10.26.22
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9:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Tech is ranked as the second best public university in the state according to the U-S News and World Report’s Best Global Universities list. The rankings focus on a university’s academic research and reputation. Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships Doctor Sumeet Dua says the University’s Physics program was also recognized for its global research…
cut 8 (12) “…over the years”

Newspapers across the state are publishing the names of individuals who have money with the state’s Unclaimed Property Trust Fund. The money went into the fund between September 2021 and August of this year. Treasurer John Schroder says they hope to return the unclaimed money, but if they don’t….
cut 11 (08) “….for everybody”
Unclaimed Property can be money from unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, stock dividends and even rent or utility deposits.

We continue to look at the constitutional amendments on the November eighth ballot. Today we discuss Amendment three, which would allow civil service employees to support campaign activities of family members who run for office. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says people who oppose the amendment say it opens the door to abuse and public perception problems…
cut 6 (11) “….officials have”
But supporters of the amendment say civil service workers should be able to support family members if they are running for political office.

We are five days away from Halloween. Macie Breaux works at Southern Costume Company in New Orleans and she’s seen all kinds of different costume choices…
cut 14 (10) “….here in New Orleans”
Breaux says the premiere of the TV series Interview with a Vampire has inspired several of their customers.

10.26.22
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7:30 LRN Newscast Oct 26

Early voting for the November 8th election is underway through next Tuesday. In addition to congressional and local races, your ballot will include eight proposed constitutional amendments. Today we take a look at proposed Amendment Three with Public Affairs Research Council’s Stephen Procopio. As it stands now, public employees – civil servants – cannot engage in any political activity.

CUT 04(10)      “…with their families”

If approved, the change would affect about 51-thousand state and local government workers. However, those who work in registrars’ or clerks of court’s offices would still be prohibited.

A Baton Rouge teacher has been fired, after allegations of inappropriate behavior with students at a previous job came to light. Woodlawn High terminated Vincent Hoang once they learned of alleged grooming, sexual assaults and even giving bad grades to students who rebuffed advances while a teacher at Episcopal High. An alleged victim filed suit against Hoang.

 

U.S. News and World Report ranks Louisiana Tech as the 2nd best public university in the state in its best global universities list…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Palermo.”

Southern University is in Jackson, Mississippi this weekend to play rival Jackson State…but so is ESPN’s College GameDay. This should be great national exposure for both schools. It will likely also mean some sort of feature during the popular TV show involving a Southern player, coach or tradition. Southern is 5 -2, Jackson state is 7-0.

10.26.22
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6:30 LRN Newscast Oct 26

State Treasurer John Schroder says there are tens of millions in the state’s Unclaimed Property fund, and his office wants to reunite the money with its rightful owners. Schroder says the database of people with money waiting for them continues to grow…:

CUT 10(07)      “…44-million dollars.”

Schroder says amounts owed can be fairly small and sometimes pretty large. To see if you have money, check your local paper or go online to “LACashClaim.org”

Louisiana Tech University ranks as the second-best public university in the state on the U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities List. Tech’s Executive Associate President for Research and Partnership, Dr. Sumeet Dua says the rankings focused on the university’s reputation and academic research…:

CUT 07(13)      “…pursue.”

 

A candidate for city council in Crowley faces felony cruelty charges. Christopher George Sr. was arrested in late September. His lawyer says he is embroiled in a bitter custody battle for his kids and the allegations made against him are “patently false.” George is still in the race for that council seat.

So, what costumes should you expect to show up at your door or Halloween party this year? A New Orleans costumer says the TV screen has inspired some of the most popular costumes…:

CUT 03(33)      “…Thorington.”

10.26.22
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans had a hard-fought win last night over Dallas as they defeated the Mavericks 113 to 111. New Orleans won the game despite not having three starters, who are injured, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Herb Jones. Trey Murphy led the way last night as he scored 22 points and was a perfect four-for-four from three-point territory. The Pels are 3-and-1 and begin a three-game road trip in Phoenix on Friday.

The Saints seek their third win of the season on Sunday when they host Las Vegas. The Black and Gold have struggled on defense this year and linebacker Demario Davis says they know how to turn it around…
cut 19 (18) “….always done”
Kick-off Sunday against the Raiders is at noon.

LSU football will practice today, the players will hit the weights tomorrow and then they’ll have the weekend off, while the coaches will hit the recruiting trail.

Louisiana Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie does not know who will start at quarterback Friday when the Bulldogs face F-I-U. Matthew Downing is out for the year with a knee injury, the usual starter Parker McNeil is questionable, and will share reps in practice with Jack Turner and Landry Lyddy.

