LRN AM Newscall January 1 2020 ###added Kamara cuts###

Louisiana’s top public health expert has been encouraged by the COVID vaccine rollout distribution so far. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Mayor of Lake Charles remains optimistic about recovery efforts despite enduring the 5th strongest hurricane to hit the United States.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The COVID-19 vaccine rollout is going slower than many expected. The state’s top public health expert says Louisiana will have received more than 210-thousand vaccine doses by Saturday. Over 45-thousand doses have been administered. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter admits it’s a complex operation

Cut 3 (12)  “…doses.”  

Kanter says starting the rollout during the holidays has also been problematic. But he remains encouraged…

Cut 4 (11) “…new year.”

There are currently 249-thousand people eligible to receive the vaccine and that group includes health care workers. nursing home residents and first responders. Kanter says starting Monday another 649-thousand people will be eligible and that includes a select number of individuals over the age of 70…

Cut 5 (06) “…health care services.”

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2020 was the busiest year on record for the Louisiana National Guard with the pandemic, hurricanes, and a deployment of more than 2,000 guardsmen overseas. LANG spokesperson Noel Collins said since March, guardsmen have assisted with testing sites and food banks.

Cut 6 (06) “…of food.”

And distributed more than 56-million PPE items and 4,500 PPE delivery missions.

The hurricane season was the busiest ever with relief efforts for Laura, Delta, and Zeta preparations for Cristobal, Marco, Sally, and Beta. Collins says LANG assisted with 400 generator missions; distributed 5.7 million meals, 7.8 million liters of water, 1.4 million bags of ice, and 267-thousand tarps.

Cut 7 (11)  “…efforts.”

Collins says in addition to the demands of the pandemic and an unprecedented hurricane season for the state, the guardsmen are involved in overseas missions.

Cut 8 (10) “…this year.”

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The City of Lake Charles took a beating not once but twice with hurricanes in 2020, Laura was first responsible for widespread destruction and then Delta just added insult to injury. Mayor Nic Hunter says recovery efforts have come a long way in four months, however…

Cut 9 (09) “…recovered.”

Hunter says as for Federal recovery efforts it’s still too early to judge. He says while FEMA has responded well with some things…

Cut 10 (09) “…housing.”

In addition to housing Hunter says another major factor for the city to recover is major employers’ commitment to stay and rebuild.

Cut 11 (08) “…rebuilding.”

Overall, Hunter is optimistic about the recovery of Lake Charles, because it’s residents and business community are resilient.

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The 87th annual Sugar Bowl is tonight in New Orleans and it’s a much different event this year due to the pandemic. Ohio State and Clemson will play in the national semifinal game and Sugar Bowl C-E-O Jeff Hundley says only three-thousand fans will be in attendance and none of their other events will take place

Cut 12 (09) “…of town.”

Hundley says they are looking forward to a great game between the Tigers and Buckeyes

Cut 13 (15) “…more exciting.”

Hundley says while the Sugar Bowl parade and other public events tied to the bowl game have been canceled, at least they are having a game this year…

Cut 14 (11) “…next year.” 

Hundley says a smaller Sugar Bowl means community donations will also be scaled back.

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After a record-tying six rushing touchdowns in an NFL game what will Saints running back Alvin Kamara do for an encore this Sunday when New Orleans closes out the regular season at Carolina on Sunday. Kamara says he has not reflected much on his historic Christmas Day performance…

Cut 15 (15)“…accomplish”

In his fourth season with the Black and Gold, Kamara is having his best season and is 68 yards away from a one-thousand yard rushing season. That’s a milestone he would like to reach

Cut 16 (20) “…stuff to do.”

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 31

Starting Monday, more Louisianans will be eligible to get a Moderna COVID vaccine. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

Funeral arrangements have been announced for the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow who passed away Tuesday from COVID-related complications. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at North Monroe Baptist Church. All COVID restrictions will be followed and masks will be required by the family. The funeral will be live-streamed from the church’s social media platforms.

