9:30 LRN Nescast

The latest New Orleans Quality of Life survey shows shifts in opinions about public safety.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The SEC asked an Alabama federal judge not to dismiss its lawsuit against LSU. The filing says LSU’s threat to the SEC’s First Amendment rights is ongoing and cites Will Wade’s recruitment of former pro RJ Luis. Wade has said he intends to follow all SEC protocol and Luis is not on the roster, but LSU has not provided any legal commitment to that pledge.

The group Leaders for a Better Louisiana is recommending that voters approve five of the ten constitutional amendments that will appear on the November 3rd ballot, but it opposes amendments six, eight and nine. Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says amendments six and nine could reduce the tax base for local government.

Cut 10 (09) “…need to do.”

The group supports amendments one, two, five, seven and ten.

Saints owner Gayle Benson did not hold back when speaking about the team’s 1-and-4 start to the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club yesterday. She says the organization’s obligation to deliver better football remains very clear, and the responsibility falls on her to do what is best for the team. It will take results to win back the confidence of the fan base.

Cut 15 (12) “…throughout our organization.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Leaders for a Better Louisiana has released its recommendations and analysis on the 10 constitutional amendments that will appear on the November third ballot. Better Louisiana supports amendments one, two, five, seven and ten. Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says these amendments represent smart policy choices.

Cut 11 (07) “…think that’s good.”

For more information go to better-la-dot-org.

A new survey finds that crime is no longer the biggest concern among the residents of New Orleans. The LSU New Orleans poll says it’s been surpassed by streets and infrastructure concerns. Pollster Ed Chervenak says 75-percent of the residents say they feel safe in their homes at night and 62-percent of Orleans parish residents said they were satisfied or very satisfied with life in New Orleans….

Cut 5 (09) “…in the city”

 

Saints Owner Gayle Benson says the team’s 1-and-4 record is unacceptable. Benson says she was truly disappointed by the blowout loss to Atlanta in the Domecoming anniversary game. Since that Monday night flop, fans have been vocal about their frustrations with the team.

Cut 14 (11) “…on the field.”

We’ll see if they play better this Sunday when they visit the Giants.

The Louisiana State Office of State Parks has launched the Louisiana State Parks Passport program. State Parks Director Brandon Burris says you can ask for a passport by visiting the Louisiana State Parks Passport webpage. And when you visit either a state park or a historic site, you can get that page stamped…

Cut 30 (06) “…all of them”

Burris says travelers who visit all 32 state parks and historic sites can receive a prize.

7:30 LRN Newscast

A new survey of residents in Orleans Parish finds that crime is no longer the biggest concern among New Orleans residents…

Cut 4 (09) “….parish anymore”

That’s pollster Ed Chrevenak, who conducted the poll for LSU New Orleans. The survey found that streets and infrastructure is the biggest concern among the people in Orleans Parish.

There are ten constitutional amendments on the November third ballot and the group Leaders for Better Louisiana has made its recommendations on which amendments voters should approve and vote against it. They did not take a position on Amendment Four, which would prohibit a governor from serving a third four-year term. Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says the individual voter can decide how they feel about term limits…

Cut 12 (12) “…one out themselves”

 

Saints fans are concerned about their team and so is owner Gayle Benson. During a speech in front of the New Orleans Quarterback Cub, Benson says the team’s one and four start to the season is unacceptable…

Cut 13 (10) “….improve this team”

Not only is Benson publicly expressing her frustration with the team’s performance, she also called out coach Kellen Moore and general manager Mickey Loomis. Calling on them to make sure the players are properly prepared and a roster is built that’s capable of sustained success.

Thanks to a waiver granted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Louisiana will soon be able to offer jail and prison inmates that are set to be released soon Medicaid services to help with their transition back into society….

Cut 9 (10) “…back to jail”

That’s Louisiana Department of Health Deputy Secretary Doctor Pete Croughan, who says this program will start with inmates at Elayn Hunt Correction Center early next year and then expand to the other state prisons and parish jails.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints owner Gayle Benson says her team’s one and four start is unacceptable. Benson spoke at the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club and read a lengthy statement that reflected her disappointment with the team’s current three-game losing streak, all of the losses happening in the Superdome. She says the responsibility falls on her to do what is best for the team, and it will take results to win back the confidence of the fan base.

Cut 15 (12) “…throughout our organization.”

The Saints are on the road this Sunday to play the New York Giants.

The SEC’s latest legal filing in its federal lawsuit against LSU over the eligibility of players who signed contracts with NFL and NBA teams says the case should not be dismissed, because LSU has refused to publicly and definitely state that RJ Luis will not be included LSU’s roster. Coach Will Wade says are going to follow all SEC protocols when it comes to Luis, who signed contracts with two different NBA teams, but never played in an NBA game. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says LSU has broken no rules and the case is moot.

 

22nd ranked LSU is looking to bounce back from a tough loss to Kentucky as they host 16th-ranked Mississippi State this Saturday at 11 AM. Quarterback Sam Leavitt says sometimes it can be hard to mentally rebound from a close loss because there aren’t always a lot of coaching tips to work on.

Cut 16 (19) “…keep getting better.”

LSU guard Mikaylah Williams is taking charge of the Lady Tigers women’s basketball team in her senior season. The Bossier City native has been a star since her freshman year; but after two trips to the Elite Eight and a Sweet 16 elimination, she has more to prove in Baton Rouge.

Cut 20 (17) “…I’ve been here.”

The Lady Tigers regular season opener is November second against Southeastern Louisiana.

