11:40 LRN Sportscast October 21

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron does not think Myles Brennan will play Saturday against South Carolina. That means either true freshmen T-J Finley or Max Johnson will start at quarterback. Coach Ed Orgeron says he’ll make a decision at the end of the week…
cut 13 (07) “…will play”
2014 was the last time LSU started a true freshman quarterback. Brandon Harris got the start and LSU lost to Auburn 41-7.

Three-thousand Saints season ticket holders will be able to attend Sunday’s game between the Black and Gold and the Carolina Panthers. An agreement has been reached between the city and the team that could result in six-thousand fans for November games and up to 15-thousand fans in December. Coach Sean Payton says this is a great way to gradually allow fans inside the Dome…
cut 4 (07) “…there”

ULM is coming off a bye week and they’ll visit South Alabama on Saturday. Warhawks coach Matt Viator says they used the extra time to work on special teams after the punt team gave up three touchdowns in a loss to Liberty and he says they used the additional practice time to work on defenses that play three-man fronts…
cut 19 (18) “…so”
Viator says defensive linemen Mason Husmann. Sir’Darius Ellis and Demonde Harris were limited in practice last week, but he says there’s a shot they could play Saturday against South Alabama.

Louisiana Tech coach Skip Holtz says starting right tackle Antawn Lewis should play Saturday against U-T-S-A. Lewis missed the last two games because of COVID.

10:30 LRN Newscast October 21

The Saints will be allowed to play in front of fans after the team reached an agreement with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Beginning this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, 3,000 fans will be allowed inside the Superdome. Coach Sean Payton is glad the two sides worked out a resolution…
Cut 3 (07) “…schedule”
The phased plan will begin with 3,000 fans this Sunday, before increasing to 6,000 fans for November games and as much as 15,000 fans for games in December.

To reduce the state’s carbon footprint a Louisiana company applies for an EPA Permit to create a deep underground carbon sequestration site. It’s described as “the largest geologic carbon capture sequestration project in the U.S.” Department of Natural Resources Spokesperson Patrick Courreges explains the process.
Cut 13 (11) “like wastewater.”
Courreges says the site will be located 10-thousand feet beneath a cattle ranch in southwest Louisiana.

The Senate Finance Committee is set to hear a bill today that would allow the state legislature to take state construction dollars away from local governments if they defund their police departments by ten percent or more. Louisiana Municipal Association President John Gallagher says he’s worried a budget cut could be misconstrued by lawmakers…
cut 11 (08) “…Department”

Amendment Three on the November ballot proposes changes to access the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Public Affairs Research Council President, Robert Travis Scott, says currently the fund can only be accessed if the economy is in peril or projected state income is insufficient. Amendment Three would allow for another provision.
Cut 4 (13) “…happen a lot”
Scott says an argument against the amendment would be that the Rainy Day Fund could be tapped even if the state isn’t facing a suddent shortfall in revenue.

9:30 LRN Newscast October 21

For the first time since 1998, there will not be a televised U-S Senate debate prior to the November 3rd primary election. Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy says he will not participate in a debate unless his 14 challengers attend. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the only way we could see Cassidy attend a debate if the race heads to a run-off…
cut 9 (04) “….to occur”
A potential run-off would take place on December 5th.

Amendment Three on the November third ballot asks voters if state lawmakers should have the ability to access the rainy day fund when there is a federally declared disaster. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says opponents of the amendment say the fund is already accessible under a federally declared disaster, but only if the state’s economy is in jeopardy.
Cut 6 (09) “…not affected”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the Saints agree on a plan to bring fans back into the Superdome. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Senate Finance committee is expected to take up a House-approved bill this afternoon that would allow the state legislature to take state construction dollars away from local governments that decide to defund their police department by ten-percent or more. Louisiana Municipal Association President John Gallagher says the legislation is unnecessary…
cut 12 (06) “….opposite”

8:30 LRN Newscast October 21

The House has given final legislative approval to a bill that would give lawmakers the ability to remove parts of Governor John Bel Edwards coronavirus restrictions. Most Republicans voted for the measure, while Democrats voted against it and Governor Edwards can veto the legislation.

The Louisiana Municipal Association is fighting legislation that could strip state construction dollars from municipalities that reduce police budgets by ten percent or more. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

There will be no televised US Senate debate before November 3rd, the first time Louisianans will not have a pre-vote debate in a Senate contest since 1998. Senator Bill Cassidy says he won’t participate in any debate unless all 14 of his challengers are there. Political analyst Bernie Pisnonat says Cassidy dodging the debate is smart politics.
Cut 7 (08) “to do”
Cassidy’s main Democratic opponent, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins, says Cassidy is afraid and ashamed of his record.

