LRN PM Newscall Dec 18

Big rig trucks sitting in traffic is costing the trucking industry billions and billions of dollars. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Soon, it will be a lot easier for schools to have the tools needed to save people experiencing cardiac arrest. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A new study highlights the massive cost of congestion in the trucking industry. The American Transport Research Institute’s Cost of Congestion study shows that congestion is adding almost 110-billion dollars to the industry’s costs. Renee Amar (AY-mar), the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, says the problem is very prevalent in Louisiana.

Cut 3 (12) “…3.6 billion dollars.”

Amar says many factors contribute to the costs of congestion.

Cut 4 (12) “…middle of congestion.”

Amar says in the Baton Rouge area, a big cause for congestion is poorly-designed roadways, and she gives an example that is currently being rectified.

Cut 5 (13) “…delay and congestion.”

The overall cost of congestion is up 15-percent over last year. The study says the costs are the equivalent of more than 430-thousand commercial truck drivers sitting idle for an entire year.

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Fifty-two recruits of Cadet Class 106 began their journey as Louisiana State Police Troopers in Baton Rouge. Over the next 24 weeks, the cadets will undergo rigorous training in defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, de-escalation, ethics, and criminal and traffic law to prepare for careers in public service. Trooper Shelby Mayfield says recruits can start with no experience whatsoever.

Cut 6 (11) “…from the ground up.”

Mayfield says cadets are paid while they go through the academy and equipment is provided.

Cut 7 (13) “…while you’re in training.”

LSP offers competitive pay, benefits, a take-home vehicle, overtime opportunities, and an excellent retirement plan.  Mayfield says Cadet Class 107 will start in June, and applications remain open for aspiring troopers

Cut 8 (09) “…www-dot-lsp-dot-org.”

Graduation from the LSP Academy for class 106 is set for May 30th.

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Soon, schools will have some important tools to help save people experiencing cardiac arrest thanks to the HEARTS Act, which passed unanimously in both houses of Congress. Kristen Simpson, a board member at the American Heart Association, says this bill, which is currently awaiting a signature from President Biden, will create a uniform standard for schools.

Cut 9 (08)  “…have any AEDs,”

Simpson says the act will help schools with everything that they need to help people experiencing cardiac arrest.

Cut 10 (10) “…emergency response plans.” (It helps schools purchase and maintain AEDs and train staff and students on how to perform CPR)

According to statistics, only about one in ten children who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive. Simpson says with an AED on hand, those odds improve exponentially.

Cut 11 (09) “…to 70 percent.”

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Christmas Day is one week from today, but the warm weather does not make it feel like Christmas is approaching. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that will change as a cold front moves through the state today. Keim says it will bring a little bit of rain and much cooler weather

Cut 12 (12) “…environment.”

Keim says high temperatures will only be in the 60s tomorrow and Friday, which is a big difference from what we are seeing today. He says cool air will continue flow down into Louisiana and temperatures will drop some for Saturday…

Cut 13 (15)  “…Saturday morning.”

High temperatures on Saturday will only be in the 50s, but mild temperatures will return for Christmas Day. Keim says we are also looking at the possibility of rain on Christmas Day…

Cut 14 (09) “…or more.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

Big rig trucks sitting in traffic is costing the trucking industry billions and billions of dollars. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A cold front is moving through the northern half of the state at this hour. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 12 (12) “…environment”

Highs tomorrow in the 60s and we could see below freezing temperatures in north Louisiana on Saturday.

Soon, schools will have some important tools to help save people experiencing cardiac arrest thanks to the HEARTS Act, which passed unanimously in both houses of Congress. Kristen Simpson, a board member at the American Heart Association, says this bill, which is currently awaiting a signature from President Biden, will create a uniform standard for schools.

Cut 9 (08)  “…have any AEDs,”

According to statistics, only about one in ten children who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive. Simpson says with an AED on hand, those odds improve exponentially.

Fifty-two men and women have begun training to become Louisiana State Police Troopers. They are part of Cadet Class 106 and Trooper Shelby Mayfield says cadets are paid while they go through the academy and equipment is provided…

Cut 7 (13) “….while you’re training”

Mayfield says Cadet Class 107 will start in June, and applications remain open for aspiring troopers.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Fifty-two recruits of Cadet Class 106 began their journey as Louisiana State Police Troopers in Baton Rouge. Over the next 24 weeks, the cadets will undergo rigorous training in defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, de-escalation, ethics, and criminal and traffic law to prepare for careers in public service. Trooper Shelby Mayfield says recruits can start with no experience whatsoever.

