14:30 LRN Newscast November 13

Governor John Bel Edwards says Virginia-based DXC Technology will open a New Orleans office that will employ two-thousand people. Officials are calling it the single largest jobs announcement in the city’s modern history. An exact location for the facility has yet to be decided, but it will be downtown. Average salaries of for those working there will be 63-thousand dollars.

LSU Atheltics Director Joe Alleva is raising concerns about a provision in the House GOP tax bill that ends a tax deduction for donating money for the right to purchase premium seating at university sporting events. Alleva says it will likely result in fewer donations to the athletic department, resulting in less revenue…
cut 7 (11) “…the difference”
Alleva says LSU receives about 50-million dollars from this revenue stream.

Louisiana’s pecan crop is not expected to reach the original projection of 15-million pounds, but LSU AgCenter Associate Professor Charlie Graham says there will still be plenty to go around for the holiday season and at the right price. He says Pointe Coupee Parish is one area where we won’t see as many pecans as first thought….
cut 11 (10) “…so is the east”

A recent survey, finds Lousiaina residents are googling butt implants over any other plastic surgery procedure. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon at LSU Health New Orleans Doctor Oren Tessler says the bigger behind is the latest trend with celebrities, but he advises patients not to come in with a photograph of what they’d like their hind quarters to look like after surgery..
cut 4 (11) “…safe manner”

11:40 LRN Sportscast November 13

The Saints looked like Super bowl contenders yesterday as they defeated the Buffalo Bills 47-10. New Orleans rushed for 298 yards and set a franchise record with six rushing touchdowns. Even Quarterback Drew Brees had a rushing T-D…
cut 14 (14) “…a game”
The Saints have won seven straight and they are 7-2 in the league, tied with Minnesota and the Los Angeles Rams for the second best record in the NFC. Philadelphia has the best record at 8-1. New Orleans leads Carolina by one game for the division lead in the NFC South. The Panthers host Jarvis Landry and the Miami Dolphins tonight on Monday night football.

The Pelicans host the Atlanta Hawks tonight. Atlanta is just 2-and-11 on the season.

21st ranked LSU will visit Tennessee this Saturday. The Volunteers announced the firing yesterday of head coach Butch Jones. Tennessee fell to 0-6 in the SEC as they were crushed by Missouri 50-17. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says their preparation for Saturday’s game will be about LSU…
cut 17 (14) “…bit better”
The SEC announced today that LSU’s home finale against Texas A-and-M on November 25th will kick-off at 6:30 PM.

McNeese State moved to 6-2 in the Southland as the Cowboys defeated Northwestern State 44-24. Cowboys quarterback James Tabary threw three touchdown passes in the win and had 285 yards pass on the night. McNeese is at Lamar this Saturday.

Nicholls will visit Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday night. The Colonels beat Stephen F Austin 34-14 last Saturday. Freshman Tahj Smith had 177 yards rushing on 23 carries as the Colonels had 418 yards on the ground. Nicholls defensive lineman Kenny Dotson had 3.5 sacks.

LRN AM Newscall November 14

A new phone app has been created to help you keep tabs on how elected officials vote on various issues.   Jeff Palermo has more about OnPoint…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Two years from this week, Louisianans will cast their vote for the next governor of the Bayou State. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor Edwards Office says AG Jeff Landry is incorrect in saying the opioid crisis is worse due to Medicaid expansion.  Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 3  (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”  

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A new phone app called OnPoint can help you keep an eye on politicians at nearly every level of government.  Vote-Smart-dot-org National Director Walker McKusick says they have culled information on over 40-thousand politicians, including those in Louisiana. He says the OnPoint app makes it easy to identify those in your area…

Cut 4  (11) “to you.”

The app helps to bring together the hottest trending topics in politics and reviews of government positions, who holds them and how they have voted. McKusick says OnPoint gives you up to date information on what elected officials have said about various issues…

Cut 5  (10)  “their website.”

McKusick credits their non-partisanship donations in helping them to present the true facts behind every politician in Louisiana…

Cut 6 (11) “facts matter.”

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This week, two years from now, voters will cast their ballots for Louisiana’s next governor. Current Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards is planning to run again. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry could challenge Edwards and tensions between the two continue to escalate. He says expect GOP leaders to keep attacking the governor on various issues.

Cut 7 (11)  “Republicans”

Pinsonat says there’s been word that along with Landry, Congressmen Garret Graves and Steve Scalise as well as U.S. Senator John Kennedy are taking a look at the governor’s seat.

Cut 8 (11) “to be”

Pinsonat says Scalise may decide to run if the Democrats take control of the House next year. He says the governor’s mansion is attractive to Scalise, Kennedy and Graves because they don’t have to give up their seat in Congress.

