11:30 LRN Newscast March 1st

Legislative leaders say they are putting together a tax reform plan that will be debated during the regular session that begins April 12th. Senate President Page Cortez says because of the complexity of the current tax structure, they want to bring stability, simplicity, and predictability to the state’s tax code.

Cut 3 (10)  “…we will be successful”  

The Workforce Commission reports the state unemployment system was bombarded with fraudulent applications last year, but most were rejected. 28,000 suspected cases of attempted fraud have been turned over to law enforcement. And it’s suspected an additional 60,000 could be fraud attempts. Assistant Secretary of Unemployment Insurance Robert Wooley says these applications have incomplete information, and…

Cut 5 (10)“…fraud.”

The Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1st, but a committee at the National Hurricane Center is looking at changing the start date to May 15th. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the two-week jumpstart might be justified.

Cut 7 (11)  “…six seasons.”

The Johnson and Johnson one dose COVID-19 vaccine has received emergency use authorization and doses should arrive in the state this week.  Tulane School of Medicine Professor Dr. Lisa Morici says data shows the J & J vaccine doesn’t have any of the severe allergic reactions shown with the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

Cut 13 (11) “…injection site.”

The J & J vaccine also doesn’t require deep cold storage making it ideal for rural transport.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 1

State health officials expect to receive 38-thousand doses of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine this week after the Food and Drug Administration authorized the J-and-J one-shot dose for emergency approval. Tulane School of Medicine Professor Doctor Lisa Morici says the J-and-J vaccine doesn’t require extensive cold storage like the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines…

Cut 15 (09)“…is great.”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports the state unemployment system was bombarded with fraudulent applications last year, but most were rejected. The Workforce Commission has turned over 28,000 suspected cases of attempted unemployment insurance fraud to law enforcement. Secretary Ava Dejoie says those attempts failed.

Cut 4 (04)“…went off.”

Many teachers are scoffing at the Governor’s proposed 400-dollar teacher pay raise, calling it far too little.  Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana Director Dr. Keith Courville says the Governor needs to add an extra zero to that figure if he wants to rival the pay teachers can find in neighboring states.

Cut 10 (09) “…faculty.”

The National Hurricane Center is considering whether the start of the hurricane season should be moved up from June 1st to May 15th. A named storm has formed before June 1st in each of the last six years. State Climatologist Barry Keim questions is it because we detecting storms sooner or is climate responsible for the jumpstart.

Cut 8 (06) “…of it.”

The 2020 season began May 16th when Arthur formed off the east coast of Florida.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast Feb 27

Louisiana State Police are seeking to identify victims in St. Tammany Parish after the arrest of 28-year old Joseph William Haidler of Mandeville was extradited back from the Virgin Islands last July. LSP says Haidler used the social media app Snapchat to lure young girls for sexually explicit content. They are asking victims to come forward, visit LSP’s facebook page for photos of the suspect.

State officials say there is a critical need for blood donations due to supply disruptions caused by last week’s winter storms. Governor John Bel Edwards asks if you have a regularly scheduled blood donation appointment to see if you are able to move it up to this weekend.

Cut 4 (10) “…right now” 

You can call 2-1-1 to be directed to a donation center near you.

The Governor’s 36-billion-dollar spending plan for the next fiscal year is about 186 million dollars bigger than last year and the bulk of that spending increase comes on the education side. The budget plan will be debated by the Legislature in April. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne hopes these proposals won’t be rolled back…

Cut 8 (12) “…investments.” (reduce)

A Central Louisiana lawmaker wants the Department of Education to use part of a billion-dollar federal grant to help construct broadband internet infrastructure in the state. Avoyelles State Representative Darryl Deshotel says the CARES funding is designated to be used for COVID-related expenses and students need internet access as soon as possible.

Cut 10 (11) “…future.” 

9:30 LRN Newscast Feb 27

With the State Department of Education to receive one-billion in CARES funding, one lawmaker is urging them to use part of the funds to help close the digital divide.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

Governor Edwards says the state is in critical need of blood donations after last week’s winter storms caused disruptions.

Cut 5  (11)  “…serious.” 

Each state agency is legally obligated to reveal how many sexual harassment complaints it has each year and if those complaints result in disciplinary action, however, Attorney General Jeff Landry chose not to disclose in a report due February 15th that one of his top deputies Pat Magee received a salary cut and had to undergo mandatory training after a sexual harassment complaint, claiming Magee was reprimanded for inappropriate behavior.

Many parents struggle with getting their children to eat healthy, Pediatrician and Mom Dr. Candice Jones says if possible, children should be breastfed for the first six months of life and then begin introducing them to nutritious pureed food gradually, one new food group at a time.

Cut 13 (10)“…vegetables.”

She suggests introducing vegetables and fruits via a smoothie made with low-fat yogurt.

