LRN PM Newscall September 20

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves teams up with one of his Democratic colleagues to bypass House leadership and force a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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New Orleans hosts the Super Bowl in about four and a half months.  Is the city ready? Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves teams up with one of his Democratic colleagues to bypass Speaker Mike Johnson and force a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act. Congressman Graves says the bill removes the penalty for those who work in the public sector.

Cut 3 (13) “…in public service.”

Graves says the law as originally passed was not intended to penalize public sector workers like police officers or school teachers.

Cut 4 (09) “…been the effect.”

Graves says as a result, public sector workers have seen their Social Security benefits reduced by as much as two-thirds, forcing them to turn to public assistance.

Cut 5 (09) “…make ends meet.”

This is not a controversial bill; Graves says it has 328 co-sponsors – more than enough for the bill to sail through the House. Graves and Virginia Democrat Abigail Spanberger got lawmakers to sign a discharge petition to force a vote on the bill, which should happen sometime in the coming weeks.

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In about four and a half months, the Super Bowl will be coming to New Orleans. Is the city ready? According to Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, not quite.

Cut 6 (11) “…in horrible shape.”

Nungesser said specifically, the streets in the French Quarter need work.

Cut 7 (09) “…the whole street.”

Nungesser said getting the French Quarter ready needs to be the top priority in preparing for the Super Bowl.  

Cut 8 (14)  “…keep it safe.”

Nungesser applauded the city’s efforts to reduce crime, with police officers using technology to take a proactive approach to prevent crimes before they’re committed.

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The University of Louisiana Monroe says fall enrollment is up four-percent over the last year, one of largest increases in the school’s history. Vice President of Enrollment Management Lisa Miller says this is driven by a remarkable 22% jump in first-time freshmen, reflecting strong recruitment efforts.

Cut 9 (10)  “…faculty and staff.”

ULM’s graduate school has also seen its largest enrollment ever, with a 9% rise compared to last year.  Another notable growth area, Miller says is in international freshmen student enrollment, with a 110% increase in freshman students from abroad, more than doubling the last count.

Cut 10 (07) “…need for diversity.”

Miller emphasized this past year was the first since Covid-19 the university was able to get back to recruitment, and ULM has been working to rebound from the decreased enrollment that the pandemic caused.

Cut 11 (12) “…on our campus.”

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Saturday is another big day of college football in Louisiana. It starts at 11 AM in Lafayette as the Ragin Cajuns host Tulane. It’s the first time the two schools have met on the Gridiron since 2018 and the Green Wave have won the last two matchups. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo)…

Cut 12 (13) “…we want to be.”

At 2:45, LSU will host UCLA for the first time in football. The 16th ranked Tigers are 2-and-1 and Coach Brian Kelly is looking for a more consistent effort…

Cut 13 (14) “…every single play.” 

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Saints Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak is quickly becoming the toast of the town, with his team putting up 91 points over their first two games. The first team offense scored on 15 consecutive drives to start the season. Kubiak knows, however, that this is not a spring – this is a marathon.

Cut 14 (11) “…I’m not satisfied.”

This week, the Saints face a mobile quarterback in Jalen Hurts as they host the Eagles. The task of stopping him and the entire run game will fall on the shoulders of the defensive line, including Defensive End Chase Young.

Cut 15 (10) “…(unintelligible).”

Kickoff at the Superdome is noon Sunday.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Over the last two years, New Orleans has seen a steady drop in crime. Rafael Goyeneche (goy-eh-NECH-ee), the president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, which has been tracking crime trends in the city on a weekly basis, says police are taking a more proactive approach when conducting operations like traffic stops and drug busts.

Cut 29 (11) “…non-fatal shootings.”

Goyeneche says as a result, officers are preventing crimes before they’re committed.

In February, New Orleans will host the Super Bowl. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says more work needs to be done to welcome the thousands of visitors….

Cut 6 (11) “….in horrible shape”

Nungesser says a successful Super Bowl serves as free advertising for other big events.

ULM says enrollment is up four percent over last Fall as first-time freshman enrollment increased 22-percent and international freshman enrollment more than doubled with a 110-percent increase…

Cut 10 (07) “…need for diversity”

That’s Vice President of Enrollment Management Lisa Miller who says the ULM Graduate School is boasting its largest-ever enrollment.

The ULM football team will visit the top ranked team in the country tomorrow night as the Warhawks visit Texas. Meanwhile in Lafayette, the Ragin Cajuns host Tulane. It’s the first time the two schools have met on the Gridiron since 2018 and the Green Wave have won the last two matchups. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo)…

Cut 12 (13) “…we want to be.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves and his Democratic colleague from Virginia Abigail Spanberger have secured enough votes to bring a bill to the House floor that would change a decades old law that calls for millions of police officers, firefighters, teachers and government officials to receive reduced Social Security benefits…

Cut 4 (09) “…been the effect”

Graves is hopeful a vote will take place in November.

