6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards has lifted the capacity limits on bars, restaurants, salons, gyms, malls, and casinos, but he’s still requiring these businesses to maintain social distancing of six feet. Edwards is also keeping the mask mandate in place. He says the C-D-C still recommends mask-wearing…
cut 9 (08) “…vaccinations”
Edwards says the capacity limits have been lifted because he says the state continues to make progress in the fight against COVID-19.

A new survey out of LSU has found 42-percent of the state’s residents believe Louisiana is heading in the right direction. That’s down from 47-percent in 2019 which is the last survey they conducted. LSU Public Policy Lab Director Michael Henderson says only 41-percent say they are confident state government can address the problems effectively…
cut 12 (03) “…now”
The poll surveyed 781 people from January 4th to March 1st.

The Better Business Bureau says if you try to purchase a fake vaccination card you might end up getting swindled yourself. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 30

The NFL owners have approved expanding the regular season from 16 games to 17. The NFL is also reducing the preseason by one, to three exhibition games. Since each team is now playing 17 regular-season games, Tennessee has been added to the Saints schedule. The 2021 schedule, with playing dates and times, will be announced later this spring.

The Saints have announced they’ve signed tight end Nick Vannett to a three-year contract. In 2020, Vannett played in 15 games with the Broncos and caught 14 passes, and had a touchdown. Vannett says it didn’t take long for the Saints to reach out after Denver cut him
Cut 20 (17) “…a Saint.”
Vannett will be entering his sixth season in the NFL.

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron tells ESPN 104-5 in Baton Rouge he does not remember speaking to the woman who alleges she was sexually harassed by former Tiger running back Derrius Guice in 2017.…
Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”

The LSU baseball team has its own issues on the field after getting swept by Tennessee this past weekend, which dropped their SEC record to 1-and-5. Coach Paul Mainieri’s team struck out 38 times and his pitchers allowed 23 walks or hit batters during the series…
cut 18 (11) “..its frustrating”

LRN PM Newscall March 30

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron tells ESPN 104-5 in Baton Rouge that he does not remember speaking to the woman who alleges she was sexually harassed by former Tiger running back Derrius Guice in 2017. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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23 parishes severely impacted by the winter storms in February receive approval for disaster food stamps. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

________________________________________

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron spoke publically for the first time today since 74-year-old Gloria Scott told state lawmakers that former Tigers running back Derrius Guice allegedly sexually harassed her in 2017 while working as a Superdome security guard. Scott said she spoke to Orgeron about the incident, but Coach O says he does not recall speaking to Scott

Cut 3 (08)  “…her courage”  

Orgeron made the comments on ESPN 104-5 in Baton Rouge. On Friday, Scott told the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children that Guice repeatedly sexually harassed her while she was at her post for the state high school football championship games. Orgeron says he’s deeply upset by Scott’s testimony…

Cut 4 (09) “…disgusting manner” 

Scott said she reported the incident to the university and Orgeron called her with Guice in the room and said the talented running back was a troubled child who was kidding and asked for her forgiveness. But LSU and Coach O says he never had any direct contact with Scott. Orgeron says he continues to cooperate with LSU on its internal investigation, but can’t say anymore…

Cut 5  (09)  “…to the university”

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The federal government approves disaster food stamps for 23 parishes severely impacted by the winter storms in February. DCFS Assistant Secretary of Family Support Shavana Howard says food assistance for a winter weather event is a first for Louisiana.

Cut 6 (07) “…benefits.”

Howard says if you lost food because of power outages during the winter storms from February 15th to the 18th you may be eligible.

Cut 7 (07) “…disaster.”

Because 23 parishes are approved DCFS will break down interviews for DSNAP into two Phases. Howard says the first phase is April 5th through the 10th for 11 parishes and then April 12th through the 17th for the remaining 12 parishes and they will be using the alphabet system by last name to register.

Howard says if you received SNAP benefits already in February 2021 you are not eligible but residents who began receiving benefits after February may be eligible. She urges you to preregister at their website.

Cut 8 (09) “…benefits.”

For a breakdown of parishes and interview dates and to preregister, visit dcfs.la.gov/DSNAP

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Today is National Doctor’s Day and Chancellor of the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Dr. G-E Ghali says the pandemic highlights the importance and shortage of physicians all over the country.

Cut 9 (10) “…impacted.”

Ghali says rural areas lack specialists and many physicians are attracted to larger cities that offer higher salaries to help offset their student loan debt.

Ghali says when you look at the state as a whole, it doesn’t appear to have a shortage of physicians, however…

Cut 10 (10) “…even nurses” 

Because student loan debt is so high for those in medical school, Ghali says they are looking to offer options to help offset loans to attract more physicians to work in rural areas.

Cut 11 (11) “rural parish.”

