LRN AM Newscall October 20

Newsweek ranks Children’s Hospital in New Orleans as the 32nd best specialized hospital for pediatrics in the United States and 60th in the world. Colleen Crain has the story

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The race to be the state’s next Attorney General is down to two females, Republican Liz Murrill and Democrat Lindsey Cheek. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU announced the opening of its groundbreaking Cybersecurity Operations Center that will provide training to students to help fight cyberattacks. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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For the 3rd year in a row, Children’s Hospital New Orleans has been recognized by Newsweek, ranked among the World’s Best specialized hospitals for pediatrics. Ranked number 32 in the US and number 60 internationally, Children’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mark Kline is thankful for the recognition…

Cut 4 (07) “…Gulf South.”

Children’s New Orleans has several specialties ranked in the top 40 with oncology in the top 25 and is the only children’s hospital in the Gulf South to be ranked among the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals for pediatrics. Dr. Kline says patients with complex needs can stay close to home and family…

Cut 5 (08) “…medical care.”

The specialty rankings mean Children’s New Orleans provides recognized care not only in oncology but also pulmonology for lung diseases, neonatology for newborns, and endocrinology which includes treatment of diabetes. Dr. Kline says the Newsweek rankings reflect their ongoing commitment to provide the highest level of care for children across the region.…

Cut 6 (05) “…it all.”

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LSU-Alexandria and LSU Health New Orleans have launched the first dental hygiene program in Central Louisiana. Wilton Guillory Interim Head of LSU School of Dentistry says upon graduation, the four-year program will allow students to work closely with dentists.

Cut 7 (13) “…the state.”

Six students will be selected each year. Students will graduate from LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry.

LSUA, the Louisiana Dental Association, and dentists have been working to fill a workforce gap of dental hygienists in Central Louisiana. Guillory says they were able to secure state funding to expand the program to Alexandria.

Cut 8 (10) “…to fruition” 

At least three of every four dentists and hygienists practicing in Louisiana today are LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry graduates. Guillory says they will help train the hygienists that are at LSUA.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Jackson Street.”

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Republican Liz Murrill and Democrat Lindsey Cheek are in a run-off seeking to become the state’s first female Attorney General. Murrill won the primary, receiving 45-percent of the vote. Murrill has spent the last six years as the state’s Solicitor General, defending Louisiana and its laws in federal and state court

Cut 10 (12) “…our state”

Based on the last campaign finance report filed, Murrill had nearly a million dollars in campaign cash on hand. Cheek, an attorney from New Orleans, only had about 100-thousand dollars, but says that will not stop her from getting her message out…

Cut 11 (11) “…in November” 

Murrill says she has several lawsuits pending against the Biden Administration in federal court and she says having current Attorney General Jeff Landry moving into the governor’s mansion will make their cases stronger…

Cut 12 (10) ” for me” 

Cheek says with a hard line Republican taking over as governor, it would be good to have a Democrat as the state’s next Attorney General…

Cut 13 (12) “…of Louisiana”

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A new CyberSecurity Operations Center has opened on the LSU campus that will train students how to fight against cyber attacks. Chief Information Officer Craig Wooley says the center will help strengthen cybersecurity statewide and build a homegrown cyber workforce.

Cut 14 (11) “…world experience”

More than $7.5 million in state appropriations will help to expand the LSU-SOC model to more than 30 colleges and universities in the state, at no additional cost to each institution. Wooley says every institution statewide can opt to build its own cybersecurity defense.

Cut 15 (12) “…they’re events.”

In the past three weeks, 94 LSU students have applied to receive training as professional cyber analysts to operate the SOC. Wooley says the students will monitor the university’s network traffic and potential threats.

Cut 16 (12) “…this program.”

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The Ragin Cajuns have a big homecoming game on Saturday night as they host 5-and-1 Georgia State. The Panthers are coming off a 41-24 win over Marshall. G-S-U is led by redshirt senior quarterback  Darren Grainger, who is second in the Sun Belt total offense. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux says Grainger has thrown just two interceptions…

Cut 17 (10) “….right now”

This will be the seventh meeting between the two schools and the Cajuns have won the previous six contests. But Desormeaux says the past will not determine Saturday’s winner…

Cut 18 (20) “…football team” 

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The 19th ranked LSU football team hosts Army on Saturday night and that big game on November fourth against Alabama is looming. The Tigers will get to enjoy a week off after Saturday, but offensive tackle Will Campbell says the team’s focus is on the Black Knights…

Cut 19 (20) “…what we do” 

Army has a 2-4 record and they’ve done well defending the pass, allowing just 175 yards a game. The players on the Black Knights will be called on to protect our country after they are done playing football. Campbell says he respects Army, but the mission on Saturday is to beat them….

