A surge in COVID cases is impacting nursing homes across the country. Louisiana AARP’s Andrew Muhl says if you have a loved one in a nursing home, you should question the facility about its COVID protocols and vaccination rates…:

CUT 13(08)      “…they accessible?”

He says only about 42-percent of nursing home residents are vaccinated and only 15-percent of staff are up-to-date on boosters.

Terri Ricks has been appointed to oversee the Department of Children and Family Services, after the resignation last month of Marketa Walters. DCFS has had problems with keeping kids safe and internal troubles. Governor John Bel Edwards says he plans to increase the agency’s budget next year…:

CUT 11(11)      “…for DCFS.”

The state should have a $600-million surplus in the budget for 2023-24.

The Louisiana Humane Society says they’re getting a LOT of calls about pets left out in the freezing weather, even though it’s illegal…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Golby.”

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels says he will be staying on another season with the Tigers. Daniels tweeted today, ”this has been an amazing ride and honestly, I am not ready to get off just yet.”

The Louisiana Humane Society says they are receiving an alarming number of calls about pets left out in the freezing weather, even though it’s illegal. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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A surge in COVID cases is impacting nursing homes across the country. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana Humane Society director Jeff Dorson says the arrival of very cold winter weather has led to a sharp increase in calls about pets left outside without adequate shelter.

Cut 3 (10) “…with nothing.” 

State law requires pet owners to provide proper food, water, and shelter, but more than half of Louisiana’s parishes don’t have animal control agencies to enforce the laws, so Dorson says many complaints are overlooked or never investigated. He says that is the norm in parishes without animal control agencies.

Cut 4 (07)  “…put it.” 

According to the Humane Society, animals can suffer from frostbite, hypothermia, and even freeze to death. The Humane Society also asks large animal owners to provide them with access to lean-tos, stalls, sheds, or barns. He says neglected animals in the parishes with animal control agencies do better than those without if their owners get a complaint.

Cut 5 (07) “…take the animal.”

Owners who are found in violation can face fines and even up to six months in jail.

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The Bayou State will become the Frozen State tonight with temps dipping into the teens tonight. LRN’s John Weatherby says we’ll experience strong northwest winds with gusts up to 40 miles per hour.

Cut 6 (10)  “…many locations.”

Don’t forget to prep your pipes for the deep freeze that begins tonight and Weatherby says to be sure to dress in layers.

Cut 7 (07)  “…Christmas Day.”

Weatherby says if you’ll be traveling over the holiday weekend, be sure to pack accordingly, check the antifreeze in your vehicle and bring extra layers in case you have car trouble and you’re stranded for an extended period of time.

Cut 8 (04)  “…you’re prepared.“

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Terri Ricks has been appointed to oversee the Department of Children and Family Services. The agency has been under fire after two high-profile child deaths. Former Secretary Maketa Walters says the agency’s difficulties are a result of severe staffing shortages.  Governor Edwards says he’s recommending the legislature use a portion of the budget surplus to assist the agency.

Cut 9 (11) “…they have.” 

Edwards says since he took office the state general fund for DCFS has almost doubled, he says it’s approximately 90 more than in 2016. But he believes the agency needs additional financial support.

Cut 10 (09) “…qualified workers.” 

Edwards says the Revenue Estimating Conference says the state has approximately $935 million in surplus for the current budget year and the forecasted surplus for next year’s budget is $608 million.

Cut 11 (11)  “…for DCFS.”

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A surge in COVID cases is impacting nursing homes across the country. Louisiana AARP Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says their dashboard shows an increase in cases among residents and staff, and deaths nationwide are up 26 percent from the four-week period that ended November 20, compared to the previous four-week period.

Cut 12 (10) “…in Louisiana”  

Muhl says if you have a loved one in a nursing home, you should question the facility about its COVID protocols and vaccination rates.

Cut 13 (08) “…are they accessible.”  

As we enter the winter months when cases tend to surge along with community spread and holidays Muhl urges residents and staff to get updated on their boosters.

Cut 14 (10)   “…and the CDC”

The state reported approximately new 4,000 COVID cases this week.

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Cut 15 (10) “…can qualify.”

Cut  16 (07)  “…coroners office.”

The Bayou State will become the Frozen State tonight with temps dipping into the teens tonight. LRN’s John Weatherby says we’ll experience strong northwest winds with gusts up to 40 miles per hour.

