12:30 LRN Newscast Sept 5

Gubernatorial candidate, Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham, spoke out against the Edwards Administration’s handling of Medicaid this morning. Abraham says despite a 14.8-billion-dollar Department of Health budget the state is still one of the least healthy in the nation. Abraham called out the Division of Administration, the LDH Secretary, and Governor for not being transparent about Medicaid and it’s increasing costs, but says he would not undo the expansion…

Cut 10 (06) “…now”

 

State Farm announces the company is cutting its auto insurance rates by 2.6 percent effective November 25th. State Farm Spokesperson Felicia Van Frank says their rates have been steadily dropping for several years as costs have decreased in Louisiana.

Cut 12 (09) “…percent”

 

The 2.6 percent decrease comes out to 36.6 million dollars in savings for State Farm customers.

 

Is your car one of the 152-thousand in Louisiana that has recalled airbag? The National Safety Council and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles are urging motorist to have their air bags checked and repaired immediately. FCA spokesperson Chris Freeman says September is Recall Awareness Month.

Cut 3 (12) “…today.”

 

To see you need a replacement go to Check-To-Protect-dot-org, that’s Check-To-Protect-dot-Org and enter your Vehicle Identification Number. All repairs are free.

1130AM LRN News

Gubernatorial candidate, Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham spoke out against the Edwards Administration’s handling of Medicaid this morning on the steps of the Louisiana Department of Health. Abraham says despite a 14.8-billion-dollar Department of Health budget the state is still one of the least healthy in the nation.

Cut 9, 9 seconds, healthcare

State Medicaid costs will increase in 2020 as a result of a declining federal match.

Governor John Bel Edwards provided details today on the 52-million dollars in federal money that will go towards expanding I-12 in St. Tammany Parish from Highway 190 to Highway 59. Edwards says the state faces a 14-billion dollar backlog in highway projects, but they are using any available dollars wisely

Cut 6 (06) “…previously”

Edwards says this investment will provide more economic opportunities for the region.

Gun control is expected to be a hot topic when Congress returns to session next week. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says he hasn’t had a chance to review any proposals, but he knows the Democrat-controlled House is planning on introducing a number of fixes that just won’t pass muster in the upper chamber.

Cut 7, 10 seconds, handguns

Polls show a majority of Americans are in favor of background checks for guns.

Southeast Louisiana is under a heat advisory today as heat indexes are expected to sit between 108 to 113. The blazing temperatures and dry weather are thanks to a high-pressure system that’s set up shop across the southeast US, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s not all bad news. He says without it Hurricane Dorian may have entered the Gulf.

Cut 12 (07) “…states.”

The same high-pressure system is keeping other storms like Fernand away from the region as well.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson says he was not trying to put down Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger when he said that he didn’t find Ehlinger much of a threat, because he has a decent arm and its more about his legs. Chaisson says he wasn’t trying to discredit his arm…
cut 19 (20) “took it”
Chaisson and Ehlinger have faced each other before in the Texas Class 6A Division One high school state championship game in December 2015. Chaisson earned Defensive MVP honors that night as his North Shore Mustangs beat Ehlinger and Austin Westlake in front of nearly 30-thousand fans.

The NFL kicks off its 100th season tonight as two old rivals meet in Chicago as the Bears host the Packers. The Saints will have to wait until Monday before they take the field. New Orleans is one of the favorites to get to the Super Bowl, which will be in Miami this season.

The NFL Network will televise Saturday’s Lincoln Parish battle between Louisiana Tech and Grambling, which will get underway at 2:30 at the Joe in Ruston. Tech dropped its season-opening game to Texas, a 45-14 decision. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says mistakes early resulted in the game getting out of hand
cut 17 (23) “…start playing”
Grambling also lost its season opener, falling to ULM 31-9.

10:30 LRN Newscast September 5

The Louisiana Department of Health reports there have been nine reported cases of pulmonary illness linked to vaping. Health officials say there have been over 200 cases reported nationwide this summer. Assistant state health officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says if you use e-cigarettes, there are symptoms you should look for…
cut 15 (10) “….checked out”
Those affected in Louisiana ranged from ages 20 to 33-years-old.

Data from the Louisiana Workforce Commission shows there are 15-thousand fewer construction jobs than in 2017, but Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors CEO David Helveston says that could change quickly…
cut 5 (10) “…range”

Congress returns to the capitol next week and with several mass shootings over the summer, gun control will be a hot topic. Brooke Thorington spoke with Louisiana’s Junior Senator…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A heat advisory is in effect for southeast Louisiana today as hot temperatures combined with high humidity will create heat indices between 108 to 113-degrees. We’re also looking at highs of 96 in Lafayette, 100 in Alexandria, and 101 in Shreveport. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 10 (04) “…Louisiana”
The blazing temperatures and dry weather are thanks to a high-pressure system that’s set up shop across the southeast US.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The state health department has issued an alert after recording nine cases of severe lung disease from vaping. Those affected in Louisiana ranged from ages 20 to 33. Health officials aren’t sure what is causing the respiratory problems, but assistant state health officer, Doctor Joseph Kanter says, they have a few ideas
cut 14 (08) “…products”
Kanter says if you use e-cigarettes and are experiencing a persistent cough, shortness of breath or chest pain, contact your doctor.

