17:30 LRN Newscast October 5th

Research by the Associated Press and the Center for Public Integrity finds Louisiana has more opioid prescriptions than residents. Halen Doughty has more…
voicer 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Residents of Jefferson Parish are demanding that Parish President Mike Yenni resign as a result of allegations that claim he sent a 17-year-old boy sexually explicit texts. This resident urges the council to take action..
cut 11 (10) “…don’t hide’
Yenni was absent from the council meeting.

Sad news today about L-S-U’s live mascot, Mike the Tiger. His veterinarian, Doctor David Baker, says the tumor on his face has resumed growing and his cancer has spread, and the 420-pound Tiger only has one to two months to live. Baker says Mike will no longer receive radiation treatment and their plan is to give the LSU community time to say their goodbyes…
cut 4 (11) “…hospice care”
The doctor says they plan to euthanize Mike, once it gets to become too painful for him to live. Baker added that LSU has instructed him to find another live mascot.

Despite Hurricane Matthew’s threat on the east coast, the LSU-Florida game is still scheduled to be played in Gainesville, but it’s unclear whether it will kick-off at 11 AM on Saturday. Officials say a final decision on the start time will be made by noon central time tomorrow. But there are no plans to move the game out of Gainesville.

16:45 LRN Sportscast October 5th

LSU and Florida game is scheduled to be played in Gainesville, but it’s unclear whether it will kick-off at 11 AM on Saturday, because of Hurricane Matthew. Officials say a final decision on the start time will be made by noon central time tomorrow. And they say the game will not be moved out of Gainesville.

Whenever this game is played, it could be a low scoring affair. Florida has allowed just seven touchdowns, while LSU has given up five. Tigers senior linebacker Kendell Beckwith says the fewer the touchdowns allowed, the better the chances for victory…
cut 18 (15) “…we can be”
Coach Ed Orgeron said today it’s unlikely Fournette will play. He continues to nurse a left ankle injury that’s already forced him to miss two games this season.

The Tulane and Central Florida game scheduled for tomorrow night in Orlando has been moved to November 5th, because of Hurricane Matthew. That was an easy decision, since both teams have a bye week that weekend.

There is a college football game in the state tomorrow night. Louisiana Tech hosts defending Conference USA champion Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers have won 12 straight league games.

Sad news today about L-S-U’s live mascot, Mike the Tiger. His veterinarian, Doctor David Baker, says the tumor on his face has resumed growing and his cancer has spread, and the 420-pound Tiger only has one to two months to live. Baker says Mike will no longer receive radiation treatment and their plan is to give the LSU community time to say their goodbyes…
cut 4 (11) “…hospice care”
The doctor says they plan to euthanize Mike, once it gets to become too painful for him to live. Baker added that LSU has instructed him to find another live mascot.

LRN PM Newscall October 5th

LSU’s live mascot Mike VI’s cancer has spread throughout his body, according to his veterinarian Dr. David Baker. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Research by the Associated Press and the Center for Public Integrity finds Louisiana has more opioid prescriptions than residents. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Mike the Tiger’s veterinarian announces the live mascot’s cancer has spread throughout his body. Dr. David Baker says based on a CT scan, they believe Mike has one to two months to live.

CUT 3 (11)  “radiation”

Baker says currently, Mike VI is behaving very normally and his appetite has returned after treatment for a sinus infection due to a tumor. He says their current plan gives the LSU community time to say their goodbyes to the beloved mascot.

CUT 4 (11)  “hospice care”

LSU has already instructed Baker to begin the search for a young tiger to become Mike VII. Baker says there is no way to know when Mike VI will permanently retire to his night house and assures they will not let him suffer. He says he’s been questioned about Mike’s radiation treatment and believes it did what it was supposed to do.

CUT 5 (08)  “its behavior”

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There are more opioid prescriptions in Louisiana than there are residents. That’s according to research by the Associated Press and the Center for Public Integrity. Medical Director with the state Office of Public Health, Dr. David Holcombe, says it’s a problem in the Deep South, as Louisiana is one of 8 states with a high rate of prescriptions per resident. He says part of the problem is that it’s easier for doctors to write a prescription.

CUT 6 (07) “the math”

Louisiana’s opioid prescription rate was 1.03 per capita in 2015, and Tennessee, West Virginia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Kentucky also had rates higher than 1. Holcombe says pharmaceutical companies push these pills as being safer than they really are. He says there’s also a problem with patient demand.

CUT 7 (09) “be tolerated”

Holcombe says when they crackdown on over prescribing these pills, many people who have become addicted will switch to heroin because it’s cheaper and more readily available. He says a simple solution would be for doctors to check their patients’ prescription history.

