9:30 LRN Newscast

What impact will potential changes to sales taxes and personal income taxes have on taxpayers? RESET Louisiana did a comprehensive study on that issue. PAR President Steven Procopio says in the final analysis, nearly everyone will see their income taxes go down, but they will pay more in sales taxes.

Cut 6 (13) “…by wealthier individuals.”

Lawmakers will convene in a special session next month.

A federal judge heard arguments yesterday over the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public school classrooms. The state argued that the Ten Commandments have historical significance and is not overtly religious, but opponents including the ACLU say there’s no evidence that the Ten Commandments were considered by the country’s founding fathers. Judge John deGravelles is expected to issue a ruling by November 15th.

A Baton Rouge mother is sentenced to life in prison after her two-year-old son died from a Fentanyl overdose. Whitney Ard was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of her son, Mitchell Robinson the Third. District Attorney Hillar Moore argued that the circumstances demonstrated a pattern of negligence that crossed into criminal behavior.

Cut 7 (12) “…child to have access.”

While the case has prompted scrutiny of the Department of Children and Family Services, the agency is not under criminal investigation.

New Orleans is about to get a huge economic boost with a trio of Taylor Swift concerts in the Superdome. Dr. Diego Bufquin (BUFF-quin), the director of the hospitality unit at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, says Swift’s concerts will bring as much as 300-million dollars to the city.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that she’s bringing.”

LRN AM Newscall October 22

A new study illustrates the impact on income tax and sales tax reforms on individuals. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

A mother was found guilty of Second-Degree murder in the death of her two-year-old son from a Fentanyl overdose and sentenced to life in prison.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

Taylor Swift is about to provide a huge economic boost to New Orleans. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

What impact will potential changes to sales taxes and personal income taxes have on taxpayers? RESET Louisiana did a comprehensive study on that issue as lawmakers get set to debate Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal. Steven Procopio with PAR says the study made connections between income levels and changes in tax burdens.

Cut 4 (13) “…slightly less regressive.”

However, Procopio says the difference in tax burden changes is not that much different between income levels.

Cut 5 (08) “…lot of comfort.”

Procopio says in the final analysis, nearly everyone will see their income taxes go down, but they will pay more in sales taxes.

Cut 6 (13) “…by wealthier individuals.”

Lawmakers will convene in a special session next month to consider the sweeping proposals.

__________________________________________________

A Baton Rouge mother is sentenced to life in prison after her two-year-old son died from a Fentanyl overdose. Five weeks ago, 31-year-old Whitney Ard was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2022 death of Mitchell Robinson the Third. Ard’s attorneys argued their client should have been tried for negligent homicide instead of murder. But East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says a mother should never allow her child to be exposed to such dangerous drugs.

Cut 7 (12) “…child have access.”

Despite Ard’s defense claiming negligence rather than intent, the jury’s decision underscores a growing recognition of the severe consequences of drug abuse, particularly in environments involving children. The case has also prompted scrutiny of the Department of Children and Family Services, which faced criticism for its handling of the situation, leading to the resignation of a supervising official.  Moore says DCFS is not under criminal investigation.

Cut 8 (11) “…for his death.”

This case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective measures to protect vulnerable children and address the broader opioid epidemic. Moore says Ard will likely appeal

Cut 9 (10)  “…which it is.”

______________________________________________________

WalletHub released its 2024 report ranking the safest states in America, with Louisiana identified as the least safe. WalletHub.com Analyst Chip Lupo say the ranking evaluated all 50 states based on five key safety factors across several categories…

Cut 10 (12) “…emergency prepairdness.”

Some of the criteria used for assessment included the number of law enforcement personnel per capita, bullying rates, assault rates, and unemployment rates.  Lupo says Louisiana and Mississippi ranked lowest, are facing challenges related to crime rates, financial security, and emergency readiness.

Cut 11 (12) …just for starters (laughing).”

Lupo sys the report stresses the importance of considering multiple factors that influence the overall safety of residents in each state including a financial safety dimension where Louisiana ranks 49th

Cut 12 (13) “…would be lower.”

