LRN PM Newscall January 7

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries lifts a baiting ban in Union and Morehouse Parishes after not finding chronic wasting disease in any of the local deer. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Louisiana argues its case against Biden Administration vaccine mandates before the U.S. Supreme Court. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (29)…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

______________________________________

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports they found no evidence of chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer samples taken in Morehouse and Union parishes. A baiting ban was issued in those parishes after cases were found in Arkansas. LDWF Biologist Director Scott Durham says the ban is now lifted.

Cut 3 (11) “…not detected.”

Durham says without the help of hunters who submitted deer samples they wouldn’t have been able to safely lift the baiting ban.

Cut 4 (11) “…help us in that.”

Hunters across the state are still encouraged to continue submitting deer samples to LDWF. Durham says CWD is an ongoing issue they consistently monitor.

Cut 5 (10) “…looking for.”

CWD has been detected in the bordering states of Arkansas, Texas, and Mississippi.

__________________________________

Approximately 30,000 homeowner policyholders in Louisiana of two insurance companies deemed to be insolvent will now have coverage under SafePoint Insurance. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says this is great news for those who had policies with Access Home or State National Fire for more than three years.

 Cut 6 (10) “…until renewal.” 

As policies come up for renewal, beginning in March 2022 they will be rewritten using SafePoint’s policy forms and rates.

Donelon says not only is it a win for the 30,000 policyholders but taxpayers also because otherwise, those policyholders could end up with taxpayer-funded Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance.

Cut 7 (11) “…December 1st.” 

Donelon says SafePoint will cover any insurance claims made on or after December 1st. As for claims prior to December, particularly those from Ida…

Cut 8 (07) “…per claim.” 

For more information visit the Louisiana Department of Insurance’s website.

______________________________________________________

Louisiana attorneys argued their case against White House COVID vaccine mandates before the U.S. Supreme Court today. Louisiana is among several states granted injunctions by lower courts to stop enforcement of the mandates. Via Zoom, state Solicitor General Liz Murrill says the Biden administration orders are a clear overreach…:

Cut 9 (15) “…a COVID shot.”

The White House is ordering the shots for all health care workers under the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Failure to comply could result in termination. Murrill argues that the orders will have negative un-intended consequences…:

Cut 10 (10)  “…millions of people.”

Lower courts have also blocked enforcement of White House orders that private companies with 100 or more workers have them vaccinated, or face fines under the federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Arguing FOR the mandates was federal Deputy Solicitor General Brain Fletcher, who says the orders are wholly appropriate…:

Cut  11 (09)  “…Medicaid patients.” 

Louisiana lawyers say the mandates exceed the CMMS statutory authority and violate several federal statutes and will cost people their jobs. However, Fletcher says Health Secretary Xavier Becerra (ZAY-ve-er Buh SEH-ruh) heavily weighed the options and consequences before agreeing to the mandates…:

Cut 12 (15) “…a deadly pandemic.”  

A ruling by the Justices is forthcoming.

_______________________________________________

The Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled hospitals can fire their employees if they do not receive a COVID vaccine. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Louisiana’s at-will employment laws give Ochsner Health or any other private employer the ability to fire a worker who refuses the COVID vaccine…

Cut 13 (10) “.. employees. “

Dozens of Ochsner employees filed the lawsuit after Ochsner Health announced its workers must get vaccinated or face possible termination.

The plaintiffs argued the state’s medical consent law gives adults the ability to refuse medical treatment. But Ciolino says the Supreme Court correctly determined the medical consent law only applies to the relationship between a health care provider and a patient…

Cut 14 (07)  “…Ochsner.” 

______________________________________________

It’s a must-win for the Saints on Sunday as they have to beat the Falcons and the 49ers also need to lose to the Rams in order for New Orleans to get the final spot in the NFC playoffs. Saints Coach Sean Payton doesn’t anticipate Atlanta will lie down and allow them to win…

Cut 15 (12) “…for success.” 

Saints running back Alvin Kamara says preparation for this Sunday’s game against the Dirty Birds looks good…

Cut  16 (15) “..locked in”