1130 AM LRN News

41 million dollars was recovered by the Louisiana Department of Insurance related to 1,500 complaints filed against insurers for issues stemming from last year’s three hurricanes. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the complaint process saves residents the effort of having to take their insurer to court over claim delays and underpayments…

Cut 3, 10 seconds, lives

Of the 41 million recovered 38 million was related to Hurricane Laura.

Two cases of a COVID-19 variant that first was spotted in India have been discovered in Louisiana.  LSU Health Shreveport Virologist Dr. Jeremy Kamil (Camille) says the two cases were detected in Caddo Parish.

Cut 13 (06) “…out there.”

There’s concern this strain is more transmissible than what we currently have, but vaccines appear to be effective against it.

Today through Friday job seekers can attend virtual job fairs featuring over 100 employers hosted by the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Erik Piccoli has more

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli”

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is mourning the death of a deputy shot in the line of duty in January of 2016. Detective Stephen Arnold worked on a DEA Task Force and was shot multiple times while serving a warrant in New Orleans. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Arnold was under intense medical care until he died. The suspect is serving 35 years in federal prison.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU baseball is a nine-seed in the SEC Tournament and will play Georgia on Tuesday afternoon after winning their final three conference series to finish with a 13-and-17 league record. The Tigers concluded the regular season with an eight to two win over Texas A-and-M. Zach Arnold hit a two-run homer on Saturday
Cut 16 (15) “…make a run at it.”
Tomorrow’s game versus the Bulldogs in Hoover, Alabama is set for 4:30 PM.

ULM will also begin play in the Sun Belt Tournament tomorrow. The Warhawks finished third in the West and they’ll face Georgia State in a Pool play contest. The Ragin Cajuns, who won the West Division, will face Texas State on Wednesday.

Southern will make its 10th NCAA Tournament Appearance, they won the SWAC Tourney title yesterday as they defeated Jackson State seven to six.

Saints president Dennis Lauscha said in an interview on the team’s website that they expect 100-percent full attendance at home games inside the Superdome in 2021. Lauscha also noted that getting as many people vaccinated as possible is a priority for the franchise.

Former Rummel and Nicholls defensive back Quinton “Pig” Cage” has tranferred to LSU. Cage says he will be a preferred walk-on after making 30 tackles, eleven for a loss, in seven games for the Colonels this past spring.

Former LSU Quarterback T-J Finley announces he’s transferring to Auburn. Finley made five starts for the Tigers last season, winning two of those games against South Carolina and Arkansas. Finley did not play well in a blowout loss to Auburn last fall.

After winning the Baton Rouge Regional with an eight to five win over the Ragin Cajuns on Sunday in a winner take all matchup, LSU softball will host a Super Regional Series against Florida State. The best of three series will begin Thursday night at Tiger Park.

10:30 LRN Newscast May 23

State Police has released all of the video evidence they have from their encounter with Ronald Greene in 2019, a Black man who died in police custody. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

A 32-year-old Delhi man is dead after his mid-sized SUV rear-ended a tractor-trailer, lodged underneath, and caught fire. State Police say Ian Petit was killed shortly after 6:30 Sunday night on Interstate 20 near Holly Ridge. Police said the driver of the tractor-trailer truck was not injured in the crash.

The Louisiana Department of Health has issued an alert for healthcare providers in the Alexandria area over a significant increase in the number of new syphilis cases. Region Six Medical Director Dr. David Holcombe says the number of early syphilis cases among women was up 62 percent from 2019 to 2020…

Cut 7 (11)  “…doubled.”

The Louisiana health department has confirmed the state’s first two cases of the India COVID-19 variant. LSU Health Shreveport Virologist Dr. Jeremy Kamil says the two cases were detected in Caddo Parish and the current COVID-19 vaccines are effective against this variant strain…

Cut 14 (12) “…changing a little bit.”

9:30 LRN Newscast May 24

State Police has released nine videos from the 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene, a 49-year-old unarmed black man who died in police custody. The videos show the troopers dragged Greene out of his vehicle, repeatedly punched him, and used a stun gun multiple times following a high-speed chase that ended in Union Parish. Superintendent Col. Lamar Davis says the videos are in the hands of state and federal criminal investigators
Cut 10 (09) “…investigation.”
Louisiana House Democratic Caucus Chairman Sam Jenkins says the public needs to hear the status of the federal investigation and if a legitimate state-level investigation is being conducted.

