LRN PM Newscall October 22nd

As the legislature gets set to debate the primary schedule for next year’s federal elections, the lieutenant governor leaves no doubt on where he stands on the issue. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a Wisconsin tourist. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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With the legislature set to debate the status of the primaries starting tomorrow, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser leaves no doubt as to where he stands on the whole thing – if it was up to him, he’d scrap the closed primaries altogether and go back to open primaries. Nungesser says closed primaries are a major reason why the political climate in this country is as bad as it’s ever been.

Cut 3 (10) “…vote for you.”

Nungesser says whereas open primaries yield a more representative government, closed primaries usually leave general election voters a choice between two extremists.

Cut 4 (13) “…are left out.”

Nearly every state in the country has party primaries for federal offices; California, Washington and Alaska are the only states in which all candidates of all parties appear on the same ballot. Nungesser says if all states followed their lead, the rhetoric would be toned down considerably on Capitol Hill, and things would actually get done for the benefit of the American people.

Cut 5 (12) “…of the country.”

Nungesser says more than 70-percent of Louisianans favor open primaries, and the legislature should listen to them and scrap the closed primaries.

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Authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a young woman from Wisconsin who was found dead on the I-10 Twin Spans in an apparent hit-and-run. St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape says Edashia Caraway was in New Orleans for the NBA Youngboy concert.

Cut 6 (12) “…second vehicle stops.”

Caraway was to have flown home Tuesday morning, instead that morning State Police responded to a report of a body on Twin Spans at approximately mile marker 26 eastbound. Tape says Caraway traveled to Louisiana alone.

Cut 7 (04) “…27th birthday” 

Tape says Caraway perished of multiple blunt force injuries due to a vehicle-versus-pedestrian impact. The manner of death is homicide from hit and run. The coroner says State Police and other law enforcement agencies are trying to determine how she ended up on the Twin Span…

Cut 8 (05) “…of peoples.”

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Poverty among children in Louisiana is on the rise. The group Agenda for Children says the poverty rate among children in Louisiana is 19-percent – currently the highest in the country. That’s also far above the national average of 13-percent. Data and Research Director Teresa Falgoust (FAAL-goo) says economic factors are a major reason behind the spike, especially when it comes to attachments to the labor force.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Louisiana as well.”

Falgoust says the lack of affordability of child care is another reason why so many kids in Louisiana live in poverty today.

Cut 10 (13) “…economic well-being.”

Falgoust says living in poverty will often lead to other adverse effects for kids as they get older, so it’s very important that the cycle of poverty be broken. 

Cut 11 (09) “…et cetera.”

Agenda for Children says rising prices and the expiration of pandemic-era policies have plunged an additional 80-thousand kids into poverty in Louisiana in the last three years.

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The Louisiana Tech football team rallied back from a 13-point halftime deficit but lost to Western Kentucky 28-27 in double overtime. The Bulldogs got back into the game when Devin Gandy returned a kick to start the second half for a touchdown, but the Bulldogs could not score touchdowns on two trips to the Red Zone in the fourth quarter. Coach Sonny Cumbie…

Cut 12 (12) “…boils down too.”

The Bulldogs are now 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Conference USA. Tech has lost two in a row, but defensive back Cedric Woods from Monroe says the adversity they are facing will only make them stronger…

Cut 13 (12)  “…help us grow.”

Tech’s next game is against Sam Houston on Halloween night .

2:30 LRN Newscast

With the legislature set to debate pushing the dates back for next year’s party primaries , Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser leaves no doubt as to where he stands – if it was up to him, he’d scrap the closed primaries altogether and go back to open primaries. Nungesser says closed primaries are a major reason why the political climate is as bad as it’s ever been.

Cut 3 (10) “…vote for you.”

The federal elections next year will be a party primary and legislators are looking to push them back a month, because the Supreme Court could rule the current Congressional map as unconstitutional.

A tourist from Wisconsin was found dead on the I-10 Twin Span Tuesday morning. 26-year-old Edashia Carway was in New Orleans for the NBA Youngboy concert. St. Tammany Parish coroner Christopher Tape says The manner of death is homicide from hit and run. The coroner says State Police and other law enforcement agencies are trying to determine how she ended up on the Twin Span…

Cut 8 (05) “…of peoples.”

