LRN Sportscast 11:40 November 3rd

The Saints opponent this Sunday is Tennessee, who announced today that they’ve fired head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who was 3-and-20 as the head coach for the Titans. Former Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey has been named the interim head coach for the rest of the season.

After a record breaking performance against the Giants, Saints quarterback Drew Brees is up for a couple of weekly awards that fans can vote on. Brees is one of three nominees for the FedEx Air Player of the Week and Brees is one of five nominees for the Castrol edge Clutch Performer of the Week. Winners will be announced on Thursday.

And in other NFL news…there are reports former Saints running back Pierre Thomas has signed with the 49ers.

The Pelicans are looking for their first win tonight as they host Orlando at the Smoothie King Center. The Magic are also winless as former Ragin Cajuns star Elfrid Payton is averaging 10 points and five assists a game, but shooting just 36-percent from the field.

The first college football playoff rankings come out tonight. Will LSU be ranked number one? Ohio State, Baylor, Clemson, TCU, Michigan State, Iowa and Oklahoma State are also undefeated.

A big game on Saturday against Alabama for LSU running back Leonard Fournette and he can likely look forward to winning the Heisman Trophy in December. But Coach Les Miles doesn’t want his talented sophomore to think about postseason awards, just victory…
cut 18 (20) “….highest level”
And the longtime voice of the LSU Tigers will not be on the call for Saturday’s game. Jim Hawthorne is recovering from a successful medical procedure. Patrick Wright, who is the play-by-play man for LSU women’s basketball and softball, will sit in for Hawthorne.

LRN Newscast 17:30 October 30

Gubernatorial candidates David Vitter and John Bel Edwards are busy on the campaign trail. Vitter appeared at a rally in Baton Rouge on Friday and told the lunchtime crowd there’s a clear choice to make on November 21st….
cut 5 (12) “…guide us”
Edwards, a democrat, appeared at a news conference with sheriffs from around the state. Assumption Parish Sheriff Mike Waguespack says Edwards will bring integrity to the governor’s office…
cut 4 (12) “…of Louisiana”
The runoff election is November 21st.

The southern half of the state is under a flash flood watch on Saturday. The National Weather Service says heavy rain, strong winds and an isolated tornado are also possible on Halloween.

WVUE-TV reports the US Department of Education is investigating how LSU handles cases of rape and sexual assault. Emelie Gunn reports…
voicer 2 (31) “…I’m Emelie Gunn”

Cops say a gymnastics coach from Jefferson Parish has been arrested and booked with video voyeurism and possession and production of child pornography. Kenner Police say they executed a search warrant at the home of Brian Townsend and found several images of female juveniles engaging in sex acts. Townsend worked at several dance studios in Kenner and Metairie.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 Oct 30

Tonight on Fox Sports One, Louisiana Tech will visit Rice in a big Conference USA match-up. The Bulldogs and Owls are battling for first place in the West Division. Rice leads Conference USA in rushing as they are averaging close to 200 yards a game on the ground. But Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz says the Owls also have a good passing game…
cut 17 (20) “…last year”
Tonight’s game will kickoff at 7 PM.

At Cajun Field on Saturday…UL Lafayette will host ULM. The Ragin Cajuns are double digit favorites to win. Tulane is at undefeated and 16th ranked Memphis. McNeese State looks to stay undefeated as they visit Abilene Christian. Northwestern State and Nicholls meet in Thibodaux. Southeastern Louisiana has a tough game at Central Arkansas.

Two Saints players have been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. Linebacker David Hawthorne will not play because of a hamstring injury, while offensive tackle Andrus Peat won’t play because of a knee injury. Cornerback Keenan Lewis is questionable as he tries to come back from a sports hernia surgery. And linebacker Dannell Ellerbe is doubtful with a hip injury.

