AM LRN News

A family was denied a burial plot at an Allen Parish graveyard over a whites-only restriction in the contract. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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LSU Health Shreveport is holding another round of drive-thru vaccinations for Louisianans 70 and older. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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There are two common myths being cited by anti-COVID vaxxers, and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter is hoping to put those myths to bed. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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An Allen Parish cemetery has changed a restriction in its contracts that only allowed whites to be buried at the site after a family was denied a plot.

The family of an Allen Parish Deputy sought to have their loved one buried at Oaklin Springs Cemetery but were rejected by an employee who cited the limitation. Oaklin Cemetery Association President Creig Vizena…

Cut 4 (12)“…there.”

The family says the employee, reportedly the 81-year-old aunt of Vizena, was rude and used racial language. Vizena told KPLC they have been relieved of their duties.

Vizena says he and the Board were unaware the language was in the contract, and after calling the courthouse discovered it was inserted in the 1950s.

Cut 5 (09)“…gone.”

Vizena says he apologized to the family and offered to give them one of his personal plots, but they told him they no longer felt comfortable resting their loved one at Oaklin.

Vizena says he hopes no family ever has to go through something like this again and has a request for all other graveyards, churches, and other final resting places…

Cut 6 (12) “…like that”

The old contract read that it assigns the right of burial of the remains of white human beings. Vizena says the contract was rewritten to exclude the word white.

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LSU Health Shreveport is holding another round of drive-thru COVID vaccinations. Louisiana residents 70 and older can be vaccinated Monday through Wednesday at the State Fairgrounds in Shreveport to receive their first shot. School Chancellor Dr. G.E. Ghali explains the process.

Cut 7 (10)  “…weeks.”

Tuesday through Thursday the drive-thru is open for participants who received their first dose in mid-January at the Fairgrounds. Dr. Ghali says once vaccinated with the first dose you’re guaranteed a second.

Cut 8 (11) “…second dose.”

Vaccinations are open to Louisiana residents age 70 and older. Dr. Ghali says some have driven hours to be inoculated.

Cut 9 (07) “…the state.”

Preregistration is requested but not required you can visit lsuhs.edu. The event will take place Monday through Wednesday for first doses and Tuesday through Thursday for second doses, 8:00 am until 3:30 pm.

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State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter is hoping to bust some common COVID vaccine myths.

One concern Kanter says he hears all too often is that the mRNA technology behind the vaccine is new and untested. He says that is not true.

Cut 10 (12) “…vaccines.”

Another falsehood Kanter says needs to go away is the rumor that the COVID vaccine itself can give you COVID.

Cut 11 (10) “….virus.”

Kanter says a few stories have popped up about people getting COVID a day or two after being vaccinated. He says that’s not the vaccine giving you COVID, that’s the vaccine not having enough time to develop immunity in you, and you catching COVID from another source.

Finally, Kanter says he’s heard many people raise concerns over the vaccine’s impact on fertility. He says women of childbearing age should absolutely get the shot.

Cut 12 (10) “…fertility.”

Ochsner Health System reported fertility concerns as one of the reasons why only half of their staff had been vaccinated.

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Super Bowl week has arrived as Tampa Bay is hosting this year’s big game. In 2025 New Orleans will host a record-tying 11th Super Bowl. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero says the planning is well underway because the NFL asks a lot from a hosting city

Cut 13 (12) “…and the city.”

Cicero says his eleven-member staff is putting together plans to raise about 20-million dollars over the next four years to help pull off the massive event…

Cut 14 (06) “…the bid.” 

Cicero says hosting a Super Bowl is so big it requires four years of preparation for a week that will bring thousands of visitors to the city…

Cut 15 (12)“…to put forth.”

New Orleans was originally awarded the 2024 Super Bowl, but with the NFL likely moving to a 17-game regular-season schedule, the city was given the 2025 Super Bowl instead so the game doesn’t go head to head with Mardi Gras in 2024.

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The LSU men’s basketball team suffered a crushing loss on Saturday in the Maravich Assembly Center. Texas Tech scored the final 12 points of the game in the final minute to beat the Tigers 76-71. Coach Will Wade says it was a game his team deserved to win….

Cut 16 (20) “…it out”

LSU was led by Javonte Smart who had tied a career-high 29 points. But Terrence Shannon came off the bench to score 23 points to lead the Red Raiders. Shannon had a critical steal and score on an inbound pass to give Texas Tech a one point lead with 23 seconds left. Wade says Texas Tech credit showed why they are a top ten team in the country….

