6:30 LRN Newscast

Qualifying for the October 14th primary got underway yesterday with three of the main candidates for governor, Hunter Lundy, John Schroder and Shawn Wilson, filling out the necessary paperwork to put their name on the ballot. Lundy is running as an independent and took some shots at his opponents, Jeff Landry, Wilson and Stephen Waguespack…
cut 15 (15) “….UL System”
Qualifying continues at 8 AM.

The CDC is recommending that parents with infants should get the new RSV vaccine called Beyfortus. LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Cory Hebert says RSV is one of the most common causes of childhood respiratory illnesses…
cut 4 (11) “…than five’
The CDC recommends one dose of Beyfortus for all infants younger than eight months.

In the race for Insurance Commissioner, Republican Tim Temple, and Democrat Rich Weaver, both of Baton Rouge, have qualified for the October 14th primary. This is Temple’s second run for the office and Weaver’s first. Temple says competition is vital to address the ongoing insurance crisis and he wants to reexamine the best way to incentivize more carriers to write policies in Louisiana.
Cut 7 (10) “…your business.”
When asked how to attract more insurance carriers to the state Weaver agrees that increased competition will help address the issue.
Cut 8 (08) “…as well.”
Longtime Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, who’s served 17 years at the helm announced earlier this year he’s not seeking reelection.

LRN AM Newscall

A new lab-made antibody has been approved to protect babies against a respiratory virus and it’s expected to be available this fall, according to the CDC. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Two candidates have qualified so far to replace outgoing Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, who’s not seeking reelection. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The frontrunner in the governor’s race, Jeff Landry, is expected to qualify for the October 14th primary today. Three of his main opponents signed up for the race yesterday. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (40)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

________________________________________________

The CDC has approved a new vaccine, Nirsevimab, for infants to ward off the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that sends tens of thousands of children to the hospital every year. LSU Health Science Center Assistant Professor, Doctor Cory Hebert says infants and older babies are at higher risk…

Cut 4 (11)  “… then five.”

The new vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of both hospitalizations and healthcare visits for RSV in infants by 80 percent. RSV causes respiratory distress in infants. Hebert says the virus is transmissible and in worst cases, it can be fatal.

Cut 5 (12)   “…of age.”

The vaccine was approved by FDA last year. Hebert says this new immunization means there’s a life-saving product available to protect babies against RSV. He says one dose is recommended for the first season…

Cut 6 (09)  “…a bit”

Nirsevimab is expected to be available this fall.

________________________________________________

In the race for Insurance Commissioner, Republican Tim Temple, and Democrat Rich Weaver, both of Baton Rouge, have qualified for the October 14th primary. This is Temple’s second run for the office and Weaver’s first. Temple says competition is vital to address the ongoing insurance crisis and he wants to reexamine the best way to incentivize more carriers to write policies in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (10) “…your business.”

When asked how to attract more insurance carriers to the state Weaver agrees that increased competition will help address the issue.

Cut 8 (08) “…as well.”

Temple says changes must be made to the regulatory, statutory, and legal environments in Louisiana. He questions the success of the current Insure Louisiana Incentive Program, because it allocated taxpayer dollars to insurance providers already writing policies in Louisiana

Cut 9 (07)  “…legislation.”

Longtime Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, who’s served 17 years at the helm announced earlier this year  he’s not seeking reelection.

____________________________________________

Democrat Dustin Granger and Republicans Scott McKnight and former Congressman John Fleming have qualified to run for State Treasurer.

Granger says the state treasurer is a fiduciary of the state and is constitutionally required to be honest. He questions why his opponents and other politicians play political games.

Cut 10 (10) “…move forward.”

McKnight was asked if a bank offered a better return on investment than others but yet he disagreed with their political stance would he still do business with them. He says he would not go against the values of the people of Louisiana, but he also has a fiduciary responsibility.

Cut 11 (12) “…citizens.”

Flemming, who worked in the Trump administration says the job of treasure is to preserve and secure taxpayers’ dollars…

Cut 12 (07) “…consideration.”

Incumbent Treasure John Schroder is running for governor.

