2:30 pm LRN Newscast Sept 23

As feared, Hurricane Ida has delivered another devastating blow to the state’s seafood industry. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

The St Tammany Parish coroner confirms the human remains found inside an alligator killed near Slidell are those of Tim Satterlee Sr., who was attacked near his home by the animal on August 30th. The gator was captured and killed two weeks later; its stomach found to contain parts of a person that were an 11-point DNA match for Satterlee.

 

It looks like it will be some time before the I-10 Bridge in Lake Charles will completely reopen, after a vehicle fire last night. DOTD secretary Shawn Wilson says the bridge will remain closed until further notice to complete an inspection of the span. He says inspectors are evaluating the bridge for any possible structural damage…:

CUT 11(09)      “…it back up.”

This just in – the westbound lanes of that bridge are reopened, but eastbound lanes remain closed at this hour.

State Public Service Commission member Foster Campbell has a few cross words for Louisiana Republican congressional delegates who oppose a spending bill with billion for storm recovery in our state. That bill would raise the country’s debt ceiling by a huge margin. Campbell says folks with no power and broken roofs in Terrebonne and Lafourche don’t care about party politics…:

CUT 13(09)      “…Republican Party”

1:30 LRN Newscast September 23

Governor Edwards says there are two measures in the works in both chambers of Congress to fund disaster relief. Brooke Thorington has more from his DC trip.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Death toll has climbed to 15 among those hundreds of nursing home residents evacuated to an ill-equipped Tangipahoa Parish warehouse ahead of Hurricane Ida’s landfall late last month. The Louisiana Department of Health says at least five deaths were storm-related. Death causes for the other ten have not been confirmed.

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is taking the state’s GOP congressmen to task. He said they voted earlier this week against a continuing resolution to keep the government running with a higher debt ceiling, even though the legislation included 28-billion-dollars in emergency relief for Louisiana and elsewhere.

Cut 12 (09) “….all against it”  

Hurricane Ida delivered another blow to the state’s seafood industry, which annually produces millions of pounds of fish, shrimp, crabs and oysters. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Ida’s 150-mile per hour winds on the southeastern coast of Louisiana caused major damage to boats and docks

Cut 6 (12) “…damaged” 

Nungesser says fishermen will need federal assistance in order to bounce back from this destructive hurricane.

12:30 LRN Newscast Sept 23

Governor Edwards reports from his DC trip to secure disaster funding. He says the main focus of this trip is to gain funding for unmet housing needs after the 2020 hurricanes and while there he’s also laying the foundation for Ida needs.

Cut 5 (08) “…Louisiana.”

The governor has been meeting with decision-makers since Monday and today is his last day in DC

The DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the I-10 Calcasieu Bridge is closed after a vehicle fire last night. He suspects damage was confined mostly to the deck of the bridge compared to an earlier fire near the 310.

Cut 10 (08)  “…burn as long” 

The bridge will remain closed pending inspection.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins isn’t happy with talks on Capitol Hill about money proposed for hurricane disaster aid to Louisiana and hiking the federal debt limit.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

 

11:30 LRN Newscast Sept 23

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the I-10 Calcasieu Bridge is closed to traffic after a vehicle fire last night.

Cut 9 (12) “…as we speak” 

The bridge will remain closed pending an inspection. Meanwhile, DOTD has temporarily opened two lanes to I-10 East to the East flyover ramp and two lanes to the I-210 eastbound to the I-10 westbound flyover to ease congestion.

Governor Edwards reports from his DC trip that legislation for disaster relief the nation has been introduced in both chambers. He says there’s significant help in the bills for housing needs and others as well.

Cut 4 (12) “…grant portion.”

The 16-year-old driver of a fatal crash that killed two teens in Madisonville last month has been arrested after a toxicology report came back indicating she was under the influence during the crash. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Captain Lance Vitter says the driver faces numerous charges for the August 4th single-car crash.
Cut 13 (09) “…seriously injured.”

The State Department of Education launches the Reimagine School Systems Program.  Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says a 35-million-dollar grant will improve student access to high-quality schools and the grant money will be divided up among those chosen for the program, with no funding limit in place.

Cut 6 (o9) “…any individual idea”

Designated schools will receive technical assistance in implementing their plan and financial resources to fund it.

10:30 LRN Newscast September 23

Governor John Bel Edwards believes progress has been made in getting disaster relief assistance to help Louisiana homeowners rebuild from the recent hurricanes. Edwards spoke to Louisiana reporters from the nation’s capital today and says instruments have been introduced in the House and Senate that contains funding for all disasters in 2020 and 21.
Cut 3 (12) “…which state.”
Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is disappointed with the bill that was approved by the House. He says there’s not enough money to address Louisiana’s recovery needs from Hurricanes Laura and Delta…
cut 9 (11) “…parishes of Louisiana”
Higgins is also upset the House bill will raise the debt ceiling.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is visiting Ida impacted areas to see if they need to make changes to voting locations for the fall elections.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The number of nursing home residents who have died since they were crammed into a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish during Hurricane Ida has increased from seven to 12.

