LRN AM Newscall November 1

A website’s data study ranks Louisiana last among states in which to own an electric car. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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An LSU climate change expert says it’s a positive Governor Edwards is at the International Climate Change Conference in Scotland, but it remains to be seen how beneficial it will be. Dave Brannen reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal in Shreveport ruled Ochsner Health cannot discipline unvaccinated employees until a lawsuit filed on the behalf of employees is heard. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A new study from the website “Jerry,” ranks Louisiana the worst state to own an electric car. Lakshmi Iyengar (LUCK-shmee EYE-en-gar) is a data scientist for the auto insurance shopping help site. She says Louisiana has virtually NO infrastructure – fewer than 8 ports per 100-thousand people, which causes range anxiety…

Cut 4 (09) “…of you.”

The top three states in which to own an electric car are Massachusetts, Vermont and California. All have a fleshed-out charging infrastructure and offer owners lots of incentives for driving non-polluting cars. Iyengar says Louisiana only offers electric owners two or three tax breaks or incentives…:

Cut 5 (11) “…parking free, et cetera.”

Iyengar says, if electric cars are not catching on faster in the Bayou State, it’s likely a “chick-or-the-egg” type conundrum…:

Cut 6 (13) “…out of that cycle.”

(Read more about it at “GetJerry.com”)

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Governor John Bel Edwards is in Scotland this week. LSU climate change policy expert Edward Richards says the governor’s appearance at the United Nations Climate Change Conference shows Louisiana is beginning to take climate change seriously.

Cut 7 (11) “…gas driven state.”

But Richards says that as long as Louisiana is primarily identified with the oil and gas industry, it’ll be hard to convince people that the state is serious about climate change.

Richards says the state appears to deny the existence of climate change through expenditures on coastal restoration projects, money he says that should go elsewhere, such as…

Cut 8 (12) “…increasing coastal risk.”

In addressing the issue of climate change, Richards says it would be nice if Louisiana could attract green industries, something he believes the governor is hoping to do while in Scotland.

Cut 9 (10)  “…a fresh start.”

Richards says the governor is interested in luring solar arrays to Louisiana and offshore wind farms.

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A day before Ochsner Health’s deadline for employees to be vaccinated or face dismissal the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal in Shreveport ruled unvaccinated employees can’t be fired while the mandate is being challenged in court.  Jimmy Faircloth, an attorney representing Ochsner employees, says it was a surprising move.

Cut 10 (11)  “…a favor.” 

On October 5th State District Judge Craig Marcotte threw out the case file by dozens of employees at Ochsner’s Shreveport facility. But on October 28th a three-judge appellate court ordered a hearing on the case and ruled no employees can be terminated until the case is heard. The deadline for employees to be vaccinated was Friday.

Faircloth says the ruling sends a clear message about vaccine mandates.

Cut 11 (11) “…or terminate.”

While the ruling only pertains to Ochsner healthcare facilities in the second circuit which is predominately north Louisiana, Faircloth says until the case is heard he feels it wouldn’t be wise for Ochsner to discipline any unvaccinated employees.

Cut 12 (12) “…to lose.”

Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says the ruling from the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals is disappointing and they will appeal. Thomas says their employee vaccination requirement outside of north Louisiana will move forward.

Faircloth says he believes the case will be heard within the next two weeks in Shreveport.

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November marks the last official month of the Atlantic hurricane season.  State Climatologist Barry Keim expects the month will be quiet when it comes to tropical systems.

Cut 13 (08) “…occurred in 1861.”

Thus far this year there have been seven hurricanes, four of them major with Ida ripping parts of Southeast Louisiana to shreds in late August.

Keim believes Louisiana’s hurricane season is basically over, except for the possibility of a few bouts of stormy weather before the end of the month.

Cut 14 (07)  “…can get storms.”

Keim is cautionary about writing off the possibility of more hurricanes occurring before the end of the month because a La Nina is rearing its ugly head as the season ends, the same as happened last year.

Cut 15 (13)  “…here in Louisiana.”

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What a win for the Saints on Sunday, but it came at a cost as New Orleans knocked off the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers 36-27. Saints played much of the game without starting quarterback Jameis Winston as he went down with a knee injury and Trevor Siemian came in and threw for 159 yards and one touchdown. Coach Sean Payton says Siemian was calm and handled the situation well…

Cut  16 (20) “of energy.”

