LRN PM Newscall October 12

A federal judge rules that a high school senior in Washington Parish can repaint a picture of President Donald Trump on school grounds. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (30) “   I’m Jim Shannon”  

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An 11-year-old took a school bus on a joy ride through north Baton Rouge Sunday morning. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A federal judge has ruled in favor of a high school senior at Pine High School in Washington Parish after the school board decided to paint over his painting of President Donald Trump at his assigned parking spot. Attorney Yigal Bander represents Ned Thomas and says he’s not surprised by the ruling

Cut 3 (12)  “…United States”   

The painting is part of the school system’s Senior Paint Your Space” program and it received initial approval from the principal at Pine High School. Bander says the superintendent was concerned the painting would create controversy but he says the real controversy started when the picture was painted over with grey paint

Cut 4 (08) “was a problem”

The painting of President Donald Trump had him wearing a stars and stripes bandana and sunglasses. Bander believes the school system got some bad advice on how to handle this…

Cut 5 (10) “…straight forward.”

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Cameron Parish residents are back cleaning up the streets and surveying storm damage for the second time in six weeks. Police Jury VP Scott Trahan says so far it appears Delta was not nearly as destructive as Laura, and any new damage appears to be limited.

Cut 6 (06) “…had.”

Delta made landfall Friday around 6 PM in the small community of Creole.

Trahan says his mom lived 48 years in Cameron before she ever saw a major storm make an impact, that being Rita in 2005…

Cut 7 (08) “…telling”

Louisiana has suffered a record four named storm landfalls this hurricane season. Nationally we’ve had ten named storms make landfall, a record as well.

Trahan says a lot of folks say they’ll be moving back to Cameron despite the storm damage but he’s hearing from some who are still undecided.

Cut 8 (08) “do it”

As of 2019, Cameron had an estimated population of about 7,000 people.

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An 11-year-old Baton Rouge boy faces several charges, including theft of a motor vehicle and aggravated flight, after stealing a school bus and taking it for a joyride. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant L’Jean McKneely says the young boy saw two buses sitting at Progress Head Start in Scotlandville yesterday

Cut 9 (12) “joy ride”

When asked why he did it, McKneely says to boy told detectives he wanted to take it for a ride. He says they were first told about the rogue driver around 9:45 Sunday morning

Cut 10 (12) “…crash”

The bus hit three vehicles, caused one minor injury before it crashed into a tree and a gas line in the city of Central. McKneely says thankfully the kid didn’t do a whole lot of damage.

Cut 11 (09) “…injuries”

The child also faces an aggravated assault charge, because he allegedly tried to strike a vehicle.

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A priest has been arrested and removed from ministry after allegedly having sexual relations with two women at the alter at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Pearl River. A witness captured video of the incident the reportedly involved a half-naked priest and two women in corsets and heels. There were also stage lights and sex toys involved. New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond…

Cut 12 (08) “…actions.”

The former priest, 37-year-old Travis Clark, and the dominatrices, 41-year-old Mindy Dixon a “Satanatrix”   and 23-year-old Melissa “Empress Ming” Cheng were charged with obscenity.

Aymond says he personally consecrated a new altar for the church.

Cut 13 (04) “…burned”

Clark was ordained in 2013 and had been named chaplain of Pope John Paul II High.

This is the second scandal to hit the New Orleans Catholic church in the past few weeks. The other involved another case of priest sexual abuse. Aymond calls the situation challenging.

Cut 14 (11) “…priests”

AM LRN News (UPDATE: Delta death total increases)

Good news for homeowners who took a beating from Laura and just got hammered by Delta: If you’ve already met your home insurance deductible you won’t have to pay it again. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “   I’m matt Doyle”

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LSU’s defense put an embarrassing performance in a shocking 45-41 upset loss at Missouri. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The battle over the potential confirmation of Metairie native Amy Coney Barret begins today in a Senate committee. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Homeowners who suffered damage from Hurricane Laura and Delta will not have to pay two different “Named Storm Deductibles.” Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says most homeowner policies require a deductible for each event, but that’s not the case if the damage is from two named storms in the same season.

Cut 4 (10) “…Hurricane Laura”

In 2008, Hurricane Ike threatened the same area that was just damaged by Hurricane Gustav. That led to the Legislature copying legislation passed in Florida inspired by a similar series of events in Orlando.

If you suffered damage from Laura and have yet to pay your deductible, Donelon says you are still on the hook for whatever remains of your deductible before you can start collecting assistance.

Cut 5 (05) “…us.”

Most homeowners have already documented their Laura-related damage but Donelon says you need to re-document any Delta related damage and keep track of expenses incurred for securing your damaged home ahead of Delta.

Cut 6 (11) “…repairs.”

