11:40 LRN Sportscast October 5

LSU and Florida renew their rivalry on Saturday in Gainesville when the two teams meet at 2:30. This battle between two of the best programs in the SEC has produced some great moments in college football, like Tim Tebow’s jump pass, Jacob Hester’s hard running in 2007 and a fake field goal by Trent Domingue in 2015 led to an LSU victory. The Voice of the Tigers, Chris Blair, says expect the unexpected in this game…
cut 17 (07) “….obviously Cole Tracy”
LSU is a 2.5 point favorite.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees is 201 yards away from breaking the N-F-L’s all-time passing record. He can surpass Peyton Manning on Monday night football against the Washington Redskins. Brees says he’s more focused on winning the game. And Saints running back Mark Ingram says he’s hungry and ready to play after serving a four-game suspension.

Louisiana Tech and U-A-B meet in a Conference USA match-up at six PM in Ruston. Both teams are 3-1 and 1-0 in league games. The Blazers are ranked third in the nation in pass defense. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz hopes J’Mar Smith continues to grow as a quarterback….
cut 20 (21) “…his feet”
Smith is 429 yards shy of cracking the top 10 in La Tech history for career passing yards.

Northwestern State is a plus-nine in turnover margin, which is tied for first in the F-C-S. The Demons host Nicholls State this Saturday. The Colonels have won the last two games in the series, including a 14-10 defensive struggle last season. Kick-off from Turpin Stadium is at 6 PM.

10:30 AM Newscast

LSU heads into swampy, sticky central Florida Saturday afternoon to take on the surging Gators. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Grief counselors are on hand today at North Caddo Parish High School in Vivian following the death of long-time assistant football coach and special education teacher, 56-year-old Les Mason.  Mason was killed in a car wreck on his way to a special education training session in Shreveport when the accident happened yesterday.  Mason had worked at the school since 1998.

 

Drag Queen Story Time in Lafayette has been postponed after South Louisiana Community College backed out of hosting the event citing safety concerns. Male college students dressed in drag were set to read stories to young children tomorrow. The event has been a source of controversy. A doctor who supports Story Time says public showcases of tolerance are important for young people who may be LGBTQ.
Cut 11 (13) “…their teens.”
The Lafayette library says they still plan on having the Drag Queen Story Time event, when they find a venue.
Louisiana’s Republican U-S Senators say an F-B-I report confirms Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh is innocent of the sexual misconduct allegations made against him. John Kennedy wishes the report could be made public…
cut 7 (08) “…..in this”
Senate Democrats call the investigation a complete sham and nearly 200 female Louisiana lawyers have signed a petition urging Kennedy and Bill Cassidy to vote against Kavanaugh’s nomination.

9:30 LRN Newscast October 5

At this hour the U-S Senate is set to vote on whether to advance Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court. If the procedural vote to end debate passes, then a final vote on Kavanaugh’s confirmation will happen tomorrow.

Both of Louisiana’s U-S Senators plan on voting to confirm Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court bench. Kennedy says he read the F-B-I report looking into allegations of sexual misconduct by Kavanaugh…
cut 8 (07) “…is innocent”
Bill Cassidy says FBI investigators interviewed 10 people related to the allegations and nothing new, no corroboration.

But nearly 200 female Louisiana lawyers have signed a petition urging Louisiana’s Senators to vote no against nominating Kavanaugh to the nation’s highest court. The petition says Judge Kavanaugh lacks judicial temperament based on his conduct during the September 27th hearing.

There will be no Drag Queen Story Time event this weekend. South Louisiana Community College agreed to host the program put on by the Lafayette library, but backed out yesterday, citing safety concerns and large crowds. A UL Lafayette fraternity planned on reading to children, while dressed in drag. Michael Lunsford of Citizens for a New Louisiana has been a vocal critic of the event…
cut 14 (08) “…adult world”
But one supporter of the Drag Queens told the Lafayette Parish City Council that opposition from religious leaders is hypocritical…
cut 12 (11) “….on that”
Until a venue can be secured for the event. Drag Queen Story time has been postponed indefinitely.

