10:30 LRN Newscast

To help mitigate the spread of Monkeypox, a federal response team will work with state healthcare workers at Southern Decadence Festival. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

There’s a happy ending to the kidnapping case of a Louisiana nun who was abducted almost five months ago while doing missionary work in West Africa. Sister Suellen Tennyson is alive and in U-S Hands. Officials are not saying when the 83-year-old Kenner native will be brought back to the United States.

Louisiana will receive another 98-million dollars in federal transportation funds that other states failed to use, while Louisiana used its full allotment in federal highway money for 2021-22. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the additional federal money has happened before but this is one of the largest such infusions to date…
cut 14 (07) “…to good use”
Wilson says no determination has been made yet on how this latest allocation will be spent.

15-million dollars in state funding will go towards a new College of Engineering Building at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dean of the College of Engineering Doctor Ahmed Khattab says the building will provide a cutting-edge learning environment for students
cut 9 (06) “….and develop”
Construction is set to begin next year and it will take 16 to 18 months to complete.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana will receive an additional 98-million in federal transportation dollars as this is money other states failed to spend. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says Louisiana has many infrastructure needs and they will use the redistributed funds across the state…
cut 15 (08) “…get it done”

The federal government is also sending Louisiana six-thousand additional doses of the monkeypox vaccine ahead of the Southern Decadence Festival, which is a large LGBTQ- gathering. Edwards says it’s an ideal opportunity to reach a vulnerable demographic.
cut 11 (08) “….important”
There will be a large-scale vaccination site at Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans starting tomorrow and running through Labor Day.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette announces a plan for its new engineering building. Whitney Thomas has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

A Louisiana Internet for All Summit takes place in Alexandria today. Executive Director of Louisiana Broadband and Connectivity Veneeth Iyengar says an estimated 1.5 million people in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet and it’s because of a number of reasons…
cut 6 (05) “…access issue”

8:30 LRN Newscast

The federal government awards Louisiana an additional $98 million to put toward planned road and infrastructure needs. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A spokesperson for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says the recall effort against her is a Republican-backed maneuver by people with an agenda. The statement praises the mayor for leading the city through the pandemic and Hurricane Ida. Recall organizers say the mayor’s political action committee is spreading lies to try and discredit their effort.

Stakeholders involved in the implementation of high-speed internet for the state are meeting in Alexandria today. Veneeth Iyengar, Executive Director of Louisiana Broadband and Connectivity, says it’s an opportunity to discuss what’s been done so far and anticipated challenges…
Cut 4 (10) “…not sooner.”
Among the attendees are Senator Bill Cassidy and Governor John Bel Edwards.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette announces plans to construct a 70,000-square-foot Engineering building. The mission is to increase students’ resources in and out of the classroom. Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Dean of the College of Engineering, says the building will offer a plethora of opportunities
Cut 7 (10) “…industry partners.”
Construction will begin next year and 15-million dollars in state funds, along with 35-million dollars in private and public funds will be used to pay for the building.

7:30 LRN Newscast

To help mitigate the spread of Monkeypox, a federal response team will work with state healthcare workers at Southern Decadence Festival. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

There’s a happy ending to the kidnapping case of a Louisiana nun who was abducted almost five months ago while doing missionary work in West Africa. Sister Suellen Tennyson is alive and in U-S Hands. Officials are not saying when the 83-year-old Kenner native will be brought back to the United States.

Louisiana will receive another 98-million dollars in federal transportation funds that other states failed to use, while Louisiana used its full allotment in federal highway money for 2021-22. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the additional federal money has happened before but this is one of the largest such infusions to date…
cut 14 (07) “…to good use”
The previous high was 80-million dollars in 2018.

15-million dollars in state funding will go towards a new College of Engineering Building at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dean of the College of Engineering Doctor Ahmed Khattab says the building will provide a cutting-edge learning environment and will be an improvement over two existing buildings…
cut 8 (11) “….we currently have”
Construction is set to begin next year.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Based on reports, the failure to reach a long term contract with defensive back CJ Gardner Johnson led to the Saints trading him to the Philadelphia Eagles. New Orleans receives a fifth-round pick next year, and two sixth round selections in 2024. The Eagles are also getting a seventh round pick in 2025.

Coach Dennis Allen says it was not an easy decision, but he says the depth they have at cornerback made them feel they could depart with the 2019 draft pick….
cut 17 (14) “…..we made”
Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo are the Saints starting cornerbacks and they also have Bradley Roby and second round pick Alontae Taylor.

The Saints also had to get their active roster down to 53, which resulted in waiving 12 players like Ian Book, Kirk Merritt and former Nicholls receiver DaiJean Dixon.

BJ Ojulari, Ali Gaye and Mike Jones Junior have been name co-captains for the LSU football team. Ojulari wears number 19 and is a preseason All-American selection. Gaye recently graduated from LSU and Jones enters his fifth season of college football with 81 career tackles.

