1:30 LRN Newscast

For the second time this year, you could have an opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. NOAA Space Scientist Rob Steenburgh:

Cut 12 (13) “…extend as long”

Forecasters from the National Weather Service in Lake Charles predict clear skies, perfect for viewing the aurora borealis. The phenomenon occurs when solar wind particles collide with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. 

Investigators with the State Police Special Victims Unit say they have not found any criminal negligence in connection with two disappearances by a ten-year-old Webster Parish girl. Trooper Eddie Thomas says State Police are working with public safety partners but are not releasing a lot of information at this time.

Cut 5 (04) “…give you.”

Peyton Saintignan (san-tee-AHN) walked out of her Dubberly home twice within a one-month span; and both times, she was found safe in the woods.

Governor Landry points to North Carolina as an example of what tax reform could do for taxpayers’ wallets. In 2013, North Carolina approved legislation that significantly reduced individual and corporate income tax rates. Landry says taxpayers in the Tar Heel state saw their incomes grow…

Cut 9 (12)  “…11-thousand dollars.”

Landry’s tax reform plan calls for lower income taxes for most, in exchange for taxes on services not currently taxed.

The state is rolling out its first-ever academic content standards for grades K-through-12 in computer science. BESE President Ronnie Morris says starting at a very young age will greatly benefit kids as they pursue their careers years later.

Cut 8 (12) “…that is relevant”

12:30 LRN Newscast

Investigators with the State Police Special Victims Unit want to know why a ten-year-old Webster Parish girl disappeared from her home twice within a one-month span. Both times, Peyton Santignon (SAN-tee-ahn) was found safe in the woods. Trooper Eddie Thomas says investigators are actively reviewing the circumstances surrounding this incident…

Cut 4 (06) “…thorougly.”

Investigators did say that at this time, they have not found any criminal negligence involved in either disappearance.

The state is rolling out its first-ever academic content standards for computer science. BESE President Ronnie Morris says by the end of fifth grade, students should be able to identify and select the appropriate hardware to complete computing tasks. Then three years later…

Cut 7 (10) “…a computer system.”

The new standards take effect in the fall of 2025.

The United Cajun Navy is in Florida, helping in the recovery following the devastation of Hurricane Milton. Brian Trascher with the United Cajun Navy says the teams will remain in Florida as long as necessary.

Cut 13 (18)  “…pass the baton.”

Milton tore through the I-4 corridor of central Florida, connecting Tampa and Orlando, maintaining hurricane strength as it traveled east across the peninsula. The winds tore the roof off Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, which was being used as a staging area for first responders.

10:30 LRN Newscast

A major part of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan is to lower the income tax for everyone while taxing services not currently taxed, like car washes and pet grooming. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says despite the state already having one of the highest sales tax rates in the country, he believes most Louisianians would like to pay less income taxes.

Cut 8 (07) “…Louisiana citizens.”

Landry told WWL radio in New Orleans that his tax plan also calls for permanent teacher pay raises, instead of an annual stipend payment that needs approval from legislators every year…

Cut 10 (13) “…teacher pay raise.”

A special session will be held next month for lawmakers to consider Landry’s proposal.

You can add Louisiana to the list of states suing TikTok. In separate lawsuits, more than a dozen states and the District of Columbia are accusing the app of deceiving the public about the dangers of using it. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says this is not about the content itself – it’s about TikTok’s intentional lack of action to prevent that material from being accessible by kids.

Cut 5 (13) “…reaching young kids.”

Along with forced changes to the algorithms, Murrill is seeking fines, penalties and other costs in her suit.

Spencer Rattler gets the nod at quarterback as the Saints look to snap a three-game losing streak against the Buccaneers Sunday. The rookie from South Carolina starts in place of Derek Carr, who will miss multiple games with an oblique injury. Jake Haener will be the backup.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Hurricane Milton tore through the Florida panhandle overnight, leaving death and destruction in its wake. The United Cajun Navy sent three advance teams to Florida to be in position to help in the response. Spokesman Brian Trascher:

Cut 11 (12) …in Destin, Florida.”

Even though the eye of the storm has left the state, areas along the east coast are still being pounded by tropical storm-force winds.

One of the key parts of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan is to lower the state income tax for many, but taxing services that are currently not taxed, like car washes. There are concerns that it will lead to budget cuts, but Landry says his plan will grow the economy.

Cut 9 (12)  “…competitive.”

Louisiana is among more than a dozen states suing TikTok. Attorney General Liz Murrill says TikTok is intentionally peddling adult content to kids.

Cut 4 (14) “…of that age.”

This is not a partisan issue; these lawsuits have been filed by both Republican and Democratic attorneys general.

Investigators with the State Police Special Victims Unit say they have not found any criminal negligence in connection with two disappearances by a ten-year-old Webster Parish girl. Peyton Saintignan (san-TIG-nee) walked out of her home twice within a one-month span; and both times, she was found safe in the woods.

