9:30 LRN Newscast

This week, campaign season for the fall elections officially gets underway as qualifying begins on Tuesday. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Two Lafayette police officers are recovering after they were shot responding to a domestic disturbance call. An adult female and two children were also shot in the incident early Saturday morning, one of the children died at the hospital. Lafayette P-D says one of its wounded officers was treated and released, while the other remains hospitalized.

UL Lafayette’s Operation Smoke Sheaux annual fundraiser that supports members of the military, veterans, and their dependents will be featured on tonight’s episode of “BBQ USA” on The Food Network. Ryan Gonzales, assistant director of Veteran and Military Students at the university says he’s excited they are getting the national exposure to help in their efforts.

Cut 8 (08) “…first one.”

The episode airs tonight at 9 PM on the Food Network.

With most K through 12 schools set to begin school next week, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reminds drivers to be aware of school zones.  LHSC Spokesperson Gregory Fischer says drivers must be cautious and attentive in areas where children are present…

Cut 13 (06) “..little world.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Real Reform Louisiana, a consumer advocacy group, says a new study from the Consumer Federation of America shows drivers with bad credit are being penalized with much higher auto insurance premiums than those with good credit, even when both have a safe driving record. Real Reform Director Ben Riggs says this practice allows insurance providers to pad their profits…
cut 6 (11) “…good drivers”
Riggs says three states have passed laws to prohibit using credit scores in setting insurance prices. He points out all three states have cheaper auto insurance than Louisiana. But Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says insurance companies have seen people with poor credit try to use minor accidents to improve their financial situation…
Cut 7 (08) “…pay more.”

Qualifying to have your name on the fall ballot begins tomorrow. Most of the attention is on the governor’s race, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects the race for Attorney General, State Treasurer and Secretary of State will be hotly contested…
Cut 16 (10) “…election system safe.”
Four people are running for Secretary of State. Three Republicans, Nancy Landry, Clay Schexnayder and Brandon Trosclair. Gwen Collins-Greenup is the Democrat.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Office of Veteran and Military Student Services’ signature fundraising event will be featured on the Food Network TV show BBQ USA tonight. Operation Smoke Show brings in 60 of the most competitive barbecuers in the region and Ryan Gonzales hopes tonight’s publicity will lead to more competitors next year…
cut 10 (09) “…in April”

7:30 LRN Newscast

A new report from the Consumer Federation of America finds on average a motorist with poor credit has to pay twice as much for auto insurance as a driver with excellent credit, even if their driving safety history is the same.
Cut 1 (31) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Two 16-year-olds were killed in a two-vehicle crash on I-49 in Lafayette Parish early Sunday morning. The victims have been identified as Jose Alvarez of Opelousas and Marlin Garcia of Church Point. State Police say they were on the side of the interstate when their vehicle was struck from behind by a box truck. The teens were pronounced dead at the scene. L-S-P says the driver of the box truck was uninjured and displayed no signs of impairment.

The fall election season will ramp up this week as a three-day qualifying period begins tomorrow for candidates to sign up for the elected position they would like to serve. There are seven major candidates in the governor’s race. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says we’ll know by the end of the business day on Thursday if all seven will actually have their name on the ballot…
Cut 14 (07) “…have the names.”
Pinsonat says there’s a chance one of two will decide not to qualify.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says students are back in class this week so be prepared for school buses that are making multiple stops along neighborhood streets…
cut 12 (10) “….on the road”
Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Gregory Fischer says drivers in all directions must come to a stop when the stop sign attached to the bus comes out.

6:30 LRN Newscast

A new study from the Consumer Federation of America finds that safe drivers with bad credit pay an average of 905 dollars more than drivers with excellent credit scores. Director of Real Reform Louisiana Ben Riggs says non-driving related factors should not determine auto rates…
Cut 4 (10) “…excellent credit.”
According to CFA, State Farm charges people in Louisiana with fair credit a 78 percent surcharge over the premiums charged to excellent credit drivers and a 224 percent surcharge for people with poor credit. But Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon believes credit is an accurate predictor of the likelihood of loss for a policyholder…
Cut 5 (10) “…good credit.”

If you’ve never attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Operation Smoke Sheaux, tonight’s your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look on the Food Network’s BBQ USA. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

It’s back-to-school time as most students return to class this week. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Gregory Fischer says that means the return of school zone speed limits.
Cut 11 (07) “…in the afternoon.”

10:30 LRN Newscast Aug 5

It wasn’t the jackpot, but a million-dollar MegaMillions ticket was sold in Hammond. The ticket matched five numbers from Friday night’s drawing and was sold at the Quick Way on University Drive. So, you might want to go check your ticket if you purchased one there.

So, let’s pretend you win the jackpot, you have the option of a cash value one-time payment, or the entire jackpot paid overtime. Financial advisor Fred Dent says if you have the discipline to invest you might want to select the one-lump payment…
cut 14 (09) “…over time.”

No one can claim the Jackpot, that rolls over for Tuesday’s night drawing at an estimated $1.5 billion.

