8:30 LRN Newscast September 18

Two television ads with conflicting perspectives on criminal justice reform are now on air from Governor Edwards and GOP challenger Eddie Rispone. Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

East Feliciana Sheriff Jeff Travis says his office will not pursue criminal charges against the driver of a vehicle spotted dragging a leashed dog on Sunday afternoon in the village of Wilson. Travis says its been determined the dog died before it was pulled and the facts in the case do not support a charge of animal cruelty.

There’s a sign the trade war between the U-S and China is easing as China purchases 67-million dollars worth of U-S Soybeans and pork and soy would be exempt from additional tariffs taking effect this month. Louisiana Soybean Grain Research and Promotion Board Chairman Charles Canatella says this is good news, but they’ve gotten their hopes up before…
cut 6 (10) “….go around”

Workers in the energy efficiency industry increased by six-percent in Louisiana from 2017 to 2018. Policy Director for E for the Future, Pat Stanton, says there are at least 22-thousand jobs and more than 27-hundred companies in the Louisiana energy efficiency cluster. And Stanton says residents are also seeing monetary savings from energy efficiency…
cut 9 (13) “…20 to 30-percent”

7:30 LRN Newscast September 18

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees will undergo surgery this morning in Los Angeles on his throwing thumb. In a text message to media outlets, Brees said he’ll dedicate himself to the rehab process and get back as quickly as he can. A timetable on when Brees can return will be made once the surgery is concluded.

An LSU politics professor gives Republicans just over a twenty percent chance to win a Legislative supermajority in the House…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

A new ad from Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone claims that Governor John Bel Edwards’ criminal justice reform plan has led to a 20-percent increase in murders. But a new Edwards ad features current and former law enforcement officials refuting what his campaign calls false attacks on Edwards’ public safety record…
cut 13 (10) “…above politics”

Good news for Louisiana soybean farmers as privately run Chinese firms have agreed to purchase 67-million dollars worth of U-S Soybeans ahead of high-level talks next month aimed at ending the trade war. Louisiana Soybean Grain Research and Promotion Board Chairman Charles Canatella says there’s hope a long term could get done…
cut 5 (08) “…going on”

6:45 LRN Sportscast September 18

The Saints have placed wide receiver Keith Kirkwood on injured reserve. The second-year pro suffered a hamstring injury during pregame warm-up on Sunday and with Brees out of action, the Saints have re-signed quarterback J-T Barrett.

Nick Saban headlines the 2020 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class. Former Saints wide receiver Joe Horn has also been elected to the Hall. Hall of Fame Chairman Doug Ireland says it’s quite remarkable that Horn had a standout career in the NFL…
cut 30 (12) “…Canadian League”
Induction ceremonies will take place during the final weekend in June in Natchitoches.

LSU starting nose tackle Tyler Shelvin was not at practice yesterday during the portion viewed by the media. His back-up Apu Ika was dressed, but not participating in drills. Coach Ed Orgeron has already said that starting defensive ends Rashard Lawrence and Glen Logan will miss a second straight game because of injuries and outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson is questionable.

The Ragin Cajuns are at Ohio this Saturday, one final tuneup before UL-Lafayette begins Sun Belt Play September 28th against Georgia Southern. After giving up 38 points in a season-opening loss to Mississippi State, the Cajuns have allowed just 21 points total in wins over Liberty and Texas Southern. Coach Billy Napier…
cut 17 (21) “…quarterback”
The Cajuns are coming off a 77-6 win over Texas Southern.

6:30 LRN Newscast

GOP candidate Eddie Rispone’s latest campaign ad claims that Governor Edwards’ criminal justice reform plan has put criminals back on the street…
Cut 10 (12) “…is up 20%.”
Edwards campaign says the ad is full of false information and they sent out a press release with evidence that shows a drop in murder and violent crimes.

Louisiana politicos are keeping a close eye on the legislative contests to see if Republicans can get a 70-seat supermajority in the House. LSU Assistant Professor of Political Communication Mike Henderson says Republicans have a solid opportunity to gain enough seats to override a governor’s veto.
Cut 14 (11) “…chance”

A new report indicates the energy savings sector saw solid growth in employment in Louisiana from 2017 to 2018…
voicer 1 (31) “….I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Beauregard, Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes are under a flash flood watch until Thursday night as Tropical Storm Imelda moves into Texas.

4:45 LRN Sportscast September 17

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame has announced its 2020 induction class and the headliner is Alabama coach Nick Saban. The former LSU football coach won 75-percent of his games and the 2003 national championship during five seasons in Baton Rouge. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Doug Ireland says Saban’s impact on LSU football is immense
Cut 9 (10) “.this century”
Two former NFL pro bowlers are also part of the 2020 class. Former Ragin Cajun and Chicago Bear Charles Tillman and former Saints superstar wide receiver Joe Horn.

After three games, LSU QB Joe Burrow is in contention to win the Heisman. USA Today conducted a poll of Heisman voters and Burrow finished third behind Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts, who finished first and Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa who finished second.

The Saints are in Seattle for their off day and they’ll get back to work tomorrow for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks. Defensive End Cam Jordan had his first fumble recovery for a touchdown in the NFL taken away because the officials erroneously blew the whistle. Jordan says the refs screwed up again, but there are other reasons why they lost in L-A….
cut 20 (17) “…four offense”
The Saints have placed linebacker Alex Anzalone on injured reserve. He missed most of the preseason with a shoulder injury and only played in 18 snaps in the loss to the Rams.

In other NFL news, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has re-injured his foot and was held out of practice today. Carolina is at Arizona this Sunday. And the New York Giants announce rookie Daniel Jones will start at quarterback over New Orleans native Eli Manning.