There are a bunch of first year coaches in Louisiana this year, but ULM’s Terry Bowden is entering his second season. The Warhawks went four and eight last season and Bowden believes there’s more talent on this team…
cut 20 (09) “….on the field”
ULM is heavy underdogs heading into its season opener on Saturday. Texas is a 37.5 point favorite.

Sunny Cumbie era begins tomorrow night for Louisiana Tech as the Bulldogs visit Missouri. Mizzou is a 19.5 point favorite.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana will get another $98 million in federal dollars for transportation and infrastructure projects. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the additional funds are a reward of sorts, for making good use of federal dollars previously awarded to the state. Wilson says this will allow the state to continue its momentum in road and bridge improvements…:
Cut 13 (12) “…we’ve ever received.”

In preparation for Decadence Festival in New Orleans this weekend, the National Monkeypox Response team has sent teams along with 6,000 vaccine doses to help mitigate and raise awareness of the virus. Governor John Bel Edwards praised the efforts to reach those most at-risk.
Cut 10 (10) “…appreciate that.”

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette announces plans for a new engineering building. Whitney Thomas has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

AM LRN Newscall Aug 31

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette announces a plan for its new engineering building. Whitney Thomas has more.  

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

________________________________________________

To help mitigate the spread of Monkeypox, a federal response team will be working with state healthcare workers at Decadence. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

________________________________________________

The federal government awards Louisiana an additional $98 million to put toward planned road and infrastructure needs. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________

Stakeholders involved in the implementation of high-speed internet for the state are meeting in Alexandria today. Veneeth Iyengar, Executive Director of Louisiana Broadband and Connectivity, says it’s an opportunity to discuss what’s been done so far and anticipated challenges…

Cut 4 (10)  “…not sooner.”

Among the attendees are Senator Bill Cassidy and Governor John Bel Edwards. Iyengar says invitations to the summit were extended to school superintendents, legislators, and other community leaders. Iyengar says it’s a chance for attendees to discuss local issues concerning broadband.

Cut 5 (09) “…take home.”

It’s estimated approximately 1.5 million people in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet. Iyengar says it could be for a number of reasons, for example, access, affordability, literacy, or even device issues.

Cut 6 (05)  “…access issue.”

Iyengar believes infrastructure funds, federal funding from the FCC, and matching funds will be able to make a significant contribution to improving broadband accessibility.

________________________________________________

The University of Louisiana Lafayette is in the process of constructing a 70,000-square-foot Engineering building.  The mission is to increase students’ resources in and out of the classroom. Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Dean of the College of Engineering, says the building will offer a plethora of opportunities  

Cut 7 (10) “…inductor partners.”

The Louisiana Legislature assisted the university with 15 million in funding. The original planned structure costabout 50 million but is needed being that their existing buildings are outdated.  

Cut 8 (11)  “…we currently have.”

Several new programs that focus on expansion and leadership will emerge from this project. Dr. Khattab says the students will benefit the most.  

Cut 9 (09)  “…and develop.”

Now the groundbreaking has been set for spring or fall 2023 with 16 to 18 months of construction 

_______________________________________________

In preparation for Decadence Festival in New Orleans, the National Monkeypox Response team has sent teams along with 6,000 vaccine doses to help mitigate and raise awareness of the virus. Governor John Bel Edwards praised the team for their efforts to reach those most at-risk.

Cut 10 (10) “…appreciate that.”

The annual Labor Day weekend event, which hasn’t been held since 2019 due to the pandemic, can attract up to 300 thousand people from all over the country. Edwards says it’s an ideal opportunity to reach a vulnerable demographic.

Cut  11 (08)  “…important.” 

The vaccine can help prevent and also treat Monkeypox symptoms from worsening. Ideally, the vaccination is given in two doses four weeks apart. Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis (Dousk ah lock -ss) says Decadence allows them to reach those who are less likely to go to a clinic.

Cut 12 (04) “..the event.” 

In addition to Decadance this weekend the federal response team will also be doing similar outreach at Atlanta Black Proud.

_______________________________________________

Louisiana is set to get another $98 million federal dollars to apply to transportation and infrastructure projects. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the additional funds are a reward of sorts, for making good use of federal dollars previously awarded to the state. He says this will enable DOTD to continue its momentum in road and bridge improvements…:

Cut 13 (12) “…we’ve ever received.”

Wilson says the nearly $100-million infusion will be used to help secure financing for projects already in the planning stages, which are ready to begin once they are funded. He says the additional federal money has happened before but this is one of the largest such infusions to date…:

Cut 14 (07)  “…to good use.”

Wilson says if DOTD were not effective & efficient in their programs, they would not have received the dollars. He says the federal money will be applied to projects DOTD has “planned to let or are capable of letting” before the end of the current federal fiscal year, September 30th. Wilson says the money will go a long way to help planned road and infrastructure projects start turning dirt…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…expect to get it done.”

