Monthly Archives: August 2023

08.31.23
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AM LRN Newscast Aug 31

The front runner in the governor’s race, Jeff Landry, commits to participating in a televised debate. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State Transportation will receive an additional $210 Million from the Federal Highway Administration. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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This year, Garth Brooks will be the main attraction at the first-ever Louisiana Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff at the New Orleans Caesars Superdome on September 2. Teiko Foxx has details on the Labor Day weekend festivities.

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The front-runner in the governor’s race, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry, has committed to participating in one televised gubernatorial debate. It will take place on September 15th and it will be shown on TV stations owned by Nexstar. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it would look bad if Landry avoided all of the debates…

Cut 4 (07) “…one debate.”

Landry’s campaign says the A-G will not participate in a televised debate on September 7th, because the Urban League of Louisiana is one of the organizers. A spokesperson for Landry says the participation of the Urban League raises questions about impartiality. because this group seeks to elect Democrats.

The Urban League told the Advocate that its singular focus is to ensure the candidates have the ability to share their platform and reasons they believe voters should have confidence in their ability to lead Louisiana.

Pinsonat says Landry has no interest in participating in more than one debate, because of his big lead over the other Republican candidates in the polls…

Cut 5 (07) “…to be in the runoff”

The other development in the governor’s race is that Independent Hunter Lundy has has spent more than one-million dollars on a statewide TV buy that launched this week in all the major TV markets. Pinsonat says one-million dollars is a decent investment, but Landry remains the clear front-runner…

Cut 6 (12) “…base of support”

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State Transportation will receive an additional $210 million from the Federal Highway Administration, the most they’ve ever received in redistributed funds. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says when other states do not spend all of their allocated money it goes back to the FHWA, and then it’s redistributed.

Cut 7 (11) “…inflation.”

Mallet says several projects that DOTD was already committed to were in limbo due to the lack of funds.

Cut 8 (09) “…without this.”

DOTD receives state funding for maintenance and transportation projects from a fuel tax that is more than three decades old and with inflation, Mallet says the backlog of projects continues to grow, only emphasizing the dependency on federal highway funds.

Mallet credits the hard-working employees at DOTD who manage to push projects through and spend all the federal money that’s allocated for much-needed projects. By doing so DOTD is eligible for additional redistributed funds.

Cut 9 (11)  “…from FHWA.”

Mallett says this is the 15th year in a row that DOTD has received FHWA redistributed funds.

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Country music superstar Garth Brooks headlines the inaugural Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on September 2 to kick off the 2023 football season. CEO of Allstate Sugar Bowl Jeff Hundley says tickets include a full day of activities including the NewOrleans.com Tailgate Town.

Cut 10 (11) “…Rolling Stones.”

Opening acts for the event include Louisiana’s own Lainey Wilson and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The NewOrleans.com Tailgate Town is a free event. It features performances by DJ Jevity, Alex Smith, and Austin Bishop.

There will be football-themed activations, special college football and amateur sports spotlights, and other games and activities throughout the day. Hundley says this is the second year that the Sugar Bowl has had an impact on Louisiana’s tourism over Labor Day.

Cut 11 (12) “…Florida State.”

Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite school colors to celebrate the 2023 college football season. Hundley says the Sugar Bowl Committee is always looking at ways to drive revenue, and tourism, and remain competitive with larger cities.

Cut 12 (12) “…it out.”

Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster. Proceeds from the event will go toward the aid of existing scholarship programs and youth events the Bowl supports annually.

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The Historic Stadium Caucus, which is a congressional effort to preserve, protect and enhance stadiums around the country, has included Tiger Stadium among America’s Most Treasured Stadiums. Now that Tiger Stadium is included in that list, the Historic Stadium Caucus will focus on enhancing security, technology and funding. US Representative Garret Graves on why Tiger Stadium is now one of those venues.

Cut 13 (12) “…that was it.”

Tiger Stadium is one of the few stadiums in the country that are now on the list of America’s Most Treasured Venues, but Graves says he does not want to stop with just LSU football stadium.

Cut 14 (07) “…through this.”

Graves also says Tiger Stadium is on the list because of the passionate fans that come with every LSU football game.

Cut 15  (11) “…into games.”

