10:30 LRN Newscast Oct 22

Senator John Kennedy says a massive disaster relief & economic recovery bill passed by the Senate is amended to benefit the Bayou State. More from Kevin Gallagher.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

If you like your winters cold and wet in Louisiana, you may not get your wish. State Climatologist Barry Keim says NOAA’s latest predictions show a La Nina weather pattern is in control.

Cut 13 (09) “…with less precipitation.”

Open enrollment is underway for Medicare beneficiaries if they want to switch their plans for next year. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon urges Louisiana residents to take advantage of the federally funded Senior Health Insurance Information Program to get unbiased advice on the best plan for them.

Cut 7 (12) “…through December 7th.”

For more information visit ldi.la.gov

Monroe Representative Michael Echols plans to file legislation that would allow governors to be buried on the grounds of the State Capitol next to the statue of Huey Long. Echols says he came up with the idea months ago…

Cut 10 (07)  “…around the campus.” 
The widow of Edwin Edwards wanted the former four-term governor buried next to Huey. Trina Edwards eventually decided to have Edwin Edwards cremated.

9:30 LRN Newscast Oct 22

It’s open season for changing your Medicare coverage should you want to move in that direction.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

 

In an effort to curb crime in the City of Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has set a curfew for juveniles that goes into effect tonight. Weekend curfew hours are Midnight to 5 AM and weekdays 10 PM to 5 AM. Parents could face a fine or jail time for any violations.

The U.S. Senate has passed a recovery and relief bill; amended to be beneficial to Louisiana Senator John Kennedy. Kennedy says the Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure and Disaster Relief Act is a huge step in helping states hit hard by the COVID pandemic and suffering economic hardship.

Cut 5 (12) “…billion dollars of that.”

Kennedy says the amendment gives Louisiana choices as to how to spend the federal dollars.

Monroe Representative Michael Echols is working on legislation to allow Louisiana governors to be buried on the grounds of the capitol. Echols says the recent passing of several former governors also inspired the legislation.

Cut 11 (11) “…opportunity.”.

 

Trina Edwards the widow of Edwin Edwards wants to have his ashes placed at the capitol, but legislation is needed to do so.

 

8:30 LRN Newscast October 22

Huey Long is the only former governor to be buried on the grounds of the state capitol but that could soon change. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Legislative leaders are reluctant to approve a 63-million dollar debt forgiveness plan for the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, which oversees the Superdome. The Edwards administration is pushing for passage of the debt forgiveness plan to help cover the state’s share for the 450-million dollars to improve the Superdome.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting La Nina climate conditions for this winter. State Climatologist Barry Keim says that means a drier and warmer winter for the south…
cut 14 (12) “…across the country”
Keim says a La Nina can also help tropical storm development, but the tropics are currently quiet.

Medicare Open Enrollment is underway and it will last through December seventh. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the Medicare choices are important since not all, such as Medicare Advantage Plans, offer coverage for your particular doctors or other medical providers that you prefer.
Cut 9 (09) “…by traditional Medicare.”
Donelon encourages Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program

7:30 LRN Newscast

Senator John Kennedy says Senate-approved legislation contains an amendment that he authored which would allow states to use unspent pandemic relief funds on disaster recovery…
cut 4 (13) “…in the state”
The legislation still needs House approval and Kennedy hopes that will come soon.

Monroe Representative Michael Echols plans to file legislation that would allow governors to be buried on the grounds of the State Capitol next to the statue of Huey Long. Echols says he came up with the idea months ago…
cut 10 (07) “…around the campus”
The widow of Edwin Edwards wanted the former four-term governor buried next to Huey. Trina Edwards eventually decided to have Edwin Edwards cremated.

Interim Lafayette Police Chief Wayne Griffin is on administrative leave because he’s been accused of sexual harassment. Mayor-President Josh Guillory has called for an investigation and Major Monte Potier will lead the L-P-D until further notice. He’s the fifth police chief to serve during Guillory’s administration.

It’s open season for changing your Medicare coverage should you want to move in that direction. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

6:30 LRN Newscast October 22

Senator John Kennedy says a massive disaster relief & economic recovery bill passed by the Senate is amended to benefit the Bayou State. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says between 300 to 400 commercial buildings damaged by Hurricane Laura are being condemned or marked for demolition.

In New Orleans, Mayor LaToya Cantrell is considering holding all Mardi Gras parades on St. Charles Avenue as the city is concerned about the lack of available first responders.

Monroe Representative Michael Echols is working on legislation that would allow former governors to be buried on the State Capitol grounds next to the final resting place of Huey Long. Echols says his legislation is for the 2022 legislative session and he welcomes input from historians and others…
cut 12 (11) “….appropriate”
Trina Edwards, the widow of former Edwin Edwards, wanted the former four-term governor buried next to Huey Long’s statue, instead, Edwards was cremated.

