12:30 LRN Newscast October 28

There are people in the Lake Charles area once again cleaning up after a weather event. National Weather Service meteorologist Johnathan Brazzell says yesterday’s severe weather produced a tornado in southwest Louisiana…
cut 14 (12) “….solid tornado”
Governor John Bel Edwards visited the damage this morning. Edwards says he’s relieved no one was killed, but this area endured two major hurricanes last year, a winter storm in February and a flash flood in May…
cut 7 (12) “…anybody”
Edwards is now on his way to Scotland as he’s leading a Louisiana delegation that’s attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

A suspected road rage incident Wednesday night leaves a 65-year old woman dead and a 23-year old man behind bars in Bossier City.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are back at practice getting ready for their big NFC South clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside the Superdome on Sunday. The defending Super Bowl champion Bucs are six and one, but Tampa Coach Bruce Arians is impressed with the Saints defense…
Cut 16 (25) “got problems.”
And the Saints have a new weapon on offense as they’ve swung a deal with the Houston Texans to bring back running back Mark Ingram. Ingram is 31-years-old and spent his first eight NFL seasons in New Orleans and is 89 yards away from becoming the franchise’s all-time leading rusher, surpassing Deuce McAllister. There’s a chance Ingram can play Sunday.

The Pelicans battled hard but came up short last night as they fell to the Atlanta Hawks 102-99. Devonte Graham led New Orleans with 21 points.

The Ragin Cajuns are getting ready to host Texas State for homecoming. The Bobcats are two and five, but U-L Lafayette Coach Billy Napier says their record is not reflective of the talent they have…
Cut 18 (18)”…throw game.”
Saturday’s game kicks off at 11 AM.

It’s probably a good thing LSU doesn’t have a game this Saturday. Coach Ed Orgeron says they have so many players injured they could not hold a scrimmage this week.

The LHSAA has released enrollment figures…Edna Karr and Carencro are slated to move up to Class 5A. Northwood-Shreveport says it will appeal its potential move to 5A.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Once again there are folks in Lake Charles dealing with storm damage. National Weather Service meteorologist Johnathan Brazzell says a squall line produced wind damage in Beauregard, Cameron and Calcasieu parishes…
cut 13 (09) “….E-F 2 greater”
There are no reports of any major injuries. Governor John Bel Edwards surveyed the storm damage this morning and we’ll hear from him in future newscasts.

Edwards will head to Scotland later today where he’ll attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference which begins Sunday. Edwards says there’s no other state in the country that’s impacted more from climate change which, he says is why a delegation from Louisiana needs to be there…
cut 8 (11) “….and CPRA”

Cops say a possible road rage incident led to the death of a 65-year-old woman who was shot in the parking lot of Willis-Knighton hospital. The suspect is a 23-year old man and Bossier City Police Lt Bart Cavanagh says it happened shortly after seven last night and two off-duty officers were in the parking lot.
Cut 3 (12) “….passed away.”
The suspect Ramsey Akes is charged with first-degree murder.

The Louisiana Department of Education is launching an initiative to get parents and families more involved in student outcomes. Dr. Antiqua Hunter with the LDOE says the “Be Engaged Initiative” involves the app, PimsPoints, that’s used to track points earned while involved with a child’s education.
Cut 4 (08) “…into the system.”
Those coupons could be discounts at local restaurants. The app is available for download on November 15th.

8:30 LRN Newscast October 28

Governor Edwards heads to southwest Louisiana this morning to assess the damage from a twister that destroyed homes south of Lake Charles. No major injuries were reported, but it’s another significant weather event for a city recently hit by two major hurricanes, a winter storm, and flooding in the spring.

Once Edwards sees the damage, he’ll travel to Scotland to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference…
cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Starting next month, parents can be rewarded by being involved in their child’s education. Louisiana Department of Education and Family Engagement Coordinator Doctor Antiqua Hunter says it’s part of the Be Engaged Initiative so starting on November 15th parents can download the PimsPoints app and receive points for attending parent-teacher conferences, judging science fairs, and other school-related activities. Hunter says the points can turn into rewards…
cut 6 (08) “…free school supplies”
Or discounts at local restaurants.

The 115th State Fair of Louisiana gets underway today in Shreveport. Once again the rides, games, live entertainment, and livestock events will be open for all to enjoy, after calling it off last fall due to the pandemic. Fair General Manager Chris Giordano says they are expecting great weather this weekend.
Cut 10 (08) “…Mondays and Tuesdays.”

