1130AM LRN News

Saturday marks the 10-year anniversary of Hurricane Gustav making landfall near Cocodrie with 105 miles per winds. The storm left 1-point-5 million  without power in Louisiana and former Entergy spokesperson Jeff Holeman told Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster the outages were extensive…

Cut 3 (06) “…three weeks.” 

Houma, Baton Rouge and even central Louisiana received extensive wind damage.

Tigers fans are invading the Dallas area this weekend ahead of the big opener against number 8 Miami in AT&T stadium just up the road in Arlington. And if the game doesn’t go our way and you need to blow off some steam with a stiff drink, a bite to eat, and some local music, Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau Spokesman Phillip Jones has just the place for you.

Cut 12 (11) “…your hotels

____________________
Attorney General Jeff Landry is joining 15 other attorneys general and governors from across the nation who are petitioning the US Supreme Court to shoot down workplace protections that would prevent transgender workers from being fired for being transgender. Louisiana Trans Advocates Board Chair Dylan Waguespack says the amicus brief is another anti LGBT statement from the AG.

Cut 13 (10) “…his career.”

But Solicitor General Liz Murrill says the current approach to trans workplace protections is unconstitutional, because it sidesteps congressional and legislative processes in favor of judicial and executive decisions. Murrill says the decision must be made by lawmakers, because judicially protecting trans workers from employment discrimination takes away rights from employers.

Cut 16 (12) “. elses conduct” 

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

The oldest chartered harvest festival in the Bayou State kicked off yesterday in St. Mary Parish. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Connor Ferrill”

A plane crash in Vermillion Parish has left one person dead.  The Sheriff’s Office has secured the scene and has made contact with the NTSB, who are responsible for handling such investigations.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces the state is receiving 80-million dollars in federal transportation dollars that will be used to resurface portions of I-12 and I-20 and improve I-10 at US 171 in Lake Charles.

With Labor Day Weekend being the swan song to summer, travelers are hitting the highways in search of a final road trip of the season.  AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says Louisiana has seen the statewide average price of a regular gallon of gas has dropped mildly just ahead of the holiday weekend but is still higher than this time in 2017.

Cut 7 (10) “…this time last year.”

Tigers fans are invading the Dallas area this weekend ahead of the big opener against number 8 Miami in AT&T stadium just up the road in Arlington. Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Phillip Jones says Dallas is a foodie’s city with a plethora of options for the discerning Louisianan who’s got some of the highest expectations for local cuisine. But it is Texas, and if you’re in Texas, you better get some Texas-style barbeque…

Cut 11 (10) “…a visit” 

LRN AM Newscall 08/31/2018

The oldest chartered harvest festival in the Bayou State kicked off yesterday in St. Mary Parish. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Connor Ferrill”

__________________________________

LSU fans taking the pilgrimage to Dallas this weekend for the Miami opener have more than a few ways to entertain themselves when they aren’t watching the Purple and Gold take the wind out of the Hurricanes. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

__________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry is joining 15 other Republican governors and AG’s calling for the US Supreme Court to reject a trans employment protection decision from the Appellate Court. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

The oldest chartered harvest festival in the Bayou State kicked off yesterday in St. Mary Parish. Morgan City hosts the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival every year to recognize some of their economic staples. Director of the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Darby Radcliffe says the festival began in 1936 after a historic fishing day…

Cut 4 (11) “…shrimp festival”

The festival will feature a variety of activities like fireworks, a street parade, and a children’s village with inflatables and games on the weekend.

A variety of food is available and Radcliffe says any shrimp enthusiast has plenty of options…

Cut 5 (11) “…different ways”

 Radcliffe says despite the seafood and oil industries facing trouble in the past the festival is getting a big win in sponsorship as Frito Lay is bringing an exclusive chip for visitors to sample…

Cut 6 (08) “…cajun spice flavors”

_____________________________________________

With Labor Day Weekend being the swan song to summer, travelers are hitting the highways in search of a final road trip of the season.  AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says Louisiana has seen the statewide average price of a regular gallon of gas has dropped mildly just ahead of the holiday weekend but is still higher than this time in 2017.
Cut 7 (10) “…this time last year.”