Medicare Open Enrollment ends December seventh and Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is urging Medicare beneficiaries to use the Senior Health Insurance Information Program to help navigate the Medicare Open Enrollment Period…
cut 8 (10) “…their individual’s situation”
Medicare beneficiaries can contact SHIP by visiting i-d-i-dot-la-dot-gov.

AM Newscall Oct 22

Senator John Kennedy says a massive disaster relief & economic recovery bill passed by the Senate is amended to benefit the Bayou State. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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It’s open season for changing your Medicare coverage should you want to move in that direction.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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Huey Long is the only former governor to be buried on the grounds of the capitol but that could soon change. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The U.S. Senate has passed a recovery and relief bill; amended to be beneficial to Louisiana by our own Senator John Kennedy. He says the bipartisan bill gives states billions for pandemic fiscal relief, but his amendment gives Louisiana more flexibility with what to do with its share…:

Cut 4 (13) “…in my state.”

Kennedy says the Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure and Disaster Relief Act is a huge step in helping states hit hard by the COVID pandemic and suffering economic hardship…:

Cut 5 (12) “…billion dollars of that.”

Kennedy says Louisiana will get about $4.8-billion of the nearly $2-trillion funded within the bill, but his amendment gives Louisiana choices as to how the federal dollars are spent…:

Cut 6 (09) “…the handcuffs are off.”

Kennedy hopes the House will pass the measure and send it to President Biden with all due haste. The bill let’s state lawmakers use up to 30-percent of the money for infrastructure needs and use up to 100% of it for disaster relief.

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Open enrollment is underway for Medicare beneficiaries who may or may not want to switch their plans for next year. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon urges Louisiana residents to take advantage of the federally-funded Senior Health Insurance Information Program to get unbiased advice on the best plan for you.

Cut 7 (12) “…through December 7th.”

You can get in touch with SHIIP by calling 1-800-259-5300 or by visiting www.ldi.la.gov.

Donelon on why people turn to SHIIP for Medicare information.

Cut 8 (10) “…their individual’s situation.”

Donelon says the Medicare choices are important since not all, such as Medicare Advantage Plans, offer coverage for your particular doctors or other medical providers that you prefer.

Cut 9 (09)  “…by traditional Medicare.”

 

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When the widow of late Governor Edwin Edwards stated she wanted the former-four term governor to have his final resting place near Huey Long at the State Capitol, it brought to light proposed legislation that’s in the works to allow other former governors to be buried at the capitol. Monroe Representative Michael Echols says he began preparing his bill about six months ago.

Cut 10 (07)  “…around the campus.” 

Echols, who walks the capitol grounds frequently, says they are ideal to honor former state leaders. Suitable grounds and the recent passing of several former governors also inspired the legislation.

Cut 11 (11) “…opportunity.”

As for how Long’s remains were permitted to be buried on the grounds, Echols says it was a  resolution that was passed hours after the Kingfish died.  But he wants the burial of governors on the capitol grounds to become a permanent option.

Echols plans to submit his bill in the 2022 regular legislative session that’s scheduled to begin March 14th and he welcomes input from state historians and others so the memorial is done properly.

Cut 12 (11) “…appropriate.”

Trina Edwards recently had her husband’s remains exhumed and cremated and says she’d like to inter his ashes at the capitol grounds.

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If you like your winters cold and wet in Louisiana, you may not get your wish in the coming months. State Climatologist Barry Keim says NOAA is out with its latest predictions showing that a La Nina weather pattern is now in control of what’s to come.

Cut 13 (09) “…with less precipitation.”

And if you like your weather cooler, forecasters say you’ll need to head to the Northwest and the northern Rockies this winter season.

Keim says La Ninas typically show up every three to four years, giving rise to the warmer, drier weather pattern in the most southern swath of states.

Cut 14 (12)  “…across the country.”

Keim says there’s some potentially bad news about the formation of the La Nina weather pattern when it comes to the final weeks of Hurricane Season that officially wraps up November 30th.

Cut 15 (09)  “…of the season.”

Though Keim says any future hurricanes this season should be more of a threat to the east coast rather than the Gulf states.

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The Saints are getting ready to make a trip to the Pacific Northwest to play the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. Coach Sean Payton says it’s difficult to produce explosive plays on offense against the Seahawks defense…

Cut  16 (16) “drives”

The Seahawks are without starting quarterback Russell Wilson who is out after undergoing finger surgery. Safety Marcus Williams says Seattle can still be explosive with Geno Smith at QB…

Cut 17 (13) “ …ball out.” 

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It’s homecoming for Louisiana Tech who will host undefeated and 24th ranked UTSA. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says the Roadrunners are a senior laden team…

Cut 18 (19)”…protecting the football.”

UTSA Quarterback Frank Harris has thrown for 16-hundred yards and 14 touchdowns. Bulldogs Quarterback Austin Kendall only threw for 164 yards last week and he was intercepted three times. Holtz on the adjustments they plan to make with the passing game..