Cut 6 (10)  “…many locations.”

Don’t forget to prep your pipes for the deep freeze that begins tonight and Weatherby says to be sure to dress in layers.

Louisiana Humane Society director Jeff Dorson says the arrival of very cold winter weather has led to a sharp increase in calls about pets left outside without adequate shelter. Dorson says many complaints are overlooked or never investigated because more than half of the parishes don’t have animal control agencies.

Cut 4 (07)  “…put it.” 

The artic weather will continue into next week.

Terri Ricks has been appointed to oversee the Department of Children and Family Services. The agency has been under fire after two high-profile child deaths. Since Governor Edwards took office, he says the state general fund for DCFS has almost doubled, he says it’s approximately 90 more than in 2016. Edwards says he plans to recommend part of the budget surplus go to DCFS to increase staffing.

Cut 10 (09) “…qualified workers.” 

A surge in COVID cases is impacting nursing homes across the country. Louisiana AARP Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says their dashboard shows an increase in cases among residents and staff, and deaths nationwide are up 26 percent from the four-week period that ended November 20, compared to the previous four-week period.

Cut 12 (10) “…in Louisiana”  

Low temps in parts of Louisiana will dip into the tens and twenties tonight and gusty winds of 40 miles per will make it feel below zero. LRN’s John Weatherby says the hard freeze begins tonight and lows in the state will remain below freezing into the following week.

Cut 8 (04)  “…you’re prepared.“

Terri Ricks has been appointed to oversee the Department of Children and Family Services. The agency has been under fire after two high-profile child deaths. Former Secretary Maketa Walters says the agency’s difficulties are a result of severe staffing shortages.  Governor Edwards says he’s recommending the legislature use a portion of the budget surplus to assist the agency.

Cut 9 (11) “…they have.” 

Ricks was named interim after Walters resigned last month.

The Louisiana Humane Society says they are receiving an alarming number of calls about pets left out in the freezing weather, even though it’s illegal. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

The Bayou State will become the Frozen State tonight with temps dipping into the teens tonight. LRN’s John Weatherby says we’ll experience strong northwest winds with gusts up to 40 miles per hour. Don’t forget to prep your pipes for the deep freeze that begins tonight and Weatherby says to be sure to dress in layers.

Cut 7 (07)  “…Christmas Day.”

Many locations in the state could experience wind chills below zero.

Louisiana Humane Society director Jeff Dorson says the arrival of very cold winter weather has led to a sharp increase in calls about pets left outside without adequate shelter.

Cut 3 (10) “..with nothing. ” 

State law requires pet owners to provide proper food, water, and shelter

On his monthly radio show Ask the Governor John Bel Edwards discussed the hypothetical question who would appoint the state’s US Senator should John Kennedy run for governor and win. Edwards says would be able to until an election can be held for a permanent replacement. Where it gets interesting is that Edwards a Democrat would be filling the seat recently won by a Republican with most likely a Democrat.

Cut 8 AM (12)  “…(x2) my inclination.”

And Governor Edwards has appointed Terri Ricks to oversee the Department of Children and Family Services. When former secretary Marketa Garner Walters resigned last month, after a public outcry over two child deaths the department has been warned were in danger, Ricks was named secretary on an interim basis. Ricks has served at deputy secretary since 2016 and was an undersecretary from 2004 to 2008.

Spokesperson for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Mike Steele says the agency is taking all necessary precautions ahead of the upcoming freeze. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has named Terri Ricks the new Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services. Ricks has been serving in the interim role since Marketa Walters stepped down last month after DCFS faced scrutiny over a series of missteps at the agency this year.

The Bayou State will become the Frozen State tonight with temps dipping into the teens tonight. LRN’s John Weatherby says we’ll experience strong northwest winds with gusts up to 40 miles per hour.

Cut 6 (10)  “…many locations.”

Don’t forget to prep your pipes for the deep freeze and be sure to dress in layers all the way through Christmas day. It won’t be a white Christmas but it sure will feel like it.

The Pelican Institute for Public Policy files suit against the White House on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier who refuses to get the COVID shots. Pelican’s Special Counsel James Baehr says the Army’s actions against 16-year veteran Master Sergeant Robert Galey Jr. violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the First Amendment…:

Cut 12 (09) “…he doesn’t deserve.”