8:30 LRN Newscast october 5

Louisiana’s Republican U-S Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy say the F-B-I investigation found no corroboration in the sexual assault claims made against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Cassidy says unless you speak to the two accusers, Kavanaugh continues to be a man of sterling character. He says much of what has taken place is unfair to many people.
Cut 10 (11) “…the American people.“
Today, the Senate plans to vote to end the debate on the Kavanaugh nomination with a full floor, final vote on Saturday.

The LSU Board of Supervisors say they support the new admission standards the university has put in place, which relaxes a long-standing policy that sudents have to achieve a minimum A-C-T score. The board also approved a slight raise and contract extension for LSU President F King Alexander.

It’s unknown when the Drag Queen Story time will take place in Lafayette after South Louisiana Community College backed out of hosting the event citing safety concerns. Matt Doyle reports there’s a large part of the community who is glad the Lafayette library program will not take place on Saturday as originally scheduled…
voicer 2 (22) “…”Matt Doyle”

22nd ranked Florida hosts 5th ranked LSU on Saturday in a big SEC match-up. Voice of the Tigers, Chris Blair, says the Gators defense is one of the best in the league….
cut 15 (11) “…spot on”
Kick-off is at 2:30.

7:30 LRN Newscast Oct 5

Louisiana’s Republican U-S Senators say an F-B-I report confirms Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh is innocent of the sexual misconduct allegations made against him. John Kennedy wishes the report could be made public…
cut 7 (08) “…..in this”
Senate Democrats call the investigation a complete sham and nearly 200 female Louisiana lawyers have signed a petition urging Kennedy and Bill Cassidy to vote against Kavanaugh’s nomination.

The Louisiana Department of Health has a new tool when it comes to the fight agaist opioid abuse. L-D-H Deputy Assistant Secretary Janice Peterson says you can sign a form that lets your physician know that you do not want any opioid medications as part of your treatment. Peterson says they are starting to see some results in their battle against opioid abuse…
cut 5 (05) “…that area”

Drag Queen Story Time in Lafayette has been postponed after South Louisiana Community College backed out of hosting the event citing safety concerns. Male college students dressed in drag were set to read stories to young children tomorrow. The event has been a source of controversy. A doctor who supports Story Time says public showcases of tolerance are important for young people who may be LGBTQ.
Cut 11 (13) “…their teens.”
The Lafayette library says they still plan on having the Drag Queen Story Time event, when they find a venue.

The Swamp is the venue for Saturday’s SEC showdown between Florida and LSU. The Voice of the Tigers, Chris Blair, says the Gators do not have an explosive offense, but they can cause problems for the Tigers defense with their athleticism at the skill positions…
cut 16 (11) “…bubble screens”
Kick off is at 2:30.

6:45 LRN Sportscast October 5

LSU heads into swampy, sticky Gainesville, Florida Saturday afternoon to take on the surging Gators. Matt Doyle has a preview….
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Running back Mark Ingram is back in the Saints locker room after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL policy and performance-enhancing substances. Ingram told reporters that it was his teammates he missed the most and he also said it wasn’t the game from home on Sundays. New Orleans hosts Washington on Monday night.

After recording four sacks last week against North Texas, what can we expect from Jaylon Ferguson tomorrow night when the Bulldogs host U-A-B. Coach Skip Holtz says he’ll be surprised if Ferguson can get four sacks again, because the Blazers like to run the football…
cut 19 (14) “….this week”
Tech lost to the Blazers by one point in last year’s game in Birmingham.

In other action this weekend, McNeese looks to improve to 5-1 when they host Abilene Christian and Northwestern State hosts Nicholls State at six o’ clock. The Demons next three out of four are at home. Southeastern Louisiana looks for its third straight win as they visit Incarnate Word. Grambling tries to get back on the winning track as they host Oklahoma Panhandle State. The Ragin Cajuns are also 1-3 and they visit Texas State. ULM visits Ole Miss and Tulane is at Cincinnati.

The Pelicans take on the Knicks in preseason action tonight.

6:30 LRN Newscast October 5

After reviewing the F-B-I report, Louisiana Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy plan on voting to confirm Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Cassidy says the investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against the Judge are unfounded…
cut 9 (10) “…no corroboration”
A key procedural vote takes place today and it’s likely the U-S Senate will confirm Kavanaugh tomorrow.

