10:30 LRN Newscast Dec 21

Federal health officials say the Omicron variant is now the dominant variant and state officials say COVID cases are on the rise again raising fears of a new surge. State Epidemiologist Dr. Theresa Sokol…

Cut 7 (11) “…to last.”
COVID hospitalizations have increased over the last four days as there are now 241 people hospitalized statewide with the virus.

Inflation is expected to take a hit on roadway projects in Louisiana. That word comes from State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson who says two projects have already been rejected, including plans to repair I-20 through Bossier City because the projected price tag has increased nearly 50 percent.

Cut 10 (12)  “…the COVID pandemic.”

Louisiana scores among the Top Ten states in the U.S. for the integrity of its elections. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the ranking by the Heritage Foundation is a testament to the hard work of his staff and local registrars.

Cut 13 (12) “…voter registration.”
The 2021 Election Integrity Scorecard looks at the management of absentee voting, vote counting practices, and verification of identity and citizenship.

The School of Engineering at the University of New Orleans receives the largest gift to an academic college in the school’s history of $5-million from Dr. Bobby and Lori Savoie. UNO Spokesperson Adam Norris says Savoie has stated the gift is not about what UNO has done in the past but what it can bring to the future of UNO.

Cut 6 (11) “..years to come.”

 

9:30 LRN Newscast Dec 21

The Louisiana Department of Health says COVID numbers are showing the start of another surge. We tend to see a sharp increase in cases following holiday gatherings and State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says it’s imperative we all practice mitigation, and more individuals get vaccinated and/or boosted.

Cut 9 (12)  “…vaccinated people.”

Inflation is expected to take a hit on roadway projects in Louisiana. DOTD Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says two projects have already been rejected because the projected price tag increased almost 50 percent. He says similar scenarios are expected leading to a potential change in plans to widen I-10 and construction of a new Mississippi River bridge.

Cut  11 (11)  “…time of investment.”  

Louisiana scores among the Top Ten states for election integrity according to the Heritage Foundation and receives high marks on the 2021 Election Integrity Scorecard for such things as voter ID implementation, management of absentee voting, and vote counting practices. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says it’s rewarding to have both sides of the political fence agree the state is doing a good job.

Cut 14 (12)  “…are happy as well.”

The School of Engineering at the University of New Orleans receives the largest gift to an academic college in the school’s history of $5-million. UNO Spokesperson Adam Norris says Dr. Bobby and Lori Savoie made the donation and the donation will allow others to receive degrees from the university.

Cut 5 (12) “…and students.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

COVID cases and hospitalizations are on the rise again as the Omicron variant has become the dominant COVID variant in the country. State Epidemiologist Doctor Theresa Sokol says the number of COVID patients hospitalized last week was below 200 and now it’s up to 265…
cut 8 (05) “….every day”

Louisiana is among the states rated highest for election integrity. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 3 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Louisiana has a 15-billion dollar backlog of road and bridge repairs and inflation creates another issue in getting these projects done. The state department of transportation recently had to postpone a couple of projects, because the bids came in 50-percent higher than the estimate. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says there will have to be a give-and-take on considering the bids submitted and the overall projects themselves.
Cut 12 (11) “…these larger bids.”
Wilson says the primary factors driving costs up are labor and raw materials

A UNO grad has donated five million dollars to the school’s college of engineering…
cut 4 (07) “,…history”
That’s UNO spokesperson Adam Norris who says the five million dollar donation came from Doctor Bobby and Lori Savoie. Dr. Savoie earned a doctorate in engineering and applied sciences from UNO in 2009.

7:30 LRN newscast December 21

The CDC says the Omicron variant is now the dominant strain in the US and health officials in Louisiana say they are seeing an increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

President Biden will deliver a primetime speech tonight discussing his administration’s plan for combating the rise in cases as a result of the Omicron variant. According to a press release from the White House, FEMA is responsible for a medical surge facility in Shreveport.

