AM LRN Newscall Dec 4

If you’ve exhausted your movie queue already now you can check out productions a little closer to home on the Louisiana Film Channel. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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It took less than a year for a COVID vaccine to be developed and some are concerned that the lightning-fast pace of production was the result of cut corners. Governor Edwards swears that’s not true…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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The Legislature’s vote to increase sales taxes to address a massive budget deficit in 2016 has become a hot button issue in the soon to be decided race for the 5th Congressional District. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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The Louisiana Film Channel, a streaming service of bayou state-related movies, is now more accessible for film buffs. Dr. Lucas Fry President of LFC says the channel was established to get productions of up and coming filmmakers and established ones to the public. Fry says many of the films have won awards and were only seen at festivals.

Cut 4 (08) “…future of it.”

Fry says the library of productions on the Louisianan Film channel has genres ranging from how to wrestle an alligator to spooky stories of the underworld of New Orleans.

Cut 5 (10) “…of Louisiana.”

The Louisiana Film Channel app is available via iPhone and android along with Roku, Fire TV, and Chromecast.  Fry says there are several free titles for viewing and they expect to launch brand new feature films soon.

Cut 6 (08) “…paywall.”

Fry says since the channel launched, they’ve had viewers from all over the world download the app.

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State and Federal officials say there will be a substantial public education campaign accompanying the rollout of vaccines to convince folks that they are safe to take.

US Department of Health Assistant Secretary Admiral Brett Giroir says the campaign will explain in detail why officials trust that the vaccines are safe.

Cut 7 (06)  “…safety.”

Pfizer and Moderna will be the first vaccines out the gate, likely followed by AstraZeneca.

Some are concerned corners were cut in order to produce the vaccine in such record time. Giroir says that’s not true and officials will detail how this vaccine was created so quickly.

Cut 8 (06) “…possible”

Reports and polls indicate many minorities are less likely to take the vaccine due to a mistrust of the medical community. Governor Edwards says they will be tailoring outreach.

Cut 9 (10) “…as well.

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The 5th Congressional District run-off between Republicans Alexandria lawmaker Lance Harris and retiring Congressman Abraham’s former Chief of Staff Luke Letlow will be decided tomorrow.

Letlow’s pitch centers on his record of getting things done alongside his well-liked former boss Abraham, who would’ve cruised to reelection if he had sought a fourth term.

Cut 10 (10) “…this year.”

Letlow has a 2:1 fundraising advantage over Harris.

But Harris argues his life experience as a small businessman and Legislative leader makes him the ideal voice for the largely rural district.

Cut 11 (10) “…career.”

The two are sparring over Harris’ Legislative record, specifically Harris’ vote to approve a sales tax increase as the state faced a massive budget deficit in Governor Edwards’ first year.

Letlow says it was a tax increase 5th District constituents couldn’t afford.

Cut 12 (11) “…deal.”

Letlow noted the 5th District, which includes northeast and central Louisiana along with the north side of the Florida Parishes, is the 2nd poorest district in the country.

But Harris argues it’s a bad faith attack and the tax was necessary due to the fiscal mismanagement of the Jindal Administration, which Letlow worked in.

Cut 13 (10) “…there.”

Harris says it’s because of his work that the sales tax increase had an expiration date. When that expiration hit and the budget stabilized he voted against the renewal.

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Amendment One would allow two out-of-state residents to serve on college boards. Currently, state colleges and university boards only allow 15 voting members appointed by the governor to live in the state. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott on why the Amendment was proposed.

Cut 14 (09) “…themselves.” 

College boards are comprised of two members from each of the six congressional districts and three at large members. The Amendment allows the governor to appoint two of the three at large members to be out of state residents.

Scott says some question if the Amendment is brought about now to appoint a specific person.

Cut 15 (10)“…had on.” 

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The Saints will visit the Falcons on Sunday after beating the dirty birds 24-9 just two weeks ago after a great defensive performance. The Black and Gold have the highest rated defense in the NFL, but defensive end Cam Jordan says the ranking doesn’t matter if they don’t accomplish their goals.

Cut 16 (16) “…the game before.”

While the defense is playing at a high level, Jordan is having a down year statistically due to being double-teamed a lot. Cam says it’s not about his individual stats, it’s about the team.

cut 17 (18) “…more of a we thing.”

Quarterback Taysom Hill made his first start two weeks ago against Atlanta, meaning the Falcons have experience in defending him.  Despite being 2-0 as the starter, Hill says there’s still a lot of things he needs to improve on.

cut 18 (09) “…doing that well.”

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The 25th ranked Cajuns will face the Appalachian State Mountaineers tonight in a game that ESPN is televising at 7:30. The Mountaineers will not repeat as Sun Belt champs this year, but they still own a seven and two record. U-L Lafayette Coach Billy Napier says they have another good  running back in Camerun Peoples

cut 19 (22) “…this way.”

Peoples has rushed for 639 yards and they also have Daetrich Harrington, who has rushed for nearly 6000 yards. The two have combined to score 13 touchdowns. The Cajuns have yet to beat App State in eight previous tries. Napier says they have complete respect for the Mountaineers…

cut 20 (17) “..this week.”