07:30 LRN Newscast November 18th

GOP leaders in Congress are optimistic about having a Republican in the White House again. Halen Doughty has more…
CUT 1 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

For the second straight game, the Saints had a kick blocked and it played a huge role in a second consecutive defeat for the Black and Gold. Coach Sean Payton on the special team miscue in the 23-20 defeat to the Panthers…
cut 30 (08) “….it’s disappointing”
Carolina turned that blocked field goal into seven points right before halftime.

Good news for duck hunters, surveys find there are over twice as many ducks in Louisiana as there were at this time last year. State waterfowl study leader Larry Reynolds says they really aren’t sure why there are so many more ducks, but they have some theories….
cut 7 (10) “…migrants down”
Duck hunting season opens in the east zone tomorrow morning.

Get ready for a change in the weather. State climatologist Barry Keim says a significant cold front is sweeping over the state today, which will usher in much colder air. He says tomorrow is expected to be cool and breezy, with temperatures dropping even more by the end of the weekend…
cut 13 (07) “…and Monday”
There’s a chance for a shower or thunderstorm today.

06:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints had 371 total yards to Carolina’s 223, but the Black and Gold still lost to the Panthers 23-20 last night. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees had two turnovers in the first half that resulted in 10 points for the defending NFC champs…
cut 30 (12) “…result”
The blocked field goal right before halftime resulted in seven more points for the Panthers. New Orleans is now 4-6 on the year.

Southeastern Louisiana completed its regular season with a 44-42 win over Nicholls State. S-L-U’s Julius Maracalin had three rushing touchdowns. The Lions, who are 7-4 on the season, still have a chance for an F-C-S playoff berth. The Colonels finished the year with a 5-6 record.

LSU will honor 19 seniors before tomorrow’s game against the Florida Gators. One of those seniors is defensive back Tre’ Davious White. The Shreveport native likes how the team has come together since Head Coach Ed Orgeron took over….
cut 17 (12) ” next to none”
A key to an LSU win on Saturday will be the running game for the Tigers. Florida is the second best in the SEC at defending run. Kick-off is at high noon.

Also this weekend, the Cajuns visit Georgia, ULM is at Appalachian State, Grambling visits Texas Southern,Northwestern State is at Stephen F Austin, McNeese hosts Lamar and Southern hosts Mississippi Valley State.

In the high school football playoffs last night…West Monroe advanced to the quarterfinals in Class Five-A with a win over Ouachita Parish. In one-a, Oak Grove and Kentwood moved on to the quarters.

06:30 LRN Newscast November 18th

The Restore Louisiana Taskforce meets today to discuss how the state will distribute the first round of federal disaster aid for flood victims. Congress approved 438 million dollars worth of assistance. The governor’s deputy chief of staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says they are recommending a program that has three different ways the money will be dispersed….
cut 10 (09) “….for reimbursement”
Payer says this round of money will likely go to low to moderate income families first.

A strong cold front will move through Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Saturday will be one of the coldest days we’ve experienced in a while…
cut 14 (10) “…quite sometime”
There is a chance for rain today as the front moves through.

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Metairie says the Republican controlled Congress and White House are ready to move forward with an agenda that seeks to improve the economy. Scalise says G-O-P leaders want to get the oil and gas industry going and that means removing regulations so the U.S. can become more energy independent…
cut 6 (09) “….in America”
Oil is trading at around 45-dollars a barrel.

The Saints are now 4-and-6 on the season after losing to Carolina 23-20 last night. Once again a blocked kick played a huge role in this one. The Panthers blocked a field goal before halftime, which resulted in seven points for the defending N-F-C champs.

16:45 LRN Sportscast November 17th

Tonight the Saints visit the Carolina Panthers in an NFC South matchup. These two teams met last month in the Superdome and New Orleans won 41-38. Quarterback Drew Brees says the Panthers have a good defense, even though he threw for 465 yards and four touchdowns versus Carolina this season
cut 19 (19) “…the past”
Saints cornerback Delvin Breaux will reportedly not play tonight. Breaux has missed much of the season because of a broken fibula.

In college football tonight…Southeastern Louisiana is at Nicholls State for the 26th playing of the River Bell Classic. The Lions ahve won five of their last six games, while the Colonels can claim their first winning season since 2007 with a win tonight. Kick-off is at 6 PM.

The Florida Gators will arrive in Baton Rouge tomorrow for Saturday’s SEC match-up with LSU. A win for the Gators and they clinch the SEC East. Meanwhile, a victory for the Tigers moves them one step closer to a potential Sugar Bowl appearance.

Former LSU Coach Les Miles made some news today. Dennis Dodd of C-B-S sports-dot-com published a story featuring Miles, who says he wants to coach at a Power 5 school ynext year. There are multiple sources that say Miles is a candidate at Baylor. The 63-year-old also told Dodd that he will change his philosphy on offense.

