6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU offense has been a major issue through the first five games of the season. The Tigers only put up 254 yards of total offense against Ole Miss. Former LSU quarterback Rohan Davey says that no one on the offensive side of the ball is on the same page, which is making it difficult to be effective.

Cut 17 (21)  “…there’s no cohesiveness.”

The Saints return to the practice field today looking for win number one against the New York Giants. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will make his first start on the road. He led New York to an upset win over the Chargers last week. Dart threw a touchdown pass and rushed for 54 yards. Kick off is at noon.

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Nicholls returns to Southland play this Saturday as the Colonels travel to Beaumont to take on Lamar. Nicholls started the season by beating Southland rival U-I-W, but dropped four straight non-conference games since that Week Zero matchup against the Cardinals. Colonels Coach Tommy Rybacki says he is making sure his team knows everything they want to accomplish is still in front of them.

Cut 20 (21) “…to address those.”

Kick-off is at 3 PM.

A big press conference is scheduled this morning in New Orleans as officials are expected to announce that the College Football Playoff  National Championship game for the 2027 season will be held in New Orleans on January 24th, 2028.

LRN AM Newscall

Governor Landry says the national guard is needed to help local enforcement combat a rise in crime. But is violent crime really on the rise? Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Scary moments outside a Montessori school in Alexandria as a deputy shoots towards a driver trying to run him over. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU’s offense has struggled to be effective through the first five games of the season, and it could get worse before it gets any better. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Two men are arrested in connection with a shooting on Bourbon Street over the weekend that killed a Chicago woman in town celebrating her birthday. Chief Deputy Superintendent Hans Ganthier announced the arrests during a news conference yesterday afternoon.

Cut 4 (14) “…he returned fire.”

20-year-old Mekhi Jarius Andry, the initial shooter, was arrested in Metairie, while Dontrell Bradley, who returned fire after being injured, was arrested on scene. 33-year-old Jessica Williams was near them; she was hit by the gunfire and was killed. Williams’ mother and stepfather were at the news conference, and Ganthier expressed his sorrow to them.

Cut 5 (10) “…this tragic incident.”

Ganthier has a stern message for anyone looking to wreak havoc in New Orleans and put the lives of residents or tourists in danger.

Cut 6 (11) “…you to justice.”

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Governor Landry says one-thousand Louisiana National Guard troops need to be deployed to urban centers throughout the state because of elevated crime rates in Shreveport, Baton Rouge and New Orleans. But crime data analyst Jeff Asher says crime rates are actually declining.

Cut 7 (12) “…very civil matter.”

In 2022, New Orleans had the nation’s highest murder rate, but the number of homicides this year in the Crescent City are the lowest they’ve been since 1970, and other violent crimes are also down.

Cut 8 (12) “…peak in 2023.”

Asher says murders are also down in Baton Rouge and Shreveport.

Cut 9 (08)  “…murder through June.”

If the governor’s request for the federal government to pay for the deployment of Louisiana National Guard troops is approved, they would assist local law enforcement in public safety until July 1st.

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Some scary moments outside a Montessori school in Alexandria. A Rapides Parish deputy opened fire at a vehicle that sped towards him in the parking lot of Peabody Montessori School yesterday. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office  spokesperson Tommy Carnline says security was already beefed up at all schools throughout the parish amid all the online threats, when the deputy noticed the driver speeding into the parking lot shortly after nine A-M…

Cut 10 (13) “…what’s happening?”

Carnline says that’s when the driver attempted to run the deputy over.

Cut 11 (11) “…at my deputy.”

The deputy hit the ground and opened fire. The deputy was slightly shaken up due to having to fall to the ground to avoid being hit; otherwise, there were no injuries. The school and other nearby schools were placed on lockdown. The driver was arrested later in the day. Carnline says amid the threats and many other incidents across the country, everyone is on edge these days.

Cut 12 (07) “…vehicle was doing.”

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No progress on Capitol Hill yesterday; thus, the federal government is shut down. Democratic Congressman Troy Carter, who represents New Orleans, says what’s different about this one is that unlike shutdowns in the past, where federal employees were furloughed, employees this time around will lose their jobs altogether with no guarantee of being rehired when government reopens.

