10:30 LRN Newscast Aug 17

Governor Edwards discussed the upcoming clemency hearings for 20 death row inmates on his monthly radio show. He says only after the Pardon Board makes their recommendation will he decide to grant or not. He says the board has to make difficult decisions, and several factors are considered in clemency applications…

Cut 6 (10)  “…public safety.

Supermarket giant Aldi is set to purchase nearly 400 Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s Supermarket from Southeastern Grocers in a cash deal set to close in the first half of 2024. LSU Economist Jim Richardson says the deal is part of the company’s long-term plan to expand.

Cut 3 (11) “…the package.”

LSU Demographer Tim Slack says from 2020 to 2022 three in four Louisiana parishes saw more deaths than births. Some of the parishes where deaths outnumber births by more than ten percent, Webster, Morehouse, Winn, Franklin, LaSalle, Iberville and Pointe Coupee. Slack says it’s a significant problem…

Cut 9 (11)  “…so forth.”

He says the state’s overall population declined by 67,000 during that time period…

One more day of slightly lower temps and humidity and then it’s back to the excessive heat. Rain chances will stay low through the weekend, worsening the drought problem. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s so dire that for the last 30 days in northwest Louisiana, they’ve only had about a half inch of rain or 15-percent of their normal rainfall amount…

Cut 10 (10) “…normal rainfall.”

11:30 LRN Newscast Aug 16

Chances are you’re grateful for the dip in temperatures this morning. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s all thanks to cold dry air from Canada that’s given us a break from the oppressive heat and humidity.

CUT 10 (10) “out there.”

Highs today will be in the low to mid-90s which Keim says is typical for this time of year. Enjoy it while you can because the triple digit temperatures and heat indices return on Friday.

And even with a slight break with the excessive temperatures today and tomorrow, Louisiana is still in a state of emergency due to extreme heat. At today’s Public Service Commission, Commissioner Davante Lewis will formally ask utility companies not to disconnect anyone’s power right now:
Cut 13 (10) “and life”
A new survey by Tulane University gives more insight into the prevalence of violence in Louisiana. Newcomb Institute Executive Director Anita Raj led the survey and says of the 1,000 adults who participated more than half responded that they’ve been physically or sexually assaulted:

Cut 7 (08) “in childhood”
Findings from the study will be shared at the Louisiana Women’s Policy and Research Commission meeting today in Baton Rouge.

It just got a lot easier to search for any unclaimed property in your name thanks to a new feature on the LA Wallet app. Director of Unclaimed Property Kathleen Lobell says there is a lot of cash just sitting out there…:
CUT 6 (10) “for you”
To see if some of that is yours you can now do a search through the LA Wallet app.

 

 

 

PM LRN Newscall Aug 15

If you’re considering earning your master’s degree, UNO is launching six graduate programs online for adults who would like to earn a degree on their own schedule in a short time. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Evacuations were ordered for those in the path of wildfires in Sabine Parish, Monday night. The blaze is contained but ongoing. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The University of New Orleans will launch six online graduate programs designed to meet the needs of working adults looking for an alternative to traditional on-campus education. Associate Vice President of Graduate School Nancy Biggio says this will allow the university to expand its current programs and meet working adults where they are.

Cut 3 (12) “…new goals.”

The university will offer programs in Engineering Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management Executive Track, Tax Accounting, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, and Higher Education Administration. Biggio says the master courses can be completed in as little as one year. She says this allows students to get a leg up on the job at a faster pace.

Cut 4 (12) “…a year.”

Biggio says the university’s mission is to provide high-quality education and offer accessible online learning in an affordable way. She urge anyone interested to apply now to beat the deadline.

Cut 5 (11) “…next step.”

UNO spring semester begins January 8th.

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A three-vehicle crash in St. James Parish claims the life of 31-year-old Destiny Scott of Gramercy. Trooper Christian Reed says just before five PM Monday a Toyota Camry traveling behind Scott’s Hyundai on Highway 61 south struck the victim’s car from behind which sent the car into oncoming traffic. Then Scott’s car hit a Ford F-150 that was traveling north.

