Updated LRN AM Newscall August 30

Louisiana has a new prisons chief. We hear more from Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Congressman Garret Graves says Louisiana will receive 104-million dollars in “lagniappe” federal funds for transportation and infrastructure projects.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Tiger Fans are headed to Las Vegas to cheer on LSU as they take on USC Sunday Night in the second-ever Vegas Kickoff Classic. Colleen Crain has more

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Louisiana has a new prisons chief. Governor Landry promotes Gary Westcott to Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Westcott says he’s ready to get to work.

Cut 4 (11) “…need to make.”

Westcott was deputy secretary under Jimmy LeBlanc, who stepped down yesterday due to health reasons. He says his priorities will include fixing the state’s prison system and enhancing public safety.

Cut 5 (09) “…in the past.”

Westcott says he plans to dive deeply into every program within the department.

Cut 6 (11) “…rid of those.”

Westcott had been with the Department of Corrections for 29 years before retiring as regional administrator in 2020.

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Congressman Garret Graves announces Louisiana will receive 104-million-dollars in “lagniappe” federal funds for transportation and infrastructure projects…

Cut 7 (12) “…shovel-ready.”

The funds will be directed toward critical infrastructure upgrades, particularly in road construction and repair, essential for improving transportation safety and efficiency in the state. Graves emphasized that these funds will address the pressing need for better roadways, which have long been a concern for drivers

Cut 8 (07) “…of Louisiana.”

While this funding is a significant step forward, Graves says Louisiana still faces substantial infrastructure challenges, and that continued investment will be necessary.

Cut 9 (07)  “…for decades.”

Graves says currently, the Capital Region has the fourth worst traffic in America.

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LSU Football is headed to Las Vegas to take on USC in the second-ever Vegas Kickoff Classic on Sunday night, and many fans are following. Tiger Fans always travel well and according to Joseph Bocanegra (Bo cuh nay gruh) with Stub Hub, this neutral site game is no exception…

Cut 10 (12) “…played Arizona.”

Bocanegra says you would think with California so close to Las Vegas, Californians attending the game would outnumber Louisianans, but he says that’s not the case…

Cut 11 (10) “…in California.”

Bocanegra says LSU/USC is Stub Hub’s best selling game of the season followed by Saturday night’s Notre Dame and Texas A&M in College Stadium. He says you can get into Allegiant Stadium for less than 200-dollars…

Cut 12 (09) “…they’re able.”

Bocanegra urges fans to buy tickets from reputable sellers with a fan protect guarantee, to avoid social media sources, and never to pay cash.

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The Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is underway in Morgan City. Festival Association President Nelson Cortez says the food court and craft section kicks off tonight, as well as music performances in Lourdes Park. And later on:

Cut 13 (16) “…the Atchafalaya River.” 

The festival runs through Monday, Labor Day. This is the 89th year for the festival.

Cut  14 (14) “…started from that.”

Cortez says they’re expecting a lot of people to attend this year.

Cut 15 (06) “…the five days.”

The festival is sponsored and financed solely by donations, and Cortez says they usually raise more than 100-thousand dollars each year.

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LSU will unveil what is expected to be a new and improved defense on Sunday night against USC. Linebacker Greg Penn says first year defensive coordinator Blake Baker wants his guys playing fast, so that means less thinking….

Cut  16 (16)   “…last year.”

Coach Brian Kelly has said the defense played with more enthusiasm during preseason camp. Penn says Baker is big on giving great effort…

Cut 17 (12) “…for him really.”

LSU is looking for its first win in the season opener since 2019. Penn says the team has learned from previous week one losses…

Cut 18 (17)  “…next play.”

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Louisiana Tech is looking for its first winning season since 2019 and the Bulldogs will kick-off the 2024 campaign against Nicholl State. Joe Aillet Stadium has a new video board in the North End Zone and sound system. Coach Sonny Cumbie is looking forward to a great gameday atmosphere…

Cut 19 (18) “…since January”

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UL-Lafayette opens its season tomorrow night at home against the Grambling Tigers. Last season, the Ragin’ Cajuns went 6-and-6 in the regular season and lost to Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl, 34-31 in overtime. Head Coach Michael Desormeaux says there’s always something special about the start of a new season, and that Grambling will be a formidable opponent.

