1:30 LRN Newscast Jan 5

Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy are splitting on tomorrow’s Congressional vote to certify the Presidential Election results with Cassidy for and Kennedy against. President Trump has called on Republicans to reject the results, calling them fraudulent. LSU Poli Sci Professor Robert Hogan says that call has GOP members in a bind…

Cut 9 (12) “ contrary”

Courts have rejected Trump’s lawsuits challenging the results and Louisiana’s Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says there is no evidence of cheating.

Unemployed workers are receiving an extra 300-dollars a week. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says the extra money is the result of the COVID relief bill approved by Congress…

Cut 12 (10) “…top of that.” 

The wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow is reportedly considering a run for his seat. USA Today Network reporter Greg Hilburn broke the story Julia Letlow has been asked to run. ULM Poli Science Professor Joshua Stockley says former Congressman Ralph Abraham is also a possibility…

Cut 7 (11) …challengers.”

Qualifying begins January 20th.

A new law took effect this year that requires health insurance companies to cover newly developed precision genetic treatments for cancer patients. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot who authored the bill says before most cancer patients couldn’t get coverage for these types of treatments without a serious fight.

Cut 5  (08) “…treatment” 

12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 5

The state reports that COVID hospitalizations rose by 83 today to 1,974. The record of hospitalization in Louisiana is 1991 setback in April. The State also reports 50 new fatalities from COVID and 56,452 vaccines have been initiated.  On Monday those over the age of 70 and dialysis patients are now eligible to be vaccinated in Louisiana.

A new law took effect this year that requires health insurance companies to cover newly developed precision genetic treatments for cancer patients. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot who authored the law says it was inspired by the experience of one of his friends who had breast cancer.

Cut 4 (09) to her” 

Talbot says before this law went into effect most cancer patients couldn’t get health insurance coverage for these types of treatments without putting up a serious fight.

Unemployed workers are receiving an extra 300-dollars a week on top of the 247-dollars they receive from the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

1130 AM LRN News

USA Today Network of Louisiana reporter Greg Hilburn reports Julia Letlow, the wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, is reportedly considering a run for the 5th Congressional district seat as being asked to run. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s a very personal decision for the 41-year-old…

Cut 6 (11) “…public service.”

Governor Edwards has confirmed the special election to fill the seat will be held in March.

A new law took effect this year that requires health insurance companies to cover newly developed precision genetic treatments for cancer patients. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot authored the law and says it helps cancer paitents wanting to try new procedures.

Cut 3 (12)  “.body”

A diet developed in part by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center in the 90’s is named one of the best diets of 2021 by U.S. News and World Report. The DASH diet features a lot of veggies and complex carbs along with small portions of lean meat and low salt. Director of Dietary Assessment Dr. Catherine Champagne says it’s surprisingly easily to stick to…

Cut 7 (08)  “…a lifestyle.”

A major feature of the diet is that it calls for very limited red meat consumption.

On Monday, the state reported 1,891 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, that’s 100 less than the highest number of 1,991 on April 12th. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter said hospital CEOs will have a call with the Governor today on their current ability to provide care for COVID patients.

Cut 10 (12) “…quality care.”

10:30 LRN Newscast Jan 5

Julia Letlow, the wife late of Congressman-elect of Luke Letlow is considering a run to fill his seat. USA Today Network of Louisiana reporter Greg Hilburn broke the story last night that sources close to 41-year-old Julia Letlow have asked her to run. She’s reportedly spending time with family and reflecting on a decision to run.

Pennington Biomedical’s veggie-heavy DASH diet is named one of the best diets in the nation by U.S. News and World Report for 2021. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

2020 saw some of the biggest civil rights demonstrations in more than a half-century sweep the nation and state over the summer. Southern University Political Science Chair Albert Samuels says the Black Lives Matter protests resulted in a number of symbolic changes. Locally those were most noticeable in the removal of Confederate names and symbols from public buildings and flags.

