10:30 LRN Newscast September 21

Good budget news for the state has been hard to find, but we found some. Governor John Bel Edwards says the state ended up with a 143-million dollar surplus for the fiscal year that ended June 30th. Edwards says it’s a sign Louisiana’s economy is improving….
cut 6 (08) “….forecasts”
The Edwards administration says the higher than anticipated increase in personal income and sales tax collections created the surplus.

A Fordham Institute Study says public school teachers miss more than 10 days of work much more than charter school teachers. Louisiana Federation of Teachers spokesperson Les Landon says teachers in charter schools tend to be younger and come from the Teach for America Program…
cut 8 (10) “…spouses”

If you’re in Ouachita Parish, you can use Uber today. Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo thanks the city council and the city’s attorney office for helping to make Uber a reality….
cut 12 (08) “…our citizens”
Mayo says he’s also hoping to work out a deal with Lyft.

A new report from the USDA finds there are over 41 million Americans, including 13 million children, who lived at risk of hunger in 2016. Bread for the World, a movement in the US to end hunger, broke the numbers down by state, and found that Louisiana is the second hungriest in the nation. President David Beckmann says this should be a wake-up call…:
Cut 3 (11) “or eating at all”
Beckmann said the hunger problem in the state is concentrated among African Americans.

LRN AM Newscall September 21 ##Updated to reflect Derrius Guice has been ruled out for Sat.###

Governor John Bel Edwards confirmed on his monthly call in radio show that Amazon is set to build a distribution center in Louisiana. Michael Farrar reports…:

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Michael Farrar reporting”

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A report by the Fordham Institute finds public school teachers are absent much more than charter school educators. Emelie Gunn gets reaction from a teacher’s union.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU’s star running back will not play on Saturday night against Syracuse. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor John Bel Edwards confirmed on his monthly call in radio show that Amazon is set to build a distribution center somewhere in Louisiana, but details are limited at the time. He says either way, it’s great news that the online retail giant is bringing a part of its operation to the state…:

Cut 4  (08) “from Amazon”

Other states report a single Amazon distribution center has the potential to create hundreds of jobs. Edwards says he doesn’t know where the distribution center will be located, because there is still more than one site under consideration. He says, once it happens, it will be great for brick and mortar retailers as well…:

Cut 5  (10)  “sales tax”

The state has also said they are very interested in being the home of the second Amazon headquarters which the company said would bring an investment of $5 billion dollars and 50,000 jobs. Edwards says the state is still working with Amazon in order to finalize the site selection…:

Cut 6 (07) “to select”

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A Fordham Institute study finds 28-percent of public school teachers missed more than 10 days of work compared to charter school teachers at 10-percent. But Louisiana Federation of Teachers spokesperson Les Landon says Fordham skews data to show public education isn’t doing well. He says the report also claims generous collective bargaining agreements lead to an increase in teacher absences…

Cut 7 (11)  “arguement”

Landon says teachers in charter schools are often much younger than traditional public school teachers. He also says they are extremely mobile, as many educators in charter schools come from the Teach for America Program.

Cut 8 (10) “spouses”

Landon says teachers are entitled to 10 sick days according to state law. He says traditional public school educators and charter schools teachers are not comparable.

Cut 9 (08)  “situation”

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After a long wait, the car-sharing service, Uber, is finally available in Monroe, West Monroe and areas governed by Ouachita Parish. Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo says his office has spent the last six months working on a contract with Uber and he knows the city is excited it’s finally official…

Cut 10 (08) “with em”

Mayo says he’s also hoping to work out a deal with Lyft as well. Mayo says ride-sharing services are needed because they have many visitors coming into the city, because of businesses like CenturyLink, Chase, Advantage and Gardner Denver Thomas

Cut 11 (07) “accommodate them”

Mayo says he knows Uber has already signed up a lot of drivers who are looking to make some extra money driving people around town. The mayor thanks the city council and the city attorney’s office for helping to make Uber a reality in Monroe…

Cut 12 (08) “our citizens “

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Louisiana Tech University has set an enrollment record for this fall as nearly 13-thousand students are taking classes this fall, which is 17-percent increase since the fall of 2013. Jim King is the Vice President for Student Advancement…

Cut 13 (09) “academically prepared”

King says the average ACT score of 24.71 for first-time freshmen is also a university record….

Cut 14 (09) “have em”

King says they’ve been able to boost enrollment at Louisiana Tech, despite state budget cuts. He says when you are listed on U.S. News and World Report’s 2018 Best Colleges list, it helps attracts students to your school….

