10:30 AM Newscast

The state’s move into Phase 3 means relaxed occupancy restrictions on restaurants.  Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says the expected increase from 50% to an anticipated 75% capacity is a welcomed change. Harris says the industry still faces hurdles in rebuilding the trust with patrons and workers that the dine-in atmosphere is a safe place to be.

Cut 5 (11)  “…that work there.”

Further details about what Phase Three will look like, such as the status of bars, will be provided during a press conference this afternoon.

Louisiana patients who enrolled in a Pennington Biomedical weight loss study tailored to low-income residents maintained at least a five percent decrease in body weight over a two year period. Lead researcher, Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk, says health coaches had weekly sessions with 452 patients on solving their biggest barriers to weight loss.

Cut 7 (11) “…issues”

Senator Bill Cassidy defends President Trump after an audio recording from March was released of the President saying he wanted to “play down” the coronavirus. Audio has the President privately acknowledging how deadly the virus was at a time when he was publicly comparing it to the flu. Cassidy says the President tends to speak a little loosely and in ways he sometimes regrets, but he doesn’t regret the way the nation responded.

Cut 11 (11) “…unprecedented.”

So far 6000 homeowners who had their dwelling damaged by the storm have registered to get a blue roof from the Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA.  Governor Edwards says anyone who is in need of the temporary patch job in the parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis, and Vernon needs to act fast on signing up.

Cut 14 (10) “…cover damaged rooves.” 

AM Newscall 09/11/2020

The restaurant industry welcomes today’s transition into Phase Three of economic reopening. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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An LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center two-year weight loss program aimed at helping low-income residents finds great success. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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President Trump has come under fire for audio recordings of him in March privately acknowledging the danger of coronavirus at a time when he was publicly downplaying the threat. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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The state’s move into Phase 3 means relaxed occupancy restrictions on restaurants.  Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says the increase from 50% to 75% capacity is a welcomed change.

Cut 4 (09)“ …more work hours.” 

Harris says the industry still faces hurdles in rebuilding the trust with patrons and workers that the dine-in atmosphere is a safe place to be.

Cut 5 (11)  “…that work there.”

Further details about what Phase Three will look like, such as the status of bars, will be provided during a press conference this afternoon.  Harris says the association will continue to advocate on their behalf.

Cut 6 (13) “…said not now.”

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Louisiana patients who enrolled in a Pennington Biomedical weight loss study tailored to low-income residents maintained at least a five percent decrease in body weight over a two year period. Lead researcher, Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk, says health coaches had weekly sessions with 452 patients on solving their biggest barriers to weight loss.

Cut 7 (11) “…issues”

A control group was given “usual” care that was not personalized, and only lost a half a percent of their body weight.

Katzmarzyk says the program sent health coaches to the patients’ primary care clinics and conducted zoom calls so that participants didn’t have to travel far for help.

Cut 8 (08) “…lived in.”

The program was conducted at 18 Louisiana primary care clinics in both urban and rural areas.

Katzmarzyk says a major emphasis was showing patients that eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive.

Cut 9 (09) “…store”

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Senator Bill Cassidy defends President Trump after an audio recording from March was released of the President saying he wanted to “play down” the coronavirus.

Audio has the President privately acknowledging how deadly the virus was at a time when he was publicly comparing it to the flu, but Cassidy says the President’s actions show he took it seriously.

Cut 10 (09) “phase.”

In the recording, the President explains he did not want to create a panic.

Cassidy says the President tends to speak a little loosely and in ways he sometimes regrets, but he doesn’t regret the way the nation responded.

Cut 11 (11) “…unprecedented.”

Cassidy says right now he’s not concerned the revelations will impact the President’s reelection chances.

Cut 12 (11) “…loud.”

The audio was captured by famed reporter Bob Woodward and was released ahead of his new book that chronicles conversations the two had between late 2019 and early 2020.

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Governor Edwards is warning residents in the areas impacted by Hurricane Laura to be cautious with the heat.  The state reports 28 storm-related deaths and many of those are linked to the intense temps.  Edwards says those working in the sweltering conditions need to pace themselves.

Cut 13 (06) “…get in to.”

So far 6000 homeowners who had their dwelling damaged by the storm have registered to get a blue roof from the state.  Edwards says anyone who is in need of the temporary patch job needs to act fast on signing up.

Cut 14 (10) “…cover damaged rooves.” 

