6:30 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 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.

Congress returns to session next week and one of the most discussed topics many Americans are waiting to see how lawmakers tackle is gun control. Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy hasn’t had the opportunity to review any democratic proposed gun laws yet but he has his opinions.
Cut 7 (10)“…handguns”
Despite the recent mass shootings, Kennedy says the Democrats will have to present convincing facts in order for him to vote for any gun control legislation.

A lull in construction jobs is one of the reasons the Louisiana economy seems to have slowed down a bit, but those in the industry are optimistic the tide is set to turn. Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors CEO David Helveston says it’s true that this year and last year haven’t been great for the construction industry.
Cut 4 (12) “…2017”
But Helveston says there are over 100 billion dollars of new construction projects on the horizon centered on petrochemical plants in southeast Louisiana.

LRN AM Newscall ###weather story updated###

Nine Louisianans have gotten sick from a mysterious illness that’s been linked vapes and E-cigarettes. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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 Congress returns to the capitol next week and with several mass shootings over their summer break, gun control will be a hot topic. Brooke Thorington spoke with Louisiana Senator John Kennedy to get his perspective.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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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”

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A lull in construction jobs is one of the reasons the Louisiana economy seems to have slowed down a bit, but those in the industry are optimistic the tides are set to turn.

Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors CEO David Helveston says it’s true that this year and last year haven’t been great for the construction industry.

Cut 4 (12) “…2017”

Workforce Commission numbers show we hit an eight-year peak of 156,100 construction jobs in mid-2017 but declined to 141,400 such jobs this year.

But Helveston says that could change quickly as he’s been informed of over 100 billion dollars of new construction projects on the horizon centered on petrochemical plants in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…range”

Hevleston says it’s not unusual to see substantial peaks and valleys in the Louisiana construction economy considering so much of it is based on decisions made in other countries.

Cut 6 (11) “…cyclical”

The state hit an eight-year low for construction jobs back in 2012 with only 121,700.

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Congress returns to session next week and one of the most discussed topics many Americans are waiting to see how lawmakers tackle is gun control. Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy hasn’t had the opportunity to review any democratic proposed gun laws yet but he has his opinions.

Cut 7 (10)“…handguns

Kennedy, an admitted gun owner himself, has remained constant on his stance against gun control laws. Despite the increase in mass shootings, Kennedy says the Democrats will have to present convincing facts in order to change his vote.

Cut 8 (10) “sizzle”

Polls show a majority of Americans are in favor of background checks for guns, Kennedy says we already have them but the system in place for background checks is not working because many states are not inputting their data.

Cut 9 (09) “…thru.”

Kenney stated a hundred-million Americans exercise the right to own guns and that the majority of them exercise the right responsibly.

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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 looking at highs of 97 in New Orleans, 99 in Baton Rouge, 100 in Alexandria, and 101 in Shreveport. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the intense heat will last through the weekend.

Cut 10 (04) “…Louisiana”

Keim says the excessive heat levels will come close to record highs and could even break a few records…

Cut 11 (07) “period” 

Temperatures should return to normal early next week.

The blazing temperatures and dry weather are thanks to a high-pressure system that’s set up shop across the southeast US. Keim says that’s why Hurricane Dorian curved up the east coast.

Cut 12 (07) “…states.”

The same high-pressure system is keeping other storms like Fernand away from the region as well.

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A mysterious illness is impacting vapers and E-cigarette users across the country and the Louisiana Department of Health is warning medical professionals to keep an eye out for symptoms.

Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they’ve only discovered isolated incidents so far, and it does not appear to be widespread.

Cut 13 (11) “to us”

Those affected in Louisiana ranged from ages 20 to 33. Health officials aren’t sure what is causing the respiratory problems, but Kanter says they have a few ideas

cut 14 (08) “…products” 

Kanter says if you are a vaper and have recently begun suffering from any of these symptoms, go see a doctor.

Cut 15 (10) “chcked out”

Kanter adds the recent vaping craze has undone years of work getting kids to stop taking nicotine products.