Cut 17 (11) “…want him back.”

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Louisiana Tech played some good defense down the stretch on Saturday and grinded out a 65-62 win over Southern Miss to improve to 14-and-5 overall, seven and three in Conference USAA. Amorie Archibald hit two big late free throws and finished with a team high 15 points…

Cut  18 (15) “…get it done”

This Friday La Tech will be back on the road to face North Texas. The Mean Green and UAB are tied for first place in the West Division for first place. Bulldogs Coach Eric Konkol says North Texas will be another tough challenge…

Cut 19 (17) “….make you work” 

  cut 20  (28) ” turn it around” 

10:30 AM LRN Newscast Jan 30

Of the 93-thousand vaccine doses allocated for nursing home residents and staff in the state, only 30-percent have been administered. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

On Friday Julia ‘Hurricane’ Hawkins of Baton Rouge who will turn 105 next Saturday received her second COVID vaccination. The LSU alum is also known as record-setting runner. She has lived through the Spanish Flu and polio. She says she’s looking forward to visiting with her family soon and encourages everyone to be vaccinated.

Johnson and Johnson announced Friday that its one-dose COVID vaccine offers strong protection. Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele says it has an average 66-percent efficacy rate of preventing moderate to severe illnesses like pneumonia or other breathing difficulties the efficacy of preventing serious illness is 85-percent.

Cut 11 (12) “…moderate.”

The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission has submitted a bid to host the 2021 NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Basketball Regionals. If awarded, the Brookshire Grocery Arena will host the event in March.  Director of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, Kelly Wells says their proximity to schools makes it a prime location.

Cut 8 (08) “…prefer to drive.”

9:30 LRN Newscast Jan 30

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Office arrests three men in connection with a double homicide in Montegut on January 13th. 35-year-old Beaux Cormier of Kaplan, 25-year-old Andrew Eskine of Carencro, and 22-year-old Dalvin Wilson from Rayne are charged with two counts of first-degree murder.  Two women 37-year-old Hope Nettleton and 34-year-old Brittany Cormier, both of Montegut were found shot inside a home and pronounced dead at the scene.

Johnson and Johnson’s COVID vaccine has an international 66% average efficacy, but 72% in the US and it’s one injection.

cut 2 (27) …I’m Taylor Sharp.”  

It’s been slow going vaccinating the state’s nursing home residents and staff. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says 93,600 Moderna vaccine doses have been allocated to a program and so far, only 30-percent have been administered.

Cut 5  (12) “…faster.” 

The vaccine rollout in nursing homes is being conducted by CVS and Walgreens.

Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy join other Republican Senators request a meeting with President Biden over concerns involving his recent oil and gas policy. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Biden made climate change a priority during his campaign and he does not expect the new President to back off of his positions.

Cut 13 (11)“..energy.”

8:30 LRN Newscast Jan 30

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the vaccination rate among nursing home residents in the state is 69%, but the rate among staff is 26%.  Kanter says while he encouraged with the high rate of residents, the low rate among staff is concerning. However, he feels more staff will be vaccinated as the rollout conducts their second visit to facilities.

Cut 4 (07) “…little bit” 

Johnson and Johnson announced Friday that its one-dose COVID vaccine offers strong protection from the virus with an international average efficacy of 66-percent. Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans Doctor Lucio Miele says in addition to being only one injection, the J&J vaccine does not require cold storage making it ideal for rural areas and for those with access to care issues.

Cut 10 (10) “…readily available.”

Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy join 23 other Republican Senators in requesting a meeting with President Biden over concerns involving his recent oil and gas policy. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says he expects Biden will take this meeting.

Cut 12 (10) “senate.” 

The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission has submitted a bid to host the 2021 NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Basketball Regionals in Bossier City. If awarded, the Brookshire Grocery Arena will host 12 teams who will play 10 games over five days in March.  Director of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, Kelly Wells, says they’ve worked with the NCAA before.

Cut 6 (11) “…this time.”

7:30 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans pulled off a nice upset last night as they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 131 to 126. Lonzo Ball went into the game questionable with an ankle injury but ended up scoring 27 points as he hit seven three-pointers. Eric Bledsoe also knocked down seven three-pointers and finished with 25 points. Brandon Ingram had 28 points, Zion Williamson 21 points and Steven Adams grabbed 20 rebounds.

