8:30 LRN Newscast February 3

The Biden administration has announced a 5% increase in the number of vaccine doses to be distributed to states, which is a 22% increase since Biden took office. Louisiana Health Secretary Dr. Courtney Philips testified before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and says Louisiana is prepared.
Cut 13 (06) “…allocation.”
The C-D-C says Louisiana can expect to receive 70-thousand more doses next week after the increase.

Louisiana U-S Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy support legislation that authorizes the continued construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. President Biden issued an executive order that revokes the pipeline’s presidential permit. Cassidy says canceling the pipeline eliminates 11-thousand jobs and it doesn’t help the environment…
cut 6 (12) “…oil”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is investigating a largescale oyster die-off in Plaquemines Parish waters. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The three men from Acadiana involved in the murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the murders of two women in Montegut last month are facing additional charges. In addition to first-degree murder, jail records indicate Beaux Cormier, Andrew Eskine and Dalvin Wilson are each facing one count of criminal conspiracy to commit murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder. Cormier is also facing a solicitation for murder hire charge.

7:30 LRN Newscast February 3

Louisiana ranks 14th in the country according to the CDC for the percentage of COVID vaccines administered. Louisiana Health Secretary Doctor Courtney Phillips told a Congressional committee the ranking would be higher, but they are holding second doses back so recipients can receive the maximum protection from the virus…
cut 14 (10) “…deserve it”
Starting tomorrow, 56 Walmart stores around the state will start administering doses.

Biologists are trying to determine why millions of pounds of oysters died in the Plaquemines Parish area. L-D-W-F’s Oyster Program Manager Caroline Bourque (Caro-leena Bork) says die-offs are more common in the summer…
cut 11 (11) “…summer”
This is just the latest blow for oyster producers who saw losses in 2019 as a result of fresh water that flowed into their production areas because of a high Mississippi River.

Republicans file long-shot legislation to overturn President Biden’s executive orders restricting oil and gas leasing and ending the Keystone Pipeline. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

According to the latest numbers from the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the state added 37-hundred jobs from November to December. One-point-nine million people were employed in December, but that’s down 83-thousand jobs from December 2019. The unemployment rate in December was just below seven percent.

6:30 LRN Newscast February 3

Louisiana’s Health Secretary discussed the state’s COVID-19 rollout during a Congressional hearing…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state health department reported 25-hundred new coronavirus cases yesterday and 41 more deaths. The total number of confirmed COVID deaths is up to 8,375. The number of hospitalized COVID patients increased for the first time in a week to 1,440.

Officials are investigating a mysterious oyster die-off in Plaquemines Parish waters that farmers say has claimed millions of pounds of oysters. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Oyster Program Manager Carolina Bourque (Caro-leena Bork) says the first die-off was reported on January 4th…
Cut 10 (07) “…months.”
The exact total area impacted and the official number of oysters killed is unverified.

Preliminary figures from the LSU Center for Analytics and Research indicate the number of motorcycle fatalities in Louisiana dropped 20-percent in 2020. Motorcycle Awareness Campaign spokesperson Scotty Drake believes the pandemic is a factor.
Cut 7 (07) “…trucks.”
Drake says a majority of motorcycle fatalities is caused by inattentive, distracted or impaired motorists.

LRN AM Newscall Feb 3

Republicans file long-shot legislation to overturn President Biden’s executive orders restricting oil and gas leasing and ending the Keystone Pipeline. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is investigating a largescale oyster die-off in Plaquemines Parish waters. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health testified Tuesday before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on COVID Vaccines. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Republican Senators introduce legislation aimed at overturning President Biden’s executive orders revoking the Keystone Pipeline permit and oil and gas drilling permit moratorium on federal lands.

Senator Bill Cassidy says the legislation is necessary because he doubts Biden can be talked into reversing these orders…

Cut 4 (04)“…do it.”

The Administration had the US rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement, which calls for member countries to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

Republicans argue these orders are job killers at a time when the country can’t afford to lose jobs.

