8:30 LRN Newscast November 13

A Louisiana judge has ruled against an effort by Republicans in the state House who are attempting to put an end to Governor John Bel Edwards’ coronavirus orders. GOP members in the House signed a petition ordering the governor to end the COVID restrictions, but Judge William Morvant says Edwards proclamation can’t be blocked by action from just one chamber of the legislature.

Tulane University will soon be more accessible for low- and middle-income families in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins will appear on tonight’s episode of the long-running CBS hit TV show Undercover Boss. Perkins goes undercover, working at several different jobs within city government. He says the toughest gig he worked was at the fire department.
Cut 4 (12) “…fire.”
Perkins also worked with the police, park maintenance team, and at a youth recreation center.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has developed 60 glamping camping sites at Louisiana State Parks. Glamping is a more upscale version of camping. Nungesser says the glampsites feature safari-style tents and queen-sized cots. He says the spacious tents are strategically placed in distinctive settings…
cut 8 (06) “….of them”
Glampers will also have access to park facilities such as showers and restrooms.

7:30 LRN Newscast November 13

A state judge has ruled a law used by Republicans in the Louisiana House that attempted to cancel Governor John Bel Edwards coronavirus restrictions is unconstitutional. Judge William Morvant says a petition used to revoke the governor’s public health order needs support from both chambers of the legislature not just the House. Executive counsel for Governor Edwards, Matthew Block…
cut 16 (07) “….may times”
Attorney General Jeff Landry plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court.

Tulane will make its university more affordable and accessible next fall to low and middle-income Louisiana families, through The Louisiana Promise initiative, which will allow students whose families make less than $100,000 attend debt-free. Tulane President Michael Fitts.
Cut 10 (11) “…loan free.”
The program will offer sliding-scale financial aid awards based on an assessment of family income and assets.

If you want to camp at a state park but roughing it is not your thing, then Lt Governor Billy Nungesser suggests Glamping.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services says five more parishes hit by Hurricane Delta have been approved for disaster food stamps. They are Beauregard, Lafayette, Rapides, St. Landry and St. Martin. Residents in Beauregard, Rapides, and St. Landry Parishes who previously received D-SNAP benefits due to Hurricane Laura will automatically receive a second month.

6:45 LRN Sportscast November 13

For the second straight week, Louisiana Tech had its upcoming football game postponed on Thursday. Last week it was a COVID issue with the North Texas football team. This time the Bulldogs had to postpone Saturday’s home game against Rice, because of injuries, COVID positive cases, and contact tracing led to one position group that is too thin to field a team. The Bulldogs’ next game is set for November 21st versus ULM at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. ULM also had to postpone its scheduled game with Arkansas State this Saturday, because of COVID cases within the Warhawk football program.

So there are two college football games on the schedule for Saturday. Tulane hosts Army and the 25th ranked Ragin Cajuns host South Alabama.

College basketball is right around the corner, LSU is picked to finish third, behind Tennessee and Kentucky. The Ragin Cajuns are picked to finish second in the Sun Belt West behind Little Rock, while ULM is expected to finish sixth.

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas appears to be on track to play in his second consecutive game after missing six in a row because of ankle and hamstring injuries. Thomas was limited in practice yesterday, but that was the case last week and he still played against the Bucs. Running back Alvin Kamara says when Thomas is on the field, opposing defenses have to account for him…
cut 19 (15) “…it’s complimentary”
New Orleans hosts San Francisco this Sunday. The Saints are battling with Green Bay and Seattle for the top seed in the NFC. The Packers host Jacksonville and the Seahawks visit the Rams.

A decline in NFL viewership is not as bad as what was feared. The league and Nielsen say games are averaging 15 million television viewers, a six percent decline from last year.

6:30 LRN Newscast November 13

Attorney General Jeff Landry plans to appeal a ruling made Thursday by a state judge declaring a law unconstitutional that led to House Republicans signing a petition ordering Governor John Bel Edwards to cancel his coronavirus restrictions. Landry says Judge William Morvant had his mind made up before the hearing and positioned the case to be heard in the Louisiana Supreme Court.
Cut 13 (12) “….strikes.”
But Judge Morvant ruled the law is unconstitutional because it does not involve both chambers of the legislature. Only a majority of House members signed the petition. The governor’s executive counsel Matthew Block says the petition posed a public health threat…
cut 15 (11) “>…they’re working”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says more than 60 glamping sites will be available at eight Louisiana State Parks. With glamping, you get a pre-set sturdy canvas tent on a wooden deck platform, queen size bed, propane ten heater, a picnic table, grill, and solar shower. Nungesser says the budget-friendly activity is available for December bookings beginning today…
cut 9 (07) “…pretty incredible”
For more information go to the state park’s website.