Lupo says Louisiana has ranked near the bottom of this list multiple times with our neighbors Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas ranking 47, 48, and 49 on average.

_______________________________________________

New Orleans is about to get a huge economic boost with a trio of Taylor Swift concerts in the Superdome. Dr. Diego Bufquin (BUFF-quin), the director of the hospitality unit at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, says Swift’s concerts will bring as much as 300-million dollars to the city.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that she’s bringing.”

Dr. Bufquin says Taylor Swift’s concerts will continue to have an impact, even after her last show on Sunday wraps up.

Cut 14 (07) “…more money here.”

Because of this economic windfall, Dr. Bufquin says a guest speaker in one of his classes who works at the convention center says New Orleans will be all the way back from the great economic downturn of 2020.

Cut 15 (09) “…the pandemic started.”

All hotel rooms in the city are booked all weekend long, and tickets on the secondary market are going for a minimum of one-thousand dollars apiece, not including fees.

________________________________________________________

Eight ranked LSU and 14th ranked Texas A-and-M will battle for first place in the SEC on Saturday night. Both teams have won six straight since losing their season opener. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says the LSU defense will prepare for a strong rushing attack

Cut 16 (16)   “…weapons.”

LSU is 6-and-1 and they’ve put themselves in the discussion to be one of the 12 teams in the college football playoff. Kelly says he’s more worried about being consistent…

Cut 17 (17) “…to that.”

Many doubted that LSU could contend for the SEC Championship, but now they are 4-and-0 and many are now believing in them. Kelly says he wants the players to focus on their preparation, not what the press is saying…

Cut 18 (19)   “…usually happen” .

____________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech takes on UTEP tonight in Conference USA action. The Miners lead the league in tackles for loss so Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says it will be important for quarterback Evan Bullock to get rid of the ball quickly…

Cut 19 (24) “….create pressure”  

Tech enters the game with a 2-4 record, 1-and-2 in Conference USA. Senior defensive lineman Mykol Clark says they are hungry for a win after a bad loss last week at New Mexico State…

Cut 20 (20) “…to go, man.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

More than 170-thousand people showed up at the polls for early voting Friday and Saturday. Normally, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says that’s not the case this time around.

Cut 4 (15) “…2020 and 2024.”

When mail-in ballots are factored in, the total number of early votes through the end of the weekend approaches 260-thousand.

LSP Class 105 started its accelerated 14-week POST class. Lieutenant Jared Sandifer says the timeline is rigorous, pushing students to excel and adapt quickly.

Cut 10 (07) “…to be a Trooper.”

Many are remembering Charles Baglio, a longtime LSU staffer and a Hall of Fame high school football coach, who died at the age of 81. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Saints Coach Dennis Allen said today that it’s still too early to know if quarterback Derek Carr will be healthy enough to play in this Sunday’s game against the Chargers. He’s hopeful Taysom Hill will be back from fractured ribs, while receiver Chris Olave remains in concussion protocol. Former Bills, Chiefs and Packers receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling worked out for the team today.

LRN PM Newscall October 21

The first two days of early voting in Louisiana broke records. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________

Many are remembering Charles Baglio, a longtime LSU staffer and a Hall of Fame high school football coach, who died at the age of 81. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________

Voters turned out in droves during the first two days of early voting. The secretary of state’s office says more than 170-thousand people showed up at the polls Friday and Saturday. John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says the actual number is even higher.

Cut 3 (11) “…to 259,512 statewide.”

Normally, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but Couvillon says that’s not the case this time around.

Cut 4 (15) “…2020 and 2024.”

And at least on Saturday, Black voters didn’t turn out in the numbers that the state saw four years ago.

Cut 5 (09) “…had in 2020.”

Couvillon says a couple reasons for the huge Republican turnout are that they’re enthusiastic about this year’s election, and the fact that since Louisiana doesn’t have a single competitive race on the ballot in terms of federal offices, people wanted to get their voting out of the way early.

