10:30 LRN Newscast

Lafayette Congressman Clay Higgins is coming under fire for a post on X he made about Haitians. After a Haitian nonprofit sued Former President Donald Trump and running mate J.D. Vance over their claims of them eating pets, Higgins repeated that claim in his post, and referred to the Haitians as thugs and slapstick gangsters who needed to get out of the country. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s basically Higgins being Higgins.

Cut 6 (13) “…quite wide margins.”

The chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus says the House should censure Higgins over his comments. Higgins has since deleted the post.

A man who has been arrested over 40 times in St. John the Baptist Parish, was apprehended again this week. Sheriff Mike Tregre (treg) says this arrest stemmed from a St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division investigation that began in June, targeting Casey Spies for suspected involvement in distributing methamphetamine.

Cut 3 (08) “…keep arresting him.”

Following Spies latest arrest, he bonded out again.

The Kenner Police Department has received permission from a state judge to seize a fraudulent website that is operating from a Russian server. It’s all related to scam where Louisiana residents were receiving a text message claiming they had unpaid toll fees of $3.75 or face a 30-dollar fine if the amount is not paid. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley says the scammers were using that small amount to gain access to other valuable information.

Cut 14 (09) “…lick at it.”

It’s unknown how many people may have fallen victim to this scam.

Louisiana Tech’s freshman enrollment is the largest in the school’s hstory and total enrollment is as high as it’s been since 2018. University president Jim Henderson says a student at Tech has more than 135 degree programs to choose from., which is one of many reasons why a student wants to be a Bulldog..

Cut 12 (08) “…the city.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Kenner Police has seized a fraudulent website operating on a Russian server. The website is responsible for a phishing scam that sent out fraudulent text messages claiming the recipient of the text message has an unpaid toll fee of $3.75. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley says Detective Brad Ricky worked hard on this case…

Cut 15 (11) “…of that nature”

Conley says people need to know that no government agency will ever ask for money through any electronic means.

The Landry Administration has told the Board of Regents that Louisiana’s public colleges and universities could face a 250-million dollar budget cut as a result of a temporary sales tax expiring in July. Lawmakers are looking at ways to mitigate the revenue shortfall and Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed has this message for them….

Cut 9 (13) “…in our communities”

The chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus is pushing for the House to censure Louisiana Congressman for sending out a tweet that called Haitian migrants thugs and slapstick gangers who need to leave the United States. Higgins has since deleted the tweet. Higgins and other Republicans have made claims Haitian immigrants are eating pets of residents in Springfield, Ohio.

Louisiana Tech’s enrollment for this fall quarter is the largest in school history. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Don Molino.”

7:30 LRN Newscast

The sunsetting of a .45-percent state sales tax has Louisiana’s public colleges and universities preparing for a big reduction in state funding. Andrew Greenstein…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.

Could Louisiana residents receive a tax break soon? The state department of Revenue says because of a 2021 law, income and corporate tax rate cuts can occur if tax, fee and license collections hit a set threshold and if the state’s rainy day fund reaches a certain level. State economists will not know if those conditions are met until after January 1st.

The Kenner Police Department has received permission from a state judge to seize a fraudulent website that is operating from a Russian server. It’s all related to scam where Louisiana residents were receiving a text message claiming they had unpaid toll fees of $3.75 or face a 30-dollar fine if the amount is not paid. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley says the scammers were using that small amount to gain access to other valuable information.

Cut 14 (09) “…lick at it.”

It’s unknown how many people may have fallen victim to this scam.

As Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is working on his Social Security Reform bill with a Democratic colleague from Virginia, Senator Bill Cassidy is working on the Senate’s version. Like Graves’ bill, Cassidy’s Senate bill would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset

Cut 4 (08) “…to be corrected.”

This legislation would benefits millions of teachers, police and fire fighters who are receiving a reduced social security benefit because they also receive a pension.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints Coach Dennis Allen says starting Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy is headed to injured reserve because of a groin injury that requires surgery. It’s been reported McCoy will miss six to eight weeks. Allen is not providing a timetable, but in the meantime, the team needs to keep pushing forward…

Cut 16 (15)   “…with it”

It’s expected veteran Lucas Patrick will start at center and Landon Young could play guard. He’s been a tackle in his three seasons in the NFL.

New Orleans is at Atlanta on Sunday and they are still recovering from last Sunday’s loss to the Eagles. Running back Alvin Kamara, right guard Cesar Ruiz. Linebacker Demario Davis and cornerback Alontae Taylor all missed practice yesterday.

Tonight’s NFL game is the Cowboys at the Giants. Former LSU Tiger Malik Nabors is off to a fantastic start for New York. This is a big game for Dak Prescott and Dallas, who have lost their last two.

