8:30 LRN Newscast August 18

Today, the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will consider whether or not K-12 schools will abide by the Governor’s indoor mask mandate. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The state health department reported nearly 37-hundred new coronavirus cases on Tuesday. Officials say nearly a quarter of all new COVID cases in Louisiana are children. The state has also surpassed three thousand people in the hospital as a result of the coronavirus. 91-percent are unvaccinated.

Authorities say an Acadia Parish man was arrested in West Carroll Parish after he drove 230 miles to meet up with a 13-year-old girl to have sex. Oak Grove Police Chief Lewis Russell says an undercover officer acting as a teenage girl on the internet lured 36-year-old James Regan up to northeast Louisiana…
cut 8 (11) “…prosecute it”
Regan faces numerous charges, including possession of child pornography.

Baton Rouge nurse Carla Brown who made national headlines going door to door to help vaccinate people has received a $25,000 check from Louisiana Healthcare Connections. Brown lost her husband to COVID before vaccines were available and she has vaccinated over 2,000 individuals in his memory.
Cut 10 (10) “…others.”
The state health department has named an initiative after her to help get more individuals vaccinated.

7:30 LRN Newscast August 18

The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will debate today masks in public schools and whether local school boards have the authority to set their own policy for face coverings in the classroom. Governor Edwards believes his indoor mask mandate covers schools as well. Edwards says the health order protects kids and adults
cut 16 (10) “…..capacity”
The Louisiana Health Department reports over three thousand people are in the hospital suffering from COVID and 91-percent of them are unvaccinated.

The other big topic is Afghanistan. The withdrawal of U-S Troops has resulted in the Taliban taking over the country. Congressman Mike Johnson…
cut 4 (05) “….disaster”
The White House says it’s working on evacuating Americans and Afghan allies out of the country.

Authorities in northwest Louisiana arrested a man from Acadia Parish after he traveled to West Carroll Parish to have sex with a 13-year-old girl. But Oak Grove Police Chief Lewis Russell says 36-year-old James Regan was actually communicating with an undercover officer and not a teenage girl. He was arrested in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart in Oak Grove…
cut 9 (09) “….incident”
Regan is facing several charges after investigators say they found child porn on his phone.

The state has honored Baton Rouge nurse Carla Brown. She launched a door-to-door campaign to vaccinate as many people as possible after her husband died of COVID. Brown has vaccinated over two thousand people and she says in one of her interactions the wife agreed to be vaccinated and eventually her husband was also persuaded…
cut 12 (10) “…happy moment”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Much of the attention during Saints training camp has been on the battle for starting quarterback between Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston. There hasn’t been much talk about the defense. Safety Malcolm Jenkins is entering his 13th season and likes what he sees…
cut 30 (30) “…this year”
The Saints host Jacksonville for the second preseason game on Monday.

The Saints say if season ticket holders decide not to be vaccinated against COVID or get tested 72 hours prior to a home football game, they will not be able to get a refund for their tickets. The Saints are also not giving season ticket holders the opportunity to opt-out like they did last season.

LSU has been waiting for former five-star running back John Emery to emerge as a real threat on offense. Last season the former Destrehan star only rushed for 378 yards and three touchdowns. Emery says he’s motivated to have a big junior campaign…
cut 19 (16) “…very successful so”
LSU is 17 days away from its season opener at UCLA. And because of a local ordinance, fans will be required to wear masks while they watch the game in the Rose Bowl.

Former LSU star Jamal Adams is the highest-paid safety in the NFL after signing a four-year contract extension worth up to 70-million dollars.

The Pelicans finished the Summer League undefeated as New Orleans defeated the Timberwolves 87 to 59. Six-foot-seven forward Naji Marshall had five points, ten rebounds, and ten assists.

6:30 LRN Newscast August 18

A spirited debate over face coverings in classrooms is expected at today’s Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meeting. Governor John Bel Edwards believes his indoor mask mandate covers schools. 63 House Republicans penned a letter to BESE asking them to allow school boards to make the decision locally. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris…
Cut 13 (06) “…state.”
The meeting starts at 9:00.

Members of Louisiana’s Republican Congressional delegation say the Biden administration has mishandled the removal of troops from Afghanistan. President Biden said there was no longer a national security interest in keeping American troops there, but Congressman Mike Johnson disagrees…
cut 6 (10) “…..answers”

The state has honored Baton Rouge Nurse Carla Brown for vaccinating over two thousand people in a door-to-door campaign in memory of her husband who died from COVID…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast August 17

The Saints have told a New Orleans TV station that if season ticket holders decide not to be vaccinated against COVID or get tested 72 hours prior to a home football game, they will not be able to get a refund for their tickets. The Saints are also not giving season ticket holders the opportunity to opt-out like they did last season.

