8:30 LRN Newscast January 20

Inauguration Day festivities are set to get underway in Washington D-C as President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in as the United States’ 46th president. There are 25-thousand National Guard members in the nation’s capital to help provide security. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise hopes the country can soon reunite again…
cut 8 (10) “….together”

Qualifying has started for the 2nd and 5th district Congressional races. The two main candidates in the 2nd district, New Orleans Senators Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson, both showed up at 8 AM to get their names on the March 20th ballot. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects others to sign up, but Carter and Peterson are the favorites….
cut 6 (07) “….well known”
The fifth district race will feature Julia Letlow, the wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow.

The state is seeking retired healthcare workers who’d be interested in volunteering to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The state health department has told healthcare providers they should not prioritize their own patients when distributing vaccines. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter said in a memo that preferential access to vaccines must immediately cease. An L-D-H spokesperson told the A-P that violators could face fines and limits on future vaccine allocations.

7:30 LRN Newscast January 20

25,000 National Guardsmen and numerous other security forces are on the ground in D.C. ahead of today’s inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Metairie Congressman and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise…
Cut 7 (08) “…alert.”
The Louisiana State Capitol building is closed today in an abundance of caution because of possible protests.

Meanwhile, candidates for the 2nd and 5th district Congressional seats can sign up today to have their names on the March 20th ballot. The two announced candidates in the fifth district are Republican Julia Letlow and Democrat Candy Christophe. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Luke Letlow voters will return to the polls and vote for his wife…
cut 5 (07) “….odds on favorite”
Pinsonat says in the second district, it looks to be a two-person race, between New Orleans Senators Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson.

The state Department of Health is seeking retired medical providers to help vaccinate thousands of Louisiana residents. Interim Executive Director of the Bureau of Community Preparedness, Doctor Sundee Winder, says they expect the feds will ramp up the availability of vaccines in the spring or summer and want to be prepared when that happens…
cut 14 (08) “….to us”
Those interesting in volunteering should email D-H-H-O-C-O-3 at l-a-dot-gov.

And LSU is still looking for a defensive coordinator after its latest top candidate, Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen, will remain in New Orleans after getting a promotion and a new contract. Football Analyst Mike Detillier says it’s likely LSU Coach Ed Orgeron has another option…
cut 12 (10) “…very quickly too”

6:30 LRN Newscast

Qualifying begins today at the Secretary of State’s Office for two special Congressional elections on March 20th. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Julia Letlow is the favorite to win the 5th district race. She’s the wife of late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow
Cut 4 (11) “…gone through”
In the 2nd district, Democratic state senators Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson will qualify and they are the two main candidates.

LSU remains without a defensive coordinator after its top candidate, Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen stays in New Orleans. Nielsen was reportedly working on a contract with LSU to become the Tigers next defensive coordinator, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says coach Sean Payton would not let Nielsen out the door
Cut 10 (08) “…other coaches”
Nielsen has been promoted to assistant head coach and has a new three-year contract.

The State Office of Public Health is looking for retired medical providers who would be interested in volunteering to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Bureau of Community Preparedness interim director Dr. Sundee Winder says they need anyone who’s available to augment their current force of vaccinators.
Cut 13 (11) “….pandemic”
Those eligible include physicians, osteopaths, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, paramedics, and EMTs.

The state health department reported yesterday that 267-thousand vaccines have been administered statewide. 35-thousand individuals have received both of their doses.

AM LRN Newscall

Qualifying has begun in the race for both the second and fifth Congressional district special elections. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m matt Doyle”

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LSU remains without a defensive coordinator after Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen receives a promotion and a new contract to stay in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

______1______________________

The state is seeking retired healthcare workers who’d be interested in volunteering to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

__________________________

Qualifying begins today at the Secretary of State’s Office for two special Congressional elections. Voters in the second and fifth Congressional districts will be asked to select a new U-S Representative. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Julia Letlow is the favorite to win the 5th district race. She’s the wife of late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow

Cut 4 (11) “…gone through”

After winning a December runoff against Republican state representative Lance Harris, Luke Letlow died days before he was to be sworn in. Alexandria businessman woman Candy Christophe, a Democrat, is the only other announced candidate. But Pinsonat says Luke Letlow voters will return to the polls and vote for his wife…

Cut 5 (07) “…odds on favorite.”

