10:30 LRN Newscast Jan 24

The state health department reported over one thousand COVID cases among nursing home residents last week, an increase of about 300 from the week before. But state health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says there is some good news…
Cut 14 (10) “…residents.”

AARP is calling on nursing homes to require booster shots for both residents and staff. In Louisiana, only 16-percent of staff is reportedly boosted.

Cynthia Posey, Legislative Director for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers is hopeful lawmakers will address the needs of educators in the upcoming legislative session, if not she fears the teacher shortage will continue to grow. Posey says education reforms over the last decade are only hurting students and driving away teachers.
Cut 10 (12) “…isn’t working.”
Posey says among the concerns is the amount of paperwork teachers are burdened with in addition to low pay.

Tax season officially begins today, as filers can begin sending in their returns. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

Baton Rouge Police have arrested 26-year old Terrione Thomas in connection with a Friday night shooting in Thibodaux that left two dead. His brother 38-year old Timothy Thomas is being held on two charges of second-degree murder In LaFourche Parish in connection with the deaths of 47-year old Alvin Turner and 70-year old Linda Johnson. Terrione Thomas was arrested at a hospital in Baton Rouge.

 

9:30 LRN Newscast January 24

The political director for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers says lawmakers need to finally address the concerns of teachers or even more will leave the profession. Brooke Thorington explains
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

We are expected to hear more about education funding during a 2 PM press conference at the state capitol. Governor John Bel Edwards will outline his spending plan for the next fiscal year. Additional money for highway construction is also expected to be discussed.

With the pandemic, telemedicine has become a popular option for many doctors and patients. A telemedicine healthcare company called Nurx has begun offering services in Louisiana. They already operate in 32 states and Doctor Adrienne Robertson says they can help with birth control, STD treatment, migraines, and skincare…
cut 5 (13) “….mailed to your home”
For more information go to Nurx.com.

Tax filing season begins today as Louisiana residents can file their federal and state tax returns. Federal taxes are due April 18th and state returns are due May 16th. Certified Public Accountant Conner Brown of Madisonville says taxpayers should be ready to file on time or pay the price…
cut 9 (14) “….to be late”

8:30 LRN Newscast January 24

State Health Officier Doctor Joe Kanter says last week saw an increase in COVID cases among nursing home residents with more than one-thousand cases reported. But Kanter credits a high vaccination and booster rate among nursing home residents as to why COVID deaths have not seen a spike…
cut 15 (10) “….to be
But Kanter says he’s concerned only 16-percent of nursing home staff are boosted.

Louisiana Federation of Teachers Legislative Director Cynthia Posey is concerned about the decline in teachers. Posey says more parents are also discouraging college students from even entering the curriculum…
cut 12 (11) “…..the case”
Posey says some of the reforms put into place over the years when it comes to grading teachers have chased many educators out of the profession.

Nurx, which markets itself as the leading digital healthcare company, is now available in Louisiana. The telehealth provider is already in 32 states and Doctor Adrienne Robertson says they’ve delivered personalized care to more than one million patients, including birth control, migraine treatment, and skincare…
cut 6 (10) “…who aren’t insured”
For more information go to nurx.com.

The tax filing season begins today as taxpayers can file their 2021 federal and state tax returns today. Many families received child tax credits this year. Certified Public Accountant Conner Brown in Madisonville says that doesn’t necessarily make those parents ineligible from receiving even more credit on their returns…
cut 8 (16) “….able to do that”
The deadline to file federal taxes is April 18th.

7:30 LRN Newscast January 24

The state health department reported over one-thousand COVID cases among nursing home residents last week, an increase of about 300 from the week before. But state health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says there is some good news…
Cut 14 (10) “…residents.”

A leading provider of online health care to women is now available in Louisiana. Nurx delivers online consultations with medical professionals, pharmacy services and specialized care; all via the Internet. Dr. Adrienne Robertson says they are ready to assist with a number of women’s health needs…:
cut 4 (14) “….anti-aging services”
For more information go to Nurx-dot-com.

