10:30 AM Newscast

St. George is set to become the newest city in Louisiana following a vote that sees the area break away from Baton Rouge.  St. George spokesperson Drew Murrell says upon incorporation, the city surpasses Lake Charles as the fifth largest city in the state.

Cut 6 (11) “…to be created.”

The population shift now means Shreveport overtakes Baton Rouge as the second-largest city in Louisiana.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone’s rise from unknown to GOP standard-bearer has come as a surprise as many analysts underrated Rispone’s straight forward branding as a President Trump-loving businessman. The President and Vice President visited Louisiana the week before the election. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the last-minute blitz was effective, and a sign of a changing local political climate.

Cut 9 (06)  “…races.”

Rescue operations are still underway at the partially collapsed Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans, but officials are increasingly concerned the incoming rainy weather could make the site even more unstable. The structure has two cranes attached, one of which is visibly damaged and could come down at any moment and New Orleans Fire Chief McConnell has bad news about the other…
Cut 12 (08) “…crane” 
The collapse occurred on Canal Street and Conti, and forced the evacuation of nearby businesses including the Saenger Theatre, which was hosting the Broadway musical Wicked.
The US Department of Education awards Louisiana $115 million in grants.  A total of five grants will help support students and teachers over several years. A $100 million literacy grant accoutns for a large chunk of the funds. Superintendent of Education John White says the state aims to serve 600 high-need schools and early education providers by the end of the grant period.
Cut 14 (10) “…a college level.” 

AM Newscall 10.15.19

A new city is coming to Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart reports voters in southwest East Baton Rouge Parish have voted to create St. George.

Cut 1 (33) “I”m Kevin Barnhart”

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Matt Doyle spoke with a political anaylst who explains how once longshot gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone pulled off his primary win against an entrenched establishment favorite…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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$115 million in federal grants is awarded to Louisiana schools. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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St. George is set to become the newest city in Louisiana following a vote that sees the area break away from Baton Rouge.  St. George spokesperson Drew Murrell says for the next step, the Governor will soon appoint a mayor and city council.

Cut 4 (07) “…and city council.”

Murrell expects the city to be officially incorporated by January 1st.  Murrell says the election results are like winning the Super Bowl to those who have been pushing the City of St. George movement for years.

Cut 5 (11) “…more efficient government.”

Murrell says the city now surpasses Lake Charles as the fifth largest city in the state.

Cut 6 (11) “…to be created.”

The population shift now means Shreveport overtakes Baton Rouge as the second-largest city in Louisiana.

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Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone’s rise from statewide unknown to GOP standard-bearer came as a surprise to many political analysts who underrated his chances nearly a year ago.

UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says analysts underrated Rispone’s uncomplicated, straight forward branding as a President Trump-loving businessman. He says it was a clarion call for white voters.

Cut 7 (11) “…well.” 

Rispone was the first Republican to announce his candidacy when he joined the race late last year.

Cross says Rispone was able to tap into a growing sense of identity politics among many white voters in the United States whose views align closely with Rispone’s messaging.

Cut 8 (11) “…values.”

Cross says roughly 200,000 more rural, mostly white voters showed up to vote in this primary than in 2015’s.

The President and Vice President made visits to Louisiana the week before the election. Cross says the last-minute blitz was effective, and a sign of a changing local political climate.

Cut 9 (06)  “…races.”

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Rescue operations are still underway at the partially collapsed Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans, but officials are increasingly concerned the incoming rainy weather could make the site even more unstable.

Several inches of rain is projected over the next few days and New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says that could cause some serious, new problems.

Cut 10 (07) “…collapse.”

Two people are confirmed dead as a result of the Saturday morning construction site collapse. McConnell says they aren’t giving up hope for a third unaccounted for person.

Cut 11 (11) “prayers”

The collapse occurred on Canal Street and Conti, and forced the evacuation of nearby businesses including the Saenger Theatre, which was airing the Broadway musical Wicked.