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The LSU football team has a 1-2 record for the first time since 1994 after getting upset at Missouri in a game that featured very little defense. The Bayou Bengals gave up 586 yards of total offense as Mizzou pulled off the 45-41 upset. Coach Ed Orgeron is not happy with what’s happening on that side of the ball

Cut 7 (12) “get it fixed”

LSU fans are pointing the finger at new defensive coordinator Bo Pelini. His four-three defense was gashed in both losses. Orgeron says he still has faith in Pelini…

Cut 8 (06) “…get better”

LSU Quarterback Myles Brennan continues to improve as he threw for 430 yards and four touchdowns. But the Tigers were 0-for-10 on third down and failed to score a game winning touchdown from the one yard line. Brennan says you can’t put all of the blame on the defense

Cut 9 (11) “wanted to”

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Louisiana reported its first two fatalities as a result of Hurricane Delta Sunday.

Governor Edwards says an 86-year-old man in St. Martin Parish passed away from a fire that was sparked shortly after he attempted to refuel his generator…

Cut 10 (10) “…family.”

Generators were the single biggest individual cause of death post-Laura. Edwards says to make sure it doesn’t happen to you keep them 20 feet from your home.

Cut 11 (10) “…refuel them.”

The second death was a 70-year-old woman in Iberia Parish whose death has been linked to a fire that followed a natural gas leak.

In other Delta-related news, the Corps of Engineers is turning the blue roof program back on. Edwards says they’ve surveyed the impacted area and noticed…

Cut 12 (08) “…Delta”

Residents in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Jeff Davis, Vernon, and Cameron Parishes will be eligible for the program. You can register online at USACE.mil/blueroof or call at 1-888-ROOF-BLU.

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The Senate Judiciary Committee begins hearings today on the nomination of Metairie native and Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the US Supreme Court. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy sits on the panel expects Democrats will obstruct and get personal.

Cut 13 (12) “baby.”

Democrats say the hearings should wait until after voters make their voice heard in  November. Kennedy says the Senate has every constitutional right to proceed.

Dems have also argued the proceedings should wait in light of the COVID super-spreading event in the Rose Garden that exposed dozens of prominent Republicans to the virus. Kennedy disagrees.

Cut 14 (07) “…months”

Kennedy says he’s impressed with Barrett’s education, work as a law professor, and her three years as a Federal 7th Circuit Appellate Judge.

Cut 15 (08) “circuit”

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The Saints can move into a tie for first place in the NFC South with a win tonight versus the Chargers. Los Angeles is 1-3, but Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert has played well. Saints Safety Malcolm Jenkins says the former Oregon star can throw the deep ball…

cut 16 (23) “this league”

The Chargers defense ranks in the middle of the pack, but they do have Joey Bosa, who has three sacks in four games. Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead on the Chargers defensive front

cut 17 (13) “of their defense’

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Louisiana Tech is 2-0 in Conference USA play after a 21-17 win over UTEP on Saturday. The Bulldogs won despite only 210 yards of total offense, but Tech’s defense only gave up one touchdown. Head Coach Skip Holtz

cut 18 (13) ” to compete” 

Holtz says they played the game without their two new starting offensive tackles because of COVID, which explains why they struggled on offense

cut 19 (16) “.second half” ‘

 

cut 20 (20) “.I’m saying”

PM LRN Newscall

After Hurricane Laura, most of the fatalities that followed the storm were a result of generators. Brooke Thorington has tips on proper usage.

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

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Storm weary Louisiana braces for another hurricane. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Most of the Hurricane Laura-related fatalities were due to carbon monoxide poisoning from the misuse of generators. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue urges users to follow three important tips for generator safety and it starts with location.

Cut 3 (11)  “…your home”  

Those fumes are carbon monoxide, and they can kill you. When placing a generator 20 feet from your home also check the extension cord for exposure of wires and deterioration.

Rodrigue also warns users not to plug the generator directly into the home or structure, it will cause a situation of back feed and create a house fire.

Cut 4 (08) “set up like that”

And before refueling your generator always allow it to cool down.

Cut 5 (08) “…on and active.”

Rodrigue also recommends the use of carbon monoxide detectors when using generators.

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Hurricane Delta is expected to make landfall between seven and nine PM tonight on the eastern side of Cameron Parish as a Category Two hurricane. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Delta will weaken once its eyewall reaches land, but hurricane-force winds are possible in central Louisiana

Cut 6 (10) “…stout storm.”

Keim says the National Hurricane Center forecast track has Delta as a tropical depression in northeast Louisiana on Saturday morning. Keim says it will take about 14 hours to move through the state after its eye hits the coast

Cut 7 (12) “…of time.”