Governor John Bel Edwards will hold a press conference at 2 PM today as he’ll release details of his spending plan for the next fiscal year. It’s expected to contain more dollars for education. Louisiana Federation of Teachers legislative director Cynthia Posey also hopes legislators will address some of the education reforms that have forced a lot of teachers out of the profession. She says it’s difficult for teachers to have their voices heard when the legislative session begins…
cut 11 (12) “….legislative committee”

Today marks the beginning of tax season as Louisiana residents can begin filing their state and federal returns. Though the process can seem complicated, Certified Public Accountant Conner Brown says a little information can go a long way to helping you maximize your return and minimize what you owe.
Cut 7 (7) “…taxable income.”
The federal tax day is April 18th, while the deadline to file state taxes is May 16th.

6:45 LRN Sportscast January 24

What a weekend of NFL football as the four divisional playoff games ended on the final play. It all started with Cincinnati’s 19-16 upset victory over Tennessee on Saturday. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 348 yards and fourth-seeded Cincinnati is just one win away from an appearance in the Super Bowl…
cut 20 (13) “….coming for it all”
But the Bengals will be underdogs this Sunday when they face Kansas City. The Chiefs beat the Bills last night 42-36 in overtime in a back and forth game.

The N-F-C championship game will have the Rams hosting the 49ers.

And the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Saints Coach Sean Payton has not committed to coaching in 2022. Rapoport says it’s possible Payton could take a job in T-V.

LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade says changes are coming after the Tigers lost their third straight game on Saturday as they fell to Tennessee 64-50 in Knoxville. LSU is now 3-and-4 in the SEC and moving leading scorer Tari Eason into the starting line-up could be a part of that change.

Louisiana Tech had its 18-game home winning streak and its seven-game overall winning streak snapped after losing to UAB 83-76 on Saturday. The loss drops the Bulldogs to 6-and-1 in Conference USA and they are tied with the Blazers for the West Division lead. Bulldogs coach Eric Konkol says they will need to bounce back…
Cut 18 (18) “ …works.”
The Dogs host Rice Thursday.

6:30 LRN Newscast January 24

Cynthia Posey, Legislative Director for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers is hopeful lawmakers will address the needs of educators in the upcoming legislative session, if not she fears the teacher shortage will continue to grow. Posey says education reforms over the last decade are only hurting students and driving away teachers.
Cut 10 (12) “…isn’t working.”
Posey says among the concerns is the amount of paperwork teachers are burdened with in addition to low pay.

Similar to hospitals nursing homes are feeling the impacts of Omicron. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says COVID cases are not only impacting residents but those who take care of them.
Cut 13 (08) “…settings are.”
Last week the health department reported more than 1,000 cases among nursing home residents, an increase of about 300 from the week before.

A leading provider of online health care to women is now available in Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher reports on what “Nurx” has to offer…:
Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

State Police is investigating an officer-involved fatal shooting involving the Lafayette Police Department. L-S-P says a subject was shot last night after 11 PM in the 16-hundred block of Pinhook Road. No officers were injured and no other details were released.

LRN AM Newscall January 24

A leading provider of online health care to women is now available in Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher reports on what “Nurx” has to offer…:

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

__________________________________

Tax season officially begins today, as filers can begin sending in their returns. David Grubb has more…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

___________________________________

Political director for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers says lawmakers need to finally address the concerns of teachers or even more will leave the profession. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________

A leading provider of online health care to women is now available in Louisiana. Nurx (pronounced: NU-rux) delivers online consultations with medical professionals, pharmacy services and specialized care; all via the Internet. Dr. Adrienne Robertson is one of the Nurx medical providers. She says they are ready to assist with a number of women’s health needs…:

Cut 4 (14) “…anti-aging services.” 

