6:30 LRN Newscast October 29

In the governor’s race, Governor Edwards is prodding Eddie Rispone for declining to attend most candidate forums with the line “Where’s Eddie?” Rispone has only agreed to meet face to face for one event, a televised debate tomorrow night. Edwards slammed the Republican at Monday’s Baton Rouge Press Club for failing to show up to their candidate forum…
Cut 10 (11) “…to do”
Rispone says he’s not running from anything as he’s been around the state campaigning.

There is a new Nextstar-JMC Analytics poll out and it shows Edwards leading Rispone 48-to-46-percent. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says for Rispone to win, two things need to happen…
cut 8 (11) “….crucial”
Early voting for the November 16th election begins Saturday.

Trick-or-treaters may be visiting homes with blue bucket pumpkins looking for candy. What does the blue color signify? Kevin Barnhart has the details.
Cut 1 (30) “I”m Kevin Barnhart”

The forecast for Halloween is a chilly one, high temperatures in the mid-50s. Rain is in the forecast the next two days and into Halloween morning.

AM Newscall 10.29.19

Trick-or-treaters may be visiting homes with blue bucket pumpkins looking for candy. What does the blue color signify? Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 1 (30) “I”m Kevin Barnhart”

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 JMC Analytics puts the governor’s race at 48 percent for Governor Edwards and 46 percent for Eddie Rispone. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Governor Edwards opened up on gubernatorial opponent Eddie Rispone after attending a candidate forum for the second week in a row without an opponent to debate…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Halloween means kids heading door-to-door in search of candy, but for children with autism, they may not be able to verbalize phrases like “Trick-or-treat” or “Happy Halloween,” so the newest trend for those children is carrying blue buckets or pumpkins to bring awareness.  Autism Society Acadiana spokesperson Robin Blackwell says those kids will still be excited to get candy.

Cut 4 (13) “…that child-like quality.”

Blackwell says if you are aware that you may encounter autistic visitors, there are some things to take into consideration.

Cut 5 (12) “…say trick-or-treat.”

Blackwell says not all parents of autistic children are on board with the blue buckets as they feel it singles a child out for special treatment.

Cut 6 (11) “…who they are.”

The CDC estimates that 1 in 57 children are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.

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A new run-off poll from JMC Analytics shows Governor Edwards at 48 percent and Eddie Rispone at 46 percent with a little under three weeks until the race is decided.

Pollster John Couvillon says it’s the first time he’s seen Edwards make real progress towards the 50 percent plus one he will need on November 16th to keep his job.

Cut 7 (10) “mark” 

Edwards has 50 percent of the vote when Edwards leaning voters were reallocated to the Governor.

Rispone is nipping at the Governor’s heels, and just outside of the margin of error to win. Couvillon says the Baton Rouge businessman needs two things to happen to overtake Edwards.

Cut 8 (11) “…crucial”

Abraham endorsed Rispone after the primary, but it’s unclear whether or not the Congressman plans on campaigning for his fellow Republican.

There’s only six percent of voters who remain undecided. Couvillon says that means this race will come down to party turnout, not persuasive and flashy TV ads.

Cut 9 (10)  “…run-off”

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Governor Edwards is rolling out a new line of attack in the governor’s race, prodding Eddie Rispone for declining to attend nearly any candidate forums or other public events with the line “Where’s Eddie?”

Rispone has only agreed to meet face to face for one event in the run-off, the October 30th LPB debate. Edwards slammed the Republican at Monday’s press club candidate forum for dodging questions.

Cut 10 (11) “…to do”

Since Friday the Rispone campaign has not returned requests for comments, but when questioned at the airport Monday said he’s “been all over this state.”

Edwards says the reason Rispone is dodging the press and refusing to answer questions at public events is that his answers would be unpopular.

cut 11 (10) “…our state.”

The Governor singled out his opponent’s support for repealing the Medicaid expansion, and Rispone’s past support for the state’s voucher program that’s been panned by the Department of Education.

Edwards also doubled down on Rispone’s connection to a controversial GOP mega-donor, saying Rispone takes his cues from his mentor, the “corrupt puppet master Lane Grigsby”.

cut  12 (11) “…of Louisiana.” 

Grigsby was recently embroiled in a quid-pro-quo scandal involving a Baton Rouge Senate race, and was sued in September by the Department of Justice over nearly 800,000 dollars of alleged improperly claimed tax deductions.

