6:30 LRN Newscast

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Vidalia man for human trafficking. CPSO spokesperson Brandy Spears says their Cyber Crime Unit began working the case Monday and Wednesday they located 45-year-old Quentin Smith in Fayette, Mississippi.
Cut 4 (11) “…narcotics to underage victims.”
Smith is accused of transporting the victims to locations in Concordia Parish and Adams County, Mississippi. Detectives refer to the locations as trap houses where adults would engage in sexual activity with unconscious victims.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the USDA has agreed to purchase 25-million dollars worth of Gulf of Mexico shrimp. Graves says Louisiana’s shrimp industry has faced several hardships in a row, Hurricane Ida, unfair trade practices and inflation. He says this is help for shrimpers right now, but not a permanent fix…
cut 11 (07) “…disaster assistance”

Louisiana lottery officials say tickets are selling fast for the $800 million Powerball drawing Saturday night. Marsanne Golsby has more.
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

We’ll see some much needed rain move into Louisiana late this afternoon and tonight. There’s a chance for severe weather tomorrow morning for southeast Louisiana.

LRN PM Newscall October 27

Encouraging news for people with pre-diabetes or those with mild cases of diabetes.  A new study from Tulane University says a low-carb diet helps people lower their blood sugar and lose weight—even without medication. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High Football Coach Brandon Landers and eight assistant coaches for the rest of the season after they scuffled with fans and law enforcement during last Friday’s game at Franklin Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A new study from Tulane University says a low-carb diet can cut dangerous blood sugar levels in those with pre-diabetes or mild diabetes.

Kirsten Dorans, assistant professor of epidemiology, says the results are the first indication that people who are not already being treated with medications that lower blood sugar can benefit from a low-carb diet alone.

Cut 3 (09) “..low carb group” 

The study involved 150 adults in the New Orleans area who were either pre-diabetic or had relatively mild cases of diabetes.

She says experts already knew that medication helped lower blood sugar.

Cut 4 (10) “…blood sugar.” 

The people who participated in the study were divided into two groups. One group stuck to their usual diet. The other went on a low-carb diet for six months. . Dorans says those on the low-carb diet had other health benefits.

Cut 5 (06) “..as well.” 

The American Diabetes Association says about half a million adults in Louisiana have been diagnosed with Diabetes, and 1.2 million people here have pre-diabetes, with blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be full-blown diabetes

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The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High School Football Coach Brandon Landers and eight of his assistant coaches for the rest of the season after an altercation with law enforcement and fans during last Friday’s football game at Franklin Parish. Announcer Matt Reynolds saw a skirmish break out in the fourth quarter

Cut 6 (12)  “…the stands”

Reynolds says prior to the scuffle, the Carroll coaches were told numerous times by fans and sheriff deputies to stop using profanity. He says after repeated warnings officers tried to escort the coaches out of the stadium and that’s when intense shoving match took place…

Cut 7 (09) “..going home”

The Monroe City School District plans to appeal the suspensions. Reynolds the shoving match lasted several minutes, before the Carroll coaches who were in the press box were finally back on their sidelines

Cut 8 (09)  “..Carroll coaches”

The Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office is considering charges against some of the Carroll coaches. Carroll won the game and they are 7-0.

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Today is National Black Cat Day, a day to recognize this unique feline and bring about awareness especially just before Halloween that a black cat is neither evil nor unlucky. Isabell Haas with the Louisiana SPCA says sadly this time of year incidents of cruelty among black cats increase due to misconceptions about them.

Cut 9 (08)  “…as well.”

Black cats and black dogs are known to have the lowest shelter adoption rates and because of the myth that black cats are evil, Haas says some shelters even choose not to make them available for adoption in October to prevent cruelty among black felines.

Cut 10 (04) “…about them instead.”

Haas says black cats shouldn’t be overlooked because they are just as loving and sweet as any other cat. In other countries for example Ireland where Halloween originated a black cat is considered good luck.

