1:30 LRN Newscast

A new statewide poll finds President Trump’s favorable rating in Louisiana is 48-percent, but Governor Jeff Landry’s is only 39-percent. JMC Analytics and Polling pollster John Couvillon believes Landry is having a hard time connecting with voters.

Cut 10 (07)  “…social media posts.”

Louisiana Radio Network reached out for response from the governor’s office, and one of his consultants pointed out that the group that paid for the poll, Unite America, supports groups with a strong, liberal bias.

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging the NCAA to explore age limits for collegiate athletes. Cassidy says he initially became concerned following a conversation with a legendary Louisiana collegiate coach.

Cut 3 (09) “…their late 20s.”

This comes as more and more schools recruit older athletes from overseas.

A game played in New Orleans is part of the FBI’s evidence that resulted in the arrest of an NBA player for illegal sports betting. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Yesterday, Governor Landry said SNAP recipients would not get their benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. But today, he seems to be changing his tune. In a statement, his office says Landry is in discussion with other governors across the country and with the state’s legislative leadership, and he’s making it a priority that vulnerable people do not go hungry.

LRN PM Newscall October 23

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging the NCAA to explore an age limit and limits on foreign athletes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A game played in New Orleans is part of the FBI’s evidence that resulted in the arrest of an NBA player for illegal sports betting. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy is urging the NCAA to explore age limits for collegiate athletes. Cassidy says he initially became concerned following a conversation with a legendary Louisiana collegiate coach.

Cut 3 (09) “…their late 20s.”

This comes as more and more schools recruit older athletes from overseas. For instance, LSU’s men’s basketball team has a freshman from Israel on its roster named Ron Zipper, who will turn 23 years old during the season. Cassidy says with most collegiate freshmen, athletes or otherwise, being 18 or 19 years old, that puts them at a competitive disadvantage.

Cut 4 (15) “…cannot match.”

Cassidy says American universities should provide opportunities for American citizens first and foremost. He says he does mind an occasional overseas player on an NCAA roster, but there needs to be limitations.

Cut 5 (13) “…on beyond that.”

Cassidy noted that LSU had recruited Eddie Palubinskas from Australia in the early 1970s as a 22-year-old and was later an assistant coach for the Tigers, trying to teach Shaquille O’Neal how to make free throws, with very limited success.

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The cameras have been rolling in Louisiana and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Jason Waggenspack, the president of Film Louisiana, says there are several films being shot in Louisiana as we speak.

Cut 6 (12) “…starting next year.”

Waggenspack says after years of going overseas, film production is shifting back to the states; and he says Louisiana is the perfect state for filmmakers to shoot their projects.

Cut 7 (09) “…here real soon.”

Waggenspack says filmmakers – and television producers – are showing a greater willingness to produce their films and shows domestically instead of going overseas.

Cut 8 (07) “…here at home.”

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A new statewide poll finds President Trump’s favorable rating in Louisiana is 48-percent, but Governor Jeff Landry’s is only 39-percent. JMC Analytics and Polling pollster John Couvillon says Landry had an aggressive legislative agenda during his first year in office and that might have turned off a few voters.

Cut 9 (13)  “…turned off voters.”

In Landry’s first year in office, he got lawmakers to approve a tough on crime legislative package, tax reform, displaying the Ten Commandments in every public-school classroom and changing federal elections to a party primary election system.

Couvillon believes Landry is having a hard time connecting with voters.

Cut 10 (07)  “…social media posts.”

The poll also asked voters if they thought the state is heading in the right direction. Only 26 percent said it is heading in the right direction, 54-percent say it’s heading in the wrong direction and 20-percent did not have an opinion. Couvillon says the poll of 600 likely voters was conducted last week and the federal government shutdown probably played a role in the responses.

Cut 11 (06) “…nationally.”

Louisiana Radio Network reached out for response from the governor’s office, and one his consultants pointed out that the group that paid for the poll, Unite America, supports groups with a strong, liberal bias.

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The FBI cites a NBA game played in New Orleans as part of its evidence into illegal sports betting. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is among more than 30 people charged in a massive investigation into illegal NBA betting and rigged poker games. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says in March of 2023, Rozier took himself out of a game early at the Smoothie King Center to ensure he would underperform.

Cut 12 (07) “…under statistics.”

According to the official NBA stats, Rozier only played ten minutes in that game, which the Pelicans won 115-96. Tisch says the defendants placed more than 200-thousand dollars in wagers on the “unders” of his prop bets, and those bets paid out ten of thousands of dollars in profits.

Cut 13 (05)  “…their cash.”

Tisch says Rozier has played his last game in the NBA.

Cut 14 (06) “…for integrity.”

Rozier was arrested Thursday morning at a hotel in Orlando, Florida. He’s facing money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges, according to the indictment.