Inflation is expected to take a hit on roadway projects in Louisiana. That word comes from State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson who says two projects have already been rejected, including plans to repair I-20 through Bossier City because the projected price tag has increased nearly 50 percent.
Cut 10 (12) “…the COVID pandemic.”
No decision has been made on when the project might be re-bid.

Louisiana scores among the Top Ten states in the U.S. for the integrity of its elections. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the ranking by the Heritage Foundation is a testament to the hard work of his staff, and local registrars…:
Cut 13 (12) “…voter registration.”
The 2021 Election Integrity Scorecard looks at the management of absentee voting, vote counting practices, and verification of identity and citizenship.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Minnesota’s 17-9 win over the Bears last night puts the Vikings ahead of the Saints for the final playoff spot in the NFC. Minnesota and New Orleans are both 7-and-7, but the Vikings win the tiebreaker over New Orleans based on best win percentage in conference games. The Saints host the Dolphins on Monday, while the Vikings host the Rams on Sunday.

Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport is playing at a high level when healthy this season. Davenport has a career-high 6.5 sacks. Acting head coach and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen says Davenport keeps getting better every year….
cut 19 (21) “…in the past”

Gary Goff is the new head football coach at McNeese after a successful stint at Division Two Valdosta State, where he led the Blazers to a 22-and-3 record and a National Championship appearance. Goff says this is a special moment for him and his family…
cut 16 (13) “…doing it”
Goff also coached eight seasons at Tiffin University in Ohio and is 60-53 in ten playing seasons of coaching. He started his college coaching career as a wide receivers coach at Southeastern Louisiana in 2003.

In college basketball, the LSU men’s and women’s basketball teams continue to move up in the polls. Will Wade’s team is now ranked 17th heading into tomorrow night’s home game against Lipscomb. The Lady Tigers who beat Clemson 70-56 yesterday are ranked 21st.

Last night…ULM defeated Lamar 80-77. Russell Harrison tied a career-high 25 points for the Warhawks.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Federal health officials say the Omicron variant is now the dominant COVID-19 variant and COVID cases are on the rise again raising fears of a new surge. State Epidemiologist Dr. Theresa Sokol…
Cut 7 (11) “…to last.”
COVID hospitalizations have increased over the last four days as there are now 241 people hospitalized statewide with the virus.

Louisiana is ranked in the top ten in the nation for election integrity. That’s according to the Heritage Foundation’s 2021 Election Integrity Scorecard. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says they were able to achieve this honor despite shifting fall elections due to Hurricane Ida…
cut 15 (09) “…all around the state”

The price tag for improving Louisiana’s roadways keeps rising and that’s causing a lot of number crunching at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

AM Newscall Dec 21

AM NEWSCALL

The CDC says the Omicron variant is now the dominant strain in the US and health officials in Louisiana say they believe the strain is the beginning of a new surge in the state. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

___________________________________

The price tag for improving Louisiana’s roadways keeps rising and that’s causing a lot of number crunching at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

___________________________________

Louisiana is among the state rated highest for the integrity of our elections. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

___________________________________

The School of Engineering at the University of New Orleans receives the largest gift to an academic college in the school’s history. UNO Spokesperson Adam Norris says Dr. Bobby and Lori Savoie have generously donated $5 million to the school.

Cut 4 (07) “….history.”

Savoie completed his doctorate from UNO in engineering and applied science in 2009. Norris says the school is now known as the Dr. Robert A Savoie College of Engineering and the donation will allow others to receive degrees from the university.

Cut 5 (12) “…and students.”

Norris says that Savoie has stated the gift is not about what UNO has done in the past but what the financial gift can bring to the future of UNO students, faculty, and staff.

Cut 6 (11) “..years to come.”

The Dr. Robert A Savoie College of Engineering offers the only civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering programs in metro New Orleans.

