11:30 LRN Newscast Oct 4

Louisiana Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy announces 46 million dollars in federal money is heading to Cameron, Calcasieu, and Vermilion Parishes to elevate about 200 structures so they will not flood.  Cassidy says it’s great news for southwest Louisiana and the money is coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill…

Cut 4 (09) “…to come.” 

Cassidy says Louisiana has received 700 million dollars in funding for coastal, waterway, and flood protection projects from the Infrastructure Bill signed by President Joe Biden in 2021.

State climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana is in a drought. Shreveport has gone 23 straight days without any rainfall, Baton Rouge for 24, and New Orleans has had just a sprinkle in the past 26 days.

Cut 5 (06) “…in Louisiana.” 

Keim says those hardest hit are farmers, and there’s no relief in sight.

Can Louisiana ever do away with state income tax? One lawmaker says “yes”, but it will take bold action. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

And the first Lady of Country Music, Loretta Lynn passed away today at the age of 90. Here she is performing Move it on over at the Louisiana Hayride….

Cut 24

10:30 LRN Newscast Oct 4

Louisiana Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy announces 46-million dollars in federal money is heading to Cameron, Calcasieu, and Vermilion Parishes to elevate about 200 structures so they will not flood.  Cassidy says it’s great news for southwest Louisiana…

Cut 3 (05) “…are intact.” 

Cassidy says the money is coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

With talks of removing Louisiana’s state income tax, Mandeville Republican Richard Nelson the state would have to find a way to make up for the shortfall, like the Industrial Tax Exemption Program which entices manufacturers to come to Louisiana. But Nelson says companies move to Texas because their net tax load is virtually zero compared to ours…:

Cut 8 (08)  “…companies and people away.”

Nelson says a plan to do away with state income tax will have to be revenue neutral.

New hope for Alzheimer’s sufferers. A Japanese drug manufacturer says its experimental Alzheimer’s drug reduced cognitive and functional decline by 27 percent in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s. The director for Dementia Research and Prevention at LSU’S Pennington Biomedical Research Institute says this is a potential big breakthrough in treating Alzheimer’s

Cut 10 (07) “…the field.”

The United Cajun Navy continues to aid Floridians in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Spokesperson Brian Trascher says it’s a slow process due to a number of highways and byways still under water, damaged, or blocked by debris.

Cut 13 (08) “…logistics vehicles.”

Trascher says they’d like to have more supplies on the ground, but some areas remain inaccessible. To donate visit UnitedCajunNavy.org

9:30 LRN Newscast

Mandeville Republican Representative Richard Nelson went before the Baton Rouge Press Club to discuss his proposal to eliminate the state’s income tax. He says any plan to do away with the state income tax will need to be “revenue neutral” or it will not pass the legislature, so alternate revenue sources need to be decided. He says what state government HAS been doing is no longer working…:
Cut 9 (13) “…the can down the road.”

Rescues continue in Hurricane Ian stricken Florida. United Cajun Navy spokesperson Brian Trascher says they finally made it to Capitva Island. Trascher says while most residents have evacuated there are some who don’t want to leave their homes….
cut 15 (10) “…inhabitable again”

Low water levels on the Mississippi River is hampering barge traffic on the major transportation route for crops. Barges are unable to carry as much as they normally do. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s not good news for lower food prices…
cut 6 (11) “….chain disruptions”

Here’s some good news. A Japanese drug manufacturer says they’ve seen good results in slowing down the cognitive and functional decline in early-stage Azheimer’s. The drug is called lecanemab. (LAH-CAN-EH-MAB). Doctor Jeffrey Keller at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, says since there are no existing drugs that actually slow down Alzheimer’s, he is hoping that efforts to fast-track it for patient use will be effective.
Cut 12 (09) “…exciting day.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Parts of the Mississippi River are so low that barge shipments are being limited just after crops have been harvested. Whitney Thomas has more…
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

An assistant football coach at Terrebonne High School is facing two-counts of molestation of a juvenile female. Deputies say 24-year-old Bobby Sewire of Gray admitted involement with the juvenile victim that took place at locations within Terrebonne. After he was booked, Sewire was released on a 15-thousand dollar bond.