Cut 6 (11) “…from the ground up.”

Enhanced seat belt warnings are coming soon in all new vehicles in the U.S. Under new NHTSA (NIT-sa) rules, all new vehicles will come equipped with enhanced seat belt warnings for front-seat occupants by September 1st, 2026; and seat belt warnings for rear-seat passengers will come one year later. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says Louisianians already buckle up in huge numbers.

Cut 10 (11) “…are buckled up.”

If you still need to mail your Christmas gifts to arrive on time, time is running out. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.

11:30 LRN Newscast

A new study highlights the massive cost of congestion in the trucking industry. The American Transport Research Institute’s Cost of Congestion study shows that congestion is adding almost 110-billion dollars to the industry’s costs. Renee Amar (AY-mar), the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, says the problem is very prevalent in Louisiana.

Cut 3 (12) “…3.6 billion dollars.” 

A longtime Texas staple is coming to South Louisiana. Buc-ee’s will be opening a store along I-10 in Lafayette sometime in early 2026. Mandi Mitchell, the president and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, says this means dozens of new jobs for the region.

Cut 24 (09) “…dollars an hour.”

Enhanced seat belt warnings will soon be required in all new vehicles in the U.S. Under new NHTSA (NIT-sa) rules, all new vehicles will come equipped with enhanced seat belt warnings for front-seat occupants by September 1st, 2026; and seat belt warnings for rear-seat passengers will come one year later. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says seat belts have been proven to save lives.

Cut 11 (09) “…not buckled up.”

If you still need to mail your Christmas gifts to arrive before Christmas Day, you’d better get a move on it. Today is the deadline for shipping by USPS Ground Advantage to guarantee that they will arrive by Christmas, and tomorrow is the deadline for Priority Mail. Evelina Ramirez with the Postal Service says they’re ready for the added volume.

Cut 9 (11)  “…season to shine.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

A requirement to display the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms is set to take effect on January 1st, but a federal judge has ruled its unconstitutional because it violates the separation of church and state. But Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murril says Louisiana school boards not involved in the original lawsuit can move forward with implementing the Ten Commandments law…

Cut 15 (08) “…to your order”

There are five school boards that can not display the Ten Commandments, because of the pending litigation.

The Lafayette Economic Development Authority has announced that Bucees has chosen Lafayette for its next store and it will be built along Interstate 10. LEDA President Mandi Mitchell says this is a big deal…

Cut 6 (15) “…period of time.”

Construction is slated to get underway early next year and the store will be fully operational by the second quarter of 2026.

If you still need to mail your Christmas gifts to arrive before Christmas Day, you’d better get a move on it. Evelina Ramirez with the Postal Service says the first deadline is today.

Cut 7 (10) “…is December 19th.”

And if you miss that deadline, your last resort is Priority Mail Express, with a deadline of December 21st – this Saturday.

Enhanced seat belt warnings are coming to al new vehicles in the U.S in September of 2026. That’s in response to new NHTSA (NIT-sa) rules.  Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, on how small changes could save lives.

Cut 12 (11) “…the right direction.”

Fischer notes that many vehicles that are currently rolling off the assembly line already comply with NHTSA’s new rules.

9:30 am Newscast

Time is running out to get your gifts delivered by mail in time for Christmas.  Evelina Ramirez with the Postal Service says the first deadline is today. But if you miss that deadline, your last resort is Priority Mail Express, with a deadline of December 21st – this Saturday. Ramirez says volume is expected to pick up, and the Postal Service is ready.

Cut 9 (11)  “…season to shine.”

Barring an injunction from an appellate judge, most school districts in the state will be given the green light to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms starting on January 1st. Attorney General Liz Murrill says school boards not named in the ongoing lawsuit should have nothing to worry about..

Cut 14 (07) “…a federal lawsuit.”

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A longtime Texas staple will soon be coming to South Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Enhanced seat belt warnings are coming to all new US vehicles in September of 2026.  Based on last year’s statistics Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says seat belts have been proven to save lives.

Cut 11 (09) “…not buckled up.”

8:30 am Newscast

Enhanced seat belt warnings are coming to al new vehicles in the U.S in September of 2026. That’s in responst to new NHTSA (NIT-sa) rules.  Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, on how small changes could save lives.

Cut 12 (11) “…the right direction.”

