AM Newscall Oct 13

Today is the last day to call in for those in Ida impacted parishes to call in for DSNAP interviews. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Small businesses across the U.S. and Louisiana are slightly less optimistic these days about the future.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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LSU-Shreveport offers classes in the ins and outs of the legal marijuana business. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Today is the last day for interviews for Disaster Food Stamps. Since DSNAP was made available for those eligible in the 25-parishes impacted by Hurricane Ida, DCFS Assistant Secretary for Family Support Shavana Howard says they’d been overwhelmed with calls, but now due to extra staff and extended call hours, hold times have been greatly reduced.

Cut 4 (11) “…and this week.”

Since enrollment began Howard says they’ve answered more than 250-thousand calls and processed about 175-thousand cases. She says they averaged eight thousand calls daily.  Howard says it is an income-eligible-based program and they look at your income from August 26th to September 24th.

Cut 5 (10) “…DNSAP benefits.”

Calls today are open for all last names for those in the impacted parishes and call hours are from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. Howard says you must preregister online before you call in and they appreciate everyone’s patience during the process and they are trying to make it as convenient as possible.

Cut 6 (11) “…place is up.”

For more information visit DCFS.louisiana.gov/DSNAP

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It continues to be a tough field to hoe as small businesses work to return to normal as the pandemic eases.  Dawn Shea, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says shop owners are gearing back up and hiking pay.

Cut 7 (10) “…are raising compensation.”

However, she says 51-percent of those businesses survey reported job openings that couldn’t be filled, a nearly five-decade high.

McVea says just because you have more people applying for jobs, doesn’t mean businesses are getting the right workers knocking on the door.

Cut 8 (11) “…for business owners.”

McVea says the amount of goods available for businesses to sell is also a problem these days.

Cut 9 (08)  “…is an issue.”

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Services will be held this weekend to honor the life of Master Trooper Adam Gaubert, who was killed in the line of duty Saturday. His funeral will be held Saturday morning at St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. Trooper Kate Stegall says visitation will be Friday evening at Resthaven Funeral home and on Saturday morning before the 11 am service.

Cut 10 (07)  “…church.” 

47-year old Gaubert was a 19 year veteran of the agency and was one of the two fatalities in a multi-parish shooting spree last Saturday. Gaubert’s body wasn’t discovered in his vehicle until 15 hours after his shooting in Ascension Parish. Stegall says it’s been a difficult time for everyone who knew him.

Cut 11 (07) “…agency.”

Those attending services for Gaubert are asked to use a face mask and socially distance. Stegall says the public can show their support for Trooper Gaubert and his family by lining the procession route from the funeral home to the St. George Catholic.

Cut 12 (04) “…honor possible.”

The funeral will also be live-streamed Saturday on LSP’s Facebook page.

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LSU-Shreveport offers a third session of a course in Careers in the Legal Cannabis industry. Dr. Julie Lessiter is Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives for LSUS. She says the class is a perfect way to acquaint oneself with the ins and outs of getting into the legal cannabis business…:

Cut 13 (13) “…what the barriers are.”

Medical marijuana in ingestible forms is currently legal at any of the 10 dispensaries across the state. New law taking effect next year will allow smokable medical cannabis. As more areas see legalization become reality, more and more are interested in learning about getting into the business. Lessiter says the course has been offered twice before by LSUS and can be taken no matter where you are…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…this class too.”

Lessiter says the Careers in Legal Cannabis course offers information on the science of legal marijuana, as well as the legalities and business practices. She says this is a “no credit” course and can be taken by anyone…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…from the community.”

(Classes start October 19th. For information on the class or to sign up, contact LSU-Shreveport Continuing Education)

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There was a bright spot in LSU’s loss to Kentucky on Saturday. The Tigers running game finally got going as the junior running back Ty Davis-Price rushed for a career-best 147 yards and two touchdowns. Davis-Price credits the offensive line…

Cut  16 (17) “…they did”

There’s a lot of speculation about Coach Ed Orgeron’s job status. Center Liam Shanahan says they can’t control the talk that’s happening outside of the football operations’ building…

Cut 17 (19) “..for it” 

LSU will play the rest of the season without star-wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who suffered a season-ending injury. Shanahan hates to see such a key piece of their offense go down…

Cut 18 (26)”…those shoes.”

