7:30 LRN Newscast January 8

Louisiana Democratic Party leaders gathered on the steps of the State Capitol Thursday afternoon to cast blame for Capitol Hill riot on the Republican Party. State Democratic Party Chair Katie Bernhardt issued a demand to the Louisiana Republican Congressional delegation, most of whom voted against certifying Biden’s electoral win…
Cut 7 (12) “…standing”
The Louisiana Republican Party says it condemns violent protests by any group and violence is not part of our democratic process.

Members of the U-S House are pushing Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to forcibly remove President Donald Trump from the Oval Office. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan calls it an unlikely outcome.
Cut 13 (10) “…to it.”
Pence has reportedly told officials he opposes invoking the 25th Amendment.

The northern half of the state could be hit with a winter storm late this weekend and into the new work week. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The number of COVID patients in the hospital statewide has surpassed two-thousand for the first time since the pandemic started. The state reported 45-hundred new cases yesterday and 47 additional deaths bringing the death toll to 73-hundred. L-D-H also says 74-thousand individuals have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot.

6:45 LRN Sportscast January 8

It’s win or go home as the NFL playoffs begin this weekend. The Saints will host the Chicago Bears as New Orleans looks to avoid its third straight postseason home defeat. Quarterback Drew Brees on the possibility that this will be his last game…
cut 16 (09) “…much the same’
Saints running back Alvin Kamara tweeted out last night, “See y’all Sunday” an indication that he’ll play in Sunday’s playoff game after testing positive for COVID-19 last Friday. He’s eligible to be activated on Sunday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Kamara has been participating in practice this week remotely thanks to TVU networks technology. Kamara has been able to view practice as the Saints were installing the game plan for the Bears.

Tonight at the Smoothie King Center, the Pelicans host the Hornets at 6:30.

Contract details have been released for LSU’s new coaching hires. Offensive coordinator Jake Peetz is set to make one-point-two million dollars this year and one-point-three million dollars next year, while passing game coordinator DJ Mangas has agreed to a two-year deal that pays him 400-thousand dollars a year.

In college basketball tonight, the Ragin Cajuns host Little Rock. ULM hosts U-T Arlington. Louisiana Tech is at Conference USA preseason favorite Western Kentucky. The Sun Belt and CUSA have league schedules that feature back-to-back games against the same opponent. Bulldogs coach Eric Konkol says the unusual scheduling makes conference play that much more interesting…
cut 20 (23) “…fascinating race”

6:30 LRN Newscast January 8

State Democratic Party leaders condemned Louisiana Republican Party elected officials, calling them culpable in Wednesday’s mob assault on the US Capitol…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says the protestors who stormed the Capitol should be charged with treason. And the co-owner of Rouses Markets, Donald Rouse Senior,” is facing social media backlash because he was at the rally for President Trump before the attack occurred. Rouse says he was there to support the president and condemns the violence that erupted.

Seventeen members of the US House have sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence asking him to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump from the Oval Office. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says it’s a complicated process because the forceful removal of Mr. Trump requires action from a majority of sitting Cabinet secretaries and two of them have resigned in recent days…
cut 14 (10) “….Senate”

It will be cold weekend and Matt Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says there’s the potential for snow in north Louisiana and a wintry mix in central Louisiana…
cut 10 (07) “…Monday morning”
Hemingway adds it’s hard to predict how much snow north Louisiana will see and if we’ll see some white stuff.

AM LRN Newscall Jan 7

The new year means an expansion in food stamp benefits for Louisiana residents. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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State Democratic Party leaders condemned Louisiana Republican Party elected officials, calling them culpable in Wednesday’s mob assault on the US Capitol. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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You’ll want to pay attention to the weather on Sunday especially if you’ll be in North Louisiana. There’s a possibility snow will make an appearance. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The COVID Relief Bill will help food stamp recipients in Louisiana receive more in benefits and allow more people to qualify.  Recipients will see an increase of roughly 15-percent in benefits for the first half of 2021. DCFS Secretary of the Division of Family Support Shavana Howard says for a household of three…

Cut 4 (12) “…a month.”

Before the weekly $300 federal boost of pandemic unemployment benefits worked against one’s eligibility for food stamps, Howard says that’s now changed.

Cut 5 (10) “…the table.”