The University of Louisiana Monroe says fall enrollment is up four-percent over the last year, one of largest increases in the school’s history. Vice President of Enrollment Management Lisa Miller says this is driven by a remarkable 22% jump in first-time freshmen, reflecting strong recruitment efforts.

Cut 9 (10) “…faculty and staff”

ULM’s graduate school has also seen its largest enrollment ever,

Deer hunting season begins tomorrow with the opening of archery season in Deer Areas 3, 7, 8 and 10, in southwest Louisiana. Johnathan Bordelon, the deer program manager for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says archery season is very popular.

Cut 14 (04) “…each year statewide.”

Bordelon says last year was the highest reported harvest since tagging started in 2008, and he expects this year to be at least just as big.

LSU is a 24.5 point favorite heading into Saturday’s matchup against UCLA. Tigers receiver CJ Daniels says getting off to a fast start will be a key…

Cut 20 (11) “…this weekend”

The Ragin Cajuns host Tulane at 11 AM, Louisiana Tech hosts Tulsa tomorrow night.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The LSU Tigers are 24.5 point favorites to beat UCLA on Saturday. The Bruins are off to a tough start under first year coach Deshaun Foster. UCLA struggled to beat Hawaii and then they got rolled by Indiana. Coach Brian Kelly expects the Bruins will be motivated a group when they enter Tiger Stadium tomorrow afternoon…

Cut 19 (12) “….football team”  

Kick off is at 2:30 and it’s expected to be hot with high temperatures in the mid-90s.

The Saints are looking to go 3-and-0 for the first time since 2013 when they host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at noon. Philadelphia is 1-and-1 and coming off a tough loss to the Falcons. New Orleans defense will look to contain Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who rushed for three touchdowns the last time they faced Hurts in 2021.

Louisiana Tech will host Tulsa on Saturday night. The Bulldogs are looking to rebound from a loss to North Carolina State last Saturday, while the Golden Hurricanes are coming off back to back losses to Arkansas State and Oklahoma State. Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie expects a highly competitive game..

Cut 16 (12)   “…football games”

ULM is a 44.5 point underdog on Saturday night as they will visit top ranked Texas. The Warhawks are 2-and-0 and Coach Bryant Vincent says a lot can be gained by playing the Longhorns in Austin…

Cut 18 (18)  “…Sun Belt.”

And Southeastern Louisiana is also playing a number one ranked team as the Lions host top top ranked team in the F-C-S South Dakota State for a 6 PM kick.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves teams up with one of his Democratic colleagues to bypass House leadership and force a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Today is the final day for homeowners in the state’s coastal zone to put their name into a lottery that could result in upwards of a 10-thousand grant to pay for a fortified roof. The Louisiana Department of Insurance is planning to choose 300 recipients next week.

 

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is promoting its “Lights Out Louisiana” campaign, encouraging homeowners and businesses to turn off or dim external and internal lights from 11 PM to 6 AM until November 1st so that millions of birds can successfully migrate south. L-W-F spokesperson Jimmy Frederick says this simple measure can reduce bird fatalities…

Cut 6 (09) “….makes a big difference”

During the 2023 fall migration, an estimated 500 million birds migrated through Louisiana.

Hurricane Ida made landfall in southeast Louisiana three years ago and Joseph Wendy Roth have been living in a travel trailer since, but today, they move into a new home, built and paid for by Team Rubicon, a veteran led nonprofit organization. Brian Andrus is with Team Rubicon says their mission is not just about the home, they work with families on resiliency…

Cut 11 (09) “…process is completed”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Over the last two years, New Orleans has seen a significant drop in crime.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

 

According to WalletHub, Louisiana ranks seventh in the country for the highest levels of financial distress. WalletHub looked at nine different metrics, including credit score. Louisiana has the second lowest average score of 677 and Louisiana has the highest percentage of residents with accounts in distress.

 

After establishing nesting grounds in Canada and in the northern United States, hundreds of millions of birds are now migrating south. The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is asking the public to reduce what they call light pollution to make sure these birds reach their destination safely….

Cut 4 (12) “…November first”

L-W-F spokesperson Jimmy Frederick says city lights can misguide birds, diverting them off course with often dire consequences.

 

Team Rubicon, a Veteran-led organization welcomes the Roth family to a newly rebuilt home today. The Roth’s have been living in a trailer in Jean Lafitte since Hurricane Ida destroyed their previous home. This is the 13th home rebuilt by Team Rubicon since Hurricanes Laura and Ida and Brian Andrus…

Cut 12 (08) “….is out here”

You can donate to Team Rubicon by visiting T-R-U-S-A dot org.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Data from the New Orleans Police Department shows homicides in the Crescent City are down 48-percent this year from 2022, carjackings are down 68-percent, armed robberies have declined 55-percent and juvenile murders have dropped 71-percent. President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission Rafael Goyeneche credits a more proactive approach by police officers when conducting traffic stops or performing drug busts…

Cut 9 (16) “…felony arrests”

It’s been 18 days since the last murder in New Orleans, crime experts say it’s the longest stint in years.