Nearly 13,000 residents are being sheltered in the state of Louisiana at 42 hotels, 36 of which are in New Orleans.  Edwards says that number has been growing nightly, but only slightly.

Cut 15 (09) “…4,800 Louisianans.” 
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Three Louisiana college football teams kick off their seasons on Saturday. For the first time ever, ULM will battle against one of the United States service academies when they visit Army in West Point at 12:30 central time. The Black Knights blanked Middle Tennessee 42 to nothing last week. Warhawks Coach Matt Viator says Army’s triple-option run-oriented offense is tough to stop

Cut 16 (21) “…offensively” 

The Ragin Cajuns are at 23rd ranked Iowa State for their first ever visit to Ames. Kick-off is set for 11 AM. U-L Lafayette is coming off its best season in program in history as they were 11-3 and they return eight starters on offense. Third-year head coach Billy Napier says the make-up of this year’s team is different to go along with the preparation for the season

Cut 17  (21) “…of problems” 

Tulane will begin its 127th season on Saturday night at South Alabama. It will be the second time these two schools have met and it’s the first game ever at Hancock Whitney Stadium. The Jaguars opened the season with a 32-21 road win over Southern Miss. Green Wave coach Willie Fritz says South Al looked impressive

Cut 18  (24) “…extremely well    

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The Saints will begin another NFL season on Sunday in which they enter the year with one of the more talented rosters in the league. The Black and Gold have suffered playoff heartbreak the last three seasons and Quarterback Drew Brees says he’s got nothing to lose as he gets set to begin his 20th season in the NFL

cut 19 (25) “…ultimate prize”  

The Saints will host Tampa Bay on Sunday as New Orleans has prepared for the season without the benefit of any preseason games. There will also be no fans in the Dome but linebacker Alex Anzalone says they’ll be ready

cut 20 (20) “ others”  

5:30 PM Newscast

Louisiana will move to Phase Three tomorrow. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

The state reports 499 new COVID-19 cases today out of 10,557 new tests. The state has also surpassed more than 2 million total tests. Total fatalities: 4991, up by 21. Hospitalizations dip by 20 to 762… the lowest level since June.

 

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring six different tropical disturbances today. There are two named storms in the middle of the Atlantic, a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico and another tropical wave could enter the gulf next week. State Climatologist Barry Keim says to have six have systems at one time is rare…

Cut 12 (09) “…right now”

Keim says the good news is that none of the tropical disturbances are a major threat to the U-S coastline…

Entergy has successfully restarted one of its power plants in Calcasieu Parish.  Entergy spokesperson David Freese says crews brought the plant online by repairing a  transmission line damaged by Hurricane Laura. While it is possible storm restoration workers may have wrapped up work near a location still without power, there is more work that is needed to get power restored.

Cut 7 (06) “…is a rebuild.”

4:30 PM Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state is ready to move into the next phase of reopening and will do so tomorrow. Edwards says just because we’re moving into Phase Three doesn’t mean we’ve moved out of the public health emergency.

Cut 4 (11)“ …capita.” 

Further details about what Phase Three will look like, such as the status of bars, will be provided during a Friday afternoon news conference.

Entergy has successfully restarted one of its power plants in Calcasieu Parish.  Entergy spokesperson David Freese says crews brought the plant online by repairing a transmission line damaged by Hurricane Laura.

Cut 6 (11) “…couple thousands initially.”

 

Hurricane Laura propelled swarms of mosquitos into pastures, leading to scores of dead cows and horses across southwest Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”  

 

60-year-old Louisiana singer Archie Williams is in the finals of the NBC show America’s Got Talent. Williams was wrongfully convicted on rape and attempted murder charges and was incarcerated at Angola for 37 years. The Innocence Project aided in his exoneration and release in 2019.

330 PM LRN News

Louisiana will enter the next phase of economic reopening tomorrow. Governor John Bel Edwards made the call earlier today saying that the state met the gating criteria to enter Phase Three and allow fewer restrictions on business occupancy and group sizes…

Cut 3 (10)  “…tomorrow.”  

Further details about what Phase Three will look like, such as the status of bars, will be provided during a Friday afternoon news conference.

The tropics are getting active with the National Hurricane Center currently monitoring six different disturbances today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s not a surprise the tropics are super active…

Cut 14 (10) “…ridiculous” 

A tropical wave in the Gulf currently is being given low chances of development.