Cut 9 (10)  “them runs”

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The Edwards administration disputes the claim by Attorney General Jeff Landry that the expansion of the Medicaid program has helped fuel the opioid crisis. The state health department says there are fewer pain killers on the streets in the last year and more individuals are seeking life saving substance abuse treatment.  L-D-H Chief of Staff Andrew Tuozzollo says legislation passed this year that limits first time prescriptions for opioids has been effective…

Cut 10 (06)  “per prescription.”

Tuozzollo says the total number of pills prescribed has decreased by more than 10-million doses, a three-percent reduction from the year before Medicaid expansion to the year afterwards. He says Medicaid expansion has also helped thousands get treatment for addiction to painkillers…

Cut 11 (09) “getting treatment.”

Landry asserts that hundreds of thousands of new prescriptions have been provided to Louisiana patients in the past year at almost no cost, which has exacerbated the opioid crisis. Tuozzollo says nothing could be further from the truth, as there is solid data that shows the state has been successful at limiting painkiller prescriptions:

Cut 12 (10) “Medicaid expansion”

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Complete domination. That’s the best way you can describe the Saints 47-10 beat down of the Bills in Buffalo yesterday. New Orleans had 482 yards of total offense to Buffalo’s 198 and the Saints had the ball for over 41 minutes in the game. Quarterback Drew Brees on the team’s seventh straight victory..

Cut 13 (13) “moving forward”

The Saints rushed for 298 yards and set a franchise record by scoring six rushing touchdowns. Even Brees had a rushing touchdown…

Cut 14 (14) “a game”

Mark Ingram had three touchdowns and 121 yards rushing. Rookie Alvin Kamara also broke the century mark as he rushed for 106 and a touchdown. Brees says it’s fun to watch these guys run the ball…

Cut 15 (12) “us succeed.”

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The LSU football team scored four touchdowns in the 2nd half on Saturday to beat Arkansas 33-10. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron is glad the 11 AM kick-off or last week’s loss to Alabama didn’t negatively affect his team…

Cut 16  (13)  “win the game”

LSU is now 7-3, 4-2 in the SEC and this Saturday they’ll visit a Tennessee team that was crushed by Missouri 50-17. The Vols are 0-6 in the league but Orgeron says their preparation for Saturday’s game is about LSU…

Cut 17 (14)  “bit better”

In LSU’s win over Arkansas. Quarterback Danny Etling threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns. Both of the TD passes went DJ Chark. The Alexandria native says their preparation going into the game paid off…

Cut 18 (16) “accomplish something” 

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14:30 LRN Newscast

Higher ed leaders met at the governor’s mansion to discuss ways colleges can prevent hazing and alcohol abuse involving student organizations. Governor Edwards called for the meeting after the death of an LSU fraternity pledge. Edwards says there’s already some good policies in place. LSU System president F. King Alexander says students can help in this effort to…:
Cut 14 (10) “that out”

LSU will have an early wake up call tomorrow as they host Arkansas for an 11 AM kick-off inside Death Valley. Tigers Head Coach Ed Orgeron says the morning kick-off can’t be used as an excuse not to play well…
Cut 12 (10) “on Saturday”

A Rapides Parish jury found 17-year-old Donasty Cohen guilty of manslaughter in the 2015 death of her 27-day-old baby. District Attorney Phillip Terrell says the infant’s father, 17-year-old Kenneth Anderson, is currently in jail awaiting trial. He says Cohen will be sentenced next month
Cut 10 (10) “in prison”
The coroner ruled the toddlers death a homicide due to blunt force trauma to his body and head.

There’s an estimated 600-thousand Louisiana adults who lack a high school diploma. Jason Beard with Educational Testing Service says they have a program called WorkReady U which can help educate adults so can they pass the High School Equivalency Test…
cut 6 (12) “…most instances”
For more information go to yes-u-can-dot-l-a.

12:30 LRN Newscast

The Senate GOP has unveiled its own version of tax reform legislation. Louisiana’s Senior Senator Bill Cassidy is a member of the Senate Finance committe and hopes Congress can get on board with this plan that he says will provide a family of four with a 14-hundred dollar tax cut…
cut 4 (12) “…they should”

Higher ed leaders met at the governor’s mansion to discuss the anti-hazing policies in place on college campuses. Governor John Bel Edwards says there are rules in place, but are not taken seriously:
Cut 15 (09) “our students”
LSU pledge Max Gruver died in September after consuming a lethal amount of alcohol during an apparent hazing incident.

A longttime coach and referee in Jefferson Parish has been arrested again as a result of allegations stemming from a party involved with juveniled. 55-year-old Allen Joseph is accused of providing kids with alcohol and allowing them to become severely intoxicated. Joseph allegedly layed in bed with three of the drunk juveniles.