Drag Queen Story Time set for Saturday at South Louisiana Community College in Lafayette has been postponed after the school decided not to hold the event as planned, because of safety concerns and large crowds. Citizens for a New Louisiana Executive Director Michael Lunsford is pleased with the news…
cut 13 (10) “….three-year-olds”
The Lafayette Library planned the event that called for male UL Lafayette college students reading to children in drag.

The Louisiana Department of Health recently released its voluntary non-opioid directive form as a new tactic in combating opioid abuse. Those who sign the form pledge to refuse the offer or administration of opioid medications. Dr. Janice Petersen with LDH says the form is meant to be used by patients as a communication tool with care providers.
Cut 4 (11) “…explain their situation.”
Opioid abuse has become a public health crisis for Louisiana, with the number of deaths more than doubling from 2011 to 2015.

LRN AM Newscall October 5 ####Major changes in cut 9 including new soundbite###

The two Republican senators of Louisiana have expressed their satisfaction with the findings of the 5-day FBI investigation into the accusations of sexual misconduct against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33)  “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

 Drag Queen Story Time in Lafayette has been postponed after hosts say they grew concerned about safety. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.” 

__________________________________

 LSU heads into swampy, sticky central Florida Saturday afternoon to take on the surging Gators. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

_________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health recently released its voluntary non-opioid directive form as a new tactic in combatting opioid abuse.  Those who sign the form pledge refuse the offer or administration of opioid medications.  Dr. Janice Petersen with LDH says the form is meant to be used by patients as a communication tool with care providers.

Cut 4 (11) “…explain their situation.”

Petersen says although Louisiana ranks as one of the worst states for feeling the effect of the opioid epidemic, the state is seeing progress in the fight against the use of the drugs.

Cut 5 (05)  “…in that area.” 

Petersen says although the prescription rate for the drugs is going down, the deaths in the state are still going up.

Cut 6 (09) “…the use of heroin.”

___________________________________________

The two Republican senators of Louisiana have expressed their satisfaction with the findings of the 5-day FBI investigation into the accusations of sexual misconduct against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh.  Senator John Kennedy, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, says after reading through the report, he wishes the report could be public.

Cut 7 (08) “…involved in this.”

Kennedy says no one directed the FBI in the investigation and that the agency made its own decisions in the report.  He also says such acts of misconduct are a problem that needs to be dealt with and hopes that the Republican Party is willing to take the lead.

Cut 8 (07) “…Kavanaugh is innocent.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says after reading the FBI report, the claims of sexual misconduct against Judge Kavanaugh are unfounded…

Cut 9 (10) “…no corroboration.”

Cassidy says there is blame to be put on Senator Dianne Feinstein for not turning over the letter written to her by Dr. Christine Ford detailing the allegations to the FBI sooner.  He says much what has taken place since is unfair to many people.

Cut 10 (11)   “…the American people.“

Today, the Senate plans to vote to end the debate on the Kavanaugh nomination with a full floor, final vote on Saturday.

________________________________

Drag Queen Story Time in Lafayette has been put on hold after Southern Louisiana Community College backed out of hosting the event citing concerns for the safety of its students and other visitors. The event has been a growing source controversy in the city and was set to run tomorrow. A doctor who supports Story Time says public showcases of tolerance are important for young people who may be LGBTQ.

Cut 11 (13)   “…their teens.”

The event, where Drag Queens will read stories to children about accepting their LGBTQ classmates, is seeking a new location. It was originally set to run at the Lafayette Public Library and is still an official library event.

Story Time has led to some heated City-Parish Council Meetings, as well as petitions calling for city leaders to stop the plan, but the Council voted against denouncing the event. One supporter of the Drag Queens says the opposition from city religious leaders has been hypocritical.

Cut 12 (11)   “…on that.”

But opponents say the event is highly inappropriate for children, and shouldn’t be supported by the library. Citizens for a New Louisiana Executive Director Michael Lunsford believes the city shouldn’t be exposing children to those values.

Cut 13 (10)   “…year-olds.“

Lunsford says Drag Queens are adult entertainment and not for children.

Cut 14 (08)   “…adult world”

Story Time is being put on by a UL-Lafayette fraternity.

