5:30 LRN Newscast May 20

Two State Police Troopers are injured after being dispatched to assist Hammond Police with a pursuit around 2:15 this morning. A tire deflation device was deployed, disabling the suspect’s vehicle, and upon the troopers’ retrieval of the device, they were struck by a Hammond Police unit involved in the pursuit. One trooper has been treated and released, the other, identified as Trooper George Baker, is in critical condition. Troopers are asking for blood donations at the North Oaks Diagnostic Center in Hammond.
The state’s top school board selects Jefferson Parish Schools superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley as the state’s new education superintendent. Brumley will fill the position once occupied by John White. The Sabine native was one of 21 applicants and during his interview, he described a team effort to improve public education
Cut 12 (11) “…those things”

Brumley has led Jefferson Parish Schools since 2018

The feds award Louisiana 190 million dollars to expand COVID-19 testing and establish antibody testing in the future once the FDA approves a procedure. Governor Edwards has expressed optimism the state will move into Phase Two in June. Congressman Garret Graves says this funding ensures we have the testing capacity to meet the federal benchmarks to do so.

Cut 10 (11) “…program”

Casinos are experiencing a promising start to reopening after being closed since mid-March.  Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says players are showing up and are not pushing back against virus spread mitigation efforts of wearing masks and social distancing.
Cut 6 (09) “ …the virus hit.”

Jones adds that people were lined up at the doors waiting on the casinos to reopen on Monday.

4:45 LRN Sportscast May 20

The NCAA Division One council has reportedly voted to approve voluntary athletic activities in football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball beginning on June first. The rest of the sports will be acted on at a later date according to Yahoo Sports. LSU officials have said they hope to get football players back on campus next month and the SEC is set to vote on Friday whether their schools can reopen their team facilities on either June 1st or June 15th.

The Athletic is reporting that Disney World in Orlando has emerged as the host site for NBA games if the league decides to move forward with resuming the season. Yahoo Sports’ Keith Smith reports that Disney has started to adjust its hotel space to accommodate players, coaches and staff. The NBA has also considered Las Vegas. According to the Athletic report, a second training camp will begin in mid-June and games would resume in mid-July.

As we reported in the first segment, hopes are increasing that football players can get back on campus next month for offseason workouts. New LSU starting quarterback Myles Brennan is hoping this is the case as he looks to take over for Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow. Brennan will have two proven receivers to target in the passing game, Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Junior. Offensive Coordinator Steve Ensminger says he thinks Racey McMath can have a breakout season in 2020 and he likes the speed that a lot of the young receivers have shown…
Cut 18 (26) “…double team Ja’Marr”

4:30 LRN Newscast May 20

The state’s top school board selects Jefferson Parish Schools superintendent Cade Brumley as the state’s new education superintendent. He will replace John White as the new superintendent. Dr. Brumley on what he would like to see from teachers in the classroom…

Cut 14 (14) “…child faces”

 

Louisiana has been awarded 190 million dollars from the federal government to expand COVID-19 testing. Early on in the pandemic, it could be hard to get a test even if you thought you were exposed, but Congressman Garret Graves says once this funding is applied that will no longer be the case.

Cut 9 (09) “…tested.”

The money will also be used to establish antibody testing in the future once the FDA approves a procedure.

The number of COVID-19 patients in Louisiana hospitals has dropped below 1,000 for the first time since late March. On his monthly call in radio show today Governor John Bel Edwards noted that just over a month ago the state recorded 2,134 individuals were hospitalized for COVID-19 and today the number is 931. Vent usages is also down by two to 110, the lowest since March 25th.

Following closures since mid-March, casino guests are excited to get back on the gaming floor. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

3:30 LRN Newscast May 20

The state’s top school board selects Jefferson Parish Schools superintendent Cade Brumley as the state’s new education superintendent. Brumley has led Jefferson Parish Schools since 2018. Dr. Brumley says early childhood education is very important to him…

Cut 13 (13) “early brain”  

The Department of Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak that’s infected about 100 people at three Acadiana crawfish farms. Crawfish Promotion Board Chairman David Savoy says the migrant workers live in communal spaces where social distancing is not possible, and he does not believe the industry could have done anything differently to avoid the outbreaks.

Cut 5 (09)  “…cost.”

Louisiana reports 27 new COVID fatalities and 278 new confirmed cases but drops below a thousand hospitalizations for the first time since March 28th, continuing the general declining curve of coronavirus spread.  Current hospitalizations are at 931 and those on vents are down two at 110.