Dr. Robertson says Nurx will help meet a growing market for digital remote consulting and treatment of things like basic skincare, migraine, birth control, HIV and STDs (something Louisiana has a lot of, but some women are reluctant to see a doctor for.) She says a typical visit to Nurx.com, or the Nurx app, starts with a questionnaire about the patient and the problem. She says real doctors, like her, review the information and get back in touch within a couple of days…:

Cut 5 (13) “…mailed to your home.”

Nurx is already available in 32 other states, with great success. Robertson says telemedicine from Nurx fulfills a need in the marketplace and is friendly to those with Medicare, Medicaid or group coverage…:

Cut 6 (10) “…who aren’t insured.”

For more go to nurx.com.

_______________________________________

Today marks the beginning of tax season as Louisiana residents can begin filing their state and federal returns. Though the process can seem complicated, Certified Public Accountant Conner Brown says a little information can go a long way to helping you maximize your return and minimize what you owe.

Cut 7 (7) “…taxable income.”

Many families received Child Tax Credits this year due to the pandemic. Brown says that doesn’t necessarily make them ineligible to get more credit on their returns.

Cut 8 (16)  “…able to do that.”

Due to Emancipation Day, this year’s returns will be due three days later than usual, April 18th Even with that, Brown advises taxpayers to be ready to file on time or pay the price…

Cut 9 (14)  “…to be late.”

__________________________________________________

Cynthia Posey, Legislative Director for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers says she’s hopeful lawmakers will finally address the needs of educators, if not she fears the teacher shortage will only continue to grow. Posey says education reforms over the last decade are only hurting students and driving away teachers.

Cut 10 (12) “…isn’t working.”

Posey says among the concerns is the amount of paperwork teachers are burdened with in addition to low pay. She says it’s difficult for teachers to go to the capitol and express their concerns because committee meetings are held during school hours and teachers endure another level of scrutiny.

Cut  11 (12)  “…legislative committee.”  

Posey says teachers have been leaving the profession because they are no longer allowed to educate and are expected to teach so students will pass standardized tests.  And says the pandemic was the last straw for those who were considering leaving to do so even sooner.

And the pool of future teachers is getting smaller. Posey says more parents are discouraging college students from even entering the curriculum.

Cut 12 (11) “…the case.”

While many schools are asking retired teachers to return to the classroom to assist with the shortage, Posey warns the reason they left the profession, to begin with, is still being ignored. She fears most who are asked will not return until their concerns over reforms, paperwork, and pay are addressed.

____________________________________________

Similar to hospitals nursing homes are feeling the impacts of Omicron. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says COVID cases are not only impacting residents but those who take care of them.

Cut 13 (08) “…settings are.”

Last week the health department reported more than 1,000 cases among nursing home residents, an increase of about 300 from the week before. About 1,300 nursing home staff were absent due to COVID last week. Kanter says however there is good news to report among long-term care facilities.

Cut 14 (10)  “…residents.”

Kanter credits a high vaccination/booster rate among nursing home residents as to why COVID deaths have not seen a spike.

Cut 15 (10)  “…to be.”

As for nursing home staff, only 16-percent are reportedly boosted.

_________________________________________________

LSU men’s basketball team is mired in its first three-game losing streak since January 2018 after losing to 24th ranked Tennessee on Saturday 64-50. The Tigers fell behind 14-nothing to begin the game. LSU Coach Will Wade called it a disappointing performance…

Cut  16 (14)  “…all season.”

LSU shot 39-percent from the field. Tari Eason had 16 points, while Brandon Murray had 15 points. Wade says he’ll need to make some changes to jump start the Tigers struggling offense. Murray on what they are doing wrong…

Cut 17 (17) “ ..offense right.” 

____________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech had its 18-game home winning streak and its seven-game overall winning streak snapped after losing to UAB 83-76 to UAB inside the Thomas Assembly Center. The loss drops the Bulldogs to 6-and-1 in Conference USA and they are tied with the Blazers for the West Division lead. Bulldogs Coach Eric Konkol says they will need to bounce back…

Cut 18 (18) “ …works.” 

