6:30 LRN Newscast October 3

The Republican Governor’s Association and the Gumbo Pac are blanketing the TV airwaves with tough attack ads. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Gumbo PAC which is tied to Governor Edwards is taking shots at the top polling Republican, who they call “Phony Eddie Rispone.”
Cut 4 (10) “…shape”
The Republican Governors Association’s PAC released an ad reminding voters Governor Edwards hired an aide who had a history of sexual harassment and left the governor’s office over a new round of allegations.

Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Gifford Briggs speaks in New Orleans today to give a state of the industry speech. Briggs says there’s optimism we’ll see an increase in offshore drilling…
cut 13 (09) “…rights now”

Tomorrow is a big day for LSU Superfan Colton Moore. Today he’s on the road making his way from Odenville, Alabama to meet Coach O. Brooke Thorington has more….
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Multiple reports say senior LSU running back Lanard Fournette has left the team. The younger brother of Leonard Fournette rushed the ball 13 times for 36 yards and a touchdown. He also caught five passes for 19 yards this season. A source tells Tiger Rag-dot-com that Fournette has left the university as well. Coach Ed Orgeron has said he would like to give more carries to freshmen running backs John Emery and Tyrion Davis-Price.

Quarterback Joe Burrow is having a lot of success because of break out seasons from Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall. Marshall is now out with an injury, but Chase and his 20-yard average per reception will be looking to catch more passes against Utah State on Saturday. Burrow says Chase has been impressive…
cut 17 (16) “…I love that”
Kick-off on Saturday is at 11 AM.

The Saints will induct Will Smith to the Ring of Honor inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome on Sunday. Smith was a fan favorite and team captain on the Super Bowl team and the former first-round pick had 67.5 sacks during his Saints career. His life ended three years ago when he was shot by a motorist during a traffic dispute in the Lower Garden District.

There’s a lot of anticipation for the Zion Williamson era to begin with the Pelicans, who are going through training camp at the team’s training facility in Metairie. Guard Jrue Holiday says Williamson is a normal kid, who likes to have fun….
cut 20 (15) “….a long”
The Pelicans’ first preseason game is Monday against the Atlanta Hawks.

LRN PM Newscall October 2nd

A West Monroe woman is in jail after pistol-whipping her husband with their children’s toys. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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There are multiple reports of a man impersonating a police officer, who is pulling over women on Louisiana and Mississippi Highways. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

________________________________________

A West Monroe woman pistol whips her husband with two plastic nerf guns following a verbal altercation where the she accused her spouse of infidelity.  Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesman Glenn Springfield says they received the call or a domestic altercation from the victim late Monday evening.

Cut 3 (10) “…and facial area.”

Springfield says deputies arrested 40-year-old Anh Thi Pham.  The suspect and the victim have been married for twelve years and their four children were at home at the time of the incident.

Cut 4 (11) “…and child endangerment.”

The nerf guns were not discharged during the attack.  Springfield says regardless of the weaponry used, the consequences for the suspect’s actions are no laughing matter.

Cut 5 (06) “…in being arrested.”

_________________________________________

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding hunters of the importance of tree stand safety. LDWF Hunter Education manager Eric Shanks says a good start is inspecting the functionality of equipment before putting it to use.

Cut 6 (11) “…to replace it.”

35% of falls involve inspection elements. Shanks adds it is important to stay connected to the tree with a proper harness from the time your feet leave the ground.

Cut 7 (10) “…the whole time.” 

86% of fall victims did not wear a harness. Shanks says someone may have gotten away unscathed without taking proper safety precautions, but there is no reason to test fate.

Cut 8 (08) “…in one piece.”

For more information, go to TREE-STAND-SAFETY-AWARENESS-dot-ORG.

______________________________

Republicans appear to be far more motivated to pack the polls this year than they were in 2015, according to an analysis of the first three days of early voting.

Early voting totals are nearly double what they were four years ago, and JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says it’s far more Republican as well.

Cut 9 (09) “night”

In 2015 Governor Edwards grabbed 40 percent of the primary vote, while the top three Republicans combined for 57 percent.

Couvillon says if these voter demographics hold Governor Edwards will not be able to avoid a run-off, contrary to what recent polls have shown.

Cut 10 (11) “…mid 40s.”

JMC’s most recent poll has Edwards sitting at 47 percent.

Couvillon says part of the GOP advantage seems to be a demotivated Democratic base. He says that’s likely due to Edwards’ attempts to appeal to Republicans and a heavy emphasis on winning the primary outright.

Cut 11 (10) “the need” 

____________________________

There’s now three reports of a white male in his 40s allegedly impersonating a police officer and pulling over women on Louisiana and Mississippi highways.

One incident occurred over the weekend near the Bonnet Carre Spillway. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Captain Donnie Smith says the woman was pulled over by a black charger flashing blue and red lights.

Cut 12 (11) “…out”

Smith says after pulling the woman over the man allegedly told her he smelled marijuana in the car and demanded she exit the vehicle, then took her to the rear of the car.

