5:30 LRN Newscast Sept. 30

The Louisiana Health Department reported 872 new coronavirus cases today, it’s the lowest one-day total since early July. Ochsner Health Chief Medical Officer Doctor Robert Hart says the state is making good progress against COVID, but another surge is possible and vaccination rates will play a role…

Cut 12 (10) “..infected again.”  

 

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the number one complaint his office is getting is the often slow response of insurance adjusters assigned to assess property damage.

Cut 9 (08) “…did the inspection.” 

He says adjusters have up to 60 days to inspect a property.

 

Louisiana has received approval to extend DSNAP. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they understand the frustration among callers, and they are pleased they’ve received federal approval to extend call-in days.

Cut 6 (08) “…fourth week.” 

Phase three will end October 9th.  Of the 110-thousand calls so far seeking DSNAP assistance, almost 81-thousand have been approved.

 

Extinction happens and Robert Dobbs with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the ivory-billed woodpecker is among nearly two dozen birds, fish and other species that have now been declared extinct.

Cut 3 (05) “…Louisiana since 1944.”

Dobbs says the last confirmed siting of the ivory-billed woodpecker was in the Tensas River area in northeastern Louisiana.

16:45 LRN Sportscast

A report from the Advocate-Times Picuyane and Fox 8 TV in New Orleans says the Saints and Pelicans will be sold when owner Gayle Benson passes. Proceeds from the sale would go to local charities and team executives would make sure the new owner or owners would keep the Saints and Pelicans in New Orleans. Gayle Benson is 74 and has owned both franchises since 2018 after her husband Tom Benson died.

The Saints are getting ready for their Dome opener when they host the New York Giants on Sunday. Quarterback Jameis Winston is expecting a very loud environment….
Cut 19 (25) “…down here.”

A big weekend of football is coming up and Louisiana casinos and racetracks still can’t offer sports betting to their customers. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says Hurricane Ida has pushed back the application process and they want to make sure it’s done correctly to be fully compliant with state law…
cut 30 (10) “…it right”
Johns is not putting a timeline on when sports betting will be available.

LSU fans will be tuning in tonight when Joe Burrow and the Bengals take on Jacksonville. Rookie Trevor Lawrence will start at quarterback for the Jaguars. First time Burrow and Lawrence have faced off since the 2019 National title game. Former LSU Tiger and Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase was named NFL Rookie of the Month for September. After three games he leads all rookies in receiving yards and touchdowns, with four.

4:30 pm LRN Newscast Sept 30

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also called DSNAP) benefits have been extended for folks impacted by Hurricane Ida. Marketa Garner Walters is with the state Department of Children & Family Services, who administer the federal assistance. She says very high call volume is the reason for starting another phase of applications on October 11th. Walters says please remember, DSNAP eligibility is a combination of one’s income and disaster-related expenses…:

CUT 07(11)      “…simply not”

Go to the DCFS website to know more.

Not seen in Louisiana since the 1940’s, the ivory-billed woodpecker has join 23 other species on the federal extinct list. State Wildlife & Fisheries spokesman Robert Dobbs…:

CUT 04(09)      “…have been confirmed”

 

The state Department of Health reports 872 new COVID-19 cases today; the lowest one-day total reported since early July. Hospitalizations are also lower than mid-summer numbers. Ochsner Health’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says that’s encouraging, but the chance of a fifth surge in cases depends on how many get the vaccine…:

CUT 12(10)      “…infected again”

Nearly 52% of Louisianans have received the COVID vaccine; that represents about 61% of those eligible to get the shots.

Baton Rouge Police arrest the mother of a two-year-old found dead this week in rural Mississippi. Investigators say Lanaya Cardwell grew angry with the toddler and hit her in the stomach and head. She later died on a sofa and Cardwell’s boyfriend disposed of the body. Both Cardwell and boyfriend Phillip Gardner face serious charges.

3:30 pm LRN Newscast Sept 30

Due to an overwhelming number of calls, disaster food stamp enrollment has been extended. Brooke Thorington has more….:

CUT 01(32)      “…Thorington”

The city of Shreveport wants Mardi Gras krewes to pay the overtime costs for SPD officers working parades. The city’s two biggest krewes say they simply cannot afford that. There’s talk of possibly moving the parades to Bossier City, or just not parading at all.

 

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the number one complaint his office is getting is the often slow response of insurance adjusters assigned to assess property damage. He says adjusters have up to 60 days to inspect a property, and that failures to initiate a loss adjustment within that time can result in penalties. Donelon says the delays are puzzling when one considers the sheer number of adjusters working in the state…:

CUT 10(06)      “…to our market”

Filing a complaint of your own? Go to “ldi.la.gov”

Louisiana is making some progress in dealing with coronavirus. Fewer reported cases today than since early July, and fewer hospitalizations than we’ve seen since mid-July. Ochsner Health’s Chief Medical Officer Robert Hart says this current surge was worst of the four, and he hopes a possible fifth will be less severe…:

CUT 14(08)      “…fall and winter months.”