Cut 11 (06)  “…are here.”

If you do know of animal cruelty of black cats or any other animal the SPCA asks that you call 9-1-1 and report it.

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Former college basketball coach Mike McConathy formally launches his campaign for state senate tonight. Louisiana’s all-time winningest college basketball coach is seeking to replace Natchitoches Senator Louis Bernard, who is not running for re-election. L-S-U Shreveport Professor Jeff Sadow says state representative Alan Seabaugh is also running for that seat

Cut 12 (05) “…to overcome”

This will be McConathy’s first run at political office. He retired as the Northwestern State men’s basketball coach last spring. He’s been coaching college basketball in the area since 1983, so Sadow says that will help the 66-year-old Republican…

Cut 13 (09) “..give him advantage” 

The district covers mostly Bossier, Caddo, Natchitoches and Sabine Parishes. Before he was head coach at Northwestern, McConathy rans the Bossier Parish Community College program from 1983 to 99, so Sadow says he knows the district very well…

Cut 14 (12)  “…in Bossier Parish.” 

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are moving forward with Andy Dalton as their starting quarterback, even though Jameis Winston is back to full health. New Orleans has averaged 31 points a game in the four games that Dalton has started. But Saints analyst Mike Detillier says in order for the Black and Gold to turn their season around, they need the defense to improve dramatically…
cut 18 (15) “…of football
The Saints host the Raiders this Sunday. Las Vegas is third in the NFL in points scored, averaging 27 points a contest.

LSU football coach Brian Kelly says they expect safety Major Burns to return for the Alabama game. Burns has been out with a neck injury since mid-September. Kelly is also optimistic that wide receiver Jack Beche will play against Bama after missing last week with a bad back.

The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High School Football Coach Brandon Landers and eight of his assistant coaches for the rest of the season after an altercation with law enforcement and fans during last Friday’s football game at Franklin Parish. Announcer Matt Reynolds says a skirmish break out in the fourth quarter….
cut 6 (12) “…the stands”
Reynolds says prior to the scuffle, the Carroll coaches were told numerous times by fans and sheriff deputies to stop using profanity.

The Ragin Cajuns are in action tonight as they are in Hattiesburg to take on Southern Miss. Both teams are 4-and-3 overall have won two in a row. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux says the Golden Eagles are playing smart football and their defense has been impressive when he watches their film…
cut 20 (12) “…with the defense”
Kickoff tonight is 6:30 on ESPN two.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Shreveport Republican Representative Alan Seabaugh says he’ll file legislation in next year’s legislative session that would create the Louisiana Violent Crime Task Force that will come up with solutions on how to tackle the problem. Seabaugh says the proposal has gained significant support from groups across Louisiana…
cut 15 (08) “…drafting the legislation”
The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High School Coach Brandon Landers and eight of his assistant coaches after they were involved in a physical altercation with law enforcement and fans at the Franklin Parish football game last Friday night. Announcer Matt Reynolds says the Carroll coaches were told numerous times to stop using profanity. He says after repeated warnings officers tried to escort the coaches out of the stadium and that’s when intense shoving match took place…
Cut 7 (09) “..going home”
The Franklin Parish Sheriff’s office is looking at criminal charges against some of the Carroll coaches.
A new study from Tulane University says a low-carb diet can cut dangerous blood sugar levels in those with pre-diabetes or mild diabetes. Kirsten Dorans, assistant professor of epidemiology says the results are the first indication that people who are not already being treated with medications that lower blood sugar can benefit from a low-carb diet alone.
Cut 3 (09) “..low carb group”
The study involved 150 adults in the New Orleans area who were either pre-diabetic or had relatively mild cases of diabetes.

The Saints will start Andy Dalton at quarterback this Sunday against Las Vegas, even though Jameis Winston is able to fully practice after missing the last four games because of injuries. Saints analyst Mike Detillier…
cut 16 (10) “…Jameis can do”
Kick-off this Sunday against the Raiders is at noon.

