830 AM LRN News

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is encouraging Louisiana residents to explore their state over the holiday weekend.  Louisiana’s state parks have canceled all out of state bookings through phase one and Nungesser says now is the time for locals to check them out because there is something for every member of the family.

Cut 3 (06)  “…got canoeing, tubing.”  

When visiting the state’s landmarks, Nungesser says makes sure you put them on social media.

If you’re traveling around the state this weekend some good news for drivers at least is that gas is cheaper than it has been on a Memorial Day weekend since the Bush Administration. Fuel Analyst Don Redman says the statewide average for a gallon of gas sits at 1.63.

Cut 7 (11) “…right now.”

The price for a barrel of crude oil is hovering in the low 30s after dipping into the negatives a month ago.

Louisianans who are feeling stressed by this new normal are encouraged to reach out to the newly activated Crisis Counseling Text Line. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Governor Edwards clarifies that there is no legal mandate for anyone to respond to contact tracers who may call you if you have been infected with COVID-19 to find out who you may have passed the virus to, and adds its not the first time the state has done contact tracing…

Cut 16 (11) “…long time.”

730 PM LRN News

The SEC announces student-athletes can resume on-campus workouts at their schools starting on June eighth, but there will be stringent health protocols in place. LSU’s Executive Deputy Athletics Director, Verge Ausberry, says they’ve been preparing to welcome football players back next month

Cut 12 (11) “…right now”

 

There’s been a moratorium on on-campus activities since March 12th.

The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 is down to 867. Governor John Bel Edwards says the hospitalization rate for this disease is at its lowest level since the end of March. Edwards says the state has also been supplied with thousands of viles of Remdesivir, a drug known to reduce the hospital stay of COVID-19 patients

Cut 15 (11)“  an allocation”

 

The Crisis Counseling Text Line is now active in Louisiana for residents who need help coping with the mental stress of the pandemic. GOHSEP Preparedness Section Chief Rubby Douglas says all you have to do is text reach out in all caps, one word to 741-741 to get help 24 hours a day.

Cut 9 (12) “…19.”

 

If you are driving into Texas or Mississippi the average for a gallon there is actually a few cents lower, while those headed to Florida will be greeted by prices at 1.87 a gallon.

 

The statewide average for a gallon of gas sits at 1.63 heading into Memorial Day weekend. Despite the low price Fuel Analyst Don Redman does not expect the roads to be packed as the list of travel destinations is limited right now.

Cut 6 (11) “ …can go.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast May 22

Governor Edwards says the state is boosting up its contact tracing efforts. Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns that the state will mandate people to participate if they get a call from a contact tracer. Edwards says there’s not a mandate for anyone to participate and Louisiana has done this before

Cut 16 (11) “…long time.”

The Crisis Counseling Text Line is now active in Louisiana for residents who need help coping with the mental stress of the pandemic. GOHSEP Preparedness Section Chief Rubby Douglas says all you have to do is text reach out in all caps, one word to 741-741 to get help 24 hours a day.

Cut 9 (12) “…19.”

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is encouraging Louisiana residents to use the holiday weekend to explore their state. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (24) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

The statewide average for a gallon of gas sits at 1.63 heading into Memorial Day weekend. Despite the low price Fuel Analyst Don Redman does not expect the roads to be packed as the list of travel destinations is limited right now.

Cut 6 (11) “ …can go.”

4:30 LRN Newscast May 22

The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 is down to 867. Governor John Bel Edwards says the hospitalization rate for this disease is at its lowest level since the end of March. Edwards says the state has also been supplied with thousands of viles of Remdesivir, a drug known to reduce the hospital stay of COVID-19 patients.

Cut 15 (11)“  an allocation”

The Crisis Counseling Text Line is now active in Louisiana for residents who need help coping. GOHSEP Preparedness Section Chief Rubby Douglas says all you have to do is text reach out in all caps, one word to 741-741.

Cut 11 (10) “…some time”

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is encouraging Louisiana residents to explore their state over the holiday weekend. Louisiana’s state parks have canceled all out of state bookings through phase one and Nungesser says now is the time for locals to check them out because there is something for every member of the family.
Cut 3 (06) “…got canoeing, tubing.”
When visiting the state’s landmarks, Nungesser says make sure to snap pics and share them on social media.

The price of fuel will be perfect for that in-state exploration. The statewide average for a gallon of gas sits at 1.63 heading into Memorial Day weekend. Despite the low price Fuel Analyst Don Redman does not expect the roads to be packed as the list of travel destinations is limited right now.

Cut 6 (11) “ …can go.”