The trip to New Orleans was a birthday gift from her family as she was set to turn 27 today.

The group Agenda for Children says the poverty rate among children in Louisiana is 19-percent – currently the highest in the country. The national average is 13-percent. Data and Research Director Teresa Falgoust says living in poverty will often lead to other adverse effects for kids as they get older, so it’s very important that the cycle of poverty be broken.

Cut 11 (09) “…et cetera.”

A starter on LSU’s defense last season is no longer on the football team…

Cut 28 (08) “…no longer on the roster”

That’s LSU Coach Brian Kelly on today’s SEC coaches teleconference. Ashton Stamps started every game at cornerback last season, but has been a back-up this season.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Third ranked Texas A&M is coming off a 45-42 win over Arkansas and heads into Baton Rouge still unbeaten. Coach Mike Elko says the Aggies have to play way better on defense against LSU if they want to stay undefeated.

Cut 16 (22) “…that last week.”

LSU Coach Brian Kelly confirmed today that cornerback Ashton Stamps is no longer on the team. The former Rummel star was a starter last season, but PJ Williams passed him up on the depth chart.

The Pelicans are hoping to stay away from the injury bug, they start a new season tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies. New Orleans went 21-61 last year.

 

The Louisiana Tech football team rallied back from a 13-point halftime deficit but lost to Western Kentucky 28-27 in double overtime. The Bulldogs got back into the game when Devin Gandy returned a kick to start the second half for a touchdown, but the Bulldogs could not score touchdowns on two trips to the Red Zone in the fourth quarter. Coach Sonny Cumbie…

Cut 12 (12) “…boils down too”

The Bulldogs are now 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Conference USA.

Fred McNair has taken over as interim head coach at Southern for the fired Terrance Graves. Southern hosts Florida A-and-M this Saturday and this is McNair’s message to Jaguar nation…

Cut 20 (18) “…to win”

10:30 LRN Newscast

The National Retail Federation expects Halloween spending to reach a record 13-billion dollars this year. That’s up from the 11.6 billion from last year.  N-R-F spokesperson Katherine Cullen says Halloween resonates with consumers of all ages…

Cut 6 (12) “…last year”

Candy continues to be the most popular purchase.

BESE has created the Artificial Intelligence Committee. A group of education, technology, business and policy leaders that will look at how to expand AI integration in Louisiana classrooms and workforce development programs. Louisiana Tech president Doctor Jim Henderson chairs the new committee and says one of the major goals is to determine how Louisiana schools can prepare students for an AI-driven economy.

Cut 14 (09) “…impact everybody’s life.”

 

If you have a creative way to urge people not to drive while distracted, Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers wants to hear from you. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The F-A-A is investigating two separate fatal plane crashes that occurred in Louisiana that killed a total of four people. In Lafayette Parish, three people from Texas died when a plane went down near Gloria Switch Road and LA Highway 93. A few hours later, another plane went down in Jackson Parish near the Ruston Airport, killing the pilot, the sole occupant of the plane.

9:30 LRN Newscast

BESE has created the Artificial Intelligence Committee. It’s a working group of education, technology, business, and policy leaders that will look at how to expand AI integration in Louisiana classrooms and workforce development programs. Louisiana Tech president Doctor Jim Henderson chairs the new committee and says they want to see how AI can enhance teaching and empower students.

Cut 13 (11)  “…high level things.”

Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers is once again offering scholarship money to students who produce compelling videos urging people not to drive while distracted. Marketing coordinator Hannah Cutrer says in years past, the contest was open to high school students; this year, the eligibility requirements are expanded…

Cut 8 (09) “….college in Louisiana”

The deadline for submissions is December 31st.

