7:30 LRN Newscast January 12

Governor Edwards’ office announces help for homeowners set behind on mortgage payments because of the pandemic. Kevin Gallagher has that…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

New Orleans’ indoor mask mandate returns today as the city’s health director says the Big Easy is averaging 12-hundred new cases per day. A group of teachers in East Baton Rouge parish says they will not report to school today, because of rising COVID cases. COVID hospitalizations are up to 19-hundred statewide.

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized a budget surplus of one-point-six billion dollars for the current fiscal year and last fiscal year. The R-E-C is also projecting an additional 765-million dollars in tax revenues for the next fiscal year which begins in July. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says that will allow the state to fund major priorities…
cut 8 (11) “…passed last year”

Louisiana Public Broadcasting has launched a social media campaign called “Save Mardi Gras 2022.” L-P-B hopes the campaign will raise vaccination rates. The station’s executive producer Linda Midgett says Louisianans are eager to celebrate together again…
cut 15 (10) “….around us”
Just over 50-percent of the state’s population is fully vaccinated.

6:45 LRN Sportscast January 12

An emotional Kevin Faulk met with reporters to talk about his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. It’s been a difficult few months for LSU’s all-time leading rusher as the Carencro native continues to grieve the death of his 19-year-old daughter, who died unexpectedly in September. In December, Faulk learned he will not be part of LSU’s new coaching staff. Faulk expressed the desire to coach again one day and he’ll continue to train players on the side, but spending time with family is also important…
cut 18 (15) “…for them”

LSU has added two defensive backs through the transfer portal. Arkansas safety Joe Foucha, a New Orleans native who played at McDonough 35, and Ragin Cajuns cornerback Mekhi Garner, who was an All-Sun Belt Conference honorable mention this past season.

Brandon Ingram shot a 27-foot three-pointer last night with less than a second left as New Orleans defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-to-125. Ingram had 33 points and dished out nine assists and Josh Hart added 21 points and nine rebounds. Coach Willie Green says Ingram was amazing last night…
cut 30 (29) “…for us”
New Orleans has reached the midpoint of the season with a 15-26 record. After starting the season 3-and-16, they’ve gone 12 and 10 since.

Tonight, the 12th ranked LSU Tigers are at Florida.

6:30 LRN Newscast January 12

The Revenue Estimating Conference has officially recognized Louisiana has an additional $840 million dollars in revenues for the current budget year and an additional $765 million for next year’s budget. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne…
Cut 7 (13) “…surrounding the pandemic.”
State economists say the higher than expected revenues are the result of hurricane recovery, higher wages, and the economy bouncing back from pandemic-related shutdowns.

Meanwhile, NFIB state director Dawn McVea says based on the latest national survey of small business owners, price raising has reached levels not seen since the early 1980s as a result of inflation…
cut 11 (10) “….inflation impact”
McVea says the national survey also found that about half of all small businesses are having trouble filling job openings.

It’s time to put on your dancing shoes and show off your best moves and help Louisiana Public Broadcasting Save Mardi Gras. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LRN AM Newscall January 12

Governor Edwards’ office announces help for homeowners set behind on mortgage payments because of the pandemic. Kevin Gallagher has that…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Louisiana has a combined $1.5 billion budget surplus from the last and current fiscal year with a $771 million increase in the next year’s projected revenue. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.” 

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It’s time to put on your dancing shoes and show off your best moves and help Louisiana Public Broadcasting Save Mardi Gras. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Governor’s Office announces a federally funded program to help homeowners who were set behind on their mortgage due to the pandemic. Louisiana Office of Community Development spokesperson Gina Campo says the state has received nearly $147-million to give out…:

Cut 4 (11) “…housing instability.” 

The Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund is bankrolled by the $10-Billion American Rescue Plan Act, of which Louisiana gets $147-million. Homeowners whose ability to pay their mortgage were hobbled by the COVID pandemic and lockdown must meet certain financial criteria to qualify for up to $25-thousand in mortgage assistance…:

Cut 5 (07) “…servicer or lender.”

Campo says about 3000 people have already applied, and applications will be processed with all due haste. She says one can easily get started online…:

Cut 6 (14) “…go ahead and sign up!”

URL: LAcovidhousing.com

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The Revenue Estimating Conference has officially recognized Louisiana has an additional $840 million dollars in revenues for the current year budget and an additional $765 million in the next year’s budget. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne described the state’s fiscal situation as stable and bright…

Cut 7 (13) “…surrounding the pandemic.”