Cut 20 (08) “…do it for.”

Grambling has a new coach in Mickey Joseph, and the Tigers were picked to finish third in the SWAC West. Kickoff is at seven p-m.

5:30 PM Newscast

Today marks the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans. Retired Lieutenant General Russel Honoré led military rescue efforts during the disaster. He remembers the chaos and the difficulties in coordinating relief efforts amid widespread destruction but also seeing the city come together…
Cut 7 (08) “…before we got there.”
Honoré says Katrina was a turning point for New Orleans, as the federal government invested 14 billion dollars in stronger levees.

A new round of grants for the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program is coming up, and a three-day registration period opens Wednesday, September 18th. Whereas previous grant rounds were first-come first-served, a lottery system will now be used from this point forward. Registration will be limited to those living in the Coastal Zone, and 300 people will be randomly selected.

With the new school year underway, students and teachers have a new tool at their disposal — artificial intelligence. As such, the state Department of Education is issuing guidance on the do’s and don’ts on using AI. BESE President Ronnie Morris says AI can be used effectively without being abused.
Cut 3 (09) “…solve the problem.”
That said, Morris says AI can help students understand the subject matter being taught, regardless of the subject.

The UL-Lafayette campus is undergoing a major transformation — and not just the football stadium. Director of Facility Management Scott Hebert says one project underway is a complete renovation of Madison Hall.
Cut 12 (09) “…renovated this semester.”
Later this month, construction will get underway on the new 55-million-dollar engineering building.

4:30 PM Newscast August 29

Louisiana has a new prisons chief. Governor Landry promotes Gary Westcott to Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Westcott says he’s ready to get to work.

Cut 4 (11) “…need to make.”

Westcott was deputy secretary under Jimmy LeBlanc, who stepped down yesterday due to health reasons.

With the new school year come a new tool for students and teachers — artificial intelligence. Ronnie Morris, the president of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, says AI can help students understand the subject matter being taught, regardless of the subject and with effective use will benefit everyone, not just the students.

Cut 5 (05)  “…into the classroom.”

BESE says AI systems should be transparent and explainable, and robust data privacy and security measures must be in place.

LSU says its football team is not changing its pregame routine and will remain in the locker room during the national anthem. Jeff Palermo reports the governor requested that all college teams to be present for the anthem…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

The UL-Lafayette campus is undergoing a major transformation. Renovation of Madison Hall is already under way and Director of Facility Management Scott Hebert says  Later this month, construction will get underway on the new 55-million-dollar engineering building.

Cut 13 (06) “…parking garage.” 

In all, the university is investing about 600-million dollars in renovations throughout the campus.

3:30 PM Newscast August 29

The UL-Lafayette campus is undergoing a major transformation. Director of Facility Management Scott Hebert says renovation of Madison Hall is already underway and later this month, construction will get underway on the new 55-million-dollar engineering building. Those two projects are the tip of the iceberg.

Cut  14 (08) “…as well.”

In all, the university is investing about 600-million dollars in renovations throughout the campus.

Northwestern State will play its first football game tonight since October 16th as the Demons will take the field against Tulsa. The Demons ended their season prematurely last year following the fatal shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell. First-year head coach Blaine McCorkle was brought in to rebuild the program

Cut 9 (11) “…play .”

Natchitoches Police have yet to make an arrest for Caldwell’s murder.

There’s a new tool available for students and teachers this school year — artificial intelligence. Andrew Greenstein has more…

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Today marks the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a catastrophic event that devastated New Orleans in 2005. Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, who led military rescue efforts during the disaster, reflects on the storm’s impact and the changes it brought to the city.

Cut 6 (07) “…day the levees broke.”

Since then the federal government invested 14 billion dollars in stronger levees.

4:45 PM Sportscast

Despite a request from Governor Landry, LSU says its football team is not changing its pregame routine and will remain in the locker room during the national anthem.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Will Campbell is entering his third season as the starter at left tackle for the Tigers and will block for a new quarterback in Garrett Nussmeier.
Cut 17 (11) “…offense.”
LSU takes on USC in Las Vegas Sunday.

