11:30 LRN Newscast Feb 5

LSU has confirmed five students living off-campus have come down with the mumps. Doctor Frank Welch with the state office of public health says the contagious disease can spread through contact with saliva or respiratory droplets…

Cut 3 (09)  “…very seriously” 

Republican lawmakers in the House will chair the financial and redistricting panels, but Democrats have chairmanships over five committees. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James is the new chairman of House Criminal Justice Committee and he plans to hold an extensive public hearing on repealing the death penalty…

cut 6 (12) “…crime”
It’s been ten years since Louisiana carried out an execution.

In Louisiana, the leading cause of death is homicide for pregnant women, or women who have just given birth, that’s according to a joint study between Tulane and LSU. Mariah Wineski Executive Director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence highly encourages females in a domestic situation that fall into this category, to seek help immediately.

Cut 12 (12) “…unborn child”

The LSU Alexandria Foundation receives a $460,000 contribution from six community partners to fund the expansion of the nursing program.  Foundation director Melinda Anderson says the money will fund scholarships as well as the salary and benefits of an additional faculty member over the next four years.

Cut 14 (07) “…students every year.”

10:30 LRN newscast

The House Criminal Justice Committee will be headed up by a Baton Rouge Democrat who will take on some of the session’s most controversial topics. Matt Doyle spoke with Ted James…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Louisiana’s U-S Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy are expected to vote with fellow Republican Senators in acquitting President Donald Trump on two articles of impeachment. The Advocate reports the senators have received thousands of emails and phone calls from constituents voicing their opinions.

During the State of the Union, President Trump endorsed Senator Bill Cassidy’s legislation that would allow parents in the private workforce to have an extended absence from work through the help of tax credits. The president also says he wants to put an end to surprise medical billing. Cassidy says legislation like this can help sooth the bitter partisan divide…
cut 9 (10) “…start”

The LSU-Alexandria Foundation has received a 460-thousand dollar financial gift from six community partners that will be used to admit an additional 40 nursing students per year at L-S-U-A. Foundation director Melinda Anderson says the positive impact will reach beyond the students, it will lead to an increased number of registered nurses in cenLa…
cut 15 (10) “….public-private partnerships”

9:30 LRN Newscast February 5

In last night’s State of the Union, President Donald Trump endorsed a bipartisan bill supported by Senator Bill Cassidy that would allow parents to receive a larger child tax credit in their child’s first year after birth or adoption. He says it’s a favorite of the President’s daughter…
Cut 7 (08) “…mandates.”
The legislation would be paid for by drawing from a parent’s future child tax credits.

Baton Rouge Democrat Ted James has been named House Criminal Justice Committee Chairman and he hopes to build on the bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation approved in 2017 which significantly reduced the state’s prison population…
Cut 4 (12) “…crimes.”
Louisiana retook the title of the nation’s highest per capita incarcerator last year after briefly dropping to 49th.

Homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant women in Louisiana according to a joint study from Tulane and LSU. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

LSU has confirmed five students living off-campus have come down with the mumps. LSU officials advise students to seek treatment if they have swollen and tender glands under their ears or jaw.

The Louisiana Health Department is looking into dozens of reported stomach-related illness from individuals who attended a Mardi Gras Ball at L’auberge Casino in Lake Charles. State health officials want to make sure there is not a further threat to the public.

8:30 LRN Newscast February 5

In Louisiana, the death rate for pregnant women is twice the national average and the leading cause of death for expectant mothers is homicide, that’s according to a joint study between Tulane and LSU. These numbers come as no surprise to Mariah Wineski Executive Director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Cut 10 (09) “…also preventable”
Of the 119 pregnancy-related deaths in Louisiana from January 2016 to December 2017, 13-percent were homicides.