Cut 6 (11) “…the roadway.” 

Scott succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Reed says it’s not known if the victim was restrained at the time of the accident.

Cut 7 (06) “…the crash.” 

The accident remains under investigation and why the Camry struck Scott’s from behind has yet to be determined.  Reed says however impairment is not suspected, but routine toxicology samples were taken.

Reed reminds motorists that state law requires every person inside a vehicle to be properly restrained.

Cut 8 (08) “…in a crash.”

The accident happened on Highway 61 just north of LA 3274.

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Wildfires in Sabine Parish have destroyed at least 14 structures, nineteen vehicles and damaged hundreds of acres east of Florien. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they’ve been assisting local fire departments. She says the fire is contained but still active and crews are keeping an eye on the fire lines surrounding the blaze.

Cut 9 (12)  “…contained.”

Rodrigue says they are assisting local fire departments with assessments of their needs and helping them obtain them.

Cut 10 (10)  “…first responders.”

Rodrigue says donations of water, food and other resources for fire crews are extremely appreciated and she urges residents to understand that there is a statewide burn ban in effect. She says the excessive heat adds another level of danger for firemen.

Cut 11 (10)  “…first responders.” 

If you need assistance from the wildfires or would like to make a donation you can find up-to-date information at the Village of Florien’s Facebook page.

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The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame is partnering with the LPB to broadcast the Hall of Fame ceremony for residents to see their favorite athletes and coaches be honored as new members of the 2023 class. LPB’s Linda Midgett describes what viewers can expect.

Cut 12 (11) “…reel of it.”

The program will air tonight on your local PBS station at 7 pm and can also be viewed on LPB.org. While LPB is not known for televised sports, Midgett says they are hoping to add another angle of the sports world for Louisiana viewers.

Cut 13 (11) “…new direction.

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Cut  14 (10)  “…vaccination immuniziation.”

Cut 15 (09) “…we’re ready.”

 

Cut  16 (08)  “…else does”

PM LRN Newscall Aug 14

The husband of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has passed away. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The state’s burn ban remains in effect due to the dry conditions and excessive heat. Brooke Thorington has more on the massive fire in Mount Hermon.

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Parishes statewide are seeing a dramatic uptick in pet overpopulation issues and abandonment due to the increasing cost of pet food and veterinary care.  Director Jeff Dorson says 33 of the state’s 64 parishes lack parish-wide facilities to provide necessary services for homeless animals.

Cut 3 (11) “…the background.”

Dorson says legislators were asked to set aside $3 million in the 2023 legislative session. He says without additional funding, it is hard to address all these problems.

Cut 4 (09) “…animal shelters.”

Dorson says not only are there not enough shelters, but many of the existing shelters are in ruin and falling apart. He says the responsibility for saving pets should not rest on individuals in the community.

Cut 5 (11) “…do better.”

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KPLC Meteorologist Ben Terry passed away Sunday after his almost three-year battle with colon cancer. The Lake Charles weatherman guided southwest Louisiana through Hurricane Laura and lost his home in the devastation.  Fellow meteorologist Wade Hampton says months after Laura Ben received his cancer diagnosis.

Cut 6 (10) “…loved for it.” 

In addition to southwest Louisiana, Ben shared his cancer journey on the Today Show in 2021. Hampton hopes by sharing his story that Ben helped others and raised awareness about colon cancer.

Cut 7 (10) “…their doctors.” 

After the hurricane destroyed Ben’s home, Hampton drove over to salvage what he could for Ben and find his beloved cat, Vincent. Hampton says Vincet was found safe and sound and he also recovered Ben’s meteorology degree from Mississippi State.

Cut 8 (10) “…the wall.”

The Kosciusko, Mississippi native was 40 years old.

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The state’s burn ban remains in place and Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says since the first of August the firefighters have battled 166 fires that’s more consume more than 1,800 acres. He says that’s an average of more than ten fires a day.

Cut 9 (11)  “…a campfire.”