Southwest Florida continues to struggle with the devastation left behind from Hurricane Ian. It’s the first major hurricane to hit Fort Myers since Hurricane Charley in 2004. United Cajun Navy spokesperson Brian Trascher…
cut 14 (11) “…streamed everywhere”
At least 71 people have died in Florida from the hurricane.

There’s a positive development in the fight against Alzheimer’s. A Japenese drug maunfacturer says it’s experimental drug reduced cognitive and functional decline by 27-percent in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Doctor Jeffrey Keller at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center says based on the trial’s data, the drug’s side effects include brain swelling and bleeding, but the patients were rarely symptomatic…
cut 11 (08) “….in humans”

7:30 LRN Newscast

The United Cajun Navy remains active in Florida assisting with recovery efforts after Hurricane Ian….
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The U-S Supreme Court hears oral arguments today over Alabama’s congressional district map. Alabama has seven congressional districts and 27-percent of its population is black and the ACLU argues Alabama should have two majority-minority districts. This case is similar to the legal challenges against Louisiana’s Congressional district map.

Low water levels are limiting the amount of grain that can be shipped via barges on the Mississippi River. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says 99% of the water in the Mississippi River comes from northern states and after little to no rain its hindering agriculture shipments.
Cut 4 (11) “…short loaded.”
Strain says it’s another supply chain issue that could lead to higher food prices.

Mandeville Republican Representative Richard Nelson went before the Baton Rouge Press Club to discuss his proposal to eliminate the state’s income tax, which brings in over four-billion dollars in tax revenues to the state. Some of that goes to local governments. So how will Louisiana make up that loss? Nelson says lowering the homestead exemption on property taxes, which he says chokes local governments of operating funds…
cut 7 (08) “…pays no tax at all”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The 25th ranked Tigers are getting ready to host 8th ranked Tennessee. LSU fans are not happy about the 11 AM kick-off on Saturday. But Coach Brian Kelly still wants a loud Tiger Stadium…
cut 18 (18) “…awesome opportunity”
Kelly says cornerback Sevyn Banks suffered a spinal-cord bruise and will be out five to six weeks. Banks was carted off the field after the opening kick-off and transported to a local hospital. He returned to the stadium by halftime and was seen wearing a neck brace and had movement in his extremities.

The Ragin Cajuns do not have a game until October 13th against Marshall, but Coach Michael Desormeaux is not sure at this point if quarterback Chandler Fields and running back Chris Smith will play because of his injuries.

The Saints are 1-and-3 and it’s easy to see why. They’ve turned it over an NFL high 11 times and have committed 34 penalties, second most in the league behind Denver. Coach Dennis Allen says turnovers will be a big emphasis in practice this week as New Orleans has an NFL worst minus-seven turnover ratio…
cut 19 (13) “…at practice”
The NFL Network reports the Saints have lost running back Latavius Murray to the Denver Broncos. Murray was elevated off the practice squad for Sunday’s game in London and performed well, rushing for a team-high 57 yards on 11 carries. But the Broncos had the opportunity to sign Murray off the Saints practice squad after they lost Javonte Williams to a season ending injury.

The Pelcians tip-off their preseason schedule tonight as they are in Chicago to face the Bulls. New Orleans has also announced they’ve signed Larry Nance Junior to a contract extension.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Low water level on the Mississippi River is impacting barge traffic. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says it comes at a critical time as harvest is underway, but barges are not able to transport as much product in fear of being grounded. Strain says other shipment options need to be looked at…
cut 5 (11) “….downriver”
Strain says unfortunately this is another supply chain issue that’s led to an increase in food prices.

The United Cajun Navy continues to aid Floridians in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Spokesperson Brian Trascher says it’s a slow process due to a number of highways and byways still under water, damaged, or blocked by debris.
Cut 13 (08) “…logistics vehicles.”
Trascher says they’d like to have more supplies on the ground, but some areas remain inaccessible.