Cut 5 (12)“…pipeline.”

Biden has proposed increasing investment in green energy to offset job losses in fossil fuel industries.

Biden has called the orders a centerpiece of his climate policy. Cassidy says it’s counterproductive.

Cut 6 (12) “…oil.”

________________________

Preliminary figures from the LSU Center for Analytics and Research indicate the number of motorcycle fatalities in Louisiana dropped 20-percent in 2020. Motorcycle Awareness Campaign spokesperson Scotty Drake believes the pandemic is a factor.

Cut 7 (07)  “…trucks.”

Drake says MAC was created about 15 years ago by a group of riders in Baton Rouge who wanted to reduce the number of motorcycle fatalities and increase awareness. He says while they’ve like to take credit for the 20-percent reduction they believe fewer motorists on the road was the main reason.

Drake says while fewer cars and trucks were on the road last year, he believes the same amount or more of motorcyclists took to the roads in 2020.

Cut 8 (09) “…safer.”

Drake says MAC is pleased with the drop in motorcycle fatalities, and they will continue their mission to promote awareness with advertising campaigns, bumper stickers, and yard signs. Drake says also be on the lookout for…

Cut 9 (11) “…to do.”

For more information on MAC visit www.macorg.com

_____________________________

Officials are investigating a mysterious oyster die-off in Plaquemines Parish waters that farmers say has claimed millions of pounds of oysters.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Oyster Program Manager Carolina Bourque (Caro-leena Bork) says the first die-off was reported on January 4th

Cut 10 (07) “…months.”

The exact total area impacted and the official number of oysters killed is unverified at this time.

Bourque says there’s no obvious answer yet as to what caused the die-off. She says these kinds of die-offs are much more common in summer…

Cut 11 (11) “…summer.”

Bourque says this was a tough pill to swallow for fishermen who were already dealing with losses stemming from the Mississippi River Flood in 2019.

Cut 12 (08) “…pandemic.”

Harvesters believe the worst of the die-offs are now over, but smaller die-offs have been detected in recent days.

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The Biden’s administration announced Tuesday a 5% increase in the number of vaccine doses to be distributed to states, which is a 22% increase since Biden took office. Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health Dr. Courtney Philips testified Tuesday before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on COVID Vaccines, she says Louisiana is prepared.

Cut 13 (08) “…allocation.”

Phillips thanked the committee for giving states the flexibility the work with private partners, CVS and Walmart, to vaccinate nursing home residents and staff.

According to the CDC Louisiana currently ranks 14th in the percentage of vaccines that have been administered.  Phillips says the ranking would be higher because it includes second doses that are being held back so recipients can receive the maximum protection from the virus.

Cut 14 (10) “…deserve it.” 

Phillips praised the federal government’s decision to increase transparency in the distribution of doses and giving states a three-week advance notice of their scheduled allotment because it…

Cut 15 (09)“…in advance.”

LDH also announced they will join the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program which makes vaccines more accessible. It allows 56 Walmart locations in Louisiana to participate as a provider for vaccines. That begins on February 11th.

______________________________________

The LSU men’s basketball team will face the tenth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide on the road in Tuscaloosa today. The Tigers lost by 30 points to Bama a few weeks back as they gave up 105 points and allowed Alabama to hit an SEC-record 23 three-pointers.  Head Coach Will Wade says they need to be better on transition defense.

Cut 16 (16) “…adjustments.”

LSU forward Darius Days sprained his ankle against Texas Tech on Saturday and will be absent against Alabama.  Wade says that Shareef O’Neal is one player who could get extra minutes.

Cut 17 (10) “…win.”

_____________________________________________________

LSU has officially introduced its new defensive football coaches.  Daronte Jones, Blake Baker, and Andre Carter were hired as defensive coordinator, linebackers coach, and defensive line coach respectively.  Head Coach Ed Orgeron says a big reason why these guys got the job was their ability to relate to the players.

