11:40 LRN Sportscast

The 14th ranked LSU football team returns to Tiger Stadium tomorrow night to host Grambling State. The G-Men also lost its season opener, falling to Hampton 35-31. Grambling allowed 279 rushing yards, so this should be a contest where LSU gets its running backs involved and gets the ground game going. Running back Noah Cain…
cut 18 (14) “….on Grambling”
Grambling State is excited to face LSU on the football field for the first time tomorrow night. G-S-U President Rick Gallot says this is a great opportunity…
Cut 6 (11) “…football too.”
Kick off tomorrow night is at 6:30.

The Ragin Cajuns open up conference play tomorrow when they take on Old Dominion. The Monarchs lost their opening game to Virginia Tech and they are picked to finish last in the East Division. But Coach Michael Desormeaux says they present some challenges…
cut 20 (19) “…their too”
Kick off is at 5 PM.

Also on Saturday, ULM Hosts Lamar. Northwestern State is at Louisiana Tech. There is a battle of Top 25 teams in New Orleans as 24th ranked Tulane hosts 20th ranked Ole Miss. That game kicks off at 2:30 at Yulman Stadium. McNeese is at Florida, Southeastern Louisiana will battle South Alabama in Mobile and Nicholls takes on TCU in Fort Worth.

8:30 LRN Newscast

The first televised debate of the governor’s race went down last night and the first question was on how the candidates would reduce crime if elected governor. Republican Stephen Waguespack says the state needs more law enforcement officers and he wants to use technology…
cut 11 (13) “…retribution”
Independent Hunter Lundy says better-educated children would result in less crime…
Cut 12 (14) “…incarceration”
John Schroder, Sharon Hewitt and Shawn Wilson also participated. All five candidates opposed raising the state’s gasoline tax to use for highway construction.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the Louisiana Office of Tourism has a new ad campaign, “My Louisiana” which he believes will entice more visitors to the Bayou State. Nungesser says the new campaign targets visitors nationally and important regional feeder markets like Dallas…
cut 5 (11) “….coming here”
The campaign will also run on billboards in New York’s Times Square.

A new law that went into effect this year allows more students to receive free meals. Rhonda Jackson, Director of No Kid Hungry Louisiana says there are three categories of school meals, free, reduced meals, and paid lunch.
Cut 14 (10) “…as well.”
The bipartisan legislation provides $860,000 in funding each year which allows 14,000 more students eligible for free meals.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Five of the seven major candidates for governor appeared in the first statewide TV debate last night and the first question thrown at them was what will they do about the state’s crime problem if elected governor. Treasurer John Schroder, a former narcotics detective, says crime fighting isn’t always about putting someone in jail…
Cut 9 (13) “…dealt with”
Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says fentanyl is the root cause of our crime problem…
Cut 10 (13) “…young people”
Republican Stephen Waguespack says more law enforcement is needed, Independent Hunter Lundy says better educated children would result in less crime and Democrat Shawn Wilson used the question to take a shot at Jeff Landry for not showing up to the debate. Landry plans to be at the next televised debate, a week from tonight.

The Louisiana Office of Tourism kicks off a new ad campaign to attract tourists to the Bayou State. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 1 (32) “….I’m Teiko Foxx”

A one-point-eight million dollar Louisiana Lottery ticket was sold in New Orleans for the August 30th drawing, but so far no one has claimed the prize. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the winner has 180 days from August 30th to come forward…
cut 8 (06) “….their check”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

After a poor performance last Sunday against Florida State, LSU returns to Tiger Stadium tomorrow night to face the Grambling Tigers. Quarterback Jayden Daniels says practices have been spirited this week.
Cut 16 (16) “…essentially.”
Coach Brian Kelly said last night freshman offensive tackle Zalance Heard could get snaps with the first team and receiver Chris Hilton also deserves to play more.

The LSU Board of Supervisors meets this morning and they are expected to approve a new 10-year, 32 million dollar contract for women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey.

And former LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow is now the highest-paid NFL player after agreeing to a five-year, 275 million dollar contact extension.