 

12:30 LRN Newscast

The FBI cites an NBA game played in New Orleans as part of its evidence into illegal sports betting. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is among more than 30 people charged in a massive investigation into illegal NBA betting and rigged poker games. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says in March of 2023, Rozier took himself out of a game early at the Smoothie King Center to ensure he would underperform.

Cut 12 (07) “…under statistics.”

The cameras have been rolling in Louisiana and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Jason Waggenspack, the president of Film Louisiana, says there are several films being shot in Louisiana as we speak.

Cut 6 (12) “…starting next year.”

Nervous times for SNAP recipients amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Governor Landry had previously said they would not get their November benefits; but today, he’s saying he’s in discussion with other governors across the country and the state’s legislative leadership, and he’s making it a priority that vulnerable people do not go hungry. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 23 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The shutdown is now in its 23rd day; and with the House currently in recess, there’s no end in sight.

11:30 LRN Newscast

A new statewide poll finds President Trump’s favorable rating in Louisiana is 48-percent, but Governor Jeff Landry’s is only 39-percent. JMC Analytics and Polling pollster John Couvillon says Landry had an aggressive legislative agenda during his first year in office and that might have turned off a few voters…

Cut 9 (13)  “…turned off voters.”

More than 800-thousand households in Louisiana rely on SNAP benefits and Governor Jeff Landry warns SNAP recipients will not receive their federal assistance next month if the federal government shutdown continues. Jan Moller, the executive director of Invest Louisiana says D-C politics are hurting people who struggle to pay for groceries…

Cut 26 (09) “…of the month.” 

 

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging the NCAA to explore an age limit and limits on foreign athletes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The federal government has announced they are charging more than 30 people for illegal gambling activity and an NBA game played in New Orleans in  is part of their investigation. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is accused of participating in an illegal sports betting scheme. In a game against the Pelicans in 2023, Rozier left the game early and never returned. Sports bettors said on social media at the time that there was something shady about Rozier’s departure from the game.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans started a new NBA season last night by losing to Memphis 128 to 122. New Orleans led by 11 points at halftime but outscored 41-22 in the third quarter. If you’re looking for a bright spot, rookie Jeremiah Fears had 17 points on seven of ten shooting in his NBA debut. Coach Willie Green…

Cut 30 (18) “…fellow tonight”

The Pelicans host San Antonio on Friday night for their home opener.

The NBA is facing a gambling scandal. Portland Coach Chauncey Phillips has been arrested in an illegal poker operation tied to the mafia, the FBI is accusing Cavaliers assistant coach Damon Jones of providing insider information to bettors, and the Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier has also been arrested for allegedly participating in an illegal sports betting scheme. The investigation is looking at a game Rozier played in New Orleans in 2023, where he took himself out of the contest after only playing a few minutes.  Several bettors posted on social media at the time that it was shady.

Six-foot-seven sophomore tight end Trey’Dez Green has become LSU’s best weapon on offense. In his last two games. Green has 193 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Green spent time playing with the LSU basketball team last year but made the transition to just football this year. Coach Brian Kelly says Green has done all the things necessary to break out this season.

Cut 20 (17) “…-playing the game.”

ULM is coming off a frustrating 37-14 loss to Troy on Saturday, falling to 3-and-4 on the year. Head coach Bryant Vincent says the Warhawks are not giving up on the season, and the team will continue to bring the fight each game.

Cut 18 (14) “…were thinking wrong.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

The legislature reconvenes at two this afternoon for a special session, in which lawmakers will discuss moving the primary calendar 30 days as the Supreme Court considers the constitutionality of the state’s congressional map. New Orleans Democratic Representative Candace Newell (new-ELL) has concerns about moving the calendar.

Cut 15 (12) “…in the process.”

Lawmakers might also consider doing away with the closed primaries altogether and going back to open primaries, and a new poll shows that almost 70-percent of voters across the state would favor that. John Couvillon with JMC Analytics and Polling notes that the last time Louisiana went to party primaries, it didn’t last long.

Cut 9 (10)  “…quickly repealed it.”

Governor Jeff Landry is warning SNAP recipients that they will not receive cash assistance from the government on their cards starting November 1st if the federal government shutdown continues. Jan (“yahn”) Moller, the executive director of Invest Louisiana, says this action could be avoided.

Cut 10 (11) “…still get paid.”

It’s unknown if the USDA plans to utilize contingency funds to ensure November SNAP benefits.

The LSU Presidential Search Committee holds its third meeting this afternoon. Piper Hutchinson, a reporter with the Louisiana Illuminator, says with this meeting, the committee moves into the final stages of selecting the university system’s next president.