Cut 5 (06) “…happened.”

Samuels highlighted Mississippi’s removal of the Confederate flag from their state flag, and the increased philanthropic attention paid to Black charities.

The number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital has grown to 1,891, which is just 100 fewer than the high mark set last April. State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says it’s challenging for hospitals to find space for COVID patients…
cut 11 (09) “…ramifications”

The department of health regularly updates their dashboard at noon.

9:30 LRN Newscast January 5

The state health department has reported 1,891 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, which’s 100 less than the highest number of 1,991 on April 12th. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter said hospital CEOs will have a call with the Governor today on their current ability to provide care for COVID patients.
Cut 10 (12) “…quality care.”
And the state health department is telling hospitals with extra coronavirus vaccine they should start providing it to people over the age of 70.

U-S News and World Report names the Dash Diet as one of the best for healthy eating and heart health. LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center helped develop the diet. Doctor Catherine Champagne says the Dash Diet calls for nutrient-dense, low-calorie health foods…
cut 8 (08) “…dairy”

2020 saw some of the biggest civil rights demonstrations in more than a half-century. Southern University Political Science Professor Albert Samuels says the protests were mixed bag politically. He says on one hand, it resulted in an influx of newly registered Democrats, on the other hand, the defund the police movement hurt some Congressional candidates…
cut 6 (10) “…anticipated”

When children are put into protective custody, many times kids are not able to gather all of their personal belongings. There’s a charity called Geaux Bags, which provides foster children with items they need plus a personal note from other children…
cut 15 (06) “…cause”
That’s the director of Geaux Bags, K-C Kilpatrick, who says if you want more information go to geaux bags dot-com.

8:30 LRN Newscast January 5

The state is reporting 1,891 COVID-19 patients in the hospital, the highest that total has been since April. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow is reportedly considering running for the 5th Congressional District seat that’s been left open because of Letlow’s death. The family has told the USA Today Network that Julia Letlow will reflect, pray, and come to a decision on running for her husband’s congressional seat.

U-S News and World Report once again ranks the Dash Diet, developed in part by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, as one of the top diets for healthy eating and heart health. Pennington Professor Doctor Catherine Champagne says the DASH diet has been around since the 1990s, because it’s easy to commit to and easy to keep…
cut 7 (08) “….a lifestyle”
The DASH diet encourages eating foods low in sodium and high in potassium, calcium, fiber, magnesium, and protein.

Foster children are often taken into protective custody with only a few minutes to gather personal belongings. Executive Director of Geaux Bags, K.C. Kilpatrick began her charity seven years ago to help children with the transition, so they have everything they need for their first night in foster care.
Cut 13 (11) “…encouragement.”
For more information go to geaux-bags-dot-org.

7:30 LRN Newscast January 5

The number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital has grown to 1,891, which is just 100 fewer than the high mark set last April. State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says it’s challenging for hospitals to find space for COVID patients…
cut 11 (09) “…ramifications”
Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter has tested positive for COVID-19, but in a Facebook post Hunter says he’s doing well and resting at home.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara remains away from the team after testing positive for the coronavirus last week. Coach Sean Payton says there’s a chance Kamara can play in Sunday’s playoff game against the Chicago Bears…
cut 16 (10) “….be smart”
The Saints also hope to get receiver Michael Thomas back after spending the last three weeks on injured reserve because of an ankle injury.

2020 saw some of the biggest civil rights demonstrations in more than a half-century. Southern University Political Science Chair Albert Samuels says the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police sparked the most sustained period of protest since the 60s civil rights heyday.
Cut 4 (04) “…as well.”
Samuels says the protests led to the removal of Confederate names or those who supported segregation from public buildings, like the LSU library where the Middleton name was removed from the building.

Geaux Four Kids is hoping to grow its operations in 2021. Executive Director of Geaux Bags, K-C Kilpatrick, started her charity seven years ago to help foster children in transition and provide them items they need as they move into their foster home. She says the first two foster children she cared for brought with them drug paraphernalia…
cut 14 (11) ‘…started’
For more information on how to help go to geaux-bags-dot-org.