Louisiana could see what is known as the Northern Lights again tonight. A geomagnetic solar storm will result in purple and green streaks across the nighttime sky.

LRN AM Newscall October 10

Louisiana is among more than a dozen states suing TikTok. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_______________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry would like to eliminate the state income tax, but that means higher state sales taxes.  Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

Saints Coach Dennis Allen drops a bombshell during his news conference yesterday. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

You can add Louisiana to the list of states suing TikTok. In separate lawsuits, more than a dozen states and the District of Columbia are accusing the app of deceiving the public about the dangers of using it. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says TikTok is intentionally peddling adult content to kids.

Cut 4 (14) “…of that age.”

Murrill says the lawsuit is not about the content itself – it’s about TikTok’s intentional lack of action to prevent that material from being accessible by kids.

Cut 5 (13) “…reaching young kids.”

And Murrill claims in her lawsuit that this is being done on purpose.

Cut 6 (09) “…12-year-old (2x).”

Along with forced changes to the algorithms, Murrill is seeking fines, penalties and other costs in her suit. This is not a partisan issue; these lawsuits have been filed by both Republican and Democratic attorneys general. New York and California are leading the coordinated effort. TikTok has strongly denied the allegations.

__________________________________________________

Governor Landry says his tax reform plan would result in every working man and woman in the state having more money in their pocket. One of the key parts of the plan is to lower the state income tax for many, but taxing services that are currently not taxed, like car washes. Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson explains why this would mean a tax break for most

Cut 7 (14) “…to Texas.”

That was Nelson speaking to the House Ways and Means Committee, which will consider all tax changes during a proposed special session in November. Nelson believes most Louisiana residents would like to pay lower income taxes, even though the state already has one of the highest sales tax rates in the country…

Cut 8 (07) “…Louisiana citizens.”

There are concerns the governor’s tax plan will lead to budget cuts, because less tax revenue will be collected. But the governor says his tax reform proposal will grow the state’s economy…

Cut 9 (12)  “…competitive.”

Landry told WWL radio in New Orleans that his tax plan also calls for permanent teacher pay raises, instead of an annual stipend payment that needs approval from legislators every year…

Cut 10 (13) “…teacher pay raise.”

______________________________________________________

The United Cajun Navy is in Florida ready to help in the recovery following the devastation of Hurricane Milton. Brian Trascher with the United Cajun Navy says they sent three advance teams to Florida.

Cut 11 (12) …in Destin, Florida.”

All three of those locations are well above Milton’s track, which took the storm through the Tampa area across the peninsula, maintaining hurricane strength all the while. Trascher says its storm chasers encountered some surreal sights even before Milton made landfall.

Cut 12 (05) “…storm chasers were.”

Trascher says the teams will remain in Florida as long as necessary.

Cut 13 (18)  “…pass the baton.”

_______________________________________________

A huge announcement from Saints Coach Dennis Allen, as he has named rookie Spencer Rattler the starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers. Allen says a lot of thought went into this decision.

Cut 14 (11) “…he can do.”

Jake Haener had entered the season as the number-two quarterback, and he went into the game Monday night after Derek Carr went down with his oblique injury. Allen says the number-two role was fluid from the get-go.

Cut 15 (20) “…the best opportunity.”

Rattler will try to lead the Saints to their first win since week two; kickoff Sunday is at noon.

________________________________________________

13th ranked LSU continues to prepare for its game against ninth ranked Ole Miss on Saturday night. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier on what he’s seeing from this Rebels defense…

Cut 16 (16)   “…I’m excited.”

It should be an electric atmosphere for this SEC showdown and LSU linebacker Greg Penn can’t wait…

Cut 17 (16) “…play.”

LSU gave up a school record 706 yards of offense in its last meeting against Ole Miss. The Tigers missed 34 tackles that day. Penn says they’ve been working on the fundamentals that leads to sure tackling…

Cut 18 (15)  “…execute.”

_________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech takes on Middle Tennessee tonight in a matchup of Conference USA teams who lost their league openers. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie is giving Evan Bullock a second consecutive start at quarterback after he performed well in the loss to FIU…

Cut 19 (19) “….this as well.”  

Tech’s offense has struggled this season as they’re averaging just 19 points per game. Cumbie has relinquished play calling duties and co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Nathan Young will call plays tonight…

Cut 20 (20) “…in that role” 

5:30 LRN Newscast

Drivers filling up their tanks today had quite the sticker shock, with regular unleaded spiking by about five cents overnight to $2.82 a gallon. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says this price increase is due to Hurricane Milton, and it shouldn’t be too long until gas prices come back down.

Cut 11 (06) “…Texas and Louisiana.”

Mid-grade is averaging $3.25 and premium is averaging $3.63.

A woman and her daughter are found dead inside their home in Vernon Parish. Deputies discovered the bodies of 86-year-old Ruth Holt and her 64-year-old daughter Fredda Pierce. Sheriff Sam Craft says detectives started processing and collecting evidence.

