11:40 LRN Sportscast

College football’s early signing period is underway and LSU has received a signed national letter of intent from the nation’s top prospect. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says it appears cornerback Derek Stingley Junior from Dunham High in Baton Rouge is next great star at D-B-U…
Cut 16 (15) at cornerback”
Moran says LSU’s 2019 recruiting class also features two of the state’s best running backs, Destrehan’s John Emery and Southern Lab’s Tyrion Davis.

Alvin Kamara is a pro bowl snub. The Saints dynamic running back did not make the Pro Bowl team. Five players from the Black and Gold are on the squad, Drew Brees, Terron Armstead, Cam Jordan, Michael Thomas and Max Unger.

10:30 LRN Newscast December 19

The US Justice Department is drawing up the paperwork to ban bump stocks, which can turn a legal weapon into an illegal machine gun. Bump stocks were used in the Las Vegas shooting that killed 58 people at a country music concert. Earlier this year, New Orleans Senator Troy Carter pushed the Louisiana legislature to pass a state law to ban bump stocks…
cut 5 (10) “….communities”
The Justice Department estimates 520,000 bump stocks have been sold in the US since 2010.

47 states including Louisiaana are involved in a lawsuit that claims 18 generic drug manufactures colluded to inflate prices that hurts patients and insurance companies. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry…
cut 15 (08) “….drug prices”
Landry hopes any settlement money that comes Louisiana’s way can be used to reduce health costs in this state.

State health officials declare an outbreak of hepatitis A, with 24 known cases of the highly contagious liver disease. Several states have experienced an outbreak since 2016 and LDH Immunization Director Doctor Frank Welch says it seems like its Louisiana’s turn…
Cut 10 (10) “…Louisiana”
Welch says people who are most at-risk need to get vaccinated. Risk groups include illegal drug users, the homeless, and those in transient housing.

The state department of transportation announces plans to begin construction on the I-210 Prien Lake Bridge in Lake Charles. The work will entail replacing the main span concrete block, installing guardrails and lighting. DOTD spokesperson Tammy York says significant delays are expected when work begins…
cut 9 (06) “….it will be”
The Department will announce a start date later this month.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is working with Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen on a class action lawsuit against 18 generic drug manufacturers and two executives, claiming the industry colluded to drive up generic drug prices. Landry says these companies acted like a price-fixing cartel…
cut 14 (10) “…wack”
Jepsen says generic drug companies worked together to inflate prices as much as 600-percent.

The department of transportation announces the I-210 Prien Lake Bridge repair work will start in early January and significant delays are expected during construction. D-O-T-D spokesperson Tammy York says the project will cost 35-million dollars…
cut 8 (07) “…underneath”
I-210 Prien Lake eastbound and westbound bridges will be reduced to one lane in each direction during the day.

The Trump administration is moving towards banning bump stocks, which was used in 2017 by a gunman in Las Vegas to kill 58 people at a country music concert. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter, a gun control advocate, says it’s a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done…
cut 6 (07) “…mental capacity”
The proposed ban on bump stocks could go into effect on Friday and bump stock owners have 90 days to destroy their devices or turn them into the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Louisiana Health Department has declared a hepatitis A outbreak as there’s been 25 cases of the contagious liver disease. L-D-H Immunization Director Frank Welch says those individuals who are at risk should get vaccinated…
cut 11 (12) “…at risk”
Most of the cases are in the Morehouse Parish and Baton Rouge areas.

8:30 LRN Newscast December 19

Louisiana’s Attorney General has partnered with his colleague in Connecticut to sue generic drug manufacturers for conspiring to keep prices artificially high. Matt Doyle.
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The state department of revenue will begin collecting sales taxes in two weeks on purchases made on websites that do not have a physical presence in Louisiana. The sales tax will be 8.45 percent and about half of that will be sent to local governments based on a parish’s population.

The US Justice Department is drawing up the paperwork to ban bump stocks, which can a turn legal weapon into an illegal machine gun. Bump stocks were used in the Las Vegas shooting that killed 58 people at a country music concert. Earlier this year, New Orleans Senator Troy Carter pushed the Louisiana legislature to pass a state law to ban bump stocks…
cut 5 (10) “….communities”
The Justice Department estimates 520,000 bump stocks have been sold in the US since 2010.