A program called WorkReady U is attempting to grow Louisiana’s workforce by helping to educate the 600-thousand Louisiana’s adults who do not have a high school diploma. Jason Beard is the senior manager for a nonprofit group called Educational Testing Service, which offers adults looking to better their education a chance at passing the High School Equivalency Test…
Cut 5 (09) “started today.”
Beard says it doesn’t matter where you live in the state, Work Ready U can get you the training so that you can pass the HiSET test and find employment.

11:40 LRN Sportscast November 10

LSU is a 17-point favorite heading into tomorrow’s 11 AM kickoff against Arkansas. The Tigers are 6-3 on the season and coming off a two touchdown loss to Alabama, while Arkansas is just 1-and-4 in the SEC and barely beat Coastal Carolina last weekend.

The high school football playoffs start tonight. The top seed in Class 5A, West Monroe hosts the Central Wildcats. In Three-A, top seeded Sterlington hosts Baker. Third-seeded Jena will take on Westlake, while second seeded Wossman faces Iowa. In Two-A, Welsh is the umber one-seed and they’ll host Springfield.

The Pelicans got a season-high 34 points from Jrue Holiday last night, but it wasn’t enough as New Orleans lost to Toronto 122-118. The Pels host the Clippers tomorrow.

Today is the opening day for college basketball. Will Wade era begins at LSU as the Fighting Tigers host Alcorn State. Louisiana Tech hosts Texas-Tyler, UL Lafayette is at Ole Miss and ULM visits TCU.

The Saints will be in Buffalo on Sunday. Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott, served as the defensive coordinator at Carolina for six seasons before getting the job in Buffalo. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees says McDermott has the Bills defense playing at a high level…
cut 17 (22) “…other elements’
The Saints are seekign their seventh win in a row. During this six-game winning streak, New Orleans is averaging 140 yards on the ground.

10:30 LRN Newscast November 10

University system presidents met at the governor’s mansion Thursday to discuss steps to eliminate hazing and alcohol abuse among sanctioned groups on campus. LSU System President F King Alexander says it’s not their intention to get rid of Greek organizations, because they do a lot of good work in the community…:
Cut 13 (11) “stronger safer”

Authorities are refuting a WBRZ-TV report that a 13-year-old child was raped by an inmate in a bathroom during last month’s Angola Rodeo. Officials say the State Police Crime Lab through DNA testing determined no sexual contact occurred between the minor and prisoner. At a news conference, District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla lashed out a local TV reporter:
Cut 10 (12) “of that”

Tomorrow is the last day to early vote for the special election for State Treasurer. There’s also local propositions on the ballot for some voters. Secretary of State Tom Schedler expects the highest turnout to be in Orleans Parish, where LaToya Cantrell and Desiree Charbonnet are in a runoff for mayor of New Orleans…
Cut 6 (11) “18th”
Voting locations are closed today in observance of Veteran’s Day.

Have you ever wondered who is responsible for painting LSU’s Eye of the Tiger in Death Valley? Well it’s LSU graduate Hunter Sexton who is the Sports Turf Manager for Tiger Stadium. He says being the guy who paints the intimidating eye in the middle of the field is the coolest job ever:
Cut 7 (08) “you know”

16:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints cornerback Delvin Breaux is not expected to play this season. Head Coach Sean Payton said today he’ll remain on injured reserve after he suffered a setback as he tries to come back from a fractured fibula that he sustained in August. Breaux was the Saints top cornerback in 2015, but the pass defense has improved without him.

This Sunday, New Orleans is at Buffalo. On defense, the Bills have forced 17 turnovers, which is the second best mark in the NFL. Former LSU cornerback Tre’Davious White has an interception and two fumble recoveries and is one of the game’s best rookies. Payton says he’s impressed by what he’s seen from White…
cut 18 (14) “…scheme wise’
Offensive tackle Terron Armstead and safety Kenny Vaccaro were no-shows at practice again because of injuries.

The New Orleans Pelicans can win its fourth straight tonight as they visit the Toronto Raptors. This three-game winning streak started when the Pels started a four-game road trip. New Orleans is 5-and-2 on the road this year. After tonight the Pels will be home for the next five out of six games.

LSU’s first home game in about a month is on Saturday as the Tigers host Arkansas. Razorbacks Head Coach Brett Bielema is familiar with LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Canada was Bielema’s offensive coordinator in 2012 when they were at Wisconsin. Bielema says they have to expect the unexpected against LSU’s offense…
cut 20 (19) “…different looks”
Kick-off is at 11 AM

LRN PM Newscall November 9

Two people are arrested in two separate accidents which killed young children.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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A man in Kenner who was released from jail because of the new state sentencing laws committed a crime 5 days later. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A Franklin woman is under arrest for a crash claimed the life of a toddler. The single vehicle wreck occurred on Highway 83 in St. Mary Parish Wednesday morning.  27-year-old Grace Loustaloot was driving with three children in the vehicle.  State Police Master Trooper Brooks David explains what happened…

Cut 3 (13) “restraint seat.”