Now that the REC has recognized an official forecast for next year, Dardenne can begin to craft a proposed budget to present to lawmakers ahead of the regular legislative session. He says having an extra 765-million dollars to spend will allow the state to fund major priorities…

Cut 8 (11) “…passed last year” 

The state will also have another 450-million dollar in surplus money to spend from the last fiscal year. Legislative leaders are expected to propose the money goes towards infrastructure projects and Dardenne says the governor has his own priorities…

Cut 9 (06)  “…campuses primarily”

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The most recent survey of small business owners indicates that 22-percent of mom and pop shops say inflation is the biggest issue they are facing, and the influx in prices has reached levels not seen since the early 80s. State NFIB Director Dawn McVea says inflation is increasing the cost of doing business.

Cut 10 (09) “…to the consumers.”

McVea says continued COVID woes and inflation are unfortunately causing more than 20-percent of small businesses are having to pass those costs along to consumers.

Cut  11 (10)  “…inflation impact.”  

The continued labor shortage is an issue for about half of small businesses. McVea says to combat the problem approximately 32-percent of mom and pop businesses say they will continue to raise wages to attract workers.

Cut 12 (07) “…top concerns.”

On a positive note, McVea says owners expecting better business conditions over the next six months, increased slightly by three points to a net negative 35-percent.

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Louisiana Public Broadcasting is on a mission to “Save Mardi Gras 2022.” The launch of LPB’s social media campaign is encouraging folks to get vaccinated in an effort to save carnival season. LPB Executive Producer Linda Midgett says all you have to do is watch their video, record yourself dancing and upload it to social media.

Cut 13 (11) “…do the dance.”

In addition to learning a fun dance, Midgett says LPB will most likely choose some of the best submissions, make a complication and air them. They’ll also be featured on their social media pages.

Cut 14 (08)  “…fun video.”

And it’s not just Mardi Gras LPB is trying to save by increasing vaccination rates. After the pandemic forced a majority of events and festivals to be canceled, Midgett says Louisianans are eager to celebrate together again.

Cut 15 (10)  “…around us.”

For more information visit LPB.org/SaveMardiGras

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Former LSU running back Kevin Faulk got teary-eyed talking about his election to the College Football Hall of Fame when he met with reporters in Baton Rouge. Faulk admits being inducted into the Hall of Fame means so much more after the death of his youngest daughter in September and then losing his job as running backs coach in December…

Cut  16 (12) “…like I said”

Faulk remains LSU’s all-time leading rusher and he still holds the record for All-purpose yards. After his standout career at LSU, Faulk went on to win three Super Bowls for the New England Patriots. Faulk says for a kid out of Carencro to accomplish all of that is amazing…

Cut 17 (22) “ …right direction”

Faulk served on the LSU coaching staff from 2018 to 2021. He annually hosts a free youth football camp and he’s founded the Kevin Faulk Foundation to support youth. He says after a difficult few months, he plans to spend more time with his family….

Cut 18 (14) “ ..for them” 

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The 12th ranked LSU men’s basketball team will try to win a game on the road at Florida tonight without senior point guard Xavier Pinson, who has an injured knee. That means sophomore guard Eric Gaines will have to step up and Coach Will Wade says he’s also counting on freshman Justice Williams…

Cut 19 (19)_“…in him” 

The six-foot-four Williams has only played in three games this season because of a foot injury. In LSU’s only other true road game, the Tigers suffered a 15-point loss at Auburn. They turned it over 17 times and Wade says they can’t do that again…

Cut 20 (18) “..extremely hard”  

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 11

For LRN im Erik Piccoli
LSU star wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has signed a name, image, and likeness deal with well-known injury attorney Gordon McKernan. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo”
And Baton Rouge area businessman and self-described advocate, Gary Chambers will run for the Senate this fall. Chambers says incumbent Senator John Kennedy’s votes don’t necessarily reflect what the people of Louisiana want and if he is elected, he’ll work to secure Medicare for the elderly and for everyone else…
Cut 8 (11) “…in this country.”
LRN
======================
New Orleans is reinstating their indoor mask mandate beginning Wednesday due to the rapid increase in COVID cases causing disruptions in schools and overwhelming hospitals. New Orleans Department of Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno
Cut 9 (11) “…further notice.”
And Louisiana has a combined 1.5 billion dollar budget surplus from the last and current fiscal year. The REC has recognized the additional revenue and can begin to craft a proposed budget to present to lawmakers ahead of the regular legislative session. The state will also have another 450-million dollar in surplus money to spend from the last fiscal year.
LRN

4:30 LRN Newscast Jan 11

New Orleans is reinstating their indoor mask mandate beginning Wednesday due the rapid increase in COVID cases causing disruptions in schools and overwhelming hospitals. New Orleans Department of Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno.