5:30 LRN Newscast Oct 12

After dealing with years of budget deficits during Governor Edwards’ first term in office, the state is reporting a billion-dollar surplus for the fiscal year that ended June 30th. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the state’s economy outperformed economists’ projections. He says when lawmakers gather for the 2022 session in March they’ll also have federal coronavirus relief dollars to spend. He says it’s an opportunity for the state to make some wise investments…

Cut  11 (07)  “…next year”  

 

Matthew Mire, the man accused of killing a state trooper, an Ascension Parish woman, and wounding three others Saturday in a multi-parish shooting spree, was denied bond today. Legal Analyst Franz Borghardt says Mire appeared in court via Zoom this afternoon and it was also revealed then that the suspect is on lockdown and under suicide watch.

Cut 13 (12) “…or others”

 

With crude oil prices at their highest level in seven years, gas prices aren’t the only things fuel-related being impacted by the 80-dollar a barrel price.  LSU Professor David Dismukes says winter heating bills in Louisiana are expected to be impacted negatively

Cut 4 (10) “…prices are skyrocketing.”

 

Long-awaited travel trailers for those who’ve been displaced by Ida are beginning to roll in the state.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

 

1:30 LRN Newscast Oct 12

Long-awaited travel trailers for those who’ve been displaced by Ida are beginning to roll in the state. Brooke Thorington has more from one of the biggest proponents for getting the program up and running.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

 

After dealing with years of budget deficits during Governor Edwards’ first term in office, the state is reporting a billion-dollar surplus for the fiscal year that ended June 30th. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says some of the money will go into the Rainy Day Fund and towards other constitutional dedications. He says state lawmakers will have the ability to spend 450-million dollars of it on one-time projects…

 

 

With crude oil prices at their highest level in seven years, gas prices aren’t the only things fuel-related being impacted by the 80-dollar a barrel price.  Professor David Dismukes, Executive Director of LSU’s Center for Energy Studies, while you might think that rising oil prices might be a positive thing for Louisiana’s oil and gas industry, Dismukes says that’s not necessarily the case given the Biden administration’s negative thoughts on fossil fuels.

Cut 5 (08) “…wells right now.”

 

A report released today by Filterbuy shows that homeownership has been rising for years, varying by several factors including age, race and location.  The report shows that out of the 75 largest U.S. metropolitan areas with all of the data in for 2020, Baton Rouge had the 8th highest home ownership rate. In 2016 that rate was 64.8 percent, and increased to 72.1 percent last year.

 

12:30 LRN Newscast Oct 12

With crude oil prices at their highest level in seven years, gas prices aren’t the only things fuel-related being impacted by the 80-dollar a barrel price.  LSU Professor David Dismukes, Executive Director of LSU’s Center for Energy Studies, says while the state is not that reliant on heating oil to keep homes and businesses warm during the winter, the price of crude still impacts the costs of other fuel options.

Cut 4 (10) “…prices are skyrocketing.”

 

 

After dealing with years of budget deficits during Governor Edwards’ first term in office, the state is reporting a billion-dollar surplus for the fiscal year that ended June 30th. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the state’s economy outperformed economists’ projections

Cut 9 (10) “…surplus” 

 

 

 

Almost a month and a half after Ida made landfall in southeast Louisiana travel trailers are finally beginning to roll into the state to help those who have been displaced by the storm. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says more than five thousand requests for the trailers have been submitted to the state so far. The state is acting as the middleman in acquiring the trailers and will be reimbursed by FEMA. Magee says in the first sourcing request for trailers the state acquired roughly 700.

Cut 7 (12) “…up steam.”  

 

Time now for a check on commodity prices…..