Democrats are expected to make a push for stronger gun laws when lawmakers return to Capitol Hill next week. Polls show a majority of Americans are in favor of expanded background checks. But Republican Senator John Kennedy says a background check system is already in place, but some states do a poor job of reporting important information…
cut 9 (09) “…thru”

Heat index values could crack 105 and higher today as the state endures what’s set to be four to five days of brutually hot temperatures…
Cut 3 (28) “…Matt Doyle”

After a one night stay in the hospital, former Governor Edwin Edwards, is back home. Edwards was brought to the hospital Tuesday morning after he suffered a sharp drop in blood sugar that left him unresponsive. The 92-year-old was apparently dehydrated after battling a stomach virus over the Labor Day Weekend. Spokesperson Leo Honeycutt says Edwards passed all the medical tests and his vital signs are good.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Nine Louisianans have come down with a mysterious illness connected to E-cigarettes. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Jefferson Parish authorities say an argument inside a home in Marrero last night led to a shooting that killed two people and injured two others. One of the people killed was a female child. The sheriff’s office says they do have several leads, but they are not releasing any information about possible suspects.

Congress returns next week and Democrats are expected to push for new gun control laws. Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy says Democrats will have to present convincing facts that it will lead to a decline in gun violence…
cut 8 (10) “…sizzle”
Polls show a majority of Americans are in favor of expanded background checks to purchase guns.

Louisiana could be on the verge of another construction boom. Data from the state workforce commission finds construction jobs are down 15-thousand from a high of 156-thousand in mid-2017. But Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors CEO David Helveston says over 100-billion dollars in new construction projects will soon start and it’s not unusual to see peaks and valleys with the state’s construction economy…
cut 6 (11) “….cyclical”

7:30 LRN Newscast September 5

A mysterious illness is impacting vapers and E-cigarette users across the country and the Louisiana Department of Health urges medical professionals to keep an eye out for symptoms. Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter…
Cut 13 (11) “to us”
Those affected in Louisiana ranged from ages 20 to 33 and they are experiencing a cough and severe shortness of breath.

Data from the Louisiana Workforce Commission shows there are 15-thousand fewer construction jobs than in 2017, but Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors CEO David Helveston says that could change quickly…
cut 5 (10) “…range”

Congress returns to the capitol next week and with several mass shootings over the summer, gun control will be a hot topic. Brooke Thorington spoke with Louisiana’s Junior Senator…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Triple-digit temperature readings are possible in north and central Louisiana today and heat indices could reach 110-degrees in southeast Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 11 (07) “…period”
Temperatures should return to normal early next week.

6:45 LRN Sportscast September 5

LSU linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson says he was not trying to put down Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger when he said that he didn’t find Ehlinger much of a threat, because he has a decent arm and its more about his legs. Chaisson says he wasn’t trying to discredit his arm…
cut 19 (20) “took it”
Chaisson and Ehlinger have faced each other before in the Texas Class 6A Division One high school state championship game in December 2015. Chaisson earned Defensive MVP honors that night as his North Shore Mustangs beat Ehlinger and Austin Westlake in front of nearly 30-thousand fans.

Louisiana Tech and Grambling face each other at Joe Aillet Stadium on Saturday. Both teams lost their season openers. The Tigers fell to ULM 31-9. Coach Broderick Fobbs says there were missed opportunities in that contest, which could have made the game more competitive…

cut 18 (24) “…want to play it”

Even though Grambling scored just nine points last week, they still had 401 total yards of offense against ULM.

The 100th season of the NFL kicks off tonight with the Bears hosting the Packers. The Saints regular-season opener is not until Monday against the Houston Texans. Second-round pick Erik McCoy is set to make his first NFL start at center.

6:30 LRN Newscast September 5

The Louisiana Department of Health reports there have been nine reported cases of pulmonary illness linked to vaping. Health officials say there have been over 200 cases reported nationwide this summer. Assistant state health officer Joseph Kanter says if you use e-cigarettes, there are symptoms you should look for…
cut 15 (10) “….checked out”
Those affected in Louisiana ranged from ages 20 to 33-years-old.

Congress returns to session next week and one of the most discussed topics many Americans are waiting to see how lawmakers tackle is gun control. Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy hasn’t had the opportunity to review any democratic proposed gun laws yet but he has his opinions.
Cut 7 (10)“…handguns”
Despite the recent mass shootings, Kennedy says the Democrats will have to present convincing facts in order for him to vote for any gun control legislation.