Cut 9 (11) “…further notice.”

LSU star wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has signed a name, image, and likeness deal with well-known injury attorney Gordon McKernan. He encourages other businesses to look into NIL deals with student-athletes because players look at the amount of money they can make off the field when it comes to where they’ll go to school…

Cut 14 (09)  “…the sidelines.” 

The New Iberia native will be paid to appear in digital ads promoting the law firm

Baton Rouge community activist Gary Chambers says he’ll run for U.S. Senate this fall; making him the second announced Democrat to challenge John Kennedy. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

In Leesville, officials with the State Fire Marshal’s Office fear carelessly discarded fireworks from New Year’s may have started the blaze that destroyed much of a church. Investigators haven’t determined a definite cause of the fire at Christian Living Fellowship but did find remnants of fireworks in the area where the fire started.

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU star wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has reached a name, image, and likeness deal with well-known injury attorney Gordon McKernan. Terms of Boutte’s deal were not released, but the New Iberia native will be paid to appear in digital ads promoting McKernan’s law firm. McKernan encourages businesses to look into NIL deals with student-athletes because players look at the amount of money they can make off the field when it comes to where they’ll go to school…
Cut 14 (09) “…the sidelines.”
Another LSU Tiger has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Cornerback Dwight McGlothern became a starter this past season after Derek Stingley Junior and Eli Ricks got injured and now he’s looking to play somewhere else.

All of the players who started at cornerback or nickel back for the Tigers in the 2021 season are either headed for the NFL draft, have transferred or are transferring or do not have any more eligibility.

Instead of getting ready for a playoff game, the Saints are looking back at the 2021 season and preparing for the 2022 season. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says figuring out the quarterback position will be the top priority and he says the second priority is to make sure All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas is healthy for the 2022 season. He missed this past season recovering from ankle surgery in June…
cut 17 (12) “…get him healthy”
Detillier says a major decision facing the Saints is whether to re-sign safety Marcus Williams.

The 12th ranked LSU men’s basketball team left for Florida today as they’ll visit the Gators tomorrow night. Tigers coach Will Wade says starting point guard Xavier Pinson will not play after injuring his knee in the win over Florida. But Wade says the injury is not serious and Pinson should be back soon.

3:30 LRN Newscast Jan 11

An Indoor mask mandate begins tomorrow in New Orleans. Leaders fear if the mandate is not reinstated more businesses could close due to staffing shortages and more children would be out of the classroom. The mandate comes on the heels of carnival season kicking off and New Orleans Department of Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno urges the public to take it seriously.

Cut  11 (11)  “…and tests.” 

Baton Rouge businessman Gary Chambers announces his candidacy for US Senate. Chambers says he’s running to help make life better for everyone in the Bayou State…:

 Cut 6 (11) “…take our state forward.” 

Chambers and fellow democrat Luke Mixon are the only two set to oppose incumbent Republican John Kennedy in the fall.

LSU star wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has signed a name, image and likeness deal with well-known injury attorney Gordon McKernan. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The state reports just under 12,500 new COVID cases today and 1,905 hospitalizations, that’s an increase of 111 from the previous day. 94 of those patients are on ventilators and 77-percent are unvaccinated in Louisiana hospitals.

 

2:30 LRN Newscast January 11

Senator John Kennedy has picked up another challenger in his bid for re-election. Baton Rouge community activist Gary Chambers announced today he’s challenging Kennedy. He is a Democrat, who says he supports the Build Back Better Act, a voting rights bill and he’s an advocate for Medicare for All….
cut 8 (11) “…in this country”
There are now two announced Democrats opposing Kennedy in the November primary. The other is Luke Mixon, a Bunkie native, who graduated from the U-S Naval Academy and is a decorated fighter pilot. The political newcomer appeared at the Baton Rouge press club and says he wants to represent the best interest of all Louisiana citizens…
cut 15 (07) “…screened over”
Qualifying for the November primary is in July.

