AM LRN Newscall March 14

Kenner Congressman and U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says the GOP’s Lower Energy Costs Act can be a real help with inflation, but only if the President will sign it…:

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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A Tulane University study indicates that simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use is up significantly among a specific group of college students. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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In Louisiana, Lenten season means seafood season. How does that impact the state’s economy? Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

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District 1 Congressman and House majority leader Steve Scalise says the Lower Energy Costs Act can help families struggling to make ends meet and put Americans back to work producing energy…but only if the President will support it. Over  40-percent of inflation in America is energy-related. Oil & gas drive the costs of everything. Scalise says H.R. 1, which is called the Lower Energy Costs Act, will benefit consumers and taxpayers by reinvigorating the American energy industry…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…energy in America.”

The bill would take an “all of the above” approach to energy; promoting renewable sources, but also clearing the way for U.S. oil & gas exploration to ramp back up. It would open up more offshore energy leasing, and remove hurdles in acquiring exploration permits. Scalise says the White House has slowed that process to a crawl, which curtails domestic energy production…:

Cut 5 (11) “…in foreign countries.”

Scalise expects the bill to be debated and voted upon soon. He says there are enough majority votes to pass it, but welcomes any Democrats who want Americans to have cheaper energy to support it as well. He acknowledges the bill, in essence, directs President Biden to undo over two years of his own energy policy by signing the bill..:

Cut 6 (06)  “…who are struggling.” 

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The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is at 3.5% percentage points and remains the lowest in history according to data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rate dropped ½ a percentage point from January 2022. Mark Jones with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says the employment rate has declined over the year for 23 consecutive months.

Cut 7 (08) “…are seeing.”

Preliminary data for January 2023 shows that seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment in the state is 1.9 million.

Cut 8 (06) “…the year.”

Jones says LWC continues to assist hundreds of employers with job fairs being held across the state.

Cut 9 (11)  “…looking to fill.”

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Simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use among college students is on the rise, that’s according to a Tulane University study. Assistant professor of social work Audrey Hai (pronounced high) says they examined data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health of 56 thousand full-time college students ages 18 to 25 from 2006 to 2019.

Cut 10 (11)  “…not other students.”

The use of both alcohol and marijuana among Black college students was 5.50% from 2006 to 2010. It increased by 69% to 9.30% from 2015 to 2019.

Hai says the sharp increase between 2018 to 2019 for Black students is likely attributed to the beginning of widespread attention to racism and police brutality. And considering the data was gathered before the pandemic and George Floyd’s death…

Cut 11 (10)  “… studies on this.”

As simultaneous use is on the uptick, especially among Black students, Hai says colleges and universities should focus on awareness and treatment for alcohol and marijuana use because it…

Cut 12 (10) “…marijuana alone.”

The overall increase for simultaneous use among all races and ethnicities of college students from the same time period increased from 8.13 % to 8.44%.

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It’s Lenten season and the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana took a snapshot report of Louisiana’s seafood industry. PAR’s President, Steven Procopio says the seafood industry has an economic impact of more than $2.4 billion annually.

Cut 13 (10) “… overall.” 

Louisiana is the nation’s second-largest seafood supplier for its products such as crawfish, shrimp, crabs, oysters, and alligators. Procopio says one out of every 70 jobs is related to the seafood industry and the state produces about 130 million pounds of crawfish annually.

Cut 14 (09)  “….on Friday.”

The hurricanes of 2020-21 cost the seafood industry more than $560 million in total revenue and resource losses.

Cut 15 (11)  “…and seafood.”

The state harvest of shrimp – accounts for 33% caught in the country.

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Cut  16 (11)  “…” 

 

Cut 17 (20) “…I can do.” 

 

Cut 18 (21) “…for sure.”

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Cut 19 (17) “…the year”

 

Cut 20 (22)  “…of schedule” 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast March 13

Former president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, Stephen Waguespack is running for governor. Waguespack says he would like to redesign the foundation of secondary school to shape the future for students to remain in the state after graduating.

Cut 4 (11)  “…in Louisiana.” 

He’s the fifth Republican to announce their gubernatorial candidacy.

A 28-year-old woman and her two daughters – ages 7 and 8 – drowned Sunday on the Gulf Coast in Cameron Parish. Sheriff Ron Johnson says they received a call from campers in the area who saw a 3-year-old boy wandering alone…:

Cut 12 (09) “…called 911″ 

The victim’s 9-year-old son survived, and it listed in stable condition. Johnson says the family was originally from Mississippi and moved to Texas.

A woman was arrested for stealing a state trooper’s vehicle in Metairie Saturday night. Louisiana State Police along with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office pursued and apprehended 24-year-old Bethany Holmes of Marksville. State Trooper Kate Stegall says Holmes hit several vehicles during the police pursuit.

Cut 7 (07)  “…a crash.” 

