9:30 LRN Newscast

It will be a cold and a blustery Halloween. State Climatologist Barry Keim says expect the next few days to be chilly as we’ll experience our coldest morning temperatures in several months…
cut 12 (09) “…even Friday”
A freeze warning is in effect for tonight as low temperatures are expected to dip into the upper 20s for some parts of the state.

Today is the last day for homeowners who suffered damages in the 2020-21 hurricanes and the May 2021 severe storms to apply for funding that can be used to repair your home. Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development, Pat Forbes, says there are about 65-hundred homeowners who have completed the initial survey, but not submitted applications…
Cut 7 (10) “…repair of their home.”
Homeowners can submit their application at restore-dot-la-dot-gov.

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 partnered with Nike, Puma. Raising Canes and Taco Bell to name a few.

The Sugar Bowl has been a college football staple since 1935. But with the expansion of the college football playoffs looming, it’s in danger of losing its clout. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says they are actively raising money and hoping the business community will help out.
Cut 13 (09) “…compete there.”
Hundley says several cities that do not have a major bowl game are lining up massive dollars to bid to host future quarterfinal, semifinal and championship games.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Trick or Treaters will have to bundle up tonight as this will be one of the colder Halloweens we’ve experienced. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the wind can cut right through if you don’t have enough layers on…
cut 11(10) “..temperatures falling”
The gusty winds and low humidity also produces dangerous fire weather conditions.

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says drivers need to be extra vigilant as Trick or Treaters will be out tonight…
cut 5 (06) “….trick or treating”
Fischer says trick or treaters should walk against traffic, wear bright colors and you’re safer in a group.

According to candy-store-dot-com, Lemonheads are the most popular candy in Louisiana. A bit of a surprise if you ask me. Reese’s Cups are the most popular candies in the U-S, followed by M-and-M’s.

The Sugar Bowl is actively seeking money from the business community to make sure the annual bowl game remains one of the upper tier bowl games 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.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly says starting defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo and starting cornerback Zy Alexander will not play this Saturday against Alabama. Also corners Duce Chestnut and Denver Harris remain inactive. Kelly says several freshmen corners need to be ready…
cut 16 (16) “…win championship”
Kick-off is at 6:45.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Today will be one of the colder Halloweens we’ve experienced. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending is up. NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights, Katherine Cullen, says people will spend on average 108-dollars, up eight dollars from last year…
cut 21 (09) “…several years”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging motorists to watch out for pedestrians and trick-or-treaters tonight. Also don’t mix alcohol and driving with your Halloween celebrations…
cut 4 (08) “…in Louisiana”
That’s Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson Gregory Fischer says last October, 94 people were killed in roadway crashes, one of the deadliest months on record since 2008.

The Allstate Sugar Bowl is celebrating its 90th anniversary, but bowl organizers are concerned about losing its clout when college football expands to a 12-team format next year….
cut 14 (11) “….Las Vegas”
The Sugar Bowl will be a quarterfinal site for the first two years of the expanded playoff, but after that it’s unclear what role the Sugar Bowl will have. That’s why the bowl game is looking for private financial support and have a website supportthesugarbowl.com.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Two starters for LSU on defense will not play in Saturday night’s SEC showdown against Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Coach Brian Kelly says defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo will miss the next six weeks after undergoing surgery and cornerback Zy Alexander remains out with a leg injury.

Meanwhile LSU’s top ranked offense faces its biggest test against a Crimson Tide defense that features two great pass rushers. Coach Brian Kelly on Bama’s D…
cut 18 (18) “…run and hit”

In basketball…Steph Curry went off for 42 points as Golden State handed the Pelicans their first loss of the season, 130 to 102 at the Smoothie King Center. Brandon Ingram did not play for the Pels because of knee soreness. Zion Williamson had 19 points and 5 boards.

There’s a lot of talk about how well the Saints offense played in Sunday’s win over the Colts. But the Saints defense came up with one of the biggest plays of the game. Paulson Adebo’s interception in the end zone. Coach Dennis Allen says Adebo had a big game…
cut 20 (19) “…..passing game”
The Saints will face back-up quarterbacks the next two weeks. Tyson Bagent will start for the injured Justin Fields this Sunday for the Chicago Bears. In two weeks, New Orleans travels to Minnesota, but Vikings starter Kirk Cousins is out with a torn Achilles. Rookie backup Jaren Hall is now the Vikings starter.