Cut 15 (06) “come up here”

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LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says star running back Derrius Guice will not play in Saturday’s home game against Syracuse. Guice reportedly has a knee injury. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran believes LSU is being cautious with its best offensive player. Moran says this gives senior Darrell Williams a chance to start…

Cut 16  (15)  “of carries”

There is some positive injury news. Orgeron says starting defensive end Rashard Lawerence should play against the Orange. Moran says the former Neville star’s return to the field is critical…

Cut 17 (16)  “thin at”

It’s rare that an LSU football team loses by 30 points. Moran expects the Tigers to bounce back this Saturday and they performed well last season after losses with Orgeron at the helm….

Cut 18 (14) “as a coach” 

18:30 LRN Newscast September 20

State Police is investigating an officer involved in a shooting in Bernice. The L-S-P says yesterday at about 5 PM, the Union Parish Sheriff’s office was sent to a home in response to a disturbance and made contact with a male subject. They say at some point during the incident, the suspect was shot and died at the scene.

New Orleans attorney Scott Sternberg has concerns with parts of LSU’s suspension of Greek activities in the wake of the death of a fraternity pledge. Sternberg says the students’ first amendment rights are being taken away when not allowed to gather in groups of 10 or more to tailgate and he also questions the prohibition of wearing Greek attire. He fails to see how this will educate students about making good decisions….
cut 4 (07) “….with your group”

The state department of children and family services says the number of babies born in Louisiana who are exposed to alcohol and drugs in the womb has tripled from 2008 to 2016. Assistant Secretary for Child Welfare Rhenda Hodnett says they can provide counseling for mothers with substance abuse problems…
cut 11 (10) “…general public”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is hosting job fairs at 25 locations across the state for young adults. Executive Director Ava Dejoie says Walmart is one of the companies participating and the national retail giant plans to hire 12-hundred workers in Louisiana for the holiday season. Dejoie says this is a great opportunity for those 18 to 24….

        Cut 14 (10) “…work experience”

17:30 LRN Newscast September 20

The State Department of Children and Family Services reports that the number of babies born in Louisiana who are exposed to alcohol and drugs in the womb has tripled from 2008 to 2016. Assistant Secretary for Child Welfare Rhenda Hodnett says last year, that number reached nearly 17-hundred..:

Cut 9 (10) “newborns”

Hodnett says DCFS works to promote prevention, awareness, and intervention for children born addicted to drugs.

 

 A former BREC Commissioner was found shot dead outside of his home in Pride at around 5:45 Tuesday night.  East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Casey Rayborn Hicks says when police arrived they attempted to resuscitate 66-year-old Carroll (BREE-DON) Breeden, but he died at the scene:

Cut 15 (08) “shots fired”
Anyone who may have seen something of this incident should contact authorities.

 

LSU’s suspension of Greek activities after of the death of fraternity pledge Max Gruver, has constitutional concerns, according to attorney Scott Sternberg. Michelle Southern reports…:

Voicer 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

 

U.S Senator Bill Cassidy told CNN he is sorry that talk show host Jimmy Kimmel does not understand his health care legislation.  Kimmel said on his show last night that Cassidy lied to his face when it comes to passing a health care bill that protects people with pre-exisiting conditions and lowers premiums for middle class families. Cassidy says his bill does cover pre-existing conditions and it will lead to more Americans covered by health insurance.

16:45 LRN Sportscast September 20

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says running back Derrius Guice is questionable for Saturday’s home game against Syracuse. Guice is reportedly dealing with a knee injury. Guice did not play in the fourth quarter in the loss to Mississippi State and he did not practice with the team yesterday.

The Warhawks and the Cajuns meet this Saturday in the Sun Belt opener for both teams. Usually these in-state foes meet at the end of the season. Coach Mark Hudspeth says since it is the league opener, the stakes are higher for this year’s match-up….
cut 17 (18) “…late in the season”
And there are reports former Ragin Cajun, Charles Tillman, is in Quantico, Virginia and is training to join the FBI.

Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore was not at practice today during the portion that was viewed by the media. It’s been reported Lattimore sufffered a concussion. There’s also a report that vetern cornerback Sterling Moore suffered a pectoral muscile and is expected to miss several weeks.

Nicholls State is ranked in the FCS rankings for the first time since 2007, but will they stay in the Top 25 as they visit third ranked Sam Houston State this Saturday. Last year, Sam Houston beat Nicholls 38-21 in Thibodaux. Head Coach Tim Rebowe says Bearkats quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe is a major concern…
cut 19 (20) “…the ball”
Kick-off is at 6 PM.

