PM LRN Newscall Oct 20

Voters in a handful of parishes in southeast Louisiana need to check ahead before they cast their ballot on November 13th due to site changes because of Ida. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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There’s word that the FDA may soon allow the mixing and matching of COVID-19 vaccines, and that’s good news for a number of reasons.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Dave Brannen”  

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Matthew Mire, the man accused in the multi-parish shooting spree that killed two, including a state trooper has been relocated to Angola State Penitentiary as he awaits trial. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt points out that Mire is simply being housed in Angola, he’s not servicing a sentence there.

Cut 3 (11) “….state trooper”

Borghardt says Mire was moved from Ascension Parish at the request of Sheriff Bobby Webre. He believes the suspect’s safety is a major factor for Mire’s transfer to Angola.

Cut 4 (10) “…if he’s convicted.”

Mire is reportedly being held in lockdown in Angola, thus separated from other inmates. While it’s not the norm for a suspect awaiting trial to be held in the state prison Borghardt says it’s not completely unusual and from a defense attorney’s perspective you want your client in a location where they are accessible and feel comfortable.

Cut 5 (09) “…quote-unquote safe.”

Mire is accused of killing two and shooting four others in the Baton Rouge area on October 9th. He’s facing charges that include two counts of first-degree murder.

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Voters in nine southeast parishes of the state will not be voting at their usual polling location due to the devastation left by Hurricane Ida. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says they will be sending out information to those affected along with radio ads alerting them of their new voting location.

Cut 6 (06) “…new locations.” 

You can do so via the Geaux Vote app, that’s  G-E-A-U-X, or call 1-800-883-2805.

Ida was responsible for delaying election day approximately a month to give voting officials time to move voting locations if needed and allow displaced voters time to vote absentee if needed. The dates for the primary and general elections are now scheduled for November 13th and December 11th respectively.

In Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes in an effort to keep voters from driving too far from their usual locations Ardoin says they will have tents set up outside buildings where voters usually cast their ballots.

Cut 7 (08) “….inside the building.”  

If you are displaced due to Ida and living outside of the parish where you usually vote Ardoin says to contact the registrar’s office in the parish where you are registered and have them send you an absentee ballot ASAP.

Cut 8 (07) “…quickly as possible.”

He says the reason you should expedite returning your ballot is due to anticipated postal delays. For more information, you can also visit the Secretary of State’s website at sos.la.gov.

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The FDA could soon move to approve the mixing and matching of COVID-19 vaccines, especially good news for those seeking a different booster shot.  Dr. Lisa Morici with the Tulane School of Medicine.

Cut 9 (11) “…to do that.”

Dr. Morici says that studies are showing that the mixing of vaccines shots has actually had a positive impact on producing higher antibody responses.

Morici says the mixing of vaccine boosters has shown no indication of being harmful.

Cut 10 (06)  “…matching the vaccines.” 

Morici says data from overseas indicates a positive response to the mix-and-match approach.

Cut  11 (13)  “…higher antibody responses.”  

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Sabine Parish authorities with the help of an LSU forensic team have identified the skeletal remains found in a private water well 35 years ago. The remains are Lester Rome of Grand Isle. Jefferson Parish authorities reported him missing in 1984. Detective Chris Abrahams with the Sabine Sheriff’s office says the recovery of more skeletal remains from the well in April led to the positive I-D..

Cut 12 (05) “..Lester Rome.”  

Rome was 58-years-old at the time. Abrahams says they are trying to determine how a south Louisiana man was disposed of in northwest Louisiana…

Cut 13 (06) “…the well.”

Abrahams says they are searching for more information that may lead to the person or persons responsible for the death of Rome…

Cut 14 (10) “…this case,” 

11:30 LRN Newscast Oct 20

Nine parishes in southeast Louisiana will have new or combined voting locations for the primary November 13th due to Ida devastation. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says for example in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes in an effort to keep voters from driving too far from their usual locations they will have tents set up outside buildings where voters usually cast their ballots.

Cut 7 (09) “….inside the building.”  

To check your polling location, you can use the Geaux Vote app, that G-E-A-U-X.

A man accused of going on a shooting rampage in three parishes leaving two people dead, including a state trooper, has been denied bail while he awaits prosecution.  Legal analyst Franz Burghardt talks about the judge’s decision Tuesday to leave Matthew Mire locked up.

cut 3 (06) “….to a bond”

Mire is being held in Angola.

