LRN AM Newscall October 24

If Donald Trump gets re-elected in two weeks, a pair of Louisianians could be up for cabinet positions. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

Governor Landry is assuring the people of Louisiana that there is no danger after a Chinese national being held in a federal prison in the state is infected with a drug-resistant form of tuberculosis. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

A 108-year-old Baton Rouge runner who competed in the National Senior Games passed away Tuesday.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

A pair of Louisianians have been floated as potential cabinet members under Donald Trump, should he win re-election in two weeks. Politico says outgoing Congressman Garret Graves could be considered for transportation secretary and former Governor Bobby Jindal could be tapped for secretary of health and human services. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Graves becoming transportation secretary would be beneficial for Louisiana.

Cut 4 (06) “…we lack money.”

As for Jindal running health and human services, Pinsonat notes that more than 40-percent of Louisiana’s population is on Medicaid, so that would be a plus. In addition, Jindal would bring youth to the White House.

Cut 5 (08) “…and Trump.”

Pinsonat says whether Trump ultimately picks Jindal, should he win the White House, is a big “if.”

Cut 6 (09) “…that’s for sure.”

Polls show a very tight race between Trump and Kamala Harris in the final days before Election Day.

__________________________________________________

Governor Landry is assuring the people of Louisiana that there is currently no danger after a Chinese national being held in a federal prison in the state is shown to be infected with tuberculosis.

Cut 7 (13) “…in any danger.”

Landry says the patient came into the U.S. illegally.

Cut 8 (10) “…illegal border crossing.”

So the patient was detained by federal immigration authorities and was subsequently transferred to Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…had active tuberculosis.”

The patient may have come into contact with more than 200 other detainees and countless non-detainees. Attorney General Liz Murrill sued ICE, demanding that it not release any prisoners from the state’s two federal prisons without medical clearance from the state department of health.

______________________________________________________

The oldest woman to compete in the National Senior Games passed away peacefully in Baton Rouge at the age of 108. Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins, who earned her nickname for her incredible speed as a senior sprinter, began running at the age of 100 after being inspired by a 100-year-old who completed a 100-yard dash. Owner of Varsity Sports Jenni Peters says she’s known Hawkins since she was six years old…

Cut 10 (06) “…in her yard.”

Hawkins stayed active throughout her life, enjoying gardening and cycling, but shifted her focus to running when she became the oldest competitor in cycling events, and Peters says that Hawkins would often join her running group…

Cut 11 (08) …fit for years.”

Known for her wit and humility, Hawkins often joked about her running abilities, saying she knew she could run because she used to dash to answer the telephone. Peters says her legacy as a trailblazing athlete and an inspiration to seniors worldwide lives on.

Cut 12 (10) “…age group.”

Hawkins remained busy and vibrant up until her final moments, even receiving a visitor just before her peaceful passing at St. James Place.

_______________________________________________

Scammers are getting ready to prey on Swifties descending on New Orleans this week for her three concerts at the Superdome. Attorney General Liz Murrill says her office is getting reports of hotels canceling reservations made months in advance and offering those rooms at jacked-up rates.

Cut 13 (10)  “…and deceptive practices.”

While the concerts have long been sold out, demand for tickets is very high. Murrill says if you’re still looking for tickets, be very vigilant.

Cut 14 (07) “…a credit card.”

And Murrill says do your research before forking over your hard-earned money.

Cut 15 (08) “…to be true.”

All hotels in the city are sold out this weekend, and tickets are going for at least one-thousand dollars apiece on the secondary market.

________________________________________________________

Saints running back Alvin Kamara is a happy man about his two-year contract extension that’s worth 24.5 million dollars. Kamara says it’s not about the money, his main priority is to remain a Saint…

Cut 16 (16)   “…anywhere else.”

The Saints could have traded Kamara before this year NFL trade line or released him after the season, but his new contract calls for him to remain in New Orleans through the 2026 season. Kamara says he’s not interested in playing anywhere else…

Cut 17 (09) “…for me.”

_______________________________________________________________

Eighth ranked LSU will take a six-game winning streak into College Station on Saturday night when they battle 14th ranked Texas A&M. The Tigers defense is getting better and safety Sage Ryan says they want to build on last week’s performance against Arkansas…

Cut 18 (16)   “…we have.”

