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.” 

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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.”  

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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”

4:45 LRN Sportscast January 19

LSU is still searching for a new defensive coordinator after Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen remains in New Orleans with a new contract. Nielsen has also been named assistant head coach after the Tigers tried to hire Nielsen to replace Bo Pelini as it’s defensive coordinator. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Payton got Nielsen to stay by promoting him and giving him a new three-year contract…
Cut 20 (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.

The Saints are reportedly losing secondary coach Aaron Glenn. He’s reportedly heading to Detroit to become the Lions defensive coordinator for new head coach Dan Campbell, who just left New Orleans as tight ends coach and assistant head coach.

LSU men’s basketball will welcome the 18th ranked Alabama Crimson Tide to the PMAC Tonight. The Crimson Tide are in first place in the SEC at 6-0 and they’ve won seven in a row. Coach Will Wade says Bama is playing as well as anyone in the country…
Cut 19 (19) “…for us.”
A win for the Tigers and they will claim a share of first place in the Southeastern Conference. Tip-off is at 8 PM.

The Pelicans, who ended a five-game losing streak on Sunday with a win over Sacramento, will visit Utah tonight. The Jazz have won five in a row.

The LSU baseball team’s schedule came out today and it’s a 56-game regular season that the Tigers typically play, including ten three-game SEC series. The season begins February 19th with LSU hosting Air Force, they’ll travel to Lafayette for a game against the Cajuns on February 24th.

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”  

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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”  

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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.

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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”

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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”

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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.” 

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Cut 15 (05) “…period” 

 

Cut 16 (05) “…hooligans” 

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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.

12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 19

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” 

The victim’s names have not been released.

 

Republicans are asking Senate Democrats to cancel President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, citing that Trump will already be out of office when the trial begins. House Minority Whip and Metairie Congressman Steve Scalise says the trial would be poking fingers in the eyes of millions of Americans who oppose the impeachment of President Trump at a time when leaders should be toning down the rhetoric.

Cut 12 (06) “.put out.”

Governor John Bel Edwards traveled to DC Monday, to attend the Inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and VP-elect Kamala Harris. 174 members of the Louisiana National Guard are also in DC to ensure the peaceful transfer of power after the January 6th riot.

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

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Taylor Sharp”  

And organizers of Jazz Fest announce the first weekend of the festival will be October 8th. The festival was canceled last year due to COVID restrictions.

1140 Sportscast 1/19

It is believed that the Saints will have a new starting quarterback in 2021 as Drew Brees is expected to announce his retirement after a 20-year career in the NFL. Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston are likely successors. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the Saints have to ask themselves one important question.

Cut 17 (22) “for you”

All signs pointed to Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen being named LSU’s new defensive coordinator, but that is currently on hold due to the Saints not signing off on it because of possible contractual issues.  Nielsen still seems to be LSU’s prime candidate.

LSU starting left tackle Dare Rosenthal announced that he will be returning to the team next season.

LSU men’s basketball will welcome the 18th ranked Alabama Crimson Tide to the PMAC Tonight. The Crimson Tide are in first place in the SEC at 6-0 and they’ve won seven in a row.  Coach Will Wade says transition defense will be key.

Cut 20 (24) “check them out”

The New Orleans Pelicans will be on the road tonight when they take on the Utah Jazz.  New Orleans sits at 5-7 while the Jazz are 9-4 on the season.  Point Guard Lonzo Ball could return for the Pels after missing the last few games with knee soreness.  His status is questionable.

The Grambling men’s basketball team lost a close one to Prairie View A&M 59-50.

The Southern Jaguars cruised to an easy victory over Mississippi Valley 102-61.