8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Police in Monroe have made  a second arrest in a triple homicide that left three people dead including a 2 year old girl.   24 year-old Cameron Criner is accused in the triple homicide that claimed the lives of Jamal Bosley, Jaborris Simpson and the child.  Police say Criner’s criminal history is “extensive and deeply troubling”.  Another suspect, 24-year-old Travis Payton was arrested on Wednesday.

LSU introduced New Iberia native and longtime athletic administrator Verge Ausberry as its interim athletics director. After a tumultuous week that saw the firing of head football coach Brian Kelly and the departure of athletics director Scott Woodward, Ausberry had this message for LSU fans…

Cut 3 (12) “…job done.”

Ausberry says his main priority is to find the best football coach that LSU can hire.

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If you’re looking for something to do today, Andrew Greenstein has a great idea.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Good news for Louisiana soybean farmers, as China this week agreed to buy 12-million metric tons of U.S. soybeans between now and January. That was the result of a meeting between President Trump and the Chinese President.  Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain.

Cut 12 (09) “…first few months.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry says LSU athletic director Scott Woodward will not hire the Tigers next head football coach. Here’s Andre Champagne.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

With New Orleans facing a $160 million budget shortfall, city leaders have announced they’re pausing overtime across all departments — including police, fire, and EMS — to help close the gap.  Councilmembers say they’re exploring long-term solutions —to help offset future public safety costs.

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Louisiana’s children, elderly, and those who are disabled will continue to receive SNAP benefits in November.  Governor Jeff Landry says that’s thanks to legislation approved in the special session.   But he adds Louisiana will not use state dollars on the 53-thousand able-bodied adults who receive SNAP. He encourages those individuals to take advantage of the 100-thousand jobs that are available in the state.

Cut 5 (10) “…of those jobs.”

For November, the funding for the SNAP will come from the Louisiana Department of Health, which administers the program. Landry says to free up the cash, they are closing SNAP offices.

Cut 6 (10) “…disabled and children.”

If the federal government shutdown continues into December, the state is prepared to dip into its rainy-day fund.

 

7:30 AM LRN Newscall

Despite the federal government shutdown, Louisiana’s disabled, children and elderly will continue to receive SNAP in November. Jeff Palermo on how the state will fund the program.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

New Orleans and Baton Rouge are both in the top five of the nation’s most dangerous cities.  According to the study of 182 cities by WalletHub, Baton Rouge came in at number 180,  followed by Memphis.  New Orleans ranked dead last, with low marks in home and community safety.

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Governor Jeff Landry says LSU athletics director Scott Woodward will not be the one who selects the Tigers new football coaches. He made that comment to reporters at the state capitol.  LSU is is looking at paying Brian Kelly 54-million dollars now that it has fired him. The governor says private citizens are having to pay these huge buyouts, and that’s not right.

Cut 8 (05) “…foot the bill.”

Former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron appeared on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike yesterday to discuss the program’s head coach opening. Orgeron was asked if he would have any interest in coming back to LSU,  even as an assistant coach.

Cut 15 (11) “…no doubt.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

It took Monroe Police only eight hours to make an arrest in connection with the killings of three people, including a two-year-old girl. 24-year-old Travis Payton is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, home invasion and criminal conspiracy. Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan (rhymes with Jordan) says the investigation remains ongoing, and more arrests are likely.

Cut 10 (08) “…involved to justice.”

Governor Jeff Landry says because of legislation approved in the special session, disabled people, children and the elderly who rely on cash assistance through the SNAP program will continue to receive their benefits, despite the federal government shutdown. Landry says Louisiana is able to do this, because it’s been fiscally responsible.

Cut 4 (11) “…compassion and reason.”

There are about 800-thousand people in Louisiana who rely on the SNAP program to purchase food.

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More news from Governor Jeff Landry as he tells reporters at the State Capitol that LSU athletics director Scott Woodward will not be the one who selects the Tigers new football coaches. In fact, Landry says Woodward is responsible for hiring coaches that led to the biggest contract buyouts in college football history.

Cut 7 (09) “…doing that again.”

Meanwhile, former LSU national championship-winning head coach Ed Orgeron appeared on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike yesterday to talk about the coaching situation. Ogeron says that LSU’s new coach will have to be someone who is willing to embrace the state of Louisiana, which is something he believes Brian Kelly didn’t do.

Cut 13 (14)  “…State of Louisiana.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

With State Representative Julie Emerson now the fifth Republican to mount a primary challenge against Senator Bill Cassidy, the Republican says he’s not worried about his political future. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux is hospitalized with pneumonia.  His office made the announcement yesterday saying the mayor is receiving treatment as a precautionary measure. We’re told Arceneaux is alert, in good spirits, and resting comfortably.

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Louisiana’s special legislative session could end today as the House is poised to approve legislation today that that would move next year’s federal primary election from April to May.  Port Allen Senator Caleb Kleinpeter authored the bill , as lawmakers will need to act should the Supreme Court rule Louisiana’s current congressional map, unconstitutional.

Cut 9 (07)  “…back four weeks.”

