11:40 LRN Sportscast October 15

Tiger Stadium was electric during LSU’s 42-28 win over Florida on Saturday. Plenty of recruits were attendance and Coach Ed Orgeron says the feedback he’s received has been outstanding…
cut 18 (22) “….our fans”
According to ESPN, Six-point-four million watched the game, which is the network’s most watch game in nearly two years.

The Saints are reportedly working out 30-year-old running back Travaris Cadet today. Cadet has already had two stints with the Black and Gold. He first joined the Saints in 2012 as an undrafted rookie. Coach Sean Payton said running back Alvin Kamara tweaked his knee during the Jacksonville game.

LSU basketball has been picked to finish third in the SEC preseason poll involving media members who cover the SEC and the national college hoops scene. The Tigers are defending SEC champs and there top returning player is guard Skylar Mays, who is on the league’s preseason second team. Kentucky is the favorite to win the SEC, followed by Florida, LSU, Auburn and then Tennessee.

Nicholls has moved up to number nine in the latest STATS FCS Top 25 ranking. The Colonels defeated Northwestern State 45-35. Nicholls is at Sam Houston State this Saturday. Southeastern Louisiana is also out of the Top 25, after losing to Incarnate Word. The Lions are off this week.

Lakeshore High School in Mandeville is the new team ranked number one in the Class Four-A poll. The Titans are 6-0 and coming off a win over Archbishop Hannan 21-0. St. Thomas More fell from the top spot after back-to-back losses to Catholic of Baton Rouge and Westgate.

9:30 LRN Newscast October 15

Search and rescue teams will continue to go through the wreckage looking for a missing worker at the collapsed Hard Rock Hotel construction site. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says they are not giving up hope…
cut 11 (11) “…prayers”
The evacuation zone around the collapsed site has expanded over concerns that the cranes attached to the building could fall.

Political analysts are crediting rural white voters for forcing a run-off in the governor’s race. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Eddie Rispone’s political ads hit their target…
cut 8 (11) “…values”
Cross says about 200,000 more rural, mostly white voters showed up to vote in this primary than in the 2015 governor’s race.

The state department of education has been awarded 115-million dollars in federal grant money or literacy instruction, expanding mental health services, help teachers earn credentials in STEM fields and establish a leadership program for special ed administrators. State Superintendent of Education John White says the information will be provided to school systems on how they can access the grant dollars…
cut 13 (12) “….these issues”

A new city in Louisiana is expected to be established by January first. It’s called St. George and a public vote on Saturday called for the incorporation of the southeast corner of East Baton Rouge Parish. St. George spokesperson Drew Murrell on why the city was created…
cut 5 (11) “…more efficient government”
Murrell says St. George will be the fifth largest city in Louisiana, surpassing Lake Charles.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Rescue operations are still ongoing for a missing worker at the partially collapsed Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans and officials are concerned heavy rains today and tomorrow could make the site even more unstable. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell…
Cut 10 (07) “…collapse.”
The evacuation zone around the collapsed site has been expanded as two cranes outside of the building could fall. Two died when the building collapsed Saturday and a third person remains unaccounted for.

St. George is set to become the newest city in Louisiana following Saturday’s vote to incorporate the southeast corner of East Baton Rouge Parish. St. George spokesperson Drew Murrell says the new city should be up and running by January 1st…
Cut 4 (07) “…and city council.”
St. George’s population would be around 86-thousand, making it the fifth-largest city in Louisiana.

115-million dollars in federal grants is awarded to Louisiana schools. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Lafayette Sheriff’s office says it has arrested a student as part of an investigation into the potential poisoning of a student at St. Thomas More High School. The juvenile has been charged with Aggravated Battery. The sheriff’s office is not releasing any other details.

And a freshman student at Alabama is facing charges after he allegedly called in a threat to LSU’s Tiger Stadium during the LSU-Florida game.

7:30 LRN Newscast October 15

The evacuation zone around the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans that partially collapsed over the weekend has been expanded. There are two cranes attached to the 18-story building under construction and New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says one of the cranes is visibly damaged…
cut 12 (08) “…crane”
McConnell says they are also concerned the rain will weaken the cranes. Crews continue to search for a missing worker at the collapsed site.

The US Department of Education awards Louisiana 115-million dollars in grants to help students and teachers. Superintendent of Education John White one how the money will be used.
Cut 13 (12) “…in our schools”
The Department will provide information to school systems about how they can access the grant dollars.

A year ago, most Louisiana residents never heard of Eddie Rispone. Now the Baton Rouge businessman is on the cusp of becoming the state’s next governor. Matt Doyle has more on Rispone’s rise…
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

There are allegations of hazing against cadets at the State Police training academy. Up to ten cadets reportedly sought medical attention for cuts, bruises and in one case a fractured arm. Captain J-B Slaton says the injuries occurred during defensive tactics training and they are investigating.