Can Louisiana ever do away with the state income tax? One lawmaker says “yes”, but it will take bold action. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

AM LRN Newscast Oct 4

Parts of  The Mississippi River are so low that barge shipments are being limited just after crops have been harvested. Whitney Thomas has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

_________________________________________________

Can Louisiana ever do away with state income tax? One lawmaker says “yes”, but it will take bold action. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_________________________________________________

The United Cajun Navy remains active in Florida assisting with recovery efforts after Hurricane Ian. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

________________________________________________

Low water is limiting the amount of grain that can be shipped via barge along the Mississippi River. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says 99% of the water in the Mississippi River comes from northern states and after little to no rain its hindering Agriculture shipments.

Cut 4 (11)  “…short loaded.”

Strain says barges are vital in getting commodities from one place to another. They are now looking for different shipment options.

Cut 5 (11) “…downriver.”

Barge rates are expected to increase due to the demand. Strain says this will affect consumers financially for different reasons.

Cut 6 (11)  “…chain disruptions.” 

Louisiana farmers will also face financial disadvantages as the cost of shipping continues to rise

____________________________________________

More discussion of possibly doing away with Louisiana state income tax. One lawmaker who has proposed that is Mandeville Republican Representative Richard Nelson, who says it will require other sources of revenue to offset those taxes. At Baton Rouge Press Club Monday, Nelson one possible source is lowering the homestead exemption on property taxes, which he says chokes local governments of operating funds…:

Cut 7 (08) “…pays no tax at all.”

Nelson says another revenue offset would be eliminating the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, which incents manufacturers who make a commitment to jobs and payroll in the state. He calls it giving money to people who aren’t going anywhere anyway. He says companies move to Texas because their net tax load is virtually zero compare to ours…:

Cut 8 (08)  “…companies and people away.”

Nelson sponsored a bill to end state income tax in 2021, which did not pass muster at the Capitol. He says any plan to do away with state income tax will need to be “revenue neutral” or it will not pass the legislature, so alternate revenue sources need to be decided. He says what state government HAS been doing is no longer working…:

Cut 9 (13)  “…the can down the road.”

Repealing state income tax would be a Constitutional Amendment; requiring two-thirds votes in each chamber and the Governor’s signature before it could be sent to voters.

_________________________________________________

New hope for Alzheimer’s sufferers. A Japanese drug manufacturer says its experimental Alzheimer’s drug reduced cognitive and functional decline by 27 percent in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s. The drug is called lecanemab (LAH-CAN-EH-MAB). The director for Dementia Research and Prevention at LSU’S Pennington Biomedical Research Institute says this is a potential big breakthrough in treating Alzheimer’s

Cut 10 (07) “…the field.”

The study included 1,800 patients and some of them did experience some side effects, including brain swelling and bleeding, but Keller says based on the trial’s data they were rarely symptomatic, which is also good news…

Cut  11 (08)  “…in humans.”

Keller says the FDA usually requires more studies and several years to approve new drug therapies. However, he says since there are no existing drugs that actually slow down Alzheimer’s he is hoping that efforts to fast-track it for patient use will be effective.

Cut 12 (09) “…exciting day.” 

In Louisiana, 92,000 individuals age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s.

______________________________________________

The United Cajun Navy continues to aid Floridians in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Spokesperson Brian Trascher says it’s a slow process due to a number of highways and byways still under water, damaged, or blocked by debris.

Cut 13 (08) “…logistics vehicles.”

Trascher says they’d like to have more supplies on the ground, but some areas remain inaccessible.

It’s been quite some time since the western coast of Florida was impacted by a major hurricane and Trascher says that’s allowed for even more construction with less oversite compared to other areas of the state.

Cut 14 (11)  “…streamed everywhere.”

The collapse of a portion of the Sanibel Causeway has cut off access to barrier islands. Trascher says they were finally able to make it to Captiva Island and while most residents have evacuated there are some who don’t want to leave their homes.

Cut 15 (10)  “…inhabitable again.”

