8:30 LRN Newscast

Between now and the start of early voting on September 30th, we’ll profile the six main candidates for governor on October 14th. Today it’s Republican Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt who says if elected governor she’ll focus on education
cut 1 (32) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

Nola-dot-com has endorsed Republican Stephen Waguespack for governor. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise has endorsed the Republican front-runner Jeff Landry.

The extremely hot and dry summer officially comes to an end tomorrow with the first day of Fall. With a new season, can we see a change in the weather pattern? State Climatologist Barry Keim says the long-range forecast does call for above-normal precipitation
cut 12 (12) “…western Gulf”

LSU is a 17.5 point favorite on Saturday to beat Arkansas, but the last three games played between these two teams have been decided by three points. Linebacker Greg Penn expects a tight game…
cut 15 (12) “….the win”
Kick-off on Saturday is at 6 PM.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Between now and the start of early voting on September 30th, we’ll hear from each of the six main candidates running for governor. Today it’s Republican State Senator Sharon Hewitt, who was elected in the state legislature in 2016 and she’s also an engineering executive. Hewitt says as governor, she will support the traditional oil and gas industry, while also diversifying the state’s energy portfolio….
cut 6 (10) “…those areas”

Pollster John Couvillon is predicting a voter turnout for the October 14th primary of 40-to-45 percent. Registered Democratic voters outnumber Republican voters by nearly 150-thousand but Couvillon doesn’t see Democrats energized by Democrat Shawn Wilson’s campaign…
cut 8 (11) “….Shawn Wilson”
The last day to register to vote is tomorrow and at this point you can only register for the October 14th primary at geaux-vote-dot-com.

A historically hot and dry summer officially comes to an end tomorrow with the first day of Fall. Teiko Foxx spoke with an expert on if the weather pattern will change in the fall…
cut 3 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

Historically low rainwater in the Mississippi River basin has resulted in what is called a saltwater wedge traveling up the Mississippi River. There’s not enough fresh water flowing down the Mississippi to keep salt water from the Gulf from coming up the river. It’s causing issues with the drinking water in South Plaquemines Parish. Governor Edwards will hold a press conference this afternoon to discuss how the state is addressing this issue.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Tomorrow marks the first day of fall, ending what has been a historically hot and dry summer. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 11 (10) “…half of normal”
The latest drought monitor shows everything south of I-20 categorized as either in extreme drought or exceptional drought.

A pollster for the October gubernatorial primary predicts voter turnout to be between 40 and 45 percent. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Between now and the start of early voting on September 30th, we will profile each of the six main candidates for governor. Today it’s Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt. Hewitt has released a blueprint that she says will unlock Louisiana’s potential and she says it starts by providing children with a great education and then linking education to jobs…
cut 4 (09) “…workforce needs”
Hewitt says if elected governor, she will ensure a computer science curriculum in every K-through-12 grade level and the high school curriculum will require computer coding.

AM LRN Newscall Sept 21

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says she wants to focus on education and help with the energy transition. Brooke Thorington has more on the gubernatorial candidate.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Voter turnout for the October primary is expected to be in the 40 to 45-percent range. Brooke Thorington has more from a pollster on the anticipated lack of excitement.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Summer 2023 ends tomorrow, and many Louisianans are saying good riddance. But what will the fall weather patterns bring? Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (30) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt is one of the six formidable running for governor. The Republican says investing in education is key to lifting individuals out of poverty and reducing crime. She wants to work with employers, so the school system is educating students to fill those jobs.

Cut 4 (12) “…workforce needs.”

She’s also an advocate for improving computer science and coding skills among students.

The former engineering executive for Shell says she’s the best candidate for the state to remain attractive to the oil and gas industry and not pursue lawsuits against them like opponent Jeff Landry.

Cut 5 (11) “…our state.”

She’s also in favor of diversifying the state’s energy sector. Hewitt says she’s passed legislation to fund hydrogen research…

Cut 6 (10) “…those areas.”

Hewitt, who was first elected to the legislature in 2016, has written and passed more than 125 pieces of legislation.

Each day next week we’ll profile the five other remaining high-profile gubernatorial candidates.

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Saturday is the last day to register to vote online at geauxvote.com for the October 14th primary. We asked pollster John Couvillion with JMC Analytics his voter turnout prediction for the primary…

Cut 7 (09) “…total turnout.”

In 2019 voter turnout was 46 percent for the gubernatorial primary and 51 percent for the runoff.

This year’s race hasn’t drummed up much excitement and Couvillon says there are two reasons why this race so far can be described as a sleeper.  On the Democratic side…

Cut 8 (11) “…Shawn Wilson.” 

On the Republican side, Couvillon says Jeff Landry received backing from the state GOP almost a year ago and no other Republican has taken that away from him. Couvillion says there’s just enough on the Democratic and Republican sides who are favoring their respective candidates which contributes to a lack of energy in the race.

Cut 9 (09)  “…unconscionable.”

