9:30 LRN Newscast

The state Department of Insurance approves a big rate hike for customers of the state’s last-resort property insurer, Louisiana Citizens…:
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is set to approve a plan today to help third and fourth graders who are struggling to read at the appropriate age level. Under the proposal, students who fail a screening would undergo 30 hours of summer remediation or they could skip summer school and get some other assistance or repeat the grade.

John Deere is investing nearly 30-million dollars to expand operations at its Thibodaux facility. The expansion will result in 70 new jobs. The governor’s office says the state offered John Deere an incentive package, including a performance-based retention and modernization grant of up to one-million dollars. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson
Cut 7 (10) “…to grow”
The 70 new jobs will have an average annual salary of 47-thousand dollars and the expansion will also retain 311 jobs.

The consumer financial company Bankrate conducted a survey and found that 25% of holiday travelers will be making less expensive accommodations for the holidays and 24% will take fewer trips due to higher travel costs. Senior Industry Analyst, Ted Rossman says 43% of Americans are planning to travel this holiday season.
Cut 4 (09) “…of flying..”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Over 100-thousand Louisiana Citizens Policyholders are facing a 63-percent rate increase on their homeowners coverage as a result of rising re-insurance costs. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says state law forced the approval of the rate hike, but he’s looking to bring back an incentive program to attract more private insurers into Louisiana…
cut 15 (09) “…business at Citizens”
The increase will go into effect next year so Donelon encourages Citizen policyholders to shop around now.

For the first time in about a month, there’s a chance of rain across Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we are not looking any significant rainfall totals and more rain will be needed…
cut 11 (13) “…that promising”

John Deere will invest nearly 30-million dollars to expand operations at its Thibodaux facility. The expansion will create 70 new jobs and the Thibodaux plant will eventually produce medium-chassis cotton harvesting models that will replace existing models built in China. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson says these new cotton harvesters shows how compeitive Lafourche can be…
cut 9 (07) “…..to work”
The company expects production of the new cotton harvesters to begin within the next two years and reach full capacity by 2025.

Bankrate has found that 79-percent of holiday travelers are changing their plans, opting for shorter trips, cheaper activities and less expensive accomodations because of rising costs. Senior Industry analyst Ted Rossman says the days you decide to fly will impact how much you spend…
cut 6 (12) “…less crowded”

7:30 LRN Newscast

The state Department of Insurance has approved a rate increase of 63 percent for customers of the state-run insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it was a necessary decision, as required by state law but nevertheless he says it was…:
Cut 13 (12) “…a private company.”
The increase will take effect on January 1st, but Donelon says he’s working to bring new insurance companies into the state that will offer cheaper coverage to those under Citizens’ protection.

For the first time in a month, you might need an umbrella with you today as there’s a good chance rain will fall this afternoon and tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says early September was the state’s last significant rainfall…
cut 12 (08) “…broken today finally”
There’s a marginal risk for severe weather for the northern half of the state.

John Deere announces plans to expand its Thibodaux plant which will result in 70 new jobs on the Bayou. Don Molino has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Don Molino”

It was a violent night in Shreveport last night as three separate shootings led to three fatalities. Police say the shootings occurred within an hour of each other and there’s no word from authorities on whether these shootings are connected or if anyone has been arrested.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Tigers head to Gainesville this weekend to face 4-2 Florida. The Gators are led by former U-L Lafayette head coach Billy Napier. Florida’s two leading backs Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne are also transplants from the Bayou State, and Napier says all his Louisiana talents are looking forward to playing the Tigers this Saturday…
Cut 19 (19) “…the country.”

Former LSU Tiger Alex Bregman hit a two run homer in the eighth inning to spark the Astros come from behind win to beat Seattle eight to seven in Game one of their American League Division Series. Yordan Alvarez capped off the rally with an electrifying three-run walk-off home run.

The defending Sun Belt Conference champion Ragin Cajuns look for their first conference win of the season tonight when U-L Lafayette visits Marshall. The two teams met in the New Orleans Bowl 10 months ago, and the Cajuns won 36-21. Coach Michael Desormeaux says the Thundering Herd defense is as strong as it was last year, but they’ve been inconsistent on offense just like the Cajuns…
cut 17 (15) “….an identity”
Ben Woolridge will start for the Cajuns at quarterback as Chandler Fields is injured.

The Pelicans face the Miami Heat in preseason action tonight. New Orleans forward Brandon Ingram has yet to play in the preseason because of a toe injury. A week from tonight, the NBA regular season starts for the Pels.

The Saints return to the practice field today to get ready for the Bengals. Both teams are two and three. Kick-off on Sunday is at noon.

6:30 LRN Newscast

There’s good economic development news to report this morning. John Deere is investing 30-million dollars to expand its plant in Thibodaux which will add 70 new jobs at an average salary of 47-thousand dollars and the expansion will also retain 311 existing jobs. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson says John Deere’s expansion is a huge win for the Bayou…
cut 8 (11) “….next generation”
The expansion involves a new production line and upgraded equipment.

