LRN Am Newscall October 26

The Louisiana National Guard Museum at Jackson Barracks will open a new exhibit in February to mark the 25th Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The November 21st runoff has been decided. Democrat John Bel Edwards had 40% of the vote, and Republican David Vitter pulled it out with 23%. Michelle Southern reports..:

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A tight race is expected in the gubernatorial runoff between Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter. Jeff Palermo has more…

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The Louisiana National Guard Museum at Jackson Barracks will open a Desert Storm exhibit in February to mark the 25th anniversary and they’re seeking the help of current and former guardsmen. Museum Director Captain Heather Englehart says they’re searching for items to help tell the story of how the National Guard assisted in Operation Desert Storm.

cut 4  (10)  “their photographs”

Englehart says the museum is really struggling to find videos from that time period. She says if any guardsmen has a particularly interesting story, they’re willing to interview them on camera.

Cut 5  (09)  “perspective”

Any past or present National Guardsman can contact Beverly Boyko at (504) 278-8024 to donate artifacts. Englehart says anyone who participated in the operation is encouraged to come forward to share their experience.

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It’s Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter in the November 21st gubernatorial runoff. Edwards won the primary with 40-percent of the vote. He told his supporters he’ll run a honest campaign as he seeks to replace Bobby Jindal

CUT 7 (09)  “cheering”

On election night, Edwards was not afraid to criticize Vitter, including the incident that occurred on Friday that led to the arrest of a man who was working for the Vitter campaign. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand said the person was spying on his conversation at a coffeehouse. Edwards says that’s why the people of Louisiana should not elect Vitter

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Vitter, who got 23% of the votes, said in his post-election speech that Edwards is a liberal who supports the president…:

Cut 9 (12) “for illegals” 

Vitter will likely continue to tie Edwards to President Obama over the next month. He told his supporters that Edwards will bring to the Governor’s mansion exactly what the president has brought to the White House…:

Cut 10 (11) “in Baton Rouge (booo)” 

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Analysts are anticipating a close governor’s race as Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter will battle for votes leading up to the November 21st runoff. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says at this moment, he gives a slight edge to Edwards, who received 40-percent of the vote in the primary

cut 11 (10) “Scott Angelle”

Stockley says Vitter will have to convince all of the republicans who didn’t vote for him in the runoff to vote for him in the runoff…

Cut 12 (06) “vote for him”

Vitter is expected to tie Edwards to President Barack Obama in this race, and Stockley says the state representative from Amite will have to show his politics are different from the Commander in Chief…

Cut 13 (12)  “conservative democrat”

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LSU enters the bye week with a perfect 7-0 record after beating Western Kentucky 48 to 20 in a mud-filled game at Tiger Stadium. It’s the eighth time the Tigers have started the season 7-0, but Coach Les Miles says there’s still room for improvement….

Cut 14 (12) “couple of weeks”

In a couple of weeks, the Tigers will visit Alabama, who is 7-and-1. Miles is glad the bye week has arrived…

Cut 15  (10)  “some fatigue”

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The heavy rainfall that has impacted much of the state the last couple of days should come to an end today. Gavin Phillips, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says the storm system that has dumped more than a half of rain in some areas is finally moving out

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Phillips says it’s rare to have this kind of prolonged rain event in Louisiana in October, but it’s much needed after several weeks without significant rain

Cut 17 (07) “rainfall” 

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The Saints have a two-game winning streak after holding on to beat the Indianapolis Colts 27-21. It looked like New Orleans would have an easy win in Indy, but the Colts mounted a furious comeback to have a chance in the fourth quarter. Coach Sean Payton gives credits the Colts for coming back, but wishes it didn’t happen…

Cut 18 (19) “things we didn’t”

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 255 yards and one touchdown. But the biggest pass of the game was thrown by backup Luke McCown on a fake field goal. McCown’s 25-yard completion to Ben Watson set up New Orleans first touchdown of the game. Brees says it was awesome to see that trick play work

Cut 19 (15) “make em”

Brees got some help from the running game. Mark Ingram rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown, Khiry Robinson ran the ball into the end zone twice and running back CJ Spiller caught six passes. Brees says it was a good day for that group…

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10:30 LRN Newscast Oct 24

It’s election day across Louisiana as polls will remain open until 8 PM. The governor’s race is the headliner on the ballot. Citizens will also be asked to vote on four constitutional amendments and there’s also local tax measures to consider.