If you’ve been waiting for cooler weather to arrive in Louisiana, the wait is over.  The crisp, much cooler temperatures are here. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re in for lows in the upper forties to lower fifties across the state today and it’ll stay that way through Halloween night…and

Cut 12 (09) “…keep them warm.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

State Representative Julie Emerson announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate Monday morning, joining four other prominent republicans running for the seat currently held by Bill Cassidy. The Carencro representative says while she views herself as a staunch conservative, she also sees herself as a consensus-builder.

Cut 4 (07) “…skills to work.”

The special session could end today as the House is poised to approve legislation that would move next year’s federal primary election from April to May. Democrats do not have the votes to stop the change, but they’ve been vocal in their opposition. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle believes Republicans want to push the dates back so they can re-draw a new Congressional map with only one Black majority district instead of two, after the Supreme Court rules the current map is unconstitutional.

Cut 8 (11) “…and draw maps.”

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LSU football fans, get used to the name Frank Wilson. He’s going to be the team’s head coach for the remainder of the season. He was appointed interim head coach Sunday after the school fired Brian Kelly after almost four seasons at the helm. During his first news conference following his appointment, Wilson said he’s excited for the challenge.

Cut 13 (11)  “…prepare yourself for.”

If you haven’t left the house yet this morning, be sure to grab a jacket or sweater. It’s cool outside in Louisiana.  LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re in for the coldest temperatures so far this season today.

Cut 11 (11) “…pretty much statewide.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

The special session may end today as a bill to move the federal election primaries from April to May is one vote away from passage.  Here’s Jeff Palermo.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Authorities in Jasper County, Mississippi now say it’s three Rhesus monkeys that are unaccounted for after that crash on I-59 near Heidleberg yesterday.  This after Tulane officials access the truck and do an updated count. Sheriff’s officials are warning the animals are dangerous to humans and should not be approached.

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State Representative Julie Emerson is joining the race to unseat Senator Bill Cassidy.  Emerson made the announcement on Monday.  The Carencro representative says proven that she can work across the aisle to pass bipartisan legislation.

Cut 5 (11) “…had bipartisan support (2x).”

Emerson is the fifth prominent Republican to mount a primary challenge against Cassidy.

Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall addressed the coaching carousel when he met with the media on Tuesday. Sumrall is expected to be one of the top candidates for the LSU head coaching position, but he says he’s committed to being with the Green Wave.

Cut 16 (18) “…guys know that.”

11:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Shrimp Association is hailing Congressman Clay Higgins’ request to halt shrimp imports. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Governor Jeff Landry signed an emergency order Friday, approving food assistance benefits through November for children, elderly people and those with disabilities during the federal government shutdown. Benefits for all other affected individuals will lapse November first  if the federal shutdown continues.

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Drought conditions have been expanding across the Bayou State, but Louisiana is set to receive some much needed rain this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says two inches of rain could fall across south Louisiana Saturday and Sunday…

Cut 3 (09) “…in places.”

If you’re going to the LSU game tonight, you’ll want to give yourself extra time to get to the stadium, as Baton Rouge and LSU campus police are beefing up security starting four hours before kickoff. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says depending on which direction you’re coming from, traffic will either be diverted or restricted.

Cut 11 (11) “…areas on campus.”

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

If you’ve been worried about increasing drought conditions in your part of the state, good news, most of us will be getting plenty of rain this weekend.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says north Louisiana could see as much as four inches of rain and in south Louisiana, many areas could see at least a couple of inches.  In fact, Grymes says the rain on Saturday could get in the way of your outdoor plans…

Cut 5 (13) “…rain gear.”

Ruston hosted the official groundbreaking for Louisiana’s first Buc-ee’s on yesterday. The new Buc-ee’s is expected to feature more than 120 gas pumps and bring over 250 full-time, high-paying jobs to north Louisiana and have a huge economic impact on the region.  The store is expected to open in 20-27.

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In a letter to President Trump, Congressman Clay Higgins is asking that all shrimp imports be paused. Higgins says radioactive shrimp on grocery store shelves is a significant public health threat. Acy Cooper, the president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association, says domestic shrimp is tested more stringently than imported shrimp, and that’s not right.

Cut 7 (06) “…killing our people.”

The Saints are set to host divisional rival Tampa Bay tomorrow. Earlier this week, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield said he didn’t like the Saints. Head coach Kellen Moore says the team knows what Mayfield said, and they are looking forward to tomorrow’s matchup.

Cut 15 (14) “…this one.”

Kickoff tomorrow in New Orleans is at 3:05..

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana is taking steps to make sure our most vulnerable SNAP recipients continue to receive their benefits despite the government shutdown. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Some good news for parts of Louisiana where drought conditions have been expanding.  There’s plenty of rain headed our way this weekend.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the widespread rains should take a bite out of the drought for a number parishes…

Cut 4 (08) “…into Monday.”

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Congressman Clay Higgins is asking President Trump, to halt all imports on shrimp to Louisiana. In a letter to the president, Higgins cites radioactive shrimp on grocery store shelves as a significant public health threat. Acy Cooper, the president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association, fully supports a suspension of shrimp imports.

Cut 6 (11) “…changer for us.”

A four-year-old girl is dead after being run over in a convenience store parking lot in Rapides Parish. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says the 30-year-old driver apparently didn’t realize what had happened.

Cut 9 (14)  “…to the station.”