It’s been a month since the state of Louisiana has seen rain. State climatologist Berry Keim says that could change today.
Cut 10 (10) “..the state..”
There’s a marginal risk for severe weather for the northern half of the state.

A survey finds travelers are making new arrangements this holiday season as prices continue to rise because of inflation. Whitney Thomas has more…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

According to Triple-A, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is up another three cents today to $3.39. That’s a 26-cent jump in a week.

LRN AM Newscall October 12

A survey finds travelers are making new arrangements this holiday season as prices continue to rise because of inflation. Whitney Thomas has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

_________________________________________________

John Deere announces plans to expand its Thibodaux plant which will result in 70 new jobs on the Bayou. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Don Molino” 

_________________________________________________

The state Department of Insurance approves a big rate hike for customers of the state’s last-resort property insurer, Louisiana Citizens…:

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________

The consumer financial company Bankrate conducted a survey and found that 25% of holiday travelers will be making less expensive accommodations for the holidays and 24% will take fewer trips due to the effect inflation has on travel prices. Senior Industry Analyst, Ted Rossman says 43% of U.S people are planning to travel this holiday season.

Cut 4 (09)  “…of flying..”

Rossman says inflation will impact lower-income households at a higher rate. He says planning ahead will help keep holiday travel costs more affordable.

Cut 5 (10) “…don’t delay.”

This is expected to be the busiest holiday travel season since 2019. Using credit cards and hotel rewards can help save money this season. Rossman says the days you travel are also crucial in helping keep costs down.

Cut 6 (13)  “…less crowded.” 

__________________________________________________

John Deere is investing nearly 30-million dollars to expand operations at its Thibodaux facility. The expansion will result in 70 new jobs. The governor’s office says the state offered Deere an  incentive package, including a performance-based retention and modernization grant of up to one-million dollars. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson

Cut 7 (10) “…to grow”

The 70 new jobs will have an average annual salary of 47-thousand dollars and the expansion will also retain 311 jobs. Chaisson says John Deere’s expansion is a huge win for Lafourche…

Cut 8 (11)  “…next generation.”

The expansion involves a new production line and upgraded equipment, which will allow the Thibodaux facility to produce medium-chassis cotton harvesting models that will replace existing models in China. Chaisson says these new cotton harvesters shows how competitive Lafourche can be…

Cut 9 (07)  “…with everybody.”

The company expects production of the new cotton harvesters to begin within the next two years and to reach full capacity by 2025.

_________________________________________________

It’s been a month since the state of Louisiana has seen rain. State climatologist Berry Keim says that could change today.

Cut 10 (10) “..the state..”

Keim says although rain chances increase today not much is expected.

Cut  11 (13)  “..that promising..”

Keim says early September was the last significant rainfall.

Cut 12 (08) “..broken today..” 

______________________________________________

The state Department of Insurance has approved a rate increase of 63 percent for customers of the state-run insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it was a necessary decision, as required by state law but nevertheless he says it was…:

Cut 13 (12) “…a private company.”

The increase will take effect on January 1st, but Donelon says he hopes to have new insurance companies arranged to offer cheaper coverage to those under Citizens’ protection…:

Cut 14 (09)  “…Citizens’ policyholders.”

Donelon says the rate hike is necessary and required by law, so that Citizens can cover the cost of potential disaster claims and the cost of re-insurance (basically insurance for insurers) which is sold on the international market. He says he and his staff will meet with state lawmakers this week about a plan to use surplus DOI money as an incentive fund to attract new companies; a plan that worked after Katrina and Rita hit…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…business at Citizens.”

______________________________________________

University of Louisiana Lafayette returns to play tonight after a week off. Head Coach Michael Desormeaux says the bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for the banged up team after a disappointing loss to South Alabama…

Cut 16 (17)  “…about them.” 

The defending Sun Belt Conference champion Ragin’ Cajuns have gotten off to a disappointing start to the season, but they look to bounce back against a Marshall team they beat in last year’s New Orleans Bowl. Coach Desormeaux says the Marshall defense is as strong as it was last year, but they’ve faced similar offensive inconsistencies as the Cajuns…

Cut 17 (15) “…an identity.” 

After a tight quarterback competition in the off-season, Coach Desormeaux decided it would be best if both Chandler Fields and Ben Wooldridge saw the field this season, but with Fields hurt coach Desormeaux is confident in Wooldridge’s ability to lead the team…

Cut 18 (18) “…the occasion.” 

Kickoff is tonight at 6:30

______________________________________________________

The Tigers head to Gainesville this weekend to face 4-2 Florida. The Gators are led by former Louisiana Lafayette Head Coach Billy Napier who was a candidate for the LSU vacancy this off-season. The Gators two leading backs Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne are also transplants from the bayou state, and Coach Napier says all his Louisiana talents are looking forward to playing the Tigers this Saturday…

Cut 19 (19) “…the country.”