Holmes was charged with several offenses including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Former LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade was introduced today as the new head coach of the McNeese Cowboys. LSU fired Wade a year ago after the NCAA alleged he helped supply impressible cash payments to recruits and their families. Wade is excited for the chance to turn around a program in an area of the state still in hurricane recovery…

Cut 9 (08) “…needs a rebirth”

Wade takes over a program that went 11-and-23 this past season.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 13

LSU President William Tate begins a bus tour around the state today. He says the goal is to learn more about some of the state’s key industries to ensure alignment with LSUs’ priorities, which includes developing coastal restoration research and producing grads who can help with cybersecurity…

Cut 5 (08) “…cyber side.”
The bus will head to LSU’s original campus in Pineville this morning to unveil the school’s Economic Impact on Louisiana.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will put 660-million dollars towards the construction of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Director Bren Haase says construction is expected to begin this summer to reconnect the Mississippi River to Louisiana’s Barataria Basin estuary…

Cut 14 (08)  “….estuary”
 

The FDA has approved the nasal spray Zavegepant (zav-gee-pant) for the treatment of migraines.

Ochsner Health Neurologist Dr. Jose Posas says it’s ideal for cardiac patients who can’t take some oral migraine meds and for patients who use preventative oral medications or even Botox to decrease the frequency of their migraine attacks.

Cut 12 (12) “…for them.”

March is Sleep Awareness month and United Healthcare Louisiana chief medical officer Dr. Kevin Stephens recommends turning off distractions, like the TV, your phone to prepare for bedtime. He suggests reading a book, turning off the lights, meditation, and…

Cut 8 (07) “…go to sleep.”

He says if you have problems sleeping to see a physician to make sure it’s not a medical issue.

5:30 LRN Newscast March 10

State Police investigators have arrested the parents of an infant female found inside a garbage bag in Picayune, Mississippi back in 1992. Inga Carriere (Carrie-ah) and Andrew Carriere. State Trooper Kate Stegall says the breakthrough in the case is a testament to the advancements in forensic technology as DNA profiles and fingerprints were developed.

Cut 10 (05) “…30 years.” 

Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel has filed legislation to give prosecutors twice the time to screen cases wherein a juvenile offender may be charged as an adult.  After the 30-day deadline was missed for two New Orleans teens arrested for carjacking and attempted murder. She says her bill will help with similar cases…:

Cut 3 (07) “…as adult offenders.” 

The session begins a month from today.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will end its Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program on May 31st. Following the destructive Category four storm, the state supplied thousands of displaced families with travel trailers. GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle says the trailers were always viewed as a temporary living arrangement.

Cut 12 (08) “…recovery process” 

He says staff can assist families to find other housing if repairs are incomplete.

If a crawfish boil is on your agenda this weekend, you’ll be happy to know the average price has dropped 50 cents a pound, to $2.84 a pound for live mudbugs. That’s according to Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King who says that’s on top of the drop in prices last weekend.

Cut 6 (10)  “…this weekend.” 

1:30 LRN Newscast March 10

State Police have arrested the parents of an infant female found inside a garbage bag in Mississippi back in 1992. Inga Carriere was arrested in Avondale on February 28th and Andrew Carriere was arrested in Galliano on March 9th. State Trooper Kate Stegall says Picayune Police had various pieces of evidence, some of it tied to associations in Gretna, Louisiana

Cut 11 (05)  “…are today.”

DNA evidence helped them close the case.

Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel has filed legislation to give prosecutors twice the time to screen cases wherein a juvenile offender may be charged as an adult.  After the 30-day deadline was missed for two New Orleans teens arrested for carjacking and attempted murder. She says her bill will help with similar cases…:

Cut 3 (07) “…as adult offenders.” 

The session begins a month from today.

 

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will end its Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program on May 31st. GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle says the trailers were always viewed as a temporary living arrangement.

Cut 14 (09)  “…to us”

He says staff can assist those families who are still displaced.

 

If a crawfish boil is on your agenda this weekend, you’ll be happy to know the average price has dropped 50 cents a pound, to $2.84 a pound for live mudbugs. That’s according to Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King who says that’s on top of the drop in prices last weekend.

Cut 6 (10)  “…this weekend.” 

For boiled crawfish the average is $5.22 a pound.

11:30 LRN Newscast March 10

Louisiana State Police arrested the parents in the cold case of an infant female found inside a garbage bag in Picayune, MS in 1992. Inga Carriere (carry-aaa) was arrested in Avondale on Feb. 28th and Andrew Carriere was arrested in Galliano March 9. Louisiana State Police – Trooper Kate Stegall…

Cut 9 (05) “…in Mississippi.”

Advanced DNA technology helped them solve the case.