Cut 20 (20) “…on saturday 

5:30 LRN Newscast

On his monthly radio call-in show, Governor John Bel Edwards told the story of when former President Donald Trump asked him to change parties and become a Republican. Edwards says the discussion occurred in New Jersey…
Cut 3 (14) “in re-election”
Edwards says he politely declined the offer to join the GOP.

Netflix subscribers get ready for another price hike. The streaming giant has increased prices on its plans by nearly 11 percent. Haggai Davis host of the Tech Gumbo podcast says subscriptions increased by 8.8 million during the third quarter, so Netflix knows the demand is there…
Cut 6 (11) “…we charge.”

A new CyberSecurity Operations Center has opened on the LSU campus that will train students how to fight against cyber attacks. Chief Information Officer Craig Wooley says the center will help strengthen cybersecurity statewide and build a homegrown cyber workforce.
Cut 14 (12) “…world experience”
In the past three weeks, 94 LSU students have applied to receive training as professional cyber analysts.

LSU-Alexandria and LSU Health New Orleans have launched the first dental hygiene program in Central Louisiana. Wilton Guillory Interim Head of LSU School of Dentistry says upon graduation, the four-year program will allow students to work closely with dentists.
Cut 7 (13) “…the state.”
Six students will be selected each year.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Are you ready for some Thursday night football??? Tonight in the Caesars Superdome the Saints host the Jacksonville Jaguars. New Orleans offense better look out as the Jags lead the NFL with 15 takeaways. Saints Coach Dennis Allen on the Jacksonville defense…
cut 15 (13) “…attacking the ball”
The Saints starting offensive tackles will not play…Ryan Ramczyk and James Hurst are out with injuries. But 2022 first round pick Trevor Penning will reportedly not start. ESPN’s Ed Werder says expect to see New Orleans start Andrus Peat at left tackle and Cameron Erving, who was elevated from the practice today to play right tackle. Erving has been in the NFL since 2015 and has made 56 starts with four different teams. Also running back Jamaal Williams has been activated from injured reserve.

It should be an emotional night in Natchitoches tonight as Northwestern State hosts Southeastern Louisiana. This game was moved up to Thursday night so that the Northwestern football team can attend safety Ronnie Caldwell’s funeral. Caldwell was fatally shot last week. Kick-off is at 7 PM.

LSU defensive end Paris Shand had a break out performance in last Saturday’s win over Auburn as the transfer from Arizona had a career-high six tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss and a pass batted down. Shand grew up in Canada and was a standout basketball player. He says an accounting teacher urged him to try football, so he did…
Cut 17 (17) “…..playing football”.
Shand and the Tigers host Army on Saturday.

The LSU Board of Supervisors meets tomorrow and they are expected to approve a new contract for Jay Johnson, making him the second highest paid coach in college baseball with a seven-year, 12.55 million deal.

LRN PM Newscall October 19

Governor John Bel Edwards says he was approached by Donald Trump when he was president about switching to the Republican Party. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Netflix has increased the cost of its subscription plans by 11 percent after cutting down on password sharing. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”  

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On his monthly radio call-in show, Governor John Bel Edwards told the story of when Donald Trump asked him to change parties and become a Republican. Edwards says the discussion occurred in New Jersey towards the end of Edwards’ first term…

Cut 3 (14) “in re-election”

Edwards says Trump told him he would not have to change any of his positions on political issues, but the governor says he politely declined the offer to join the GOP…

Cut 4 (07) “. in doing”

Edwards’ decision not to switch parties led to Trump campaigning against Edwards as the former president backed the Republican in the 2019 runoff, Eddie Rispone. Because of Trump’s influence, the governor believes  his re-election win was more impressive than when he defeated Republican David Vitter in 2015….

Cut 5 (10) “ ..to win”  

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If you are a Netflix subscriber, get ready for another price hike. The streaming giant increased prices on its plans by nearly 11 percent in an effort to crack down on password sharing. A manager of General Informatics in Baton Rogue, Haggai Davis, says subscriptions increased 8.8 million during the third quarter, so Netflix knows the demand is there…

Cut 6 (11) “…we charge.”

The basic plan which is no longer available to new customers at $9.99 is now $11.99. Its premium plan is $22.99 up by three dollars. Davis does not believe consumers are as concerned by the up cost of ad-free streaming services.

Cut 7 (12) “…without advertising.” 

Unlike other streaming services like Disney, Warner Brothers, Discovery, and others, Netflix has not raised prices over the last year. If prices continue to increase, Davis says more price-conscious subscribers may have to choose between streaming services and pricey cable bundles.