Entergy spokesperson David Freese says the company has restored power to nearly all of their customers outside of southwest Louisiana…

Cut 8 (13) “…can Cameron Parishes.”

The Louisiana Public Service Commission estimates 122-thousand customers are still without power two weeks after the storm. Over 87-percent of the customers in Calcasieu Parish are still without electricity.

Swarms of mosquitos terrorized livestock in southwest Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Laura, causing the deaths of horses, deer, and cows. Evangeline Parish Veterinarian Craig Fontenot says they’ve lost 40 to 60 head in their parish as a result, and the losses are expected to continue as the cows recover from the deadly horde…

Cut 11 (05) “…calves.”

In recent days parish governments have begun running mosquito planes over affected areas, making the problem less severe.

2:30 PM Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state is ready to move into the next phase of reopening. Moving from Phase 2 to Phase 3 means there will be fewer restrictions on the number of people that can gather and occupancy at businesses. But Edwards says the mask mandate will stay in effect in phase 3.

Cut 5 (12)  “…wear masks”

Further details about what Phase Three will look like, such as the status of bars, will be provided during a Friday afternoon news conference.

Entergy restarts one of its power plants in Calcasieu Parish.  Entergy spokesperson David Freese estimates around 13,000 storm restoration workers are on the ground.  While it is possible they have wrapped up work near a location still without power, there is more work that is needed to get power restored.

Cut 7 (06) “…is a rebuild.”

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring six different tropical disturbances today. There are two named storms in the middle of the Atlantic, a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico and another tropical wave could enter the gulf next week. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the good news is that none of the tropical disturbances are a major threat to the U-S coastline…

Cut 13 (11) “…wrenching”

The NHC gives the tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico a low chance of development.

Swarms of mosquitos terrorized livestock in southwest Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Laura, causing the deaths of horses, deer, and cows.  Reports indicate a large part of the swarm was pushed out of the marsh by Hurricane Laura. Evangeline Parish Veterinarian Craig Fontenot says that plus the rains that came after made a tough situation worse.

Cut 10 (10) “…we had.”

1:30 LRN Newscast Sept 10

Louisiana will move to Phase Three tomorrow. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

60-year-old Louisiana singer Archie Williams is in the finals of America’s Got Talent. Judge Heidi Kulm said Archie, you’ve have had most of your life taken away from you, and I am not going to do it to now. Williams was wrongfully convicted on rape and attempted murder charges and was incarcerated at Angola for 37 years. The Innocence Project aided in his exoneration and release in 2019.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring six different tropical disturbances today. There are two named storms in the middle of the Atlantic, a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico and another tropical wave could enter the gulf next week. State Climatologist Barry Keim says to have six have systems at one time is rare…

Cut 12 (09) “…right now”

Swarms of mosquitos terrorized livestock in southwest Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Laura, causing the deaths of horses, deer, and cows. Evangeline Parish Veterinarian Craig Fontenot says the swarms were so thick that they could bite an animal to death, or worse.

Cut 9 (08) “…noses.”

The mosquitos swarming livestock can cause the animals to struggle to get enough oxygen as they struggle to remove the mosquitos and are slowly drained of blood.

12:30 LRN Newscast Sept 12:30

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state is ready to move into the next phase of reopening. Edwards says just because we’re moving into Phase Three doesn’t mean we’ve moved out of the public health emergency.

Cut 4 (11)“ …capita.” 

Moving from Phase 2 to Phase 3 means there will be fewer restrictions on the number of people that can gather but the mask mandate remains in effect.

Entergy restarts one of its power plants in Calcasieu Parish.  Entergy spokesperson David Freese says crews brought the Calcasieu Plant online in part by sending power to the facility by way of a repaired transmission line damaged by Hurricane Laura.

Cut 6 (11) “…couple thousand initially.”

The high school football season will kick off October 1st and contact practices can begin today. LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine says teams will play an eight-game regular season and playoffs. Bonine says turning the Friday Night Lights back on is huge for many communities…

cut 13 (11) “…of that”

All nine state championship games will be played in the Superdome December 26th to the 28th.

The state is reporting 499 additional COVID 19 cases today and 21 additional deaths.

