06:45 Sportscast November 23, 2015

Is Les Miles getting ready to coach his last game in Tiger Stadium? It’s a possibility after the Tigers suffered their third straight loss in an embarrassing 38-17 defeat to Ole Miss. Coach Les Miles says his job status didn’t affect his players’ performance…

cut 18 (11) “….team meeting“

This is the first time LSU has lost three straight games with Miles as head coach.

In Conference USA, Louisiana Tech held off Texas-El Paso 17-15. Bulldog quarterback Jeff Driskel threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns as Tech moves 8-3 and remains tied for first in the Western Division with Southern Miss. The Bulldogs will host the Golden Eagles Saturday for the right to represent the West in the Conference USA title game December 5th.

In the Southland Conference, McNeese State finished off their perfect season by defeating Lamar 20-14. The 9-0 Cowboys become only the ninth team in conference history to finish the regular season undefeated. McNeese picked up the number four seed in the FCS playoffs and will receive a first round bye. The Cowboys will face the winner of Saturday’s Sam Houston State – Southern Utah matchup in the second round December 5th.

Northwestern State ended their season on a high note beating Stephen F. Austin 33-17.

A 21-yard field goal with a minute and a half remaining lifts New Mexico State over UL-Lafayette 37-34. Cajuns quarterback Books Haack threw for 283 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. Running back Elijah McGuire ran for 159 yards and two additional touchdowns as UL-Lafayette falls to 4-6 on the season. The Ragin Cajuns must win their two remaining games to become bowl eligible.

06:30 Newscast November 23, 2015

A state representative from Amite is the next governor of Louisiana. John Bel Edwards defeated Republican David Vitter by double digits, becoming the first Democrat to win a statewide election since 2008. Edwards has this message for Louisiana residents….

cut 8 (12) “people first”

About a month ago, Vitter was the odds on favorite to be the next governor of Louisiana. But now it appears his political career is over as he’s announced he won’t seek re-election to the US Senate in 2016…

cut 9 (08) “matter what”

Edwards won Saturday’s election 55 to 45 percent.

In the Lt. Governor’s runoff election, Republican Billy Nungesser defeated Democrat Kip Holden by a 10 percentage point margin.

Two-term Republican incumbent Buddy Caldwell was defeated in the Attorney General’s race as fellow Republican and former Congressman Jeff Landry won by 12-percentage points. Caldwell says he’s proud of the work he’s done as the state’s top lawyer…

cut 14 (10) “not through”

Attorney General-elect Landry on what he’ll bring to the office…

cut 16 (06) “I didnt’”

Landry will assume office in January.

You may need a jacket as you get out and about this morning. Morning temperatures are in the 30s across much of the state.

LRN AM Newscall November 23rd

Louisiana ranks fourth for the best state to live in for low taxes. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Six weeks ago, no one would have predicted the result of Saturday night and that’s a victory for Democrat John Bel Edwards in the governor’s race. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Republican Senator David Vitter has announced he will not seek re-election to the US Senate next year. Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

According to the personal finance website, Kiplinger, Louisiana ranks fourth for best state to live in for low taxes and it’s also eighth for retirees. Kiplinger Senior Associate Editor Sandra Block says the Pelican State has a variety of tax friendly policies….

cut 4  (09)  “the country”

Block says another aspect in Louisiana’s favor is state gasoline taxes, which is 20 cents per gallon, about a dime lower than the rest of the nation.

Cut 5  (05)  “Louisiana”

Block says Louisiana’s income tax is also one of the lowest in the US. She says a downside is that low taxes could lead to cuts in social services, roads and education…

Cut 6 (10)  “good services”

______________________________________

A state representative from Amite is the next governor of Louisiana. John Bel Edwards defeated Republican David Vitter by double digits, becoming the first Democrat to win a statewide election since 2008. Edwards says his victory is a breeze of hope for Louisiana….

CUT 7 (08)  “of others”

Edwards has this message for Louisiana residents….