The injury to veteran defensive tackle Jacobian Guillory has given freshman Ahmad Breaux a chance to start on LSU’s defensive line. Breaux was a defensive end for the Ruston Bearcats last season, a state champion football team. With LSU short on defensive tackles, Breaux was asked to beef up so they can move him to the interior…

Cut 18 (18)  “…for months.”

The Ragin Cajuns will be at Wake Forest on Saturday. U-L Lafayette is coming off a loss to Tulane, where they gave up 272 rushing yards. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux expects the Demon Deacons to run the football…

Cut 20 (18) “…help em too” 

6:30 LRN Newscast

The Kenner Police Department seizes a foreign website that spoofed the state’s Geaux Pass website. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A 14-year-old girl has been arrested after she allegedly threatened to blow up Bunkie High School. The Avoyelles 9-1-1 Communication Center received the prank call yesterday morning. The teenager made the call from a cellphone while on campus. Bunkie Police charged the girl with terrorizing and she was released to her parents.

Louisiana’s Congressional delegation is working on social security reform and attempting to end the current policies that result in millions receiving a reduced Social Security benefit because they receive a pension for their work as a teacher or a first responder. Senator Bill Cassidy says the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset need to go

Cut 5 (10) “…pay for it”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves has forced a vote in the House on a bill called the Social Security Fairness Act.

Louisiana Tech’s freshman class is the largest in the school’s history as nearly 25-hundred freshmen are taking classes during the Fall Quarter. University president Jim Henderson says students are attracted to Tech because they know they develop to their full potential…

Cut 11 (11) “…an employer”

Overall enrollment is more than 12-thousand, the highest since 2018.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints will not have their starting center for possibly the next two months Eric McCoy underwent surgery to repair his injured groin and is headed for injured reserve. WWL Radio Saints analyst Mike Detillier says McCoy is the glue of the Saints offensive line…

Cut 17 (12) “…Erick McCoy

Nine players were listed on today’s injury report, including guard Cesar Ruiz, running back Alvin Kamara, linebacker Demario Davis and cornerback Alontae Taylor. Taylor’s absence was due to an illness, while Davis has a hamstring injury and Kamara is bothered by injuries to hips and ribs. New Orleans is at Atlanta on Sunday.

LSU infielder Daniel Dickinson is ranked 12th in the MLB Pipeline Top 20 College Prospects. The transfer from Utah Valley hit .369 over the last two seasons.

Saturday’s LSU-South Alabama game will be a homecoming for Jaguars coach Major Applewhite, who grew up in Baton Rouge and was a star quarterback at Catholic High. But Applewhite is treating his return to the Red Stick as an opportunity to go 3-and-2 on the season…

Cut 19 (22) “….good performance”  

Applewhite is in his first season as head coach of the Jaguars. He was the offensive coordinator for South Alabama in the two previous seasons.

Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Cumbie has yet to decide who will start at quarterback this Saturday in the Conference USA opener against FIU. Evan Bullock replaced starter Jack Turner in the fourth quarter in last Saturday’s overtime loss against Tulsa.

4:30 LRN Newscast

An Arabi man is arrested after he allegedly struck and killed a DOTD worker on I-610 in New Orleans. Investigators say 23-year-old Eric Anthony Jr. was assisting a disabled vehicle yesterday when 26-year-old Oscar Perez-Moran veered onto the shoulder, hitting Anthony and two other vehicles. Trooper Jacob Pucheu (PEE-shoo) says by law, in the event of any crash involving serious injury or death, blood or breath tests are automatically taken…

Cut 10 (08) “…to come back.”

Perez-Morgan has been charged with negligent homicide.

Police in Natchitoches are investigating the deadly shooting of a 17-year-old. Matthew Daniels was shot on July Street; and died at a nearby hospital. Sergeant John Greely says at this point, it’s unclear what led to the shooting.

Cut 13 (07) “…that we have.” 

During an eight-hour period, there were three separate shootings that left one dead.

The state is launching a pilot program next week to introduce people to the state parks. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

130 Entergy Louisiana line workers and support personnel left for Georgia today as they will with power restoration efforts from Hurricane Helene. Dylan Granger is leading a convoy of bucket trucks to the Peach State…

Cut 15 (07) “…lights on”

3:30 LRN Newscast

A DOTD worker assisting a disabled vehicle was struck and killed by a driver who veered off the road on I-610 in New Orleans.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Natchitoches Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old Matthew Daniels, who was shot on July Street late yesterday afternoon. Police Sergeant John Greely says the location of the shooting is one officers know well…

Cut 14 (04) “…in the area”

The investigation is ongoing.

The calendar says fall, but it’s felt more like summer. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim has good news…a cold front is moving through Louisiana, and it’s also pushing Hurricane Helene away from the state and towards Florida.

Cut 7 (09) “…to the bayou.”

But in Florida, thousands are being evacuated as Helene is expected to be a Category Three hurricane when it makes landfall along the Florida panhandle on Thursday night.