Cut 8 (11) “… cable anymore.”

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Thibodaux Police arrest a 13-year-old firing a gun multiple times as  Thibodaux High was playing Hahnville in football. The sound of gunshots sent fans, cheerleaders and players running for safety. Lt. Clint Dempster says they’ve been looking for the gunman since the October sixth game

Cut 9 (11) “…13-year-old” 

The shooting took place outside of the stadium and it resulted in the cancellation of the game. No one was injured as a results of the shots fired.

Dempster says the shooting occurred after a fight between two groups of juveniles in the parking lot of the stadium. Dempster says once that fight broke up and some of the individuals left the area, gun shots rang out

Cut 10 (09) “…school grounds”

The charged juvenile is currently incarcerated at the Lafourche Parish Juvenile Justice Center. Dempster says they are glad an arrest has been made in this case…

Cut 11 (11) “…the suspect”

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New Orleans Police have yet to make an arrest in the carjacking of the Orleans Parish District Attorney. Jason Williams and his 78-year-old mother were forced out of their vehicle by gunpoint by two masked men on Monday night in the Lower Garden District. NOPD superintendent Ron Lubrano says the investigation remains active…

Cut 12 (09) “..carjacking”  

Lubrano says another person was carjacked a few blocks away less than 30 minutes later. Lubrano says at this point they are hesitant to release many details of the investigation…

Cut 13 (09) “…the investigation”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints will host the Jacksonville Jaguars tonight in Thursday night football. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is questionable with a knee injury, but New Orleans head coach Dennis Allen says they expect the former top overall pick to play…
cut 16 (08) “….yeah”
If Lawrence can’t play than C-J Beathard will start.

Saints running back Jamaal Williams will reportedly be activated off injured reserve so it will be the first time we’ve seen Williams and Alvin Kamara play in the same game as teammates.

ESPN’s Ed Werder reports says the Saints will start Andrus Peat at left tackle in the place of the injured James Hurst. Cam Erving will be elevated from the practice squad to play right tackle for the injured Ryan Ramsczyk. That means former first round pick Trevor Penning will not start.

LSU defensive end Paris Shand had a break-out performance with six tackles last Saturday in the win over Auburn. Shand played 24 games at Arizona and transferred to LSU following the 2022 campaign. He says going up against the Tigers offensive line has helped improve his game…
Cut 18 (12) “…better now”
LSU hosts Army on Saturday.

Someone has to win tonight as Northwestern State hosts Southeastern Louisiana. Both teams are winless on the season, and Demons head coach Brad Laird is impressed with the talent the Lions have…
cut 20 (21) “…conference”
Kick off in Natchitoches is at 7 PM.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints have a chance to get the bad taste out of their mouth from Sunday’s loss to Houston when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars tonight. Fans are waiting for this offense to get on track and wide receiver Chris Olave hopes tonight is the night….
cut 22 (19) “…sometime”
Jacksonville is opportunistic on defense as they’ve forced an NFL best 15 turnovers.

New Orleans will not have its two starting offensive tackles as James Hurst and Ryan Ramczyk are out with injuries, while linebacker Demario Davis will be a game time decision. Davis has a knee injury.

Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence is also questionable with a knee injury. Kick off is at 7:15.

LSU defensive end Paris Shand had a break-out performance with six tackles last Saturday in the win over Arizona. Shand played 24 games at Arizona and transferred to LSU following the 2022 campaign. He says going up against the Tigers offensive line has helped improve his game…
Cut 18 (18) “…better now”
LSU hosts Army this Saturday.

Northwestern State will play its first football game tonight since last week’s tragic shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell. The Demons canceled its game last week against Nicholls and will play Southeastern Louisiana tonight so they can attend Caldwell’s funeral in Texas this weekend. Both teams are winless. Kick off is at 7 PM.

LRN AM Newscall October 19

Team Gleason and Ochsner Health are teaming up to bring enhance health care to those living with ALS and other neurological diseases. Colleen Crain has the details…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The updated COVID vaccines that target the XBB 1.5 variant are now available at parish health units. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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A Tuesday night house fire kills three children in New Orleans and their father has been charged in their murder. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Ochsner Health and Team Gleason have teamed up to improve research and quality of life for sufferers of ALS and other neurological diseases. They just broke ground on the Debra H and Robert J Patrick Neuroscience Center. Ochsner Health Chair of Neurology Dr. Richard Zweifler says it will be the only freestanding major neuroscience facility of its kind between Houston and Atlanta…

Cut 4 (09) “…future.”

