07:30 LRN Newscast, September 7th

The first televised Gubernatorial Debate in the October 14th elections will take place tonight. Brooke Thorington offers a preview…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Baton Rouge Police Department says an argument over a basketball game at a local park led to a shooting that left a teenager injured. They say a fight unfolded outside of the gym when the accused gunman went to his vehicle to retrieve a weapon then began shooting the victim’s car has they tried to leave. Three people were inside the vehicle and a 17-year-old male was injured when a bullet grazed his head and leg.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office announced Wednesday the statewide burn ban remains in effect, but outdoor cooking can resume with safety measures in place. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says though we’ve seen some rain, it wasn’t enough to reduce the risk of fire due to the prolonged drought:
Cut 13 (11) “…fire service (x2).”
The burn ban will be reconsidered on a weekly basis.

The state Department of Transportation announces a 117-million-dollar construction project will begin on I-20 in Bossier and Caddo Parishes on September 18th. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says workers will spend the next two and a half years on the project…:
Cut 4 (08) “the top”
The project is scheduled to be completed by 2025.

06:45 LRN Sportscast September 7th

NFL regular season games begin tonight with Kansas City hosting Detroit. The Saints will play host to the Titans Sunday at noon, and New Orleans Quarterback Derek Carr expects the Black and Gold to have a great season…:
CUT 16 (16) “this week”

Saints’ rookie quarterback Jake Haener has been suspended six games following an announcement from the league Wednesday he violated the performance enhancing drug policy. The 4th round pick out of Fresno State will be eligible to return to the Saints’ active roster on October 16th. Haener wasn’t likely to see much playing time this season slotted behind Carr, Jameis Winston and possibly Taysom Hill on the depth chart.

Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow says he’s on track to play in Sunday’s opener at Cleveland after a calf injury sidelined him for most of the preseason.

LSU Women’s Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey has reportedly agreed to a 10-year, $32 million dollar contract extension that will make her the highest paid coach in women’s basketball. The deal is pending final approval from the LSU Board of Supervisors which meets Friday. Mulkey has yet to see a win for her Tigers over South Carolina. They’ll take a third shot on January 25th as the SEC released next season’s schedule Wednesday afternoon.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly is “giddy” about the return of defensive tackle Maason Smith on Saturday night when the Tigers host Grambling. Smith was suspended for the season opener for getting paid for autographs before NIL took effect. Kelly says Smith hasn’t played in over a year:
CUT 19 (19) “impact the game”

06:30 LRN Newscast, September 7th

The first televised debate in the 2023 Governor’s race is tonight, and five of the seven major candidates will participate. Republican Jeff Landry refuses to take part saying the organizer, the Urban League, is biased towards Democrats. But UNO Political Science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak says the other candidates will still go after Landry…:
Cut 8 (11) “Republicans”
Election Day is October 14th.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office announced Wednesday the statewide burn ban remains in effect due to continuing dry conditions, but added Louisiana residents can resume outdoor cooking. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says, if you do grill, have safety measures in place..:
Cut 15 (09) “cooking there”

The program offering grants to insurance companies who write new policies in Louisiana is accepting applications over a 30-day period now for a second time. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says nearly $42 million of the available $45 million was awarded to eight insurers following the first round of applications…:
Cut 10 (04) “since April”
If you’ve got coverage through Citizens, the state-run insurer of last resort, Donelon urges you to continue to research other options.

Less than a week after a student was shot and killed at the Brusly/Port Allen game last Friday, the Iberville Parish School Board says metal detectors will now be at the entrances of stadiums, and a clear bag policy is in place. Groups will also no longer be allowed to gather under the stadium or parking lot.

Updated LRN AM Newscall for September 7

The state Department of Transportation announces there will be lane closures on I-20 in the Shreveport-Bossier City area for the next two and a half years because that highway will be getting new pavement starting September 18th. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “….I’m  Teiko Foxx”

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The first televised debate in the 2023 governor’s race is tonight. Brooke Thorington on what to expect.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Despite the recent rain, the statewide burn ban remains in effect. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington”

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The state Department of Transportation announces a 117 million dollar construction project will begin on I-20 in Bossier and Caddo Parishes on September 18th. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says workers will spend the next two and a half years replacing the original pavement from the 1960s.

