10:30 LRN Newscast Dec 17

Governor 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”

They expect to receive about 40,000 doses next week.

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 remarkably good and the efficacy rate for the Moderna vaccine is 94-percent…

Cut 13 (08) “…disease.”

Miele says the Moderna vaccine reported similar side effects as the Pfizer vaccine.

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 on January 20th.

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.”

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 15

Senator Bill Cassidy warns that a 748-billion-dollar bipartisan COVID relief bill is American’s only hope of getting some aid from Congress before the Christmas break. Matt Doyle has more…

cut 2 (28) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

One of the Avery Island salt miners who went missing Monday after a roof collapse has been found dead. A second miner that went missing has yet to be located.  Cargill Deicing Technology issued a statement that they are continuing to do everything they can to locate the second miner. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.

The state health department reported 50 more COVID-19 deaths today bringing the death toll to 6,895. The number of COVID patients hospitalized increased by 70 and there are nearly 16-hundred coronavirus patients in the hospital. Governor John Bel Edwards says he was on a call with CEOs of the state’s largest hospitals this week

Cut 6 (07) “…so forth”

Edwards says there’s been a surge in COVID patients following Halloween and Thanksgiving and it’s important to avoid another surge after Christmas.

The Louisiana Attorney General is warning residents about an increase in “porch pirates” stealing Christmas packages from front doors. AG’s office spokesperson Emmie Fuson says the best way to guarantee your package makes it safely under the Christmas Tree is for you to handle it yourself.

Cut 5  (10) “..possession” 

She also recommends a doorbell camera to deter thieves.

3:30 LRN Newscast Dec 15

The state health department reported 26-hundred COVID-19 cases today.  Governor John Bel Edwards says there’s been a surge in COVID patients as well following Halloween and Thanksgiving and it’s important to avoid another surge after Christmas. He says the best way to preserve capacity is by following the mitigation measures…

Cut 7 (12) “…patients”

The Louisiana Attorney General is warning residents about an increase in “porch pirates” stealing Christmas packages from front doors. AG’s office spokesperson Emmie Fuson says if your package gets stolen contact your local authorities but just know it is a difficult crime to solve. She says your best bet in solving that crime is…

Cut 3 (08)  “..camera.”

Or ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up once you receive a delivery notice.

Senator Bill Cassidy says lawmakers either pass a 748-billion-dollar bipartisan COVID relief bill or nothing will get done before Congress’ Christmas break. Cassidy worked on this legislation with a few of the more centrist Democrat and Republican Senators and House members. Cassidy highlighted the two biggest pieces of the bill…

Cut 10 (10) “…businesses.”

And relief from the bipartisan bill can’t come soon enough for small businesses…

An NFIB survey says one in four small businesses fear they will have to close their doors. State director Dawn Starns also says the survey shows 56-percent of small business owners plan to be vaccinated for COVID.

Cut 14 (08) “…to do” 

Also Starns says 36-percent of business owners say they will encourage their employees to be vaccinated but not require it.

1:30 LRN Newscast Dec 15

The state health department reported 50 more COVID-19 deaths today bringing the death toll to 6,895. The number of COVID patients hospitalized increased by 70 and there are nearly 16-hundred COVID patients in the hospital. Governor John Bel Edwards says he was on a call with CEOs of the state’s largest hospitals this week

Cut 6 (07) “…so forth”

Edwards says there’s been a surge in COVID patients following Halloween and Thanksgiving and it’s important to avoid another surge following Christmas.

The Louisiana Attorney General is warning residents about an increase in “porch pirates” stealing Christmas packages from front doors. AG’s office spokesperson Emmie Fuson says the best way to guarantee your package makes it safely under the Christmas Tree is for you to handle it yourself.

Cut 5  (10) “..possession” 

She also recommends a doorbell cam to deter thieves.

Senator Bill Cassidy says lawmakers either pass a 748-billion-dollar bipartisan COVID relief bill or nothing will get done before Congress’ Christmas break. Cassidy worked on this legislation with a few of the more centrist Democrat and Republican Senators and House members. He says with split chambers this is American’s only hope for relief…

Cut 9 (10) “.in town.”