Cut 8  (12)  “people first”

About a month ago, Vitter was the odds on favorite to be the next governor of Louisiana. But now it appears his political career is over as he’s announced he won’t seek re-election to the US Senate in 2016…

Cut 9 (08) “matter what”

Vitter did not disclose what he may do once his second-term in the US Senate ends…

Cut 10 (11) “after issue”

______________________________________

Republican Senator David Vitter has decided to not seek re-election to the US Senate next year. Vitter made the announcement during his gubernatorial election concession speech Saturday night. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says this does not come as a shock…

cut 11 (09) “this announcement”

Vitter said when he decided to run for governor, he wanted to pursue challenges outside the Senate, no matter the outcome of this election. Hogan says Vitter’s decision makes sense…

Cut 12 (06) “this election”

Vitter said he had reached his personal term limit in the Senate. Hogan says Vitter’s open Senate seat will draw a lot of interest…

Cut 13 (11)  “the possibility”

______________________________________________

Two-term Republican incumbent Buddy Caldwell was defeated in the Attorney General’s race as fellow Republican and former Congressman Jeff Landry won by 12-percentage points. Caldwell says he’s proud of the work he’s done as the state’s top lawyer…

Cut 14 (10) “not through”

Caldwell says he was not pleased with accusations made by Landry that he was a corrupted politician…

Cut 15  (10)  “cheers”

Attorney General-elect Landry on what he’ll bring to the office…

Cut 16  (06)  “I didnt’”

Landry says he’s thankful for the support he’s received and now plans to bring honor and integrity to the Attorney General’s office…

Cut 17 (11) “against them”

_______________________________________________________

Is Les Miles getting ready to coach his last game in Tiger Stadium? It’s a possibility after the Tigers suffered their third straight loss in an embarrassing 38-17 defeat to Ole Miss. Coach Les Miles says his job status didn’t affect his players’ performance…

Cut 18 (11) “….team meeting“

This is the first time LSU has lost three straight games with Miles as the coach. A published report in the Advocate last week said Miles was coaching for his job after suffering losses to Alabama and Arkansas. The head coach says he doesn’t know if he’s in danger of losing his job…

Cut 19 (07) “right now”

LSU defensive tackle Davon Godchaux says rumors of Miles’ firing at the end of the regular season is not negatively impacting the team….

Cut 20 (08) “sticking with”

10:30 Newscast November 21, 2015

Today is election day in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo reports…

cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana’s unemployment rate rose slightly to six-point-two percent in October based on figures from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that’s lower than last October when the unemployment rate was seven-percent. The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the civilian labor force lost nearly 12-thousand workers from September to October. The two main factors, low oil prices and a decline of government workers.

Polls heading into election day show Democrat John Bel Edwards lead slipping over Republican David Vitter in the race for governor. The latest JMC Analytics survey shows Edwards lead over Vitter is in the single digits. LAPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says it may be too little too late for Vitter as Edwards’ “Get Out The Vote” campaign is very strong…

cut 5 (07) “John Bel Edwards”

He says the Syrian refugee issue has helped Vitter gain ground.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission kicks off their Thanksgiving holiday Click it or Ticket campaign Sunday. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says nobody wants to remember the holidays tragically and buckling up has been proven to save lives. He says in addition to checking for seatbelt violations, troopers will also be on the lookout for motorists drinking and driving…

cut 8 (08) “home safe”

Reichardt says there will be increased patrols through November 29th.

09:30 Newscast November 21, 2015

A recent JMC Analytics poll shows Democrat John Bel Edwards’ lead over Republican David Vitter is down to the single digits as voters head to the polls to elect the state’s new governor. Jeff Palermo reports…

cut 1 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The President of the University of Louisiana System is stepping down. Sandra Woodley gave no explanation for her resignation. In a released statement, Woodley says she is proud of what the system has been able to accomplish during her presidency which began in January of 2013. Woodley will leave her post at the end of the year. She will remain on board to serve in a transitional capacity through March 31st.