The Southern University football program is set to get some big-time exposure this Saturday as ESPN’s College GameDay will be in Jackson, Mississippi for the Jaguars’ game against rival Jackson State. Head Coach Eric Dooley says it’s a big deal for the entire school
Cut 16 (13) “…coming here”
Jackson State is 7-0, while the Jaguars are 5-and-2. Kick-off is at 1 PM at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

10.25.22
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LRN AM Newscall October 26

U-S News and World Report ranks Louisiana Tech as the 2nd best public university in the state in its best global universities list. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LRN’s series detailing the Constitutional Amendments on the November 8th ballot continues. Today, we look at Amendment Three with the Public Affairs Research Council. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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So, what costumes should you expect to show up at your door or Halloween party this year? A New Orleans costumer says the TV screen has inspired some of the most popular costumes. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Early voting for the November 8th election is underway through next Tuesday. In addition to congressional and local races, your ballot will include eight proposed constitutional amendments. Today we take a look at proposed Amendment Three with Public Affairs Research Council’s Stephen Procopio.

As it stands now, public employees who are civil servants cannot engage in any political activity.

Cut 4 (10)  “…their family.”

Procopio says the proposed amendment would also let civil service employees attend campaign events during their off-duty hours.

Cut 5 (05) “…for you.”

Procopio says it’s a long list of family members and is very inclusive.

On the flip side, he says there are concerns about eroding protections for state employees.

Cut 6 (11)  “…officials have.” 

The change would affect about 51,000 state and local employees.

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Louisiana Tech University ranks as the second-best public university in the state on the U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities List. La Tech’s Executive Associate President for research and partnership, Dr. Sumeet Dua says the rankings focused on the university’s reputation and academic research.

Cut 7 (13) “…pursue.”

The university’s Physics Program was recognized for its global research and reputation impact, one of the only two programs in the state to be honored.

Dr. Dua says our physics faculty is extremely bright…

Cut 8 (12)  “…over the years.”

Dua says the ranking from U-S News and World Report can help attract students not only from the U-S but internationally.

Cut 9 (12)  “…scholarship opportunities”

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State Treasurer John Schroder says there are tens of millions in the state’s Unclaimed Property fund, and his office wants to reunite the money with its rightful owners. Schroder says the database of people with money waiting for them continues to grow…:

Cut 10 (07) “…44-million dollars” 

This week newspapers across Louisiana began publishing the list of persons with unclaimed money received by the state between September 2021 and August of this year. Schroder says the state Treasury Department is responsible for returning the money to citizens….:

Cut  11 (08)  “…for everybody.”

Unclaimed Property can be money from unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, stock dividends and even rent or utility deposits. The state gets to keep any interest from the total in the fund, but an amendment passed by voters that took effect in July 2021 protects that principle sum from being used for state government expenditures. Schroder says amounts owed can be fairly small and sometimes pretty large…:

Cut 12 (10) “…a 258-thousand dollar CD.” 

You can quickly check and see if there is any money awaiting you at “LaCashClaim.org”

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Halloween is just days away and in case you haven’t decided how you’ll dress up this year a costumer from Southern Costume Company in New Orleans says why not dress up as your favorite movie or TV character? Macie Breaux says the premiere of the TV series Interview with a Vampire has inspired several of their customers.

Cut 13 (08) “…this year.”

In addition to supplying costumes for productions filming in New Orleans, Breaux says they offer costume rentals to the public for Mardi Gras and Halloween. Breaux says last year the series Stranger Things inspired customers and it’s again popular this year too.

Breaux says working as a costumer in New Orleans she’s heard and seen it all when it comes to disguises for Halloween.

Cut 14 (09)  “…here in New Orleans.”

And while Halloween business is typically brisk from the end of September until the end of October, Breaux says if you haven’t picked out your costume yet, you’re not alone.

Cut 15 (09)  “…here for it.”

According to Google Trends the most searched Halloween costume this year is a witch, inspired by the recent release of Hocus Pocus 2.

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The Southern University football program is set to get some big time exposure this Saturday as ESPN’s College GameDay will be in Jackson, Mississippi Saturday for the Jaguars game against SWAC rival Jackson State. Head Coach Eric Dooley says it’s a big deal for the entire school

Cut 16 (13)  “…coming here” 

With College Gameday in Jackson, Mississippi that means a lot more attention will be placed on this game nationally. It will likely also mean some sort of feature during the popular TV show involving a Southern player, coach or tradition. Dooley says the focus needs to remain on the game…

Cut 17 (14) “…ready to play” 

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The Saints get back to work today as they get ready to host Las Vegas. New Orleans is 2-and-5 on the season, but New Orleans still has a chance to turn its season around. Especially considering they are just one game back of first place in the NFC South, behind Tampa Bay and Atlanta. Linebacker Demario Davis has been a leader for the Black and Gold for several seasons and he’s trying to lead this squad now…

Cut 18 (15) “…come back out.” 

