AM LRN Newscall Dec 28

2021 saw some volatility in Louisiana politics. Kevin Gallagher talks with a political analyst…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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If you’re planning to end the year with a bang, you might want to shop earlier than usual for your fireworks, thanks to supply chain issues. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Omicron variant is surging in Louisiana resulting in another 43-hundred reported cases on Tuesday. Jeff Palermo has the latest…

Cut 3 (32) “…Jeff Palermo” 

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What were some of Louisiana’s top political stories of the past year? Political analyst and pollster Bernie Pinsonat says one of the biggest was a failed veto override session by state lawmakers. Among bills vetoed by Governor Edwards, a transgender athletes ban and a bill allowing concealed carry of a weapon without a permit. Pinsonat says the override blow up caused a big rift between the parties at the Capitol…:

Cut 4 (14) “….chairmanships in the House. “

Another big political story of 2021 was Senator Bill Cassidy seemingly turning on Donald Trump and then voting for a big Democrat spending bill. Pinsonat says Cassidy was re-elected in 2020 on Trump’s highly popular coattails – then voted to impeach him. Pinsonat says his “yea” vote on the multi-billion Infrastructure Bill made him less than popular here at home too…:

Cut 5 (14) “…Republicans in Louisiana.”

Pinsonat says Cassidy will likely NOT seek re-election in 2026.

A big story that was political in nature was the big Title IX scandal at LSU, wherein allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct – at the main campus, the sports program and at LSU Health in Shreveport – were, more or less, given a legislative whitewash. Pinsonat says the way LSU handled the matter and the way they treated alleged victims was outrageous…:

Cut 6 (12) “…is talk to them.”

Pinsonat says lawmakers unhappy with LSU’s conduct in the matter could decide to cut the university’s funding.

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If you’re looking to light up the skies for New Year’s Eve fireworks retailers advise making your purchases sooner than later. Jaise Templet (Jace Tom-play) owner of 621 Fireworks in Gonzales says shipping delays have impacted retailers since Independence Day.

Cut 7 (10) “…4th of July.”

Templet says while the pandemic has hurt the industry supply chain wise, it’s also increased their business. Because many public fireworks displays were canceled over super spreader concerns, more individuals are enjoying the pastime at home.

Cut 8 (11) “… past five years.”

As for New Year’s Eve sales, Templet says most shoppers tend to wait until December 31st to make purchases for the evening and while the warm weather could help sales, the potential for rain could hamper things also.

Cut 9 (08)  “…this season.”

And be sure to take proper safety precautions when setting off fireworks and be sure they are legal in your city and/or municipality.

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Like other charitable organizations, the Salvation Army has had to meet more demands with fewer resources since the pandemic. Spokesperson Aimee Murry says their employees and volunteers have stepped up to help serve those in need.

Cut 10 (11)  “…no season.”

The Salvation Army provides a wide range of services from homeless shelters, veterans services to disaster relief. Murry says many lost their homes this year in Louisiana due to eviction moratoriums ending and Hurricane Ida.

Cut  11 (07)  “…out on the streets.”  

The pandemic has also impacted the number of volunteers to assist with their annual Red Kettle campaign. Murry says for those looking to donate before the end of the year or any time of year, you can do so virtually on their website at SalvationArmyUSA-dot org.

Cut 12 (09) “…your community.”

You can also visit their website to find local services.

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The state health department reported 43-hundred new COVID cases yesterday and hospitalizations rose to 514. Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Julio Figueroa, says many of the patients are experiencing cold and flu-like symptoms…

Cut 13 (11) “…emphasize.”

Figueroa says a vast majority of these cases are the Omicron variant and they are seeing fewer cases of shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell. He says based on data from the state health department, 80-percent of those hospitalized with COVID are unvaccinated…

Cut 14 (07)  “…put on a ventilator.”

According to the Louisiana Health Department, 35 COVID patients are on a ventilator. Health professionals continue to urge the unvaccinated to get vaccinated and those vaccinated to get their booster shot. Figueroa says the COVID vaccine is here to stay…

Cut 15 (11)  “…influenza.”

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The LSU men’s basketball team tips off SEC play tonight and the Tigers will face their biggest challenge of the season as the Bayou Bengals 11the ranked Auburn. The War Eagles are 11-and-1 and led by forward Jabari Smith, who is averaging 16 points a game. LSU Coach Will Wade says Smith could be the number one pick in next year’s NBA draft…

Cut  16 (13) “…phenenomal player”

The undefeated Tigers have yet to play a true road game. Wade says Auburn Arena is not an easy place to play for a visitor….