A Lake Charles company called Gulf Coast Sequestration is planning to build a deep repository that can store up to 80 million tons of carbon gas that is currently being released into the air by the state’s industrial plants. Louisiana Department of National Resources spokesperson Patrick Courreges says the project would help reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which is important for Louisiana…
cut 15 (06) “….our coastline”
Gulf Coast Sequestration is working to get a permit from the EPA.

7:30 LRN Newscast October 21

Louisiana voters will not see the US Senate candidates debate before the November 3rd election after Senator Bill Cassidy says he won’t agree to debate unless all of his challengers are invited. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “ I’m Matt Doyle”

Perkins has released a new television ad. It criticizes Cassidy for voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Cassidy’s campaign spokesperson says the Senator has always worked to improve health care.

A bill that could strip municipalities of state construction funds should they reduce their police budget faces opposition from the Louisiana Municipal Association. The legislation is in response to the “Defund the Police” movement, but LMA President John Gallagher says these kinds of issues should be left up to local leaders…
Cut 10 (10) “…day”
The legislation has been approved by the House and it will be heard today in Senate Finance.

Gulf Coast Sequestration, which is a Lake Charles company, is seeking permits to build a deep underground repository in southwest Louisiana that would store up to 80 million tons of carbon gas. Louisiana Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Patrick Courreges says the site will be located 10-thousand feet beneath the earth’s surface…
cut 14 (12) “….atmosphere”
Governor Edwards has set a goal of reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 28-percent by 2025.

6:45 LRN Sportscast October 21

True Freshmen T-J Finley and Max Johnson are competing this week to see who will be LSU’s starting quarterback on Saturday if Myles Brennan can not play because of an injury. Starting center Liam Shanahan says he’s been impressed with Finley and Johnson…
cut 17 (16) “…I’m confident”
1-and-2 LSU will host 2-and-2 South Carolina at 6 PM in Tiger Stadium.

Louisiana Tech Head Football Coach Skip Holtz says his starting right tackle Antawn Lewis should play on Saturday night against U-T-S-A. Lewis has missed the last two games because of COVID-19.

ULM coach Matt Viator says defensive linemen Mason Husmann. Sir’Darius Ellis and Demonde Harris were limited in practice last week, but Viator says there’s a shot they could play Saturday against South Alabama.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the Saints have agreed to a phased approach allowing fans to back into the Superdome. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Saints are 7.5 point favorites this Sunday to beat Carolina. The Panthers are 3-and-3 and their star running back Christian McCaffrey is not expected to play Sunday versus New Orleans. He hasn’t played the last five weeks because of a high ankle sprain. Carolina has also placed wide receiver and former Saint Keith Kirkwood on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

6:30 LRN Newscast October 21

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the Saints have agreed to a phased approach allowing fans to back into the Superdome. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

LSU Police are looking into whether hazing led to a student being hospitalized suffering from alcohol intoxication. The school has suspended his fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi, from chapter activities. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says the case looks similar to Max Gruver, an LSU freshman who died from alcohol poisoning in 2017.

There will be no televised debate involving the candidates running for U-S Senate. Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy has said he will not participate in any debate unless all 14 of his challengers are present. So are voters losing out by not having a chance to see the candidates discuss the issues? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…
cut 8 (09) “….mind”
There’s been little polling in the race, but Cassidy is expected to win re-election.

Constitutional Amendment three on the November ballot if approved would allow lawmakers to tap into the Rainy Day Fund when there is a federally declared disaster. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott…
Cut 5 (10) “…declared disaster”

LRN PM Newscall October 20

Air Force C-130 planes begin spraying today at 6 PM in parishes impacted by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Taylor Sharp spoke with GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele about the spraying process…

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Taylor Sharp”  

____________________________

The House and Senate are at an impasse over legislation stripping the Governor of his public health authority with only a week left until the special session ends. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

U-S Air Force C-130 planes will begin spraying for mosquitos in parishes impacted by Hurricanes Laura and Delta.  Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says FEMA approved the use of the planes because of the booming mosquito population

Cut 3 (07)  “…area”  

Steele says the spraying will be conducted from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the next six days over Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, and Vermilion parishes.

Cut 4 (11)   “…effective”   

Why is it important to spray these areas now?  Steele says that the rainfall from the two hurricanes could be a hot spot for mosquitoes.

Cut 5 (11) “…now”

FEMA approved this plan late last week.

______________________________

One man is dead and three others suffered gunshot wounds after an alleged robbery Monday night near LSU’s campus. Baton Rouge Police Sgt Don Coppola says three individuals tried to rob the home but someone inside shot at them after they entered killing 20-year old Marcus Hayes Jr.