Tonight, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins will be the undercover boss on the popular CBS television show. The episode has Perkins working undercover as a regular city employee. The mayor says he plays “Wayne” a man who looks nearly twice the 35-year-old’s age and he says no one suspected a thing…
cut 5 (11) “…going for”

LRN AM Newscall November 13

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is tonight’s Undercover Boss on CBS. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

________________________________

If you want to visit a state park but roughing it is not your thing, then Lt Governor Billy Nungesser suggests Glamping.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

__________________________________________

Tulane University will soon be more accessible for low- and middle-income families in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

_______________________________

The Mayor of Shreveport, Adrian Perkins, will feature on tonight’s episode of the long-running CBS hit Undercover Boss.

Perkins goes undercover and around town working shifts and mingling with city employees. He says the toughest gig he worked was at the fire department.

Cut 4 (12) “…fire.”

Perkins also worked with the police, park maintenance team, and at a youth recreation center.

Perkins plays “Wayne”, a man who looks nearly twice the 35-year-old’s age. The Mayor says no one suspected a thing…

Cut 5 (11) “…going for.”

Perkins says the show is going to be a lot of fun and pretty humorous but it comes with a good message.

Cut 6 (10) “…this city.”

Undercover Boss will air tonight at 8 PM on CBS.

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Glamping is the latest trend to come to Louisiana State Parks. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the camping fad is an innovative partnership with Tentrr to increase accommodation options at eight state parks in the Bayou State. So what exactly is Glamping…

Cut 7 (08)  “…a heater.”

Nungesser says state parks have experienced a 45-percent increase in visits this year as part of the Sunshine Plan to revitalize the tourism industry and Glamping is the newest initiative. The 60 unique glampsites feature safari-style tents and queen-sized cots. The spacious tents are strategically placed in distinctive settings throughout the parks.

Cut 8 (06) “…of them.”

Nungesser wants to entice all tourists to enjoy Glamping. Tents that are wheelchair accessible, senior, and pet-friendly are also available to rent.

Glampers will also have access to park facilities such as showers and toilets.

Nungesser hopes to attract Glamping aficionados to the state and lure more Louisianans to the great outdoors for Staycations.  The budget-friendly trend will be available for December bookings beginning today

Cut 9 (07) “…pretty incredible.”

For more information go to www.LAstateparks.com/glamping

_____________________________

Tulane University will be more affordable and accessible next fall for low and middle-income Louisiana families. The Louisiana Promise initiative will allow students whose families make less than $100,000 to attend debt-free. Tulane President Michael Fitts acknowledges the private university’s tuition is costly.

Cut 10 (11) “…loan free.”

Tuition at the university is just shy of $51-thousand per semester.

Fitts says students come from all over the world and the country to attend Tulane, but only 11-percent of undergraduate students are from the Bayou State. The Louisiana Promise initiative will change that for Fall 2021 students.

Cut 11 (09) “…of Louisiana.”

Fitts says the future of Tulane and Louisiana are inextricably linked and the Louisiana Promise initiative is an investment both.

Cut 12 (09) “…of Louisiana.”

Tulane is partnering with community-based organizations to inform students of scholarship opportunities.

__________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry plans to appeal a ruling made Thursday by a state judge declaring a House petition overturning the Governor’s public health emergency order unconstitutional.

Landry says Judge William Morvant had already made up his mind before the hearing and positioned the case to be heard in the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Cut 13 (12) “….strikes.”

The case was triggered by the signing of a legislative petition in October by 65 Republican members of the State House that claimed to have the authority to end the ongoing pandemic restrictions and orders. The petition came after Legislative efforts to limit the Governor’s public health authority failed.

Morvant decided the petition was unconstitutional because it only involved one chamber of the Legislature, that being the House. Landry has this advice for petition supporters in the meantime…

Cut 14 (10) “…petition.” 

Last month Senate President Page Cortez says there was little support for a similar petition in the Upper Chamber because members did not believe the order should be overturned.

Edwards Administration Executive Counsel Matthew Block says the petition could have been dangerous had its constitutionality been upheld.

Cut 15 (11) “.. they’re working.”

Edwards has described the petition as “reckless” and “irresponsible”.

Block says it’s clear under the state constitution that you need both the Senate and House to create and enact laws.

Cut 16 (07) “…times.”

The 2003 statute that established the petition process had not been used by lawmakers or challenged, until now.