Cut 4 (08) “… the top.”

The work will result in lane closures. The interstate will be reduced to one lane from Hamilton Road to Industrial Drive in both directions. Buchanan says a real-time traffic system will alert motorists to changing traffic conditions.

Cut 5 (08) “…alternate routes.”

Motorists are urged to use I-220 as an alternate route. The work will be performed at night to minimize traffic. Buchanan says reconstruction work will also be underway from Pines Road to Market Street on the west end.

Cut 6 (11) “…as well.”

This section of the interstate services 70 to 100 thousand vehicles daily. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2025.

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Five of the seven major candidates will participate in the first televised debate for the 2023 governor’s race tonight. Republican Jeff Landry refuses to participate because he says the organizer, the Urban League is biased toward Democrats. UNO Political Science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak says it’s unfortunate because voters are interested in what Landry has to say.

Cut 7 (10) “…front-runner.”

Republican Representative Richard Nelson was not invited to participate due to low polling numbers.

With fellow Republicans and Independent Hunter Lundy polling in the single digits, Chervenak says they’ll need to capture viewers’ attention and set themselves apart.

Present or not, Chervenak believes the candidates will go after Landry.

Cut 8 (11) “…Republicans.”

And even though two of the seven viable candidates will be missing,  Chervenak thinks voters will still tune in to get a better idea of what the participating candidates’ plans are for Louisiana.

Cut 9 (11)  “…direction.”

The debate at, WWL-TV’s studio in New Orlean will be televised statewide tonight at 7 pm. KATC, WBRZ, and KTBS are also sponsoring tonight’s debate.

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says they are once again taking applications from insurance companies who are interested in receiving grant dollars if they write more homeowners insurance policies. Donelon says they allocated 42-million dollars to eight insurers following the first round of applications and it resulted in thousands of homeowners finding coverage through a private insurer…

Cut 10 (04) “…since April.”

Donelon says many of the new policies were written in southeast Louisiana…

Cut 11 (14) “…22-hundred”

Donelon says the total amount of grant funds during this second application period is 13 million dollars. He says the goal is to reduce the number of homes that have coverage through the state-run insurer of last resort Citizens, which by state law has to offer policies with more expensive premiums…

Cut 12 (09) “…Citizens insurance.”

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The statewide burn ban remains in effect, even though parts of the state have received rain, but officials say it’s not enough to reduce the increased risk of fire due to the prolonged drought. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue…

Cut 13 (11) “…fire service (x2).”

Despite recent rains near some of the ongoing wildfires, Rodrigue says those blazes remain active.

Cut 14 (08) “…those scenes.”

The State Fire Marshal’s Office, however, says residents can resume outdoor cooking, but Rodrigue encourages those who do grill out to have safety measures in place before they light up.

Cut 15 (09) “…cooking there.”

At Tiger Stadium tailgaters have been asked not to grill out for LSU’s home opener against Grambling on Saturday.

The state’s burn ban will be reconsidered on a weekly basis.

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The regular season opener is fast approaching for the Saints, who will face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. New starting quarterback Derek Carr believes the Black and Gold will have a great season

Cut 16 (16) “…this week.”

Carr expects Tennessee head coach Mike Vrabel to bring a physical style of play to the Superdome on Sunday…

Cut 17 (14) “…he’s coaching that.”

Carr on the importance of winning the first game…

Cut 18 (12) “…even better.”

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LSU defensive tackle Maason Smith will make his season debut on Saturday night when the Tigers host Grambling. Smith was suspended for the season opener for getting paid for autographs before NIL took effect. Coach Brian Kelly says it will be Smith’s first game since last September…

Cut 19 (19) “…impact the game.”

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Louisiana Tech will host north Louisiana rival Northwestern State on Saturday. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says the stakes get raised when you play another team from Louisiana…

Cut 20 (20) “…football team.”

The Bulldogs are 1-1 after losing to SMU last week, Northwestern State dropped its season opener to U-L Lafayette.

5:30 LRN Newscast Sept 6

The first televised debate of the 2023 governor’s race is tomorrow. Five of the candidates will discuss the issues facing Louisiana at 7 PM at WWL-TV’s studio in New Orleans. But the front-runner, Republican Attorney Jeff Landry, will not be there, because the Urban League is an organizer, and he says they have a bias towards Democrats.