LRN PM Newscall September 30

Due to an overwhelming number of calls, DSNAP enrollment has been extended. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

Complaints about the work of insurance companies, particularly their adjusters, are keeping folks at the Louisiana Department of Insurance busy more than a month after Hurricane Ida.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Dave Brannen”  

______________________________________

Extinction happens and Robert Dobbs with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the ivory-billed woodpecker is among nearly two dozen birds, fish and other species that have now been declared extinct.

Cut 3 (05) “…Louisiana since 1944.”

Dobbs says the last confirmed siting of the ivory-billed woodpecker was in the Tensas River area in northeastern Louisiana. The extinction designation this week comes from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Dobbs says bird lovers haven’t given up altogether on trying to find the ivory-billed woodpecker since its mid-1940s disappearance, but haven’t had any luck.

Cut 4 (09) “…have been confirmed.”

Dobbs says efforts need to be focused on making sure other species of birds and animals don’t disappear from the planet.

Cut 5 (08) “…to this point.”

The ivory-billed woodpecker was added to the endangered species list in the 1960s, before being declared extinct on Wednesday and joining a list of more than 900 extinct species worldwide.

_____________________________________

Due to extremely high call volume, Louisiana has received approval to extend DSNAP. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they understand the frustration among callers, and they are pleased they’ve received federal approval to extend call-in days.

Cut 6 (08) “…fourth week.” 

Phase three will end October 9th and then those with the last names beginning with A-L can call in on October 11th. Surnames M-Z on October 12th and all names on October 13th.

Of the 110-thousand calls so far seeking DSNAP assistance, almost 81-thousand have been approved.

Walters says DSNAP eligibility is a combination of one’s income and disaster-related expenses. She says the anxiety related to a mindset of “I lost all my food, I should be able to get DSNAP,” has frustrated many callers.

Cut 7 (11) “…simply not”  

Before when DSNAP applicants would visit an office in person Walters says candidates came in on assigned days, but since they moved to a virtual process they’ve been inundated with calls.

Cut 8 (08) “…any day”

Walters says for the extended days they will receive assistance from DSNAP operators in Texas and Oklahoma to assist with call volume. She says their ultimate goal is to assist those who are eligible and to keep people from going hungry.

_____________________________________

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the number one complaint his office is getting is the often slow response of insurance adjusters assigned to assess property damage.

Cut 9 (08) “…did the inspection.” 

He says adjusters have up to 60 days to inspect a property, and that failures to initiate a loss adjustment within that time period or pay a claim within 30 days after proof of loss, can result in penalties against insurers, including fines of up to 100-thousand-dollars per violation.

Complaints about adjusters not responding quickly enough to policyholder complaints may seem puzzling when Donelon notes the number of them at work in the state.

Cut 10 (06)  “…to our market.” 

When opting to file a complaint with the Louisiana Department of Insurance, Donelon says you need to be able to relay what’s gone wrong with your attempt to get your property damage assessed and paid for.

Cut  11 (09)  “…keep detailed notes. ”  

Contact ldi.la.gov for further information.

_________________________

The Louisiana Health Department reported 872 new coronavirus cases today, it’s the lowest one-day total since early July. Ochsner Health Chief Medical Officer Doctor Robert Hart says the state is making good progress against COVID, but another surge is possible and vaccination rates will play a role…

Cut 12 (10) “..infected again.”  

State officials say nearly 52-percent of the state’s population is vaccinated and over 61-percent of the state’s eligible population has completed the vaccine series.

In another positive sign, COVID hospitalizations have fallen below 900 for the first time since July 21st. Hart says with just over half of the state’s population vaccinated, the possibility of another surge exists…

Cut 13 (09) “…woods yet.”

Hart says the fourth surge of COVID claimed thousands of lives and jammed their hospitals with COVID patients. It was the worst out of the four surges and Hart is hopeful the next surge is not as bad…

Cut 14 (08) “….winter months” 

2:30 pm LRN Newscast Sept 30

Consumer complaints about property insurance companies – particularly their adjusters – continue to flood in to the state Department of Insurance, over a month after Hurricane Ida. More from LRN’s Dave Brannen…:

CUT 02  (34)        “…Brannen”

State Education officials have decided to give school systems the option of allowing parents to decide whether or not to quarantine a child potentially exposed to coronavirus. One local system that’s rejecting that option is East Baton Rouge Parish, where school officials announced today they will continue to require students who come in close contact with COVID to quarantine.

 

The Louisiana Health Department reported 872 new coronavirus cases today, it’s the lowest one-day total since early July, and Ochsner Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says it represents real progress. He says even though over half the state’s population is now vaccinated, the chance is still there for another surge in cases…:

CUT 13(09)      “…out of the woods yet.”

Statewide COVID hospitalization are also the lowest they’ve been since mid-summer.