The structure has two cranes attached, one of which is visibly damaged and could come down at any moment. McConnell has bad news about the other…

Cut 12 (08) “…crane” 

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The US Department of Education awards Louisiana $115 million in grants.  A total of five grants will help support students and teachers over several years. Superintendent of Education John White says it’s exciting news for the state to receive the support from the five competitive grants.

Cut 13 (12) “…in our schools”

The lion’s share of the funding comes from the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program Grant, which will see $100 million awarded over five years.  White says the state aims to serve 600 high-need schools and early education providers by the end of the grant period.

Cut 14 (10) “…a college level.” 

White says the next step for schools to obtain a portion of the money is figuring out the best distribution.

Cut 15 (12) “…on these issues.”

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After a two-touchdown victory over Florida, LSU gets ready to visit Mississippi State for a 2:30 kick-off against the Bulldogs. Two years ago, the Tigers went into Starkville and were handed 37-7 loss. Coach Ed Orgeron says his guys were not prepared to play that night…

Cut 16  (17) “…that stadium” 

LSU is 6-0, but the Tigers defense has had trouble stopping teams at times. Orgeron says he doesn’t want LSU involved in games like last Saturday, when both teams are trading touchdowns

cut 17  (15) “…get better” 

Tiger Stadium was electric on Saturday and plenty of recruits were in attendance. Orgeron says the feedback he’s received has been outstanding

Cut 18 (22)  our fans” 

530PM Newscast

Republicans are close to obtaining a supermajority in the Legislature, and LSU Communications Professor Mike Henderson says if Republicans win the 50th House district seat in St. Mary Parish and the 62nd in East Feliciana and on hold on to the seats they already have, they’ll have the 70 needed for a supermajority. Henderson says in the 62nd district Johnny Arceneaux is looking to defeat incumbent Roy Adams, who is an Independent…

Cut 4 (11) “…Republican challengers”

The GOP already has a supermajority in the Senate.

A highly competitive Baton Rouge Senate race is likely headed for a hand recount after a voting tally adjustment results in a tie between Republican Representatives Franklin Foil and Steve Carter. Former state Democratic Party Chairman Jim Nichol says each campaign can select two representatives to witnesses the recount.

Cut 7 (08) “…private”

Democrat Beverly Thompson has already made the run-off.

LSU’s impressive win over Florida on Saturday moved the Fighting Tigers to number two in the latest AP Top 25. Alabama is ranked number one, even though LSU has two victories over Top 10 teams and the Crimson Tide’s schedule has not been as difficult. The Advocate’s Brooks Kubena is a Top 25 voter and has a theory on why Bama is ranked number one….

Cut 12 (11) “…that’s it” 

In Kubena’s Top 25 poll, he has Ohio State number one, followed by LSU and then Alabama.

Widespread showers and thunderstorms over the next couple of days will bring rain to the state that hasn’t seen much precipitation over the last several weeks. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the rate of rain fall with a light drizzle is perfect for recharging the soil.

Cut 11 (11) “…landscape can handle.” 

The pattern could result in three to four inches over the next three days, especially over northern parishes. 

4:30 PM Newscast

A recount is likely the Senate District 16 race in Baton Rouge as there’s a tie for second place between term-limited state representatives Steve Carter and Franklin Foil. Both are hoping to get in a runoff against Democrat Beverly Brooks Thompson. Former state Democratic Party Chairman Jim Nichol says when a run-off occurs, each campaign can select two representatives to witness the recount…
Cut 7 (08) “…private”
If the vote remains tied, a three-way run-off will be held.

Widespread showers and thunderstorms over the next couple of days will bring rain to the state that hasn’t seen much precipitation over the last several weeks. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a front is currently stalled along the coastline…
Cut 9 (13) “…even more rain.”
Keim says two-thirds of the state is considered to be abnormally dry or in drought.

