6:30 LRN Newscast

The number of COVID hospitalized patients fell by another 103 yesterday according to the state health department. There are now 1,423 individuals hospitalized with COVID across Louisiana. COVID deaths increased by another 51 and the death toll stands at 16,066.

If you ever wanted to be able to show your COVID test results like you present your ID on LA Wallet well now you can. Brooke Thorington explains
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A redistricting plan for the Louisiana House received approval from the House Governmental Affairs Committee. It moves a district from Natchitoches to New Orleans because of population growth in the Big Easy. But a group of high school students have an issue with this majority-black district being moved. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski grilled the teens about the opposition…
cut 24 (11) “….moved it”
The measure heads to the House floor for more debate.

LSU Health New Orleans professor of surgery Dr. Jeffrey Carter has been working on a more advanced way to assist burn victims with a type of spray-on-skin that significantly increases their survival rates.
Cut 13 (12) “…accelerate healing.”
Carter is working with the state health department on delivering burn kits to first responders, so people with minor burns, including fire fighters, can get immediate treatment.

LRN AM Newscall February 10

At a time when the nation continues to struggle with its history with race, U-S Congressman Troy Carter asks Louisiana’s youth to look to the future. David Grubb has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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If you ever wanted to be able to show your COVID test results like you present your ID on LA Wallet well now you can. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Two proposed bills for the regular legislative session in March seek to establish boundaries in the pandemic and its policies. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, Second Congressional District Congressman Troy Carter announced his first annual Black History Month Essay Contest. The contest is open to 10th and 11th graders throughout the district. Carter asks students to share their dreams for a “stronger, more inclusive America.”

Cut 4 (12)  “…Black History Month.” 

As racial tensions have heightened in the country, Carter sees some of the worst of America’s history repeating itself. He says that reaching young people is as important as ever in order for this country to truly start to realize Dr. King’s vision.

Cut 5 (12) “…not repeating history.”

Carter encourages students of all backgrounds to enter the contest and have their voices heard. He says the challenges that the nation faces can only be overcome with more participation, not less.

Cut 6 (14)  “…of the process. “

The winner of the contest will attend a special recognition ceremony in the nation’s capital, with the opportunity to meet other legislators as well.

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The next time you get a COVID test you can have your results sent to your LA Wallet. Just request that your PCR test be sent to Orion Laboratories and be sure they have your driver’s license number. Rachel Slaughter, President of Orion Laboratories says the new feature will simplify displaying results when needed.

Cut 7 (07) “…your negative test.”

Any business or setting that allows LA Wallet can accept the COVID test results on the app. Slaughter says it’s convenient to show at places that require proof of a negative test.

Cut 8 (09)  “….schools do testing weekly.”

And there’s no extra cost for having results sent to your LA Wallet. Slaughter says you just have to ask that the test be sent to Orion.

Cut 9 (07)  “…download the app.”

For more information visit orion-dot-healthcare

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A St. Tammany Parish state Senator proposes two bills to protect citizens from discrimination based upon their COVID vaccination status. Senator Patrick McMath, of Covington, says his Senate Bill 1, is a proposed Constitutional Amendment; adding vaccine status to the list of things for which one cannot be discriminated against…:

Cut 10 (10) “…a very basic example.”

SB1 would add vax status to age, gender race and physical condition; things for which one cannot legally discriminate. It will require two-thirds majority votes in both chambers, and the Governor’s OK, before it can go to voters next fall. McMath’s Senate Bill 2 is a stand-alone bill providing for persons who may be immune to not have to prove they’ve had the Jab…:

Cut  11 (10)  “…step in the process.”  

McMath says constituents have asked him to file the bills, which he has done. They will be introduced for committee review when the regular legislative session starts in March. McMath feels there isn’t enough regard for real scientific data in the pandemic discussion and policies…:

Cut 12 (07) “…the vaccine mandate.”

Both bills will come up when lawmakers meet for the Regular Session in March.

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More than a million people suffer burns annually and half go to an ER or are treated at a burn care center. LSU Health New Orleans professor of surgery Dr. Jeffrey Carter has been working on a more advanced way to assist burn victims with a type of spray-on-skin that significantly increases their survival rates.

Cut 13 (12) “…accelerate healing.”

Carter says it’s difficult to compare mortality rates of burn injuries because the size and location of the burn along with the age are determining factors. He says when you can speed up recovery and repair wounds more efficiently, you reduce the chances of infection.

Cut 14 (12)  “…few weeks”

In addition to speeding the burn recovery process, Carter says the spray-on-skin has another added benefit.

