10:30 AM Newscast

Longtime political journalist and New Orleans native Cokie Roberts has died. Roberts worked in radio, at PBS, CBS News, and ABC News. The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities honored her as it’s Humanist of the Year in 2015. Roberts was 75.
Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is expected to undergo surgery after an injury to his thumb in Sunday’s game. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

 

Eddie Rispone begins airing a TV ad today that attacks fellow GOP gubernatorial candidate Ralph Abraham. A recent independent poll has Rispone eight points back of Abraham as the two fight for a chance to face Governor Edwards in a run-off. LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says the attack ad is concerning for Republicans.
Cut 14 (11) “…Edwards” 
State Police discover 14 products, dating back to April, marketed as CBD gummy bears sold illegally sold in Louisiana were spiked with synthetic marijuana. Louisiana Department of Health Chief of Specialty Operations Justin Gremillion says those products managed to make it onto shelves not because they were legal, but because it’s impossible to track every shipment of products heading into the state.

Cut 12 (12) “…came out.”

9:30 LRN Newscast Sept 17

Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone is attacking fellow GOP challenger Ralph Abraham as he tries to secure a spot in a potential run-off against Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. The 30-second ad criticizes Abraham for negative comments he made about Donald Trump before he was elected…
Cut 16 (09) “…new”
That’s LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees will likely need surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing hand. Orthopedic Surgery Professor at LSU School of Medicine, Doctor Christopher Marrero, on why surgery is needed…
cut 6 (12) “….with surgery”
Brees is expected to miss at least six weeks.

During a debate at the Baton Rouge Press Club, Republican Tim Temple, who is running for Insurance Commissioner, says the incumbent, Jim Donelon is the architect of the worst insurance market in America. Temple says the best way to drive down rates is to increase competition…
cut 10 (12) “…write your business”
But Donelon says he has a record of bringing more insurance providers to the state and we’ve seen an increase since Hurricane Katrina…
cut 9 (12) “….across America’
Donelon added that some of the regulatory changes proposed by Temple would actually lead to higher insurance rates. The election is October 12th.

8:30 LRN newscast Sept 17

With Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone trailing fellow GOP challenger Ralph Abraham and Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards in the latest polls, Rispone releases a new 30-second ad that goes after Abraham. LSU Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says the Rispone campaign is mixing up their strategy…
cut 15 (09) “….issues”
Based on the latest polls, Rispone needs to pick up the pace in order to get into a possible runoff with Edwards.

State Police says dating back to April they’ve discovered 14 products marketed as CBD gummy bears spiked with synthetic marijuana. Louisiana Department of Health Chief of Specialty Operations Justin Gremillion says edible “CBD” products are not permitted to be sold in the state.
Cut 11 (08) “…cant.”
CBD is non-psychoactive, but synthetic marijuana can give users an intense high and has been linked to seizures and hospitalizations.

The candidates for Insurance Commissioner stated their cases as to why voters should cast ballots in their favor next month. Kevin Barnhart has the story…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

I-20 westbound in Bossier City has been closed this morning before Old Minden Road because a big rig caught on fire overnight. The state department of transportation says traffic congestion has reached about five miles and motorists are advised to take an alternate route.

A tropical disturbance in the western gulf will bring showers and thunderstorms to south Louisiana.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The governor’s race is heating up as Eddie Rispone launches an attack ad against fellow Republican Ralph Abraham. Matt Doyle has more…
voicer 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry raised 356-thousand during the latest campaign finance reporting period and has 1-point-nine million dollars in his campaign war chest. He’s raised the most money out of the statewide elected officials, besides Governor Edwards. Landry is facing one challenger on the ballot, Democrat Ike Jackson Junior.

An Associated Press investigation has uncovered 14 different cases since April where products marketed as CBD gummy bears were actually spiked with synthetic marijuana. Louisiana Health Department of Speciality Operations Justin Gremillion says they are asking C-B-D consumers to be vigilant…
cut 13 (12) “…labeling”
All legally sold CBD products must be labeled as such and permitted with the Department of Health.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is expected to undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament in the thumb on his throwing hand. Orthopedic Surgery Professor at LSU School of Medicine Dr. Christopher Marrero says the extent of any tear will dictate treatment.
Cut 4 (11) “…very unstable”
Brees is expected to miss at least the next six weeks.

6:45 LRN Sportscast Sept 17

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is expected to undergo surgery after an injury to his thumb in Sunday’s loss to the Rams…
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Brees is seeking a second opinion before a plan is put in place for treating the injury to his throwing hand.

Middle linebacker Alex Anzalone has been placed on injured reserve. There are no details on his injury. He missed most of preseason camp with a shoulder injury and played just 18 snaps versus the Rams.

LSU heads into week four of the college football season ranked third in the nation in scoring, averaging 55 points a game. But Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says the players on offense are not satisfied with their results…
cut 17 (23) “…pretty good”
On defense, LSU has lost safety Todd Harris for the season because of a knee injury. Orgeron also says defensive ends Rashard Lawrence and Glen Logan will not play Saturday against Vanderbilt and pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson is questionable.