The Saints defense has struggled this season. Davis says they know how to turn it around…

Cut 19 (18) “…always done”

10.25.22
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5:30 LRN Newscast Oct 26

According to Walgreens’ flu tracker, Louisiana leads the country in cases. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen announced Andy Dalton will be the starting quarterback moving forward even with Jameis Winston a full participant in practice. Coach Allen’s decision was performance-based.

The offense under Dalton has been one of the top-ranked in both yards and points, and Allen said Dalton will keep the starting job if that trend continues. Dalton and the Saints will host the 2-4 Raiders at noon this Sunday.

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Louisiana shrimpers say their industry is in shambles. They say rising fuel costs, lax testing of imports, and most of all, competition from foreign imports are the culprits. Acy Cooper is President of the Louisiana Shrimp Association.

He says the imported shrimp is not only bad for the economy, but it’s also bad for consumers’ health. He cites a Consumer Reports study on shrimp safety.

Cut 7 (11) “..trash coming in”

Tomorrow, Southeastern Louisiana University will begin providing independent scientific monitoring of the Lake Maurepas ecosystem. The goal is to see where the lake stands before Air Products begins its project to inject captured carbon emissions into wells deep beneath the lake.

Dan McCarthy is the dean of Southeastern’s College of Science and Technology.

Cut 3 (11) “..recognize changes” 

10.25.22
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints will get back to work tomorrow as they prepare for Sunday’s home game against the Raiders. New Orleans is 2-and-5 on the season and the defense has really struggled. The Saints have allowed 29 points a game, which is the second highest in the NFL and they’ve only forced six turnovers. There’s also the issue of missed tackles. Coach Dennis Allen says playing better on that side of the ball would produce more victories…
cut 19 (18) “…those things”
Las Vegas is just two and four, but they average 27 points a game, which is the third highest mark in the NFL.

The Pelicans will be without three starters for tonight’s game against Dallas. Brandon Ingram is in concussion protocol, Zion Williamson has a bruised back and hip and Herb Jones has a hyperextended knee.

LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels is the SEC Offensive Player of the Week . Daniels accounted for five touchdowns in the Tigers 45-20 victory over the previously undefeated Ole Miss Rebels. Linebacker Harold Perkins was named co-freshman of the week and Sophomore Mekhi Wingo was named defensive lineman of the week, as he had seven tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Cajuns Quarterback Ben Wooldridge was named the Sun Belt’s Offensive Player of the Week after throwing a school record-tying five touchdowns in a win over Arkansas State. U-L Lafayette’s other quarterback Chandler Fields is available for Thursday’s game at Southern Miss after missing the last two games due to injury, but Coach Michael Desormeaux says Wooldridge will start.

Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie announced today that Quarterback Matt Downing will miss the rest of the season after taking a hit late in the overtime loss to Rice. Parker McNeil, who has started most of the games at Q-B is questionable for Friday night’s game against F-I-U. Also questionable for Friday are safeties BeeJay Williamson and Jaiden Cole. Tight end Griffin Hebert is closer to doubtful.

10.25.22
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4:30 LRN Newscast Oct 25

Flu and RSV cases are up among children, but when do you need to seek medical help…?

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

The federal Environmental Protection Agency has recommended closure of a St. John parish elementary school due to toxic exposure. The EPA says the 5th Ward school in Reserve is very close to the Denka chemical plant, and there’s danger from possible cancer causing agents in the plant’s emissions. The state Department of Environmental Quality says it’s looking into it.

 

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is trying to fill 400 vacancies in a hurry. So they’re hosting job fairs around the state through December 15th.  Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they’re looking for people with big hearts…:

CUT 03(10)      “…to help families.”

For information on available jobs go to “DCFS.la.gov”

Tomorrow night’s Powerball jackpot is at $700-million; the 5th largest in the game’s history. Louisiana Lottery’s Dustin Annison says be sure to sign the back of your ticket…and even if you don’t win the Big Money, check to see if you’ve won additional prizes..:

CUT 13(11)      “…prize tier.

Tickets are on sale until 9 pm tomorrow night.

10.25.22
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3:30 LRN Newscast Oct 25

Early Voting is underway for the November 8th election. There are eight Constitutional Amendments on the ballot, but the author of one of them, Amendment 7, wants voters to REJECT it. Brusly Rep. Edmond Jordan’s amendment is intended to prohibit involuntary servitude; slavery. However, he says the ballot language will confuse voters. Council for a Better Louisiana president Barry Erwin…:

CUT 06  (08)        “…further than intended.”