Meanwhile, COVID hospitalizations continue to drop, but the state health department reports a 16th child has died from COVID-19. The victim was between the ages of 12 and 17.

9:30 LRN Newscast Sept 23

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins opposes a proposal to raise the federal debt ceiling by about 15 trillion dollars. He says it’s not something he’s about to vote in favor of, even though he did during the Trump administration. Higgins says he draws the line at increasing the nation’s debt limit.

Cut 8 (11) “…increase the debt limit.”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is traveling to Ida impacted areas this week to see what changes need to be made for election sites that were damaged. If you’re a displaced voter who might not be in back in your hometowns to vote, Ardoin says you can either show up at your polling location for early voting or on election days…

Cut 12 (11) “…that online.”

For more info visit the Secretary of State’s website.

The 16-year-old driver of a fatal crash that killed two teens in Madisonville August 4th has been arrested after a toxicology report came back indicating she was under the influence. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Captain Lance Vitter says speed was also a factor in the tragic Guste Island Road crash that killed two 16-year old girls and severely injured another.

Cut 14 (07)  “…an arrest.”

The Louisiana Department of Education launches what it’s calling the Reimagine School Systems Program.  Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says it’s being funding by a 35-million-dollar grant to improve student access to high-quality schools. Recipients will receive funding and technical assistance to implement their plan.

Cut 5 (09) “…that they deserve.”

Brumley says the grant money will be divided up among those chosen for the program.

8:30 LRN Newscast September 23

The Louisiana Department of Education has launched the Reimagine School Systems program. Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley says they are making 35-million dollars available to school systems who come up with an innovative idea that can boost students’ performance…
cut 4 (11) “…we move forward”
Brumley says there’s no set amount for dividing up the grant money. Schools have until December 16th to apply for the grant money.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin will be in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes today to see what needs to be done to make sure Hurricane Ida damaged parishes are able to hold elections on November 13th and December 11th. Ardoin says the fall elections were pushed back a month in order to give these areas more time…
cut 11 (08) “…and civic duty”

The 16-year old girl who was driving the night two other girls were killed and another hospitalized in a single-car crash in Madisonville last month has been arrested. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A white man convicted of randomly killing two black men was found dead in his cell at Angola. A prison spokesman says Kenneth Gleason of Baton Rouge committed suicide as he was found unresponsive and hanging from his cell. A month ago, Gleason was sentenced to life in prison for fatally shooting two black men in 2017.

7:30 LRN Newscast September 23

Congressman Clay Higgins is explaining why he and other Republican members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation voted against a bill that would provide Louisiana with much-needed disaster relief assistance. Higgins says the legislation would also raise the federal debt ceiling by another 15 trillion dollars…
cut 7 (07) “…it’s insane”
The spending bill is now in the Senate, but Higgins expects it will be amended.

The 16-year-old driver of a fatal crash that killed two teens in Madisonville last month has been arrested after a toxicology report came back indicating she was under the influence during the crash. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Captain Lance Vitter says the driver faces numerous charges for the August 4th single-car crash on Guste Island Road.
Cut 13 (09) “…seriously injured.”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is visiting Ida impacted areas to see if they need to make changes to voting locations for the fall elections. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The number of nursing home residents who have died since they were crammed into a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish during Hurricane Ida has increased from seven to 12.

Meanwhile, COVID hospitalizations continue to drop, but the state health department reports a 16th child has died from COVID-19. The victim was between the ages of 12 and 17.

6:30 LRN Newscast September 23

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins isn’t happy with talks on Capitol Hill about money proposed for hurricane disaster aid to Louisiana and hiking the federal debt limit. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

State health officials say the number of nursing home residents who have died after they were evacuated to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish for Hurricane Ida has risen to 12. The previous number was seven and L-D-H says over 50 people were hospitalized after they were among the 843 residents sheltered at the facility in Independence.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is traveling to Ida impacted areas this week visiting polling sites, registrar offices, clerk of courts, and meeting with local officials to determine if they need to find alternative voting locations..
Cut 10 (08) “…delay the election.”
The October ninth primary has been moved to November 13th and the general election will now be held December 11th. Ardoin says there will be temporary changes for some damaged polling locations, and early voting locations will be moved.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office has charged a 16-year-old with numerous charges after a toxicology report determined she was driving under the influence on August fourth when she drove off the roadway, striking two trees, a utility box and two signs. Two teenage passengers were killed. Captain Lance Vitter with the St. Tammany Sheriff’s office…
cut 15 (10) “…young adults”

AM LRN Newscall Sept 23

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins isn’t happy with talks on Capitol Hill about money proposed for hurricane disaster aid to Louisiana and hiking the federal debt limit.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

___________________________________

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is visiting Ida impacted areas of the state to see if they need to make changes to some voting locations for the fall elections. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_________________________________________

The 16-year old girl who was driving the night two other girls were killed in a single-car crash in Madisonville last month has been arrested. Brooke Thoringotn explains.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

___________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Education is launching what it’s calling the Reimagine School Systems Program.  Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says it’s being funding by a 35-million-dollar grant that is targeted towards improving student access to high-quality schools.

