4:45 LRN Sportscast

A match-up of two teams in the Top 25 is set for an 11 AM kick-off in Tiger Stadium on Saturday as 25th ranked LSU hosts 8th ranked Tennessee. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly wants to see quarterback Jayden Daniels be more aggressive in pushing the ball down field. Daniels says he wants to give his wide receivers a chance to make plays….
cut 17 (19) “…..the ball”
LSU is averaging 36 points a game, but might need to score a few more than that as Tennessee is averaging almost 49 points a game.

ULM is only averaging 20 points a game as they get set to host Coastal Carolina at 7 PM. An hour earlier over in Ruston, Louisiana Tech kicks-off Conference USA Play by hosting UTEP. Grambling is on the road again as the Tigers are at Alabama A-and-M for a 1 PM kick-off.

Saints Coach Dennis Allen says they plan on starting Andy Dalton again at quarterback when New Orleans hosts Seattle on Sunday. Jameis Winston will miss his second straight game with back and ankle injuries. Allen says Winston is feeling better, but he’s doubtful for Sunday’s game…
cut 19 (09) “….next week”
And wide receiver Michael Thomas will miss his second straight game because of a foot injury.

The state’s Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is proposing to limit the daily catch of speckled trout from 25 to 15 fish per angler. A regulation that could go into effect next year. Biologists say the speckled trout is losing some of their habitats due to coastal erosion and rising sea levels. The host Let’s Go Fishing Kevin Ford says the speckled trout population is not the only one in trouble.
Cut 5 (08) “…in 2023.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Tomorrow the 25th ranked LSU Tigers will host eighth ranked Tennessee. The Volunteers are tied for second in the nation in scoring offense, averaging nearly 49 points a game. Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers says they need to get off to a fast start…
cut 18 (14) “…..field longer”

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is proposing to reduce the daily catch limit for speckled trout from 25 to 15 per angler and the minimum trout size limit from one foot in length to 13.5 inches. The host of Let’s Go Fishing with Kevin Ford gives his thoughts…
cut 21 (07) “…13.5”
Ford expects the state to give final approval early next year.

ULM will host an undefeated Coastal Carolina team tomorrow. Coastal is 5-0 after beating Georgia Southern 34-30 last Saturday. Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden says the Chanticleer’s head to Monroe believing they can win every game…
cut 20 (23) “….football game”

Also on Saturday, Louisiana Tech kicks of Conference USA Play by hosting UTEP, Grambling completes a season-opening six-game road trip by visiting Alabama A-and-M. Northwestern State is at Eastern Illinois, Southeastern hosts Texas A-and-M Commerce, and Nicholls seeks its first win when they travel to Houston Christian.

10:30 LRN newscast

President Biden says individuals convicted federally for simple possession of marijuana will be pardoned and he’s calling governors to take similar actions. Baton Rouge Defense Attorney Andre Belanger says Louisiana is actually ahead of many other states in taking steps to decriminalize marijuana possession…
cut 15 (11) “….two different concepts”
Governor Edwards has opposed efforts to legalize marijuana.

Officials are warning parents about the dangers of Rainbow Fentanyl as Halloween approaches. Director of the Louisiana Addiction Research Center at LSU Health Shreveport, Doctor Nick Goeders, says it looks like candy…
cut 12 (10) “…take that”
The 46th Annual Zwolle Tamale Fiesta is underway in Sabine Parish, and they expect to serve five thousand dozen tamales.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

For those traveling this weekend, they might be a little stunned by the price at the pump. Gas prices are quickly rising. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is up to $3.25, a 15-cent increase in the last week. Crude prices have increased this week since the announcement by OPEC plus that they are cutting crude production by two million barrels a day this fall.

8:30 LRN Newscast

We are just a month away from the federal elections. Senator John Kennedy remains the heavy favorite to win re-election. Marsanne Golsby has more from pollster John Couvillon…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

Louisiana’s all-time winningest college basketball coach, Mike McConathy, told the USA Today Network he’s gearing up for a run at a state senate seat that covers northwest and central Louisiana. The recently retired Northwestern State coach says he has a concern and compassion for people. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh also says he’s running for the open seat.

