6:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Board of Regents has learned there is $4 billion in deferred maintenance on Louisiana’s college campuses. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Early Voting numbers in Louisiana shows Democrats outnumbered Republicans by 16 thousand.  But LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says that doesn’t  mean all those Democrats voted for all democrats.

Cut 7 (12) “…vote for Republicans.”

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An advocacy group is calling for more vehicle safety enhancements after a three-year-old girl is killed in a Carencro restaurant parking lot. Investigators say Ka’Mya J’Nae Williams ran out into the parking lot, and a woman who had just backed up ran her over as she drove forward. Chloe Burke with the group Kids and Car Safety says while backup cameras are certainly good, other camera views, including overhead views, ought to be standard as well.

Cut 4 (07) “…at every level.”

The Louisiana Book Festival will be open in Baton Rouge tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Robert Wilson, the executive director of the Louisiana Center for the Book, says it’s a free celebration of readers, writers and books in downtown Baton Rouge.

Cut 13 (12)  “…a fun day.”

 

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

While six Republicans are vying for the open seat in the solidly-Republican Fifth District, three Democrats are seeking the seat as well. Two of them – Pat Moore and Dan McKay – appeared at Monday’s candidate forum in Baton Rouge. The three Republicans on the panel all said they would support a national ban on abortions, with Gabe Firment citing his Christian faith in his viewpoint. McKay says he opposes a national abortion ban.

Cut 5 (05) “…address that subject.”

Moore noted that her own birth was the result of a rape, and she expressed gratitude that her mother did not abort her. She said it’s her duty as a state representative to protect babies while they’re in the womb, and that “pro life” should not end at childbirth.

Cut 6 (11) “…will do that.”

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The National Retail Federation says Halloween spending is up slightly this year, with consumers spending on average 115 dollars per person. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has upgraded Louisiana’s state credit rating from Double-A negative (AA-) to Double-A (AA), with a stable outlook. State Treasurer John Fleming says a stronger credit rating can help access capital markets on more favorable terms…

Cut 14 (08) “…for the taxpayer.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

One of the big three credit rating agencies upgrades Louisiana’s bond rating and revises the state’s overall credit rating outlook from positive to stable. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Entergy Louisiana is offering to help customers with their electricity bills with a one-time $100 credit in partnership with United Ways across the state. The program aims to help people living below the federal poverty line, as well as those who earn more but do not qualify for traditional assistance programs.

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FMOL Health unveils its new mobile mammography unit.  Dr. Chris Funes (FOO-nez), the medical director for ambulatory quality for FMOL Health, says this mobile mammography unit was designed specifically with rural and underserved areas in mind to give them easier access to this essential preventative screening.

Cut 12 (12) “…come to them.”

Halloween is a hit again this year with almost three-quarters of Americans saying they’ll celebrate.  National Retail Federation Senior Analyst Lea Grgich says shoppers are expected to spend two-billion dollars on adult Halloween costumes.

Cut 9 (08)  “…and Spider-Man.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Yesterday, we heard from three of the six Republicans vying for the open seat in the fifth congressional district. Today, we’re hearing from two of the three Democrats in that race. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

FMOL Health is helping those who can’t easily get to a clinic to get screened for breast cancer.   Medical director for ambulatory quality Dr. Chris Funes (FOO-nez), says their new mobile mammography unit will help increase the availability.

Cut 11 (09) “…saving potentially screening.”

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Global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has upgraded Louisiana’s state credit rating from Double-A negative (AA-) to Double-A (AA), with a stable outlook. The ratings were upgraded based on three successful years of budget policy improvements that started with the revenue policy changes in 2024 that reduced a projected structural budget gap. State Treasurer John Fleming says Louisiana has been committed to sound financial management.

Cut 15 (08) “…that we’re showing.”

For many people, Halloween is one of their favorite holidays. And according to the National Retail Federation, Americans are spending a little more on Halloween this year. N-R-F Senior Analyst Lea Grgich says 74-percent of those surveyed plan to celebrate Halloween, with many expecting to spend more than 100 dollars on the spooky holiday.

Cut 8 (07) “…year’s spending level.”

 

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

A new report finds that the Baton Rouge area leads metros comparable to its size in job growth. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Today’s the last day for early voting in Louisiana.   If you want to cast your ballot today, you’ll have to do it by 6 this evening.  Election Day is next Tuesday, November 3rd.

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89 percent of Louisiana remains in a drought  and farmers in particular are feeling it. With little to no rain, farmers are footing the bill to maintain their fields and livestock.  LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim 41-percent of the state is in either extreme or exceptional drought…

Cut 14 (10) “…time of year.”

Three Vermilion Parish residents and a non-profit are suing the parish government for allegedly violating the Open Meetings Act when it gave the green light to the SpaceX development. William Most of Most and Associates, who is representing the plaintiffs, says the police jury was very secretive in its proceedings, including in its revival of the industrial development board, which had been inactive since 1997, using a code name to conceal the identity of SpaceX.