Cut  18 (12) “…in that area.”

Defensive Coordinator Daronte Jones joins LSU’s staff from the Minnesota Vikings, where he was the defensive backs coach. Jones says he was eager to take the job at LSU due to Louisiana’s fertile recruiting ground.

Cut 19 (14) “…Coach O” 

Jones says his ultimate goal as a defensive coordinator will be to put the players in the best position to succeed.

  cut 20  (11) ” play fast” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Feb 2

While a 69% rebound in unemployment from April of 2020 indicates the state’s economy is recovering, LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott, unfortunately, says the outlook for the oil and gas industry is bleak. He says the Biden Administration’s moratorium on new leases in the Gulf of Mexico is very concerning.

Cut 5  (11) “…forward.” 

Senator Bill Cassidy was one of ten Republican Senators to meet with President Biden last night to discuss the next round of COVID relief. Biden backs a 1.9 trillion dollar plan while Cassidy and company prefer a 618 billion dollar measure Cassidy says the two sides began a dialog.

Cut 12 (11) “his” 

Without ten Republicans in support Democrats would have to pass the package through a process known as reconciliation

Shreveport Police have arrested a 27-year-old man who went inside Ochsner LSU Health and wounded two individuals with a large knife. Sergeant Glen Heckard says one of the victims was the mother of the suspect and they do not know why Zaokoye  Chatman attacked the two workers at Ochsner LSU Health…

Cut 8 (09) “…another victim.”

State Police has announced the arrest of three individuals on charges of human trafficking after law enforcement during a traffic stop in Bunkie found a 15-year-old juvenile being sexually exploited. Senior Trooper Casey Wallace says the officers who conducted the stop should be commended for realizing that this was a case of human trafficking…

Cut 11 (07) “…what was going on.”

430 PM LRN News

Congressional Democrats have begun the process of moving their 1.9 billion dollar American Rescue Plan COVID relief package through the process of passing without requiring any Republican votes in the Senate. This comes a day after GOP Senators, including Bill Cassidy, met with the President about their counter-proposal of a 618 billion dollar bill. Cassidy says there are quite a few sticking points, including Biden’s request for 350 billion in state and local aid.  Cassidy says those entities have only seen a one percent decline in revenue.

Cut 13 (09)“.percent.”

Some of the other key differences: in Biden’s plan federally boosted unemployment would be extended through September at 400 dollars a week, while Republicans prefer 300 a week through June. Biden supports 1,400 dollar stimulus checks for those earning 75,000 a year and under, Republicans back 1,000 dollar checks from those making 50,000 a year and under.

Economic indicators show the state unemployment has rebounded by 69% when you compare April to December of 2020. But LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott, unfortunately, says the oil and gas sector is actually worse off than it was a year ago. What has rebounded is the retail sector; they have more jobs now than this time last year.

Cut 4 (10) “…ago” 

A man who allegedly attacked people with a large knife inside Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport has been arrested. Sergeant Glen Heckard with Shreveport Police says two people were injured by 27-year-old Zaokoye Chatman, who may be a suspect in a fatal machete attack at a New Orleans gas station Sunday…

Cut 7 (11) “…any of this.”

 

3:30 LRN Newscast Feb 2

President Joe Biden met with Senator Bill Cassidy and nine other Republicans last night to begin discussing the possibility for a compromise COVID relief bill. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

A woman’s body found in the woods Sunday in Bastrop is being investigated as a homicide. Bastrop Interim Police Chief Anthony Evans says they are not releasing the name of the victim pending next of kin notification. The body has been sent to Little Rock for an autopsy.

Two Texas residents and 21-year-old woman from Alexandria are facing human trafficking charges after a traffic stop in Bunkie. Louisiana State Police Senior Trooper Casey Wallace says during the traffic stop it was determined a missing 15-year-old juvenile was in the vehicle.

Cut 9 (09) “… testify.”