In addition to an increase in benefits and more Louisianans eligible to receive SNAP, Howard says now college students who are enrolled at least half-time are eligible for benefits.

Cut 6 (09) “…assistance.”

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Louisiana Democratic Party leaders gathered on the steps of the State Capitol Thursday afternoon to cast blame for Wednesday’s Capitol Hill riot on the Republican Party.

State Democratic Party Chair Katie Bernhardt issued a demand to the Louisiana Republican Congressional delegation, most of whom voted against certifying the Biden electoral win…

Cut 7 (12)  “…standing”

Senator Bill Cassidy was the lone delegation member to not vote against any election certifications. Congressman Garret Graves initially voted against some but ultimately voted for full certification.

Bernhardt accused elected Republicans of standing by while their constituents called for violence on the internet, and did nothing to prevent the ultimate violent outcome Wednesday.

Cut 8 (11) “…democracy.”

All members of the Louisiana Republican Congressional delegation have released statements condemning the mob that assaulted the Capitol Wednesday.

Bernhardt says when Joe Biden lost Louisiana in November they didn’t attack the legitimacy of the election because they knew our election system is fair.

Cut 9 (07) “…party.”

The state Republican Party responded to the event saying “The LAGOP stands with Congressional Republicans who called for a full investigation into allegations of electoral fraud. The party condemns violent protests by any and all groups on either side of the political spectrum. Violence should not be tolerated- it is not part of our democratic process!”

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A wintery mix is in the forecast to begin the workweek Monday in north Louisiana.  National Weather Service Slidell meteorologist Matt Hemmingway says the current cooler temps will remain in place as a front from the Rockies enters the state on Sunday thus creating…

Cut 10 (07) “…Monday morning.”

Hemmingway says while it’s still too early to predict exactly how much of the Bayou State could see snow, they are getting an indication that it could be a widespread event across North Louisiana.

Cut 11 (06) “…north Louisiana.

As for any accumulation, Hemmingway says forecasting snow in the southeast is always difficult, but an inch is not out of the question.

Cut 12 (12) “…Alexandria.”

Hemmingway says some parts could see more than an inch but it’s still too early to tell.

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There are reports that some high-ranking federal officials are pushing the Vice President to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump from office less than two weeks before he’s set to leave.

It’s a sensational suggestion but LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan calls it an unlikely outcome.

Cut 13 (10) “…to it.”

Vice President Mike Pence reportedly has told officials he opposes invoking the 25th Amendment.

Further putting the idea in question is the likelihood that his loyalist cabinet full of appointed acting secretaries would actually support the move, and…

Cut 14 (11) “…Senate.” 

It seems unlikely this could get done before Joe Biden’s inauguration, but if it were to happen Hogan believes it would be because the Republican Party was seeking to distance itself from the President…

Cut 15 (10)“…aberration.”

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It’s win or go home as the NFL playoffs begin this weekend. The Saints will host the Chicago Bears as New Orleans looks to avoid its third straight postseason home defeat. A loss could also mean the end of quarterback Drew Brees’ career as there’s speculation this will be his last season. But Brees has known for a while his career is close to the end

Cut 16 (09) “…much the same.”

Saints running backs Latavius Murray and Dwayne Washington have been removed from the reserve-COVID-19 list and New Orleans is hopeful Alvin Kamara will be activated on Sunday after testing positive last week. Brees says their ability to run the football has been a key to their success…

Cut 17 (15) “..good formula.”

The Saints are a 10-point favorite on Sunday. New Orleans needed overtime to beat the Bears in the regular season and defensive end Cam Jordan says if another close game takes place Sunday they have confidence they can get the W…

Cut  18 (10) “…built.”

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After splitting a pair of games last week versus Marshall, Louisiana Tech will take on Conference USA preseason favorite Western Kentucky tonight and tomorrow on their home floor. Coach Eric Konkol on the matchup between two teams that have an identical record of 8-and-3

Cut 19 (23) “…the past.”

The league schedule in Conference USA features back-to-back games against an opponent. Last weekend there was only one two-nothing sweep, the rest were splits, including La Tech who one game against Marshall and lost the other. Konkol says the unusual scheduling makes conference play that much more interesting…

cut 20 (23) “…fascinating race.”