Redman says at $2.59 a gallon, the statewide average price of regular gas may be higher than last year, but compared to the national average, Louisiana is seeing a break at the pump.
Cut 8 (09)  “…found in Louisiana.”

Redman says it’s been four years since the last time the statewide average price of a regular gallon of gas exceeded this year’s price tag of $2.59
Cut 9 (10)  “…almost $3.50 a gallon.”

_________________________________________

Tigers fans are invading the Dallas area this weekend ahead of the big opener against number 8 Miami in AT&T stadium just up the road in Arlington. Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau Spokesman Phillip Jones recommends grabbing a hotel in Dallas because there aren’t many right near the stadium. He says if you do, it’s a short drive up to AT&T.

Cut 10 (10)   “…on traffic“

Jones says Dallas is a foodie’s city with a plethora of options for the discerning Louisianan who’s got some of the highest expectations for local cuisine. But it is Texas, and if you’re in Texas, you better get some Texas-style barbeque…

Cut 11 (10) “…a visit” 

And if the game doesn’t go our way and you need to blow off some steam with a stiff drink, a bite to eat, and some local music, he’s got just the place for you.

Cut 12 (11) “…your hotels”

The game kicks off Sunday at 630PM.

__________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry is joining 15 other attorneys general and governors from across the nation who are petitioning the US Supreme Court to shoot down workplace protections that would prevent transgender workers from being fired for being transgender. Louisiana Trans Advocates Board Chair Dylan Waguespack says the amicus brief is another anti-LGBT statement from the AG.

Cut 13 (10) “…his career.”

The brief was inspired by a Court of Appeals decision that supported a Michigan trans woman’s claim that she was unlawfully fired from a funeral home she worked at for her gender identity.

Waguespack says the National Trans Survey recently showed substantial amounts of discrimination against trans people in employment, housing, education, and more. Waguespack says there’s plenty of precedent for trans protections, and the AG’s decision to back the brief gives the green light for anti-trans employers in Louisiana to begin discriminating.

Cut 14 (10) “…the state”

The amicus brief outlines why the group of Republican leaders feels that the current Title Seven law does not include protections for gender identity. It is not a lawsuit or an official legal challenge.

But Solicitor General Liz Murrill says that’s just not the case, and that the AG’s decision to join with the 15 other Republicans will not lead to increased discrimination. Murrill says if trans people feel that their gender identity deserves protection from employment discrimination, they should take their case up with the legislature, not the courts or the Governor.

Cut 15 (11) “…the law”

In 2016 Landry successfully challenged an Edwards’ administration order that would have protected LGBT state workers from employment discrimination and harassment. Landry’s legal team says their primary objection was with the inclusion of trans workers in the order, not the gay, lesbian, or bisexual protections.

Murrill says the current approach to trans workplace protections is unconstitutional because it sidesteps congressional and legislative processes in favor of judicial and executive decisions. Murrill says the decision must be made by lawmakers because judicially protecting trans workers from employment discrimination takes away rights from employers.

Cut 16 (12) “. elses conduct” 

_________________________________________

Louisiana Tech will begin the 2018 campaign in Mobile on Saturday as they’ll visit South Alabama. The Bulldogs have won a bowl game the last four years, but Coach Skip Holtz says his seniors are hungry for achieving a bigger goal and that’s a  Conference USA Championship….