The Giants are 4-3 on the year and there defensive coordinator is Steve Spagnuolo, who had the same job in New Orleans in 2012. Right tackle Zach Streif says they know Spagnuolo will have a specific plan to stop the Saints offense…
cut 19 (22) “…personnel group”

LRN Newscast 16:30 Oct 30

GOP Congressmen John Fleming and Ralph Abraham were among the republicans on hand for a David Vitter gubernatorial campaign event in Baton Rouge today. State Treasurer John Kennedy was also there…
cut 6 (10) “….(cheers”
Vitter received the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business, while Democrat John Bel Edwards was at a press conference featuring sheriffs from around the state.

The southern half of the state is under a flash flood watch tomorrow as heavy downpours are in the forecast for Halloween. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service, says with the already saturated grounds, the rainfall is likely to cause flooding on the streets and in other low lying areas…
cut 11 (10) “….overnight hours”
Jones says outdoor plans for tomorrow will likely be wet.

WVUE-TV in New Orleans reports the US Department of Education is investigating how LSU handles cases of rape and sexual assault. The report reveals 16 rapes were reported to an LSU campus advocacy group last year, but very little was done to protect the victims or punish the perpetrators. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell has written legislation addressing this issue and he says universities are required by law to have a Title nine coordinator to handle situations like this…
cut 14 (08) “….or a janitor”
In a statement, LSU says it cannot discuss matters pertaining to a pending investigation or any specific alleged incidents.

The Jindal administration told lawmakers today that the state finished last fiscal year with a 117-million dollar deficit. Jindal administration official say the deficit is the result of a higher than expected use fo tax refunds and credits. The gap must be closed within eight months and it’s expected Governor Jindal will address the issue before he leaves office in January.

LRN Newscast 15:30 Oct 30

The two candidates in the governor’s race held dueling press conference in Baton Rouge with their supporters. Jeff Palermo was there..
cut 1 (30) “…reporting”
If you have any outdoor plans tomorrow, bring the rain gear as much of the state could see multiple inches of rain on Halloween. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service…..
cut 10 (08) “…as well”

 

A New Orleans television station reports the US Department of Education is investigating how LSU handles cases of sexual assault. WVUE-TV spoke with women who are upset the school didn’t do enough to investigate claims they were raped. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell has been trying to address this issue in the legislature…
cut 15 (10) “…sanctioned”
LSU says it cannot discuss matters pertainning to a pending investigation.

 

Four French Quarter strip clubs who had their liquor licenses suspended by the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control will be able to sell alcohol. That’s because a New Orleans judge has issued a temporary restraining order against ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert’s suspension order. Hebert is not pleased…:
CUT 7 (08) “over there, now”
A hearing on the temporary restraining order is scheduled for next week.

LRN PM Newscall Oct 30

The two candidates in the governor’s race held dueling press conference in Baton Rouge with their supporters. Jeff Palermo was there..

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

================

WVUE-TV reports the US Department of Education is investigating how LSU handles cases of rape and sexual assault. Emelie Gunn reports…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

===================

The two candidates for governor held press conferences in Baton Rouge today. Democrat John Bel Edwards was joined by sheriffs from the around the state as he received the Louisiana Sheriffs Association endorsement. Edwards says a recent Vitter ad that claimed he plans to release up to 55-hundred inmates if elected, is untrue

CUT 3 (12)  “incarceration rates” 

At today’s press conference at the Louisiana Sheriff’s Assocation, several lawmen spoke about why Louisiana residents should elect Edwards on November 21st. Assumption Sheriff Mike Waguespack says Edwards will bring integrity to the governor’s office

CUT 4 (12)  “of Louisiana”

The National Federation of Independent Business announced its endorsement for Vitter and then the Senator told a lunchtime crowd there’s a clear choice to make on November 21st…..