The Saints had a 23-7 lead in the third quarter, but Tom Brady led Tampa Bay back and the Bucs took a one-point lead in the fourth quarter. The Saints took the lead back on a Brian Johnson field goal and then P-J Williams iced the victory with a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown…

Cut 17 (25) “ .it was great.” 

The Saints defense intercepted Brady twice and forced a fumble. But there’s a chance the Saints will play the rest of the season without Winston. Payton says the initial prognosis is not good…

Cut 18 (18)”…a little concerned”

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In the Ragin Cajuns 45-0 Homecoming win over Texas State, U-L Lafayette Quarterback Levi Lewis became the school’s all-time passing touchdown leader, surpassing Jake Delhomme. Lewis threw three touchdown passes and the Baton Rouge native now has 65 for his collegiate career. Coach Billy Napier calls Lewis a heck of a football player

Cut 19 (19)  “…his team”

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Louisiana Tech is on a four-game losing streak after tough 23-20 loss to Old Dominion. The Bulldogs lost on a 46-yard field goal as time expired. Prior to the game winning field goal Tech had the ball at the 45-yard line and it was fourth and three. Coach Skip Holtz elected to go for it, but J-D Head’s deep ball down the sideline sailed out of bounds

Cut 20 (18)  “do it.” 

Tech, who is 2-and-6,  is at UAB this Saturday.

10:30 LRN Newscast

A state appeals in court in Shreveport has ruled that Ochsner Health can not dismiss or discipline its employees in north Louisiana if they are not vaccinated against the coronavirus. Friday was the deadline for Ochsner’s 32-thousand employees to be fully vaccinated or they could be fired. The three-judge appellate court has also ordered a Shreveport judge to hold a hearing on the issue.

With the November 13th election just around the corner, a week of early voting gets underway today. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (29)…I’m Dave Brannen.”

One of the big news items this week is Facebook changing its company name to Meta. The social media giant is now expected to expand into the virtual world. There are some who feel the name change is an attempt to reimage Facebook in order to try and dodge some recent negative press, but UNO marketing professor Lisa Palumbo disagrees….
cut 5 (09) “…try it out”
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the metaverse is the next frontier just like social networking was when they got started.

This weekend is the “Go Out and Fish” program, sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. LDWF’s Danica Williams says they have stocked 17 ponds across the state with catfish, so you’ll have a better chance of landing a big one. She also says there are other things you can do besides cast a line..:
CUT 10 (09) “…while they’re there.”
You can get a list of locations that have been stocked with catfish at Go Out and Fish program on the LDWF website.

9:30 LRN Newscast

A day before Ochsner Health’s deadline for employees to be vaccinated or face dismissal the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal in Shreveport ruled unvaccinated employees can’t be fired while the mandate is being challenged in court. Attorney Jimmy Faircloth represents Ochsner employees…
Cut 10 (07) “…a favor.”
Faircloth says the ruling sends a message to businesses that vaccine mandates are illegal. A Shreveport judge is expected to hear the case in the next two weeks.

The Gaming Control Board has approved sports betting licenses for four casinos in Louisiana. Harrah’s in New Orleans, Boomtown Casino in Harvey, L’auberge Baton Rouge, and Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City can begin taking sports bets on Sunday. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says several other casinos have also applied…
cut 16 (09) “…as possible”

Governor John Bel Edwards is overseas. An LSU climate change expert says it’s a positive Edwards is at the International Climate Change Conference in Scotland, but it remains to be seen how beneficial it will be. Dave Brannen reports.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

Early voting for the November 13th election gets underway today. For 21 parishes, there will only be four constitutional amendments on their ballot. Twelve Parishes including Bossier, Calcasieu, Lafayette, Lafourche, Morehouse, Ouachita. St Landry, Vernon and Washington will have local races, propositions and amendments.

8:30 LRN Newscast

The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal in Shreveport ruled Ochsner Health cannot discipline unvaccinated employees until a lawsuit filed on the behalf of employees is heard…
cut 3 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Gaming Control Board has approved sports betting licenses for four casinos and they can start taking legal sports bets tomorrow. The Caesars Sportsbook inside Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans and Horseshoe in Bossier City say their sportsbooks will open tomorrow.

