Updated LRN AM Newscall with Scott Woodward story

It’s Halloween, so use extra caution when you’re out and about, especially after dark. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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DOTD invites you to sign the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” pledge. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Just days after he fired Brian Kelly, Scott Woodward is out as LSU’s athletic director. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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It’s Halloween, so you’re urged to use a little extra caution as you go out and about your day today – especially if you’re driving at night. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says pay extra attention when going into neighborhoods during the early evening hours.

Cut 4 (09) “…something like that.”

Fischer says when trick or treating, it’s best for kids to do so in packs, carry a flashlight and wear bright clothing. Fischer also has this ingenious idea.

Cut 5 (11) “…keep you safer.”

DPS Trooper Eddie Thomas says when your little ghouls and goblins come home with a pumpkin-shaped bucket full of candy, fully inspect it and throw anything suspicious out, including anything homemade.

Cut 6 (07) “…placed in candy.”

By law, registered sex offenders are not allowed to participate in Halloween – they cannot hand out candy to kids. Thomas says parents should do a little homework before trick or treating and find out which homes in their neighborhood have sex offenders living in them.

Cut 7 (06) “…sex offender registry.”

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DOTD is urging Louisianans to sign the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” pledge. The campaign encourages drivers and passengers to do just that – wear their seatbelts and put the phone down while driving. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says seat belt use reduces the risk of a fatal injury in a crash by more than 45-percent.

Cut 8 (08) “…save your life.”

Mallett says cell phones can come in very handy in cars – as long as you use the hands-free functions.

Cut 9 (15)  “…hands-free options.”

Mallett says taking your eyes off the road, even for the shortest amount of time, can have very disastrous results.

Cut 10 (08) “…or somebody else.”

You can sign the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” pledge on DOTD’s website. There’s also a link on its Facebook page.

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Congressman Steve Scalise will have a Democratic challenger in next year’s general election. Special education teacher Lauren Jewett is launching a campaign to unseat the nine-term incumbent. 

Cut 11 (13) “…have to leave.”

Jewett says she feels that she’s more in tune with the needs of the people of Louisiana’s First Congressional District, particularly those on Medicaid.

Cut 12 (13) “…1.5-million people.”

Jewett acknowledges that it will not be easy to raise the money that Scalise brings in. In fact, according to the latest Federal Election Commission filings, Jewett reported just over 73-hundred dollars in cash on hand, compared to Scalise’s five-million dollars.

Cut 13 (06)  “…the organized money.”

So far, no one else, either Republican or Democrat, has declared his or her candidacy. The district is very heavily Republican.

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On Sunday, LSU athletic director Scott Woodward fired Brian Kelly. Last night, LSU fired Woodward. Tiger Rag magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says it didn’t matter that the LSU grad hired three national championship-winning coaches in Jay Johnson, Kim Mulkey and Jay Clark – the money he paid Kelly, who never came close to winning a national title, ultimately led to his demise.

Cut 14 (08) “…something like that.”

Guilbeau says it was only a matter of time before Woodward was going to follow Kelly out the door at LSU.

Cut 15 (07) “…or later too.”

Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry, who was a star linebacker for the Tigers in the 1980s, has been tapped to serve as interim athletic director. Guilbeau says it’s unclear whether the school is giving Ausberry serious consideration for the permanent role.

Cut 16 (09) “…their new A-D.”

LSU says Ausberry will lead all facets of the athletic department, including the search for a new head football coach.

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Louisiana Tech looks to get back in the win column tonight after losing two straight conference games. The Bulldogs host Sam Houston, who is winless this season for their homecoming game. Head coach Sonny Cumbie says sophomore quarterback Blake Baker is continuing to improve as the season progresses.

Cut 17 (18) “…throwing the ball.”

Louisiana Tech junior wide receiver Marlion Jackson caught six passes for 103 yards in the 28-27 loss to Western Kentucky. Jackson says that he’s seen a lot of growth from Baker this season, which is helping the entire offense.

Cut 18 (12)  “…gives receivers confidence.”

Kickoff in Ruston is at 7 p.m.

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Former LSU linebacker and current Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s name has been thrown around for the LSU head coaching job. Sheppard shut those rumors down and says he is focused on shutting down the Vikings.

Cut 19 (16) “…I’m interested in.”

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Governor Jeff Landry appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN to address the comments he made at a press conference earlier this week. Landry says that he is not picking the coach.

Cut 20 (15) “…in the contract.”

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirmed that rookie quarterback Tyler Shough will be the starter for the rest of the season. Shough will make his first NFL start against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday. Shough says that it’s good to be the starter, but he wants to go out and prove himself with a win on Sunday.

