0645 LRN SPORTSCAST DECEMBER 23

The Saints will take on a red-hot Miami Dolphins team on Monday night. The Dolphins have won six in a row, only allowing a total of 79 points in those games. New Orleans Acting Head Coach Dennis Allen says Miami is also playing complimentary football on offense…:
Cut 16 (22) “win games”
Sean Payton remains away from the team after testing positive for COVID-19 last Friday. Allen says Payton is doing better but did not give a clear timeline on when the head coach will return.

Fans going to the game Monday are encouraged to wear black to match the uniforms the Saints players will be wearing in the contest.

The LSU men’s basketball team finishes non-conference play still undefeated and that’s for the first time since the year 2000. The Tigers easily cruised to a 95-60 victory over Lipscomb on Wednesday. Coach Will Wade’s team will take a break for Christmas before getting ready for SEC action at Auburn next Wednesday.

Louisiana Tech Men’s Basketball concluded their non-conference slate with a 99-56 win over Crowley’s Ridge College.

LSU linebacker Damone Clark has posted a farewell message to fans on Twitter as he’s opted out of the Texas bowl. The Tigers will play Kansas State on January fourth without two of its best players on defense. Defensive tackle Neil Farrell Junior has also opted out.

The latest surge in COVID cases is impacting the world of college football.

An outbreak with the Texas A-and-M program means the Aggies will not play Wake Forest in the Gator Bowl. the College Football Playoff said if a team cannot play in a semifinal, the opponent will advance to the title game and if both teams cannot play, the winner of the other semi is the champion.

630 LRN NEWSCAST DECEMBER 23

As the Omicron COVID variant grows in Louisiana, the FDA approves Pfizer’s new COVID-19 treatment pill. Dr. Benjamin Springgate is with LSU Health in New Orleans. He says this an “extraordinary step forward” in treating the coronavirus and its variants…:
Cut 10 (07) “hospitalization or death”
The oral treatment called Paxlovid is available only with a prescription from your doctor. Treatment must begin within five days of onset of symptoms.

Today is the last day to send gifts in the mail if you want them to arrive for Christmas. USPS Spokesperson David Walton says send Priority Mail Express…:
Cut 13 (06) “Christmas Day”
USPS says no shipping delays are expected for people shipping last minute.

A recent study shows Louisiana continues to have one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the country. Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, says more than half a million Louisianans, including one in five children, struggle with hunger:
Cut 7 (12) “leftover food”
He says you can help by donating food, time or money, and every little bit helps.

The Vernon Parish Sherrif’s Office says a woman was killed in a deputy-involved shooting Tuesday after allegedly pointing a weapon and pursuing one of the officers. They indicate a male subject told cops 44-year-old Chantel Myers was threatening to commit suicide, and when deputies attempted to deescalate the situation at a residence in the area of Pitkin, the woman charged at officers with a gun in an aggressive manner threatening to harm them. A deputy fired his weapon fatally striking Myers. The matter is under investigation.

AM Newscall Dec 23

AM NEWSCALL

The roadways are about to get a lot busier as folks head out for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Reporter Dave Brannen spoke with Triple-A’s Don Redman.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

___________________________________

 One in five children in Louisiana suffers from hunger. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

___________________________________

As cases of COVID’s Omicron variant grow in Louisiana, the FDA approves a pill to mitigate the virus’s impact. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

___________________________________

There will be a lot more Christmas and New Year’s holiday travelers this year compared to a year ago when COVID had us all hunkered down. Triple-A’s Don Redman says his group predicts a 34 percent increase in those hitting the highways, many of them beginning their trips today.

Cut 4 (08) “….vaccinations and boosters.”

Nationwide, 109 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more for the holidays.

Redman says while gas prices are significantly higher than a year ago, that’s not likely to be the lone determining factor for folks opting for holiday travel.

Cut 5 (08) “…their personal economies.”

Redman says patience will be key to getting to your holiday destination safely.

Cut 6 (10) “..in your destination.”

And, he says airline travel over the holiday period is expected to increase 184 percent compared to last year.

__________________________________________________

A recent study shows Louisiana continues to have one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the country. Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America says more than half a million Louisianans, including one in five children, struggle with hunger.

Cut 7 (12) “…leftover food.”

While the pandemic highlighted food insecurity during a surge in unemployment Berg says hunger in the Bayou State has been an ongoing issue due to low wages and inadequate safety net programs in the state.

Cut 8 (12) “…legitimate.”

Berg says it’s ironic that a state known for its culinary leads the nation in hunger and despite what some might say hunger is a political and a partisan issue.

Cut 9 (12)  “…pro-hunger.”