Louisiana scores 190-million dollars from the feds to significantly expand COVID-19 testing capacity. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

LRN PM Newscall May 20

Following closure since mid-March, casino guests are excited to get back on the gaming floor. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

Louisiana scores 190 million dollars from the feds to significantly expanding COVID-19 testing capacity. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak that’s infected about 100 people at three Acadiana crawfish farms.

The outbreaks are centered on dormitory housing for migrant workers. Crawfish Promotion Board Chairman David Savoy says these farm outbreaks are unlikely to spread into the local community.

Cut 3 (11)  “…together.”  

The outbreak was discovered as part of the state’s efforts to expand testing in congregate housing settings.

Savoy says the outbreak occurred at the end of the season and likely will not impact overall production.

Cut 4 (05)_ “…too great.”

Savoy says the workers live in communal spaces where social distancing is not possible and does not believe the industry could have done anything differently to avoid the outbreaks.

Cut 5 (09)  “…cost.”

_________________________________________________

Casinos are experiencing a promising start to reopening after being closed since mid-March.  Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says players are showing up and are not pushing back against virus spread mitigation efforts of wearing masks and social distancing.
Cut 6 (09) “ …the virus hit.”

Jones adds that people were lined up at the doors waiting on the casinos to reopen on Monday.

Jones says out of town guests are showing up since a majority of the state’s gaming tourism does not rely on air travel.

Cut 7 (11) “…some Louisiana folks.”

Properties are limited to 25% occupancy and can operate half of their gaming positions.  Before guests are allowed on the gaming floor, they go through a temperature check, sanitize their hands, are given masks, and encouraged to wear them.

Two Boyd Gaming properties are set to reopen today, bringing the grand total to 13 casinos back in business.  Jones says there is still a chance that Diamond Jack Casino in Bossier City, which had previously announced a permanent closure, may still reopen.

Cut 8 (08) “…back in business.”

_______________________

The feds award Louisiana 190 million dollars to expand COVID-19 testing.

Early on in the pandemic, it could be hard to get a test even if you thought you were exposed, but Congressman Garret Graves says once this funding is applied that will no longer be the case.

Cut 9 (09) “…tested.”

The money will also be used to establish antibody testing in the future once the FDA approves a procedure.

Governor Edwards has expressed optimism the state will move into Phase Two in June. Graves says this funding ensures we have the testing capacity to meet the federal benchmarks to do so.

Cut 10 (11) “…program”

The money came to the state through legation passed by Congress three weeks ago that also refilled the Payroll Protection Program fund.

Graves says the level of testing this funding provides is vital to returning to some sense of normalcy before a vaccine is made.

Cut 11 (11) “…reemergence”

_________________________

The state’s top school board selects Jefferson Parish Schools superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley as the state’s new education superintendent. Brumley will fill the position once occupied by John White. The Sabine native was one of 21 applicants and during his interview, he described a team effort to improve public education

Cut 12 (11) “…those things”

Brumley has led Jefferson Parish Schools since 2018. Before that he spent six years as the superintendent of the DeSoto Parish School System which became an A-rated district under his watch.

Dr. Brumley says early childhood education is very important to him…

Cut 13 (13) “early brain”  

Dr. Brumley on what he would like to see from teachers in the classroom…

Cut 14 (14) “…child faces”

BESE will now work to finalize a contract with Dr. Brumley.

2:30 LRN Newscast May 20

For the first time since March 28th the state is reporting less than thousand COVID-19 hospitalizations. The Health Department released numbers today and currently, 931 patients are hospitalized with the coronavirus, down 73 from the previous day. Vent usage also declined by two to 110.

The state reported 27 new fatalities bringing the total to 2,485.

The state’s top school board selects Jefferson Parish Schools superintendent Cade Brumley as the state’s new education superintendent. Brumley will fill the position once occupied by John White. The Sabine native was one of 21 applicants and during his interview, he described a team effort to improve public education

Cut 12 (11) “…those things”

Brumley has led Jefferson Parish Schools since 2018.

The feds award Louisiana 190-million dollars to expand COVID-19 testing and establish antibody testing in the future once the FDA approves a procedure. Congressman Garret Graves says the level of testing this funding provides is vital to returning to some sense of normalcy before a vaccine is made.

Cut 11 (11) “…reemergence”

Governor Edwards has expressed optimism the state will move into Phase Two in June.

Casinos are off a promising start reopening after being closed since mid-March and Two properties are set to reopen today. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says there is still a chance that Diamond Jack Casino in Bossier City, which had previously announced a permanent closure, may still reopen.

Cut 8 (08) “…back in business.”