The two-year-old, Temperence Finister, was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.  David says they are trying to figure out why the child wasn’t properly restrained…

Cut 4  (07) “in time.” 

The other two children and the driver were properly restrained and received minor injuries.  David says upon arrival, police allegedly found prescription drugs in Loustaloot’s possession, which may have played a factor in the fatal accident…

Cut 5  (09)  “the roadway.”

Loustaloot is charged with vehicular homicide, two counts of first degree vehicular negligent injuring, possession of narcotics, no child restraint, careless operation and expired motor vehicle inspection sticker.

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A report by Truth Initiative finds youth in Louisiana are smoking at a rate of 12-percent, lower than the national average of 16-percent. President and CEO of Truth Initiative Robin Koval says when you give young people the facts and allow them to make decisions for themselves, they are more likely to respond in a positive way.

Cut 6 (11)  “like that”

The adult smoking rate in Louisiana is over 22-percent, compared to 15 in the rest of the country. But Koval says the Bayou State is making some strides in the right direction, with more parishes approving ordinances to ban smoking in all public buildings.

Cut 7 (11) “national average”

Truth Initiative spoke with Louisiana Radio Network because the Bayou State is among 12 states that makes up Tobacco Nation because of its high adult smoking rate. Koval says individuals within these states smoke more, live shorter lives and are more likely to get and die from cancer than the rest of the country.

Cut 8 (09) “United States”

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A woman suspected of texting before a fatal accident on I-12 that killed a 5 month old child, turned herself into Denham Springs police today.  A warrant was issued for the arrest 23-year-old Jessica Cowart of Denham Springs. Detective Amber Fairburn says Cowart was not fully focused on the road when the wreck happened…

Cut 9 (05)  “was messaging.”

Police say she slammed into a vehicle, which hit another one, throwing five-month-old Reese Graham and her car seat through the front window.  Reese died two days later.  Fairburn says speed was also a factor in the accident…

Cut 10 (05) “per hour.”

Cowart is charged with negligent homicide, negligent injuring and reckless operation.  She is free on a 51-thousand-dollar-bond.

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The five police officers at the baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia, where U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was shot, have received the Capitol Police Medal of Honor. Scalise, who was critically injured, says these individuals risked their lives and ran towards the danger knowing they were outgunned.

Cut 11 (12) “their bravery”

Scalise says the training undergone by members of the Capitol Police Department prepared them and gave them the skills to save the lives of so many that day…

Cut 12 (09) “the line”

Scalise says nobody saw this attack coming and these five individuals immediately jumped in and did things no one can describe to save lives.

Cut 13 (09)  “and women”

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The Kenner Police Department says a habitual offender that was released early from jail due to the state’s new criminal justice reform, committed an armed robbery 5 days after he was let out. Chief Michael Glaser says it’s extremely frustrating that Tyrone White was let back on the streets:

Cut 14 (10)  “City of Kenner”

Glaser says White approached two construction workers repairing a roof on a home, shouting orders with what they thought was a real gun. He says one of the victims was on the ground, and another was on the roof…:

Cut 15 (09) “he wasn’t robbed”

Glaser says White is well known in that neighborhood, and cops had already been alerted that he was lurking again pulling on car door handles to see if they were unlocked. Glaser says this 24-year-old man should never have been let out of jail…:

Cut 16  (10)  “and he’s 24 years old”

14:30 LRN Newscast November 9

Kenner Police Chief Michael Glaser says a habitual offender released as part of the state’s new criminal justice reform effort, was arrested for armed robbery five days after he got out of prison. Glaser says 24-year-old Tyrone White approached two construction workers repairing a roof on a home. He says one of the victims was on the ground and another was on the roof…
cut 15 (09) “….he wasn’t robbed”
Glaser says White was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2014 on four counts of simple burglary. The chief says he’s a person that should have never been allowed out early.

We will get an update this afternoon from the West Feliciana Sheriff’s office on the Baton Rouge television report that an Angola inmate raped a 13-year-old during the final weekend Angola Rodeo. So far authorities have said very little about the alleged incident.

Two young women have been arrested in two separate crashes where the end result was the death of a child. Denham Springs Police Detective Amber Fairburn says 23-year-old Jessica Cowart turned herself in today. Fairburn says it’s suspected Cowart was texting and speeding when she caused a fatal wreck on I-12 last month…
cut 10 (05) “…per hour”
Cowart is facing several charges including negligent homicide.

And State Police have booked a Franklin woman on vehicular homicide charges after she lost control of her vehicle, killing a two-year-old child. Trooper Brooks David says the child wasn’t properly restrained…
cut 4 (07) :…in time”
David says 27-year-old Grace Loustaloot also had illegally obtained prescription drugs on her possession and she was arrested for that as well.