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.

6:45 LRN Sportscast September 23

According to a report by Christian Clark of the Advocate and Times-Picayune, there’s a major rift between Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, David Griffin, and All-star Zion Williamson. There’s been tension since Zion’s rookie season as the team was cautious with Williamson after he injured his knee in the preseason.

The Saints are at New England on Sunday and instead of facing Tom Brady, New Orleans is preparing for rookie quarterback Mac Jones who has only thrown one touchdown pass, but he’s completing 74-percent of his passes and he’s not been intercepted. Coach Sean Payton says Jones processes information fast and the ball comes out quick…
cut 20 (22) “…smart player”

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron expects safety Jay Ward will play this Saturday for the SEC Opener at Mississippi State. Ward missed the last two games and he’ll be needed this Saturday as the Bulldogs are expected to throw the ball a lot. State Quarterback Will Rogers threw 67 passes last week and the Bulldogs threw for over 600 yards against LSU last year.

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) “…at the moment”
Kick-off is at 5 PM central and the Cajuns are a two-touchdown favorite.

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” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Sept 22

The Louisiana Department of health confirms another child has died as a result of the fourth surge of Covid-19 in the state.  It marks the seventh pediatric death of a child between the ages of 12 and 17.  No other information was released in connection with the death.

The Department of Children and Family Services is encouraging DSNAP inter callers to call on their assigned days due to the large call volume. Visit dcfs.louisiana.gov/DSNAP to find your assigned day and you can also preregister at the site. Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says calling in on your assigned day is not pre-registration and if you miss your interview day, they are holding makeup days.

Cut 9 (10) “…the alphabet”(x2) 

Current SNAP recipients are not eligible for DSNAP.

Congressman Garret Graves is pulling no punches in his concern for the fate of much-needed federal dollars for hurricane recovery aid in Louisiana.  He says the amount proposed is less than two billion dollars and is earmarked for disasters across the nation.

Cut 3 (10) “…not a chance.”

Congressman Troy Carter is among those who voted Tuesday to approve the Extending Government Funding and Disaster Assistance Act.  He says the bill provides crucial funding for disaster recovery in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…across this nation.”

The bill is part of a larger package dealing with funding the government and increasing the debt ceiling.

LRN PM Newscall September 22

The Department of Children and Family Services is urging those calling in for DSNAP interviews to do so on their assigned day. Brooke Thorington explains.

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

______________________________________

AT&T has faced heavy criticism for its response to Hurricane Ida and today a PSC member tried to get answers. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

______________________________________

Congressman Garret Graves is pulling no punches in his concern for the fate of much-needed federal dollars for hurricane recovery aid in Louisiana.  He says the amount proposed is less than two billion dollars and is earmarked for disasters across the nation.

Cut 3 (10) “…not a chance.”

And, Graves says a “poison pill” in the mix is that the funding is tied to legislation to increase the national debt without limit that’s being sought by the Biden Administration. The debt is currently more than 28-trillion and recent requests would push it to 45-trillion.

Garret minces no words with the move by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to intertwine disaster recovery with substantially increasing the debt limit on federal spending.

Cut 4  (10) “..pill in there.” 

Congressman Troy Carter is among those who voted Tuesday to approve the Extending Government Funding and Disaster Assistance Act.  He says the bill provides crucial funding for disaster recovery in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…across this nation.”

The bill is part of a larger package dealing with funding the government and increasing the debt ceiling.

Carter says there is funding in the continuing resolution to help with South Louisiana’s long-term recovery efforts.

Cut 6 (08) “…in the past.” 

_____________________________________

More than 26-thousand calls were taken during the first two days for DSNAP interviews. 25 parishes are eligible for disaster food stamps however interviews for the parishes are not held on the same weeks. In an effort to reduce hold times DCFS Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard urges callers to visit their webpage and only call on their designated day.

Cut 7 (10) “…the help.”  

To receive DSNAP the first step is to pre-register online, then call in on your specified day. Howard says she understands it’s frustrating to sit on hold for an hour only to be told to call back on your assigned day. Besides their webpage, another way to find your day to call is by…

Cut 8 (11) “…using.”

Howard also recommends downloading LA Wallet to reregister for DSNAP and you’ll need your social security number, proof of income, resources, and disaster expenses to preregister. Calling in on your assigned day is not pre-registration and if you miss your interview day, they are holding makeup days.

Cut 9 (10) “…the alphabet”(x2) 

Current SNAP recipients are not eligible for DSNAP.

For more information visit dcfs.louisiana.gov/dsnap and visit their FAQ page.

__________________________________

An AT&T representative told the Public Service Commission today the company’s response was immediate and their restoration efforts were robust in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. But P-S-C Member Eric Skrmetta doesn’t believe the customer should be the ones requesting credits for the days without AT&T service

Cut 10 (12)  “…investigation” 

Skrmetta also expressed disappointment that AT&T could not provide information on how many contractors they brought in to restore service.

Cut  11 (11)  “…unacceptable answer”  

Skrmetta also believes AT&T should have an outage map that’s easily accessible to customers, similar to the one Entergy has for power outages.

But he says one of the biggest headaches for his office is that AT&T is failing to meet with its customers and his office has received numerous calls on this issue…

Cut 12 (12) “….your customers”  

_____________________________________________

A Benton woman faces 16 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals after a tip led Bossier Sheriff’s investigators to a horse training center behind Benton Intermediate School. Deputy Rod White says three horses were found dead inside a dump trailer, while 13 additional horses were found to be malnourished and lacking water.

Cut 13 (08) “…things were showing.”

White says the woman, 52-year-old Sandra Blackmon Driscoll, had her bond set at 100-thousand-dollars.

White says the surviving horses were living in deplorable conditions.

Cut 14 (05) “….stalls were unkept” 

White says the charges against Driscoll are all felonies.

Cut 15 (12) “…were taken away” 

Driscoll was booked into the Bossier Maximum Security Facility, while the surviving horses were transported to another local horse owner to be boarded.

4:30 pm LRN Newscast September 22

Congressman Garret Graves is angry that disaster recovery money for Louisiana is embedded in legislation to increase the national debt without limit that’s being sought by the Biden Administration. The debt is currently more than $28-trillion and recent requests would push it to $45-trillion. Graves minces no words with the move by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to intertwine disaster recovery with substantially increasing the debt limit on federal spending…:

CUT 04(10)      “…pill in there.”

A Benton woman faces animal cruelty charges after Bossier Sheriff’s deputies found three horses dead and 13 suffering from severe neglect and malnutrition. Bossier Sheriff’s Deputy Rod White says 52-year-old Sandra Blackmon Driscoll, was arrested, while the surviving horses were rescued…:

CUT 15(12)      “…taken away.”

 

AT&T faces heavy criticism for its response to Hurricane Ida, and today a member of the PSC tried to get some answers. Jeff Palermo has that…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Palermo.”

Lake Charles Police arrest four men for their roles in a shooting September 6th near McNeese State University and three of them are McNeese football players. Lathan Adams, Edward Gild and Travis Walker are all freshman defensive backs. Officers say the shooting was related to any armed robbery.