Northwestern State will play its first football game tonight since October 16th of last year in Tulsa. The Demons have 107 players on this year’s team, 54 newcomers and 53 returners. First-year head coach Blaine McCorkle says they are fired up to play, but they have to play under control.
Cut 10 (10) “…and toughness.”
The Demons ended their season prematurely last year following the fatal shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell.

ULM football kicks off its season tonight as the Warhawks will host Jackson State. First-year head coach Bryant Vincent is trying to bring a winning football program to northeast Louisiana and he needs Warhawk nation to get behind them…
Cut 11 (13) ” ….as one”
Kickoff has been moved to 8 p.m.

And Tulane gets its season underway against Southeastern Louisiana at Yulman Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:00.

LRN PM Newscall August 29

There’s a new tool available for students and teachers this school year — artificial intelligence. We hear more from Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU says its football team is not changing its pregame routine and will remain in the locker room during the national anthem. Jeff Palermo reports the governor requested that all college teams to be present for the anthem…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

____________________________________

With the new school year underway, students and teachers have a new tool at their disposal — artificial intelligence. As such, the state Department of Education is issuing guidance on the do’s and don’ts on using AI. Ronnie Morris, the president of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, says AI can be used effectively without being abused.

Cut 3 (09) “…solve the problem.”

Morris says while AI should not be used for cheating, it can help students understand the subject matter being taught, regardless of the subject.

Cut 4 (08) “…in their laptop.”

Morris says effective use of AI will benefit everyone, not just the students.

Cut 5 (05)  “…into the classroom.”

Among other guidance issued by the state — AI systems should be transparent and explainable, and robust data privacy and security measures must be in place.

__________________________________________________________

Today marks the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a catastrophic event that devastated New Orleans in 2005. Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, who led military rescue efforts during the disaster, reflects on the storm’s impact and the changes it brought to the city.

Cut 6 (07) “…day the levees broke.”

Hurricane Katrina left thousands of people homeless and 80-percent of the city of New Orleans was flooded. He remembers the chaos and the difficulties in coordinating relief efforts amid widespread destruction but also seeing the city come together…

Cut 7 (08) “…before we got there.”

Honoré says Katrina was a turning point for New Orleans, as the federal government  invested 14 billion dollars in stronger levees. There are also more robust emergency response plans for Louisiana. As the anniversary passes, Honoré urges ongoing awareness and preparation for future disasters.

Cut 8 (12)  “…neighbors save neighbors lives.”

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Northwestern State will play its first football game tonight since October 16th as the Demons will take the field against Tulsa. The Demons ended their season prematurely last year following the fatal shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell. First-year head coach Blaine McCorkle was brought in to rebuild the program

Cut 9 (11) “…play .”

Natchitoches Police have yet to make an arrest in Caldwell’s murder.

Northwestern State has 107 players on this year’s team, 54 newcomers and 53 returners. McCorkle says they are fired up to play, but they have to play under control…

Cut 10 (10) “…and toughness.”

Kick off in Tulsa is at 7 PM.

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ULM football kicks off its season tonight as the Warhawks will host Jackson State. First-year head coach Bryant Vincent is trying to bring a winning football program to northeast Louisiana and he needs Warhawk nation to get behind them…

Cut 11 (13) ” ….as one”

Kick off is at 6 PM.

____________________________________________________

The UL-Lafayette campus is undergoing a major transformation — and not just the football stadium. Director of Facility Management Scott Hebert says one project underway is a complete renovation of Madison Hall.

Cut 12 (09) “…renovated this semester.”

Later this month, construction will get underway on the new 55-million-dollar engineering building.

Cut 13 (06) “…parking garage.” 

And those two projects are the tip of the iceberg.

Cut  14 (08) “…as well.”

In all, the university is investing about 600-million dollars in renovations throughout the campus.

2:30 PM Newscast August 29

Students and teachers have a new tool at their disposal this year as artificial intelligence enters the classroom. Ronnie Morris, the president of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, says AI can be used effectively without being abused and while AI should not be used for cheating, it can help students understand the subject matter being taught, regardless of the subject.

Cut 4 (08) “…in their laptop.”

Morris says effective use of AI will benefit everyone, not just the students.

