8:30 LRN Newscast November 8

U.S. Representative Clay Higgins says the Democratic takeover of the House does not bode well for a conservative agenda or the ability to pass legislation helpful for Louisiana. With five of our six Congressmen now in the minority party, Higgins says the state’s Congressional delegation is at a disadvantage…
Cut 7 (09) “…of that”

Could we ever see a Blue Wave in Louisiana? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat doubts that will happen, because the national party has moved too far to the left…
cut 5 (09) “…Democratic Party’
Pinsonat says the number of white Democrats is dwindling in Louisiana.

The state office of motor vehicles says its computer outage that impacted offices and online transactions yesterday has been resolved.

Forty-seven parishes have elected to legalize online fantasy sports, while the remaining 17 will sit on the sidelines. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

In other news, State Police has arrested a truck driver from Mississippi who they say caused a chain reaction crash that killed a 46-year-old woman from Gonzales. A total of 18 people were injured in the wreck on I-10 in Ascension Parish last night. Eleven vehicles were involved.

The state department of education will release school and early childhood performance scores this afternoon.

7:30 LRN Newscast November 8

U.S. Representative Clay Higgins says the midterm result weakens the Louisiana Congressional Delegation’s ability to pass positive legislation for the Bayou State….
Cut 2 (29) ”I’m Matt Doyle.”

A computer outage discovered yesterday morning continues to impact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. The O-M-V says vehicle registration transactions can be completed, but transactions involving your driver’s license like reinstatements and renewals can not be done.

The state legislature has lost six lawmakers who were elected to other government positions. Eight state representatives chose to ran for another office and only Rick Edmonds and Julie Stokes failed in their bids to leave the legislature. Lapolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford cites a laundry list of reasons on why lawmakers no longer want the job…
Cut 10 (11) “…pressure“
A special election will be needed to replace those empty seats.

47 of the state’s 64 parishes have voted to legalize online fantasy sports games for cash prizes. But residents in those parishes will have to wait to play, until the legislature comes up with a way to regulate and tax it. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says he’ll look to other states on how to handle the additional tax revenue…
cut 15 (06) “….that next week”
Talbot hopes online fantasy sports betting will be available next year.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints add a new face in the receiving core: former Cowboy star Dez Bryant. The outspoken wide out has been without a team since his release in April, but had a try out in New Orleans this week that apparently well. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Coach Sean Payton has always been a big fan of Bryant…
Cut 16 (12) “ offense does”
Bryant joins Mike Thomas and rookie Tre’Quan Smith in a receiving core that has not produced much outside of Thomas, who is one of the best NFL receivers in the game.

Anthony Davis, who has been battling an elbow injury looked like one of the best players in the game again last night as he had 32 points to help the Pelicans snap a six-game losing streak by beating the Chicago Bulls 107-98. Davis also had 15 rebounds for his first double-double in three games.

The LSU football program has received a verbal commitment from a four-star offensive lineman prospect from Texas. His name is Courtland Ford from Cedar Hill high in Texas. He’s six-foot-six, 305 pounds and 24-7 sports rates him as the 23rd best offensive tackle in the Class of 2020.

Ed Orgeron said last night that defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko and free safety John Battle will likely not play on Saturday against Arkansas.

47 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes approved the legalization of online fantasy sports games for cash prizes. River Ridge Republican Representative Kirk Talbot authored the legislation that put the question on the November sixth ballot. Talbot says more work still needs to be done…
cut 14 (06) “…side of it” (2x)
Talbot says he will look at other states for how to handle the additional tax revenue from the newly legalized activity, which hopes to be up and running by the end of next year.

6:30 LrN Newscast

Democrats came up well short of challenging any of Louisiana’s five Republican incumbent Congressmen this year, with none of the candidates cracking 40-percent of the vote. It’s the continuation of a decade trend that’s led to Republican dominance of the Bayou State and political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that’s not likely to change anytime soon…
cut 4 (09) “…becoming scarce”
The blue wave elsewhere has helped the Democrats regain control of the House. Republican Congressman Clay Higgins says the change will keep tax reform, deregulation and tougher immigration and border laws from becoming a reality and will likely lead to increased scrutiny on President Donald Trump…
cut 8 (12) “…you’ll hear”

47 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes approved the legalization of online fantasy sports games for cash prizes. River Ridge Republican Representative Kirk Talbot authored the legislation that put the question on the November sixth ballot. Talbot says more work still needs to be done…
cut 14 (06) “…side of it” (2x)
Talbot says he will look at other states for how to handle the additional tax revenue from the newly legalized activity, which hopes to be up and running by the end of next year.

Traffic is flowing again on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish after a deadly wreck last night that involved a dozen vehicles. Authorities say one person was killed and eleven injured. No word yet on what caused the wreck.

AM Newscall 11/08/2018

Republicans dominate state elections once again this year, and one analyst says that’s unlikely to change any time soon.

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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U.S. Representative Clay Higgins says the midterm result weakens the Louisiana Congressional Delegation’s ability to pass positive legislation for the Bayou State. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Forty-seven parishes have elected to receive legalized fantasy sports, while the remaining seventeen will sit on the sidelines.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.


Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Democrats came up well short of challenging any of the five Republican incumbent Congressmen this year, with none of their candidates even cracking 40 percent of the vote. It’s the continuation of a two decade trend that’s led to Republican dominance of the Bayou State, and political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that’s not likely to change any time soon.

Cut 4 (09) “…becoming scarce.”

And if anything, Pinsonat says it’s likely to get much worse for Dems as it appears the GOP will wipe out the last of the rural white Democrats in the 2019 state election. In the 90’s the state was all Democrat, but Pinsonat says that changed as the national party grew more socially liberal.

Cut 5 (09) “…Democratic Party.” 

Pinsonat says it’s important to note the Democrats running for Secretary of State, the only statewide option Tuesday, combined for about 45 percent of the vote.

These trends don’t bode well for Governor John Bel Edwards who could be facing a Red Tide in 2019 as the nation gears up for a Presidential election and the state for local elections. Pinsonat says the environment isn’t favorable, but Edwards’ has beaten the odds before with a little help from the GOP.

Cut 6 (09) “…Louisiana.”

Eddie Rispone is the only Republican currently in the 2019 governor’s race, but we’ll hear from Senator Kennedy about his plans by December.

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U.S. Representative Clay Higgins says the Democratic takeover of the House does not bode well for a conservative agenda or the state’s Congressional delegation’s ability to pass legislation helpful for Louisiana. With five of our six Congressmen now in the minority party, Higgins says the Bayou State will be hard pressed to get the legislation it needs through the lower chamber.

Cut 7 (09) “…of that”

Reports indicate the state’s lone Democrat, Cedric Richmond, could be pursuing a high level leadership role in the House.

Higgins says the change in the winds will keep tax reform, deregulation, and tougher immigration and border laws from becoming a reality, and will likely lead to increased scrutiny on President Donald Trump.

Cut 8 (12) “…you’ll hear” 

But it’s not all gloom and doom as the Congressman says he’s gearing up for a new fight that will see him playing a role in resisting what he says are ascendant leftist ideals in Congress.

Cut 9 (13) “…opponent”

Democrats are projected to gain over 30 seats once the final counts are in, along with flipping seven governorships and dozens of state legislative seats.

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Several lawmakers were elected to new positions following the midterm elections. Out of eight representatives only Rick Edmonds and Julie Stokes failed in their bids to leave the legislature for different opportunities. Lapolitics.com Reporter Jeremy Alford cites a laundry list of reasons why lawmakers no longer want the job…

Cut 10 (11)   “…pressure“

Alford says there is a trend regarding the new jobs of the former representatives…

Cut 11 (11)   “…mayor of Alexandria”

This legislature has spent more consecutive days in session than any other dating back to 1812 and Alford says that wears out representatives…

Cut 12 (11)  “…house of representatives”

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Voters in 47 of 64 parishes have decided online fantasy sports games should be legal in their parish. The opens the door for FanDuel and Draft Kings to operate in select areas. River Ridge Republican Representative Kirk Talbot, who triggered the ballot initiative, said he didn’t expect to get more than 40 parishes on board.

Cut 13 (05)   “…a decent showing.”

As for the next steps with how to handle the passages that took place, Talbot says he’ll pitch a more detailed plan in the 2019 session that begins in April…

Cut 14 (06)   “…side of it.”

Talbot says he will look at other states for how to handle the additional tax revenue from the newly legalized activity.

Cut 15 (06)   “…that next week.”

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The Saints add a new face in the receiving core: former Cowboy star Dez Bryant. The outspoken wide out has been without a team since his release in April, but had a try out in New Orleans this that apparently well. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Coach Sean Payton has always been a big fan of Bryant…

Cut 16 (12) “  offense does”

Bryant will join Mike Thomas and rookie Trequan Smith in a receiving core that’s lacked depth this year. Detillier says Dez is used to being the primary target, but..

Cut 17 (21)  “move on”

Detillier believes Bryant is a good fit for this Saints team…

Cut 18 (20) “…2018” 

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ULM looks to stay in first place in the Sun Belt Western Division when they visit South Alabama on Saturday. The Jaguars are 1-4 in the league and 2-and-7 overall. But Warhawks Coach Matt Viator says South Al has one of the better wide receivers in the conference…

Cut 19 (25) “.really impressive”

ULM has won three straight, but Viator says they can’t just assume they’ll win this Saturday because they are playing well…

Cut 20 (18) “ gonna lose”  

5:30 PM Newscast

Democrats are taking control of the U-S House and Louisiana’s Republican Congressional delegation is reacting. Senator John Kennedy says he hopes the Dems will stay away from investigations on the president and work on issues like…
cut 7 (08) “….work requirement”
Meanwhile, Congressman Steve Scalise of Jefferson Parish has told colleagues that he plans to run for Minority Whip.

An Alabama fan from Louisiana has died from his injuries sustained in a bar fight in Ponchatoula. Police Chief Bry Layrisson says 46-year-old Robert Bowers got into an argument with two other men Sunday morning and was sucker punched and then jumped on….
cut 13 (12) “…new Orleans”
Bowers passed away Tuesday. 27-year-old Azia Crocket and 24-year-old Ryan Anthony have each been charged with manslaughter. Layrisson says they can’t say for sure if the L-S-U-Alabama game started the fight.