CUT 8 (09) “and so forth”

Holcombe doesn’t expect doctors to be eager to do these checks because it would be another hassle on their to-do list.

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Angry Jefferson Parish residents spoke out at a council meeting today urging Parish President Mike Yenni to resign. There are multiple allegations claiming while Yenni was the mayor of Kenner, he sent a 17-year-old boy sexually explicit texts and kissed the teen in a public bathroom then gave him designer underwear. Resident Richard Brown maintains Yenni offered that teen a job.

CUT 9 (06) “credit card” 

A spokesperson for Yenni said he would have something to say soon, but not today. Kenner resident and a mother of two boys, Stacy Alessandro, says she’s disappointed Yenni wasn’t at the meeting to refute these allegations. She says his silence speaks volumes.

cut 10 (07)  “in hiding”

Another Jefferson Parish resident says this is humiliating for the entire parish. She urges the council to take whatever action is need and hopes Yenni will speak out about these claims.

Cut 11 (10) “don’t hide”

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An unrestrained 19-year-old was killed in a single vehicle crash after her vehicle was split in half in Catahoula Parish. State Police Trooper Scott Moreau says police responded to a crash in Harrisonburg, yesterday morning involving, Reagan Rainey of Jonesville, who lost control of her vehicle and hit a tree.

cut 12 (11) “in half”

Moreau says State Police doesn’t see too many crashes were a vehicle is split in half, but when they do, speed is typically a factor.

Cut 13 (10)  “as well”

Moreau says police are out enforcing speed and seat belt laws because it can be a recipe for disaster like this.

cut 14 (07)  “correct way”

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11:40 LRN Sportscast October 5th

Sad news for LSU fans as Doctor David Baker, with the LSU Vet School, announced that Mike the Tiger only has one to two months to live, because his cancer, which was first diagnosed this past spring, has spread. Dr. Baker says they will euthanize Mike humanely before he’s in great pain. Dr. Baker also says the search for a new live-mascot has begun.

Hurricane Matthew is a threat to Florida, which is raising questions on whether the Tigers will be able to play the Gators at 11 AM in Gainesville on Saturday. If they do play at 11 AM, Danny Etling, the former Purdue quarterback, says he’s used to early kickoffs from his days in the Big Ten…
cut 17 (11) “…entire week”
And Interim Head Coach Ed Orgeron doesn’t think running back Leonard Fournette will be able to play Saturday.

Because of Hurricane Matthew, Friday night’s Tulane-Central Florida game has been moved to November 5th. It worked out well, because both teams have an open date that weekend.

ULM is back home this Saturday to host Idaho after playing three straight on the road. Last week, the Warhawks lost to auburn 58-7. Coach Matt Viator says for them to have success this Saturday, they’ll need to tackle better…
cut 20 (19) “…on plays”
The rest of the games for the Warhawks will be against Sun Belt opponents.

In the first preseason home game for the Pelicans, New Orleans fell to the Pacers 113-96. First round pick Buddy Hield had 35 points.

10:30 LRN Newscast October 5th

There are more opioid prescriptions in Louisiana than there are residents. That’s according to research by the Associated Press and the Center for Public Integrity. Medical Director with the state Office of Public Health, Dr. David Holcombe, says it’s a problem in the Deep South, as Louisiana is one of 8 states with a high rate of prescriptions per resident. He says part of the problem is that it’s easier for doctors to write a prescription…
cut 6 (07) “….the math”
Louisiana’s opioid prescription rate was 1.03 per capita in 2015.

The LSU vet school says Mike the Tiger’s cancer is getting worse and officials are holding a press conference at this hour to discuss the next steps of his treatment. His caretakers found a tumor on his face earlier this year and a CT scan this week discovered that the tumor is spreading.

And we are still waiting to hear if there will be any changes with this Saturday’s LSU game at Florida, because of Hurricane Matthew.

Alexandria is mourning the death of Ned Randolph, who was the city’s mayor from 1986 to 2006. Current mayor, Jacque Roy, says Randolph will be missed, because he always wanted what’s best for the Cenla Region…
cut 9 (08) “….to him”
Randolph battled Alzheimer’s Disease for the last several years of his life.

Today the last shelter for south Louisiana flood victims will close. Jeff Palermo has more…
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

18:30 LRN Newscast October 4th

Congressman Charles Boustany is suing author Ethan Brown and publisher Simon and Schuster for making prostitution allegations. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 2 (27) “…I’m Emelie Gunn”

State Senator Troy Brown has entered a plea of “not guilty” to a domestic abuse charge. Brown is accused of biting his wife’s arm during an argument at their home in Ascension Parish. A trial date has been scheduled for December.

