6:30 LRN Newscast

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has a message for those who believe he supports anti-LGBTQ views…
cut 15 (10) “…..straight”
The popular Q-B is receiving criticism for appearing in a video produced by Focus on the Family, a conservative Christian organization that holds anti-LGBTQ beliefs.

NBC anchor Lester Holt spent two nights at the Louisiana State Penitentiary and his experience will air tonight on Dateline. NBC says the show will focus on criminal justice reform and mass incarceration and producer Dan Slepian says at first Angola officials were reluctant…
cut 9 (11) “…and forth”
Slepian believes the Department of Corrections will be happy with their portrayal of the facility.

Seven Louisiana Community Colleges were ranked in the top 100 fastest growing programs in the nation between 2007 and 2017. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

4:45 LRN Sportscast September 5

Saturday’s matchup between Texas and LSU pits two teams ranked in the top ten. Linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson says it’s just one of several big tests the Tigers will face this season…
cut 20 (25) “be done”
LSU’s offensive line will need to be on top of its game. Texas likes to blitz and it doesn’t matter where one of their defenders might line up, they could be assigned to rush the passer.

The Saints are near full health heading into Monday’s season opener against Houston. Defensive end Mario Edwards was the only one not to practice today.

The two universities in Lincoln Parish will face each other on the football field on Saturday as Louisiana Tech will host Grambling. Bulldogs coach Skip Holtz is pumped up for the matchup
Cut 16 (17) “…implication”
It’s been reported that over 20-thousand tickets have been sold for the game.

The Ragin Cajuns home opener is Saturday against Liberty. U-L Lafayette is hoping to boost attendance by dropping prices at the concession stands. Hot dogs, popcorn and potato chips are all available for a buck.

The high school football season kicks off tonight and it’s still unclear where the select schools will play their four championship games. The LHSAA Executive Committee voted to give select schools the opportunity to play their title games at the Superdome, but they want an answer in two weeks.

LRN PM Newscall September 5

September is airbag recall repair month. Are you one of the motorists that’s procrastinated about getting yours replaced? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “..I’m Brooke Thorington”

____________________________________

 State Farm is set to lower it’s auto insurance rates again. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (28) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Is your car one of the 152-thousand in Louisiana that has a recalled airbag? The National Safety Council and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles are all urging motorist to have their airbags checked and repaired immediately. FCA spokesperson Chris Freeman says September is Recall Awareness Month.

Cut 3 (12) “…today.”

Freeman says many motorists ignored the recall and do not realize that defective devices can cause more harm than good.

Cut 4 (11) “…device”

Freeman says the recall is of major concern in Louisiana due to the weather. Heat and humidity can greatly affect a defective airbag and make it life-threatening instead of life-saving.

Cut 5 (13) “…shrapnel”

To find out if your airbags are under a recall go to Check-To-Protect-dot-org and enter your Vehicle Identification Number. Then schedule an appointment for a repair. All repairs are free.

_____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards provided details today on the 52-million dollars in federal money that will go towards expanding I-12 in St. Tammany Parish from Highway 190 to Highway 59. Edwards says the state faces a 14-billion dollar backlog in highway projects, but they are using any available dollars wisely…

Cut 6 (06) “…previously”

Edwards says this investment will provide more economic opportunities and ease congestion for a three-mile stretch of I-12…

Cut 7 (08) “…every day.”

This funding comes out of a 76-million dollar allocation from the federal government announced last week. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they’ll open the project up for bids in December and once  a contractor is in place they’ll know when construction will start

Cut 8 (12) “…get budgeted”

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Gubernatorial candidate, Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham, spoke out against the Edwards Administration’s handling of Medicaid this morning on the steps of the Louisiana Department of Health.

Abraham says despite a 14.8-billion-dollar Department of Health budget the state is still one of the least healthy in the nation.

Cut 9 (09)  “healthcare”

The Congressman adds the amount the state will have to spend to maintain the Medicaid expansion will increase further in 2020 after the federal match rate decreases.