U.S. Republican Senators have released a PSA warning about the dangers of Rainbow Fentanyl ahead of the Halloween season. Executive Director of the Louisiana Addiction Research Center at LSU Health Shreveport Nick Goeders says the Drug Enforcement Administration has found this rainbow fentanyl in 21 states since February…
Cut 10 (12) “…in them.”
Dr. Goeders says the pills are made as a way to disguise the drug as it comes into the country, in some cases even looking similar to oxycontin,

Louisiana is known for its Cajun cuisine but in Sabine Parish this weekend they are cooking up a beloved Mexican food staple at the 46th Annual Zwolle Tamale Fiesta. It was almost five-decades ago when Festival President Chris Loupe’s father started the event after then-Governor Edwin Edwards offered matching funds for fall festivals.
Cut 7 (12) “…do it again.”
And they’ll have perfect weekend for this weekend’s festival.

7:30 LRN Newscast

President Biden pardons thousands of persons for federal marijuana possession convictions. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Authorities in northeast Louisiana are searching for three juveniles who escaped last night from the Green Oaks Detention Center for Youth. The Monroe Police Department says 15-year-old DeMarcus Haynes, 17-year-old Isszavion Webb and 16-year-old Dallas Wesley fled the facility in an unknown direction.

We’re about a month away from the November eighth federal election and the one Congressional race that appears to be competitive is the third district, where Republican Incumbent Clay Higgins is facing a challenge from Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt. Pollster John Couvillon says Higgins is potentially vulnerable because of perceptions he wasn’t aggressive in seeking hurricane relief funds.
Cut 5 (09) “…two years ago.”
Higgins released a statement in late August that said his office has helped deliver over three-point-five billion dollars in response to Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

Officials are warning parents about the dangers of Rainbow Fentanyl as Halloween approaches. Director of the Louisiana Addiction Research Center at LSU Health Shreveport, Doctor Nick Goeders, says it looks like candy…
cut 12 (10) “…take that”
Goeders says the D-E-A has an online resource that provides every parent and caregiver what they need to know about fake pills.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

25th ranked LSU will face its biggest test yet as they take on eighth-ranked Tennessee in Death Valley tomorrow. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who transferred to the team from Arizona St. this offseason, says he’s excited for the challenge that comes with playing in the SEC…
Cut 16 (20) “…have fun.”
The fun will begin Saturday morning, with an 11 AM kick-off.

The Saints will welcome Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks to the Superdome on Sunday. Smith is off to a good start this season as he’s completing 77-percent of his passes for over one-thousand yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. He’s thrown for over 300 yards in his last two games. Kick-off is at noon.

After losing to Arkansas State 48-25 last Saturday, ULM will host Coastal Carolina for homecoming tomorrow. The Warhawks are 2-and-3 and Coach Terry Bowden says the losing record does not sit well for his team…
cut 19 (15) “…be successful”
Coastal is 5-0 and they won a close game last week, edging out Georgia Southern 34-30.

Here’s the rest of the college football schedule for Saturday, Louisiana Tech hosts UTEP, Tulane hosts East Carolina, Grambling completes its season-opening six-game road trip by visiting Alabama A-and-M. Northwestern State is at Eastern Illinois, Southeastern hosts Texas A-and-M Commerce, Southern visits Prairie View and Nicholls seeks its first win when they travel to Houston Christian.

6:30 LRN Newscast

President Biden will pardon thousands of people convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law. Biden says marijuana laws disproportionately affect people of color. Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney Andre Belanger says it’s a bold move for the president politically, but…:
Cut 13 (13) “…is going to have.”

We’re a month away from the November eighth open congressional primary election. U-S Senator John Kennedy is a heavy favorite to win re-election. Democratic candidates Luke Mixon, Gary Chambers and Syretia Stieb (Stibe) are trying to force a run-off, and pollster John Couvillon says Black voters are expected to come out strong from Chambers and Stieb…
cut 4 (10) “….comes up with”

The 46th Annual Zwolle Tamale Fiesta is underway in Sabine Parish, and they expect to serve five thousand dozen tamales. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Excitement is building for LSU’s first big SEC test of the season as they welcome eighth ranked Tennessee into Death Valley for an 11 AM kick-off. The Volunteers are 4-0, while the Tigers are 4-and-1 and they’ve shown the ability to come from behind in games this season. Volunteers Coach Josh Heupel says they’ll need to play well for 60 minutes in order to win in Baton Rouge…
cut 17 (25) “….the game’s played”
Tennessee is a 2.5 point favorite and it could be a high scoring game as the Volunteers are averaging 48 points a game.

Saints Running Back Alvin Kamara says he will be back on the field this Sunday as New Orleans looks to snap a three-game losing streak against the Seahawks. Kamara missed the game in London due to ongoing isssues with his ribs, but he’s all healed up now…
cut 28 (25) “…feeling great”
But quarterback Jameis Winston and receiver Michael Thomas are still not practicing because of their injuries. The injury report that came out today said they did not participate. But offensive guard Andrus Peat was a full participant after being a limited participant yesterday because of a concussion. Jarvis Landry was also limited.