Now that former LABI President Stephen Waguespack has announced his candidacy there are seven major candidates running for governor. J-M-C analytics pollster John Couvillon expects the candidates will stay in the race for at least a few months, but the next campaign finance report will be telling…

Cut 12 (10) “…that person.”

No, La Nina or El Nino means neutral weather conditions for Louisiana. The La Nina weather phenomenon that increases Atlantic hurricane activity is no longer a threat to the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says an El Nino is less threatening than its counterpart.

Cut 7 (08) “…coming season.”

El Nino is warmer in the northern U.S. and cooler than normal in the south.

The time change this weekend is ideal for changing the batteries on your smoke detector. In 2022, nearly 80 Louisianans lost their lives in residential fires. Ashley Rodrigue with the State Fire Marshal’s office recommends upgrading smoke alarms older than 10 years to 10-year sealed battery alarms.

Cut 14 (08)  “…it most.”

If you are in need of a smoke alarm, contact your local fire department for a free one.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 10

First Lady Jill Biden is visiting the Louisiana Cancer Research Center in New Orleans today. Director of the Tulane Cancer Center Dr. Prescott Deininger (dinning-grr) says one of their top scientists will talk with the First Lady about vaccines that are helping eradicate some forms of cancer like cervical cancer.

Cut 6 (09)  “…on clinical trials.” 

And she will share her thoughts on Cancer Moonshot.

We spring forward this weekend on the clocks and it’s an ideal time to change the batteries on your smoke detector. Ashley Rodrigue with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says if you don’t have one you can contact them about Operation Save-A-Life, a statewide initiative, educate residents about the dangers of fire.

Cut 15 (10)  “…fire department.”

That’s lasfm-dot-org

19-year-old Shamichael Pearson was convicted Thursday in the shooting death of Shreveport High school basketball star, Devin Myers just over a year ago. A Caddo District Court jury returned a verdict after 20 minutes of deliberations. Myers was shot the day after his 17th birthday.

 

The La Nina streak of hurricanes has ended as spring season moves in. What does that mean for Louisiana weather? Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

AM LRN Newscall March 10

First Lady Jill Biden will be in New Orleans visiting the Louisiana Cancer Research Center. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The La Nina streak of hurricanes has ended as spring season moves in. What does that mean for Louisiana weather? Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Stephen Waguespack has stepped down as the leader of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry to run for governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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First Lady Jill Biden is making her first trip to the Bayou State today and visiting the Louisiana Cancer Research Center in New Orleans. Her visit underscores Cancer Moonshot, the initiative to cut the cancer death rate in half over the next 25 years. Dr. Prescott Deininger (dinning-grr) is the Director of the Tulane Cancer Center

Cut 4 (09)  “…happen faster.”

Biden will be joined by Senator Bill Cassidy and his wife Dr. Laura Cassidy, who will highlight the importance of colorectal cancer screenings and investing in cancer research.

The Louisiana Cancer Research Center is a consortium of LSU Health New Orleans, Tulane Health Center, Ochsner Health, and Xavier University. Deininger says the LCRC was funded by the state more than two decades ago.

Cut 5 (09) “…about 20 years ago.”

President Biden will ask congress to allocate more than $2.8 billion to fund Cancer Moonshot.

Deininger says one of their top scientists will talk with the First Lady about vaccines that are helping eradicate some forms of cancer like cervical cancer.

Cut 6 (09)  “…on clinical trials.” 

Deininger says the key to Cancer Moonshot is that it’s a big ambitious push to unite conglomerates like the LCRC together with other consortiums to make even bigger strides in cancer research.

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No La Nina or El Nino means neutral weather conditions for Louisiana. The La Nina weather phenomenon that increases Atlantic hurricane activity is no longer a threat to the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says an El Nino is less threatening than its counterpart.

Cut 7 (08) “…coming season.”

El Nino is warmer in the northern U.S. and cooler than normal in the south. A trend in weather forecasts suggests a 60% chance of an El Nino taking charge this fall.

Cut 8 (04) “…or two.”

Over the last three years, the U.S. has been hit by 14 hurricanes and tropical storms that caused a billion dollars or more in damage, totaling $252 billion in costs.

Cut 9 (09)  “…here in Louisiana.”

Neutral weather conditions are expected to continue through spring and early summer.

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Stephen Waguespack stepped down as the leader of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry on Thursday and launched his gubernatorial campaign, becoming the fifth major Republican to enter the race.  J-M-C analytics pollster John Couvillon says Waguespack lacks name recognition among voters, but he should be able to raise campaign funds…

Cut 10 (09)  “…who he is”

Waguespack served as the L-A-B-I president since 2013 and he was also a key figure within former Governor Bobby Jindal’s administration. The way Jindal governed has drawn criticism from even members of the Republican Party, but Couvillon doesn’t think that will hurt Waguespack…

Cut 11 (10)  “…eight years ago.”