34-year-old Kenneth Beauboef of Independence was arrested in connection with the Mt. Hermon fire. Strain says he’s charged with violating the state’s burn ban, fire-raising, and criminal negligence.

Cut 10 (11)  “…that match.”

Strain urges the public to remain vigilant and if you must light up the barbeque, never leave the grill unattended and have water and/or an extinguisher handy.

Cut 11 (10)  “…of property.” 

Strain says of the fire in Mount Hermon the timber destroyed was approximately 10 to 15 years old.

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AM LRN Newscall Aug 14

School is back in session but it’s not too late to help your kids adjust from long summer days back to the books.  Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Just over half of the candidates for the Louisiana legislature will have to campaign for office. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 Mike Strain will remain AG Commissioner and enters his fifth term without opposition. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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School is already back in full swing and transitioning from summer vacation to a new school year may be a challenge. But health care experts have some advice for parents to help with a smooth transition. Children’s Hospital New Orleans Pediatrician Dr. Anthony Hudson says if they’ve been lax with bedtime, it’s time to re-adjust sleep schedules…

Cut 4 (10)  “…summer months.”

Hudson says nutrition plays an important role in a child’s mood, cognition, and well-being. He suggests feeding foods that are higher in protein and fats to give the kids energy for a longer period of time.

Cut 5 (12)   “…of energy.”

Hudson advises parents to carve out time to allow children to talk. He says kids need direct communication.

Cut 6 (11)  “…to us.”

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With qualifying in the books, campaigning is officially underway for the October 14th primary, and less than half of legislative candidates will have to hit the trail because they’re unopposed. But La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are still plenty of competitive legislative races around the state.

Cut 7 (10) “…legislative history.”

Alford says the one-third turnover was not anticipated to be that high for the legislature.  He says if you look at those who are term-limited the turnover percentage would be much lower. Alford says several lawmakers have quit mid-term, who decided at the last minute not to run, and some are seeking other offices.

Cut 8 (10) “…with it.”

So, from a party perspective, Alford says Republicans are poised to dominate both chambers of the legislature. And after years of serious gains, he says it looks like the GOP is only going to build on that even further.

Cut 9 (11)  “…how much.”

And Alford says it depends on who’s elected governor and how that will factor in who becomes Speaker of the House and President of the Senate. For the last eight years, he says lawmakers have been working towards independence to elect their own leaders.

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Qualifying for the October primary election ended Thursday and Incumbent Mike Strain stood as the lone candidate for Louisiana’s Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner. Strain believes it’s a compliment to his team and his work to help farmers.

Cut 10 (10) “…this term.”

The Republican veterinarian from Covington began his first term in 2008 and became the first Republican to hold the post. Strain says moving forward, he plans to resolve issues to make the agriculture industry work for farmers statewide…

Cut 11 (11) “…the world.”

Strain says the focus is growing more agricultural products and eliminating the challenges of food production

Cut 12 (11) “…our court.”

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Louisiana Christian University in Pineville is holding an active shooter training for faculty and staff this week ahead of the fall semester. Chief of Campus Security, John Dauzat (Doe-zaunt) says the safety of students and staff is their number one priority.

Cut 13 (10) “…an active shooter.”

In conjunction with training, Dauzat says they are using the RAVE Guardian App. He says the app is required for all students and staff and it’s an alert system to notify them of any potential security threats at the school.

Cut 14 (11)  “…as well.” 

Dauzat says they train their faculty first on how to respond to a number of different active shooter scenarios.

Cut 15 (07)  “…their lead.”

The training is held as part of the faculty’s fall workshop.

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The Saints beat the Kansas City Chiefs 26-24 in week one of the preseason backed behind a quick start from the offense. The Saints took an early 17-0 lead with nearly all of the first team taking the snaps, but coach Dennis Allen thinks everything after those drives could have been better.

Cut 16 (10) “…executed very well.” 

The star of the day was rookie wide receiver A.T. Perry who had six receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown, and coach Dennis Allen says the young wideout had a great first outing.

Cut 17 (12) “…scored their first.” 