 

3:30 LRN Newscast May 22

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is encouraging Louisiana residents to explore their state over the holiday weekend.  Louisiana’s state parks have canceled all out of state bookings through phase one. Nungesser says the state is actively working now at luring tourists for the when it is safe for them to return as last year, they left behind $1.9 billion in tax revenue.

Cut 5 (10)  “…tax base back.”

 

The statewide average for a gallon of gas sits at 1.63 heading into Memorial Day weekend. Fuel Analyst Don Redman expects this to be the last holiday weekend that prices will be this low, and by the 4th of July…

Cut 8 (09) “…right now.”

The price for a barrel of crude oil is hovering in the low 30s after dipping into the negatives a month ago.

The Crisis Counseling Text Line is now active in Louisiana for residents who need help coping. GOHSEP Preparedness Section Chief Rubby Douglas says all you have to do is text reach out in all caps, one word to 741-741. There are crisis call centers already active but Douglas says not everyone is comfortable voicing their fears to another person.

Cut 10 (07) “…lot more”

 

The SEC announces student-athletes can resume on-campus workouts at their schools starting on June eighth. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says they are preparing to begin the fall sports season as currently scheduled and this limited resumption of voluntary athletic activities on June 8th is an important initial step. LSU’s Executive Deputy Athletics Director, Verge Ausberry, it’s their hope the football season can start on time

Cut 14 (06) “…into to”

2:30 LRN Newcast May 22

The state reports 39 new COVID-19 fatalities today, bringing the death toll to 2,545. Total cases: 36,925… up by 421. Hospitalizations dropped by 17 to 867 and vent usage is down by three to 104.

Louisianans who are feeling stressed by this new normal are encouraged to reach out to the newly activated Crisis Counseling Text Line. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The SEC announces student-athletes can resume on-campus workouts at their schools starting on June eighth, but there will be stringent health protocols in place. The SEC says the decision was made by the league’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force. LSU Infectious Diseases Expert Catherine O’ Neal is on that panel and LSU’s Executive Deputy Athletics Director, Verge Ausberry says Doctor O’ Neal is a great resource for them.

Cut 13 (12) “the year”  

The statewide average for a gallon of gas sits at 1.63 heading into Memorial Day weekend. Fuel Analyst Don Redman says Memorial Day gas prices haven’t been this low since the Bush Administration.

Cut 7 (11) “…right now.”

 

130PM LRN News

The Crisis Counseling Text Line is now active in Louisiana for residents who need help coping with the mental stress of the pandemic. GOHSEP Preparedness Section Chief Rubby Douglas says all you have to do is text reach out in all caps, one word to 741-741 to get help 24 hours a day.

Cut 9 (12) “…19.”

The money to run the text line comes from the feds.

The SEC has announced that its student-athletes can resume on-campus workouts at their schools starting on June eighth, but they will work under strict supervision and safety protocols. LSU’s Executive Deputy Director of Athletics, Verge Ausberry, says they’ve been preparing for a June return of their athletes

Cut 12 (11) “…right now”

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is encouraging Louisiana residents to use the holiday weekend to explore their state. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (24) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Louisiana reports a 14.5 percent unemployment rate for the month of April as the pandemic leads to mass job loss. That is slightly below the national rate of 14.7 percent, but has led to more than 1.8 billion dollars in unemployment benefits being paid out to nearly 500,000 Louisianans since March 22nd. The March unemployment rate was 6.7 percent.

The state reports 39 new COVID-19 fatalities today, bringing the death toll to 2,545. Total cases: 36,925… up by 421.

12:30 PM Newscasts

The state reports 39 new COVID-19 fatalities today, bringing the death toll to 2,545. Total cases: 36,925… up by 421.
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is encouraging Louisiana residents to explore their state over the holiday weekend.  When visiting the state’s landmarks, Nungesser says to make sure to snap pics and share them to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or wherever your out of state friends and family may see them.

Cut 4 (13)_ “…unlike a commercial.”

The price of fuel will be conducive for that in-state exploration. The statewide average for a gallon of gas sits at 1.63 heading into Memorial Day weekend. Despite the low price Fuel Analyst Don Redman does not expect the roads to be packed as the list of travel destinations is limited right now.

Cut 6 (11) “ …can go.”

The Governor’s Games will play host to baseball tournaments starting this morning, some of the first organized team sports to be played in the state since the shutdown. Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Executive Director Rudy Macklin says it won’t be like any tournament these players have participated in before.

Cut 13 (13) “…sanitized” 

Games will be played in Lake Charles and the Baton Rouge area. About 100 teams will participate.