Small businesses in Louisiana continue to struggle with the pandemic. NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says they’ve performed 14 surveys and consistently one in four respondents say if the economy doesn’t improve soon, they will have to close their doors. Starns says it is imperative they receive relief as soon as possible.

Cut 12 (08) “…relief done.” 

Starns says many businesses are seeking PPP loan forgiveness.

12:30 LRN Newscast Dec 15

The Louisiana Attorney General is warning residents about an increase in “porch pirates” stealing Christmas packages from front doors. AG’s office spokesperson Emmie Fuson has a few tips for avoiding that potential heartbreak…

Cut 4 (11)   “..alerts”  

Aaron Bowman and his attorneys held a press conference at the state Capitol steps demanding justice and transparency after state trooper Jacob Brown was arrested last week for excessive force during Bowman’s traffic stop in May of 2019. Donecia Banks-Miley says they want evidence of Bowman’s beating released and demand that other officers who also participated and witnessed the brutality be held accountable.

Cut 6 (12) “…did nothing.”

Imagine being able to perform a COVID self-test at home and finding out the results within minutes. Researchers at Tulane University have created just that, a test that uses your own smartphone to give you results. Dr. Tony Hu, Chair of Biotechnology Innovation at Tulane says the saliva-based test has a 97-percent accuracy rate and the cost will be minimal.

Cut 14 (07) “…everyone has.” 

Pending FDA approval, they hope the test will be available in three to six months.

The state reports 26 hundred COVID-19 cases today and 50 new hospitalizations for a total of 1,597. The state also reports 50 new fatalities from the virus

11:30 LRN Newscast Dec 15

The Louisiana Attorney General is warning residents about an increase in “porch pirates” stealing Christmas packages from front doors. AG’s office spokesperson Emmie Fuson says if your package gets stolen contact your local authorities but just know it is a difficult crime to solve. She says your best bet in solving that crime is…

Cut 3 (08)  “..camera.”

She also recommends having a trusted neighbor pick up your packages once you get a delivery alert that they have arrived.

Imagine being able to perform a COVID self-test at home and finding out the results within minutes. Researchers at Tulane University have created just that, a test that uses your own smartphone to give you results. Dr. Tony Hu, Chair of Biotechnology Innovation at Tulane says the saliva-based test has a 97-percent accuracy rate.

Cut 13 (08) “…or negative.”

Pending FDA they expect the self-test to be on the market in 3 to 6 months.

A 748-billion-dollar COVID relief bill has taken shape in D.C. after extensive negotiations involving a bipartisan group of more moderate Senators and House members. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

A top official in Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office, Pat Magee, director of the criminal division, is on administrative leave pending an investigation. An AG’s office spokesperson would only say Magee is on leave for a potential violation of office policy after complaints were filed against him.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast Dec 15

A fully realized bipartisan COVID relief bill has finally materialized, a 748 billion dollar piece of legislation with a 160 billion dollar additional option that includes funding for state and local governments. Senator Bill Cassidy says the 160 billion dollar option will largely hinge on whether an agreement can be made over a potential liability shield that would protect businesses from COVID-related lawsuits.

Cut 8 (05) “…liability.”

Researchers at Tulane have created a COVID self-test that gives you results in minutes and uses your smartphone. Dr. Tony Hu, Chair of Biotechnology Innovation at Tulane says the chip which is included in the testing kit can be used multiple times and, in the future, they hope to expand the testing platform so you can self-test for other common illnesses.

Cut 15 (09)“…the flu.”

They hope the test will be available in three to six months pending FDA approval.

Aaron Bowman and his attorneys gathered on the state Capitol steps to demand justice and transparency after state trooper Jacob Brown was arrested last week for excessive force during Bowman’s arrest in May of 2019. Baton Rouge Attorney Ronald Haley says Bowman, a black man, was beaten in the head with a police-grade flashlight outside of his Monroe home.

