230 PM LRN News

More Louisianans have now completed their vaccine series than have tested positive for COVID. Governor Edwards says the 450,000 series competitions are proof the state is serious about fighting the pandemic and committed to ending it…

Cut 6 (06) “…milestones.”

The number is expected to balloon even faster now that those 16 and older with a wide range of common comorbidities are eligible to get vaccinated.

Farmers Insurance, the 9th largest property and casualty insurance carrier in the country, is returning to Louisiana after a seven-year hiatus. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon adding the Bayou State and others is part of Farmers’ growth.

Cut 4 (10) “…brand.” 

Farmers sold policies in the state before from 1999 to 2014 but left after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 

The Saints have begun the process of releasing players in an effort to get under the salary cap. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The US House has given final passage to President Biden’s 1,9 trillion dollar COVID relief and economic stimulus package. Included in it is a substantial increase in the child tax credit, now up to 3,600 per child from the current cap of 1,400 to 2,000 dollars, and now fully refundable meaning families who previously didn’t make enough money to qualify for the credit will be able to receive it for 2021. Plans are being drawn up to allow parents to draw the credit in monthly installments.

1:30 LRN Newscast March 10

The U-S House has given approval to a one-point-nine trillion dollar COVID relief package. The bill revamps the child tax credit, provides 1,400 dollar stimulus checks to over 80 percent of Americans, increased health insurance subsidies, and a number of other items.

The Biden Administration says the stimulus portion is vital to ensuring the nation sees a robust economic recovery from the pandemic. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says there’s evidence that we don’t need it.
Cut 13 (09)“…bill”

Housing remains a big issue in southwest Louisiana after Hurricanes Laura and Delta destroyed thousands of homes. FEMA spokesperson Tiana Suber says they are working on temporary trailer placement for homeowners as they rebuild, but it can be a lengthy process.
Cut 10 (11) “…families.”

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility has been expanded in Louisiana to include everyone 16 and older and with a health condition that makes them more at risk. Brooke Thorington reports pharmacies are prepared.
cut 1 (32) “…Brooke Thorington”

And state health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says national data is showing that vaccine confidence is growing…
cut 8 (09) “…own research”

12:30 LRN Newscast March 10

The US House is expected to give President Biden’s 1.9 trillion dollar COVID relief and economic stimulus plan final passage today on a party-line vote. The Louisiana Congressional Delegation is expected to vote against the legislation. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the package is full of unnecessary spending.

Cut 12 (08) “ …lines.” 

Louisiana has reached another milestone with more residents that have completed vaccinations than those who tested positive for COVID. On Tuesday, the state expanded eligibility to include people 16 and over and with a health condition. State Health Officer Joe Kanter says conversations with vaccine providers resulted in the state opening the shot to more people.

Cut 7 (07) “…to expand”

It was just over six months ago when Hurricane Laura caused widespread devastation in Louisiana. Laura affected 22 parishes and recovery efforts continue. FEMA spokesperson Tiana Suber says at one time more than 800 FEMA workers were in Louisiana providing assistance.

Cut 9 (09) “…in hotels”

Suber says currently only 400 survivors remain in hotels and approximately 1,200 households have been licensed into temporary housing.

And Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces the return of Farmers Insurance to the State of Louisiana.

11:30 LRN Newscast Mar 10

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces the return of Farmers Insurance to the state of Louisiana, offering automobile, property, and renter’s insurance. Farmers sold policies in the state before from 1999 to 2014 but left after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Donelon says having more insurance options helps policyholders.

Cut 3 (04)  “…prices.”  

Louisiana has reached another milestone in getting residents vaccinated against the coronavirus. Governor John Bel Edwards says the number of people who have completed the vaccine series exceeds the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19…

Cut 6 (06) “…milestones.”

Nearly 450-thousand residents in Louisiana have completed the vaccine series.

Sunday marks the first COVID-19 death in Louisiana. During that time doctors have come up with better ways to treat COVID patients. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Chief of Hospital Medicine Doctor Mike Sewell says injecting monoclonal antibodies into patients who are considered high risk from dying from the virus has helped save lives…

Cut 12 (06) “…progressing. ”

Governor John Bel Edwards has made his first public comments about the Husch Blackwell Report that investigated how LSU mishandled sexual assault cases…

Cut 15 (12)“….where else.”
Edwards says it’s important parents know that their children will be safe on a college campus and if something happens it’s investigated properly.

10:30 LRN Newscast Mar 10

A Senate committee is meeting at the Capitol to discuss the handling of sexual misconduct incidents on college campuses. Members of the Legislative Women’s Caucus will attend the meeting, including Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell…

Cut 7 (12)  “…heard.”