________________________________________________

The Saints have traded fan favorite Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Eagles for three draft picks, a fifth-round selection in 2023, and two sixth-round picks in 2024. Gardner-Johnson had a career-high three interceptions last season and this summer the 24-year-old called himself the best nickel cornerback in the NFL. Coach Dennis Allen addressed the trade with reporters…

Cut 16 (10)  ”    wish him the best” 

Gardner-Johnson is expected to start at safety for Philadelphia. He was looking for a new contract with the Saints and those talks reportedly broke down, which led to the trade.

Allen says the depth the Saints have at cornerback made them feel they could depart with the former fourth-round pick…

Cut 17 (13) “..we made.” 

Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo are the Saints starting cornerbacks and they also have Bradley Roby and second-round pick Alontae Taylor.

The Saints also had to get their active roster down to 53, which resulted in cutting several players like Ian Book, Kirk Merritt, and Taco Charlton. Allen says a lot of thought goes into these moves

Cut  18 (18)“…final decision”

_____________________________________________________________    

ULM is a huge underdog heading into their season opener against the Texas Longhorns who are ranked 18th in the coaches poll, but unranked in the AP Top 25 poll. Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden calls the Longhorns a great team…

Cut 19 (27) “…ready to play.”

ULM went four and eight last season and Bowden believes there’s more talent on this team as he enters his second season as head coach…

Cut 20 (08) “ …on the field.” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Aug 30

A youth justice advocacy group called Families and Friends of Louisiana gathered at the state capitol today demanding that Louisiana not transfer youth violent offenders to Angola. Executive Director Gina Womack led today’s protest

Cut 9 (12)  “…OJJ facilities.”

A federal judge has put a halt on a plan to transfer 25 incarcerated youth offenders from a youth detention center in Jefferson Parish to the State Penitentiary.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.40, down nine cents from a week ago. And while we’ve been seeing gas prices fall ten to 15 cents week over week, Nick Chabarria (Cha-berry) with Triple-A says those price drops are already beginning to slow.

Cut 5  (10) “…oil prices 10.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, along with the Louisiana Cotton and Grain Association and Farm Bureau are urging Governor John Bel Edwards to seek a disaster declaration because of excessive rainfall. Strain says some of the state’s row crops received 18 inches of rain in just a few days…:

Cut 12 (10) “…for some.”  

If you thought the West Nile Virus had gone away, think again. The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting the first case of the deadly form of West Nile in Acadiana in two years. Dr. Glennis Gray with the Department of Health says symptoms are similar to the flu.

Cut 6 (07) “…nausea or rash.” 

She says if you show symptoms, seek treatment asap.

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints have traded fan favorite Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and a 2025 seventh round pick to the Eagles for three draft picks, a fifth round selection in 2023 and two sixth round picks in 2024. The 24-year-old had a career-high three interceptions last season and this summer Gardner-Johnson called himself the best nickel cornerback in the NFL. Coach Dennis Allen addressed the trade with reporters…
cut 16 (10) “….wish him the best”
Gardner-Johnson is expected to start at safety for Philadelphia. He was looking for a new contract with the Saints and those talks reportedly broke down, which led to the trade.

It’s also cut down day as every NFL team needs to get its roster down to 53 players this afternoon. One of the cuts…third-string quarterback Ian Book. The Black and Gold are reportedly hoping to sign Book to their practice squad.

Whoever starts at quarterback for LSU on Sunday against Florida State will have a bunch of wide receivers to throw the football too. Coach Brian Kelly says he expects seven to eight receivers will play and there’s also a lot of versatility with the position group….
cut 17 (25) “…keep guys fresh”
Kelly expects Malik Nabers will play on Sunday after missing last Saturday’s practice with a sprained ankle. Also, Jack Beche seems to be over his shin splits that caused him to miss a few practices earlier in camp.

Zachary, Westgate, Sterlington, Many and Homer are all ranked number one in their respective classes in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association preseason poll.

4:30 LRN Newscast August 30

A youth justice advocacy group called Families and Friends of Louisiana gathered at the state capitol today demanding that Louisiana not transfer violent juvenile offenders to Angola. Executive Director Gina Womack says the state should instead invest more dollars into education, therapy, and healing of the offenders and not…:

CUT 11(06)      “…incarcerating kids.”

The state is looking to remove some of the juveniles from the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish because of continuous problems at the center; like four escapes and a violent riot so far this year.

Watch out for those West Nile mosquitos, warns the state Health Department, after a confirmed case of the potentially fatal West Nile disease turns up in a person in Acadiana. LDH’s Dr. Glennis Gray says two people have died so far this year, and 14 have the Neuroinvasive form of West Nile…:

CUT 08(05)      “…resurrects itself.”

Get rid if any standing water on your property, where skeeters can breed.

 

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.40, down nine cents from a week ago. But the big question is “will prices keep going down?”

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

The Coast Guard reports two boaters were rescued from a disabled vessel off the coast near Morgan City this morning. The boaters sent a one word message: “help.” A helicopter searched and spotted the men’s signal flare, and hoisted them to safety. They were checked out a New Orleans hospital and are OK.