8:30 LRN Newscast Feb 27

38-year old Martinus Mitchum a Tulane University police officer was killed last night while providing security at a high school basketball playoff game in New Orleans. The man suspected of shooting Mitchem has been identified as 35-year-old John Shallerhorn who was booked with a count of first-degree murder of a police officer.

The Edwards administration has proposed a 36-billion-dollar budget plan for next fiscal year, a 186 million dollar increase over the current year.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

State officials say there is a critical need for blood donations due to supply disruptions caused by last week’s winter storms. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says donating blood is quick and easy. You can call 2-1-1 to be directed to a donation center near you.

Cut 3 (07)  “…twice” 

Avoyelles State Representative Darryl Deshotel is asking the State Department of Education to use part of the more than one billion it is receiving in CARES Federal Funding to assist areas of the state that lack broadband access. He says the CARES funding is designated to be used for COVID-related expenses and students need internet access as soon as possible.

Cut 10 (11) “…future.” 

Deshotel says the Federal Government has designated $349-million for broadband infrastructure in the state but says it’s going to take another 400 to 500-million to close to the digital divide.

 

1:30 LRN Newscast Feb 26

State officials say there is a critical need for blood donation in Louisiana right now due to supply disruptions caused by last week’s winter storms. Governor Edwards says this appeal comes directly from the state’s hospitals…

Cut 5  (11)  “…serious.” 

Avoyelles State Representative Darryl Deshotel is asking the State Department of Education to use part of the more than one billion it is receiving in CARES Federal Funding to assist areas of the state that lack broadband access. Deshotel says the federal government has given the state $300-million in vouchers for students to buy broadband access, however…

Cut 11 (12) “…remote learning.

As parents struggle with getting their children to eat healthy the American Academy of Pediatrics has some tips on how to first introduce your kids to more nutritious meals. Pediatrician and Mom Dr. Candice Jones says since small children eat small amounts parents need to make every bite count.

Cut 12 (08) “ …protein.” 

Jones says try to introduce fruit and vegetables with low-fat yogurt in the form of smoothies to make food more appealing for young children.

Next week Louisiana will potentially receive 134,000 doses of COVID vaccine, the state’s largest-ever weekly allocation. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they expect to receive 97,650 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and if Johnson and Johnson receives approval…

Cut 13 (06) “…doses.”

12:30 LRN Newcast Feb 26

Avoyelles State Representative Darryl Deshotel is asking the State Department of Education to use part of the more than one billion its receiving in CARES Federal Funding to assist areas of the state that lack broadband access. The funding is designated to be used for COVID-related expenses and Deshotel says some 200-thousand students need internet sooner than later.

Cut 10 (11) “…future.” 

 

State officials say there is a critical need for blood donation in Louisiana right now due to supply disruptions caused by last week’s winter storms. Governor Edwards asks if you have a regularly scheduled blood donation appointment see if you’re able to move it up to today or this weekend.

Cut 4 (10) “…right now” 

You can call 2-1-1 to find a donation center near you.

Next week Louisiana will potentially receive 134,000 doses of the COVID vaccine, the state’s largest-ever weekly allocation. Roughly 1.5 million Louisianans are now eligible to receive a vaccine. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says this will make it much easier to get your appointment.

Cut 15 (08)“…supply yet.”

 

The state reports 898 new COVID-19 cases and 26 new fatalities. Hospitalizations continue to fall, currently the state reports 651.

10:30 LRN Newscast Feb 26

The Edwards Administration presents its budget for the next fiscal year this morning to the Joint Budget Committee. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

 

A Caddo Parish man faces numerous criminal charges related to the January 6th riot on the nation’s capital. 27-year-old Cody Connell of Vivian and his cousin Daniel Adams of Texas pleaded not guilty in Federal court Friday. Among the charges assaulting a federal officer.  Connell posted videos of himself and his cousin at the Capitol on social media according to the FBI complaint.

Next week Louisiana will potentially receive 134,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, its largest weekly allocation to date. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they expect to receive 52-thousand Pfizer doses, 45-thousand Moderna doses, and if Johnson and Johnson receives federal approval today as expected…
Cut 13 (06) “…doses.”
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is easier to transport and store than the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

One of the owners of Rock ‘n Bowl Lafayette and New Orleans, Johnny Blancher says the pandemic has crippled his business and his venue is prepared to bring live music back and he has a safe and proven way to do so but his efforts to meet with the Governor’s office about it have hit a sour note.

Cut 5 (10)“…access.”

Blancher also says the state is losing talented musicians that have left for other states due to lack of work.

AM Newscall LRN Feb 26

A music venue owner says there’s a safe air filtration invention that will safely allow live music in Louisiana but he’s not being heard. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…Brooke Thorington.”

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The Edwards Administration presents its budget for the next fiscal year today at 1:30 PM to the Joint Budget Committee. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Louisiana looks set to receive its largest-ever weekly allocation of COVID vaccines next week. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m  Matt Doyle.”  

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One of the owners of Rock ‘n Bowl Lafayette and New Orleans, Johnny Blanchard says not only is the pandemic destroying his businesses it’s also eroding the state’s rich music culture.