______________________________________

Linebacker Kwon Alexander is eligible to make his Saints debut on Sunday when New Orleans hosts San Francisco. The Saints acquired Alexander in a deal with the 49ers before the trade deadline. The former LSU Tiger is 30-years-old and was a Pro Bowler in 2018. Safety Malcolm Jenkins is impressed with Alexander’s athletic ability

cut 17 (15) “…better defense.”

After appearing in the Super Bowl last season, the 49ers have been hit with a bunch of injuries and enter Sunday’s game with a four and five record. Quarterback Drew Brees says he’s not taking San Fran lightly

cut 18 (18) “..doing that.”

The Saints enter the game relatively healthy as wide receiver Michael Thomas is set to play in his second straight game after missing six straight contests with ankle and hamstring injuries. Running Back Alvin Kamara says when Thomas is on the field, opposing defenses have to account for him…

cut 19 (15) “… it’s complimentary.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast November 12

The Saints will host the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, but San Fran is not the same team as they were last year. They’ve been hit hard by injuries, as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, all-pro tight end George Kittle and pass rusher Nick Bosa are all out. San Francisco also no longer has receiver Emmanuel Sanders. He’s on the Saints.

Sanders threw a touchdown pass and had seven catches for 157 yards and a touchdown as San Francisco defeated the Saints in New Orleans last year. Coach Sean Payton is glad Sanders is now with the Black and Gold…
cut 20 (20) “…we are doing”
Kick-off is at 3:25.

Ragin Cajuns quarterback Levi Lewis said on a conference call with reporters last night that he plans on coming back next season. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, all fall student-athletes, including seniors. get an extra year of eligibility. Lewis and the Cajuns can win the Sun Belt West title on Saturday with a win over South Alabama. The Jaguars are 3-and-4 and have the Sun Belt’s most accurate passer in sophomore Desmond Trotter. Coach Billy Napier says receivers Jalen Tobert and Kawaan Baker are also very good…
cut 18 (19) “….for you”
Kick-off is at 1 PM.

The other games on Saturday, Louisiana Tech hosts Rice at 2:30 and Tulane will take on Army at Uluman Stadium at 11 AM.

LRN PM Newscall November 12

FDA approval for a COVID vaccine could come as early as by the end of the year but most folks will not get a shot for months. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards wins a legal battle as a state judge rejects an effort by Republicans in the Louisiana House to cancel his emergency coronavirus orders. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A Baton Rouge pediatrician faces a simple battery charge after he allegedly hit and verbally assaulted a Southern University student while she was walking near the LSU Lakes. Baton Rouge police spokesman Sergeant L’Jean Mckneely says 54-year old Shane McKinney was questioned yesterday after he was identified as a suspect.

Cut 3 (12)  “…battery arrest”  

McKinney issued a statement from his attorney claiming he’s innocent and allegations that he threw a punch and made racially offensive comments are not true.

Mckneely says so far they have not determined a motive that led to the incident.

Cut 4 (09)   “…chest area.”  

McKinney’s statement says the physician’s elbow contacted the accuser as she jogged by on a narrow sidewalk and that simple battery requires intentional use of force or violence. As for if the incident involved racial language Mckneely says they don’t have enough evidence.

Cut 5  (12) “…that charge.” 

McKinney’s attorneys are requesting anyone to come forward with video footage of the incident.

____________________________________________________

A number of coronavirus vaccines look like they’re nearing completion and state officials are game-planning how to make sure you can get one as soon as they are available.

State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says the first people to get a vaccine will be frontline healthcare workers who have contact with COVID patients.

Cut 6 (09) “…employees”

Right behind that group will be “essential workers”.

Welch says a vaccine could begin being administered to frontline healthcare workers at their workplace in Louisiana within days of it receiving FDA approval. Then for the general public…

Cut 7 (11) “…vaccine.”

Welch says there are indications that everyone in the general public will have access to the vaccine by late-spring.

There’s some concern that many folks just won’t trust the vaccine. Welch says the best way to address those fears is to show people the trial data proving the vaccine is safe.

Cut 8 (11) “..patients.”

Welch also mentioned that a robust adverse event reporting system is in place that would alert the public should concerns be raised about any of the many coming vaccines.

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Hurricane Zeta knocked out power to more than 480,000 Entergy Customers, and two weeks later power has been restored.  Entergy Spokesperson David Freese with Entergy says it took a large team to get power restored.

Cut 9 (08) “…Louisiana.”

Freese says their quick response was key in getting power restored quickly.