Keim says when Delta hits land it’s maximum wind speeds will be around 100 miles per hour…

Cut 8 (08) “…about Alexandria”

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Flash flooding is possible with Hurricane Delta. About ten inches of rain fell north of Baton Rouge on Thursday night, flooding about 25 homes in Baker. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says you don’t have to be in the direct path of Delta to be impacted…

Cut 9 (08) “be problems”

Steele says they are not anticipating widespread flooding, but we could see widespread wind damage…

Cut 10 (09) “…for that”

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For the second time in six weeks, Cameron Parish will experience wind speeds over 100-miles per hour when Delta’s eye reaches the southwest Louisiana coast. Cameron Parish Farm Bureau President James Cox says Delta will act as a big broom as it pushes Laura’s mess around…

Cut 11 (12) “…to pieces.”

Cox says there is still a lot of debris left on the side of the roads from Laura and that debris will turn into flying projectiles when Delta does its thing

Cut 12 (10) “…you know.”

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Hurricane Delta has fallen to category two strength and does not appear likely to regain major hurricane status before making landfall around 730 tonight.

Governor Edwards asks you not to start slacking just because the storm is starting to deteriorate.

Cut 13 (11) “…Louisiana”

The track has Delta cutting from southwest to northeast Louisiana in just 14 hours, but Edwards warns the system is quite large and will deliver heavy winds across most of the state…

Cut 14 (02) “…the track”

The National Guard has pre-positioned 114 high water vehicles, eight helicopters, 56 watercraft, and 2,500 guardsmen to respond to Delta.

Those hurricane-force winds are likely to take down quite a few powerlines. Edwards says if you’re in the path of the storm don’t leave your house until your area has been cleared of hazards…

Cut 15 (13) “sight seeing” 

Edwards says about 7,000 powerline crewmen are at the ready in Louisiana to respond to the storm with another 7,000 out of state workers on standby.

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Cut 16 (10) “…they do” 

 

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LRN PM Newscall October 8

Officials have issued voluntary evacuation orders for residents of Acadia and Lafayette Parishes ahead of Delta’s anticipated landfall in eastern Cameron Parish Friday. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “   I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter is once again prepping his hurricane-ravaged community for another oncoming storm. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Voluntary evacuation orders are in place for residents of Acadia and Lafayette parishes ahead of Delta’s Friday landfall in eastern Cameron Parish. Lafayette Consolidated Government spokesperson Jamie Angelle says if you must stay you can, but Friday likely won’t be very pleasant…

Cut 3 (08)  “…area”  

While Delta looks like it won’t be a major hurricane at landfall Angelle says the hurricane still has everyone’s attention after what happened to their neighbors just over a month ago…

Cut 4 (06) “seriously”

Lafayette will implement a curfew starting at 12PM Friday lasting until 6 AM Saturday morning.

Acadia Sheriff KP Gibson says he’s already seen residents in the flood-prone southern portion of the parishes leaving, and they’re moving inmates out of the parish into facilities in north Louisiana…

Cut 5 (07) “…doing.”

Gibson says if you can leave please do, but if you plan to ride out the storm Friday in the parish make sure you are ready to do so.

Cut 6 (11) “…before.”

Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for Cameron, Allen, Jeff Davis, and Calcasieu Parishes.

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Hurricane Delta continues its approach towards the Louisiana coast. National Weather Service Lake Charles meteorologist Chanelle Stigger says exactly six weeks after Laura clobbered the area, they are bracing for round two. The storm track has shifted west over the last few days, but landfall in Cameron is more likely now.

Cut 7 (08) “…couple of advisories.”

Stigger says the biggest problem appears to be wind damage with sustained speeds of 90-100 miles per hour, with gusts up to 120, but Delta will bring other issues.

Cut 8 (08) “…threat for tornadoes.”

Stigger says although the storm is not expected to be a major hurricane at landfall, southwest Louisiana is still a compromised and Delta is making things much worse.

Cut 9 (11) “standby”

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Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says he can’t believe another hurricane is set to strike the city again, but you can’t let fatigue keep people from taking this storm seriously.  Hunter is urging Lake Charles residents to get out.

Cut 10 (07) “…through Hurricane Delta.”

Hunter says the decision to leave is one that needs to be made quickly.

Cut 11 (06) “…today to evacuate.”

Hunter says it all may seem like a bad dream, but adds that Lake Charles is a resilient community that will get through this.

Cut 12 (09) “…it happens bad.”

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Hurricane Delta is expected to make landfall tomorrow nearly in the same location as Hurricane Laura did six weeks ago today. Governor John Bel Edwards hopes the most impacted parts of Cameron and Calcasieu will miss the brunt of this next storm…

Cut 13 (11) “…very tired”

The governor says they are still housing six-thousand Hurricane Laura evacuees in a dozen hotels mostly in New Orleans.

Edwards says they are still housing six-thousand Hurricane Laura evacuees in hotels mostly in New Orleans.  The governor says Delta has grown in size since hitting the Yucatan Peninsula

Cut 14 (12) “…Port Fourchon”

AM LRN Newscall

Delta is barrelling down on Louisiana at a remarkably fast pace. Matt Doyle has more on what that might mean for its Friday impact.