The Caddo Parish sheriff’s office says an experimental aircraft crashed into Cross Lake yesterday afternoon in Shreveport killing the sole occupant, Fred Phillips. Investigators say small plane took off from Shreveport Regional Airport and lasted in the air for about nine minutes.

The state health department reports two cases of the India COVID variant have been detected in Louisiana…
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Every day this week, the Louisiana Workforce Commission will hold a virtual job fair. Today from one to four PM, employers in the manufacturing industry will have a chance to meet with job seekers. L-W-C spokesperson Marina Clay…
cut 6 (08) “….a virtual platform”
For more information go to la-works-dot-easy-virtual-fair-dot-com.

8:30 LRN Newscast May 24

The public can view all of the video State Police has in its possession that shows the 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene, who died while in custody after he was punched and tased by Troopers. State Police Superintendent Colonel Lamar Davis hopes releasing the footage will show L-S-P is committed to transparency…
cut 12 (12) “…wounds”
Greene led law enforcement on a high-speed chase through northeast Louisiana.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is hosting a virtual job fair every day this week as part of “Workforce Week.” LWC spokesperson Marina Clay says more than 100 employers in the state’s top industries will offer thousands of immediate job openings.
Cut 4 (10)”…to work”
For more information go to la-works-dot-easy-virtual-fair-dot-com.

LSU-Health Shreveport has identified the state’s first two cases of a COVID-19 variant that spread quickly in India. It’s the third different COVID variant found in Louisiana. Virologist Doctor Jeremy Kamil (Camille) says the best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated…
cut 15 (12) “…recover from it”
To find the nearest vaccine site visit COVID-vaccine-dot-la-dot-gov.

State health officials are concerned about a rising number of syphilis cases in the Alexandria area. The number of early syphilis cases has quadruped in the region from 43 in 2017 to 178 in 2020. Region Six Medical Director Doctor David Holcombe says the bacterial infection can spread quickly…
cut 8 (10) “….community”
When left undiagnosed, syphilis can lead to blindness, deafness, and long term neurological dysfunction.

7:30 LRN Newscast May 24

State Police has released all of the videos from the 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene, a black man who died while in police custody. The video shows State Troopers dragging Greene out of his vehicle after a high-speed chase in northeast Louisiana. Once Greene was out of the vehicle, the troopers at the scene punched him and used a stun gun on him multiple times. L-S-P Superintendent, Colonel Lamar Davis, says new policies will ensure that something like this does not happen again…
cut 11 (12) “…and service”
The three troopers involved have been identified as Chris Hollingsworth, Dakota DeMoss, and Kory York. Hollingsworth died from a car crash after learning he would be fired. Davis says he intends on firing DeMoss and York received a 50-hour suspension but remains on leave pending state and federal investigations that could produce criminal charges.

Today through Friday job seekers can attend virtual job fairs featuring over 100 employers hosted by the Louisiana Workforce Commission…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli”

The Louisiana Health Department is reporting an increase in the number of new syphilis cases in central Louisiana. Region Six Medical Director Doctor David Holcombe says medical providers need to be on the lookout…
cut 9 (11) “…do this”

6:45 LRN Sportscast May 24

LSU softball is heading to the super regionals after an eight to five win over U-L Lafayette in a winner take all game in the Baton Rouge regional yesterday. The Cajuns forced a Game Seven of the Regional by winning two to nothing earlier in the day. The Tigers will host Florida State this weekend.

Southern won the SWAC Tournament Championship with a dramatic seven to six win over Jackson State. O’Neil Burgos hit a three-run homer in the ninth to beat a Jackson State team that was 24-0 in SWAC play.

LSU is the nine seed in the SEC Tournament that starts tomorrow. The Tigers beat Texas a-and-M on Saturday eight to two to finish 13-and-17 in the SEC. LSU got another great start from senior right-hander MaKhail Hilliard…
cut 17 (17) “…been doing”
LSU faces Georgia tomorrow.