Cedric Russell had 21 points as the Ragin Cajuns topped Texas State 62-60. U-L Lafayette has won four in a row. ULM’s losing streak has grown to seven as the Warhawks lost at Little Rock 66-62.

Today, LSU hosts 10th ranked Texas Tech. The Bayou Bengals are looking for their first win over a ranked team this season. Tip-off is at 1 PM. And Louisiana Tech hosts Southern Miss at 2 PM.

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LSU has filled out its coaching staff for 2021 with the hiring of Andre Carter as its defensive line coach. Carter is a former first round draft pick who spent 13 years as a defensive lineman in the NFL. The past two seasons, he’s been the defensive line coach with the New York Jets. On Thursday, LSU announced former Louisiana Tech and Miami defensive coordinator Blake Baker will be the team’s new linebackers coach.

The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission has placed a bid to host the regional round of the Division two men’s and women’s basketball tournament in March. Director Kelly Wells says proximity of schools to the Brookshire Grocery Arena makes it a prime location…
cut 8 (13) “…prefer to drive’
Wells says they hope to hear if their bid is expected to next week, it would mean 12 teams, playing 10 games over a five day period.

530 PM LRN News

There’s some frustration with the slow pace of vaccinations in Louisiana nursing homes. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says 28-thousand have been administered so far, just over 19-thousand to residents and almost 9,000 to staff. Kanter says we all wish it was going faster but…

Cut 3 (11)  “…26-percent.”

The vaccine rollout in nursing homes is being conducted by CVS and Walgreens. 

Johnson and Johnson announced today that its one-dose COVID vaccine offers strong protection from the virus with an international average efficacy of 66-percent. Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele says the vaccine does not require cold storage making it ideal for rural areas…

Cut 10 (10) “…readily available.”

The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, with help from the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, has submitted a bid to host the 2021 NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Basketball Regionals in Bossier City. If awarded, the Brookshire Grocery Arena will host 12 teams who will play 10 games over five days in March.  Director of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, Kelly Wells, says they’ve worked with the NCAA before.

Cut 6 (11) “…this time.”

Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy join 23 other Republican Senators in requesting a meeting with President Biden over concerns involving his recent oil and gas policy. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Biden made climate change a priority during his campaign and he does not expect the new President to back off of his positions.

Cut 13 (11)“..energy.”

430 PM LRN News

Of the 93-thousand vaccine doses allocated for nursing home residents and staff in the state, only 30-percent have been administered. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

Louisiana reported another 2,369 cases of COVID-19 today along with another unfortunately high day of daily new deaths at 58. Hospitalizations continue to decline in some good news though, down to 1,546 and it appears the third wave of the virus is notably behind the state at the moment.

Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy join 23 other Republican Senators in requesting a meeting with President Biden over concerns involving his recent oil and gas policy. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says he expects Biden will take this meeting.

Cut 12 (10) “senate.” 

In his first two weeks in office, Biden canceled the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline and issued a moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters.

Johnson and Johnson announced today that its one-dose COVID vaccine offers strong protection. Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele says it has a 66-percent efficacy rate of preventing moderate to severe illnesses like pneumonia or other breathing difficulties the efficacy of preventing serious illness is 85-percent.

Cut 11 (12) “…moderate.”

330 PM LRN News

It’s been slow going vaccinating the state’s nursing home residents and staff. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says 93,600 Moderna vaccine doses have been allocated to a program and so far only 30-percent have been administered.

Cut 5  (12) “…faster.” 

The vaccine rollout in nursing homes is being conducted by CVS and Walgreens.

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is looking like a decent option for those who have access to care issues in rural or undeveloped areas. Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele says the vaccine offers strong protection from the virus with an international average efficacy of 66-percent…

Cut 9 (11) “… South Africa.”

Over two dozen Republican Senators are seeking an audience with the President to protest his recent oil and gas executive orders like cancelling the Keystone Pipeline and the moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says because of redistricting and because the states most impacted are deeply red he doubts Biden will pay a price politically for his moves on climate change.

Cut 14 (07) “…support him.” 

Shreveport-Bossier is pushing to host the 2021 NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Basketball Regionals at the Brookshire Grocery Arena. Director of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, Kelly Wells, says proximity to schools makes Bossier City a prime location.

Cut 8 (13) “…prefer to drive.”

