10:30 LRN Newscast Nov 17

Among the possible 2023 gubernatorial candidates are Senator John Kennedy who said he’s highly considering it, and Senator Bill Cassidy said he’d announce his decision by the end of the week. The state GOP has already endorsed AG Jeff Landry and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says she’ll announce her decision in January…

Cut 10 (12) “…greener pastures.” 
Congressman Garrett Graves is also considering a run for the state’s highest office.

For his final year in office, Governor John Bel Edwards says there’s still a lot he wants to get accomplished. For example, passenger rail service from New Orleans to Baton Rouge…

Cut 13 (11) “…about that.”

Louisiana’s suicide prevention coordinator says she is glad so many Louisianans are using the new mental health and suicide prevention hotline. When the new 988 number replaced an old ten-digit number in July calls increased by nearly 50 percent. Robyn Thomas says when people call 988 they reach a trained professional in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (11)  “…feel better.”

You’ll be happy to know that the average price for a Thanksgiving home-cooked meal for 10 people in Louisiana is $13.62 less than the national average. Avery Davidson with Louisiana Farm Bureau says you can get a Young Tom Turkey for under $20 here and he gives credit for the Bayou State’s strong agricultural industry. As for all the sides…

Cut 16 stores :06

The National Average is $64 almost $11 dollars higher than less year.

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Nov 16

Flu activity in Louisiana is twice the national average. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the flu vaccine takes effect relatively quickly and urges people to get vaccinated, especially with the holidays approaching.

Cut 11 (11)  “…very strong flu season.”

School performance scores indicate Louisiana schools are back at pre-pandemic levels Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley made the announcement this morning and says the statewide performance score in 2019 was 77-point-1 and for 2022 the state has bounced back.

Cut 3 (11) “…77-point-1” 
He credits a collective focus on attendance and well-being and professional learning for teachers for the increase in scores.

Two Louisiana members of Congress are preparing for bigger roles when the 118th Congress convenes next year. District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise will be the House Majority Leader. He says he’ll work on crime, inflation, and the border…:

Cut 7 (11)  “…struggling”

District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson, who was re-elected without an opponent, will be vice-chair of the House Republican Caucus. He says it will give Louisiana a stronger voice on committee assignments and such…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…whole country.“

Congressmen Garret Graves, Clay Higgins, Julia Letlow, and Troy Carter are also expected to advance in their committee assignments.

1:30 LRN Newscast

First District Congressman Steve Scalise from Jefferson Parish has been elected as Majority Leader in the 118th Congress, which will be controlled by Republicans starting in 2023. Scalise says as majority leader he looks forward to bringing legislation to the House floor that will reduce inflation, lower energy costs, secure the border, and help law enforcement officers keep our communities safe…

Cut 7 (11)  “…struggling”

 

Congressman Mike Johnson will keep his current position as vice-chair of the Republican caucus. When ask what it means for the state Johnson says it gives Louisiana more of a voice on steering committees and committee chair appointments.

Cut 8 (10)  “…whole country.“

School performance scores indicate Louisiana K-12 schools are back at pre-pandemic levels. Superintendent Cade Brumley believes if they stay the course on literacy, refresh the way they think about math, continue to transform our high schools and…

Cut 5 (09) “…in the state of Louisiana.” 

 

State health officials say more people in Louisiana are getting the flu this year, and they’re getting it early. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (27)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

 

12:30 LRN Newscast Nov 16

Flu activity in Louisiana is twice the national average. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the flu vaccine takes effect relatively quickly and urges people to get vaccinated, especially with the holidays approaching.

Cut 11 (11)  “…very strong flu season.”

School performance scores indicate Louisiana K-12 schools are back at pre-pandemic levels Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says the scores this year are the same as 2019 at 77-point-one a jump from last year’s 75-point-three. He credits a collective focus on attendance, well-being, and professional learning for teachers for the increase in scores. Brumley says the boost in performance scores should be celebrated.

Cut 4 (09)  “…in Louisiana.” 

Donald Trump says he will run for president again in 2024, and one Louisiana senator has some thoughts on that. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 24 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

 

10:30 LRN Newscast Nov 16

First District Congressman Steve Scalise from Jefferson Parish has been elected as Majority Leader in the 118th Congress, which will be controlled by Republicans starting in 2023. Scalise says they will fight for hardworking Americans…

Cut 6 (11)  “…communities safe.”

Andrew Lincoln of Webster Parish received a Life-Saving Award from Sheriff Jason Parker for his heroic actions that saved a woman’s life last month. Lincoln was responding to a towing call and came upon a crashed vehicle in flames with a woman inside. Despite the smoke and heat, he used the shirt off his back to pull her to safety…

Cut 14 (11)  “…under the car there.”

Lincoln said he was simply “glad to be at the right place at the right time.

Southern University will host a commemoration ceremony to recognize the on-campus shooting that killed two students during a protest 50 years ago today.  Advocate Columnist Ed Pratt was an 18-year-old freshman at the time and says the late Governor Edwin Edwards abandoned students when they needed him.

Cut 8 (14)  “…on your campus.”

Lake Charles musician Sean Ardoin is now a four-time Grammy nominee thanks to his latest collaboration with the Golden Band from Tigerland. Ardoin’s album Full Circle received a nomination for Best Regional Roots Music Album on Tuesday. Ardoin says he pitched the idea to LSU band director Dr. Kelvin Jones at the Auburn game last year in Death Valley.

Cut 12 (11) “…let’s do it.”

The Grammys will air on February 5th.

5:30 LRN Newscast Nov 15

Senator Bill Cassidy hinted he too might put his name in the hat for the 2023 gubernatorial race. Cassidy told reporters he’s decided and will announce it later in the week. And after the state party doubled down on backing Attorney General Jeff Landry in the governor’s race Cassidy had this to say.

