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.

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”