16:30 LRN Newscast October 24

The Interior Department plans to put nearly 77-million acres in the Gulf of Mexico on sale for energy companies to perform oil and gas development. It would be the largest oil and gas lease sale in U-S history. A lease sale last August drew a lukewarm response from energy producers.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Kenner Representative Julie Stokes speaks out about her current battle with the disease…:
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Former LSU standout Alex Bregman is at third base tonight for the Astros in Game One of the World Series against the Dodgers. He played shortstop for LSU, and Coach Paul Maineri says Bregman is so talented, he could play any position…:
Cut 7 (12) “work ethic”
The best of seven series begins in Los Angeles.

The National Retail Federation expects Halloween spending to reach a record 9.1 billion dollars this year. Ana Serafin Smith with the NRF says adults are spending on average 46-dollars on costumes alone…:
Cut 4 (07) “or pets”
Smith says on average consumers are expected to spend $86.13 on halloween festiviites that’s up from 83-dollars last year.

15:30 LRN Newscast October 24

An 18-year-old and 26-year-old man have been arrested in a shooting that wounded two young girls in Natchitoches. Tyrease Evans and Demario Davis are facing charges of attempted first degree murder. Natchitoches Police spokesperson Kelly Parks says multiple subjects were shooting at each other in the area of Reba Street on Sunday afternoon…
cut 16 (09) “…the hospital”
The two children have been released and are expected to fully recover.

State Representative Julie Stokes of Kenner says she’s doing well as she continues undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Stokes says she was nervous to try new types of drugs to treat her cancer….
cut 11 (10) “…my life”
Stokes learned of her breast cancer diagnoses in the summer and had to drop out of the state treasurer’s race.

George Strait will headline Bayou Country Superfest in 2018…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The National Retail Federation anticipates Halloween spending will reach a record nine-point one billion dollars. Spokesperson Ana Serafin Smith says the most popular costumes are super heroes for boys and princesses for girls, followed by animals. She says parents have similiar tastes…
cut 5 (07) “…costumes”
Offers-dot-com says 27-percent of Louisianaians plan to dress up their pets for Halloween.

LRN PM Newscall October 24

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Kenner Representative Julie Stokes speaks out about her current battle with the disease. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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George Strait will headline Bayou Country Superfest in 2018. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The National Retail Federation expects Halloween spending to reach a record 9.1 billion dollars this year. Ana Serafin Smith with the NRF says people are expected to spend more than ever this year on pet costumes for their cats and dogs. She says the number one outfit  for furry friends is a pumpkin.

Cut 3 (10) “consecutively grow”

Over half of Louisianans will be passing out candy or trick-or-treating this Halloween according to a survey by offers.com. Smith says consumers are expected to spend on average $86 on candy, decorations and costumes, up from 83-dollars  last Halloween. She says adults will spend 46-dollars on costumes alone.

Cut 4  (07) “or pets” 

Louisianans favorite candy this year is Reese’s, according to offers.com. Smith says the biggest costumes for children are action super heroes for boys and princesses for girls, followed by animals like cats, dogs, and monkeys. She says parents are also following these trends.

Cut 5  (07)  “costumes”

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Most LSU fans will root for the Houston Astros in the World Series, which starts tonight in Los Angeles. The Stros starting third baseman is former LSU standout Alex Bregman. Bregman recently said LSU prepared him for this moment, something LSU baseball coach Paul Maineri says doesn’t surprise him…

Cut 6 (08)  “the greatest.”

Bregman played at shortstop for the Tigers, but changed positions after joining the Astros in 2016.  Maineri says Bregman is so talented, he could play any position…

Cut 7 (12) “work ethic.”

The Tigers coach says he has stayed in close contact with Bregman, especially during this post-season.  Maineri always assures him he is a great baseball player…

Cut 8 (11) “every day..”

Bregman batted .284 this year with 19 home runs, hitting two more round trippers in the post season. _________________________________________________________

Kenner Representative Julie Stokes says her treatment for breast cancer is going well as she goes through 5-months of chemotherapy treatment, which forced her to drop out of the race for State Treasurer. Stokes says she is now in her second round of treatment, which is more intense, but the results so far are positive.

