1:30 LRN Newscast

In his first TV campaign ad, Democrat Luke Mixon addresses the abortion issue. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Lucille Fremin Babineaux, the mother of former Governor Kathleen Blanco has died at the age of 102. Babineaux was born in 1919 in New Iberia and had seven children of her own. She was the matriarch of a family of 105 and was with her daughter Kathleen Blanco every day when she got sick and died in 2019.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a tropical wave that’s moving towards the Caribbean and a tropical depression is likely to form within the next few days. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s very early, but forecast models show this potential storm getting into the Gulf of Mexico…
cut 9 (09) “…stout storm”
Keim says it’s too soon to panic, but not too soon to prepare.

Senator Bill Cassidy says a new report shows the veteran suicide rate fell nearly 10-percent from 2018 to 2020. Cassidy says veteran suicide is still too high, but they are making progress. Cassidy says the Senate recently passed his Solid Start Act strengthens a V-A program that regularly contacts new veterans…
cut 12 (08) “….civilian life”
Cassidy says most suicices among veterans occurs within six months after getting out fo the service.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Luke Mixon releases his first TV ad for U.S Senate. In it, the pro-life Democrat says he supports codifying Roe v. Wade because Republican-backed abortion bans force rape victims to give birth. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the message is a political risk in such a conservative state.
Cut 3 (08) “…more difficult.”
Mixon also talks about fighting extremism in the ad.

Have you wondered what are the top three most popular colors for vehicles. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux has the answer based on registration data of cars and trucks…
cut 15 (04) “…number three”
The least popular colors are Teal, Camouflage, and Taupe. The Honda Accord is the most popular vehicle owned.

The second round of funding for the Louisiana Loggers Relief Program are open for applications. Treasurer John Schroder, who’s overseeing the implementation of $5-million, says it’s intended to alleviate the economic strain for loggers caused by the pandemic.
Cut 10 (06) “…financial relief.”
Visit LAtreasury.com for more information or to apply. He says funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. National experts on the subject are sounding the alarm. Amy Wimpley Knight is president of the Children’s Hospital Association. She says the most recent numbers show a 31 percent increase in hospital admissions for children and teens—AND a frightening increase in suicide rates.
Cut 6 (07) “…alarming statistic.”
Knight says research shows that half of mental health conditions begin before the age of 14 and go unaddressed for 11 years or more.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

After beating Mississippi State 31-16, LSU now gets ready to host New Mexico to complete a three-game homestand. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly wants to see his team build on what they accomplished in the SEC opener
Cut 16 (19) “…they prepare.”
Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has yet to become a real factor this season. Through three games, the pre-season all-American has ten catches for 93 yards and zero touchdowns. Kelly on getting Boutte more involved…
Cut 18 (11)“…skill set.”

The NFL has suspended Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans for one game after his fight with Saints cornerback Marcus Lattimore. Lattimore will not be suspended but could be fined. It’s second time Evans has been suspended for one game, because of an altercation with Lattimore.

The Saints defense did all they could to keep New Orleans in that game against Tampa Bay on Sunday as the offense struggled to score ten points. But the Black and Gold defense could not put pressure on Quarterback Tom Brady and through two games, the Saints defense has just one sack. Coach Dennis Allen is not worried…
cut 20 (15) “…of the year”
Up next for New Orleans it’s the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers are 0-2 under new quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has just two touchdowns on the season. Kick-off is at noon.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has been suspended for one-game for his role in the fight that occurred during the Saints loss to Tampa Bay. Evans ran from the sidelines and shoved cornerback Marcus Lattimore down to the ground and Lattimore responded, but he will not be suspended. Saints Coach Dennis Allen says Lattimore has to be mindful of players who like to instigate altercations…
cut 19 (15) “….retaliation deal”

Starting at 10 AM, loggers can apply for a second round of funding through the Louisiana Loggers Relief Grant Program. It will assist the logging industry who faced economic strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. State Treasurer John Schroder says loggers can apply at La-treasury-dot-com…
cut 12 (10) “…assist them”

The state department of education has recognized the Lafourche Parish school system for its perseverance through Hurricane Ida…
cut 2 (31) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has provided us with the most popular vehicles in Louisiana. O-M-V’s Matthew Boudreaux has the top three….
cut 13 (09) “….Nissan Altima”
The most popular colors are white, black and silver.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Heads up for those in the logging industry, the second round of grants opens up for applications today through the state treasurer’s office.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Since 2003, the state department of transportation has constructed 174 roundabouts and DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says there’s usually pushback by some, but most drivers like them…
cut 28 (08) “…in the area”

The Alexandria International Airport has received a one-point-four million dollar federal check as a result of the federal infrastructure law. Deputy Director for Aviation at A-E-X, Scott Gammel, says he has runways and infrastructure nearly eight decades old, and in need of updating. He’s grateful for the federal assistance…
cut 6 (07) “….here at the airport”
Senator Bill Cassidy says more federal funds should flow to Alexandria Airport over the next five years.