10:30 LRN Newscast Sept 10

The high school football season will kick off October 1st and contact practices can resume today. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Dr Alex Billioux, the state’s public face of the pandemic response is leaving his job at the end of the month.  Billioux the assistant secretary of the Louisiana Department of Public Health told his staff Wednesday he’s stepping down to spend more time with his family. Aly Neely, a spokesperson for the department said Billioux is resigning for personal reasons and he will be sorely missed.

Today is the statistical peak of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season and so far it’s been one for the record books. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ve seen a record-breaking 17 named storms so far this year…

Cut 4 (07)“ …a second” 

Prior to 2020 only 2005 ended with 27 named storms.

LSU is using wastewater samples to track the spread of coronavirus on campus.  COVID patients shed the virus in their fecal matter and testing wastewater from various points in a sewer system can see how many cases exist. Environmental engineering professor Dr. John Pardue says testing can be encouraged quickly upon detection at a certain location.

Cut 7 (09) “…samples next week.”

The science, known as sewer epidemiology, has been used in the Baton Rouge area for COVID tracking since June

AM Newscall 09/10/2020

We’ve hit the statistical peak of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Matt Doyle spoke with a state climatologist about the record-breaking season so far…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Louisiana Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz blames Hurricane Laura for an outbreak in coronavirus cases among the football team.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The high school football season will kick off October 1st and contact practices can resume today. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Today we’re at the statistical peak of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season and so far it’s been one for the record books.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ve seen a record-breaking 17 named storms so far this year…

Cut 4 (07)“ …a second” 

Prior to 2020 the busiest first half of the season was seen in 2005 when only 15 named storms had formed at the halfway point. 2005 ended with 27 named storms.

Keim says back in June Tropical Storm Cristobal became the earliest C storm to ever form. It just got worse from there as more systems arrived…

Cut 5 (08)  “…ever had”

Of the 17 named storms so far five have become hurricanes and one became a major hurricane. Another two to five major hurricanes are projected by NOAA.

Keim warns Louisianans to remain vigilant and warns that just because we’ve been hit three times already doesn’t mean we won’t see a fourth landfall…

Cut 6 (12) “…Louisiana.”
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LSU is using wastewater samples to track the spread of coronavirus on campus.  COVID patients shed the virus in their fecal matter and testing wastewater from various points in a sewer system can see how many cases exist. Civil and environmental engineering professor Dr. John Pardue says testing can be encouraged quickly upon detection at a certain location.

Cut 7 (09) “…samples next week.”

The science, known as sewer epidemiology, has been used in the Baton Rouge area for COVID tracking since June.

Pardue says not only does the screening show whether people on a system are COVID positive, but it can measure the viral load and give an estimate of how many people may have the virus.

Cut 8 (08) “…make an estimate.”

Pardue says sewer epidemiology, when compared to testing, can give an earlier idea of COVID positivity in a community.

Cut 9 (10) “…delay built in.”

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Louisiana Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz blames Hurricane Laura for an outbreak in coronavirus cases among the football team.  The Bulldogs were supposed to kick off the season playing Baylor on Saturday in a nationally televised game.  Holtz says it is a disappointing development since they had run a clean shop all through practice.

Cut 10 (12) “…wasn’t large enough.”

Holtz says players were trying to find suitable accommodations following the storm and that lead to many of them being infected by the virus.

Cut 11 (12) “…in the building.”

Holtz is hopeful that if the infected players do not have any complications that show up on an EKG, that up to 30 of the 36 players could return in time to play their next scheduled game on September 19th against Southern Miss.

Cut 12 (12) “…now and then.”

No makeup date has been set for the matchup with Baylor.

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The LHSAA announces the high school football season will kick off October 1st and contact practices can begin today.

Director Eddie Bonine says teams will begin their eight-game season against their previously scheduled week three opponent, and the football community can’t wait…

Cut 13 (11) “…of that.”

There will be no jamborees, but scrimmages will be allowed from September 24th-26th.

Bonine says there’s still a lot of details to be worked out, like how to get cheerleaders and the band involved safely, but it will get done. He did acknowledge the ride may be a little bumpy…

Cut 14 (10) “…cases” 

A five-round playoff will be held at the end of the season but public and private schools will still compete separately. All nine championships will be held in the Superdome. Dates for the playoffs and championships have not been set.

Bonine says the research shows football can be safely conducted right now, and the biggest health risks are in the stands, not between the lines, so…

Cut 15 (10) “…against you.” 

The LHSAA will not be setting stadium capacities or attendance procedures, those will be determined by local officials and local health guidelines.

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