Cut 1 (30) “   I’m Matt Doyle”

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The heavy hands of the 2020 hurricane season continue to make a punching bag out of the state of Louisiana, with Calcasieu Parish residents bracing for another jab. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin barnhart” 

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A House committee unanimously approves legislation aimed at preventing future scenarios like the one that almost got a Jefferson Parish 4th grader expelled for having a BB Gun in the frame of his web camera while in online class. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The state’s unemployment insurance trust fund has been completely depleted as of Wednesday. Workforce Commission executive director Ava Dejoie says those that are receiving benefits will continue to receive them, but Louisiana is now borrowing federal dollars to fulfill those payments.

Cut 4 (09) “…operating procedures are.”

Employers fund the trust fund, so that means they could have to pay additional payroll taxes. Dejoie says the Governor and the Legislature both understand now is not the best time to tax businesses more. Two weeks ago the Governor issued an executive order suspending the solvency tax.

Cut 5 (10) “…fund might incur.”

Dejoie says since March 22, the state has paid out nearly $7 billion in various forms of unemployment compensation to over 400,000 citizens.

Cut 6 (13) “…lost wage assistance.”

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We’re just over a day away from Hurricane Delta’s landfall and the state is preparing to get hit by what will be the fourth named storm the make landfall in The Boot this year.

Governor Edwards says you have until tonight to get your affairs in order and hunker down, no matter where you are in south and central Louisiana.

Cut 7 (12) “ready”

National Weather Service Meteorologist Ben Schott says rainfall totals shouldn’t be extreme because the storm will move through the state rapidly.

Cut 8 (08) “…through”

Edwards says they’re preparing for the worst by making sure the National Guard is ready to move into impacted areas.

Cut 9 (11) “standby”

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Calcasieu Parish is still picking up the pieces from Hurricane Laura and now the area is in the track of Hurricane Delta.  Parish President Tony Guillory says the 2020 hurricane season continues to be disheartening to the community as mandatory evacuation orders have been issued.

Cut 10 (09) “…patients with COVID-19”

Guillory says concerns are high that some of the unsecured debris still left over from Laura and makeshift repairs are making the area more vulnerable, even if Delta’s intensity isn’t considered to be a major hurricane.

Cut 11 (08) “…situation.”

Guillory says for those that are choosing to stay for the storm, they should prepare to rough it for several days.

Cut 12 (07“…water.”

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House Education approved legislation inspired by the controversial punishment of a Jefferson Parish 4th grader who had a BB gun visible in his web camera while in an online class.

The legislation would create a protocol for disciplinary procedures related to online education and offer some judicial review of certain disciplinary cases. Ka’Mauri Harrison’s father Nyron testified…

Cut 13 (08) “…children.”

Harrison’s little brother entered the room while he was in class and tripped on the toy, afterwards Harrison moved it out of the way, but within sight of his camera.

Harrison now has an on-campus weapons violation in his permanent record. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds was flabbergasted…

Cut 14 (10) “…birthday.”

The legislation garnered widespread support from members, and Nyron Harrison testified that its passage could save other families a lot of stress…

Cut 15 (10) “ahead”
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ULM is at Liberty this Saturday as the Warhawks are still looking for that first win of the season. They face a team that’s yet to lose. The Flames are 3-and-0 and they’ve won five in a row dating back to last season. ULM Coach Matt Viator is impressed with Liberty Quarterback Malik Willis

cut 16 (20) “…playmaker.”

Kick-off in Lynchburg, Virginia is at 11 AM central time. Viator hopes early start time will lead to better results…

cut 17 (14) “as well’

ULM is coming off a 35-30 loss to Georgia Southern. The Eagles blocked a punt for a touchdown in the third quarter that proved to be the difference. Viator says  the suspension of practice during preseason because of COVID has hurt their performance on special teams…

cut 18 (18) ” correctable things” 

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Tulane is in action tonight as they visit American Association rival Houston. It’s the season opener for the Cougars, who had five games either canceled or postponed because of COVID-related issues. The Green Wave are 2-and-1 and will start freshman Michael Pratt, who has taken over for Keon Howard. Coach Willie Fritz says Pratt has had a good week of practice

cut 19 (11) “.last outing” ‘

Because of Hurricane Delta, LSU will go on the road and visit Missouri for an 11 AM kickoff on Saturday. First-year Mizzou Coach Eliah Drinkwitz looks forward to the challenge of hosting the defending national champs

cut 20 (15) “..spring”

LRN PM Newscall October 7

Rain and storm surge predictions for Hurricane Delta don’t look too severe, but we could see heavy wind damage deep inland. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “   I’m Matt Doyle”  

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There was a tense moment in a Committee hearing about legislation that would grant immunity to those who gather for religious services against state orders during an emergency. Brooke Thorington has the story…

cut 2 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Most of the Louisiana coast is now under a Hurricane Watch as Delta is on track to make landfall in the state sometime Friday, and potentially as a category three hurricane. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the most likely point of impact right now appears to be somewhere in St. Mary, Iberia, or Vermillion Parishes.