__________________________________________________

As the Omicron variant is deemed the dominant variant in the US officials with the Louisiana Department of Health say the recent dramatic increase in COVID cases in such a short period is indicative of the beginning of a new surge. State Epidemiologist Dr. Theresa Sokol says sequencing indicates Omicron will be considered the dominant variant in Louisiana and COVID cases are on the rise.

Cut 7 (11) “…to last.”

Not only are case numbers and positivity rates increasing in Louisiana, but Sokol says hospitalizations are also showing a striking increase in a short period of time. Four days ago, 207 COVID patients were reported, then 226. On Monday there were 241 and  Tuesday 265 were in the hospital.

Cut 8 (05) “…every day.”

We tend to see a sharp increase in case numbers following holiday gatherings and with the Omicron variant on the cusp of being the new dominant strain in Louisiana, Sokol says it’s imperative we all practice COVID mitigation over the holidays, more individuals get vaccinated and those who are eligible get boosted.

Cut 9 (12)  “…vaccinated people.”

With mild weather forecast for Christmas Day, health officials urge you to gather outdoors if you are spending the holiday with those outside of your immediate household.

_____________________________________________

Inflation is expected to take a hit on roadway projects in Louisiana. That word comes from DOTD Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson who says two projects have already been rejected, including plans to repair I-20 through Bossier City because the projected price tag has increased nearly 50 percent.

Cut 10 (12)  “…the COVID pandemic.”

No decision has been made on when the project might be re-bid.

Wilson says similar pricing scenarios are expected to play out in the near future leading to a potential change in plans to widen I-10 and construction of a new Mississippi River bridge.

Cut  11 (11)  “…time of investment.”  

Wilson says as DOTD moves forward with improving the state’s roadway infrastructure, there will have to be give-and-take on considering the bids submitted and the overall projects themselves.

Cut 12 (11) “…these larger bids.”

Wilson says the primary factors driving costs up are labor and raw materials and he expects the situation to become more difficult moving forward.

_____________________________________________________

Louisiana scores among the Top Ten states in the U.S. for the integrity of its elections. Secretary of state Kyle Ardoin oversees elections and voting. He says the ranking by the Heritage Foundation is a testament to the hard work of his staff, and local registrars…:

Cut 13 (12) “…voter registration.”

The 2021 Election Integrity Scorecard rated the state for implementing voter ID, management of absentee voting, vote counting practices and verification of identity and citizenship. Ardoin says it’s pleasing to have both sides of the political fence agree that Louisiana is doing a good job…:

Cut 14 (12)  “…are happy as well.”

Ardoin says few states are faced with having to overcome election schedule deviations due to natural disasters, but it’s something his people do regularly and well…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…all around the state.”

_______________________________________________________

Gary Goff is the new head football coach at McNeese after a successful stint at Division Two Valdosta State, where he led Blazers to a 22-and-3 record and a National Championship appearance. Goff says this is a special moment for him and his family

Cut  16 (13) “… doing it”

Goff also coached eight seasons at Tiffin University in Ohio and is 60-53 in ten playing seasons of coaching. He started his college coaching career as a wide receivers coach at Southeastern Louisiana from 2003-04. He plans to run the air raid offense at McNeese…

Cut 17 (21) “ air raid offense” 

_____________________________________________________

The Saints upset win over Tampa Bay on Sunday goes down as one of the more improbable victories in team history. They did without their head coach, Sean Payton and also both starting offensive tackles were out because of injuries. Acting head coach Dennis Allen says it was a great win, but they have another game to worry about on Monday…

Cut 18 (18) “ ..Miami” 

The Saints recorded four sacks on Sunday night. Defensive end Marcus Davenport got to Tom Brady once and now has a career-high 6.5 sacks on the season. Allen says Davenport keeps getting better every year…

Cut 19 (21) “ the past” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 20

You might think putting a puppy or kitten under the tree will be a memorable Christmas gift, but it might not go over as well as you hope. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

 

If you have autism, you can now have a driver’s license that indicates you have the medical problem. Matthew Boudreaux, Public Information Director for the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, says the designation was approved by the legislature.

