8:30 LRN Newscast Jan 18

Louisiana has discovered its first case of the new, more infectious U.K. variant of the coronavirus. The new variant is about 50 percent more infectious than the dominant strain in the state right now, but LSU Health New Orleans Assistant Dean of Translational Science Lucio Miele says viruses have evolutionary pressure to grow more infectious…

Cut 10 (07) “…month”

The CDC warns the UK variant will likely become the dominant strain of coronavirus in the U.S. by March.

LDWF agents are investigating a double boating fatality in Caldwell Parish.  A statement from the department says it happened around midnight Saturday when 55-year-old Travis McFarlain of Pine Prairie was operating the boat. Agents say when the boat struck the dock three fifteen-year-old males were ejected. Two of the teens were killed the third was transported to a hospital.  A breathalyzer confirmed McFarlain was intoxicated.

Lieutenant General Russel Honore has been appointed to oversee the investigation of Capitol Security after protestors stormed the building on January 6th. LSU Communications Professor Bob Mann says the Louisiana native, is by far the best choice.

Cut 7 (10)  “…sees them.”

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi appointed Honore on Friday.

The season is over for the Saints after losing to the Bucs 30-20 last night. But was last night the end of the road for QB Drew Brees? The 42-year-old was asked if he’s retiring and he said he’s not ready to make a decision. Coach Sean Payton was asked about what Brees has meant to the organization, but the coach says he can give that answer in the future.

Cut 16 (11) “…right time”

Brees threw three interceptions.

7:30 LRN Newcast Jan 18

The Louisiana Department of Health reports the first confirmed case of the more infectious U.K. variant of coronavirus in the state. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

The father of Congressman Garret Graves passed away over the weekend from COVID-19. A statement from Congressman Graves says John Graves passed away Saturday from complications associated with the virus. The family asks for prayers and privacy during their time of grieving.

The incoming Biden Administration has proposed its priority for the Democratic-controlled Congress, a 1.9 trillion-dollar COVID relief and economic stimulus plan. A 350-billion-dollar chunk of that would assist local and state governments who have seen their budgets battered by COVID. Republican Congressman, and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise…

Cut 4 (10) “…COVID”

Also included is a call for an increase in the minimum wage to 15 dollars an hour, and an end to the tipped minimum wage.

The Saints season is over, Tampa Bay got the better of New Orleans beating the Black and Gold 30-20. It also could be quarterback Drew Brees’ final game, he was asked in the postgame if this was his last, but the 42-year-old was not ready to announce a decision on Sunday night. If this was a Brees’ final game, it ends with him throwing three interceptions.

Cut 14 (13) “…those turnovers.” 

 

6:45 LRN Sportscast January 18

The Saints season is over and a Hall of Fame career could be over too. In the third matchup of the season, Tampa Bay got the better of New Orleans beating the Black and Gold 30-20 in what could be quarterback Drew Brees’ final game. It was a difficult year for Brees and another tough home playoff loss, but he’s happy for the journey
Cut 13 (12) “….given to me”
Brees threw three interceptions as the Saints as a team had four turnovers, which led to 21 Tampa Bay points.
Brees says he’s not ready to announce a decision on his future and Coach Sean Payton says it’s too early to get into what Brees has meant to the organization.
cut 16 (11) “…right now”

________________________________________________________

The Pelicans snapped their five-game losing streak last night as New Orleans dribbled past the Sacramento Kings 128 to 123. Zion Williamson had 31 points as he was 13 of 15 from the field. Brandon Ingram added 22 points for the Pels who are 5-and-7 on the season and visit Utah on Tuesday night.

The LSU men’s basketball team has a big game tomorrow night as the Tigers will host Alabama. The Crimson Tide is 6-0 in the SEC, while the Tigers are 5-and-1 after rallying to beat South Carolina 85-80. The Gamecocks missed 12 of their last 13 field goal attempts. Freshman Cam Thomas led the way with 25 points.