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LSU left tackle Will Campbell is entering another year with the team. This time last year there were many questions about the offensive line and he says where he is mentally starting a year against Florida State.

Cut 16 (16) “…what’s coming.”

In 2022, Florida State’s defense was 14th in the country in total yards allowed, and Campbell says why he thinks Florida State’s defensive line could cause issues for them.

Cut 17 (14) “…people problems.”

LSU’s linebacker Harold Perkins makes such an impact on opposing offenses that teams have to gameplan around him, and Florida State head coach Mike Norvel says the Seminoles are no different.

Cut 18 (20) “…account for.”

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ULM plays Army this weekend for their season opener. Last year, Army beat the War Hawks 48-24, backed behind the triple option offense. ULM head coach Terry Bowden says they knew the team was playing the unusual style of football, but now it’s a bit different.

Cut 19 (16) “…for that.”

Bowden also says that Army might go out there and run something that they have not seen before, but all they can do is be ready on ULM’s end.

Cut 20 (17) “…three and outs.”

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08.31.23
by

5:30 LRN Newscast Aug 31

State police have released more information on the officer-involved shooting that took place Saturday in Vinton. Trooper Derek Senegal says it all started when Cameron Parish Sheriff Deputies attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by a man from Texas.

Cut 9 (10) “…pursuit ensued”
Senegal says Wilson eventually exited the vehicle. fled into an open grass field and was located dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

The Louisiana wildfires continue, and Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says they’ve also made several arson arrests and issued multiple burn ban citations. He says they need the public’s help in catching more arsonists and the Louisiana Forestry Association is offering up to a $2,000 cash reward.

Cut 5 (11) “ …multiple arrests.” 

If you have any information about the cause of any of the wildfires, please call law enforcement.

State officials are urging Louisiana residents not to use any open flame during these extremely dry conditions that includes barbecuing even at tailgate parties…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”  

Governor Edwards announced that FEMA has approved Louisiana’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help with wildfire fighting efforts for the Highway 113 Fire in Vernon and Rapides parishes. This brings the total number of FMAGs to four, which will help cover the costs of fighting these fires.

 

08.31.23
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU and Florida State are meeting again this Sunday after last year’s close game in New Orleans. Florida State came up with the win 24-23 last year, and quarterback Jayden Daniels says what the challenge will be facing them this season after much of the Seminoles defense saw him last year.

Cut 17 (23) “…after you.”

LSU’s game is this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. central time in Orlando, Florida, and Hurricane Idalia’s path impacting the Florida area is not supposed to effect the game.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen said that rookie running back Kendre Miller has a knee injury, but would not confirm his status for week one status against the Titans.

College football is back tonight in the state of Louisiana.

Nicholls faces Sacramento State tonight at 6 p.m. for their season opener. Nicholls is 29-22 all time in their home openers and 6-2 under head coach Tim Rebowe, but they will have a tough task ahead of them if they want to make it 7 wins for the coach. Sacramento State is ranked 4th in the coach’s poll and went undefeated in last year’s regular season.

Nicholls is also expected to be led by juco transfer Pat McQuaide. The Mississippi Gulf Coast transfer was first team All South MACCC first team honoree last year and will be looking to get his first win with his new team.

Around the state with high school football, Evangel Christian is playing at Neville tonight and Homer plays at Union Parish. Notre Dame plays at Southside, Woodlawn Baton Rouge plays U High, Bolton goes to Tioga, and Loyola Prep and Captain Shreve play in Independence Stadium.

SEC powerhouse Florida plays Number 14 Utah tonight for the matchup with a ranked opponent of week 1.

 

08.31.23
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4:30 LRN Newscast Aug

The front runner in the governor’s race, Jeff Landry, commits to participating in a televised debate. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor Edwards visited Pineville today joined by SunGas Renewables to recognize the formation of Beaver Lake Renewable Energy, that will construct a new green methanol production in Cenla. The two-billion facility will be constructed at the former International Paper Mill site.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has determined a one of the wildfires in Vernon Parish was intentionally set. Commissioner Mike Strain says they are seeking the public’s help in finding the arsonist…

cut 4 (11) “…was arson”
To report an arsonist you can call 1-855-452-5323.