Cut 17 (18) “ …great fans.”

Both teams are averaging around 80 points a game, while the Tigers lead the SEC in field goal percentage defense at 34-percent, while Auburn is 39-percent. Wade says if LSU can’t score 70 points, they probably don’t win…

Cut 18 (23) “ ..puncher’s chance” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 28

The CDC revises isolation guidelines for those who test positive COVID from 10 days to five days, that’s if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask for at least five more days. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says the five days begin the day you receive your positive results.

Cut 10 (09)  “…additional days.”

Gas forecasters predict prices at the pump will get worse before they get better. GasBuddy head petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says prices in 2022 could linger around the $4 mark should we move past the Omicron variant and the economy continue to hold.

Cut 3 (10) “…this spring.”

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $2.99.

As we say “goodbye” to 2021, State Climatologist Barry Keim looks back on a topsy-turvy year for Louisiana weather. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

36-year old Robert Perry, III is being held at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on cruelty to animal charges after he allegedly shot and killed a woman’s two pugs after the two had an argument. The dog owner had asked police to escort her back to a home in Central where they found each dog with a single gunshot wound. Police say Perry also sent a photograph of one of the dogs to a close family member of the owner.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Just a frustrating game to watch on Monday as the Saints fell to the Miami Dolphins 20-3. Rookie Ian Book had a rough NFL debut as he threw a pick-six on the second pass of his professional career and he was sacked eight times. Coach Sean Payton says it’s hard to evaluate Book’s performance because they struggled to keep him upright…
cut 16 (16) “…he does”
NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says the score could have been much worse if it wasn’t for the defense. But he says without a stable offensive line you don’t have a chance at winning…
Cut 14 (13) “…you ain’t winning.”
Only two starting offensive linemen played for the Saints last night and they were down to their eighth string offensive tackle by the end of the game.

Points could be tough to get for the Pelicans tonight as they host Cleveland. Leading scorer Brandon Ingram is doubtful with Achilles soreness, Josh Hart, who is averaging 13 points a game, is questionable with an ankle injury and New Orleans top scorer off the bench, Nickeil Alexander-Walker remains out due to COVID.

The 16th ranked LSU men’s basketball team is at 11th ranked Auburn to begin SEC play tomorrow night. LSU is 12-and-0, while Auburn is 11-and-1 and they’ve won eight in a row. Both teams are averaging around 80 points a game, while the Tigers lead the SEC in field goal percentage defense at 34-percent, while Auburn is 39-percent. Auburn likes to shoot the three-ball, knocking down 35-percent of their three-point shots. Tip-off is at 6 PM.

The SEC is off to an 0-3 start in bowl games. Auburn lost today to 20th ranked Houston 17-13 in the Birmingham Bowl. Former LSU Quarterback TJ Finley started for Auburn and threw for 227 yards and one touchdown. Auburn scored just one touchdown on the day.

16:30 LRN newscast

A suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred during homecoming week on the Grambling State campus has turned himself into authorities after a standoff in Delhi. Jatavious “Rabbit” Carroll gave himself up after armed officers and SWAT teams surrounded a home on Valley Street.

The forecast for relief at the gas pump remains grim and predictions for spring even more depressing. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

As we say “goodbye” to 2021, State Climatologist Barry Keim looks back on a topsy-turvy year for Louisiana weather. Keim says – without a doubt – the top weather story was Hurricane Ida…:
Cut 6 (14) “…of 1856.”
Hitting Number Two on Keim’s list, was the outbreak of Arctic air that helped produce an ice storm in February that shut down much of the state for several days.

Miami shut down the Saints offense last night as New Orleans fell to Miami 20-3 in a game where the Black and Gold was severely short-handed because of a number of players that tested positive for COVID. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says rookie quarterback Ian Book was overwhelmed by the pressure he received from a Miami defense that feasted on a makeshift offensive line…
cut 13 (10) “..last night’
The Saints host Carolina this Sunday.

3:30 LRN Newscast Dec 28

The CDC revises isolation guidelines for those who test positive COVID from 10 days to five days, that’s if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask for at least five more days. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says when the CDC looked at the data the virus appears to be most contagious in the two days before and three days after symptoms develop.

Cut 9 (07) “…symptoms develop.”

 

The isolation period for healthcare workers is asymptomatic was also reduced from 10 to seven days.

COVID hospitalizations top 500 in Louisiana today, for a total of 514 an increase of 65 from the previous day. LDH also reports 4,313 new cases and eight new fatalities.

This week, the City of Shreveport and along with the city and parish office in East Baton Rouge Parish reinstated mask requirements inside city /parish offices.