Louisiana Tech hit a season-high 14 three-pointers as the Bulldogs completed a two-game sweep of UTSA 82-66 on Saturday. Senior Amorie Archibald hit five triples and finished with a season-high 22 points. Tech is now 4-and-2 in Conference USA.

6:30 LRN Newcast Jan 18

A joint statement from the FBI and Louisiana State Police says over the weekend, public safety officials from numerous agencies worked together to coordinate security and ensure safety for protesters and the Capitol grounds. They also stated that the peaceful assemblies and activities throughout the weekend were a testament to the intended purpose to peacefully protest.

Matt Doyle spoke with Republican House Minority Whip Steve Scalise about President-elect Joe Biden’s proposed 1.9 trillion-dollar economic stimulus and COVID relief plan…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

 

Lieutenant General Russel Honore has been appointed to oversee the investigation of Capitol Security after protestors stormed the building on January 6th. LSU Communications Professor Bob Mann says the Pointe Coupee Parish native, is by far the best choice.

Cut 7 (10)  “…sees them.”

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi named Honore to the position on Friday calling for an immediate review of the Capitol’s security infrastructure, and interagency processes and procedures.

The Saints season is over, and a Hall of Fame career could be over too. In the third matchup of the season, Tampa Bay got the better of New Orleans beating the Black and Gold 30-20 in what could be quarterback Drew Brees’ final game. It was a difficult year for Brees and another tough home playoff loss, but he’s happy for the journey.

Cut 13 (12) “….given to me”

Brees was asked in the postgame if this was his last game, but the 42-year-old was not ready to announce a decision on Sunday night.

LRN AM Newscall January 18

Matt Doyle spoke with Republican House Minority Whip Steve Scalise about President-elect Joe Biden’s proposed 1.9 trillion dollar economic stimulus and COVID relief plan…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

Pointe Coupee Parish native Lieutenant General Russel Honore will oversee the investigation of  Capitol security after the January 6th riot where protesters stormed the building. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health reports the first confirmed case of the more infectious U.K. variant of coronavirus in the state. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

__________________________

The incoming Biden Administration has proposed its first priority for the Democratic-controlled Congress, a 1.9 trillion dollar COVID relief and economic stimulus plan.

A 350 billion dollar chunk of that would assist local and state governments who have seen their budgets battered by COVID. Republican Congressman, and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise…

Cut 4 (10) “…COVID”

The proposal also includes upping federally boost unemployment payments from 300 dollars to 400 dollars a week and extending them, along with the eviction moratorium, through the end of September.

The plan also includes big expansions of the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and a 1,400 dollar stimulus check. Scalise calls the big-spending so soon after December’s COVID bill unnecessary.

Cut 5 (12) “…approach.”

Also included is a call for an increase in the minimum wage to 15 dollars an hour, and an end to the tipped minimum wage. Scalise says that would end up sending a lot of jobs to China.

Cut 6 (09) “…workforce

Democrats hold a slim majority in both the House and Senate and could pass the proposal along party lines.

________________________

Lieutenant General Russel Honore has been appointed to oversee the investigation of Capitol Security after protestors stormed the building on January 6th. LSU Communications Professor Bob Mann says the Pointe Coupee Parish native, is by far the best choice.

Cut 7 (10)  “…sees them.”

Honore is best known for the leadership he provided as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, following the historic hurricane in 2005. He retired from the Army in 2008. Mann says his retirement will assist with the investigation.

Cut 8 (10) “…in this.”

Mann says the investigation requires the combined efforts of several law enforcement agencies and Honore’s experience in chaos and respect from both political parties makes him ideal for the job.

Cut 9 (10) “…as Honore.”

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi named Honore to the position on Friday calling for an immediate review of the Capitol’s security infrastructure, and interagency processes and procedures. 

________________________________

Louisiana has discovered its first case of the new, more infectious U.K. variant of the coronavirus.

The new variant is about 50 percent more infectious than the dominant strain in the state right now, but LSU Health New Orleans Assistant Dean of Translational Science Lucio Miele says viruses have evolutionary pressure to grow more infectious…

Cut 10 (07) “…month”

The CDC warns the UK variant will likely become the dominant strain of coronavirus in the U.S. by March.

