8:30 LRN Newscast

Saturday begins early voting and this week in our morning newscasts we’ve been featuring the six main candidates running for governor. Republican John Schroder has he wants to improve education and lower crime and two ways to do that…
cut 5 (08) “…those areas”
Schroder says he also wants to create a better tax and regulatory atmosphere to bring bigger businesses to the Bayou State.

906 people died on Louisiana’s roads last year in crashes which is a seven percent decrease from 2021. That’s according to statistics compiled by a research team at LSU. So why the decrease? Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says traffic volume increased in 2022 …
cut 28 (12) “…DWI Stops”
Fisher says in 2022 there was an eight-percent increase in DWI arrests.

A first in Louisiana tonight as a high school football game in Baton Rouge will have an all-female officiating crew. Teiko Foxx has the story…
cut 2 (31) “….I”m Teiko Foxx”

A LHSAA member meeting will take place Tuesday to give high school principals an opportunity to decide how a select school should be defined. A ruling by a judge earlier this year prohibits the LHSAA from using the current definition. Because of this uncertainty, it’s unknown how the school football playoff brackets will look.

7:30 LRN Newscast

We continue our profiles of the six main candidates for governor and today its John Schroder, who is a former state lawmaker and has served as the state’s treasurer since 2017. Schroder says he wants to rid state government of cronyism and corruption…
cut 4 (06) “….transparency”
Schroder says he’ll create committees to focus on crime, education, and insurance, work up a game plan and call lawmakers into a special session.

A Baton Rouge judge will hear arguments today over whether the Pardon Board can hold clemency hearings next month for 20 death row inmates looking to have their sentence commuted to life in prison before Governor Edwards leaves office in January. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino expects Judge Don Johnson will rule against prosecutors who are trying to stop the hearings…
Cut 13 (11) “…executive clemency”
The first clemency hearing is scheduled for October 13th.

The White House has approved the state’s request for an emergency declaration as four parishes, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans and Jefferson, work to minimize the impact of saltwater intrusion coming up the Mississippi River. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says a lot of work is being done to protect the drinking water…
cut 27 (08) “….mitigation efforts”
Officials are asking residents in the New Orleans area not to panic and the water remains safe to drink.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal is modifying the statewide burn ban. State Fire Marshal Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the biggest change is that each parish will be able to opt out based on moisture levels and the threat of wildfires.
Cut 7 (12) “…their areas.”
This modified burn will go into effect on Friday at 5 PM.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints Q-B Derek Carr did not practice yesterday as New Orleans got to work in preparing for Sunday’s home game against Tampa Bay. But Coach Dennis Allen is leaving the door open for Carr to play this Sunday, if his sprained shoulder allows for it. Running back Alvin Kamara is back at practice as his three-game suspension is over.

LSU’s defense has struggled this season, but freshman linebacker Whit Weeks has been a bright spot. His first start was against Mississippi State and in the two games he’s started, Weeks has collected 17 tackles. Weeks says getting on campus in January and participating in spring football has helped his transition from high school to college football…
Cut 19 (19) “…different ball game”
LSU is at Ole Miss on Saturday.

A couple of legends will go into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees and former LSU women’s basketball player Seimone Augustus headline the nine person class that also includes mix martial arts icon Daniel Cormier and former high school football coach Frank Monica.

History will be made tonight in Baton Rouge as for the first time in Louisiana, the officiating crew for a high school football game will be all females. Baton Rouge Area Football Officials Association Assignment Secretary Louis Metivia hopes this will result in more females wanting to officiate high school sports…
cut 11 (12) “….out there”

The LHSAA will hold a meeting in Baton Rouge next Tuesday to allow high schools to vote on what defines a select school. Once we get a definition then we’ll know what the high school football playoff brackets will look like.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal is modifying the statewide burn ban….
cut 8 (07) “…they’re in”
That’s state fire marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue, who says the modified burn ban also lets fire chiefs to grant burn permissions. The modified order goes into effect tomorrow at 5 PM.

Next month clemency hearings will begin for some 20 death row inmates hoping Governor Edwards will commute their sentence from a death sentence to life in prison. Today, district attorneys will argue in front of a Baton Rouge judge in an effort to halt the clemency hearings. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the constitution allows the Pardon Board to conduct its business the way they want…
cut 14 (04) “…clemency’s appropriate”
Attorney General Jeff Landry says the death row inmates are not eligible for a clemency hearing.