Cut 14 (10)  “…to say.” 

On Monday Senator John Kennedy issued a statement he was seriously considering running himself.

 

State Police say it’s likely charges will be upgraded against the driver in a Friday night Vermilion Parish crash that killed a 14-month-old baby. Trooper Tom Gossen says the baby was riding in the lap of a front seat passenger, and he encourages parents to visit the Buckle Up Louisiana Facebook page.

Cut 8 (10)  “…kept safe.“

Investigators are looking into an officer-involved shooting in front of the Caesar’s Superdome this morning. Deputy NOPD Superintendent Chris Goodly says around 7 am three officers were called to assist a Superdome security team. Officers say the man pulled a knife and Goodly says NOPD was only there because they were asked to help…:

Cut 5 (14) “…from time to time” 

The suspect is in stable condition. A new report says Louisiana ranks among the worst states in the nation for catching lung cancer early. The findings are in the State of Lung Cancer Report. Ashley Lyerly (LIE ER LEE) is the director of advocacy for the American Lung Association.

Cut 9 (06)  “…falling behind.

The report found Louisiana ranked 45th in the nation for early diagnosis and 41st for surviving lung cancer.

12:30 LRN Newscast Nov 15

After a 14-month-old child succumbed to her injuries from a Vermilion Parish crash, State Police say they expect charges against the driver to be upgraded pending toxicology results. Trooper Thomas Gossen says 27-year-old Jhori Peters of Abbeville is currently cited for careless operation, no driver’s license, and two counts of child restraint violations.

Cut 7 (11)  “…its roof.”

The toddler was sitting in the lap of the front passenger, not in a car seat.

Investigators are looking into an officer-involved shooting in front of the Caesar’s Superdome this morning after the suspect drew a knife. Deputy NOPD Superintendent Chris Goodly says the person shot is in stable condition and the officer who fired the shots joined NOPD in 2020.

Cut 4 (06)  “…this protocal.” 

The investigation remains active.

Senator John Kennedy says he’s thinking about running for Governor next year and will decide soon. How might that affect a race the state Republican Party wants Jeff Landry to win? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

10:30 LRN Newscast Nov 15

Newly re-elected Senator John Kennedy says he is considering running for governor next year, despite the state GOP emphatically backing Attorney General Jeff Landry. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Kennedy’s announcement has the logic of numbers behind it…:

Cut 7 (11) “…voters in the state.”
In Rapides Parish, an inmate jumped from the third floor of a parking deck trying to make an escape after a court appearance Monday morning. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says the inmate was in court for an obscenity charge.

Cut 10 (12) “…below.” 

Carnline says the prisoner sustained a broken foot and leg

An LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine study indicates an astronomical financial loss from treating patients gun violence patients. Fire-arm injuries cost the state more than $20 million over a four-year period. Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery, Christopher Marrero says hospitals aren’t the only ones facing economic repercussions.

Cut 4 (12)  “…these losses.”

Construction kicked off Monday in Broussard to begin the Ambassador Caffery Interchange and a future 1-49 south project. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson

says they’ve already been able to bring other projects in the area up to interstate grade and as these links begin to connect, you’ll start to see a much safer footprint and more efficient traffic.

Cut 15 (12)  “…more efficient.”

5:30 LRN Newscast Nov 14

Senator John Kennedy announced today he’s seriously considering running for governor next year. Kennedy was re-elected last week to a second term in the U-S Senate, but Democrats will keep control of the Senate. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says Kennedy will decide based on his own political ambitions and instincts…

Cut 5 (14) “…can or cannot do” 

On the same day a grand jury convenes in North Louisiana to consider charges against state troopers in the 2019 beating death of Black motorist Ronald Greene, his mother Mona Hardin addresses lawmakers at a legislative committee investigating Greene’s death.

Cut 9 (09)  “…a damn thing.

Pope John Paul the Second High School in Slidell is mourning the death of 16-year-old Christian Tullis who was killed in a car crash on I-12 Friday night. His sister Ali Tullis played in the Division four state championship game in Lafayette Saturday without her grieving father and mother who are both coaches.

Cut 14 (13)  “…love you forever.” 

A 3.0 earthquake was felt early Sunday afternoon in Caddo Parish. Geophysicist Paul Caruso with the US Geological Service describes what residents experienced during Sunday’s quake.

Cut 8 (06)  “…vibration.“

This is the second earthquake in the area in just over a year and a half. In 2021 a 3.0 magnitude earthquake was reported on April Fools.

11:30 LRN Newscast Nov 14

Senator John Kennedy says he is considering entering the 2023 race for governor and right after Kennedy made his intentions known the state Republican Party doubled down on its endorsement of attorney general Jeff Landry. The party issued a formal statement about Landry today even though news outlets reported the endorsement a week ago. Consultant Roy Fletcher says the party’s announcement was premature.

Cut 4 (10)  “…talked to him.” 

Last Tuesday’s midterm elections did not produce the big Red Wave many predicted. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says midterms are a referendum on the current administration, and voters did not vote overwhelmingly to either side…:

Cut  11 (11)   “…this midterm election” 

Shortly before one o’clock Sunday afternoon, the earth moved for folks in Blanchard. Geophysicist Paul Caruso with the US Geological Service confirms an earthquake took place in Caddo Parish, about 16 miles west-northwest of Shreveport.

Cut 7 (10)  “…and Shreveport.”

This is the second earthquake in the area in just over a year and a half. In 2021 a 3.0 magnitude earthquake was reported on April Fools.

For the second straight game, the Saints score just one touchdown as Pittsburgh defeats New Orleans 20-10. Coach Dennis Allen says he’s is not concerned about losing the locker room…

Cut 17 (16) “…pull us through”

The Saints host the Rams this Sunday.