6:30 LRN Newscast

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore was joined by NFL star Warrick Dunn as he filed an injunction in state court to stop clemency hearings for death row inmates. Dunn, whose mother, Baton Rouge police corporal Betty Smothers was gunned down 30 years ago, says it’s not fair that her killer, Kevan Brumfield is still alive.
Cut 7 (09) “…disrespectful.”
There are 20 clemency hearings pending before the Louisiana Pardon Board.

The National Federation of Independent Business says small business optimism declined in August as inflation continues to drive costs higher. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says small business owners are determined to get through this, but it’s not easy. She encourages consumers to shop locally…
cut 12 (07) “….tax dollars”

The extreme heat and drought we’ve experienced this summer has been tough on everyone, including wildlife. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 3 (30) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

There’s a good chance for rain across the state today, including in western Louisiana where wildfires are still burning.

LRN AM Newscall September 13

For the first time in school history, LSU has surpassed 400-million dollars in research spending. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31)……I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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East Baton Rouge District Attorney was joined by NFL star Warrick Dunn as he filed an injunction to stop upcoming clemency hearings for death row inmates. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Extreme heat and drought conditions are taking a toll on the state’s wildlife, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (30) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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For the first time ever, LSU has surpassed the 400-million dollar mark in research activity. Vice president of research and economic development at LSU, Robert Twilley, says the university is reporting 428-million dollars in total research activity in one year, up 16-percent from the previous year. Twilley says their research initiatives are gaining momentum…

Cut 4 (11) “… President Tate.”

Twilley says an increase in research dollars shows the university’s commitment to solving pressing problems for Louisiana. He says it also creates an estimated one-point-two billion dollar economic impact on Louisiana…

Cut 5 (09) “…buy food.”

Twilley says LSU’s Scholarship First Agenda is focusing its research investment in agriculture, biomedicine, the coast, cybersecurity, and energy, with a focus on carbon capture and underground storage…

Cut 6 (10) “..the future.”

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East Baton Rouge District Attorney was joined by NFL star Warrick Dunn as he filed an injunction to stop clemency hearings for death row inmates. Dunn, whose mother, Baton Rouge police corporal Betty Smothers was gunned down 30 years ago, says it’s not fair that her killer, Kevan Brumfield is still alive.

Cut 7 (09) “…disrespectful.”

Dunn says while Brumfield has been fed and housed by taxpayers’ dollars for years, his family continues to mourn the loss of his mother.

Cut 8 (09) “…with that.”

After Governor John Bel Edwards publicly stated he opposed the death penalty, all but one inmate on death row filed for clemency. Dunn says commenting the sentences of these inmates is disrespectful to the victims’ families and in his case, law enforcement also.
Cut 9 (12)  “…that fair?”

Executive Director of the Louisiana Capital Appeals Project, Cecelia Kappel says the lawsuit filed by Moore is another baseless attempt to block the Pardon Board and Governor Edwards from taking a close look at Louisiana’s broken death penalty system.

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Optimism among small businesses declined for the month of August as inflation continues to drive costs higher. NFIB State Director Dawn McVea says the optimism index decreased 0.6 last month to 91.3, for the 20th consecutive month below the 49-year average of 98.

Cut 10 (10) “…of months.”

McVea says small business owners are reporting that they feel like they are losing sale opportunities whether it’s because of inflation or the lack of labor.

Cut 11 (11) “…lost sales.”

As for future optimism, fewer small business owners have a positive outlook for the next six months. McVea says that’s unfortunate because typically retailers look for a strong 4th quarter with promotions like Small Business Saturday.

She says it’s so important that consumers shop locally versus big-box retailers.

Cut 12 (10) “…tax dollars.” 

Forty percent of small business owners reported job openings that were hard to fill.

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LDWF says the wildlife is being impacted by the drought conditions and excessive heat. State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Jim Lacour says the limited availability of water results in ducks and other animals having to travel for alternative water sources.

Cut 13 (12) “…or ditches.”

When drought puts stress on plants, there’s a negative ripple effect on deer and other wildlife that depend on vegetation in large quantities. He says when plants die, deer miss out on nutrition that plants provide..

Cut 14 (11) “…everything else.”

Many animals eat insects to build fat reserves for migration. Lacour says a decrease in water sources and lower plant growth can reduce insect populations. He says birds like quails and turkeys rely on mast crops and insects to feed their newborn.

Cut 15 (09) “…later on.”