He called out the Division of Administration, the LDH Secretary, and Governor for not being transparent about Medicaid and it’s increasing costs, but says he would not undo the expansion…

Cut 10 (06) “…now”

Abraham says he would save the state money and fix Medicaid by implementing more detailed income analysis for the program, removing people who make over the 16,764 dollars a year limit.

Cut 11 (09) “…system.” 

_______________________

State Farm announces the company is cutting it’s auto insurance rates by 2.6 percent effective November 25th.

State Farm Spokesperson Felicia Van Frank says their rates have been steadily dropping for several years as costs have decreased in Louisiana.

Cut 12 (09) “…coverages”

Those rate changes may be dependent on your policies.

Van Frank says the savings come down to improving their expense situation and lower loss numbers.

Cut 13 (10) “change”

The 2.6 percent decrease comes out to 36.6 million dollars in savings for State Farm customers.

Van Frank says there’s other ways you can lower your rate, and if you are a State Farm customer now would be a good time to check in with your insurance agent.

Cut 14 (10) “…coverages”

2:30 LRN Newscast September 5

State Farm is set to lower it’s auto insurance rates again. Matt Doyle has the story.
cut 2 (28) I’m Matt Doyle”

Jefferson Parish authorities have arrested one person who they say was involved in a quadruple shooting last night in Marrero that resulted in two deaths and two others wounded. One of the deceased was a six-year-old girl.

A member of the Byrd High School football staff, 33-year-old James Allen Opie of Shreveport, has been arrested for child pornography.

There are reportedly 152-vehicles in Louisiana under recall because of an issue with the airbag. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles spokesperson Chris Freeman says the recall is of major concern in Louisiana because of the heat and humidity…
cut 5 (13) “….shrapnel”
Go to check-to-protect-dot-org and enter your VIN number to see if your vehicle is under a recall.

In St. Tammany Parish, 52-million dollars in federal money will be used to widen I-12 in between Highway 190 and Highway 59. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they’ll open the project up for bids in December…
Cut 8 (12) “…get budgeted”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson says he was not trying to put down Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger when he said that he didn’t find Ehlinger much of a threat, because he has a decent arm and its more about his legs. Chaisson says he wasn’t trying to discredit his arm…
cut 19 (20) “took it”
Chaisson and Ehlinger have faced each other before in the Texas Class 6A Division One high school state championship game in December 2015. Chaisson earned Defensive MVP honors that night as his North Shore Mustangs beat Ehlinger and Austin Westlake in front of nearly 30-thousand fans.

The NFL kicks off its 100th season tonight as two old rivals meet in Chicago as the Bears host the Packers. The Saints will have to wait until Monday before they take the field. New Orleans is one of the favorites to get to the Super Bowl, which will be in Miami this season.

The NFL Network will televise Saturday’s Lincoln Parish battle between Louisiana Tech and Grambling, which will get underway at 2:30 at the Joe in Ruston. Tech dropped its season-opening game to Texas, a 45-14 decision. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says mistakes early resulted in the game getting out of hand
cut 17 (23) “…start playing”
Grambling also lost its season opener, falling to ULM 31-9.

10:30 LRN Newscast September 5

The Louisiana Department of Health reports there have been nine reported cases of pulmonary illness linked to vaping. Health officials say there have been over 200 cases reported nationwide this summer. Assistant state health officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says if you use e-cigarettes, there are symptoms you should look for…
cut 15 (10) “….checked out”
Those affected in Louisiana ranged from ages 20 to 33-years-old.

Data from the Louisiana Workforce Commission shows there are 15-thousand fewer construction jobs than in 2017, but Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors CEO David Helveston says that could change quickly…
cut 5 (10) “…range”

Congress returns to the capitol next week and with several mass shootings over the summer, gun control will be a hot topic. Brooke Thorington spoke with Louisiana’s Junior Senator…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A heat advisory is in effect for southeast Louisiana today as hot temperatures combined with high humidity will create heat indices between 108 to 113-degrees. We’re also looking at highs of 96 in Lafayette, 100 in Alexandria, and 101 in Shreveport. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 10 (04) “…Louisiana”
The blazing temperatures and dry weather are thanks to a high-pressure system that’s set up shop across the southeast US.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The state health department has issued an alert after recording nine cases of severe lung disease from vaping. Those affected in Louisiana ranged from ages 20 to 33. Health officials aren’t sure what is causing the respiratory problems, but assistant state health officer, Doctor Joseph Kanter says, they have a few ideas
cut 14 (08) “…products”
Kanter says if you use e-cigarettes and are experiencing a persistent cough, shortness of breath or chest pain, contact your doctor.