The Rangers defeated the Diamondbacks three to one in Game 3 of the World Series. Texas leads the series two games to one. Game four is tonight in Arizona.

6:30 LRN Newscast

When you step outside today, be prepared….it’s no longer summer. State Climatologist Barry Keim
cut 10 (12) “….through here”
High temperatures today will only be in the 50s and it will also be breezy. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for central and south Louisiana, which means dangerous fire conditions have returned.

Today is the last day to turn in an application to be eligible for grant dollars to help make home repairs if you received damage during the 2020 and 21 hurricanes or the May 2021 severe storms. Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says there are about 65-hundred homeowners who completed the initial survey but not yet submitted applications…
cut 8 (09) “…..big push’
For more information go to restore.la.gov.

It’s Halloween so the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission wants motorists to be on the look out for trick or treaters. Colleen Crain reports October is consistently one of the deadliest months of the year on Louisiana’s roads…
cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crane”

16:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints had their highest scoring game of the season yesterday as they defeated the Indianapolis Colts 38-27. They had 511 yards of total offense, which is also a season-high. Coach Dennis Allen says it was a good game for the offense and the defense after a slow start….
cut 18 (18) “….to our place”
New Orleans is 4-and-4 and they have another winnable game this Sunday against the two and six Chicago Bears.

The 13th ranked LSU Tigers are gearing up for their big game against 8th ranked Alabama. Coach Brian Kelly announced today that defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo will miss the next six weeks after undergoing surgery and the Tigers will also be without some of their top cornerbacks…
cut 13 (07) “….practice today’
Alabama is a three-point favorite.

The LSU men’s basketball team has an exhibition game tonight against Louisiana Christian. The Tigers have a lot of new faces on this team including Carlos Stewart, who transferred in from Santa Clara. He played his high school basketball at Dunham in Baton Rouge. Coach Matt McMahon says Stewart is a terrific athlete who can knock down the three-pointer…
cut 19 (19) “….for his career”

Also tonight, the Pelicans look to go 3-and-0 on the season as they host Golden State. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram combined to score 50 points in a win over Knicks on Saturday night.

Tonight is Game 3 of the World Series. The Diamondbacks and Rangers are tied at one game a piece.

LRN PM Newscall October 30

The number of salt marsh mosquitoes has increased despite a drought – making the blood sucking insect bod and bothersome. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

______________________________________

Spending nationally on the ghoulish holiday of Halloween this year is expected to set a new record. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

There has been an insurgence of annoying salt marsh mosquitoes in the Bayou State. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Kristen Healy says a combination of drought and wildfires are contributing factors to this situation.

cut 3 (08) “…long time.”

Salt marsh mosquitoes are a dusk brown color but unlike many other types of mosquitoes, they fly during the day. Healy says saltmarsh have adapted to fly extremely long distances for food sources.

Cut 4 (11) “…by piece.”

From the middle of spring through the middle of fall, populations of saltmarsh mosquitoes can be found more than 80 miles inland from coastal waters. Healy encourages Louisianans to avoid places and times when mosquitoes are abundant.

Cut 5 (11) “ …registered repellents.”  

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21-year-old Malik Flowers has been arrested after the double Friday night shooting a block from the Donaldsonville High School football game. Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Donovan Jackson says Flowers faces second-degree murder for the death of 21-year-old Tyree Parker and an attempted murder charge…

Cut 6 (08) “…being fired.”

Because the football game against Patterson was close by Jackson says the game was halted as a security precaution and the stadium needed to be utilized for air medics.

Cut 7 (06) “…control.” 

Jackson says the other shooting victim, Jackson is hospitalized and fighting for his life.

Cut 8 (12) “…this incident.” 

This is the third shooting that’s happened near or at a high school football game this season. There was one on October 6 at the Hahnville – Thibodaux game and a fatal shooting on September 1st at the Brusly – Port Allen game.

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Halloween spending to reach a record $12.2 billion according to the National Retail Federation, exceeding last year’s record of $10.6 billion. But NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights, Katherine Cullen says the big headline is more people are celebrating the holiday than before…

Cut 9 (09) “…last year.” 

Before the pandemic, only 68% of US adults observed All Hallows’ Eve.

And as the popularity of Halloween has increased, Cullen says that’s driving the increase in spending. And post-pandemic there’s been an increase in more Halloween events…

Cut 10 (12) “…their kids.”