__________________________________________

The candidates for governor are promising a better Louisiana if elected. We heard from three of the main candidates during the first day of qualifying. Republican State Treasurer John Schroder laid out his priorities shortly after filing the paperwork to put his name on the October 14th ballot…

Cut 13 (15) “…cronyism.”

Former state transportation secretary Shawn Wilson, the lone major Democrat in the race, says he wants to represent the interests of all Louisianans

Cut 14 (14)  “…and girl.” 

Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy believes his status as an independent will appeal to voters who are tired for party politics. He also believes he can bring real change. He says a few of his opponents like Jeff Landry, Shawn Wilson and Stephen Waguespack can not do…

Cut 15 (15)  “…UL System.”

Republicans Jeff Landry and Sharon Hewitt are set to qualify today, while two more GOP hopefuls will qualify on Thursday, Richard Nelson and Stephen Waguespack.

___________________________________________________________________

We are 25 days away from LSU’s season opener against Florida State. Who will start at cornerback is a big question mark? Coach Brian Kelly likes what he’s seen from Duce Chestnut, a transfer from Syracuse. Chestnut was a two-year starter for the Orange and a two-time All ACC selection. Here’s Kelly’s evaluation of Duce…

Cut 16 (20) “…making progress”

Jimmy Lindsey, who was hired to be the defensive line coach, is still away from the team. He was hospitalized just before preseason camp started, but Kelly says he’s making progress. John Jancek moved from special teams coach to D-Line coach and Kelly says former UCONN head coach Bob Diacco is doing a good job with special teams.

Cut 17  (13) “…for him.”

The running back room for LSU is deeper and more talented than most years, and the question is who is going to come out with the most playing time among eight scholarship players. Kelly says that it will work itself out.

Cut 18 (08) “…taking it over.”

___________________________________________________________________

Former LSU and Lutcher High School wide receiver Jontre Kirkland tried out for the Saints and he’s getting a look during training camp. He says it would mean the world to him to make his hometown team.

Cut 19 (14) “…here to play ball man .”

Kirkland also says why he likes Pete Carmichael’s offense in New Orleans.

Cut 20 (12) “…need to do.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

Qualifying for the statewide races got underway this morning at the Secretary of State’s Office in Baton Rouge. The first candidate for governor to sign up was Independent Hunter Lundy, an attorney from Lake Charles. Lundy says in order to improve Louisiana, more funding needs to go towards early childhood education…
cut 3 (12) “…change that”

John Schroder is one of five main Republican candidates expected to qualify between now and Thursday afternoon. Schroder has served as the State Treasurer since 2017 and before that he served in the Louisiana House for over ten years. The Covington resident wants to make fundamental changes to state government…
cut 5 (12) “…get the benefits”
Also qualifying, the lone major Democrat in the race Shawn Wilson.

Just when you thought it was safe, the Louisiana Department of Health’s recent report shows COVID hospitalizations more than doubled since mid-June from about 50 to over 100. Teiko Foxx has more.
Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain qualified today for re-election as he’s seeking a fifth term. Strain says Louisiana farmers are responsible for helping to feed the world and he says he has a plan to help producers make that happen
Cut 9 (10) “…to export.”

LRN PM Newscall August 8

Qualifying began today for the governor’s race and we heard from three of the candidates seeking to replace Governor John Bel Edwards. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

Just when you thought it was safe, the Louisiana Department of Health’s recent report shows COVID hospitalizations more than doubled since mid-June from about 50 to over 100. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”  

______________________________________

Qualifying for the statewide races got underway this morning at the Secretary of State’s Office in Baton Rouge. The first candidate for governor to sign up was Independent Hunter Lundy, an attorney from Lake Charles. Lundy says in order to improve Louisiana, more funding needs to go towards early childhood education…

Cut 3 (12) “…change that.”

Lundy says to pay for more early childhood education, he would like to keep the state sales tax rate at 4.45 percent. It’s set to go down to four-percent in July of 2025. Lundy would also like to raise the state’s minimum wage…

Cut 4 (11) “an hour”

John Schroder is one of five main Republican candidates expected to qualify between now and Thursday afternoon. Schroder has served as the State Treasurer since 2017 and before that he served in the Louisiana House for over ten years. The Covington resident wants to make fundamental changes to state government…

Cut 5 (12) “ the benefits”

Schroder on the polls that show he’s trailing front-runner Jeff Landry by a wide margin

Cut 6 (08) “…do that.” 