Last night, Cleveland defeated the New York Jets 23-3 as former LSU Tiger Odell Beckham Junior the longest touchdown catch of his career, as he went 89 yards.

6:30 LRN Newscast September 17

The two candidates in the Insurance Commissioner’s race were face to face in a debate at Baton Rouge Press Club. One of the major focal points of discussion was on Louisiana’s auto insurance rates. Challenger Tim Temple touts 20-plus years of industry knowledge and says the state is facing an insurance crisis as the most unaffordable state for insurance
cut 8 (10) “…true catastrophe mode”
Incumbent Commissioner Jim Donelon blames a broken legal system and limits need to be put in place on damages awarded against insurance companies…
Cut 7 (09)“…seated next year.”
Temple says Donelon has had 14 years as commissioner to pass tort reform and lower rates and he’s failed. Donelon says the tide is turning as three auto insurance providers have recently announced lower premiums.

Eddie Rispone begins airing a TV ad today that attacks fellow GOP gubernatorial candidate Ralph Abraham. A recent independent poll has Rispone eight points back of Abraham as the two fight for a chance to face Governor Edwards in a run-off. LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says the attack ad is concerning for Republicans.
Cut 14 (11) “…Edwards”
Back in March, Louisiana GOP Chairman Louis Gurvich released a statement asking the Republican candidates to focus their criticism on Edwards, because in-party fighting will only help Edwards win a second term in office.

AM Newscall

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is expected to undergo surgery after an injury to his thumb in Sunday’s game. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

_______________________________

The candidates for Insurance Commissioner stated their cases as to why voters should cast ballots in their favor next month. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

________________________

 The gov’s race is heating up as Eddie Rispone launches an attack ad against fellow Republican Ralph Abraham. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________

Sunday’s defeat by the LA Rams was an insult to injury with reports that Saint’s beloved Quarterback Drew Brees will be out for at least six weeks with a torn ligament in his right thumb. Orthopedic Surgery Professor at LSU School of Medicine Dr. Christopher Marrero says the extent of any tear will dictate treatment.

Cut 4 (11) “…very unstable”

Brees is unable to grasp a football in his right hand due to the damaged ulnar collateral ligament, or UCL. Marrero says for this injury you could opt for mobilization or surgery and it appears Brees has been advised to go with surgery for his UCL.

Cut 5 (11) “…predictable.”

Marrero says surgery is also a better option in case a lesion forms with the torn ligament and it gets behind the tissue.

Cut 6 (12) “…with surgery”

Brees suffered the injury early in the game Sunday when he was hit in the hand by Ram’s defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

____________________

The two candidates in the Insurance Commissioner’s race were face to face in a debate at Baton Rouge Press Club. One of the major focal points of discussion was on Louisiana’s auto insurance rates. Incumbent Commissioner Jim Donelon blames the broken legal system for rates being as high as they are.

Cut 7 (09)“…seated next year.” 

Challenger Tim Temple touts 20-plus years of industry knowledge and says the state is facing an insurance crisis as the most unaffordable state for insurance.

Cut 8 (10) “…true catastrophe mode.”

Donelon says during his thirteen years in office, he has contributed to the influx of new coverage providers following Hurricane Katrina.

Cut 9 (12) “…all across America.”

Temple says it is competition that drives rates, not legislative mandates.

Cut 10 (12) “…write your business.”

The election is October 12th.

_______________________

State Police says dating back to April they’ve discovered 14 products marketed as CBD gummy bears sold illegally sold in Louisiana were spiked with synthetic marijuana.

Louisiana Department of Health Chief of Specialty Operations Justin Gremillion says first and foremost, edible “CBD” products are not permitted to be sold in the state.

Cut 11 (08) “…cant.” 

CBD is non-psychoactive, but synthetic marijuana can give users an intense high and has been linked to medical problems such as seizures and hospitalizations.

Gremillion says those products managed to make it onto shelves not because they were legal, but because it’s impossible to track every shipment of products heading into the state.

Cut 12 (12) “…came out.”

All legally sold CBD products must be labeled as such and permitted with the Department of Health.

Gremillion says with the influx of non-regulated products pouring across state boarders people need to be vigilant when buying the newly legal CBD products.

Cut 13 (12) “labeling”

______________________

Republican Eddie Rispone is now running a TV attack ad against fellow GOP gubernatorial candidate, Congressman Ralph Abraham.

A recent independent poll puts Rispone eight points back of Abraham for the right to take Governor Edwards to a run-off. LSU-Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow says it’s a concerning move for Republicans.

Cut 14 (11) “…Edwards” 

A run-off would be triggered if Governor Edwards does not earn more than 50 percent of the vote on October 12th.

Rispone has spent over seven million dollars to raise his statewide profile, but he’s stuck polling below 20 percent. Sadow says the Rispone campaign is starting to mix up their strategy.

Cut 15 (09) “…issues”

The attack ad criticizes Abraham for missing Congressional votes, a line of attack common to the Edwards campaign. It also criticizes Abraham for comments critical of Donald Trump in 2016.

Cut 16  (09) “…new”   

In 2016 the Congressman said Trump should consider dropping out of the Presidential race in the wake of a video that showed the candidate bragging about grabbing women’s genitals.