Cut 3 (07)  “…center.”  

Delta is currently crossing the Yucatan Peninsula.

Keim says Delta is currently only forecasted to bring about four to eight inches of rain to the state…

Cut 4 (07) “like that”

The NWS storm surge forecast calls for seven to eleven feet of surge from Pecan Island to Port Fourchon, and four feet of surge elsewhere along the coast.

Keim says Delta’s biggest threat at the moment appears to be its potential to bring some heavy wind damage deep inland…

Cut 5 (09) “…Alexandria.”

Delta will be only the third named storm to hit the state in October since 1851.

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Hurricane Delta forces the relocation of this Saturday’s Missouri-LSU game.  Instead of taking place at Tiger Stadium, the Tigers will be heading to Columbia, Missouri.  LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says the team is adapting to the last-minute shakeup.

Cut 6 (09) “…practice in Missouri.”

The game was originally set for Saturday night, but with the change in venue comes a change in kickoff time. Orgeron says the 11 AM kickoff will be a benefit, because a night game would have resulted in the team rolling back into Baton Rouge extremely early Sunday morning…

Cut 7 (06) “…advantage for us.”

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Legislation granting criminal and civil immunity to those who gather for religious services against state orders during an emergency clears a House committee.

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says his bill is in response to the state’s ban on in-person church services early in the pandemic…

Cut 8 (10)..and well.”

Central Pastor Tony Spell testified at the committee. He says Central police had no right to arrest him for continuing in-person services in spite of the state ban.

Cut 9 (12) “…Governor.”

Spell was challenged by Chairman Ted James who contested the accusation, citing the Governor’s record.

The legislation also aims to retroactively void charges like those against Pastor Spell, but James says even if this is signed into law it can’t be applied to past cases.

Cut 10 (06) “…retroactive.”

The bill heads next to the House where a series of efforts restricting or overturning the Governor’s public health orders have passed.

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It was just over a month ago that Rapides Parish was roughed up by Hurricane Laura and now the area is in the track of Hurricane Delta.  Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline says the area has a feeling of exhaustion in seeing they may get a second round with the 2020 hurricane season.

Cut 11 (09) “…getting really absurd.”

Carnline says deputies are already preparing to clear the roads for utility restoration teams as well as first responders.

Cut 12 (09) “…it happens bad.”

Carnline says the message to residents is to prepare now.  Make sure to have the supplies needed to be self-sustainable for three days and tank up at the gas station now in the event power is lost later.

Cut 13 (11) “…days and food.”

AM Newscall 10/07/2020

If the current track holds, the National Hurricane Center forecasts Hurricane Delta will be a Category Three storm when it hits the Louisiana coast on Friday.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “   I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A bill goes before the House Education Committee today to address the suspension of a fourth grader for having a BB gun in his bedroom during virtual class. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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Mike Foster, Louisiana’s 53rd governor, is being laid to rest today in his hometown of Franklin.  Kevin Barnhart spoke with former Governor Bobby Jindal about Foster’s legacy.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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The National Hurricane Center is now anticipating Hurricane Delta will be a Category Three storm as it approaches the Bayou State on Friday. National Weather Service New Orleans Director Ben Schott says the impacts of Delta when it comes onshore will be significant

Cut 4 (12) “surge”

Delta will cross over the Yucatan today and Schott says once it gets past the peninsula, the forecast models should have a better idea of a potential landfall. Schott says forecasters do expect the storm to weaken as it approaches the Gulf Coast, but

Cut 5 (13) “…life threatening impacts”

Governor John Bel Edwards admits Delta is another difficult challenge for the state, but that should not prevent us from getting prepared

Cut 6 (13) “right now”

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A bill addressing the suspension of a 4th grader in Jefferson Parish for having a BB Gun in his bedroom during virtual class will be heard today in the House Education Committee. The author of the proposal, Jennings State Representative Troy Romero, wants to establish a separation between the classroom and home.

Cut 7 (12) “school environment”

Romero says in a school setting the school has full control of the environment, but in a virtual setting, which can include a private home, there are differences.

Cut 8 (11) “…that distinction”

And allow parents to appeal both a suspension or an expulsion of the student.

Originally in the case of the BB Gun in the home, Jefferson Parish School Board expelled the 4th grader and later reduced it to a suspension. Romero believes they overreacted to the situation.