Couvillion also believes low unemployment is another reason for the anticipated voter turnout to be in the 40 to 45 percent range. Currently, there are just under three million registered voters in the state.

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Get ready to say goodbye to high heat index values and triple-digit heat. The first official day of fall starts tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the summer months were the hottest months in the state’s history.

Cut 10 (11) “…nine degrees.”

The Bayou State had the third driest summer on record. Brutally hot and dry weather patterns kept 95 percent of the state in drought conditions. Keim says high temperatures and less precipitation kept the state drier than normal.

Cut 11 (10) “…half of normal.”

Keim says the fall-like weather will bring a smaller chance of getting above-average temperatures due to El Niño. For Louisiana, El Nino means wetter winters. Keim says it also means fewer hurricanes but increased tropical activity.

Cut 12 (12) “…western gulf.” 

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The 12th-ranked LSU Tigers will welcome the Arkansas Razorbacks into Death Valley on Saturday. The Hogs are led by fifth-year quarterback KJ Jefferson. In 2021, Jefferson and Arkansas beat LSU in overtime in Tiger Stadium. He’s six-foot-three, 247 pounds, and LSU defensive end Sai’von Jones says KJ is not easy to tackle…

Cut 13 (13) “…get him down”

The Tigers played nearly a perfect game last week in beating Mississippi State. Running back Logan Diggs says they can’t expect another blowout victory…

Cut 14 (11) “…the next”

The Tigers are 17.5 point favorites on Saturday, but the last three games played between LSU and Arkansas have been decided by three points. Linebacker Greg Penn expects a tight game…

Cut 15 (12) “…the win.”

Kick-off on Saturday is at 6 PM.

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The Saints are on the road for a second consecutive week as they will visit the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. New Orleans Quarterback Derek Carr says he’s impressed with the Packers defense led by All Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander and fellow corner Rasul Douglas…

Cut 16 (23) “…sideline to sideline.”

The Black and Gold are 2-0, but in both victories, they failed to score a touchdown in the first half. Carr says the plan is to get off to a faster offensively this Sunday…

Cut 17 (16) “…as an offense”

Kick-off on Sunday is at noon.

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Redshirt freshman Zeon Chriss from Baton Rouge is expected to get the start at quarterback on Saturday when the Cajuns host Buffalo. Chriss came off the bench last week for the injured Ben Woolridge and led U-L Lafayette to convincing 41-21 win over UAB. Coach Michael Desormeaux ..

Cut 18 (11) “…did we.”

The former Madison Prep star was 14 of 20 for 174 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 103 yards and two scores. Desormeaux says Chriss was the starter coming out of spring ball but Chandler Fields and Woolridge surpassed him on the depth chart during preseason camp. But Chriss never hung his head…

Cut 19 (12) “…this opportunity” 

Kick-off is at 6:30 on Saturday night.

 

Cut 20 (19) “..non conference slate 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Sept 21

The Times-Picayune, NOLA-dot-com’s editorial staff has endorsed Stephen Waguespack for governor. The media outlet is owned by John Georges, who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2007 as an Independent. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Democrat Shawn Wilson failing to get the newspaper’s endorsement is another blow to his campaign…

Cut 8 (12) “…candidacy.”

Karl Malone is the best men’s basketball player ever at Louisiana Tech and a statue of him and five other Bulldog greats were unveiled last night. An emotional “Mailman” gave thanks to Tech…
cut 13 (12) “…for me”

If you’re seeing more crickets lately, you’re not alone. Teiko Foxx has an explanation of why you’re hearing more chirps…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”  

The statewide burn ban has been extended for another week. More than half of the state is considered under exceptional drought. Basically, everything south of I-20 is either exceptional or extreme drought conditions. And there’s a very low probability of rain in south Louisiana this weekend.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast

The Times-Picayune and NOLA-dot-com have endorsed Republican Stephen Waguespack in the governor’s race. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Entergy Louisiana customers can apply for a one-time 200-dollar credit to be applied to their utility bill starting tomorrow at noon. There are income eligibility requirements. Customers should apply online through their local United Way website. Entergy says once the funds have been exhausted the application process will be closed.

The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing a one million dollar grant to help create more diversity in the nursing field. Assistant Dean for Clinical Nursing Education Dr. Benita Chatmon says the grant is for undergraduate students and focuses on high school students interested in the field of nursing.

Cut 3 (07) “…for college”

According to the U-S Census Bureau, only make up 20-percent of the nursing workforce.

Six of Louisiana Tech’s all-time great student athletes were honored last night with the unveiling of life-like statues at the new Champions Plaza. Former quarterback, Terry Bradshaw played at Tech in the 1960s. Bradshaw says Ruston holds memorable moments in his life…

Cut 12 (14) “…fun ever” 

Also getting statues, Teresa Weatherspoon, Willie Roaf,  Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, and the late Fred Dean.