Cut 6 (12) “with Hayes”

Police say two of the six robbery victims sustained non-life-threatening gunshot injuries.

Coppola says they received a call shortly after 11 pm. According to the investigation, two individuals from the home were speaking with two suspects outside, they then all entered the home.

Cut 7 (10) “…robbery suspects”

Coppola says a juvenile suspect was also shot and found later on Charles Street and taken to a local hospital. Police say four people were shot during the incident, one of them died and three others were wounded.

Cut 8 (10) “…gunshot injuries”

Authorities say the cause of the shooting, which occurred on West McKinley Street, is unknown and remains under investigation.

__________________________________________

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell met with Saints officials Monday to discuss the return of fans to the Superdome. The Mayor’s spokesperson Beau Tidwell calls the meeting productive and the Mayor is interested in a phased and gradual opening of the Dome to fans

Cut 9 (09) “not backwards”

Tidwell says talks with the Saints are ongoing and they discussed what the Saints are seeking regarding fans in the stands.

Cut 10 (09) “…..us regress”

The Saints next home game is this Sunday against Carolina. Tidwell did not provide specifics on a proposed date of when the Dome would reopen.

Cut 11 (12) “…that will.”

The Saints have also spoken with LSU about playing in Tiger Stadium.

_____________________________

There’s only a week left in the special session and lawmakers are deadlocked on questions of whether the Governor’s public health authority should be restricted.

LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s a stalemate at the Capitol over the question and it’s not just between the Governor and Republicans…

Cut 12 (07) “ .viewpoints” 

The House has passed a series of bills that would immediately end all or some COVID public health restrictions, while the Senate backs a bill allowing for more legislative oversight in future public emergencies.

Alford says if a legislative agreement can’t be made before the session ends October 27th we could see the House take unprecedented action…

Cut 13 (09) “…orders”

That petition has been in circulation since the summer but failed to get majority support in either chamber after concerns were raised it would result in the loss of a substantial amount of federal funding.

Democrats are calling for the session to end early, noting the 40,000 dollar a day cost. Alford says it’s unlikely they get their wish…

Cut 14 (13) “…vetoes”

2:30 LRN Newscast October 20

Air Force C-130s will be used to spray for mosquitos in six hurricane-impacted parishes. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says the spraying will be conducted from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the next six days over Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, and Vermilion parishes.
Cut 4 (11) “…effective”
This is a plan backed by FEMA.

The Saints are trying to get New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to support a plan to get fans back in the Dome for their home games. The mayor’s spokesperson Beau Tidwell says discussions are ongoing…
cut 11 (12) “…that will”
The Saints next home game is Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

Baton Rouge Police detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of an armed robbery suspect at a home near the LSU campus. Sergeant Don Coppola says a total of four people were shot in the incident last night, one of them died and three others were wounded…
cut 8 (10) “….gunshot injuries”
The man killed has been identified as 20-year-old Marcus Hayes Junior.

There’s only a week left in the four-week special session and lawmakers are deadlocked on questions of how to reduce the governor’s authority during an extended public health emergency. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the two chambers have yet to agree on any significant legislation……
Cut 12 (07) “ .viewpoints”
The House has passed a several bills that would immediately end all or some COVID public health restrictions, while the Senate backs a bill allowing for more legislative oversight in future public emergencies.

11:40 LRN Sportscast October 20

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says Tigers quarterback Myles Brennan is questionable for Saturday night’s home game versus South Carolina. True freshmen TJ Finley and Max Johnson will compete for an opportunity to start against the Gamecocks. Coach Ed Orgeron says when Brennan is healthy from his injury, he’ll be the starter
cut 19 (19) “.starting quarterback”‘
Orgeron calls it a significant lower-body injury. The Athletic’s Brody Miller reports Brennan played three quarters against Missouri with a torn muscle in his abdomen.

Ragin Cajuns Coach Billy Napier says the players will honor offensive line coach D-J Looney during Friday’s game against UAB by having Looney’s name on the back of their jersey. Looney died in August of a heart attack. Birmingham is his hometown.

After missing the first four games of the season, because of injuries, Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport saw his first action of the season in New Orleans last game, a 30-27 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Davenport played 21 snaps on defense and had one pass defensed
cut 18 (18) ” develop again”
Coach Sean Payton hopes they can increase Davenport’s playing time.

The Saints are still hoping to have fans in the Superdome for home games this year. The team says they had a productive meeting with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell yesterday.

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine says they are looking at alternate sites for the prep classic, which is scheduled to be held December 26th to the 28th in the Superdome. In a memo sent to schools, Bonine says they are looking for a location that would allow 25-percent capacity.