We continue our profiles today of the main candidates running for governor. Treasurer John Schroder says his first priority if elected governor is to restore the public’s faith in government.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

AM LRN Newscall Sept 28

Treasurer John Schroder says his first priority as governor is to restore the people’s faith in government. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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An all-female officiating crew will make history in Louisiana by calling the Glen Oaks at Parkview Baptist football game Thursday night. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Today, prosecutors will make their case in a Baton Rouge courtroom that the Louisiana Pardon Board can not hold clemency hearings for 20 death row inmates seeking a reduced sentence of life in prison. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut (28) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Treasurer John Schoder says his military, law enforcement, legislative, and small business owner experience makes him the best candidate for governor. In his lifetime he’s taken seven oaths of office, Shroder says he’s sworn to represent all people, not just the ones he agrees with politically.

Cut 4 (06) “…transparency.”

To tackle some of the state’s biggest issues, Schroder says he’ll create committees to focus on crime, education, and insurance, work a game plan and call lawmakers into session.

He also wants to reexamine ethics laws and review the current state budget that was rushed in the final hours of the legislative session.

Cut 5 (08) “…those areas.”

While other candidates say they want to recruit new industries, Schroder says first we need to look at creating a better atmosphere for the existing ones. He says more than half of the jobs in the state are from small businesses.

Cut 6 (10) “…to come.”

Schroder served nine and half years in the legislature and is in his sixth year as treasurer.

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The statewide burn ban re-issued on August 25th has been modified to renew and establish certain exceptions. State Fire Marshal Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says this decision allows each parish to devise a plan to deal with the bans based on moisture levels and the current threat of wildfires. 

Cut 7 (12) “…their areas.”

Louisiana first issued its statewide burn ban on August 7th and re-issued it on August 25th.

The active burn ban prohibits all private burnings with no limitations. Rodrigues says one of the new modifications …

Cut 8 (07) “…they’re in.” 

The reissued modifications also provide for fire chiefs to resume granting burn permissions on a case-by-case basis.

Rodrigue says even if your parish decides to opt out of the burn ban continue to keep safety first. And for those parishes that remain under the state burn ban…

Cut 9 (12)  “…outdoor cooking.”

The new modified order goes into effect Friday.

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The state’s first all-female officiating crew will call the Glen Oaks at Parkview Baptist football game tonight. Baton Rouge Area Football Officials Association Assignment Secretary Louis Metevia says he recruited ladies from across Louisiana to be a part of the historic night.

Cut 10 (11) “…our brand.”

A total of eight female officials – including six from the Baton Rouge Area Football Officials Association – will call the high school varsity football game.

Metevia says it’s getting harder to find referees to officiate football games, so getting females interested in officiating could help their referee shortage…

Cut 11 (12) “…out there.”

Last year, Mississippi had an all-female crew call a local high school football game. Metevia says it’s something he’s always wanted to do in Louisiana and tonight’s the night.

Cut 12 (10) “…about it.” 

Kick-off at Parkview Baptist is at 7 p.m.

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A Baton Rouge judge will hear arguments today over whether the Louisiana Pardon Board can hold clemency hearings next month for 20 death row inmates looking to have their sentence commuted to life in prison before Governor John Bel Edwards leaves in January. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino expects Judge Don Johnson will rule that the hearings can be held…

Cut 13 (11) “…executive clemency”

But Attorney General Jeff Landry and several district attorneys are trying to stop the clemency hearings from taking place. But Ciolino says the D-As can’t tell the Louisiana Pardon Board how it should conduct its business…

Cut 14 (04) “…clemency’s appropriate”

The A-G’s office and local prosecutors will argue in court today that the Louisiana Pardon Board will violate its own rules by holding these clemency hearings because it’s past the date based on their final appeal. But Ciolino doesn’t see the plaintiffs winning this court battle…

Cut 15 (08) “…by the DAs”

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The Ragin Cajuns head up north to battle Minnesota on Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis. It’s an 11 a.m. kick-off. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux says he wants to get off to a fast start…

Cut 16 (15) “…great running back.”

Cajuns QB Zeon Chriss is set to make his first start on the road. Chriss threw for 249 yards and one touchdown in last week’s win against Buffalo. He was also intercepted twice and Desormeaux says Chriss needs to work on his footwork.