Tulane University announced last week that fans will need to be vaccinated or test negative 72 hours before attending one of its football games this season. Athletic Director Troy Dannen tells Sports Illustrated only 27 of their season-ticket holders requested refunds and they’ve sold well over 27 new season tickets in the last five days.

The Pelicans are reportedly close to bringing back reserve shooting guard Josh Hart. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi says Hart is on the verge of signing a three-year, 38-million dollar contract with New Orleans. The 26-year-old averaged nine points and eight rebounds a game last season and is also known for his defense.

LSU’s offensive line lost the battle of the trenches in the first scrimmage of preseason camp based on what Coach Ed Orgeron said. So this week, the Tigers o-line is working on fixing those issues. Senior offensive tackle Austin Deculus…
cut 19 (19) “….would so”
The strength of LSU this season is its defensive line, based on the veteran presence, depth and up and coming players on the Tigers roster. Senior defensive lineman Neil Farrell expects big seasons from sophomore Jaquelin Roy and freshman Maason Smith….
cut 18 (11) “…this year”

LRN PM Newscall August 17

Since the approval of a booster dose for the immunocompromised now there’s discussion of a third shot for the general public who are fully vaccinated. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Ochsner encourages people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to get their third COVID vaccine shot. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Days after the FDA approved a third COVID vaccine booster shot for the immunocompromised, the Biden Administration is reportedly developing a plan for a third shot for those who were fully vaccinated, eight months ago or longer. Infectious Disease Specialist for LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Fred Lopez says it remains to be seen who will be prioritized..

Cut 3 (06) “…first.” 

The immunocompromised makeup about three percent of the population, individuals who are being treated for cancer and organ transplant patients who take certain medications. Lopez says he anticipates the booster shot rollout will mirror the original rollout of healthcare workers and nursing home residents.

Cut 4 (08) “…conditions” 

Lopez says those chronic conditions include heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, thyroid disease, and obesity.

Approximately four months ago Pfizer lobbied for a third booster shot and their efforts were denied by the FDA. Lopez says amidst the fourth surge it appears the mindset amongst government officials has done a 180.

Cut 5 (11) “…last dose.”

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Critical hospital personnel who have children under the age of 12 can receive childcare subsidies thanks to a new Department of Education program.

Deputy Assistant Superintendent for Early Childhood Operations Lisa Brochard says this program could help get more hospital workers back to understaffed facilities…

Cut 6 (09) “…Louisiana”

This subsidy program applies to a range of hospital personnel working in Tier 1 or 2 hospitals. Brochard says all of those workers are desperately needed in our near-capacity hospitals.

Cut 7 (07) “…nature” 

Brochard says the subsidies take a lot of forms including having childcare workers watch the night staff’s kids. She says it should help make childcare much more accessible for those workers.

Cut 8 (11) “…amount”

Applications will be accepted through October 31st. Upon approval, the subsidy will be good for 12 months.

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The fourth COVID-19 surge is bringing down the state’s economy. That’s according to Gulf Coast Bank and Trust president Guy Williams who says with the state reporting thousands of new cases every day, it’s keeping many people from going to work…

Cut 9 (08) “…enough workers”

Today, the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival, the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City, and the Beignet Fest in New Orleans City Park announced they had to cancel their upcoming events. Williams says they add to the growing list of cancellations…

Cut 10 (15) “…gone away”

Louisiana ranks second to Florida for daily average cases. Williams says that’s a big concern for our tourism-dependent economy…

Cut  11 (08) “…neighboring states.”  

Williams says health officials have told him this fourth surge could last another seven weeks.

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Ochsner is now administering third COVID vaccine shots to Moderna and Pfizer patients who are moderate to severely immunocompromised.

Pharmacy and Population Health Director Matthew Malachowski says you can visit their website or call 844-888-2772 to set up an appointment for your third shot.

Cut 12 (11) “…dose.” 

Patients should wait at least 28 days after receiving their second dose to get a third dose. Johnson and Johnson vaccine recipients currently are not eligible.

Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says there is evidence suggesting that a disproportionate number of vaccine breakthrough hospitalizations are those who are immunocompromised.

Cut 13 (07) “…dose”

Medical Director of Hospital Quality Dr. Sandra Kemmerly says not everyone who is technically immunocompromised currently qualifies for the third shot.

Cut 14 (12) “…supression.”