19 years ago, today Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the region. Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré who led military rescue efforts during the disaster says Katrina’s devastation was a turning point and since then the federal government invested 14 billion dollars in stronger levees and disaster preparedness is significantly improved. On this anniversary, Honoré says…

Cut 8 (12)  “…neighbors save neighbors lives.”

 

The UL-Lafayette campus is undergoing a major transformation — and not just the football stadium. Director of Facility Management Scott Hebert says one project underway is a complete renovation of Madison Hall.

Cut 12 (09) “…renovated this semester.”

Later this month, construction will get underway on the new 55-million-dollar engineering building.

ULM football kicks off its season tonight as the Warhawks will host Jackson State. First-year head coach Bryant Vincent is trying to bring a winning football program to northeast Louisiana and he needs Warhawk nation to get behind them…

Cut 11 (13) ” ….as one”

Kick off is at 6 PM.

1:30 PM Newscast

It was 19 years ago today when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. Retired Lieutenant General Russel Honoré restored order amid a chaotic scene and notes that Katrina was a turning point for New Orleans, significantly improving disaster preparedness and infrastructure.
Cut 7 (09) “…all over Louisiana.”
The storm displaced millions of residents for years.

With the new school year underway, students and teachers have a new tool at their disposal — artificial intelligence. As such, the state Department of Education is issuing guidance on the do’s and don’ts on using AI. BESE President Ronnie Morris says AI can be used effectively without being abused.
Cut 3 (09) “…solve the problem.”
Morris says AI can help students understand the subject matter being taught, regardless of the subject.

LSU says its football team is not changing its pregame routine and will remain in the locker room during the national anthem. Jeff Palermo reports the governor requested that all college teams to be present for the anthem…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The UL-Lafayette campus is undergoing a major transformation — and not just the football stadium. A complete renovation of Madison Hall is already underway; and later this month, construction will begin on the new 55-million-dollar engineering building.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Today is the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a storm that absolutely devasted southeastern Louisiana and killed 18-hundred people. Greater New Orleans Inc President Michael Hecht says Katrina exposed deep flaws in the region’s infrastructure and emergency response, leading to a long and difficult recovery…

cut 21 (12) “…were lost”

Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, who led military rescue efforts during the disaster, reflects on the storm’s impact and the changes it brought to the city.

Cut 6 (07) “…day the levees broke.”

Honoré notes that Katrina was a turning point for New Orleans, significantly improving disaster preparedness and infrastructure.

There’s a new tool available for students and teachers this school year — artificial intelligence.

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Tonight the Northwestern State football team takes the field for the first time since October 16th. The second half of the Demons season was cancelled las year following the murder of safety Ronnie Caldwell. First year head coach Blaine McCorkle says they are fired up, but they have to play under control…

cut 10 (10) “…toughness”

Kick off in Tulsa is at 7 PM.

1130 LRN Newscast Aug 29

Hurricane Laura hit Louisiana as a Category 4 storm on August 27, 2020, bringing 150 mph winds and massive destruction, particularly in Lake Charles and surrounding areas. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says the affected communities have worked tirelessly to rebuild, though the recovery has been slow…

Cut 6 (11) “…community.”

The population of the City of Lake Charles dropped from 84,000 to 76,000 after the storm. The population is now back up to between 80,000 and 81,000.

As we reported earlier this week, the State of Louisiana is set to hold its first Black Bear hunt since 1987 — and today, licensed hunters can start applying for one of ten permits that will be awarded. Secretary of Wildlife and Fisheries Madison Sheahan says there is a fee to apply.

Cut 11 (17) “…black bear accounts.”

There are three types of permits to be awarded — Wildlife Management Area tags, private landowner tags and general public tags.

Northwestern State will play its first football game tonight since October 16th as the Demons will take the field against Tulsa. The Demons ended their season prematurely last year following the fatal shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell. First-year head coach Blaine McCorkle was brought in to rebuild the program

Cut 9 (11) “…play .”

Kick-off is at 7 PM.

With the new school year underway, students and teachers have a new tool at their disposal — artificial intelligence. As such, the state Department of Education is issuing guidance on the do’s and don’ts for using AI. Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education president Ronnie Morris, says AI can be used effectively without being abused.

Cut 3 (09) “…solve the problem.”

Morris says it can help students understand the subject matter being taught and again just don’t cheat.