6:30 LRN Newscast January 5

10,500 doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine have been sent to 107 pharmacies across the state to begin inoculating those over the age of 70 and a group of health care workers. As the vaccination rollout continues, the number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital continues to rise. It’s up to 1,891. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says hospitals are still performing elective surgeries, but that could change….
Cut 12 (08) “…might have to.”

U-S News and World Report ranks the Dash Diet as one of the best for healthy eating and heart health. The Dash Diet was developed in part by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center dietitians. Doctor Catherine Champagne says the Dash diet encourages eating foods low in sodium and you can eat red meat…
cut 9 (07) “…the meat”

2020 saw historic, prolonged civil rights protests. Matt Doyle spoke with a Southern University Professor about a year defined in large part by the Black Lives Matter movement…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

AM LRN Newscall Jan 5

2020 saw historic, prolonged civil rights protests. Matt Doyle spoke with a Southern University Professor about a year defined in large part by the Black Lives Matter movement…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

Pennington Biomedical’s veggie-heavy DASH diet is named one of the best diets in the nation by U.S. News and World Report for 2021. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

_____________________________

The state reported 1,891 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, getting closer each day to beat the record set last spring. Brooke Thorington has more from the state health officer.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

__________________________

2020 saw some of the biggest civil rights demonstrations in more than a half century sweep the nation and state over the summer.

Southern University Political Science Chair Albert Samuels says the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police sparked the most sustained period of protest since the 60s civil rights heyday.

Cut 4 (04) “…as well.”

Floyd was killed on May 25th. By early June major protests had begun in New Orleans, including one that ended in police using gas to disperse a crowd moving towards the Cresent City Connection.

Samuels says the Black Lives Matter protests resulted in a number of symbolic changes. Locally those were most noticeable in the removal of Confederate names and symbols from public buildings and flags.

Cut 5 (06) “…happened.”

Samuels highlighted Mississippi’s removal of the Confederate flag from their state flag, and the increased philanthropic attention paid to Black charities.

Samuels says the protests were a mixed bag politically. On one hand, it resulted in an influx of newly registered Democrats, on the other hand, it popularized the controversial “defund the police” slogan.

Cut 6 (10) “…anticipated.”

______________________________

Pennington Biomedical’s DASH Diet is once again ranked the best overall diet for healthy eating according to U.S. News and World Report.

DASH has been around since the 90s and Director of Dietary Assessment Dr. Catherine Champagne says it’s stood the test of time because it’s easy to commit to and easy to keep.

Cut 7 (08)  “…a lifestyle.”

Dash also came in first for a most heart-healthy diet, second for best diet overall, third best diet for diabetes, and fifth for easiest diet to follow. The diet has ranked in the top five overall for the publication for years.

Champagne says DASH was developed to lower blood pressure and address hypertension. To do that it packs in a ton of nutrient-dense, calorie low health foods.

Cut 8 (08) “…dairy.”

A majority of a plate of a DASH friendly dinner is covered in vegetables and fruits, with some complex carbs like brown rice and a small serving of lean protein like fish or chicken.

The diet calls for two major changes from the way most people eat: notably lower salt and red meat consumption.

Cut 9 (07) “meats.”

________________________

On Monday, the state reported 1,891 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, that’s 100 less than the highest number of 1,991 on April 12th. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter said hospital CEOs will have a call with the Governor today on their current ability to provide care for COVID patients.

Cut 10 (12) “…quality care.”

Kanter says hospitals across the state are extremely busy as opposed to those in only in the New Orleans area last spring. He says it’s been challenging for hospitals to find space for COVID patients.

Cut 11 (09) “…ramifications.

At this time hospitals are still performing surgeries and are not turning patients away but Kanter said that could change depending on the number of properly staffed beds following the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Cut 12 (08) “…might have to.”