Early voting for the November 13th election begins today. Now through next Saturday, except for tomorrow of course, you can quickly cast your votes on four constitutional amendments and local elections on your ballot. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the early voting location in New Orleans has been moved so that social distancing can be observed…
CUT 08 (09) “…with that location.”
Orleans has a big ballot, with a Mayoral race and city council seats to be decided.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is hosting several Get Out and Fish events today. LDWF’s Danica Williams says they’ve also stocked 17 ponds around the state with adult-sized channel catfish.
Cut 9 (12) “…adult size fish.”
You can get a list of locations for the Go Out and Fish program from the LDWF website.

7:30 LRN Sportscast

Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay is a big day for the Saints as they trail the first-place Buccaneers in the NFC South standings, but it might be an even bigger day for New Orleans Quarterback Jameis Winston as he faces the team that drafted him for the first time while starting for the Black and Gold. Coach Sean Payton wants Winston to play within his abilities…
cut 17 (22) “….understands that”
Saints swiss army knife Taysom Hill will miss his second straight game with a concussion and receiver and return specialist Deonte Harris is questionable with a hamstring injury.

The Pelicans dropped to one and five on the season as they lost to Sacramento 113 to 109 last night. The Kings missed just one free throw while the Pels were 16 of 25 from the charity stripe.

La Tech can use a win today as they visit one-and-six Old Dominion. The Bulldogs have scored 19 points in their last two games and in those contests they converted just nine times on 27 third-down opportunities. Tech Coach Skip Holtz says they got to get that percentage up…
Cut 19 (30) “…situations.”
Kick-off is at 2:30 in Virginia.

Also today, Tulane hosts 2nd ranked Cincinnati. The Cajuns take on Texas State in Lafayette, ULM visits Appalachian State, McNeese is at Southeastern, Nicholls hosts Northwestern, Grambling is at Florida A-and-M.

6:30 LRN newscast October 30

A state appeals in court in Shreveport has ruled that Ochsner Health can not dismiss or discipline its employees in north Louisiana if they are not vaccinated against the coronavirus. Friday was the deadline for Ochsner’s 32-thousand employees to be fully vaccinated or they could be fired. The three-judge appellate court has also ordered a Shreveport judge to hold a hearing on the issue.

With the November 13th election just around the corner, a week of early voting gets underway today. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (29)…I’m Dave Brannen.”

One of the big news items this week is Facebook changing its company name to Meta. The social media giant is now expected to expand into the virtual world. There are some who feel the name change is an attempt to reimage Facebook in order to try and dodge some recent negative press, but UNO marketing professor Lisa Palumbo disagrees….
cut 5 (09) “…try it out”
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the metaverse is the next frontier just like social networking was when they got started.

This weekend is the “Go Out and Fish” program, sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. LDWF’s Danica Williams says they have stocked 17 ponds across the state with catfish, so you’ll have a better chance of landing a big one. She also says there are other things you can do beside cast a line..:
CUT 10 (09) “…while they’re there.”
You can get a list of locations that have been stocked with catfish at Go Out and Fish program on the LDWF website.

5:30 LRN Newscast Oct 29

Facebook’s announcement of a name change to Meta, sent some users into a frenzy that the social media giant would dissolve their most-used platform. But UNO Marketing Professor Lisa Palumbo says Facebook isn’t going anywhere.

Cut 3 (11) “….a while now.”

 

Facebook plans to start trading under their new name Meta beginning December 1st.

 

Early voting gets underway in Louisiana tomorrow, and except for this Sunday, will continue through Saturday, November 6th. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the ballots casts are for the November 13th election that quite frankly is lacking hotly contested races. Ardoin says four constitutional amendments are on the ballot statewide but aren’t likely to produce a stampede to polling locations.

 

Cut 7 (07) “….to the polls.”  

 

You can download the smartphone app, Geaux Vote Mobile, to locate your parish’s early voting location and a sample ballot.

While Halloween can be lots of fun for the kids, it can pose a health hazard to your pets. Ginger Guttner, Spokesperson for LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine says if you have pets don’t leave out candy where they might have an opportunity to grab a treat for themselves.