Here’s a scary thought – Americans are spending big on Halloween. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Louisiana Tech lost in overtime to Western Kentucky last night, 27-20. The Bulldogs are now 0-6 in overtime games with Sonny Cumbie as their head coach. The Pelicans begin a new season tonight as they visit Memphis. It’s year seven for former number one pick Zion Williamson, and he’s yet to play in a postseason game.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

In college football last night, Louisiana Tech rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit only to lose in double overtime to Western Kentucky 28-27. The Bulldogs started their rally with a trick play on the opening kick of the second half, as Clay Thevenin received the kick and threw it across the field to Devin Gandy who ran 85 yards for a score. But settling for two field goals in the fourth quarter came back to hurt Tech in the end.

The Pelicans tip off a new season tonight as New Orleans travels to Memphis to face the Grizzlies. Coach Willie Green is expecting big things from Zion Williamson and wants to see a full, healthy season for him.

Cut 17 (17) “…in this league.”

Williamson played in only 30 games last year.

LSU is 5-2 heading into Saturday’s game against undefeated Texas A&M. The Tigers also have road trips to Alabama and Oklahoma on the schedule. How many games do the Tigers need to win for Brian Kelly to keep his job? Tiger Rag Editor Glen Guilbeau…

Cut 27 (11) “…to name two.

It will cost LSU 53-million dollars to fire Kelly at the end of the season and buyout the remaining six years left on his contract.

Fred McNair has taken over as interim head coach at Southern for the fired Terrance Graves. Southern hosts Florida A-and-M this Saturday and this is McNair’s message to Jaguar nation…

Cut 20 (18) “…to win”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU’s offensive line has struggled to be dominant in the trenches and win the line of scrimmage. After the 31-24 loss to Vanderbilt, Head Coach Brian Kelly says that the entire unit needs to play with more physicality moving forward, especially with number-three Texas A&M coming to Baton Rouge this weekend.

Cut 16 (18) “…got out there.”

Louisiana Tech hosts Western Kentucky in a pivotal matchup tonight at 6:30 p.m. Head coach Sonny Cumbie is looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd.

CUT 17 (15): “the conference.”

Southern has fired head coach Terrance Graves after leading the team to a 1-6 record to start the season. Graves finishes with a 9-11 record in his two years with the program. The Jaguars have named former Alcorn State head coach and current co-offensive coordinator Fred McNair as the interim head coach. In McNair’s eight years with the Braves, he had a 48-33 record. McNair’s debut as the interim head coach will be on Saturday in Baton Rouge at 4 p.m. against Florida A&M University.

Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler turned it over four times in Sunday’s 26-14 loss to the Bears. Head coach Kellen Moore says despite that poor performance, Rattler will remain as the starting quarterback while backup Tyler Shough continues to develop.

CUT 21 (17): “get better”

The Saints return to New Orleans to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at 3:05 p.m.

4:30 LRN Newscast October 21

Two plane crashes occurred in Louisiana today, killing four people. A small aircraft went down around 11 o’ clock this morning near Gloria Switch Road and Louisiana Highway 93. And hours later, one person died in a plane crash in wooded area of Jackson Parish, about five miles away from the Ruston airport.

Children’s advocates are sounding the alarm with no end in sight to the federal government shutdown. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

 

The State Fire Marshal’s office says four people died, including a ten-year-old boy, in two separate fires that took place over the weekend. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick says three people died in a blaze in Avoyelles Parish and a 70-year-old man was killed Sunday night in a fire in Houma. Pastorick says the cause of the fires is not known…

Cut 13 (08) “…of these fires”

This was expected to be the smallest cotton crop in Louisiana recorded history and it has turned out to be even smaller than expected. LSU AgCenter Cotton Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says low prices and concerns about severe storms or drought damaging the crop scared many farmers away from planting cotton…

Cut 9 (13)  “…this year.”

LRN PM Newscall October 21

Children’s advocates are sounding the alarm with no end in sight to the federal government shutdown. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Two disappointing losses on the road for the LSU football team, and Coach Brian Kelly finds himself on the hot seat in his fourth season in Tiger Town. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Children’s advocates in Louisiana are sounding the alarm amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Susan East Nelson, the executive director of the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families, says if the shutdown goes on much longer – and there’s no end in sight – some 800-thousand SNAP recipients might not get their benefits come November 1st.

