4:30 Newscast LRN Oct 16

It’s the first day of early voting and a long, socially distanced line wrapped around the State Archive’s Building as voters braved the chilly weather to cast Louisiana’s first votes in the November 3rd election. Despite the wait, this voter says showing up to cast a ballot is certainly worth it.

Cut 11 (02) “…election”

Early voting ends October 27th and is available at select locations Monday through Saturdays from 8 AM to 7 PM.

Campaign finance reports indicate U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has raised as much money in the last quarter as his main Democratic challenger, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins. UL-Lafayette Poli-Sci Professor Pierson Cross says if Perkins can force Cassidy into a run-off, it greatly increases his chances of more campaign contributions.

Cut 7 (09) “…national recognition”

Legislators are under fire for passing a bill that contains $22.6 million dollars earmarked for projects that some say is old-school pork-barrel legislation. HB 39 contained items like lighthouse improvements in Madisonville, construction of a sports complex in Central, and other items. Public Affairs Research Council head Robert Travis Scott says it’s disappointing…

Cut 12 10) “…governments”

LSU Student Body President Stone Cox wants the University to require students to participate in mandatory monthly Covid-19 testing to move the school into phase 3. While some students may be concerned about testing positive and having to quarantine Cox, says that the ability to have larger events may be an incentive.

Cut 5 (11) “…people”

3:30 LRN Newscast Oct 16

Voters are wrapped around the State Archives building for the first day of early voting. Matt Doyle spoke with a few of them as they waited in the chilly weather.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

Early voting hours and days are extended due to the pandemic from 8am until 7pm, Monday thru Saturday and ends on Tuesday, October 27th. For locations use the Geaux Vote App, that’s G-E-A-U-X.

Legislators are coming under fire for passing a $22.6 million dollar bill full of 113 projects that some say is old-school pork-barrel legislation. HB 39 contained items like lighthouse improvements, construction of a sports complex, and other small-ticket items. Governor Edwards says he’ll take a look at the appropriations bill before signing it and might line-item veto a few of the more questionable expenditures. Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue countered…

Cut 15 (08) “state” 

LSU Student Body President Stone Cox wants the University to require students participate in mandatory monthly Covid-19 testing to move the school into phase 3. Student lead organizations is one area that would benefit from phase 3.

Cut 4 (12)   “…events”   

2:30 LRN Newscast October 16

Long lines have been reported at early voting locations as today is the first day of early voting. These voters say they’re eager to cast their ballot despite the wait and some of the pandemic hassle…
cut 10 (06) “…do”
Early voting at select locations will run through October 27th from 8 AM to 7 PM, except on Sundays.

A U-S Senate race is also on the ballot. According to the latest campaign finance reports, Republican Incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy has four-point-five million dollars on hand, while his main Democratic challenger, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has 680-thousand. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s not enough to make an impact…
cut 8 (12) “…second term”

State lawmakers are facing criticism for approving a supplemental budget bill that contains 22-million dollars in so-called pet projects that lawmakers requested to have in the legislation. There’s money for a lighthouse in Madisonville, fire hydrants for Assumption Parish and a sports complex in East Baton Rouge Parish. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says the amended bill never received a public hearing.
Cut 13 (12) “…projects”
House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue…
cut 14 (11) “…parishes”
The supplemental budget bill heads to the governor’s desk, where he will have the option to use his line-item veto powers.

LRN PM Newscall

LSU Student Body President Stone Cox sent a letter to Interim President Thomas Galligan, suggesting monthly COVID-19 testing for all students in order to move into Phase Three.

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Taylor Sharp”  

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Voters wrapped around the State Archives Building for the first day of early voting. Matt Doyle spoke with a few of them as they waited in the chilly weather.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

LSU Student Body President Stone Cox has sent a letter to University Interim President Thomas Galligan suggesting that all students participate in mandatory monthly Covid-19 testing in order to move the school into phase 3.  Cox says that moving into phase 3 would be a big step in the right direction.

Cut 3 (13)  “…Now”   

What exactly would be allowed on campus if LSU moved into phase three? Cox says student-led organizations would find it beneficial

Cut 4 (12)   “…events”   

Some students may be concerned about testing positive and having to quarantine but Cox says having larger events may be an incentive for students to get tested.

Cut 5 (11) “…people”

______________________________

Campaign finance reports indicate U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has raised as much money in the last quarter as his main Democratic challenger, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins. But overall, Cassidy’s war chest is much larger.  UL-Lafayette Poli-Sci Professor Pierson Cross says the numbers indicate Perkins is appealing to both state and national democrats.