Due to the burn ban and ongoing wildfires, state officials are asking residents not to grill this Labor Day weekend. But what about tailgating… ULM and U-L Lafayette have home football games on Saturday. Casey Tingle is the director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness…

cut 7 (12) “…already in”
 

08.31.23
by

3:30 LRN Newscast Aug 31

The Louisiana wildfires continue, and Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says they’ve also made several arson arrests and issued multiple burn ban citations. He says they need the public’s help in catching more arsonists and the Louisiana Forestry Association is offering up to a $2,000 cash reward.

Cut 5 (11) “ …multiple arrests.” 

The Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish and the one on Highway 113 in Vernon Parish both broke containment last night. Strain says the blaze at Highway 113 was making a run towards the town of Pitkin.

Cut 3 (11) “…that down.”

He says the Tiger Island fire also made a run last night but it’s now once again contained

State police have released more information on the officer-involved shooting in Vinton. Trooper Derek Senegal says on Saturday Cameron Parish Sheriff Deputies attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 34-year-old Spencer Wilson from Texas.  A pursuit and shootout with officers erupted and Wilson then turned the gun on himself. Senegal says besides the suspect no one else was hurt other than…

Cut 11 gunshot wound. :06

You may want to cook your burgers and hot dogs indoors for Labor Day and Game Day this year. State officials say it would be too risky to light your grill under the statewide burn ban. Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says we need to prevent what is already a serious situation from becoming worse.

Cut 6 (11) “…helpful here.”

 

08.31.23
by

LRN PM Newscall August 31

Fire crews from multiple parishes, cities, and other states continue to respond to the numerous wildfires that have plagued Louisiana this summer. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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State officials are urging Louisiana residents not to use any open flame during these extremely dry conditions that includes barbecuing even at tailgate parties…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”  

______________________________________

The Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish and the one on Highway 113 in Vernon Parish both broke containment last night. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the blaze at Highway 113 was making a run towards the town of Pitkin.

Cut 3 (11) “…that down.”

He says the Tiger Island fire also made a run last night but it’s now once again back under control and there was a flare-up of a wildfire in Calcasieu Parish.

Strain is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the arsonist in connection with the wildfires in Vernon Parish that have been active for more than a week. He says a majority of the blazes are caused by natural or mechanical causes, however…

Cut 4 (11) “…was arson.”

If you have any information about the Lion’s Campfire blaze or any other arson-related wildfires call the Department of Ag, the State Fire Marshal’s office, or local law enforcement. The Louisiana Forestry Association is offering up to a $2,000 cash reward.

Cut 5 (11) “ …multiple arrests.” 

Strain says the latest drought monitoring report indicates the vast majority of the state is listed in extreme and exceptional drought.

______________________________________

You may want to cook your burgers and hot dogs indoors for Labor Day and Game Day this year. State officials say it would be too risky to light your grill under the statewide burn ban. Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says we need to prevent what is already a serious situation from becoming worse.

Cut 6 (11) “…helpful here.”

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has issued more than 30 citations for violating the burn ban.  Under the current revision, cars and trucks should not be parked on dry grass as tailpipes and other hot car parts can start a fire.

Tingle says as far as tailgating, colleges and universities will determine what the right fit is for them.

Cut 7 (12) “…already in.” 

There have been 600 wildfires during August in Louisiana, and over 50,000 acres of land have been burned and two people died. Tingle urges the public to avoid cooking with open flames.

Cut 8 (10) “…the first place.”

Violation of the burn ban order could result in criminal and/or civil penalties. 

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State police have released more information on the officer-involved shooting that took place Saturday in Vinton. Trooper Derek Senegal says it all started when Cameron Parish Sheriff Deputies attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by a man from Texas.

Cut 9 (10) “…pursuit ensued”

34-year-old Spencer Wilson led a pursuit northbound on LA 27 and passed through several streets in Carlyss and Sulphur. Senegal says Wilson hit a ditch and exited the vehicle towards a nearby open field firing at officers with a fully automatic rifle.

Cut 10 (10) “…coroners office”

At least five officers returned fire. Senegal says the female passenger was located near the crash scene.

Cut 11 (10) “…gunshot wound.”

The investigation is ongoing.