The Gators offense features dual threat quarterback Anthony Richardson, but Coach Napier says that stopping the versatility of Jayden Daniels and the Tigers offense is a unique challenge that will be a top priority…

Cut 20 (19) “ …his feet.” 

Coach Napier says the team is excited for a tough rivalry match up at night in the Swamp this Saturday.

______________________________________________________

5:30 LRN Newscast

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has jumped 26-cents since last week to 3.36. Triple-A’s Don Redman expects the price at the pump to continue to go up….
cut 8 (08) “….wait see”

A survey finds travelers are making new arrangements this holiday season as prices continue to rise because of inflation. Whitney Thomas has more…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Tangipahoa Parish deputies have arrested seven people in connection with the shooting death of 16-year-old “LJ” Williams last weekend. Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis says a teen party erupted into gunfire after a jealous boyfriend saw his girlfriend dancing at the party on Facebook Live…:
Cut 9 (09) “…body-slammed her.”
Travis says the victim was in one of the cars, but didn’t want to be involved in what was about to happen, so he got out and was walking away when the shooting started…but was hit by bullets and killed.

Over 100-thousand Louisiana Citizens Policyholders are facing a 63-percent rate increase on their homeowners coverage as a result rising re-insurance costs. Commissioner Jim Donelon says state law forced him to approve the rate hike proposal, but he’s looking to bring back an incentive program to bring more private insurers into Louisiana…
cut 15 (09) “…business at Citizens”

4:30 LRN Newscast Oct 11

The price of a gallon of gas has risen 5-cents in just one day. The statewide average cost of regular is now at $3.36; up from $3.31 yesterday…and it’s up 26-cents from a week ago. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says the Russia-Ukraine War plus OPEC cutting daily production is putting the bite on motorists…and yet we are still driving more…:

CUT 07(05)      “…this time of year.”

He advises you try to budget spending at least $3.50 a gallon for the foreseeable future.

Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley told the Senate Education Committee the number of teacher vacancies in the classroom statewide has been cut in half in one year from 25-hundred to 12-hundred. Brumley says legislation approved by lawmakers this year has helped…:

CUT 12(15)      “…the classroom.”

 

Tangipahoa Parish deputies arrest seven in connection with the fatal shooting a 16-year-old last weekend. More from Jeff Palermo…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

A Deridder man is under arrest; accused of 5-thousand of counts of possessing child pornography. Deputies in Vernon Parish say 47-year-old Bruce Legassie had images and videos of the illegal content on his computer and devices. His bond has not been set.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints enjoy a day off today and begin preparation tomorrow for their week 6 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. LSU standouts Joe Burrow and Ja’marr Chase will make their first return to the Superdome since the 2019 national championship. Saints Coach Dennis Allen says he knows the duo are Louisiana sports legends, but he’s still counting on the home crowd to be there for the Saints this Sunday…

Cut 16

The Bengals are 1.5 point away favorites for the noon kickoff.

 

The Pelicans are signing Baton Rouge native and former LSU Tiger Javonte Smart. The guard averaged 13 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over 3 seasons with the Tigers, and was three-time Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year at Scotlandville. Smart signed with Miami as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and appeared in 17 games with the Bucks and Heat last season. He will now have his chance to earn a spot on the Pelicans already deep 20-man roster.

LSU True Freshman Linebacker Harold Perkins didn’t see the field much as the Tiger’s defense struggled to slow down Tennessee’s up-tempo offense. LSU Coach Brian Kelly says they recently moved Perkins to strong side linebacker and that particular position didn’t fit well against the Volunteers spread offense attack…

Cut 19 “…this Saturday.”

LSU will face Florida in Gainesville this Saturday.

 

There’s a new number one in the Class 4A Louisiana Sportswriters Association prep football poll after Westgate’s loss to Teurlings Catholic Rebels. Lafayette Christian takes over the number one spot ahead of their matchup against the undefeated Rebels this weekend.

 

3:30 LRN Newscast Oct 11

Tangipahoa Parish deputies arrest seven people in connection with the shooting death of 16-year-old Leonard “LJ” Williams last weekend. TPSO Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis says a teen party erupted into gunfire after an argument, and victim was caught in a crossfire and killed. Travis says over 30 shell casings were recovered, and it’s troubling that teens were so well-armed…:

CUT 11(09)      “…tactical rifle round.”

He says more arrests are likely.

To help with a statewide shortage of nurses, LSU Health New Orleans will use federal grant money to train nurses to teach people how to be nurses. LSU’s Leanne Fowler says the problem is worse in Louisiana’s rural areas…:

CUT 05(10)      “…underserved.”

 

Gasoline prices are rising again. The cost of a gallon of regular gasoline is up 26 cents from a week ago to a statewide average of $3.36…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Golsby.”

Three men from Jefferson Parish are happy to be alive after their boat sank in the Gulf and they endured long hours floating in the water and fighting off sharks! The Coast Guard was able to find the men and rescue them. They sustained bites to their hands and arms, but are expected to be OK. An ordeal they will never forget.