A lull in construction jobs is one of the reasons the Louisiana economy seems to have slowed down a bit, but those in the industry are optimistic the tide is set to turn. Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors CEO David Helveston says it’s true that this year and last year haven’t been great for the construction industry.
Cut 4 (12) “…2017”
But Helveston says there are over 100 billion dollars of new construction projects on the horizon centered on petrochemical plants in southeast Louisiana.

LRN AM Newscall ###weather story updated###

Nine Louisianans have gotten sick from a mysterious illness that’s been linked vapes and E-cigarettes. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

 Congress returns to the capitol next week and with several mass shootings over their summer break, gun control will be a hot topic. Brooke Thorington spoke with Louisiana Senator John Kennedy to get his perspective.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

________________________

Heat index values could crack 105 and higher today as the state endures what’s set to be four to five days of brutually hot temperatures…

Cut 3 (28) “…Matt Doyle”

________________________

A lull in construction jobs is one of the reasons the Louisiana economy seems to have slowed down a bit, but those in the industry are optimistic the tides are set to turn.

Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors CEO David Helveston says it’s true that this year and last year haven’t been great for the construction industry.

Cut 4 (12) “…2017”

Workforce Commission numbers show we hit an eight-year peak of 156,100 construction jobs in mid-2017 but declined to 141,400 such jobs this year.

But Helveston says that could change quickly as he’s been informed of over 100 billion dollars of new construction projects on the horizon centered on petrochemical plants in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…range”

Hevleston says it’s not unusual to see substantial peaks and valleys in the Louisiana construction economy considering so much of it is based on decisions made in other countries.

Cut 6 (11) “…cyclical”

The state hit an eight-year low for construction jobs back in 2012 with only 121,700.

_____________________

Congress returns to session next week and one of the most discussed topics many Americans are waiting to see how lawmakers tackle is gun control. Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy hasn’t had the opportunity to review any democratic proposed gun laws yet but he has his opinions.

Cut 7 (10)“…handguns

Kennedy, an admitted gun owner himself, has remained constant on his stance against gun control laws. Despite the increase in mass shootings, Kennedy says the Democrats will have to present convincing facts in order to change his vote.

Cut 8 (10) “sizzle”

Polls show a majority of Americans are in favor of background checks for guns, Kennedy says we already have them but the system in place for background checks is not working because many states are not inputting their data.

Cut 9 (09) “…thru.”

Kenney stated a hundred-million Americans exercise the right to own guns and that the majority of them exercise the right responsibly.

_____________________________

A heat advisory is in effect for southeast Louisiana today as hot temperatures combined with high humidity will create heat indices between 108 to 113-degrees.

We’re looking at highs of 97 in New Orleans, 99 in Baton Rouge, 100 in Alexandria, and 101 in Shreveport. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the intense heat will last through the weekend.

Cut 10 (04) “…Louisiana”

Keim says the excessive heat levels will come close to record highs and could even break a few records…

Cut 11 (07) “period” 

Temperatures should return to normal early next week.

The blazing temperatures and dry weather are thanks to a high-pressure system that’s set up shop across the southeast US. Keim says that’s why Hurricane Dorian curved up the east coast.

Cut 12 (07) “…states.”

The same high-pressure system is keeping other storms like Fernand away from the region as well.

______________________________

A mysterious illness is impacting vapers and E-cigarette users across the country and the Louisiana Department of Health is warning medical professionals to keep an eye out for symptoms.

Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they’ve only discovered isolated incidents so far, and it does not appear to be widespread.

Cut 13 (11) “to us”

Those affected in Louisiana ranged from ages 20 to 33. Health officials aren’t sure what is causing the respiratory problems, but Kanter says they have a few ideas

cut 14 (08) “…products” 

Kanter says if you are a vaper and have recently begun suffering from any of these symptoms, go see a doctor.

Cut 15 (10) “chcked out”

Kanter adds the recent vaping craze has undone years of work getting kids to stop taking nicotine products.

_________________________________________________________

The two universities in Lincoln Parish will face each other on the football field on Saturday as Louisiana Tech will host Grambling. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz is pumped up for the matchup

Cut 16  (17) “…implication”   

The NFL Network will televise the game, making it the first collegiate contest to air on the channel. Tech dropped its season-opening game to Texas, a 45-14 decision to the Longhorns. Holtz says mistakes early resulted in that game getting out of hand

cut 17 (23) “…start playing” 

Grambling also lost its season opener, falling to ULM 31-9. Tigers Coach Broderick Fobbs says there missed opportunities in that contest, which could have made the game more competitive

Cut 18 (24) “…play it” 

_______________________________________________

LSU linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson says he was not trying to put down Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger when he said that he didn’t find Ehlinger much of a threat, because he has a decent arm and its more about his legs. Chaisson says he wasn’t trying to discredit his arm…

 cut 19 (20)   “took it”  

Saturday’s matchup between Texas and LSU pits two teams ranked in the top ten. Chaisson says it’s just one of several big tests his team will face this season…

cut 20 (25) “be done”