Cut 15 (10)  “…looks like.”

This week is National Burn Awareness Week and Carter reminds listeners to keep children away from the stove when cooking, to use splatter screens when cooking with grease, and to keep your hot water heater below 120 degrees to avoid scalding.

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The newly acquired CJ McCollum should be on the court tonight when the Pelicans host the Miami Heat to bolster what has been one of the worst backcourts in the NBA this season. McCollum brings more than 20 points per game and adds outside shooting, but Coach Willie Green is also excited about his intangibles.

Cut 16 (13)  “…so we’re excited.”

McCollum will be joined in the lineup by guard Tony Snell. Forward Larry Nance Jr. has been sidelined since January with a knee injury. All three should help as the Pels make a push for their first playoff berth in four years. Green says the team isn’t where they want to be, but he’s proud of their progress.

Cut 17 (18) “ …program that’s sustainable.” 

No trade comes without a cost. Both Josh Hart and Nickeil Alexander-Walker had won the hearts of fans over the past two-plus seasons. After last night’s win over the Houston Rockets, Green talked about how difficult it was to say goodbye.

Cut 18 (14) “ …it just sucks.” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Feb 9

The state Senate approves a new Congressional district map that maintains one majority-minority district. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields authored an amendment to create a second-majority Black district by taking voters from Representative Julia Letlow’s 5th district…

Cut 12 (11) “…with the law”.  

Fields amendment failed on a party-line vote.

House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a new state House map that keeps the number of majority-minority districts at 29. Opponents say the new map prevents more blacks from being elected. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski asked teenagers if they knew the definition of gerrymandering…

Cut 5 (15) “..gerrymander.”

State Police are investigating two officer-involved shootings, one in Lake Charles the other in New Orleans. A Lake Charles officer shot a man who hit a police car with his vehicle early Wednesday morning. And in New Orleans an officer shot a man just north of the Superdome Tuesday evening. Police were searching for an armed robbery suspect; the man was hit three times in the leg. Injuries are considered nonlife-threatening injuries.

He’s a Lafayette native, a political science major at LSU, and is the second quarter-final winner of Jeopardy’s National College Champions for 2022. Who is Steven Privat. (Pre-vot). Privat was a guest on Talk 107.3 in Baton Rouge this morning, and even though he wasn’t able to discuss anything beyond Tuesday’s episode he says been a great experience.

Cut 9 (11) “…some questions.”

The Jeopardy College Championship continues tonight at 7 pm on ABC.

4:45 LRN Sportscast February 9

Dennis Allen was introduced as the new head coach of the New Orleans Saints yesterday. Allen believes he is the right man at the right time to continue the Saints winning tradition. One of the keys to doing that will be revamping the offense. After a year in which everything went wrong for New Orleans on that side of the ball, Allen was very direct in saying what he expects their offensive identity to be.

Cut 6 (14) “…situationally.”

Former Saints assistants Doug Marrone and John Morton are being considered as additions to Allen’s staff. Current offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael will stay with the team but in a lesser role.

The LSU men’s basketball team ended its three-game slide with a 76-68 victory over Texas A&M. The Tigers led by 20 at the half but had to hold off the Aggies in the second to earn Will Wade’s 100th win at LSU. Tari Eason led the way with 25 points and 12 boards. Next up for the Tigers, Mississippi State at home in the P-MAC on Saturday night.

The New Orleans Pelicans have acquired CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr., and Tony Snell from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tomas Satoransky, Didi Louzada and picks. Oleh Kosel, editor of The Bird Writes-dot-com, says that a move like this shows that the Pels are serious about making a run now, and in the seasons ahead.

Cut 18 (10) “…a lot higher.”

College baseball is just around the corner, and Louisiana players continue to grab preseason honors. Southeastern dominated the Southland Conference’s Preseason All-Conference team with eight players, including five on the first team. Northwestern State and UNO had four selections each, McNeese two, and Nicholls one. Southern placed four players on the Preseason All-SWAC team, two on the first team.

Burrow-mania continues to sweep across Cincinnati in the lead-up to the Super Bowl. The Cincinnati Zoo has named a five-week-old penguin chick after the Bengals QB. A spokesman for the zoo says little Joe will wear orange and black ID bans when he joins the rest of the penguin colony in the spring.

4:30 LRN Newscast February 09

The state Senate has approved a new Congressional district map that maintains the status quo and that’s just one majority-minority district. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields authored an amendment that created a second-majority Black voting district, but Republican Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says Fields’ proposal would actually dilute the black vote in both districts…:

CUT 13(10)      “…minority representation whatsoever.”