Cut 13 (12) “…search”

The woman says after she began expressing concern that the man was not an officer, he got in his vehicle and fled.

The man was described as a medium build, with a generic looking badge and a Chinese symbol tattooed on the back of his neck. Smith says the suspect allegedly put a lot of effort into looking legitimate.

Cut 14 (12) “…chord”

Incidents have been reported in St. Charles Parish, East Feliciana Parish, and Wilkinson County Mississippi.

East Feliciana Chief Criminal Deputy Greg Phares says if you get pulled over, but are concerned it’s not a real officer, it’s legal to calmly make your way to a public space before interacting.

Cut 15 (07) “…safety.”

Phares also advises you call 9-1-1 and have a dispatcher confirm whether or not the car is an officer.

11:30 LRN Newscast

The latest ads from Republican gubernatorial candidates Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone have been directed more at each other than Democratic incumbent John Bel Edwards. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says intra-party attacks are a concern for the G-O-P…
cut 11 (07) “….plus one”
On Twitter, President Trump is urging Louisiana Republicans to vote for a Republican and not Edwards.

Over 150 food establishments have been cited since the enforcement of the foreign shrimp and crawfish labeling law began September 1, with about half of those restaurants located in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area. Larose Representative Truck Gisclair authored the measure.
Cut 7 (10) “…on the menus.”
Some restaurant owners say the law creates a hurdle when it comes to seasonal availability.

A 2013 LSU gradudate has created a business based in Portland, Orgeron that sells dairy-free ice cream. Katelyn Williams uses milk alternatives instead and incorporates local flavors…
cut 5 (10) “…ice creamer”
One of her flavors is peaches and cayene and you can find more about her plant based icream at kates-ice-cream-dot-com.

Public school teachers in eight southeast Louisiana parishes can apply for grant money that can help them enhance STEM training in their classroom. Louisiana is an energy economy, and H-L Bourgeois Algebra teacher Melissa Williamson says emphasizing STEM skills increases the chances they stay at home after receiving a college degree.
Cut 15 (08) “…their time”
Interested teachers should visit Fuel Your School-dot-com.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU has a rare and not tailgate friendly 11 AM kick-off against Utah State this Saturday. But Quarterback Joe Burrow is excited about the morning kick-off
Cut 16 (11) “ favorite part”
Heat will be an issue Saturday afternoon as the high temperature is expected to reach 94-year-degrees.

The big game in the SEC this Saturday is 10th ranked Florida hosting 7th ranked Auburn. The Gators will travel to Tiger Stadium next Saturday, while Auburn will visit Death Valley later this month. Auburn Q-B Bo Nix is coming off a 335-yard passing performance against Mississippi State.

Tulane returns from the bye week to face Army. The Green Wave are a three-point road favorite. ULM hosts 23rd ranked Memphis and the Warhawks are two touchdown underdogs against the Tigers.

Second year UL-Lafayette Football Coach Billy Napier has received a one-year contract extension that extends his deal through the 2023 season. The Cajuns are off to a 4-1 start, after winning the Sun Belt West Division last season. U-L Lafayette has a big game a week from tonight, when they host Appalachian State.

The Saints return to the practice field today as they get ready for Sunday’s home game against NFC South rival Tampa Bay. Coach Sean Payton wants to see fewer penalties called on his team and he would also like to get more touches for running back Latavius Murray. Murray has only touched the ball 21 times in four games.

The Major League Baseball playoffs are off to a great start as the Nationals rallied to beat the Brewers with three runs in the eight inning. Former LSU star Andrew Stevenson scored the tying run.

Former LSU pole vaulting star and Lafayette native Mondo Duplantis won a silver medal at the World Championships in Qatar.

10:30 LRN Newscast Oct 2

President Trump tweets encouragement for Republicans to vote for either Ralph Abraham or Eddie Rispone in the gubernatorial primary, calling them both “great”. Rispone has vaulted past Abraham in the polls for 2nd place with the help of some tough anti-Abraham attacks. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says Abraham needs to return fire.
Cut 10 (09) “…Republicans.”
Abraham has a new ad that calls Rispone desperate and lying about his record.

The number of restaurants that have received citations for not properly identifying foreign shrimp or crawfish on their menus has exceeded 150 since September 1st. Some restaurant owners say they switch between domestic and foreign seafood based on season availability, but the author of the new law, LaRose Representative Truck Gisclair says that’s something businesses need to prepare for…
cut 8 (09) “….domestic seafood”

Chevron is offering up to 375-thousand dollars in grant money that public school teachers in eight southeast Louisiana parishes are eligible to use towards enhancing the STEM learning experience. H-L Bourgeois High Algebra teacher Melissa Williamson says Chevron’s investment makes sense…
cut 14 (12) “…Chevron employees”
For more information go to fuel-your-school-dot-com.