Cut 4 (11) “…spectators.”
Brown was arrested last week for battery and malfeasance in office.

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge hopes to begin recruiting in February or March for a study to look at why exercise benefits some people more than others. Director of Biomedical Imaging Doctor Owen Carmichael says they’re looking for participants from all age groups with folks of varying levels of physical fitness…
cut 12 (09) “…things”
The research is the result of a grant from the National Institute of Health.

AM Newscall Dec 15

Aaron Bowman, a Black man from Monroe, and his attorneys are calling for justice and transparency in what they say is police brutality. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

A 748 billion dollar COVID relief bill has taken shape in D.C. after extensive negotiations involving a bipartisan group of more moderate Senators and House members. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

__________________________________________

Pennington Biomedical Research Center wants to get to the bottom of why exercise helps some people a lot more than others. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

__________________________________________

Aaron Bowman and his attorneys held a press conference at the state Capitol Monday demanding justice and transparency after state trooper Jacob Brown was arrested last week for excessive force during Bowman’s traffic stop in May of 2019. Baton Rouge Attorney Ronald Haley says Bowman, a black man, was beaten in the head with a police-grade flashlight.

Cut 4 (11) “…spectators.”

Bowman received stitches in his head from the flashlight,  suffered broken ribs, a fractured arm, and psychological damage.

Bowman was pulled from his car during a traffic stop in front of his Monroe home two weeks after Ronald Greene, another black man, who was allegedly beaten and left unattended in a trooper vehicle where he later died in May of last year. Bowman, who was visibly emotional and says he feared for his life.

Cut 5 (09) “…flashlight.”

LSP investigated the incident after Bowman’s attorneys filed a lawsuit this year, Brown was arrested last week for battery and malfeasance in office.

Bowman’s personal attorney Donecia Banks-Miley says they want evidence of Bowman’s beating released and demand that other officers who also participated and witnessed the brutality be held accountable.

Cut 6 (12) “…did nothing.”

Trooper Brown was assisting the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office when the incident occurred.

________________________

A fully realized bipartisan COVID relief bill has finally materialized, a 748 billion dollar piece of legislation with a 160 billion dollar additional option that includes funding for state and local governments.

The core 748 billion dollar block of funding would restart 300 dollar federally boosted unemployment checks, include another round of PPP, and more. Senator Bill Cassidy celebrated it…

Cut 7 (07)  “…caucus.”

No additional stimulus check was included in the bill.

Cassidy says the 160 billion dollar option will largely hinge on whether an agreement can be made over a potential liability shield that would protect businesses from COVID-related lawsuits.

Cut 8 (05) “…liability.”

Should the 160 billion dollar package be passed Cassidy says it would be fairly apportioned to states and municipalities based on size, and not be allowed for use in paying down pension funds.

Cut 9 (08) “…funding.”

The bill had the backing of 12 Senators but it’s unclear if it will be able to garner majority support.

_____________________________________________________

Pennington Biomedical is hoping to begin recruitment in February or March for a groundbreaking study into why some people benefit from exercise more than others.

Director of Biomedical Imaging Dr. Owen Carmichael says many who exercise just don’t see results. The study hopes to figure out the genetics behind that.

Cut 10 (10) “…out with.”

The study is a national effort that will take place at five sites across the country, Baton Rouge being one of them.

Carmichael says at the end of the study they hope to be able to tailor exercise programs to individuals just by studying their genetics and giving them a report.

Cut 11 (10) “…versa.”

Around 375 people total will be enrolled across all five sites for the four-year study. Carmichael says they’re looking for participants from all age groups along with folks of varying levels of physical fitness.

Cut 12 (09) “…things.”

This research is coming thanks to a 2.5 million dollar National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging grant.

__________________________

Imagine being able to perform a COVID self-test at home and finding out the results within minutes. Researchers at Tulane University have created just that, a test that uses your own smartphone to give you results. Dr. Tony Hu, Chair of Biotechnology Innovation at Tulane says the saliva-based test has a 97-percent accuracy rate.

