue for folks in Terrebonne Parish; among the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Ida. Dave Brannen reports it’s a situation upsetting to Houma State Representative Tanner Magee…:

CUT 02(28)      “…Brannen”

Deputies in Bossier Parish arrest a Benton woman on multiple charges of aggravated animal cruelty. Acting on a tip, officers found over a dozen horses on the property that were extremely malnourished and in such dire conditions some were barely able to walk. They also found three dead horses. 52-year-old Sandra Driscoll’s bond is set at $100-thousand.

 

Entergy faces a class-action lawsuit by customers in the New Orleans area; alleging gross negligence is the reason the utility’s power suffered long-term outages from Hurricane Ida. Lawyer Juan LaFonta is one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys. He says the suit seeks damages for things like food that was spoiled due to lack of power and even electrical equipment that was harmed when power was restored…:

CUT 04(10)      “…transmission lines”

He says Entergy’s neglected to upgrade transmission lines and that’s why the New Orleans grid was hit so badly. Entergy says they do not comment on pending litigation.

Mayors of Shreveport and Lake Charles have a gentlemen’s bet on which city can get more citizens vaccinated for COVID by Halloween. Shreveport’s Adrian Perkins says both cities win if the vaxxed numbers increase…:

CUT 12(09)      “…Louisiana”

The winner will get a fine seafood dinner at one of the losing city’s finest eateries.

3:30 pm LRN Newscast Sept 21

After extensive power outages caused by Hurricane Ida, Entergy now faces a class-action lawsuit from customers. As many as 902-thousand lost power during the storm. New Orleans attorney Juan LaFonta is one of the lawyers representing plaintiffs in the case…:

CUT 03  (10)        “…went down”

How many plaintiffs? As of Monday, 17 and counting. Entergy says they do not comment on pending litigation.

The post-Ida misery in continues, especially in Terrebonne Parish where as many as 13-thousand homes were destroyed or significantly damaged. Houma state Representative Tanner Magee lashed out at apartment owners who gave renters just over a week to vacate damaged residence; offering no options of where they were to go…:

CUT 10(11)      “…be thrown out”

FEMA says temporary living quarters – likely trailers – are still about a month out.

 

A representative of the Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans says the building suffered no serious structural damage when a fire broke out on the roof shortly after noon today. Workers were pressure washing the top of the Dome, when the fire started. Its cause is not yet known. The fire was out within about an hour. One worker was treated for minor burns.

Two Lafayette area hospitals face a lawsuits for mandating their employees get COVID vaccinations or face possible termination. They are Ochsner Lafayette General and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. Lawyer Jimmy Faircloth represents the plaintiffs, who he calls “frontline heroes”, as being vilified for not getting the shots…:

CUT 07(12)      “…drive public policy”

Ochsner hospital has no comment on the lawsuit, but says data and science show the vaccines are working. Our Lady of Lourdes says it is doing what it needs to limit spread of the virus on the hospital campus.

LRN PM Newscall September 21

Entergy is facing a class-action lawsuit over extended outages from Hurricane Ida. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

The difficult times continue for those in Terrebonne Parish left without a roof over their head from destructive Hurricane Ida.  Dave Brannen reports it’s a situation upsetting to State Representative Tanner Magee.

Cut 2 (28)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

______________________________________

After extensive power outages from Hurricane Ida, Entergy is now facing a class-action lawsuit from customers. As many as 902-thousand lost power following the storm. Juan LaFonta is one of the attorneys’ representing plaintiffs in the case.

Cut 3 (10) “…went down.”

La Fonta says the suit is seeking to recover damages for losses that include things like food that was spoiled due to lack of power and even electrical equipment that was harmed when power was restored.

Cut 4  (10) “…transmission lines.” 

As of Monday LaFonta says they have seventeen plaintiffs, but they expect the number to grow as more people join the class-action lawsuit.

LaFonta says Entergy has failed to upgrade lines in the past even when recommended to do so, thus making them more vulnerable during a storm.

Cut 5 (12) “…monopoly going.”

Entergy issued a statement that they will not comment on pending litigation.

_____________________________________

Two lawsuits are now making their way through state court that allege that mandates issued by Ochsner Lafayette General and Our Lady of the Lourdes Regional Medical Center violate the state constitution by forcing nurses and staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19.  Attorney Jimmy Faircloth.

Cut 6 (06) “…what this is.” 

There are a total of 83 plaintiffs in the two cases that under the mandate issued by the hospitals could face termination if not vaccinated.

Faircloth says those suing, who he calls “frontline heroes” and being “vilified” for not getting the vaccine.

Cut 7 (12) “…drive public policy.”  

Ochsner is not commenting on the lawsuit but they say data and science show the efficacy of safety of the vaccines. Lourdes says it believes it’s taken appropriate measures to mitigate risks associated with the pandemic.