The suspect from Louisiana under arrest has been identified as 21-year-old Areona Ardoin of Alexandria.

Economic indicators show the state is recovering quicker than first predicted from the pandemic.  LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says they compared unemployment numbers from April of 2020 to the latest numbers in December and unemployment has recovered by 69%.

Cut 3 (11) “…42-percent.”

He predicts things will continue to improve once the vaccine is more widely available.

2:30 LRN Newscast February 2nd

Senator Bill Cassidy said he’s not sure if Congress can come to an agreement on another federal coronavirus aid package after he and nine other GOP Senators met with President Biden. The White House proposes a one-point-nine trillion-dollar COVID relief package, while Republicans favor a 618-billion dollar plan…
cut 14 (09) “…rammed through”

Shreveport Police has arrested a 27-year-old man who went inside Ochsner LSU Health and wounded two individuals with a large knife. Sergeant Glen Heckard says one of the victims was the mother of the suspect, Zaokoye Chatman,…
Cut 6 (12) “…staff there”
Heckard says Chatman fled the hospital after the attack, but later surrendered to authorities. New Orleans Police is reportedly investigating whether Chatman is their suspect in a fatal machete attack at a New Orleans gas station on Sunday.

There are signs the state’s economy is recovering quicker than anticipated from the pandemic. Brooke Thorington talks with an LSU economist.
Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State Police has announced the arrest of three individuals on charges of human trafficking after law enforcement during a traffic stop in Bunkie found a 15-year-old juvenile being sexually exploited. Senior Trooper Casey Wallace says the officers who conducted the stop should be commended for realizing that this was a case of human trafficking…
cut 11 (07) “…..what was going on”

1:30 LRN Newscast Feb 2

Senator Bill Cassidy was one of ten Republican Senators to meet with President Biden last night to discuss the next round of COVID relief. Biden backs a 1.9 trillion dollar plan while Cassidy and company prefer a 618 billion dollar bill. Cassidy says the two sides began a dialog.

Cut 12 (11) “his” 

Without ten Republicans in support Democrats would have to pass the package through a process known as reconciliation

Shreveport Police have arrested a 27-year-old man who went inside Ochsner LSU Health and wounded two individuals with a large knife. Sergeant Glen Heckard says one of the victims was the mother of the suspect and they do not know why Zaokoye Chatman attacked the two workers at Ochsner LSU Health…

Cut 8 (09) “…another victim.”

Two Texas residents and 21-year-old Areona Ardoin of Alexandria are facing human trafficking charges after a traffic stop in Bunkie. Louisiana State Police Senior Trooper Casey Wallace says during the traffic stop found a missing 15-year-old in the vehicle and it’s likely the suspects connected with the 15-year-old through the internet.

Cut 10 (11) “…on line”

While a 69% rebound in unemployment from April of 2020 indicates the state’s economy is recovering, LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott, unfortunately, says the outlook for the oil and gas sector is bleak. He says the Biden Administration’s moratorium on new leases in the Gulf of Mexico is very concerning.

Cut 5  (11) “…forward.” 

12:30 LRN Newscast Feb 2

Two Texas residents and a 21-year-old woman from Alexandria are facing human trafficking charges after a traffic stop in Bunkie. Louisiana State Police Senior Trooper Casey Wallace says during the traffic stop it was determined a missing 15-year-old juvenile was located in the vehicle.

Cut 9 (09) “… testify.”

The suspect from Louisiana has been identified as 21-year-old Areona Ardoin of Alexandria.

Economic indicators show the state unemployment has rebounded by 69% when you compare April to December of 2020. But LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott, unfortunately, says the oil and gas sector is actually worse off than it was a year ago. What has rebounded is the retail sector; they have more jobs now than this time last year.

Cut 4 (10) “…ago” 

The state will roll out a new tutoring program designed to help kids catch up on education they may have missed during the pandemic. Matt Doyle has more on the Accelerate program…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”