6:30 LRN Newscast

In a report to state lawmakers, the Legislative Auditor’s Office says Louisiana needs to consider higher road usage fees if it wants to stay ahead of the rising cost of maintaining roads and bridges. Performance Audit Manager Gina Brown says the state could lose well over $500-million in road use fees and gasoline taxes for roads over the next ten years…:
Cut 7 (13) “…are using less gas.”

In Lake Charles, Judge Clayton Davis formally sentenced Kevin Daigle to death for the 2015 fatal shooting of Louisiana State Police trooper Steven Vincent. Vincent encountered what he thought was a stranded motorist on a rural road when Daigle fatally shot him in the face.
Cut 13 (11) “…system prevails.”

A Zachary man is behind bars and faces second-degree battery and hit-and-run charges after the severe beating of a 59-year-old in Ascension Parish Sunday night. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Baton Rouge police say nine people were shot this morning at a fraternity house on Southern University’s campus. Officers arrived at the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity on Harding Boulevard around two A-M this morning. Seven individuals were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There have been no reports of any arrests.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints quarterback Andy Dalton threw for 361 yards and four touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions as New Orleans lost at Arizona 42-34 last night. Dalton’s first interception was picked off in the end zone and then with less than two minutes to go in the first half, Dalton threw two INTs that were returned for touchdowns.

The Black and Gold trailed 28-14 at halftime and never recovered. The loss drops New Orleans record to 2-and-5 but Coach Dennis Allen is not giving up on the season….
cut 21 (12) “…things around”
The Saints will look to turn the season around on October 30th at home against the Raiders.

Former LSU star Alex Bregman hit a three run homer in the third inning and the Astros held on for a 3-2 win over the Yankess to win the first two games of the American League Championship Series.

LSU will host seventh-ranked Ole Miss for a chance to take control of the SEC West tomorrow. The Tigers suffered a 40-13 loss to eighth-ranked Tennessee in Tiger stadium just two weeks ago, but wide receiver Kayshon Boutte says the team needs to learn from their last game and take advantage of the opportunity…
Cut 16 (09) “…weeks ago.”
Kick-off is at 2:30.

Louisiana Tech looks to bounce back from a 47-27 defeat at the hands of North Texas last weekend in which they allowed 475 rushing yards to the Mean Green. They’ll host the 3-3 Rice Owls in what Head Coach Sonny Cumbie described as an important opportunity for the Bulldogs…
Cut 19 (13) “…at home”
Kick off is at 2 PM.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are set to play the Cardinals tonight in Glendale, Arizona at 7:15. Both teams are two and four and the Cardinals have lost eight straight home games. Arizona is looking for better play out of quarterback Kyler Murray, who has thrown just six touchdown passes this season. He also leads the team in rushing yards. Saints defensive end Cam Jordan…
cut 22 (22) “…rushing against”
The Cardinals offense should get a boost from the return of star receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins was suspended the first six games of the season for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Kick-off is at 7:15.

Zion Williamson had an impressive return to the NBA last night as the Pelicans star scored 25 points in New Orleans 130-to-108 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Williamson scored most of his points inside the paint and also had nine rebounds. The former number one pick says he was encouraged to score as often as he could…
Cut 14 (11) “…stay high”
The Pelicans are at Charlotte Friday night.

Saturday at 2:30, LSU hosts seventh ranked Ole Miss. Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin knows getting a win in Tiger Stadium will be difficult…
cut 18 (12) “…as you go”
The Bayou Bengals have won six straight over Ole Miss in Tiger Stadium. 2008 was the last time the Rebs won in B-R.

LRN PM Newscall October 20

If you haven’t claimed your Child Tax Credit from the American Rescue Plan that provided up to $3,600 per child for the 2021 tax year you need to do so. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

Zion Williamson’s long-waited return to the NBA went very well as the Pelicans star scored 25 points in his first game in 17 months. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Another name has surfaced as a possible candidate for governor next year and it’s Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson. Jeremy Alford at La-Politics-dot-com was the first to report and we asked Wilson his thoughts about whether he’ll look to replace his current boss, Governor John Bel Edwards

Cut 3 (06) “…be a candidate” 

The La-politics-dot-com report says Wilson could be the Democrats best chance at winning the 2023 governor’s race. Wilson says he’s not close to making a decision, but he is considering a possible run at governor…

Cut 4 (11) “..those options” 

Wilson lives in Lafayette and has served as the state’s Transportation Secretary since Governor Edwards took office in January 2016. Wilson says he still has a lot of work to do as the DOTD Secretary and he’s proud of the work the Edwards administration has accomplished…

Cut 5 (07) “..to come.” 

The only announced candidates for the 2023 governor’s race are Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry and personal-injury attorney Hunter Lundy of Lake Charles, who plans to run as an Independent.

___________________________________________________

If you haven’t claimed your Child Tax Credit from the American Rescue Plan that provided up to $3,600 per child for the 2021 tax year, a deadline is approaching.  Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moeller says the November 15th deadline applies to a quick filing tool at GetCTC-dot-org.