New quarterback Derek Carr came in for only one possession with the Saints but 6 for 8 with 70 yards a touchdown to end his day, and says it feels great with his new team.

Cut 18   (08) “…that scenario.” 

A position battle for the team right now is for the second cornerback spot, and one of those members, Alontae Taylor, gave up a big reception that ultimately led to a Chiefs touchdown, but Allen says that playing in the slot versus anywhere on the field is a big difference.

Cut 19 (13)    “….in the slot.” 

Saints rookie third-round running back Kendre Miller was taken out due to a knee sprain, but when the third team offense was playing, Ellis Merriweather stepped up.

Cut 20 (13) “…it was a good run.”

PM LRN Newscall Aug 11

The White House is allocating hundreds of millions of dollars to build a huge carbon capture facility in Calcasieu Parish. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Michelle Southern” 

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The Pardon Board’s scheduling to review applications from death row inmates has angered those who prosecuted the cases and family members of the victims. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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The Biden Administration announces the federal government will spend one point two billion dollars to build underground carbon capture hubs in Texas and Louisiana. The carbon capture facility in Louisiana will be in Calcasieu Parish. Governor John Bel Edwards is thrilled the White House selected Louisiana…

Cut 3 (10) “…for investment.”

The White House says the project is estimated to create 23-hundred jobs, with a goal to hire workers formerly employed by the oil and gas industry for ten percent of the overall workforce.

Former New Orleans Mayor and Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu, who is now a Senior Advisor to the President, says the funding will come from the 2021 Infrastructure Act…

Cut 4 (10) “…bottom-up.”

U-S Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm says the hub in Calcasieu Parish called Project Cypress will capture more than one million metric tons of existing CO2 from the atmosphere each year…

Cut 5 (12) “…deep underground.”

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News of the Pardon Board scheduling clemency hearings for death row inmates is not setting well with family members of the victims and those who prosecuted them in court. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says he and other DAs were completely blindsided by a campaign to reduce 56 death row sentences to life in prison was in the works.

Cut 6 (08) “…organized.” 

The board originally rejected to review the cases on the grounds they were not filed according to their rules within a year of the denial of the inmate’s final appeal.  Moore says several legal opinions agreed with the board to reject the cases, but a letter from the governor asking them to do so led to the scheduling of 20 cases.

Cut 7 (07) “…the families.” 

Moore says throughout Governor Edwards’ career he’d never said he was opposed to the death penalty and particularly during his re-election campaign.

Cut 8 (10) “…other years.”

Weeks after the governor said he was against capital punishment, clemency applications from every death row inmate but one in Louisiana were filed.

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State Wildlife will receive approximately $58 million in federal disaster assistance for resiliency projects stemming from the historic 2019 Mississippi and Atchafalaya flood. Jason Froeba in the Office of Fisheries with LDWF says approval of the funding is extremely important for the state and Louisiana’s commercial fishing industry.

Cut 9 (07)  “…to recover.”

Froeba says the largest portion of the funding is dedicated to an equipment reimbursement program for the commercial industry. He says docks, processors, commercial fishermen, vessel owners, and charter captains, will be eligible for funding reimbursement.

Cut 10 (10)  “…viable.”

in 2019 freshwater that was released into the gulf, due to rising waters on the Mississippi via the Bonnet Carre Spillway pushed seafood out farther and damaged oyster bays. Froeba says the estimated damage was more than $ 100 million.

In addition to the reimbursement program, Froeba says they have funding for public oyster sea grounds that are open to the public for fishing and monies for commercial and charter access grants.

Cut 11 (08)  “…it recover.” 

LDWF plans to hold informational public meetings next month about the projects.

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AM LRN Newscall Aug 10

Louisiana District Attorneys Association reacts to Governor Edwards’ letter to the Board of Pardons to hear clemency applications. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (27)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The October 14th ballot is set and there are 16 individuals running for governor. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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Six senior cheerleaders from Oak Grove High School are fired up to take part in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this November but need funds to make it happen. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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The Pardon Board has scheduled to hear 20 of the 56 clemency cases from death row inmates in response to Governor Edwards’ request. Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association Loren Lampert says the governor is asking the board to go against their own rules.