The mission of the both Ochsner and Team Gleason is to improve quality of life and Zweifler says, the Gleason Assistive Technology Lab will be important part of the center…

Cut 5 (11) “…with ALS.”

The Lab will also make advancements possible for other neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and stroke

The Patrick Neuroscience Center will house several disciplines to care for those living with neurological diseases

Cut 6 (08) “…behavioral health.”

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Doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccines are now available at some parish health units which adds to the supply already available at pharmacies and other locations. State Health Officer Joe Kanter says the updated shots target the XBB variant.

Cut 7 (12) “…Wuhan China.”

The two new vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna received the green light from FDA and CDC last month. The vaccine shots are available for anyone six months and older, especially those with underlying health conditions.

Kanter says there’s been an increase in cases and hospitalizations in the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (10) “…level out” 

Kanter says most health insurance plans will cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. He points out the vaccine will be updated regularly.

Cut 9 (12)  “…flu vaccine.”

To find a location near you, visit vaccines.gov.

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During his monthly radio call-in show, Democrat John Bel Edwards promised a smooth and robust transition as Republican Governor-Elect Jeff Landry prepares to take over as the state’s highest elected official. Edwards and Landry have disagreed politically several times, but the current governor wants the next governor to succeed…

Cut 10 (06) “…good job”

Edwards is a moderate Democrat, while Landry has a reputation as a hard-line Republican and the two differ on many conservative policies But Edwards says Landry’s instincts take him further to right, but he’s hopeful the Republican from St. Martinville will consider everyone’s interests…

Cut 11 (11) “…eight years” 

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A father suspected of setting fire to his home in New Orleans and killing his three children inside the house is in police custody. NOPD superintendent Ron Lubrano says they tracked down 29-year-old Joseph Washington Senior Wednesday morning after he leapt from an I-610 overpass in an effort to get away from the cops…

Cut 12 (09) ” aggravated arson.” 

The children’s mother told police that Washington was threatening to set their house on fire. She was not at home at the time. Interim NOPD Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick says she has since tried to reach out to the distraught mother, only to get her voicemail…

Cut 13 (09) “…happen here”

The children killed in this domestic violence incident range from three to eight years old. Kirkpatrick says it’s a senseless crime..

Cut 14 (07) “…this community”

Washington’s vehicle was found partially submerged in the Mississippi River by Gretna Police. The suspect was taken to the hospital from injuries he sustained while trying to run away from police.

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The Saints will face the Jacksonville Jaguars tonight in Thursday night football. New Orleans’ offense better look out as the Jags lead the NFL with 15 takeaways. Coach Dennis Allen on the Jacksonville defense…

Cut 15 (13) “…attacking the ball.”

The Saints starting offensive tackles will not play…Ryan Ramczyk and James Hurst are out with injuries. Linebacker Demario Davis will be a gametime decision with a knee injury. Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence is also questionable with a knee injury, but Allen says they are expecting the former top overall pick to play…

Cut 16 (08) “…yeah”

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LSU defensive end Paris Shand had a break out performance in last Saturday’s win over Auburn as the transfer from Arizona had a career-high six tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss and a pass batted down. Shand grew up in Canada and was a standout basketball player. He says an accounting teacher urged him to try football, so he did…

Cut 17 (17) “…..playing football”.

Shand played 24 games at Arizona and transferred to LSU following the 2022 campaign. He says going up against the Tigers offensive line has helped improve his game…

Cut 18 (18) “…better now”

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Northwestern State will play its first football game tonight since last week’s tragic shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell. The Demons canceled its game last week against Nicholls and will play Southeastern Louisiana tonight so they can attend Caldwell’s funeral in Texas this weekend. Northwestern Coach Brad Laird says his team will play with heavy hearts tonight…

Cut 19 (19) “…move forward” 

Both Northwestern and Southeastern are winless, but Laird contends the Lions are a talented team…

Cut 20 (21) “…conference” 

Kick-off in Turpin Stadium is at 7 PM. No one has been arrested in Caldwell’s murder.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints starting offensive tackles have been ruled out for tomorrow’s game against Jacksonville. Ryan Ramczyk has a concussion, while James Hurst is dealing with a foot injury. Also out Juwan Johnson has a calf injury, J-T Gray has a hamstring injury and Landon Young has a hip injury.

Linebacker DeMario Davis is questionable with a knee injury and Saints Coach Dennis Allen says Davis will be a gametime decision. Jaguars starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence is questionable with a knee injury.

The Pelicans concluded preseason play last night with a 104-92 win over Orlando. Zion Williamson had 16 points, three rebounds and five steals in 16 minutes. He also made six of eight field goals. Brandon Ingram had a team high 18 points. The Pels will tip off the regular season on Wednesday at Memphis against the Grizzlies.

