6:30 LRN Newscast December 2

State lawmakers held a day-long meeting yesterday discussing the slow process of getting insurance companies to pay claims on hurricane-damaged homes. Doug Quinn, executive director of the American Policyholder Association, says one tactic insurance providers are using is known as the churning of adjusters…
cut 15 (10) “….a good claim”
The insurance industry says there are not enough local adjusters after a major storm passes through and so they need to bring in out-of-state adjusters.

St. Tammany Parish councilman Mike Lorino says the proposition on the December 11th ballot for a casino in Slidell would result in just one casino in the parish and any claims it would result in multiple casinos are not true..
cut 12 (12) “…bolgna”
The Supreme Court’s six conservative justices indicated they would uphold Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban which could then limit abortions in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

AM Newscall Dec 2

AM NEWSCALL

Louisiana’s attorney general is cautiously optimistic that the Biden administration will fall flat in all of its vaccine mandate attempts targeting healthcare facilities and businesses employing more than 100 people.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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The Supreme Court’s six conservative justices indicated they would uphold Mississippi’s abortion ban which could then limit abortions in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A lot of folks apparently have not had a good run with their insurers while trying to settle Hurricane Ida property damage claims.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is taking a victory lap after federal Judge Terry Doughty granted his request for a preliminary injunction blocking a Biden administration vaccine mandate targeting healthcare facilities. Landry says he’s optimistic about an appeal of the ruling.

Cut 4 (12) “…the OSHA mandate. “

That mandate involved businesses employing 100 or more workers to ensure their employees are vaccinated against COVID or are tested regularly beginning January 4th. It was stayed by the Fifth Circuit early last month.

In attempting to impose vaccine mandates on both businesses and healthcare facilities, Landry believes Biden is stepping outside his sandbox.

Cut 5 (09) “…violate the constitution.”

Landry says he expects Biden to lose all of his vaccine mandate proposals.

Landry says he’s heard figures that upwards of 30 percent of healthcare workers are choosing to exit their jobs rather than being required to be vaccinated. He says that’s a problem.

Cut 6 (06) “…that’s problematic.”

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services vaccine mandate rule requires most of those working at healthcare facilities to be vaccinated against COVID.

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The US Supreme Court heard two hours of oral arguments Wednesday on Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban, if upheld it could lead to the high court overturning Roe v. Wade, which then would ban nearly all abortions in Louisiana. Ben Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life is hopeful abortion rights will be overturned.

Cut 7 (12) “…from abortion.”

Michelle Erenberg, (Erin-berg) President of Lift Louisiana, a women’s advocacy group that also defends the right to abortion says, attorneys on behalf of the abortion clinic in Mississippi did an excellent job covering issues of the case.

Cut 8 (13) “…is critical.”

Clapper says if the ban is upheld it opens the door for individual states to make their own laws regarding abortion rights, and in Louisiana, abortions would be banned, but in the meantime…

Cut 9 (12)  “…Post-Roe Louisiana.”

Erenberg says as they await the court’s decision which is expected in June….

Cut 10 (13)  “…abortion access.”

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St. Tammany Parish officials want to dispel misconceptions about an upcoming parish-wide vote on allowing a gambling casino resort complex to be built in Slidell. St. Tammany President Mike Cooper says rumors run rampant that voting “yes” would open the door for multiple gaming establishments, but he says this vote only addresses the proposed Camellia Bay complex and nothing else. Cooper says the state Gaming Control Board confirms this…:

Cut  11 (13)  “…to relocate.”  

The state Gaming Control Board has approved moving a Bossier City casino license to Slidell, but the St. Tammany Parish Council agreed to let voters decide whether the $325-million project could move forward. Parish Council chairman Mike Lorino says information floating about that says the vote would allow more than one casino to operate are just not true…:

Cut 12 (12) “…it’s bologna (baloney)..”

Lorino says there are a limited number of casino contracts in our state, and if another wanted to move to St. Tammany it would take another vote of the people to approve it.

