4:30 LRN Newscast Sept 24

Louisiana saw a 15 percent decline in the rate of women who were murdered by men from 2017 to 2018. Matt Doyle has the story.
cut 2 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

The state reported 581 additional coronavirus cases today bringing the state’s total to over 163-thousand. The state also reported 16 more deaths which brings the state’s death toll to 5,241. The number of patients hospitalized by COVID fell by 17 to 575.

FEMA RVs are headed to southwest Louisiana for residents whose homes are uninhabitable due to Hurricane Laura. FEMA hopes to place trailers on the homeowner’s property, but they may also create R-V parks. FEMA will contact residents whose homes have been identified as uninhabitable. Individual Assistance Supervisor Liz Redferan says if a Laura survivor initially declines the offer, they can reconsider.

Cut 5 (12)  “calling us back ”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has received a flu shot and he’s encouraging all Louisiana to get the vaccination as well. Nungesser participated in a Walgreens Flu Shot promotion with Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow. Nungesser says getting the flu shot can save your life…

Cut 14 (10) “…nationally”

3:30 LRN Newscast Sept 24

FEMA has announced that Calcasieu Parish residents who are not able to live in their home because of Hurricane Laura damage qualify for housing assistance, which includes the placing of a FEMA RV or manufactured home on a survivor’s property. FEMA Division Supervisor Jerry Stolar says many of these homes were used four years ago…

Cut 4 (10)“ occurred there” 

Stolar says FEMA is reaching out to residents who are eligible for this program.

For the first time in two weeks, there are no tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Basin, after a breathless few weeks where as many as five named storms were active in the Atlantic at once. But State Climatologist Barry Keim says some of the modeling community is projecting after about a week’s break the Basin will again start churning out systems…

Cut 8 (08)  “…season” 

Louisiana saw a notable drop in the rate of women murdered by men in 2018, by about 15 percent. Despite the drop, Louisiana still had the 5th highest rate in the nation. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Director Mariah Wineski says we have a lot of work to do when it comes to identifying situations that will eventually become homicides.

Cut 11 (12) “…opportunities”

Louisiana’s rate of 2.26 victims per 100,000 women in 2018 was 77 percent higher than the national average.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has received a flu shot and he’s encouraging all Louisiana to get the vaccination as well. Nungesser participated in a Walgreens Flu Shot promotion with Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow

Cut 12 (08) “…side effects”

2:30 LRN Newscast Sept 24

About 92-hundred households in six parishes hit hard by Hurricane Laura are eligible for housing assistance and that includes the opportunity to put a FEMA trailer on their property. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…Jeff Palermo”  

Former Louisiana State Police trooper Jason Boyet pleads guilty to distributing pornography depicting children as young as 3 years old. 42-year old Boyet faces five to 20 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for January 20. Boyet was the 2018 Trooper of the Year.

Louisiana saw a notable drop in the rate of women murdered by men in 2018, about 15 percent. 67 percent of victims were killed with a firearm, but Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Director Mariah Wineski says a 2018 law requiring domestic abusers to transfer possession of their firearms is just now coming into play.

Cut 10 (10) “…firearms”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has received a flu shot and he’s encouraging you to follow his lead. Nungesser says its especially important to get the flu shot this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic…

Cut 13 (09) “…to do”

Nungesser participated in a Walgreens Flu Shot promotion with Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow.

1230 PM LRN News

Louisiana saw a notable drop in the rate of women murdered by men in 2018, about 15 percent. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Director Mariah Wineski says it appears a number of legislative efforts are finally coming to fruition.

Cut 9, 8 seconds, orders

Despite the drop, Louisiana still had the 5th highest rate in the nation and was 77 percent higher than the national average.

For the first time in two weeks, there are no tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Basin, after a breathless few weeks where as many as five named storms were active in the Atlantic at once. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the quiet period is due to the nature of tropical systems…

Cut 6 (12)  “…energy”  

The National Hurricane Center is currently not monitoring any systems other than the scattered remains of Beta currently in Mississippi.

The 2020 Census count deadline is less than a week away and Lt Governor Billy Nungesser stresses the importance of being counted. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (29) “…Brooke Thorington” 

The state reports 581 new cases of COVID-19 today.

AM LRN Newscall 09-24-2020

It’s been about half a year since the first wave of pandemic business closures forced hundreds of thousands of Louisianans onto unemployment. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The 2020 Census count deadline is less than a week away and Lt Governor Billy Nungesser stresses the importance of being counted. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (29) “…Brooke Thorington” 

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Democrats are crying foul after the state voter registration portal was shut down for part of National Voter Registration Day. Matt Doyle spoke with the new Chair of the state party…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Tens of thousands of Louisianans will stop receiving state unemployment payments this week, and start drawing down federally extended benefits.

Half a year ago the first wave of coronavirus was sweeping the state. Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Dejoie says they expect twenty to thirty thousand additional people a week will no longer be eligible for their six months of state payments.