Cut 4 (12)  “…time frame.”

Last month, the board decided not to hear them on the grounds they were not filed within a year after the inmates’ final appeal was denied. Edwards says it does not violate the rules but an opinion from the Attorney General says it does.

In the letter, Edwards recognized the emotional toll on board members when reviewing a case.  But Lampert says it’s what’s not in the letter that resonates.

Cut 5 (07)   “…volumes.”

Lampert says the limited time frame for the cases to be reviewed before Edwards leaves office in January presents another issue.

Cut 6 (08)  “…unassailable.”

The 20 cases are scheduled to be heard between October 13 and November 27.

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The monthly survey of small business owners nationwide finds that labor quality remains the biggest concern. National Federation of Independent Business director Dawn McVea says 42-percent of owners report job openings are hard to fill, which is a historically high percentage…

Cut 7 (07) “…for work.”

McVea says labor quality has been an issue the since the pandemic started. She says there are a couple of theories on why…

Cut 8 (08) “…indicate that”

But McVea says this latest survey did find that optimism among small business owners is gradually improving. She says inflation has eased slightly and some small business owners believe the worst is behind them…

Cut 9 (07)  “…for everybody.”

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Qualifying has ended for the governor’s race and the seven major candidates we expected to run have qualified and their name will appear on the October 14th ballot. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Attorney General Jeff Landry continues to be in a great position to get in the November runoff…

Cut 10 (11) “…most of em.”

Pinsonat says former state transportation secretary Shawn Wilson is also in great position to make an expected runoff since he’s the lone major Democrat in the race. Pinsonat expects the other candidates will be aggressive in attacking Landry but it might not work…

Cut 11 (09) “…be in.”

Early voting for the October 14th election begins September 30th. Pinsonat says the candidates who are not named Jeff Landry do not have much time to build their name recognition….

Cut 12 (11) “…everybody.”

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Six senior cheerleaders in West Carroll Parish have been selected to participate in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and are raising money to help fund their travel. Angela Johnson, the mom of Ashley Johnson – one of the cheerleaders, says a select number of cheerleaders are chosen and they were notified in July…

Cut 13 (11) “…that trip.”

The Oak Grove High School squad will have a busy schedule consisting of multiple rehearsals a day. But in between, Johnson says the team will also have the opportunity to see a Broadway show, take a tour of the Empire State Building, embark on a Statue of Liberty tour, and more. She says it isn’t just talent that gets the teams into the parade, it also requires a large amount of money…

Cut 14 (11)  “…kinda thing.” 

The goal is to raise 36 thousand dollars. Johnson says time is ticking and the cheer squad has been working non-stop. She says it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to show their talents and the squad is committed…

Cut 15 (09)  “…trip happen.”

To donate, contact Oak Grove High School.

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LSU Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock spoke to media yesterday. Denbrock’s experienced offense is expected to be the strength of the Tigers under fifth-year senior quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels threw for almost 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns with only three interceptions last season, but was sometimes criticized for being too conservative with the football. Denbrock says he’s made an effort to spread the ball around more and take shots this offseason…

Cut 16 (18) “…on the football.”

One of those dynamic playmakers will be Daniels’ favorite target a season ago, wide receiver Malik Nabers. The Louisiana native had a breakout season last year with over 70 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards. Denbrock says the junior has worked hard all offseason to improve and been a great leader in a relatively inexperienced receiver room…

Cut 17  (14) “…skills necessary” 

The Tigers found surprise success under first year Head Coach Brian Kelly last year thanks to their talented roster and impressive coaching. With most of the offensive production returning from last season and a second year in the new system, Denbrock says the offense is far ahead of where they were this time last year…

Cut 18 (18) “…goes along.”

The Tigers will open the season in 3 weeks against Florida St.