5:30 pm LRN Newscast

Days after the fatal shooting of Master Trooper Adam Gaubert in Ascension Parish questions remain as to why it took 15 hours to find his body. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (43)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Gas prices across Louisiana are up about seven cents a gallon compared to last week, and Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst with Gas Buddy, says the ballooning prices can be blamed on the upswing in oil prices.

The average price of regular has now climbed to about two-97 a gallon.

 

The widow of former Governor Edwin Edwards spoke publicly today about her decision to have his body exhumed and cremated last month. The Cajun Prince died on July 12th and was buried days later. Trina Edwards says she was not allowed to bury him at the original plot he purchased, and she was forced to make a quick decision about his burial and soon regretted it.

 

Cut 6 (13) “…what I did.” 

 

Many Louisianans with National Flood Insurance Program coverage are alarmed at potentially huge premium hikes under FEMA’s new Risk Rating 2.0 plan. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says For those living in flood-prone areas, the increases in coverage could be literally unaffordable. And could lead to private insurers stepping up to compete with the Flood Insurance Program…:

Cut 13 (12) “..government is proposing”

AM Newscall Oct 12

The next time you pick up a plate of chicken fingers at Raising Cane’s it might have been prepped by someone from the corporate office. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Louisiana State Police are stunned by the killing of one of their own during a deadly chaotic shooting rampage carried out by a suspect now in custody. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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A deal is in the works that could help assure the New Orleans Saints keep playing “At Home in the Dome” for a long time. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The next time you visit a Raising Cane’s restaurant the person taking your order or the fry cook prepping your plate might also work in the corporate office. Cane’s Regional Vice President Matt Massey says it’s an initiative to help with the ongoing labor shortage.
Cut 4 (12) “…in 2022.”

Massey says the labor shortage isn’t unique to Cane’s and like other fast-food restaurants they aren’t sure what the silver bullet is to help turn it around but they are trying a method that they’ve used in the past to help with employee shortages after hurricanes impacted their eateries.

Cut 5 (11) “…a cashier.”

The chain is hoping to hire 10-thousand new workers in the next 50 days as corporate employees are working side by side with existing employees at their restaurants. Massey says it also shows workers the potential to be promoted to the corporate office one day.

Cut 6 (12) “…to do it.”

The first Raising Cane’s opened in Baton Rouge in 1996 and has grown to more than 550 locations across the U-S.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and this year women might notice when they have their annual screening they are asked when and which arm they received their COVID vaccine. Ochsner Health Radiologist Dr. Maverick LeBlanc says the reason being your lymph nodes could swell under your arm and impact your mammogram results.

Cut 7 (09) “…swelling.”

LeBlanc says swelling is a normal reaction after a vaccine and if you can it’s best to wait at least four to six weeks after your last vaccine dose to have your annual screening mammogram.

LeBlanc says the Society of Breast Imaging recommends women start getting annual mammograms at age 40. He says it’s important even if women are not experiencing any problems to still be screened annually so radiologists can compare previous mammograms.

Cut 8 (10) “…as possible (x2).”

The swelling of the lymph nodes under the arm not caused by a vaccine can be a symptom of a breast issue, therefore LeBlanc says that’s why women will be asked if they recently had a vaccine injection to rule out a possible problem.

Cut 9 (07)  “…your study.”

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Changes are planned and underway to keep Louisiana State Police more aware of any trouble a trooper may be in, as was the case for Master Trooper Adam Gaubert who was killed during a multi-parish shooting spree over the weekend.  Colonel Lamar Davis says the agency is working to implement a computer-aided dispatch system.

Cut 10 (09)  “…our communications staff.” 

Davis says with the technology upgrades, tragic situations like Trooper Gaubert’s body not being located for nearly 15 hours during the deadly chaos blamed on Matthew Mire might be avoided.

Cut 11 (11) “…check on them.”

Davis says State Police hope to see improved technology not be the only means to an end to curbing the targeting of officers and any other members of the public by people like suspect Matthew Mire In Gaubert’s killing.

