6:30 LRN Newscast September 24

At the Baton Rouge Press Club, the three main gubernatorial candidates were asked about policies they’d enact if elected. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll work to increase spending on education…
cut 12 (12) “…to our future”
Republican challenger Eddie Rispone says he’d push for a constitutional convention, while fellow GOP candidate Ralph Abraham says he’d reverse the changes made to the Industrial Tax Exemption program. A new policy put in place by Edwards gives local elected officials a chance to decide if businesses should receive a large local property tax break.

A cause of death has not been released in the tragic death of a Baton Rouge man who attempted to give an underwater marriage proposal while vacationing in Tanzania. The family of the broken-hearted girlfriend says Steven Weber Junior was a strong swimmer and snorkeled multiple times and something happened besides him running out of breath.

A new poll on the Insurance Commissioner’s race shows it’s a statistical dead heat between Republican Incumbent Jim Donelon and his GOP challenger Tim Temple. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says Temple’s new attack ad that shows Donelon possibly sleeping during a committee hearing is having an effect on voters…
cut 6 (05) “….come out swinging”

An LSU Biochemistry Professor discovers that a diabetes treatment may also be effective in treating breast cancer. Matt Doyle spoke with Dr. Suresh Alahari…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

4:45 LRN Sportscast Sept 23

LSU football fans will have to get ready for another 11 AM kick-off. The SEC announced today that the Tigers next game on October 5th, will kick-off at 11 AM against Utah State. An LSU official says they can’t find a time when the Tigers had back-to-back morning kickoffs.

Tigers wide receiver Terrace Marshall underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his foot. He’s expected to miss up to a month of the season. Quarterback Joe Burrow says Marshall’s absence will be felt…
cut 18 (25) “…more comfortable’
And for the third time this year, Burrow is the SEC Offensive Player of the Week. Tommy Hodson and JaMarcus Russell are the only quarterbacks in LSU history to earn SEC Offensive Player of the Week three times.

Teddy Bridgewater’s steady play helped shepard the Saints to an upset 33-27 win over the Seahawks yesterday in Seattle. It’s an emotional victory for Bridgewater, who nearly saw his career come to an end because of a devastating knee injury during training camp in 2016…
Cut 4 (12) “…all-time high.”
It’s the Saints first win without Drew Brees since 2005. Payton says he didn’t think about Brees not playing, they just worked to win the game
Cut 30 (19) “…he’s been.”
Brees tweeted after the game, “so proud of our TEAM! Who Dat baby!” New Orleans hosts Dallas on Sunday night.

LRN PM Newscall September 23

A vet checks on Casper the Camel at the I-10 Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete today after a Florida woman admits to biting his testicles. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 A post-gubernatorial debate poll shows Governor Edwards is getting closer to avoiding a run-off, and there’s been a big shakeup on the GOP side of the race. Matt Doyle has more…

cut  2 (30) “Matt Doyle”  

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Teddy Bridgewater showed he is more than a capable backup to Drew Brees as he led the Saints to a 33-27 win over the Seahawks in Seattle yesterday. Bridgewater threw for 177 yards and two TD passes and he benefited from a touchdown by the Saints special teams and defense…

Cut 3 (09) “…that much easier”

It’s an emotional victory for Bridgewater, who nearly saw his career come to an end because of a devastating knee injury during training camp in 2016. Since then he’s been traded twice, but kept telling himself before the game he’s a winner…

Cut 4 (12) “…all-time high.”

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A Florida woman bit the testicles of a camel at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete after she found herself under the animal.  Truck stop manager Pamela Bossier (Bo-shay) says the woman and her husband entered the enclosure to retrieve their dog when the encounter went south.

Cut 5 (13) “…got the camel off.”

Security camera footage shows the couple were throwing dog treats at the camel when their unleashed dog ran into the camel’s enclosure.

The initial inspection of the camel’s scrotum did not show any teeth marks or tearing of the flesh, but Bossier says a witness says there is a reason for that, adding a vet is going to examine the animal further.

Cut 6 (11) “…him out today.”

Bossier says the camel, named Caspar, is usually a pretty nice animal.

Cut 7 (09) “…him with objects.” 
_____________________________

An independent, post-first debate poll shows Governor Edwards has gained ground, and Eddie Rispone has jumped Ralph Abraham as the top polling Republican.

JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillion says Edwards sits at 46 percent because Democrats are coming home to the governor, while white independents are starting to warm up to him as well…

Cut 8 (07) “ percent”

It’s the first time an independent poll shows Rispone over the Congressman. Couvillion says the Baton Rouge businessman’s 21-18 percent lead over Abraham is evidence of two things…

Cut 9 (10)  “Abraham”

Rispone launched an attack ad against Abraham for comments the Congressman made about the President in 2016. He also continued the attack at the debate.

Couvillion says the latest results have moved the likelihood of a run-off from high to a tossup. In a tight race it could all come down to minority voter turnout.

Cut 10 (12) “intensity”

12 percent remain undecided, but of those 12 percent, 48 percent say they are leaning Edwards.