________________________________________________________

Longtime LSU football staffer Charles Baglio died Friday night when he was hit by a car on U-S Highway 51 in Tangipahoa Parish. Baglio was just involved in a wreck himself and checking on another vehicle when he was struck and killed by a passing motorist. Baglio was also a successful high school football coach at Independence. Former Independence Coach Keith Carona says Baglio made high school sports fun

Cut 6 (07) “…fun doing it.”

Baglio won 205 games as a high school football coach and took Independence to the state championship game twice. Carona says former LSU coach Nick Saban hired Baglio as a staffer in in 2002 and he was part of three national championship teams…

Cut 7 (11) “…at LSU.”

Baglio was 81-years-old and Corona says the Independence native served as a mentor for many high school football coaches…

Cut 8 (08) “…other plans.”

Baglio was inducted into the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and part of this year’s National High School Athletics Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

________________________________________________________

LSP Class 105 started its accelerated 14-week POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) class, designed to prepare the 56 students for careers in law enforcement. This intensive program will equip them with essential skills and knowledge, including legal principles, investigative techniques, and physical training.  LSP Lt. Jared Sandifer says cadets in the accelerated program have POST training going into the academy.

Cut 9 (11)  “…exposed to some of that.”

Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on learning experiences and real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and decision-making abilities. Sandifer says the 14-week timeline is rigorous, pushing students to excel and adapt quickly.

Cut 10 (07) “…to be a Trooper.”

By the end of the program, graduates will be well-prepared to take on the challenges of law enforcement, ready to serve and protect their communities. Sandifer noted the benefits that come with becoming an LSP Trooper…

Cut 11 (12) “…if you will.”

LSP is currently taking applications for Class 107 starting in the summer of 2025.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Voters turned out in droves during the first two days of early voting. The secretary of state’s office says more than 170-thousand people showed up at the polls Friday and Saturday. John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says the actual number is even higher. 

Cut 3 (11) “…to 259,512 statewide.”

Normally, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but Couvillon says this time, it’s the other way around.

Oral arguments are taking place in U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge at this hour over Louisiana’s controversial Ten Commandments law. Legal analyst Dane Ciolino says the state has almost no chance of winning this round.

Cut 9 (16)  “…establishment clause precedent.”

Some 150-thousand Swifties are set to invade New Orleans this week. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

LSU rolled past the Razorbacks on Saturday night beating Arkansas 34 to 10 in Fayetteville. The win sets up a huge game this Saturday against Texas A-and-M. LSU has won six in a row since the season-opening loss to USC and are now ranked number-seven in the nation.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The Saints of today are a far cry from the first two weeks of the season. That was evident Thursday night when the Saints got walloped by the Broncos, 33-10. Head Coach Dennis Allen says the team is much better than what last night showed.

Cut 23 (13) “…playing that way.”

LSU hopes to fare better than the Saints as they travel to Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. LSU got a huge win last week against Ole Miss, and Coach Brian Kelly expects his team can avoid a let down.

Cut 15 (10) “…right direction.”

LSU is 5-and-1 on the season, while Arkansas is 4-and-2. Kickoff is at six.

The Ragin Cajuns take their 5-and-1 record on the road to play Coastal Carolina at 11 AM central time on Saturday. Coastal is coming off a 39 to 7 loss to James Madison. But Cajuns Coach Mike Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) says they looked good in their five previous games…

Cut 17 (15) “…being motivated.”

Elsewhere, Southern hosts Alcorn State, and Tulane hosts Rice.

When it comes to professional sports in Louisiana, it’s hockey 2, baseball 0. The Monroe Moccasins join the Baton Rouge Zydeco (ZYE-de-koh) in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, taking the ice following a 23-year absence. Moccasins Owner Nic Perkin says there’s excitement in the air.

Cut 9 (08)  “…it’s just incredible.”

6:30 LRN Newscast

People are not procrastinating when it comes to voting in the presidential election. People showed up in droves on the first day of early voting. These people cast their ballots at the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge.

Cut 6 (08) “…got it done.”

If your parish has multiple early voting locations, you can vote at any one of them. On Election Day, you will need to vote at your specific precinct. Early voting runs until October 29th; the polls are closed on Sundays.