Cut 4 (12) “…soon become public.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

The legislature reconvenes at two this afternoon to begin a 22-day special session to adjust the primary election calendar. According to the bill co-authored by Port Allen Republican Senator Caleb Kleinpeter, the dates for the primary and runoff would be pushed back 30 days. This comes as the Supreme Court considers its ruling on the constitutionality of the creation of the state’s second majority Black congressional district. Kleinpeter says when the Supreme Court will rule is anyone’s guess.

Cut 13 (07)  “…back before Christmas.”

There’s also the possibility that someone may file a bill that would do away with the closed primary and go back to an open primary, which would eliminate the primary and runoff altogether and go straight to Election Day on November 3rd, 2026. New Orleans Democratic Representative Candace Newell (new-ELL) is all for that.

Cut 16 (08) “…the closed primaries.”

Governor Landry is warning SNAP recipients they will not receive government cash assistance for food purchases if the federal government shutdown continues. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The LSU Presidential Search Committee holds its third meeting this afternoon, during which it will determine which candidates will be invited to formally apply for the job. Next Wednesday, it will conduct interviews with those candidates and will select three finalists.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

The legislature reconvenes at two this afternoon to begin a special session to adjust the primary election calendar. Those dates would be pushed back 30 days if the bill co-authored by Port Allen Republican Senator Caleb Kleinpeter is approved.  Kleinpeter says even though Governor Landry scheduled the session for 22 days, he expects it to end much sooner.

Cut 14 (08) “…just in case.”

Governor Jeff Landry is warning SNAP recipients that they will not receive cash assistance from the government on their cards starting November 1st if the federal government shutdown continues.  That’s 800-thousand people here. Jan (“yahn”) Moller, the executive director of Invest Louisiana, says instead of the special session to change the federal primary election dates, lawmakers should figure out  how to use dollars to pay those SNAP benefits in November.

Cut 12 (06) “…get paid out.” 

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A new statewide poll finds Louisiana residents overwhelmingly support an open primary election system over a closed party primary. Next year’s federal elections will be closed party primaries, which means registered Republicans and no party voters can only vote in the Republican primary and Democrats and no party voters can only vote in the Democratic primary.  Pollster John Couvillon says Louisiana voters prefer the simplicity of an open party primary.

Cut 8 (06) “…who you want.”

The LSU Presidential Search Committee meets later today ahead of next Wednesday’ interviews with those who would be the university system’s next president.  Piper Hutchinson, a reporter with the Louisiana Illuminator, says says several people have expressed interest in becoming the new leader of the LSU system.

Cut 5 (12) “…were highly qualified.”

 

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

A new statewide poll finds Louisiana residents overwhelmingly support an open primary election system over a closed party primary. Pollster John Couvillon says 69-percent of the 600 respondents favor an open primary, which is a similar percentage to when JMC Analytics and Polling asked this same question in the first quarter of this year.

Cut 7 (11) “…be coming online.”

More than 800-thousand households in Louisiana rely on SNAP benefits and Governor Jeff Landry warns those folks could not receive their federal assistance next month if the federal government shutdown continues. Jan (“yahn”) Moller, the executive director of Invest Louisiana…

Cut 11 (09) “…of the month.” 

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The legislature begins a special session at two this afternoon. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The LSU Presidential Search Committee is getting closer to selecting the university system’s next president. Piper Hutchinson, a reporter with the Louisiana Illuminator, says they’ll meet today to firm up plans for interviewing candidates next Wednesday to choose three finalists.

Cut 6 (09) “…to vote on.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU missed linebacker Whit Weeks in the loss to Vanderbilt, and it doesn’t look like he’ll play this Saturday against 3rd ranked Texas A&M. On the first availability report of the week, Weeks is listed as doubtful with a bone bruise that has him in a walking boot.

Cut 19 (14) “…in the week”

Coach Brian Kelly says defensive tackle Bernard Gooden is questionable to play Saturday against the Aggies. Gooden missed the Commodores game with a collarbone injury. Senior defensive end Jimari Butler is probable with an ankle injury after missing last week.

The Pelicans led by 11 points at half last night but were outscored by 19 in the third quarter and lost to Memphis 128 to 122 to begin a new regular season. Zion Williamson had 29 points for the Pels, but Ja Morant had 35 for Memphis.

 

The Saints return to New Orleans this Sunday and will host their divisional rival, the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield did not hide his dislike for the Black and Gold…

Cut 17 (09) “…don’t like them.”

Saints coach Kellen Moore responded to Mayfield’s comments by saying he understands how big the rivalry is, and expects Sunday to be a fun matchup.

Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase, Patriots linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson and Browns safety Grant Delpit were named the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special teams Players of the Week after their week 7 performances. It’s the first time in NFL history that all three conference players of the week were college teammates. Chase, Chaisson and Delpit were all key contributors on LSU’s 2019 national championship team.

And Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello has left Knoxville as he’s been hired as the new manager of the San Francisco Giants.