Waguespack’s entrance means there are now seven major candidates running for governor. Five Republicans, Democrat Shawn Wilson, and independent Hunter Lundy. Couvillon expects the candidates will stay in the race for at least a few months. But he says the next campaign finance report will be telling,…

Cut 12 (10) “…that person.”

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When you set your clocks ahead this weekend, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding the public to change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in their home. Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it only takes a couple of minutes to make life-saving changes.

Cut 13 (10) “… it’s working.” 

In 2022, nearly 80 Louisianans lost their lives in residential fires. Rodrigue recommends upgrading smoke or CO alarms older than 10 years to 10-year sealed battery alarms.

Cut 14 (08)  “…it most.”

Operation Save-A-Life, a statewide initiative, was created to increase awareness and educate households about the dangers of fire.

Cut 15 (10)  “…fire department.”

To register for a free smoke alarm, visit lasfm.org.

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LSU began spring football practice yesterday as Coach Brian Kelly and the staff got some of their first looks at what his second year in Baton Rouge will look like. The Tigers have many key players from last year’s offense returning but had to resort to the transfer portal to fill some holes on the defensive side of the ball. Kelly praised the cornerback room after their first day…

Cut  16 (20)  “…of the ball.” 

The Tigers are thin at running back to start spring practice with John Emery out to focus on academics and Josh Williams and Armoni Goodwin out with injuries. Kelly said freshman four-star back out of Union Parish Trey Holly saw a lot of touches. Holly set the state record for career rushing yards this past season, but even he isn’t immune from freshman mistakes. Kelly says he has a promising future at LSU…

Cut 17 (17) “…you want.” 

The SEC has debated a new scheduling format with the addition of Texas and Oklahoma in 2024. The most recent conversations have been around a nine-game conference schedule with three permanent opponents. The Tiger’s projected opponents are Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M who they play every year already. Kelly says he’s in favor of more conference games…

Cut 18 (15) “… a good thing.”

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The Louisiana Tech Baseball team heads to Fayetteville this weekend to take on eighth-ranked Arkansas in the final weekend series before conference play. The Razorbacks bullpen has struggled this year after losing projected ace Jaxon Wiggins just a week before opening day. Arkansas has lost to more pitchers in recent weeks but Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says Arkansas is still Arkansas…

Cut 19 (15) “…for us”

The Bulldogs are coming off a weekend sweep of Big 10 opponent Northwestern which featured a 16-9 comeback win Sunday. Starting pitcher Reed Smith left the game in the first inning after being hit on the hand by a batted ball, but Burroughs says he should be good to go against the Razorbacks…

Cut 20 (16)  “…on Sunday.” 

 

1:30 LRN Newscast March 9

The Department of Children and Family Services has hired 326 full-time workers since July, which increases their staff to 35 hundred. The agency has been under fire after several high-profile child death cases. DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks says she’s pleased because while’s it’s a difficult job people feel called to be part of the solution.

Cut 13 (08) “…in the past.” 

Ricks says they want to hire even more child welfare employees due to an increase in caseloads.

The Humane Society of Louisiana is urging lawmakers to approve funding for new animal shelters and improve existing ones. Director, Jeff Dorson says they are asking for $3 million to distribute as grants of up to $100,000 to shelters in eligible parishes and municipalities.

Cut 11 (09)  “…everybody else.”

The session begins a month from tomorrow.

State Police are investigating a Wednesday afternoon crash in Jackson Parish that took the life of 29-year-old Katelyn Granger and passenger 7-year-old Anna Rivers. Master Trooper Javier Leija (Hah-vee-er LAY-hah) says at this time they don’t know why Granger failed to break before hitting a stopped bus on Highway 167.

Cut 5 (08) “…to the crash.”

 

It was two weeks ago that a suspected cybersecurity attack resulted in the shutdown of Southeastern Louisiana University’s computer network system. The network still has not been restored and S-L-U professor Dayne Sherman says students are worried about their classwork and their credit scores…

Cut 6 (08)  “..etcetera, etcetera” 

 

12:30 LRN Newscast March 9

The Department of Children and Family Services has hired 326 full-time workers since July, which increases their staff to 35 hundred. The agency has been under fire after several high-profile child death cases. DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks says while she’s pleased, they still want and need more employees.

Cut 12 (07) “…the solution.” 

State Police are investigating a Wednesday afternoon crash in Jackson Parish that took the life of 29-year-old Katelyn Granger and 7-year-old Anna Rivers. Master Trooper Javier Leija (Hah-vee-er LAY-hah) says Granger’s vehicle rear-ended a stopped school bus on Highway 167 and the two died as a result.

Cut  4 (08)  “…when driving.” 

He says the seven-year-old girl was not properly restrained and that as the driver Granger was responsible for the child passengers’ safety.

The Humane Society of Louisiana says the lack of services compounds pet overpopulation issues across the state. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”