PM LRN Newscall Nov 8th

State Representative Tanner Magee is taking insurance companies to task who aren’t paying up when it comes to Hurricane Ida property damage or have been slow to do so.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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If you haven’t received your state income tax return for yourself or even your business, you might want to search Unclaimed Property. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Houma Representative Tanner Magee is voicing strong concern about the lack of response by all too many insurers to the needs of their policyholders following Hurricane Ida. The Cat 4 storm slammed southeast Louisiana two months ago, with Magee saying some insurers have yet to follow through with financial assistance.

Cut 3 (06) “….to do so.”

Magee says the bad actors in the insurance field may find that their inactions may lead to legislative changes in the future to correct the problems policyholders are facing in the aftermaths of not only Ida, but also Laura, Delta, and Zeta that pummeled the state in 2020.

Magee is critical of insurers who appear to be undercutting policyholders on the funds needed for property repairs and losses.

Cut 4 (10) “…the same story.”

Magee says that while adjusters may be in part to blame for what a claim is worth, he’s not so sure that’s the case when claims are taken as a whole.

Cut 5 (09) “…which is regrettable.”

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The state treasury received $5.63 million in uncashed state income tax refunds recently. State Treasurer John Schroder says it’s about 22-thousand tax refunds from Louisiana residents and businesses. He says since they made the announcement last week, they’ve had plenty of inquiries about the refunds.

Cut 6 (08) “…past week.” 

Schroder says annually they receive uncashed income tax returns for both businesses and individuals from the Louisiana Department of Revenue, annually this time of year, so if you haven’t received your refund yet you might want to search Unclaimed Property.

Cut 7 (08) “….their part.”  

Even if you aren’t missing a tax refund from the state, Schroder encourages you to search unclaimed property for your name or business. Schroder says he even tells family members to search the database.

Cut 8 (10) “…every year.”

You can search the database at LAtreasury.com

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Louisiana’s Office of Tourism is getting worldwide recognition for its pandemic response. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the LOT was honored recently at the 2021 Wanderlust Travel Awards ceremony. He says the “Louisiana Sunshine Plan” placed third behind the Nepal Tourist Board and the Saudi Tourism Authority with a plan that included a free night at state parks for every three paid nights.

Cut 9 (09) “…4th night free.”

Nungesser says the award was a great acknowledgment of the hard work of the LOT team.

Tourism further picked up as domestic flights began to pick up again amidst the pandemic as it eased and precautions were instituted.

Cut 10 (06)  “…flights into Louisiana.”

Nungesser notes that even prior to that they were hosting virtual meetings with travel agents to sell them on the culinary offerings the state has.

Nungesser and since the award was announced, the state has seen an increase in traffic, on the web that is….

Cut  11 (08)  “…100%.”  

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The Biden administration’s proposal to force a vaccine mandate on companies of 100 or more employees is in legal limbo after a stay ordered by the U.S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans. It’s good news to Louisiana businessman Brandon Trosclair who brought suit in the case.

Cut 12 (07) “…just incredibly excited.”  

Trosclair, who owns 15 grocery stores employing more than 500 workers in Louisiana and Mississippi, says he expects the case to eventually be decided by the nation’s highest court.

Trosclair on what issues he believes moved the appeals court rule as it did.

Cut 13 (04) “…and 14th amendments.”

It would be up to OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, to enforce the Biden vaccine mandate, which carries with it penalties and fines for non-compliance.

With the Appeals Court decision throwing up at least a temporary roadblock to enforcement of the vaccine mandate, Trosclair believes a final decision will come from the U.S. Supreme Court.

Cut 14 (08) “…continue to prevail.” 

1:30 LRN Newscast Nov 8

Houma Representative Tanner Magee is voicing strong concern about the lack of response by all too many insurers to the needs of their policyholders following Hurricane Ida.  Magee is critical of insurers who appear to be undercutting policyholders on the funds needed for property repairs and losses.

Cut 4 (10) “…the same story.”

If you haven’t received your state income tax return for yourself or even your business, you might want to search Unclaimed Property. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

 

Louisiana’s Office of Tourism is getting worldwide recognition for its pandemic response. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the LOT was honored recently at the 2021 Wanderlust Travel Awards ceremony. Nungesser says there’s not been an immediate tourism reaction since the award was announced….