Cut 17 (24)  ” team has” 

South Alabama has a new coach. Steve Campbell takes over the Jaguars after leading Central Arkansas to a Southland Conference Championship last season. Holtz says it’s not easy to prepare for a team who has a new coach, so they anticipate making some mid-game adjustments

Cut 18 (19) “…attack it” 

__________________________________________________

For the first time in several years, LSU doesn’t start the season with a primary running back. But LSU sideline reporter Gordy Rush says Coach Ed Orgeron has several different options to carry the football

Cut 19 (21) “  come Sunday night” 

It’s a big question mark how successful LSU’s offense will be with long-time assistant Steve Ensminger now calling plays. Rush says Ensminger has the personnel to have a very good offense…

Cut 20 (15) “on the roster” 

6:30 PM LRN Newscast

In the past week, Lake Charles area authorities have seen an uptick in synthetic marijuana overdoses, where the users would become unconscious shortly after they ingested it. Acadian Ambulance Medical Director Dr. Chuck Burnell says during a four-day period they transported 45 people to a local hospital that had similar symptoms.

Cut 4 (13) “…episodes of unconsciousness.”

A teenager lost his life this morning in a single vehicle crash in LaFourche Parish. Trooper Jesse LaGrange says 19-year-old Robbie Istre (East) of Cut Off was heading north in his pick up truck on LA 308 when he failed to stay in his lane as he entered a curve…

Cut 12 (09)   “…a tree”

The deal to transfer control of University Health Hospitals in Shreveport and Monroe from BRF to Oschner has been agreed to and should become effective October 1st.  Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the new partnership should lead to expanded services, and provide a more fertile training ground for the state’s future doctors.

Cut 7 (11) “…be better”

LSU is looking for fans who want to serve on a council that will provide input and recommendations about the game day experience on the Baton Rouge campus. Senior Associate Athletic Director Robert Munson says the fan experience is a top priority and this could will help develop what that looks like for years to come…

Cut 9 (10) “…first place”

5:30 PM LRN Newscast

LSU is looking for 25 fans to sit on a council that will provide suggestions to the athletic department on how to improve the game day experience on campus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s office has arrested a man who allegedly threatened to harm his estranged wife, who works at Martha Vineyard Elementary School in Ponchatoula. The threat led to an increase in police presence and deputies have arrested the suspect 39-year-old Chad Milton of Ponchatoula.

The deal to transfer control of University Health Hospitals in Shreveport and Monroe from BRF to Oschner has been agreed to and should become effective October 1st.  The 294-million dollar deal with Oschner is a 40-million dollar increase over the current contract with BRF. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says it’s a fitting end to a long saga.

Cut 6 (07) “…going forward”

In the past week, Lake Charles area authorities have seen an uptick in synthetic marijuana overdoses, where the users would become unconscious shortly after they ingested it. Acadian Ambulance Medical Director Dr. Chuck Burnell says the users told authorities the product was called Gumbo or Bubblegum

Cut 3 (13) “…the weird effects.” 

4:30 PM LRN Newscast

LSU is looking for fans who want to serve on a council that will provide input and recommendations about the game day experience on the Baton Rouge campus. Senior Associate Athletic Director Robert Munson says they are looking for 25 people to sit on the New Tiger Fan Council. He says you don’t have to be a season ticket holder or live in Baton Rouge to be a part of the panel that can help shape the future game day experience at LSU…

Cut 10 (07) “…for the fans”

A teenager lost his life this morning in a single vehicle crash in LaFourche Parish. Trooper Jesse LaGrange says 19-year-old Robbie Istre (East) of Cut Off was not buckled up and impairment does not appear to be a factor…

Cut 13 (07) “under investigation”

In the past week, Lake Charles area authorities have seen an uptick in synthetic marijuana overdoses, where the users would become unconscious shortly after they ingested it. Acadian Ambulance Medical Director Dr. Chuck Burnell says first responders found users passed out in human piles.

Cut 5 (10)  “…pretty rapid onset.” 

The deal to transfer control of University Health Hospitals in Shreveport and Monroe from BRF to Oschner has been agreed to and should become effective October 1st.  Some may be concerned about the price tag of the new partnership enterprise between LSU and Oscher, but Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says despite the larger contract number, the total expense to the state will remain the same.

Cut 8 (11) “…of healthcare”

3:30 PM LRN Newscast

In the past week, Lake Charles area authorities have seen an uptick in synthetic marijuana overdoses, where the users would become unconscious shortly after they ingested it. Acadian Ambulance Medical Director Dr. Chuck Burnell says during a four-day period they transported 45 people to a local hospital that had similar symptoms.