Free flu shots will be offered around the state in the coming weeks at vaccination clinics operated by the Louisiana Office of Public Health.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

 

And in Sabine Parish they’ve identified the skeletal remains of a man that was found in well 35 years ago. Lester Rome from Grande Isle, then 58, went missing in 1984. Two years later remains were found in a well. Police reopened the case and collected more remains and were able to identify him. The case remains under investigation and an arrest is expected.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast Oct 20

Voters in some southeast parishes of the state will not be voting at their usual polling location due to devastation left by Hurricane Ida. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says they will be sending out information to those affected along with radio ads alerting them of their new voting location.

Cut 6 (07) “…new locations.” 

You can do so via the Geaux Vote App, that’s G-E-A-U-X, or call the 1-800-883-2805.

Louisiana is going all out for the 95th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year. In an effort to draw tourists to the state Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says a 60-foot-long alligator-themed float will debut at the parade next month. It’s the first of a three-year commitment and “Celebration Gator” will also appear in a promotional campaign made in the Big Apple.

Cut 12 (09) “…promote Louisiana.”

This evening state lawmakers begin a nine-city tour of public forums on redistricting Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

It’s that time of year to get your flu shot and today in Alexandria at the Rapides Parish Office of Public Health you can until 3 pm. Medical Director for Central Louisiana Dr. David Holcombe…

Cut 7 (08) “…and wants them.”

12:30 LRN Newscast Oct 19

Senate Commerce Chairman Rick Ward says the state is still waiting on AT-and-T to explain why phone service went down in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Ward says they will bring AT-and-T officials back to the Capitol to get an explanation and assurances a similar outage will not happen in the future…

Cut 9 (11) “..looked at.”

Houma Representative Tanner Magee sent a blistering letter to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness criticizing the agency for dragging their feet setting up trailers for Hurricane Ida victims. Magee says the contractor hired is not meeting adequate timelines, and not communicating whatsoever with applicants.

Cut 5 (09) “…from people.”

Despite purchasing more than a thousand trailers only 13 have people living in them

Efforts are underway at Grambling State University to put an end to gun violence from outsiders on the campus. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

 

 

11:30 LRN Newscast Oct 19

Houma Representative Tanner Magee sent a blistering letter to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness criticizing their slow progress setting up temporary trailers for those displaced by Ida. GOHSEP says they’re beefing up staff to speed things up, but Magee says the contractor is not being held accountable.

Cut 4 (05) “…acceptable.”

Only 13 trailers have been distributed despite more than a thousand purchased.

 

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell opposes Constitutional Amendment One on the November ballot. The measure creates a centralized sales tax commission to collect and use taxes. And because there are not a lot of “heavy turnout” races or issues on the ballot, except for the New Orleans mayoral race, La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says, her voice could play a role in the amendment’s fate.

Cut 6 (07) “…noticeable development.”

LSU students marched Monday calling out administrators for not holding Chair of the Department of French Studies accountable for ignoring Title IX complaints. LSU Student and Outreach Chair for Feminist in Action Paola Colmenares says they are demanding the school hold rapists accountable….

Cut 10 (11)  “…been fired.” 

Six plaintiffs have filed a lawsuit against the university claiming Chair Adelaide Russo allowed a graduate student and employee to return to the department and repeat his predatory behavior despite awaiting trial for a 2018 rape arrest.

Louisiana is observing National Teen Driver Safety Week as state police is trying to bring awareness about the causes of crashes that left 95 teens dead last year Trooper Thomas Gossen.

Cut 7 (04) “…behind the wheel.”

 

9:30 LRN Newscast Oct 19

LSU students marched Monday calling out administrators for not holding Chair of the Department of French Studies accountable for ignoring Title IX complaints. Six plaintiffs have filed a lawsuit against the university claiming Chair Adelaide Russo allowed Edouard d’Espalungue d’Arros, a graduate student to return to the department despite awaiting trial for a 2018 rape arrest. LSU Student Miranda Albarez says if the school had removed him she might not have been a victim.

Cut 11 (07) “…start now.”

Louisiana is observing National Teen Driver Safety Week as law enforcement brings awareness to the causes of crashes that left 95 teens dead last year in the state and more than 82-hundred others injured. Trooper Thomas Gossen says there is a small list of mistakes that contribute to teen crashes.

Cut 9 (08)  “…life right now.”

Efforts are underway at Grambling State University to put an end to gun violence from outsiders on the campus. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

University of Louisiana System’s governing board Chairman James Carter announced Monday he’s stepping down after the governor named him to the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans. Dana M. Peterson has been named as Carter’s replacement on the board for the remainder of the term, which ends December 2026.