A continuing burn ban in Louisiana is a response to ongoing dry conditions, low humidity, and high winds. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says if you’re doing prescribed burning, monitor wind speeds and follow all the guidelines…

Cut 13 (09) “…agricultural burn.” 

The dry weather is expected to persist for the foreseeable future.

The Louisiana National Guard held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new readiness center at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.

A second professional hockey team in Louisiana takes the ice as the Monroe Moccasins return following a 23-year absence. Owner Nic Perkin is aiming to use his team as a way of increasing youth participation in hockey through his Power Play Promises youth program.

Cut 11 (09) “…equipment for free.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

People are not procrastinating when it comes to voting in the presidential election. People showed up in droves on the first day of early voting. These people cast their ballots at the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge.

Cut 6 (08) “…got it done.”

If your parish has multiple early voting locations, you can vote at any one of them. On Election Day, you will need to vote at your specific precinct. Early voting runs until October 29th; the polls are closed on Sundays.

A continuing burn ban in Louisiana is a response to ongoing dry conditions, low humidity, and high winds. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says if you’re doing prescribed burning, monitor wind speeds and follow all the guidelines…

Cut 13 (09) “…agricultural burn.” 

The dry weather is expected to persist for the foreseeable future.

The Louisiana National Guard held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new readiness center at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.

A second professional hockey team in Louisiana takes the ice as the Monroe Moccasins return following a 23-year absence. Owner Nic Perkin is aiming to use his team as a way of increasing youth participation in hockey through his Power Play Promises youth program.

Cut 11 (09) “…equipment for free.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints of today are a far cry from the first two weeks of the season. That was evident Thursday night when the Saints got walloped by the Broncos, 33-10. Head Coach Dennis Allen says the team is much better than what last night showed.

Cut 23 (13) “…playing that way.”

LSU hopes to fare better than the Saints as they travel to Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. LSU got a huge win last week against Ole Miss, and Coach Brian Kelly expects his team can avoid a let down.

Cut 15 (10) “…right direction.”

LSU is 5-and-1 on the season, while Arkansas is 4-and-2. Kickoff is at six.

The Ragin Cajuns take their 5-and-1 record on the road to play Coastal Carolina at 11 AM central time on Saturday. Coastal is coming off a 39 to 7 loss to James Madison. But Cajuns Coach Mike Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) says they looked good in their five previous games…

Cut 17 (15) “…being motivated.”

Elsewhere, Southern hosts Alcorn State, and Tulane hosts Rice.

When it comes to professional sports in Louisiana, it’s hockey 2, baseball 0. The Monroe Moccasins join the Baton Rouge Zydeco (ZYE-de-koh) in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, taking the ice following a 23-year absence. Moccasins Owner Nic Perkin says there’s excitement in the air.

Cut 9 (08)  “…it’s just incredible.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

People are not procrastinating when it comes to voting in the presidential election. People are showing up in droves on this, the first day of early voting. These people cast their ballots at the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge.

Cut 6 (08) “…got it done.”

If your parish has multiple early voting locations, you can vote at any one of them. On Election Day, you will need to vote at your specific precinct. Early voting runs until October 29th; the polls are closed on Sundays.

The Louisiana National Guard held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new readiness center at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles. Colonel Scott Slaven says the original facility has been around since the 1950s…

Cut 3 (12) “…train our soldiers.”

As teams take the field for Friday night high school football tonight, the LHSAA issues a warning for players and coaches – be on your best behavior, or else. Executive Director Eddie Bonine (BO-nine) says if anyone gets out of hand, there will be consequences.

Cut 7 (14) “…for a game.”

Bonine’s warning comes after players from Comeaux and North Vermillion got into a fight on the field following the conclusion of their game last week. Both teams are forfeiting their games this week, costing Teurlings Catholic High School its homecoming game.

The Saints didn’t wait until Sunday to ruin your weekend; they did so last night, getting blown out by Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos, 33-10. The Saints were without nearly all of their top players due to injury, including all-pro receiver Rashid Shaheed, who will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.