Cut 6 (09) “uphill slope”

Cassidy raised $1.4 million July 1st through Sept 30th increasing his total to $10.67 million. Perkins raised $1.33 in the same period, after announcing his candidacy July 23rd.

Cross says if Perkins can force Cassidy into a run-off, it greatly increases his chances of more campaign contributions.

Cut 7 (09) “…national recognition”

Perkins reports having 680-thousand dollars on hand, Cross says that’s not enough to make an impact.

Cut 8 (12) “…second-term”

Cassidy reported having $4.57 million on hand as of September 30th, greatly outspending his opponents.

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It’s the first day of early voting and a long, socially distanced line wrapped around the State Archives Building in Baton Rouge as voters braved the chilly weather to cast Louisiana’s first votes in the November 3rd election. A frequent early voter says when she first saw the long line she turned around but decided to come back…

Cut 9 (11) “do it”

Interest is high in the Presidential election and these voters say they’re eager to cast their ballot despite the wait and some of the pandemic hassle.

Cut 10 (06) “…..do”

Despite the wait, this voter says showing up to cast a ballot is certainly worth it.

Cut 11 (02) “…election”

Early voting ends October 27th and is available at select locations Monday through Saturdays from 8 AM to 7 PM.

_____________________________

State legislators have approved a supplemental budget bill that contains 22-million dollars for 113 projects that some say is old-school pork-barrel legislation. HB 39 contains funding for lighthouse improvements in Madisonville, construction of a sports complex in Central, and other small-ticket items. Public Affairs Research Council head Robert Travis Scott says it’s disappointing…

Cut 12 (10) “…governments”

Other items included $500,000 for the Louisiana Leadership Institute, $639,000 for fire hydrants in Assumption Parish, and $500,000 for Opelousas parks.

Scott says the bill didn’t receive a public hearing and most lawmakers only had minutes to review it after it was presented on the House and Senate floor.

Cut 13 (12) “…projects”

The bill passed the Senate unanimously and cleared the House on a near-unanimous vote despite some concerns that lawmakers had no idea what was in the legislation. House Appropriations Chair Jerome Zeringue says those criticisms are not accurate and the bill funds crucial services.

Cut 14 (11) “…parishes”

Zeringue also highlighted the bill sends millions of dollars in funding to various entities to help them pay for their COVID response, and three million dollars to help address public defenders’ current budget woes.

Governor Edwards says he’ll take a look at the appropriations bill before signing it and he could use his line-item veto pen. Zeringue countered…

Cut 15 (08) “state” 

1:30 LRN Newscast Oct 16

Voters are wrapped around the Secretary of State’s office for the first day of early voting. Matt Doyle spoke with a few of them as they waited in the chilly weather.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

 

New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson was the victim of an attempted auto theft last Saturday. Police say the incident happened in Uptown when a man barged in and apparently tried to steal the vehicle with Benson inside. Benson was reportedly shaken but unharmed.

Legislators are under fire for passing a $22.6 million dollar bill full of 113 construction projects that some say is old-school pork-barrel legislation. HB 39 contained items like lighthouse improvements in Madisonville, construction of a sports complex in Central, and other items. Public Affairs Research Council head Robert Travis Scott says it’s disappointing…

Cut 12 10) “…governments”

Campaign finance reports indicate U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has raised as much money in the last quarter as his main Democratic challenger, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins. UL-Lafayette Poli-Sci Professor Pierson Cross says if Perkins can force Cassidy into a run-off, it greatly increases his chances of more campaign contributions.

Cut 7 (09) “…national recognition”

 

Cassidy’s war chest however is much larger.

12:30 LRN Newscast Oct 16

Campaign finance reports indicate U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has raised as much money in the last quarter as his main Democratic challenger, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins. But overall, Cassidy’s war chest is much larger.  UL-Lafayette Poli-Sci Professor Pierson Cross says numbers indicate Perkins is appealing to both state and national democrats.

Cut 6 (09) “uphill slope”

It’s the first day of early voting and a long, socially distanced line wrapped around the Secretary of State’s office. This voter says she’s a frequent early voter and has never seen this many people in line before. She says when she first saw the line she turned around but decided to come back…

Cut 9 (11) “do it”

LSU Student Body President Stone Cox sent a letter to Interim President Thomas Galligan, suggesting monthly COVID-19 testing for all students, an effort to move into Phase Three.

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Taylor Sharp”  

11:40 LRN Sportscast October 16

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell thinks LSU’s Tiger Stadium would be a great temporary place for Saints home games because she says there’s no way given the current conditions with COVID that she can allow 20-thousand fans in the Superdome…
cut 24 (11) “…in game day”
The Saints have talked with LSU about playing their home games at Tiger Stadium so they have fans in the stands. New Orleans next home game is Sunday October 25th versus Carolina.