 

AM LRN Newscall Oct 18

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is a vocal opponent of an amendment on the November 13th ballot that some say will be transformative for the state. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Students at LSU are calling on leaders to end the rape culture and hold administrators and those who commit sexual assault responsible. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Efforts are underway at Grambling State University to put an end to gun violence from outsiders on the campus. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is voicing opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot. Amendment One would create a single, centralized sales tax commission; replacing the multiple tax collection authorities in parts of the state. Her city is one of those places. Political analyst Jeremy Alford, with “LAPolitics.com”, says this is an un-ignorable political dispute…:

Cut 4 (12) “…on the fall ballot.”

On November 13th, voters can choose “yes” or “no” on Amendment One, which would streamline sales tax collections down to one central state authority. Alford says Mayor Cantrell has had concerns about the Amendment; calling it a “political solution to a technical problem.” He says he thinks it goes deeper than that…:

Cut 5 (07) “…on COVID-19.”

There are not a lot of “heavy turnout” races or issues on the November ballot, except for in New Orleans where Cantrell is running for re-election and more. Alford says because of that, Cantrell’s voice could play a serious role in the amendment’s success or failure…:

Cut 6 (07) “…noticeable development.”

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Louisiana is observing National Teen Driver Safety Week this week as state police and others try to get the message through about the causes of crashes that left 95 teens dead last year in the state and more than 82-hundred others injured. Trooper Thomas Gossen.

Cut 7 (12) “…behind the wheel.”

Gossen says the “Sudden Impact” program, created over 20 years ago, has troopers teaming up with medical officials to help address the problem of teens being killed or injured in crashes.

Cut 8 (10) “…that poor decision.”

Trooper Gossen says there is a small laundry list of driving mistakes that contribute to the teen crashes and the disturbing toll they’ve taken in Louisiana

Cut 9 (08)  “…life right now.”

Gossen says the risk of motor vehicle crashes is highest among 16 to 19-year-olds of what police say are unexpected, permanent, and preventable tragedies.

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LSU students marched Monday calling out administrators for not holding Chair of the Department of French Studies accountable for ignoring Title IX complaints. LSU Student and Outreach Chair for Feminist in Action Paola Colmenares says they are demanding the school hold rapists accountable….

Cut 10 (11)  “…been fired.” 

Six plaintiffs have filed a lawsuit against the university claiming Chair Adelaide Russo allowed Edouard d’Espalungue d’Arros, a graduate student and employee to return to the department and repeat his predatory behavior despite awaiting trial in Rapides Parish for a 2018 rape arrest.

LSU Student Miranda Albarez says if the school had removed d’Espalungue d’Arros she might not have become a victim.

Cut 11 (07) “…start now.”

d’Espalungue d’Arros was indicted by a grand jury in Rapides Parish for a 2018 rape arrest and was allowed by a judge to return to France to visit family and has never returned to the country.

This is not the first protest over Title IX issues on campus, students camped outside of the LSU Football Operations Building last October when ignored sexual misconduct violations were exposed. Student and Secretary of Feminist in Action Kayla Meyers was there also.

Cut 12 (09) “…survivors.”

Protestors are demanding transparency with the Title IX office and steps to end the rape culture on campus.

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The head of the Student Government Association at Grambling State University is speaking out about the two on-campus deadly shootings, one on Wednesday, the other on Sunday. SGA President Cameron Jackson says the gun violence has already led to discussions with University President Rick Gallot and others about establishing possible checkpoints.

Cut 13 (09) “…for our students”

Jackson is confident that President Gallot will take steps to curb the gun violence from outsiders as happened during Homecoming Week at the university.

Cut 14 (08)  “…that are open”

Jackson is hopeful for a second meeting that would see police take a more active role in keeping violent outsiders in check should they try to gather on the open Grambling campus.

Cut 15 (11)  “..at the university.”