The other Congressional race that will be on the ballot is the 2nd district, which covers New Orleans, portions of the River Parishes and into north Baton Rouge. Pinsonat says New Orleans Senator Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson are running and they are the two favorites to reach an April run-off…

Cut 6 (07) “….well known”

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25,000 National Guardsmen and numerous other security forces are on the ground in D.C. this morning ahead of today’s inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

The nation’s capital city and Capitol Building are heavily militarized right now with guard on nearly every corner. Metairie Congressman and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise…

Cut 7 (08)  “…alert.”

Pictures have circulated on social media of guard camped out inside of the U.S. Capitol, grabbing rest breaks in crowded halls.

Those troops have flooded the capitol to protect against suspected threats of violence by the same forces behind the January 6th Capitol Riot. Scalise says there’s no doubt this is a tense moment…

Cut 8 (10) “…together”

Scalise and other Republicans have called Congressional Democrats support for holding an impeachment trial of President Trump after he leaves office too divisive. Democrats say the President must be held accountable for spurring on the January 6th mob.

The significantly increased security comes amidst accusations that security was not tight enough in D.C. on January 6th. Scalise says that failure must be investigated, and…

Cut 9 (08) “..should be.”

Biden and VP-elect Kamala Harris are expected to be sworn in sometime just after 11 AM.

_________________________________________________

LSU football is still looking to hire a defensive coordinator after Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen stays in New Orleans. Nielsen was reportedly working on a contract with LSU to become the Tigers next defensive coordinator, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says head coach Sean Payton would not let Nielsen out the door

Cut 10 (08) “…other coaches”

Nielsen previously played for and coached with Ed Orgeron at USC and Ole Miss. He just completed his fourth season as the Saints defensive line coach. Detillier says Payton got Nielsen to stay by promoting him to assistant head coach and gave him a new three-year contract…

Cut 11 (11) “.they have done”

LSU was also reportedly close to hiring Marcus Freeman as defensive coordinator, but he took the D-C job at Notre Dame. Detillier says it’s likely LSU Coach Ed Orgeron has another option…

Cut 12 (10) “.very quickly too.”

_________________________

The State Office of Public Health is looking for retired medical providers who’d be interested in volunteering to administer COVID-19 vaccines.

Bureau of Community Preparedness interim director Dr. Sundee Winder says they need anyone who’s available to augment their current force of vaccinators.

Cut 13 (11) “….pandemic”

Those eligible include physicians, osteopaths, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, paramedics, EMTs, and PAs.

Winder says they expect the feds to begin ramping up the availability of vaccines in the spring or summer and want to be prepared when that happens.

Cut 14 (08) “…to us.” 

Winder says they are offering flexible volunteer schedules for volunteers and offer mornings, afternoons, and evenings for training and eventually participation.

Cut 15 (08)“…paid.”

_______________________________________

LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte of New Iberia was named to the Football Writers Association of America’s Freshman All-American team. The FWAA also named Boutte’s record setting game against Ole Miss in the regular season finale, the Freshman Performance of the Year. Boutte says he’s honored

Cut 16 (13) “…foot steps”

Against Ole Miss Boutte caught 14 passes for an SEC record 308 yards and 3 touchdowns. Boutte says he knew he needed to have a big game because of the Rebels’ explosive offense.

Cut 17 (11) “…I can be”

Boutte stepped up big for the Tigers during the last few games of the season. He says that once all the opt-outs occurred, he knew the team needed a number one receiver.

Cut  18 (14) “…it just happened.”

________________________________________________

 

Cut 19 (19) “…for us.”

 

cut 20 (24) “…check them out”

530 PM LRN News

The first phase of the I-10 widening is complete. About 55 million dollars was spent to widen a 2.8 mile stretch of road from LA 347 to the Atchafalaya Basin, along with adding in some roundabouts on the 347 as well as drainage improvements. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s money well-spent repaving roads first paved in the 50s…

Cut 7 (12) “…Louisiana.”

The project was completed with 10 million dollars in federal FAST START funds.

Two 16-year-olds are believed to have fatally shot each other in New Iberia Sunday night. New Iberia Police Sgt Daesha Hughes says the two teens, currently unidentified were found lying in the road and both were pronounced head on the scene. Hughes says they haven’t figured out a motive yet…

Cut 4 (07) “….one another.” 

