AM LRN Newscall

According to new research from AAA, a popular safety feature on newer vehicles may not work as you might expect. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Vice President is headed to the Crescent City Saturday to rally Republicans just a week before voters head to the primary polls. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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Approximately 18,000 more people have early voted this year after just five days than early voted in all of 2015. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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A new study from AAA indicates autonomous emergency braking systems are only sporadically effective in detecting pedestrians at speeds above 30 mph. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the findings are a reminder to drivers to stay alert.

Cut 4 (10) “…weren’t that impressive.”

The study shows the detection systems are completely useless at night, which is when 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur. Redman says pedestrian deaths have been on the rise since 2010.

Cut 5 (09) “…killed by vehicles.”

Redman says AAA encourages improvements to the technology, as braking systems do work well in avoiding collisions with other drivers.

Cut 6 (06) “…not so much.”

The primary is set for October 12th.

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Vice President Mike Pence is headed to New Orleans Saturday to rally Republicans to vote Republican in the governor’s race.

It’s the first state visit of the campaign from a Republican figure of the Vice President’s prominence. So why has it taken so long for the party to throw it’s weight around?

Cut 7 (10) “candidate.” 

That’s LSU-Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow who says the state’s tricky jungle primary has produced two viable Republicans.

President Trump is credited with nearly single-handedly flipping the dynamics of last year’s competitive Florida governor’s race. Sadow says a Presidential visit would have had a substantial impact.

Cut 8 (09) “…enthusiasm”

Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone are expected to be in attendance. The two Republicans have begun bludgeoning each other, but Sadow says expect everyone in attendance to be on their best behavior.

Cut 9 (09)  “…them.”

Recent polls have Rispone now narrowly edging past Abraham for second place and a chance to take the Governor to a run-off.

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Early voter turnout remains far above expectations as approximately 250,000 Louisianans have cast their ballot for the October 12th primary.

We’ve had more early voters after just five days than in all of 2015 by 18,000 votes, but that may not mean a higher total turnout. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says 90 percent of ballots cast were cast by “chronic” voters, but those voters could inspire others to show up.

Cut 10 (08) “…closely”

An analysis of those voters by JMC Analytics shows higher than expected Republican voter turnout.

Early voting is a major priority this year with a number of college football games scheduled for election day, October 12th. Ardoin says they’ve got some new voting tech to entice voters to show up ahead of time.

Cut 11 (06) “…about it” 

The new machines are Ipad like devices that are not connected to the internet and turn on when you slide a voter card into them.

Ardoin says at this point they aren’t sure what exactly is driving the massive surge in turnout but they’re glad it’s happening and he hopes everyone remembers to grab their “I Voted” sticker.

Cut 12 (11) “here.”

Ardoin says at this rate we will set an all-time record for early voting turnout.

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Our Lady of the Lake cuts the ribbon today in Baton Rouge on its new five-story children’s hospital which took over three years to construct.  President of Children’s Health Trey Dunbar says they will begin moving patients into the facility tomorrow.

Cut 13 (07) “…new children’s hospital.”

Dunbar anticipates the facility will treat patients from all over Louisiana as well as those traveling in from nearby states.

Cut 14 (10) “…family as well.” 

Dunbar says the total cost of the construction was $230 million, which was funding with the help of many contributions from the community.

Cut 15 (07) “…in Baton Rouge.”

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ULM hosts 23rd ranked Memphis on Saturday as the Tigers are the first ranked opponent to visit Malone Stadium in the Football Bowl Subdivision era. The Tigers are 4-0, including a win over Ole Miss. Warhawks Coach Matt Viator says when you watch the film on Memphis, their team speed jumps off the screen

Cut 16  (14) “  do it” 

Viator says Memphis also brings physicality with great team speed. He says on offense Memphis likes to run the football with Kenneth Gainwell and Kylan Watkins and on defense the Tigers like to blitz

cut 17  (16) “…the ball” 

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LSU will welcome Utah State into Death Valley tomorrow for an 11 AM kick-off. The Aggies feature an up-tempo offense that’s averaging nearly 39 points a game. On defense, they are allowing three touchdowns a contest. LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow says Utah State plays a bend but don’t break style of defense

Cut 18 (15)  for sure” 

Utah State is 3-1 on the season and coach Gary Andersen says his team looks forward to playing a team ranked in the top five…

cut 19 (13)   “very loud”   

Kick-off is at 11 AM and it will be hot. The forecast high in Baton Rouge on Saturday is 93-degrees. Andersen says his team is practicing in the 50s and used to the type of heat and humidity they’ll face in Tiger Stadium

cut 20 (12) “the temperature”