Former state transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson also qualified. He’s the lone major Democrat in the race. Wilson joins Lundy in keeping what is currently a temporary 0.45-percent state sales tax

Cut 7 (12) “…many sorts” 

Wilson joins Lundy in keeping what is currently a temporary 0.45-percent state sales tax

Cut 8 (12) “…crime issue”

______________________________________________

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain qualified today for re-election as he’s seeking a fifth term. Strain says Louisiana farmers are responsible for helping to feed the world and he says he has a plan to help producers make that happen

Cut 9 (10)  “…to export.”

Strain says the state has to double food production by 2050. He believes it’s possible because food production in the state has increased fourfold since 1960. But he says it must be streamlined and protect the environment at the same time.

Cut 10 (11)  “…same time.”

Since taking office Strain says he’s saved taxpayers $350 million in salaries, interest payments, and costs by streamlining the department.

Cut 11 (11)  “…616″

During his tenure, Strain says the department has paid off debts and liabilities of over $120 million and also significantly decreased the department’s automotive and aviation fleets.

_____________________________________________________

The state Department of Health’s COVID dashboard shows hospitalizations have doubled since June 22nd and the percent positive rate for COVID tests has climbed to 19 percent. Director of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Julio Figueroa says the uptick is related to a cycle that will probably reoccur every six months or so…

Cut 12 (06) “…the fall.” 

According to LDH, the number of people of hospitalized statewide is 108, which is a low number compared to what we saw in 2020 and 2021.

Figueroa says people with chronic health conditions, older adults, and anyone with underlying conditions should minimize possible exposure. He says Omicron is still in the community and highly transmissible.

Cut 13 (12) “…large gatherings.”

Figueroa says hospitalizations doubled during the time from about 60 to as many as 140. He says COVID is still a part of our present and future.

Cut  14 (10)  “…vaccination immunization.”

Over 19-thousand people have died from the virus.

2:30 LRN Newscast

It’s the first day of qualifying for the governor’s race and three of the major candidates signed up at the Secretary of State’s Office today to have their name on the October 14th ballot. Independent Hunter Lundy says he would like to raise the state’s minimum wage…
cut 4 (11) “…an hour”
Lundy and Democrat Shawn Wilson both said they would like to keep a temporary state sales tax on the books. Wilson says it’s needed to pay for vital services…
cut 8 (12) “…crime issue”
Republican John Schroder also qualified and was asked about trailing front-runner Jeff Landry in the polls…
cut 6 (08) “…do that”
Louisiana’s Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain qualified for re-election today as he seeks a fifth term. Strain says since he took over in 2008, he’s saved taxpayers 350-million dollars in salaries, interest payments and other costs by streamlining the department…
cut 11 (11) “…616”
Strain says the department has also paid off debts and liabilities of over $120 million and also significantly decreased the department’s automotive and aviation fleets.

There has been an increase in COVID hospitalizations since the week of June 22nd. Director of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Julio Figueroa, says COVID is still part of our present and future…
cut 14 (10) “….controlled measures”
The number of people hospitalized due to COVID is 108 according to the last report by L-D-H. Over 19-thousand people have died from the virus.

12:30 LRN Newscast

The race for governor officially got underway today with the first day of qualifying. Out of the seven major candidates, three of them qualified today. The first was Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy, a pro-life Independent, who wants to raise the minimum wage and renew a state sales tax that’s set to expire in 2025. Republican John Schroder also qualified. Schroder on the polls that show he’s trailing front-runner Jeff Landry by a wide margin…
cut 6 (08) “…do that”
Former state transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson also qualified. He’s the lone major Democrat in the race…
cut 7 (12) “…many sorts”
Wilson has received the endorsement of current Governor John Bel Edwards.

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain qualified today as he’s seeking a fifth term. Strain says Louisiana farmers are responsible for helping to feed the world and he says he has a plan to help producers make that happen…
cut 9 (10) “….to export”
Strain is not expected to pick up a major challenger.