Cut 3 (10) “…on their license.”

 

The autism indicator will appear below the driver’s picture.

State police are investigating an in-custody death that occurred Sunday in Bogalusa. The deceased is identified as 28-year-old Eric Nelson, a resident of the city, who had been involved in a single-vehicle crash. The Washington Parish Sheriff’s office that Nelson had several felony outstanding felony warrants and was tasered as he attempted to flee the scene.  Nelson complained of respiratory problems later and died while receiving treatment at the hospital.

Five people are dead as the result of two-related accidents Friday night on I-49 in St. Landry Parish. Trooper Thomas Gossen says the first wreck was caused by a wrong-way driver from Dallas, Georgia. 54-year-old John Lundy was killed as was the driver of the other vehicle and two other passengers. Trooper Gossen explains how 86-year-old Billy Lee of Texas became a victim that night as the other accident scene was being investigated on I-49 South.

Cut 10 (10)  “…was diverting traffic.”

The trooper sustained minor injuries.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast Dec 20

Five lives lost in two separate-but-related accidents on I-49 in St. Landry Parish last Friday night. The first was caused by a Georgia driver who got on the interstate going the wrong way. State Police Trooper Tom Gossen…:

CUT 09  (11)        “in the left lane.”

Lundy was killed, as was the 20-year-old driver of the other vehicle and two teen passengers; all three siblings. A while later, a vehicle slammed into a State Police cruiser that was directing traffic around the first accident. That driver, from Texas, was also killed.

Shreveport Police seek the man who knocked on the door of a home on the southwest side of town Sunday afternoon, asked for a man who lived there, then shot that man dead and ran away. The victim is 29-year-old Reginald Jones Jr. Police say the crime was not random. They’ll gladly accept tips on the crime.

 

Autistic motorists can now get a driver’s license that quickly and easily identifies them as such. Matt Boudreaux is with the state OMV. He says the legislature approved the designation last spring…:

CUT 03  (10)        “…on their license.”

The word “autistic” will appear right under the driver’s photo. The change can be done in a pretty short time, with a visit to the OMV.

Who isn’t talking about that brilliant Saints win over the Buccaneers last night in Tampa Bay? Tom Brady was sacked 4 times in the Black & Gold’s win over the Super Bowl champs. The final score was 9 – 0, with the Saints racking up only 212 yards total offense. Quarterback Taysom Hill threw for just 154 yards. He says what the defense did against a Brady-led offense is impressive…:

CUT 13(12)      “…incredibly.”

The Saints are now 7 – 7 on their season.

3:30 LRN Newscast Dec 20

Five people are dead after two related crashes on I-19 in St. Landry Parish Friday night Trooper The first involved a wrong way driver from Georgia plowing head-on into another vehicle; killing both drivers and two passengers. State Police Trooper Tom Gossen says they’re investigating how the man entered the interstate in the wrong direction, and how long was he going that way..:

CUT 11  (08)        “…to determine.”

In the second crash, an elderly man ran into a State Police vehicle that was controlling traffic around the first accident. That driver, who was from Texas, was also killed.

State Police are investigating the death of a Bogalusa man while in police custody. 28-year-old Eric Nelson was arrested on outstanding warrants after being in a single-car crash. At some point, Nelson resisted, fled officers, was caught then tasered and taken to a hospital. He died on the way. The investigation is ongoing.

 

Police in Scott – in Lafayette Parish – arrest a man they say tried to abduct a 4-year-old today from a local business. The child’s grandmother says the two were doing some holiday shopping, when she noticed 34-year-old Michael Placeck talking with her grandchild. When she looked a way for a moment, Placeck reportedly grabbed the child and ran. He let the child go in the parking lot and fled, but cops caught up with him in short order.

You might think putting a puppy or kitten under the tree will be a memorable Christmas gift, but it might not go over as well as you hoped. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Thorington.”