The Louisiana Health Department is asking certain segments of the population to get vaccinated against hepatitis A, a highly contagious liver disease. L-D-H Immunization Director Doctor Frank Welch…
cut 12 (06) “…protection”
Risk groups include illegal drug users, the homeless, inmates or those in transient housing.

7:30 LRN Newscast December 19

The Trump Administration has banned bump stocks, giving owners 90 days to destroy, or turn in their devices….
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Louisiana’s two US Senators are on opposite sides of a criminal justice reform bill approved by the Senate on an 87-12 vote. Bill Cassidy says the legislation helps non-violent and low risk parolees re-enter society, get a job and stay out of trouble. But John Kennedy says the First Step Act is a violation of American public safety.

State health officials declare an outbreak of hepatitis A, with 24 known cases of the highly contagious liver disease. Several states have experienced an outbreak since 2016 and LDH Immunization Director Doctor Frank Welch says it seems like its Louisiana’s turn…
Cut 10 (10) “…Louisiana”
Welch says people who are most at-risk need to get vaccinated. Risk groups include illegal drug users, the homeless, and those in transient housing.

Construction of the Prien Bridge portion of I-210 in the Lake Charles area is set to begin in early January. The project will see the addition of extra lighting and a new surface for the 930-foot stretch of bridge. DOTD spokesperson Tammy York…
Cut 7 (08) “…that first exit.”
The project will cost 35-million dollars and the federal government is paying for 90-percent of the costs.

6:45 LRN Sportscast December 19

College football’s early signing period begins today as the LSU Tigers are expected to sign 16 players, including the nation’s number one prospect, cornerback Derek Stingley Junior from Dunham High School in Baton Rouge. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says LSU’s 2019 recruiting class also features two highly rated running backs. Destrehan’s John Emery and Southern Lab’s Tyrion Davis…
cut 17 (20) “…tough yards”
The class also features five-star offensive lineman Kardell Thomas from Southern Lab.

Five Saints have been selected to the Pro Bowl, Drew Brees, Terron Armstead, Cam Jordan, Michael Thomas and Max Unger.

For the fourth straight time, UL-Lafayette beat McNeese in hoops last night. Senior Malik Marquetti had a career-high 29 points as he hit seven-three-pointers. Marcus Stroman added 20 points.

ULM’s Daishon Smith had 23 points as the Warhawks defeated Nicholls 95-68. Michael Ertel added 17 ponts.

Northwestern State downed Louisiana College 84-64 as the Demons improved to 4-and-8 on the year. And it was UNO over Williams Baptist 90-62.

The Pelicans begin a four-game road trip tonight in Milwaukee. Power forwards Nikola Mirotic and Julius Randle will not play, because of sprained ankles. Point guard Elfrid Payton remains out through the end of the month with a broken finger. With Mirotic and Randle both down, Pelicans Coach Alvin Gentry Jahlil Okafor could see additional minutes, as he’s barely played this season.

And Collegiate Baseball Magazine ranks LSU number one in its preseason poll.

6:30 LRN Newscast December 19

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has teamed up with Connecticut AG George Jepsen in a suit against generic drug manufacturers, claiming the companies violated anti-trust laws to push prices higher than they should be on over 300 drugs. Landry says they’re discussing a settlement with 18 manufacturers in a suit that involves 47 other states.
Cut 13 (07) “…fixed prices”
Generic drugs account for almost 90-percent of prescriptions.

The Trump Administration announces a ban on bump stocks. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter is glad to see it…
cut 4 (10) “…mass destruction”
Carter filed a bump stocks ban bill in the state legislature and it failed to pass the Senate.

The Louisiana Health Department has declared an outbreak of hepatitis A. Connor Ferrill has the story.
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Connor Ferrill.”

An Ascension Parish woman has been arrested after she was caught on surveillance video taking packages sitting outside of a Prairieville home. Deputies have charged 22-year-old Verenize Alvarez with theft and criminal trespassing. The items in the packages have not been recovered.

LRN AM Newscall December 19

The Trump Administration has banned bump stocks, giving owners 90 days to destroy, or turn in their devices. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________________________

The Louisiana Health Department has declared an outbreak of hepatitis A. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Connor Ferrill.”  

_______________________________

Louisiana’s Attorney General has partnered with his colleague in Connecticut to sue generic drug manufacturers for conspiring to keep prices artificially high. Matt Doyle.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________________

The Trump Administration has banned bump stocks, a firearm add-on that can be used to increase a semiautomatic weapon’s rate of fire. An attempt to pass a similar ban in the Louisiana Legislature, led by New Orleans Senator Troy Carter, failed to gain traction during the session, but Carter says he’s glad the feds have stepped up to stop the production that dangerous device.