Four people have signed up for Secretary of State, three Republicans, Nancy Landry, Clay Schexnayder and Brandon Trosclair. Gwen Collins-Greenup is the lone Democrat. She previously ran unsuccessfully for the post in past.

As of now we have three candidates for state treasurer, Republicans John Fleming and Scott McKnight and Democrat Dustin Granger.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Qualifying for the statewide races got underway this morning at the Secretary of State’s Office in Baton Rouge. The first candidate for governor to sign up was Independent Hunter Lundy, an attorney from Lake Charles. Lundy says in order to improve Louisiana, more funding needs to go towards early childhood education…
cut 3 (12) “…change that”

John Schroder is one of five main Republican candidates expected to qualify between now and Thursday afternoon. Schroder has served as the State Treasurer since 2017 and before that he served in the Louisiana House for over ten years. The Covington resident wants to make fundamental changes to state government…
cut 5 (12) “…get the benefits”
Also qualifying in the race, the lone major Democrat in the race Shawn Wilson.

Louisiana’s heat-related deaths in June and July soared to 16 people passing the state’s average of 10.
Cut 1 (32) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The state department of health’s COVID dashboard shows hospitalizations have doubled since June 22nd and the percent positivity rate for COVID tests has climbed to 19-percent. Director of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Julio Figueroa says the uptick is related to a cycle that will probably reoccur every six months or so…
Cut 12 (11) “…the fall.”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Qualifying gets underway at 8 AM as candidates who want to be on the October 14th ballot sign up at the Secretary of State’s office if they are running for a statewide elected position. Three candidates for governor are expected to sign up today, Hunter Lundy, John Schroder and Shawn Wilson.

Louisiana’s heat-related deaths in June and July soared to 16 people passing the state’s average of 10. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 1 (32) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Louisiana Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a statewide burn ban due to the dry and hot conditions. The burn ban primarily addresses the open burning of brush piles for cleanup on private property. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they typically recommend burners keep a close watch on burn piles, so they do not result in brush fires…
Cut 14 (11) “…better handle.”
According to the state’s drought monitor, southwest Louisiana and areas below I-10 and I-12 are the driest in the state.

Eleven Louisiana library systems will soon offer access to telehealth services thanks to grant dollars from The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. State Library of Louisiana Spokesperson Danny Monteverde says these grants will help bridge the gap with healthcare and technology in rural cities…
Cut 7 (11) “…their provider.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The preseason coaches poll is out and LSU is ranked fifth. One of the reasons why LSU is considered a top five team is because of the strength of their offensive and defensive lines. The O-line returns five players who started last year and Tigers defensive end Sai’vion Jones says the experience the group has had together is noticeable….
cut 17 (15) “….with them”
LSU practices again today and Coach Brian Kelly is set to speak at around noon.

The Saints will kickoff preseason Sunday against the Chiefs. Coach Dennis Allen says the starters will play, it’s unknown how much they’ll play. But any playing time should help new quarterback Derek Carr’s chemistry and comfort within the system. Carr and tight end Juwan Johnson have already established a noticeable connection in training camp, and Johnson says Carr is like a long-lost brother…
Cut 19 (14) “…universal everywhere.”
A couple of former pro bowlers worked out for the Saints on Monday, running back Kareem Hunt and linebacker Anthony Barr. Hunt maybe needed with Alvin Kamara set to miss three games as a result of a suspension and the Saints have already lost running back Eno Benjamin with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Barr could be needed as linebacker Demario Davis has been sidelined with a calf injury.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Qualifying begins today for the October 14th primary and LA Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford is not expecting any surprises when it comes to the governor’s race. He says it looks like all seven of the major players will qualify, five republicans, one democrat and one independent. He says so far this governor’s race has not generated much buzz which could impact turnout….
Cut 10 (04) “…the ticket.”
Qualifying will run through Thursday.

At least 16 people in Louisiana died in June and July from heat-related causes, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Climate and Preventative Medicine Physician Dr. Alicia Van Doren says the heat is a concerning health problem that could get worse over the years because of climate change….
Cut 4 (11) “…dangerous levels.”

The State Fire Marshal has issued a statewide burn ban due to concerns about dry conditions. Kace Kieschnick has the story…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

And there’s no relief in sight from this excessive heat. At least the tropics are quiet.