According to LSU Health Shreveport, more than 70-percent of physicians in north Louisiana did all or a portion of their training at LSUHS. The school has physicians practicing in almost every parish.

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Louisiana REALTORS is urging state landlords to take advantage of the 300 million dollars in federal rental assistance aid that was made available through the American Rescue Act.

CEO Norman Morris says the US Treasury’s Emergency Relief Assistance Program allows landlords and their tenants to work together to apply for the aid.

Cut 12 (09)   “increments” 

There’s been a CDC eviction moratorium in place since the start of the pandemic, and it’s been extended into the summer. Morris says small businesses have suffered big losses.

Cut 13 (10)“tenant”

Morris says tenants or landlords who would like to participate and get their federal aid should visit LA-State-Rent-Dot-Com.

Cut 14 (08) “…here.” 

You can also call 877-459-6555 during regular weekday hours.

1:30 LRN newscast March 30

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron publically commented today for the first time since 74-year-old Gloria Scott told a legislative committee about the sexual harassment she allegedly received from former Tigers running back Derius Guice in 2017. Scott said she spoke with Orgeron about the incident, but today Orgeron said on ESPN 104-5 in Baton Rouge that he doesn’t remember that conversation and is not at liberty to say anymore…
cut 5 (09) “…the university”

The federal government approves disaster food stamps for 23 parishes severely impacted by the winter storms in February. DCFS Assistant Secretary of Family Support Shavana Howard says food assistance for a winter weather event is a first for Louisiana.
Cut 6 (07) “…benefits.”
Howard says if you lost food because of winter storm power outages go to DCFS-dot-gov for more information.

Women pay more annually for car insurance in Louisiana compared to men, that’s according to The Zebra, an insurance comparison site…
Voicer 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana REALTORS is urging landlords and tenants to take advantage of the 300-million dollars in federal rental assistance that Congress has made available. CEO Norman Morris says visit L-A-State-Rent-dot-com…
cut 14 (08) “….here”
You can also call 877-459-6555 during regular weekday hours.

9:30 LRN Newscast March 30

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron spoke publically for the first time today since 74-year-old Gloria Scott told state lawmakers that former Tigers running back Derius Guice sexually harassed her in 2017 while working as a Superdome security guard. Scott said she spoke to Orgeron about the incident, but Coach O says he does not recall speaking to Scott
Cut 3 (08) “…her courage”
Orgeron made the comments on ESPN 104-5 in Baton Rouge.

A new report from The Zerba, an insurance comparison site, shows women in this state on average pay 68-dollars a year more than men for auto insurance. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl says it’s even worse for Louisiana women in their 50s…
cut 11 (10) “…the same car”
Holl says there is legislation filed in the upcoming session to address this issue.

Loyola University Law Professor Andrea Armstrong has received grant dollars to create a database of inmate deaths that occurred at all Louisiana prisons. Armstrong says 80-percent of US prisons go a full calendar year without an inmate death, she says with this database, we can measure how Louisiana prisons stack up…
cut 5 (08) “….pattern”
Armstrong hopes to provide more data later this spring.

St. Tammany Parish Coroner Doctor Charles Preston says his office investigated five infant fatalities last year that were the result of unsafe sleeping conditions. Preston is encouraging families to follow their A-B-Cs…
cut 8 (11) “…baby’s airway”
Preston says infant death by unsafe sleeping conditions is not unique to St. Tammany Parish but is a problem nationwide.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 30

The Loyola University Law School in New Orleans is putting together a database of inmate deaths at all Louisiana prisons. The project is the brainchild of Professor Andrea Armstrong who says up until now there hasn’t been a centralized collection of data about when, where, and how prisoners die at Louisiana correctional facilities.
Cut 4 (10)“…money.”
Armstrong says 80 percent of US prisons go a full calendar year without an inmate death. With this database, we can measure how Louisiana prisons stack up.

State Agriculture and Forestry investigators have charged two individuals with simple arson for setting fire on land owned by others in Vernon Parish. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says Laura Lee and Robert Ramirez of Leesville committed arson in an effort to get rid of snakes near their property. Strain says if you have a snake problem, instead of committing a felony…
cut 15 (08) “…mothballs”

Governor Edwards has called a 2:30 press conference to provide an update on the state’s response to COVID-19. The current phase three coronavirus restrictions order expires tomorrow. And The state health department reports one-point-one million people have had at least one vaccine shot, which is more than 25-percent of the state’s population.

The St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s office investigated five infant deaths last year that were the result of unsafe sleeping conditions. Brooke Thorington on how the coroner is addressing this issue…
cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

7:30 LRN Newscast march 30

A pro-consumer group points to a new study that has found women in Louisiana pay 68-dollars more for auto insurance than men even though there’s evidence women are safer drivers. A bill has been filed for the upcoming session that would ban insurance companies from using gender as a factor when setting rates. But Real Reform Executive Director Eric Holl doesn’t believe Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon will support the bill…
cut 12 (11) “….from him”
Donelon has said actuarial data is the reason why women pay more for auto insurance than men.