2020 will be remembered for the pandemic and hurricanes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Hurricane Laura caused massive destruction in southwest Louisiana and at least 28 deaths in the state were attributed to the hurricane. There was also Delta in the second week of October and Zeta which made landfall in Terrebonne Parish a few days before Halloween

Cut 7 (07) …October 28th”

And dicey weather is not finished yet for 2020 much of southwest Louisiana is under a Tornado Watch until 9pm tonight as severe weather makes it thru the state.

The casinos’ industry also took a hit in 2020 with forced closures for almost two months, reduced capacity, and one casino even shut their doors for good.  Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty says the state will suffer from the loss.

Cut 12 (09) “…100-million.” 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints can become the first team to finish 6-0 in the NFC South since the division was formed in 2002 if they can beat the Panthers in Carolina on Sunday afternoon. New Orleans enters the game with the league’s third-rated defense and ninth rated offense. They are seventh in the NFL in rushing and offensive tackle Terron Armstead on why they’ve been so successful on the ground this year…
cut 30 (24) “…for us”
The Saints can clinch the number one seed in the NFC with a win, a Packers loss and a Seahawks win to create a three-way tie for first place in the league standings and New Orleans owns the tiebreaker under that scenario.

Acadiana is the Class 5A champions in high school football again after a thrilling 35-34 win over Alexandria Senior High. The Trojans nearly rallied back from a 14-point deficit in the final three minutes to win their first state title. It was a good prep classic for the Lafayette area as Acadiana, Carencro, and Lafayette Christian all won state titles.

In basketball, the Pelicans are at Oklahoma City tonight. New Orleans has failed to score over 100 points in its last three games and for the season they are shooting 30-percent from three-point territory. The tip-off is at 7.

Conference play begins Friday for La Tech, U-L Lafayette and ULM. The Bulldogs open Conference USA play by hosting Marshall on Friday and Saturday in the Thomas Assembly Center. The Bulldogs have won three in a row and are 7-2 on the season, while Thundering Herd are 6-and-1.

The Cajuns are six and one and they’ll host Texas State on Friday and Saturday in the Cajundome. The Bobcats are 6-and-3. ULM will host Arkansas State. The Warhawks have lost three in a row.

4:30 LRN Newscast Dec 31

Starting Monday, a very limited supply of vaccine doses will be available for Louisiana residents 70 years and up and additional healthcare workers. Governor John Bel Edwards says this new “Group 1B” includes about 640,000 people on top of the 250,000 people who are currently eligible.
Cut 9 (09) “…simultaneously.”

Many Louisianans are anxious to ring in the new year and might celebrate by lighting fireworks. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says with severe weather in the forecast be sure you light fireworks 200 feet away from your property…

cut 4 (08) “…around.”

Severe weather is a threat for areas across the state tonight, especially for parishes south of Alexandria. A large portion of southwest Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 9 PM.

It’s been an unlucky year for the casino industry, Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty says even though gaming numbers have rebound up to 85-percent, non-gaming revenue losses from concerts, restaurants, and bars, have the industry struggling.

Cut 13 (07)“…sectors”

Duty says the state will have a loss of more than $100-million in casino revenue.

In addition to COVID, 2020 will be remembered for hurricanes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Hurricane Laura left a major mark on the state when it made landfall in Cameron Parish on August 27th as a strong Category Four with 150 mile per hour winds
Cut 6 (09) “..170 years.”

And that area of the state is under a severe weather threat. A large portion of southwest Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 9 PM.

3:30 LRN Newscast December 31

Louisiana is set to receive more COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and people 70-years and older will be eligible to get the vaccine next week. The vaccines will be sent to about 100 pharmacies across the state and Governor John Bel Edwards says you’ll have to get an appointment to receive one…
cut 10 (10) “…group”
Edwards says a list of the pharmacies that will have the vaccines will be published on the Louisiana Department of Health’s website on Monday.

