8:30 LRN Newscast September 30

A vote on President Biden’s infrastructure bill is expected today in the U-S House. Republicans in Louisiana’s delegation are expected to vote no. Supporters say the legislation will mean an additional six billion dollars over the next five years for Louisiana. But Congresswoman Julia Letlow reads the legislation differently…
cut 5 (09) “…roads and bridges”
But Democrat New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says there’s more than just funding for roads in this bill. Carter says there are billions for broadband development, flood control, and money to harden the state’s power grid…
cut 6 (05) “…a pretzels”
Progressives in the U-S House could vote against this legislation too, because they want to see the passage of a three-point-five trillion-dollar reconciliation bill that would address climate change and fund social welfare programs.

Sports betting at Louisiana casinos is on hold after an expected mid-September start-up. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

A report from the Advocate-Times Picuyane and Fox 8 TV in New Orleans says the Saints and Pelicans will be sold when owner Gayle Benson passes. Proceeds from the sale would go to local charities and team executives would make sure the new owner would keep the Saints in New Orleans. Gayle Benson is 74 and has owned both franchises since 2018 after her husband Tom Benson died.

7:30 LRN Newscast September 30

Over the weekend, 24-year-old Lanaya Cardwell of Baton Rouge was leading a community search for her two-year-old daughter. Today she’s in jail charged with second-degree murder in the death of Neveah Cardwell. Her little body was found in Mississippi on Sunday. Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul was asked when Cardwell became a suspect…
cut 16 (08) “….the truth”
Cardwell’s live-in boyfriend, 30-year-old Phillip Gardner has also been charged with murder.

The U-S House could vote today on the $1-trillion Infrastructure Bill. It appears New Orleans Democrat Troy Carter will be the lone Louisiana House member to cast a yay vote.
Cut 4 (07) “…Louisiana “
But Republicans say the legislation is too expensive and not enough dollars are going to traditional infrastructure like roads and bridges.

The state department of education is allowing local school districts to change their quarantine policy for kids considered a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says school districts can give parents the opportunity to decide if their child should stay at home …
cut 12 (05) “….remain school”
But the state health department released a statement that says they still want unvaccinated children to stay home if in close contact with someone who tests positive.

A big weekend of football is coming up and Louisiana casinos and racetracks still can’t offer sports betting to their customers. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says Hurricane Ida has pushed back the application process and they want to make sure it’s done to be fully compliant with state law…
cut 10 (10) “…it right”
Johns is not putting a timeline on when sports betting will be available.

6:45 LRN Sportscast September 30

Jeff Duncan of the Advocate and Lee Zurik of Fox 8 TV in New Orleans is reporting that the Saints and Pelicans will be sold after owner Gayle Benson passes away. And the proceeds from the sale, which will be in the billions, will go to local charities. The 74-year-old Benson has been running the franchises since March 2018 following the death of her husband, Tom Benson. Team executives also say the plan is to make sure the Saints stay in New Orleans after the sale is completed.

Meanwhile, the Saints players are getting ready for the Dome Opener this Sunday against the New York Giants. Rookie linebacker Pete Werner is looking forward to learning about the Dome Field advantage the Black and Gold enjoy…
cut 25 (17) “…same mindset”
Kick off Sunday is at noon.

Louisiana Tech is at 23rd ranked North Carolina State on Saturday. It’s the final non-conference game for the Bulldogs and Coach Skip Holtz says playing a ranked team like N-C State can only make you better…
Cut 17 (14) “..every week.”
Tech is coming off a 24-17 win over North Texas, while the Wolfpack upset Clemson last Saturday.

Hurricane Ida has delayed efforts to get legal sports betting up and going at the state’s casinos and racetracks. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Ronnie Johns says State Police handles the application process and they’ve been busy responding to the hurricane. Johns says Troopers in the State Police Gaming Division are back at full capacity so he hopes sports betting will get going sooner rather than later…
cut 9 (09) “…final approval to”

6:30 LRN Newscast September 30

Mandatory quarantine for school kids who may be exposed to COVID is getting a policy makeover. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Meanwhile, the state health department is recommending that school districts follow public health guidance and parents should quarantine unvaccinated children who may have been in close contact to someone with COVID. LDH says doing so is critical to slowing the spread.

Baton Rouge police have charged, 24-year-old Lanaya Cardwell, the mother of a two-year-old girl found dead Sunday in Mississippi with second-degree murder…
cut 14 (06) “…into custody”
Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul says Cardwell’s live-in 30-year old boyfriend Philip Gardner was also arrested for second-degree murder. Court documents say Cardwell punched her toddler in the torso for playing with her contact lenses. The impact of the punch caused Nevaeh Allen to hit her head and die hours later.

There was hope that legal sports betting would be up and going at the state’s casinos and racetracks in mid-September, but Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says Hurricane Ida has slowed down the approval of applications from gaming operators…
cut 8 (11) “….license applications reviewed”
Johns says State Police reviews these applications and they’ve been busy with Ida response efforts.