The trial date has been set for four Shreveport police officers facing negligent homicide charges in the death of Tommie McGlothen, a 44-year-old black man who died last April. Prosecutors say the officers used excessive force on McGlotehn and the officers have pleaded not guilty.

The Loyola Law School in New Orleans is creating a database of inmate deaths in Louisiana prisons. Matt Doyle on why this is important.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Laura Lee and Robert Ramirez of Leesville are facing simple arson charges for setting fire on land owned by others in an effort to get rid of snakes near their property. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says Ramirez has set multiple fires since 2020…
cut 14 (06) “…crime”
Lee was booked on her charges and authorities are still searching for Ramirez.

6:45 LRN Sportscast March 30

The Pelicans won for the fourth time in five games last night as New Orleans defeated Boston 115 to 109 at TD Garden. The Celtics made this game interesting at the end as they went on a 15-0 run before Brandon Ingram hit a big shot with 33 seconds left. But Coach Stan Van Gundy still wants to see his team finish games better…
cut 25 (16) “…kind of lead”
Ingram had 25 points and nine assists while Zion Williamson scored 28 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

The Saints announced the signing of tight end Nick Vannett to a three-year contract and the team has also signed defensive Tanoh Kpassagnon (pass-EN-yo). He’s been with the Chiefs since 2017 and has seven sacks in 61 career games.

The LSU baseball team is one and five in the SEC, which is matches their worst league start since 2011. That was a year the Tigers didn’t make the NCAA Tournament. LSU hosts South Alabama tonight and then number one ranked Vanderbilt for a three-game series that begins Thursday. Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s not ready to give up on the season…
cut 17 (19) “…not going to do that”
LSU is ranked in only one major college baseball poll. The USA Today Coaches Poll has the Tigers ranked 25th. Louisiana Tech is ranked 19th in that poll. The Bulldogs took three of four from Conference USA rival Southern Miss.

The Ragin Cajuns allowed just one hit yesterday to beat Coastal Carolina seven to nothing as they take three of four in that series. Carson Roccaforte had four hits and drove in three runs.

6:30 LRN Newscast March 30

Governor Edwards holds a press briefing at 2:30 to discuss the state’s response to COVID-19. The governor’s Phase 3 coronavirus health order expires tomorrow and we’ll see if restrictions will be loosened or tightened. The White House and the C-D-C are concerned we’ll see another surge in cases.

Women pay more annually for car insurance in Louisiana compared to men, that’s according to The Zebra, the nation’s leading insurance comparison site…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

St. Tammany Parish coroner Doctor Charles Preston is urging parents not to have their young children sleep in the same bed as them. He’s making this plea after his office investigated five infant deaths last year as a result of unsafe sleeping conditions. Preston says relatives tell parents it’s okay to have infant children sleeping with adults…
cut 7 (11) “….infant’s life”
Preston says a baby should sleep alone, on its back, and in a crib free of clutter.

A couple is facing arson charges after they allegedly set multiple fires near their home in Leesville on land owned by others in what was supposedly an effort to drive away snakes. 34-year-old Laura Ashley has been arrested and 34-year-old Robert Ramirez is on the run. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says what Ashley and Ramirez did is incredibly dangerous…
Cut 13 (09) “…vegetation.”
Ashley has been charged with simple arson and investigators learned that Ramirez had also set multiple fires in the area last year.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

After getting swept by Tennessee, LSU has fallen out of every major college baseball poll except one. The Tigers are ranked 25th in the USA Today Coaches Poll, dropping nine spots from last week. Sunday was a very frustrating day for LSU as they dropped a pair of games in extra innings. Coach Paul Mainieri…
cut 17 (17) “…South Alabama”
LSU is 1-and-5 in the SEC. It’s the Tigers’ worst start in league play since 1969.

19th ranked Louisiana Tech is off to a 3-and-1 start in Conference USA Play after taking three of four from Southern Miss. And U-L Lafayette has started 3-and-1 in Sun Belt play after beating Coastal Carolina seven to nothing today. Jack Burk gets the win, striking out eight over five innings.

The Pelicans are in Boston tonight to take on the Celtics. Zion Williamson is coming off a 38-point performance in a win over Dallas on Saturday.

The Saints have signed former Chiefs defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon to a two year contract. Kansas City drafted Kpassgnon, who is six-foot-seven in the second round in 2017. He has seven sacks in 61 career regular-season games.

Marrero Senator Patrick Connick has filed a bill for the upcoming session that would allow college athletes to make money off their name, image, and likeness. Taylor Sharp has the story.
Voicer 2 (27) “…I’m Taylor Sharp.”