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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”   

The NFL Network will televise the game, making it the first collegiate contest to air on the channel. Tech dropped its season-opening game to Texas, a 45-14 decision to the Longhorns. Holtz says mistakes early resulted in that game getting out of hand

cut 17 (23) “…start playing” 

Grambling also lost its season opener, falling to ULM 31-9. Tigers Coach Broderick Fobbs says there missed opportunities in that contest, which could have made the game more competitive

Cut 18 (24) “…play it” 

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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”  

Saturday’s matchup between Texas and LSU pits two teams ranked in the top ten. Chaisson says it’s just one of several big tests his team will face this season…

cut 20 (25) “be done” 

LRN PM Newscall September 4

First responders along the east coast are utilizing an LSU developed storm surge model to better position resources along the expected path of Hurricane Dorian. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “..I’m Matt Doyle”

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LSU merchanside is selling well ahead of Saturday’s showdown versus ninth ranked Texas. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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This Saturday the LSU Tigers are gearing up to play the Texas Longhorns and fans are getting their fan gear for the state line rivalry. Tickets for this weekend’s game aren’t the only hard thing to find. Purple and Gold Store Owner Sara Sanders says their specialty shirt for the big game is also a hot commodity.

Cut 3 (08) “…about out.”

Texas only allotted only 35-hundred tickets for LSU fans, yet the die-hards are making the road trip anyway. Sanders says there’s lots of excitement with the Tigers ranked 6th in the polls and a big game this Saturday, the store is seeing plenty of traffic.

Cut 4 (08) “…over there”

LSU started the season with a 55-3 rout of Georgia Southern. Sanders says big victories are always good for business at Purple at Gold.

Cut 5 (10) “…good sign”

Texas is ranked 9th in the polls and Saturday’s game kicks off at 6:30 in Austin.

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South Louisiana authorities say over 40 handguns were reportedly stolen from a shooting range in Youngsville over the weekend. Youngsville Police Chief Ricky Boudreaux says it’s likely the guns will find their way into criminal hands.

Cut 6 (12) “…through”

Boudreaux says it’s an ongoing investigation with a few persons of interest, but no arrests have been made so far.

The Chief adds they may see a spike in crime across the Acadiana region as a result.

Cut 7 (06) “…crimes.”

The business, Sentry Defense, reports that no electronics or money were stolen. Boudreaux says the criminal’s objectives were clear.

Cut 8 (03) “…of it”

Boudreaux said he could not comment at this time when asked whether the firearms stolen included more than just handguns.

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The White House and Homeland Security are utilizing a storm surge model developed by LSU to better respond to Hurricane Dorian as it creeps it’s way up the east coast.

Director of Louisiana Sea Grant Robert Twilley says the program uses fine-scale resolution data of coastlines, bayous, and other waterways to provide lifesaving information.

Cut 9 (09)“the coast”

The Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment program was developed with the help of the University of North Carolina.

The data isn’t just useful for the public. Twilley says it allows government agencies to swoop into effected areas a lot faster after a storm hits.

Cut 10 (10) “…responders”

The current CERA projection shows storm surge concerns ranging from the northeast Florida coast all the way up to Maine.

Twilley says the Coast Guard has been big fans of CERA since 2017 when Irma struck…

Cut 11 (10) “…system.” 

You can see up-to-date storm surge predictions at cera-dot-coastal-risk-dot-live.

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A University of Louisiana at Lafayette study finds deficiencies with the coastal seafood industry in Acadiana. Moody-endowed chairman of regional business development at UL, Geoffrey Stewart, says one issue is not having a central point of contact for the seafood industry when problems arise…

Cut 12 (12) “…and confusion”

Transportation is a day-to-day hurdle. Stewart says fresh seafood from the Acadiana coast is not shipped out of the region and that’s because they do not have enough product to make it cost-effective for truckers…

Cut 13 (12) “the volume.”

The Louisiana Sea Grant is interested in establishing a seafood innovation center in New Iberia, which could be a collection point for fresh seafood to be shipped out.

Stewart says there are also not enough cold storage areas. He says the study also found that Acadiana seafood could be marketed better if the stories of those involved in harvesting, producing and cooking the seafood were told…

Cut 14 (08) “…our culture”

1:30 LRN Newscast September 4

The White House and the U-S Department of Homeland Security are using a storm surge model developed by LSU to help prepare for Hurricane Dorian as it moves up the east coast. Director of Louisiana Sea Grant Robert Twilley says the U-S Coast Guard has been a big fan of the Coastal Emergency Risk Assessment program since 2017 when Hurricane Irma hit Florida…
cut 11 (10) “…system”

LSU fans will soon make their way to Austin, Texas for Saturday night’s showdown against the 9th ranked Texas Longhorns. Sara Sanders with Purple and Gold sports says they’ve seen an increase in sales since the 55-3 blowout victory over Georgia Southern…
cut 5 (10) “…good sign”
No need for long sleeve shirts this Saturday. The high temperature in Austin on Saturday is forecasted to be 102-degrees.