Cut 12 (11) “…too much.”  

 

You might want to spend what’s supposed to be a great Halloween weekend taking part in the Go Out and Fish program put on by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.  The agency’s Danica Williams says they’ve stocked 17 ponds around the state with adult-sized channel catfish including one in Houma that was hard hit by Hurricane Ida.

Cut  11 (11)  “…have been stocked.”  

 

The Houma event takes place Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the Bayou Country Sports Complex.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Gaming Control Board has approved sports betting licenses for four casinos in Louisiana. Harrah’s in New Orleans, Boomtown Casino in Harvey, L’auberge Baton Rouge and Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City can begin taking sports bets on Sunday. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says several other casinos have also applied…
cut 16 (09) “…as possible”
L’Auberge in Baton Rouge says it will open its sports book on Monday, while Boomtown Casino in Harvey will begin taking sports bets on Tuesday, according to the Lt. Governor’s office. Meanwhile, the Caesars Sportsbook inside Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans will take its first best on Sunday at 7 AM.

That’s several hours before the Saints will host the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lead the NFC South with a 6-1 record, while the Saints are 4-and-2. Kick-off is at 3:25.

La Tech can use a win tomorrow as they visit one-and-six Old Dominion. The Bulldogs have scored 19 points in their last two games and in those contests they converted just nine times on 27 third-down opportunities. Tech Coach Skip Holtz says they got to get that percentage up…
Cut 19 (30) “…situations.”
Kick-off is at 2:30 in Norfolk, Virginia.

Also tomorrow, Tulane hosts 2nd ranked Cinncinnati. The Cajuns take on Texas State in Lafayette, ULM visits Appalachian State, McNeese is at Southeastern, Nicholls hosts Northwestern, Grambling is at Florida A-and-M.

4:30 LRN Newscast Oct 29

Louisiana’s Gaming Commission grants four new licenses for legal sports betting. Those casinos are Harrah’s and Boomtown in New Orleans, L’Auberge in Baton Rouge and Horseshoe in Bossier City. State Gaming Commissioner Ronnie Johns says those were the first to complete their application, review and approval process. Johns says more sports book will be coming soon…:

CUT 16  (09)        “…quickly as possible.”

Early Voting for the November 13th election starts Saturday, takes a day off Sunday and resumes Monday through next Saturday. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says he expects poor voter turnout because ballots across MOST of the lack hotly contested races…:

CUT 06  (13)        “…in Orleans Parish.”

Download to “GeauxVote” app to see your sample ballot and where to go for Early Voting.

 

Facebook’s announcement it was changing its corporate name to “Meta” has some users freaking out. Brooke Thorington has that…:

CUT 01  (32)        “…Thorington.”

A state appeals court rules Ochsner Health-Shreveport may not fire workers for refusing the COVID vaccine while the mandate’s legality is in court. That’s in the state’s 2nd Circuit. A group of Ochsner employees faced termination Friday, if they did not comply. The plaintiff’s lawyer says he’ll take all the way to the Supreme Court if needs be.

3:30 LRN Newscast Oct 29

With the November 13th election right around the corner, Early Voting starts Saturday in Louisiana. More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 02  (30)        “…Brannen.”

The Shreveport City Council is seemingly waging war on small businesses who use those towable, lighted marquee signs out front. Many small businesses cannot afford larger, more impressive signage … yet the council has temporarily banned them and may do so permanently. Some small business owners feel the city doesn’t want them there, but are more than willing to take the sales taxes they generate.

 

Sports betting will be available at more casinos in Louisiana as early as this weekend. Until recently, only Paragon Casino in Marksville was allowed to have legalized sports book. State Gaming Commissioner Ronnie Johns says four new licenses were issued Friday…:

CUT 15(11)      “…in Bossier City.”

He says they can open as early as Sunday. L’Auberge in Baton Rouge has a big opening planned for Monday. Johns says nine more sports book license are expected to be issued soon.

Halloween is this weekend. Are you one of those who likes to dress up your pet? LSU Vet school spokesperson Ginger Guttner says that’s completely OK, but be sure the animal can see clearly and breathe normally…:

CUT 14  (09)        “…make them.”

She also says keep your vets number handy and be aware of an after-hours vet clinic nearby.