In college basketball tonight…Tulane takes on Oklahoma, the Cajuns host Panhandle State for their home opener which will take place inside Blackham Coliseum and ULM begins a four-game road trip at Colorado.

Last night in college hoops….Louisiana Tech beat Alabama State as Erik McCree and Jacobi Boykins each scored 18 points.

16:30 LRN Newscast November 17th

The Baton Rouge Police Department arrests a woman for allegedly attempting to kill her 8 year old son by slitting his throat. Cpl L’Jean McKneely says the suspect, 40-year-old Gloria Ross, grabbed a kitchen knife as her kids were getting ready for school, and approached the young victim…:
Cut 12 (07) “to his throat”
McKneely says the woman told cops that Jesus told her to kill her son.

President-elect Donald Trump ran on a platform of immigration reform, often mentioning mass deportations, and Governor John Bel Edwards said on his monthly call-in radio show that state and federal laws could come into play. He says they’ll have to wait and see what politics come out of the Trump Administration…:
CUT 10 (09) “obviously”
Mr. Trump is slated to be sworn into office on January 20th.

Public colleges in Louisiana will have to absorb an 18-million dollar cut in state funding for this fiscal year. It’s part of Governor John Bel Edwards plan to reduce a 315-million dollar deficit. The governor is also proposing to delay 152 million dollars in payments to health care providers who care for Medicaid patients.

Duck Dynasty announces after 130 episodes, the show is coming to an end this April. Halen Doughty has more…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

LRN PM Newscall November 17th

Duck Dynasty announces after 130 episodes, the show is coming to an end this April. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Louisiana Department of Education has released its yearly school report cards. Emelie Gunn has more on those results…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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After 130 happy, happy, happy episodes, Duck Dynasty announces the series will come to an end in April. The A&E series about the Robertson family of West Monroe has given yuppies around the country a taste of what it’s like to be a good ole boy since 2012. President of the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce, Courtney Hornsby, says the show has spiked an interest in the small town.

Cut 3 (09) “backyard”

Hornsby says the Robertson empire has grown beyond the duck-call business that earned them their fame, as the family has since opened Willie’s Duck Diner and Duck and Dressing Boutique. She says even though the show is ending, she doesn’t see them slowing down.

cut 4  (09) “our community”

The family-friendly show drew more than 10 million viewers at its peak, but viewership has since declined in recent seasons. But Willie’s wife, Korie Robertson, says that decline hasn’t stopped people from all over the country coming to visit West Monroe.

Cut 5  (10)  “from everywhere”

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The Louisiana Department of Education has released its annual school report cards and found statewide gains in student achievement. Superintendent John White says the distribution of school and district letter grade ratings has improved. He credits this to an improvement in student results.

Cut 6 (10) “enrollment credits”

The number of school districts receiving an “A” grade is 16, up from 10 last year. White says at the same time, there are both challenges and successes that the school grading system does not fully reveal. He says the system doesn’t fully reflect the gains made by many schools that are making process, especially with low-achieving students.

CUT 7 (10)  “quality is”

The percentage of students scoring Mastery on LEAP Tests in grades third through six has increased six percentage points from last year. White says students and teachers are stepping up.

Cut 8 (07) “is up”

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While many people around the country are concerned about what will happen when president-elect Donald Trump takes office, Governor John Bel Edwards says he is more interested in seeing the country come together. Edwards says he does expect some changes to Medicaid, but it’s too early to tell what those changes might be.

Cut 9 (11)  “look like”

The state expanded the Medicaid program this year, and 341-thousand people have enrolled so far.

Trump also ran on a platform of immigration reform, often mentioning mass deportations. Edwards says both state and federal laws come into play with immigration, but federal law does trump. He says we’ll have to wait and see what policies come out of the administration.

Cut 10 (09) “obviously”

Edwards says one policy he does foresee going into effect is the ability to buy health insurance across state lines. He says he hasn’t heard any real opposition to it, even from members of Congress.

cut 11 (09) “prices down”

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The Baton Rouge Police Department arrests a woman for allegedly attempting to kill her 8 year old son by slitting his throat. Cpl L’Jean McKneely says the suspect, 40-year-old Gloria Ross, grabbed a kitchen knife as her kids were getting ready for school, and approached the young victim…:

cut 12 (07) “to his throat”

McKneely says the victim and two of Ross’s other children were able to escape and call police. He says when investigators questioned the suspect, she told them there was a reason for her actions…:

Cut 13 (06) “parish prison”

The victim was transported to a local hospital with a non life threatening laceration to the throat. McKneely says Ross is charged with attempted first degree murder and second degree cruelty to a juvenile. He says they were able to get more information about the mother…:

cut 14 (07) “psychological issues”

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11:40 LRN Sportscast November 17th

The 4-and-5 Saints take on the 3-6 Carolina Panthers tonight on Thursday night football. New Orleans beat Carolina 41-38 earlier this season. Drew Brees threw for 465 yards and four touchdowns. The Q-B says the Black and Gold had a good day that day and Carolina still has a good defense…
cut 19 (19) “…the past”
The 37-year-old Brees is tied for the most touchdown passes in the NFL and ranks second passing yards as he’ll go over 3,000 mark tonight.