Berg says the 67-percent drop in food insufficiency in Louisiana coincided with the massive boost in federal food and cash aid.

_____________________________________________

As the Omicron COVID variant takes a foothold in Louisiana, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approves Pfizer’s new COVID-19 treatment pill. Dr. Benjamin Springgate is with LSU Health in New Orleans. He call this an “extraordinary step forward” in treating the coronavirus and its variants…:

Cut 10 (07)  “…hospitalization or death.”

The oral treatment, called “Paxlovid” by Pfizer, was authorized for treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID in adults and kids 12 and up at high risk for progressing to severe illness. The drug is not authorized for post-exposure prevention, or in people who are already hospitalized with the virus. Dr. Springgate says, even so, its approval comes none too soon…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…in which it was tested.”  

Pfizer’s Paxlovid is available only with a prescription from your doctor. Treatment must begin within five days of onset of symptoms. Frequent COVID testing is advised to know if or when that occurs. Dr. Stringgate says this can be a serious breakthrough in dealing with pandemic…:

Cut 12 (09) “…fortunate that it is.”

_____________________________________________________

Today is the last day to send gifts in the mail if you want them to arrive for Christmas. USPS Spokesperson David Walton says you can use their service called Priority Mail Express if you want guaranteed delivery by Saturday.

Cut 13 (06) “…Christmas Day.”

Check with your local post office to find out what their drop-off hours are for Priority Express.

Walton has a few mailing tips to help your packages arrive on time, like a clearly printed address label with the correct zip code.

Cut 14 (07)  “…packages as well.”

Walton says put plenty of bubble wrap in your packages and if you’re shipping a battery-operated item…

Cut 15 (09)  “…investigate it.”

And if you’re tracking an item and it’s still not showing any details, Walton says to contact the retailer or sender to see if it’s been handed over to the postal service yet.

_______________________________________________________

The Saints will take on a red-hot Miami Dolphins team on Monday night. The Dolphins have won six in a row, only allowing a total of 79 points in those games. New Orleans Acting Head Coach Dennis Allen says Miami is also playing complimentary football on offense…

Cut  16 (22) “…win games”

Sean Payton remains away from the team after testing positive for COVID-19 last Friday. Allen says Payton is doing better, but did not give a clear timeline on when the head coach will return…

Cut 17 (17) “ for it” 

Both New Orleans and Miami have suffered long-losing streaks this season. Miami lost seven in a row, while the Saints dropped five in a row. But both teams are 7-and-7 and playing a meaningful game in December. Quarterback Taysom Hill he’s looking forward to this game…..

Cut 18 (30) “ ..matchup” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 22

Hospitals are beginning to reinstate mask policies. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

Louisiana is continuing an unfortunate trend of losing population to other states according to Census Bureau data.  Demographer Greg Rigamer says economic factors primarily played a role in the Bayou State ranking fifth in out-migration comparing 2020 to 2021 figures.

Cut 3 (10) “…doing much better.”

 

Louisiana’s percent of population decline for the year-long period was six-tenths of a percent, the sixth highest in the nation.

 

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s still waiting on the CDC to provide some guidance on how much protection a person may have from COVID if previously infected by COVID. Cassidy says based on worldwide research there is some natural immunity for those who recover from COVID…Cassidy isn’t sure why the CDC seems reluctant to look into natural immunity, but the senator, who is also a physician, believes it does provide some protection from future infection…

Cut 14 (11) “..were infected.” 

 

As you head out to do your last-minute shopping for Christmas dinner, Mike Strain, Louisiana’s AG Secretary, says you really shouldn’t have much trouble finding what you need, including the right size turkey.

Cut 9 (10) “…food products available.”

The only downside to all this is inflation has pushed up the price of most everything you’ll need for your meal.

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast December 22nd

Saints defensive end Cam Jordan was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week today. Jordan had two sacks and a forced fumble in the shutout win over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. New Orleans next game is Monday night at home against the Dolphins. The oddsmakers have the Saints a 3 point favorite and not making points are expected. The over-under is 38.5 points.

LSU linebacker Damone Clark has posted a farewell message to fans on Twitter as he’s opted out of the Texas bowl. The Tigers will play Kansas State on January fourth without two of its best players on defense. Defensive tackle Neil Farrell Junior has also opted out.

The latest surge in COVID cases is impacting the world of college football.

A COVId outbreak with the Texas A-and-M program means the Aggies will not play Wake Forest in the Gator Bowl.

Today the College Football Playoff said if a team cannot play in a semifinal, the opponent will advance to the title game and if both teams cannot play, the winner of the other semi is the champion. The title game in Indianapolis could be moved as late as January 14th.

