6:30 LRN Newscast

A State trooper accused of withholding body-camera footage of the deadly arrest of Ronald Greene in 2019 has agreed to take the stand in the trial of Master Trooper Kory York, who has been charged with negligent homicide. An obstruction of justice charge has been dismissed against Lt. John Clary and Union Parish District Attorney John Belton says says Clary will testify truthfully in this case.

The state wildlife commission meets today to discuss rules and regulations for the return of a Black Bear hunting season. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A study from the Barrow Neurological Institute reveals people exposed to median levels of air pollution have a 56-percent greater risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease. Lead researcher Doctor Brittany Krzyzankowski says based on their study south and western Louisiana and the Mississippi River Delta area are considered areas in Louisiana with high air pollution…
cut 8 (12) “…..develop from”

The Louisiana health department has unveiled a new Respiratory Dashboard that keeps track of emergency room visits and hospitaliziations for flu, COVID and RSV cases…
cut 5 (11) “…or statewide”
State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says latest data shows flu cases make up three-percent of all ER visits, Covid two percent, and combined respiratory illnesses six percent.

LRN PM Newscall November 1

A record-high 87 hundred students in the Bayou State earned a three or better on their Advanced Placement exams. Teiko Foxx on what this means…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

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If you want a job in Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s administration, go to his new transition website oneteam.la. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The Louisiana Department of Education has released the 2022-2023 Advanced Placement results which show high school seniors have earned record achievement on their placement tests. Nearly nine thousand students earned a three or better. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says students who earned a three or better can earn college credits for the course.

cut 3 (11) “…high schools.”

In total, 41 percent of students earned a three or better on their AP exam. A record nearly 87 hundred students earned a three or better on their AP exam, a 19 percent increase from than pre-pandemic total of 73 hundred in 2019. Brumley says Louisiana must continue to raise the bar for students in the Bayou State

Cut 4 (12) “…those opportunities.”

More than 13 thousand exams were passed. Students who earned a three or better may be eligible for college credit courses that families will not have to pay for. Brumley says seniors earned the first annual increase in average ACT in six years.

Cut 5 (12) “ …high schools.”  

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Governor-Elect Jeff Landry announced his transition website today. Landry’s transition theme is one dream, one team, one Louisiana, so the transition website is oneteam.la. He says there’s a place on the website for the public to share their ideas on making the state better

Cut 6 (09) “…with us”

Landry says the website will also have transition committee information and press releases. He says there will also be an application portal on the website for those interesting in working in his administration…

Cut 7 (12) “…open up” 

Landry has also identified 14 areas in Louisiana that need the most attention and he’s named chairpersons that will lead a committee to come up with solution-driven ideas. The governor-elect says one of the panels formed will look at how to improve New Orleans…

Cut 8 (12) “…is crime.” 

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The Don’t Pollute the Boot state is now home to the first-ever Litter Institute in the country. Executive Director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful Susan Russell says the LSU Litter Institute will not only study the trash issue locally but across the nation to find solutions.

Cut 9 (10) “…the country.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards championed the issue, along with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and asked the legislature for $800,000 to establish the institute.

Russell says the Institute is filling a void because there’s no central location for best practices and studies on the issue. She says it goes beyond people simply not disposing of trash properly and it’s a complicated issue.

Cut 10 (12) “…reducing waste.”

A recent survey said there are approximately 144 million pieces of litter on Louisiana roadways alone.

Russell says the Bayou State is literally a trash receptacle for other states because of litter that flows into the Mississippi River and ultimately the Gulf. Louisiana receives the drainage of approximately 100 million people, 40 percent of the continental US.

Cut 11 (12) “…our state.”

Trash flowing into the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River has resulted in some of the highest concentrations of microplastics in the world which impacts the state’s seafood industry.