Jordon hopes we’ll all vote “NO”, and he will tweak and reintroduce the proposed amendment next year.

The Powerball Jackpot reaches $700-million for Wednesday night’s drawing; the fifth largest jackpot in Powerball history. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says it has a cash value of $335.7-million: a lot of money for fairly small risk…:

CUT 12  (07)        “…three dollars.”

Tickets will be on sale until 9 pm tomorrow night.

 

Folks looking for reasons for rising crime in New Orleans’ French Quarter need look no further than the Department of Public Works. About a fifth of all the street lights in the Quarter are broken or burnt out. A full third are damaged in some way or form. With the darkness comes the crime. City officials say they’re working to get the lights back ASAP.

RSV and flu cases are on the rise among children and Ochsner Health Center for Children in Baton Rouge pediatrician Dr. Brannon Perilloux says it’s no coincidence the surge comes as COVID restrictions are relaxed. He says the biggest spreaders for kids are daycares, preschools, and schools themselves…:

CUT 11(10)      “…get it.”

By the way, if you didn’t know…RSV stands for Respiratory Syncitial Virus, and causes minor cold-like symptoms. There’s no vaccine for that yet, but Perilloux urges you to get your kids their annual flu shot soon.

10.25.22
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LRN PM Newscall October 25

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services might be looking for you! DCFS needs to fill 400 vacancies in a hurry—so they’re changing their hiring process. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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RSV and flu cases are up among children but when do you need to seek medical help? Brooke Thorington has more from a pediatrician.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is trying to fill 400 vacancies in a hurry. So they’re hosting job fairs around the state through December 15th.  Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they’re looking for people with big hearts.

Cut 3 (10) “..families” 

More about the specific jobs is available at D C F S. LA. GOV. She says they are looking to fill jobs in both of their major programs. Family support—helping low-income people get food—But especially child welfare.

Cut 4 (06) “…adoption worker.” 

Walters says the job fairs—held at nine locations around the state—help shorten the hiring process by several weeks. She says she is very excited at the response so far.

Cut 5 (09) “…will be.” 

The next job fair is tomorrow at the Slidell municipal auditorium, then November 2nd at the Lake Charles Civic Center, and November 10th at the Delta Community College in Monroe.

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Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan is asking voters to vote against his proposed Constitutional Amendment seven on the November 8th ballot, because he says the ballot language is confusing. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin also opposes the amendment that deals with a form of slavery

Cut 6 (08)  “…intended” 

Erwin says the intent of the amendment was to restrict the use of involuntary servitude, to make sure it’s only permitted as a form of criminal punishment, but because of how the amendment was written, it may actually broaden the use of involuntary servitude

Cut 7 (06) “..in the constitution”

Jordan is asking voters to vote no on Amendment 7 so the Legislature can rewrite the proposed amendment next year. Erwin says this has to be confusing for voters…

Cut 8 (11)  “..do it”

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RSV and flu cases are on the rise among children and Dr. Brannon Perilloux, a pediatrician at Ochsner Health Center for Children in Baton Rouge says when you should seek medical care depends on how your child is reacting. For example, if they have a significantly high fever or they feel really bad and Tylenol isn’t helping bring them in.

Cut 9 (08)  “…your pediatrician. “

But if they are behaving as normal they don’t necessarily need to see the doctor.

There’s no vaccine for RSV but there is for the flu, so Perilloux encourages anyone six months or older to get their flu shot. In 2020 he says they didn’t see hardly any flu cases and RSV cases decreased dramatically but since COVID restrictions eased both are making a comeback.

Cut 10 (10) “…comes through.”

In addition to a drop in temps Perilloux says the biggest spreader by far of RSV and the flu is among daycares, preschools, and schools themselves.

Cut 11 (10)  “…get it.”

The symptoms of both the flu and RSV are the same; runny nose, cough, congestion, and fever. The only way to determine is by taking a nasal swab test.

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The Powerball Jackpot reaches $ 700 million and it’s the fifth largest jackpot in Powerball history. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says it has a cash value of $335.7 million and it’s the 8th largest U.S jackpot ever.

Cut 12 (07) “…three-dollars.”

The current jackpot has been growing since August and Annison says for Wednesday night’s drawing tickets must be purchased by 9 PM. After you purchase your ticket he says immediately sign the back. And while you might not win a jackpot be sure to check your ticket for additional prizes.

Cut 13 (11) “..prize tier.” 

And as always, he says to play responsibly and it only takes one to win. Wednesday night’s drawing is at 9:59.