The 17th ranked LSU men’s basketball team looks for their 12th straight win tonight when they host Lipscomb. The Tigers have three players averaging in double figures. Tari Eason, who comes off the bench and averages a team-high 16 points a game. Darius Days is averaging 15 points and nine rebounds a game and Xavier Pinson has transferred in from Missouri to average 10 points and five assists a game. Coach Will Wade says Pinson has been a great addition out of the transfer portal….
cut 18 (19) “…get”
Tip-off is at 7 PM.

The Pelicans have won three in a row after beating Portland 111 to 97 last night. Brandon Ingram has been playing some great basketball lately and last night he averaged 28 points. New Orleans is at Orlando tomorrow.

4:30 LRN Newscast Dec 22

Louisiana U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s looking to the Centers for Disease Control to offer up some guidance on how safe from COVID a person may be if they’ve already had it. He says worldwide research suggests previous exposure and illness can produce a natural immunity. Cassidy has suggested to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky they should look into that. He says she verified other countries are saying, “yes, natural immunity is a thing”…:

CUT 13  (11)        “…or restaurant.”

The federal Food & Drug Administration approves a new pill to take for COVID from Pfizer. Called “Paxlovid”, it reduced serious symptoms by about 89-percent in human testing. It’ll be available by prescription only, and is expected to be in pretty short supply at first … as production of the pills ramps up. COVID Omicron cases are on the rise in Louisiana and across the country.

 

KNOE in Monroe reports a man wanted for murdering a woman in the Ouachita Parish city back in November has been apprehended in Houston. 32-year-old Nelson Bridges is accused of the shooting death of 29-year-old Jessica Lee on November 15th. He’ll be extradited back to Ouachita, where he’ll face a 2nd-degree murder charge.

The U.S. Census Bureau says Louisiana continues to lose people to other states; a trend that’s been going on for years. More on that from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Brannen.”

3:30 LRN Newscast Dec 23

Along with state offices resuming the requirement of face masks indoors, hospitals are beginning to reinstate mask policies as well. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02 (33)      “…Thorington.”

You remember the Shreveport woman who tossed her kids off a bridge into Cross Lake back in September; killing one of them? Ureka Black is charged with murder and attempted murder. Her arraignment, which was scheduled for today, has been pushed back until late January. Her lawyers have filed a sanity motion, and that psych evaluation will take that long.

 

The coroner in St. Charles Parish nails down causes of death for two bodies found in drainage ditches in the town of Boutte within days of each other. On December 17th, the remains of 31-year-old Ellington Lockett were discovered. He was stabbed to death. Just three days later, 52-year-old Leroy Houston, Jr. was found. He died of natural causes, exacerbated by illegal drugs in his system. The former’s murder is under investigation.

If you haven’t done the Christmas dinner grocery shopping yet, be prepared to pay a good bit more. Inflation of food items is at about 6.8-percent compared to last year. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says he doesn’t anticipate any break in prices soon…:

CUT 11  (08)        “…we call input costs.”

Serving turkey? Expect to pay about 8-percent more. Beef is up nearly 21-percent this year.

Salvation Army of Lafayette says they’re behind their holiday donation goal, so they’ll stay out; ringing the bells and thanking you for your generosity right through New Year’s Eve. You can donate online at “Lafyettekettle.org”

LRN PM Newscall December 22

The Census Bureau says Louisiana continues to lose people to other states, a trend that’s been going on for years.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

______________________________________

Along with state offices requiring face masks indoors, hospitals are beginning to reinstate mask policies. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

Louisiana is continuing an unfortunate trend of losing population to other states according to Census Bureau data.  Demographer Greg Rigamer says economic factors primarily played a role in the Bayou State ranking fifth in out-migration comparing 2020 to 2021 figures.

Cut 3 (10) “…doing much better.”

Louisiana’s percent of population decline for the year-long period was six-tenths of a percent, sixth highest in the nation.

Rigamer says people are leaving the state by and large in search of bettering their future.

Cut 4 (09) “…a better life.”

He says that some have also left because of the continuing hit by catastrophic hurricanes.

Rigamer agrees that if the trend of Louisiana population loss continues as it has for several years, there runs the possibility of the state losing a seat in Congress.

Cut 5 (05) “..a probability.”

The year-over-year drop in population ending July 1st was just over 27,000, a trend that Rigamer says has continued for at least eight years in a row.

__________________________________

In addition to state offices returning to indoor masking requirements, Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge is requiring all to wear face masks. Infectious disease specialist at the Lake Dr. Catherine O’Neal says the rapid increase in cases forced them to return to face masks.