Baehr says Galey is in danger of losing his pension.

Arctic air is arriving this evening and is expected to stay through Christmas in The Bayou State. Spokesperson for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Mike Steele says they are ready to supply support to any community in need…:
Cut 15 (10) “they need”
He says the most important thing to do is stay weather aware.

If Senator John Kennedy were to win the governor’s race next year, who would appoint his replacement in Congress? That question was posed to Governor John Bel Edwards on his monthly radio show. He said the Governor’s Office would appoint Kennedy’s replacement before an election can be held. Kennedy has yet to throw his hat into the ring, but Mr. Edwards believes Kennedy has a good shot at being elected…:
CUT 9 (10) “formidable”

A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier facing discharge for refusing the COVID vaccine. The Pelican Institute for Public Policy’s Special Counsel James Baehr says courts across the country have already ruled against the Biden administration’s mandate for soldiers to get the vaccine, and yet the Army still seeks to punish Master Sergeant Robert Galey Jr….:
Cut 11 (10) “the judge’s opinion”
The Army has not responded to the suit yet.

Governor John Bel Edwards has named Terri Ricks the new Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services. Ricks has been serving in the interim role since Marketa Walters stepped down last month after DCFS faced scrutiny over a series of missteps at the agency this year.

The state is bracing for a windy arctic blast that is slated to move in later this evening, and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is urging you to remain weather aware. Spokesman Mike Steele advises residents to pay close attention to their vehicles and avoid traveling at peak traffic times if possible…:
Cut 14 (10) “event safely”
He says GOHSEP is ready to supply support to any community in need.

The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers as the response to last week’s tornadoes continues. Ed Bush, executive director of the Capital-West area of the Louisiana Red Cross says he knows volunteering is more difficult during the Holidays, but…:
Cut 6 (08) “the day”
To apply, visit RedCross.org.

A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier facing discharge for refusing the COID vaccine. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Governor John Bel Edwards said on his monthly radio show that the Department of Children and Family Services is slated to receive one time funding to help address its understaffing issue. And in a Wednesday news release the Governor’s Office announced its naming Terri Ricks as the new Secretary of DCFS.

Sportsman’s Paradise is bracing for a Christmas weekend freeze that is slated to move in later today into tonight. One point of concern is those still in temporary housing after the effects of Hurricane Ida and recent tornadoes. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says they sent out information to those residents.:
Cut 13 (12) “more problems”
He says the most important thing for us is to be weather aware and monitor local radio stations.

The Louisiana Department of Health says the state’s WIC website is down. They are working to get louisianawic.org back up and running but in the meantime available resources have been added to LDH’s WIC page.

The American Red Cross is asking for volunteers to help hundreds of Louisianans who were impacted by last week’s tornadoes…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Marsanne Golsby”

Governor John Bel Edwards was asked on his monthly radio show who would appoint Senator John Kennedy’s successor should Kennedy be elected governor next year. Mr. Edwards says the governor’s office would pick another US Senator before Kennedy took office…:
CUT 7 (07) “oath of office”
Kennedy has yet to officially enter the governor’s race.

An arctic blast will arrive in Louisiana today, and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is ready. Kace Kieschnick spoke with GOHSEP’s Mike Steele…:
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kace Kieschnick”

Governor John Bel Edwards has named Terri Ricks the new Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services. Ricks has been serving in the interim role since Marketa Walters stepped down last month after DCFS faced scrutiny over a series of missteps at the agency this year.

The Pelican Institute for Public Policy files suit against the White House on behalf of a Fort Polk soldier who refuses to get the COVID vaccine. Pelican’s Special Counsel James Baehr says 16-year veteran Master Sergeant Robert Galey Jr. had and still has religious misgivings about the vaccine, and faces discharge if he does not comply…:
Cut 10 (11) “unfortunately rejected”
So far there has been no official response to the lawsuit by the Army of Department of Defense.

The American Red Cross has put out an urgent call for volunteers to help people impacted by last week’s tornadoes. Ed Bush is the executive director of the Capital-West area of the Louisiana Red Cross…:
Cut 4 (06) “by tornadoes”
He says teams are providing aid across the state, focusing efforts in Caddo, Iberia, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Charles, and Union parishes.