An Amite man died and two others are in critical condition after an early morning head-on collision on LA 16 in St. Helena Parish. 69-year-old Clarence Griffin was prounced dead on the scene after his car was struck by 65-year-old Terry MacDonald who crossed the center line. State Police Trooper Jeremy Price says unfortunately for Mr. Griffin…

Cut 14 (12) “injuries.” 

Starting in April American Airlines will offer direct flights out of Alexandria International Airport to Charlotte, North Carolina. The flights will make it easier for military stationed at Fort Polk to connect with their colleagues at North Carolina bases like Fort Bragg and Fort Jackson. England Airpark Alexandria International Executive Director Sandra McQuain also calls it a boon for business.

Cut 10 (08) “…Louisiana”

430 PM LRN News

Officials cut the ribbon today on the first of three phases in the 183 million dollar I-10 widening project. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they widened a stretch from LA 347 at the intersection of I-10 all the way to the Atchafalaya Basin to three lanes.

Cut 6 (11) “..stretch”

The project also included two roundabouts and drainage improvements on LA 347.

New Iberia Police are looking for a motive after two 16-year olds apparently shot and killed each other at close range. New Iberia Police Sgt. Daesha Hughes says they don’t know if the teens knew each other and both were declared dead on the scene Sunday night. She says the community is both saddened and angry over the deaths want answers.

Cut 5  (09) “…had guns” 

Governor John Bel Edwards will attend the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, representing the Bayou State.

cut 2 (32) ….I’m Brooke Thorington”  

State Police Trooper Jeremy Price says 69-year-old Clarence Griffin of Amite is dead after his vehicle was struck in a head on collision in St. Helena Parish…

Cut 13 (12)“.condition”

330 PM LRN News

Phase One of the 183 million dollar I-10 widening and refurbishing is complete. Taylor Sharp has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Taylor Sharp”  

Governor John Bel Edwards will be one of the few people allowed into tomorrow’s inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Edwards left for D.C. Monday and will be joined in the nation’s capital by 174 Louisiana National Guard soldiers and airmen joining the 25,000 Guard strong security force.

Starting in April Alexandria International Airport will begin offering direct flights to Charlotte, good news for military serving at Fort Polk who have friends in Fort Bragg or Fort Jackson. England Airpark, Alexandria International Executive Director Sandra McQuain says Alexandria has been running about twice the national average for traffic throughout the pandemic, and that’s getting people’s attention.

Cut 11 (08) “…ago”

An Amite man died and two others are in critical condition after an early morning head-on collision on LA 16 in St. Helena Parish. State Police Trooper Jeremy Price says the fatality has been identified as 69-year-old Clarence Griffin…

Cut 12 (11) “…head on” 

Price says the driver of that truck that struck Mr. Griffin was 65-year-old Terry MacDonald.

PM LRN Newscall

Phase One of the 183 million dollar I-10 widening and refurbishing is complete. Taylor Sharp has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Taylor Sharp”  

_______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards will attend the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, representing the Bayou State, Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 2 (32) ….I’m Brooke Thorington”  

_____________________________

New Iberia Police are investigating a double homicide that claimed the lives of two 16-year-olds. New Iberia Police Sgt Daesha Hughes says when police arrived, they found the two males lying in the roadway with gunshot wounds on Sunday night.

Cut 3 (09)  “…for both.”

Both were pronounced dead on the scene and their identities have not been released. As for a motive, Hughes says investigators are still working.

Cut 4 (07) “….one another.” 

Hughes says the community is saddened and angry over the deaths of two teens and want answers.

Cut 5  (09) “…had guns” 

The shooting occurred in 700 block of Rosalie Street in New Iberia.

___________________________________________________

Officials cut the ribbon today on the first of three phases in the 183 million dollar I-10 widening project.

State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they widened a stretch from LA 347 at the intersection of I-10 all the way to the Atchafalaya Basin to three lanes.

Cut 6 (11) “..stretch”

The project also included two roundabouts and drainage improvements on LA 347.

Work first began on the project in May of 2017, and Wilson says the near 55 million dollar first phase of construction is money well spent, repaving roads first paved in the 50s…

Cut 7 (12) “…Louisiana.”

The project was completed with 10 million dollars in federal FAST START funds.