The Saints are getting ready for their season opening match-up against the Titans. Tennessee has one of the best running backs in the NFL in Derrick Henry and they added dynamic receiver DeAndre Hopkins in the offseason. New Orleans defensive coordinator Joe Woods says it’s a lot to prepare for…
cut 21 (20) “…that out”

The Ragin Cajuns open Sun Belt play on Saturday by facing Old Dominion in Norfolk, Virginia. In last week’s win over Northwestern State, U-L Quarterback Ben Woolridge threw for 223 yards and 3 touchdowns, but only completed 44 percent of his passes. Coach Michael Desormeaux hopes to complete a higher percentage of passes tomorrow…
cut 19 (14) “….protect better”

6:30 LRN Newscast

Five of the seven major candidates for governor made their pitch to voters last night in a statewide televised debate. The first question posed to the candidates, if elected how will they address crime. Independent Hunter Lundy says it starts with better educated children….
cut 12 (14) “…..incarceration”
Treasurer John Schroder says the state has to invest more into treating individuals with mental illness, Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says getting fentanyl off our streets can reduce crime and Stephen Waguespack says more law enforcement officers are needed. Democrat Shawn Wilson used the question to point out that Jeff Landry decided not to attend the debate…
cut 13 (11) “….be engaged”
There’s another televised debate a week from tonight and Landry says he will attend.

A new law that went into effect this year allows more students to receive free meals.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Lottery says players won 11.7 million dollars in August from lottery drawings and scratch-off winners claimed 16-million dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says their fiscal year began in July and they are off to a good start…
cut 7 (08) “…so far”

LRN AM Newscall September 8

The Louisiana Office of Tourism kicks off a new ad campaign to attract tourists to the Bayou State. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “….I’m  Teiko Foxx”

_______________________________________________

A new law that went into effect this year allows more students to receive free meals. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism launch a new ad campaign to bring more visitors to the state. The “My Louisiana” campaign promotes staycations and domestic and international travel. Nungesser says the campaign shows potential visitors that Louisiana has something for everyone.

Cut 3 (13) …over Louisiana”

The campaign will reach potential visitors in the media they use most for travel inspiration and planning. Nungesser says the ads will run on billboards, in major outlets, and through other formats.

Cut 4 (11) “… Louisiana is.”

The campaign will also use digital video, print advertising, streaming audio, still photography, visitor guide assets, and trade show assets. Nungesser says marketing will also include missions to feeder markets like Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Chicago.

Cut 5 (08) “…alternate routes.”

The Office of Tourism also launched a new website just months ago which nearly eight million people visited last year.

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Almost $12 million was won from lottery tickets in Louisiana last month, along with $877 thousand in fast-play winnings and more than $16 million in scratch-off winnings. And that’s not all, Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison…

Cut 6 (07) “…in August.”

And while the numbers vary month-to-month, Annison says things are off to a good start for the new fiscal year…

Cut 7 (08) “…so far.”

Annison says a ticket with the winning numbers for a Lotto prize of $1.85 million was sold in New Orleans last month. So far, no one has claimed the prize, but the winner has 180 days from the August 30th draw date to come forward.

Cut 8 (06) “…their check.”

Annison says scratch-off tickets are always their biggest seller.

_________________________________________________

Five of the seven major candidates for governor appeared in the first statewide TV debate last night and the first question thrown at them was what will they do about the state’s crime problem if elected governor. Treasurer John Schroder, a former narcotics detective, says crime fighting isn’t always about putting someone in jail…

Cut 9 (13)  “…dealt with”

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says fentanyl is the root cause of our crime problem…

Cut 10 (13) “…young people”

Former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says the state needs more law enforcement on the street and he wants to use technology…

Cut 11 (13) “…retribution”

Independent Hunter Lundy says better-educated children would result in less crime…

Cut 12 (14) “…incarceration” 

Democrat Shawn Wilson used this question to take a shot at the front-runner in the race, Republican Jeff Landry, who decided to skip this event…

Cut 13 (11) “…be engaged.”

_________________________________________________

A new law that went into effect this year allows more students to receive free meals. Rhonda Jackson, Director of No Kid Hungry Louisiana says there are three categories of school meals, free, reduced meals, and paid lunch.

Cut 14 (10) “…as well.”

The bipartisan legislation provides $860,000 in funding each year which allows 14,000 more students eligible for free meals, totaling 440,000 more meals for Louisiana students.