LRN AM Newscall September 30

The House is expected to vote on the trillion-dollar infrastructure bill today. Brooke Thorington has more from two of the state’s congressional members.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Sports betting in Louisiana is still on hold for now after an expected mid-September start-up.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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Mandatory quarantine for school kids who may be exposed to COVID is getting a policy makeover. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The U-S House is expected to vote on the $1-trillion Infrastructure Bill today. But when you look for support among Louisiana House members it appears as if Democrat Troy Carter will be the lone Congressman from the Bayou State casting a yay vote.

Cut 4 (07) “…Louisiana “

However Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow feels the bill does not do enough to help residents in Louisiana, especially the ones she represents.

Cut 5 (11) “…5th district.”

Carter feels the bill can assist with several needs in Louisiana like broadband infrastructure, road and bridge projects, and also upgrade the state’s power grid.

Cut 6 (10) “…a pretzels.

Carter believes the bill can help fund the placement of power lines underground, but Letlow says the appropriated funding won’t even come close to assisting the Bayou State.

Cut 7 (11) “…Louisiana alone.”

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy was among the group of 22 senators, and one of five Republicans, that negotiated the bill in the Senate. Fellow party member Senator John Kennedy voted against the bill.

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Sports betting across the 55 parishes in Louisiana that approved it remains on hold after an expected mid-September start-up delayed by Hurricane Ida.  Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns:

Cut 8 (11) “…license applications reviewed.”

At last count 13 applications had been received of the 20 expected from casinos and racetracks around the state. Johns says he won’t venture a guess on the exact date when sports betting will be up and running in Louisiana.

Johns says troopers who had been assigned to Ida recovery from the State Police Gaming Division are back at full capacity to get help get sports betting rolling sooner rather than later.

Cut 9 (09)  “..final approval to.”

Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns says it’s important for sports betting in the Bayou State to be fully compliant with state law.

Cut 10 (10)  “…get it right.” 

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State Education officials say parents of public school kids who may have been exposed to COVID will now have the option of whether or not to quarantine them. Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says mandatory quarantine for those possibly exposed to the virus wasn’t in students’ best interests…:

Cut 11 (12) “…away from their friends.”

Brumley says too many students have missed too much classroom time due to mandatory evacuations, and the new option will be offered to school districts statewide who choose to implement it…:

Cut 12 (05) “…remain in school.”

(The state Health Department strongly recommends school districts follow public health guidance and parents quarantine unvaxxed kids who may have been exposed to the virus.)

Brumley says any students who ARE quarantined for possible COVID exposure will receive a free virus screening. He says engaging the parents in their child’s well-being is a good policy…:

Cut 13 (05) “…can consider

School systems are free to adopt the policy or not. If a child tests positive for COVID, or shows symptoms, they should still be isolated until they recover.

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In a surprise turn of events the mother of two-year Neveah Allen, who was reported missing Friday and later found in Mississippi, has been charged with second-degree murder. 24-year old Lanaya Cardwell of Baton Rouge was arrested Wednesday days after her boyfriend, 30-year old Philip Gardner was arrested for unlawful disposal of a body. Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul…

Cut 14 (06)  “…into custody.”

An autopsy was performed on the child after her remains were located in a remote wooded area of Hancock County, Mississippi. Paul who remained tight-lipped about the ongoing investigation would only say the coroner’s ruling in the case.

Cut 15 (08)  “…coroner’s office.”

When the child was reported missing Cardwell told reporters that she last saw her child Friday morning before she left to go to work. It was originally reported that Gardner was watching the child and when he awoke from a nap she was discovered missing. Paul was asked when Cardwell became suspect in the investigation.

Cut  16 (08) “…the truth.”

Both Cardwell and Gardner are charged with second-degree murder. Garnder is also charged with unlawful disposal of human remains and obstruction of justice.

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Louisiana Tech is at 23rd ranked North Carolina State. It’s the final non-conference game for the Bulldogs and Coach Skip Holtz says playing a ranked team like N-C State can only make you better…

Cut 17 (14) “..every week.” 

Tech is coming off a 24-17 win over North Texas. Starting quarterback Austin Kendall did not play because of medical reasons. Holtz believes Kendall will be back, but another signal caller may miss this Saturday’s game…

Cut 18 (25)”…be out”

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The Saints are getting ready for their Dome opener when they host the New York Giants on Sunday. Quarterback Jameis Winston is expecting a very loud environment….

Cut 19 (25)  “…down here.” 

New York is still looking for its first win, but Winston says the Giants have a great secondary….

Cut 20 (18)  “…be ready.” 