Black lawmakers argue that 33-percent of the state’s population is African-American, therefore two of the state’s six congressional districts should be majority-minority, if not it violates the Voting Rights Act. A federal consent decree from decades ago, mandates the state have “at least one” majority black district.

COVID hospitalizations keep dropping in Louisiana. The state Department of Health today reports 1435 patients under care; a drop of over 100 in just one day.

 

In a new 60-second online ad, U-S Senate candidate Gary Chambers sets a Confederate flag on fire, while talking about systemic inequalities in criminal justice, economics, and voting rights. The ad is getting attention, but ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley doesn’t see it improving Chambers’ chances at winning…:

CUT 06(13)      “move the needle too much.”

Stockley says unless Chambers can raise a lot of cash AND appeal to at least SOME non-black voters, he doesn’t stand a chance.

New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson is suing a neighbor over the death of one of her dogs. Benson’s lawyer says the neighbor’s dogs got out unrestrained and left the Yorkie “literally torn apart.” Another dog was badly injured, but lived. The neighbor’s dogs have been euthanized. Benson says, if she wins the suit, she’ll give the money to a pet charity, and match it out-of-pocket.

3:30 LRN Newscast February 09

At the State Capitol redistricting session, A House committee advances a state House district map that keeps the number of majority black districts At its current number; 29. Opponents of the proposed map, says it is gerrymandered to assure no MORE blacks get elected to the legislature. One of those was Shreveport high school student Autumn Summers…:

CUT 03  (14)        “…remove you from office.”

Despite that, the bill was approved by a 13-to-4 vote, and goes next to the House floor.

U.S. Senate candidate Gary Chambers sets a rebel flag on fire in his latest campaign video, while talking of systemic racism, race-based voter rights infringement and more. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says those are good issues to talk up, but he must also show he can raise money AND appeal to more than just black democrats…:

CUT 08  (04)        “…very Republican state.”

 

The man accused of killing a Slidell mom and stuffing her dismembered body in a cooler will remain in jail until his trial. An Orleans Parish magistrate ruled this morning there was probable cause the Benjamin Beale might be a flight risk, if let out on bond. He’s accused of murdering 36-year-old Julia Dardar AND with running a meth lab.

He’s a poli-sci student at LSU and winner of the second quarter-finals in Jeopardy’s College Champions. Brooke Thorington has more on Steven Privat…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

LRN PM Newscall February 9

He’s a poli-sci student at LSU and winner of the second quarter-finals in Jeopardy’s College Champions. Brooke Thorington has more on who is Steven Privat. (Pre-vot).

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana Senate approves a new Congressional map that does NOT contain a second Black-majority Congressional district. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a new state House map that keeps the number of majority-minority districts at 29. Opponents say the map is gerrymandered to prevent more blacks from being elected to the state legislature. A high school student from Shreveport was vocal in her opposition…

Cut 3 (14) “..from office.”

Despite the strong words from 17-year-old Autumn Summers, the measure was approved on a 13-4 vote and heads to the House floor for more consideration.

The high school students have an issue with a majority-black district in Natchitoches being moved to New Orleans. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski grilled the teens about the opposition…

Cut 4 (11) “…moved it”

Stefanski asked the teenagers if they knew the definition of gerrymandering…

Cut 5 (15) “..gerrymander.”

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In a new 60-second online ad, U-S Senate candidate Gary Chambers sets a Confederate flag on fire, while talking about systemic inequalities in criminal justice, economics, and voting rights. The ad is getting attention, but ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley doesn’t see it improving Chambers’ chances at winning.

 Cut 6 (13) “…needle too much.” 

Chambers faces a major uphill climb in trying to unseat incumbent Senator John Kennedy, as a relative newcomer to politics. Professor Stockley says Chambers has to pull out all the stops to draw people to his campaign.

Cut 7 (12) “…his case, incendiary.” 

Stockley believes Chambers has raised some very important issues but has a long way to go in areas like fundraising and developing a campaign with broader appeal, in a state that hasn’t been kind to progressive candidates.

Cut 8 (13) “…very Republican state.”  

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He’s a Lafayette native, a political science major at LSU, and is the second quarter-final winner of Jeopardy’s National College Champions for 2022. Who is Steven Privat. (Pre-vot). Privat was a guest on Talk 107.3 in Baton Rouge this morning, and even though he wasn’t able to discuss anything beyond Tuesday’s episode he says the experience is exciting.

Cut 9 (11) “…some questions.”

To become a Jeopardy contestant Privat says he first took an online test, and then was invited for an audition which includes a mock round of the game show. Privat chose to enter College Champions and says it’s a long process before you get behind the buzzer.