Cut  11 (08)  “…100%.”  

 

The Biden administration’s proposal to force a vaccine mandate on companies of 100 or more employees is in legal limbo after a stay ordered by the U.S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans. It’s good news to Louisiana businessman Brandon Trosclair who brought suit in the case.

Cut 12 (07) “…just incredibly excited.”  

Trosclair, who owns 15 grocery stores employing more than 500 workers in Louisiana and Mississippi, says he expects the case to eventually be decided by the nation’s highest court.

12:30 LRN Newscast Nov 8

Houma Representative Tanner Magee is voicing strong concern about the lack of response by all too many insurers to the needs of their policyholders following Hurricane Ida. The Cat 4 storm slammed southeast Louisiana two months ago, with Magee saying some insurers have yet to follow through with financial assistance.

Cut 3 (06) “….to do so.”

The state treasury received $5.63 million in uncashed state income tax refunds recently. State Treasurer John Schroder says it’s about 22-thousand tax refunds from Louisiana residents and businesses. He says since they made the announcement last week, they’ve had plenty of inquiries about the refunds.

Cut 6 (09) “…past week.” 

You can search the database at LAtreasury.com

Louisiana Department of Health officials reveal a new business plan for “Building a Stronger LDH and a Healthier Louisiana.” More on that from Kevin Gallagher.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

 

State reports 217 COVID hospitalizations for the state, another new low since spring of last year.

11:30 LRN Newscast Nov 8

Closing arguments got underway this morning in the child rape trial of former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain. Five male accusers took the stand, leveling graphic charges of sexual assault against him while they were children. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino:

Cut 13 (07) “…about and reject.”

Strain did not take the stand in his defense and if convicted could face life in prison.

The state Department of Health releases its first new business plan in nearly a decade. It’s called “Together: Building a Stronger LDH and a Healthier Louisiana.” Health secretary Courtney Phillips says  a lot of fine minds came together to forge the program…:

Cut 6 (10) “…most importantly.”

Louisiana’s Office of Tourism received worldwide recognition for its pandemic response at the 2021 Wanderlust Travel Awards. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the “Louisiana Sunshine Plan” placed third at the competition. Tourism further picked up as domestic flights began to pick up again amidst the pandemic as it eased, and precautions were instituted.

Cut  11 (06)  “…flights into Louisiana.”  

It will be much darker on your drive home from work this evening thanks to the time change. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says with rush hour traffic in the dark now you’ll need to be extremely mindful on your drive home, and the time change can also impact your sleeping patterns.

Cut 11 (11) “…drowsy.”

10:30 LRN Newscast Nov 8

Closing arguments are set to begin today in the child rape trial of former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain. Five male accusers took the stand, leveling graphic charges of sexual assault against him while they were children. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino suspects the defense will counter in their closing arguments that the allegations against Strain are not to be taken for granted.

Cut 14 (11)  “..an ulterior purpose.”

The house passed the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill Friday night and Congressman Troy Carter, and Senator Bill Cassidy are the only two members of the Louisiana delegation that supported the bill. Republican Congressman Clay Higgins issued a statement claiming the bill is socialist garbage and says the bill will cost nearly $4 trillion. Carter says otherwise.

Cut 9 (12)  “…their share.”

The state Department of Health releases its first new business plan in nearly a decade. It’s called “Together: Building a Stronger LDH and a Healthier Louisiana.” Health secretary Courtney Phillips says the plan calls for achieving 17 initiatives and over 40 goals, under four major commitments.

Cut 4 (14) “…accountability and compliance. “

Louisiana’s Office of Tourism is getting worldwide recognition for its pandemic response. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the LOT was honored recently at the 2021 Wanderlust Travel Awards ceremony. He says the “Louisiana Sunshine Plan” placed third behind with a plan that included a free night at state parks for every three paid nights.

Cut 10 (09)  “…fourth night free.”

9:30 LRN Newscast Nov 8

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain could be looking at life in prison following his trial on accusations that he raped multiple children. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

49-year old Derwin Hamilton of Franklin has been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder in the burning deaths of his girlfriend and nephew. Hamilton was arrested in July accused of setting his live-in girlfriend and 5-year-old nephew on fire during an argument inside their mobile home. The 16th Judicial District Court issued the ruling Friday.