10:30 LRN Newscast

The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High School Football Coach Brandon Landers and eight of his assistant coaches for the rest of the season after an altercation with law enforcement and fans during last Friday’s football game at Franklin Parish. Announcer Matt Reynolds saw a skirmish break out in the fourth quarter….
cut 6 (12) “…the stands”
Reynolds says prior to the scuffle, the Carroll coaches were told numerous times by fans and sheriff deputies to stop using profanity.

After a three-year delay, the state and several south Louisiana parishes have finalized a 100-million dollar legal settlement with Freeport-McMoRan over damages the mining company did to the coast. Attorney John Carmouche represents six of the coastal parishes involved in the suit…
Cut 4 (10) “…suit is about”
This is one of dozens of lawsuits seeking monetary damages against oil and gas companies over damage to coastal wetlands.

Shreveport Republican Representative Alan Seabaugh says he’ll file legislation next session to create the Louisiana Violent Crime Task Force. Seabaugh says the Task Force will look at why we are seeing more violent crime, possible solutions and he says they’ll also examine the impact of the 2017 criminal justice reforms…
cut 14 (12) “…law and order”
The 2017 criminal justice reforms have the support of Governor John Bel Edwards.

Constitutional Amendment Four on the November 8th ballot asks voters if charges should be waived against drinking water customers for infrastructure damage not caused by the customer. Based on the wording of the amendment, it’s expected to get a lot of support, but Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says providing such waivters could only make water costs rise for everyone to compensate for the loss.
cut 12 (07) “…who doesn’t”
For a non-partisan breakdown of all of the amendments go to PAR-Louisiana-dot-org.

9:30 LRN Newscast

A 100-million dollar lawsuit against mining company Freeport-McMorRan, which is accused of damaging the coast, has been finalized…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Houma Police Department is charging students at Terrebonne High School with inciting a riot, hate crimes and cyberbullying after they used the n-word multiple times in a video circulating on social media. The video also zooms in on black students. The white juveniles are facing expulsion from the school.

Amendment Four on the November eighth ballot would prohibit water companies from charging a customer if the system’s infrastructure is damaged, if the damage was not caused by the customer. Public Affairs Research Council President Stephen Procopio…
cut 11 (10) “…pick up the charges”
Procopio says some may feel giving such waivers will only make water costs rise for everyone to compensate for the loss.

A new program from the LSU AgCenter Flavors of Health nutrition initiative encourages people to use herbs and spices instead of salt because it’s a healthier option. AgCenter nutrition specialist Elizabeth Gollub says salt has a lot of sodium which is associated with high blood pressure.
Cut 7 (11) “…blood pressure.”
She says herbs and spices are healthier and nutritious.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Shreveport Republican Representative Alan Seabaugh wants to create the Louisiana Violent Crime Task Force to study how to address the issue. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The LHSAA has suspended Carroll High School football coach Brandon Landers and eight of his assistants for the rest of the season for allegedly using profanity over and over again and getting in a skirmish with fans and law enforcement as they were escorted from the press box back to their sideline. The Monroe City School District plans to appeal the suspension.

The state and coastal parishes have finalized their 100-million dollar legal settlement with mining company Freeport-McMoran over accusations they’ve damaged the coast. Attorney John Carmouche says parishes can use the money to perform coastal restoration. There are some parish leaders who disagree with the lawsuits against oil and gas companies, but Carmouche says as soon as they lawsuits are settled, the oil and gas industry can thrive again….
cut 6 (11) “….many, many years”

LSU AgCenter nutrition specialist and registered dietitian Elizabeth Gollub is encouraging people to use herbs and spices on their food instead of salt, since salt is high in sodium…
cut 9 (11) “….think about”
The LSU AgCenter has a new program where they highlight a different herb and spice each month for the public to try on their food.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The state and several coastal parishes have finalized a 100-million dollar legal settlement over coastal damages. This is one of dozens of lawsuits seeking monetary damages against oil and gas companies over damage to coastal wetlands. Attorney John Carmouche expects other oil companies will also seek to settle…
cut 5 (08) “…it can be accomplished”
Several parish leaders oppose the lawsuits. Terrebonne President Gordon Dove called the settlement a money grab by trial lawyers.