Cut 6 (08)  “…takes 15 minutes.” 

Moeller says in response to the pandemic Congress enacted the one-time increase in the Child Tax Credit and it grew from $25-hundred per child to $3,000 or $36-hundred depending on the child’s age. And what’s also important about the 2021 Child Tax Credit is that it’s fully refundable.

Cut 7 (08) “…in 2021.”

The 2021 tax year CTC is $3,600 for children under the age of six and it is $3,000 for ages six to 17. And while the CTC has been around for some time, Moeller says most years you have to earn a certain amount to claim it, but for 2021…

Cut 8 (11)  “…very long.”

He says the process is also rather simple, that website is GetCTC-dot-org.

__________________________________________

Two Louisiana companies have been awarded $320 million in US Department of Energy funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Governor Edwards says Syrah Technologies in Vidalia will receive $220 million to expand production to manufacture components for batteries to power electric vehicles. He says the expansion means more jobs also.

Cut 9 (08)  “…the country”

And Edwards says $100 million has been awarded to Koura to build the first US plant to manufacture lithium hexaflouridephosphate in St. Gabriel.

Cut 10 (09) “…is very important.” 

Syrah’s Vidalia facility will be the only vertically integrated and large-scale graphite Active Anode Material plant outside of China and the Koura plant in St. Gabriel will be the first US plant to assist in the lithium-ion battery shortage also. Edwards says the pandemic reminded us how dependent we are on other countries.

Cut 11 (08)  “…as possible.”

Edwards says it’s a positive step towards clean energy and the expansions in Louisiana will help manufacture one million electric vehicles annually.

___________________________________

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson had an impressive return to the NBA last night as he scored 25 points in his first game in 17 months as New Orleans defeated Brooklyn 130 to 108 to tip off a new season. Williamson says it was a decent performance.

Cut 12 (13) “…excited to grow.”

Williamson missed all of last season with a foot injury that would not heal. Zion showed up for training camp this year in excellent shape and is glad to be playing the game he loves so much…

Cut 13 (12) “..everyday with it” 

Williamson scored most of his points inside the paint and also had nine rebounds. The former first round pick says he was encouraged to score as often as he could…

Cut 14 (11)  “…stay high” 

The Pelicans next game is tomorrow night in Charlotte.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Andy Dalton is expected to start at quarterback tonight when the Saints face the Arizona Cardinals. Dalton and his teammates didn’t have much time prepare for this game following their loss to Cincinnati on Sunday…
cut 15 (10) “….ready to go”
But wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Michael Thomas are not ready to go as they will miss their third straight game due to injuries.

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson had an impressive return to the NBA last night as he scored 25 points in his first game in 17 months as New Orleans defeated Brooklyn 130 to 108 to tip off a new season. Williamson says it was a decent performance…
cut 12 (13) “…excited to grow”
The Pels are at Charlotte on Friday.

The LSU Tigers are preparing for their matchup with undefeated and seventh ranked Ole Miss. Coach Brian Kelly says Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart is your classic dual threat Q-B…
cut 19 (18) “…throw it”
Dart threw for 130 yards and three touchdowns in the 48-34 win over Auburn on Saturday. And he rushed for 115 yards on 14 carries.

11:30 LRN Newscast

A study shows the fatality rate on rural roads, in addition to deteriorating rural roads and bridges, is significant. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Also, Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says he’s looking at possibly making a run for governor next year. The Lafayette residents he’s proud of the work he’s been able to accomplish with the governor since 2016….
cut 5 (07) “…to come”

A video from the January 6th Capitol riot that shows District 1 Congressman and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise standing feet away from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is making partisan buzz. Scalise has been vocal in thinking Pelosi didn’t take enough action to quell the riot before it went too far. Political analyst Roy Fletcher says Scalise’s presence on that video signifies little…
Cut 11 (07) “…affect the election.”
Fletcher says the video turning up now is an attempt to cast doubt on a Republican House member right before the mid-term election.

The Saints are in Arizona tonight to face the Cardinals in a match-up of two teams with identical records at two and four. The Black and Gold only had a few days to prepare for this game as coach Dennis Allen says practices this week have been mostly walk-throughs…
Cut 14 (11) “…being prepared.”
The Saints have ruled out the following players for tonight’s game, wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Michael Thomas, plus tight end Adam Trautman, offensive guard Andrus Peat and cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Another name has surfaced as a possible candidate for governor next year and it’s Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson. Jeremy Alford at La-Politics-dot-com was the first to report and we asked Wilson his thoughts about whether he’ll look to replace his current boss, Governor John Bel Edwards…
cut 3 (06) “…be a candidate”
The La-politics-dot-com report says Wilson could be the Democrats best chance at winning the 2023 governor’s race.