Cut 4 (11) “…we move forward.”

Brumley says there’s no set amount for dividing up the grant money as school districts move forward with plans to create new educational opportunities.  The deadline to apply for the grant money is December 16th.

Superintendent Brumley says those chosen for the grant money will receive technical assistance in implementing their plan and financial resources to fund it.

Cut 5 (09) “…that they deserve.”

Brumley says the 35-million-dollars in grant money will be divided up among those chosen for the Reimagine School Systems program, with no funding limit in place.

Cut 6 (o9) “…any individual idea”

He says the goal is to empower school systems in Louisiana “to challenge the status quo and think big how we can boost student performance.”

________________________________________

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is speaking out about a proposal to raise the federal debt ceiling by about 15 trillion dollars. He tells us it’s not something he’s about to vote in favor of, even though he did vote to increase the red ink during the Trump administration.

Cut 7 (07) “…it’s insane.”

Higgins is not opposed to the short-term extension of funding, but he draws the line at increasing the nation’s debt limit.

Cut 8 (11) “…increase the debt limit.”

Representative Higgins is not impressed at all with the amount of disaster assistance funding that’s being considered, especially when hurricanes Laura and Delta victims have to share the amount with other disaster victims around the U.S.

Cut 9 (11)  “…parishes of Louisiana.”

____________________________________________

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin has been traveling to Ida impacted areas this week visiting polling sites, registrar offices, clerk of courts, and meeting with local officials to determine if they need to make site changes of voting locations.

Cut 10 (08)  “…delay the election.” 

The October 9th primary was delayed until November 13th and the November 13th election was moved to December 11th. Ardoin says there will be temporary changes for some damaged polling locations, and some areas will have their early voting locations moved.

Ardoin says they made the decision to delay the fall election so those in Ida impacted areas can focus on recovery first and then the election. He says there are important decisions like local propositions, school board members, and constitutional amendments to be decided.

Cut 11 (08) “…and civic duty.”

For displaced voters who might not be in hometowns to vote, Ardoin says they can either show up for early voting or election days where they are registered and cast a ballot…

Cut 12 (11) “…that online.”

Ardoin says you can receive an absentee ballot for your home location and it will be mailed to your temporary address.

For more information you can download the GeauxVote App, that’s G-E-A-U-X, call your registrar’s office or the Secretary of State’s Office at 225-922-2880.

___________________________________________

The 16-year-old driver of a fatal crash that killed two teens in Madisonville last month has been arrested after a toxicology report came back indicating she was under the influence during the crash. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Captain Lance Vitter says the driver faces numerous charges for the August 4th single-car crash on Guste Island Road.

Cut 13 (09) “…seriously injured.”

That teen has now been released from the hospital.

Vitter says speed was also a factor in the tragic crash that claimed the lives of Makayla Bonrua and Chloe Shartle.

Cut 14 (07)  “…an arrest.”

Vitter says investigators met with the families of all involved and informed them of the charges. Vitter says they were waiting for a toxicology report which routinely takes several weeks

Cut 15 (10)  “…young adults.”

Vitter says the driver was transported and booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Correctional Center in Tangipahoa Parish.

_________________________________________

After going two and one in nonconference action, U-L Lafayette will kick-off Sun Belt play this Saturday when they visit Georgia Southern in Statesboro. The Cajuns won by just two points over the Eagles last season and Coach Billy Napier says his team understands the challenge in front of them…

Cut  16 (15) “…the moment.”

UL Lafayette leads the overall series three games to one. The Cajuns are coming off a 49-14 win over Ohio. It’s a game where they rushed for 310 yards. Napier liked what he saw from his ground attack…

Cut 17 (23) “..up there.” 

______________________________________________________

The Saints head to New England on Sunday to take on Bill Belichick and the Patriots. New Orleans Coach Sean Payton says taking care of the football is the number one priority…

Cut 18 (08)”…the week.”

The Patriots are 1-and-1 on the season and they’ve given up just 23 points on the year. Payton says it’s a unit that has been stingy in the red zone…

Cut 19 (24)  “…watch it.” 

Rookie quarterback Mac Jones has only thrown one touchdown pass, but he’s completing 74-percent of his passes and he’s not been intercepted. Payton says Jones processes information fast and the ball comes out quick…

Cut 20 (21)  “…smart player”