AM LRN Newscall Jan 31

The state House Democratic caucus calls for accountability and transparency as lawmakers prepare to pay a $45-million insurance incentive fund. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

For National Unclaimed Property Day State Treasurer John Schroder will hand out more than 500 checks. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

A new study shows Louisiana’s black public school kids are five times more likely to be attending a failing school. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_____________________________________________

As lawmakers continue to debate a $45-million incentive fund to help Louisiana’s property insurance crisis, House Democrats call for transparency and accountability from the Department of Insurance. Democratic Caucus Chairman Sam Jenkins (D – Shreveport) says the state’s insurance problems all came to be under Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon’s watch…:

Cut 4 (08)  “…in a timely manner.”

Jenkins says lawmakers need to assure the Insure Louisiana Fund, if approved, is a good use of taxpayer money. He says they also need to have some tough conversations going forward…:

Cut 5 (09) “…to address it.”

Jenkins and the Democratic Caucus feel the Insurance Commissioner should be held accountable for the state’s current insurance mess, and – perhaps – a change of leadership at the Department of Insurance is warranted…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…want to keep going.” 

Jenkins says he’d personally like to see a Democrat challenge Donelon this fall, and see Democrats run for every state office.

_____________________________________________

The Saints and Broncos agreed to compensation to send former saints Super Bowl-winning head coach Sean Payton to Denver.  New Orleans will receive the Broncos’ first-round pick this year (29th overall) and their 2024 second-round pick in exchange for rights to Payton and the Saints’ 2024 third-round pick. Saints analyst Mike Detillier thinks it’s a good deal…

Cut 7 (12) “…quarterback dilemma.”

Many fans might be disappointed by the compensation after rumors of multiple first-round picks swirled as Payton had interviews with the Panthers, Cardinals, Texans, and Broncos. Some speculated the Saints were hoping teams would get in a bidding war for Payton, but Detillier says those expectations were unrealistic…

Cut 8 (07)  “…two seconds.”

The Broncos struggled this season after an offseason of high expectations. Denver sent multiple picks to Seattle in exchange for Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson worked alongside one of the NFL’s top skill-position groups, but the offense under new head coach Nathaniel Hackett was one of the worst in the league. Detillier says the ownership trusts Payton to turn things around…

Cut 9 (13)  “…Wilson around.”

_______________________________________________

Today is National Unclaimed Property Day, and here in the Bayou State, Treasurer John Schroder says he’s celebrating the day by handing out checks.

Cut 10 (08)  “… their employees.”

This afternoon he’ll present over 500 checks totaling more than $42,000 to employees at a Baton Rouge General Hospital.

Schroder says the Unclaimed Property division in Louisiana has a billion dollars on paper and they’ve just launched a pilot program that works with large businesses to find data matches and it’s proving to be successful.

Cut 11 (11)  “…this program.”

You can always check to see if you have Unclaimed Property by visiting LAcashclaim.org. You never know if you have a deposit that was not returned or even a lost paycheck you didn’t know about.

Cut 12 (11) “…in this program.”

On average Schroder says they process 175 claims daily, but on special occasions and when the program is in the media they can receive up to three thousand claims.

______________________________________________

A report from the state Legislative Auditor shows black students in Louisiana are over five times more likely to attend a public school with a D or F rating. The report says about 41 percent of Black kids go to a bottom-of-the-scale school, as opposed to about 8 percent of white kids. Daniel Erspamer, with the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, says the report illustrates that basic fundamental change in public education is called for…:

Cut 13 (10)  “…. high-quality schools.”

The Auditor’s report says enrollments at A-rated schools are about 66 percent white, with Black students making up about 20 percent. The largest percentage of black kids was in schools with a D or F rating. Erspamer says this should be unacceptable to lawmakers and educators alike…:

Cut 14 (06)  “…a high-quality school.”

The state’s private schools are overwhelmingly white enrollment. Erspamer says too many minority families cannot afford tuition, so they must settle for whatever public schools can offer. He says state public education dollars go to school systems, and perhaps it’s time to change that…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…fixing this problem.”

He says too many schools do not demand excellence from teachers or students and allow kids to “fall between the cracks.”

______________________________________________

With the number-one ranked roster of the LSU baseball team, there’s still one position that doesn’t have a sure starter: second base. With the departure of last year’s starter Cade Doughty, junior Jack Merrifield, transfer Ben Nippolt, utility player Gavin Dugas, and freshman Gavin Guidry. Coach Jay Johnson says that there won’t be one starter…

Cut  16 (16)  “…to help us win” 

The Tigers had one of the top offenses in the season last year but were held back by poor performances defensively. LSU is hoping to help correct some pitching issues with the addition of transfer Paul Skenes. Skenes was named first-team All-American at Air Force last year and is the 25th-ranked prospect in the draft. Johnson says Skenes is one-thousand percent the Friday night starter…

Cut 17 (20) “…major league starter.” 