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast September 29

For the 56th time, LSU and Auburn will meet on the football field on Saturday night when the Tigers host the War Eagles at 8 PM. Auburn has one of the top rushing attacks in the SEC, averaging seven yards a carry. Defensive end Ali Gaye says stopping Auburn’s ground game will be a key
Cut 17 (24) “..this week.”
LSU running back John Emery Junior remains academically ineligible and unable to play this season after the NCAA denied his appeal. His attorney is looking at other options in an effort to get Emery back on the field.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2022 induction class today. It’s highlighted by former Saints offensive guard Jahri Evans, former LSU Tiger and Buffalo Bill defensive tackle Kyle Williams and the late Tony Robichaux, who won over 11-hundred games during his 33-year career coaching baseball at U-L Lafayette and McNeese. Induction ceremonies will be June 25th in Natchitoches.

This Saturday, Terry Bowden’s ULM Warhawks are at undefeated and 16th ranked Coastal Carolina…
cut 20 (25) “….the field”
The Warhakws are 35 point underdogs. Kick-off is at 1:30.

11:40 LRN Sportscast September 29

LSU is preparing to host 22nd ranked Auburn tonight at 8 Pm. Auburn’s defense ranks fourth in the SEC in total defense allowing 284 yards a game. Tigers center Liam Shannahan hopes their up-tempo offense can keep them off balance…
cut 30 (26) “…for us so”
According to Sports Illustrated, LSU running back John Emery will remain ineligible over an academic issue. His appeal has been denied by the NCAA and Emery’s attorney is investigating other possible avenues to get Emery back on the field. Without Emery, the Tigers are averaging less than three yards a rush.

8:30 LRN Newscast September 29

State health officials say they’ve seen an alarming increase in severe pregnancy outcomes since the Delta variant started circulating in mid-July. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter is once again urging expecting mothers to get vaccinated. Kanter says the data continues to show the vaccine is safe for pregnant women…
cut 9 (10) “….breastfeeding”

LSU says its overall enrollment is at an all-time high of 35,914 thanks to a record freshmen enrollment of just over seven-thousand. Vice President for Enrollment Management Jose Aviles says this freshman class is also the most accomplished…
cut 16 (11) “…to a 26”
Aviles says this is also the most diverse freshmen class in university history as 19-percent of the class is made up of Black students.

State lawmakers heard from school systems struggling with recovery from Hurricane Ida last month and Laura last year. Kevin Gallagher has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Meanwhile, there are thousands of Hurricane Ida victims waiting on FEMA to bring travel trailers to their property, so they can live here, while repairs are done to their damaged home. Governor Edwards says he’s pushing FEMA to get this done, but certain things are required…
cut 6 (06) “….a sewer system”

7:30 LRN Newscast September 29

Governor Edwards is expressing optimism that FEMA will soon begin the effort of hauling in travel trailers for Hurricane Ida displaced homeowners to temporarily live in while they repair their property…
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

And Governor Edwards has extended the state’s indoor mask mandate until October 27th. He says every community in Louisiana continues to have a high rate of COVID.

Despite LSU requiring its students to be vaccinated, overall enrollment for the state’s flagship university is at an all-time high, just below 36-thousand. Vice President of Enrollment Jose Aviles…
cut 15 (11) “…at LSU”
The school is also reporting a record freshman enrollment and the diversity of the class is at an all-time high, nearly 19-percent of the class is made up of Black students.

The state health department says amid the fourth COVID surge, there have been six maternal deaths and 10 fetal deaths and the cases involved mothers who were unvaccinated. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says pregnant individuals and their children are vulnerable to this highly contagious illness…
cut 8 (11) “….unborn babies”
Kanter says expecting mothers should get the COVID vaccine.

6:45 LRN Sportscast September 29

LSU enters Saturday night’s showdown versus Auburn ranked next to last in the SEC in rush offense, averaging less than three yards a carry. Center Liam Shanahan says the o-line knows they need to do a better job of opening up holes for the running backs…
cut 18 (18) “….what they can do”
Meanwhile Auburn is averaging 257 yards on the ground. They have two talented running backs, Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter. Still no word on who will start at quarterback for Auburn. It will be either Bo Nix or former LSU Tiger TJ Finley.

The Saints get to practice at their own training facility today for the first time since they left for Texas because of Hurricane Ida. This Sunday is the Dome opener against the Giants.

ULM Quarterback Rhett Rodrigeuz is back home after spending a few days in the hospital due to a partially collapsed lung. Warhawks coach Terry Bowden says Rodriguez underwent a medical procedure following Saturday’s win over Troy…
cut 19 (13) “…the procedure”
There’s no word on how much time Rodriguez will miss.

Ragin Cajuns Coach Billy Napier says starting left tackle Carlos Rubio will likely miss most of the rest of the season after suffering an injury in last Saturday’s win over Georgia Southern.

Texas A-and-M Commerce is joining the Southland Conference. The school is located 65 miles northeast of Dallas and the Lions will become official members next July. Their football team won the Division Two national championship in 2017.

LSU men’s basketball will play an exhibition against Nicholls in Thibodaux on October 23rd and the proceeds will go towards Hurricane Ida relief.