For more information visit KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org

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A freeze warning has been issued for most parishes north of I-10 as the temperature is expected to get below during the overnight hours into tomorrow morning. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee…

Cut 12 (11) “…I-12 corridor”  

Wetherbee says high temperatures will get back into the upper 70s and 80s this weekend, but we have to prepare for a cold night…

Cut 13 (07) “…for a freeze.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Governor-elect Jeff Landry holds a press conference at 10 AM today in Lafayette as he provides new transition updates. Yesterday he announced 14 transition councils and their chairs. Heading up his criminal and public safety council are 18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton and New Orleans attorney and former prosecutor Laura Rodrigue. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Clayton and Rodrigue are on the front-lines in the battle against crime…
Cut 15 (10) “…New Orleans.”

The I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge which connects Acadiana to the Baton Rouge area is 50 years old, and Deidra Druilhet with the department of transportation says constructing the well known bridge was no small feet, due to the remoteness of the structure. She says before the 18-mile bridge could go up, they had to build canals…
Cut 10 (10) “…particular project.”
The bridge also required 174 miles of piling and 170 miles of pre-stressed concrete girders.

A recent Bankrate Survey finds a majority of working Americans support a 4-day work week. Bankrate Analyst Sarah Foster says Gen Z and Millennial workers are willing to sacrifice more to get the shorter week than Gen X and Baby Boomers
Cut 7 (10) “…week off.”
Recent ADP data finds 12-percent of U-S workers say their employer is offering a four-day work.

We flip the calendar to November today which means the hurricane season is basically over for the Gulf Coast. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s never been a landfall of a named storm in Louisiana in November. Keim says the weather pattern at this time of year usually directs storms to the east of us…
cut 5 (10) “….damn near close”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has announced his 14 transition councils and their chairs. The incoming governor will have councils on agriculture, the coast, crime, economic development, healthcare and K-through-12 education to name a few. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Landry also has a council specifically dedicated to New Orleans and well-know ship-builder Boysie Bollinger is the chair…
cut 14 (08) “….well respected”
Landry has a press conference today at 10 AM in Lafayette.

A recent survey from Bankrate finds 83-percent of 18 to 42-year-olds prefer a four-day work week and to make it happen they are willing to take a pay cut, give up remote work and….
cut 8 (07) “…work week”
That’s Bankrate analyst Sarah Foster.

We’re seeing temperatures below freezing for areas north of I-20 this morning and expect high temperatures to climb into the mid 50s for north and central Louisiana. Low 60s in south Louisiana. Much of the state is under a freeze warning for tonight into tomorrow morning.

For all practical purposes, the 2023 hurricane season is over in Louisiana because a storm has never made landfall here in November. Brooke Thorington has more….
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU is ranked 14th in the first College Football Playoff rankings. The Tigers are the highest ranked two-loss team. This Saturday’s opponent, Alabama, is ranked eighth.

The Crimson Tide are ranked 17th in the country in total defense, allowing 306 yards per game. They are also particularly stingy against the run, allowing 109 yards a contest. While the Tigers have the nation’s most explosive offense. Coach Brian Kelly says that unit is ready for the challenge…
cut 20 (15) “…is needed”

Back to the College Football Playoff Rankings, Tulane is ranked 24th. They are the highest ranked Group of Five school, so they are in line to play in a New Year’s Six Bowl for a second consecutive season. The Green Wave are at 1-and-7 East Carolina this Saturday.

Undefeated Liberty is a 16.5 point favorite to beat Louisiana Tech on Saturday. The Bulldogs are three and six and they need to win their final three regular season games in order to be bowl eligible. Coach Sonny Cumbie says they want to be involved in postseason play…
cut 18 (18) “….every season”
Kick off on Saturday is at five PM.

The Saints did not make a trade on NFL trade deadline day. New Orleans hosts the Bears this Sunday. Chicago acquired pass rusher Montez Sweat from Washington.

The Bills have signed former LSU star Leonard Fournette to their practice squad.