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 7

Senator John Kennedy joined five other GOP Senators in voting against certifying President-elect Biden’s electoral win. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

A photo circulating on social media of Rouses Supermarket co-owner Donald Rouse Sr at the pro-Trump rally Wednesday in DC has some calling for a boycott of the grocery chain. Rouse has issued a statement acknowledging that he was there but left before the violence began and condemns the actions of those who stormed the Capitol.

 The number of COVID patients in the hospital has surpassed two-thousand for the first time since the pandemic began in March. Governor John Bel Edwards says many of these individuals are not getting the virus in public places…

Cut 9 (09) “ people’s homes”

COVID-19 Hospitalizations in the state reached a new high today with 2,033 patients.

People over 70 can now be vaccinated at select locations across the state but due to limited supply it may take a while for you to get an appointment. Each of the 107 approved pharmacies only received 100 doses Monday and State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says part of the reason was…

Cut 4 (09) “…the vaccine” 

The expectation is what next week pharmacies will be significantly increasing their total number of vaccinations.

430 PM LRN News

Senator John Kennedy was one of six US Senators to vote against certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s win in the Electoral College. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Kennedy has clearly determined the biggest risk to his reelection in 2022 would be if he faces a strong challenger from his right…

Cut 12 (08) “…at all.” 

Senator Bill Cassidy voted to certify the results. Five of the six Senators who voted against certification come from SEC states.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the state plans to increase the number of pharmacies getting COVID vaccines so that all parishes have access to the vaccine, currently, only 52 of the 64 parishes are in the pharmacy program.

Cut 5  (12) “…the public.” 

107 pharmacies got vaccines Monday.

An Alexandria man who killed a pizza delivery driver in 2017 has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. Braylon Dozier fatally shot 25-year-old Steven Allen and pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell says Allen’s family did not want Dozier to get the death penalty or serve a life sentence…

Cut 6 (09) “…maximum penalty.”

Governor Edwards pushed back against calls to move back into Phase One or a stay at home order as the state blows past the all-time high for overall COVID hospitalizations. He says more than enforcement the most important thing is mitigation compliance, which he says a majority of residents are doing.

Cut 11 (11) “…your community.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast January 7

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Saints running back Alvin Kamara is participating in live practices this week remotely via TVU networks technology after testing positive for the coronavirus last week. Schefter tweets that Kamara has a transreceiver at his home and is viewing practice as the Saints implement the game plan for Sunday’s playoff game against the Bears. New Orleans is hopeful Kamara will be able to play.

Only three-thousand fans will be in the Dome for Sunday’s game. Coach Sean Payton says the team will need to create its own energy in order to have a home-field advantage.
cut 17 (17) “…other factors.”
And there are tickets still available for Sunday’s game as an allotment of tickets was returned from the Bears.

LSU football has hired Carolina Panthers quarterback coach Jake Peetz as its offensive coordinator and Carolina offensive assistant DJ Mangas as the passing game coordinator. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says both coaches are in their 30s and worked with former LSU assistant Joe Brady…
cut 29 (11) “…be hired”
LSU reportedly interviewed 34-year-old University of Cincinnati defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman today as the Tigers are looking to replace former D-C Bo Pelini.

Louisiana Tech receiver Cee Jay Powell has reportedly entered the transfer portal after catching 37 passes last season.

In basketball…Freshman Cam Thomas had 26 points as the Tigers beat Georgia in overtime. Southeastern, Northwestern State and UNO all lost in Southland play, while Nicholls rallied to beat Lamar 76-69.

3:30 LRN Newscast Jan 7

President-elect Joe Biden’s win in the Electoral College Wednesday night. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says with Kennedy’s highly conservative track record it’s likely the only person who could give him a run for his money two years from now would-be Democratic Governor Edwards, but…

Cut 13 (08)“…politician.”

An Alexandria man who killed a pizza delivery driver in 2017 has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. Braylon Dozier who fatally shot 25-year-old Steven Allen pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.  Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell says Dozier appears to be remorseful of what he calls a senseless murder…

Cut 8 (05) “…random act.”

Demand for the COVID-vaccine greatly outweighs supply as hundreds over the age of 70 are on waitlists at select pharmacies. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says many providers feared receiving too many doses and not enough cold storage space, so they requested less. Next week that will change.

Cut 3 (11)  “…pushed out.”

