LRN AM Newscall October 28

It looks and tastes like regular candy, but it’s sickening children at an alarming rate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Halloween is Thursday and if you haven’t gotten your costume picked out yet then you better get a move on.  Sean Richardson has the trick and treat…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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During a stop in his home district, Republican Mike Johnson reflected on his one year as the U-S House Speaker. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Children from across the state are becoming hospitalized at an alarming rate after eating candy laced with THC. Mark Ryan, the executive director of the Louisiana Poison Control Center, says over the last several years, the instances of kids becoming sick from eating THC-laced candy have increased steadily — and shockingly.

Cut 4 (20) “…we’re at 128.”

Ryan says part of the problem is that the makers of this THC-laced candy are marketing them specifically to children, using packaging that looks almost identical to that of common candy products. It’s available at vape shops and, although you need to be 21 to purchase them, that’s not stopping them from getting into the hands – and mouths of children.

Cut 5 (13) “…so they’re accessible.”

And the effects that this candy has on children can be frightening.

Cut 6 (17) “…are pretty common.”

The legislature legalized THC-laced edibles back in 2022, albeit requiring purchasers to be at least 21 years old. Ryan says it’s very likely that the legislature will take up potential changes to the law in the next regular session.

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As Halloween approaches, the excitement in neighborhoods is palpable, with children and adults preparing for the spookiest night of the year. Many are busy finalizing their costumes.  Dee Dee Daniels of Humbug Costumes in Kenner says to be original…

Cut 7 (09) “…build upon it.”

DIY enthusiasts are also getting creative, sharing ideas online for unique, homemade costumes. Daniels says don’t just copy a picture you found on the internet…

Cut 8 (04) “…inner character out.”

Daniels says as the countdown to October 31st continues, the thrill of finding or creating the perfect costume that brings out your unique personality is what this time of year is all about.

Cut 9 (05)  “…contest that way.”

Daniels says the best tip she can give is to try it on before you take it home.

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U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson believes we’ll see a Red Wave on election day with Republicans growing their majority in the House, taking control of the U-S Senate and winning the White House. Johnson expressed this confidence after early voting in Bossier Parish. Johnson has been campaigning on behalf of Republicans nationwide for the last several weeks…

Cut 10 (11) “…for the country”

Johnson says if former President Donald Trump is re-elected, you can expect immediate steps to secure the Southern border, efforts to improve the economy and there will also be regulatory reform…

Cut 11 (14) …economy.”

Johnson believes he’ll be re-elected as House Speaker if Republicans maintain control of the U.S. House. But there’s a possibility the Democrats take control of the House by flipping seats in New York and California. Johnson doesn’t see it that way…

Cut 12 (12) “…for the country.”

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Work is underway on the Southwest Coastal Louisiana Project in Lake Charles. Senior Project Manager Micki Meier says this will bring protection from flooding to homes and businesses in Calcasieu, Cameron and Vermillion parishes.

Cut 13 (15)  “…floodproof them.”

Meier says part of the project involves building levies around certain properties.

Cut 14 (09) “…dry-floodproof them.”

As for the homes, the plan there is to actually elevate them by three to six feet, so that they’re out of the way of floodwaters.

Cut 15 (16) “…a permanent foundation.”

In all, the project will protect homes and businesses within a 47-hundred square mile area.

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LSU crumbled in the 2nd half in College Station as Texas A&M outscored the Tigers 31 to 6 in the final 30 minutes on their way to a 38-23 victory. The Tigers led by 10 points at halftime, but Garrett Nussmeier threw three interceptions in the second half as the Tigers could not run the football. Coach Brian Kelly says 24 yards rushing is not going to cut it…

Cut 16 (14)   “…has to.”

Nussmeier threw for 405 yards and two touchdowns, but the most effective quarterback was A&M’s Marcel Reed who completed two passes for 70 yards and rushed for 62 yards and three touchdowns. Reed came in for an ineffective Conner Weigman and it looked like the Tigers were not prepared for a running QB…

Cut 17 (21) “…preparation.”

LSU had a chance to score more points in the first half, but drives broke down, Damian Ramos missed two field goals, and there was a botched snap in the third quarter on another field goal try. Kelly says they have a lot to improve before their next game against Alabama on November 9th.

Cut 18 (21)   “…help ’em out.”

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There are many problems the Saints need to fix, now that their losing streak is up to six. The Saints jumped in front early on a safety, but that was pretty much it. The Chargers stifled the Saints offense and beat them, 26-8. After the game, Saints Coach Dennis Allen was searching for answers.

Cut 19 (10) “….just couldn’t overcome.”  

Spencer Rattler completed 12 out of 24 passes for 156 yards and no touchdowns before he was benched in favor of Jake Haener, who completed 9 of 17 for 122 yards. After the game, Rattler took his benching in stride.

Cut 20 (14) “…win the game.”

The Saints fall to 2-and-6 on the season and are in Charlotte next week to face the Carolina Panthers, who they beat in Week 1 in the Superdome.