There are 8 constitutional amendments on the November 8th ballot and today we look at Amendment 4. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says this amendment pertains to receiving a huge water bill through no fault of your own. He says state law dictates a utility cannot donate anything of value to customers…:
Cut 10 (08) “…one more”
Procopio says an argument against voting for the amendment is that allowing widespread waivers takes away much needed money from systems already struggling with outdated infrastructure.

Shreveport Republican Representative Alan Seabaugh says he’ll file legislation in next year’s legislative session that would create the Louisiana Violent Crime Task Force that will come up with solutions on how to tackle the problem. Seabaugh says the proposal has gained significant support from groups across Louisiana…
cut 15 (08) “…drafting the legislation”
Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin Cobb says they’ll work with their criminal justice partners to research and propose common sense measures that keep Louisiana families safe.

Saints Coach Dennis Allen says Andy Dalton will remain the starting quarterback even though Jameis Winston is healthy enough to play Sunday against the Raiders. In the four games Dalton has started, the Saints have averaged 31 points. Saints analyst Mike Detillier…
cut 17 (13) “…Jameis Winston”
Sunday’s game against Las Vegas begins at noon in the Superdome.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints Coach Dennis Allen has announced Andy Dalton will start at quarterback this Sunday against Las Vegas, even though Jameis Winston is healthy enough to play. In four starts, Dalton has thrown for 946 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions and Allen said he’ll retain his starting spot as long as that success continues. Saints analyst Mike Detillier…
Cut 17 (13) “…Jameis Winston”
Dalton may still not have Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry for this Sunday’s game. The two wide receivers did not practice again yesterday. Tight end Adam Trautman and cornerback Marshon Lattimore also missed practice.

Tonight’s NFL game has Baltimore at Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers are tied for first place in the NFC South with a 3-and-4 record, one game better than the Saints who are two and five.

The Ragin Cajuns are in action tonight as they are in Hattiesburg to take on Southern Miss. Both teams are 4-and-3 overall have won two in a row. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux says the Golden Eagles are playing smart football and their defense has been impressive when he watches their film…
cut 20 (12) “…with the defense”
Kickoff tonight is 6:30 on ESPN two.

The bye week is giving LSU a chance to get healthier. Coach Brian Kelly has an update on safety Major Burns who hasn’t played since the Mississippi State game on September 17th…
cut 28 (12) “….Alabama”
Burns is coming back from an upper neck injury. Kelly says there’s also a good chance sophomore wide receiver Jack Bech will play after missing the Ole Miss game with a back injury. He says running back John Emery is day-to-day with an Achilles tendon strain.

6:30 LRN Newscast

After a three-year delay, the state and several south Louisiana parishes have finalized a 100-million dollar legal settlement with Freeport-McMoRan over damages the mining company did to the coast. Attorney John Carmouche represents six of the coastal parishes involved in the suit…
Cut 4 (10) “…suit is about”
This is one of dozens of lawsuits seeking monetary damages against oil and gas companies over damage to coastal wetlands.

Shreveport Republican Representative Alan Seabaugh plans to file legislation next year to create the Louisiana Violent Crime Task Force to study the dramatic rise in violent crime and the best way lawmakers can address it…
Cut 13 (11) “…going forward.”
Seabaugh says the task force will also look to see if the criminal justice reforms passed in 2017 are working.

Eight constitutional amendments are on the November 8th ballot. Today we look at Amendment Four with the Public Affairs Research Council. Kevin Gallagher has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”