AM LRN Newscall Jan 20

2021 was a record-setting year for Louisiana in a bad way. Kevin Gallagher reports on the record number of traffic deaths last year…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Louisianans woke up to chilly temperatures this morning. David Grubb reports on how long the winter weather is going to last.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Two Democrats have begun their campaign against republican US Senator John Kennedy and Governor Edwards discusses his impressions of the candidates.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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State transportation officials report 2021 set a new record-high for highway fatalities. Nearly a thousand people died on state roadways last year; topping the previous record of 993, set in 2007. State Secretary of Transportation Shawn Wilson says the 2021 total of 997 fatalities is an alarming number…:

Cut 4 (09) “…is just unacceptable.” 

Preliminary data shows there were 914 crashes on Louisiana roads, resulting in 997 deaths. By comparison, there were 762 crashes and 828 the previous year. Dr. Wilson says it’s a sign that we need to be more cautious while driving…:

Cut 5 (07) “…much more seriously.”

Wilson says traffic accidents are both tragic and too often preventable. He says no amount of state laws can make people slow down, allow more travel time and pay stricter attention the road. However, he says lawmakers are doing everything they can…:

Cut 6 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

Wilson says three things can greatly reduce highway deaths: buckling your safety belt, refraining from driving while impaired, and remaining undistracted while behind the wheel. He says safety in construction zones is also very important. A great number of deaths occur where men are working. _______________________________________

Temperatures took a dive last night as a powerful cold front moved into Louisiana. State climatologist Barry Keim says the winter weather could be here for a while.

Cut 7 (09) “…wintery precipitation.”

A number of areas along the I-10/I-12 corridor can expect freezing rain beginning today and continuing into Friday. The wet weather could make for dangerous road conditions, meaning drivers should be on alert.

Cut 8 (10) “…careful out there.”

Residents should be prepared for a long, cold weekend, and take extra precautions to protect themselves from the frigid weather.

Cut 9 (10)  “…northern locations.”

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On his monthly radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards was asked about the U.S. Senate race in which Democrats Luke Mixon and Gary Chambers are running against incumbent Republican John Kennedy. Edwards says he’s impressed with Mixon’s credentials as a Naval Academy graduate and his fighter pilot military service.

Cut 10 (12) “…his candidacy.”

Chambers made national headlines earlier this week when he launched a campaign ad on the internet where he was smoking marijuana. Edwards was asked his thoughts on the ad, and he says he hopes it’s one that doesn’t work to his benefit.

Cut  11 (09)  “…reward him for.”  

Edwards says while he signed legislation to decriminalize marijuana if you are found in possession of 14 grams or less and supported medicinal marijuana, however, says he does not endorse the legalization of recreational marijuana. When asked if his comments on Mixon is an endorsement for the Bunkie native is…

Cut 12 (11) “…a little later.”

The primary will be held on November 8th and the general election on December 10th.

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Among the misinformation about COVID vaccines is their effect on fertility. Shreveport OB/GYN Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr. says it’s actually just the opposite of the vaccine. Weather says for men it’s COVID that’s been shown to reduce sperm count, not the vaccine.

Cut 13 (11) “…get vaccinated.”

Weather says it’s extremely important for pregnant women to be vaccinated and boosted and even women who are trying to get pregnant.

Cut 14 (12)  “…premature deliveries.”

And there’s an added bonus for pregnant women who are vaccinated, which Weather says just drives the point home for mothers to be to get vaccinated.

Cut 15 (05)  “…protected.”

Weather recommends that everyone who is medically eligible be vaccinated and boosted to avoid serious complications for the COVID.

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UL-Monroe hosts first-place Troy in a Sunbelt Conference showdown Thursday night. The Warhawks snapped a two-game losing streak with a big win at UT-Arlington last Saturday, with only seven players on the roster due to COVID-19. Coach Keith Richard said the victory couldn’t have come at a better time…

Cut  16 (07)  “…homestand.”

Considering that ULM has had at least one player out for every conference game, Richard hopes that he finally has his full roster ready to go.

Cut 17 (11) “ …at full strength.” 

Troy has both depth and talent; assets Richard says the Trojans know how to utilize.

Cut 18 (08) “ …really play together.” 

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LSU sits eighth in the DI Baseball Preseason Top 25. One of the major reasons for their lofty early ranking is the expectation that the Tigers will be one of the best offensive teams in the nation. Aaron Fitt, co-editor of the website believes that The Box will be rocking this season.

Cut 19 (06)_“…be explosive.” 

While sluggers Dylan Crews and Jacob Berry have gotten a lot of buzz, Fitt says the LSU lineup is stacked from top to bottom, making it a nightmare for opposing pitchers.

Cut 20 (16) “…just insane.”