Cut 9 (09) “…Donald Trump.” 

The Urban League denies any bias.

The U.S. Capitol attending physician’s report says Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has not suffered a stroke or seizure. Fellow Kentucky lawmaker Rand Paul believes the 81-year-old Republican had a seizure. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, who’s also a physician, says he’s going to go with the report of the healthcare provider who actually examined McConnell.

Cut 8 (11) “…most significant.”

Singer Jimmy Buffett died Friday from a rare skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. Teiko Foxx spoke with an LSU Oncologist expert about the aggressive disease.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

 

Tailgaters at Tiger Stadium are asked not to light up for LSU’s home opener against Grambling. Due to the on-going drought LSU Athletics is encouraging fans not to grill-out due to the statewide burn ban and greatly reduce the chance of any blaze getting out of control on campus.

 

 

4:30 LRN Newscast September 6

Jimmy Buffett, the legendary ‘Margaritaville’ singer, died Friday as a result of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare form of skin cancer. LSU School of Medicine Oncologist Dr. Brian Boulmay says the disease develops after long periods of exposure to natural or artificial light. He says if you see a flesh or colored mole, freckle, or bump on the skin, you should contact your physician 

Cut 4 (11) “…be biopsied.”

Men are twice as likely to develop this cancer than women. And about 80 percent are 70 and older.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, who’s a physician, believes Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is fit to continue to serve despite two recent episodes in which McConnel froze and was unable to speak. Despite concerns about the 81-year-old’s health, Cassidy is satisfied with McConnell’s role in the Senate.

Cut 7 (11) “…minority leader.” 

The first televised debate of the 2023 governor’s race is tomorrow night, but the front-runner will not be there. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A Simmesport man was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Avoyelles Parish on Sunday. 40-year-old James Dibble Jr. of Simmesport was struck by a Mazda 6 driven by 40-year-old Mary Cazelot on Old Highway 1. Cazelot was arrested for felony hit and run, obstruction of justice, and driving under suspension. The investigation is ongoing.

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU found out on Sunday night, they are not a national title contender yet. The Tigers defense allowed 494 total yards as LSU’s secondary had trouble keeping up with Florida State’s talented receivers. Coach Brian Kelly says his defensive backs could have played better…
cut 18 (18) “…be there”

ULM is looking to go 2-0 on the season this Saturday when they host Lamar out of the Southland Conference. The Warhawks rallied to beat Army 17-13 last Saturday in Malone Stadium. Coach Terry Bowden liked the fight he saw from his team
Cut 19 (14) “…our way”

The regular season opener is fast approaching for the Saints, who will face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. New starting quarterback Derek Carr believes the Black and Gold will have a great season…
cut 16 (17) “…this week”
Recever Tre’Quan Smith, safety J-T Gray and running back Kendre Miller did not practice today. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, tackle Ryan Ramczyk and tight end Jimmy Graham were limited. Ramcyzk and Graham were given a veteran rest day.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said today he plans to play in week one despite missing nearly the entire preseason with a calf injury.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have shut down former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes for the rest of 2023 as the major league team says they will now get him ready for the 2024 season.

The LSU women’s basketball SEC Schedule is out. The Lady Tigers will host South Carolina on January 25th.

3:30 LRN Newscast September 6

Singer Jimmy Buffett died Friday from the most aggressive form of skin cancer, merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), detected in less than three thousand people in the U-S every year. LSU School of Medicine Oncologist Dr. Brian Boulmay says people are at greater risk after being exposed to natural or artificial sources of light for long periods of time.

Cut 3 (12) “…any kind.”

Tumors show up on the forearm, neck, face, and lower legs and can spread to the lymph nodes, liver, bones, lungs, and brain.

The top five candidates in the Louisiana 2023 governor’s race will face off in the first televised debate tomorrow. But Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry, will not participate. Landry says he’s concerned that one of the sponsors won’t treat Republican candidates fairly.

Cut 9 (09) “…anti-Donald Trump.” 

The candidates will discuss the issues facing Louisiana at 7 PM at WWL-TV’s studio in New Orleans.

We asked Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy his thoughts on Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s health after the Kentucky lawmaker appeared to freeze in front of the public after a second recent episode. Cassidy says he’s pleased with the attending physician to Congress report.