This midterm election was not a big election cycle for Louisiana, but next year will be a different story as there will be a governor’s race, statewide elected officials are up for re-election and seats for the state legislature will be on the ballot next October. LA-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Senator Kennedy’s announcement, which is said to come later this month, will be a significant piece to the upcoming governor’s race…

Cut 10 (12)   “…2019“

The special election for the Secretary of State’s seat is headed for a run-off between the interim holder of the position, Republican Kyle Ardoin and a relatively unknown Democratic candidate Gwen Collins-Greenup.  Democrat Renee Fontenot Free finished third, Republican Rick Edmonds fourth and Republican Julie Stokes fifth. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Stokes disappointing finish will hurt future efforts at statewide offices….

Cut 4 (11) “…the hardcore Republicans.″

16:45 LRN Sportscast November 7

The Saints have reportedly signed former Cowboys star Dez Bryant to a contract as they look for another playmaker opposite of Michael Thomas. Bryant has been out of work since Dallas released him in the spring after not living up to a massive five-year contract. Nothing official from the Saints, so unclear if he’ll play this Sunday against the Bengals.

LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow says nothing went right versus Alabama, but they can’t let that one game ruin their season. Burrow says the goal is to finish the season strong…
Cut 17 (18) “playing for”
LSU came in seventh in the latest college football playoff rankings which were released last night. The Tigers are at Arkansas this Saturday, who is coming off a bye week.

After getting blown out by 42 on the road to Mississippi State, Louisiana Tech is back at home to take on Conference USA foe Rice at 6:00 at Joe Aillet Stadium. Skip Holtz says last Saturday was a bad performance by his team and they look to make amends this weekend…
Cut 19 (19) “.is one of em”
Louisiana Tech is a 25-point favorite to beat the Owls.

ULM is in first place in the Sun Belt West Division and they are a 5.5 point favorite to win at South Alabama on Saturday. The Warhawks are 3-2 in league play, while the Jaguars are 1-4. The Ragin Cajuns host Georgia State, who is also 1-4 in league play.

430PM LRN News

The special election for the Secretary of State’s seat is headed for a run-off between the interim holder of the position, Republican Kyle Ardoin and a relatively unknown Democratic candidate Gwen Collins-Greenup.  Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the success of the latter candidate caught some off guard.

Cut 3 (10) “…make the run off.”

Collins-Greenup, a black minister and entrepreneur from East Feliciana Parish, holds a law degree.

Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy says the vaunted Blue Wave ended up being more of a Blue Dribble as the Democrats took control of the House, and flipped seven governorships, but lost seats in the Senate. Kennedy says the performance is proof that Trump isn’t a fluke.

Cut 6 (10) “…hearing.”

Kennedy says he’ll let us know if he plans to run for governor in 2019 by December 1st

This midterm election was not a big election cycle for Louisiana, but next year will be a different story. There will be a governor’s race, statewide elected officials are up for re-election and seats for the state legislature will be on the ballot next October. LA-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the field for the governor’s race will soon begin to take shape

Cut 9 (11) “…John Bel Edwards”

Alford says it’s likely fundraising will begin very shortly.

An Alabama fan who was allegedly assaulted at the Ponchatoula Pub after the Bama/LSU game is dead from injuries sustained in the incident. 46-year Robert Bowers had been in the hospital since Sunday, and 27-year-old Azia Crockett and 24-year-old Ryan Anthony are in jail. Police Chief Bry Layrisson says Crockett sucker punched Bowers…

Cut 12 (11)   “…as well”

15:30 LRN Newscast November 7

Republican U-S Senator John Kennedy says the nationally hyped Democratic take over of the House is not a big deal…
Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle.”

Louisiana’s Secretary of State’s race is headed to a December 8th run-off between Republican Kyle Ardoin and Democrat Gwen Collins-Greenup. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Collins-Greenup is the underdog…
cut 5 (08) “….not going to happen”

The turnout in Louisiana for yesterday’s election was 49-percent. Will next year’s governor’s race see that kind of turnout? The turnout for the gubernatorial primary in 2015 was just 39-percent. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says voters will not pay attention to the governor’s race until mid-summer, but that will not stop the candidates from raising money…
cut 11 (09) “….fundraising records”

Ponchatoula Police say an Alabama fan has died after he was inolved in a bar fight while celebrating a Crimson Tide win over the Tigers. Robert Bowers died from his injuries yesterday and 27-year-old Azia Crockett and 24-year-old Ryan Anthony have each been charged with manslaughter. Police Chief Bry Layrisson says Alabama’s lopsided win might not be the reason for the brawl…
cut 14 (08) “…this argument”
Bowers family is asking for donations to pay for his medical expenses.

LRN Pm Newscall November 7

With none of the candidates securing half of the votes yesterday, the special election for the Secretary of State’s seat is heading for a December 8th runoff.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Republican U-S Senator John Kennedy says the nationally hyped Democratic Congressional take is not a big deal. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle.”