Johnson says the bullpen was a focus this offseason. LSU welcomed transfers Christian Little and Thatcher Hurd alongside Skenes and hopes to have a deep rotation this season. Johnson says that this year’s group will be an upgrade from last year…

Cut 18 (20) “…in the SEC.” 

_______________________________________________

Cut 19 (18) “..for sure”

 

Cut 20 (12)  “…get people on base” 

______________________________________________

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 31

There is the potential for light freezing rain across the northern parishes tonight, into the overnight hours, and tomorrow morning. Louisiana Radio Network Meteorologist John Wetherbee says high temperatures will only be in the upper 30s today. The advisory is for parishes along I-20…

Cut 10 (09) “…close to freezing” 

The advisory includes Ruston, Monroe, Rayville, and areas north that border Arkansas.

Former Saints Head Coach Sean Payton is getting back in the game. An ESPN NFL insider reports the Denver Broncos have agreed on a deal that would make Sean Payton the Bronco’s next head coach. The Saints would send Payton to Denver in return for the Bronco’s 2023 first-round pick and next year’s second-round pick. The NFL has not made an official statement as yet. Payton coached the Saints from 2006 to 2021.

At the State Capitol today, a House committee advances a proposed 45-million-dollar incentive fund that can be used to attract additional private property insurers to the state, but not without some debate.  House Insurance Chairman Mike Huval is an insurance agent in Breaux Bridge and says a similar program after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita helped revitalize the private property insurance market…:

CUT 11(10)      “…come also.”

That plan brought 5 companies to Louisiana when it was done in 2007, but Houma Representative Tanner Magee says several of them have since bailed…:

CUT 12(09)      “…pay claims”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says long-term property insurance reform legislation could be addressed in the regular session that starts in April.

4:30 LRN Newscast Jan 31

At the State Capitol, the legislature’s special session on the insurance crisis passes a first hurdle. A House committee approves a bill to make a $45-million incentive fund to help draw new private property insurers to Louisiana. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the fund will work, as it did after Katrina & Rita caused another crisis 16 years ago…:

CUT 14(09)      “…emergency room”

Donelon says it could help prevent thousands from losing their coverage and their homes. But Houma Representative Tanner McGee says the last time we did it, there were problems with the companies we did attract…:

CUT 12(09)      “…pay claims.”

The bill movers to the House floor for full debate. The session ends Friday.

 

Senator Bill Cassidy says federal Infrastructure Act money is bringing broadband internet to the state’s rural parishes, with progress already made in Morehouse Parish…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Thorington.”

An ESPN NFL insider reports the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos have agreed on a deal that would make Sean Payton the Bronco’s next head coach. The Saints would send Payton to Denver in return for the Bronco’s 2023 first-round pick and next year’s second-round pick. The NFL has not made an official statement as yet.

4:45 LRN Sportscast Jan 31

Over 15,000 fans packed the P-Mac last night to watch the third-ranked Lady Tigers remain undefeated last night. The LSU women’s basketball team defeated Tennessee 76-68 in front of the largest recorded crowd at the P-MAC since the 2005 renovation. Coach Kim Mulkey said the atmosphere was electric.

Cut 15

The Lady Tigers improve to 21-0 on the season. They’ll host Georgia Thursday.

The Pelicans will visit the Nuggets tonight. Denver leads the Western Conference while the Pelicans are the coldest team in the NBA. They’ve gone 3-13 since early January and lost their last 8 straight even after the return of forward Brandon Ingram. New Orleans sits at 8th in the west after being first earlier this season and will look to get back on track tonight. Ingram and CJ McCollum will make their return tonight while rookie guard Dyson Daniels remains out. Tip-off is at 9:00.

The top-ranked LSU baseball team has started full-squad practices. With one of the most loaded rosters in the nation, expectations are high for the tigers this year. LSU had the top-ranked recruiting and transfer classes in the country this offseason, and one of the big additions is third baseman Tommy White. White hit 27 home runs last season with NC State and says LSU could have a high-powered offense this year…

Cut 20

Pelicans sophomores Trey Murphy and Jose Alvarado were named 2023 Jordan Rising Stars for NBA All-Star weekend. A pool of 28 rookies, sophomores, and G-League players is selected to participate in a three-game mini-tournament. Murphy, who was drafted 17th overall last year, was also invited to participate in the NBA Dunk Contest. Murphy is one of the best young shooters in the league, shooting almost 40% from deep, but has emerged as one of the NBA’s most electric dunkers this season. Zion Williamson was also named an All-Star Starter this year but may not be able to participate due to injury.