6:45 LRN Sportscast Oct 15

After a two-touchdown victory over Florida and with another big home game looming against Auburn, LSU gets ready to visit Mississippi State for a 2:30 kick-off against the Bulldogs this Saturday. Two years ago, the Tigers went into Starkville and were handed a 37-7 loss. Coach Ed Orgeron says his guys were not prepared to play that day…
cut 16 (17) “…that stadium”
The SEC has announced that LSU’s next home game against Auburn on October 26th will kick off at 2:30.

A University of Alabama student has been arrested on a terrorizing charge after he allegedly called in a threat to Tiger Stadium, during the LSU-Florida game. 19-year-old Connor Bruce Croll was arrested in Tuscaloosa.

The Saints two big offseason acquisitions on offense made their mark in Sunday’s 13-6 win over Jacksonville. Tight end Jared Cook scored the only touchdown of the game and running back Latavius Murray rushed for 44 yards and caught three passes for 35 yards. Coach Sean Payton…
cut 30 (45) “…internally”

6:30 LRN Newscast October 15

Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone’s rise from unknown to GOP standard-bearer has come as a surprise to many. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says analysts underrated Rispone’s straight forward branding as a President Trump-loving businessman. He says it was a clarion call for white voters.
Cut 7 (11) “…well.”
The Edwards campaign is touting a poll that shows him winning the run-off over Rispone, 52-to-36-percent.

The state department of education has been awarded 115-million dollars in federal grant money. The lion’s share of the funding will enhance literacy instruction, 100-million dollars over five years. State Superintendent of Education John White…
cut 14 (10) “…a college-level”
The other grant dollars will expand mental health services, help teachers earn credentials in STEM fields and establish a leadership program for special ed administrators.

A new city is coming to Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart reports voters in southwest East Baton Rouge Parish have voted to create St. George.
Cut 1 (33) “I”m Kevin Barnhart”

16:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU has moved up to number two in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. Alabama is number one and Ohio State is third. The Advocate’s Brooks Kubena is a Top 25 voter and in his poll, he has the Buckeyes first, because he says Ohio State is a complete team…
cut 14 (12) “…doing well”
The SEC Freshmen of the Week is LSU cornerback Derek Stingley junior. Florida went after the Baton Rouge native and his man caught some passes, but Stingley’s interception in the end zone in the fourth quarter was one of the big plays in the Tigers win over Florida. Coach Ed Orgeron is proud of Stingley….
cut 16 (13) “….had too”
LSU now gets ready to play Mississippi State this Saturday.

The Saints continue to win without Drew Brees. Thanks to a strong defensive performance, the Black and Gold knocked off Jacksonville 13-6 to improve to 5-and-1. New Orleans will be in Chicago this Sunday to take on a Bears team coming off a bye.

Louisiana Tech is receiving one vote in the latest AP Top 25 poll. The Bulldogs clobbered U-Mass 69-21 on Saturday and will host Southern Miss on the NFL Network this Saturday at 2:30. Tech and the Golden Eagles are tied for first place in the Conference USA West Division.

ULM leads the Sun Belt West Division with a 2-and-0 mark and the Warhawks will travel to 24th ranked Appalachian State on Saturday. The Ragin Cajuns have a Thursday night game against Arkansas State.

Nicholls has moved up to number nine in the latest STATS FCS Top 25 ranking. The Colonels defeated Northwestern State 45-35. Nicholls is at Sam Houston State this Saturday. Southeastern Louisiana is also out of the Top 25, after losing to Incarnate Word.

LRN PM Newscall October 14

Republicans are on the verge of holding a supermajority in both the House and Senate. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Louisiana senate race appears headed to a three-person runoff. Don Molino has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Don Molino”   

________________________________________

Based on the results from the October 12th election, Republicans are two seats away from capturing a Super Majority in the state House. Dr. Michael Henderson, assistant professor at the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, says the GOP won several house seats Saturday held by a Democrat, but voters in that district supported President Trump in 2016

Cut 3 (11) “…to three”

Henderson says if Republicans win the 50th House district seat in St. Mary Parish and the 62nd in East Feliciana and on hold on to the seats they already have, they’ll have the 70 needed for a supermajority. Henderson says in the 62nd district Johnny Arceneaux is looking to defeat incumbent Roy Adams, who is an Independent…

Cut 4 (11) “…Republican challengers”

Democrats can also prevent a supermajority of Republicans in the House by winning either the 70th or 94th district races which are in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Henderson says if Republicans have a supermajority in the House and Democrat John Bel Edwards wins re-election for governor, we might see the legislature override a governor’s veto…

Cut 5 (09) “…party unity.”

Republicans have already achieved a supermajority as the picked up two additional seats in the Senate.

________________________________________

A highly competitive Baton Rouge Senate race is likely headed for a hand recount after a voting tally adjustment results in a tie between Republican Representatives Franklin Foil and Steve Carter.