NBA, the Pelicans are at Oklahoma City tonight. Brandon Ingram is questionable after missing Monday’s loss to Golden State with knee soreness. An MRI on the knee showed nothing concerning.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has announced his 14 transition councils and their chairs. There are councils on agriculture, the coast, economic development, energy, infrastructure, education and workforce development. That’s standard for every incoming governor. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s interesting he has a council devoted just to New Orleans…
Cut 13 (10) “…is causing.”
Landry has appointed New Orleans resident and Chairman of Bollinger Shipyards Boysie Bollinger as the chairman of the New Orleans council.

It’s November first and it looks like the 2023 hurricane season has spared Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 4 (11) “…for Louisiana”
It’s the second straight year the Bayou State did not have any tropical activity after active seasons in 2020 and 21.

A recent Bankrate Survey finds a surging demand for a four-day work week and younger generations are ready to make major sacrifices. Colleen Crain has more…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The 13th-ranked LSU Tigers will be missing several cornerbacks in Saturday’s SEC showdown with eighth-ranked Alabama. Coach Brian Kelly says Zy Alexander, Duce Chestnut, and Denver Harris are not available. That means Sage Ryan and Laterrance Welch are your likely starters and Kelly says several freshmen could also play…
Cut 16 (16) “…win a championship.”
Defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo is done for the regular season after undergoing surgery.

Saints Coach Dennis Allen says Andrus Peat has looked good the last two weeks at left tackle…
cut 19 (20) “…this week”
It will be interesting to see what the Saints do when James Hurst returns from injury.

One of Northwestern State’s players has started a peitition to show school administrators they want to play this season, despite the death of safety Ronnie Caldwell, who was fatally shot.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Pelicans dropped their first game of the season last night as Seth Curry had 42 points as Golden State defeated New Orleans 130 to 102. Brandon Ingram did not play for New Orleans, because of knee soreness. Coach Willie Green says an MRI showed no significant issues and he’s questionable for tomorrow night’s game at Oklahoma City.

LRN PM Newscall October 31

LSU Associate Athletics Director Taylor Jacobs provided an update on N-I-L and what’s next in the world of college athletics. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Northwestern State administrators opted to cancel the football season citing the mental health of players after safety Ronnie Caldwell was killed. But one player says they want to play…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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LSU athletes have agreed to almost two-thousand name, image, and likeness deals since the NCAA allowed college athletes to receive endorsements. The NIL era began in July of 2021 and LSU associate athletics director, Taylor Jacobs, says the athletes are using their NIL money in a variety of ways

cut 3 (10) “…home.”

Jacobs says Tiger athletes have inked deals with Nike, Puma. Raising Canes and Taco Bell to name a few.

In January, a collective called Bayou Traditions was formed. Bayou Traditions raises funds to provide NIL deals with athletes. For over 30 years, the Tiger Athletic Foundation has raised money for facilities. Jacobs says some donors have a tough choice to make…

Cut 4 (11) “…necessary”

Jacobs says the next big thing to possibly come is revenue sharing. Under a revenue-sharing model, schools would share TV profits with athletes. She’s concerned about the future of Olympic sports that are not showcased on television…

Cut 5 (11) “ …sustain that model”  

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After the fatal shooting of Northwestern State football player Ronnie Caldwell, the season was canceled. But Sophomore tight end Travon Jones has started a petition to change that. On the Natchitoches Parish Journal Podcast, he says players were never asked about ending the season.

Cut 6 (06) “…to everyone.”

Jones says they learned last Wednesday at a team meeting their was season was ending early. When asked how many fellow players wanted to continue playing Jones says three-fourths of the team.

Cut 7 (10) “…to play.” 

Since Jones started the petition, he says he’s not received any feedback from the school’s administration or coaches. Jones says playing football is the best way for him and fellow teammates to handle their grief. When he lost a loved one before previous coaches agreed to play on.

Cut 8 (10) “…taken away.” 

Last week NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones cited the mental health of the players for cancelling the final four games of the season.