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Mississippi State is gearing up to host 14th ranked LSU on Saturday. The Bulldogs are 2-0 after beating Southeastern Louisiana 48-7 in the season opener and then holding off Arizona 31-24 in overtime last Saturday. First year head coach Zach Arnett liked the improvement he saw from his team from week one to week two…

Cut 16 (16) “…anybody”

LSU beat State 31-16 last season.  Jayden Daniels threw for 210 yards and ran for 93 against the Bulldogs in that game. Arnett was M-S-U’s defensive coordinator last season and knows how difficult it is to defend Daniels…

Cut 17 (20) “…of a game”

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After winning their first two games at home, ULM heads on the road this Saturday to face Texas A-and-M. Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden says his players are looking forward to the trip to College Station…

Cut 18 (17) “…to play”

ULM leads the Sun Belt in rushing as they’ve rushed for 492 yards in their first two games, but they are last in the league with just 95 yards through the air. Bowden says they came into the season wanting to run the ball…

Cut 19 (15) “…second half especially”

Redshirt freshman James Smith had 2.5 sacks last week. Bowden says Smith has great length and athletic skills…

Cut 20 (17) “…better team”

5:30 LRN Newscast Sept 12

In St Helena Parish one person is dead and two others injured after a shooting at St. Helena College and Career Academy this afternoon. A second shooting victim reportedly showed up at a local hospital claiming that others may be hurt and third victim is reportedly being airlifted to children’s hospital in Baton Rouge. This is a developing story.

LSU-Alexandria’s enrollment has topped five thousand a goal they hoped would reach in 2025. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A St. Tammany Parish judge rules an attack ad against Attorney General Jeff Landry must be taken off the air because it’s not accurate. The ad alleges Landry did not aggressively pursue child porn charges against a man because he had a connection with Landry. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat predicts ads targeting Landry will continue since he’s the front-runner in the race…

Cut 11 (11) “…these things.”

Damage from the wildfires this year is devasting to timber landowners in west-central Louisiana. In addition to the economic losses, Forester Robbie Hutchins with the LSU AgCenter says the impacts will be felt across the state because forests also provide clean air, clean water, and wildlife habitats.

Cut 8 (09) “…what next.”

There are no federal programs to help timber landowners recoup their losses.

3:30 LRN Newscast

An attack ad against Attorney General Jeff Landry that ran over the weekend was ordered to be pulled off the air by a St. Tammany Parish judge. The ad aired during the LSU game alleges Landry failed to pursue a child porn case because Landry had a connection to the Lafayette man. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the TV ad aired during Saturday’s LSU game…

Cut 9 (08) “…are false” 

Landry’s gubernatorial campaign says a dark money group that supports Stephen Waguespack for governor is responsible for the ad.

Louisiana State University of Alexandria is now the fastest-growing public university in the state after exceeding its goal of enrolling five thousand undergraduate students two years ahead of schedule. Chancellor Paul Coreil says there was nearly 40 percent growth in students opting for a 100 percent online program.

Cut 5 (11) “ …growth area”  

This year’s freshman class of 475 marks the 3rd largest since admission standards were increased in 2007 and is the largest in the last eight years.

Can playing alter your pet’s mood during a medical procedure? Brooke Thorington has more from an artist in residence at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

Cut 27 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Tech President Dr. Les Guice announces his plans to retire by the end of the year. During Guice tenure, the university reached national and global rankings, record-breaking enrollment, innovative expansion, and other milestones during his presidency. Guice served the institution for 45 years, the last 10 as president.

2:30 LRN Newscast Sept 12

A St. Tammany Parish judge rules an attack ad against Attorney General Jeff Landry must be taken off the air because it’s not accurate. The ad alleges Landry did not aggressively pursue child porn charges against a man because he had a connection with Landry. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat predicts ads targeting Landry will continue since he’s the front-runner in the race…

Cut 11 (11) “…these things.”

 

In west-central Louisiana where wildfires have ravaged thousands of acres of forests, it only adds insult to injuries to landowners who incurred losses from Hurricanes Laura and Delta just three years ago. Forester Robbie Hutchins with the LSU Ag Center says it’s difficult to explain the devastation that’s occurred.

Cut 6 (12) “…affected.”

LSU-Alexandria’s enrollment tops five thousand a goal they hoped would reach in 2025. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

 

Louisiana Tech University President Dr. Les Guice announced his intent to retire today. After serving 45 years at the school, the last 10 as president Guice will retire at the end of the year. University of Louisiana System President and CEO Dr. Jim Henderson, says “President Guice leaves an indelible mark on his alma mater. His leadership and grand vision will benefit generations to come.

1:30 LRN Newscast Sept 12

A St. Tammany Parish judge has ordered an attack ad that targets Attorney General Jeff Landry must be removed from the airwaves. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore is filing an injunction today to stop the upcoming clemency hearings for death row inmates in Louisiana. 56 inmates are seeking to have their sentences reduced to life in prison, the first group of hearings is scheduled for next month.

Louisiana State University of Alexandria has exceeded its goal of enrolling five thousand undergraduate students by 2025, securing its status as the fastest-growing public university in the state. Chancellor Paul Coreil says students transferring to LSUA from other institutions increased by 49 percent last year.