A lawsuit sought to block the public vote on allowing camellia bay to move forward, but last week the state Supreme Court ruled the vote could go on. Early voting is currently underway on that December 11th ballot. Parish President Mike Cooper urges St. Tammany voters to cast their ballots, whether for it or against it…:

Cut 13 (09) “…from day one.”

If approved by voters, Camellia Bay would be built near the I-10 Twin Spans, and feature a gaming floor, events and concert venues, restaurants, a hotel and a multi-acre youth sports facility.

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Complaints are flying against insurance companies following Hurricane Ida. Doug Quinn, executive director of the American Policyholder Association, attended a legislative hearing Wednesday.

Cut 14 (09)  “…the claims process.”

He tells us there’s also been the problem of multiple adjusters investigating damage to a single property which further complicates and slows, or derails, the payment of legitimate claims. Several major insurers say they have closed the majority of their claims, but that doesn’t confirm any money was paid out.

Quinn says one of the more significant problems with getting damage claims settled is when multiple adjusters show up to investigate.

Cut 15 (10)  “..a good claim.”

Quinn believes the state, while doing a good job in its oversight of the insurance industry, something is missing from the mix.

Cut  16 (12) “…the insurance carriers.”

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New LSU football Coach Brian Kelly says he had no plans on leaving Notre Dame, where he’s the winningest coach in school history. But Kelly says when LSU athletic director Scott Woodward described his vision for the future of LSU Football, Kelly says he wanted to be a part of it

Cut 17 (17) “ take on” 

Kelly says he’s impressed with the leadership that’s in place at LSU with William Tate as president and Woodward in charge of athletics…

Cut 18 (18) “..for me”  

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New Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie described his vision for Bulldog football during his introductory press conference on Wednesday. Cumbie is described as having an innovative offensive mind after serving as an offensive coordinator at both Texas Tech and TCU. The former Red Raiders Q-B wants La Tech to have an explosive and physical offense…

Cut 19 (26)  “..make plays”  

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Taysom Hill will get the start at quarterback tonight when the Saints look to snap a four-game losing streak when they host Dallas. Hill hasn’t played since a November 14th loss when he injured his foot. Since then Hill has been managing his partial plantar fascia tear and is excited for another chance to be the starting quarterback…

Cut 20 (22) “.football games” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 1

Brian Kelly was introduced as LSU’s new football coach. Jeff Palermo has the highlights…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

And Louisiana Tech has hired Sonny Cumbie as their next head football coach. Cumbie spent the past season at Tech Texas as their offensive coordinator. He replaces outgoing coach Skip Holtz, La Tech finished 3-9 this season.

According to Louisiana Tech’s Center for Economic Research’s first Economic Abstract of the state’s economy, employment has increased but it’s not at pre-pandemic levels yet. Center Director Dr. Patrick Scott says while unemployment has improved the state is still down 132,000 jobs, and he estimates that up to 85,000 have left the workforce in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (13) “…fundamentally.”

Country music fans are thrilled to hear Garth Brooks will be coming to Tiger Stadium April 30th. It will be his only appearance in Louisiana on his upcoming tour. Visit Baton Rouge head Paul Arrigo says the show is sure to be an economic boon for the Capital Area.

Cut 8 (09) “…those seats filled.”

Tickets go on sale December 10th.

4:30 LRN Newscast Dec 01

Country music legend Garth Brooks is coming to Baton Rouge’s Tiger stadium this spring. More from Michelle Southern…:

CUT 01         (35)    “…reporting.”

A federal judge in Louisiana’s western district temporarily blocks President Biden’s COVID vaccine mandate for all U.S. health care workers. The vaccine order was to have taken effect next week and could result in thousands of nurses, doctors and technicians losing their jobs in February.

 

According to the Louisiana Tech Center for Economic Research’s first Economic Abstract of the state’s economy, employment has increased but it’s not at pre-pandemic levels yet. Center Director Dr. Patrick Scott says there are two ways to possibly increase the workforce…L:

CUT 03(12)      “…policy response.”

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain is facing up to ten years in a federal lockup after pleading guilty today to one of 16 corruption counts in a kickback scheme related to his privatizing of an inmate work release program. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says Strain’s federal plea may have been an attempt to avoid going first into the state’s prison system…:

CUT 10(13)      “…state court system.”

