LRN AM Newscall September 20

The governor’s office says Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at it’s lowest percentage in recorded history. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The “Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown” singer Jim Croce died in a plane crash 50 years ago today after a performance at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Teiko Foxx has more memories from that day.

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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It’s a big night in Rushton as LA Tech opens Championship Plaza and five Hall of Famers will be there in person as their statues are unveiled. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The state’s unemployment rate has hit a record at three-point-three percent. Louisiana Workforce Chief Economist Emily DiPalma says the national unemployment rate is three-point-eight percent…

Cut 4 (11) “…six other states.”

Federal data also shows the number of unemployed individuals is just under 69-thousand, which is also a record low. DiPalma says the state’s efforts to create jobs and improve workforce training is working.

She says older residents deciding to retire in their mid-60s is also helping to lower the rate

Cut 5 (07) “…to retire.”

DiPalma says a tight labor market helps push wages up, but that is slowing down….

Cut 6 (11) “…a little bit.”

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It was 50 years ago today, that legendary singer Jim Croce and five other people were killed in a plane crash after performing at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Dan McDonald, who was a student reporter for Northwestern’s student newspaper, says there were details about the concert that stands out in his memory…

Cut 7 (12) “…go home.”

Croce was set to spend the night in Natchitoches but called the pilot to leave early for a performance at Austin College the next day. Croce mailed a letter to his wife before his death which later revealed he was missing his family and ready to go home. McDonald remembers Croce looking exhausted that evening.

Cut 8 (11) “…of there.” 

Not long after takeoff, Croce’s plane crashed into a pecan tree at the end of the runway. It is believed that the haze severely reduced visibility that night. McDonald recalls seeing the carnage of the plane.

Cut 9 (13)  “…my mind.”

An event was held at the university on Monday to commemorate Croce’s death.

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A recent study by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana indicates auto insurance rates in Bayou State rank as the most expensive in the nation. PAR President Steven Procopio says there was a slight decline in premiums during the pandemic.

Cut 10 (12) “…in the country.”

The newly approved premiums by the Department of Insurance will result in rate increases of as much as 20 percent or more. The increases will go into effect when drivers enroll in new policies are their current policy renews.  Procopio says the increase depends on several factors.

Cut 11 (11) “…substanial.”

If you see your auto insurance rates increase or even if they don’t, Procopio recommends comparing rates with other insurers and shopping around.

Cut 12 (08) “…to do that.” 

Louisiana is followed by New York, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Florida as the most expensive auto rates in the country.

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Terry Bradshaw, Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, Willie Roaf, and Teresa Weatherspoon all in one place is quite a marquee and tonight their statues, along with Fred Dean’s will be unveiled at Louisiana Tech. Senior Associate Athletic Director Colton Primm…

Cut 13 (10) “…background is.”

After the statues are unveiled and the living recipients take part in a Q&A session, the public will be allowed to walk through Championship Plaza. Primm says it was difficult to limit the plaza to six individuals…

Cut 14 (11) “…the pros.”

The Plaza is named in honor of former LA Tech student-athlete and football coach A.L. Williams and his wife Sarah. In addition to the six alum being honored tonight, Primm says they will also recognize their six national championship teams, three with football and three with women’s basketball.

Cut 15 (09) “…open arms.”

The free event is open to the public and begins at 6 o’clock.

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Arkansas is coming off a home loss to BYU as they get ready to play 12th ranked LSU in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night. Razorbacks Coach Sam Pittman is not happy with the 14 penalties his team committed against the Cougars

Cut 16 (16) “…get corrected”

Pittman is also looking for better play from his offensive line. BYU sacked Hogs Quarterback KJ Jefferson four times and outside of 55-yard touchdown run by AJ Green, Arkansas struggled to run the ball…

Cut 17 (15) “…bull us”

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The Saints are one of seven teams in the NFC with a 2-0 record after beating Tennessee and Carolina. It’s the first 2-0 start for New Orleans since 2013 and Coach Dennis Allen says it’s a good start, but it’s also a long season…

Cut 18 (18) “…need to”

The offense has only scored 36 points through two games, but the defense has only allowed 32 points, third fewest in the NFL.  Can they hold teams to 20 points or less every week, Allen says the talent is there to do it…

Cut 19 (23) “…in all areas”

Fifth year defensive end Carl Granderson is off to a strong start as he has 2.5 sacks in two games and he forced a fumble in Monday night’s win over Carolina. Allen says Granderson is picking up where he left off last year…

Cut 20 (20) “..of the season