Texas A&M’s strength is its ground game. The Aggies are 12th in the country in rushing yards per game, averaging 219 yards a game. Ryan says their main focus is to stop the run…

Cut 19 (13) “….the plan”  

LSU’s improved defense is a reason why the Tigers are 6-and-1, 3-and-0 in the SEC. Ryan says after a tough season last year, he’s glad to be part of this defense…

Cut 20 (15) “…off the field.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry is assuring people that there is no danger, even as an inmate in a federal prison in the state is found to have a rare, drug-resistant form of tuberculosis. Landry said in a news conference that the patient came from China and crossed into the U.S. illegally.

Cut 14 (15) “…worked to eradicate.”

Landry says the patient was transferred to a federal prison in Louisiana; and from there, to a medical facility.

LSU unveils plans for a new 107-million dollar Construction & Advanced Manufacturing Building.  Dean of the College of Engineering Vicki Colvin says the project will enhance the university’s construction management program.

Cut 9 (11)  “…on Mars.”

A die-hard Taylor Swift fan from Metairie books practically an entire downtown New Orleans hotel for the Taylor Swift concerts, but not to make an easy profit. Rebecca Fox booked 191 rooms at the Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome hotel for about 500 dollars each for four nights this week and resold them at that price. She feels that Taylor Swift fans are being price-gouged, and that’s not right.

Cut 5 (08) “…for the stuff (2x)”

Tickets to the shows are going for a minimum of one-thousand dollars on the resale market.

Sunny and dry conditions persist in Louisiana, and the fire danger continues to increase. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says Washington Parish fire fighters were busy battling a wildfire yesterday…

Cut 12 (10) “…very, very dry.”

4:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry is assuring the people of Louisiana that there is no danger, even as an inmate in a federal prison is found to be infected with a rare form of tuberculosis. Surgeon General Ralph Abraham says the patient has a very resistant strain of the bacteria.

Cut 16 (13)   “…a foreign country”

The state says the patient may have come into contact with more than 200 other detainees and countless other non-detainees.

Following hurricanes Helene and Milton, Louisiana’s insurance outlook remains stable. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple advises caution, as the global market for reinsurance affects rates in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (09) “…next two months bring.”

The state has only faced one major storm this year.

LSU has unveiled plans for a new 107 million dollar Construction & Advanced Manufacturing Building.  Dean of the College of Engineering Vicki Colvin says it will offer advanced lab and faculty spaces to support cutting-edge research and to prepare students for Louisiana’s growing construction industry.

Cut 10 (07) “…technology for them.”

The new building will be located on South Stadium Drive next to Tiger Stadium.

Sunny and dry conditions persist in Louisiana, and the fire danger continues to increase. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says a chain hanging from a vehicle likely started a roadside fire in Washington Parish last night….

Cut 13 (11) “…very, very dry.” 

And those conditions are expected to linger for at least the next week.

3:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana is working to contain a rare strain of tuberculosis. The patient from China had crossed into the U.S. illegally, was transferred to a federal prison in Louisiana, then went to a medical facility. Solicitor General Benjamin Aguinaga (ag-win-YAH-ga) says Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against ICE in an effort to prevent the release of detainees from the state’s two federal prisons.  

Cut 15 (20) “…make that commitment.”

The state says the patient may have come into contact with more than 200 other detainees and countless non-detainees. Still, Governor Landry assured the people of the state in a news conference that there is currently no danger to public health.

A new $107 million Construction & Advanced Manufacturing Building project was announced recently by LSU.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Fire danger continues to increase amid sunny and dry conditions. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says Washington Parish firefighters were busy battling a wildfire yesterday…

Cut 12 (10) “…very, very dry.”

LRN PM Newscall October 23

A die-hard Taylor Swift fan from Metairie books nearly an entire hotel near the Superdome – but not to make a profit. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________

A new $107 million Construction & Advanced Manufacturing Building project was announced recently by LSU.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

______________________________________

A die-hard Taylor Swift fan from Metairie books practically an entire downtown New Orleans hotel for the Taylor Swift concerts, but not to make an easy profit. Rebecca Fox booked 191 rooms at the Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome hotel for about 500 dollars each for four nights this week. She says since she booked the rooms immediately after the Superdome shows were announced, she got a relative bargain

Cut 3 (07) “…for quad occupancy.”