Jackson says there’s a common misconception about how dire the need is for students, especially when the state is known for such good food.

Cut 15 (05) “…reenter the classroom.”

By allowing more students access to free meals, Jackson is hopeful it will improve their lives and their ability to focus on their education.

Marrero Representative Kyle Green who sponsored the legislation says he plans to introduce legislation in the future that expands the program to include all students.

____________________________________________________________

After a poor performance last Sunday against Florida State, LSU returns to Tiger Stadium tomorrow night to face the Grambling Tigers. Quarterback Jayden Daniels says practices have been spirited this week.

Cut 16 (16) “…essentially.”

Some valuable lessons were had in the blowout loss to the Seminoles, but defensive tackle Maason Smith said you can’t dwell on it for too long.

Cut 17 (22) “…next opponent”

The G-Men lost its season opener to Hampton 35-31. Grambling allowed 279 rushing yards, so this should be a contest where LSU gets its running backs involved and gets the ground game going. Running back Noah Cain…

Cut 18 (14) “…on Grambling.”

_____________________________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns kick-off Sun Belt play on Saturday as they visit Old Dominion. U-L Lafayette won its season opener over Northwestern State 38-13. Senior QB Ben Woolridge threw for 223 yards and three touchdowns, but only completed 44-percent of his passes. Coach Michael Desormeaux is hoping they complete a higher percentage of their passes tomorrow…

Cut 19 (14) “…protect better”

The Monarchs lost their opening game to Virginia and they are picked to finish last in the East Division. But Desormeaux says they present some challenges…

Cut 20 (19) “…their too”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU Board of Supervisors is expected to approve a new 10-year, 32-million dollar contract for coach Kim Mulkey. Mulkey just won the program’s first national title for women’s basketball. Women’s hoops is not a revenue generating sport, but the Advocate’s Scott Rabalais says LSU’s athletic director looks at Mulkey’s new deal as a wise investment…
cut 14 (12) “….dollars and sense”

The Saints continue preparations today for their season opener Sunday against the Titans. New Orleans Quarterback Derek Carr expets Titans head coach Mike Vrabel to bring a physical style of play to the Dome…
cut 17 (14) “…he’s coaching that’
Kick-off Sunday is at noon.

LSU is getting ready for its home opener on Saturday as they will face the Grambling State Tigers. It’s the first ever meeting between the two teams.

Also on Saturday night, Northwestern State will visit Louisiana Tech. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says the sakes get raised hen you play another team from Louisiana…
cut 20 (20) “….football team”
The Bulldogs are 1-1 after losing to SMU last week, Northwestern State dropped its season opener to U-L Lafayette.

The SEC portion of the schedule for the LSU men’s basketball team was released today. The midway point of the league schedule looks particularly tough….at Alabama on January 27th, home to Arkansas on February third, at Tennessee on February seventh and home to Bama on February 10th.

LRN PM Newscall September 7

Christmas Town Christmas Tree farm in Tangipahoa Parish announced they are closing for the 2023 season due to extreme drought. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

______________________________________

Treasurer John Schroder launches an attack ad linking gubernatorial opponent Jeff Landry to a Texas attorney accused of scamming property owners after the 2020 hurricanes. Brooke Thorington has more…

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

______________________________________

This year’s Christmas Grinch is the state’s extreme drought. Christmas Town, a tree farm in Tangipahoa Parish, will not open for business this year. Owner Lisa Miller says drought and extreme temperatures killed too many trees

Cut 3 (09) “…as well.”

Tangipahoa Parish is classified as being under exceptional drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The farm, which offers customers the chance to cut down their own trees, has been in business for 14 years. Miller says a large portion of her harvest could not handle this year’s dry heat.

Cut 4 (08) “…finished yet.”

It takes seven to nine years to grow a 6-foot to 8-foot marketable size Christmas tree. She hopes to preserve the tradition next Christmas.

Cut 5 (12) “ … next year.” 

The Southern Christmas Tree Association says the Christmas Town farm is the only one they know of that will not be open this season. Other farms have lost trees but not to the extent of Christmas Town.

______________________________________

Treasurer John Schroder launches an attack ad linking gubernatorial opponent Jeff Landry to a Texas attorney accused of scamming property owners after the 2020 hurricanes. ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says it’s a topic that south Louisiana residents are familiar with…

Cut 6 (11) “…the needle.”