Cut 4 (09)“…Louisiana.”

Blancher says his venue is prepared to bring live music back and he has a safe and proven way to do so but his efforts to meet with the Governor’s office about it have hit a sour note.

Cut 5 (10)“…access.”

Blanchaer says the method he wants to use to assist with the pandemic is currently being used on airlines and he’s tried to present the technology to state officials in an effort to help live music return safely.

Cut 6 (10) “…COVID-19.”

He also believes COVID restrictions are also causing us to lose talented musicians that have left the state to find work. Blancher fears they will not return the longer we wait to bring back live music in Louisiana.

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the budget that his administration will present today to the Legislature will feature no cuts despite economic damage caused by the pandemic.

Governor Edwards says that’s because the state is still benefiting from the CARES Act and increased federal support for Medicaid.

Cut 7 (09)  “…so bright.”

The budget does not include the over 100 million dollars in loans the state owes the federal government due to the depletion of the unemployment insurance trust fund.

Edwards says they managed to find the money to increase funding for higher education and K-12.

Cut 8 (07) “…dollars.”

TOPS will also see an increase in funding due to increased student eligibility for the program.

Edwards says the budget does not take into consideration any additional federal aid.

Cut 9 (08) “…funding.”

Congressional Democrats proposed a 1.9 trillion dollar American Rescue Plan that includes 350 billion dollars in state aid.

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement has cited a number of people for alleged illegal deer hunting activity in St. Landry Parish. LWDF spokesperson Adam Einck says enforcement received a tip on January 12th of people hunting from their vehicle off the interstate near Ville Platte.

Cut 10 (07) “…I-49.”

Einck says they arrested Brannon Buller and Toni Le Blue, both of Ville Platte for a number of hunting violations, which include tagging another person’s deer and hunting without a license.

Cut 11 (07) “…at night.”

Logan Morrison and Holden Ledger both of Ville Platte were also cited for hunting during illegal hours and from a public road and moving vehicle.

Cut 12 (12) “…related ”

Agents also cited eight others for buying deer meat illegally from Buller.

_____________________________

Next week Louisiana will potentially receive 134,000 doses of COVID vaccine, the state’s largest-ever weekly allocation.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they expect to receive 52,650 Pfizer doses, 45,000 Moderna doses, and if Johnson and Johnson receives approval today as is expected…

Cut 13 (06) “…doses.”

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is reportedly much easier to transport and store than Moderna and Pfizer and J&J only requires one shot as opposed to a two-shot sequence.

Nearly 600,000 Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. Kanter says that number is set to start growing at a much faster rate.

Cut 14 (11) “…exciting.” 

Reports estimate that with vaccine rollout ramping up the United States could reach COVID herd immunity sometime in late summer/early fall.

Roughly 1.5 million Louisianans are now eligible to receive a vaccine. Kanter says this will make it much easier to get your appointment.

Cut 15 (08)“…supply yet.”

Recently teachers and those 55 and older with certain medical conditions gained vaccine eligibility.

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The LSU baseball team is 3-1 after the first week of play and has shown the ability to put up runs.  Freshman outfielder Dylan Crews has been a bright spot so far, batting .444 with 2 homeruns through the first four games.  Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s not surprised by Crews’ early success.

Cut 16 (16) “…confident in himself.”

While Crews seems to have made an easy transition, he says that the atmosphere has been the biggest surprise so far.

Cut 17 (12) “…crazy.”

Even though he’s still adjusting to the crowds. Crews said it was the Tiger faithful that made him want to come to Baton Rouge.

Cut  18 (11) “…feel the welcome.”

______________________________________________

Louisiana Tech will play baseball on campus for the first time in over two years when they host a weekend series against Southern in J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.  Coach Lane Burroughs says his team is excited to play in the new ballpark.

Cut 19 (11) “…your own home.” 

No fans will be allowed in the stadium this weekend because not everything is finished.  Burroughs is hopeful that fans can enjoy a game soon.

Cut 20  (11) “…get those things.” 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Feb 25

A study out of LSU shows in the nearly 50 years since the Clean Water Act’s passage the Mississippi River has seen a tremendous improvement in water quality. Coastal Sciences Professor Eugene Turner says the Act’s environmental regulations limiting what you could dump into US waterways worked wonders…

Cut 3 (11)  “…amazing.” 

Louisiana’s U-S Senators voted against the nomination of former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as the country’s new Energy Secretary. Bill Cassidy told Granholm during her confirmation hearing that President Joe Biden’s plans to move away from fossil fuels to green energy are a job killer…

Cut 12 (12) “ …form though.” 

Granholm as confirmed 64 to 35.

The number of deaths in Louisiana linked to last week’s historic winter weather has increased to six. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (28) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is encouraging people to report any property damage sustained during the winter weather last week in hopes of receiving federal funding by going to damage.la.gov and filling out a survey.  Now you can complete a survey through text or by dialing 211.