Have you wondered what are the top three most popular colors for vehicles. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux has the answer based on registration data of cars and trucks…
cut 15 (04) “…number three”
The least popular colors are Teal, Camouflage, and Taupe. The Honda Accord is the most popular vehicle owned.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy announces a big federal Infrastructure Law grant for Alexandria International Airport. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Lucille Fremin Babineaux, the mother of former Governor Kathleen Blanco has died at the age of 102. Babineaux was born in 1919 in New Iberia and had seven children of her own as she ran the Home Rug Cleaning and Floor Company in Coteau. She was the matriarch of a family of 105 and was with her daughter Kathleen Blanco every day when she got sick and died in 2019.

Lafourche Parish was one of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Ida, yet their students did so well academically after the hurricane that the state’s education superintendent personally delivered a top honor to them. Cade Brumley awarded the Lafourche Parish School District its Models of Excellence award…
Cut 7 (08) “…of Louisiana.”
Brumley says Lafourche’s four-point LEAP score increase tied for the largest improvement in Louisiana.

According to the State Office of Motor Vehicles, the Honda Accord is the most popular car owned in Louisiana, followed by a Toyota Camry and then a Nissan Altima. O-M-V spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says the top three most popular pick-up trucks registered in Louisiana are Ford, Chevy, and GMC.
cut 14 (10) “…F-150”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The NFL has suspended Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans for one game after his fight with Saints cornerback Marcus Lattimore. Lattimore will not be suspended but could be fined. It’s second time Evans has been suspended for one game, because of an altercation with Lattimore.

The Saints defense did all they could to keep New Orleans in that game against Tampa Bay on Sunday as the offense struggled to score ten points. But the Black and Gold defense could not put pressure on Quarterback Tom Brady and through two games, the Saints defense has just one sack. Coach Dennis Allen is not worried…
cut 20 (15) “…of the year”
Up next for New Orleans it’s the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers are 0-2 under new quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has just two touchdowns on the season. Kick-off is at noon.

LSU would like to get off to a faster start offensively. Slow starts against Florida State and Mississippi State forced the Tigers to rally back from double digit deficits. Getting wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is also a priority. Through three games, the pre-season all-American has ten catches for 93 yards and zero touchdowns. Coach Brian Kelly says the coaches and Boutte have to do more for him to be the playmaker he can be…
Cut 18 (15)“…skill set.”
LSU hosts New Mexico State at 6:30 this Saturday. The Auburn game on October 1st will kick off at 6 PM.

Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux says he’ll continue to use the same rotation at quarterback for this Saturday’s Sun Belt opener at ULM. Chandler Fields and Ben Wooldridge combined to threw for 102 yards in a loss to Rice on Saturday. Fields is the starter and Wooldrige is playing every third series series or so.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Alexandria International Airport has received a chunk of federal Infrastructure Law money for needed updates at the facility. Scott Gammel is Deputy Director for Aviation at AEX. He says the $1.6-million grant comes right behind another $1.4-million federal check…to be used for needed runway rehabilitation and more…:
Cut 4 (07) “…good condition.”

If you’re stuck in traffic, and you look around most likely you’ll see a similar vehicle to your own or at least the same color. So, if you’ve ever wondered what the top three most registered cars are in Louisiana, Office of Motor Vehicles spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux has the results.
Cut 13 (09) “…Nissan Altima.”
Boudreaux says the top three most popular pick-up trucks registered in Louisiana are Ford, Chevy, and GMC.

State Treasurer John Schroder launches a second round of the Louisiana Loggers Relief Grant Program. It’s designed to alleviate the economic strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Logging companies that previously received the maximum $25,000 amount from the original Loggers Relief program are not eligible. But Schroder says those who were previously denied may be eligible for this round of funding.
Cut 11 (10) “…across the state.”
The online application process opens at 10 a.m. at LAtreasury.com.

The state department of education names Lafourche Parish School district a model of excellence for its innovative science program and its perseverance through Hurricane Ida. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says Superintendent Jarod Martin and his team displayed an unwavering commitment to student success, no matter the challenge…
Cut 8 (09) “…able to do.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The NFL has suspended Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans for one game for shoving Saints corner Marshon Lattimore down to the ground during yesterday’s 20-10 victory for Tampa Bay. This is not the first incident between Evans and Lattimore. In 2017, Evans was suspended for one game for coming onto the field and shoving Lattimore in the back. Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas says Evans’ antics are tiring….
cut 10 (08) “…getting old”
Five turnovers were the downfall for the Black and Gold in the loss to the Bucs. Quarterback Jameis Winston was sacked six times and he threw three interceptions in the final 12 minuts as the Buccaneers scored 17 points in the fourth quarter…
Cut 16 (15) “..positives there”
New Orleans is at Carolina this Sunday.