Speaking of new things, Buc-ee’s is coming to Lafayette in 2026.  They’ll be opining a store along 1-10 there sometime early that year.  Mandi Mitchell, the president and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, says along with dozens of new jobs Buc-ee’s brings a golden opportunity to market Lafayette.

Cut 6 (15) “…period of time.”

Construction is slated to get underway early next year.

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If you still need to mail your Christmas gifts to arrive on time, time is running out. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.

There’s a Dense Fog Advisory in effect for all of Southeast Louisiana. Yesterday morning’s  fog may have contributed to major issues on The Causeway as dozens of vehicles crashed leaving 33 people injured.  This morning’s dense fog advisory is in effect until ten.

7:30 am Newscast

Barring an injunction from an appellate judge, most school districts in the state will be given the green light to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms starting on January 1st. Attorney General Liz Murrill says while Judge John DeGravelles blocked the law on constitutional grounds, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals limited the scope of his ruling,

Cut 13 (05)  “…to this injunction.”

We’ve head all the buzz, but now we know it’s true. Buc-ee’s is coming to south Louisiana.  The longtime Texas staple is headed to Lafayette sometime in early 2026.  President and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development authority Mandi Mitchell says it’ll bring lots of jobs and a big presence along I-10.

Cut 5 (10) “…120 fuel pumps.”

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Enhanced seat belt warnings are coming soon in all new vehicles in the U.S. Under new NHTSA (NIT-sa) rules, all new vehicles will come equipped with enhanced seat belt warnings for front-seat occupants by September of 2026; and seat belt warnings for rear-seat passengers will come one year later. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says people here are already buckling up.

Cut 10 (11) “…are buckled up.”

Today’s the first deadline to get your gifts delivered by mail in time for Christmas. Evelina Ramirez with the Postal Service says today’s the USPS Ground Advantage deadline. But if you can’t get your package out today, you have until Saturday for Priority Mail Express. And if you’re expecting something.

Cut 8 (09) “…they’ll be safe.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU Tigers have signed one of the top wide receivers in the transfer portal. Big bodied Nic Anderson is heading to Baton Rouge after two seasons with Oklahoma. He missed nearly all of the 2024 season because of injury, but the six-foot-three wide out had 38 catches for 798 yards and ten touchdowns as a freshman.

The LSU Tigers also signed edge rusher Jack Pyburn from Florida. Pyburn is the Gators second leading tackler this season and was an emotional leader. Mark McLeod, host of Blitz Sports Radio in Florida, says Pyburn leaving the Gators was a surprise…

Cut 21 (21) “….at LSU”

Pyburn had 60 tackles, an interception and a sack for the Gators in 2024.

 

The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports it’s unlikely Saints quarterback Derek Carr will return this season. Carr fractured his left hand in two places in Week 15 and underwent further examination recently and it doesn’t look like he can return before the regular season ends.

 

The fifth ranked LSU Lady Tigers remained undefeated last night with a solid 91 to 64 win over Seton Hall in the Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase in Connecticut. Aneesah Morrow had 24 points and 19 rebounds and Mikaylah Williams made six three-pointers and finished with 22.

 

LSU men’s basketball clobbered Stetson 99 to 53. The Hatters only had 10 points at halftime. That’s the fewest points allowed by LSU in a half since 1959. Five Tigers were in double figures led by Cam Carter who had 16 points.

 

ULM fell at home to Houston Christian 74 to 68, despite 21 points by Jalen Bolen. And 17th ranked Ole Miss beat Southern 74 to 61.

6:30 am Newscast

Enhanced seat belt warnings are coming in all new vehicles in the U.S. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Be careful as you head out this morning.  There’s a Dense Fog Advisory in effect for all of Southeast Louisiana. Tuesday morning fog may have contributed to major issues on The Causeway as dozens of vehicles crashed leaving 33 people injured.  This morning’s dense fog advisory is in effect until ten.

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A longtime Texas staple is coming to South Louisiana. Buc-ee’s will be opening a store along I-10 in Lafayette sometime in early 2026. Mandi Mitchell, the president and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, says this means dozens of new jobs for the region.

Cut 4 (09) “…dollars an hour.”

If you still need to mail your Christmas gifts to arrive before Christmas Day, you’d better get a move on it. Evelina Ramirez with the Postal Service says the first deadline is today.

Cut 7 (10) “…is December 19th.”

And if you miss that deadline, your last resort is Priority Mail Express, with a deadline of December 21st – this Saturday.