The Ragin Cajuns are champions of the Sun Belt Western Division after taking two of three from Troy. U-L Lafayette Catcher Drake Osborn is a big reason for U-L Lafayette’s success this season. He’s hitting .333 and he’s walked more than he has struck out. Coach Matt Deggs says the transfer from Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi has been clutch for them this season…
cut 20 (16) “…it matters”
The Cajuns will take on Texas State in the Sun Belt Tournament on Wednesday night. It’s pool play so the Cajuns will face Appalachian State on Thursday night.

ULM will play Georgia State tomorrow and Georgia Southern on Friday.

Louisiana Tech will play U-T-S-A in the Conference USA tournament on Wednesday in Ruston. The Southland Tournament will start in Hammond on Wednesday. UNO meets McNeese at 4 PM and Southeastern Louisiana takes on Northwestern State at 7 PM.

6:30 LRN Newscast May 24

State Police has released all of the video evidence they have from their encounter with Ronald Greene in 2019, a Black man who died in police custody. Matt Doyle has the story
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is mourning the death of a deputy shot in the line of duty in January of 2016. Detective Stephen Arnold worked on a DEA Task Force and was shot multiple times while serving a warrant in New Orleans. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Arnold was under intense medical care until he died. The suspect is serving 35 years in federal prison.

The Louisiana health department has confirmed the state’s first two cases of the India COVID-19 variant. LSU Health Shreveport Virologist Dr. Jeremy Kamil (Camille) says the two cases were detected in Caddo Parish.
Cut 13 (06) “…out there.”
The World Health Organization is concerned about the COVID strain from India because it is thought to be more transmissible. Kamil says the current COVID-19 vaccines are effective against this variant strain.

Governor Edwards has declared this workforce week and the Louisiana Workforce Commission is holding a virtual job fair every day this week. Today, employers in the manufacturing industry will meet with employees from 1 to 4 PM. Tomorrow, employers in health care will look to make some hires between 9 and noon. L-W-C spokesperson Marina Clay…
cut 5 (09) “…its effective’
For more information go to la-works-dot-easy-virtual-fair=dot-com.

LRN AM Newscall May 24

Today through Friday job seekers can attend virtual job fairs featuring over 100 employers hosted by the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Erik Piccoli has more

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli”

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State Police has released all of the video evidence they have from their encounter with Ronald Greene in 2019, a Black man who died in police custody. Matt Doyle has the story

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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The state health department reports two cases of the India COVID variant have been detected in two coronavirus patients in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission is hosting a virtual job fair every day this week as part of “Workforce Week.”  LWC spokesperson Marina Clay says more than 100 employers will offer thousands of immediate job openings to strengthen Louisiana’s workforce following the pandemic.

Cut 4 (10)”…to work”

Each day jobseekers will be able to meet with an array of different representatives from industries including manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, and IT. Clay says applicants can attend multiple days and for those who are unemployed, this would count towards your work search requirement.

Cut 5 (9)”…and its effective”

While over 1000 job seekers have already registered, Clay says there’s still time to sign up on LA works dot net, update your resume and prepare an elevator pitch.

Cut 6 (8)”…a virtual platform”

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The Louisiana Department of Health has issued an alert for healthcare providers in the Alexandria area over a significant increase in the number of new syphilis cases.

Region Six Medical Director Dr. David Holcombe says the number of early syphilis cases among women was up 62 percent from 2019 to 2020…

Cut 7 (11)  “…doubled.”

Alexandria is only 6 percent of the state’s population but accounts for 13 percent of new early syphilis cases and 14 percent of all congenital syphilis cases. The number of new cases has been rising since 2017 where only 43 cases were reported. In 2020 178 cases were reported.

Holcombe says the bacterial infection can spread quickly once it’s out in the community

Cut 8 (10) “…community.”

Those with syphilis will usually see a painless sore growing on their genitals, rectum, or mouth. That will eventually become a rash. Years later those with syphilis can suffer a number of severe impacts to their nervous system, brain, eyes, or heart.

Holcombe says regional medical providers need to be on the lookout…

Cut 9 (11) “…do this” 

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State Police has released nine videos from the 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene, a 49-year-old unarmed black man who died in police custody. The videos show the troopers dragged Greene out of his vehicle, repeatedly punched him, and used a stun gun multiple times following a high-speed chase that ended in Union Parish. Superintendent Col. Lamar Davis says the videos are in the hands of state and federal criminal investigators

Cut 10 (09) “…investigation.”