During the State of the Union, President Trump endorsed Senator Bill Cassidy’s legislation that would allow parents in the private workforce to have an extended absence from work through the help of tax credits. The president also says he wants to put an end to surprise medical billing. Cassidy says legislation like this can help sooth the bitter partisan divide…
cut 9 (10) “…start”

The LSU Alexandria Foundation receives a $460,000 contribution to fund the expansion of its nursing program. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Today is national signing day and LSU has the ability to add six more players to a 2020 recruiting class that’s ranked by Rivals and 24-7 sports as the fourth-best int he country. The Tigers are hoping to sign five-star defensive tackle Jordan Burch, who is committed to South Carolina but has shown a lot of interest in LSU.

7:30 LRN Newscast February 5

LSU and Tulane researchers have found that out of the 119 pregnancy-related deaths in Louisiana from January 2016 to December 2017, 13-percent were the result of a homicide. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence executive director Mariah Wineski says more needs to be done to protect pregnant women who are in a dangerous situation…
cut 11 (11) “….can play”
Domestic violence victims can seek help by calling the Louisiana Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-888-411-1333.

In last night’s State of the Union, President Trump said patients should never be blindsided by medical bills. Louisiana Senior Senator Bill Cassidy has been pushing legislation to end surprise medical billing…
cut 8 (13) “…network”
The president also called on Congress to pass a plan to lower prescription drug prices.

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James is one of five Democrats that will serve as a chairman in the Louisiana Legislature this year. James says he plans to file a marijuana decriminalization bill …
cut 5 (09) “…areas”
Possession of marijuana has been decriminalized in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

The LSU Alexandria Foundation receives a $460,000 contribution from six community partners to fund the expansion of its nursing program. Foundation director Melinda Anderson says this helps combat the nursing shortage in Central Louisiana.
Cut 13 (10) “…some more nurses.”
The 460-thousand dollar commitment will allow them to admit an additional 40 nursing students per year.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football has signed 19 players for its 2020 recruiting class heading into today’s February National Signing Date. The Tigers are expected to sign at least three players today including four-star running Kevontre Bradford from Lancaster High in Texas. 24-7 sports recruiting analyst Shea Dixon…
cut 19 (13) “…..Acadiana area”
LSU is in the hunt for five-star defensive lineman Jordan Burch, who is currently committed to South Carolina. The Tigers have also made a push to sign undecided defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson of Mississippi.

The Ragin Cajuns have agreed to a home-and-home football series with UAB. U-L Lafayette is set to play in Birmingham in 2023 and the Blazers will visit Cajun Field in 2026.

The Pelicans battled Milwaukee last night who has the best record in the NBA but in the end, the Bucks were too much, beating New Orleans 120 to 108. Coach Alvin Gentry says his squad made too many mistakes…
cut 30 (25) “….fast breakpoints”
Brandon Ingram had 32 points for the Pels and rookie Zion Williamson added 20 points but was just 5 of 19 from the field. New Orleans is at Chicago tomorrow.

18th ranked LSU is at Vanderbilt tonight. The first-place Tigers in the SEC need to win to stay two games ahead of Kentucky and Auburn, who both won last night.

Nicholls is at Southland Conference leader Stephen F Austin. Tip time is at 6:30. The Colonels had a week to prepare for this one.

6:30 LRN Newscast February 5

In last night’s State of the Union, President Donald Trump endorsed a bipartisan bill supported by Senator Bill Cassidy that would allow parents to receive a larger child tax credit in their child’s first year after birth or adoption. He says it’s a favorite of the President’s daughter…
Cut 7 (08) “…mandates.”
The legislation would be paid for by drawing from a parent’s future child tax credits.

The LSU-Alexandria Foundation receives a 460-thousand dollar gift that would allow them to train more registered nurses that could be added to the central Louisiana workforce. LSU-A foundation director Melinda Anderson says the money will fund scholarships as well as the salary and benefits of an additional faculty member…
cut 14 (07) “….students every year”

Republican lawmakers in the House will chair the financial and redistricting panels, but Democrats have chairmanships over five committees. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James is the new chairman of House Criminal Justice Committee and he plans to hold an extensive public hearing on repealing the death penalty…
cut 6 (12) “…crime”
It’s been ten years since Louisiana carried out an execution.

A good portion of the state is under a slight risk for severe weather. The heightened severe weather threat stretches from northeast Louisiana through most of central Louisiana and most of south Louisiana. Damaging winds and flooding are possible.