A federal judge has ruled state can not yet enforce a new law that prohibits strip clubs from hiring strippers under the age of 21. There is a suit seeking to get the law thrown out.

District Attorney Jerry Jones is retiring after 26 years as DA for Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes. He cites health reasons and says he hopes to remain practicing some type of law with his son…:
CUT 11 (12) “lot of em”
Jones helped write several state laws that called stronger punishments for those victimize women and children.

Two Central Lafourche High school students have been arrested for wearing clown masks while riding around the school. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Brennan Matherne says they have evidence that Jordan Boudreaux and Taylor Defelice were wearing the masks, because one of them posted it on Snap Chat.
Cut 15 (10) “certain holidays”

17:30 LRN Newscast October 4th

Congressman Charles Boustany has filed a lawsuit against the author and publisher of a new book that claims the US Senate candidate frequented a Jennings motel looking for prostitutes. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says very few public officials succeed in libel or defamation lawsuits.
Cut 7 (10) “or falsity”
The author, Ethan Brown, stands by what he wrote.

Congressman Garret Graves is holding a town hall meeting in Baker tonight. Graves expects there will be a lot of discussion about the FEMA requirement to elevate flood damaged homes and what additional measures the federal government should take to protect residents from future floods.
Cut 10 (07) “other projects”

Longtime northeast Louisiana district attorney Jerry Jones will step down on November 1st, because of health reasons. Michelle Southern has more…
Voicer 1 (31) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

Two south Louisiana teens have been charged with terrorizing after they were allegedly caught wearing a clown mask at Central LaFourche High School…
Cut 14 (10) “…on campus”
LaFourche Parish Sheriff spokesperson Brennan Matherne says the 17-year-olds from Raceland face up to three years in jail if convicted.

16:45 LRN Sportscast October 4th

A hurricane watch has been issued for a good portion of Florida’s eastern coast as Hurricane Matthew approaches the Sunshine state. The Tigers are getting ready to play the Gators on Saturday morning at 11 AM. Officials from both schools had a conference call earlier today and they plan on moving forward with the early Saturday kick-off in Gainesville.

It’s still unclear if running back Leonard Fournette will play this weekend. He’s already missed two games because of an ankle injury. There have been camera shots that have shown Fournette not looking happy on the sidelines, but his back-up Derrius Guice, says the star running back is very supportive of his teammates…
cut 20 (18) “…comes from”
Guice was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week this past week.

In NBA preseason action tonight…the Pacers host the Pelicans. It will be first round pick Buddy Hield’s first game in the bird nest. Hield told reproters today that his thoughts will be with his native country, the Bahamas, which is in the crosshairs of Hurricane Matthew.

In the NFL, the Saints are off this Sunday. Through four games of the NFL season, New Orleans has allowed the most points, as they have given up 130 points through four games.

Louisiana Tech’s defense looked much better in the Bulldogs 28-7 win over UTEP on Saturday. On Thursday, Tech hosts Western Kentucky in a Conference USA matchup. The Hilltoppers are averaging 322 yards per game through the air. Western Kentucky has also played well on defense this season as they’ve given up 22 points a contest.

In the latest high school football polls, John Curtis, Neville, De La Salle, Notre Dame and Haynesville remain the number one ranked teams in their respective classes.

LRN PM Newscall October 4th

he longest serving District Attorney in the Fourth Judicial District, Jerry Jones, is retiring after 26 years, because of health reasons. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Congressman Charles Boustany is suing author Ethan Brown and publisher Simon and Schuster for making prostitution allegations. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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An anonymous clown threat in Bossier parish led to the arrest of a 14-year-old girl. Lt. Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says the teenager made an online threat against her school.

CUT 3 (09)  “very seriously”

Davis says they identified the juvenile as being behind the fake Instagram account, and she was subsequently arrested for terrorizing. He reminds the public that these clown threats are no laughing matter.

CUT 4 (10)  “a threat”

Davis says the juvenile’s Instagram threat from a fake account with the word “clown” in it was enough to raise authorities’ concern. He encourages parents to talk to their kids about being responsible online.

CUT 5 (09)  “cross the line” 2x

Davis says today they are speaking to students at all of the high schools in Bossier Parish. 

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Congressman Charles Boustany has filed a lawsuit against author Ethan Brown and publisher Simon and Schuster after a recently released book claims Boustany had relationships with prostitutes in Jefferson Davis Parish.  Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this will be an uphill battle, because it’s hard to prove Brown wrote these allegations with actual malice.