The National Hurricane Center says there’s still a medium chance a tropical depression will form in either the Northwestern Caribbean Sea or the southern Gulf of Mexico. Formation is not expected until next week.

“Lights Out Louisiana” encourages the public to turn off lights between 11 P-M and 6 A-M, particularly high-rise buildings and structures near wetlands where birds congregate.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Tomorrow marks the start of deer hunting season as the archery season gets underway in Areas 3, 7, 8 and 10, which covers southwest Louisiana. LDWF deer program manager Johnathan Bordelon says last year was the highest reported harvest since tagging started in 2008, and this year should be just as big.

Cut 15 (09) “…the previous year.”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Over the last two years, New Orleans has seen a steady drop in crime. Rafael Goyeneche (goy-eh-NECH-ee), the president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, which has been tracking crime trends in the city on a weekly basis, says the drop is very significant.

Cut 7 (11) “…crime as well.”

Goyeneche says police are taking a more proactive approach when conducting traffic stops and performing drug busts.

 Deer hunting season begins tomorrow with the opening of archery season in Deer Areas 3, 7, 8 and 10, in southwest Louisiana. Johnathan Bordelon, the deer program manager for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says archery season is the longest of all hunting seasons.

Cut 13 (08)  “…in the state.”

 Thanks to Team Rubicon, a Jean Lafitte family is moving back home today. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

 Today is the final day for homeowners in the state’s coastal zone to put their name into a lottery that could result in upwards of a 10-thousand grant to pay for a fortified roof. The Louisiana Department of Insurance is planning to choose 300 recipients next week and put another 200 on a waiting list. Go to the Department of Insurance’s website for more information.

6:45 LRN Sportscast September 20

LSU is a 22.5 point favorite heading into Saturday’s matchup against UCLA. Tigers receiver CJ Daniels says getting off to a fast start will be a key…

Cut 20 (11) “…this weekend”

LSU receiver Chris Hilton is expected to make his season debut tomorrow. He missed the first three games with a bone bruise and his speed could open up the deep passing game.

Louisiana Tech will host Tulsa on Saturday night. The Bulldogs are looking to rebound from a loss to North Carolina State, while the Golden Hurricanes are coming off back to back losses to Arkansas State and Oklahoma State. Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie expects a highly competitive game..

Cut 16 (12)   “…football games”

Kick off is at 6 PM.

The Saints Taysom Hill returned to practice for the Black and Gold yesterday after missing Wednesday’s practice with a chest injury. New Orleans will host Philadelphia on Sunday. Eagles receiver A-J Brown is expected to miss the game with a hamstring and former Saints and safety C-J Garner Johnson did not practice because of a foot injury.

Big night of high school football tonight…in north Louisiana the marquee matchup is Homer at Haynesville, Alexandria Senior High hosts Destrehan and Acadiana takes on St. Thomas More in Lafayette.

Tomorrow marks the start of deer hunting season as the archery season gets underway in Areas 3, 7, 8 and 10 in southwest Louisiana. LDWF deer program manager Johnathan Bordelon says last year was the highest reported harvest since tagging started in 2008, and he expects this year to be at least just as big.

Cut 15 (09) “…the previous year.”

6:30 LRN Newscast

Over the last two years, New Orleans has seen a significant drop in crime. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Iberville Parish Sheriff deputies have arrested three people involved in an alleged murder-for-hire scheme. Sheriff Brett Stassi says 65-year-old Herman Harris was found dead in his home in late August and it appears it was his employers who plotted to kill him. Siblings, 44-year-old Rilonda Brooks and 40-year-old David Brooks of Maringouin have been charged with murder and so has 25 year-old of Johnnie Hicks of Vicksburg, Mississippi, the alleged triggerman.

Thanks to the Veteran-led organization, Team Rubicon, the big move-in day is here for the Roth family who have been living in a trailer in Jean Lafitte since Hurricane Ida destroyed their home. The Roth’s were unable to get help through FEMA or SBA loans. Brian Andrus with Team Rubicon says they look to help people who are left behind.

Cut 10 (09) “…active as well.”

Team Rubicon rebuilt the Roth’s home at no cost to them or the public.

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is asking the public to turn off or dim external and internal lights from 11 PM to 6 AM until November first as the fall bird migration is in full swing. L-W-F spokesperson Jimmy Frederick says dimming or turning off unnecessary lights will help birds stay on track and keep birds from crashing into buildings…

Cut 5 (10) “…money”