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Now that Ed Orgeron’s fate has been decided how will the football team respond as they visit 12th ranked Ole Miss this Saturday? Orgeron expects a good week of practice

Cut  16 (25) “as a challenge”

LSU has found a running game the last two weeks. Rushing for 147 yards against Kentucky two weeks ago and a season-high 321 yards last weekend against Florida. Orgeron credits health and the o-line learning from first-year offensive line coach Brad Davis…

Cut 17 (17) “ …they’re healthy” 

LSU’s defense faces a major challenge this week as they go up against Heisman contender and Rebels quarterback Matt Corral. He accounted for 426 yards, including 195 rushing yards in a win at Tennessee on Saturday. Corral is banged up, but Orgeron expects him to play…

Cut 18 (18)”…in the country” (2x) _________________________________________________________

According to ESPN, ULM’s shocking victory over Liberty on Saturday is the largest upset win in a game between FBS teams since 2012 and the fifth-largest upset since 2000. The Warhawks went into the contest as a 32.5 point underdog. Coach Terry Bowden says the win over the Flames serves as a great confidence builder…

Cut 19 (14)  “…to win.”   (2x)

This Saturday, ULM will host South Alabama. The Jaguars are 4-and-2 and they are coming off a 42-14 win over Georgia Southern. Bowden says first-year South Al Coach Kane Wommack (WAH-mick) has turned that program around…

Cut 20 (20)  “bowl team.” 

11:30 LRN Newscast Oct 18

An early Sunday morning shooting on the campus of Grambling State leaves one dead and seven others wounded. It’s the second shooting fatality in a matter of days on the campus, prompting a decision to cancel classes today and tomorrow and enforce a curfew. University President Rick Gallot says student safety is their priority.

Cut 6 (10) “…safety.” 

A 9:30 PM to 6 AM curfew has also been set until further notice.

Now that the coaching future of Ed Orgeron has been decided, LSU begins the search for a new football coach. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins Atheltic Director Scott Woodward will have a lot of candidates to consider…

Cut 9 (12) “..Michigan State.” 

Drug overdose deaths in Louisiana are way up since the Covid-19 pandemic invaded the state.  Details from reporter Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Dave Brannen”

A Sunday morning crash in Union Parish claims the life of a Spearsville woman. State Police says 74-year-old Rosemary Smith was killed when her car collided with a minivan at the intersection of LA Highway 550 and Highway 15. The vehicle she was driving caught fire and a passenger in the car was taken to a local hospital along with two passengers in the minivan. The crash remains under investigation.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast Oct 18

When LSU won a national championship in 2019, it seemed like Ed Orgeron would be the coach of the Tigers forever. But less than two seasons later, he’s out. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

A shooting early Sunday morning on the campus of Grambling State leaves one dead and seven others wounded. This is the second shooting fatality in a matter of days on the campus, prompting a decision to cancel classes today and tomorrow. A 9:30 PM to 6 AM curfew has also been set until further notice.

Eye-opening statistics from the CDC show that drug overdose deaths in Louisiana shot up by 56-percent between March 2020 and March of this year. Dr. James Patterson, Clinical Director of the Louisiana Addiction Research Center at LSU-Shreveport says the impact of social isolation and overdose deaths are reflected in part in the way a large segment of grade school children in Caddo Parish are handling the pandemic.

Cut 6 (08) “…the past year.”

Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy reports he has raised $15-million dollars for his 2022 re-election campaign. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a seated senator’s likelihood of being re-elected has a lot to do with the popularity of the man in the White House…:

Cut 9 (09)  “…a great position.”

So far only Democrat Luke Mixon has announced his candidacy to run against Kennedy.

9:30 LRN Newscast Oct 18

Less than two years after a 15-0 season and a national championship, Ed Orgeron is out as head football coach of the LSU Tigers. Orgeron will continue to lead the program for the rest of the 2021 season, while the search for a new head coach is underway. After that glorious 2019 season. Orgeron’s Tigers have gone 9-and-8…

Cut 13 (11) “…was time”
Orgeron will get nearly 17-million dollars as part of the termination agreement.

Shocking statistics from the CDC show that drug overdose deaths in Louisiana shot up by 56-percent between March 2020 and March of this year. Dr. James Patterson, Clinical Director of the Louisiana Addiction Research Center at LSU-Shreveport, blames social isolation during the pandemic for the dramatic increase.

Cut 4 (06) “…on stress.”

According to the CDC, predicted drug overdose deaths totaled more than 21 hundred in the one-year period ending this past March.

Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy reports he has raised $15-million dollars for his 2022 re-election campaign. Required campaign finance reports show Kennedy raised $3.25-million in the 3rd quarter of this year, and that he has nearly $10-million cash on hand. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Kennedy figures are (quote) “amazing”….:

Cut 7 (09) “…working very hard.”

The app LA Wallet is being put to use in another convenient way. Bryan McClinton with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says that beginning today hunting and fishing licenses will also be displayed on the app.

Cut 10 (08)  “…the waterproof paper.” 

LA Wallet is also used to show driver’s licenses and Covid-19 vaccination confirmations.