Library cardholders in 18 parishes will be able to receive a free day pass to visit a State Park starting in October. State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says when they obtain a park pass at the library branch, they can also check out a backpack for the occasion, containing all the essentials needed when visiting a state park.

Cut 4 (11) “…that Louisiana has.”

For more information go to Check-Out-Louisiana-dot-org.

LRN PM Newscall September 25

The state is launching a pilot program next week to introduce people to the state parks. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________

A DOTD worker assisting a disabled vehicle was struck and killed by a driver who veered off the road on I-610 in New Orleans.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

______________________________________

A new pilot program is set to begin in which library card holders can obtain a free one-day pass to any of Louisiana’s state parks.

Cut 3 (08) “…be return users.”

State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says when they obtain a park pass at the library branch, they can also check out a backpack for the occasion, containing all the essentials needed when visiting a state park.

Cut 4 (11) “…that Louisiana has.”

Placke says the new program launches early next week.

Cut 5 (09) “…rarin’ to go.”

18 out of the 68 library systems are participating in the pilot program, along with the state library in Baton Rouge, with the goal of eventually expanding this statewide. Cardholders can obtain a free one-day park pass once every six months.

____________________________________

At least for the time being, the scorching hot days in Louisiana are coming to an end.

Cut 6 (09)  “…far this season.”

LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the cold front that’s barreling towards Louisiana is also pushing Hurricane Helene away from the state and towards Florida.

Cut 7 (09) “…to the bayou.”

Keim says thanks to this cold front, fans attending Saturday’s LSU game should not have brutally hot temperatures to contend with, unlike last weekend.

Cut 8 (11) “…be about 82.”

And there’s virtually no chance of rain.

____________________________________

An Arabi man is arrested after he allegedly struck and killed a DOTD worker on I-610 West in New Orleans. Investigators say 23-year-old Eric Anthony Jr. was assisting a disabled vehicle yesterday when 26-year-old Oscar Perez-Moran veered onto the shoulder, hitting Anthony and two other vehicles. Trooper Jacob Pucheu (PEE-shoo) says Anthony was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Cut 9 (12)  “…an injury.”

The crash occurred as Anthony, a Motorist Assistance Patrol (MAP) employee, was retrieving equipment to assist a stranded motorist. Perez-Moran was hospitalized and faces charges of negligent homicide and other traffic-related offenses. Pucheu says any serious injury or fatal crash by law blood or breath test are taken…

Cut 10 (08) “…to come back.”

Pucheu urges drivers to follow the state’s “move-over” law, which requires motorists to slow down or change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles.

Cut 11 (11) “…move over.”

Investigators are still determining why Perez-Moran’s vehicle left the road. Routine toxicology tests are pending.

____________________________________

A teenage boy is shot and killed in Natchitoches (NACK-uh-tish). Police Sergeant John Greely says officers were called to July Street on reports of gunshots in the area. But the victim, 17-year-old Matthew Daniels wasn’t there.

Cut 12 (08) “…Regional Medical Center.”

Sergeant Greely says at this point, it’s unclear what led to the shooting.

Cut 13 (07) “…that we have.” 

Greely says the location of where this shooting happened is one that officers have frequented.

Cut 14 (04) “…in the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Natchitoches Police or Crime Stoppers.

____________________________________

Entergy Louisiana is sending 130 lineworkers and support personnel to assist Georgia Power in response to the potential impacts from Hurricane Helene. Entergy Louisiana Lineworker Dylan Granger is leading a convoy of bucket trucks to the Peach State

Cut 15 (07) “…the lights on.”

Granger says the Entergy workers heading to Louisiana  are from across the state, including Lake Charles, Monroe and New Orleans…

Cut 16 (03)   “…what we do.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

A DOTD worker is dead after he was fatally struck by a vehicle while assisting a disabled motorist on Interstate 610 in New Orleans yesterday. 23-year-old Eric Anthony of New Orleans died at a local hospital, and 26-year-old Oscar Perez-Moran of Arabi has been charged with negligent homicide. Trooper Jacob Puche urges drivers to follow the state’s “move-over” law.

Cut 11 (11) “…move over.”

Investigators are still determining why Perez-Moran’s vehicle left the road. Routine toxicology tests are pending.

Entergy Louisiana is sending 130 lineworkers and support personnel to assist Georgia Power in response to the potential impacts from Hurricane Helene. Entergy Louisiana Lineworker Dylan Granger is leading a convoy of bucket trucks to the Peach State…

Cut 15 (07) “…lights on”

The state is launching a pilot program next week to introduce people to the state parks. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A cold front is moving through the state today and it will lower the temperatures and humidity. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the cooler weather should hang around into the weekend, even for Saturday night’s LSU game…

Cut 8 (11) “…be about 82”