Cut 13 (12)  “…get reimbursed later.”

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says even if you’re not a federal worker, you could experience some major inconveniences thanks to the shutdown.

Cut 14 (14) “…to be locked.”

One of the biggest sticking points relates to the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of the year. Democrats want Republicans to commit to extending them now, while Republicans want to save that discussion for a later date. Carter says he’s not willing to risk those subsidies for millions of Americans.

Cut 15 (12) “…shut it down.”

Cassidy, on the other hand, says Democrats are proposing spending cuts of their own which he says are untenable.

Cut 16 (10) “…reimagine their future.”

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The LSU offense has been a major issue through the first five games of the season. The Tigers only put up 254 yards of total offense against Ole Miss. Former LSU quarterback Rohan Davey says that no one on the offensive side of the ball is on the same page, which is making it difficult to be effective.

Cut 17 (21)  “…there’s no cohesiveness.”

It’s evident that LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has not played up to his potential the past couple of weeks of the season. Head coach Brian Kelly said that Nussmeier is healthy, but Davey thinks that something is wrong with the starting quarterback after seeing multiple uncharacteristic underthrows this season.

Cut 18 (09) “…release that football.”

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Nicholls football dropped to 1 and 4 on the season after a disappointing 27-7 loss to Eastern Kentucky. The Colonels scored on the third play of the game but were not able to score for the rest of the game. Head coach Tommy Rybacki says his team has to do a better job of executing.

Cut 19 (14) “…are doing that.”

Despite dropping four non-conference games, Nicholls will get the opportunity to stay undefeated in conference play as they travel to Beaumont to face Lamar on Saturday. Rybacki says he is making sure his team knows everything they want to accomplish is still in front of them.

Cut 20 (21) “…to address those.”

4:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry has made a formal request to the Pentagon for the federal government to pay for the deployment of one thousand Louisiana National Guard Troops to assist local law enforcement in fighting crime in New Orleans. He says not only New Orleans but the state is also seeing elevated crime rates in Shreveport and Baton Rouge. He says the Guard can supplement law enforcement presence in high-crime areas…

Cut 5 (04) “…our streets.”

But New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says crime is down and what is needed is investments in policing, prosecution and prevention.

Louisiana is receiving 13-point-five million dollars from the federal government that will go to charter schools around the state. Assistant Superintendent in the Office of School Choice, Germaine Gilson, says charter schools expand education choice by providing more schooling options for students, particularly those that reside in failing districts…

Cut 11 (11) “…child.”

 

A federal government shutdown will take place at 11 PM tonight, unless Congress can approve a funding bill to keep government operations going. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says House Speaker Mike Johnson has offered an extension to continue negotiations…

Cut 14 (11) “….of the year”

The last federal shutdown ran 35 days from 2018 to 2019.

A series of threats against high schools in Rapides Parish have those schools on edge. Over the course of the last several days, threats have been posted onto social media against no fewer than four high schools, forcing the cancellation of one school’s entire homecoming weekend. So far, five juveniles have been arrested, but Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says current laws are way too lenient.

Cut 6 (09) “…the school properties.”

Johnson says the legislature will address this in the next session.

3:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry has made a formal request to the Pentagon for the federal government to pay for the deployment of one thousand Louisiana National Guard Troops, who will assist local law enforcement in fighting crime. Landry, who appeared on Fox News last night, says when he took office last year, there was a decline in violent crime in New Orleans, but recently they’ve seen an uptick…

Cut 3 (08) “…right now.”

The Louisiana ACLU says the militarization of citizens is a gross abuse of power and a waste of critical resources.

The U-S Department of Education is sending Louisiana 13-point-five million dollars to be divided up among numerous charter schools. Assistant Superintendent in the Office of the School Choice, Germaine Gilson says charter schools are an important piece in the state’s effort to expand school choice options, and the state wants them to succeed…

Cut 10 (12) “…students forward.”