_________________________________________________________

Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals are one game away from the Super Bowl after upsetting the Tennessee Titans 19-16. Burrow was sacked nine times but threw for 348 yards. But it was the Bengals defense that got a huge interception to set up a game-winning field goal. Burrow says it feels great to win a playoff game on the road…

Cut 19 (13)_“…unbelievable” 

Cincinnati will play in the franchise’s third AFC championship game on Sunday. They’ll be underdogs, but Burrow doesn’t see it that way…

Cut 20 (13) “…coming for it all”  

10:30 LRN Newscast Jan 22

Freezing weather will continue into the rest of the weekend in Louisiana with temperatures remaining only in the 40s. State climatologist Barry Keim says it will begin to warm up on Sunday, but until then take the usual precautions when it gets this cold…
Cut 5 (10) “…exposed lines.”
Hard freeze warnings are posted for this morning
And a new partnership between the Crescent River Port Pilots and the New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Associations is increasing awareness of career opportunities in the maritime industry for minorities. Captain Roy Vance says the newly formed alliance will be making an aggressive effort to increase awareness and most importantly, fill those jobs.
Cut 8 (12) “…get the word out.”

___________________________________
The state health department is now reporting reinfections on its COVID dashboard. There are more than 49-thousand in Louisiana now and almost 14-hundred were added Friday. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the state is following the CDC’s definition.
Cut 9 (12) “…as a reinfection.”
Boosters are advised for ages 12 and up, at least five months after the second dose of either the Pfizer of Moderna vaccines and at least two months after a Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

And the low temperatures in South Louisiana will make it more difficult to catch crawfish which don’t grow when it’s this cold. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says temperatures are getting into the 40s today, so this arctic blast is just a hiccup for what should be a great crawfish season…
Cut 15 (11) “…crawfish”
LRN

9:30 LRN Newscast Jan 22

The state adds COVID reinfections to the dashboard and the Omicron variant has caused them to grow considerably. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (34)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
And today’s cold temperatures are expected to continue for the remainder of the weekend. State climatologist Barry Keim says hard freeze and freeze warnings are posted for Louisiana this morning…
Cut 4 (10) “…across the whole state.”
Temperatures will only be in their 40s today
LRN
___________________________________
A new partnership between the Crescent River Port Pilots and the New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Associations aims to increase awareness of career opportunities in the state’s maritime industry for African-Americans and other minorities. Captain Roy Vance says that these jobs are not limited to on-ship positions and people from any number of backgrounds have the opportunity to find a job suited to their skills.
Cut 7 (11) “…to choose from.”
And with temperatures dropping down to the 20s in southeast Louisiana strawberry producers are expected to be impacted. Before this weekend, Louisiana was experiencing a mild winter, which Tangipahoa Parish Associate Extension Agent Mary Helen Ferguson says has allowed some strawberry growers to begin picking berries…
Cut 13 (09) “…back on.”
LRN

8:30 LRN Newscast Jan 22

A new partnership aims to expand career opportunities in Louisiana’s thriving maritime industry. David Grubb has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”
And today’s cold temperatures are just the beginning of a frigid weekend in Louisiana. State climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will only be in the 40s today.
Cut 3 (04) “…this time of year.”
Freeze warnings will continue throughout the morning and another freeze is expected next week

——————-
Reinfections are now reported on the state health COVID dashboard. These are included in the total case count which surpassed one million this week since the pandemic began. State Health Officer Dr. JoeKanter says they’ve been tracking reinfections since they started but Omicron caused reinfections to surge.

Cut 10 (10) “….boosters.”
And temperatures will get down to the low-to-mid 20s in southeast Louisiana this weekend where strawberries are produced. But Tangipahoa Parish Associate Extension Agent Mary Helen Ferguson says producers are prepared for below-freezing temps…
Cut 12 (11) “..protection.”
in addition to strawberries, the cold weather this weekend makes it hard for crawfish farmers to catch mudbugs that don’t grow in these temperatures.
LRN