9:30 LRN Newscast December 17

Louisiana received 39-thousand doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine this week and Governor Edwards says the state will receive another 40-thousand doses next week. After that, they’ll find out what the state’s allotment is on a week to week basis…
cut 9 (11) “….orders”
The Moderna vaccine could receive F-D-A approval soon. An advisory panel of the F-D-A is meeting today looking at Moderna’s trial results. Assistant Dean for Translational Research at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele, says the data looks remarkably good and the side effects are minor…
cut 12 (07) “…concern”
Miele says the efficacy rate for the Moderna vaccine is 94-percent.

New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson has launched her campaign for the Louisiana’s Second Congressional District seat. Peterson also served as the Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party. Peterson says she’s not afraid to tackle the issues
cut 5 (08) “…doing that”
New Orleans Senator Troy Carter is also campaigning to replace Cedric Richmond, who is stepping down for a position in the Biden Administration.

LSU signed 19 players on the first day of the early signing period and Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says it was a good day for Coach Ed Orgeron and his recruiting staff..
cut 14 (08) “…four stars”
The two five-star recruits are Terrebonne Defensive tackle Maason Smith and Lafayette Christian Safety Sage Ryan. Alabama was after both prospects.

8:30 LRN Newscast December 17

Governor John Bel Edwards says the first week of vaccination distribution is going well and they’ve successfully vaccinated thousands of frontline healthcare workers since Monday. Edwards says Louisiana received 39,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
Cut 8 (08) “…allocations”

The Moderna Vaccine seeks approval today in front of an advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration. Taylor Sharp has the story…
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Taylor Sharp”

The race is heating up in the second Congressional district as Cedric Richmond is set to step down to join the Biden administration. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson officially announced her campaign yesterday and fellow New Orleans Senator Troy Carter has also joined the race. Both are Democrats, but Carter says he plans to reach across the aisle to bring more resources back to Louisiana…
cut 6 (10) “…done”
New Orleans City Councilwoman Helena Moreno may enter the race as well.

On the first day of the early signing period, LSU lost a couple of recruits to Alabama, but Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says LSU responded well…
cut 15 (09) “…people wanted”
That linebacker is Bugg Strong from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He’s rated as the number one JUCO linebacker prospect in the country.

7:30 LRN Newscast December 17

Thousands of frontline healthcare workers have received the Pfizer COVID vaccine this week. Governor Edwards says he’s pleased with the vaccine rollout so far…
Cut 2 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

The governor made those comments during his monthly radio show. He also called the lawsuit that sought to overturn the presidential election unfortunate. It was a lawsuit supported by Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry. Edwards says people should accept the results.

New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson has officially launched her campaign to replace Cedric Richmond as Louisiana’s Second District U-S Representative. Peterson touts her legislative record that shows her commitment to economic, racial, environmental, and reproductive justice.
Cut 4 (08) “…Congress.”
New Orleans Senator Troy Carter is also in the race and believes he can get things done during a contentious time in D-C…
cut 7 (09) “…happen”

LSU signed 19 players on the opening day of the early signing period and can fill out the class by signing six more. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins expects Coach Ed Orgeron to go after more offensive linemen…
cut 16 (10) “….the portal”

6:45 LRN Sportscast December 17

LSU signed 19 players on the first day of the early signing period and Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says it was a good day for Coach Ed Orgeron and his recruiting staff..
cut 14 (08) “…four stars”
The two five-star recruits are Terrebonne Defensive tackle Maason Smith and Lafayette Christian Safety Sage Ryan. Alabama was after both prospects. LSU lost a couple of commits to Alabama, Texas receiver JoJo Earle and defensive end Keanu Koht.

The Ragin Cajuns signed ten players, including Ouachita Christian High School Quarterback Hunter Herring. Coach Billy Napier says they can’t wait to work with him…
cut 19 (16) “…with his legs”

Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been designed to return from injured reserve, which means the team has 21 days to decide whether to promote him to the active roster. In a conference call with reporters after Wednesday’s practice, Coach Sean Payton said Brees still has a ways to go as he recovers from multiple rib fractures and a collapsed lung.

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas did not practice yesterday. He’s coming off an eight catch performance against Philadelphia. It’s possible the Saints are giving Thomas some extra time as he continues to battle that sprained ankle suffered in week one.

In college basketball….LSU did not play UNO as scheduled, because of COVID issues with the Tigers hoops teams. LSU still plans on hosting North Texas on Saturday.

For the second straight season. Grambling beat ULM 78-61. The Tigers were 11 of 23 from the three-point line. Cameron Christian and Cameron Woodall each scored 17 points, each hitting three-three pointers.

6:30 LRN Newscast December 17

An FDA advisory committee meets today to discuss whether to give emergency approval to a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna. Assistant Dean for Translational Research at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele, says the data looks remarkably good…
cut 11 (05) “…Pfizer”
Side effects have been reported with the Pfizer vaccine that arrived this week. Miele says there will be side effects with the Moderna vaccine as well, but they will be minor.

Governor John Bel Edwards is so far pleased with the vaccine rollout as thousands of healthcare workers have been vaccinated. But Edwards says it looks like we will not return back to normal until summer when the vaccine is more publicly available…
cut 10 (09) “…immunity”
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has contracted the virus. His symptoms are said to be minor.