Based on the results from the October 12th election, Republicans are two seats away from capturing a Super Majority in the state House. Dr. Michael Henderson, assistant professor at the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, says the GOP won several house seats Saturday held by a Democrat, but voters in that district supported President Trump in 2016
Cut 3 (11) “…to three”

LSU’s impressive win over Florida on Saturday moved the Fighting Tigers to number two in the latest AP Top 25. Alabama is ranked number one, even though LSU has two victories over Top 10 teams and the Crimson Tide’s schedule has not been as difficult. The Advocate’s Brooks Kubena says LSU’s offense is one of the best in the country, but there are questions about the Tigers defense, which might be why LSU received 12 first-place votes, compared to Alabama’s 30

Cut 13 (09) “…up 28 points.”

330PM LRN News

Republicans are on the verge of holding a supermajority in both the House and Senate. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Rescue crews at the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans continue their rescue efforts in trying to locate a worker who went missing following Saturday mornings deadly construction collapse.  The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office has confirmed Anthony Magrette as the identity of the worker whose body was removed from the building on Sunday.

A highly competitive Baton Rouge Senate race is likely headed for a hand recount after a voting tally adjustment results in a tie between Republican Representatives Franklin Foil and Steve Carter. As of Sunday morning it looked like Foil would make the run-off over Carter by an eight vote margin. Senator Dan Claitor, who was term-limited out of the disputed seat, says it’s an incredible development.

Cut 6 (11) “…settle”

Democrat Beverly Brooks Thompson has the most votes and is guaranteed a spot in the Senate District 16 run-off.

LSU’s impressive win over Florida on Saturday moved the Fighting Tigers to number two in the latest AP Top 25. The Advocate’s Brooks Kubena is a Top 25 voter, and in Kubena’s Top 25 poll, he has Ohio State number one, followed by LSU and then Alabama. Kubena says the Buckeyes look like the most complete team to him…

Cut 14 (12) “…doing well”

230PM LRN News

Based on the results from the October 12th election, Republicans are two seats away from capturing a Super Majority in the state House, but Democrats can end that possibility by winning in either the 70th or 94th district. LSU Communications Professor Dr. Michael Henderson says a GOP supermajority would cripple a potential Edwards administration’s veto power.

Cut 5 (09) “…party unity.”

Republicans have already achieved a supermajority in the Senate.

A highly competitive Baton Rouge Senate race is likely headed for a hand recount due to a tie between the two Republican candidates who each secured 12,522 votes.  Former state Democratic Party Chairman Jim Nichol says this race is another reminder that every vote counts…

Cut 8 (11) “…morning”

We’re going to see a lot of rain over the next few days, more rain than we’ve seen in the past few weeks combined. The pattern could result in three to four inches over the next three days, especially over northern parishes.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says two-thirds of the state is considered to be abnormally dry or in drought.

Cut 10 (06) “…things like that.”

The state saw an unusually dry summer. 

LSU’s impressive win over Florida on Saturday moved the Fighting Tigers to number two in the latest AP Top 25. Alabama is ranked number one, even though LSU has two victories over Top 10 teams and the Crimson Tide’s schedule has not been as difficult. The Advocate’s Brooks Kubena is a Top 25 voter and has a theory on why…

Cut 12 (11) “…that’s it” 

The two will meet on November 9th.

1:30 PM Newscast

Based on the results from the October 12th election, if Republicans win the 50th House district seat in St. Mary Parish and the 62nd in East Feliciana and on hold on to the seats they already have, they’ll have the 70 needed for a supermajority in the state House. Dr. Michael Henderson, assistant professor at the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, says in the 62nd district Johnny Arceneaux is looking to defeat incumbent Roy Adams, who is an Independent…

Cut 4 (11) “…Republican challengers”

Widespread showers and thunderstorms over the next couple of days will bring rain to the state that hasn’t seen much precipitation over the last several weeks. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the rate of rain fall being a light drizzle is perfect for recharging the soil.

Cut 11 (11) “…landscape can handle.” 