Cut 3 (10) “…the state level.”

Nelson says the timing of all this couldn’t be any worse.

Cut 4 (13) “…meals at school.”

SNAP recipients make up almost 20-percent of Louisiana’s population. Nelson says if they don’t get those benefits on the first of the month, they will have to scramble just to put food on the table.

Cut 5 (10) “…fill the gap.”

Nelson says food pantries currently don’t even come close to having enough food for all SNAP recipients. She says for every meal they provide, SNAP provides about nine.

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The LSU football team’s 5-2 record has the Tigers coach Brian Kelly on the hot seat as the Bayou Bengals have under performed this season. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says he could see athletics director Scott Woodward firing Kelly after this season, if LSU goes 8-4 or 7-3, even though the buyout would be 53-million dollars…

Cut 6 (05) “…for football.”

When LSU moved on from Ed Orgeron in 2021, the buyout was close to 18-million dollars. Les Miles received 11-million dollars from LSU when he was let go in 2016.

LSU will not only have to spend 53-million dollars to buyout Kelly from his six remaining years left on his contract, but they’ll also have to pay tens of millions more dollars for a new coaching staff and overhauling the roster through the transfer portal. Guilbeau says it’s a lot of money, which is why the LSU athletic department is hoping Kelly can still produce a respectable season…

Cut 7 (11) “…to name two”

This was supposed to be Kelly’s best team at LSU, but Guilbeau says the coaching staff has yet to produce a championship contender…

Cut 8 (10) “…good teams.”

20th ranked LSU hosts 3rd ranked Texas A&M this Saturday night.

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This was expected to be the smallest cotton crop in Louisiana recorded history and it has turned out to be even smaller than expected. LSU AgCenter Cotton Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says low prices and concerns about severe storms or drought damaging the crop scared many farmers away from planting cotton…

Cut 9 (13)  “…this year.”

And Kerns says as expected, the price cotton farmers are getting for their crop remains low…

Cut 10 (11) “…per pound.”

But Kerns says it’s not all bad news. She says the yields have been excellent…

Cut 11 (09) “…good looking cotton.”

The LSU Ag Center says cotton yields averaged just over one-thousand pounds per acre last year and this year’s crop should meet or exceed that number.

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Four people are dead in a pair of house fires in Louisiana over the weekend. Ken Pastorick with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says one happened Saturday morning in Hessmer, in Avoyelles Parish.

Cut 12 (04) “…ten-year-old boy.”

(The fire killed a 58-year-old man, a 47-year-old woman and a ten-year-old boy.) The other fire happened late Sunday night in Houma, in which a 70-year-old man was killed, while his brother suffered serious injuries. Pastorick says the causes of these fires are unknown at this time.

Cut 13 (08)  “…of these fires.”

Pastorick says these fires underscore the sheer importance of always having working smoke detectors in your home.

Cut 14 (06) “…at this time.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

Concern is growing that if the federal government shutdown continues into November, SNAP recipients will not receive their full benefits for November. SNAP recipients make up almost 20-percent of Louisiana’s population. Executive director of the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families, Susan East Nelson says if they don’t get those benefits on the first of the month, they will have to scramble just to put food on the table.

Cut 5 (10) “…fill the gap.”

LSU football coach Brian Kelly is under intense pressure from the fan base after losing to Vanderbilt on Saturday. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says the coaching staff is not doing its job…

Cut 8 (10) “…good teams”

20th ranked LSU hosts 3rd ranked Texas A&M this Saturday night.

 

State Fire Marshal’s office says four people died, including a ten-year-old boy, in two separate fires that took place over the weekend. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick says three people died in a blaze in Avoyelles Parish and 70-year-old man was killed Sunday night in a fire in Houma. Pastorick says the cause of the fires is not known…

Cut 13 (08) “…of these fires”

The LSU Ag Center projects that Louisiana farmers will produce less than 100-thousand acres of cotton this year, which would the smallest yield in recorded history for Louisiana. LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says producers have moved away from cotton, because the price they are getting is low…

Cut 10 (11) “…per pound”