Also tonight in Thibodaux, Nicholls State will host Southeastern Louisiana as those two teams will battle it out for the River Bell Trophy. The Colonels won this game last year on a 40-yard field goal with no time left on the clock. Nicholls is led by freshman quarterback Chase Fourcade who has thrown for 22-hundred yards and accounted for 22 touchdowns.

The 21st ranked Gators come into Baton Rouge this Saturday with a 7-2 record, but seven starters are not expected to play because of injuries. Florida Coach Jim McElwain joked about changing the rules of football in order to make the game more even…
cut 17 (20) “…some guys”
A win for Florida and they clinch the SEC East.

Louisiana Tech is the first school since 2012 to have two players named semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award. Trent Taylor and Carlos Henderson have combined to catch 26 touchdown passes.

In college hoops, Tech beat Alabama State 87-56 last night, tonight ULM faces Colorado.

10:30 LRN Newscast November 17th

A report from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center finds that less than 22-percent of children ages to 6 to 19 meet the physical activity guidelines. Researcher Peter Katzmarzyk says this number is way too low and for kids to become more active it will need to start in homes and schools, but everyone can get involved….
cut 11 (09) “…the community”
Health experts say kids should get a mininum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least three days a week.

The Louisiana Association of Industry and Business is holding a criminal justice reform summit today in Baton Rouge. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says they’ll hear from experts and also look at what other states have done to lower the state’s incarceration rate…
cut 8 (10) “…the process”

The same week that Alton Sterling was shot during a confrontation with two police officers in Baton Rouge, Philando Castile was shot by an officer in Minnesota. That officer is facing charges, but still nothing on the Sterling case. Legal analyst Tim Meche explains why….
cut 5 (10) “…geographic areas”
The US Attorney’s office in Baton Rouge is overseeing the investigation into Sterling’s death.

After 130 happy, happy, happy episodes, Duck Dynasty announces the series will come to an end in April. The A&E series about the Robertson family of West Monroe has given yuppies around the country a taste of what it’s like to be a good ole boy since 2012. President of the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce, Courtney Hornsby, says the show has spiked an interest in the small town….
cut 3 (09) “…backyard”

17:30 LRN Newscast November 16th

Wounded East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy Nick Tullier was transported to a rehab hospital in Texas. Tullier was one of several officers shot during the deadly police ambush in July. He spent nearly four months at Our Lady of the Lake. Chief Operating Officer Terrie Sterling
cut 30 (07) “…has been a journey”
Based on reports from the family, Tullier can move his toes and hands and open one of his eyes.

A state judge rules that the jury in the Cardell Hayes murder trial will be sequestered. Hayes is accused of killing former-Saints player Will Smith after a car accident on April 9th. Legal analyst Chick Foret says there will be a lot of media coverage and the judge wants to prevent any potential bias…:
Cut 9 (11) “the evidence”
The trial is set to begin December 5th.

A 23-year-old Baton Rouge mother has been arrested after her one-year-old daughter was accidentally shot in the face by her two-year-old son. Corporal L’ Jean McKneely says Crystal Kinchen was charged with second degree cruelty to a juvenile for leaving the children alone in the car. He says the infant is still hospitalized…
cut 5 (07) “….the best”
The University of New Orleans and Northwestern State plan to cover the TOPS shortfall for recipients next semester. Emelie Gunn has more…
CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

16:45 LRN Sportscast November 16th

LSU running back Leonard Fournette says he’ll be ready for Saturday’s game against Florida, despite an ankle injury that’s bothered him all season long. Fournette’s injury gave sophomore running back Derrius Guice more opportunities and the Baton Rouge product has taken advantage. Guice leads the team in rushing and has nine touchdowns. Fournette was impressed with Guice’s school-record 96 yard rushing touchdown last week…
cut 18 (12) “…it’s amazing”
Here’s how Florida coach Jim McElwain described LSU’s one-two punch at running back…
cut 30 (12) “,…this conference”
Saturday is expected to be Fournette’s last game in Tiger Stadium, because he’s expected to enter the NFL draft.

The Saints head to Carolina today for tomorrow night’s game against the Panthers. Quarterback Drew Brees on what it’s like preparing for a Thursday night game….
cut 29 (20) “…for it”
Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead has been ruled out for tomorrow night’s game with a leg injury, while cornerback Delvin Breaux is questionable.

There’s been a lot of reaction on social media to the name change of New Orleans Triple-A baseball team. The New Orleans Zephyrs are now the New Orleans Baby Cakes and the team’s general manager Cookie Rojas is happy the new nickname has drawn a ton of interest….
cut 14 (08) “…been fantastic”