A Louisiana senate race appears headed to a three-person runoff. Don Molino has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Don Molino”   

Rescue crews at the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans continue their rescue efforts in trying to locate a worker who went missing following Saturday mornings deadly construction collapse.  The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office has confirmed Anthony Magrette as the identity of the worker whose body was removed from the building on Sunday.

1130AM LRN News

A highly competitive Baton Rouge Senate race is likely headed for a hand recount after a voting tally adjustment results in a tie between Republican Representatives Franklin Foil and Steve Carter. As of Sunday morning, it looked like Foil would make the run-off over Carter by an eight vote margin. Senator Dan Claitor, who was term-limited out of the disputed seat, says it’s an incredible development.

Cut 6, 11 seconds, settle

Democrat Beverly Brooks Thompson is guaranteed a spot in the run-off.

New Orleans authorities continue to comb through the debris of the partially collapsed Hard Rock Hotel for a third worker who is still unaccounted for. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim Mcconnell says the site is still dangerous, but…

Cut 29, 08 seconds, for

Two people are confirmed to have died from the Saturday morning collapse.

Kevin Barnhart details the results of statewide races, starting with Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

A National Audubon Society report shows nearly 400 species of birds in Louisiana could lose half their habitat in the next 60 years due to climate change.  Director of Bird Conservation, Dr. Erik Johnson says increasing temperature could also result in new species arriving…

Cut 5 (09) “…of that”

10:30 AM Newscast

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Governor Edwards 47 percent showing in the primary is a bad sign for his chances of being the first incumbent Louisiana Governor to win a run-off. Pinsonat says now that there’s only one Republican in the race the state and national party can focus all of it’s attention on boosting Eddie Rispone as a specific alternative to Governor Edwards.

Cut 13 (11) “…President”

Republican primary candidates combined for 52 percent of the vote.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon will serve another four years after defeating fellow GOP challenger Tim Temple.  Donelon, who was first appointed to the position in 2006, is now the longest-serving Insurance Commissioner in the state’s history. Donelon says the work to bring down car insurance rates continues.

Cut 8 (08) “…the new legislature.”

The search continues for an unaccounted worker that’s trapped in the debris from the collapsed Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim Mcconnell says they are still in rescue mode…
cut 30 (08) “…unsecured”
The 18-story building was under construction when it fell apart Saturday morning. Two people are known dead and one of the deceased has yet to be recovered from the rubble.

The National Audubon Society releases a report that finds 389 species could lose more than 50-percent of the habitat they need to survive by 2080 under a three-degree Celsius rise in global temperatures. The report also indicates fifteen percent of species in Louisiana are at risk, including the state bird. Director of Bird Conservation, Dr. Erik Johnson says you can help locally by planting native foliage to the state to help reinforce the birds’ natural habitat.

Cut 6 (08) “…climate change.”

For more information go to climate-dot-audubon-dot org

LRN AM Newscall EDIT

A National Audubon Society report indicates 389 birds are in danger in North America due to climate change, Louisiana’s state bird is among them. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “I”m Brooke Thorington”

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Jim Donelon maintains his job at Insurance Commissioner. Kevin Barnhart runs down the results of this and other statewide races.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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We’ve got a frantic month ahead of the November 16th run-off between Governor Edwards and Eddie Rispone. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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The National Audubon Society releases a report that finds 389 species could lose more than 50-percent of the habitat they need to survive by 2080 under a three-degree Celsius rise in global temperatures. The report also indicates fifteen percent of species in Louisiana are at risk, including the state bird. Director of Bird Conservation, Dr. Erik Johnson.

Cut 4 (12) “…incredibly important.”

Johnson says birds are early responders to stressors and offer us signals of what’s to come in regard to climate change. A change in average temperature will also introduce new species of birds that migrate to the state…

Cut 5 (09) “…of that”

Johnson says you can help locally by planting native foliage to the state to help reinforce the birds’ natural habitat.

Cut 6 (08) “…climate change.”

For more information go to climate-dot-audubon-dot org

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon will serve another four years after defeating fellow GOP challenger Tim Temple.  Donelon received 53% of the vote and says the victory comes after an intense campaign where his opponent self-funded $1.1 million into the race.