Faircloth says the court filing is a first step in trying to halt the implementation of the vaccine mandate for the hospital workers named as plaintiffs in the lawsuits filed in the 15th Judicial District Court.

Cut 8 (08) “…to the court.”

_______________________

The post-Ida misery continues. State Representative Tanner Magee of Houma told a legislative committee Monday that 13-thousand homes in Terrebonne Parish have been destroyed or significantly damaged. He says 68-percent of residences along the dividing line of the parish are not habitable, and owners are working through the difficulty

Cut 9 (08) “…makeshift structure” 

Magee says the situation was and remains critical with FEMA saying temporary structures could arrive within the next month and lashed out at apartment owners who gave renters just over a week to vacate damaged residences, offering no options of where they were to go.

Cut 10 (11)  “…be thrown out” 

Magee says while FEMA has offered an alternative housing option for Ida victims in Terrebonne, he says that option doesn’t exist at the present.

Cut  11 (10)  “…parish is booked.”  

Magee criticized those who made a decision by September 3rd, four days after Ida’s landfall, that people would have to vacate apartments hit by the storm regardless of the amount of damage.

_____________________________________________

The mayors of Shreveport and Lake Charles have made a friendly wager that their city can get more residents vaccinated for COVID than the other. Mayors Adrian Perkins and Nic Hunter have set Halloween as the deadline to get the most first dose vaccinations. The two mayors posted an online video announcing the challenge. Perkins says both cities win if the vaccination rate increases.

Cut 12 (09) “…Louisiana.”  

Despite the ongoing hurricane recovery in southwest Louisiana, Hunter feels Lake Charles residents are up to the challenge.

Cut 13 (11) “…your doctor.”

Each Monday the mayors will update vaccination progress on their respective social media pages. Both Perkins and Hunter say the vaccine is the answer to ending the pandemic

Cut 14 (10) “….loved ones” 

Mayor Hunter will serve up a captain’s seafood platter from Steamboat Bill’s in Lake Charles should Shreveport prove victorious, and Mayor Perkins will pony up stuffed shrimp from Orlandeaux’s Café in Shreveport if Lake Charles wins.

2:30 pm LRN Newscast Sept 21

Entergy is facing a class-action lawsuit over extended outages caused by Hurricane Ida. Brooke Thorington has the story…:

CUT 01  (31)        “…Thorington”

At least one person has been injured in a fire on the roof of the Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans. The fire broke out earlier today in a gutter tube while workers were pressure washing the roof. What actually caused the fire is yet unknown. A worker was treated for minor burns.

 

Two lawsuits are making their way through state court that allege COVID vaccination mandates issued by Ochsner Lafayette and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center violate the state constitution. Attorney Jimmy Faircloth represents the plaintiffs…:

CUT 06  (06)        “…what this is”

He says the 83 plaintiffs working at the two facilities face termination if they refuse the COVID vaccine. Ochsner has no comment as yet. Our Lady says it’s taking appropriate steps to mitigate risks from the virus.

The mayors of Shreveport and Lake Charles have a friendly wager that their city can get more people vaccinated for COVID than the other by October 31st. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter feels his city is up to the challenge…:

CUT 13  (11)        “…your doctor”

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins says no matter who wins, both cities are winners because more people have gotten the shot.

1:30 PM LRN Newscast September 21

The post-Ida misery continues. State Representative Tanner Magee of Houma told a legislative committee Monday that 13-thousand homes in Terrebonne Parish have been destroyed or significantly damaged. He says 68-percent of residences along the dividing line of the parish are not habitable, and owners are working through the difficulty

Cut 9 (08) “…make shift structure” 

 

Two lawsuits are now making their way through state court that allege that mandates issued by Ochsner Lafayette General and Our Lady of the Lourdes Regional Medical Center violate the state constitution by forcing nurses and staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Attorney Jimmy Faircloth says the court filing is a first step in trying to halt the implementation of the vaccine mandate.

Cut 8 (08) “…to the court.”

 

After extensive power outages from Hurricane Ida, Entergy is now facing a class-action lawsuit from some of the utility’s customers. As many as 902-thousand lost power following the storm. Attorney Juan LaFonta says Entergy has failed to upgrade lines in the past even when recommended to do so, thus making them more vulnerable during a storm.

Cut 5 (12) “…monopoly going.”

Entergy says it doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

 

The mayors of Shreveport and Lake Charles have made a friendly wager that their city can get more residents vaccinated for COVID than the other. Mayors Adrian Perkins and Nic Hunter have set Halloween as the deadline to get the most first dose vaccinations. Both say the vaccine is the answer to ending the pandemic

Cut 14 (10) “….loved ones” 

 

12:30 LRN Newscast Sept 21

Governor Edwards is in Washington DC advocating for disaster relief for multiple natural disasters.  One of his requests will ask for flexibility with match funding. GOHSEP Deputy Director Casey Tingle says after disasters, municipalities are faced with immediate costs like debris removal.