16:30 LRN Newscast September 20

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne announces the state ended up with a 100 million dollar surplus from the fiscal year that ended in June.  The surplus is the result of higher than anticipated personal income and sales tax collections.  But, he cautions the 100 million surplus will not offset the looming fiscal cliff.

 

The number of babies born in Louisiana that are exposed to illegal substances has tripled from 2008 to 2016, according the DCFS….
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

 

Last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the TV host slammed the health care plan from Senator Bill Cassidy.  Previously, Cassidy appeared on the show when he was promoting the plan that the Senator said would pass “the Jimmy Kimmel Test.”  But Kimmel called the bill a scam that’s trying to sneak in confusing language and does nothing they claim it does…:
Cut 7 (10) “insurance companies”

Cassidy says Kimmel doesn’t understand the bill.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission hosts 25 job fairs for young adults across the state tomorrow.  L-W-C Executive Director Aja (DAY-Z-WAH) Dejoie says the average wages for these jobs are starting at 10 dollars per hour.

Cut 13        (10)    “…difficult circumstances.”

To find a job fair near you go to la-works-dot net. 

15:30 LRN Newscast September 20

State Police is investigating an officer involved in a shooting in Bernice. The L-S-P says yesterday at about 5 PM, the Union Parish Sheriff’s office was sent to a home in response to a disturbance and made contact with a male subject. They say at some point during the incident, the suspect was shot and died at the scene.

LSU’s suspension on Greek activities in the wake of the death of fraternity pledge Max Gruver, is rife with constitutional concerns, according to attorney Scott Sternberg. Michelle Southern reports…:

Voicer 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

Last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the TV host bashed the health care plan being pushed by US Senator Bill Cassidy. Cassidy had previously said any new health care bill should pass the Jimmy Kimmel test, but on Tuesday, Kimmel accused Louisiana’s Senator of being a liar..:

Cut 6 (10) “none of those things”

Cassidy’s responded and said Kimmel doesn’t understand the bill.

An increase in babies born in Louisiana exposed to drugs and alcohol has the State Department of Children and Family Services is taking action.  DCFS Assistant Secretary Rhenda Hodnett says they work to push prevention, awareness, and intervention for children born addicted to drugs.  She says case workers are assigned to help in the areas with the biggest problems.

Cut 10       (11)   “…intervention.”

14:30 LRN Newscasts September 20

Late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is not happy with Senator Bill Cassidy and his legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Kimmel says the bill does not pass the so-called Jimmy Kimmel test and he believes it will not cover all individuals with pre-exisiting conditions…
cut 8 (08) “…wants this bill”
Cassidy said on C-N-N that he is sorry that Kimmel does not understand his bill.

The state department of children and family services says the number of babies born in Louisiana who are exposed to alcohol and drugs while in the womb has tripled from 2008 to 2016. Assistant Secretary for Child Welfare Rhenda Hodnett says they can provide counseling for mothers with substance abuse problems…
cut 11 (10) “…general public”

New Orleans attorney Scott Sternberg has concerns with parts of LSU’s suspension of Greek activities in the wake of the death of a fraternity pledge. Sternberg says the students first amendment rights are being taken away when not allowed to gather in groups of 10 or more to tailgate and he also questions the prohibition of wearing Greek attire. He fails to see how this will educate students about making good decisions….
cut 4 (07) “….with your group”

Authorities are searching for a suspect in the fatal shooting of former Baton Rouge Park and Recreation commissioner Carroll Breeden. The 66-year-old was gunned down outside his hime in Pride. E-B-R sheriff’s office spokesperson Casey Rayborn Hicks says family members and neighbors heard gunshots…
cut 16 (09) “…justice’

LRN PM Newscall September 20

LSU’s suspension on Greek activities in the wake of the death of fraternity pledge Max Gruver, is rife with constitutional concerns, according to attorney Scott Sternberg. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The number of babies born in Louisiana that are exposed to illegal substances has tripled from 2008 to 2016, according the DCFS. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU’s suspension on Greek activities in the wake of the death of fraternity pledge Max Gruver, is rife with constitutional concerns, according to attorney Scott Sternberg. LSU officials said fraternities and sororities can’t tailgate in a group of more than 10, or do most things together as an organization. Sternberg says LSU is trying to teach these students a lesson, but:

Cut 3 (11) “constitutional rights”