Fox says she booked early to avoid what would almost certainly have been a huge price increase.

Cut 4 (09) “…taxes and fees.”

Fox says she re-sold all the rooms that she booked at exactly the price she paid, so she’s not making any profit. She says she did so so that other Taylor Swift fans could meet and connect this weekend. Fox says she feels that Taylor Swift fans are being price-gouged, and that’s not right.

Cut 5 (08) “…for the stuff (2x)”

All hotels in New Orleans are completely booked for the three nights of Taylor Swift’s Superdome shows. Tickets to the shows are going for a minimum of one-thousand dollars on the resale market.

______________________________________

Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Louisiana’s insurance outlook remains stable, with officials maintaining a positive stance. State Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple describes the situation as “manageable,” saying that the storms’ impact falls below the catastrophic level seen in hurricanes like Ian in 2022…

Cut 6 (11) “…half of that.”

Temple says Louisiana has escaped significant damage this season,  but the global nature of reinsurance must be considered. This means that events worldwide could still influence local insurance rates.

Cut 7 (06) “…out of this year yet”

The state has only faced one major storm, and Temple is optimistic that the remainder of the season may pass with minimal disruption. However, he advises caution, as the global market for reinsurance affects rates in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (09) “…next two months bring.”

________________________________________________________

LSU has unveiled plans for a new $107 million Construction & Advanced Manufacturing Building.  Dean of the College of Engineering Vicki Colvin says the project will enhance the university’s construction management program.

Cut 9 (11)  “…on Mars.”

Colvin says the new building will be located on South Stadium Drive next to Tiger Stadium and will offer advanced lab and faculty spaces to support cutting-edge research and prepare students for Louisiana’s growing construction industry.

Cut 10 (07) “…technology for them.”

The project has received a $15 million donation from Art Favre, a 1972 LSU graduate and founder of Performance Contractors. Colvin says LSU is actively raising more money for the construction of the building…

Cut 11 (05) “…time to do it.”

Groundbreaking for the building is expected to start in 2026.

________________________________________________________

Sunny and dry conditions persist in Louisiana and the fire danger continues to increase. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says Washington Parish fire fighters were busy battling a wildfire yesterday…

Cut 12 (10) “…very, very dry.”

Strain says they believe a chain hanging from a vehicle started a roadside fire in Washington Parish last night….

Cut 13 (11) “…very, very dry.” 

____________________________________________________________

Governor Landry is assuring the people of Louisiana that there is no danger, even as an inmate in a federal prison in the state tests positive for a rare, drug-resistant form of tuberculosis. Landry said in a news conference that the patient came from China and crossed into the U.S. illegally.

Cut 14 (15) “…worked to eradicate.”

Landry says the patient was transferred to a federal prison in Louisiana; and from there, to a medical facility. Solicitor General Benjamin Aguinaga says Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against ICE in an effort to prevent the release of detainees from the state’s two federal prisons.

Cut 15 (20) “…make that commitment.”

Surgeon General Ralph Abraham says the patient, who the state is referring to as “Patient Zero,” has a very resistant strain of tuberculosis.

Cut 16 (13)   “…a foreign country”

The state says the patient may have come into contact with more than 200 other detainees and countless other non-detainees.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Louisiana’s insurance outlook remains stable. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the storms’ impact falls below the catastrophic level seen in hurricanes like Ivan.

Cut 6 (11) “…half of that.”

Temple emphasized that while Louisiana has largely escaped significant damage this season, the global nature of reinsurance must be considered.

Investigators in St. Tammany Parish now have a name to go with a body recovered from Lake Pontchartrain 38 years ago. Using genealogy and DNA testing, they have identified the body as that of Pamela Lee Hupp. Lieutenant Suzanne (soo-ZAWN) Carboni says the process was long and hard, but it was worth it. 

Cut 11 (13) …identify this individual.”