Cut 9 (09) “I’m concerned”

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The Regeneron experimental monoclonal antibody treatment that was administered to President Trump following his COVID-19 diagnosis is actually being studied in Shreveport with clinical trials at Willis-Knighton Clinical Research.  Principle investigator Dr. Bocchini (Bo-keenee) says so far there is a lot of good evidence from the studies that it’s a safe approach.

Cut 10 (08) “…patients with COVID-19”

Bocchini says the idea is that the lab-grown antibodies are giving to a patient in an effort to combat the virus from continue to replicate within someone’s body.

The antibodies are administered intravenously.

Cut 11 (10) “…to take place.”

The treatment has been cited by experts as one of the most promising tools in combatting COVID-19.  Bocchini’s reaction to hearing the treatment was being administered President?

Cut 12 (09) “…to the hospital.”

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Louisiana’s 53rd governor, Mike Foster, is being laid to rest today in his hometown of Franklin.  Foster was at the helm of the state for two terms from 1996 through 2004.  Former Governor Bobby Jindal served in the Foster administration and remembers Foster as a down to earth guy.

Cut 13 (08) “…he came from.”

90-year-old Foster died Sunday.

Jindal says Foster was early to bed, early to rise.  If you tried to call him at the office of the Governor’s mansion too late in the afternoon, you could expect a wake-up call the next day.

Cut 14 (12) “…this is Mike.”

Jindal says he recently met with Foster when it became clear that he was nearing the end of his life.

Cut 15 (11) “…to lose weight.”

Private services will be held at his home, Oaklawn Manor, at 11 a.m. followed by a public graveside service at 12:30 p.m. at Franklin Cemetery, complete with a military send-off.
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The Ragin Cajuns are back in the Top 25 AP and coaches polls, even though they didn’t play last Saturday. They come in at number 23 as they get ready for Saturday’s home game against Coastal Carolina. Coach Billy Napier says hopefully the ranking motivates his players to perform at a higher level

cut 16 (24) “…keep winning.”

Saturday is a matchup between two undefeated teams. Coastal Carolina leads the Sun Belt in scoring and they rank second in the league in total defense. Napier says Coastal has improved its personnel on defense…

cut 17 (20) “good job’

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A break out star on LSU’s defense this season has been junior college transfer Ali Gaye, who has emerged as the Tigers best pass rusher. Gaye transferred in from Garden City Community College and says coaching has allowed him to take his game to a different level

cut 18 (20) “.on me” 

Gaye leads the SEC in quarterback pressures through two games. Gaye says he didn’t think he would be a starter right away, but wants to be one of the defensive linemen in the country…

cut 19 (24) “.a temmate’

LRN PM Newscall October 6

Hurricane Delta is a Category 4 storm, but is expected to weaken to a Cat 2 before a projected Saturday landfall in southeast Louisiana.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (29) “   I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Still too early to say the exact impacts Hurricane Delta will bring to Louisiana, but state and local governments are getting prepared. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Hurricane Delta is now a Category 4 storm and once again Louisiana is in the crosshairs of this major hurricane.  National Weather Service New Orleans meteorologist Kevin Gilmore says before it becomes an issue for the northern Gulf Coast on Saturday, it’ll make an initial landfall in Mexico.

Cut 3 (09)  “…it is now.”  

Gilmore says the current forecast shows the storm weakening to a Cat 2 before the projected landfall in southeast Louisiana, but says the impacts will still be a major concern.

Cut 4 (09) “day on Saturday.”

Gilmore says the impacts of the storm extend beyond storm surge.

Cut 5 (10) “…of the storm.”
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2020 continues to be an extremely difficult year for most and an active hurricane season is another straw to the camel’s back. Hurricane Laura was devastating for southwest Louisiana and now Hurricane Delta is on track to strike the state. LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore says understanding that an increased level of stress is a normal reaction is the first step towards coping.

Cut 6 (11)“…that stress”

Prepping for disaster and a storm’s failure to impact the state is another added stressor. But Moore says to decrease the anxiety you should always take action by preparing.

Cut 7 (08) “…anxious feelings.”

2020 has brought about multiple ongoing complex issues from COVID, to job losses, and political bickering. Moore says we shouldn’t forget that coping with hurricanes does incorporate a sense of finality.

Cut 8 (10)…unknowns to the hurricane.”

Moore also recommends focusing on self-care during difficult times and to reach out to a professional for assistance with your mental health.

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Louisiana’s entire coastline is in the cone of uncertainty for Hurricane Delta which could make landfall on Saturday. The five-day forecast shows a potential landfall near St. Mary Parish. St. Mary Parish Emergency Preparedness Director David Naquin says they are anticipating Delta to weaken before getting to Louisiana…

Cut 9 (10) “…a bit.”

Naquin says his biggest concern is St. Mary Parish gets hit with a huge storm surge and several inches of rain. He says sandbagging operations are underway

Cut 10 (10) “…up now.”

Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says just because it’s October doesn’t mean Delta can not do major damage, so prepare now

Cut 11 (10) “…go away.”

This is the sixth time Louisiana has been in the cone of uncertainty during this busy hurricane season.

Steele says they are in contact with the coastal parishes to assess their needs

Cut 12 (07) “…evacuation orders.”

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Private funeral services for Former Louisiana Governor Mike Foster will take place tomorrow morning at his Oaklawn Manor Home. A public military graveside service will be held afterward. Foster was not a career politician as he says in this 2010 interview, he waited until his late 50s before he ran for the state senate

Cut 13 (11) “…I ran”

Foster was a millionaire businessman who served as the state’s governor from 1996 to 2004. His grandfather, Murphy Foster Senior, served as governor from 1892 to 1900. Mike Foster said in this 2010 interview he didn’t think much about politics for most of his life

Cut 14 (07) “…I ran.”

AM Newscall 10/6/2020

There were tense arguments in a House committee yesterday as members approved legislation that would strip state funding from municipalities or universities that cut police budgets by 10 percent or more. Matt Doyle covered it…

Cut 1 (30) “   I’m Matt Doyle”

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A House committee approves a resolution that would block the State Fire Marshal from enforcing COVID health codes on businesses. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The ninth hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic season has formed with the intensification of Hurricane Delta and, once again, it appears to be heading for the Louisiana coast.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Lawmakers sparred in a House committee Monday over legislation that would potentially strip state funding from localities or universities that cut their police budgets by ten percent or more.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris authored the bill. He says the “Defund the Police” movement risks the safety of more than just the people living in areas that cut police budgets…

Cut 4 (11) “safety”

The bill would require municipalities and schools to submit an annual report to the Joint Legislative Committee of the Budget detailing the status of their police budgets. Entities that cut more than ten percent of that budget must prove the cut would not have a “significant and harmful effect on public safety” or risk being ineligible for new capital outlay funding in the next fiscal year.

New Orleans representative Gary Carter says if cities feel it is right to move money from law enforcement to services like mental health in an effort to lower crime, they should be able to…

Cut 5 (10) “…Congress”

Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala says the state is already one of the most crime-ridden in the nation and cutting police budgets would exacerbate that.

Cut 6 (10) “for me”

Bastrop representative Frederick Jones says the bill is insulting to African Americans. He says while he disagrees with the “Defund” movement…

Cut 7 (11) “crying out”

The bill heads to the full House next.

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A resolution that would suspend the State Fire Marshal’s ability to enforce COVID health guidelines on businesses clears a House committee.

House Republican Caucus Chair Blake Miguez says business owners should be free to make their own decisions about how, or if they should open given the current COVID risk level.

Cut 8 (11) “…businesses”

If passed the resolution would stay in place until the adjournment of the 2021 regular session.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry backs the resolution. Civil Division director Angelique Freel says the Legislature has not given the Fire Marshal the authority to shut down businesses for non-compliance.

Cut 9 (10) “in it”

Governor Edwards has tasked the Fire Marshal with COVID code enforcement, citing his broad authority during a declared public health emergency.

The committee vote was 12 to 5 in favor. One of those in dissent was New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis who says the resolution infringes on the Governor’s constitutionally awarded public health authority.

Cut 10 (07) “…authority”

The resolution moves to the House floor where it is expected to pass much like a series of other bills did last week that targeted the Governor’s public health orders and powers.

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Among the accomplishments being remembered about the late Mike Foster’s time as Governor is the establishment of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. LCTCS President Monty Sullivan says Foster’s stressed importance of the access to gaining skills for the workforce was clear.

Cut 11 (10) “…what drove him.”

90-year-old Foster passed away over the weekend.

Sullivan says prior to 1998, the state had four community colleges and one technical college. That has since grown to a system of twelve colleges.

Cut 12 (11) “…last 20+ years.”

The LCTCS is now in 53 parishes and Sullivan says the system is where it is today because of the vision of Foster. Prior to Foster, the opportunity was limited by geography to access to education in a way that puts people in jobs.

Cut 13 (07) “…two-year college education.”

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Louisiana is once again bracing for the impact of another hurricane as Hurricane Delta approaches.  The storm is the ninth hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic season.  State climatologist Barry Keim says the storm is currently in the Caribbean and is expected to enter the Gulf on Wednesday morning.

Cut 14 (13) “…on Friday afternoon.”

Keim says conditions are extremely favorable for strengthening with very low wind shear and very warm sea surface temps.  The storm is expected to hit major hurricane status.

Cut 15 (11) “…hurricane at landfall.” 

Delta is forecast to have winds of 120 miles per hour in a couple of days.  If that forecast comes to fruition, it would become the strongest Greek named hurricane in the Atlantic on record, breaking the old record set in 2005 by Hurricane Beta, which had 115 mph max sustained winds.