AM Newscall 02/05/2020

The House Criminal Justice Committee will be headed up by a Baton Rouge Democrat who will take on some of the session’s most controversial topics. Matt Doyle spoke with Ted James…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_________________________________________

Homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant women in Louisiana according to a joint study from Tulane and LSU. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

____________________________________________

The LSU Alexandria Foundation receives a $460,000 contribution to fund the expansion of the nursing program.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________________________

Baton Rouge Democrat Ted James is named Criminal Justice Committee Chairman, and plans to approach incarceration reform, marijuana, and capital punishment with a focus on their fiscal impact.

The bipartisan criminal justice reform of 2017 significantly reduced the state’s prison population, but James says he will guide the committee towards further reductions with a new pitch.

Cut 4 (12) “…crimes.”

Louisiana retook the title of the nation’s highest per capita incarcerator last year after briefly dropping to 49th following the 2017 criminal justice reform.

Marijuana decriminalization is spreading to more states every year, and James says he plans on introducing decriminalization legislation to the committee with a focus on the cost savings.

Cut 5 (09) “…areas.”

Louisiana currently allows for the tightly regulated sale of medical marijuana for patients with certain conditions.

James says capital punishment repeal is likely to be back on the docket and compared to previous years he plans on permitting an extensive public hearing on the topic.

Cut 6 (12) “…crime.”

James also anticipates gun legislation will be addressed as well.

_____________________________

President Trump highlighted two bills by Senator Bill Cassidy last night, one focusing on parental leave and the other targeting surprise medical billing.

Cassidy’s family leave bill would allow parents to receive a larger child tax credit in their child’s first year after birth or adoption. He says it’s a favorite of the President’s daughter…

Cut 7 (08) “…mandates.”

The legislation would be paid for by drawing from parent’s future child tax credits.

Cassidy says he and Trump have heard endless horror stories from constituents that prompted his surprise medical billing proposal.

Cut 8 (13) “…network.”

The legislation would address the sky-high bills that come with receiving out of network procedures when the patient isn’t aware they are out of network.

The two bills will be up for consideration in a post impeachment Congress that just finished a bitter partisan battle. Cassidy says legislation like this can help get the two chambers on track.

Cut 9 (10) “start”

____________________

In Louisiana, the death rate for pregnant women is twice the national average and the leading cause of death for expectant mothers is homicide, that’s according to a joint study between Tulane and LSU. These numbers come as no surprise to Mariah Wineski Executive Director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Cut 10 (09) “…also preventable”

Of the 119 pregnancy-related deaths in Louisiana from January 2016 to December 2017, 13-percent were homicides. Wineski says healthcare providers can help identify women who might need assistance if they are in a dangerous situation.

Cut 11 (11) “…can play”

Maternal deaths are defined as anything occurring during pregnancy or the year after birth. Wineski highly encourages females in a domestic situation that fall into this category, to seek help immediately.

Cut 12 (12) “…unborn child”

If you are experiencing domestic violence contact the Louisiana Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-888-411-1333 for assistance.

_____________________________________

The LSU Alexandria Foundation receives a $460,000 contribution from six community partners to fund the expansion of the nursing program.  Foundation director Melinda Anderson says this helps combat the nursing shortage in Central Louisiana.

Cut 13 (10) “…some more nurses.”

The money will fund scholarships as well as the salary and benefits of an additional faculty member over the next four years.

Cut 14 (07) “…students every year.”

Anderson says the positive impact will reach beyond the students and says the whole region will see a substantial benefit.

Cut 15 (10) “…public private partnership.”

LSUA and the Department of Nursing has a year to year passing rate of around 94 percent.

__________________________________________

The 18th ranked LSU men’s basketball team looks to extend its winning streak to eleven games tonight and improve to 9-0 in the SEC when they visit Vanderbilt. Former NBA player Jerry Stackhouse is in his first season as head coach of the Commodores and Tigers Coach Will Wade says Vandy is a well coached team…

Cut 16  (14)  …spot” 

But the Commodores have yet to win a game in the SEC this season. Wade says Vanderbilt’s ability to make a bunch of three-pointers makes them a dangerous team…..