Cut 9 (08) “big deal” 

Stokes receives treatment at the Oschner Cancer Institute. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Stokes says this is a great opportunity to share her story about the disease. The business woman, mother and legislator says didn’t take her lump all that seriously when she first discovered it, because she had no history of breast cancer and she was in the middle of the busy legislative session.

Cut 10 (11) “for me”

One in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer. Stokes says even if you think it’s nothing, get checked, because she’s fighting for her life right now. She says she was extremely nervous to try new types of drugs to treat her cancer.

Cut 11 (10) “my life” 

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The lineup for the 2018 Bayou Country Superfest has been announced, and the big name next Memorial Day weekend is none other than George Strait. The show will be May 27th inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome. BCS Producer Quint Davis says it’s huge that they were able to get The King of Country:

Cut 12 (10) “Germany”

Strait will be the headliner that Sunday night after country music fans hear from Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, and Midland. The BCS weekend kicks off Friday, May 25th with a new tradition, a huge fireworks show on the Mississippi River. A free concert will be held the next day at Champions Square. Davis on the decision to put all the big acts in one night…:

Cut 13 (10)  “last year”

Tickets go on sale November 2nd at 10am at BayouCountrySuperfest.com. Bayou Country Superfest is Strait’s only scheduled festival appearance of the year. BCS drew about 60,000 fans over three days in 2017, and Davis says next year they wanted to have a packed house on one special night..:

Cut 14 (09) “where it will grow”

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Natchitoches Police arrest two men in connection with Sunday’s shooting that wounded a five-year-old and three-year-old child. Police spokesperson Kelly Parks says both men are in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center….

Cut 15 (13) “first-degree murder”

Authorities have not said what led to the shooting. Parks says multiple subjects were shooting at each other in the area of Reba Street on Sunday afternoon…

Cut 16  (09)  “to the hospital”

The two little girls shot have been released from the hospital and they are expected to fully recover.

11:40 LRN Sportscast October 24

The Saints have a four-game winning streak heading into Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. New Orleans is coming off a 26-17 win over the Green Bay Packers, but head coach Sean Payton says mistakes were made that could have resulted in a loss…
cut 18 (22) “…certain looks”
The Saints may have to do more shuffling on their offensive line as NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports starting right guard Larry Warford could miss the next several weeks with an abdominal strain. Senio Kelemete replaced Warford after he went down with an injury.

Game one of the world series is tonight. Former LSU standout Alex Bregman will likely start at third base for the Astros and bat towards the top of the line-up as the Dodgers will send lefty ace Clayton Kershaw to the hill. First pitch is just after 7 PM.

The Pelicans look to even up their record at 2-and-2 on the season as they visit Portland. The Trail Blazers are 2-and-1 and they lead the NBA in three-point percentage shooting at 49-percent. Anthony Davis is averaging 32 points and 17 rebounds a game.

Former LSU standout Ben Simmons had his first triple-double of his young career as the 76ers dribbled past the Pistons 97-86. Simmonds had 21 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

16:30 LRN Newscast October 23

Famed New Orleans Chef John Besh steps down from the restaurant company he founded amid a sexual harassment investigation…
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Point Coupee Parish is drying out after receiving a foot of rain yesterday. Sheriff Bud Torres says about 50 people in the New Roads area were displaced as a result of flooding, some for the second time in over a year…
Cut 3 (10) “sub divisions.”
Torres says a a disaster declaration has been filed for the parish president to sign.

Gas prices have been on a slow decline over the last three weeks and the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.22. A year ago, the statewide average was $2.09. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says OPEC meets next month and if they decide to cut back on oil production, it could cause gas prices to drop even more in the United States….
cut 13 (13) “…considerably cheaper”
Singer and former child actor Corey Feldman was charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession and driving with a suspended license in Richland Parish. Mangham Police Chief Perry Fleming says cops pulled over Feldman on Saturday who was driving an RV…
Cut 6 (10) “possession of marijuana”
Feldman was released after paying a fine.