Two New Orleans Democratic lawmakers are the first up to announce their intention to run for the soon-to-be-vacant 2nd Congressional District seat. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

AM LRN Newscall

Two New Orleans Democratic lawmakers are the first up to announce their intention to run for the soon-to-be-vacant 2nd Congressional District seat. Matt Doyle has the story.

 Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

Thousands of frontline healthcare workers have received the Pfizer COVID vaccine this week. Governor Edwards says he’s very pleased about the vaccine rollout so far…

Cut 2 (30) “…Matt Doyle” 

__________________________________________

The Moderna Vaccine seeks approval today in front of an advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration. Taylor Sharp has the story…

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

__________________________________________

Two candidates have formally joined the race for the now open 2nd Congressional District seat, New Orleans Democratic lawmakers Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter.

Peterson touted her legislative record and says it shows her commitment to economic, racial, environmental, and reproductive justice.

Cut 4 (08) “…Congress.”

The seat is coming open due to current Congressman Cedric Richmond’s move to join the Biden administration as a senior aide. That departure is set for January 20th.

Peterson served as the State Democratic Party Chairwoman for eight years before stepping down earlier this year. She says she’s gained the statewide experience necessary to represent the winding district.

Cut 5 (06) “…Baton Rouge.”

The state’s minority-majority district encompasses most of New Orleans, parts of Jefferson Parish, and winds through the River Parishes and over north Baton Rouge. 70 percent of voters are in the New Orleans area while 20 percent live in the River Parishes and 12 percent live in Baton Rouge.

Carter says with a split Congress his history of being able to reach across the aisle makes him well suited to be able to bring more resources back to Louisiana.

Cut 6 (10) “…done.”

New Orleans City Councilwoman Helena Moreno is rumored to be eying a run and Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers has announced his interest as well.

Carter says he’s had to run some tough races for his seat and would hit the ground running in D.C. during a contentious period for the Lower Chamber.

Cut 7 (09)  “…happen.”

Governor Edwards has not yet called for a special election race to replace Richmond, but it’s expected it would take place sometime in spring.

___________________________________

Governor Edwards says the first week of vaccinations is going well and they’ve successfully vaccinated thousands of frontline healthcare workers around the state over the past few days.

Edwards says Louisiana received 39,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Cut 8 (08) “…allocations”

Edwards says they expect to receive about 40,000 doses of the vaccine next week. After that, they’ll find out what the state’s allotment is on a week to week basis.

Cut 9 (11) “…orders”

Despite these early shipments Edwards says it looks like we won’t be able to return back to normal until summer when the vaccine is more publicly available.

Cut 10 (09) “…immunity.”

___________________________________________________

The FDA advisory committee meets today to discuss whether to give emergency approval to a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna. Assistant Dean for Translational Research at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele, says the data looks remarkable good

Cut 11 (05) “…Pfizer.”

Side effects have been reported with the Pfizer vaccine that arrived in the state this week. Miele says there will be side effects with the Moderna vaccine as well, but they will be minor…

Cut 12 (07) “…concern.”

Miele says the efficacy rate for the Moderna vaccine is 94-percent…

Cut 13 (08) “…disease.”

 ____________________________________________

LSU is putting together its 2021 recruiting class during the early period and while the Tigers aren’t done yet, Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins is pleased with the class so far.

Cut 14 (08) “…four stars.” 

LSU commit Keanu Koht was one of the first recruits to announce his decision and ended up flipping to Alabama.  Higgins says that happens sometimes, but LSU responded well.

Cut 15 (09)“…a lot of people wanted.”

Garrett Dellinger is LSU’s lone offensive lineman commit and while there’s still a lot of top linemen uncommitted, Higgins thinks LSU will look for transfers to fill the need at O-line.

Cut 16 (10) “…the portal.”

 ____________________________________________

The Saints will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, who are led by All-pro quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Coach Sean Payton says what makes Mahomes so tough to defend is his great pocket presence.

cut 17 (22) “…those receivers.”

 While Mahomes will certainly present a challenge to the Saints defense Payton does has some experience with Chiefs coach Andy Reid.  Payton says he’s worked with Reid before and has a lot of respect for him.

cut  18 (21) “…is special.”

_____________________________________________

cut 19 (13) “…out there.”

cut 20 (11) “….playing tough”

530 PM LRN news

The rapid pace of vaccine development has, according to recent polls, many Americans concerned about the safety and efficacy of getting a shot. Senator Bill Cassidy says Operation Warp Speed’s success in producing a vaccine in just ten months is laudable, and if you doubt the vaccine’s safety just talk to one of the nurses that got vaccinated this week.

Cut 4 (09)   “..them”  

Cassidy says he would take the vaccine if offered.

A new wasp species has been discovered by a grad student at the LSU Ag Center and has been named Joeburrowi, after former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow.  Entomologist Nathan Lord with the LSU Ag Center says the name is appropriate due to the insect’s unique pattern.