A die-hard Taylor Swift fan from Metairie books practically an entire downtown New Orleans hotel for the Taylor Swift concerts, but not to make an easy profit. Rebecca Fox booked 191 rooms at the Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome hotel for about 500 dollars each for four nights this week. She says since she booked the rooms immediately after the Superdome shows were announced, she got a relative bargain

Cut 3 (11) “…for quad occupancy.”

Fox says she re-sold all the rooms that she booked at exactly the price she paid, so she’s not making any profit.

10:30 LRN Newscast

A Florida woman whose body was found in Lake Pontchartrain 38 years ago has finally been identified. 

Cut 10 (09) “…of the murder.”

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Lieutenant Suzanne (soo-ZAWN) Carboni says now that investigators have a name to go with the body, the task now is to find her killer, assuming that person is still alive. 

The Monroe Police Department is being featured on the TV documentary series On Patrol: Live for the next eight weeks. Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan says the show offers the opportunity for officers to demonstrate professionalism, courage, and dedication.

Cut 5 (12) “…led up to it.”

The show airs Friday and Saturday nights from eight to 11 p.m. on Reelz.

For the vast majority of Americans, holiday travel will be a little different this year. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Alvin Kamara contract saga is over. The Saints signed the star running back to a two-year contract extension worth almost 25-million dollars. Also in sports, Louisiana Tech beat UTEP in Ruston last night, 14-10. And the Pelicans open their season tonight against the Bulls in New Orleans.

LRN AM Newscall October 23

The TV documentary series “On Patrol: Live” on Reelz is featuring the Monroe Police Department for the next eight weeks. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

For the vast majority of Americans, holiday travel will be a little different this year. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

After 38 years, a Florida woman whose body was found in Lake Pontchartrain has finally been identified. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

The Monroe Police Department is being featured on the television documentary series On Patrol: Live for the next eight weeks. The show, hosted and executive produced by Dan Abrams and airs on the Reelz cable channel, offers live, real-time coverage and analysis of police officers’ daily work across various U.S. departments. Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan says viewers can observe officers as they patrol their communities, providing an inside look at the challenges and responsibilities they face.

Cut 4 (11) “…I’ve been told.”

The Monroe Police Department expressed excitement about participating in the show, with Zordan emphasizing the opportunity to demonstrate the professionalism, courage, and dedication of MPD officers.

Cut 5 (12) “…led up to it.”

Zordan believes this platform will not only show the brave actions officers take to protect the community but also raise awareness about the efforts made to improve the city of Monroe. Through On Patrol: Live, audiences will get a closer view of what it takes to maintain safety and order in the city.

Cut 6 (12) “…connection with the public.”

The show airs Friday and Saturday nights from eight to 11 p.m.

__________________________________________________

The vast majority of Americans are changing the way they travel this holiday season due to inflation. Ted Rossman with Bankrate says a whopping 83-percent are adjusting their holiday travel routine.

Cut 7 (08) “…to their destination.”

Rossman says it’s NOT the cost of travel that’s gone through the roof…

Cut 8 (12) “…year over year.”

…rather, it’s the cost of everything else that’s gone up.

Cut 9 (10)  “…child care.”

More than one out of every four Americans say they’re planning on taking on debt to travel this holiday season.

______________________________________________________

A Florida woman whose body was found in Lake Pontchartrain 38 years ago has finally been identified.

Cut 10 (09) “…of the murder.”

A fisherman found Pamela Lee Hupp’s body in the lake on June 19th, 1986. However, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Lieutenant Suzanne (soo-ZAWN) Carboni says due to the lack of technology available back then, they were unable to identify her or match her with any missing individuals and became known simply as “Lake Lady Jane Doe.” Using genealogy and DNA testing, and through interviews with family members, investigators were finally able to put a name with the body. Carboni says the process was long and hard, but it was worth it.

Cut 11 (13) …identify this individual.”

Now, the task is finding Hupp’s killer, assuming that person is still alive.

Cut 12 (09) “…during that time.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.

_______________________________________________

Today, exclusive Taylor Swift merchandise will be available for sale at the Caesars Superdome, coinciding with her highly anticipated ERAS Tour.  Voice of the Saints Mike Hoss says this special opportunity allows fans who do not have concert tickets to purchase a range of official merch, celebrating Taylor’s diverse musical journey.

Cut 13 (13)  “…and you’re done.”