Cut 4 (06)“ …individuals” 

But that doesn’t mean all of those people falling off the rolls will stop receiving checks. Dejoie says a federal program may tide you over till near the end of the year.

Cut 5 (10)  “benefit”

PEUC recipients will continue to receive whatever they would be owed by the state if they were not past their 26-week limit.

Dejoie says if your eligibility is running out and you are able to work a job they’ve got quite a few available.

Cut 6 (11) “…fairs”

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The 2020 Census count is just under a week from its deadline of September 30th and about ten percent of Louisianans have still failed to respond. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is concerned because federal funding is based on the Census count. Nungesser says the last Census failed to get an accurate count so responding now is imperative.

Cut 7 (12) “…accurate count.”

Nungesser says federal funding for schools, hospitals and roads is based on the Census count and with a state hit hard by COVID and hurricanes every person needs to be counted.

Cut 8 (12) “…federal funding”

The Census also determines representation in Congress and is used to draw up state legislative boundaries.

Cut 9 (09) “…can’t afford”

To respond to the Census go to my2020census.gov and if a Census worker comes to your door please assist them. Census workers may also come to your door if you’ve already responded for a count on neighboring households.

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The state Unclaimed Property Program has once again run out of money, the second time that’s happened in the last three years.

State Treasurer John Schroder says the Legislature generally draws about 10-15 million dollars a year out of the program to supplement the budget, but that’s growing less feasible…

Cut 10 (11) “…Money Out.”

Unclaimed property can be everything from payroll checks to old bank accounts, royalties, deposits, interest payments, and more that’s owed to residents and businesses.

Schroder says while this is frustrating it should only delay your claim by a few weeks.

Cut 11 (05) “…to wait.”

The program is about a million and a half dollars shy right now.

There’s a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would block the Legislature from using unclaimed property dollars by turning the program into a trust fund. Schroder would like you to vote for it in November.

Cut 12 (11) “…only”

Since 1973 the trust fund has dispersed over 600 million dollars.

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Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin has come under fire after the state voter registration portal was shut down for “scheduled maintenance” for hours on National Voter Registration Day Tuesday.

New State Democratic Party Chair Katie Bernhardt says that was a huge red flag for voter suppression…

Cut 13 (11) “…suppression”

The site was down from 8 PM to 11:30 PM.

Ardoin called the shutdown an “unfortunate error” and that Tuesday’s maintenance was scheduled long ago. Bernhardt says if that’s the case that kind of oversight was grossly negligent, however…

Cut 14 (08) “pandemic.”

National Voter Registration Day began in 2012 and this year was heavily pushed by both Democrats, Republicans, and independent organizations. In 2018 800,000 new voters were registered on that day.

Bernhardt called the failure and embarrassment, and when asked what should be done in response she says…

Cut 15 (09) “…to vote”

Voter registration is still ongoing and anyone who would like to register, or change their registration has until October 5th to do so by mail or October 13th to do so online for the upcoming November 3rd Presidential Election.

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After two games, Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has completed 65-percent of his passes, which is below his career average of 68-percent. Brees completed at least 70-percent of his passes over his last four seasons. But Coach Sean Payton says the higher percentage of incomplete passes can not be entirely pinned on number nine

Cut 16 (20) “…spacing” 

This Sunday, the Saints host Green Bay and the Packers are 2-0 and Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is off to a great start. Rodgers has thrown six touchdowns passes and zero interceptions. Plus he’s been sacked just one time. Payton says Rodgers is protected by an experienced offensive line

Cut 17 (18) “…might be” 

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Sophomore running back Chris Curry and junior linebacker Damone Clark will wear the coveted number 18 jersey for LSU this season. Number 18 is synonymous with success…both on and off the field, as well as a selfless attitude. Curry, who is expected to get the start on Saturday, says he was shocked when he learned he would wear number 18

Cut 18  (18) “…for the team” 

Clark was a star linebacker at nearby Southern Lab and he has the opportunity to become the next star linebacker at LSU. He says to do it while wearing number is 18 a dream come true…

Cut 19  (22) “…honored”    

 

cut 20 (17) “..at.home”

5:30 LRN Newscast Sept 23

During a visit to LSU’s campus, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Doctor Deborah Birx says the changes made to Louisiana’s COVID-19 mitigation measures saved lives. Birx says two and a half months ago, 80-percent of the parishes had over a ten-percent positivity rate on coronavirus tests taken, but there’s been a decline in new cases since the mask mandate

Cut 12 (05) “…masks work”

On July 11th, Governor Edwards called for a statewide mask mandate.

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says the Constitution does not prohibit the Senate from confirming a Supreme Court Justice nominee, even though we are 41 days away from the presidential election. Kennedy sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee and says he’s not looking for a judge to be a politician in robes…
Cut 8 (08) “…ought to be”

Trump has said he’ll nominate a new Supreme Court Justice on Saturday.

It was just Monday when Crimestoppers was offering a 5,000 dollar reward for information leading to an arrest in the “ambush” of a Pineville Police Officer, but that offer is no longer valid as it appears the officer actually shot himself, and then made up the story about an ambush to cover it up. Deputy Chief of Pineville P-D Darrell Basco says an investigation showed Officer John Goulart Jr. was lying.