Sternberg also questions the prohibition of wearing Greek attire on LSU’s gameday. He fails to see how that has anything to do with educating students about making good decisions…:

Cut 4  (07) “with your group”

Sternberg said a public institution should not be allowed to tell these adult students that they can’t exercise their basic rights of association. He says telling an organization that they can’t have a group gathering in a public forum, where everyone else can, is incredibly problematic…:

Cut 5  (12)  “organization” (2x)

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Last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the TV host bashed the health care plan being pushed by US Senator Bill Cassidy. “The Jimmy Kimmel Test” is what Cassidy had previously said on the show the nation’s healthcare system should pass, but Kimmel on Tuesday accused Louisiana’s Senator of being a liar..:

Cut 6 (10) “none of those things”

Cassidy responded soon after on CNN and implied Kimmel didn’t understand the bill. The Jimmy Kimmel test would mean no family should be denied medical care, because they can’t afford it. But Kimmel said the Graham-Cassidy bill is a scam that’s trying to sneak in confusing language which does nothing they claim it does…:

Cut 7 (10)  “insurance companies”

Kimmel listed organizations that oppose the Graham-Cassidy bill, then flashed a goofy picture of Cassidy and asked who people should trust. He then urged people to call Cassidy’s Congressional office…:

Cut 8 (08) “wants this bill”

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The State Department of Children and Family Services reports that the number of babies born in Louisiana who are exposed to alcohol and drugs while in the womb has tripled from 2008 to 2016. Assistant Secretary for Child Welfare Rhenda Hodnett says last year, that number reached nearly 17-hundred.

Cut 9 (10)  “newborns”

Hodnett says DCFS works to push prevention, awareness, and intervention for children born addicted to drugs. She says caseworkers are assigned to help in the areas with the biggest problems.

Cut 10 (11) “intervention”

Hodnett says they are partnering with the Children’s Trust Fund to prevent mothers with substance abuse problems from using while pregnant. She says an awareness campaign has also been initiated.

Cut 11 (10) “general public”

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From three to six PM tomorrow, young adults can attend a job fair in their area to find seasonal work and possibly a full-time job. The Louisiana Workforce Commission Business and Career Solutions Center is hosting job fairs at 25 locations across the state. L-W-C Executive Director Ava Dejoie says to find the job fair closest to you go to la-works-dot-net…

Cut 12 (11) “these jobs” 

Dejoie says the average wages for these jobs are starting at 10-dollars an hour….

Cut 13 (10) “difficult circumstances

Walmart is one of the companies participating in the Seasonal Job Fair as the national retail giant plans to hire 12-hundred workers in Louisiana for the holiday season. Dejoie says providing job opportunities for young adults helps their professional development and the state’s economy…

Cut 14 (10) “work experience”

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A former BREC Commissioner was found shot to death outside of his home in Pride at around 5:45 Tuesday night. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Casey Rayborn Hicks says when police arrived they attempted to resuscitate 66-year-old Carroll Breeden but he died at the scene.

Cut 15 (08) “shots fired”

Breeden was the BREC Commissioner from 2001 to 2007. Hicks says the investigation is ongoing and urges anyone who may have seen something to contact the police or call Crime Stoppers. She says family members inside the house and neighbors heard the gunshots and called 911.

Cut 16  (09)  “to justice”

11:40 LRN Sportscast September 20

After LSU’s 30-point loss to Mississippi State last Saturday, some are wondering if Head Coach Ed Orgeron is the right man for the job. But Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says one thing to keep in mind is that Athletic Director Joe Alleva’s fate lies with the Board of Supervisors…:
Cut 4 (10) “do that”

For the first time since 2007, Nicholls State is rankedl. The Colonels come in at number 23 in the FCS Coaches Poll. Head Coach Tim Rebowe says it’s a nice honor, but he’s more concerned about playing defending Southland champion Sam Houston state this Saturday….
Cut 18 (13) “mean anything”

The Warhawks and Ragin Cajuns renew their rivalry this Saturday as they face each other in Lafayette. ULM Head Coach Matt Viator is impressed with UL-Lafayette’s offense, which is averaging 38 points a game and led by quarterback Jordan Davis….
Cut 16 (15) “making plays”

The Saints have traded linebacker Stephone Anthony to the Miami Dolphins. According to the NFL Network, New Orleans will receive a fifth round selection in next year’s draft. Anthony was drafted in the first round in 2015. New Orleans used the pick they got from Seattle in the Jimmy Graham trade.

And the Pelicans have re-signed veteran forward Dante Cunningham, who was a 39-percent three-point shooter last season.