Cut 17 (11) “…there and win.”

Kickoff in Los Angeles is at 3:05 p.m.

The New Orleans Pelicans are still winless through four games after being defeated by the Denver Nuggets by a score of 122-88. Rookie point guard Jeremiah Fears led the team in scoring with 21 points. Zion Williamson returned from a left foot injury and scored 11 points. New Orleans travels to Los Angeles as they will take on the Clippers on Friday at 9:30 p.m.

With offensive coordinator Joe Sloan out at LSU, former Florida State offensive coordinator Alex Atkins will serve as the play caller for the Tigers, and Tim Rattay will serve as the quarterbacks coach. As the Tigers begin to prepare for their meeting with No. 4 Alabama next weekend, interim head coach Frank Wilson welcomes collaboration.

Cut 20 (19) “…players, not plays.”

Tulane looks to keep their college football playoff hopes alive tonight as they travel to San Antonio to face UTSA. The Green Wave are 6-and-1 and are riding a three game win streak. ESPN currently gives Tulane a 16% chance to make the playoffs. Kickoff at the Alamodome is at 6:30 p.m.

In high school football, Peyton Pop Houston and 7-and-1 Evangel Christian travel to Lafayette tonight to take on 7-and-1 Lafayette Christian Academy.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU started two freshmen on the offensive side of the ball in the 49-25 loss to Texas A&M. Interim head coach Frank Wilson says there will be more opportunities for the younger players during the rest of the season, especially for offensive lineman Carius Curne and running back Harlem Berry.

Cut 19 (19) “…running back perspective.”

Wilson also confirmed that quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will remain as the starting quarterback, but he did not rule out more reps for backup Michael Van Buren.

The New Orleans Pelicans dropped to 0-and-4 after losing to the Denver Nuggets by a score of 122-88. Rookie point guard Jeremiah Fears led scoring for New Orleans with 21 points. The Pelicans travel to Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Friday at 9:30 p.m.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirmed that rookie quarterback Tyler Shough (“shuck”) will be the starter for the rest of the season, barring an injury. Moore says Spencer Rattler will serve as the backup moving forward.

Cut 16 (17) “…handle it awesome.”

The Saints and Rams kickoff on Sunday at 3:05 p.m.

Governor Jeff Landry tells reporters at the State Capitol that LSU athletics director Scott Woodward will not be the one who selects the Tigers’ new football coaches. Landry says Woodward is responsible for hiring coaches who led to the biggest contract buyouts in college football history.

Cut 7 (09) “…doing that again.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

I’m Jeanne Burns, This Louisiana Radio Network sportscast is brought to you by Quit With Us Louisiana…Quitting tobacco isn’t easy. Quit with US Louisiana can help. Call 1-800 Quit-Now.

Governor Landry let his thoughts be known about the firing of Brian Kelly and the search for a new head coach. At a press conference at the state capitol, Landry said A-D Scott Woodward will not hire the next coach at LSU; instead, it will be a committee formed by the LSU Board of Supervisors. And he believes it’s time the NCAA does something about the agents who are negotiating these contracts that result in huge buyouts for coaches who get fired…

Cut 8 (05) “…foot the bill”

Private sources will play Kelly’s huge buyout.

Ed Orgeron said on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike that he’s just a phone call away and he would love to return to LSU as a head coach or even as an assistant. Orgeron has made it known he wants to coach again next season.

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Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough (Shuck) is excited about his first NFL start on Sunday, when New Orleans visits the Los Angeles Rams. Shough says he doesn’t want to waste this opportunity…

Cut 29 (22) “…let it rip”

Kick off is at 3:05.

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson says Garrett Nussmeier will remain the Tigers starting quarterback, but says backup Michael Van Buren could also be part of the game plan

Cut 18 (14)  “…win the game.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron appeared on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike on Wednesday to discuss the program’s head coach opening. Orgeron says that LSU’s new coach will have to be someone who is willing to embrace the state of Louisiana and believes Brian Kelly didn’t do that.

Cut 13 (14)  “…of Louisiana.”

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson confirmed that quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will still be the starter, but also didn’t rule out more reps from backup Michael Van Buren.

CUT 21 (15): “the game.”

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough (“shuck”) has been named the starter for the Saints moving forward after the recent struggles of Spencer Rattler. Ross Jackson, the host of the Locked On Saints podcast, says head coach Kellen Moore’s decision to bench Rattler in-game was surprising.

Cut 18 (15)  “…with the change.”