Cut 5 (13) “…anything about them.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Today is the last day of early voting. Yesterday, candidates vying for the open seat in the Fifth District met for a one-hour forum in Baton Rouge. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Election day is next Tuesday, November 3rd.  For details on what’s on the ballot, go to geauxvote.com.
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Three Vermilion Parish residents and a non-profit are suing the parish government for allegedly violating the Open Meetings Act when it gave the green light to the SpaceX development. William Most of Most and Associates, who is representing the plaintiffs, says they were kept in the dark as the state offered SpaceX a 24-billion-dollar tax exemption to build its spaceport in Vermilion Parish.

Cut 4 (11) “…give their say.”

The Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership says the Capital Region leads comparable metro areas in job growth adding 13, 700 jobs over the past year. Andrew Fitzgerald, the senior vice president of strategy and research, workers are moving to the Baton Rouge area to fill  some of the s58-thousand construction jobs available while locals are getting the training needed to join the workforce.

Cut 8 (13) “…trades and construction.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Three Vermilion Parish residents and a non-profit are suing the parish government, claiming it used deceptive methods to approve the SpaceX deal. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership says the Capital Region leads comparable metro areas in job growth. Senior vice president of strategy and research Andrew Fitzgerald says the region added 13,700 jobs over the past year, with construction accounting for much of the growth.

Cut 7 (04) “…the Capital Region.”

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Today is the last day of early voting for the November 3rd election. One of the key races is in the Fifth Congressional District, in which six Republicans are vying for the open seat. Three of them attended a forum hosted by the Baton Rouge Press Club. Gabe Firment on the Medicaid work requirement of the Big Beautiful Bill.

Cut 10 (08) “…a productive citizen.”

Austin Magee says the government should redirect money to Social Security from things the U.S. should have no business spending taxpayer money on.

Cut 11 (12) “…sub-Saharan Africa.”

While Magee says he would go against his party on an issue if it hurts his constituents, Michael Echols says it’s important for Republicans to stick together.

Cut 12 (13) “…what America is.”

11:30 AM LRN Newscast

There will not be a debate involving the two candidates for U-S Senate.  Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Early voting continues now through Tuesday, but  not on Sunday.  Election day itself is Tuesday, November 3rd.  For details on what’s on your ballot go to geauxvot.com.  That’s G-E-A-U-X vote.com.

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Legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown has passed away at the age of 90. Brown led the Tigers for 25 years, making two Final Four appearances and winning four SEC championships. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says he was an advocate for basketball across the state.

Cut 12 (12) “…in a movie. ‘

The Acadiana Card Show is happening today at the Heymann Center in Lafayette. The inaugural event in August brought more than 22-hundred collectors from the Gulf South to Acadiana. Cofounder Cody Bergeron says they knew Acadiana needed something like this and the turnout in August was more than they expected…

Cut 9 (08)  “…and more.”

The show runs through 4 this afternoon. Admission is five dollars, kids 12 and under get in for free.

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

LSU has lost another legend. Former basketball coach Dale Brown passed away at the age of 90. Kace Kieschnick reports…

Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

LSU football is on the road at Auburn with kick off set for 11 this morning.  Louisiana Tech’s Homecoming game is this afternoon at four as they take on Old Dominion.
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The Sunday morning matchup between the Saints and the Steelers kicks off at 8:30 tomorrow in Paris.  Pittsburgh ranks seventh in the NFL in total defense.  They have not given up more than 28 points in a game all year. Saints head coach Kellen Moore says the Steelers always have a tough defense.

Cut 4 (11) “…sound football.”

The Acadiana Card Show is happening today at the Lafayette’s Heymann Cente. The inaugural event brought in more than 22-hundred collectors from the Gulf South back in August. Cofounder Cody Bergeron says that first show brought together people from all over, both long-time collectors and…

Cut 10 (11) “…they’re friends.”

The show runs through 4 this afternoon.

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

There will not be a debate involving the two candidates for U-S Senate.  Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Early voting continues now through Tuesday, but not on Sunday.  Election day itself is Tuesday, November 3rd.  For details on what’s on your ballot go to geauxvot.com.  That’s G-E-A-U-X vote.com.

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Legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown has passed away at the age of 90. Brown led the Tigers for 25 years, making two Final Four appearances and winning four SEC championships. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says he was an advocate for basketball across the state.

Cut 12 (12) “…in a movie. ‘

The Acadiana Card Show is happening today at the Heymann Center in Lafayette. The inaugural event in August brought inmore than 22-hundred collectors from the Gulf South to Acadiana. Cofounder Cody Bergeron says they knew Acadiana needed something like this and the turnout in August was more than they expected…

Cut 9 (08)  “…and more.”

The show runs through this afternoon. Admission is five dollars, kids 12 and under get in for free.