________________________________

Today is the first day of Fall, but it doesn’t feel like it, as its hot and humid. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Climate Prediction Center predicts we’ll continue to see above-normal temperatures during the fall months, while rainfall totals should be normal, which is not a lot

Cut 11 (10) “…be November” 

Keim says we’ll have to wait until October before that first significant cold front comes through.

Cut 12 (11) “…through the region”

Keim says it’s not going to feel like fall anytime soon

Cut 13 (11) “…gonna happen.”

_____________________________________

The three main candidates for governor appeared at today’s Baton Rouge Press Club. Republican Eddie Rispone once again made the case that the state needs a conservative, political outsider in order to become a better state to live in

Cut 14 (09) “…state around.”

Fellow GOP candidate Ralph Abraham says he wants to put more money in the taxpayers pocket and that’s the biggest difference between him and the governor

Cut 15 (06) “…less tax.”

Edwards says the state’s economy is the largest it’s ever been and 10th fastest growing in the country. He says under his administration, the state’s finances went from deficits to surpluses

Cut 16 (10) “…together”
_______________________

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Teddy Bridgewater showed he is more than a capable backup to Drew Brees as he led the Saints to a 33-27 win over the Seahawks in Seattle yesterday. Bridgewater threw for 177 yards and two TD passes and he benefited from a touchdown by the Saints special teams and defense…
Cut 3 (09) “…that much easier”
It’s an emotional victory for Bridgewater, who nearly saw his career come to an end because of a devastating knee injury during training camp in 2016.

After spending a week out on the west coast, the Saints flew back to New Orleans after the game. They’ll now get ready to host Dallas for a big Sunday night showdown. The Cowboys are 3-0 after beating the Dolphins 31-6. Dallas is undefeated, but its wins have come against Miami, Washington and the New York Giants, three of the worst teams in the NFL.

After four games, LSU leads the nation in scoring, averaging nearly 58 points a game. The 231 points scored represents an SEC record for most points through four games. The 66 scored this past Saturday against Vanderbilt is the highest ever for LSU in an SEC game that didn’t go into overtime. But the Tigers once-dominant defense struggled in Nashville with missed assignments and poor tackling. Coach Ed Orgeron says they’ll work on it during the bye week…
cut 17 (20) “….next week”
LSU’s next game is Saturday, October 5th and the SEC announced today that it will be an 11 AM kick-off. Second straight morning kick-off for the Tigers.

10:30 LRN Newscast September 23

The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is at an eleven-year low of 4.3 percent. Louisiana gained 4,800 jobs over the month and 1,000 jobs over the year. Louisiana Workforce Commission Chief Economist Ali Bustamante says the numbers are really being driven by private sector employment.
Cut 4 (06) “…Louisiana private sector.”
Education and health care services added over 11-thousand jobs.

The major candidates in the governor’s race appear at the Baton Rouge Press Club. Governor Edwards’ decision to expand the Medicaid program is one topic that could be brought up. Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham has been critical…
cut 8 (10) “….abuse”
A new poll shows Abraham has fallen to third place in the race, behind Eddie Rispone and Edwards has moved closer to winning the race without a runoff.

Amite Representative Robby Carter’s lone challenger in his re-election bid has been arrested on drug and child endangerment charges. 26-year-old Marylee Bellau was a last-minute entry into the race and Hammond Daily Star Reporter Jesse Brooks Bellau has shown no signs of campaigning against Carter and he has a theory why…
cut 12 (10) “…interesting”
Bellau will remain on the ballot, unless convicted before the October 12th election.

Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater threw two touchdown passes in the place of the injured Drew Brees and New Orleans scored touchdowns on special teams and defense to beat the Seahawks in Seattle 33-27. Coach Sean Payton says he knew Bridgewater would play well…
cut 14 (09) “…have success”
Brees tweeted after the game, “so proud of our TEAM! Who Dat baby!”

9:30 LRN Newscast Sept 23

JMC Analytics and Polling has conducted a new survey on the governor’s race and it shows support has increased for Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican challenger Eddie Rispone since last Thursday’s televised debate. 46-percent of respondents said they plan to vote for Edwards, while Rispone has moved into second place at 21-percent and Ralph Abraham is at 18-percent.

The Edwards administration says the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is at an eleven-year low of 4.3 percent. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Saints without Drew Brees defeated Seattle 33-27 yesterday. You knew it would be a good day for the Black and Gold when rookie Deonte Harris returned a punt 53 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. Filling in for Brees, Teddy Bridgewater threw two touchdown passes. Coach Sean Payton….
cut 13 (10) “…big play”
The Saints are 2-and-1 and will host 3-and-0 Dallas on Sunday night.

A candidate for a state House seat has been arrested on drug and child endangerment charges. 26-year-old Marylee Bellau signed up as an independent in a race against Democratic incumbent Robby Carter, who represents the Amite area. Hammond Daily Star Reporter Jesse Brooks says they questioned Bellau after she qualified…
cut 11 (12) “….at all”

8:30 LRN Newscast September 23

Teddy Bridgewater showed he is more than a capable backup to Drew Brees as he led the Saints to a 33-27 win over the Seahawks in Seattle yesterday. Bridgewater threw for 177 yards and two TD passes and he benefited from a touchdown by the Saints special teams and defense…
cut 3 (09) “…that much easier”
The Saints 2-and-1.