Cut 19 (18)  “…the quarterback” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Oct 21

More than 400 days after Hurricane Laura devastated the Lake Charles area the city is still working to recover.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Dave Brannen”  

Today Governor Edwards announced that Casey Tingle has been promoted to director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, this is following the resignation of General James Waskom. The governor praised Waskom, who’d served as a director since 2016, for his tenure and wished him his best as Waskom takes medical leave until January.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board approves an application from the online sports betting site Fan Duel. As for rumors that sports wagering would be up and running as soon as this weekend, Gaming Commissioner Ronnie Johns set the record straight.

Cut  11 (12)  “… the right way.”  

The National Retail Federation estimates consumers will spend just under $1000 on holiday gifts and other purchases this year, which is comparable to 2020. But NRF Senior Director of Industry and Consumer Insights, Katherine Cullen says holiday shoppers are starting their quest for the perfect gift much earlier this year.

Cut 12 (10) “..this season.”  

And 50-percent of shoppers will begin their holiday shopping before November.

4:30 LRN Newscast Oct 21

The percentage of unvaccinated individuals in Louisiana hospitals has dropped from the upper 90s to the mid-80s. Brooke Thorington asks a professional as to why the vaccine could be perceived as waning…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

Louisiana is the only state where fewer whites are getting COVID vaccinations than blacks or other non-whites. This offers some hope to public health officials that outreach efforts are indeed working.

 

Well over a year after Hurricane Laura devastated Lake Charles and the surrounding area, recovery is still a challenge. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says his city holds a record of sorts for disasters…:

CUT 06(07)      “…in American history.”

In 2020 alone, Lake Charles was hit by Hurricane Laura, then Delta only weeks later. Federal help has been slow in coming. Hunter says about 8-precent of his city still lives outside the area since the storms and may never return.

New Orleans Police report another shooting on Interstate 10; this one fatal. Officers say a car crash Wednesday night near the Morrison Road exit was caused by a wounded driver suffering multiple gunshots. They believe he was shot from a moving car two exits earlier. The victim died at a nearby hospital. Just days ago, a person was shot and wounded on I-10 near the Superdome.

3:30 LRN Newscast Oct 21

Encouraging news on coronavirus in Louisiana; the percentage of persons hospitalized with the virus and not vaccinated is declining. At the height of the 4th wave of COVID that number was in the high 90-percentile. Now it’s in the mid-80’s. Doctor Lucio Miele with LSU Health New Orleans says it’s another indicator of the need for booster shots because immunity naturally drops over time…:

CUT 03(10)      “…after vaccination.”

The FDA has approved a mix & match approach for using any of the three vaccines as a booster.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board unanimously approves an application from the online sports betting site Fan Duel. We are the 47th state to approve Fan Duel. So how soon might sports betting be generally available? Gaming Commissioner Ronnie Johns…:

CUT 10(09)      “…we’ll see.”

 

Have you budgeted Christmas this year? The National Retail Federation says most of us will spend about $1000. But the NRF’s Katherine Cullen says – because of supply chain disruptions – about 50% of us will start holiday shopping well before November even gets here…:

CUT 14(06)      “….39-percent.”

She says about 57% of us plan to do most of our shopping online. Surprised?

One of four violent teen offenders, who attacked guards and escaped from the East Baton Rouge Juvenile Detention Center last week, is still at large. Investigators believe that Malik Williams is getting help from a girlfriend, Shamika Holloman, in staying on the lam. Cops say pinging of her cell phone shows she drove from Monroe to Baton Rouge to pick him up. Are a warrant is out for her arrest as well.

2:30 LRN Newscast Oct 21

At the height of the fourth COVID wave, the percentage of those unvaccinated and in the hospital in Louisiana hovered in the upper 90s but now it’s dropped to 86-percent. Doctor Lucio Miele with LSU Health New Orleans says one factor for the percentage drop among those hospitalized and unvaccinated is the virus mutates quickly…:
CUT 04 (08) “…infecting humans.”
Miele says this also illustrates the need to for periodic COVID booster shots.

The National Retail Federation estimates consumers will spend just under $1000 on holiday gifts and other purchases this year, which is comparable to last year. But NRF Senior Director of Industry and Consumer Insights, Katherine Cullen says seniors tend to spend more on grandkids, and those playing host to holiday gatherings – as the pandemic downtrends – will of course have to pay for food…:
Cut 13 (11) “…the first time”

More than 400 days after Hurricane Laura devastated the Lake Charles area in 2020, the city is still working to recover. More from Dave Brannen…:
CUT 02 (32) “…Brannen.”

Ouachita Parish deputies arrest a West. Monroe man for allegedly drugging & raping a teen at a Monroe motel. 49-year-old Chase Paul is accused of taking the girl from church to the inn, where he allegedly gave her Xanax and forced himself on her. He’s been booked into the Ouachita Parish jail.