 

A state representative from Rapides Parish says laws need to be beefed up amid a series of social media threats against high schools. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A federal government shutdown is set to begin at 11 PM tonight, unless Democrats and Republicans can come to agreement on government funding. Republicans say Democrats want to provide government benefits to undocumented workers, New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says the GOP is governing through deception, and that’s not the way to govern…

Cut 15 (09) “…American people’

LRN PM Newscall September 30

Governor Jeff Landry has asked the federal government to fund the deployment of one thousand Louisiana National Guard soldiers to help law enforcement fight crime. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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A state representative from Rapides Parish says laws need to be beefed up amid a series of social media threats against high schools. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry has made a formal request to the Pentagon for the federal government to pay for the deployment of one thousand Louisiana National Guard Troops, who will assist local law enforcement in fighting crime. Landry, who appeared on Fox News last night, says when he took office last year, there was a decline in violent crime in New Orleans, but recently they’ve seen an uptick…

Cut 3 (08) “…right now.”

The Trump administration has already authorized the deployment of the National Guard to Washington D.C. in an effort to reduce crime and enforce immigration laws. More recently, the Guard has been deployed to Memphis, Tennessee, and now Portland, Oregon. Landry expects the President will approve Louisiana’s request…

Cut 4 (05) “…happy to come.”

Landry says the state is also seeing elevated crime rates in Shreveport and Baton Rouge, coupled with manpower shortages within local law enforcement. He says the Guard can supplement law enforcement presence in high-crime areas…

Cut 5 (04) “…our streets.”

(All sound courtesy of Fox News)

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A series of threats against high schools in Rapides Parish has those schools on edge. Over the course of the last several days, threats have been posted onto social media against no fewer than four high schools, forcing the cancellation of one school’s entire homecoming weekend. So far, five juveniles have been arrested, but Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says current laws are way too lenient.

Cut 6 (09) “…the school properties.”

Johnson says this is something that the legislature needs to address in the next session.

Cut 7 (13) “…the young people.”

Johnson says it’s not just the juvenile perpetrators who need to be held accountable for these threats.

Cut 8 (15) “…in some situations.”

The investigation into the threats remains ongoing, and more arrests may be forthcoming.

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The U-S Department of Education is sending Louisiana 13-point-five million dollars to support charter schools. This allocation is on top of the 55 million dollars the state received in 2023 to increase the number of charter schools. Assistant Superintendent in the Office of the School Choice, Germaine Gilson, on how this round of money can be used…

Cut 9 (09)  “…really important.”

The money will be divided up among numerous charter schools who will have to submit applications to the department of education. Gilson says charter schools are an important piece in the state’s effort to expand school choice options, and the state wants them to succeed…

Cut 10 (12) “…students forward.”

Gilson says charter schools expand education choice by providing more schooling options for students, particularly those that reside in failing districts…

Cut 11 (11) “…child.”

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A federal government shutdown could be just hours away. If Republicans and Democrats cannot agree on how to keep the government funded by midnight Eastern time, 11 p-m Central time, the government will shut down – and at this point, the two parties are galaxies apart. Senator Bill Cassidy says Democrats are looking to add one-trillion dollars to the national debt by spending money on things that Republicans will never go along with.

Cut 12 (11) “…access to Medicaid.”

Democratic Congressman Troy Carter, on the other hand, says Republicans are determined to enact policies that take away Americans’ basic rights and freedoms.

Cut 13 (11)  “…freedom of speech.”

Cassidy says the House speaker is offering an extension to continue the negotiations.

Cut 14 (11) “…of the year.”

Carter says Republicans are governing through deception, and that’s not the way to govern.

Cut 15 (09) “…the American people.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

It’s a bye week for the 13th ranked LSU Tigers but the Bayou Bengals are busy this week trying to get their offense on track. LSU Coach Brian Kelly told Paul Finebaum on the SEC Network that the attention to detail must improve…

Cut 21 (16) “…on offense”

The Tigers next game is October 11th at home against South Carolina and it will be a night game.

The Saints had success running the football in Sunday’s loss to the Bills. New Orleans running back Kendre Miller rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. Coach Kellen Moore says the former second round pick has done a great job of battling through injuries while earning additional playtime.

Cut 18 (17) “…hits it.”

The Saints host the Giants this Sunday.