They want to receive in-depth responses from all public university systems in the state regarding their handling of sexual misconduct cases, and policies.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he was very troubled after reading the entire Husch Blackwell report that investigated mishandlings of sexual abuse and assault cases at LSU. Edwards says the report also made recommendations on how to improve the Title Nine office and what punishments to enforce.

Cut 13 (09) “…guess it.”

Individuals over the age of 16 with one of two dozen designated health conditions, smokers, or persons with a body mass index greater than 25-percent are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association President Randall Johnson says they are ready to put shots in arms…

cut 4 (09) “…this vaccine”
The state health department says nearly ten-percent of the state’s population is fully vaccinated.

In the 12 months since Louisiana saw its first COVID case, treatment has come a long way. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Chief of Hospital Medicine Dr. Mike Sewell says the current case fatality rate is far lower than it was at the beginning of the pandemic when it was as high as four percent in New Orleans…

Cut 10 (05) “…thousand.”
He says they’ve learned what works and doesn’t work.

 

9:30 LRN Newscast March 10

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility has been expanded in Louisiana to include everyone 16 and older and who has a health condition that makes them more at risk of seriously getting sick or dying from the virus. This includes overweight individuals and smokers and those with asthma, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Pharmacists received a heads up the state would increase eligibility for the COVID vaccine. Brooke Thorington reports pharmacies are prepared.
Cut 1 (32) “…Brooke Thorington”

Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of the first COVID death in Louisiana and since then over nine-thousand people have died from complications of the virus. But advancements have been made in treating the disease…
cut 11 (12) “…steroid”
That’s Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Chief of Hospital Medicine, Doctor Mike Sewell.

Today the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children meet to discuss the Husch Blackwell report that details the mishandling of sexual misconduct and assault cases at LSU. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says the report was eye-opening…
cut 9 (10) “….take place”
LSU has said they plan to implement the 18 recommendations made by Husch Blackwell.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 10

In the 12 months since Louisiana saw its first COVID case, treatment has come a long way. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Chief of Hospital Medicine Dr. Mike Sewell says the current case fatality rate is far lower than it was at the beginning of the pandemic when it was as high as four percent in New Orleans…
Cut 10 (05) “…thousand.”
Sewell says they’ve learned extensive ventilator use and hydroxychloroquine are ineffective ways to treat COVID, while injecting monoclonal antibodies into high-risk patients when they are suffering from mild symptoms has worked.

Pharmacies are scheduling more and more COVID vaccine appointments. Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association President Randall Johnson…
cut 6 (08) “….days”
Individuals as young 16 years old with certain health conditions are now eligible to get vaccinated. Go to covid-vaccine-dot-la-dot-gov to locate a provider.

The State Senate Select Committee on Women and Children meets today to discuss the handling of sexual assault cases on college campuses. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Human remains found near Franklin in early January have been identified as belonging to 39-year-old Casey Marie Collins of the Lafayette area. St. Mary Parish authorities say the investigation is now considered a homicide. Anyone with information should contact the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.

7:30 LRN Newscast March 10

Governor John Bel Edwards has made his first public comments about the Husch Blackwell Report that investigated how LSU mishandled sexual assault cases…
cut 15 (12) “….where else”
Edwards says it’s important parents know that their children will be safe on a college campus and if something happens it’s investigated properly.

The Senate Select Committee on Women and Children plan to discuss this topic at their meeting today at the State Capitol. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell is the chair of the Louisiana Legislative Womens’ Caucus…
cut 8 (12) “…naught”
The committee will hear from sexual assault survivors during their meeting that starts at 10 AM.

Anyone 16 or older who is overweight or who has a health condition the CDC considers likely to put a person at a high risk of serious COVID complications, including asthma, hypertension or Type 1 diabetes is now eligible for the COVID vaccine. Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association president Randall Johnson says they plan to be busy putting shots in arms, but pharmacists have fine-tuned their operations…
cut 5 (11) “….of waste”

Sunday marks the first COVID-19 death in Louisiana. During that time doctors have come up with better ways to treat COVID patients. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Chief of Hospital Medicine Doctor Mike Sewell says injecting monoclonal antibodies into patients who are considered high risk from dying from the virus has helped save lives…
cut 12 (06) “…progressing”

6:30 LRN Newscast

Individuals over the age of 16 with one of two dozen designated health conditions, smokers, or persons with a body mass index greater than 25-percent are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association President Randall Johnson says they are ready to put shots in arms…
cut 4 (09) “…this vaccine”
The state health department says nearly ten-percent of the state’s population is fully vaccinated.