Strain was convicted last month of multiple counts of sexual assault, for which he faces a probable life sentence.

3:30 LRN Newscast Dec 01

According to the Louisiana Tech Center for Economic Research’s first Economic Abstract of the state’s economy, employment has increased but it’s not at pre-pandemic levels yet. Center Director Dr. Patrick Scott says the study looked at employment & unemployment, costs of goods & services, income levels and more. Of the real estate market, Scott says there HAS been a robust demand for housing, in part due to low-interest rates, but Scott says the market is now beginning to cool…:

CUT 05         (07)    “…relatively well.”

He says the state is still down over 130-thousand jobs from pre-pandemic levels.

Country superstar Garth Brooks will be coming to LSU’s Tiger Stadium for an April 30th concert; his first time in the Capital City in 24 years. Visit Baton Rouge CEO Paul Arrigo says he expects a spectacular turnout that’ll put a positive spotlight on the city…:

CUT 06         (10)    “…over the world.”

 

LSU formally introduces Brian Kelly as its new head football coach. Kelly has been with Notre Dame for the last 12 years; during which he racked up the university’s highest win rate. Kelly says he’s looking forward to his first experience in Tiger Stadium, but he understands the fans expectations that he win games…:

Cut 14(14)    “…team on the field.”

Kelly’s combined wins in both Divisions 1 and 2 make him the winningest active coach in college football.

The Coast Guard is looking for a man who fell overboard from the American Queen riverboat early this morning on the Mississippi River. A call came in just after 2 a.m. that a crewmember had gone into the water; triggering the search & rescue efforts between mile marker 224 and 230, which are still underway.

The federal Department of Defense says all National Guard members must get the COVID vaccine or obtain an approved waiver or they won’t get paid for federal activities and training. For services within Louisiana, Guardsmen and women are paid with state funds.

2:30 LRN Newscast Dec 01

Brian Kelly is formally introduced as LSU’s new football coach. Jeff Palermo has the highlights…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

Lawmen in Shreveport are seeking a man who’s been exposing his private parts to passers-by. Cops have obtained security camera video of the man stripping naked in a parking lot on Shreve Park Drive in October. The balding white male was driving a white Chevy extended cab pickup. Crimestoppers will take tips at 318-673-7373.

 

Former St. Tammany Parish sheriff Jack Strain faces up to ten years in prison, after pleading guilty to a federal charge of corruption and kickbacks related to his privatizing the parish inmate work release program. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says he’s not surprised at the guilty plea, as Strain will already be serving time for his November conviction on sexual assault charges. Ciolino says there wasn’t much to gain by forcing Strain to plea to more than one federal corruption charge…:

CUT 11(07)      “…scheme to defraud.”

Strain faces multiple life sentences on the sexual assault convictions.

Country music fans are thrilled to hear Garth Brooks will be coming to Tiger Stadium in late April of next year. It will be his only appearance in Louisiana or Mississippi on the upcoming tour.  Visit Baton Rouge head Paul Arrigo says the show is sure to be an economic boon for the Capital Area…:

CUT 08(09)      “…all those seats filled.”

At about $95 a head, tickets go on sale December 10th.

1:30 LRN Newscast Dec 1

LSU introduced Brian Kelly as its new head football coach today. Kelly has spent the last 12 years at Notre Dame and LSU fans have only been able to watch his work from afar as Kelly has coached his whole life in the Midwest. LSU athletics director Scott Woodward expects Tiger Nation will love him because he wins…

Cut 12 (07) “..is win”  

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain is facing up to ten years in a federal lockup after pleading guilty today to one of 16 corruption counts in a kickback scheme related to his privatizing of an inmate work release program. Loyola University law professor, Dane Ciolino, says Strain’s plea comes as no surprise.

Cut 9 (09) “…these federal charges.”