The state health department reported another 12-thousand new COVID cases today and another 29 deaths. COVID hospitalizations are approaching two thousand as it stands at 1,905. The city of New Orleans is reinstating an indoor mask mandate. New Orleans Department of Health Director Doctor Jennifer Avegno…
cut 10 (11) “…hospitalizations rising”
The mask mandate will go into effect at 6 AM tomorrow.

A new report finds that Louisiana has the worst caregiver conditions in the nation, with the nation’s lowest average hourly pay of $10.60 an hour. The same report also finds that 800-thousand older Americans needing to subsidize care are on a waiting list. Author of the report and registered nurse Sean Marchese says COVId is adding to the caregiver shortage…
cut 5 (12) “…they need”

PM LRN Newscall Jan 11

Baton Rouge community activist Gary Chambers says he’ll run for U.S. Senate this fall; making him the second announced Democrat to challenge John Kennedy. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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LSU star wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has signed a name, image and likeness deal with well-known injury attorney Gordon McKernan. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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In a recent study, Louisiana ranks among the worst states for meeting the need for individual caregivers. These are people who provide needed care for the sick, elderly or infirm. Sean Marchese (mar-KEZZ) is a registered nurse and oncology writer/researcher. He says the first identifiable problem is that average pay for caregivers in Louisiana is the nation’s lowest; less than $11 an hour. He says a great number don’t get paid at all..:

Cut 3 (12) “…the past year.”

Marchese says there is very high turnover in the caregiver “industry” because it is a physically and emotionally difficult job…:

Cut 4 (13) “…are also working.”

Marchese says another reason for a shortage of caregivers in Louisiana is the impacts of the coronavirus and isolation…:

Cut 5 (12) “…care that they need.”

__________________________________

Another Democrat throws his hat in the ring to run for the U.S. Senate this fall. Baton Rouge area businessman and self-described advocate, Gary Chambers says he’s running to help make life better for everyone in the Bayou State…:

 Cut 6 (10) “…take our state forward.” 

In 2021, Chambers ran for the District 2 U.S. House seat left vacant by Cedric Richmond. He finished third, with 21-percent of the popular vote, barely making the runoff. Chambers says he wants to go to Washington, to better represent Louisiana’s working people. He says he supports the Biden Administration’s proposals, including one in particular..:

Cut 7 (09) “…infrastructure in this state.” 

Chambers says incumbent Senator John Kennedy’s votes don’t necessarily reflect what the people of Louisiana want. He says his “no” vote on the Infrastructure Bill (now signed into law) is an example. He says, if he is elected, he’ll work to secure Medicare for the elderly and for everyone else…:

Cut 8 (11) “…in this country.” 

Democrat Luke Mixon, from Bunkie, announced his candidacy back in October.

______________________________________________________

New Orleans is reinstating their indoor mask mandate beginning Wednesday due the rapid increase in COVID cases causing disruptions in schools and overwhelming hospitals. New Orleans Department of Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno

Cut 9 (11) “…further notice.”

Avegno says the daily average of new COVID cases in New Orleans is 12,033, nearly three times the previous record of April 2020 and that does not reflect positive home tests for COVID.

Cut 10 (11)  “…hospitalizations are rising.”

City leaders fear if the mandate is not put in place more cases will cause businesses to close due to staffing shortages and keep children out of the classroom. The mandate comes on the heels of the city kicking off carnival season and Avegno urges the public to take mitigation seriously.

Cut  11 (12)  “…and tests.” 

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LSU star wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has signed a name, image, and likeness deal with well-known injury attorney Gordon McKernan. The Baton Rouge lawyer says they’ve been looking to reach an N-I-L deal with a Tiger football player…

Cut 12 (12) “…enter that space.”  

There were rumors Boutte may enter the transfer portal, but McKernan believes this N-I-L deal helped convince him to stay at LSU.

Cut 13 (10) “…for him.”

Terms of Boutte’s deal were not released, but the New Iberia native will be paid to appear in digital ads promoting McKernan’s law firm. McKernan encourages businesses to look into NIL deals with student-athletes because players look at the amount of money they can make off the field when it comes to where they’ll go to school…

Cut 14 (09)  “…the sidelines.”