11:40 LRN Sportscast September 17

Saints Coach Sean Payton said that Quarterback Drew Brees would get a second opinion on his injured throwing hand before deciding on whether to get surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb. Orthopedic Surgery Professor at LSU School of Medicine, Doctor Christopher Marrero, says surgery is probably the best route…
cut 30 (11) “…predictable”
Brees is expected to miss six weeks as a result of the injury.

Saints defensive end Cam Jordan says the loss of Brees is a huge blow, but the team has not seen backup QB Teddy Bridgewater showcase what he brings to the table to the fullest extent yet.
cut 19 (14) “the timeframe is.”
Bridgewater will get the start when the Saints visit the Seahawks on Sunday.

LSU’s defense allowed Northwestern State to move the ball against them in the first half on Saturday night. Coach Ed Orgeron says adjustments were made that resulted in no points scored against them in the second half, but he wants to see more turnovers…
cut 18 (23) “…turnovers”
LSU is at Vanderbilt this Saturday.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame has announced its 2020 induction class and the headliner is Alabama coach Nick Saban. The former LSU football coach won 75-percent of his games and the 2003 national championship during five seasons in Baton Rouge. Two former NFL pro bowlers are also part of the 2020 class. Former Ragin Cajun and Chicago Bear Charles Tillman and former Saints superstar wide receiver Joe Horn.

9:30 LRN Newscast Sept 17

Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone is attacking fellow GOP challenger Ralph Abraham as he tries to secure a spot in a potential run-off against Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. The 30-second ad criticizes Abraham for negative comments he made about Donald Trump before he was elected…
Cut 16 (09) “…new”
That’s LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees will likely need surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing hand. Orthopedic Surgery Professor at LSU School of Medicine, Doctor Christopher Marrero, on why surgery is needed…
cut 6 (12) “….with surgery”
Brees is expected to miss at least six weeks.

During a debate at the Baton Rouge Press Club, Republican Tim Temple, who is running for Insurance Commissioner, says the incumbent, Jim Donelon is the architect of the worst insurance market in America. Temple says the best way to drive down rates is to increase competition…
cut 10 (12) “…write your business”
But Donelon says he has a record of bringing more insurance providers to the state and we’ve seen an increase since Hurricane Katrina…
cut 9 (12) “….across America’
Donelon added that some of the regulatory changes proposed by Temple would actually lead to higher insurance rates. The election is October 12th.

8:30 LRN newscast Sept 17

With Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone trailing fellow GOP challenger Ralph Abraham and Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards in the latest polls, Rispone releases a new 30-second ad that goes after Abraham. LSU Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says the Rispone campaign is mixing up their strategy…
cut 15 (09) “….issues”
Based on the latest polls, Rispone needs to pick up the pace in order to get into a possible runoff with Edwards.

State Police says dating back to April they’ve discovered 14 products marketed as CBD gummy bears spiked with synthetic marijuana. Louisiana Department of Health Chief of Specialty Operations Justin Gremillion says edible “CBD” products are not permitted to be sold in the state.
Cut 11 (08) “…cant.”
CBD is non-psychoactive, but synthetic marijuana can give users an intense high and has been linked to seizures and hospitalizations.

The candidates for Insurance Commissioner stated their cases as to why voters should cast ballots in their favor next month. Kevin Barnhart has the story…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

I-20 westbound in Bossier City has been closed this morning before Old Minden Road because a big rig caught on fire overnight. The state department of transportation says traffic congestion has reached about five miles and motorists are advised to take an alternate route.

A tropical disturbance in the western gulf will bring showers and thunderstorms to south Louisiana.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The governor’s race is heating up as Eddie Rispone launches an attack ad against fellow Republican Ralph Abraham. Matt Doyle has more…
voicer 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry raised 356-thousand during the latest campaign finance reporting period and has 1-point-nine million dollars in his campaign war chest. He’s raised the most money out of the statewide elected officials, besides Governor Edwards. Landry is facing one challenger on the ballot, Democrat Ike Jackson Junior.

An Associated Press investigation has uncovered 14 different cases since April where products marketed as CBD gummy bears were actually spiked with synthetic marijuana. Louisiana Health Department of Speciality Operations Justin Gremillion says they are asking C-B-D consumers to be vigilant…
cut 13 (12) “…labeling”
All legally sold CBD products must be labeled as such and permitted with the Department of Health.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is expected to undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament in the thumb on his throwing hand. Orthopedic Surgery Professor at LSU School of Medicine Dr. Christopher Marrero says the extent of any tear will dictate treatment.
Cut 4 (11) “…very unstable”
Brees is expected to miss at least the next six weeks.

6:45 LRN Sportscast Sept 17

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is expected to undergo surgery after an injury to his thumb in Sunday’s loss to the Rams…
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Brees is seeking a second opinion before a plan is put in place for treating the injury to his throwing hand.

Middle linebacker Alex Anzalone has been placed on injured reserve. There are no details on his injury. He missed most of preseason camp with a shoulder injury and played just 18 snaps versus the Rams.

LSU heads into week four of the college football season ranked third in the nation in scoring, averaging 55 points a game. But Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says the players on offense are not satisfied with their results…
cut 17 (23) “…pretty good”
On defense, LSU has lost safety Todd Harris for the season because of a knee injury. Orgeron also says defensive ends Rashard Lawrence and Glen Logan will not play Saturday against Vanderbilt and pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson is questionable.

Last night, Cleveland defeated the New York Jets 23-3 as former LSU Tiger Odell Beckham Junior the longest touchdown catch of his career, as he went 89 yards.