7:30 LRN newscast March 31

The governor has lifted all capacity restrictions on nearly all Louisiana businesses. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says he does not remember speaking to 74-year-old Gloria Scott, a Superdome security guard who told state legislators that former Tigers running back Derius Guice sexually harassed her in 2017 while on the job. Scott told legislators she spoke to Orgeron and asked him to punish Guice, but Orgeron told Husch Blackwell he never spoke with the complainant.

The Better Business Bureau is urging residents not to buy fake COVID-19 vaccination cards. That’s right websites are popping up for those people who do not want to get vaccinated, but want proof they got the shot if restrictions are put in place for those who did not get the vaccine. Chris Babin with the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana says these sites are asking for personal and financial information as well as payment to purchase a fake vaccination card…
cut 5 (06) “…as well”

State Treasurer John Schroder says they have over 700-thousand dollars in BP Settlement Funds waiting to be claimed by people and businesses impacted by the 2010 BP oil spill…
cut 13 (07) ‘…check
To search for unclaimed property go to la-treasury-dot-la-dot-gov.

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.”

AM LRN Newscall March 31st

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.”

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Starting Wednesday COVID capacity restrictions will be lifted for nearly all Louisiana businesses. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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According to the 2021 Louisiana Survey, the pandemic did little to shift Louisiaian’s overall opinion of the state’s future. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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With the possibility of travel restrictions being put in place for those who have not been vaccinated people are buying and selling fake vaccination cards. Chris Babin with the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana says they have received reports of sites selling counterfeit cards.

Cut 4 (09)“…vaccinated.”

Babin says many of these sites claim to make CDC vaccination cards and to create one they ask for your personal and financial information in addition to payment. Babin says buyer beware.

Cut 5 (06)“…stolen as well.”

For those who have been vaccinated, Babin warns not to post photos of your vaccination card on social media because it contains personal information and scam artists are using that information to recreate cards using the lot numbers and product name.

Cut 6 (06) “…leary of as well.”

According to Attorney General Jeff Landy, a fake vaccination card could be considered forgery which is a felony and punishable in both fines and up to 10 years in prison.

________________________

Starting Wednesday COVID capacity restrictions on nearly all businesses are being dropped in Louisiana, but the mask mandate will remain in place.

Governor Edwards says that means gyms, bars, casinos, salons, and restaurants can operate without capacity restrictions.

Cut 7 (08)  “…again.”

Large indoor venues will still have a 50 percent occupancy cap, but an increased maximum number of guests. Social distancing will still be required at all businesses.

Edwards warns we’re not totally back to normal. For example bar hours can be set by local authorities, but patrons must still remain seated and be served at tables.

Cut 8 (09) “…spread.”

All three of Louisiana’s neighbors have dropped the mask mandate but Edwards says we will be keeping it in place until enough of the population is vaccinated per CDC recommendations.

Cut 9 (08) “…vaccinations.”

Over 1.2 million Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, and 69 percent of Louisianans 65 and older have begun their vaccine series.

Governor Edwards is set to sign the proclamation putting the new order in effect sometime Wednesday. It will expire on April 28th 

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Only 42 percent of Louisianans believe the state is headed in the right direction, while 46 percent say it’s headed in the wrong direction per the 2021 Louisiana Survey.

LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says despite pandemic upheaval these numbers are nearly identical to last year’s…

Cut 10 (11) “…margin of error.”

Henderson says the split is largely partisan and doesn’t seem likely to change any time soon.

Cut 11 (08) “… direction.”

But partisanship isn’t always the driving force. Henderson says major disaster events like Hurricane Katrina saw opinion shifts in both Republicans and Democrats.

The pandemic hasn’t improved people’s confidence in state government either. Henderson says only 41 percent say they are confident in state government to address problems effectively.

Cut 12 (03) “…now.”

The poll was conducted from January 4th through March 1st, featured 781 respondents, and has a margin of error of 6.4 percent.

____________________________

If you never received your BP oil spill settlement, the Louisiana Treasury might be holding your check. State Treasurer John Schroder says their Unclaimed Property division is holding more than $700,000 in settlement claims. Schroder says they usually receive property because the rightful owner’s address is incorrect.

Cut 13 (07) “…check.”

Amounts of individual claims from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust range from as much as $68-thousand and as little eight-cents. Schroder encourages everyone to check their website.

Cut 14 (03) “…St. Bernard.” 

Schroder says they are trying to get the word out so rightful owners can receive their settlement check.

Cut 15 (05)“…$165,000.”