Cut 13 (08) “…or negative.”

The test must receive FDA approval first and Dr. Hu says a salvia test much easier, less invasive, and more consistent than a nasal swab. Dr. Hu says the cost will be minimal.

Cut 14 (07) “…everyone has.” 

Dr. Hu says the chip which is included in the testing kit can be used multiple times and, in the future, they hope to expand the smartphone testing platform so you can self-test for other common illnesses.

Cut 15 (09)“…the flu.”

Dr. Hu says he hopes the test will be available in three to six months.

_______________________________________________

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron gives credit to the players for digging in and coming up with the effort to upset Florida this past Saturday. Orgeron says they wanted to represent LSU the right way

Cut 16 (25) “…our team.”

This Saturday, LSU will host Ole Miss, with a chance at finishing the year with a 5-and-5 record. The Rebels are 4-and-4 under first-year head coach Lane Kiffin. Orgeron says he respects Kiffin’s knowledge of the game. The two served on the same staff at USC and Tennessee…

cut 17 (17) “…respect for him.”

_______________________________________

Saints Coach Sean Payton does not like what he saw on the game film from Sunday’s upset loss to Philadelphia.

cut  18 (19) “…that game.”

After allowing the Eagles to run the football all over them, Payton says they would have done some things differently in the 24-21 defeat to Philadelphia…

cut 19 (19) “…you did well.”

Usually, Payton doesn’t single out a player’s poor performance, but he did so Monday, calling on starting guard Andrus Peat to give him more…

cut 20 (09) “….working here.”

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 14

Frontline Health care workers began receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations today. Governor John Bel Edwards was on hand at Ochsner’s Hospital in Jefferson Parish for the historic occasion. Edwards says this is the beginning of the end of the pandemic…
cut 4 (08) “….here
Dr. Robert Hart, Chief Medical Officer at Ochsner reminded those who were vaccinated today to follow up in 21 days with the second shot to receive maximum protection which has been shown to be 95-percent effective with the booster shot.
Cut 8 (09) “…that yet.”

Health care workers at Shreveport’s Willis Knighton Hospital were also vaccinated today.

Louisiana’s eight Electoral College electors cast their ballots for President Donald Trump at the Capitol today. States across the country are certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s win. With that happening, State GOP Chairman Louis Gervich looked towards the future…

Cut 9 (12) “.Republic.”

Two LSU players were named SEC Players of the Week today for their performance in the Tigers upset 37-34 win over Florida. Freshman Max Johnson was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 239 yards and three touchdowns. The 19-year-old says he felt comfortable running the offense…

cut 12 (10) “…great game for us”

Cade York was named Special Teams Player of the Week. He nailed a game-winning, school-record 57-yard field goal in the final minute.

3:30 LRN Newscast Dec 14

Governor John Bel Edwards calls today a historic moment for Louisiana as the first frontline healthcare workers in the state were given the Pfizer COVID vaccine. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (28) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

The state reported 1,022 new COVID 19 cases today and 27 fatalities. Hospitalizations are currently at 1,527.

And 8 electoral votes were officially cast at the state capitol this morning for President Trump who won the majority vote in Louisiana.

The first COVID-19 vaccine for the state was administered this morning at Ochsner Health in New Orleans.  Dr. Leonardo Seoane (Swani), a Pulmonary Critical Care Physician who also oversaw clinical trials of the Pfizer vaccine was the first to be inoculated on this historic day.

Cut 6 (12) “…community.”

According to the CDC, Blacks, American Indians, and Latinos are 2.7 times more likely to die from COVID compared to whites.

Two LSU players were named SEC Players of the Week for their performance in the Tigers’ upset win over Florida. Freshman Max Johnson was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 239 yards and three scores, the 19-year old has come off the bench in several games, but this was his first start…

Cut 13 (07)“…for me”

 

Cade York was named Special Teams player of the week.