CUT 6 (11) “or defamation”

The book, “Murder in the Bayou” claims Boustany frequented a Jennings motel, the Boudreaux Inn, looking for prostitutes. Ciolino says it’s very difficult to prove an author intentionally lied. He says very few public officials succeed in libel or defamation lawsuits.

CUT 7 (10) “or falsity”

Brown stands by what he wrote in his book. Boustany is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by David Vitter. Ciolino says by filing this lawsuit, it shows Boustany is serious about putting these allegations to bed. He says there is no way this will be resolved before the November 8th election, but it makes a statement.

CUT 8 (09) “publisher”

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Congressman Garret Graves is holding a town hall meeting in Baker tonight to chat with homeowners recovering from the historic flooding. Graves anticipates he’ll hear from families showing a desire to recover but the inability to do so because of government obstacles. He says there are many things getting in the way of victims getting back to a normal life.

CUT 9 (09) “assistance”

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Redemption Life Fellowship Center. Graves says he’ll be headed back to Washington D.C. in a few weeks to create legislation for more federal aid. He expects there will also be a lot of discussion in the meeting about the FEMA requirement to elevate homes and what additional measures the federal government should take to protect residents in the future.

cut 10 (07)  “other projects”

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One of north Louisiana’s strongest advocates for women and young people, District Attorney Jerry Jones, is retiring after 26 years as DA of the Fourth Judicial District. Jones says his health does not allow him to continue in his position, as he was recently injured in a car accident. He says he hopes to find a way to stay in the practice by helping his son, who is also an attorney.

Cut 11 (12) “lot of em”

During his five terms as DA, Jones helped pass numerous laws that aim to help women, including the Domestic Abuse Battery Law that provides stiffer penalties for domestic abusers and the Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault law that made it a crime to threaten a spouse with a dangerous weapon. He says these pieces of legislation helped reduce domestic violence in Ouachita and Morehouse parishes.

cut 12 (10) “70 percent”

Jones also helped write several bills that were passed to support children, like Caylee’s Law, which increased penalties for sex crimes against children under 13. He also established programs such as Teen Court, Adolescents at Risk, and Juvenile Drug Court to help give young offenders a second chance.

Cut 13 (09)  “normal life”

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The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office announces two high school students have been charged for wearing a clown mask while riding around school. Spokesman Brennan Matherne says the suspects are both 17 and from Raceland. They are identified as Jordan Boudreaux and Taylor Defelice of Central Lafourche High School…:

cut 14 (10)  “on campus”

Matherne says they also had evidence that the two were in the mask because one of them posted a picture on SnapChat…:

cut 15 (10) “certain holidays”

If found guilty, the two face a sentence of no less than six months in prison with a maximum of three years. Matherne says they made it very clear last week that the creepy clown activity that’s been going on throughout the US would not be tolerated…:

cut 16 (10) “country”

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11:40 LRN Sportscast October 4

LSU running back Derrius Guice is the SEC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for a career-high 163 yards and three touchdowns against Missouri. Interim Head Coach Ed Orgeron says Guice has shown he’s a hard-nosed ball carrier…
cut 18 (12) “…through you”
Orgeron also compared Guice’s ability to cut, to former USC star and Saints running back Reggie Bush.

LSU will likely have a new starting offensive line for the Florida game, because of injuries. Orgeron says Will Clapp and Toby Weathersby could be out for awhile, which means Garrett Brumfield could start at guard. Running back Leonard Fournette is day-to-day with an ankle injury. And Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio, who missed the last two weeks with an injury, could play Saturday against the Tigers.

Ragin Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says quarterback Jalen Nixon’s career is over after suffering a severe ankle injury in the double overtime loss to New Mexico State. Coach Hud says Anthony Jennings, who finished the game, is the team’s starting QB. Backup defensive lineman LaDarrius Kidd is also done for the season with a broken ankle.

Louisiana Tech’s defense looked much better in the Bulldogs 28-7 win over UTEP on Saturday. On Thursday, Tech hosts Western Kentucky in a Conference USA matchup. The Hilltoppers are averaging 322 yards per game through the air.

Grambling and Southern are tied for first place in the SWAC’s western division. Grambling moved to 3-0 in league play with a 36-16 win over Prairie View. Tigers Quarterback Devante Kincade was named the SWAC offensive player of the week as he threw for 207 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for 105 yards and two scores.

In the NBA…the Pelicans host Indiana in preseason action tonight at the Smoothie King Center.