Cut 4 (13) “…episodes of unconsciousness.”

A teenager lost his life this morning in a single vehicle crash in LaFourche Parish. Trooper Jesse LaGrange says 19-year-old Robbie Istre (East) of Cut Off was heading north in his pick up truck on LA 308 when he failed to stay in his lane as he entered a curve…

Cut 12 (09)   “…a tree”

The deal to transfer control of University Health Hospitals in Shreveport and Monroe from BRF to Oschner has been agreed to and should become effective October 1st.  Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the new partnership should lead to expanded services, and provide a more fertile training ground for the state’s future doctors.

Cut 7 (11) “…be better”

LSU is looking for fans who want to serve on a council that will provide input and recommendations about the game day experience on the Baton Rouge campus. Senior Associate Athletic Director Robert Munson says the fan experience is a top priority and this could will help develop what that looks like for years to come…

Cut 9 (10) “…first place”

230PM LRN News

The deal to transfer control of University Health Hospitals in Shreveport and Monroe from BRF to Oschner has been agreed to and should become effective October 1st.  The 294-million dollar deal with Oschner is a 40-million dollar increase over the current contract with BRF. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says it’s a fitting end to a long saga.

Cut 6 (07) “…going forward”

The contract is for 10 years, with two five year extension options.

In the past week, Lake Charles area authorities have seen an uptick in synthetic marijuana overdoses, where the users would become unconscious shortly after they ingested it. Acadian Ambulance Medical Director Dr. Chuck Burnell says the users told authorities the product was called Gumbo or Bubblegum

Cut 3 (13) “…the weird effects.” 

LSU is looking for 25 fans to sit on a council that will provide suggestions to the athletic department on how to improve the game day experience on campus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A young Lafourche man is dead after an early morning crash on LA 308. 19-year-old Robbie Istre of Cut Off was traveling north when for unknown reasons his vehicle crossed the center line in a right curve and flew off the roadway. His vehicle struck a tree which lead to him sustaining fatal injuries. Impairment is not suspected, and Mr. istre was not wearing a seatbelt at the time.

12:30 PM LRN Newscast

In the past week, Lake Charles area authorities have seen an uptick in synthetic marijuana overdoses, where the users would become unconscious shortly after they ingested it. Acadian Ambulance Medical Director Dr. Chuck Burnell says during a four-day period they transported 45 people to a local hospital that had similar symptoms.

Cut 4 (13) “…episodes of unconsciousness.”

The deal to transfer control of University Health Hospitals in Shreveport and Monroe from BRF to Oschner has been agreed to and should become effective October 1st.  The 294-million dollar deal with Oschner is a 40-million dollar increase over the current contract with BRF. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the new partnership should lead to expanded services, and provide a more fertile training ground for the state’s future doctors.

Cut 7 (11) “…be better”

LSU is looking for fans who want to serve on a council that will provide input and recommendations about the game day experience on the Baton Rouge campus. Senior Associate Athletic Director Robert Munson says the fan experience is a top priority and this could will help develop what that looks like for years to come…

Cut 9 (10) “…first place”

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s office has charged 38-year-old Natalie Robinson of Calhoun with a felony count of practicing law without a license. Deputies booked Robinson after they found evidence that showed she allegedly drew up child custody papers and other legal documents for people for a fee.

Here’s a look at your commodities…

LRN AM NEWSCALL 08/30/2018

A recent study has shown nine percent of visitors to Louisiana were impacted by something they saw in a film or on television and now the state is showcasing those production locations with the all-new movie trail.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

One of the most conservative members of the Louisiana Legislature says he’s supporting the unanimous jury verdict constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot November 6th.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle” 

__________________________________

The university’s value ranking is out doing its SEC football ranking, as LSU is listed in the top half of the SEC according to both Washington Monthly’s College Guide and Rankings as well as Forbes American’s Top Colleges.  Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

The Bayou State is home to the production of many famous movies and television programs, and the state wants to make it easier for tourists to scope out where those films were shot with a movie trail.  Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says it’s a big visitor draw for the state.