 Cut 6 (12) “…home for 10 days” 

While there are reports that symptoms from the Omicron variant aren’t as bad as Delta and not as many are being hospitalized, however, O’Neal says it’s still too early to know the impacts of the newest variant.

Cut 7 (12) “…everybody has it.”  

Another reason O’Neal says we need to mask up again, get vaccinated, and or boosted is that if you do catch the Omicron variant and need to be treated at the hospital there’s a shortage of monoclonal antibody fusion treatments for the new variant.

Cut 8 (09) “…short supply.”

O’Neal highly recommends you get tested for Omicron before you visit with people outside of your immediate home and/or travel.

______________________________________________________

As you head out to do your last-minute shopping for Christmas dinner, Mike Strain, Louisiana’s AG Secretary, says you really shouldn’t have much trouble finding what you need, including the right size turkey.

Cut 9 (10) “…food products available.”

The only downside to all this is inflation has pushed up the price of most everything you’ll need for your meal.

He says while turkey is an important part of your Christmas dinner, Strain offers this piece of advice.

Cut 10 (09)  “…wonderful Christmas time.”

Strain says the over six-point-eight percent inflation rate is putting a damper on the costs of this year’s Christmas dinner, he’s not expecting prices to come down anytime soon.

Cut  11 (08)  “…call input costs.”  

Strain says poultry prices are currently up about six to eight percent while beef prices are up a whopping 21 percent.

______________________________________________

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s still waiting on the CDC to provide some guidance on how much protection a person may have from COVID if previously infected by COVID. Cassidy says based on worldwide research there is some natural immunity for those who recover from COVID…

Cut 12 (11) “. some protection.”  

It was over a month ago that Cassidy suggested to CDC Director Doctor Rochelle Walensky that the federal health agency should investigate whether natural immunity confers protection against future infections. Walensky says other countries have acknowledged natural immunity…

Cut 13 (11) “..or restaurant.”

Cassidy is not sure why the CDC seems reluctant to look into natural immunity, but the senator, who is also a physician, believes it does provide some protection from future infection…

Cut 14 (11) “..were infected.” 

2:30 LRN Newscast Dec 22

Unfortunate news: one of Louisiana’s top exports is PEOPLE. U.S. Census data shows our state ranked fifth in the country for outmigration of populace. From July 2020 to July 2021, the Bayou State lost over 27-thousand people. Demographer Greg Rigamer says if the trend continues, the state will lose another seat in Congress eventually…:

CUT 05  (05)        “…a probability.”

Louisiana went from seven congressional districts to six after the 2010 Census.

Face mask requirements are returning to state offices and agencies, AND to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, where infectious disease specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal says get the jab and/or booster and mask up, because treatment options are limited right now…:

CUT 08  (09)        “…short supply”

She also urges you get tested for a COVID variant before spending holiday time with family.

 

Louisiana U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s waiting for the Centers for Disease Control to provide guidance on the degree of risk from COVID, if one has had it before. He says research worldwide suggests some natural immunity for those who’ve recovered from coronavirus..:

CUT 12  (11)        “…some protection.”

Cassidy says he’s uncertain why CDC seems reluctant to publicly discuss natural immunity.

Doing some last-minute shopping for Christmas dinner? Some tips to help from state Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain; particularly if you’re serving a turkey…:

CUT 10  (09)        “…wonderful Christmas time.”

Strain says the over 6.8-percent inflation rate is causing a spike in the costs of this year’s Christmas dinner, and he’s not expecting prices to come down anytime soon.

1:30 LRN News Dec 22

Along with state offices requiring face masks indoors, hospitals are beginning to reinstate mask policies. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

 

Louisiana is continuing an unfortunate trend of losing population to other states according to Census Bureau data.  Demographer Greg Rigamer says economic factors primarily played a role in the Bayou State ranking fifth in out-migration comparing 2020 to 2021 figures. Rigamer says people are leaving the state by and large in search of bettering their future.

Cut 4 (09) “…a better life.”

 

He says that some have also left because of the continuing hit by catastrophic hurricanes.

 

There’s improvement to report in Louisiana’s job market. So says Ava Cates, Secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, who notes some of the improvement that’s taken place since Hurricane Ida struck, and despite COVID-19.

Cut 21 (08) “….over the year.”

 

Cates says the November jobless report shows a slight decline from October, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate now at five-point-one percent.

As you head out to do your last-minute shopping for Christmas dinner, Mike Strain, Louisiana’s AG Secretary, says you really shouldn’t have much trouble finding what you need, including the right size turkey.

Cut 9 (10) “…food products available.”

The only downside to all this is inflation has pushed up the price of most everything you’ll need for your meal.