LRN PM Newscall October 23

A second bacterial strain may have made more people sick after eating jambalaya at a charity event in Caldwell Parish last week.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Famed New Orleans Chef John Besh steps down from the restaurant company he founded amid a sexual harassment investigation. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Point Coupee Parish is drying out after recording a foot of rain yesterday. The heavy rainfall caused flooding due to already over saturated waterways and levees.  Sheriff Bud Torres says as waters continued to rise, about 50 people in the New Roads area were displaced – some for the second time in just over a year…

Cut 3 (10) “sub divisions.”

The heavy rain caused travel issues on Sunday.  Sheriff Torres says one main bridge on Highway 413 has been shut down indefinitely…

Cut 4  (11) “and water” 

Sheriff Torres says Parish leaders are working on a solution that will protect residents in some troublesome neighborhoods, but it involves relocation…

Cut 5  (07)  “that community”

Flood damage is also reported in East Feliciana Parish where 20 boat rescues were conducted where about six inches of rain fell.

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Singer and former child actor Corey Feldman was charged with weed possession in the northeast Louisiana town of Mangham . Feldman and members of his crew, who were also charged, were in town for a gig in Monroe. Mangham Police Chief Perry Fleming says cops pulled over an RV driven by Feldman Saturday…:

Cut 6 (10)  “possession of marijuana”

Because the charges weren’t felonies, the celebrity was able to pay the $640 fine rather than posting bond. Feldman sent out a Tweet regarding the incident and said someone he was with had a prescription for medical marijuana out of California, but there no “street drugs” in the vehicle. Fleming says it was a minor incident..:

Cut 7 (03) “he’s done”

Feldman called the traffic stop “a bit of a shakedown” and claimed the officers asked for pictures and autographs afterwards.

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A second bacteria has been identified in connection with a salmonella outbreak in Caldwell Parish.  Public Officer of Health for Central Louisiana Dr. David Holcombe says both bacteria’s added to the severity of symptoms people got after eating jambalaya at a charity softball game last week…

Cut 8 (12) “so severe.”

Holcombe says testing is underway to determine which foods were contaminated, which is a complex process due to the amount and type of food that was prepared…

Cut 9 (09) “all uncommon” 

Over 300 ate the contaminated food. 149 were diagnosed with gastrointestinal illness, 37 of whom were admitted to the hospital.  Dr. Holcombe says they are still determining if a fatality is connected to the outbreak…

Cut 10 (09) “the autospy.”

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Gas prices are on a slow decline, but motorists are still paying more than they did at this time last year. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the statewide average price for regular gasoline is $2.22….

Cut 11 (07) “march down” 

A year ago the statewide average was $2.09. Redman says expect gas prices to decline towards that figure as the weeks go by…

Cut 12 (10) “$2.10 a gallon” 

Nationally, the average price at the pump has fallen for 15 of the last 20 days. Redman says OPEC meets next month and if they decide to cut back on oil production, it could cause gas prices to drop in the United States

Cut 13 (13)  “considerably cheaper”

11:40 LRN Sportscast October 23

According to ESPN Stats and Info, the Saints are the first team in history to win four straight games after starting the season 0-2. New Orleans won its fourth straight yesterday beating Green Bay 26-17. The Black and Gold are 4-and-2 and in first place in the NFC South with a winnable game coming up this Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Head Coach Sean Payton on the position of his team…
cut 20 (16) “….this game”
The Bears have won two in a row as they defeated Carolina 17-3, even though Chicago threw the ball only seven times yesterday.

The Pelicans caputured their first win of the season last night as New Orleans held off the Lakers 119-112. Anthony Davis had 27 points, 17 rebounds, three steals and three blocked shots.