The number of COVID patients in the hospital has surpassed two-thousand for the first time since the pandemic began in March. Governor John Bel Edwards most of the positive cases are from small gatherings and says going to a person’s home just because you know them doesn’t mean it’s COVID free…

Cut 10 (13) “…that guidance.”

 

LRN PM Newscall Jan 7

This first week of the vaccine rollout for those 70 and older has frustrated many seeking to be vaccinated when only 107 pharmacies in 52 parishes received doses. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

_______________________________________

Senator John Kennedy joined five other GOP Senators in voting against certifying President-elect Biden’s electoral win. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

Demand for the COVID-vaccine greatly outweighs supply as hundreds over the age of 70 are on waitlists at select pharmacies. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says many providers feared receiving too many doses and not enough cold storage space, so they requested less. Next week that will change.

Cut 3 (11)  “…pushed out.”

Morrison Dixon is the logistics company helping distribute the vaccine. Spoilage is an issue if vaccines are not properly stored.

Kanter said while many were frustrated with the lack of vaccine availability compared to demand, he says the pharmacies and providers wanted to gain familiarity with the vaccine itself.

Cut 4 (09) “…the vaccine.” 

Kanter says the intent is to increase the number of pharmacies in the program so all parishes have access to the vaccine, currently, only 52 of the 64 parishes are in the pharmacy program.

Cut 5  (12) “…the public.” 

_______________________

An Alexandria man who killed a pizza delivery driver in 2017 has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. Braylon Dozier fatally shot 25-year-old Steven Allen and pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell says Allen’s family did not want Dozier to get the death penalty or serve a life sentence…

Cut 6 (09) “…maximum penalty.”

Allen’s father, Warren Dossman Senior, spoke to Dozier before the sentencing came down in court and said he forgives him, and he’ll pray for him, but wishes it never happened. Terrell says Allen’s parents are great people…

Cut 7 (12) ..have a life.”

Terrell says Dozier appears to be remorseful of what he calls a senseless murder…

Cut 8 (05) “…random act.”

_____________________________

The number of COVID patients in the hospital has surpassed two-thousand for the first time since the pandemic began in March. Governor John Bel Edwards says many of these individuals are not getting the virus in public places…

Cut 9 (09) “…people’s homes.”

Edwards says going to a person’s home just because you know them, doesn’t mean it’s COVID free…

Cut 10 (13) “…that guidance.”

While Edwards is frustrated with those who are not following the COVID mitigation measures, he knows there many residents who are following them…

Cut 11 (11) “…your community.”

_________________________

Senator John Kennedy was one of six US Senators to vote against certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s win in the Electoral College.

UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Kennedy has clearly determined the biggest risk to his reelection in 2022 would be if he faces a strong challenger from his right…

Cut 12 (08) “…at all.” 

Senator Bill Cassidy voted to certify the results. Five of the six Senators who voted against certification come from SEC states.

Cross says with Kennedy’s highly conservative track record it’s likely the only person who could give him a run for his money two years from now would be Democratic Governor Edwards, but…

Cut 13 (08)“…politician.”

Every Republican member of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation, except for Senator Bill Cassidy objected to accepting at least one state’s elector votes. Cross says those members are reflecting the clear will of Republican voters.

Cut 14 (11) “…saying so.” 

2:30 LRN Newscast Jan 7

Senator John Kennedy joined five other GOP Senators in voting against certifying President-elect Biden’s electoral win. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

Leaders of the Louisiana Democratic Party issued a statement condemning the behavior of those who stormed the capitol yesterday and called on members of the state’s congressional delegation that supported the effort to not certify Biden’s win to bring about an end to the election fraud charade and violence.

The number of COVID patients in the hospital has surpassed two-thousand for the first time since the pandemic began in March. Governor John Bel Edwards says many of these individuals are not getting the virus in public places…

Cut 9 (09) “ people’s homes”

COVID-19 Hospitalizations in the state reached a new high with 2,033 patients.

An Alexandria man who killed a pizza delivery driver in 2017 has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. Braylon Dozier who fatally shot 25-year-old Steven Allen pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.  Allen’s father, Warren Dossman Senior, spoke to Dozier said he forgives him, he’ll pray for him, but wishes it never happened. Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell on Allen’s parents.

Cut 7 (12) ..have a life.”

Terrell says Dozier appears to be remorseful.