The New Orleans Pelicans are in Denver tonight to face the Nuggets at 8 p.m. Zion Williamson is questionable with a left foot bone contusion and could miss his second straight game.

Southern interim head coach Fred McNair announced that junior quarterback Ashton Strother will be the starter for the rest of the season. Strother has thrown for 626 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. The Jaguars travel to Arkansas on Saturday at 2 p.m. to face Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

In his first news conference following his appointment as interim head football coach of the LSU Tigers, Frank Wilson said he’s excited for the challenge.

Cut 13 (11)  “…prepare yourself for.”

Wilson says LSU will run the ball more. The Tigers are last in the Southeastern Conference in rush offense. Wilson also says Garrett Nussmeier will remain the team’s starting quarterback.

Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall is expected to be one of the top candidates for the LSU head coaching position, but he says he’s committed to being with the Green Wave.

Cut 16 (18) “…guys know that.”

 

Saints rookie Tyler Shough will start at quarterback for New Orleans when they visit the L-A Rams. Shough replaces an ineffective Rattler and Ross Jackson, host of the Locked on Saints Podcast, says Shough is going to have to successful in a few specific parts of his game if he wants to break out…

Cut 20 (13) “….have to do”

Southeastern Louisiana will host East Texas A-and-M on Saturday. S-L-U Coach Frank Scelfo is impressed with the Lions linebackers…

Cut 30 (20) “…and T-F-Ls”

10:30 LRN Newscast

The special session could end today as the House is poised to approve Republican backed legislation that would move next year’s federal primary election from April to May. Democrats do not have the votes to stop the change to the election cycle, but they’ve been vocal in their opposition. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle believes there’s a push to move the dates back so Republicans can re-draw a new Congressional map with only one Black majority district instead of two, after the Supreme Court rules the current map is unconstitutional.

Cut 8 (11) “…and draw maps.”

A breezy and cool morning across Louisiana today and we’ll see morning lows in the 40s the rest of the work week and LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we are looking at a cool Halloween on Friday…

Cut 12 (09) “…keep them warm”

 

New Orleans native, St Aug grad, and longtime assistant coach Frank Wilson addressed the media yesterday for the first time as interim head coach of the LSU Tigers…

Cut 14 (10) “…so love”

Tulane football coach Jon Sumrall addressed the LSU coaching vacancy. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

The legislative special session could end today as House Republicans are expected to vote for a plan that would push back next year’s party primary elections from April to May. Democrats are against the effort, because they say this is part of an effort to eliminate one of the two Black majority districts as part of a nationwide effort to give Republicans more seats in the U-S House. Listen to this exchange between Baton Rouge Democrat Denise Marcelle and Port Allen Republican Caleb Kleinpeter…

Cut 10 (18) “…wouldn’t be here”

The Louisiana Senate is expected to give approval today to a resolution that calls for the Louisiana Department of Health to provide funding so that SNAP recipients continue to receive their benefits in November, despite the federal government shutdown.

State Representative Julie Emerson of Carencro is the latest entrance into next year’s U-S Senate race, seeking to unseat fellow Republican Bill Cassidy. Emerson says her record in the state legislature shows she can get things done…

Cut 5 (11) “…had bipartisan support”

Cassidy says while Emerson and all other challengers tout their conservative credentials, he has actually proven them in Washington…

Cut 7 (08) “….with President Trump”

Longtime LSU assistant coach Frank Wilson met with the media yesterday for the first time as interim head coach of the Tigers. Wilson says he’s embracing the opportunity to lead the Fighting Tigers…

Cut 15 (09) “….university extremely well”

6:45 LRN Sportscast October 29

I’m Jeanne Burns This Louisiana Radio Network sportscast is brought to you by Quit With Us Louisiana…Quitting tobacco isn’t easy. Quit with US Louisiana can help. Call 1-800 Quit-Now.

New Orleans native, St Aug grad, and longtime assistant coach Frank Wilson addressed the media yesterday for the first time as interim head coach of the LSU Tigers…

Cut 14 (10) “…so love”

Wilson says his message to the team….finish what we started. The Tigers have four games left in the regular season, and their next game is a week from Saturday against Alabama.

Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall’s name has surfaced as a leading candidate to be the next head coach at LSU. But Sumrall says his focus is on beating U-T-S-A on Thursday night…

Cut 17 (11) “..,fully”

The Saints have announced that rookie Tyler Shough will make his first NFL start on Sunday when New Orleans visits the Los Angeles Rams. Host of Locked on Saints podcast, Ross Jackson, says this is a golden opportunity for Shough to prove to the coaching staff that he can be the franchise’s quarterback of the future…

Cut 19 (21) “….building around him”

ESPN’s Football Power Index projects the Saints will have the second pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Tennessee is in line to get the number one pick. The Titans, the Saints, and the Jets are all 1-and-7.