Cut  16 (12) “…facilities.”

The mayors of Shreveport and Lake Charles have made a friendly wager that their city can get more residents vaccinated for COVID than the other. Mayors Adrian Perkins and Nic Hunter have set Halloween as the deadline. The two mayors posted an online video announcing the challenge. Perkins says it’s a win-win.

Cut 12 (09) “…Louisiana.”  

Both mayors will update weekly progress on their social media pages.

Two lawsuits are now making their way through state court that allege that mandates issued by Ochsner Lafayette General, and Our Lady of the Lourdes Regional Medical Center violate the state constitution by forcing nurses and staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19.  Attorney Jimmy Faircloth. Faircloth says those suing, who he calls “frontline heroes” are being “vilified” for not getting the vaccine.

Cut 7 (12) “…drive public policy.”  

Ochsner is not commenting on the lawsuit, but they say data and science show the efficacy of safety of the vaccines. Lourdes says it believes it’s taken appropriate measures to mitigate risks associated with the pandemic.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

After putting together its best performance of the season, the LSU Tigers will kick-off SEC play this Saturday when they face Mississippi State. Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers threw for 419 yards in a loss to Memphis last Saturday. Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s seen his defense get better since the season-opening loss to UCLA…
cut 19 (19) “…this Saturday”
LSU has lost defensive end, Andre Anthony, for the season. The six-year senior suffered a knee injury against Central Michigan that will require surgery.

In the NBA, former Pelican and three-point specialist J-J Redick announced his retirement today ending a 15-year career in the NBA.

The Saints players have the day off today before they begin preparations this Sunday’s game at New England. Linebacker Demario Davis says they are disappointed about their performance last Sunday in Carolina…
cut 20 (19) “…get fixed”
New Orleans is a three-point underdog headed into Sunday’s game against the Patriots.

In the latest high school football polls. Catholic High of Baton Rouge, Karr, U-High, Lafayette Christian and Calvary Baptist are the number one ranked teams in the five classifications. The Catholic Bears got a big game this week against Warren Easton, while Karr will face a talented Scotlandville squad.

Southeastern Louisiana is ranked 16th in both FCS polls. The Lions have this week off and begin Southland play on October 2nd at McNeese.

11:30 LRN Newscast September 21

LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center is participating in the Moderna pediatric COVID vaccine trial. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

 

A 15-year-old girl is in custody in Caddo Parish for allegedly making a threat over social media.  Sheriff Steve Prator says students and staff reported a bomb threat against Byrd High School yesterday afternoon.  A full sweep of the campus was made but no bomb was found. Authorities say the teen used another classmate’s social media account to make the threat. She’s charged with terrorizing.

 

After extensive power outages from Hurricane Ida, Entergy is now facing a class-action lawsuit from some customers. More than 900 thousand lost power following the storm. Juan LaFonta is one of the attorneys’ representing plaintiffs in the case.  He says the suit is seeking to recover damages for losses that include food that was spoiled due to lack of power and even electrical equipment that was harmed when power was restored.

Cut 4  (10) “…transmission lines.” 

 

Two lawsuits are now making their way through state court that allege that mandates issued by Ochsner Lafayette General and Our Lady of the Lourdes Regional Medical Center violate the state constitution by forcing nurses and staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19.  Attorney Jimmy Faircloth.

Cut 6 (06) “…what this is.” 

Ochsner is not commenting due to pending litigation and Lourdes says it believes it’s taken appropriate measures to mitigate risks associated with the pandemic.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards is in Washington D-C to meet with members of Congress to explain to them the urgent need for federal assistance to help residents recover from the numerous natural disasters the state has experienced over the last 13 months. GOHSEP Deputy Director Casey Tingle says there’s been four hurricanes, a damaging freeze, and spring flooding…
cut 15 (12) “…recently”

After extensive power outages from Hurricane Ida, Entergy is now facing a class-action lawsuit from customers. As many as 902-thousand lost power following the storm. Juan LaFonta is one of the attorneys’ representing plaintiffs in the case.
Cut 3 (10) “…went down.”
Entergy has no comment on the litigation.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and other Republican Attorneys General are threatening to sue the Biden Administration if the President follows through with a plan to require private employers with more than 100 employees to mandate the COVID vaccine…
cut 11 (07) “…to court”
So far the Biden administration has not issued the exact rules for his plan to make vaccines mandatory for employees at many large businesses.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting its first COVID vaccination trial. They are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the Moderna vaccine in children. Principal Investigator Dr. Daniel Hsia (Shaw) says participants can expect a minimum of two blood draws.
Cut 7 (10) “…actual vaccine.”
Hsia (Shaw) says they’ve already enrolled enough children ages six to eleven and by the end of the month, they’ll register ages two to five.