LSU’s Derrius Guice is the first running back in the SEC history to rush for over 250 yards in three different games. Guice had 276 yards and one touchdown in Saturday’s 40-24 victory over Ole Miss. Head Coach Ed Orgeron say he was anticipating a big game from his superstar back…
Cut 17 (15) “we did”
LSU is off this Saturday and the Tigers will play Alabama on November 4th.

The Bulldogs will look to rebound at Rice this Saturday after a tough home loss to Southern Miss. La Tech led by eight points with 1:23 left in regulation, but lost to the Golden Eagles 34-27 in double overtime.

Grambling has won seven in a row as the Tigers defeated Alcorn State 41-14. Devante Kincade threw for 268 yards and two scores and linebacker De’Arius Christmas had 14 tackles, a sack and forced fumble and both players were named SWAC Players of the Week.

LRN AM Newscall October 23

The National Young Driver Survey shows the number of teens involved in fatal car crashes has dropped 53-percent in Louisiana over the last 10 years. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Republican state Treasurer candidate says he wants to look out for Louisiana, but he needs the voters to get out on November 18. Kelley Ray has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Louisiana’s Republican congressional delegation says its goal is to pass a tax reform bill this year that will lead to lower taxes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3   (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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This past weekend’s cold front has brought even cooler temperatures to Louisiana.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says it really feels like fall today…

Cut 4  (09) “beautiful day.”

Keim says this is just the start to what will be a relief from the above normal temperatures we saw last week…

Cut 5  (13)  “the 70s.”

Keim says we will run a little cooler than normal for this time of year, but it will warm up in time for the weekend. Keim says once we turn the corner we will go into a warming trend with temperatures climbing back above normal by the end of the week.

Cut 6 (10) “our tigers”

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The number of teens involved in fatal car crashes went down 53-percent in Louisiana over a ten-year period from 2005 to 2015. That’s according to the National Young Driver Survey. State Farm spokesperson Kip Diggs says car crashes are the number one killer of teenagers. He says the biggest contributing factor to the decrease is graduated driver’s licensing laws.

Cut 7 (10)  “to 18”

Diggs says the roads aren’t as dangerous because kids have more restrictions like cell phone and nighttime driving restrictions. He says this has led to parents being more involved in the driving process.

Cut 8 (10) “the phone”

Diggs says with the improvements with seat belts and vehicles, he expects this number of fatal crashes with drivers of all ages to go down. He says it all starts with adding more steps before teens can get a driver’s license.

Cut 9 (09)  “the road”

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The two candidates in the State Treasurer’s runoff face the challenge of getting people out to vote in the November 18 election. Former state representative John Schroder is up against Democrat Derrick Edwards. Schroder knows another low turnout election is coming.

Cut 10 (13)  “attracted to.”

Just over 13 percent of registered voters participated in the October 14th election. Schroder says if elected, he’ll push for smaller state government.

Cut 11 (12) “public trust.”

The former Covington Representative served the last ten years in the state legislature. He says in that time, the financial scene has changed and could necessitate differences in the way the Treasurer’s office dictates future budgets and how revenues are generated.

Cut 12 (09) “more taxes”

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The Louisiana Republican congressional delegation believes tax reform legislation can be passed this year. U.S. Senator John Kennedy says a bill has yet to be drafted, but he supports an across the board personal income tax cut, starting with the middle class…

Cut 13 (11) “go up.”  (2x)

Congressman Clay Higgins from St. Landry Parish says Republicans are also pushing to simplify the tax code, so that most taxpayers can file their taxes on one sheet of paper…

Cut 14 (07) “very simply.”

Will there be a roadblock put up by Democrats?  Senior Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says President Trump has indicated he is willing to make some concessions to see this tax proposal become reality…

Cut 15 (10) “class families.”

Cassidy says no matter how the tax reform package passes, getting it done quick is of up most importance to Republicans…

Cut 16  (08)     “tax planning.”

The first step was taken last week when Senate Republicans passed a four-trillion-dollar budget plan, which cuts spending over the next decade by five-trillion-dollars.