A University of Louisiana at Lafayette study has come up with recommendations on how to improve the coastal seafood industry in Acadiana. Moody-endowed chairman of regional business development at UL, Geoffrey Stewart, says one issue is not having a central point of contact for the seafood industry when problems arise…
cut 12 (12) “….and confusion”
Transportation is also a day-to-day hurdle.

Police in the Lafayette Parish town of Youngsville are investigating the theft of over 40 handguns from a business called Sentry Defense. Police Chief Ricky Boudreaux says no electronics or money were stolen, so the objective was clear…
cut 8 (03) “….of it”
Boudreaux says he’s concerned the influx of stolen guns will lead to a spike in crime for the region.

11:40 LRN Sportscast September 4

LSU’s new-look offense faces a much bigger test this Saturday against 9th ranked Texas than the one they faced in the season-opening win over Georgia Southern. Coach Ed Orgeron says the Longhorns have good pass rushers and it’s up to the o-line to win one-on-one battles
Cut 16 (25) “…help us”
Orgeron says junior left tackle Saahdiq Charles and senior linebacker Michael Divinity will both play against the Longhorns after missing the season opener for disciplinary reasons.

ULM has suspended defensive end Kerry Starks for Saturday’s game at Florida State after he reportedly spit in the face of a Grambling State player last weekend.

The Ragin Cajuns will host Liberty for their home opener on Saturday. Flames Head Coach Hugh Freeze has not received the ok from doctors to travel to Lafayette. The 49-year-old had back surgery last month and is also battling a staph infection that forced him to coach last week’s game from a hospital bed in the press box.

The first high school football polls are out and John Curtis is ranked number one in Class Five-A. The Patriots kick off the season tomorrow against Karr, the three-time defending champs in Four-A. West Monroe is ranked second in Five-A, but starting quarterback Garrett Kahmann is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. He may need surgery.

In NFL news, the Cowboys and star running back Ezekiel Elliot have agreed to a six-year contract extension worth 90-million dollars. 50-million dollars is guaranteed. This contract is something to keep in mind for Saints fans. Running back Alvin Kamara could ask for a big payday next offseason as he’ll be entering the final year of his rookie contract.

9:30 LRN Newscast September 4

Former Governor Edwin Edwards could be released from the hospital today after he was found unresponsive at his home yesterday morning. His biographer, Leo Honeycutt, says the Cajun Prince felt better after getting an I-V…
cut 11 (06) “…fine”
Edwards’ family tells the Associated Press that the former governor was dehydrated after suffering from a stomach virus over the weekend.

The Louisiana Republican Party endorses both Congressman Ralph Abraham and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone for governor, but the state GOP is taking sides in the Insurance Commissioner Race between Republican incumbent Jim Donelon and GOP challenger Tim Temple. LSU-Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow says former Democratic Insurance Comissioner Robert Wooley works for Temple’s campaign and that may have led to the endorsement of Donelon…
cut 9 (07) “….clothing”

The Opioid Action Summit and Town Hall kicks off in Slidell today, and Matt Doyle spoke with the Louisiana Department of Health about what to expect…
Cut 3 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

LSU fans have started a GoFund me page for a pair of Georgia Southern fans who were killed in a car crash on their way home after attending the season opener in Tiger Stadium. Authorities say Danny and Julie Hagan were killed when their vehicle hydroplaned on I-16 near Swainsboro in Georgia and struck a tree. The deceased couple leaves behind three children.

8:30 LRN Newscast September 4

The state GOP issues endorsements for all incumbent statewide Republicans and the party is supporting both of the major Republicans challenging Governor Edwards. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three named storms. Hurricane Dorian has picked up speed as it moves towards Georgia and the Carolinas. There’s Tropical Storm Fernand which will make landfall along the Mexico coast today and Tropical Storm Gabrielle in the middle of the Atlantic and not a threat to land.