Cut 12 (12) “…of the community.”

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The state’s Commissioner of Administration says a deal is in the works that could keep the Saints in New Orleans and the Superdome for a good long time. Speaking at the Press Club of Baton Rouge, Jay Dardenne says the deal would not only keep the Saints in the Dome, but also help to bring many more Super Bowls to the Crescent City…:

Cut 13 (10) “…here ’til 2055.”

Dardenne says most all parties involved are on board with the deal, but a lot hinges on the state Bond Commission, who must approve financing of hundreds of millions in major renovations to the 50-year-old Superdome…:

Cut 14 (09)  “…to move forward.”

Dardenne says Saints & Pelicans owner Gayle Benson has made a long-term commitment to having the Saints in the Superdome; and has set up a trust to assure that even after she has passed on…:

Cut 15 (07)  “…the various entities.”

(The Saints current agreement with the state expires in 2025. Dardenne feels confident the state will be able to extend the Saints time in New Orleans until 2055.)

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LSU’s top playmaker on offense is out for the rest of the season. Kayshon Boutte was carted off the field in the second half of Saturday’s loss to Kentucky with an ankle injury and Coach Ed Orgeron confirmed on Monday it’s a second-ending injury. Boutte is the team’s leading receiver with 38 catches and nine touchdowns. Coach Ed Orgeron says others will have to step up to replace their top receiver…

Cut  16 (21) “…step up.”

The Tigers are 3-and-3 and their rumors Orgeron will not be able to survive another non-winning season. The coach says he hasn’t had any discussions with LSU athletics director Scott Woodward about his job status, but he understands the expectations…

Cut 17 (21) “..for anyone” 

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Two of the top teams in the Sun Belt meet tonight in Lafayette when the Ragin Cajuns host Appalachian State at 6:30 for a game that will be seen on ESPN Two. The Mountaineers are averaging 35 points a game and giving up 20 points a contest and they have one of the best run defenses in the league. Cajuns Coach Billy Napier…

Cut 18 (20)”…hard on you.”

This will be the tenth meeting between the two schools and App State has won every game in the series, except for last December’s meeting in Boone, North Carolina that was won by the Cajuns 24-21. Napier says his arrival, the games between these two schools have been close

Cut 19 (18)  “…each other.”  (2x)

 Appalachian State’s Chase Brice is the Sun Belt’s top passer, averaging 272 yards per game. Napier says he’s an impressive player…

Cut 20 (17)  “…undefeated.” 

1:30 LRN Newscast Oct 11

A trooper death that was discovered almost 15 hours after he was believed to have been ambushed by 31-year old Matthew Mire during his multi-parish shooting rampage remains under investigation. State Police Colonel Lamar Davis says Master Trooper Adam Gaubert was found in his vehicle around 5 pm Saturday and surveillance video shows the suspect in the area at 2:30 am.

Cut 9 (13) “….just that” 

Mire is in police custody on multiple charges, including first-degree murder of a police officer.

 

Gas prices across Louisiana are up about seven cents a gallon compared to last week, and Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst with Gas Buddy, says the ballooning prices can be blamed on the upswing in oil prices. DeHaan says in the very near future drivers in Louisiana could be shelling out an average price of three-dollars a gallon for regular.

Cut 5 (09) “…and over with.”

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The widow of former Governor Edwin Edwards spoke publicly today about her decision to have his body exhumed and cremated last month. Trina Edwards says she was not allowed to bury him at the original plot he purchased. As for the final resting place for the Silver Fox, Edwards’s hints that perhaps she’d like to have him placed next to another Louisiana governor and political legend Huey Long at the state capitol.

Cut 8 (07) “…about that.”

But in the meantime, his ashes will remain at the home they shared in Gonzales.