The House passed the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill Friday night and Louisiana Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says the bill is life-changing and he’s proud to stand with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who co-authored the bipartisan bill in the Senate. Cassidy says passage of the bill is a major victory for Louisiana and the nation.

Cut 8 (13) “…flood resiliency.”

Cassidy and Carter are the only members of the Louisiana delegation to vote in favor of the bill.

It will be much darker on your commute home this evening thanks to the time change and Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says Louisiana drivers will also have to contend with wildlife in both rural and metropolitan areas during the hours of dusk and dawn as temperatures begin to cool.

Cut 12 (08) “…most active.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter and Senator Bill Cassidy are the only members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation that supported the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. Brooke Thorington has more.
cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State Treasurer John Schroder says 5-point-six million dollars in uncashed state income tax refunds have been put into the state’s unclaimed property program. Check L-A-treasury-dot-com to see if the money belongs to you.

Closing arguments are today in the sex abuse trial of former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain. Five people testified that Strain either raped or sexually abused them. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it will be difficult for the jury to diminish the damning testimony against Strain since it has come from five accusers and not just one or two.
cut 15 (09) “…and over again.”
Strain has said he’s innocent.

The Louisiana Department of Health has put together a business plan that contains 17 initiatives and over 40 goals that the state agency plans to make progress on over the next year. LDH Secretary Courtney Phillip says part of the plan calls for improving care for persons with serious mental illness..
cut 5 (11) “…pregnancy to childhood”
Phillips says the plan places emphasis on better access to dental care, an opioid treatment program, a crisis care response team and more.

7:30 LRN newscast

The U-S House passed the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill Friday night and Louisiana Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says the bill is life-changing and will finally put funding towards severely overlooked projects like expanded broadband and the upkeep of roads and bridges.
Cut 7 (06) “…US Senate.”
The rest of Louisiana’s House delegation voted against the measure. Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says the bill is nine-percent roads and bridges and 91-percent socialist garbage.

Closing arguments are today in the child rape trial of former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain. Five male accusers took the stand, leveling graphic charges of sexual assault against him while they were children. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino:
Cut 13 (07) “…about and reject.”
Strain did not take the stand in his defense and if convicted could face life in prison.

Louisiana Department of Health officials reveal a new business plan for “Building a Stronger LDH and a Healthier Louisiana.” More on that from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The fifth U-S Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans has temporarily halted the Biden Administration’s vaccine requirement that calls for businesses with more than 100 employees to mandate that their employees be vaccinated. Louisiana AG Jeff Landry calls the federal mandate an unlawful overreach, while the U-S Labor Department says it’s confident in its legal authority on this issue.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The much-talked-about one-point-two trillion-dollar infrastructure bill is heading to the President’s desk for signature after it received final House approval on Friday night. Several Republicans say very little of the money actually goes to improving roads and bridges, but Louisiana GOP Senator Bill Cassidy disagrees…
cut 10 (10) “…we need”
Democrats on Capitol Hill continue to push for passage of the 1.85 trillion dollar social spending package.

It will be much darker on your drive home from work tonight thanks to the time change. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says the switch to standard time can also impact sleeping patterns.
Cut 11 (11) “…drowsy.”

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain could be looking at life in prison following his trial on accusations that he raped multiple children. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

10:30 LRN Newscast Nov 6

The house passed the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill last night. Louisiana Second Congressional District Representative Troy Carter issued a statement last night and said this a transformational moment for the people of Louisiana, and the entire country.

Cut 21 did its job :15

Senator Bill Cassidy also applauded the House’s passage of the bill.

Cut 22 flood resiliency :20

The Bill now goes to the President’s desk for signature.

It will be much darker on your drive home from work beginning Monday with the time change that goes into effect later tonight when we set our clocks back. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says you might want to check your headlights this weekend and consider cleaning them before the time change.

Cut 24 80-percent :10

Today is the last day for early voting for the November 13th election. For locations and a sample ballot, visit the secretary of state’s website or use your Geaux Vote app on your smartphone. There are some municipal elections in areas of the state but there are also four constitutional amendments on the statewide ballots.+

The LSU Tigers take on rival Alabama in Tuscaloosa tonight at 6 and the Saints will play their division nemesis Sunday at the Dome when they kickoff against the Atlanta Falcons.