The governor’s race is expected to go into a runoff. Republican US Senator David Vitter’s campaign has to deal with allegations of spying. That’s because a man connected to the Vitter campaign was arrested by Jefferson Parish Sheriff deputies yesterday. Sheriff Newell Normand reportedly accusses the man of trying to record a conversation he was having with associates at a coffeehouse in Metairie. Robert Frenzel was booked on criminal mischief. Vitter’s campaign has confirmed that Frenzel works for a firm they hired to do research, which is within the bounds of the law, but they said Frenzel’s work had nothing to do with Normand. Normand has endorsed Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne in the governor’s race.

Rain is falling across much of north Louisiana this morning and there’s more precipitation that will be coming in from Texas. It’s the first significant rainfall the state has seen in weeks. But state climatologist Barry Keim says there’s also a concern about flooding as the rain will stick around for a few days…
cut 4 (10) “…right now”
Central and Southwest Louisiana are under a flash flood watch until Monday morning.

Rain could impact the college football games that will be played in the state today. The undefeted LSU Tigers host Western Kentucky at six o’ clock tonight. McNeese State is also unbeaten on the season and the Cowboys will host Northwestern State tonight. Grambling is undefeated in the SWAC and they host Mississippi Valley State, while Louisiana Tech has a big Conference USA matchup with Middle Tennessee.

09:30 LRN Newscast October 24

It’s election day and the headliner on the ballot is Louisiana’s governor’s race. There are nine candidates who are seeking to replace Governor Bobby Jindal, who is term-limited. It’s expected the race will go to a runoff, which will take place on November 21st. Polls are open until 8 PM. To find out what’s on your ballot go to geaux-vote-dot-com.

There’s been an interesting development in the governor’s race. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s office arrested Robert Frenzel yesterday on misdemeanor charges after he allegedly conducted surveillance at a coffeeehouse on a group of people that included Sheriff Newell Normand. The sheriff, who supports Jay Dardenne in the governor’s race, says he believes Frenzel was snooping on him. The Vitter campaign admits Frenzel works for a firm they hired to do research, which is legal, and this has nothing to do with Normand.

Also on Friday, Senator Vitter was as a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a minor accident. No serious injuries were reported.

Baton Rouge Police have made an arrest in the case involving a 15-year-old girl who was found bound and gagged in a drainage canal earlier this week. Authorities say 31-year-old Robert Jacobs turned himself and he’s been charged with first degree rape and sexual battery.

Get ready for a lot of rain over the next few days. State climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll be in an incredibly wet pattern until at least Tuesday…
cut 3 (10) “….of rain”
Southwest and central Louisiana are under a flash flood watch until Monday morning.

And rain could impact college football games around the state. Tonight 5th ranked LSU hosts Western Kentucky. Louisiana Tech faces Middle Tennessee this afternoon, McNeese State hosts Northwestern State and Grambling State is also home for homecoming.

LRN Newscast 08:30 October 24

Polls are open and they will remain open until 8 PM. The headliner on the ballot is the governor’s race. There are four main candidates on the ballot, Republican Scott Angelle, Republican Jay Dardenne, Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter.

A person connected to the Vitter campaign was arrested yesterday and accused of recording a conversation involving Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand. The incident happened at the Old Metairie coffee shop. The man arrested is Robert Frenzel, a private investigator from Texas. According to campaign finance reports, Vitter’s campaign has spent 130-thousand dollars this year on an investigative agency, where Frenzel works.

Normand, who supports Dardenne in the governor’s race, told a New Orleans television station, he believes Frenzel was spying on behalf of Vitter. A statement from Vitter’s campaign admits Frenzel works for a firm they hired to do research, which is legal, but this incident has nothing to do with the sheriff.

Amite police have arrested a mother and father after their four-year-old child allegedly brought a loaded pistol to school. Investigators believe the gun was in the parents’ vehicle and the child put it into his book sack during the ride to school. 36-year-old Kenji Steptow and 30-year-old Kenisha Steptow were charged with child desertion, which is a misdemeanor.

The Mississippi Cop who was refused access to a restaurant in Destin because he was wearing an LSU hat says he’s never going back, even though Harry T’s has issued an apology for “Unsportsmanlike conduct.” The fan is Don Bass with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office in Mississippi. He says following being told he was not welcome, he sent the owner an email…:
CUT 10 (11) “went from there”
Harry T’s is “very sorry” and is hosting an LSU party at the establishment today.