Cut 13 (12) “…inch by inch.” 

Craft stated that there is currently no perceived danger to the public.

The Louisiana National Guard is ready to help Florida in anticipation of major damage from Hurricane Milton.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Good news, kids – this year’s LEAP tests will be shorter! 

Cut 6 (10) “…quality of result.”

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the English tests will take up to 70 minutes less time to complete, while the time to complete the math tests will drop by about 40 minutes.

3:30 LRN Newscast

More than 500 Louisiana National Guard soldiers are mobilized to support Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. Lieutenant Colonel Noel Collins says a  60-Soldier Light Medium Truck Company will also assist…

Cut 4 (08) “…critical supplies.”

The Louisiana Guard is also on standby to aid in states affected by Hurricane Helene.

A woman and her daughter are found dead inside their home in Vernon Parish. Sheriff Sam Craft says deputies discovered the bodies of 86-year-old Ruth Holt and her 64-year-old daughter Fredda Pierce.

Cut 12 (12) “…two homicide victims.”

Craft stated that there is currently no danger to the public.

Good news, kids – this year’s LEAP tests will be shorter! State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the English and math tests given to students in the third through eighth grade will take about 20-percent less time to complete.

Cut 8 (06) “…taking LEAP tests.”

Teachers and parents are hailing the move, saying that the tests cause undue stress for their kids.

Drivers filling up their tanks today had quite the sticker shock. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices spiked by about five cents overnight.

Cut 9 (12)  “…dollars a barrel.”

Redman says you can thank Hurricane Milton for this, since shipping lanes are currently closed to tankers. But he notes that since Florida is not an oil-producing state, prices should come back down once things get back to normal.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Uncertainty among small business owners is at an all-time high. NFIB State Director Leah Long says inflation remains the top issue for almost a quarter of all small business owners.

Cut 11 (09) …a lot of purchases.”

Long says small business owners remain cautious about future conditions, with uncertainty dampening investment and hiring decisions, despite some optimism around the upcoming holiday season.

This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Oncologist Dr. Melanie Sheen with Ochsner/MD Anderson Cancer Center in New Orleans says early detection, treatment, and survival have dramatically improved and advances continue with game-changing medications coming out in the last five years… 

Cut 7 (09) “…fatal disease..”

Louisiana is joining more than a dozen other states in a lawsuit against TikTok. State Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office says TikTok is exploiting young people and has deceived the public about the dangers of its app. A national investigation shows that certain features of the app are specifically designed to addict kids.

If you play Mega Millions, get ready for some changes next spring. The price for each ticket is increasing from two dollars to five dollars. Kimberly Chopin (show-PAN) with the Louisiana Lottery says that will lead to bigger jackpots, with all other prizes going up as well.

Cut 14 (12) “…non-jackpot prizes.”

That’ll be on top of other changes to distinguish Mega Millions from Powerball. The odds of hitting the jackpot will be slightly improved, but they will still pale in comparison to you starting at quarterback for the Saints this Sunday.

9:30 LRN Newscast

A ten-year-old Webster Parish girl who went viral for sleepwalking from home late one night last month disappeared from her home again Monday night. Pat Culverhouse with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office says like the last time, the girl was found safe in the woods.

Cut 5 (08) “…her so quickly.”

The girl was checked by medical personnel at the scene and appears to be okay. Culverhouse says it’s unclear what will happen now that this has happened twice.

This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Medical Oncologist Dr. Melanie Sheen with Ochsner/MD Anderson Cancer Center in New Orleans says early breast cancer often has no signs or symptoms and certain changes may or may not signal cancer, but you should make your doctor aware of them immediately.

Cut 8 (10) “…you can feel.”

Sheen says women should begin yearly mammograms at age 40.

Small business owners are feeling more uncertain than ever, as the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index points in September was 91.5, marking the 33rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Sticker shock at the gas pump – gas prices shot up five cents overnight. The average for a gallon of regular unleaded in Louisiana is now $2.82 a gallon. All this as Hurricane Milton bears down on the Florida peninsula.

5:30 LRN Newscast

GOHSEP is pitching to help states impacted by severe storms. Nearly 100 personnel have been deployed to Virginia and the Carolinas following Hurricane Helene, and another 77 are headed to Florida as Milton bears down on that state. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says states often turn to Louisiana to help out in the wake of severe weather.

Cut 3 (16) “…and help out.”

Speaking of Milton, the time for people in the Tampa area to evacuate is now. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says job one is to move away from the coast and onto higher land.

Cut 8 (06) “…on the coast.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is back from India promoting tourism in Louisiana.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson. ”

The Public Affairs Research Council releases its Guide to the 2024 Constitutional Amendments, outlining the impact of five constitutional amendments appearing on the Nov. 5 and Dec. 7 ballots. PAR President Dr. Steven Procopio says these amendments are somewhat hyperboring and not considered controversial…

Cut 10 (07) “…functioning of government.”