Saints pro bowl running back Alvin Kamara has been for suspended for 3 games stemming from his arrest in Las Vegas in 2022. He eventually pled no contest after appearing in court for a misdemeanor charge from an event that knocked a man unconscious. Kamara regrets what happened.

Cut 17  (09) “…bad decision.”

Kamara will miss games against Tennessee, Carolina, and Green Bay.

A dozen chefs from across the country are facing off tonight to win the crown at the 2023 Great American Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says every year chefs representing their state get to display their incredible talent and showcase their seafood creations…
Cut 6 (11) “…to Louisiana.”.

AM LRN Newscast Aug 7

A new report from the Consumer Federation of America finds on average a motorist with poor credit has to pay twice as much for auto insurance as a driver with excellent credit, even if their driving safety history is the same.  Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

If you’ve never attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Operation Smoke Sheaux, tonight’s your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look on the Food Network’s BBQ USA. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

This week, campaign season for the fall elections officially gets underway as qualifying begins on Tuesday. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

________________________________________________

A new study from the Consumer Federation of America finds that safe drivers with bad credit pay an average of 905 dollars more than drivers with excellent credit scores. Director of Real Reform Louisiana Ben Riggs says non-driving related factors should not determine auto rates…

Cut 4 (10)  “…excellent credit.”

According to CFA, State Farm charges people in Louisiana with fair credit a 78 percent surcharge for excellent credit drivers and a 224 percent surcharge for people with poor credit. But Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon believes credit is an accurate predictor of the likelihood of loss for a policyholder…

Cut 5 (10)   “…good credit.”

Riggs says it’s time Louisiana stops allowing auto insurance companies to penalize good drivers, just because their credit score is not good. He says this practice allows insurance providers to pad their profits…

Cut 6 (11)  “…good drivers”

Riggs says three states have passed laws to prohibit using credit scores in setting insurance prices, California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts. He points out all three states have cheaper auto insurance than Louisiana. But Donelon says insurance companies have seen people with poor credit try to use minor accidents to improve their financial situation…

Cut 7 (10) “…pay more.”

________________________________________________

Tonight’s episode of “BBQ USA” on the Food Network is entitled “Battle on the Bayou” and it will feature the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Operation Smoke Sheaux. Ryan Gonzales, assistant director of Veteran and Military Students at the university says the Food Network is showcasing their annual fundraiser Operation Smoke Sheaux.

Cut 8 (08) “…first one.”

Gonzales says their first event was one of the largest BBQ competitions in the state. So big that it grabbed the attention of the Food Network, and they filmed the annual event back in April. Gonzales says the episode follows six competitors throughout the contest.

Cut 9 (09)  “…ceremony.”

And while he wouldn’t reveal the winner of the competition, Gonzales is thrilled about the national exposure the fundraiser will receive and hopes even more contestants come to the Bayou State to showcase their skills next year.

Cut 10 (09) “…in April.”

Funds raised from the event aid student veterans facing extreme hardship and that includes health issues or natural disaster recovery. The episode airs at 9 PM tonight on the Food Network.

____________________________________________

It’s back-to-school time as most students return to class this week. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Gregory Fischer says that means the return of school zone speed limits.

Cut 11 (07) “…in the afternoon.”

Louisiana law prohibits drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving through an active school zone. A first-time violation can cost a driver up to 500 dollars. Every subsequent violation will result in up to a one-thousand-dollar fine and a 60-day suspended driver’s license.

Fischer says drivers should also watch for school buses that are making multiple stops along neighborhood streets…

Cut 12 (10) “…on the road.”

Fischer says it’s up to us to be vigilant drivers in areas where children are present…

Cut 13 (06) “..little world.”

__________________________________________

The fall election season will ramp up this week as a three-day qualifying period begins tomorrow for candidates to sign up for the elected position they would like to serve. There are seven major candidates in the governor’s race. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says we’ll know by the end of the business day on Thursday if all seven will actually have their name on the ballot…

Cut 14 (07)  “…have the names.” 

Pinsonat says at the moment, there have been seven candidates actively campaigning for governor, but there’s a chance one of two of them will look at the political landscape and decide not to qualify…

Cut 15 (10)  “…to win.”

Pinsonat says there’s still time for a surprise entrance into the governor’s race. He says it’s unlikely, but still possible, especially if that person has deep pockets and can self-finance much of their campaign.

Voters will also be choosing new statewide elected officials, or re-electing in some cases. Pinsonat expects the race for Attorney General, State Treasurer and Secretary of State will be hotly contested, even though there is not as much money in those races…

Cut 16 (10) “…election system safe.”

___________________________________________________________________

Saints pro bowl running back Alvin Kamara has been for suspended for 3 games stemming from his arrest in Las Vegas in 2022. He eventually pled no contest after appearing in court for a misdemeanor charge from an event that knocked a man unconscious. Kamara since regrets what happened.

Cut 17  (08) “…bad decision.”

Kamara will miss games against the Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, and Green Bay Packers. He can return to the team’s active roster as soon as the following day of the week 3 matchup. Kamara also said that it has also affected him off the field.

Cut 18 (11) “…some people.”

Kamara took responsibility for his actions before the suspension came down…

Cut 19 (08) “…going forward.”

 

Cut 20 (10)  “…they’ve proven it.”  