To search for unclaimed property visit LAtreasury.gov

___________________________________________

It’s pro day at LSU, a chance for NFL teams to watch former Tigers run the 40-yard dash and participate in other skill and strength events. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who did not play in 2020 because of COVID concerns, will have the opportunity to run the 40 and catch passes. Draft analyst Mike Detillier says Chase still has a chance to be a top-five pick, even though he didn’t play last season

Cut 16 (09) “…he certainly is.”

Chase’s former teammate, Terrace Marshall Junior, will also be on hand today. The wide receiver from Parkway High in Bossier City opted out after seven games. Detillier believes Marshall can be a late first-round pick…

Cut 17 (13) “…after the step.”

Because of COVID, there was no draft combine this year, so Detillier says today is a big day for linebacker Jabril Cox. He says many NFL teams are intrigued by his skillset…

Cut  18 (17) “… very well.”

____________________________________________________

Now that the season is over, Louisiana Tech men’s basketball coach Eric Konkol has a chance to reflect on the recently completed season that ended on Sunday with a third-place finish in the N-I-T. The Bulldogs finished with a record 24-and-8 and Konkol is amazed they played 32 games and he’s impressed with his player’s resolve.

Cut 19 (20) “…really remarkable.” 

Konkol says it was tremendous to reach the Final four of the N-I-T

Cut 20 (19) “…next year.” 

530 PM LRN News

Starting today COVID capacity restrictions on nearly all businesses are being dropped in Louisiana, but the mask mandate will remain in place. Governor Edwards says that means gyms, bars, casinos, salons, and restaurants can operate without capacity restrictions.

21

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.”

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

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, and that Orgeron asked her to forgive Guice, 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”

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.”

4:30 LRN Newscast Mar 30

Governor Edwards lifts capacity restrictions on various businesses like retail outlets, restaurants, bars, gyms, and salons beginning Thursday, April 1st. The mask mandate remains in effect.

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” 

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 they are breaking the number of parishes out into two phases and 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

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 small businesses are hurting because of the eviction moratorium.

Cut 13 (10)“tenant”

 

3:30 LRN Newscast Mar 30

Governor Edwards announces the lifting of capacity restrictions on businesses, restaurants, bars, gyms, salons, and retailers effective Thursday, April 1st. The mask mandate remains in place, but capacity limits have been lifted in various settings. Bars are still required to have table seating and operating hours can be extended, the decision to extend hours will be a parish decision.

LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron, speaking on ESPN 104-5, says he does not remember speaking to an elderly Superdome worker who testified to lawmakers that she was the victim of sexual harassment by former running back Derrius Guice. Orgeron says he’s deeply upset by Gloria Scott’s testimony…

Cut 4 (09) “…disgusting manner” 

Scott said she reported the incident to the university and Orgeron called her asking her to forgive Guice.

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 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.”

Visit their website to preregister for disaster SNAP benefits.

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

Cut 10 (10) “…even nurses” 

230 PM LRN News

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 told ESPN 104-5 he does not recall speaking to Scott

Cut 3 (08)  “…her courage”  

It’s National Doctor’s Day and as the state celebrates those who stood on the frontlines during COVID health officials warn that we’re not producing enough doctors to meet future need. Chancellor of the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Dr. G-E Ghali says one way to help get more people into the profession is to offset medical school debt…

Cut 11 (11) “rural parish.”

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.”  

A new Gallup poll shows for the first time that less than half of Americans now claim to be a member of a church. The number sits at 47 percent, a 23 point drop over the past two decades. The biggest drops in membership were seen among Catholics, Millennials, and Democrats.

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.

12:30 LRN Newscast Mar 30

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.” 

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.

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” 

 

1130 AM LRN News

LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron, speaking on ESPN 104-5, says he does not remember speaking to an elderly superdome worker who testified to lawmakers that she was the victimof sexual harassment by former running back Derrius Guice. 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 asking her to forgive Guice.

Loyola University is set to release a database of inmate deaths at Louisiana prisons, a first-of-its kind in the country initiative. The project is the brainchild of Professor Andrea Armstrong who says the database will be highly granular, and vital for crafting better prison policy.

Cut 6 (08) “…those deaths.”

In 2020 five out of the seven infant deaths in St. Tammany Parish were a result of unsafe sleeping conditions, Brooke Thorington explains how they are working to change that

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The ongoing COVID public health order is set to expire tomorrow and Governor Edwards will update the state this afternoon at 230 PM about the future of that order and whether it will be extended at its current level or whether further restrictions will be eased on business and travel.