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The Saint and Falcons have the most intense rivalry in the NFL, this according to knowrivalry.com, a project of professors from West Carolina and Northern Kentucky Universities. Contributing fans are given 100 points to distribute among teams they believe their team has the biggest beef with. West Carolina Professor David Tyler…

Cut 13 (10) “…highest aggregate score.”

The Falcons fans gave an average or 74 points toward the Saints, and Saints fans gave back 65. Tyler says Saints fans next highest rival is Carolina, a distant second place.

Cut 14 (10) “…nothing terribly meaningful.” 

Tyler says he believes it is the repetition of play that makes a rivalry stand out.

Cut 15 (08) “…to the rivalry.”

The 7-1 Saints are off this week, but return from the bye to face the 1-7 Falcons at the Superdome on November 10.

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After a slow start to the season, LSU’s defense has played much better this month and it’s now ranked as the fourth best defense in the SEC behind Georgia, Missouri and Alabama. The Tigers rank second in rush defense, allowing just 98 yards a game. Safety Jacoby Stevens’ improved play is one reason for the improved defense…

Cut 16  (21)     the year” 

LSU and Alabama are both idle this Saturday. Defensive end Rashard Lawrence says they’ll take the break…

cut 17  (14) “of rest” 

Lawrence likes there chances of winning at Alabama, because of the experience on the team…

cut  18 (14)  man”  

5:30 PM Newscast

About 67-hundred Entergy customers in southeast Louisiana remain without power as a result of the strong wind gusts from Tropical Storm Olga over the weekend. Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says some of the damaged infrastructure is difficult to get too…
Cut 4 (10) “…transformers in backyards.”
Cleco has about two-thousands without power on the Northshore.

LSU is ranked number one in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since 2011. The win over Auburn was LSU’s third over a Top 10 team and it convinced voters to rank the Tigers over number two Alabama and number three Ohio State. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor Tyler Nunez says there’s not much separation between the top three teams

Cut 12 (05) “…six voting points” 

The State Fire Marshal and Operation Save a Life are partnering together to put more working smoke alarms in homes to reduce fire fatalities. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the $55-thousand dollar FEMA grant will help several families.
Cut 6 (10) “.use it”.
This year’s current fire fatality count is at 52, which is lower compared to time last year’s count of 60.

Visitation for former ULM President Dwight D. Vines, who died Saturday at age 88, is taking place now until 9pm tonight at First Baptist Church in Calhoun. Vines was at the helm of the university from 1976-1991. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson remembers Vines as a great example for higher education leaders.
Cut 9 (12)  “…now ULM.”
Under Vines’ leadership, 40 new degree programs were added.

4:45 LRN Sportscast October 28

Saints quarterback Drew Brees did not look rusty at all in his return from thumb surgery. The future Hall of Famer threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns in New Orleans 31-9 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Brees says it was great to be back….
cut 20 (15) “…those guys”
The Saints are off Sunday and return to the field November 10th to host the struggling Falcons, a stretch of four straight games against divisional opponents.

The Pelicans look for their first win of the season when they host Golden State tonight. The Warriors are also off to a tough start as the five-time defending Western Conference champs lost their first two games of the season. Blow out defeats to the Clippers and Thunder. The Pels have been competitive in their three losses, just not good enough to win.

It will likely be one versus two when LSU visits Alabama in Tuscaloosa on November 9th. The Fighting Tigers have moved past the Crimson Tide in the AP Top 25 as the Bayou Bengals own three victories over teams ranked in the Top 10. But LSU has lost eight in a row to Alabama, Quarterback Joe Burrow lost at home to the Tide last season…
cut 18 (14) “….two weeks”
LSU, Bama and third-ranked Ohio State are off this Saturday. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says Oklahoma’s loss to Kansas State on Saturday helps LSU’s chances of making the college football playoff…
cut 13 (07) “…to Alabama”
As it looks right now, Clemson, the champion of the Big Ten and SEC will be in the college football playoff and Oklahoma’s loss leaves the door open for a one-loss SEC team to get into the playoff.

430PM LRN News

Tropical Storm Olga’s early Saturday morning landfall left at its peak 92,000 Entergy customers without power. Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says they have brought in extra workers to help…

Cut 5 (11) “…restored by tomorrow.