 

ULM defeated Arkansas State for the first time in 16 years on Saturday. This Saturday, the Warhawks will hit the road to take on a talented Northwestern team that just beat UCLA. ULM coach Bryant Vincent says the team has a shot to beat the Big Ten team if they can continue to play together like it did against Arkansas State.

Cut 19 (22) “…do that.”

Kick off is at 2:30.

Cajuns sophomore quarterback Lunch Winfield has been named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week after leading U-L Lafayette to a come-from-behind double overtime win over Marshall. Winfield entered the game with the Cajuns down by 17 points in the third quarter and the former Lutcher star accounted for five total touchdowns.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are 0-and-4 but could be getting a couple of weapons back on offense. Tight ends Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau are expected to practice this week as they’ve been sidelined since major knee injuries in 2024. It’s a good sign that Hill and Moreau are ramping up, but it’s unlikely they will play this Sunday against the Giants.

One of the bright spots in the Saints 31-19 loss to the Bills was rookie safety Jonas Sanker. The third-round draft pick intercepted Josh Allen while totaling five tackles and deflecting three passes. Coach Kellen Moore is impressed with Sanker’s growth.

Cut 17 (18)  “…to progress.”

Kick off this Sunday is at noon against the New York Giants.

ULM defeated Arkansas State for the first time in 16 years on Saturday. This Saturday, the Warhawks will hit the road to take on a talented Northwestern team that just beat UCLA. ULM coach Bryant Vincent says the team has a shot to beat the Big Ten team if they can continue to play together like it did against Arkansas State.

Cut 19 (22) “…do that.”

Kick off is at 2:30.

Cajuns sophomore quarterback Lunch Winfield has been named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week after leading U-L Lafayette to a come-from-behind double overtime win over Marshall. Winfield entered the game with the Cajuns down by 17 points in the third quarter and the former Lutcher star accounted for five total touchdowns.

LRN PM Newscall September 29

A woman is shot dead on Bourbon Street over the weekend. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Due to what they say were credible threats, officials in Alexandria cancel Peabody Magnet High School’s homecoming weekend. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Many LSU fans are down on their football team following Saturday’s 24-19 loss to Ole Miss. It’s the Tigers first loss of the season and the offense does not look good. Linebacker Whit Weeks has not lost faith…

Cut 3 (10) “…us yet.”

The Tigers are off this Saturday and will host South Carolina on October 11th.

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The Saints are 0-4 for the first time since 2012 after losing to Buffalo 31-19. Just like two of their previous losses, New Orleans was in the game in the fourth quarter, but didn’t make enough plays to win. Spencer Rattler is now 0-and-10 as a starting quarterback in the NFL

Cut 4 (10) “…keep progressing.”

The Saints will host the Giants this weekend. New York receiver and former LSU star Malik Nabers is out for the season with a torn ACL.

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The most exciting game of the weekend was in Lafayette as the Ragin Cajuns rallied back from a 17-point third quarter deficit and defeated Marshall 54-51 in double overtime. Backup quarterback Lunch Whitfield came off the bench and accounted for five touchdowns…

Cut 5 (12) “…just us.”

The Cajuns are off this Saturday and will visit James Madison on October 11th.

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She was in the wrong place at the wrong time – a woman visiting New Orleans from Chicago celebrating her 33rd birthday is shot dead on Bourbon Street early Sunday morning. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says a fight broke out near Canal Street, and it culminated in gunfire.

Cut 6 (07) “…and witness statements.”

Kirkpatrick says three others were injured in the shooting, including the woman’s sister.

Cut 7 (07) “…a fabulous city.”

Kirkpatrick is urging people who visit the French Quarter to leave their guns at home.

Cut 8 (10) “…high-risk situation.”

Police have released surveillance video of the four people involved in the fight, including the suspected shooter.

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Governor Landry wants the EPA to pick up the pace in cleaning up the Tangipahoa River following last month’s explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland. In a video posted to social media, Landry said he watched a video of what the river looks like more than 30 days after the explosion, and he was disgusted at the sight of all the oil in the water.

Cut 9 (08)  “…going fast enough.”