Outside of COVID-19, hurricanes were the big story in Louisiana in 2020. A record-setting five named storms made landfall in the Bayou State this year and there were a record-breaking 30 named storms. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s highly unlikely the 2021 hurricane season will match what we saw this year…
cut 8 (14) “….improbable”

Casinos in Louisiana were cold in 2020 with the pandemic and competition from other states. Brooke Thorington has more.
cut 2 (32) ….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

There’s a severe weather threat tonight especially for areas south of Alexandria. A large portion of south Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 9 PM.

The funeral for late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow has been set for 2 PM on Saturday at the North Monroe Baptist Church.

2:30 LRN Newscast December 31

The family of late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow says they are heartbroken over the death of the 41-year-old from Richland Parish. Letlow’s wife, Julia, released a statement today, two days after Letlow’s death from COVID-19. She says they are grateful for all that he achieved in a life defined by service to others.

Starting Monday, more Louisianans will be eligible to get a Moderna COVID vaccine. Matt Doyle has the story…
Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”

It’s been a tough year for the Louisiana casino industry that saw their gambling halls shut down for nearly two months and limited capacity restrictions for much of the year. But Casino Association of Louisiana executive director Wade Duty says casinos are anxious for legal sports betting to take place in Louisiana, but the state legislature has to approve regulations and a tax structure.
Cut 14 (10) “…realistic one.”

There are many Louisiana residents who are ready to ring in a new year with fireworks tonight. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue is urging the public to never light fireworks when you are impaired and light them on a non-combustible surface, like concrete or asphalt.
cut 3 (11) “…your hand.”
The weather will create a challenge for those looking to light fireworks, a tornado watch is in effect until 9 Pm for much of south and central Louisiana.

LRN PM Newscall December 31 2020

Starting Monday, more Louisianans will be eligible to get a Moderna COVID vaccine. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Casinos in Louisiana were cold in 2020 with the pandemic and competition from other states.  Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 2 (32) ….I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue urges residents to practice fireworks safety tonight. She says never light fireworks when you are impaired and light them on a steady non-combustible surface for example concrete or asphalt.

Cut 3 (11)  “…your hand.”

With rain in the forecast, some might attempt to light fireworks from a garage, carport, or patio, Rodrigue says that’s a bad idea, you should light them 200 feet away from property.

Cut 4 (08)        around” 

Rodrigue says never allow children to handle fireworks, even sparklers.

Disposal of fireworks is also important, but sure to wet them down after use and put them away from anything flammable.

Cut 5  (11) “…catch fire.” 

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2020 will be remembered for the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Hurricane Laura left a major mark on the state when it made landfall in Cameron Parish on August 27th as a strong Category four with 150 miles per hour winds

Cut 6 (09) “..170 years.”

Laura caused massive destruction in southwest Louisiana and significant wind damage in central and north Louisiana. At least 28 deaths in Louisiana were attributed to Laura. Keim says there was also Hurricane Delta in the second week of October and Hurricane Zeta made landfall in Terrebonne Parish a few days before Halloween

Cut 7 (07) …October 28th”

Keim says it’s highly unlikely the 2021 hurricane season will match what we saw this year…

Cut 8 (14) “…improbable.”

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Starting Monday, a very limited supply of vaccine doses will be available for Louisiana residents 70 years and older and additional healthcare workers. Governor John Bel Edwards says this new “Group 1B” includes about 640,000 people on top of the 250,000 people who are currently eligible.

Cut 9 (09) “..simultaneously”

That expanded group of healthcare workers includes schools of allied health students, residents, and staff, home healthcare workers, ambulatory, outpatient, medical, dental, and behavioral health clinic workers.

About 100 pharmacies across the state will receive Moderna doses, but Edwards says if you’re in Group 1B you’ll have to get an appointment to receive one…

Cut 10 (10) “..group.”

They will release the names of those pharmacies, along with contact information on the Louisiana Department of Health website Monday.

Edwards warns this is just the beginning of vaccinations for this new group so it may take you a while to get an appointment to receive one.

Cut 11 (11) “..week.”

He notes once we receive more vaccines the next group up will be essential workers like teachers and grocery store employees.