The State Fire Marshal Office’s receives a $55-thousand grant to distribute free smoke alarms to needy families….

Cut 1 (30) “..Brooke Thorington”

 Visitation for former ULM President Dwight D. Vines, who died Saturday at age 88, is today from 5 to 9 pm at First Baptist Church in Calhoun. Under his leadership, 40 new degree programs were added. President of the University of Louisiana System Jim Henderson says Vines still had a presence on the campus in recent years and last year was named President Emeritus.

Cut 10 (08) “…quality of ways.”

Vines was at the helm of the university from 1976-1991. 

LSU is ranked number one in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since 2011. The win over Auburn was LSU’s third over a Top 10 team and it convinced voters to rank the Tigers over number two Alabama and number three Ohio State. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor Tyler Nunez says Oklahoma’s loss to Kansas State on Saturday helps LSU’s chances of making the college football playoff

Cut 13 (07) “to Alabama.”

3:30 LRN Newscast Oct 28

Tropical Storm Olga’s early Saturday morning landfall left at its peak 92,000 Entergy customers without power.  Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says 80 miles per hour winds gusts produced incredible damage on the Northshore and Metro New Orleans…

Cut 3 (12)   “…spans of wire.” 

Friends and family members are gathering in Calhoun this evening for visitation for former ULM President Dwight D. Vines, who died Saturday at age 88. Vines was at the helm of the university from 1976-91.  President of the University of Louisiana System Jim Henderson remembers Vines fondly.

Cut 9 (12)  “…now ULM.”

The State Fire Marshal and Operation Save a Life are partnering to put more smoke alarms in homes to reduce fire fatalities. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the $55-thousand-dollar FEMA grant will help 5-thousand families in need because working smoke alarms have been proven to help saves lives.

Cut 8 (12) “…your home.”

To register for a free smoke alarm visit lasfm-dot-org

LSU is now at the helm of the AP top 25 Poll followed by Alabama and Ohio State. With the top three off this Saturday, that likely means LSU will be ranked number one when they visit Tuscaloosa November 9th. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says Oklahoma’s loss to Kansas State helps LSU’s chances of making the playoffs.

Cut 13 (07) “to Alabama.”

LRN Pm Newscall

The State Fire Marshal Office’s receives a $55-thousand grant to distribute free smoke alarms to needy families. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “..Brooke Thorington”

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University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson remembers former ULM leader Dwight D. Vines, who died Saturday at age 88. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”   

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Tropical Storm Olga’s early Saturday morning landfall left at its peak 92,000 Entergy customers without power.  Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says 80 mile per hour winds gusts produced incredible damage on the Northshore and Metro New Orleans…

Cut 3 (12)   “…spans of wire.” 

The most recent report indicates about 6,700 are still without power.  Sabatini says they are tackling the issue of accessibility to damaged energy infrastructure.

Cut 4 (10) “…transformers in backyards.”

Sabatini says they have brought in extra workers to help speed up service restoration.

Cut 5 (11) “…restored by tomorrow.”

About 2,000 CLECO customers are also without power.

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The State Fire Marshal and Operation Save a Life are partnering together to put more working smoke alarms in homes to reduce fire fatalities. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the $55-thousand dollar FEMA grant will help several families as the cold weather will soon arrive…

Cut 6 (10) “.use it”.

This year’s current fire fatality count is 52, which is lower compared to the same time last year of 60.  The grant will allow them to purchase five-thousand smoke detectors. Cold morning lows are expected to arrive later this week. Rodrigue reminds users to keep space heaters away from combustibles and never leave them unattended.

Cut 7 (12) “…fire hazard.”

Taking proper precautions like having your heater inspected and serviced before use can also help prevent fire fatalities. Rodrigue says but things do happen and the best tool to help prevent fire deaths is working fire alarms.

Cut 8 (12) “…your home.”

To register for a free smoke alarm visit lasfm-dot-org

_____________________________

Visitation for former ULM President Dwight D. Vines, who died Saturday at age 88, is today from 5 to 9 pm at First Baptist Church in Calhoun.  Vines was at the helm of the university from 1976-1991.  President of the University of Louisiana System Jim Henderson remembers Vines as a great example for higher education leaders.

Cut 9 (12)  “…now ULM.”