Alex Bregman and the Astros need a win tonight. Texas leads the ALCS two games to none.

In the last two games, LSU has been penalized because of defensive players clapping. It’s a penalty because the refs believe LSU’s defensive players are trying to mimic the quarterback when he calls for the snap. Coach Brian Kelly says the players clapping are in the defensive secondary and they are only trying to get the attention of their teammates…
cut 20 (20) “…communicating”

LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers has been named to the first-team midseason All-American team by the Associated Press. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has been selected to the second team. Nabers leads the nation in receiving yards with 860 on 52 catches. Daniels leads the nation in total offense, passing efficiency and rushing yards by a quarterback.

LRN PM Newscall

The National Federation of Independent Business is optimistic tax cuts will occur during Governor Elect Jeff Landry’s administration. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The low Democratic turnout for Saturday’s election has political analysts in shock that a runoff didn’t take place for in the governor’s race. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”  

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The National Federation of Independent Business is looking forward to Republican Jeff Landry taking over as governor in January and they hope he’ll urge the state legislature to cut taxes. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says  states surrounding Louisiana are already in the mode of reducing the tax burden…

Cut 3 (07) “…later”

McVea says Louisiana can afford the tax cuts, because for the last few years,  state revenues continue to produce hundreds of millions of dollars in state surpluses. She says tax reductions would really benefit small businesses and their employees…

Cut 4 (10) “…their location”

When a new Legislature convenes next year some lawmakers will oppose cutting taxes, because the state’s sales tax is expected to drop .45-percent in 2025. But McVea says it’s possible legislators can cut taxes to boost the economy and allow the temporary state sales tax to expire…

Cut 5 (10) “ …so afraid of”  

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Dillard University Political Science Professor Robert Collins says voter turnout for the gubernatorial election proves the Louisiana Democratic Party is no longer a legitimate opposition party. Collins says the Democratic party turnout was nearly 30 percent lower than in 2019.

Cut 6 (12) “…the party.”

Historically, when Democrats have gotten out the vote in early voting, it led to victories for their party. In 2008, Mary Landrieu and Barack Obama won in Louisiana by big margins. And in 2015 & 2019, John Bel Edwards won both his terms in office. Collins says the Democratic turnout in Orleans Parish for last Saturday’s election was 27 percent.

Cut 7 (13) “…your voters.” 

Only 24 percent of Louisiana’s black registered voters showed up to the polls in Saturday’s primary compared to 72 percent of white voters. Collins believes the Democratic Party needs to rebuild with new leadership.

Cut 8 (12) “… right now.”

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The Advocate’s political reporter Tyler Bridges is reporting Metairie Republican Cameron Henry will be the next Louisiana Senate President. Bridges says Henry beat out Leesville Senator Mike Reese for the top spot in the upper chamber…

Cut 9 (09) “…made the difference 

An official vote will take place when a new Senate is sworn in on January 8th. But Bridges says the Senate has already come to an agreement on their Senate President…

Cut 10 (10) “…very good relations”

Henry is 48 years old and a business consultant. Bridges says Henry was a legislative aide to now Congressman Steve Scalise, when Scalise was in the state House. After that Henry served 12 years in the House and is set to begin his second term in the Senate.

Bridges says Governor-elect Jeff Landry and Henry have a good relationship politically…

Cut 11 (08) “…the budget”

2:30 LRN Newscast

There are serious questions about the future of the Democratic Party in Louisiana after failing to get enough voters to the polls to force Governor-elect Jeff Landry into a runoff. Dillard University Political Science Professor Robert Collins says the Democratic turnout in Orleans Parish was just 27-percent….
cut 7 (13) “…..your voters”
Only 24 percent of Louisiana’s black registered voters showed up to the polls in Saturday’s primary.

The Republican controlled Louisiana Senate has already picked a new Senate President for the next term. It’s Metairie Republican Cameron Henry. Tyler Bridges with NOLA-dot-com broke the story and says Governor-Elect Landry and Henry have a good relationship politically…
cut 11 (08) “>….the budget”

The two candidates in the runoff for state treasurer have big plans for the position. Democrat Dustin Granger says he wants to improve the state’s unclaimed property program, work with the Insurance Commissioner on fixing the state’s insurance crisis and he also wants to help revitalize small towns…
cut 13 (13) “…have left”
Republican John Fleming also believes the state treasurer can take on a larger role than just protecting the state’s revenues. He wants to help with economic development and bring down insurance rates…
cut 14 (10) “…that team”
The run-off for this election is November 18th.