LRN Sportscast 7:30 Oct 24

Tonight 5th ranked LSU will face Western Kentucky for homecoming. It’s being reported the Tigers could be without two starters on defense. Junior defensive tackle Christian LaCouture has a foot injury and according to the Baton Rouge Advocate is not expected to play. Junior cornerback Tre’Davious White might also miss the game, because of a knee injury. LSU is going up against a team that loves to throw the football. Western Kentucky quarterback Brandon Doughty has thrown for 2,709 yards, which is second best in the nation.

Louisiana Tech is home to take on Middle Tennessee. The Bulldogs are in a three-way tie for first place in the West division of Conference USA, with a 2-and-1 record. Kickoff is at 2:30.

ULM looks to snap a four-game losing streak as they face Idaho. It’s the start of a three-game road trip for the Warhawks.

Tulane is also on the road today…as they battle Navy.

It’s homecoming for Grambling as they host Mississippi Valley. Grambling is undefeated in the SWAC, while the Delta Devils are winless in league play. Southern will take on Texas Southern. The Jags need to win to keep pace with Grambling.

In the Southland…McNeese State looks to stay undefeated as they host Northwestern State. Nicholls State tries to make it two wins in a row as they take on Sam Houston State and Southeastern Lousiaina visits Houston Baptist.

In high school football last night…Eunice clobbered Church Point 37-6, Evangel beat Airline 37-7, Ouachita Christian smashed Mangham 52-18, Riverside routed St. Charles Catholic 35-3, Teurlings Catholc topped its crosstown rivals, St. Thomas More 42-28.

In the NFL…the Saints will visit Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts tomorrow. The last time these two teams met, the Saints won 62 to 7 at home.

And the Pelicans wrapped up the preseason last night with a 93-90 win over Miami.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 October 23rd

There are some big high school football games on the schedule tonight. In Shreveport, two of the best teams in Class Five-A go at it as Airline visits Evangel. Over in Monroe, Ouachita Christisian hosts Mangham in a battle for the district lead. In Lafayette…it will be a crosstown battle as St. Thomas More visits Teurlings Catholic. Just down the road from that game….Church Point hosts Eunice and in the River Parishes….St. Charles Catholic hosts Riverside.

LSU is a 15.5 point favorite to beat Western Kentucky tomorrow night in Tiger Stadium. But Coach Les Miles has told his team not to expect an easy victory, because of what the Hilltoppers can do on offense….
cut 15 (14) “…nice match-up”
Kick-off tomorrow night is just after 6 PM.

UL Monroe and Louisiana Tech are listed as favorites in Las Vegas for their respective games. The Warhawks are at Idaho, while the Bulldogs host Middle Tennessee. ULM is favorite by one point and they are playing in Moscow for the first time since 2004. Tech is a touchdown favorite and is expected to have star running back Kenneth Dixon back for this game.

Grambling State is expected to win on Saturday. The Tigers are 5-0 in the SWAC, while Mississippi Valley state is winless in league play. Southern will travel to Texas Southern. The Jaguars need to win to keep pace with Grambling.

In Lake Charles…McNeese State will look to stay undefeated on the season as they host Northwestern State. The Demons won their first game of the year last week against Lamar.

And in the NBA….the Pelicans close out their preseason schedule with a home game against Miami tonight. New Orleans will tip it off for real on Tuesday against Golden State.

LRN Sportscast 11:40 Oct 23

Two teams expected to have better records when the season started meet Sunday in Indianapolis as the Colts host the Saints. It’s a game where Saints quarterback Drew Brees has a chance to put up some big numbers. New Orleans is third in the league in passing, while the Colts are 29th in the NFL in pass defense. Kick-off on Sunday is at noon.

The LSU Tigers put their perfect 6-0 record on the line Saturday night in Tiger Stadium when they host Western Kentucky, who has a record of 6-1. LSU has done well this year getting to the opposing passer, but the Hilltoppers have allowed just eight sacks. Coach Les Miles explains the challenges his defense faces when it comes to rushing the Hilltopper quarterback…
cut 24 (10) “…and throw”
Kick-off is just after 6 PM on Saturday night

The Pelicans wrap up the preseason with a home game against the Miami Heat tonight . The team announced today that they’ve released Sean Kilpatrick and Chris Douglas Roberts. That puts New Orleans’ roster at 17 players. They’ll have to cut two more before the start of the regular season.