CUT 5 (12)  “guide us”

Several republican officials like Congressmen John Fleming and Ralph Abraham were in attendance to show their support for Vitter. State Treasurer John Kennedy gave the most raucous speech of the day…

CUT 6 (10) “(cheers)”

============================

Four French Quarter strip clubs who had their liquor licenses suspended by the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control will be able to sell alcohol and cigarettes this weekend. That’s because a New Orleans judge has issued a temporary restraining order against ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert’s suspension order. Hebert is not pleased with Judge Regina Woods ruling…

CUT 7 (08)  “over there, now”

Judge Woods issued a temporary restraining order allowing the clubs to continue selling alcohol and tobacco. Hebert says this sends a horrible message…

CUT 8 (11)  “were served”

An undercover ATC operation found prostitution, drug sales, and other improper activities happening at these clubs. A hearing on the temporary restraining order is scheduled for next week. Hebert says if authorities really want to clean up the crime problem in the French Quarter, everyone needs to work as a team…

CUT 9 (09)  “are not”

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A flash flood watch is in effect for southwest and central Louisiana for Halloween. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says a lot of rain is moving in from the west bringing at least two to four inches of rain along with the chance of tornadoes.

cut 10 (08)  “as well”

Jones says this weather system will hit almost every corner of Louisiana but some areas more than others. He says with the already saturated grounds, the rainfall is likely to cause flooding on the streets and other low lying areas.

Cut 11 (10)  “overnight hours”

Jones says if you made plans for Halloween, it would be smart to move those indoors. He says this weather event will be very similar to what we experienced last weekend.

cut 12 (06)  “as well”

============================

WVUE-TV reports the US Department of Education is investigating how LSU handles cases of rape and sexual assault. New Orleans state Senator JP Morrell has been an advocate when it comes to legislation requiring college campuses to do a better job in reporting sexual assaults. Morrell says many colleges find the issue of sexual assault on campus overwhelming…

cut 13 (09)  “not an issue”

The report reveals 16 rapes were reported to an LSU campus advocacy group last year, but very little was done to protect the victims or punish the perpetrators. Federal investigators are checking into whether LSU responded promptly to a reported sexual assault incident earlier this year. Morrell says universities are required by law to have a Title IX coordinator to handle situations like this…

cut 14 (08) “or a janitor” 

In a statement, LSU says it cannot discuss matters pertaining to a pending investigation or any specific alleged incidents. Morrell says the state legislature will continue to work to get a process in place for colleges statewide to handle sexual assault claims. He says this investigation sends a strong message…

cut 15 (10)  “will be sanctioned”

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14:30 LRN Newscast October 30

Republican David Vitter and Democrat John Bel Edwards each had separate news conferences today in Baton Rouge. The National Federation of Independent Business announced its endorsement for Vitter and then the Senator told those in attendance there’s a clear choice to make on November 21st……:
CUT 5 (12) “…to guide us”
Democrat John Bel Edwards had a press conference at the headquarters of the Louisiana Sheriffs Association. who endorsed him earlier this week.

A flash flood watch is in effect tomorrow for southwest and central Louisiana, and Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service, says this rain event could be similar to last weekend’s..:
CUT 12 (06) “as well”
He says there’s a potential for tornadoes and 2-4 inches of rain.

State Police says a 13-year-old girl from Monroe died in crash when the vehicle she was traveling in failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by another vehicle. They say 47-year-old Florence Nash was did not yield to the stop sign at an intersection at US Highway 165-B and was hit by a truck. Investigators say Nash and several of her passengers were taken to a hospital and 13-year-old Cassy Nash of Monroe died.

Even though they had their liquor licenses suspended this week, a judge in New Orleans has ruled that four strip clubs in the French Quarter can stay open for now. A temporary restraining order was issued. Alcohol and Tobacco Control Commissioner Troy Hebert says if authorities really want to clean up crime in New Orleans, everyone needs to work as a team…:
CUT 9 (09) “are not”
An undercover ATC operation found prostitution and drug sales happening at the clubs.

11:40 Sportscast October 30, 2015

Tonight on Fox Sports One, Louisiana Tech will visit Rice in a big Conference USA match-up. The Bulldogs and Owls are battling for first place in the West Division. Rice leads Conference USA in rushing as they are averaging close to 200 yards a game on the ground. But Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz says the Owls also have a good passing game…
cut 17 (20) “…last year”
The last time La Tech played Rice in Houston, the Owls won 52-14. Tonight’s game will kickoff at 7 PM.

LSU has released its 2016 football schedule. The Tigers open the season in Green Bay against Wisconsin. Other highlights include a trip to Auburn on September 24th, a home game against Missouri on October 1st, hosting Ole Miss October 22nd and Alabama on November 5th and the regular season concludes on Thanksgiving night at Texas A-and-M.

