LRN PM Newscall

State Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana is in dire straits due to a lack of rain, and farmers are feeling the impact. Marsanne Golsby  has more…:

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security has some tips on how to protect yourself. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Louisiana Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy announces 46-million dollars in federal money is heading to Cameron, Calcasieu and Vermilion Parishes to elevate about 200 structures so they will not flood.  Cassidy says it’s great news for southwest Louisiana…

Cut 3 (05) “…are intact.” 

Cassidy says the money is coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill…

Cut 4 (09) “…to come.” 

Cassidy says Louisiana has received 700-million dollars in funding for coastal, waterway and flood protection projects from the Infrastructure Bill signed by the President Joe Biden in 2021.

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State Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana is dangerously dry. Shreveport has gone 23 straight days without any rainfall, Baton Rouge for 24, and New Orleans has had just a sprinkle in the past 26 days.

Cut 5 (06) “…in Louisiana.” 

Keim says those hardest hit are farmers, and there’s no relief in sight.

Cut 6 (04)  “…at all.” 

October is usually a dry month and a welcome break from summer temperatures, but Keim says if we don’t get rain soon it could spell trouble for your lawn.

Cut 7 (07) “…certain insects.”

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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says the theme of this year’s month is “See Yourself in Cyber,” and they want to drive home the point that all of us have a role to play when it comes to cybersecurity.

Cut 8 (12)  “…key systems.”

He says to make sure your own data is secure and backed up and that your operating system and virus protection programs are also up to date.

When it comes to social media, Tingle says you want to be careful about identifying when you’ll be out of town, because it can be an open invitation for burglars.

Cut 9 (11)  “…and property.”

Tingle says to be suspicious about links sent to you in emails or texts, especially from someone you don’t recognize along with attachments before you click on them. Always protect your personal identification information like your social security number, birth date, and financial account numbers. Tingle says if you believe you’ve been a victim of a cybercrime…

Cut 10 (11) “…1-800-434-8007.” 

That number again for the Louisiana Fusion Center is 1-800-434-8007

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, under fire for spending tens of thousands of taxpayer money to travel first class, has relented and says she will reimburse the city nearly $30-thousand in flight upgrades. She insists though, that as a city employee, she was doing city business…:

Cut 11 (07)  “…business expenses.”

Cantrell originally refused to absorb the cost of first class airfare upgrades; saying it was for her “safety and security.” The New Orleans city attorney says city policy requires all city employees to seek the lowest fares available, OR reimburse the city for deluxe accommodations. Cantrell says she will abide by the decision…:

Cut 12 (06) “…city of New Orleans.”

Some argue her recent “sister city” trip to France will not benefit New Orleans in any substantial way. Cantrell is also under scrutiny for supporting a teen carjacker and for using a city-owned French Quarter apartment as her own.