As of Sunday morning it looked like Foil would make the run-off over Carter by an eight vote margin. Senator Dan Claitor, who was term-limited out of the disputed seat, says it’s an incredible development.

Cut 6 (11) “…settle”

Democrat Beverly Brooks Thompson has the most votes and is guaranteed a spot in the Senate District 16 run-off.

The recent update puts both Carter and Foil at 12,522. Former state Democratic Party Chairman Jim Nichol says each campaign can select two representatives to witnesses the recount.

Cut 7 (08) “…private”

If the vote remains tied, a three-way run-off will likely be held. Whoever obtains a plurality of votes would then be elected without needing over 50 percent.

The race for the 16th had the second highest turnout of any state senate competition. Nichol says this race is another reminder that every vote counts…

Cut 8 (11) “…morning”

______________________________

Widespread showers and thunderstorms over the next couple of days will bring rain to the state that hasn’t seen much precipitation over the last several weeks. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a front is currently stalled along the coastline…

Cut 9 (13) “…even more rain.”

The pattern could result in three to four inches over the next three days, especially over northern parishes.  Keim says two-thirds of the state is considered to be abnormally dry or in drought.

Cut 10 (06) “…things like that.”

Keim says the rate of rain fall with a light drizzle is perfect for recharging the soil.

Cut 11 (11) “…landscape can handle.” 

____________________________

LSU’s impressive win over Florida on Saturday moved the Fighting Tigers to number two in the latest AP Top 25. Alabama is ranked number one, even though LSU has two victories over Top 10 teams and the Crimson Tide’s schedule has not been as difficult. The Advocate’s Brooks Kubena is a Top 25 voter and has a theory on why Bama is ranked number one….

Cut 12 (11) “…that’s it” 

Kubena says LSU’s offense is one of the best in the country, but there are questions about the Tigers defense, which might be why LSU received 12 first-place votes, compared to Alabama’s 30

Cut 13 (09) “…up 28 points.”

In Kubena’s Top 25 poll, he has Ohio State number one, followed by LSU and then Alabama. Kubena says the Buckeyes look like the most complete team to him…

Cut 14 (12) “…doing well”

 

12:30 LRN Newscast October 14

Widespread showers and thunderstorms over the next couple of days will bring rain to the state that hasn’t seen much precipitation over the last several weeks. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a front is currently stalled along the coastline…
Cut 9 (13) “…even more rain.”
Keim says two-thirds of the state is considered to be abnormally dry or in drought.

A recount is likely the Senate District 16 race in Baton Rouge as there’s a tie for second place between term-limited state representatives Steve Carter and Franklin Foil. Both are hoping to get in a runoff against Democrat Beverly Brooks Thompson. Former state Democratic Party Chairman Jim Nichol says when a run-off occurs, each campaign can select two representatives to witness the recount…
cut 7 (08) “…private”
If the vote remains tied, a three-way run-off will be held.

Based on the results from the October 12th election, Republicans are two seats away from capturing a Super Majority in the state House. Dr. Michael Henderson, assistant professor at the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, says the GOP won several house seats Saturday held by a Democrat, but voters in that district supported President Trump in 2016
Cut 3 (11) “…to three”
Henderson says if Republicans win the 50th House district seat in St. Mary Parish and the 62nd in East Feliciana and on hold on to the seats they already have, they’ll have the 70 needed for a supermajority.

11:40 LRN Sportscast October 14

LSU is ranked second in the latest A-P Top 25 poll after beating Florida 42 to 28. It’s the Tigers second win this season against a Top 10 opponent. Quarterback Joe Burrow says they can’t let up now…
cut 18 (16) “….get there”
LSU is at Mississippi State for a 2:30 kick-off.

Louisiana Tech and ULM also have 2:30 kick-offs on Saturday. The Bulldogs, who smashed U-Mass 69-21, will host Southern Miss on the NFL Network. Tech and the Golden Eagles are tied for first place in the Conference USA West Division.

ULM leads the Sun Belt West Division with a 2-and-0 mark and the Warhawks will travel to 24th ranked Appalachian State on Saturday. The Ragin Cajuns have a Thursday night game against Arkansas State.

The Saints won their fourth straight yesterday, beating Jacksonville 13-6. Coach Sean Payton’s defense held the Jaguars to 226 yards of offense…
cut 20 (08) “…today”
Jags rookie sensation Gardner Minshew threw for only 163 yards and a pick. Former LSU star RB Leonard Fournette was held to less than four yards a carry on 72 yards rushing.

Elsewhere in the NFC South, Carolina has won four straight as they defeated Tampa Bay 37-26 in London. The Bucs turned it over seven times. The Falcons fell to one and five after a 34-33 loss to Arizona.

San Francisco has the best record in the NFC. The 49ers are 5-and-0 after a 20-7 win over the L-A Rams. Only 165 total yards for L-A.

The Pelicans remain undefeated in preseason play as New Orleans defeated the Spurs 123 to 114 in San Antonio.