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LSU’s Derrius Guice is the first running back in the SEC history to rush for over 250 yards in three different games. Guice had 276 yards and one touchdown in Saturday’s 40-24 victory over Ole Miss. Head Coach Ed Orgeron say he was anticipating a big game from his superstar back…

Cut 17 (15)  “we did”

The victory moved LSU’s record to 6-2, 3-1 in the SEC. They get a week off before they play top ranked Alabama in Tuscaloosa on November 4th. Orgeron says his guys will be ready… 

Cut 18 (19) “ready to go” 

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The Saints overcame a few 1st half mistakes to win their fourth straight a 26-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees bounced back from two first half interceptions and ended up throwing for 331 yards. Mark Ingram rushed for 105 yards and a score. Head Coach Sean Payton is glad they pulled out the victory despite the early turnovers…

Cut 19 (10) significant“

The Saints have won four straight and they’ve moved to the top of the standings in the NFC South, with a winnable game coming up this Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Payton on the position of his team…

cut 20 (16)  “this game” 

 

10:30 LRN Newscast October 21

Employment numbers released by the Louisiana Workforce Commission find the state has added nearly 15-thousand non-farm jobs over the last last year. And the state’s unemployment rate has dropped slightly to five-point-one percent. The leisure and hospitality sector continues to be one of the fastest growing job sectors.

A federal lawsuit has been filed to stop the removal of a Confederate monument at the Caddo Parish Courthouse. The legal action comes after the Caddo Parish Commission voted to remove the statue from where it currently stands. Commissioner Louis Johnson voted for the monument’s removal and he says he can’t control what the courts will do…
cut 9 (09) “…respect and integrity…
The lawsuit was filed by the Shreveport Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, which owns the monument and they claim the statute is on private property.

After a pair of victories over teams ranked in the Top 25, LSU visits Ole Miss tonight. The Tigers are looking for their first win in Oxford since 2011. The Rebels are coming off their first SEC win, a 57-35 victory over Vanderbilt. Kick-off is at 6:15.

Two big games in Lincoln Parish. At two o’ clock, Grambling hosts Alcorn State in a matchup of the two best teams in the SWAC and tonight Southern Miss visits Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs need to win to stay alive for a Conference USA western division title.

The Saints look for their first four game winning streak since 2013 when they visit the Green Bay Packers tomorrow. The Saints have forced nine turnovers in the prior three games and have found their running game. Quarterback Drew Brees says the team is heading in the right direction…
Cut 11 (11) “bit more.”
Kickoff is at noon.

09:30 LRN Newscast October 21

The state health department now reports 125 cases of gastrointestinal illness from a chicken and sausage jambalya at a softball team’s fundraiser in Caldwell Parish. Thirty-seven people have been hospitalized. Health officials are still trying to determine if a death that was reported is associated with the salmonella outbreak. Also, health investigators have found a second bacteria associated with raw meat and poultry in stool samples from those who became ill.

The Caddo Parish Commission is facing a federal lawsuit after voting to approve the removal of a Confederate monument on the grounds of the parish courthouse. Rex Dukes has been a vocal supporter of keeping the monument where it currently stands…
cit 8 (07) “….and intergrity”
A Shreveport TV station reports a majority of the public present for Thursday’s vote were in support of the monument’s removal.

Jefferson Parish authorities have recovered the body of a Texas man who was killed Sunday in an explosion on an oil rig in Lake Pontchartrain. Interim Sheriff Joe Lopinto says 44-year-old Timothy Morrison’s body was found on the shoreline, about three miles or so from the damaged platform. The cause of the blast is still under investigation. Seven others were injured, three critically.

Robert Myer has resigned as the mayor of New Roads. Myer just reached a plea deal with prosecutors on allegations that he misused city-issued credit cards. Myer pleaded no contest to one count of malfeasance in office and must pay back the city for any outstanding balances owed for personal charges made with the city credit cards. He will avoid a year in jail.

There’s a marginal risk for severe weather in northwest Louisiana today. A strong cold front is heading towards Louisiana. Rain chances are high today and tomorrow and on Monday we’ll see high temperatures in the 70s.