Cut 10 (08) “….storm “

Zeta marked the third major restoration effort in Louisiana following a hurricane. Freese says the utility company will seek other avenues before placing restoration fees on customers’ bills…

Cut 11 (08) “….assistance”

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State Judge William Morvant rules a petition signed by Republicans in the Louisiana House to end the governor’s coronavirus emergency order is unconstitutional. Loyola of New Orleans University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says not having the Senate back the petition was the key point…

Cut 12 (07) “…effect of law” 

Senate President Page Cortez did not urge Senators to sign the petition, because he didn’t think the state needed to loosen the restrictions.

Ciolino says today’s ruling is a victory for the governor, but the state’s highest court will likely have to weigh in…

Cut 13 (10) “…first ciruit.”

Today’s decision means the state’s mask mandate, limits on gatherings, and capacity restrictions on businesses remain in place. Ciolino says based on today’s ruling, Judge Morvant believes the emergency orders have the force the law, and the House and Senate must agree to revoke those orders…

Cut 14 (05) “…not sufficient.” 

9:30 LRN Newscast November 12

A hearing gets underway at this hour that pits Governor Edwards against House Republican lawmakers. GOP legislators say a petition they signed last month cancels the governor’s public health emergency order, but Edwards is asking a judge to declare the petition null and void. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says previous legal attacks on the governor’s orders focused on the constitutionality of the public health restrictions…
cut 6 (10) “….federal constitution”

State Police is warning the public about a telephone scam where the caller operates under the guise of a State Police investigator and demands money or gift cards in lieu of arresting the individual. Trooper Monroe Dillon says the phone calls are fictitious and in no way reflect L-S-P’s practices or procedures…
cut 14 (09) “…phone call”

Parents of special needs children now have the right to visit them in intermediate care facilities during public health emergencies. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The family of a Baldwin teenager who was found dead in a sugarcane field is still seeking answers from the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office on what happened to Quawan Bobby Charles. No arrests have been made in the case and the grieving family is seeking justice. Charles was found dead last Tuesday, four days after he was reported missing.

8:30 LRN Newscast November 12

A state judge hears arguments today on whether a petition signed by Republican lawmakers in the House is enough to overturn Governor Edwards COVID-19 restrictions…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A Baton Rouge pediatrician has been charged with simple battery after he allegedly punched and verbally assaulted a Southern University student as she walking around the LSU lakes. Southern University officials say 54-year-old Shane McKinney committed a hate crime, but police have provided no information that racism was the motive.

A new state law allows close family members to visit special needs individuals living in group homes during a public health emergency. Ville Platte Representative Rhonda Butler authored the measure. She has a 31-year-old child in a facility in Alexandria and the rules call for precautions to be taken during those visits…
cut 11 (07) “….their child”
Over 35-hundred children and adults live in nearly 500 sites statewide.

State Police is warning the public of a new telephone scam where the caller operates under the guise of an L-S-P investigator. Trooper Monroe Dillon says the scam has been targeting residents in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. He says these phone calls are fictitious and if you get one, ask questions during the call…
cut 15 (05) “,,,number there”
If you receive a call, you can report it to the State Police website by clicking on the suspicious activity link.

LRN Newscast 7:30 LRN Newscast

A Baton Rouge judge hears arguments today on whether a petition signed by 65 Republicans in the Louisiana House is enough to terminate the governor’s emergency orders that are in effect for the coronavirus. House GOP members believe based on a law passed in 2003 their petition is enough to put an end to the statewide mask mandate and capacity restrictions on businesses…
cut 5 (09) “….to the test”
That’s Loyola University of New Orleans Law Professor Dane Ciolino who says the governor will argue that the petition signed by a majority of members in one chamber is not enough to overturn his emergency orders.

State Police is warning the public about a telephone scam where the caller identifies themself as an LSP Investigator. Trooper Monroe Dillon…
Cut 13 (11) “….investigation.”
The scammer has targeted residents in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

How concerned should Louisiana’s oil and gas industry be with a Joe Biden presidency that’s expected to push for more green energy? LSU Economist Doctor Loren Scott says Biden’s campaign website says if elected he would stop all permitting in public waters. He says that’s not good news for oil exploration businesses…
cut 9 (09) “…Port Fourchon”

There’s a new law that allows parents to see their special needs children at a group home during public health emergencies. Ville Platte Representative Rhonda Bulter has a 31-year-old child at a facility in Alexandria and says her child suffered greatly when in-person visitation was halted in March.
cut 10 (10) “…the table”
The bill signed into law by the Governor allows visitation for close family members.