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The Louisiana casino industry had a difficult 2020 with forced closures for almost two months, reduced capacity and one casino shut its doors for good.  Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty says this will result in a loss of taxes revenues for the state

Cut 12 (09) “…100-million.” 

Non-gaming losses include revenue from concerts, restaurants, and bars at casino venues. Duty says even with the gaming numbers showing a rebound of 75 to 85-percent since reopening, being unable to offset non-gaming revenue, the industry continues to struggle.

Cut 13 (07)“…sectors”

Diamond Jacks in Bossier City was the casino that closed this year and the Isle of Capri in Lake Charles has yet to reopen from hurricane damage. Duty says casinos are anxious for legal sports betting to take place in Louisiana, but the state legislature has to establish regulations and a tax structure.

Cut 14 (10) “…realistic one.” 

Duty says Louisiana casinos were suffering from competition in neighboring states before the pandemic and COVID restrictions only added to the downturn. He also says many players, especially seniors have been reluctant to return to casinos since they reopened.

1:30 LRN Newscast Dec 31

On Monday, a very limited supply of vaccine doses will be available for Louisiana residents 70 years and older and additional healthcare workers. Governor John Bel Edwards warns this is just the beginning of vaccinations for this new group so it may take you a while to get an appointment to receive one.

Cut 11 (11) “..week.”

He notes once we receive more vaccines the next group up will be essential workers like teachers and grocery store employees.

For those ringing in 2021 with fireworks, State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue urges you to do so safely. She says never use fireworks when you are impaired, light them only on a steady non-combustible surface for like concrete or asphalt 200 feet away from property. When finished wet them down before disposal.

Cut 5  (04) “…your home.” 

And never allow children to handle fireworks.

2020 will be remembered for the pandemic and hurricanes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Hurricane Laura caused massive destruction in southwest Louisiana and at least 28 deaths in the state were attributed to the hurricane. There was also Delta in the second week of October and Zeta which made landfall in Terrebonne Parish a few days before Halloween

Cut 7 (07) …October 28th”

The casinos’ industry also took a hit in 2020 with forced closures for almost two months, reduced capacity, and one casino even shut their doors for good.  Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty says the state will suffer from the loss.

Cut 12 (09) “…100-million.” 

Non-gaming losses include revenue from concerts, restaurants, and bars at casino venues.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana is set to receive more COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and people 70-years and older will be eligible to get the vaccine next week. The vaccines will be sent to about 100 pharmacies across the state and Governor John Bel Edwards says you’l have to get an appointment to receive one…
cut 10 (10) “…group”
Edwards says a list of the pharmacies that will have the vaccines will be published on the Louisiana Department of Health’s website on Monday.

There are many people in Louisana anxious to ring in a new year by lighting fireworks. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says rain is in the forecast so make sure you light fireworks 200 feet away from your property…
cut 4 (08) “….around”

There’s the potential for severe weather today as 2020 wants to take one last jab at the state. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

11:30 LRN Newscast December 31

Starting Monday, a very limited supply of vaccine doses will be available for Louisiana residents 70 years and up and additional healthcare workers. Governor John Bel Edwards says this new “Group 1B” includes about 640,000 people on top of the 250,000 people who are currently eligible.
Cut 9 (09) “..simultaneously”
According to the state’s coronavirus dashboard, nearly 38-thousand COVID vaccines have been administered.

According to Triple-A, road travel is down 24-percent this holiday season. But Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says experts are growing confident that travel numbers will rebound in 2021 as the COVID vaccines become more readily available…
cut 15 (10) “….going in”

2020 will be remembered for the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Hurricane Laura left a major mark on the state when it made landfall in Cameron Parish on August 27th as a strong Category four with 150 mile per hour winds
Cut 6 (09) “..170 years.”
Keim says it’s highly unlikely the 2021 hurricane season will match what we saw this year

There are many Louisiana residents who are ready to ring in a new year with fireworks tonight. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue is urging the public to never light fireworks when you are impaired and light them on a non-combustible surface, like concrete or asphalt.
Cut 3 (11) “…your hand.”
Also never allow children to handle fireworks, even sparklers.