Governor Edwards said he was mortified by the findings in the Husch Blackwell report that examined multiple sexual assault cases that LSU failed to properly handle. Edwards says he’s committed to making sure college campuses enforce guidelines and Title Nine offices are properly staffed…
cut 14 (11) “….report”

Fatal outcomes for those suffering from severe COVID cases are down. Matt Doyle spoke with Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Chief of Hospital Medicine Dr. Mike Sewell about improvements in care…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

AM LRN Newscast March 10

Pharmacists received a heads up that the state would increase eligibility Tuesday for the COVID vaccine. Brooke Thorington reports independent pharmacies are prepared.

Cut 1 (32) “…Brooke Thorington”

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The State Senate Select Committee on Women and Children meets today to discuss the handling of sexual misconduct incidents on college campuses. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Fatal outcomes for those suffering from severe COVID cases are down substantially from this time last year. Matt Doyle spoke with Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Chief of Hospital Medicine Dr. Mike Sewell about improvements in care over the last year…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

____________________________

Providers and pharmacists were notified ahead of the Governor’s announcement Tuesday that COVID vaccinations would be available for those 16 and over with a preexisting health condition. President of Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association Randall Johnson says they are ready.

Cut 4 (09)“…this vaccine.”

It’s been just of two months since vaccines began arriving in the state and weekly allocations have increased over time.  Johnson says pharmacists have been able to fine-tune their operations.

Cut 5 (11)“…of waste.”

Johnson says most pharmacies receive their allotment on Monday morning and begin vaccinations of those with appointments, that afternoon. And now with a third vaccine available, they’re able to schedule even more.

Cut 6 (08) “…days.”

To locate a provider to vaccinated visit CovidVaccine.LA.gov

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A Senate committee meets in the Capitol today at 10 AM to discuss the handling of sexual misconduct incidents on college campuses.

Members of the Legislative Women’s Caucus will attend the meeting, including Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell…

Cut 7 (12)  “…heard.”

The stated purpose of the meeting is to receive in-depth responses from all public university systems in the state regarding their handling of sexual misconduct cases, and the policies in place to respond to such incidents.

Mizell says the goal is to have a dialog with university system leaders about creating policies that make it easier to report an assault, along with clear consequences and a process in place for victims to be heard.

Cut 8 (12) “…naught.”

Mizell says the Husch Blackwell report detailing the mishandling of sexual misconduct and assault cases at LSU put a spotlight on the issue.

Cut 9 (10) “….take place.”

_____________________________

In the 12 months since Louisiana saw its first COVID case treatment has come a long way.

Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Chief of Hospital Medicine Dr. Mike Sewell says the current case fatality rate is far lower than it was this time last year when it was as high as four percent in New Orleans…

Cut 10 (05) “…thousand.”

Sewell says that number began to drop substantially in early fall once enough data was compiled to provide consistently effective treatment.

Many of the early treatments, such as extensive ventilator use, were found to be ineffective. Sewell says some widely used treatments were even harmful.

Cut 11 (12) “…steroid.”

Other abandoned treatments for severe cases include convalescent plasma and hydroxychloroquine.

Another big change involves treating high-risk individuals early in their infection with monoclonal antibodies.

Cut 12 (06) “…progressing. ”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports 9,769 COVID-19 deaths in the state since the start of the pandemic.

_____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says he was very troubled after reading the entire Husch Blackwell report that investigated mishandling of sexual abuse and assault cases at LSU. Edwards says the report also made recommendations on how to improve the Title Nine office and what punishments to enforce.

Cut 13 (09) “…guess it.”

Edwards says it’s imperative young people and their parents know that when they attend a college in Louisiana that they are going to be safe.  He says proper guidelines will be enforced and the Title Nine offices will be staffed with trained personnel.

Cut 14 (11) “…report.” 

Edwards says he’s pleased that LSU made the report available to the public and understands that they are implementing all 18 recommendations from the report to mitigate future mishandlings.

Cut 15 (12)“….where else.”

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The LSU Basketball team seems to be a lock to make the NCAA tournament but the Tigers are still playing for seeding in the Big Dance as they prepare for the SEC tournament. Associate Editor for Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook Blake Lovell says LSU is well-positioned to have success in the conference tournament.

Cut 16 (19) “…matchup standpoint.”

ESPN’s Joe Lunardi projects LSU as an 8 seed in the NCAA tournament which puts them in an 8-9 matchup in round one, with the winner playing the number 1 seed in the second round.  Lovell says that if LSU wins a couple more games they could move up to a 7th seed.

Cut 17 (16) “…seven or higher.”

When it comes to improving their seeding, Lovell says the Tigers can’t afford to lose the first game in the conference tournament.

Cut  18 (11) “…the ten maybe.”