Landry said immediately after watching the video, he got several people on the phone.

Cut 10 (13) “…of that site.”

Landry said his commitment is to the people of Tangipahoa Parish, especially those who live near the site of the explosion and the river.

Cut 11 (10) “…before the fire.”

The EPA says it’s already cleaned up almost seven million gallons of waste from the river and adjacent ponds and four million gallons have been shipped for disposal. The EPA says its working around the clock and they released video that shows crews deploying booms and barriers to contain and remove the oil from the waterways. The EPA says underflow dams have also been constructed to prevent further discharge of oily materials. 

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What was supposed to be a festive weekend in Alexandria turned into a weekend of frustration and anger. All events during homecoming weekend at Peabody Magnet High School were cancelled because of what officials say was a credible security threat. Community activist Tony Brown is furious.

Cut 12 (09) “…happy about it.”

Brown says people came from as far away from California and Canada for the celebration, just to have the celebration taken away. In fact, Brown says people had been lined up along the parade route for hours before word came down that the parade had been cancelled.

Cut 13 (11)  “…that got cancelled.”

In addition, Peabody Magnet’s homecoming game against Franklin was also cancelled. Brown says it’s a huge loss for the entire community.

Cut 14 (12) “…making this happen.”

The football game will not be made up.

2:30 LRN Newscast

Four people were shot on Bourbon Street in New Orleans early Sunday morning. A female tourist from Chicago celebrating her birthday was killed, and her sister was wounded. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick…

Cut 7 (07) “….a fabulous city”

Another woman was also wounded and so was a male. Cops are looking for four people who were involved in the shooting.

Tough weekend for LSU and Saints fans as their teams lost but Ragin Cajuns fans are riding high after watching their team rally back from a 17-point deficit to beat Marshall in double overtime.  Backup quarterback Lunch Whitfield came off the bench and accounted for five touchdowns…

Cut 5 (12) “…just us.”

The Cajuns are off this Saturday and will visit James Madison on October 11th at 11 AM on ESPN 2.

 

Governor Landry wants the EPA to pick up the pace in cleaning up the Tangipahoa River following last month’s explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland. In a video posted to social media, Landry said his commitment is to the people of Tangipahoa Parish, especially those who live near the site of the explosion and the river.

Cut 11 (10) “…before the fire.”

The EPA says it’s already cleaned up almost seven million gallons of waste from the river and adjacent ponds.

Officials had to cancel the homecoming parade and game for Peabody High School in Alexandria because of what authorities call a credible threat. Community activist Tony Brown says it’s disappointing…

Cut 14 (11) “….making this happen”

Another social media threats today, directed towards Alexandria Senior High, Peabody and Pineville High School, but classes were not cancelled.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry is calling on the EPA to move faster in cleaning up the oil in the waterways in Tangipahoa Parish that’s the result of the explosion and fire Smitty’s Supply in Roseland. Landry says he’s seen video that shows the Tangipahoa River is oily as it was more than 30 days ago and he got several people on the phone…

Cut 10 (13) “…of the site”

And the search is ongoing in New Orleans for the person or persons that started shooting on Bourbon Street early Sunday morning killing a female tourist from Chicago and wounding her sister. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says visitors that visit the French Quarter should leave their guns at home…

Cut 8 (10) high risk situation”

Police have released surveillance video of the four people involved in a fight before shots were fired.

Peabody High School in Alexandria had to cancel its homecoming parade and its football game against Franklin because of what authorities call a credible threat. Owner of the Peabody Warhorse Nation Network, Tony Brown, says the cancellation of the parade came hours before it was set to start on Saturday and many people are upset…

Cut 13 (11) “…that got cancelled”

Another social media threat today, this time targeting Alexandria Senior High, Peabody and Pineville. But classes are still being held.

It was a successful homecoming for the ULM Warhawks as they snapped a 15-game losing streak to Arkansas State by rallying back from a ten-point deficit to beat the Red Wolves 28-16 on Saturday. Warhawks Coach Bryant Vincent says it’s another big win for the program and the community…

Cut 27 (11) “…belongs”

The Warhawks play a Big 10 school this Saturday as they visit Northwestern.