LRN PM Newscall January 29

Of the 93-thousand vaccine doses allocated for nursing home residents and staff in the state, only 30-percent have been administered. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Johnson and Johnson’s COVID vaccine has a 66% average efficacy rate worldwide, but it’s 72% in the US and it’s one injection versus two. Taylor Sharp has more.

cut 2 (27) …I’m Taylor Sharp.”  

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Vaccinations among nursing home residents and staff against COVID-19 are moving slowly in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says 28-thousand have been administered so far, just over 19-thousand to residents and almost 9,000 to staff. Kanter says we all wish it was going faster but…

Cut 3 (11)  “…26-percent.”

The vaccine rollout in nursing homes is being conducted by CVS and Walgreens. Kanter says they have made one of the three visits to facilities. On the second visit, they will administer the second dose for those from the first visit and the first dose for those that missed the first visit, and then the third visit for the second shots from the second visit.

Kanter feels the 26% of staff being vaccinated will go up once the rollout conducts their second visit to facilities.

Cut 4 (07) “…lilttle bit” 

Governor Edwards says he’s seen vaccinations among staff almost double on the second visit at Veteran’s Homes and feels that will happen in private nursing homes as well.

Kanter, say 93,600 Moderna vaccine doses have been allocated to a program and so far only 30-percent have been administered.

Cut 5  (12) “…faster.” 

By February 8th all nursing homes should have their first visit of three completed.

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The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, with help from the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, has submitted a bid to host the 2021 NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Basketball Regionals in Bossier City. If awarded, the Brookshire Grocery Arena will host 12 teams who will play 10 games over five days in March.  Director of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, Kelly Wells, says they’ve worked with the NCAA before.

Cut 6 (11) “…this time.”

Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero says New Orleans decided to get involved due to its relationship with the NCAA.

Cut 7 (15) “…twenty-five years.”

New Orleans is set to host it’s sixth men’s Final Four in 2022.

The Shreveport-Bossier area could find out as early as next week whether or not they will host the event.  Wells says proximity to schools makes Bossier City a prime location.

Cut 8 (13) “…prefer to drive.”

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Johnson and Johnson announced today that its one-dose COVID vaccine offers strong protection from the virus with an international average efficacy of 66-percent. Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele says however in the U-S the efficacy rate is higher.

Cut 9 (11) “… South Africa.”

In addition to being only one injection, Miele says the J&J vaccine does not require cold storage making it ideal for rural areas and for those with access to care issues.

Cut 10 (10) “…readily available.”

Miele says while the vaccine has a 66-percent efficacy rate of preventing moderate to severe illnesses like pneumonia or other breathing difficulties the efficacy of preventing serious illness is 85-percent.

Cut 11 (12) “…moderate.”

Miele says like the Pfizer and Moderna offerings the J & J Vaccine can be updated easily to handle variants of the virus if needed. Johnson and Johnson plans to seek FDA approval next month.

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Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy join 23 other Republican Senators in requesting a meeting with President Biden over concerns involving his recent oil and gas policy.

UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says he expects Biden will take this meeting.

Cut 12 (10) “senate.” 

In his first two weeks in office, Biden canceled the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline and issued a moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters.

Cross says Biden made climate change a priority during his campaign and he does not expect the new President to back off of his positions.

Cut 13 (11)“..energy.”

Cross says because of redistricting and because the states most impacted are deeply red he doubts Biden will pay a price politically for his moves on climate change.

Cut 14 (07) “…support him.” 

230 PM LRN News

Vaccinations among nursing home residents and staff against COVID-19 are moving slowly in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says just over 19-thousand to residents have received a dose. Kanter says we all wish it was going faster but…

Cut 3 (11)  “…26-percent.”

The vaccine rollout in nursing homes is being conducted by CVS and Walgreens.

Johnson and Johnson announced today that its one-dose COVID vaccine offers a strong protection from the virus with efficacy of 66-percent.  Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele says the J&J vaccine does not require cold storage making it ideal for those with access to care issues.

Cut 10 (10) “…readily available.”

Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy join 23 other Republican Senators in requesting a meeting with President Biden over concerns involving his recent oil and gas policy. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Biden made climate change a priority during his campaign and he does not expect the new President to back off of his positions.

Cut 13 (11)“..energy.”

In his first two weeks in office, Biden canceled the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline and issued a moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters.

The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, with help from the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, has submitted a bid to host the 2021 NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Basketball Regionals in Bossier City. Director of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, Kelly Wells, says they’ve worked with the NCAA before.

Cut 6 (11) “…this time.”