Cut 17 (13) “…are the same.”

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LSU freshman linebacker Whit Weeks has been a bright spot for a Tigers defense that’s had its struggles. Weeks has started the last two weeks and has racked up 17 tackles in those two games. He’s from Georgia and absolutely loves wearing the purple and gold…

Cut 18 (18) “…my life.”

Coach Brian Kelly inserted Weeks into the starting lineup after Omar Speights got injured. His first start was against Mississippi State and he led the team in tackles that day. Weeks says getting on campus in January and participating in spring football has helped his transition from high school to college football…

Cut 19 (19) “…different ball game” 

Blown assignments have hurt LSU this season on defense. Weeks says defensive coordinator Matt House is teaching the players to stay disciplined

Cut 20 (20) “…stay in your drops.” 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Sept 27

Louisiana’s federal emergency declaration has been approved in the battle against saltwater intrusion. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says this allows for federal assistance to help those parishes keep salt water from getting into their water facilities…

Cut 12 (11) “…along the river” 

Last year 906 people died on Louisiana roadways, that’s almost a seven percent decrease from 2021 according to the LSU Center for Analytics and Research and in Transportation Safety. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says last year there was an increased effort to stop impaired drivers and it paid off.

Cut 9 (11) “…(x2) fewer fatalities.” 

The Lions Camp Road and Elizabeth wildfires, in Vernon and Allen parishes, are now 100 percent contained. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

 

There will be plenty of Beyonce fans in New Orleans tonight’s concert at the Caesars Superdome. Tickets on the secondary market start at 156 dollars. And tonight’s Powerball Jackpot has reach $850 million, with a cash value of $397 million. It’s the fourth largest ever for the multi-state lottery game. Tickets for tonight’s drawing must be purchased by nine o’clock.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU freshman linebacker Whit Weeks has been a bright spot for a Tigers defense that’s having its struggles. Weeks has started the last two weeks and has racked up 17 tackles in those two games. He’s from Georgia and absolutely loves wearing the purple and gold…
cut 18 (19) “…my life”
Weeks and the LSU defense will look to slow down an Ole Miss offense that’s averaging 42 points a game. But the Rebels have struggled to get their run game going. Coach Lane Kiffin says they are working on it…
cut 28 (12) “…out a way”
Kick-off Saturday in Oxford is at 5 PM.

ULM will once again start Jiya Wright at quarterback this Saturday when they host Appalachian State in the Sun Belt opener. Wright failed to throw for 100 yards a couple of weeks ago in the loss to Texas A-and-M, but Coach Terry Bowden liked what he saw from Wright…
Cut 16 (16) “…gets back.”
Zeon Chriss is set to make his first start on the road this Saturday when the Ragin Cajuns visit Minnesota. Chriss threw for 249 yards and one touchdown in last week’s win against Buffalo. He was also intercepted twice and U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux says he Chriss needs to work on his footwork….
cut 17 (14) “….are the same”
The Cajuns and Minnesota kick off at 11 AM in Minneapolis.

4:30 LRN Newscast Sept 27

Louisiana’s federal emergency declaration has been approved in the battle against saltwater intrusion. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says this allows for federal assistance to help those parishes keep salt water from getting into their water facilities…

Cut 12 (11) “…along the river” 

Two of the state’s largest wildfires in southwest Louisiana are now 100-percent contained according the incident management team. The Elizabeth Fire in Allen Parish and the Lions Camp Road fire in Vernon Parish. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft…

Cut 3 (11) “…nobody’s residence.”
Anyone with information about any arson-related wildfire is encouraged to call the State Fire Marshal or local law enforcement.

Amendment 2 on the October 14th ballot would grant the highest level of protection to worship in a church. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says COVID restrictions prompted the amendment, so if you believe individuals should have the right to worship in a church you’d be in favor of the amendment.

Cut 7 (06) “…against it.” 

Both the US and state constitutions already protect the freedom to worship. Amendment two is one of four on the October 14th ballot.