3:30 LRN Newscast Jan 31

A proposal to create a 45-million dollar fund that would provide grants to insurance companies willing to write property insurance policies receives approval from the Appropriations Committee and heads to the House floor…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Palermo.”

Southern University in Baton Rouge is mourning the death of 23-year-old business major Reginald Elloie, who was killed Monday night in a single vehicle crash on Interstate 110. He is the fifth Southern student to be killed in the last two months.

 

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is bringing broadband internet to Louisiana’s rural parishes. In his weekly press conference, Cassidy says federal funds from the Infrastructure Act (which he supported) have been flowing into Louisiana to provide expanded, faster internet access. He says Morehouse is a good example of the program’s progress…:

CUT 07(08)      “…reliable internet.”

He says more parishes have broadband project underway and the goal if for fast internet access to be available statewide.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell officially announces that Mardi Gras parade routes will return to pre-pandemic lengths. She says they have secured enough police security to cover everything…:

CUT 03(13)      “…City of New Orleans.”

Fat Tuesday is February 21st this year.

LRN PM Newscall

Senator Bill Cassidy says federal Infrastructure Act money is bringing broadband internet to the state’s rural parishes, with progress already made in Morehouse Parish. Brooke Thorington reports…:

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

A proposal to create a 45-million dollar fund that would provide grants to insurance companies willing to write property insurance policies receives approval from the Appropriations Committee and heads to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

Revelers receive welcome news from the City of New Orleans as Mayor LaToya Cantrell officially announces that parade routes will return to pre-pandemic length and the Crescent City has secured enough police officers for carnival season.

Cut 3 (13) “…City of New Orleans” 

Interim Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says planning began several months ago to ensure enough police officers were allocated from around the state to provide security for residents and tourists for Mardi Gras.

Cut  4 (10)  “…Mardi Gras season.” 

Parade routes were abbreviated the last two seasons due to a shortage of police officers but Woodfork says they are extremely pleased with the collaborative effort of law enforcement across the state to provide adequate security for carnival season.

Cut 5 (08) “…everyone’s happy.”

The return of longer routes means the Krewe of Thoth can roll by New Orleans’ Children’s Hospital after a nearly three-year absence.

_______________________________________________

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is bringing broadband internet to Louisiana’s rural parishes. In his weekly press conference, Cassidy says a great example of the project’s progress is Morehouse Parish; where there was once NO fast internet access at all…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…is connected.” 

Cassidy says federal funds from the Infrastructure Act (which he supported) have been flowing into Louisiana to provide expanded, faster internet access. He says Morehouse is a good example of the program’s progress…:

Cut 7 (08)  “…reliable internet.” 

Cassidy says broadband work in Morehouse Parish continues…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…fiber-optic network.” 

He says more parishes have broadband project underway and the goal if for fast internet access to be available statewide.

___________________________________________

There is the potential for light freezing rain across the northern parishes tonight, into the overnight hours and through tomorrow morning. Louisiana Radio Network Meteorologist John Wetherbee says high temperatures will only be in the upper 30s today across north Louisiana and temperatures will approach freezing tonight

Cut 9 (11) “…early tomorrow.” 

Wetherbee says the Winter Weather Advisory is for parishes along I-20…

Cut 10 (09) “…close to freezing” 

Wetherbee says the winter weather advisory goes into effect tonight and last until tomorrow morning.

___________________________________________

House Appropriations approves legislation that establishes a45-million dollar incentive fund aimed at attracting additional private property insurers to the state. House Insurance Chairman Mike Huval is an insurance agent in Breaux Bridge and says a similar program after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita helped revitalize the private property insurance market…

Cut 11 (10)  “…come also.”

The bill heads to the House floor where it will be discussed on Wednesday.

Five companies took advantage of the Insure Louisiana Incentive Program in 2007, but Huval says it also attracted many other private property insurers who found Louisiana was a good state to provide coverage.  But Houma Representative Tanner Magee says several of the new property insurers bailed after multiple hurricanes

Cut 12 (09) “…pay claims.”

Huval admits smaller carriers could not handle the super active 2020 and 2021 hurricane seasons.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says there are insurance companies who have expressed interest in writing policies in Louisiana if the incentive fund is created. But Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana are unaware of any of those companies

Cut 13 (07) “…willing to come.” 

Donelon says the incentive fund can result in more homeowners receiving insurance from a private insurer, instead of relying on much more expensive Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance policies. He says it could prevent thousands of people below I-10 from losing their homes…

Cut 14 (09)   “…emergency room.”

Donelon says long-term property insurance reform legislation could be addressed in the regular session that starts in April.