Under his leadership, 40 new degree programs were added.  Vines also created the University Foundation, which today has raised millions to advance the school.  Henderson says Vines still had a presence on the campus in recent years and last year was named President Emeritus.

Cut 10 (08) “…quality of ways.”

Henderson says personally, he knew Vines as “Uncle Delbert” as Vines was the half-brother to his mother, and remembers him as an outstanding family man.

Cut 11 (10) “…of the man.”

Services for Vines are scheduled for 10:30 tomorrow morning at the church, with interment at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Rayville.

____________________________

LSU is ranked number one in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since 2011. The win over Auburn was LSU’s third over a Top 10 team and it convinced voters to rank the Tigers over number two Alabama and number three Ohio State. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor Tyler Nunez says there’s not much separation between the top three teams

Cut 12 (05) “…six voting points” 

LSU, Bama and Ohio State are off this Saturday, so that likely means LSU will be ranked number one when they visit Tuscaloosa on November 9th. Nunez says Oklahoma’s loss to Kansas State on Saturday helps LSU’s chances of making the college football playoff

Cut 13 (07) “to Alabama.”

After throwing for another 321 yards and a touchdown against Auburn, Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow continues to distance himself from the other Heisman Trophy candidates

Cut 14 (05) “…this point”

2:30 LRN Newscast 2:30

University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson remembers former ULM leader Dwight D. Vines, who died Saturday at age 88.

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”   

 

The man accused of burning a Pineville nursing home patient has been indicted by a Rapides Parish grand jury. 28-year old Marcus Casson is facing second-degree murder charges now after he was originally arrested for cruelty to the infirm. The victim suffered third-degree burns consistent from scalding liquids and died four months later.

The State Fire Marshal and Operation Save a Life are partnering together to put more working smoke alarms in homes to reduce fire fatalities. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the $55 thousand grant will allow them to purchase five-thousand smoke detectors. Cold morning lows are expected to arrive later this week. Rodrigue reminds users to keep space heaters away from combustibles and never leave them unattended.

Cut 7 (12) “…fire hazard.”

LSU is ranked number one in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since 2011. The win over Auburn was LSU’s third over a Top 10 team and it convinced voters to rank the Tigers over number two Alabama and number three Ohio State. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor Tyler Nunez says there’s not much separation between the top three teams

Cut 12 (05) “…six voting points” 

1:30 LRN Newscast October 28

Vice President Mike Pence arrives in Baton Rouge this afternoon for a fundraiser to benefit Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone.
cut 1 (29) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

Many LSU and Saints fans are in a good mood today. The Black and Gold won their sixth straight yesterday as they defeated Arizona 31-9. Drew Brees returned from a five-week absence to throw three TD passes. And LSU is ranked number one in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time 2011. Alabama is second and the Tigers and Tide meet a week from Saturday.

Visitation for former ULM President Dwight D. Vines, who died Saturday at age 88, is today from 5 to 9 pm at First Baptist Church in Calhoun. Vines was at the helm of the university from 1976-1991. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson remembers Vines as a great example for higher education leaders.
Cut 9 (12) “…now ULM.”
Under Vines’ leadership, 40 new degree programs were added.

Thousands are still waiting for the electricity to come back on in southeast Louisiana. Strong winds from Tropical Storm Olga knocked out the power in the New Orleans metro area and on the north shore. Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says extra workers have been brought in….
cut 5 (11) “…by tomorrow”

12:30 LRN Newscast October 28

About 67-hundred Entergy customers in southeast Louisiana remain without power as a result of the strong wind gusts from Tropical Storm Olga over the weekend. Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says some of the damaged infrastructure is difficult to get too…
cut 4 (10) “…transformers in backyards”
Cleco has about two-thousands without power on the Northshore.

The State Fire Marshal and Operation Save a Life are partnering together to put more working smoke alarms in homes to reduce fire fatalities. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the $55-thousand dollar FEMA grant will help several families.
Cut 6 (10) “.use it”.
This year’s current fire fatality count is at 52, which is lower compared to time last year’s count of 60.

The AP ranks LSU football number one for the first time since 2011. The Tigers beat Auburn 23-20 on Saturday as running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed for 136 yards and one TD. The Baton Rouge product told running backs coach Tommie Robinson he would not be denied…
cut 17 (11) “….it happen”
Both LSU and Alabama are 8-and-0 and they will face each other a week from Saturday in Tuscaloosa.