9:30 LRN Newscast Aug 5

While no one is waking up a billionaire with a MegaMillions Jackpot there was a million-dollar winning ticket sold in Hammond, they matched five numbers. That ticket was sold at Quick Way on University Drive. But let’s pretend you did hit the jackpot, what is the wisest course of action? Fred Dent with Dent Wealth Advisors says to sign the back of your ticket, take a high-resolution photo of both sides of your ticket, and put it in a secure place.

Cut 13 (10) “…advantage.”

And if you want to donate any of your winnings to your favorite charity Dent recommends forming a foundation for the best tax advantage of your windfall.

Auto insurers have been given the green light to increase rates by the Insurance Commission. Among the top two is State Farm with a 17-percent increase followed by Progressive at 10 percent.

Saints defensive end Cam Jordan signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the Black and Gold through the 2025 season. Jordan is the Saints all-time leader in sacks, but during a press conference, he made it clear that he only has one thing he wants before he ends his career…

cut 4 (11) “….of this deal”

The Great American Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans tonight. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s an event that highlights the quality and variety of domestic seafood…

cut 8 (11) “…these imports”
Representing Louisiana in the competition is Owen Hohl, who is the chef at Hot Tails in Ascension Parish.

8:30 LRN Newscast Aug 5

Eight-time pro bowler and three-time all-pro Cameron Jordan has agreed to a 2 year 27.5 million dollar extension with the New Orleans Saints.

Cut 3 (8) “…been here.”

Jordan says he has one thing he wants before he ends his career a second Super Bowl ring.

According to researchers, this year’s ‘Dead Zone’ in the northern Gulf of Mexico is the sixth smallest in 36 years. The decrease is due to water temperatures and low water flow on the Mississippi River. LSU Professor Nancy Rabalais says the waterway is moving less water and carrying fewer nutrients.

Cut 9 (10)  “…not stratified.”

Researchers say the region has shrunk nearly 3,000 square miles since July.

The Great American Seafood Cook-off is tonight in New Orleans. A dozen chefs from around the country are competing for the crown. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the love and passion the chefs put into each dish is incredible…
cut 7 (12) “….Louisiana seafood”
Louisiana will be represented by Owen Hohl who is the chef at Hot Tails in Ascension Parish.

The 2023 Cameron Fishing Festival got underway last night. They have live music, an auction, plenty of fun for the kids, and some fishing also. The blessing of the fleet is also a time-honored tradition for the event. A ceremony is held to honor fishermen, shrimpers, and the seafood industry. The festival wraps up tonight. Funds raised from the event go towards scholarships for Cameron High School seniors.

And an Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for the entire state until 9 this evening. So be sure to take extra precautions.

 

5:30 LRN Newscast August 4

The NFL has suspended Saints running back Alvin Kamara for three games for his role in a fight outside a Las Vegas nightclub in February 2022. Last month, Kamara plead no contest to a misdemeanor charge. Before the suspension was handed down, Kamara said he made a very bad decision that day.

But in more positive news, One of the Saints best defensive players has signed a contract extension. Pierson Luscy has more…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Pierson Luscy”

The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is smaller than normal, but it’s still nearly the size of Yellowstone National Park. So this year it covers more than three-thousand square thousand miles. LSU Professor Nancy Rabalais says the smaller hypoxia zone is attributed to low flow of the Mississippi River and the pollution that causes the dead zone has not been reduced…
cut 11 (10) “….the river”

Saturday night is the Great American Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s an event that highlights the quality and variety domestic seafood…
cut 8 (11) “…these imports”
Representing Louisiana in the competition is Owen Hohl, who is the chef at Hot Tails in Ascension Parish.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Breaking news out of the NFL, Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been suspended for the first three games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The violation was from an arrest in February 2022 in Las Vegas, and Kamara will be eligible in all three of the Saints preseason games. He can return to the active roster on Monday September 25, which is the day after the Saints week 3 matchup against the Green bay Packers.

Kamara missed the previous practice after he visited Roger Goodell about the arrest and took responsibility.

Cut 26 (8) “… the NFL.

Saints star defensive end Cameron Jordan signed a 2 year 27.5 million dollar deal with the team which will lock him in with the team for the next 3 years. The 8 time pro bowler is the Saints all-time sack leader and says why he signed the deal with the team.

Cut 27 (8) …been here.”

LSU football head coach Brian Kelly announced a change to the team’s injury update protocol to limit the questions from the media about player injury status. This is not a typical procedure for college athletics, but he has no concern that it will give a competitive advantage to any of his opponents.
Cut 18 (10) “what you expect.”

Oregon and Washington are planning to leave the PAC 12 conference to join the Big 10. The two teams’ addition to the Big 10 will bring the conference’s total to 18 teams. Arizona also on the move to the Big 12 joining Colorado as teams that are leaving the PAC 12 for the Big 12, and both of the teams can be a part of the Big 12 as soon as 2024. With the moves around the country, there are now only 6 teams consisting of the PAC 12 conference. Arizona State could be another team leaving the PAC 12 after a board of regents meeting discussed their possibility, leaving the PAC 12 in serious doubts.