Miele says this is one of several new branches of the virus that have been discovered in recent months. They all share one thing in common…

Cut 11 (07) “..spreading.”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports they are trying to isolate those who’s been in contact with the new mutation, but it is likely that strain is already circulating through the state.

Miele says the good news is that so far it looks like our vaccines protect against the new strain, and if the virus mutates further they’ll be ready to respond…

Cut 12 (09) “…infectious.”

______________________________________________

The Saints season is over and a Hall of Fame career could be over too. In the third matchup of the season, Tampa Bay got the better of New Orleans beating the Black and Gold 30-20 in what could be quarterback Drew Brees’ final game. It was a difficult year for Brees and another tough home playoff loss, but he’s happy for the journey

Cut 13 (12) “….given to me”

Brees was asked in the postgame if this was his last game, but the 42-year-old was not ready to announce a decision on Sunday night. If this was a Brees’ final game, it ends with him throwing three interceptions

Cut 14 (13) “…those turnovers.” 

The Saints had four turnovers on the night and it led to 21 Tampa Bay points. Coach Sean Payton says it’s hard to win postseason games when you do that

Cut 15 (14)“…to win.”

Payton and Brees arrived in New Orleans together in 2006 as the city was just beginning its long recovery from Hurricane Katrina. The two guided New Orleans to the NFC Championship game that season and won a Super Bowl three seasons later. Payton was asked about what Brees has meant to the organization, but the coach says he can give that answer in the future

Cut 16 (11) “…right time”

10:30 LRN Newscast January 16

A Lafayette man faces charges for participating in the January 6th storming of the US Capitol building. 50-year-old Vaughn Gordon faces the rough equivalent of trespassing misdemeanors for being in the Capitol that day. Federal prosecutors charged him after he described his participation to a reporter with the Advocate and talking about it on a social media video. Legal analyst Tim Meche…
Cut 5 (12) “…event”
Over 80 people involved in the riot at the Capitol have been arrested.

More protests are expected this weekend, including at the State Capitol where there will be an increased police presence. Governor John Bel Edwards is urging demonstrators to remain peaceful…
Cut 9 (10) “…law”

Lieutenant General Russel Honore has been appointed to oversee the investigation of Capitol Security after protestors stormed the building on January 6th. LSU Communications Professor Bob Mann says the Pointe Coupee Parish native, is by far the best choice.
Cut 7 (11) “…sees them.”
Honore is best known for the leadership he provided as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, following the historic hurricane in 2005. He retired from the Army in 2008.

Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson will not play in tomorrow’s playoff game against Tampa Bay because of a hamstring injury. Running back Latavius Murray and the versatile Taysom Hill are questionable. But it looks like Trey Hendrickson will return as he was a full participant in practice yesterday after missing last week’s game with a neck injury. Kick-off tomorrow is at 5:40.

9:30 LRN Newscast January 16

State and federal law enforcement agencies say they are prepared for this weekend’s planned demonstrations. Matt Doyle reports that includes heightened security at the State Capitol
cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”

The state health department is set to receive 58-thousand COVID-19 vaccine doses next week. But the Ochsner Health System says it will delay vaccine appointments for thousands of patients because it received zero new doses in its regular shipment this week.

A Lafayette man has been charged for allegedly participating in last week’s storming of the U-S Capitol. 50-year-old Vaughn Gordon faces two charges, including knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Gordon got himself in trouble for posting pictures on social media and there’s also a video on Facebook of him discussing being inside the Capitol during the riot…
Cut 4 (08) “…happening”
Gordon told the Advocate he didn’t vandalize anything and remained peaceful.

The Saints and Buccaneers will meet this season for a third time on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game. New Orleans won the first two meetings. Saints Offensive tackle Terron Armstead says they’ll stick with what they’ve done all season…
Cut 14 (09) “.a way to win.”
Kickoff tomorrow is at 5:40 in the Dome.