Cut 4 (09) “…movies were shot.”

Nungesser says the movie trail will showcase locations from both modern and classic films.

Cut 5 (08) “…the historical movies”

Nungesser says a recent study showed nine percent of visitors were heavily influenced by something they saw on television or in a movie.

Cut 6 (08) “…industry in Louisiana.”

_____________________________________________

The Republican Judiciary PAC is backing a constitutional amendment on the fall ballot that would require unanimous jury verdicts in all criminal cases. It’s yet another conservative organization who’s backing what was legislation that began with one of the Capitol’s most liberal lawmakers. Erath Representative, Republican Blake Miguez says he’s backing the amendment and hopes other right leaning voters will as well.

Cut 7 (10) “…it right.”

He says he was swayed after discussing the amendment with other conservative legal experts who detailed the amendment’s solid credentials, and past support from luminaries such as…

Cut 8 (10)  “…verdict.”

Miguez, one of the most conservative lawmakers in the state, says if the founding father’s support for unanimous juries doesn’t sway you, then this should…

Cut 9 (06)  “…for you.”

Louisiana is one of only two states in the nation that does not require a unanimous jury verdict for conviction in criminal cases.

_________________________________________

The Louisiana Lottery says they aren’t too concerned about facing some new competition to the East next year from Mississippi, who’s passed legislation authorizing the creation of their own lotto. Mississippi’s governor projected the net tax loss for Louisiana at 15 million dollars a year. Louisiana Lotto Communications Director Kimberly Chopin says the Magnolia State does contribute to Bayou State.

Cut 10 (10)   “…addresses“

The I-10 and I-20 Corridors feature a ton of cross state traffic, which Chopin estimates is where most of the Mississippi lotto purchases occur at. She says there’s who a few sellers who may notice a drop in lotto ticket purchases as a result.

Cut 11 (10) “…total sales” 

If the state were to see a the possible six percent drop from Mississippi traffic taking its business away from Louisiana, it would roughly correspond to a 10 million dollar drop in revenue for K through 12 funding. But Chopin says she doesn’t anticipate the rival will be a significant drain on state coffers.

Cut 12 (10) “…here too”

__________________________________

LSU is the highest ranked Louisiana university and in the top half of the SEC at fifth, according to Washington Monthly 2018 College Guide and Rankings.  The favorable result comes just days following Forbes also recognizing the purple and gold in its top college rankings.  LSU President F. King Alexander says he credits the latest accolades to the return on investment students see upon graduation.

Cut 13 (06) “…that we like.”

Alexander says only one out of three students graduate with any undergraduate debt, when the national average is eighty-two percent.

Cut 14 (09) “…off to a great start.”

Alexander says the most recent freshmen class is looking promising in continuing the positive trends of the school.

Cut 15 (08) “…coming into the university.”

________________________________________

The college football season gets underway tonight and there are two games in Louisiana. Tulane hosts Wake Forest and Southeastern Louisiana visits ULM. The Warhawks are coming off a 4-8 campaign, but Coach Matt Viator believes his squad can be much better this season

Cut 16 (11) “.    to see it” 

ULM returns Caleb Evans at quarterback, who accounted for 30 touchdowns rushing and passing. Lions Head Coach Frank Scelfo says he’s impressed with Evans and the Warhawks defense…

Cut 17 (19)  ”  on defense” 

____________________________________________________
Northwestern State is also in in action tonight as they begin the season in College Station where they’ll take on the Texas A&M Aggies. Head Coach Brad Laird has not named a starter at quarterback as he plans to play both senior Clay Holgorsen and junior Shelton Eppler

Cut 18 (18) “…good about it” 

The Demons are huge underdogs in tonight’s game on the SEC Network. Laird says he wants his team to play as well as they can…

Cut 19 (12) “    to do”