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The Saints are just days away from their preseason opener against Kansas City Sunday but that doesn’t mean tight end Taysom Hill has gotten much clarification on his role in the offense. Originally a quarterback, Hill has played snaps at just about every offensive position and on special teams. He says he can throw, block, run, catch, or do whatever the team needs him to…

Cut 19 (19) “…stay ready.”

Hill has spent the offseason with the tight ends and new addition Jimmy Graham. Hill’s experience as a signal caller gave him a good understanding of the offense, but he says learning from Graham has been similar to listening to Drew Brees when he first arrived in New Orleans…

Cut 20 (17) “…special person.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Aug 10

Qualifying for the 2023 election ended today, and in the governor’s race two more Republicans added their names to the ballot, bringing the total number of main candidates to seven. Former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry president Stephen Waguespack is considered a long-shot, because the Republican Party is backing Jeff Landry. But Waguespack says party leaders will not elect our next governor…
Cut 9 (10) “…resonate.”
Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson also qualified today. He’s a big proponent of tax reform, including eliminating the state income tax and making up for the revenue loss with higher property taxes and the elimination of certain sales tax deductions…
cut 12 (09) “…trying to fix”

The primary is October 14th.

A one-point-one-billion-dollar solar panel manufacturing facility is coming to Iberia Parish. Teiko Foxx has the story…
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Louisiana Pardon Board is following the directive of Governor Edwards as they’ve started scheduling clemency application hearings from 20 of the 56 death row inmates seeking to reduce their sentence to life in prison without parole. Edwards, who does not support capital punishment, asked the board to review their cases.

4:30 LRN Newscast Aug 9

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt officially joined the governor’s race today. Jeff Palermo reports she’s an underdog to make the runoff…

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

Attorney General Jeff Landry, who’s also running for governor, criticized Governor Edwards for asking the Pardon Board to hear 56 clemency cases from death row inmates.

Cut 25 system. :04

The request comes after the board refused to hear the cases on the basis of a rule that cases should have been filed within a year after the denial of the inmate’s final appeal.

Louisiana Department of Health has released the first round of bonus payments to over 15 thousand direct support workers who served waiver participants during the pandemic. LDH Assistant Secretary Julie Foster Hagen says payments will be disbursed directly from the agency…

Cut 4 (12) “the worker”

If you’re bitten by a Lone Star tick, you could develop an allergy to red meat. Dr. James Diaz with LSU Health New Orleans says animals carry the chemical Alpha-gal in their blood, and a tick can transmit the antibodies to humans and once infected you are allergic to red meat.

Cut 7 (11) “…thing happens” 

He says ticks contract it usually from White Tail deer and while cases are rare, they are seeing an increase in cases among humans.

 

 

2:30 LRN Newscast Aug 9

State Senator Sharon Hewitt, a Republican from Slidell, qualified for governor today. Like previous candidates for the job, she wants to reverse outmigration. Hewitt blames part of the outmigration problem on the front runner in the race, Attorney General Jeff Landry…

Cut 9 (13)  “…coastal lawsuits.”

Several coastal parishes have filed lawsuits against oil companies, claiming they’ve contributed to coastal land loss. Hewitt is one of seven major candidates in the race.

And Governor Edwards has sent a letter to the Pardon Board, asking them to hear the 56 cases from death row inmates seeking to have their sentences commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The Board opted not to hear the cases on the grounds they were not filed within a year of the inmate’s final appeal. Edwards who is in the last year of his term stated early this year he opposes the death penalty.

The state health department releases the first round of bonus payments to over 15 thousand direct support workers statewide who served waiver participants during the pandemic. LDH Assistant Secretary Julie Foster Hagen says the bonuses are to retain workers for their dedication and services to vulnerable residents in the state during the pandemic.

Cut 5 (08) “ to live”

It’s funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Dr. James Diaz at LSU Health New Orleans says there have been cases of Alpha-gal syndrome in Louisiana that can make you allergic to red meat. He says it’s predominately transmitted by a Lone Star tick that catches it from White Tail deer. But there have been cases contracted through gelatin, which is made from animal byproducts.

Cut 8 (12) “…in mice.”

Symptoms include sore throat and difficulty breathing.