Cut 17  (19) “for 3″ 

Vanderbilt averages eight made three-pointers a game. Tip off tonight is at 8.

________________________________________________________

LSU football looks to put the finishing touches on its best recruiting class in more than a decade as today begins the second national signing period for the 2020 class . 24-7 sports recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says the Tigers are hoping five-star defensive end Jordan Burch signs at LSU, even though he is committed to South Carolina, but Burch knows LSU is one of the best football programs in the country

cut 18  (21) ” this one”   

Burch is from South Carolina and is scheduled to announce where he’ll sign at noon central time.

Dixon says LSU is expecting a signed national letter of intent from four-star running back Kevontre Bradford out of Lancaster High in Texas

cut 19 (13)  Acadiana area”  

Dixon says LSU also reached into Texas to get a commitment from four-star defensive back Dwight McGlotern from Klein Oak High in Texas. He says McGlothern is expected to sign today…

cut 20 (15) “ bit of both”    

530PM LRN News

Senator Bill Cassidy says he will not vote to remove President Trump tomorrow in the final day of the Senate impeachment trial. He spoke for nine minutes on the floor, ending his comments by quoting then-Congressman, and now Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer’s 1998 Clinton impeachment speech…

Cut 5 (06) “…prophet.”

Democrats allege the President used military aide to pressure Ukraine into investigating his political rival, Joe Biden.

A Tulane study gives credence to the idea that colorectal cancer screenings should begin at 45. The study found a 46 percent increase in diagnoses from age 49 to 50 and Tulane Associate Clinical Professor Dr. Jordan Karlitz says they also found 93 percent of cases discovered at age 50 had been growing for quite some time…

Cut 10 (07) “radiation” 

A new, potentially lethal drug has been discovered in a St. Mary Parish traffic stop.  It’s called “gray death” and it is heroin cut with fentanyl. St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson David Spencer says this drug is fairly new, first popping up around Georgia and Alabama in 2017.

Cut 8 (11) “…new to us.”

He says it looks like concrete or limestone.

The CDC launches a first of its kind virtual human simulation tool to help cancer survivors adopt healthier behaviors. It’s called Talk to Someone, a place to ask questions and engage in conversations with Linda, a virtual cancer survivor. Cancer survivor Rebecca Shimkets says there’s no shame in having challenges and reaching out for help…

Cut 14 (07) “…to reach out.”

There are nearly 17 million cancer survivors in the US, with 22 million projected in ten years.

430PM LRN News

A final removal vote in the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump is set for tomorrow, and Senator Bill Cassidy says he will vote against removing the Commander in Chief. Polls show a near dead even split on public opinion related to impeachment and removal, and Cassidy says you can’t undo an election without a strong consensus.

Cut 4 (09) “…society.”

Democrats allege the President used military aide to pressure Ukraine into investigating his political rival, Joe Biden.

A new, potentially lethal drug has been discovered in a St. Mary Parish traffic stop.  It’s called “gray death” and it is heroin cut with fentanyl.  St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson David Spencer says  it doesn’t look like heroin that officials are used to seeing on the street.

Cut 7 (09) “…pieces of concrete.”

There’s an active debate in the medical community about whether to start colorectal cancer screenings at 45 or 50, and a study by Tulane indicates starting screenings before 50 may be the better choice. Tulane Associate Clinical Professor Dr. Jordan Karlitz studied cancer rate increases on a year to year basis, and found a 46 percent increase in diagnoses from ages 49 to 50…

Cut 9 (10) “increase”

The increase from 49 to 50 was particularly noticeable in men, who saw a 53 percent increase in diagnoses.

The CDC launches a first of its kind virtual human simulation tool to help cancer survivors adopt healthier behaviors. It’s called Talk to Someone, a place to ask questions and engage in conversations with Linda, a virtual cancer survivor, about a variety of topics, including mental health. Cancer survivor Rebecca Shimkets…

Cut 12 (13) “…I was having.”