_____________________

No. 5 LSU takes on a 22nd ranked Florida team that’s rebounded nicely since dropping their first game in a shocker to Kentucky in week 1. They’ve rebounded on the back of a tough defense that just held Mississippi State to 6 points. Voice of the Tigers Chris Blair says the Gators can attack LSU’s offense at multiple levels.

Cut 15 (11)   “…spot on.”

Florida is third in the SEC East.

You wouldn’t call the Gator’s offense explosive, in fact, they actually sit just below LSU as the 10th in the SEC, but Blair says they’ve found a way to move the ball without needing to stretch defenses.

Cut 16 (11) “.. the bubble screen.” 

Fellieipe Franks, the Gator quarter back, has only thrown for 961 yards with a 57 percent completion rate, but he sports the fifth highest QB Rating in the conference.

And it wouldn’t be a Florida LSU game without some special team’s trickery either. Whether it’s Jump Passes, or fake field goals, the rivalry is riddled with infamous plays that’ve turned the tide in tight games in past eras. That being said, Blair doesn’t really see that happening considering how much both coaches trust their defenses.

Cut 17 (07)  “obviously Cole Tracy.” 

The game kicks off at 2:30 PM in Gainesville.

_____________________________________________

After picking up a huge road win over North Texas to begin Conference USA play on Saturday, the Bulldogs are back in Joe Aillet Stadium tomorrow night to host UAB. The Blazers are also 1-0 in league play and they beat Tech in Birmingham last season 23-22. Coach Skip Holtz says his players remember that game…

Cut 18 (19) “…in UAB” 

Jaylon Ferguson was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week after registering four sacks last week against North Texas. Holtz says he’ll be surprised if Ferguson can get four sacks again, because the Blazers like to run the football…

Cut 19 (14) “..this week” 

Holtz says J’Mar Smith continues to grow as a quarterback…

Cut 20 (21) “his feet” 

530PM LRN News

Gas prices are on the rise, the highest autumn prices since 2014.  If you expected a break between now and the holidays, Kevin Barnhart has some tough news for you.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

The Orleans Parish Coroner Office says the death of 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux, whose body was pulled from Lake Pontchartrain in August, was an accidental drowning. At the time she went missing, the case was investigated as a potential homicide by NOPD. Her companion who was also on the boat was rescued and survived the ordeal.

New, cheaper health insurance plans are available on the Louisiana marketplace, but there’s a catch: they don’t have to provide the same level of coverage as was mandated under Obamacare. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the plan may not cover things like pre-existing conditions and prescriptions.

Cut 3 (10) “…a result.” 

 

The short term plans can be utilized for up to three years.

A buyer has purchased the Avondale Shipyard in Jefferson Parish, with plans to turn the site into a global logistics hub that could employ 2,000 people. Governor Edwards says it’s a solid come back for a facility that used to employ thousands.

Cut 7 (06) “…at Avondale”

The shipyard shut down back in 2014 after a long and distinguished history where it was home to the construction of many of the naval vessels that patrolled the seas during the cold war.

4:45 LRN Sportscast Oct 4

After losing to Kentucky for the first time in over three decades, Florida has bounced back to beat SEC foes Tennessee and Mississippi State and boast a 4-1 record heading into Saturday’s game against 5th ranked LSU. Gators Coach Dan Mullen says his team better be ready for a physical game…
Cut 16 (14) “.. right now.”
Florida has been winning with its defense, which leads the SEC in pass defense, allowing just 140 yards through the air. They’ve also held teams to just 14 points a game.

After a little break, the Saints are back at practice facility for Monday’s game against Washington. The Redskins are playing well on defense. Through three games they are giving up just 15 points a game, 187 yards through the air and 278 total yards of offense. The Saints just had one of their more balanced games on offense between the run and the pass.

Since winning the season opener against Grambling State, UL Lafayette has lost three straight heading into Saturday’s Sun Belt contest against Texas State. Cajuns Coach Billy Napier says consistency has been the big problem…
cut 20 (19) “…get fixed”
Kick-off in San Marcos, Texas is at 6 PM.

In other action this weekend, Louisiana Tech is back home on Saturday night to host UAB. The Bulldogs coming off a big win over North Texas. McNeese looks to improve to 5-1 when they host Abilene Christian and Northwestern State hosts Nicholls State at six o’ clock. The Demons next three out of four are at home.