When country music star Garth Brooks plays his fan-favorite hit “Callin Baton Rouge” on April 30th, it will have extra meaning. Michelle Southern explains…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

The Coast Guard is searching for a crew member of the American Queen that went overboard shortly after 2:00 AM in the Mississippi River. The Coast Guard is searching in Baton Rouge near the campus of LSU along the river by water and air. Information on how the crew member fell overboard or their identity has been released.

12:30 LRN Newscast Dec 1

According to Louisiana Tech’s Center for Economic Research’s first Economic Abstract of the state’s economy, employment has increased but it’s not at pre-pandemic levels yet. Center Director Dr. Patrick Scott says while unemployment has improved the state is still down 132,000, and Scott says estimates are that up to 85,000 have left the workforce in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (13) “…fundamentally.”

 

One of the hottest acts in country music makes his return to Baton Rouge next year for the first time in 24 years. Paul Arrigo, CEO and President of Visit Baton Rouge, says the superstar is set to play Tiger Stadium on April 30th and expects a spectacular turnout that’ll put a spotlight on the city.

 

 Cut 6 (10) “..over the world.” 

 

Tickets for “Callin’ Baton Rouge” starring Brooks will go on sale through Ticketmaster on Friday, December 10 at 10 a.m. for an all-inclusive price of 94.95 each with a purchase limit of eight tickets per caller.

 

With Louisiana ranking 12th in teacher pay among the 16 states in the South, Larry Carter, who heads up the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, is sounding off about the need for the state to at least reach the regional annual salary average of just over 55-thousand-dollars.

 

Cut 10 (10)  “…seeking higher pay.”

 

Carter says it will be up to the governor, state lawmakers and educators to work together to see that the state allocates the additional state funding. The current average pay for the more than 40-thousand teachers in the state is just over 51-thousand-500-dollars and that’s helping to lead to teacher shortages in some school districts.

At this hour, LSU’s new football coach, Brian Kelly, is being introduced to the media at a news conference.

 

 

11:30 LRN Newscast Dec 1

According to Louisiana Tech’s Center for Economic Research’s first Economic Abstract of the state’s economy, employment has increased but it’s not at pre-pandemic levels yet. Center Director Dr. Patrick Scott says there are two ways to possibly increase the workforce.

Cut 3 (12) “…policy response.”

Scott says he doesn’t see the pandemic resolving anytime soon.

The highly transmissible Omicron variant from South Africa is a growing concern among health officials. Ochsner Health Medical Director of Infection Control and Prevention, Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says fortunately the vaccines can be tweaked easily if needed.

Cut 13 (09) “…this variant.”

Hospitalizations in South Africa are increasing with the variant.

The announcement and arrival of LSU’s newest hire Brian Kelly as head football coach is met with excitement and shock as about 50 of the purple and gold faithful gathered at the Baton Rouge Airport to greet the former Norte Dame coach. After two mediocre seasons, the news of Kelly at the helm renews hope in the program.

Cut 7 (12) “…(two voices) why we’re out here.”

Louisiana ranks 12th in teacher pay among 16 states in the South and Larry Carter, President of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, says the state needs to at least reach the regional average of 55-thousand-dollars. Carter says while strides have been made with Governor Edwards’ support it still falls short.

Cut 12 (13) “…the other 16.”

10:30 LRN Newscast Dec 1

Teacher pay is on the mind of the man who heads up the state’s teacher’s union. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

LSU’s new football coach Brian Kelly will reportedly be paid $95 million over a 10-year period and with incentives, it makes him the highest-paid coach at a public institution. A press conference announcing his hire is scheduled for noon today.

Clarence Fields the Mayor of Pineville since 1999 says he won’t seek a 7th term. After 22 years of public service, he looks forward to spending more time with his children and grandchildren. He says the decision to retire next June was a difficult one after he was diagnosed with a vision problem.

Cut 5 (07) “…under the circumstances.”

The highly transmissible Omicron variant from South Africa is raising concerns. Ochsner Director of Hospital Quality Dr. Sandra Kemmerly says when news of the new variant broke over the holidays it was a reminder that the pandemic is far from over.

Cut 14 (07)  “…be prepared.”

Health officials are encouraging more people to get vaccinated and those who are get booster shots before the variant arrives in the US.