Cut 4 (10) “…mass destruction.″

The Las Vegas shooter who murdered 58 people at a country music show utilized a bump stock on his assault rifle.

The decision, from a decidedly conservative executive branch, may have come as a surprise to gun control advocates, but Carter says there was real bi-partisan concern surrounding the devices. He says even in conservative areas, popular opinion was against turning semi-autos into automatics.

Cut 5 (10) “…communities.”

The Justice Department estimates 520,000 bump stocks have been sold in the US since 2010.

Carter says there’s real momentum on the side of those looking for more gun safety, and says he plans to bring forward legislation in the next session to limit the ability of dangerous people to get their hands on a firearm.

Cut 6 (07) “…mental capacity”

Bump stock owners have 90 days to destroy their devices, or turn them in to ATF.

__________________________________________________

Construction of the Prien Bridge portion of I-210 in the Lake Charles area is set to begin in early January.  The project will see the addition of extra lighting and a new surface for the 930-foot stretch of bridge.  DOTD spokesperson Tammy York says the main area of construction will begin near where I-210 splits off from I-10.

Cut 7 (08) “…that first exit.”

The bridge was built in the 60’s and York says several issues are being tackled with the $35 million project.

Cut 8 (07) “…inspectino walkway underneath.″

York says the department has worked to mitigate traffic impacts during the project, but says if you don’ t have to travel I-210, stay away for the first few days of construction.

Cut 9 (06)  “…it will be.” 

_______________________

State health officials declare an outbreak of hepatitis A, with 24 confirmed cases of the highly contagious liver disease. The illness spreads by consuming contaminated beverages and food, or during sex or through close contact of an infected person. Several states have experienced an outbreak since 2016 and LDH Immunization Director Doctor Frank Welch says it seems like its Louisiana’s turn…

Cut 10 (10)   “…Louisiana”

The state has purchased and distributed additional vaccines to reach high-risk areas in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, as well as in Morehouse Parish.

Though cases have risen over the years Welch says, the affected population is small…

Cut 11 (12) “…risk”

Welch says if you know someone in one of these risk groups reach out…

Cut 12 (10)   “…protection”

Vaccination is safe and effective, consisting of either two or three shots given one and six months apart.

_____________________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry says he’s teamed up with the Connecticut AG in a suit against generic drug manufacturers, claiming the companies are violating anti-trust laws to push prices higher than they should be. Landry says they’re discussing a settlement with 18 manufacturers in a suit that involves 47 states.

Cut 13 (09) “…fixed prices”

Generic production, in theory, pushes down the price of medications after a drug loses its initial patent with it’s parent company. Landry says these companies have subverted that market based solution to lower prices.

Cut 14 (10) “…of wack.”

The AG says that collusion has enriched the 18 companies involved in the suit at the expense of citizens.

Cut 15 (08) “…drug prices”

_________________________________________

The early signing period for 2019 football recruits begins today and LSU is expecting a signed national letter of intent from the nation’s top prospect. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says cornerback Derek Stingley Junior from Dunham High in Baton Rouge is expected to be impact player in 2019

Cut 16 (15)  at cornerback”

Moran says LSU’s 2019 recruiting class also features two of the state’s best running backs, Destrehan’s John Emery and Southern Lab’s Tyrion Davis…

 cut 17 (20) “tough yards”

The early signing period lasts through Friday. Some recruits will wait until February to sign. One of the nation’s best defensive tackles, Ishmael Sopsher from Amite, has made that decision. Moran says Sopsher is the type of the linemen they are trying to sign…

Cut 18 (08) the mix“

16:45 LRN Sportscast December 18

The Saints are 12-and-2 after beating Carolina 12-9 last night. It was another great performance for the Black and Gold defense as they recorded two turnovers and four sacks…
cut 4 (10) “….that 2013”
That’s NFL analyst Mike Detillier who says six different Saints have four or more sacks on the year.

The Saints will attempt to bring down Ben Roethlisberger this Sunday as the Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. A win for New Orleans and they will lock up home field advantage throughout the N-F-C playoffs.

Linebacker Devin White has been named LSU’s M-V-P for the 2018 season. The Butkus Award winner led the Tigers in tackles and tackles for a loss. The offensive player of the year award went to three players, Joe Burrow, Nick Brossette and Justin Jefferson.