The Saints look to get back to the .500 mark on Sunday when they host the New York Giants. It doesn’t look like the Saints will get cornerback Keenan Lewis back for this game. He did not practice yesterday as he continues to recover from a sports hernia surgery during training camp. New Orleans has reportedly signed linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, who was with the Saints from 2008 to 2011. He was released by the Rams earlier this week.

Elsewhere in the NFC South this weekend…the Falcons host Tampa Bay on Sunday and Carolina takes on Indianapolis in Charlotte on Monday night.

In college football Saturday….the Ragin Cajuns are double digit favorites to beat U-L-M on Saturday. U-L Lafayette quarterback Jalen Nixon is coming off a good performance against Arkansas State and it appears the Cajuns have finally found a replacement to Terrance Broadway at quarterback.

In other action on Saturday…Tulane is at undefeated and 16th ranked Memphis. McNeese State looks to stay undefeated as they visit Abilene Christian. Northwestern State and Nicholls meet in Thibodaux in a battle of one-win teams. Southeastern Louisiana has a tough game at Central Arkansas.

LRN Newscast 17:30 Oct 29

The state Department of Education says the percentage of high schools in Louisiana who have received an “A” grade under the state’s accountability system have increased from 10-percent last year to 23-percent this year. Education Superintendent John White says higher graduation rates and ACT scores led to 73-percent of high schools receiving at least a “C”…
cut 12 (07) “for their students”
White says the state plans to raise the bar on standards over the next ten years.

A new survey on the governor’s race shows Democrat John Bel Edwards leading Republican David Vitter by a 52 to 40-percent margin. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says there is little time for Vitter to turn things around…
cut 10 (09) “for him”
The survey was conducted by Anzalone Liszt Grove Research on behalf of the anti-Vitter Gumbo PAC.

Three major national political forecasters now say a win for Republicans in this gubernatorial election is not as certain as it once was. Some classify the race as a “toss-up” or a downgrade from “Likely Republican” to “Leans Republican.” Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Democrat John Bel Edwards tends to be painted in a more positive light in the media which is what political forecasters see…
cut 15 (10) “…someone damaged”

Fans are scrambling to get tickets for the top 10 matchup next weekend between LSU and Alabama. But Cameron Papp with Stub Hub says tickets for the November 7th showdown are not as pricey as previous LSU-Alabama games in 2013 and 2011…
cut 7 (08) “find out”
He says the cheapest ticket available for the November 7th game is 195-dollars.

16:45 LRN Sportscast October 29th

Not a good start to the season for the Pelicans as they are 0-and-2 after losing to Portland 112-94 last night. The team announced this afternoon that they’ve released guard Nate Robinson, after he failed to score in 23 minutes of action this season. New Orleans is reportedly interested in signing Toney Douglas, who played in 12 games for the Pels last season. The Pels next game is Halloween night at home against Golden State.

If you’re looking to secure tickets for next week’s SEC showdown between LSU and Alabama, Stubhub’s Cameron Papp says upper level seats behind one of the end zones are going for about 200-dollars…
cut 6 (07) “…end zone tickets”
Papp says at this point, ticket prices were higher for the 2013 LSU-Alabama matchup.

The Saints will go after their third win in a row on Sunday when they host the Giants. It will be a homecoming for Eli Manning, who is seeking his first win in the Superdome. He’s 0-and-2 in the dome as a pro.

UL Lafayette and ULM will meet on Saturday at Cajun Field. The Warhawks are desperate for a win as they’ve lost five straight, while the Cajuns are looking to bounce back from a Sun Belt loss to Arkansas State. UL Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth says despite the defeat, they can still win a league title…
cut 20 (20) “…against ULM”
Kick-off is at 4 PM on Saturday.

Week nine of the high school football season begins tonight. The New Orleans Saints-LHSAA Game of the Week is Rayville at Sterlington. Sterlington is 6-and-2 on the season, while Rayville has won four of its last five. Kick off is at 7 PM on Fox Sports New Orleans.