The LSU Tigers won their SEC opener on Saturday night, scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter to rally back from a 13-point deficit to beat Mississippi State 31-16. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly likes the grit his team showed…
Cut 18 (18)“…football team.”
LSU safety Jay Ward is this week’s SEC Defensive Player of the week while BJ Ojulari is the SEC Defensive Lineman of the week. Ward had a career-high 11 tackles and an interception against the Bulldogs, while Ojulari had four tackles and a sack and a half.

Baseball America has ranked LSU’s recruiting class number one in the nation. The Tigers have six players in Baseball America’s Top 500,,,,pitcher Jaden Noot, catcher Brady Neal, pitcher Chase Shores, catcher Jared Jones, pitcher Aiden Moffett and catcher Ethan Frey.

LRN PM Newscall September 19

Experts say the pandemic is far from over in nursing homes nationwide, including in Louisiana. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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Roundabouts, you either love them or hate them, but DOTD says once you’re used to them chances are you’ll appreciate them. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

If you have a loved one in a nursing home, this information should concern you. New data from the AARP shows that COVID-19 still has a deadly grip on the nation’s nursing homes. Deaths and cases from residents and staff nationwide have risen for the fourth consecutive month.

Andrew Muhl is director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana.

Cut 3 (06) “…several weeks.” 

Muhl says during a four-week stretch over July and August, 46 Louisiana nursing home patients died from COVID after only recording five deaths during the previous four weeks.

The AARP is urging those with loved ones in nursing homes to contact the facilities’ staff and ask key questions about COVID in that home.

Cut 4 (10) “…COVID-19.” 

Muhl says that information should be communicated to their residents’ loved ones on a regular basis. And while experts say the pandemic has receded in most of the population, Muhl says it’s a different world inside nursing homes.

Cut 5 (09) “…general public.” 

Muhl says the rates of resident and staff cases have increased nine-fold nationwide over the last four months. He says he is concerned about high staff turnover and possible shortages of staff.

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When Louisiana roadways begin to experience significant congestion among the options to keep the flow of traffic continuous is a roundabout. While roundabouts are the norm in Europe and New England, DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they are a successful alternative here also, even though there’s usually resistance at first.

Cut 6 (08)  “…want more.” 

Since 2003, 174 roundabouts have been constructed in Louisiana.

Mallett says according to a survey they conducted after the Sorrento roundabout, 85% say there are fewer wrecks, 88% say traffic flows better and 90% say they’d like to see another one in their community.

Cut 7 (10) “…in the area.”

While many are hesitant to embrace them at first, Mallett says if you can yield and use a blinker you can adapt to a roundabout. He says when you compare them to other intersections, you’re less likely to be involved in a serious accident like being t-boned or a high-speed rear-end.

Cut 8 (11)  “…roundabout.”

DOTD considers roundabouts as one of the options to be evaluated when they are looking at intersections and other capacity improvements.

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The NFL has suspended Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans one-game for his role in yesterday’s fight in the Buccaneers 20-10 win over the Saints.  Evans knocked Saints cornerback Michael Thomas down to the ground during a shoving match between Thomas and Bucs running back Leonard Fournette. Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas says the Bucs instigated the fight

Cut 9 (07)  “…protect yourself”

Fournette shoved Lattimore after an incomplete pass that resulted in the benches-clearing brawl in the fourth quarter.

This is not the first time Evans and Lattimore have been involved in some extracurricular activity. In 2017, Evans was suspended for one game for coming onto the field and shoving Lattimore in the back and Lattimore was fined 10-thousand dollars for an unnecessary roughness call on Evans in 2020. Thomas says Evans’ antics are tiring

Cut 10 (08) “…getting old” 

The NFL says Evans was walking off the field when he turned around and violently struck an unsuspecting Thomas. Saints defensive back Tyrann Mathieu says Tampa Bay is just trying to get under Lattimore’s skin…

Cut 11 (10)  “…his game”

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The first day of Fall is Thursday, but it still feels very much like summer with the heat index around 100 degrees. LRN Meteorlogist John Wetherbee says if you are outside for a long period of time, you’ll feel it…

Cut 12 (11) “.. .a taste of summer”  

Wetherbee says the hottest temperatures will occur during the middle of the week…

Cut 13 (05) “…triple digits” 

Wetherbee says expect temperatures over 100-degrees every day this week…

Cut 14 (11)  “..be ready for heatl”