Keim says if this track holds, this will be the fourth landfalling storm in Louisiana this season.

cut 16 (06) “…any single season.”

The only other years to have four landfalling storms are 2002 and 1923.

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One-fourth of the NFL is complete and the Saints have a 2-and-2 record heading into a Monday night matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers are 1-3, but rookie quarterback Justin Hebert has played well. Coach Sean Payton on preparing for a quarterback they’ve never faced before…

cut 17 (20) “on tape’

In Sunday’s win over Detroit, the Saints got great contributions from their two running backs, Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray. The two combined for 202 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. Murray on feeding off of Kamara

cut 18 (20) “.the field” 

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LSU Quarterback Myles Brennan looked more comfortable in the pocket in Saturday’s win over Vanderbilt. Coach Ed Orgeron says they worked Brennan’s pocket presence prior to last Saturday’s game…

cut 19 (20) “.the money’

After giving up over 600 passing yards in the season-opening loss to Mississippi State, LSU held Vanderbilt to 113 passing yards. The 17th ranked Tigers are also getting back starting defensive tackle Glen Logan after a two-game suspension. Orgeron says he’s been practicing every day…

cut 20 (23) “..I’m excited”

LRN PM Newscall October 5

Former two-term Governor Mike Foster is being remembered fondly today after passing away at the age of 90. Jeff Palermo spoke to his former chief of staff…

Cut 1 (31) “   I”m Jeff Palermo”  

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Bayou Classic officials announced today the annual football game will be played in Shreveport next Spring, not New Orleans. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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The state is mourning the death of former two-term Governor Mike Foster, who passed away in Franklin at the age of 90. The Korean War vet and businessman from St. Mary Parish created Louisiana’s  Community and Technical College System. His former chief of staff, Stephen Perry, says Foster knew the importance of a two-year college degree…

Cut 3 (12)  “…employable.”  

Perry says Foster also helped expand TOPS and directed one-point-seven billion dollars to higher education

Cut 4 (12) “…educating people..”

Foster was a democrat when he was elected to the Louisiana Senate in 1987. But when he qualified to run in the 1995 governor’s race he switched to Republicans. Perry says it was the start of a movement in Louisiana…

Cut 5 (12) “…become Republican.”

Foster helped launched former Governor Bobby Jindal’s political career when he named Jindal his Health Secretary when he was just 24 years old.

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President Donald Trump will be released from the hospital Monday afternoon and allowed to continue recovering from COVID-19 at the White House.

Congressman Mike Johnson says the President is a high-energy and healthy individual who should be able to shake off the disease…

Cut 6 (09)“…illness”

Reports indicate the President was suffering from some severe symptoms Friday and Saturday and was treated with a cocktail of experimental treatments, Remdesivir, and a powerful steroid.

The weekend saw a series of often conflicting reports about the President’s condition, including revelations that he was sicker than officials first let on, but Johnson says…

Cut 7 (10) “…they’ve been.”

The President has filmed several videos from within Walter Reed Hospital and Sunday had the Secret Service drive him around the facility to wave at fans from within the vehicle.

The infection of the President and 11 prominent Republicans is reportedly linked to a ceremony celebrating the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barret. Johnson disagrees with that assumption.

Cut 8 (08) “White House.”

Video and pictures from the Rose Garden celebration show many of the now confirmed infected individuals having close, unmasked contact with a number of other dignitaries at the event.

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Tropical Storm Delta is strengthening over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and is expected to become a hurricane on Tuesday.  National Weather Service New Orleans meteorologist Kevin Gilmore says the storm appears to be on track for a Friday morning landfall.

Cut 9 (04) “…that may change.”

Gilmore says the current projected path has Louisiana in the crosshairs for that landfall, but the cone of uncertainty is much wider.

Cut 10 (06) “…Panama City Beach, FL.”

Gilmore says coastal residents should not rest on this storm just because it is threatening this late in the season as the northern Gulf Coast has a history of notable storms.

Cut 11 (07) “…in October too.”

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The Bayou Classic football game between Southern and Grambling traditionally held Thanksgiving weekend in New Orleans is getting a new home for 2021 as it moves to Shreveport. The 47th annual game will take place April 17. Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins says it’s a big win for the city.

Cut 12 (11) “…state of Louisiana.”

The only other time the game has not been played in New Orleans was 2005, when it was played in Houston due to Hurricane Katrina.

Perkins says the city is excited for the opportunity to welcome students, alum, and fans from both universities and assures that the city and its partners will make it a spectacular event.

Cut 13 (11) “…in the world.”

Perkins says while the game will take place in April, plans are already being put into place to ensure the game is compliant with COVID-19 spread mitigation efforts.

Cut 14 (07) “…of this event.”

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