Some are calling Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise a hypocrite for blaming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for not doing more to protect the Capitol police officers and the Capitol when the building was stormed by pro-Trump supporters on January 6, 2021. Video has surfaced that shows Scalise was with Pelosi as she was trying to mobilize National Guard troops. Political consultant Roy Fletcher is not sure what to make of this story…
cut 12 (11) “…his problem

A new report released by TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit says 15-percent of rural roads are in poor condition and 14-percent of rural bridges are poor or structurally deficient. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says we didn’t get in this position overnight and it won’t get fixed overnight but federal infrastructure funds along with more state funds should help.
Cut 7 (10) “…desire to have.”
Wilson says if projects proceed as planned, we should see an improvement in rural roadways in the next five years.

Andy Dalton is expected to start at quarterback tonight when the Saints face the Arizona Cardinals. Dalton and his teammates didn’t have much time prepare for this game following their loss to Cincinnati on Sunday…
cut 15 (10) “….ready to go”
Kick-off is at 7:15.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Video of District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise near House Speaker Pelosi during the January 6th riot is being used by some as evidence he is a hypocrite. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice says it has moved eight juvenile inmates to a new Youth facility at the state penitentiary at Angola. Four of the inmates are from the Swanson Center for Youth in Monroe and the other four are from a juvenile facility in St. Martinville. Ten youth offenders from the Bridge City Center in Jefferson Parish were sent to Swanson.

A new report from the National Transportation Research Group known as Trip says 14-percent of rural bridges in the Bayou State are structurally deficient. Carolyn Kelly is with the non-profit group…
cut 6 (09) “…poor condition”
Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the state has made plans to repair anywhere from 200 to 300 rural bridges over the next five years.

Governor John Bel Edwards is encouraging Louisianans who have college loan debt to take advantage of the federal government’s student loan debt relief program. Edwards says the White House estimates that more than 600-thousand Louisianans are eligible for relief, including more than 400-thousand, who are eligible for 20-thousand dollars in loan forgiveness…
cut 10 (10) “…the program”
The website to apply is student-aid-dot-gov.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Video has surfaced showing Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise feet away from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as she was trying to get the national guard to the nation’s capitol as it was stormed by pro-Trump supporters on January sixth. Scalise has criticized Pelosi for not doing more to prevent the riot. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says January 6th 2021 was a regrettable event in which people died, and shouldn’t be used to score political points…:
Cut 13 (09) “…the blame on anybody.”
Scalise’s office issued a statement saying he was speaking of Pelosi’s inaction leading up to the riot.

Governor Edwards is encouraging Louisiana residents who have federal college loan debt to see if they are eligible for relief by going to student-aid-dov. Edwards says the White House estimates that more than 600-thousand Louisianans are eligible for relief…
cut 9 (06) “…debt payments”

According to the National Transportation Research Group also known as TRIP, rural roads and bridges in Louisiana have significant deficiencies and the fatality rate on those roads is alarming. TRIP Spokesperson Carolyn Kelly says you’re more likely to get killed in a crash on a rural road in Louisiana versus the interstate.
Cut 4 (06) “…in the state.”
Kelly says their report indicated that 14 percent of rural bridges in the Bayou State are structurally deficient.

DOTD secretary Shawn Wilson says among the state’s most severely impacted bridges the state is planning to repair anywhere from 200 to 300 of those bridges over the next five years.
Cut 5 (07) “…state has.”

It was a successful return for Zion Williamson last night. After not playing in a game in 17 months, Zion had 25 points in a 130 to 108 win for the Pelicans against the Nets at Barclays Center.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are in Arizona tonight to face the Cardinals in a match-up of two teams with identical records at two and four. The Black and Gold only had a few days to prepare for this game as coach Dennis Allen says practices this week have been mostly walk-throughs…
Cut 14 (11) “…being prepared.”
The Saints have ruled out the following players for tonight’s game, wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Michael Thomas, plus tight end Adam Trautman, offensive guard Andrus Peat and cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

Andy Dalton is expected to make his fourth straight start at quarterback as Jameis Winston is still not fully healthy from back and ankle injuries.

LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly says wide receiver Jack Bech is practicing this week after leaving the Florida game with a back injury. Running back Armoni Goodwin is also practicing and could play this Saturday against Ole Miss.

Zion Williamson’s return to the court was a big success last night in Brooklyn as New Orleans won their season opener, cutting down the Nets 130 to 108 at the Barclays Center. In his first game in more than 17 months, Williamson had 25 points….
cut 21 (06) “…breath of fresh air”
The Pels put this game out of reach in the third quarter when they outscored Brooklyn 40-28. New Orleans will look to start to 2-0 for the first time since 2018 when they visit Charlotte on Friday night.

LSU men’s basketball is picked to finish eighth in the SEC Men’s preseason poll which was released by the conference yesterday.

Former LSU star Aaron Nola gave up six runs in 4.2 innings and suffered the loss as the Padres erupted for five runs in the fifth inning to beat the Phillies eight to five. The win for San Diego evens the N-L-C-S at one game a piece. Austin Nola had an RBI single off his little brother in that five run fifth.