Items may include apparel, accessories, and collectibles that reflect the different eras of her career, from country roots to pop anthems. Hoss says the sale is expected to attract a large crowd, so fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure their favorite items.

Cut 14 (06) “…a little different.”

Hoss says this event shows Taylor Swift’s immense popularity and the strong connection she has with her fanbase, providing a way for everyone to participate in the excitement of the tour.

Cut 15 (08) “…get some merchandise.”

Don’t miss this chance to grab exclusive memorabilia and celebrate the music that has resonated with so many today and tomorrow at Champions Square at Caesars Superdome.

________________________________________________________

The Pelicans tip off the 2024-25 season tonight as they host the Chicago Bulls. Willie Green begins his fourth season as the head coach of the Pels…

Cut 16 (16)   “…training camp.”

The Pels have a chance to get a win tonight as Chicago is a mediocre team in the Eastern Conference. Green says the Bulls like to play fast…

Cut 17 (12) “…well coached.”

The Pelicans were just 21-and-19 at the Smoothie King Center last season. Green says they want to play better on their home floor this year…

Cut 18 (18)   “…the road”

____________________________________________________________

LSU was ranked 86th in points allowed last season, giving up 30 points a game. This year LSU is allowing 21 points a game and ranked 35th in the country. First-year defensive coordinator Blake Baker is getting a lot of credit and Coach Brian Kelly says Baker has taken the time to develop personal relationships with the players…

Cut 19 (15) “….things for me”  

LSU kicker Damian Ramos is the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week after nailing four field goals against Arkansas, including a career-long tying kick of 48 yards. It’s the second consecutive game Ramos made multiple 40-plus-yard field goals. He’s also made 114 straight PATs. For the season Ramos has missed just two kicks and Kelly says Ramos is locked in…

Cut 20 (15) “…working on it.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

A federal judge in Baton Rouge heard arguments yesterday over the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public school classrooms. One of the plaintiffs, Unitarian Universalist Minister Darcy Roake, says it’s not the state’s job to push religion on kids.

Cut 3 (11) “…the school system.”

The state argued that the Ten Commandments have historical significance and is not overtly religious. Attorney General Liz Murrill said the plaintiff’s expert witness, Steven K. Green of Willamette University, failed to prove that the posting of the Ten Commandments in classrooms violates the First Amendment.

Cut 6 (11) “…for the judge.”

Judge John deGravelles is expected to issue a ruling by November 15th.

A Louisiana Tech student has been accused of driving drunk and killing a 21-year-old man from Sterlington. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A genealogist has identified the remains of five enslaved people who are buried on the grounds of a proposed plastics facility in St. James Parish. Lenora Gobert says the five people were between the ages of nine and 31 when they died, and that it was standard practice back then to bury the remains of enslaved people at the plantations they worked at. Taiwan-based Formosa Plastics Group says it has fenced off the burial site for protection.

1:30 LRN Newscast

A federal judge in Baton Rouge heard arguments yesterday over the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public school classrooms. One of the plaintiffs, Unitarian Universalist Minister Darcy Roake, says it’s not the state’s job to push religion on kids.

Cut 3 (11) “…the school system.”

The state argued that the Ten Commandments have historical significance and is not overtly religious. The hearing included testimony from Steven K. Green of Willamette University, who the plaintiffs called as an expert witness. Attorney General Liz Murrill argued that Green’s testimony be excluded.

Cut 5 (15) “…was admittedly subjective (2x)”

State Police are looking for the driver of the vehicle that struck and killed a pedestrian on Interstate 20 in Richland Parish just east of Louisiana Highway 133. Trooper Ryan Davis says when walking along roads be sure there is a sidewalk.

Cut 9 (07)  “…diligence in being safe.”

That said, Davis said pedestrians should avoid the Interstates altogether; after all, by law, pedestrians aren’t allowed on Interstates.

A genealogist has identified the remains of five enslaved people who are buried on the grounds of a proposed plastics facility in St. James Parish. Lenora Gobert says the five people were between the ages of nine and 31 when they died, and that it was standard practice back then to bury the remains of enslaved people at the plantations they worked at.

Cut 11 (07) “…on the plantation.”

Taiwan-based Formosa Plastics Group says it has fenced off the burial site for protection.