8:30 LRN Newscast January 16

50-year-old Vaughn Gordon of Lafayette is facing misdemeanor charges related to his participation in the attack on Capitol Hill last week. Gordon told the Advocate that he was able to wander the Capitol for nearly two hours, but says he didn’t vandalize anything and remained peaceful, but legal analyst Tim Meche says because a cop lost their life that day everyone even remotely involved will face charges…
Cut 3 (12) “..accountable”
Governor Edwards blasted those who took part in last week’s mob riot…
Cut 10 (10) “…The United States.”
Law enforcement is on alert ahead of this weekend’s expected protests at the Louisiana State Capitol. Edwards says if you go, stay peaceful and wear a mask.

Louisiana Tech’s Forever Loyal Campaign has exceeded its goal and raised more than $171 million for the University. LA Tech President Dr. Les Guice says the campaign which began November 2018 originally set out to raise $125 million.
Cut 6 (10) “..raise funds”

The Saints and Buccaneers will meet for a third time on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game. In the two regular-season meetings, the Saints allowed just 13 points a game and they’ve intercepted Bucs Quarterback Tom Brady five times. Brady has a lot of respect for the New Orleans defense
Cut 12 (11) “…long time”
Kick-off tomorrow is at 5:40.

7:30 LRN Sportscast January 16

We are one day away from the anticipated NFL playoff matchup between the Saints and Buccaneers. Tampa Bay finished the regular season number one in rush defense. New Orleans offensive tackle Terron Armstead on what the Buccaneers do well…
cut 13 (12) “…run game”
Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson has been ruled out of Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. Running back Latavius Murray and the versatile Taysom Hill are questionable. But it looks like Trey Hendrickson is back as he was a full participant in practice yesterday after missing last week’s game with a neck injury.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay Coach Bruce Arians says former LSU standout and New Orleans native Leonard Fournette will start at running back for the Buccaneers. Tampa’s main back Ronald Jones is a game-time decision with a quad injury.

The Pelicans lost their fifth straight last night as they fell to LeBron James and the Lakers 112-95. James had 21 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, while former Pelican Anthony Davis had 17 points. Zion Williamson had 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead New Orleans, who has 20 turnovers.

The LSU men’s basketball team goes for its fourth straight win when they host South Carolina tonight, who is only playing in its sixth game of the season. The Gamecocks have had to pause activities three times because of COVID-19 and their head coach Frank Martin will not be at tonight’s game after testing positive for COVID for a second time.

Last night, La Tech went on a 21-4 run in the second half to beat UTSA 77-66. Andrew Gordon came off the bench and scored a career-high 14 points and had 12 rebounds. ULM lost to Arkansas State 74-72 as a possible goaltending call did not go the Warhawks way in the final seconds. And the Ragin Cajuns lost to U-T Arlington 91-86.

6:30 LRN Newscast Jan 16

State and federal law enforcement agencies say they are prepared for this weekend’s planned demonstrations and will be monitoring the situation at the State Capitol. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

Louisiana native, Lt General Russel Honore will lead the review of security at Capitol Hill following the violent riot on January 6th. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Honore’s appointment Friday and says he was chosen due to his strong experience. The Green General is also known for his command of a Joint Task Force after Katrina.

A Lafayette man has been charged for allegedly participating in last week’s riot at the U-S Capitol. 50-year-old Vaughn Gordon made his first court appearance Thursday. He faces two charges, including knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says Gordon got himself in trouble for posting pictures and there’s also video on FB of him discussing being inside Capitol with a friend.

Cut 4 (08) “…happening” 

The Saints and Buccaneers will meet for a third time on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game. In the two regular-season meetings, the Saints allowed just 13 points a game and they’ve intercepted Bucs Quarterback Tom Brady five times. Saints Offensive tackle Terron Armstead says they’ll stick with what they’ve done all season…

Cut 14 (09) “.a way to win.” 

Kickoff Sunday is at 5:30 in the Dome.