Gas forecasters predict prices at the pump will get worse before they get better. GasBuddy head petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says right now we’re paying the most we have at the pump in some seven years due to supply being unable to keep up with demand. And by Memorial Day we could see prices go to $4 a gallon.

Cut 5 (06) “…strong economy.”

Positive COVID tests and injuries took a W over the Saints last night and so did Miami. The Dolphins outscored the Black and Gold 20-3. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the score could have been much worse if it wasn’t for the defense. But he says without a stable offensive line you don’t have a chance at winning…

Cut 14 (13) “…you ain’t winning.” 

LRN PM Newscall December 28

The forecast for relief at the pump remains grim and predictions for spring even more depressing. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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As we say “goodbye” to 2021, State Climatologist Barry Keim looks back on a topsy-turvy year for Louisiana weather. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

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Gas forecasters predict prices at the pump will get worse before they get better. GasBuddy head petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says prices in 2022 could linger around the $4 mark should we move past the Omicron variant and the economy continue to hold.

Cut 3 (10) “…this spring.”

DeHaan says right now we are starting to see the price of oil move up again because the Omicron variant is less severe than initially anticipated and there’s optimism that oil demand may begin to pick back up globally…

Cut 4 (10) “…head higher”

For the season DeHaan says we’re paying the most we have at the pump in some seven years due to supply being unable to keep up with demand. But for the spring if you have travel plans, he says buckle up and be ready to pay even more, an additional twenty-five to seventy-five cents a gallon and by Memorial Day we could see prices flirt at $4 a gallon.

Cut 5 (06) “…strong economy.”

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $2.99.

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As we say “goodbye” to 2021, State Climatologist Barry Keim looks back on a topsy-turvy year for Louisiana weather. Keim says – without a doubt – the top weather story of the past year was Hurricane Ida…:

 Cut 6 (14) “…of 1856.” 

Keim says Tropical Storm Claudette was also noteworthy, a rare case of a storm developing over land in extreme southeast Louisiana. Hitting Number Two on Keim’s list, was the outbreak of Arctic air in February…:

Cut 7 (13) “…Lake Charles sixteen.”  

In Shreveport, the temperature went down to a record-low 1 degree during that cold snap.

Another of the year’s top weather events was the tornado outbreak of early April last year. Keim says the state has rarely seen so many twisters within a 48 hour period…:

Cut 8 (11) “…and northern Louisiana.”

Other events of note: spring & summer rain storms that dumped almost a year’s worth of rain in a matter of days; leaving most of the southern part of the state excessively wet. Keim says the Holiday Heat Wave will also be one for the Louisiana Weather record books.

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The CDC revises isolation guidelines for those who test positive COVID from 10 days to five days, that’s if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask for at least five more days. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says when the CDC looked at the data the virus appears to be most contagious in the two days before and three days after symptoms develop.

Cut 9 (07) “…symptoms develop.”

Lopez says the new guidelines are for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. He says the keyword is that you are asymptomatic, and you wear a mask for the remaining five days when in public. The five days begins the day you receive your positive results.

Cut 10 (08)  “…additional days.”

Last week the CDC COVID quarantine guidelines for healthcare workers were also adjusted. Their quarantine period is longer than the general public because of their interaction with those who are more vulnerable.

Cut  11 (10)  “…discontinuing the isolation.”  

For a testing location, you can visit the Louisiana Department of Health’s website.

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COVID positive tests and injuries resulted in a dismal performance on offense last night as the Saints fell to the Miami Dolphins 20-3. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it was not a surprise to see the Saints struggle on offense with rookie quarterback Ian Book and only two starting offensive linemen on the field

Cut 12 (09) “…with the Dolphins”  

Book was sacked eight times, intercepted twice and New Orleans went 0-for-12 on third down. Detillier says Book was overwhelmed by the pressure he received from a Miami defense the feasted on a makeshift offensive line…

Cut 13 (10) “..last night “

Detillier says the score could have been much worse if it wasn’t for the defense. But he says without a stable offensive line you don’t have a chance at winning…

Cut 14 (13) “…you ain’t winning.” 

2:30 LRN Newscast Dec 28

The Centers for Disease Control has revised isolation & quarantine guidelines for those who test positive for COVID. What was once 10 days is now 5, provide the person is showing no symptoms and that they wear a mask for five days after isolating for five. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease expert Dr. Fred Lopez says CDC guidelines are a bit different if you are a health care professional…:

CUT 11          (10)    “…the isolation.”