Cut 6 (11) “…number one”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser this morning doubled down on his comments that New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell had Lafayette pop star Lauren Daigle booted from ABC’s New Year’s Eve programming. A NOLA.com report contradicted that claim, but Nungesser says he had confirmed Daigle’s participation with ABC before Cantrell found out she was involved in the live performance from Jackson Square…

Cut 9 (09) “…New Orleans.”

The Louisiana Insurance Department says they’ve received over 700 consumer complaints from hurricane victims this year, with over 600 of them coming from policyholders who suffered Hurricane Laura damage. Deputy Commissioner for the Office of Consumer Services Jeffrey Zewe says 450 of the complaints are closed…

Cut 12 (08) “…relief done.” 

445 Sportscast 12/16

Today is national signing day and the LSU Tigers have signed 17 recruits so far in the early signing period, none bigger than 5 star defensive lineman Maason Smith from Terrebonne Parish, who is the top-ranked recruit in Louisiana.  In addition to Smith, LSU’s class contains a number of the nation’s top player’s, including quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and Zachary wide receiver Chris Hilton.  While LSU lost out on 4 star Keanu Koht today, they received a signing day surprise as they got a signature from Navonteque Strong, who is the nation’s number 1 ranked JUCO linebacker.

ULM is busy with its signing day as well.  Their 2021 class is led by a pair of Louisiana recruits in Ouachita QB Zach Shaw and West Monroe Tight End Rylan Green.

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs welcome 10 signees to their 2021 recruiting class, including former St. Thomas More quarterback Caleb Holstein.  The team also grabbed a pair of Shreveport offensive lineman in Erron Bean and Carson Bruno.

The Ragin Cajuns 2021 class is headlined by Ouachita Christian QB Hunter Herring, who is the 48th ranked player in the state of Louisiana.

 

After a tough loss to the Eagles, the Saints now have to get ready to host the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.  Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins says they know the Chiefs are one of the best teams in the NFL, but if they can focus on themselves…

Cut 19

The LSU men’s basketball game against UNO that was scheduled for tonight has been postponed due to Covid-19 concerns.  The Tigers’ next game will be Saturday against North Texas at 11 am.

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team got a 73-63 win over the UNO Privateers.  The Cajuns were led in scoring by guard Cedric Russell, who had a game-high 20 points.  Theo Akwuba had a good game as well, scoring 11 points to go along with 14 rebounds and 7 blocks.  They will wrap up non-conference play on Saturday when the host Mcneese State.

430 PM LRN News

The first vaccines in Louisiana were administered Monday, just 275 days after the first Louisianan died of COVID. Senator Bill Cassidy says that’s by far the fastest vaccine development in human history and a triumph of the government’s Operation Warp Speed development program.

Cut 3 (08)  “..months.”

While vaccines are slowly trickling into the state LDH reported another 3,275 COVID cases in Louisiana today.

The Louisiana Insurance Department says they’ve received over 600 consumer complaints from hurricane Laura victims this year. Deputy Commissioner for the Office of Consumer Services Jeffrey Zewe says 450 of the complaints are closed…

Cut 12 (08) “…relief done.” 

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser isn’t backing away from his comments yesterday where he accused New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell of having Lafayette pop star Lauren Daigle booted from ABC’s New Year’s Eve program due to a personal issue with the singer. A NOLA.com report has sources saying Daigle was never offered a spot on the program but Nungesser says he confirmed Daigle’s participation with ABC before Cantrell found out about the proposed performance from Jackson Square…

Cut 9 (09) “…New Orleans.”

A new wasp species has been discovered by a grad student at the LSU Ag Center and has been named Joeburrowi, after former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow.  Entomologist Nathan Lord with the LSU Ag Center says the name is appropriate due to the insect’s unique pattern.

Cut 6 (11) “…number one”

3:30 LRN Newscast December 16

Governor John Bel Edwards said on his monthly radio show that the rollout of the first coronavirus doses to states has gone smoothly as the state has received 39-thousand doses which are going to frontline healthcare workers. U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says vaccine compliance will be the key to ending the pandemic and restarting the economy…
cut 5 (11) “…go down”
It will take months before enough people are vaccinated and her immunity can be achieved.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has put the blame on New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell for keeping Lauren Daigle from performing on A-B-C’s Dick Clark Rockin on New Year’s Eve. But a NOLA-dot-com report says Daigle was never booked and New Orleans will still be featured during the broadcast. Nungesser is sticking by his story…
cut 11 (03) “…forward”
Nungesser appeared on Talk Louisiana this morning.

The Deputy Commissioner for the Office of Consumer Services with the Louisiana Department of Insurance told state lawmakers today that they still have 250 disaster complaints open and most of the complaints are the result of claim delays and estimate amounts. Jeffrey Zewe says the estimate from an adjuster is just an estimate on what it will cost to repair the damage
Cut 13 (11)“…additional payment.”

There’s now a wasp named after former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow. LSU Ag Center entomologist Nathan Lord says one of his grad students discovered a particular wasp that didn’t have a name so he named it after the Heisman Trophy winner…
cut 7 (10) “,…after Joe”
Lord says the wasp was found in Malaysia and they don’t know how many of these type of wasps exist.