Crisis Standard of Care provides a framework for determining who is prioritized to receive scarce resources.

_______________________________________________

Foster children are often taken into protective custody with only a few minutes to gather their personal belongings. Executive Director of Geaux Bags, K.C. Kilpatrick began her charity seven years ago to help children with the transition, so they’ll have everything they need for their first night in foster care.

Cut 13 (11) “…encouragement.”

Kilpatrick was inspired to start the charity, dedicated to providing personal items for children, when the first two foster children she cared for brought with them an item emphasizing the dire need to help the smallest victims of crime.

Cut 14 (11) “…started.” 

Last week Kilpatrick and her husband delivered 800 Geaux Bags to DCFS in New Orleans.  Each bag costs about $100 and is customized for children ranging from infants to teenagers. They are distributed to regional DCFS offices across the state.

Kilpatrick always includes a letter of encouragement for each bag and many of those letters are from other children. She says it’s important to let them know they are not alone.

Cut 15 (06)“…didn’t cause.”

If you’d like to donate or help Geaux Bags with their packing event go to GeauxBags.org for more info, that G-E-A-U-X.

_____________________________________

With the Saints set to host Chicago on Sunday instead of Saturday, it opens the door for running back Alvin Kamara to play against the Bears. Kamara is on the reserve COVID-19 list after testing positive for the coronavirus last week. Coach Sean Payton says it remains to be seen if Kamara can play as he will miss practice this week…

Cut 16 (10) “…be smart.”

Sunday’s playoff game is a rematch of a November 1st contest in Chicago in which the Saints won in overtime. Nick Foles was the starting Q-B for the Bears and now it’s Mitch Trubisky. Payton says Chicago’s offense is different with Trubisky as the signal-caller…

Cut 17 (17) “team yeah.”

 _______________________________________________

Alabama wide receiver and former Amite star Devonta Smith is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy tonight. A virtual awards ceremony will take place as Smith is one of four finalists. His high school football coach at Amite, Zephaniah Powell, says it’s amazing Smith might win the Heisman…

Cut  18 (18) “…well deserved.”

Smith has caught 105 passes for 1,641 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Crimson Tide. Powell says Smith stepped up his game after fellow wideout Jaylen Waddle broke his ankle in a game against Tennessee on October 24th…

Cut 19 (18) “…been big.”

Smith has been a big part of Alabama’s success the last four seasons. During his freshman campaign, he caught the winning touchdown pass in overtime to beat Georgia in the national championship game. Powell says he’s seen Smith become more explosive during his time in Tuscaloosa

 cut 20 (10) “….off the ball.”

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 4

Those over 70 and people on dialysis are now eligible to receive the Moderna COVID vaccine at one of 107 pharmacies across the state, but due to a limited number of vaccines, you’ll have to make an appointment at that pharmacy to be vaccinated. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says each pharmacy only received 100 doses of the vaccine…

Cut 7 (11) …what it is.”

The list of pharmacies is available online at COVID-Vaccine-Dot-LA-Dot-Gov.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter has tested positive for COVID. Hunter announced on his Facebook page that he tested positive last week, is doing well and resting at home. Hunter has canceled several public engagements for the week. Lake Charles is in the midst of recovery efforts from Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

The state’s senior U.S. Senator, Republican Bill Cassidy, was sworn in for a second six-year term Sunday. Cassidy’s most recent legislative achievement came as part of a bipartisan coalition that crafted the recent COVID relief bill. UL Lafayette Poly Science Professor Pearson Cross says the Senator is positioned to be quite influential…

Cut 5  (09) “…to come” 

Saints ended the regular season at 12-4 and since the Saints will host Chicago on Sunday, it increases the chances that running back Alvin Kamara can play after testing positive for COVID. Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins says the team understands the importance of avoiding a COVID.

Cut 10 (12) “..the playoffs”

Kickoff Sunday is at 3:40