The Pelicans are still searching for their first win; they are 0-3. New Orleans is at Denver tonight. Zion Williamson is day-to-day with a foot injury.

LRN AM Newscall October 29

With State Representative Julie Emerson now the fifth Republican to mount a primary challenge against Senator Bill Cassidy, the Republican says he’s not worried about his political future. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The special session may end today. Jeff Palermo reports a bill to move the federal election primaries back from April to May is one vote away from final legislative passage.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Tulane football coach Jon Sumrall addressed the LSU coaching vacancy. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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State Representative Julie Emerson announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate Monday morning, running for the seat currently held by Bill Cassidy. The Carencro representative says while she views herself as a staunch conservative, she also sees herself as a consensus-builder.

Cut 4 (07) “…skills to work.”

Emerson says she has proven that she can work across the aisle to pass bipartisan legislation.

Cut 5 (11) “…had bipartisan support (2x).”

Emerson is the fifth prominent Republican to mount a primary challenge against Cassidy, who says he welcomes the additional competition and the political attacks that will come with it.

Cut 6 (05) “…plan on winning.”

Cassidy says while Emerson and all other challengers tout their conservative credentials, he has actually proven them in Washington.

Cut 7 (08) “…with President Trump.”

So far, no Democrat has announced his or her candidacy for the U.S. Senate race.

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The special session could end today as the House is poised to approve legislation that would move next year’s federal primary election from April to May. Democrats do not have the votes to stop the change to the election cycle, but they’ve been vocal in their opposition. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle believes there’s a push to move the dates back so Republicans can re-draw a new Congressional map with only one Black majority district instead of two, after the Supreme Court rules the current map is unconstitutional.

Cut 8 (11) “…and draw maps.”

The bill is by Port Allen Senator Caleb Kleinpeter, and he was asked how the state will explain why the primary election dates were pushed back a month. Kleinpeter says the answer is simple.

Cut 9 (07)  “…back four weeks.”

Marcelle asked Kleinpeter that if the Supreme Court ruled the Congressional map unconstitutional, could he support a new map with Black majority districts?

Cut 10 (18) “…wouldn’t be here.”

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If you haven’t left the house yet this morning, you should plan on putting on at least a lightweight jacket. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re in for the coldest temperatures so far this season today.

Cut 11 (11) “…pretty much statewide.”

Keim says that’s the way it’s going to be for the rest of the week right into Halloween night. The good thing is, you won’t have to put a poncho on your little ghouls and goblins – but a jacket might be appropriate.

Cut 12 (09) “…keep them warm.”

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LSU football fans, get used to the name Frank Wilson. He’s going to be the team’s head coach for the remainder of the season. He was appointed interim head coach Sunday after the school fired Brian Kelly after almost four seasons at the helm. During his first news conference following his appointment, Wilson said he’s excited for the challenge.

Cut 13 (11)  “…prepare yourself for.”

Wilson says he will work to lead LSU to a strong finish to the season.

Cut 14 (10) “…we so love.”

Wilson says he’s not thinking into the future, whether he would be considered for the full-time vacancy. He says when he was asked to serve as head coach for the remainder of the season, he jumped at the opportunity.

Cut 15 (09) “…university extremely well.”

To say that Wilson’s first test is a difficult one is putting is very mildly. Following a bye week, LSU heads to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama.

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Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall addressed the coaching carousel when he met with the media on Tuesday. Sumrall is expected to be one of the top candidates for the LSU head coaching position, but he says he’s committed to being with the Green Wave.

Cut 16 (18) “…guys know that.”

As a head coach, Sumrall has a record of 38-and-10 with Troy and Tulane. Sumrall is not fazed or distracted by the mentions of his name in the coaching searches and says he’s locked in on playing UTSA on Thursday.

Cut 17 (11) “…my focus, fully.”

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Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough (“shuck”) has been named the starter for the Saints moving forward after the recent struggles of Spencer Rattler. Ross Jackson, the host of the Locked On Saints podcast, says head coach Kellen Moore’s decision to bench Rattler in-game was surprising.

Cut 18 (15)  “…with the change.”

Jackson says Sunday’s game against the Rams is a golden opportunity for Shough to prove to the coaching staff that he can be the future quarterback of the franchise.

Cut 19 (21) “…building around him.”

Jackson says Shough is going to have to be successful in a few specific parts of his game if he wants to break out.

Cut 20 (13) “…have to do.”