Cut 10 (12)  “…that long ago.” 

Privat says he even forged friendships with fellow contestants, and he isn’t the only one with Louisiana ties competing in the College Championship this year.

Cut  11 (10)   “….who’s competing.”  

Liz Feltner representing Northeastern will compete in episode four and Tulane’s Fiona Hellerman will appear in episode six. The Jeopardy College Championship continues tonight at 7 pm on ABC.

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The state Senate has approved a new Congressional district map that maintains the status quo and that’s just one majority-minority district. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields authored an amendment that created a second-majority Black voting district by taking voters from Representative Julia Letlow’s 5th district…

Cut 12 (11) “…with the law”.  

But Fields amendment failed on a party-line vote. Republican Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says Fields’s proposal would actually dilute the black vote in the two majority-minority districts he’s trying to create.

Cut 13 (10) “…whatsoever.”

Black lawmakers argue that 33-percent of the state’s population is African-American, therefore two of the state’s six congressional districts should be majority-minority, if not it violates the Voting Rights Act.

Hewitt disagrees and says a law firm hired by the Legislature has told them that her proposed map is legal. But New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson wanted to know more about this law firm…

Cut 14 (15)  “…it matter.” 

Hewitt later identified lawyer at Kate McKnight.

Governor John Bel Edwards could veto the proposal as he believes there should be two majority-minority districts.

2:30 LRN Newscast February 09

The Louisiana Senate approves a new Congressional map that does NOT contain a second Black-majority Congressional district. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(33)      “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a new state House map that keeps the number of majority-minority districts at 29. Opponents say the map is gerrymandered to prevent more blacks from being elected. Approved by a 13-to-4 vote, the map moves next to the House floor for debate and vote.

 

U.S. Senate candidate Gary Chambers knows how to get attention and online views. In his most recent campaign ad message, Chambers sets a rebel flag on fire while decrying inequities in voting rights, criminal justice and more. UL-M Political Science professor Joshua Stockley doesn’t see it improving Chambers’ chances at winning. Stockley says he’ll have to really pull out the stops…:

CUT 07(12)      “…in his case, incendiary.”

Doesn’t get much more incendiary than setting a flag on fire.

LSU poli-sci major Steven Privat wowed audiences watching the College Jeopardy quarter-finals. On Talk 107.3 in Baton Rouge Tuesday, Privat said being a contestant is a long process before you get behind the buzzer…:

CUT 10(12)      “…that long ago.”

The Jeopardy College Championship continues tonight at 7, on ABC TV.

1:30 LRN Newscast Feb 9

The Louisiana Senate approves a new Congressional district map that doesn’t create a second majority-minority district. Republican Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says even a law firm hired by the Legislature says it’s legal. But New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson questioned her…

Cut 14 (15)  “…it matter.” 

In his latest ad, U-S Senate candidate Gary Chambers sets a Confederate flag on fire, while talking about systemic inequalities in criminal justice, economics, and voting rights. It’s getting attention, but UL-M Political Science professor Joshua Stockley doesn’t see it improving Chambers’ chances.

 Cut 6 (13) “…needle too much.” 

The National Federation of Independent Business says one out of every five small businesses continue to report inflation is their business problem. NFIB State Director Dawn McVea says many mom and pops remain pessimistic about future economic conditions, but there is some hope…

Cut 15 (11)  “…begin to improve.”

LSU student and Lafayette native Steven Privat (Pre-vot) advances to the semifinals in Jeopardy’s College Champions. And he’s not the only one with Louisiana ties on the collegiate game show special.

Cut  11 (10)   “….who’s competing.”  

Liz Feltner representing Northeastern will compete in episode four and Tulane’s Fiona Hellerman will appear in episode six.

 

12:30 LRN Newscast February 9

The state Senate has approved a new Congressional district map that maintains the status quo and that’s just one majority-minority district. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields authored an amendment that created a second-majority Black voting district by taking voters from Representative Julia Letlow’s 5th district…

Cut 12 (11) “…with the law”.

Fields amendment failed on a party-line vote.

A record 31 million Americans are expected to place a bet on Sunday’s Super Bowl according to the American Gaming Association. The Association says part of the increase is that 30 states and the District of Columbia now offer legal sports betting. Senior Director of Research, David Forman says ever since Louisiana sports wagering went live at casinos in November and now with online gaming, it’s more accessible to legally bet on the big game.

Cut 8 (11) “….pretty big numbers.”

22-percent of small businesses nationwide report inflation remains their single most important business problem. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”