7:30 LRN Newscast October 28

There are people in Lake Charles once again picking up the pieces after a weather event. National Weather Service meteorologist Johnathan Brazzell says yesterday’s severe weather produced a tornado in southwest Louisiana…
cut 14 (12) “….solid tornado”
No major injuries have been reported. Governor John Bel Edwards will survey the storm damage this morning and then it’s off to Scotland, where he’ll attend International Climate Change Summit in Glasgow. Edwards says no other state in the United States is more impacted by climate change than Louisiana…
cut 7 (11) “…foot print”
The state has a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

The Louisiana Department of Education has launched the Be Engaged Initiative which is an effort to encourage parents to be more involved in their child’s education. On November 15th, parents can download the Pims Points app and through this app parents can earn points by participating in certain activities…
cut 5 (09) “…points that”
L-D-O-E’s Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator, Antiqua Hunter, says the digital rewards could be coupons provided by local businesses, like a certain percentage of money off from a local restaurant.

The 115th State Fair of Louisiana begins today in Shreveport. Fair President and General Manager Chris Giordano says they’ll urge fairgoers to take the proper health precautions…
cut 11 (08) “…throughout the fair”

6:45 LRN Sportscast October 28

Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram are reuniting as the Saints have reportedly made a trade with the Texans to bring Ingram back to New Orleans. The Saints selected Ingram in the first round of the 2011 draft and he played in the Big Easy for eight seasons, making two trips to the Pro Bowl and he’s the franchise’s second-leading rusher behind Deuce McAllister.

Over in Lafayette, freshman running back Montrell Johnson has started to emerge for the Ragin Cajuns. He’s rushed for over 100 yards in his last two games including a 150-yard, two-touchdown performance last Thursday at Arkansas State. Coach Billy Napier is not surprised the New Orleans native is having an excellent rookie campaign…
cut 20 (21) “…he’s humble”

The Pelicans fell to one and four last night as they lost to the Atlanta Hawks 102-99. New Orleans led by 16 in the first quarter but the Hawks Trae Young had 31 points and Atlanta had 21 offensive rebounds.

LSU linebacker Bugg Strong has reportedly entered the NCAA transfer portal. He was the number one junior college linebacker in the country in the 2021 recruiting class. This season Strong has 17 tackles and one sack.

The LSU Board of Supervisors meets today and it’s expected they will approve the termination agreement between the school and Ed Orgeron, which includes the coach receiving a 17-million dollar buyout.

One day after announcing Southern Miss has joined the Sun Belt Conference. Old Dominion becomes the second school in as many days to leave Conference USA for the Sun Belt.

The LHSAA has banned the Lake Charles College Prep from playing in the postseason this year. There’s no information on what led to the sanction. The school released a statement saying they disagree with the punishment.

The LHSAA has released classification data…Edna Karr and Carencro are slated to move up to Class 5A. Northwood-Shreveport says it will appeal its potential move to 5A.

6:30 LRN Newscast October 28

The severe weather has moved out of the state, but once again there are folks in Lake Charles dealing with storm damage. National Weather Service meteorologist Johnathan Brazzell says a squall line produced wind damage in Beauregard, Cameron and Calcasieu parishes…
cut 13 (09) “….E-F 2 greater”
Two neighborhoods near the intersection of Nelson Road and Haim Reid Road suffered the most damage. There are no reports of any major injuries. Governor John Bel Edwards will survey the storm damage this morning.

After surveying the damage, Edwards will head to Scotland where he’ll attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference which begins Sunday. Joining the governor from Louisiana are his advisors and members of the state’s Climate Initiatives Task Force…
cut 8 (11) “….and CPRA”

The 115th State Fair of Louisiana opens today in Shreveport. Kevin Gallagher on what you can expect…:
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Meanwhile, the city of New Orleans says masks will no longer be required indoors starting on Friday, but the vaccine mandate stays in place.

4:45 LRN Sportscast October 27

The Pelicans are back home tonight to take on the Atlanta Hawks. New Orleans is coming off its first win of the season, a 107-98 victory over the Timberwolves. The Hawks are led by the talented Trae Young who is averaging 25 points and ten assists a game. Tip off is at 6:45.

After catching ten passes in the three-point win over Seattle on Monday, Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been named NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Former LSU star Ja’Marr Chase has been named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after setting a Bengals record with 201 receiving yards in a blowout victory over Baltimore.

There are multiple reports LSU linebacker Bugg Strong has entered the transfer portal. Strong was the nation’s number one JUCO linebacker in the 2021 recruiting class but has only played in five games this season.

One day after announcing Southern Miss has joined the Sun Belt Conference. Old Dominion becomes the second school in as many days to leave Conference USA for the Sun Belt.

LSU Quarterback Max Johnson says he expects the Tigers to keep fighting for wins when they come back from the bye week. Johnson says his teammates have not given up on the season…
cut 16 (11) “…going on”

ULM has caught the attention of national college football writers and analysts by upsetting its last two opponents, Liberty, and South Alabama. Warhawks coach Terry Bowden says it’s nice being the underdog, but the goal is to become a front runner…
cut 20 (17) “…very long”
ULM is a 27.5 point underdog this Saturday at Appalachian State.