You can find the petition at change-dot-org “We Want to finish our 2023 season out.”

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It’s a cold day for outdoor Halloween activities. It will be in the low to mid 50s when most communities are holding trick or treat activities. And a strong wind out of the north is making it feel even colder. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says after a hot summer and warm October, we are not used to this…

Cut 9 (06) “…alarming” 

Wetherbee says the gusty winds and low humidity also produces dangerous fire weather conditions….

Cut 10 (10) “…of days.”

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain is asking the public not to light a match when outside

Cut 11 (09) “…very dry”

Strain says the state needs a few inches of rain to end the wildfire threat

Cut 12 (11) “…be careful”  

If you’re looking for additional heat, Ashley Rodrigue with the State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds you to do so safely. Never use an extension cord with a space heater because it could create an additional power source that isn’t equipped to handle the amount of electricity needed for the heater.

Cut 13 (12) “…catch fire.”

Never leave a space heater unattended and turn it off when sleeping because radiant heat from the source over time could catch a blanket on fire. Also, Rodrigue says never to use a stove, oven or Sterno can to warm your home, they’ve been known to cause home fires.

Rodrigue says the safest way to stay warm when sleeping…

Cut  14 (08) “…anything elese.”

She also reminds you to check the batteries in your smoke detector.

12:30 LRN Newscast

It’s a cold day for outdoor Halloween activities. It will be in the low to mid 50s when most communities are holding trick or treat activities. And a strong wind out of the north is making it feel even colder. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says after a hot summer and warm October, we are not used to this…
Cut 9 (06) “…alarming”
Wetherbee says the gusty winds and low humidity also produces dangerous fire weather conditions. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain is asking the public not to light a match when outside…
cut 11 (09) “…very dry”

According to candy-store-dot-com, Lemonheads is the most popular candy in Louisiana. Reese’s Cups is the most popular candies in the U-S, followed by M-and-M’s.
Northwestern State defensive tackle Travon Jones has started a petition on change-dot-org in the hopes he can get a large number of signatures to convince the school’s administration to let them play again this season. Jones told the Natchitoches Parish Journal that most of the team wants to keep playing.
cut 7 (10) “…to play”
University President Doctor Marcus Jones made the controversial decision last week to end the season prematurely, citing the mental health of the players following the fatal shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell.

The collective, Bayou Traditions, was started earlier this year. It’s a place where donors can go to help fund NIL deals for LSU players. There’s also the Tiger Athletic Foundation which helps raise money for facilities. LSU Associate Athletics Director Taylor Jacobs says some donors have a tough choice to make…
cut 4 (11) “…necessary”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Two starters on LSU’s defense will be missing Saturday when they face the Alabama Crimson Tide, cornerback Zy Alexander and defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo. Wingo will miss the rest of the regular season after undergoing surgery. But Coach Brian Kelly says they have enough depth on the D-Line…
cut 17 (19) “….very good”

Ragin Cajuns linebacker Cameron Whitfield is the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week. He had a career-high seven tackles and 3.5 sacks in a 33-20 win over South Alabama.

Grambling’s Sundiata Anderson has received SWAC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He had 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in the Tigers two touchdown win over Bethune Cookman.

Northwestern State defensive tackle Travon Jones has started a petition on change-dot-org in the hopes he can get a large number of signatures to convince Northwestern’s administration to let them play again this season. University President Doctor Marcus Jones made the controversial decision last week to end the season prematurely, citing the mental health of the players following the fatal shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell. Travon Jones says most of the team wants to keep playing.

The Sugar Bowl is actively seeking money from the business community to make sure the annual bowl game remains one of the upper tier bowls when the college football playoff expands to 12 teams next year. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says the Sugar Bowl is only guaranteed to host a quarterfinal game following the 2024 and 25 seasons, beyond that it’s unknown…
cut 15 (10) “….would matter”
For more information go to supportthesugarbowl.com.