Tonight is the first statewide televised debate with five of the seven viable gubernatorial candidates. Landry is not participating, and Stockley says Schroder it’s not a coincidence the ad started today…

Cut 7 (10) “…accusations.” 

Stockley believes the strategy is not only to get Schroder into a runoff…

Cut 8 (09) “…candidate events.”

Today’s debate begins at 7 p.m.

______________________________________

Brutally hot and dry weather has kept 95 percent of the state in drought conditions, according to the U-S Drought Monitor. State climatologist Barry Keim says the areas in “extreme and exceptional” drought conditions have gotten worse.

Cut 9 (12) “…move forward.” 

The southwest corner of Louisiana is classified as exceptionally dry along with Northshore and the Baton Rouge area. In exceptional drought, fishing is compromised, pasture and crop loss is widespread, and water shortages are implemented. Keim says almost 70 percent of the state is D3 or D4 status.

Cut 10 (08) “…across Louisiana”

The extreme northern part of the state is not experiencing drought or abnormally dry conditions. Keim says the conditions in the extreme southeastern part of the state have improved.

Cut 11 (12) “…last week”

The U-S Drought Monitor, released every Thursday, shows how bad drought conditions are across the country.

____________________________________________________

LSU coach Kim Mulkey has reportedly agreed to a ten-year contract worth 32-million dollars, which would be the richest total contract in women’s college basketball history. LSU won the first national championship in program history last April and the Advocate’s Scott Rabalais says it took Mulkey only two seasons to reach the top…

Cut 12 (10) “…once again”

The LSU Board of the Supervisors is expected to approve the record deal tomorrow.

Mulkey has won four national championships and turned 61 in May. She experienced a health scare in June and had a procedure to put in two stents to alleviate a blocked heart artery. Rabalais says it will be interesting to see if Mulkey coaches another ten years, but she’s good to go for now…

Cut 13 (09) “…like that”

Women’s basketball is not a revenue generating sport, but Rabalais says LSU’s athletic director looks at Mulkey’s new contract as a wise investment…

Cut  14 (12) “…dollars and sense.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

There’s a statewide televised debate tonight involving five of the seven major candidates. In the polls, Jeff Landry has a comfortable lead over his opponents, but one of the candidates, John Schroder, released a new TV today attacking Landry. Brooke Thorington reports the ad links Landry to an attorney in Texas who is in trouble for allegedly scamming property owners after the 2020 hurricanes..
cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A Christmas tree farm in Tangipahoa Parish will not be able to sell any trees this holiday season, because the record summer heat and drought has ruined their harvest….
cut 4 (07) “….finished”
That’s the owner of Christmas Town, Lisa Miller, who says she’s owned the farm for 14 years and has seen nothing like this.

LSU and women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey have reportedly agreed on a ten-year, 32-million dollar contract which would be the richest total contract in women’s college basketball history. Mulkey has won four national championships and turned 61 in May. She experienced a health scare in June and had a procedure to put in two stents for a blocked heart artery. The Advocate’s Scott Rabalais says it will be interesting to see if Mulkey coaches another ten years, but she’s good to go for now…
cut 13 (09) “…like that”

10:30 LRN Newscast

The first televised debate in the 2023 governor’s race is tonight. Brooke Thorington on what to expect.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry is facing an ethics charge and could be forced to pay a penalty because of a free private plane ride he took with a top donor in 2021. The flight was to Hawaii, where Landry spoke at the annual meeting of the Attorney General Alliance. Landry says he took the free flight so taxpayers didn’t have to pay for it.

The statewide burn ban remains in effect, even though parts of the state have received rain, but officials say it’s not enough to reduce the increased risk of fire due to the prolonged drought. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue…
Cut 13 (11) “…fire service (x2).”
Rodrigue says residents can resume outdoor cooking but using grills and smokers and not open flames in a fire pits.

Starting September 18th, I-20 in Shreveport-Bossier City will be under construction as crews will replace the pavement that’s been there since the 1960s. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchannan says there will be lane closures so they are implementing an innovative traffic management system to inform motorists of changing conditions…
cut 5 (08) “…alternate routes”
Motorists are urged to use I-220 as an alternate route.