LRN AM Newscall October 30

Could it be time to break out those jackets and sweaters? Colleen Crain looks at the upcoming weather changes…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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What’s the best hospital in the state of Louisiana? According to Newsweek magazine, it’s Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport-Bossier. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The family of Ronnie Caldwell will file suit this week against Northwestern, for failure to protect their son who was murdered three days after they asked for help. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The first significant fall cold front is about to blanket the state, just in time for Halloween. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it will usher in very dry and cool Canadian air and will stick around for a few days. Highs today in north Louisiana will be in the 50s and in the 60s for the southern half.

Cut 4 (12) “…the state.”

And fingers crossed it will bring some rain to the drought-ridden state.

Cut 5 (08) “…lucky.”

As for Wednesday and Thursday, Keim says you’ll want to grab an extra blanket or two with lows in the thirties in northern parishes, forties in the southern parishes, and highs in the 60s.

Cut 6 (11) “…in the forties.”

For Halloween, the temps will start to drop once the sun goes down. so Keim says to be sure to dress the trick-or-treaters accordingly.

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Louisiana State Police host their first-ever Securing Louisiana Cyber Summit at its  Training Academy today from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today. Trooper Christian Reed says the goal is to provide insight into the growing threat of cybersecurity on small businesses and critical infrastructure.

Cut 7 (09) “…or data.”

With several sessions featuring both in-person and virtual experiences, the summit will explore cybersecurity requirements and best practices to improve business security. Reed says cybersecurity leaders and experts will discuss strategies on how to maximize security.

Cut 8 (12) “…every day.” 

This one-day summit is expected to attract more than 200 attendees. Reed says cybersecurity continues to be more prevalent requiring organizations of all sizes to be more vigilant.

Cut 9 (06)  “…best protection.”

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Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport has been recognized as the top hospital in Louisiana by Newsweek magazine. Senior Vice President of Quality and Clinical Performance Clarie Rebouche says this recognition is a testament to the work of the staff and their patient care.

Cut 10 (12) “…the care.”

The ranking of Newsweek’s Best-in-State Hospitals 2024 recognizes 600 leading hospitals across the nation.

Rebouche points out hospitals are selected based on patient survey results, and key medical performance indicators. She says surveys were sent in June and July for hospital peer evaluations…

Cut 11 (12) “…of state.” 

While the report cites Willis-Knighton Medical Center, the award covers all Willis-Knighton hospitals since they have multiple locations. Since 1924, Rebouche says Willis-Knighton has been serving the needs of communities in Shreveport-Bossier.

Cut 12 (10) “…anniversary year.” 

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The family of Ronnie Caldwell, the Northwestern State football player who was killed on October 12th, will file a lawsuit against the school this week.  Three days before he was killed Caldwell told his parents his roommate 27-year-old John McIntosh threatened him with a gun. They asked coach Brad Laird to move Ronnie to another location. Attorney Troy Pradia says if Laird had only called the cops on McIntosh…

Cut 13 (03) “…with us.”

The family says Laird assured them he would help but nothing happened and the next time they heard from him was a phone call that Ronnie was dead.

While fighting back tears, Ronnie’s mother Blanche Caldwell says they trusted the school to protect him…

Cut 14 (10) “…back home.”

Pradia says they don’t know exactly why the school chose to end the football season early or why Laird resigned…

Cut 15 (10) “…unanswered questions.”

Caldwell moved from his original apartment due to mold and was placed with McIntosh at The Quad Apartments, owned by Campus Advantage. Pradia says McIntosh was not a student and had a criminal history.

McIntosh has been charged with possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance. He’s been released on bond from the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

One of Caldwell’s ex-teammates, 22-year-old Maurice Campbell, II has also been arrested on obstruction of justice and gun and drug charges.

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The Saints are tied with Atlanta for first place in the NFC South after ending a two-game losing streak by beating the Colts 38-27. New Orleans fell behind 17-7 in the second quarter but Taysom Hill’s 20-yard touchdown run  cut the deficit to three and Hill’s second touchdown run in the fourth quarter gave the Black and Gold a 15 point lead. Hill and the Saints offense produced 511 yard of offense…

Cut 16 (20) “…a lot of confidence”

Saints Quarterback Derek Carr threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns. Carr likes that they were three of four in the red zone….

Cut 17 (19) “…showed up.”

Coach Dennis Allen says it was a good game for the offense and the defense after a slow start…

Cut 18 (18) “..to our place.” 

New Orleans is 4-and-4 and they have another winnable game this Sunday against the Chicago Bears.