AM Newscall 05/22/2020

Sales of fishing licenses spike for March and April during the Governor’s stay at home order. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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The CDC now indicates that coronavirus is not easily spread through contaminated surfaces.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The state is hosting baseball tournaments today in the Baton Rouge area and Lake Charles as part of the Governor’s Games. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The House will take up a few controversial gun rights bills this morning.

Capitol observer Clancy DuBos says HB 140 by Erath Representative Blake Miguez would block local governments from limiting where guns can be carried.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…topic.”

HB 334 allows concealed carry in houses of worship. Bill sponsor Thibodeaux Representative Bryan Fontenot says it is only with the permission of the house of worship, but DuBos says the legislation makes no mention of needing permission…

Cut 5 (10)  “that.”

Another bill by Miguez would bar local governments from restricting the sale or transfer of guns and ammo during a public emergency. Miguez says it was partially inspired by a declaration of emergency in New Orleans that restricted those rights.

Cut 6 (09) “…was.

HB 781 also eliminates state and local government’s ability to seize firearms and ammunition during an emergency which Miguez says was an issue during Hurricane Katrina.

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More Louisiana residents are occupying their time during the COVID-19 pandemic by going fishing according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.  The sales of fishing licenses has seen a sharp uptick.  LDWF spokesperson Ed Pratt says basic fishing license sales has seen a 53% increases over the same time last year.

Cut 7 (12) “…the huge difference.”

Pratt says the sales are not just limited to the basic fishing license as the saltwater fishing license has also seen a 35% increase.

Cut 8 (09) “…on the water.”

The spike in sales was noticeable as early as March, but Pratt says there is never a bad time to take up fishing as it is great for social distancing and it won’t break the bank.

Cut 9 (08) “…is just $5.”

Sales of licenses help provide funding for various LDWF programs.

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The CDC now indicates that coronavirus is not easily spread through contaminated surfaces.   Assistant state health officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says it is still important to keep surfaces clean, even if it’s less of a threat that human-to-human transmission.

Cut 10 (06) “…is a risk.”

Kanter says despite the change of wording concerning surface transmission, Kanter says it’s still a good idea to keep on high alert when it comes to hygiene.

Cut 11 (12) “…high touch surfaces.”

Kanter says the human-to-human transmission is still the predominant means of spread and the risk fluctuates based on the proximity between individuals as well as the duration of that contact.

Cut 12 (06) “…that’s a risk.”

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The Governor’s Games will play host to baseball tournaments starting this morning, some of the first organized team sports to be played in the state since the shutdown.

Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Executive Director Rudy Macklin says it won’t be like any tournament these players have participated in before.

Cut 13 (13) “…sanitized” 

Games will be played in Lake Charles and the Baton Rouge area. About 100 teams will participate.

Families will have to sit in one area together six feet away from other family units in the stands. Macklin says for players or parents…

Cut 14 (11) “…you out”

Macklin says he and the rest of his team will be patrolling the grounds enforcing the rules and taking notes that will help craft sporting event policy for the age of COVID-19.

Cut 15 (09)“…future”

Legislative Report for 5-22 AM

Legislation governing gun rights will be a major topic of discussion Friday at the Capitol as a series of bills is set to be taken up on the House Floor.

One of the bills, by Erath Representative Blake Miguez, would bar local governments from restricting the sale or transfer of guns and ammo during a public emergency. Miguez says it was partially inspired by a declaration of emergency in New Orleans that restricted those rights.

Cut 6 (09) “…was.

HB 334 allows concealed carry in houses of worship. Bill sponsor Thibodeaux Representative Bryan Fontenot says it is only with the permission of the house of worship, but Capitol observer DuBos says the legislation makes no mention of needing permission…

Cut 5 (10)  “that.”

Republican tort reform aimed at lowering auto insurance rates cleared the Senate with a veto-proof majority but may be held up in the House with majority support, but not two thirds. Governor Edwards says he sees some merit in the legislation, and may avoid using a veto if the GOP is willing to compromise…

Cut 3 (11)  “…possible.”   PM

Edwards did not specify what those provisions are.

House Appropriations passes the Governor’s budget for the next fiscal year with an amendment that blocks state funding for COVID contact tracing programs that require mandatory participation. Oakdale Representative Dewith Carrier says his rural constituents are concerned about contact tracing…

Cut 10 (13) “…they do”

A Louisiana Department of Health spokesperson told lawmakers they have no plans to arrest or penalize infected people who refuse to answer questions about who they have been in contact with.