Cut 4 (13) “…jobs available”

Damage from the wildfires this year is devasting to timber landowners in west-central Louisiana. In addition to the economic losses, Forester Robbie Hutchins with the LSU AgCenter says the impacts will be felt across the state because forests also provide clean air, clean water, and wildlife habitats.

Cut 8 (09) “…what next.”

There are no federal programs to help timber landowners recoup their losses.

 

12:30 LRN Newscast Sept 12

A judge rules an attack ad against Attorney General Jeff Landry must be taken off the air because it’s inaccurate. The ad alleges Landry did not aggressively pursue child porn charges against a man because he had a connection to Landry. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says an order to remove an ad is unusual, but it does happen when the facts presented show the ad is false.

Cut 10 (11) “…on radio”

In west-central Louisiana, the drought and wildfires have ravaged thousands of acres of forest land. Robbie Hutchins with the LSU AgCenter says the forestry industry has more than a $10 billion annual impact on the state. And while State Ag and Forestry do assist landowners with site preparation and the replanting of timber stands.

Cut 7 (05) “…losses.” 

He says forests also provide clean air, clean water, beauty, and wildlife habitats.

 

The FDA has signed off on new COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna to rev up protection ahead of a potential fall surge. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU’s defense had trouble stopping Grambling early on in Saturday night’s blowout win. G-S-U scored ten points in the first quarter and hit on a couple of pass plays, including a 34-yarder for their first completion of the game. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says it will take time to develop the secondary…
Cut 18 (21) “…entire season”
Texas A-and-M transfer Denver Harris started the Grambling game after not traveling to Orlando for the Florida state game. Kelly says he’s encouraged with what he’s seeing from Harris, who has been a press corner and is now learning how to play several different zone coverages.

Saints Coach Dennis Allen confirms defensive end Payton Turner will miss some time after injuring his toe in Sunday’s season opening win over Tennessee. Allen says Turner’s turf toe injury is similar to the injury that kept left tackle Trevor Penning out three months last year. Allen says it was a bit of a freak injury…
cut 16 (20) “…unfortunate loss”
Turner is in his third season and he’s only appeared in 14 games because of injuries.

Todd Garvin only coached one game at West Monroe before he was fired. The school announced Garvin’s termination yesterday. He was suspended last week after a player needed to go to the hospital suffering from a heat-related illness. It was the fourth time that has happened since Garvin took over in May.

11:30 LRN Newscast

A judge in St. Tammany Parish has ruled that an attack ad against Attorney General Jeff Landry must be taken off the air because it’s not accurate. The ad alleges Landry did not aggressively pursue child porn charges against a Lafayette man because he had a connection with Landry. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the TV ad aired during Saturday’s LSU game…

Cut 9 (08) “…are false” 

In west-central Louisiana where wildfires have ravaged thousands of acres of forests, it only adds insult to injuries to landowners who incurred losses from Hurricanes Laura and Delta just three years ago. Forester Robbie Hutchins with the LSU Ag Center says it’s difficult to explain the devastation that’s occurred.

Cut 6 (12) “…affected.”

Louisiana State University of Alexandria has exceeded its goal of enrolling five thousand undergraduate students by 2025, securing its status as the fastest-growing public university in the state. Chancellor Paul Coreil says the university has seen a 24 percent increase in enrollment with students from places far and near.

Cut 3 (09) “…international students”

The uptick in enrollment includes nearly 40 percent growth in students opting for 100 percent online programs.

Entergy Louisiana has accelerated its regular tree-trimming across the state to prevent trees from falling on powerlines due to severe drought conditions. VP of Reliability Steven Benyard

Cut 5 (10) “…our analysis”

 

10:30 LRN Newscast

The FDA has approved newly updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to target the XBB 1.5 variant ahead of a potential seasonal increase in infections. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Fred  Lopez says it’s still unclear which populations health officials will consider for the shots.

Cut 8 (08) “…the vaccine.”

The shots will cost up to $130 dollars, compared to $30 last year for the booster.

Entergy Louisiana has increased its usual tree-trimming across the state due to excessive heat and severe drought conditions. VP of Reliability Steven Benyard urges customers to report trees that may impact powerlines in their community.

Cut 6 (11) “…community thing.”

To report overgrown trees that are touching power lines, call 1-800-ENTERGY.

It’s never too early to begin saving for your child’s education and the START Saving Program through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid allows you to do so with a few perks.  Director of the START Program, Terri Underwood says it’s open to residents or beneficiaries who live in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (09) “…on deposits.”

There’s also a START K12 Saving Program to help families with tuition-related expenses to eligible Louisiana schools. For more information visit mylosfa.la.gov

When Charlie Rauh (rhymes with cow) began his musical career, he never thought it would end up going to the dogs, but that’s exactly what has happened. For the last month, he’s served as composer in residence at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

Cut 13 (10) “…compose music.”

To wrap up his residency, Rauh is holding a concert this evening at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Library at 5:30. For more information on the artist visit charlieraugh.com that’s R-A-U-H.