Gasoline prices are likely to continue to rise as we head into 2022. GasBuddy analyst Patrick DeHaan says oil prices are moving upward and there is optimism that demand for oil may begin to pick up as well…:

CUT 04          (10)    “…head higher.”

He says we could see $4 a gallon by Memorial Day.

2021 certainly saw a lot of … interesting weather in Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Hurricane Ida in August was far & away the biggest weather story, but some others are worth looking back on too. Like the tornado outbreak that occurred last April. Keim says rarely has the state seen so many twisters within a 48-hour period…:

CUT 08          (11)    “…and northern Louisiana.”

Three men from Sulphur, in Calcasieu Parish, are under arrest for stealing catalytic converters from peoples’ vehicles. The devices can net a thief from $200 to $500, but cost the vehicle owner a lot more to replace. All three men are charged with theft and property damage. Their bail ranges from $60-thousand to $160-thousand. It’s unknown if any of them have made bail.

1:30 LRN Newscast Dec 28

The forecast for relief at the gas pump remains grim and predictions for spring even more depressing. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01           (33)     “…Thorington.”

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has reinstated face mask orders for all city facilities and employees. Perkins himself has tested positive for the coronavirus and is currently in quarantine. Also, St. Martin Parish has reinstated mask rules as cases surge across the state.

 

As we say goodbye to 2021, State Climatologist Barry Keim looks back on some of the past year’s biggest weather events. He says Hurricane Ida in August was without a doubt the most significant, but there was also Tropical Storm Claudette; the first Louisiana storm to actually form OVER land. Keim also cites last February’s Arctic air blast…:

CUT 07           (13)     “…Lake Charles sixteen.”

Shreveport posted a record-low 1 degree during that winter storm.

A COVID-depleted New Orleans Saints roster, coupled with an untried rookie quarterback contributed to the Black & Gold’s 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins last night. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says QB Ian Book was simply overwhelmed, as the Dolphins pass rush chewed up a makeshift Saints offensive line…:

CUT 13           (10)     “…last night.”

The Saints face Carolina at home next Sunday.

12:30 LRN Newscast Dec 28

The CDC revises isolation guidelines for those who test positive COVID from 10 days to five days, that’s if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask for at least five more days. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says the five days begins the day you receive your positive results.

Cut 10 (09)  “…additional days.”

COVID positive tests and injuries resulted in a dismal performance on offense last night as the Saints fell to the Miami Dolphins 20-3. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it was not a surprise to see the Saints struggle on offense with rookie quarterback Ian Book and only two starting offensive linemen on the field

Cut 12 (09) “…with the Dolphins”  

Book was sacked eight times.

As we say “goodbye” to 2021, State Climatologist Barry Keim looks back on a topsy-turvy year for Louisiana weather. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

 

COVID hospitalizations top 500 in Louisiana today, for a total of 514 an increase of 65 from the previous day. LDH also reports 4,313 new cases and eight new fatalities.

11:40 LRN Sportscast December 28

The Saints were missing 16 players from their active roster due to COVID-19 and it showed in last night’s game against Miami as they couldn’t match-up with the Dolphins and lost 20-3. Coach Sean Payton says they had guys on the field who never practiced with the team…
Cut 15 (15) “…next week’s game.”
The Saints will close out the home schedule this Sunday when they take on Carolina. The Panthers are also dealing with a potential COVID outbreak as they have over a dozen players on the reserve COVID-19 list, including two of their top defensive players, defensive end Brian Burns and linebacker Shaq Thompson.

The Saints will need to win their final two games of the regular season to get into the playoffs and they need the Eagles to lose their final two. San Francisco losing to the Rams in the regular-season finale would also help.

The Pelicans will play their final game of 2021 tonight when they host Cleveland. New Orleans will likely play this game without its leading scorer as Brandon Ingram is listed as doubtful with Achilles’ soreness. Guard Josh Hart is questionable with an ankle sprain and Nickeil Alexander-Walker is out as a result of COVID protocols.

The LSU men’s basketball team is ranked 16th in both polls and will open SEC play tomorrow on the road against Auburn. Auburn is ranked 11th.

Today, Northwestern State visits top-ranked Baylor.

Hunters are happy to know that, so far, no cases of Chronic Wasting Disease have been presented in the Louisiana deer herd. State Wildlife & Fisheries veterinarian Dr. Jim Lacour says nearly 300 deer – submitted by hunters – have been tested, and all are negative…:
CUT 13 (09) “…get things done.”
State wildlife officials have intensified testing in Union and Morehouse Parishes after Arkansas authorities found chronic wasting disease in a deer taken near the Louisiana-Arkansas line in early December.