08.31.23
by

2:30 LRN Newscast

Fire crews from multiple parishes, cities, and other states continue to respond to the numerous wildfires that have plagued Louisiana this summer.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Edwards announced that FEMA has approved Louisiana’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help with wildfire fighting efforts for the Highway 113 Fire in Vernon and Rapides parishes. This brings the total number of FMAGs to four, which will help cover the costs of fighting these fires.

The state continues to drive home the message there are no exceptions to the statewide burn ban. That means even outdoor grilling should not take place during this time of extremely dry conditions. Casey Tingle is the director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness….
cut 8 (10) “…the first place”
Violation of the burn ban order could result in criminal and or civil penalties.

State Police has released more information on an officer involved shooting that took place last Saturday in Vinton. Trooper Derek Senegal says there was an exchange of gunfire between a suspect from Texas and multiple officers in Cameron Parish. Senegal says 34-year-old Spencer Wilson fled into an grass field and was later found dead….
cut 10 (10) “….coroner’s office”
One officer was shot in the incident, but he was treated and released.

08.31.23
by

1:30 LRN Newscast

State officials are urging Louisiana residents not to use any open flame during these extremely dry conditions that includes barbecuing even at tailgate parties…
cut 2 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx

Tourism numbers are in from 2022 Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says 42.6 million people visited the state, which is up from 41 million in 2021. But those numbers fall well short of what we saw pre-COVID.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry have determined a one of the wild fires in Vernon Parish was intentionally set. Commissioner Mike Strain says they are seeking the public’s help in finding the arsonist…
cut 4 (11) “…was arson”
To report an arsonist you can call 1-855-452-5323.

A public meeting will take place from 4 to 7 PM today at the Lake Charles Civic Center to talk about a new I-10 Calcasieu River bridge that will cost two-billion dollars. Tolls will be used to pay for construction which has many locals upset. Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the state is also putting up a significant amount of resources…
cut 28 (10) “…they are”
The Joint Transportation Committee will meet next month to vote on whether the project should go through as proposed.

08.31.23
by

12:30 LRN Newscast

The Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish and the one on Highway 113 in Vernon Parish both broke containment last night. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the blaze at Highway 113 was making a run towards the town of Pitkin.
Cut 3 (11) “…that down.”
He says the Tiger Island fire also made a run last night but it’s back under control and there was a flare-up of a wildfire in Calcasieu Parish.

State police have released more information on the officer-involved shooting that took place Saturday in Vinton. Trooper Derek Senegal says it all started when Cameron Parish Sheriff Deputies attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by a man from Texas.
Cut 9 (10) “…pursuit ensued”
Senegal says Wilson eventually exited the vehicle. fled into an open grass field and was located dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Scientists with the LSU AgCenter and LSU Department of Chemistry have received a patent for a bait to kill off feral hogs. The bait has the consistency of gummy bears, about the size of a golf ball and it tastes fishy. LSU AgCenter animal specialist Glen Gentry says this is a milestone for them…
Cut 28 (08) “…pigs completely.”
There are an estimated one million feral hogs in the state that produce 91 million dollars in damages every year.

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is pumped up for Sunday night’s top-ten matchup against Florida State. Daniels enters the season as a Heisman candidate and the California native says he’s put in the work to be the best….
Cut 16 (16) “…1% better.”
Kick-off on Sunday between the Seminoles and Tigers is 6:30 in Orlando.

08.31.23
by

11:30 LRN Newscast

Because of extreme drought and multiple wildfires burning in Louisiana, state officials are asking residents not to grill this Labor Day weekend. But what about tailgaiting. ULM and U-L Lafayette have home football games on Saturday. Casey Tingle is the director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness…
cut 7 (12) “…already in”
Crews from seven different states are working to put out multiple wildfires.

For the third year in a row, Louisiana will have a float in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California to promote tourism. This year’s parade theme is “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.” Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says in a world of different cultures, the theme of music unites us all.
Cut 10 (11) “…of Louisiana.”

Big meeting tonight in Lake Charles as residents will meet with state transportation officials about a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge that would require tolls for vehicles to cross. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says this is just an informational meeting. He says next month legislators will vote on whether to move forward with the two-billion dollar project…
cut 9 (06) “…transportation committee”
Today’s meeting will take place from four to seven PM at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

LSU scientists have received a patent for a bait that’s designed to reduce the wild hog population….
Cut 1 (27) “….I’m Pierson Luscy.”