The Louisiana Department of Health is hoping to raise awareness and share best practices for fighting the opioid epidemic at the Opioid Action Summit and Town Hall, which begins today at the Slidell Harbor Center. Office of Behavioral Health Deputy Assistant Secretary Dr. Janice Petersen says the three-day event is open to the public and there will be breakout sessions covering a range of topics….
cut 13 (09) “…stigma”
And they’re hoping for a wide range of attendees from recovering addicts to those who work local outreach.

Starting this month, the department of transportation will install 35-miles of median cable barriers along I-49 north of Shreveport in Caddo Parish. DOTD spokesperson Erin Bucnahan says the life-saving barriers will stretch from Martin Luther King Drive in Shreveport to the Arkansas state line….
cut 4 (07) “…roadway”
Since 2008, DOTD has invested 50-million dollars in roadway safety improvements across the state.

7:30 LRN Newscast September 4

Former Governor Edwin Edwards spent the night in the hospital after he was found unresponsive. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Edwards’ family tells the Associated Press that the Cajun Prince could be released from the hospital today.

Sad news out of Lake Charles as police there report a five-year-old was struck by a vehicle turning into a driveway. The child died at the scene. Impairment is not suspected and the investigation into the tragic incident continues.

The Louisiana Republican Party releases endorsements for the statewide races and the G-O-P is backing both Congressman Ralph Abraham and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone in the governor’s race. LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeff Sadow says there’s little to gain from picking a side.
Cut 7 (13)“…doesn’t win”
But the Louisiana G-O-P has endorsed Incumbent Jim Donelon over Republican challenger Tim Temple in the insurance commissioner’s race.

Later this month, work will begin on installing cable barriers on I-49 north in Caddo Parish. Department of transportation spokesperson Erin Buchanan says crews should be done with the seven-million dollar project next spring…
cut 6 (07) “…installed”
DOTD’s goal is to have median cable barriers installed on interstates across the state by 2022.

6:45 LRN Sportscast September 4

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says starting offensive tackle Saahdiq Charles and linebacker Michael Divinity will play this Saturday against ninth-ranked Texas after missing the season opener for disciplinary reasons. The Tigers played five different running backs in the easy victory over Georgia Southern. Orgeron says how the game goes on Saturday will dictate how many will play against the Longhorns…
cut 17 (25) “…use all five”
Both teams will likely have to rely on their reserves as the high temperature in Austin on Saturday is forecasted to be 102-degrees. Kick-off is at 6:30.

ULM football coach Matt Viator has suspended defensive end Kerry Starks for Saturday’s game against Florida State because he spit in the face of a Grambling State player in last Saturday’s win over the Tigers.

The Ragin Cajuns will host Liberty for its home opener on Saturday. Flames Head Coach Hugh Freeze has not received the ok from doctors to travel to Lafayette. The 49-year-old had back surgery last month and is also battling a staph infection that forced him to coach last week’s game from a hospital bed in the press box.

The first high school football polls are out. Oak Grove is ranked number one in Class One-A, Notre Dame has the top spot in Two-A, Sterlington is ranked number one in three-A, Karr is ranked number one in Four-A and the Cougars will play the number one ranked team in Five-A, John Curtis, tomorrow night. West Monroe is ranked second in Five-A. The News-Star reports that Rebels senior quarterback Garrett Kahmann is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury.

6:30 LRN Newscast September 4

Edwin Edwards’ daughter tells the Associated Press that doctors are expected to release the former four-term governor from the hospital today after a low blood sugar drop led to him being unresponsive yesterday morning. Biographer Leo Honeycutt says Edwards had a stomach virus over the weekend, but up until then, he was doing quite well for a 92-year-old man and was in good spirits at a public event two weeks ago…
cut 12 (13) “….still do it”

The Louisiana Health Department begins a three-day opioid action summit today in Slidell as experts gather to share ways to respond to the national opioid epidemic. Office of Behavioral Health Deputy Assistant Secretary Doctor Janice Peterson…
cut 15 (10) “…resources”
In 2018, there were more than 450 opioid-related deaths, a 187 percent increase from 2012.

The Louisiana Republican Party has made its endorsements in the statewide races for the October 12th election. The G-O-P says it supports both Republican gubernatorial challengers, Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone, but the party has made a pick in the race for Insurance Commissioner, endorsing incumbent Jim Donelon over challenger Tim Temple. LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says the endorsement could sway the election in a race where there’s not a lot of policy daylight between the two Republicans…
cut 8 (08) “…that job”