Traffic fatalities decreased on Louisiana roads almost seven percent last year. But fatalities among pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists remained near or above 2021 levels. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer encourages pedestrians to walk against traffic so they can see oncoming vehicles and move out of harm’s way and…

Cut 10 (06) “…see you.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

President Biden has approved Louisiana’s request for an emergency declaration in the state’s battle against saltwater intrusion moving up the Mississippi River. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says steps are being taken to protect the drinking water in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes…
cut 11 (10) “….with that event”

The Southern Area Complex Incident Management Gold Team is now reporting that two huge wildfires in southwest Louisiana are 100-percent contained, the Lions Camp Road and the Elizabeth Wildfires. Vernon Sheriff Sam Craft says firefighters from across the country have helped in this effort, and many were surprised by the intensity of these fires…
cut 5 (11) :,,,west maybe”
The Lions Camp fire has consumed nearly 800 acres.

Sixty-six fewer people died on Louisiana roadways last year, compared to 2021 according to the LSU Center for Analytics and Research and in Transportation Safety. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A lot of folks have traveled to New Orleans for tonight’s Beyonce Concert at the Caesars Superdome. Tickets on the secondary market start at 156 dollars. And tonight is a big Powerball jackpot is 835-million dollars, fourth largest ever for the multi-state lottery game.

LRN PM Newscall September 27

The Lions Camp Road and Elizabeth wildfires, in Vernon and Allen parishes, are now 100 percent contained. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Sixty-six fewer people died on Louisiana roadways last year, compared to 2021 according to the LSU Center for Analytics and Research and in Transportation Safety. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Two of the four fires that have damaged more than 40,000 of woodlands in Louisiana are under control, according to the Southern Area Complex Incident Management Gold Team. The Lions Camp Road and Elizabeth wildfires are 100 percent contained. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says fire crews have spent nearly a month trying to get the Lions Camp Road fire controlled.

Cut 3 (11) “…nobody’s residence.”

Authorities have confirmed that the cause of the Lions Camp Fire was arson. The fire started at the end of Vernon Park Road near the Lions Camp neighborhood. Craft says the fire began to burn really slow but within minutes was out of control.

Cut 4 (07) “…so dry.”

Craft says rain prevented any jumps or hot spots from reigniting. He says firefighters from across the country were amazed at the intensity of the wildfires in Louisiana

Cut 5 (11) “ …west maybe.”  

Anyone with information about the Tiger Island fire or any other arson-related wildfires should call the State Fire Marshal, or local law enforcement.

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Amendment 2 on the October 14th ballot would grant the highest level of protection to worship in a church. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says COVID restrictions prompted the amendment and that both US and state constitutions already protect the freedom to worship.

Cut 6 (11) “…of protection.”

Procopio says if you believe not only should individuals have the right to worship but the right to do so in a church, or any other religious facility you would be in favor of the amendment.

Cut 7 (06) “…against it.” 

During the pandemic, Central Pastor Tony Spell was cited for continuing to hold church services for more than 50 people during Phase I COVID protocols in Louisiana.

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Last year 906 people died on Louisiana roadways, that’s almost a seven percent decrease from 2021 which had 972 fatalities. That’s according to the LSU Center for Analytics and Research and in Transportation Safety. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says more people returned to work in 2022 which increased traffic…

Cut 8 (11) “…DWI stops.”

In 2022 Fischer there was a bigger effort to stop drunk and impaired drivers and it paid off.

Cut 9 (11) “…(x2) fewer fatalities.” 

DWI arrests in 2022 increased eight percent and there was an eight-percent decrease in drunk-driving fatalities.

Sadly, fatalities among pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists remained near or above 2021 levels. Fischer encourages pedestrians to walk against traffic so they can see oncoming vehicles and move out of harm’s way. And to also make yourself more visible…

Cut 10 (06) “…see you.”

Fischer says the majority of traffic fatalities are caused by four things, lack of seatbelt usage, aggressive, impaired, and distracted drivers.

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President Biden has approved Louisiana’s request for an emergency declaration in the state’s battle against saltwater intrusion moving up the Mississippi River. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says steps are being taken to protect the drinking water in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines parishes

Cut 11 (10) “…with that event.”

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts. Steele says the emergency declaration unlocks federal assistance to help impacted parishes that are taking steps to make sure the salt water doesn’t get into the drinking water facilities…

Cut 12 (12) “…along the river” 

Steele says the emergency declaration is set to last for 90 days, but Steele says it can be extended….

Cut 13 (13) “…some point.”

You can find more information under the Saltwater Intrusion tab at emergency-dot-la-dot.gov.