To donate you can visit UnitedCajunNavy.org

_______________________________________________

25th-ranked LSU rallied from a 17-0 deficit to beat Auburn on Saturday, but only threw for 85 yards. Coach Brian Kelly says the passing game must improve with the Tigers taking on eighth-ranked Tennessee this Saturday

Cut 16 (09)  “…the country” 

Kelly says Jayden Daniels will start at quarterback this Saturday after leaving the Auburn game with a knee injury. The coach says it’s great that Daniels has yet to throw an interception this season, but wants to see him more aggressive in order to spark more big plays in the passing game…

Cut 17 (18) “…with him.” 

LSU fans are not happy about the 11 AM start this Saturday. But Kelly still wants a loud Tiger Stadium…

Cut 18 (17) “…awesome opportunity.” 

_______________________________________________________

The Saints are 1-and-3 and it’s easy to see why. They’ve turned it over an NFL-high 11 times and have committed 34 penalties, second most in the league behind Denver. Coach Dennis Allen says turnovers will be a big emphasis in practice this week as New Orleans has an NFL-worst minus-seven turnover ratio…

Cut 19 (13) “…at pracitce.”

Allen says he wants to eliminate the mistakes that have led to a three-game losing streak…

Cut 20 (07) “ …improve on.” 

______________________________________________________

 

Edit

5:30 LRN Newscast Oct 3

Gary Chambers, an outspoken challenger to Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy’s re-election says the Senator’s latest campaign ad has a racist message. In the ad, Kennedy says, “If you hate cops just because they’re cops, the next time you get in trouble call a crackhead.” Chambers says it’s another classic one-liner from Kennedy that doesn’t help Louisiana…:

Cut 5 (08) “…nothing on the job.” 

Crowley state Representative John Stefanski announces he will run for Attorney General of Louisiana in 2023. The 38-year-old Republican lawmaker is chairman of the House & Governmental Affairs Committee, which oversaw redistricting earlier this year. Stefanski says he expects the A.G.’s office to be an “open seat” next fall…:

Cut 12 (08) “…so I’m excited.”

Jeff Landry is expected to run for Governor next year.

Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley announced the official launch of the “Say it Here,” phone app that enables middle and high school students in Louisiana to anonymously report crimes on campus. Brumley says it’s important to give students the ability to say something when they see something.

Cut 11 (07)  “…structured way.”

Greater New Orleans Crimestoppers is a partner with the program.

Louisiana football legend Terry Bradshaw has revealed he battled two forms of cancer over the past year. Bradshaw says he had bladder cancer and then a rare skin cancer. The Shreveport native, former Louisiana Tech star, and NFL Hall of Famer shared his story on Fox NFL Sunday.

Cut 6 (10)  “…your concern .” 

On the September 27th pre-game show, Bradshaw appeared to be in pain and struggling to breathe.

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU’s B-J Ojulari has been named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week for his performance in the comeback 21-17 win over Auburn. Ojulari led the Tigers with four tackles, including a pair of sacks and his strip sack of Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford led to Jay Ward’s 23-yard fumble return for a touchdown.

LSU forced four turnovers on the night, three of them in the fourth quarter. Greg Brooks’ interception late in the game sealed the victory. Coach Brian Kelly says Brooks’ anticipated the play…
Cut 20 (20) “ …the game ball”
LSU has finally cracked the A-P Top 25 poll as they are ranked 25th and the Tigers will host 8th ranked Tennessee this Saturday.

The Saints are now on a three-game losing streak after losing to Minnesota 28-25 in London yesterday. New Orleans will be back in the Superdome this Sunday to take on the Seahawks who outscored the Lions 48-45 yesterday. Safety Tyrann Mathieu says with two straight home games coming up, hopefully they can turn the season around…
Cut 18 (17) “…game at a time.”

Louisiana legend Terry Bradshaw told Fox NFL Sunday viewers that he’s battled two different bouts of cancer over the last year. The 74-year-old Shreveport native says the first diagnosis came about eleven months ago…
cut 7 (10) “….bladder cancer free”
Bradshaw also says he had surgery earlier this year to remove a rare form of skin cancer from his neck.