LRN PM Newscall

A day after launching his bid to be the next governor of Louisiana. Attorney General Jeff Landry spoke with Jeff Palermo about his campaign…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________

Louisiana is expected to see major job growth over the next two years even amid a predicted national recession. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is the first major candidate to announce he’s running for governor in 2023. Landry says he’s looking forward to getting out on the campaign trail to discuss ideas on how to make Louisiana a better state…

Cut 3 (13) “…those problems.” 

Landry says the three biggest issues that need to be addressed are crime, education and the state’s economy. He plans to roll out more detailed solutions after he spends some time with voters on the campaign trail…

Cut 4 (11) “…being last.” 

Landry has served as the state’s top prosecutor for seven years. Before that he represented south Louisiana in Congress. The 51-year-old from Lafayette Parish wants to get Louisiana off the bottom of the rankings….

Cut 5 (09) “…put up with that.” 

Landry is expected to be one of several candidates seeking to replace term-limited Governor John Bel Edwards.

___________________________________________________

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Louisiana is getting federal funds to help make up for its tourism losses during the pandemic. He says before COVID the state’s international market was growing by double digits.

Cut 6 (09)  “…breaking numbers” 

$300,000  from the US Department of Commerce will be added to $600,000 in state funds to promote Louisiana in Madrid Spain, Milan Italy, and Mumbai, India.

Cut 7 (06) “…or state.”

Nungesser says a recent marketing campaign aimed at attracting visitors from London worked well. Now tourism officials will make their first-ever promotional trip to Australia. He says they will bring tourism experts from all over the state to share the Louisiana experience with Australian  tourism officials.

Cut 8 (08)  “…to Louisiana.”

__________________________________________

Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says he’s been meeting with USDA officials on how to create a better mechanism for farmers to receive assistance when they are impacted by natural disasters. He’s hoping revisions will be added to the new farm bill and he says they may look at having ag added to the Stafford Act.

Cut 9 (08)  “…separate appropriation.”

Strain says there’s no standard on how natural disaster funding is handled when they lobby congress for assistance for farmers. Each time he says it’s processed differently, and there needs to be a standard mechanism in place and properly funded.

Cut 10 (10) “…of parishes” 

In addition to soybean crop damage in parts of Louisiana due to excessive late summer rains, Strain says Florida’s agriculture industry sustained massive losses from Hurricane Ian.

Cut 11 (12)  “…pay that bill.”

___________________________________

According to Loren C. Scott and Associates economic outlook, the Bayou State is expected to add over 14-thousand jobs next year and more than twice that in 2024. But Economist Dr. Loren Scott says that’s still 38-thousand jobs short of the pre-pandemic employment level.

Cut 12 (12) “…recovering those jobs.”

Scott predicts there will be a significant growth in industrial construction jobs to support infrastructure projects in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lake Charles.

He says there are also areas of the state that were impacted by Ida that will naturally recover and it will cause the economy to grow. Scott says that’s important to note because of a likely national recession next year.

Cut 13 (07) “…through the recession.” 

For Louisiana, Scott says that’s happened four times out of the last eight national recessions and he expects the southern half of the state will see the majority of job growth.

As for recession predictions, Scott believes it will occur in the first quarter of 2023 and last until the third quarter and it will be relatively short because the federal reserve has to do something to curb our current inflation.

Cut 14 (10)  “…into a recession.” 

And after the country recovers from the 2023 recession Scott says expects Louisiana will see a growth of some 30,800 jobs in 2024. He predicts that interest rates will drop and the housing industry will rebound.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has officially announced his candidacy for governor. Landry says the three biggest issues that need to be addressed are crime, education and the state’s economy. He plans to roll out more detailed solutions after he spends some time with voters on the campaign trail…
cut 4 (11) “…being last.”

Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says he’s been meeting with USDA officials on how to create a better mechanism for farmers to receive assistance when they are impacted by natural disasters. He’s hoping revisions will be added to the new farm bill and he says they may look at having ag added to the Stafford Act.
Cut 9 (08) “…separate appropriation.”
Strain says there’s no standard on how natural disaster funding is handled when they lobby congress for assistance for farmers.

Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow has launched a nonprofit to help families struggling mentally and financially…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the U-S Department of Commerce is sending 300-thousand dollars to his tourism department so that the state can use those funds to promote Louisiana as a travel destination in three specific international markets…Madrid, Milan and Mumbai, India…
cut 7 (06) “…or state”