3:30 LRN Newscast

Republican Steven Waguespack has been officially endorsed by the Times-Picayune and NOLA-dot-com for governor. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says this endorsement could give Waguespack an edge….

Cut 7 (05) “..second look” 

A survey released this week paid for by Louisiana TV stations showed Waguespack in third behind gubernatorial opponent Democrat Shawn Wilson who is in second place.

A one million dollar grant has been awarded to LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing to help create diversity in the field of nursing. Assistant Dean for Clinical Nursing Education Dr. Benita Chatmon says a portion of the funding will also go towards promoting academic success for minorities seeking a degree in nursing…

Cut 5 (09) “ …nursing program”  

A surge of cricket infestations has hit Louisiana. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says the average lifespan of a cricket is 90 days. But if they are more of a pest, he suggests…

Cut 11 (09) “…your home.”

Louisiana Tech unveiled statues of six of the university’s greatest student-athletes last night in a special ceremony at the school’s new Champions Plaza. Former Techsters point guard, Kim Mulkey, who led the team to a 1982 national title has a statue in her honor…

Cut  14 (11) “remarkable teams”

Terry Bradshaw, Teresa Weatherspoon, Willie Roaf, and the late Fred Dean also have statues.

2:30 LRN Newscast

The Times-Picayune and NOLA-dot-com has endorsed Republican Stephen Waguespack for governor. The paper says Louisiana’s next governor must be laser focused on Louisiana’s future, not distracted by Washington-style sideshows. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says NOLA.com’s editorial staff is not a fan of Republican front runner Jeff Landry…
Cut 6 (10) “…hot button issues”
A poll paid for by Louisiana TV stations released this week showed Waguespack running in a distant third place in the October 14th primary, behind Landry and the lone main Democrat Shawn Wilson.

Karl Malone is the best men’s basketball player ever at Louisiana Tech and a statue of him and five other Bulldog greats were unveiled last night. An emotional “Mailman” gave thanks to Tech…
cut 13 (12) “…for me”

If you’re seeing a large number of crickets, you’re not the only one. Teiko Foxx has an explanation for the increase of the late-night crawlers.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

Starting tomorrow at noon, Entergy Louisiana customers can apply for a one-time 200-dollar credit on their electricity bill. There are income eligibility requirements. Eligible customers should apply through their local United Way website. Entergy says they are providing this assistance because of high energy bills as a result of historic hot summer.

1:30 LRN Newscast Sept 21

The Advocate newspaper’s editorial staff has endorsed Stephen Waguespack for governor. The Advocate is owned by John Georges, who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2007 as an Independent. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Democrat Shawn Wilson failing to get the newspaper’s endorsement is another blow to his campaign…

Cut 8 (12) “…candidacy.”

Waguespack says the endorsement is a sign his solutions-driven campaign is resonating with people.

The statewide burn ban has been extended for another week. More than half of the state is considered under exceptional drought. Basically, everything south of I-20 is either exceptional or extreme drought conditions. And there’s a very low probability of rain in south Louisiana this weekend.

Six Louisiana Tech all-time greats were honored last night with the unveiling of their statues at the school’s new Champions Plaza. 75-year-old Terry Bradshaw was there to see it. The former quarterback played at Tech in the 1960s and went on to win four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bradshaw says he’ll never forget his time in Ruston…

Cut 12 (14) “…fun ever” 

Have you seen more crickets than usual? A cricket infestation has hit the state. LSU Ag Center Entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says the drought is why and this is also the prime time of year for field and mole crickets. He says the small, dark, and shiny ones are field crickets, while mole crickets…

Cut 10 (09) “…or legs.”

And in case you didn’t know it the average lifespan of a cricket is 90 days.

 

 

 

 

12:30 LRN Newscast Sept 21

The Advocate newspaper’s editorial staff has endorsed Republican Stephen Waguespack for governor. A Louisiana TV stations poll released this week showed Waguespack running in a distant third place for the October 14th primary, behind Landry and the lone main Democrat Shawn Wilson. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says the endorsement could provide Waguespack with a bump….

Cut 7 (05) “..,second look” 

Early voting for the October 14th primary begins September 30th.

Have you been seeing more crickets than usual? A sudden surge of cricket infestations has hit Louisiana. LSU Ag Center Professor of Entomology Aaron Ashbrook says with stressed and dried plants due to the drought; crickets are now on the hunt for food.

Cut 9 (11) “…by lights.” 

August and September are prime months for both field and mole crickets.

LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing has been awarded a million-dollar grant to help create a more diverse nursing workforce. Assistant Dean for Clinical Nursing Education Dr. Benita Chatmon says more minority nurses, could result in better health outcomes for Blacks…

Cut 4 (10) “…taken care of.”

According to the U.S. Census, minorities make up 40 percent of the U.S. population but only 20 percent of the nursing workforce. Chatmon says a portion of the funding from the Department of Health and Services will also go towards promoting academic success for minorities seeking a nursing degree.