LRN PM Newscall October 27

It’s that time of the year and delivery companies are finding themselves in need of seasonal workers to get holiday packages to people on time. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

______________________________________

The state has ordered 148-thousand doses of the COVID vaccine in anticipation of the CDC’s recommendation for ages 5 to 11 to be vaccinated. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

The reality of children being vaccinated for COVID reached a major milestone this week after an FDA Advisory panel recommend the vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter anticipates that age group could begin receiving doses within the next two weeks.

Cut 3 (09) “….time around.”

On Tuesday the governor removed the statewide indoor mask mandate for 28 days but not for K-12 schools. Schools however can choose not to mask if they follow CDC quarantine guidelines. Kanter says the sooner children are able to get vaccinated the more likely they can stay in the classroom.

Cut 4 (10) “…asymptomatic.”

Currently, ages 5 to 17 make up the majority of new COVID cases in the state at 22-percent.

Kanter encouraged parents to discuss the vaccine with their pediatrician and if they have an upcoming visit scheduled…

Cut 5 (10) “…family chooses.”

A CDC committee is scheduled to meet next Tuesday and Wednesday and if they vote to recommend the vaccine for ages 5 to 11, the vaccine could be available the following week. Approximately 421,000 in Louisiana would then be eligible to be vaccinated

__________________________________

UPS is going on a hiring spree as the holiday season approaches. Marc Shannon with the delivery firm’s talent acquisition team says the company is looking to hire 100-thousand seasonal workers nationwide, with more than one thousand of them in Louisiana alone.

Cut 6 (08) “..lot of opportunities” 

For more information and to apply for a position visit the website UPSjobs.com.

Shannon says oftentimes, a temporary position at UPS has turned into a career for these seasonal workers.

Cut 7 (11) “….career at UPS.”  

Shannon says the peak season that necessitates a larger workforce, albeit temporary, usually lasts into January.

Cut 8 (08) “..things like that.”

__________________________________________

A powerful line of thunderstorms is moving through the state that’s associated with the strongest cold front of the fall. Megan Williams with the National Weather Service in Slidell says most of the state is under a tornado watch until 4 PM…

Cut 9 (07 ) “…as well.”

Williams says the severe weather risk is the result of the cold air behind the front clashing with warm air…

Cut 10 (09)  “..from the Gulf”

A tornado watch is in effect until 10 PM tonight for southeast Louisiana. The tornado watches that cover southwest, central and north-central Louisiana expire at 4 PM.  

The concern today is tornadoes and flash flooding, but Williams says once the front moves through, it will feel like fall for the Halloween weekend…

Cut  11 (12)  “…nice change.”  

______________________________________________

The announcement of the end of the statewide indoor mask mandate is welcome news to some business owners. State Director of the Louisiana chapter of the National Federation Independent Businesses Dawn McVea says they are pleased because members have had such a challenge with it the last few months.

Cut 12 (11) “…the enforcers”  

Governor Edwards chose not to renew the indoor mask mandate for the next 28 days due to declining COVID cases and hospitalizations. McVea says business owners are also hopeful the trend will continue.

Cut 13 (05) “…that way.”

However, the mask mandate and proof of vaccination and/or a negative test are still in effect for New Orleans. Outside of the state’s largest city though McVea says businesses are relieved they can focus holiday shopping versus policing masks.

Cut 14 (07) “..the deal.” 

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after catching 10 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown in New Orleans 13-10 win over Seattle. Kamara also rushed for 51 yards.

Former LSU Tiger Ja’Marr Chase has been named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after catching eight passes for a Bengals rookie record 201 yards. Chase was unstoppable in Cincinnati’s impressive 41-17 win over the Ravens. The Bengals are at the Jets this Sunday.

The Saints got a couple of injured offensive linemen back for Monday’s game in Seattle as Terron Armstead and Eric McCoy returned to the field, but there’s a report guard Andrus Peat could miss the rest of the season because of a torn pectoral muscle. Calvin Throckmorton would be Peat’s replacement.

The Pelicans are home tonight to host the Atlanta Hawks at 6:45. New Orleans hopes to build on Monday’s win at Minnesota.

The LSU football team will work to get better during the bye week. Quarterback Max Johnson on learning from the mistakes he made in Saturday’s loss to Ole Miss…
cut 17 (14) “…right now”
ULM is two wins away from becoming bowl eligible. Coach Terry Bowden says he doesn’t want to look too far ahead with a big game at Appalachian State this Saturday…
cut 19 (19) “….big wins”
ULM has caught the attention of national college football writers and analysts by upsetting its last two opponents, Liberty, and South Alabama.