Democrats are expected to make a push for stronger gun laws when lawmakers return to Capitol Hill next week. Polls show a majority of Americans are in favor of expanded background checks. But Republican Senator John Kennedy says a background check system is already in place, but some states do a poor job of reporting important information…
cut 9 (09) “…thru”

Heat index values could crack 105 and higher today as the state endures what’s set to be four to five days of brutually hot temperatures…
Cut 3 (28) “…Matt Doyle”

After a one night stay in the hospital, former Governor Edwin Edwards, is back home. Edwards was brought to the hospital Tuesday morning after he suffered a sharp drop in blood sugar that left him unresponsive. The 92-year-old was apparently dehydrated after battling a stomach virus over the Labor Day Weekend. Spokesperson Leo Honeycutt says Edwards passed all the medical tests and his vital signs are good.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Nine Louisianans have come down with a mysterious illness connected to E-cigarettes. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Jefferson Parish authorities say an argument inside a home in Marrero last night led to a shooting that killed two people and injured two others. One of the people killed was a female child. The sheriff’s office says they do have several leads, but they are not releasing any information about possible suspects.

Congress returns next week and Democrats are expected to push for new gun control laws. Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy says Democrats will have to present convincing facts that it will lead to a decline in gun violence…
cut 8 (10) “…sizzle”
Polls show a majority of Americans are in favor of expanded background checks to purchase guns.

Louisiana could be on the verge of another construction boom. Data from the state workforce commission finds construction jobs are down 15-thousand from a high of 156-thousand in mid-2017. But Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors CEO David Helveston says over 100-billion dollars in new construction projects will soon start and it’s not unusual to see peaks and valleys with the state’s construction economy…
cut 6 (11) “….cyclical”

7:30 LRN Newscast September 5

A mysterious illness is impacting vapers and E-cigarette users across the country and the Louisiana Department of Health urges medical professionals to keep an eye out for symptoms. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter…
Cut 13 (11) “to us”
Those affected in Louisiana ranged from ages 20 to 33 and they are experiencing a cough and severe shortness of breath.

Data from the Louisiana Workforce Commission shows there are 15-thousand fewer construction jobs than in 2017, but Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors CEO David Helveston says that could change quickly…
cut 5 (10) “…range”

Congress returns to the capitol next week and with several mass shootings over the summer, gun control will be a hot topic. Brooke Thorington spoke with Louisiana’s Junior Senator…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Triple-digit temperature readings are possible in north and central Louisiana today and heat indices could reach 110-degrees in southeast Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 11 (07) “…period”
Temperatures should return to normal early next week.

6:45 LRN Sportscast September 5

LSU linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson says he was not trying to put down Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger when he said that he didn’t find Ehlinger much of a threat, because he has a decent arm and its more about his legs. Chaisson says he wasn’t trying to discredit his arm…
cut 19 (20) “took it”
Chaisson and Ehlinger have faced each other before in the Texas Class 6A Division One high school state championship game in December 2015. Chaisson earned Defensive MVP honors that night as his North Shore Mustangs beat Ehlinger and Austin Westlake in front of nearly 30-thousand fans.

Louisiana Tech and Grambling face each other at Joe Aillet Stadium on Saturday. Both teams lost their season openers. The Tigers fell to ULM 31-9. Coach Broderick Fobbs says there were missed opportunities in that contest, which could have made the game more competitive…

cut 18 (24) “…want to play it”

Even though Grambling scored just nine points last week, they still had 401 total yards of offense against ULM.

The 100th season of the NFL kicks off tonight with the Bears hosting the Packers. The Saints regular-season opener is not until Monday against the Houston Texans. Second-round pick Erik McCoy is set to make his first NFL start at center.