Cut 7 (10) “…to the table.” 

Donelon, who was first appointed to the position in 2006, is now the longest-serving Insurance Commissioner in the state’s history. Donelon says the work to bring down car insurance rates continues.

Cut 8 (08) “…the new legislature.”

Donelon believes the key to lowering car insurance rates is through tort reform so that the state doesn’t have such a friendly litigation climate.

Cut 9 (08)  “…other states are.”

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Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican challenger Eddie Rispone will face off in a November 16th run-off. Edwards received 47-percent of the vote in the gubernatorial primary and plans to campaign on the accomplishments during his first term

Cut 10 (13) “…over a decade.”

Rispone received 27-percent of the vote and now has the support of the third-place finisher in the race, Congressman Ralph Abraham. Rispone says with the help of voters he can make Louisiana one of the best states in the country

Cut 11 (13) “do it”

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Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Governor Edwards 47 percent showing in the primary is a bad sign for his chances of being the first incumbent Louisiana Governor to win a run-off.

Pinsonat says Edwards lagged statewide despite having a remarkable day in Orleans Parish…

Cut 12 (11) “…cushion.” 

Edwards secured 87 percent of the vote in Orleans Parish.

Pinsonat says now that there’s only one Republican in the race the state and national party can focus all of it’s attention on boosting Eddie Rispone as a specific alternative to Governor Edwards.

Cut 13 (11) “…President”

Republican primary candidates combined for 52 percent of the vote.

Pinsonat says Edwards, like white Democrats across the state, hemorrhaged white rural and suburban voters. He says Edwards’ best shot is to begin aggressively attacking Rispone to cut into his support.

Cut 14 (07) “…toast.” 

The run-off will be held on November 16th.

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LSU is now 6-0 after outlasting Florida on Saturday night as the Bayou Bengals defeated the Gators 42-28 in front of a raoucous Tiger Stadium. The game was tied at 21 at halftime and Florida took the lead early in the third quarterback, but LSU Coach Ed Orgeron’s team responded by scoring 21 unanswered points…

Cut 15 (15) “…for the Tigers”

Joe Burrow threw three touchdown passes, while Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed for two scores. LSU’s defense had trouble stopping Florida. Freshman cornerback Derek Stingley Jr kept getting picked on, but eventually made a huge interception in the end zone in the fourth quarter. Orgeron is proud of the young man

Cut 16  (13) “…had too.” 

Orgeron says a key stat in the game for the Tigers was zero sacks for Florida. Tigers Quarterback Joe Burrow says the offensive line took it personally that they got beat up bad in the Swamp last year

cut 17  (17) “…proud of them” 

With Georgia’s upset loss at home to South Carolina, LSU moves up in the polls and the Tigers have now defeated two teams that were ranked in the Top 10. Burrow says they can’t let up now

Cut 18 (16)  get there” 

LSU is at Mississippi State this Saturday.

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A tweet from the Pope himself inspires the Black and Gold to a gritty 13-6 win over the Jaguars in Jacksonville keeping the team undefeated in games started by Teddy Bridgewater.

Coach Sean Payton says they expected more out of the offense today that didn’t crack the endzone until the fourth quarter, but TIAA Bank Field is not easy to play at.

cut 19 (17)   “standpoint”   

Earlier Sunday the Pope tweeted out “Today we give thanks to the Lord for our new Hashtag . They walked by faith and now we invoke their intercession.” The use of the hashtag accidentally generated a Black and Gold Fleur De Lis emoji on the post. 

Cam Jordan led another ferocious defensive effort with two sacks on the day. The team’s taken turns winning with offense and defense the past few weeks. Coach Payton’s OK with that…

cut 20 (08) “today”   

Jag’s rookie sensation Gardner Minshew threw for only 163 yards and a pick. Former LSU star RB Leonard Fournette was held to less than four yards a carry on 72 yards rushing.