Many Louisianans with National Flood Insurance Program coverage are alarmed at potentially huge premium hikes under FEMA’s new Risk Rating 2.0 plan. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says this COULD stimulate competition from private insurers. Donelon says the rate in increases will be devastating to homeowners and the Louisiana economy at large…:

Cut 12 (12) “.federally backed mortgage ”  

12:30 LRN Newscast Oct 11

Gas prices across Louisiana are up about seven cents a gallon compared to last week, and Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst with Gas Buddy, says the ballooning prices can be blamed on the upswing in oil prices.  He says there was a chance that oil prices could have been rolled back, but OPEC put a halt to that with a blockage on additional crude production.

Cut 4 (08) “…of oil jumping.”

 

The widow of former Governor Edwin Edwards spoke publicly today about her decision to have his body exhumed and cremated last month. Trina Edwards says she was not allowed to bury him at the original plot he purchased. In the process of having his body moved she faced criticism that she was having him cremated to destroy evidence. Edwards says however she’s comfortable with her choice to bring his remains home for now.

 

Cut 7 (11) “…allowed to do that.”  

 

A multi-parish shooting spree leaves several injured and two dead including a state trooper. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

 

Mini pig  Now, a check on commodities for this Monday afternoon.

11:30 LRN Newscast Oct 11

The widow of former Governor Edwin Edwards spoke publicly today about her decision to have his body exhumed and cremated last month. The Cajun Prince died on July 12th and was buried days later. Trina Edwards says she was not allowed to bury him at the original plot he purchased, and she was forced to make a quick decision about his burial and soon regretted it.

 

Cut 6 (13) “…what I did.” 

 

Trina Edwards made the comments on Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana radio show Monday.

 

The field of contenders for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican John Kennedy is expected to get a little more crowded in the near future.  LA Politics publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s talk that Democrat Gary Chambers could announce his intentions soon and that he’s not an unknown in political circles.

Cut 10 (06)  “…earlier this year.” 

 

The owner of the seven nursing homes that evacuated more than 800 residents to a Tangipahoa Parish warehouse before Hurricane Ida is trying to get his nursing home licenses back. Bob Dean’s attorney John McLindon says the Louisiana Department of Health had issues with what happened after the evacuation and not the evacuation plan itself. He says what happened afterward happened in other areas impacted by the hurricanes.

Cut 14 (11)  “…staff couldn’t get there.”

 

Gas prices across Louisiana are up about seven cents a gallon compared to last week, and Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst with Gas Buddy, says the ballooning prices can be blamed on the upswing in oil prices.

Cut 3 (09) “….a half-percent.”

 

The average price of regular has now climbed to about two-97 a gallon.

5:30 PM LRN Newscast Oct 8

This weekend Animal Planet will be airing Louisiana Law: In The Eye Of Hurricane Ida. Ed Pratt with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries tells us it’s a broad stroke look at what wildlife agents did during the storm to help victims and Ida’s impact on them too.

Cut 3 (08) “….rescue other people.”

 

The show, which follows the agents’ missions before and after Ida’s landfall, airs Sunday at 8 p.m. and will also stream on Discovery+.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and at the beginning of the pandemic many had to delay their annual screenings, but Ochsner Health Radiologist Maverick LeBlanc says for the most part patients have returned to their getting their annual mammograms.  She says if for some reason you’ve noticed a change in your breast since your last mammogram to always notify your healthcare provider so they can schedule a mammogram.

Cut 7 (11) “…checked out.”  

 

Scammers are filing false Ida claims with FEMA on homes in the state in an effort to collect money. FEMA spokesperson Nate Custer says they send out inspectors to check on claims and when they knock on the door some homeowners tell them they’ve never filed with the agency.

Cut 9 (10) “….scam from FEMA” 

The FEMA inspector will then file a report that a false claim has been filed on your property and you can also call their Disaster Fraud Line at 1-866-720-5721

 

LSU will try to knock off an undefeated Kentucky team on Saturday night when they face the 16th ranked Wildcats in Lexington. LSU ranks 128th in the country in rushing the football. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says his offensive line is capable of opening holes for the running games, but he believes there needs to be more of a commitment to a ground game…

Cut 13 (13) “..the ball”