The three troopers involved have been identified as Chris Hollingsworth, Dakota DeMoss and Kory York. Hollingsworth died from a car crash after learning he would be fired. Davis says he intends on firing DeMoss and York received a 50-hour suspension but remains on leave pending state and federal investigations.

The initial report from the traffic stop said Greene died in a car crash following that chase.

Davis would not comment directly on the video but he says new policies will ensure that something like this does not happen again.

Cut 11 (10) “….communties.”

Davis says footage released last week by the AP lacked full context. He hopes releasing all of the footage from the encounter will show his department is committed to transparency.

Cut 12 (12) “…wounds”

Governor Edwards says he supports the decision to release the footage in its entirety. Edwards says the decision was made in consultation with the US Attorney’s Office and the Union Parish DA.

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The Louisiana health department has confirmed the state’s first two cases of the India COVID-19 variant. LSU Health Shreveport Virologist Dr. Jeremy Kamil (Camille) says the two cases were detected in Caddo Parish.

Cut 13 (06) “…out there.”

The World Health Organization is concerned about the COVID strain from India, because it is thought to be more transmissible. Kamil says the current COVID-19 vaccines are effective against this variant strain…

Cut 14 (12) “…changing a little bit.”

Kamil says this variant is not completely responsible for the alarming outbreak in India. He says a low percentage of vaccinated individuals is a major factor, along with heavily populated cities and not wearing face masks.

There are now multiple variants of concern circulating in Louisiana. Kamil says the best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated.

Cut 15 (12)“…recover from it.”

To find the nearest vaccine site visit CovidVaccine.LA.gov

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LSU is a nine-seed in the SEC Tournament and will play Georgia on Tuesday afternoon after winning their final three conference series to finish with a 13-and-17 league record. The Tigers concluded the regular season with an eight to two win over Texas A-and-M. Zach Arnold hit a two-run homer on Saturday

Cut 16 (15) “…make a run at it.”

LSU got another great start from senior-right hander Ma’Khail Hilliard on Saturday. Hilliard allowed just two runs over seven innings for his sixth win on the season…

Cut 17 (17) “..been doing”

Before the season, LSU was picked to finish fourth in the SEC and they ended up finishing in fourth place. The Tigers are on the bubble to make the NCAA Tournament, but Coach Paul Mainieri is proud of how his team has overcome a lot of challenges this season…

Cut  18 (18)”…what happens.”

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The Ragin Cajuns won the Sun Belt Western Division title with a two to one win over Troy on Saturday afternoon. Coach Matt Deggs was finally able to catch U-T Arlington on the final day of the regular season…

Cut 19 (19) “…great defense.” 

The Cajuns held Troy to five hits on Saturday and Carson Roccaforte and Drake Osborn each drove in a run. Osborn finished the regular season with a .333 record and has walked more than he struck out. Deggs says the transfer from Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi has been clutch for them this season.

Cut 20 (16) “…when it matters.” 

The Cajuns will take on Texas State in the Sun Belt Tournament on Wednesday night. It’s pool play so the Cajuns will face Appalachian State on Thursday night.

10:30 LRN Newscast May 22

State Police has released nine videos from the 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene, a 49-year-old unarmed black man who died in police custody. The videos show the troopers dragged Greene out of his vehicle, repeatedly punched him, and used a stun gun multiple times following a high-speed chase that ended in Union Parish. Superintendent Col. Lamar Davis says the videos are in the hands of state and federal criminal investigators.
Cut 10 (09) “…investigation.”
The initial report from the traffic stop said Greene died in a car crash following a high-speed chase that started in Ouachita Parish.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says Governor Edwards has requested $3-billion dollars in federal disaster relief funds to help those in southwest Louisiana struggling to recover from last year’s hurricanes. Cassidy says he will meet again with a key decision-maker in the Biden administration.
Cut 8 (10) “…working hard.”

Starting in July, a new budget airliner will begin offering direct flights out of New Orleans to ten midsized cities in the South and Midwest. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”

The LSU Baseball team clinched a spot in the SEC Tournament with a 12-to-6 win in 13 innings over Texas A-and-M. It was also coaching win number 15-hundred for Paul Mainieri. The Ragin Cajuns can clinch a share of a Sun Belt West Division title with a win over Troy this afternoon and a UTA loss. And McNeese has clinched a spot in the Southland Tournament.