Extinction happens and it appears we can say goodbye to the once familiar ivory-beaked woodpecker; a species not seen in our state since 1944. Robert Dobbs, with state Wildlife & Fisheries, says little can be done about that save taking steps to assure other species don’t disappear as well…:

CUT 05(08)      “…to this point”

1:30 LRN Newscast Sept 30

The Louisiana Health Department reported 872 new coronavirus cases today, it’s the lowest one-day total since early July. Ochsner Health Chief Medical Officer Doctor Robert Hart says the state is making good progress against COVID, but another surge is possible and vaccination rates will play a role…

Cut 12 (10) “..infected again.”  

 

Due to extremely high call volume, Louisiana has received approval to extend DSNAP. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they understand the frustration among callers, and they are pleased they’ve received federal approval to extend call-in days.

Cut 6 (08) “…fourth week.” 

Phase three will end on October 9th.

 

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the number one complaint his office is getting is the often slow response of insurance adjusters assigned to assess property damage.

Cut 9 (08) “…did the inspection.” 

 

He says adjusters have up to 60 days to inspect a property, and that failures to initiate a loss adjustment within that time period or pay a claim within 30 days after proof of loss, can result in penalties against insurers.

Robert Dobbs with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the ivory-billed woodpecker is among nearly two dozen birds, fish, and other species that have now been declared extinct. Dobbs says bird lovers haven’t given up altogether on trying to find the ivory-billed woodpecker since its mid-1940s disappearance, but haven’t had any luck.

Cut 4 (09) “…have been confirmed.”

12:30 LRN Newscast Sept 30

DSNAP has been extended due to high call volume. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they understand the frustration among callers, and they’re pleased they’ve received federal approval to extend call-in days.

Cut 6 (08) “…fourth week.” 

Phase three will end October 9th and then those with the last names beginning with A-L can call in on October 11th. Surnames M-Z on October 12th and all names on October 13th.

Extinction happens and Robert Dobbs with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the ivory-billed woodpecker is among nearly two dozen birds, fish, and other species that have now been declared extinct.

Cut 3 (05) “…Louisiana since 1944.”

And that was in the Tensas River area in northeastern Louisiana.

State Education officials are giving school districts the ability to decide if a student who may have been exposed to COVID to quarantine or not. Superintendent Cade Brumley says any students who ARE quarantined for possible exposure will receive a screening. It will be up to each school system to decide on a quarantine.

Cut 13 (05) “…can consider

Sports betting across the 55 parishes in Louisiana that approved it remains on hold after an expected mid-September start-up delayed by Hurricane Ida. Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns says it’s important for sports betting in the Bayou State to be fully compliant with state law.

Cut 30 (10)  “…get it right.” 

 

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast September 30

NOLA-dot-com and Fox 8 television provided details of the succession plan that will go into effect when Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson passes away. The two professional sports franchises will be sold and the proceeds from those sales will go to local charities. Saints and Pelicans President Dennis Lauscha will have a say on who purchases the teams with the goal of making sure they remain in New Orleans.

Meanwhile, the Saints are getting ready for their Dome opener against the New York Giants. The G-Men are 0-and-3 but New Orleans Quarterback Jameis Winston says New York has a talented secondary…
cut 20 (18 ) “…be ready”
Kick-off on Sunday is at noon.

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron is preparing his team to face both Auburn quarterbacks Bo Nix and TJ Finley on Saturday night. Orgeron believes Finley will get the start. The former LSU Tiger came off the bench last Saturday to help the War Eagles defeat Georgia State.

Louisiana Tech coach Skip Holtz has not named a starter for Saturday’s game at 23rd ranked North Carolina State. Austin Kendall did not play in last weekend’s win over North Texas because of medical reasons, but Coach Skip Holtz believes Kendall will be back this weekend, but another signal-caller is out…
cut 18 (25) “….be out”

11:30 LRN Newscast September 30

A vote on President Biden’s infrastructure bill is expected today in the U-S House. Republicans in Louisiana’s delegation are expected to vote no. Supporters say the legislation will mean an additional six billion dollars over the next five years for Louisiana. But Congresswoman Julia Letlow reads the legislation differently…
cut 5 (09) “…roads and bridges”
Progressives in the House could vote against this legislation too, because they want a three-point-five trillion-dollar reconciliation bill approved.

Extinction happens and Robert Dobbs with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the ivory-billed woodpecker is among nearly two dozen birds, fish and other species that have now been declared extinct by the US Fish and Wildlife Service…
Cut 3 (05) “…Louisiana since 1944.”
Dobbs says the last confirmed siting of the ivory-billed woodpecker was in the Tensaw River area in northeastern Louisiana.

Over the weekend, 24-year-old Lanaya Cardwell of Baton Rouge was leading a search for her two-year-old daughter. Today she’s in jail, charged with second-degree murder in the death of Neveah Allen. The little girl’s body was found in Mississippi on Sunday. Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul was asked when Cardwell became a suspect…
cut 16 (08) “….the truth”
Cardwell’s live-in boyfriend, 30-year-old Phillip Gardner, has also been charged with murder.

Hurricane Ida has delayed legal sports betting at the state’s casinos and racetracks. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says State Police handles the application process and they were busy responding to the Hurricane. Johns says the State Police Gaming Division is back at full capacity so he hopes sports betting will get going soon…
cut 9 (09) “…final approval to”