Cut 4 (09)“ office” 

Only 25-hundred Entergy customers in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes remain without power just under a month after Laura devastated southwest Louisiana. Spokesperson Brandon Scardigli says restoring power to the hard-hit area has been a monumental task.

Cut 9 (10) “…time”

4:30 LRN Newscast Sept 23

President Donald Trump says he will announce his nomination for the recently vacated US Supreme Court seat by Saturday. Once that announcement is made Senator John Kennedy says a confirmation won’t be speedy…

Cut 7 (10)“ …we’re ready” 

Democrats, citing precedent set in 2016, say the next justice should be picked by the winner of the November election.

A Pineville police officer who alleged Sunday night that he had been ambushed and shot is now under arrest for allegedly shooting himself and then lying about it. Deputy Chief of Pineville P-D Darrell Basco says the incident was investigated and they now believe Officer John Goulart Jr. filed a false report.

Cut 3 (10) “shot him”
The vast majority of Entergy Louisiana customers in southwest Louisiana have now had their power restored. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

The Louisiana Democratic Party is accusing Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin of voter suppression and gross incompetence because the voter registration portal on the Secretary of State’s website was down for several hours yesterday, which was National Voter Registration Day. Ardoin says the website issues were the result of maintenance and he calls it an unfortunate error.

3:30 LRN Newscast Sept 23

White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Doctor Deborah Birx visited LSU’s campus and was asked about the university having 25-thousand fans inside Tiger Stadium this Saturday. Birx says it’s important that fans stay socially distanced from others and the no tailgating rule is a good one…

Cut 14 (10) “…event”

A Pineville police officer who alleged Sunday night that he had been ambushed and shot is now under arrest for allegedly shooting himself and then lying about it. Deputy Chief of Pineville P-D Darrell Basco says what Officer John Goulart, Jr did is incredibly disappointing.

Cut 5 (13)  “to do ”

Democrats say the winner of the November presidential election should be the one who names a new justice to replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Supreme Court seat. But Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy says the U-S Constitution is clear on this issue…

cut 6 (12) “…Senate votes”
The President is expected to announce a nominee on Saturday.

Entergy is reporting that 25-hundred customers still remain without power in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes, just under a month after Hurricane Laura devastated southwest Louisiana. Spokesperson Brandon Scardigli says those 25-hundred customers are scattered throughout the parishes and not in just one geographical area and they’re mostly homes that were severely damaged.

Cut 11 (09) “…right away”

2:30 LRN Newscast Sept 23

During a visit to LSU’s campus, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Doctor Deborah Birx says the changes made to Louisiana’s COVID-19 mitigation measures saved lives. On July 11th, Governor Edwards called for a statewide mask mandate and closed bars. Birx says it’s important these mitigation measures stay in place…

Cut 13 (07) “…discussion”

Only 2,500 Entergy customers in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes remain without power just under a month after Hurricane Laura hit.  Spokesperson Brandon Scardigli says it hasn’t been easy to get power back on in the hardest-hit areas, but they’ve managed to restore 99 percent of their customers by bringing a 13- thousand worker strong army.

Cut 10 (09) “…Canada”

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says the November election should not stop President Trump from naming a Supreme Court Justice nominee. Jim Shannon has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…Jim Shannon”  

The state health department releases updated numbers on COVID-19 cases at K-12 schools in the state. There are 253 known cases based on 948 schools reporting. Of the reported cases 172 are students and 84 are faculty and staff members. The state reported 440 new cases for the entire state today and seven new deaths.

1230 PM LRN News

President Donald Trump says he will announce his nomination for the recently vacated US Supreme Court seat by Saturday. Once that announcement is made Senator John Kennedy says a confirmation won’t be speedy…

Cut 7 (10)“ …we’re ready” 

Kennedy says his understanding of the constitution indicates there is nothing that should stop the current Senate from moving ahead with a confirmation before inauguration day. Democrats, citing precedent set in 2016, say the next justice should be picked by the winner of the November election.

Only 2,500 Entergy Louisiana customers in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes remain without power just under a month after Laura devastated southwest Louisiana. Spokesperson Brandon Scardigli says restoring power to the hard-hit area has been a monumental task.

Cut 9 (10) “…time”

It was just Monday when Crimestoppers was offering a 5,000 dollar reward for information leading to an arrest in the “ambush” of a Pineville Police Officer, but that offer is no longer valid as it appears the officer actually shot himself, and then made up the story about an ambush to cover it up. Deputy Chief of Pineville P-D Darrell Basco says an investigation showed Officer John Goulart Jr. was lying.

Cut 4 (09)“ office” 

Goulart has been booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center and is on administrative leave.

Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says 400 mystery seed specimens were sent to Louisiana two months ago, and 16,000 were received nationwide but we still don’t know exactly who sent them, or why. Strain says the feds are working to make sure something like this never happens again.

Cut 12 (09) “…plants”