_______________________

LSU heads into week four of the college football season ranked third in the nation in scoring, averaging 55 points a game. But Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says the players on offense are not satisfied with their results…

cut 17 (23) “…pretty good” 

LSU’s defense allowed Northwestern State to move the ball against them in the first half. Orgeron says adjustments were made that resulted in the shutout in the second half, but he wants to see more turnovers

Cut 18 (23) “…turnovers 

___________________________________________

Saints defensive end Cam Jordan spoke with the media yesterday and says the loss of Drew Brees due to injury is a huge blow to the organization, but adds at the same time, the team has not seen backup QB Teddy Bridgewater showcase what he brings to the table to the fullest extent yet.

cut 19 (14)   “the timeframe is.”   

Jordan says while he still feels strongly that poor officiating once again cost the team points on Sunday, the game also displayed other areas where improvement is needed.

cut 20 (17) “for our offense.” 

5:30 PM Newscast

Multiple reports say Saints quarterback Drew Brees will miss at least the next six weeks and possibly need surgery to repair his injured throwing hand during the first quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Rams. The league’s highest-paid backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater replaces Brees and NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the first thing the Saints need to do is get over the emotional loss of their beloved leader.

Cut 7 (09)“…move on” 

Saints now sit at 1-1 on the season.

Authorities are investigating the death of a dog that was dragged behind a vehicle on Sunday afternoon. East Feliciana Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Greg Phares says deputies were alerted by a concerned resident who saw the dog being dragged in the Village of Wilson. Phares says it’s a criminal investigation.

Cut 5 (11) “…dog is dead.”

An elderly woman who was possibly bitten by a rat and roaches is recovering in a hospital, while two men are behind bars on a charge of cruelty to the infirmed…

cut  2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

A record 1.2 million passengers took a cruise out of the Port of New Orleans last year, and they’re expecting another 1.4 million passengers for this year. Port of New Orleans spokesperson Jessica Ragusa says the cruise business has seen explosive growth…

Cut 9 (09)  “.percent”

4:30 PM Newscast

Multiple reports say Saints quarterback Drew Brees will miss at least the next six weeks as he needs surgery to repair his injured throwing hand. The league’s highest-paid backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater replaces Brees and NFL analyst Mike Detillier expects the Saints will also use Taysom Hill at Q-B as well.

Cut 6 (11) “…the quarterback position.”

Saints now sit at 1-1 on the season and face the Seahawks in Seattle on Sunday.
Authorities are investigating the death of a dog that was dragged behind a vehicle on Sunday afternoon. East Feliciana Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Greg Phares says deputies were alerted by a concerned resident who saw the dog being dragged in the Village of Wilson.

Cut 3 (09) “…a private individual.”

Wilson is about 50 minutes north of Baton Rouge.

Crowley Police arrest two individuals in a disturbing case of elderly neglect. Chief Jimmy Broussard says cops took 57-year-old Raymond Hoffpauir and 27-year-old Dustin Welch into custody and they remain in jail on a charge of cruelty to the infirmed. He says both men have admitted to the negligent behavior…
Cut 14 (07) “neglectful.”
The elderly victim is receiving care at a local hospital and Adult Protective Services is also investigating.
A record 1.2 million passengers took a cruise out of the Port of New Orleans last year, and they’re expecting another 1.4 million passengers for this year. Port of New Orleans spokesperson Jessica Ragusa says if they continue to see this rate of growth, they’ll have to make a substantial expansion.

Cut 11 (07) “…at that” 

The numbers are set to rise again in 2020 as Disney and Royal Caribbean prepare to launch from New Orleans, along with an additional up-river cruise.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Multiple reports say Saints quarterback Drew Brees will miss at least the next six weeks as he needs surgery to repair his injured throwing hand. The league’s highest-paid backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater replaces Brees and NFL analyst Mike Detillier expects the Saints will also use Taysom Hill at Q-B too
Cut 6 (11) “…the quarterback position.”
Saints Coach Sean Payton says Brees will get a second opinion on his thumb and then a plan will be developed on treatment.

Payton not happy with how his team played yesterday and it will not use another officiating gaffe as an excuse for the loss…
cut 16 (11) “….field too”
There’s been no statement from the league today after taking away Cam Jordan’s fumble for a touchdown when the game was tied at three.

Injuries are mounting for LSU on defense. Coach Ed Orgeron said today that safety Todd Harris will miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury in the lopsided win over Northwestern State. Coach “O” also said defensive ends Rashard Lawrence and Glen Logan will miss a second straight week and will not play Saturday at Vanderbilt. Kick-off is at 11.

LSU is not the only one playing its conference opener this week. Tulane will host Houston on Thursday in a game that will be televised by ESPN. Louisiana Tech kicks off Conference USA action by hosting F-I-U on the C-B-S Sports Network, in a game that will take place on Friday.

League play begins this week in the Southland Conference. Nicholls will visit Stephen F Austin. The Colonels are ranked 11th in the country after their come from behind win over Prairie View. Southeastern Louisiana is ranked 22nd after losing by just 11 points to Ole Miss. The Lions host Lamar at 7 PM.