In the Southland Conference on Saturday…McNeese State looks to stay undefeated as they host Northwestern State for homecoming. Southeastern Louisiana is at Houston Baptist. The Lions are 2-and-2 in league play, while the Huskies are winless in the Southland. And Nicholls State, who is coming off a victory travels to sam Houston State, who is on a four-game winning streak.

Elsewhere…ULM is making the long trip to Idaho today, where they’ll play the Vandals tomorrow, while Louisiana Tech hosts Middle Tennessee, Grambling hosts Mississippi Valley and Southern is at Texas Southern.

Louisiana College takes on Kentucky Wesleyan.

There are several big high school football games on the schedule tonight. Airline is at Evangel, while Ouachia Christian hosts Mangham. In south Louisiana…St. Thomas More renews its rivalry with Teurlings Catholic, Eunice is at Church Point and Riverside visits St. Charles Catholic.

LRN Newscast 09:30 Oct 23

Election day is tomorrow and polls are open from seven A-M to eight PM. Emelie Gunn has more…
cut 1 (31) “…Emelie Gunn”

Rain is in the forecast for much of the state on election day. But heavy rainfall is expected to hit Louisiana on Sunday as a result of a low pressure system. Several inches of rain are expected to fall across the state from Sunday to Tuesday.

Alliance for Affordable Energy, is raising concerns that rate hikes could be in store for Cleco customers, if a proposed a merger with Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets is allowed to go through. But Cleco spokesperson Robbyn Cooper denies that allegation…
cut 10 (08) “….is approved”
The Louisiana Public Service Commission is expected to vote early next year on whether to approve the proposed Cleco merger.

Thousands of Louisiana drivers are seeking answers about a letter they received that says they face fines for allowing their car insurance to lapse. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the Office of Motor Vehicles should have had a better process in place for those who received these letters and he’ll meet with OMV Commissioner Stephen Campbell next week to talk about how to determine if a fine is warranted…
cut 12 (06) “….owed to the state”
Some of these cases are over a decade old.

LRN Newscast 08:30 October 23rd

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon believes the debt collection notices sent out by the state Office of Motor Vehicles to Louisiana citizens, claiming they are facing fines for allowing their auto insurance to lapse, is an attempt by the Jindal administration to plug a hole in the state’s budget. Donelon says if you have paperwork to dispute these allegations, contact the O-M-V….
cut 13 (10) “….collection efforts”
The OMV hotline is open from 8 AM to 8 PM, including Saturday and Sunday.

The Secretary of State’s office is anticipating a voter turnout of 45 to 50-percent for tomorrow’s October 24th primary. Spokesperson Meg Casper says they hope their prediction is wrong and over 50-percent of the electorate vote…
cut 6 (09) “….voice is heard”
Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM.

The Alliance for Affordable Energy, isn’t happy with the possible merger of Pineville-based Cleco and Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets. Logan Atkinson-Burke with the Alliance for Affordable Energy says it’s a bad and unfair deal for Cleco customers….
cut 7 (10) “…for them”
But Cleco spokesperson Robbyn Cooper says as part of the agreement, Macquarie has committed to providing rate credits for customers totally 65 million dollars over a ten year period…
cut 9 (04) “…even better’
The Louisiana Public Service Commission will decide early next year whether to approve the merger.

A federal judge fines the state 50-thousand dollars as part of the case brought by Angola death row inmates, who say its too hot during the summer. Judge Brian Jackson says the fines are the result of state correction officials manipulating the court-order collection of temperature data on death row by installing awings and using soaker hoses.

LRN Newscast 07:30 October 23rd

There are thousands of Louisiana residents upset over letters they’ve recived from the Office of Motor Vehicles that say they’re facing fines for allowing their auto insurance to lapse. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says a person can dispute their fine…
cut 11 (10) “….indebtedness”
If you want to dispute the fines, call the OMV at (225) 925-6146 from 8 AM to 8 PM, including Saturday and Sunday.

The Secretary of State’s office is gearing up for a statewide election tomorrow, where the gubernatorial primary is the headliner on the ballot. Spokesperson Meg Casper says to see what’s on the ballot, go to Geaux Vote-dot-com…
cut 4 (10) “….real time”
Polls will be open tomorrow from 7 AM to 8 PM.

Some much needed rain is on its way to the Bayou State. The National Weather Service says we could see as much as seven inches come down between now and Wednesday. Rain chances are 100-percent for most of the state on Sunday.

A proposed merger between Pineville-based Cleco and Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets, has some left feeling uneasy. Don Molino has more…
cut 2 (31) “….reporting”