Those who are receiving active cancer treatment received an organ transplant, received a stem cell transplant within the last two years, have advanced or untreated HIV, or have a moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency.

2:30 LRN Newscast August 17

The Louisiana Health Department reported 122 new COVID deaths today, which brings the state’s death toll to 11,706. Louisiana has also surpassed three thousand hospitalizations as there are now 3,012 patients hospitalized as a result of COVID.

Ochsner is encouraging people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to get their third COVID vaccine shot. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (32)…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Multiple reports say the federal government will soon advise Americans who received the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, that they will need to get a third shot. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Doctor Fred Lopez…
cut 5 (11) “…last dose”
Today, the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival, the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City, and the Beignet Fest in New Orleans City Park announced they had to cancel their upcoming events. Gulf Coast Bank and Trust President Gary Williams says they add to the growing list of cancellations…
Cut 10 (15) “…gone away”
Williams says health officials have told him this fourth COVID surge could last another seven weeks.

1:30 LRN Newscast August 17

The number of COVID patients in the hospital has surpassed three thousand, an all-time high. The state also reported 3,691 new cases and 122 new COVID deaths. Louisiana ranks second to Florida for daily average cases. Gulf Coast Bank and Trust president Gary Williams says that’s a big concern for our tourism-dependent economy…
cut 11 (08) “….neighboring states”

Ochsner is now administering third COVID vaccine shots to Moderna and Pfizer patients who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Pharmacy and Population Health Director Matthew Malachowski says you can visit their website
Cut 12 (11) “…dose.”
Patients should wait at least 28 days after receiving their second dose to get a third dose.

Since the approval of a booster dose for the immunocompromised now there’s a discussion of a third shot for the general public who are fully vaccinated Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A couple of major festivals announced today they will not hold their events this year. Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival and the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City have decided to wait until next year.

Bossier City police will host a fundraiser on Monday, August 30th at their police station on Benton Road, for fallen Doyline police officer Billy Collins Junior. He was killed while on duty last month.

11:40 LRN Sportscast August 17

LSU Quarterback Max Johnson says after the defensive line had success in the team’s first scrimmage of preseason camp, the offense is working on communicating the protections better so they know where the pressure is coming from. During his Zoom interview with the media, Johnson was also asked about the advice he’s getting from his Dad, Brad Johnson who played in the NFL for 15 years and won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Bucs…
cut 17 (17) “…you can be”

The Saints have trimmed their roster down from 90 to 85 players. Cornerback Prince Amukamara, kicker Brett Maher, running back Stevie Scott the third, defensive end Noah Spence and tackle Kyle Murphy were all let go. Maher’s release means the Saints are searching for a kicker again.

For the first time in conference history, the Sun Belt has two teams ranked in the preseason A-P poll. Coastal Carolina, who is coming off an undefeated regular season, is ranked 22nd, while the Ragin Cajuns are ranked 23rd.

U-L Lafayette had its first scrimmage of preseason camp this past weekend and Coach Billy Napier says freshman running back Montrell Johnson had a good day, but it wasn’t all good when it came to the offense…
Cut 20 (19) “…next week”

Tulane University announced last week that fans will need to be vaccinated or test negative 72 hours before attending one of its football games this season. Athletic Director Troy Dannen tells Sports Illustrated only 27 of their season-ticket holders requested refunds and they’ve sold well over 27 new season tickets in the last five days.

9:30 LRN Newscast August 17

Anti-mask protesters made their voices heard at the Louisiana House Health and Welfare Committee. Brandi Pew of Unmask our Kids in Louisiana says wearing a mask all day in school is not good for children…
cut 15 (11) “…with masks”
Governor Edwards has said everyone five years old and up should wear a mask while indoors. BESE is expected to discuss the issue tomorrow.

A prosecutor in the Lafayette District Attorney’s Office faces several charges after a pontoon boat he was operating collided with three juveniles who were tubing on the False River in Pointe Coupee Parish. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says 64-year-old Chris Richard of Carencro has been charged with felony hit and run, careless operation, and negligent injury…
cut 9 (10) “…boating incident”
Authorities say one of the children injured suffered a broken pelvis.

Food stamp benefits are set to go up about 36 dollars a month on average. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Authorities in northeast Louisiana have arrested an Acadia Parish man after he allegedly drove 230 miles to Oak Grove to have sex with a 13-year-old girl. James Regan of Egan was charged with solicitation of a juvenile for sex. Oak Grove Police say Regan thought he was talking with a teenage girl, it turned out to be an undercover agent. He’s also been charged with 39 counts of child pornography.