1:30 LRN Newscast May 20

The feds award Louisiana 190 million dollars to expand COVID-19 testing and establish antibody testing in the future once the FDA approves a procedure. Governor Edwards has expressed optimism the state will move into Phase Two in June. Congressman Garret Graves says this funding ensures we have the testing capacity to meet the federal benchmarks to do so.

Cut 10 (11) “…program”

 

The Louisiana Department of Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak that’s infected about 100 people at three Acadiana crawfish farms. Crawfish Promotion Board Chairman David Savoy says the outbreak occurred at the end of the season and likely will not impact overall production.

Cut 4 (05)_ “…too great.”

Savoy says the workers live in communal spaces where social distancing is not possible.

Casinos are experiencing a promising start to reopening after being closed since mid-March.  Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says out of town guests are showing up since a majority of the state’s gaming tourism does not rely on air travel.

Cut 7 (11) “…some Louisiana folks.”

Properties are limited to 25% occupancy and can operate half of their gaming positions.  Before guests are allowed on the gaming floor, they go through a temperature check, sanitize their hands, are given masks, and are encouraged to wear them.

Louisiana reports 27 new COVID fatalities and 278 new confirmed cases but drops below a thousand hospitalizations for the first time since March 28th, continuing the general decline of coronavirus spread. Current hospitalizations are at 931 and those on vents are down two at 110.

1230 PM LRN News

Louisiana reports 27 new COVID fatalities and 278 new confirmed cases but drops below a thousand hospitalizations for the first time since March 28th, continuing the general declining curve of coronavirus spread.

The feds award Louisiana 190 million dollars to expand COVID-19 testing. Early on in the pandemic, it could be hard to get a test even if you thought you were exposed, but Congressman Garret Graves says once this funding is applied that will no longer be the case.

Cut 9, 9 seconds, tested

The Louisiana Department of Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak that’s infected about 100 people at three Acadiana crawfish farms. The outbreaks are centered on dormitory housing for migrant workers. Crawfish Promotion Board Chairman David Savoy says these farm outbreaks are unlikely to spread into the local community.

Cut 3 (11)  “…together.”  

Senator Bill Cassidy introduces legislation that would deliver $500 billion in emergency funding to states and local governments. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Jefferson Parish schools superintendent Cade Brumley is named the next Superintendent of Education in Louisiana. He replaces former Superintendent John White.

11:30 LRN Newscast May 20

Casinos are experiencing a promising start to reopening. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says players are showing up and are not pushing back against virus spread mitigation efforts of wearing masks and social distancing.
Cut 6 (09) “ …the virus hit.”

The House Governmental Affairs Committee has rejected a bill that would allow all registered voters in Louisiana to vote by mail. Republican legislators express concerns that mail ballot voting would lead to an increase in voter fraud, but St. Francisville resident Catherine McKinney testified it will not…
cut 12 (10) “…by mail
Despite this argument, the measure died on a nine-five vote.

NASA’s Michoud Assembly Center in New Orleans is slowly ramping up production again after an extended closure due to the pandemic. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Cal-Maine Foods in St. Helena Parish is donating nearly 600-thousand eggs to five food banks. General Manager Corey Davis says they had an excess of eggs because schools and restaurants have been closed…
cut 16 (10) “…with them”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Other than whether there is a season, the big question for the LSU football Tigers is can quarterback Myles Brennan lead the Bayou Bengals to another successful season. Offensive Coordinator Steve Ensminger says he’s seen enough from Brennan to have a lot of confidence in him…
Cut 17 (19) “…let’s go”
LSU football coach Ed Orgeron gave the commencement speech yesterday at an East Baton Rouge parishwide graduation ceremony at the Louisiana Leadership Institute.
cut 30 (10) “…your mind”
Orgeron says he’s evidence that dreams can come true.

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas teamed up with Raising Cane’s yesterday to provide front-line workers in the New Orleans area with three-thousand meals. Thomas also spoke with reporters, but would not reveal how he’s preparing for the 2020 season. He says you’ll be able to tell he worked when you see him play.

The NFL has made changes to the Rooney Rule. Starting next year, teams must interview two minority candidates from outside of the organization if they have a head coaching vacancy.

Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin says Zion Williamson was able to continue rehabbing his knee at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center during the period when the NBA closed practicie facilities to players and staff. Williamson missed the first 45 games of the season due to a torn right lateral meniscus.

The Triple Crown in Horse Racing will begin June 20th with the Belmont. Usually its the Kentucky Derby, but the run for the roses is scheduled for September 5th and the Preakness is scheduled for October third.