Wilson says once the entire project is completed it’ll be a big boon to economies in that corridor, and make for smoother hurricane evacuation out of southeast Louisiana.

Cut 8 (12) “…harms way”

_____________________

Starting in April American Airlines will offer direct flights out of Alexandria International Airport to Charlotte, North Carolina.

England Airpark, Alexandria International Executive Director Sandra McQuain calls it a big win for Cenla…

Cut 9 (12) “..Louisiana”

The flights will make it easier for military stationed at Fort Polk to connect with their colleagues at North Carolina bases like Fort Bragg and Fort Jackson. McQuain also calls it a boon for business.

Cut 10 (08) “…Louisiana”

McQuain says Alexandria has been running about twice the national average for traffic throughout the pandemic, and that’s getting people’s attention.

Cut 11 (08) “…ago”

_____________________________

An Amite man died and two others are in critical condition after an early morning head-on collision on LA 16 in St. Helena Parish.

State Police Trooper Jeremy Price says the fatality has been identified as 69-year-old Clarence Griffin…

Cut 12 (11) “…head on” 

Price says the driver of that truck that struck Mr. Griffin was 65-year-old Terry MacDonald. He and his passenger were severely injured.

Cut 13 (12)“.condition”

Intoxication is not suspected at this time but a blood sample has been taken and sent to a lab for analysis.

Price says unfortunately for Mr. Griffin…

Cut 14 (12) “injuries.” 

________________________

 

Cut 15 (05) “…period” 

 

Cut 16 (05) “…hooligans” 

___________________________________________

 

 

 

 

2:30 LRN Newscast Jan 19

The state Capitol in Louisiana will be closed tomorrow quote out of an abundance of caution while President-Elect Joe Biden is sworn-in to office in DC. The Advocate reports a memo from the Louisiana Speaker of the House and Senate President says the building will be closed tomorrow regarding the unknowns of the federal inauguration. Governor Edwards in DC to attend the inauguration.

American Airlines will now be offering direct flights out of Alexandria International Airport to Charlotte, North Carolina. England Airpark, Alexandria International Executive Director Sandra McQuain calls it a big win for Cenla…

Cut 9 (12) “..Louisiana”

The flights will make it easier for military stationed at Fort Polk to connect with their colleagues at North Carolina bases like Fort Bragg and Fort Jackson

Officials cut the ribbon today on the first of three phases in the 183 million dollar I-10 widening project. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says once the entire project is completed it’ll be a big boon to economies in that corridor, and make for smoother hurricane evacuation.

Cut 8 (12) “…harms way”

The project was completed with 10 million dollars in federal FAST START funds.

New Iberia Police are investigating a double homicide that claimed the lives of two 16-year-olds. New Iberia Police Sgt Daesha Hughes says when police arrived, they found the two males in the roadway with gunshot wounds Sunday night.

Cut 3 (09)  “…for both.”

Both were pronounced dead on the scene and their identities have not been released and the case remains under investigation.

1:30 LRN Newscast Jan 19

New Iberia Police are investigating a double homicide that claimed the lives of two 16-year-olds.  Sgt Daesha Hughes the teens apparently shot each other simultaneously at close range Sunday night. She says when police arrived, they found the two males lying in the roadway. As for a motive, Hughes says it’s under investigation.

Cut 4 (07) “….one another.” 

The victims’ names have not been released.

Officials cut the ribbon today on the first of three phases in the 183 million dollar I-10 widening project. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the near 55 million dollars on the first phase of construction is money well spent, repaving roads first paved in the 1950s…

Cut 7 (12) “…Louisiana.”

The Biden Administration will push to implement a federal minimum wage of 15 dollars an hour, up from the current federal minimum of 7.25 an hour. Louisiana is one of five states to not raise its minimum above the federal. The National Employment Law Project reports 27 states and municipalities have increased their minimum to 15 an hour. Louisiana Budget Project head Jan Moller says it hasn’t resulted in overall job losses…

Cut 9 (11) “…economy.”

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry opposes the increase. VP of Governmental Relations Jim Patterson says it would result in lost jobs and increasing the minimum wage would hurt American companies’ ability to compete internationally, thus result in higher prices for goods and services.

Cut 10 (04) “…of it”

It is likely the increase would be phased in over a number of years, but an exact timeline has not yet been revealed.