Cut 6 (08) “…caucus.”

The report says there is no evidence that McConnel suffered a seizure disorder, experienced a stroke, or movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry says the Tiger Island Fire, the state’s largest in history, is now 65 percent contained. Rainfall over the Labor Day weekend has helped but has also created muddy conditions that are slowing the use of heavy equipment.

LRN PM Newscall September 6

Singer Jimmy Buffett died Friday from a rare skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. Teiko Foxx spoke with an LSU Oncologist expert about the aggressive disease.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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The first televised debate of the 2023 governor’s race is tomorrow night, but the front-runner will not be there. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Margaritaville Singer Jimmy Buffett died as a result of merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer, diagnosed in less than three thousand people in the U-S every year. LSU School of Medicine Oncologist Dr. Brian Boulmay says the disease develops on areas of the body that are regularly exposed to natural or artificial sources of light.

Cut 3 (12) “…any kind.”

MCC tumors show up on the forearm, neck, face, and lower legs. It quickly spreads to the lymph nodes first and then to the liver, bones, lungs, and brain. Boulmay suggests contacting your physician if you see a mole, freckle, or bump that is changing in size, shape, or color.

Cut 4 (11) “…be biopsied.”

Men are twice as likely to develop this cancer than women. About 90 percent of the people who have it are White, and about 80 percent are 70 and olderBoulmay says early detection is key but you can protect yourself.

Cut 5 (11) “ … for cancer.” 

The survival rate of MCC is 51 percent when the cancer is confined to one spot on the body.

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Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy was asked his thoughts on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s health after the Kentucky lawmaker appeared to freeze in front of the public on at least two occasions. Cassidy, who’s also a physician says he’s satisfied with the U.S. Capitol attending physician’s report.

Cut 6 (08) “…caucus.”

The physician’s report says McConnell has not suffered a stroke or a seizure disorder.

Concerns about the 81-year-old’s health have generated calls for his resignation and reignited the debate on term limits for members of Congress. Cassidy is satisfied with the physician’s report and McConnell’s role in the Senate.

Cut 7 (11) “…minority leader.” 

Fellow Kentucky lawmaker Rand Paul criticized the Capitol attending physician’s report. Paul believes McConnell had a seizure. Cassidy says he’s going to go with the report of the healthcare provider who actually examined McConnell.

Cut 8 (11) “…most significant.”

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The first televised debate of the 2023 governor’s race is tomorrow. Five of the candidates will discuss the issues facing Louisiana at 7 PM at WWL-TV’s studio in New Orleans. But the front-runner, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry, will not be there. Landry says one of the organizers the Urban League has a bias towards Democrats

Cut 9 (09) “…anti-Donald Trump.” 

The Urban League says they do not have any bias towards a particular candidate. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson will also not participate tomorrow, because his polling numbers are not high enough.

Landry says one of his criteria to attend a debate is that all seven major candidates appear on stage…

Cut 10 (05) “…a whole”

Early voting for the October 14th election begins Saturday, September 30th. Landry has an estimated eight million dollars in cash on hand. The Attorney General says it’s a sign that voters believe he’s the right guy for the job…

Cut 11 (08) “…our message”

Campaign finance reports from all candidates are due September 14th.

2:30 LRN Newscast Sept 6

The first televised debate of the 2023 governor’s race is tomorrow night, but the front-runner will not be there. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The Tiger Island wildfire that’s been burning since August 22, is now 65% contained, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Recent rains have helped fire crews. But the precipitation is also responsible for muddy conditions that’s hindering access for heavy equipment.

Beloved Margaritaville Singer Jimmy Buffett died from Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer. LSU School of Medicine Oncologist Dr. Brian Boulmay says 90 percent of those diagnosed are white and early detection is key. But he says you can protect yourself.

Cut 5 (11) “ … for cancer.” 

The U.S. Capitol attending physician’s report says Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has not suffered a stroke or seizure. Fellow Kentucky lawmaker Rand Paul believes the 81-year-old Republican had a seizure. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s going to go with the report of the healthcare provider who actually examined McConnell.

Cut 8 (11) “…most significant.”

McConnell froze while speaking in public at least twice over the last few months.