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.