The Panthers will seek their fourth straight win on Sunday when they host the Chicago Bears, who are 4-1. Tampa Bay will host undefeated Green Bay and the Falcons, who have had a couple of positive COVID-19 cases within their team, are still scheduled to play at Minnesota.

Alabama coach Nick Saban will not be able to coach remotely for tomorrow night’s big game against Georgia.

Louisiana Tech welcomes 3-0 Marshall to Ruston Saturday. The Thundering Herd beat Appalachian State earlier this season and they own a league victory over Western Kentucky. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says Marshall is a good football team
cut 16 (20) “the season”
Marshall leads Conference USA in scoring offense, averaging 38 points a game. Kick off is at 5 PM.

There’s a college football game tonight as Tulane hosts 17th ranked S-M-U. The Green Wave have lost 42 straight against ranked opponents and the Mustangs have one of the top passing attacks in the country, averaging 339 yards through the air. Kick off is at 5 PM.

In the NBA, Ty Lue has been named the new head coach of the Clippers. He was a candidate for the Pelicans vacancy.

11:30 LRN Newscast Oct 16

LSU Student Body President Stone Cox has sent a letter to University Interim President Thomas Galligan suggesting that all students participate in mandatory monthly Covid-19 testing to move the school into phase 3.  Cox says that moving into phase 3 would be a big step in the right direction.

Cut 3 (13)  “…Now”   

The state has only had 495 reported cases of COVID in K-12 students and 1,063 cases in school staff since the school year began. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says that’s thanks in large part to educators and the Louisiana Department of Health’s early warning system currently in place in two-thirds of schools…

Cut 11 (09) “walls”

Twelve days are left in the special session where Republican lawmakers are attempting to pass legislation to reduce a governor’s authority when imposing restrictions during a public emergency. During a Thursday afternoon press conference, Governor John Bel Edwards reiterated he feels the special session aimed at attacking his authority is unwarranted…

cut 8 (08) “…irresponsible”

Republican House Members are waiting to see if the Senate approves a resolution to overturn the governor’s emergency order. It’s already passed the lower chamber.

A cold front is moving through the state and it will keep our high temperatures in the 60s and 70s today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it will also help keep tropical storms away…
cut 14 (09) “…gulf”
The National Hurricane Center is watching a broad area of low pressure in the southwestern Caribbean Sea, but it has a low chance of development.

10:30 LRN Newscast Oct 16

Long lines are being reported as 10 days of early voting begins today. You can’t vote Sundays but Monday through Saturday polls open at 8 am and close at 7 pm. There’s a lot of interest in this election but Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says don’t assume the worst when you see a long line.

Cut 24 (11) “…be discouraged”

Early wraps in Louisiana and wraps up October 27th.

The House has now passed a number of measures aimed at limiting the Governor’s public health authority and Governor Edwards says if they make it to his desk he’s likely to veto them.

Edwards touted his record handling the pandemic and says the public health authority granted to him by the State Constitution has helped him guide Louisiana through this crisis.

Cut 9 (11) “possible”

So far, the state has only had 495 reported cases of COVID in K-12 students and 1,063 cases in school staff since the school year began, despite higher predictions.  Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says in spite of the success they have identified a few problem areas where infections are most likely to occur.

Cut 12 (06) “.forth”

Louisiana has been blessed by a cold front this morning with north Louisiana temperatures in the 50s and south Louisiana temps in the 60s with little humidity. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this cold front should help ward off any tropical systems in the area as well. So how long should we expect this wonderful weather to last?

Cut 15 (09) “…trend”

9:30 LRN Newscast October 16

Today is the first day of early voting and long lines have already been reported at polling sites. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says 201-thousand mail ballots have been requested and the deadline to do so is October 30th and they must be returned by the end of the day on November 2nd…
cut 6 (10) “…be counted”

So far the state has seen 495 reported cases of COVID in K-12 students and just over one-thousand cases among school staff since the school year began. There’s been a concern about school-based outbreaks causing major community spread, but Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says that hasn’t been the case.
Cut 10 (08) “…feared.”
Kanter credits teachers for keeping their classrooms safe.

Governor Edwards says he refuses to acquiesce to the vast majority of House-backed legislative efforts that aim to limit his broad authority to order public health restrictions. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Fair Wayne Bryant has been released from Angola after serving 24 years of a life sentence for stealing a pair of hedge clippers. The 63-year-old Bryant received the life sentence under the state’s habitual offender law. The state’s parole board granted his release after the Chief Justice for the Louisiana Supreme Court called Bryant’s life sentence grossly disproportionate to the crime.