Governor John Bel Edwards says his crowning achievement is expanding the Medicaid program. But Republican challenger Ralph Abraham says the program is filled with waste and abuse, while another GOP challenger Eddie Rispone says he’ll reduce the number of Medicaid recipients by growing the state’s economy…
cut 9 (08) “…assistance”

The only challenger for a north shore lawmaker is arrested for possession of meth, pot, and child endangerment. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

And there’s a bizarre story involving the camel that lives at the I-10 truck stop in Grosse Tete. The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s office reports a woman who was trying to get her dog out of the pen where Casper the Camel lives, ended up having to bite the Camel’s testicles after Casper sat on her. The truck stop is not in trouble, but the woman and her husband were charged with a leash law violation and criminal trespassing.

7:30 LRN Newscast Sept 23

Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater threw two touchdown passes in the place of the injured Drew Brees and New Orleans scored touchdowns on special teams and defense to beat the Seahawks in Seattle 33-27. Coach Sean Payton says he knew Bridgewater would play well…
cut 14 (09) “…have success”
Brees tweeted after the game, “so proud of our TEAM! Who Dat baby!”

An Independent running as the only challenger to Amite Representative Robby Carter is facing drug and child endangerment charges. Hammond Daily Star Reporter Jesse Brooks says 26-year-old Marylee Bellau was a surprise, last-minute entrant into the race, with an unconventional background for an aspiring politician.
Cut 10 (09) “…Pine Grove.”
Unless Bellau is convicted, her name will remain on the October ballot for the House District 72 race.

Congressman Ralph Abraham has lobbed an incendiary allegation at Governor Edwards over his handling of Medicaid contracts…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Lousiana’s economy has been a big topic in the governor’s race. Louisiana’s Workforce Commission has the state’s unemployment rate at 4.3-percent and L-W-C Chief Economist Ali Bustamante says the state’s economy has been at full employment for the last five months…
cut 5 (11) “…4.3 percent”

6:45 LRN Sportscast September 23

The Saints pulled off a stunning win in Seattle, beating the Seahawks 33-27 without Drew Brees. New Orleans first touchdown came on a 53-yard punt return by rookie Deonte Harris and the defense scored the second TD on a Vonn Bell 33-yard fumble return. Q-B Teddy Bridgewater and the offense handled the rest. Coach Sean Payton says they were ready to play…
Cut 13 (10) “…big play.”
Bridgewater threw for 177 yards and two touchdowns and Alvin Kamara had two touchdowns.

The Saints are in first place in the NFC South at 2-and-1, every other team is 1-and-2. The Colts galloped past the Falcons 27-24, Carolina crushed Arizona 38-20 and Buccaneers blew an 18-point halftime lead and lost to the Giants 32-31.

LSU’s offense remains an offensive force, but questions remain about the Tigers defense after improving to 4-0 with a 66-38 win over winless Vanderbilt. Quarterback Joe Burrow set a school-record with six touchdown passes and he threw for 398 yards, 357 yards in the first half, which is also a school-record….
Cut 16 (09) “…afterward”
One of Burrow’s receivers could miss the next month as Terrace Marshall underwent surgery to fix his fractured foot. Marshall leads LSU with six touchdown catches.

Elijah Mitchell had three touchdowns as the Ragin Cajuns beat Ohio 45-25. Iowa State blew past ULM 72-20.

Nicholls and Southeastern are 1-0 in the Southland after winning their openers. McNeese and Northwestern State lost their Southland openers and Grambling lost its SWAC opener.

6:30 LRN Newscast September 23

The Saints without Drew Brees defeated Seattle 33-27 yesterday. You knew it would be a good day for the Black and Gold when rookie Deonte Harris returned a punt 53 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. Filling in for Brees, Teddy Bridgewater threw two touchdown passes. Coach Sean Payton….
cut 13 (10) “…big play”
The Saints are now 2-and-1 and will host 3-and-0 Dallas on Sunday night.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports the state added 48-hundred seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs from July to August. L-W-C Chief Economist Ali Bustamente says the New Orleans and Baton Rouge metro areas are doing really well…
cut 6 (10) “…record”
But data also shows Houma and Shreveport have lost thousands of jobs over the last year.

The candidates reaffirmed their support for the Medicaid expansion during the first gubernatorial debate, but they differ on how effective the rollout has been, and how it’s managed. Governor Edwards says the expansion cut the number of uninsured in half…
Cut 7 (09) “…before”
But Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham says Edwards’ mismanagement of Medicaid has weakened the program, depriving the neediest of crucial services…
Cut 8 (10) “…abuse.”
The other main Republican challenger, Eddie Rispone, says he’ll shrink the Medicaid rolls by providing jobs with private insurance.