And while you might think inflation is driving the increase in spending this Halloween, Cullen says it’s actually because more people are participating this year. On a per-person basis, she says people will spend $108 for Halloween, up about eight dollars from last year.

Cut 11 (09) “…several years”

The most popular costumes among children this year are Spiderman, princesses, ghosts, superheroes, and witches. As for adults NRF says expect to see plenty of Barbie, Mario Brothers, and Wednesday Adamas costumes this year.

____________________________________________________________________

It’s LSU-Alabama week as the Fighting Tigers are up to number 13 in the AP Top 25 poll. The Crimson Tide who has one less loss than LSU and is ranked 8th. LSU Coach Brian Kelly says they have to raise their level of preparation

Cut 12 (08) “…special teams.”  

LSU has injury and availability concerns going into the game. Kelly says defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo had surgery and will miss at least six weeks. The Tigers will also be without some of their top cornerbacks, but a freshman from Rummel High School is available…

Cut 13 (07) “…practice today”

Kelly says he has confidence freshmen cornerbacks Jeremiah Hughes, Javien Toviano and Ashton Stamps can get the job done.

1:30 LRN Newscast

The number of salt marsh mosquitoes has increased despite a drought – making the blood sucking insect bod and bothersome.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

An artic cold front arrives today and that will produce a chilly Halloween. High temperatures tomorrow in the low 60s. North Louisiana will see below freezing temperatures Wednesday and Thursday morning.

LSU is ranked 13th in the AP poll heading into its matchup against Alabama on Saturday and Coach Brian Kelly says defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo will miss the game after undergoing surgery.

Ascension Parish deputies have arrested a 21-year-old man in the fatal shooting of another 21-year person which led to the suspension of the Donaldsonville-Paterson football game on Friday. The shooting happened a block from the stadium where the two teams were playing. Spokesperson Donovan Jackson says a second person was shot and is fighting for his life..,
cut 8 (12) “….this incident”
Malik Flowers is the alleged gunman and Tyree Parker is the deceased victim.

According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending is up. NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights, Katherine Cullen, says people will spend on average 108-dollars, up eight dollars from last year…
cut 11 (09) “…several years”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints offense had that break-out performance they’ve been waiting for in yesterday’s 38-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Quarterback Derek Carr had his best game with the Black and Gold as he threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns. Carr likes that they were three out of four in the red zone…
cut 17 (19) “….showed up”
New Orleans is now 4-and-4 and tied for first place in the NFC South with Atlanta. The Falcons lost to Tennessee 28-23. New Orleans will host the Chicago Bears this Sunday. The Bears fell to two and six as they lost to the Chargers last night 30-13.

Northwestern State’s football season is over as a result of the fatal shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell. The family of Caldwell says they told Coach Brad Laird that the apartment Caldwell was living in was unsafe and then three days later he was murdered. Attorney Troy Pradia says they don’t know why the school chose to end the season or why Laird resigned…
cut 15 (10) “…unanswered questions”
Pradia says the family plans to file legal action against Northwestern State.

Ragin Cajuns football picked up a big win on Saturday as they went to South Alabama and beat the Jaguars 33-20. U-L rushed for 203 yards. Jacob Kibodi rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown. ULM fell to 0-5 in the Sun Belt with a 34-24 loss to Arkansas State. Tulane topped Rice 30-28. Grambling and Southern both won, while Nicholls fell to Southeast Missouri 35-31.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The weather is changing as it will feel like fall this week as a major blast of cold air begins to spread across the state today….
cut 1 (31) “….I’m Colleen crane”

In other news…Calcasieu Parish deputies arrest 17-year-old Artavien Green for a shooting that injured six other teens during a party at a Lake Charles home. One of the victims is in critical condition.

Financial troubles have led to the Archdiocese of New Orleans announcing plans to close and consolidate churches by next July. Eight parishes will be trimmed to four.

The family of murdered Northwestern State football player Ronnie Caldwell plans to file a lawsuit this week against the university and others. Caldwell’s parents say they warned the coach that their son was living in a dangerous situation three days before he was fatally shot at his apartment complex. Blanche Caldwell is Ronnie’s mother…
cut 14 (10) “…back home”
Northwestern State cancelled its remaining four games and head coach Brad Laird resigned.

Newsweek Magazine ranks Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport as the best hospital in the state. Senior Vice President of Quality and Clinical Performance Claire Rebouche says the honor comes one year before Willis-Knighton is set to celebrate its 100th year in caring for the community…
cut 12 (100 “…anniversary year”