Governor Bobby Jindal’s proposal to close a 487-million dollar budget deficit has been approved by the joint legislative budget committee. Senate president John Alario says it’s not a perfect plan, but it puts something in place until a new governor takes over in January…

cut 12 (09) “what’s happening”

The plan calls for cuts to state agencies, patchwork financing and tapping into the rainy day fund.

A man from Denham Springs will spend the rest of his life behind bars for shooting up his fiancee with a lethal dose of heroin. 26-year-old Jarret McCasland was found guilty of second-degree murder. East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore says evidence against McCasland was overwhelming and the jury didn’t take long to return a verdict…

cut 10 (10) “that testified”

19-year-old Flavia Cardenas died of a heroin overdose in July of 2013.

08:30 Newscast November 21, 2015

Louisiana voters will head to the polls today to elect the state’s new governor. A recent JMC Analytics poll shows Democrat John Bel Edwards’ lead over Republican David Vitter has shrunk down to the single digits. LAPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says, in order for Vitter to win, he’ll need conservative voters to return to his camp. He says tracking numbers have shown that has happened in the last week…

cut 4 (08) “to do”

Polls are open until 8PM.

The joint legislative budget committee approves Governor Bobby Jindal’s proposal to close a 487-million dollar budget deficit. The plan calls for cuts to state agencies, patchwork financing and tapping into the rainy day fund. Commissioner of Administration Stafford Palmieri says the governor made it a priority to make sure public colleges were not hit with cuts…

cut 14 (07) “Louisiana forward”

The two gubernatorial candidates had asked legislators to reject Jindal’s deficit reduction plan.

A 26-year-old Denham Springs man will spend the rest of his life in prison for shooting up his fiancee with heroin, causing a fatal overdose. An East Baton Rouge Parish jury found Jarret McCasland guilty of second-degree murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence. District Attorney Hillar Moore says a seldom used statue was used in his case…

cut 9 (08) “deadly drug”

McCasland, who did not take the stand in his defense, will face formal sentencing in January for the death of 19-year-old Flavia Cardenas.

With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission kicks off their Click it or Ticket campaign this Sunday. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says make sure you buckle up, because it’s the first step in saving your life in case you’re in an accident…

cut 6 (08) “that easy”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says seat belt usage reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers by 45-percent.

07:30 Sportscast November 21, 2015

The 17th ranked LSU Tigers look to break a two-game losing streak into today’s game at number 25 Ole Miss. The Tigers offense has struggled to put points on the board the last two weeks. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron says they want to get the running game going after attempting to throw the ball 40 times last week…

cut 17 (13) “behind early”

The game starts at 2:30 and you can watch on CBS.

In high school football playoff action, Ponchatoula upset Class 5-A top seed West Monroe 28-21, Landry Walker defeated Byrd 47-41, and 2-time defending champ Acadiana loses to Parkway 55-28. In Class 4-A, it was Franklinton over Minden 35-34 and Bastrop beat Assumption 28-13.

A ton of upsets in Class 3-A last night, Jena, North Webster, Patterson, Eunice, and Church Point all lost. And in Division 3, Notre Dame defeated Calvary 28-7.

UL-Lafayette needs to win two of its last three games if they want a chance to play in a bowl game for a fifth straight season. Coach Mark Hudspeth hopes one of those wins comes today against New Mexico State. The Aggies come to Cajun Field with a 2-and-7 record, but they have an outstanding running back. Larry Rose the Third leads the Sun Belt in rushing, with nearly 13-hundred yards on the ground. Hudspeth says Rose is an impressive back…

cut 20 (21) “his labor”

Kickoff is scheduled for 4PM and you can watch on ESPN3.

The Pelicans picked up win number two last night as they defeated the Spurs 104-90.

LRN Newscast 17:30 November 20

Polls heading into election day show Democrat John Bel Edwards lead slipping over Republican David Vitter in the race for governor. The latest JMC Analytics survey shows Edwards lead over Republican David Vitter in the single digits. LAPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says it may be too little too late for Vitter as Edwards’ “Get Out The Vote” campaign is very strong…:
cut 5 (07) “….John Bel Edwards”
Polls are open Saturday from seven AM to eight PM.