_______________________________________________________

Over 15-thousand fans packed into the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night to watch the third ranked LSU women’s basketball team stay undefeated on the year by beating Tennessee 76-68. Coach Kim Mulkey was pleased with the win and amazed by the crowd

Cut 15 (15) “… in college”

The 15-thousand fans in attendance set a record for largest crowd in the PMAC since it was reconfigured in 2005. They were all wearing white T-shirts. Star forward Angel Reese was impressed…

Cut  16 (10)  “…is amazing.”

LSU is 21-0 and its next game is Thursday at home against Georgia.

2:30 LRN Newscast Jan 31

At the Capitol, a House committee has just passed a proposal to put $45-million in surplus cash into an incentive fund to attract new private property insurers to the state, after about 20 either went insolvent of simply left after the storms of 2020 and ’21. That has forced tens of thousands into the state-run insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens, which is much costlier than the private market. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says there are companies interested in coming here, but Jonesboro Rep. Jack McFarland says he’s unaware of any…:

CUT 13(07)      “…willing to come.”

The bill must also pass the Senate before it can go to the Governor. Lawmakers intend to wrap their business this Friday. A number of lawmakers say further insurance reforms will be explored in the regular legislative session this spring.

 

Senator Bill Cassidy says federal Infrastructure Act money is bringing broadband internet to the state’s rural parishes, with progress already made in Morehouse Parish. Brooke Thorington reports…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Thorington.”

Northern Louisiana is on alert as freezing rain and sleet are reported in areas along the I-20 corridor. Expect very hazardous and slippery travel later tonight and into early Wednesday. Better to stay home, if you are able.

1:30 LRN Newscast Jan 31

There is the potential for light freezing rain across the northern parishes tonight, into the overnight hours and through tomorrow morning. Louisiana Radio Network Meteorologist John Wetherbee says high temperatures will only be in the upper 30s today across north Louisiana and temperatures will approach freezing tonight…:

CUT 09(11)      “…early tomorrow.”

Wetherbee says the Winter Weather Advisory is for parishes along I-20.

Revelers receive welcome news from the City of New Orleans as Mayor LaToya Cantrell officially announces that parade routes will return to pre-pandemic routes and lengths. Interim Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says they are extremely pleased with the collaborative effort of law enforcement across the state to provide adequate security for carnival season…:

CUT 05(08)      “…everyone’s happy.”

Parade routes were abbreviated the last two seasons due to a shortage of police officers.

 

At the State Capitol today, a House committee advances a proposed 45-million dollar incentive fund that can be used to attract additional private property insurers to the state, but not without some debate.  House Insurance Chairman Mike Huval is an insurance agent in Breaux Bridge and says a similar program after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita helped revitalize the private property insurance market…:

CUT 11(10)      “…come also.”

That plan brought 5 companies to Louisiana when it was done in 2007, but Houma Representative Tanner Magee says several of them have since bailed…:

CUT 12(09)      “…pay claims”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says long-term property insurance reform legislation could be addressed in the regular session that starts in April.

12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 31

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is bringing broadband internet to Louisiana’s rural parishes. In his weekly press conference, Cassidy says Morehouse Parish is a great example, where there was once NO fast internet access at all…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…is connected.” 

He says more parishes have broadband projects underway and the goal is for fast internet access to be available statewide.

Mardi Gras parades return to their pre-pandemic routes this year. New Orleans Interim Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says planning began several months ago to ensure enough police officers were allocated from around the state to provide security for residents and tourists for Mardi Gras.

Cut  4 (10)  “…Mardi Gras season.” 

Broussard Police Department is investigating a nutty case of missing squirrel monkeys, Whitney Thomas Reports.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Over 15-thousand fans packed into the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night to watch the third ranked LSU women’s basketball team stay undefeated on the year by beating Tennessee 76-68. Alexis Morris scored a career-high 31 points, while Angel Reese had her 21st consecutive double-double, 18 points and 17 rebounds.

Coach Kim Mulkey was pleased with the win and amazed by the crowd…
cut 15 (15) “…in college”
The Lady Tigers are back home again Thursday to take on Georgia.

The Pelicans are in Denver tonight looking to snap an eight-game losing streak. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum are set to return to the floor after missing Sunday’s loss at Milwaukee. Tip off is at 9:00 central time.

Four LSU Tigers have been named to the Baseball America’s preseason All-Americans teams. Center fielder Dylan Crews and right-hander and utility player Paul Skenes are first-team selections. First baseman Tre Morgan and third baseman Tommy White are second team selections.

The expectation is that LSU will win its first national championship since 2009. Center fielder Dylan Crews says what others are expecting from this team is not added pressure…
cut 19 (18) “…for sure”
The Tigers open the season on February 17th at home against Western Michigan.

Senior Bowl practices are underway in Mobile, Alabama. Defensive back Jay Ward and defensive lineman Ali Gaye are the players from LSU.