The first college baseball preseason poll is out and the Tigers are ranked number one. Collegiate Baseball newspaper has LSU ranked at the top of their poll. Vanderbilt is second, behind UCLA, Texas Tech, Stanford and then Florida. The Ragin Cajuns are ranked 38th, while Louisiana Tech, Tulane and Northwestern State are receiving votes.

In college basketball tonight….McNeese and UL-Lafayette meet for the 94th time. The Cajuns have won three straight in the series and they are looking to start a new winning streak, after seeing their five-game winning streak come to an end on Saturday in a loss to Louisiana Tech. The Cowboys are 3-and-7. The game tips at 6:30 and it will be televised by CST.

Also tonight, ULM hosts Nicholls State. The Colonels are 5-and-5, while the Warhawks are 5-and-4. And Northwestern State hosts Louisiana College.

Tomorrow, the Pelicans begin a four-game road trip at Milwaukee. The Bucks have the second best record in the Eastern Conference.

LRN PM Newscall December 18

The Saints defense is now one of the elite units in the league, allowing an average of 12 points per game over their last six contests. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

_____________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Transportation is using holiday themed safety messages to get motorists to buckle up or travel the speed limit. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”  

_____________________________________________

The Saints defense has been dominate in the second half of the season, and in the last six games has grabbed 8 interceptions, 28 sacks, and only allowed an average of 12 points per game. That’s come down largely to two factors, the league’s best rush defense, and the 5th most sacks this year. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says that rush defense will prove even more important in the playoffs.

Cut 3 (11) “…was about.”

The Saints have not allowed a 100 yard individual rusher in twenty straight weeks.

All-Pro defensive end Cameron Jordan and 2016 first round pick Sheldon Rankins have combined for 20 sacks to spearhead the Saints devastating pass rush, and Detillier says they’re on pace to be the top Black and Gold pass rushing unit of the Sean Peyton era.

Cut 4 (10) “…2013.″

Six different Saints have four or more sacks on the year.

Detillier credits most of the success to the growth from the team’s young core that carried over from last year, but says the additions of linebacker Demario Davis in free agency and cornerback Eli Apple, who was traded from the Giants, have put them over the top, and into elite territory.

Cut 5 (06) “…have.”

_________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says a Texas judge’s decision to declare the entire Affordable Care Act unconstitutional could lead to the loss of health insurance for 480,000 recipients of the Medicaid expansion, and 850,000 people with pre-existing conditions, but Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says he’s been told nothing is potentially changing until the case works its way through the courts.

Cut 6 (10) “…the decision.

The case is headed to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, one of the most conservative courts in the nation, and likely to the Supreme Court after that.

Obamacare was struck down due to the illegality of the individual mandate that taxes people who don’t have health insurance. Donelon says other aspects of the ACA are now in peril because in their rush to pass Obamacare, Congressional Democrats put out a “half baked” law, and…

Cut 7 (12) “expansion”

90 percent of new enrollees on the expansion is paid for by the feds.

Donelon says because of the popularity of certain aspects of the ACA, if it were to be struck down in the Supreme Court, it’s like Congress would take up an effort like the one proposed by Texas Senator Ted Cruz.

Cut 8 (11) “…care act”

_______________________

If you have seen one of the state’s digital message boards lately, you may have noticed the safety messages are more creative. State department of transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says drivers tend to ignore a mundane message that says to slow down or buckle up, so they decided to spice it up with messages like…

Cut 9 (11) “…not roadways″

The state has just over 100 digital message boards that can be found along interstates or major thoroughfares that alert motorists about accidents and provide other traffic safety information. Mallett says they want to put a message on the boards that gets a driver’s attention

Cut 10 (11) “…little bit.”

Mallett says they’ve received great feedback about their unique traffic safety messages…

Cut 11 (10) “…with some”

_____________________________

South Louisiana Community College has inked a deal with Nicholls State University for four articulation agreements which should provide a smoother transition from the community college into the four year university in select fields.  SLCC spokesperson Christine Payton…

Cut 12 (10)   “…justice and nursing.” 

Payton says the partnership between the two schools will hopefully result in retaining students in the area.

Cut 13 (08) “…for their lifestyle.”

Payton says the agreement has been in the works for months, and says more articulation agreements could be coming down the line.

Cut 14 (04) “…spring with Nicholls.”