The joint legislative budget committee approves Governor Bobby Jindal’s proposal to close a 487-million dollar budget deficit. Covington Representative John Schroder was one of a handful of lawmakers who voted against it. He says the plan doesn’t address the state’s spending problems:
cut 13 (09) “in reductions”
The Jindal administration touted the plan as one that doesn’t result in cuts to higher education.

A Denham Springs man charged with murder in the death of his fiancee who he shot up with a lethal dose of heroin was found guilty and will spend life behind bars. In 2013, 26-year-old Jarret McCasland administered a needle with the drugs into 19-year-old Flavia Cardenas and she died of an overdose. East Baton Rouge Parish DA Hillar Moore says this case illustrates that heroin is a deadly drug, with lasting consequences…
CUT 11 (10) “person’s death”
McCasland will be formally sentenced in January.

One of the top high school football prospects in the state is one of two players from North Webster High School that’s been arrested and charged with carnal knowledge of a juvenile. 17-year-old Devin White and 18-year-old Keuntra Gipson of Springhill allegedly had sexual relations with a juvenile. White, a running back and linebacker for the Knights, is being recruuited by LSU and Alabama.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 November 20

There’s a slight chance for rain tomorrow when LSU faces Ole Miss in a top 25 match-up. Temperatures will also be falling throughout the game after the 2:30 kickoff. Tigers sophomore quarterback Brandon Harris has been hot and cold in the last two defeats for LSU. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron says they are looking for more consistency from their young QB…
cut 18 (14) “…with him”

McNeese State will look to complete an undefeated regular season when they face Lamar in Beaumont on Saturday. The Cowboys are also looking to secure a top 2 or four seed in the FCS Division One playoffs.

Louisiana Tech is at UTEP. Bulldogs running back Kenneth Dixon is two touchdowns away from tying the NCAA record for career touchdowns.

In the NBA…the Pelicans host the San Antonio Spurs tonight. New Orleans all-star Anthony Davis says he’ll be able to play, despite a banged up a shoulder. And shooting guard Tyreke Evans says he can be back in a week from a knee injury.

In college hoops action tonight…McNeese State is at 8th ranked Oklahoma, while U-L Lafayette visits Alabama. Both the Cajuns and Crimson Tide are 1-and-1. UL Lafayette is led by Shawn Long who is averging 17.5 points a game.

In college basketball last night….23ranked LSU beat South Alabama 78-66, ULM defeated winless Northwestern State 80-64, Southern topped Tulane 90-82 and Memphis beat Grambling 83-65.

The high school football playoffs continues tonight. The New Orleans Saints–LHSAA Game of the Week is West Monroe versus Ponchatoula. That game can be seen on Fox Sports New Orleans plus at 7 PM. The Catholic High-Brother Martin matchup will be on CST.

16:30 LRN Newscast November 20

A recent JMC Analytics poll shows Democrat John Bel Edwards’ lead over Republican David Vitter is down to the single digits. Jeff Palermo reports…
cut 1 (25) “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

The state’s unemployment rate rose slightly to six-point-two percent in October based on figures from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. But that’s lower than last October when the unemployment rate was seven-percent. The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the civiillan labor force lost nearly 12-thousand workers from September to October. The two main factors, low oil prices and a decline of government workers.

Law enforcement’s Click it or Ticket campaign begins Sunday. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says they’ll increase enforcement through the 29th and if you don’t buckle up, it could turn your happy holiday into a nightmare…:
CUT 7 (10) “tragedy”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers by 45-percent.

The joint legislative budget committee approves Governor Bobby Jindal’s proposal to close a 487-million dollar budget deficit. The plan calls for cuts to state agencies, patchwork financing and tapping into the rainy day fund. Senate president John Alario says it’s not a perfect plan, but it puts something in place until a new governor takes over in January…
cut 12 (09) “…what’s happening”
Higher education was not cut under the plan.