2013 LSU grad Katelyn Williams has developed a plant-based ice cream that’s made without dairy and gluten free. Williams says her line includes six core flavors, including peaches and cayene and the Lafayette native uses some other interesting ingriedients…
cut 6 (12) “…great product”
You can check out her product at Kates-ice-cream-dot-com.

9:30 LRN Newscast

More than 150 food establishments have been cited since the enforcement of the foreign shrimp and crawfish labeling law that began on September 1. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s office is looking for a man who impersonated a police officer by pulling over a female driver suspected of speeding on Interstate 10 last weekend. The victim describes the fake cop’s vehicle as an older model black colored Dodge Charger with dark tinted windows and black rims with blue and red lights in the front window.

President Trump has tweeted, vote for anybody but Democratic incumbent John Bel Edwards in Louisiana’s governor’s race. Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone are jockeying for a potential run-off spot against Edwards, but the attacks between Abraham and Rispone continue. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it could lead to an Edwards victory…
cut 12 (10) “…negative”

Chevron is awarding up to 375,000 dollars in grant money to public school teachers in eight southeast Louisiana parishes to help pay for supplies and funds needed to enhance STEM learning in the classroom. H.L. Bourgeois High Algebra Teacher Melissa Williamson says STEM classrooms can be expensive to maintain.
Cut 13 (10) “teaching”
If awarded the 1,000-dollar grant can go towards just about anything classroom related. For more information go to Fuel your school dot com.

8:30 LRN Newscast October 2nd

Over 150 food establishments have been cited since the enforcement of the foreign shrimp and crawfish labeling law began September 1, with about half of those restaurants located in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area. Larose Representative Truck Gisclair authored the measure.
Cut 7 (10) “…on the menus.”
Some restaurant owners say the law creates a hurdle when it comes to seasonal availability.

The latest ads from Republican gubernatorial candidates Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone have been directed more at each other than Democratic incumbent John Bel Edwards. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says intra-party attacks are a concern for the G-O-P…
cut 11 (07) “….plus one”
On Twitter, President Trump is urging Louisiana Republicans to vote for a Republican and not Edwards.

Bloomberg reports that the Bayou Steel Group, the owner of a steel mill in LaPlace that is closing, has filed for bankruptcy. In the statement, Bayou Steel says it suffers from a severe lack of liquidity to purchase raw materials. 376 Bayou Steel workers in St. John Parish are now looking for work.

A 2013 LSU grad has the scoop on the dairy-free, plant-based ice cream market and her business is growing in the Pacific Northwest. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

7:30 LRN Newscast Oct 2

President Trump endorses both Republicans in the Governor’s race while locally the two have started to tear into each other for a spot in a possible November run-off…
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Caddo Parish has set aside 500-thousand dollars to remove a confederate monument that stands outside of the Parish courthouse in Shreveport. The United Daughters of the Confederacy owns the monument and has been given 90 days to remove it, if they do no act, the Parish would look at taking ownership of the monument.

The Louisiana Health Department has cited over 150 restaurants for failing to inform customers that the seafood they were selling was imported. Enforcement of the new law started September 1st and LaRose Representative Truck Gisclair says it is about creating transparency for consumers…
cut 9 (10) “…into my body”
After a violation, LDH provides education on how to fix the problem with a large sign or paperclipping a notice to menus about the origin of the seafood.

Public school teachers in eight southeast Louisiana parishes can apply for grant money that can help them enhance STEM training in their classroom. Louisiana is an energy economy, and H-L Bourgeois Algebra teacher Melissa Williamson says emphasizing STEM skills increases the chances they stay at home after receiving a college degree.
Cut 15 (08) “…their time”
Interested teachers should visit Fuel Your School-dot-com.

6:45 LRN Sportscast Oct 2

Fifth-ranked LSU is getting ready for its 11 AM kick-off against Utah State this Saturday. Quarterback Joe Burrow says the bye week was good to get some rest, but don’t expect to see many changes on how the Tigers look to move the ball down the field…
cut 18 (18) “….going to see”
Linebacker Michael Divinity was out of practice yesterday, but offensive tackle Saahdiq Charles was back at practice after missing Monday’s workout.

Ragin Cajuns Coach Billy Napier has received a contract extension that extends his deal through the 2023 season. The Cajuns are 4-and-1 this season after winning the Sun Belt West Division in Napier’s first year last season.

There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the Pelicans because of the addition of rookie Zion Williamson, veteran sharpshooter JJ Reddick and former Laker standouts Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. Veteran point guard Jrue Holiday says they are striving to be a playoff team
cut 19 (21) “training camp”
Holiday says he likes how Williamson is always asking questions. The first preseason game is Monday at Atlanta.

Former LSU pole vaulting star and Lafayette native Mondo Duplantis won a silver medal at the World Championships in Qatar.

In the NL Wild Card Game last night, Washington scored three runs in the eighth inning to stun Milwaukee four to three. One of those runs for the Nationals was scored by former LSU star and Lafayette native Andrew Stevenson, who entered the game as a pinch-runner.