6:30 LRN Newscast October 14

Leaders for a Better Louisiana is recommending that voters approve five of the ten constitutional amendments that will appear on the November 3rd ballot, but the group opposes amendments six, eight and nine. Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says amendments six and nine could reduce the tax base for local government.

Cut 10 (09) “…need to do.”

Amendment Eight would prohibit the expropriation of property by a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary.

Louisiana will soon offer Medicaid services to prison inmates before their release dates. This, after getting approval for a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Louisiana Department of Health Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says this will help inmates transition back into society upon their release.

Cut 7 (12) “…jail and prison.”

These Medicaid services will launch early next year at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, with the remaining state prisons and parish jails to follow.

Saints Owner Gayle Benson had strong words about her team’s 1-and-4 start. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A new poll from LSU New Orleans found that two-thirds of respondents approve the job New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno is doing in running the city, while only 14-percent disapprove. Pollster Ed Chervenak

Cut 6 (08) “…facing next year”

New Orleans is facing a 100-million dollar budget deficit next fiscal year.

LRN AM Newscall October 14

The latest biennial New Orleans Quality of Life survey shows some significant shifts in opinions about public safety. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The group Leaders for Better Louisiana has released its analysis and recommendations for the ten constitutional amendments that appear on the November 3rd ballot. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Saints Owner Gayle Benson had strong words about her team’s 1-and-4 start. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The latest biennial New Orleans Quality of Life Survey by LSU New Orleans shows that people in the city feel much safer than before. LSU New Orleans political science professor Ed Chervenak, who conducted the survey, says the biggest concern among people in Orleans Parish is streets and infrastructure, which is a significant departure from recent surveys.

Cut 4 (09) “…the parish anymore.”

Crime, however, is the biggest concern among those living in neighboring Jefferson Parish, although Chervenak says the percentage of those feeling that way is down. Chervenak says most people in New Orleans feel that bright days are ahead.

Cut 5 (09) “…into the city.”

As for Mayor Helena Moreno’s job performance, Chervenak says his survey found that two-thirds approve of it, while only 14-percent disapprove.

Cut 6 (08) “…facing next year.”

For comparison, Moreno’s predecessor, LaToya Cantrell, had a 57-percent approval rating and a 30-percent disapproval rating at this juncture of her first term in office. Amid scandals, however, Cantrell’s approval rating cratered to below 20-percent by the time she left office and Moreno succeeded her.

__________________________________________

Louisiana will soon be offering Medicaid services to prison inmates before their release dates. This, after getting approval for a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Louisiana Department of Health Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says it helps inmates transition back into society upon their release.

Cut 7 (12) “…jail and prison.”

Dr. Croughan says the waiver will allow the state to provide the inmates with the prescriptions they need.

Cut 8 (08) “…out the door.”

Croughan says the inmates will have access to other Medicaid services as well.

Cut 9 (10)  “…back to jail.”

The demonstration will launch early next year at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, with the remaining state prisons and parish jails to follow.

__________________________________________________

The group Leaders for a Better Louisiana is recommending that voters approve five of the ten constitutional amendments that will appear on the November 3rd ballot, but the group opposes amendments six, eight and nine. Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says amendments six and nine could reduce the tax base for local government.

Cut 10 (09) “…need to do.”

Amendment Eight would prohibit the expropriation of property by a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary.

Better Louisiana supports amendments one, two, five, seven and ten. Erwin says they are understand some voters have constitutional amendment fatigue, but it believes these amendments represent smart policy choices.

Cut 11 (07) “…think that’s good.”

Better Louisiana did not take a position on amendment three and four. The latter one is the amendment that would prohibit a governor who has already served two terms from running for a third term after sitting out for four years. Erwin says it leaves the term limit debate up to the individual voter.

Cut 12 (12) “…one out themselves.”

Erwin says the ten amendments are the most we’ve had since 2014, and it’s important that citizens take some time to understand what the amendments do.

__________________________________________________

Saints owner Gayle Benson did not mince words at the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club yesterday. Benson says she will not make excuses for the Saints’ 1-and-4 start to the season.

Cut 13 (10)  “…improve this team.”

Benson says she was truly disappointed by the Black and Gold’s loss to Atlanta in the Domecoming anniversary game. Since that nationally televised blowout, fans have been vocal about their frustrations with the team and head coach Kellen Moore.

Cut 14 (11) “…on the field.”

Benson says the organization’s obligation to deliver better football remains very clear. She says the responsibility falls on her to do what is best for the team, and it will take results to win back the confidence of the fan base.

Cut 15 (12) “…throughout our organization.”

__________________________________________________

LSU will have to bounce back from a tough loss to Kentucky quickly as they prepare to host 16th-ranked Mississippi State Saturday. Quarterback Sam Leavitt says sometimes it can be hard to mentally rebound from a close loss because there aren’t always a lot of coaching tips to work on.

Cut 16 (19) “…keep getting better.”

One area Leavitt says he will have to improve is ball security. He leads the nation with eight interceptions this season and had a crucial fumble late against Kentucky.

Cut 17 (12) “…getting better at.”

Kickoff in Tiger Stadium is set for 11 a.m.

__________________________________________________

ULM and Louisiana Tech face off Saturday in the first I-20 Rivalry clash since 2000. Warhawks coach Bryant Vincent expects an electric atmosphere in Monroe. He says Northeast Louisiana will thrive off of the conference matchup.

Cut 18 (14)  “…see this environment.”

The Warhawks are 0-and-5 and have not won a game since September of last year. The Bulldogs are 3-and-2 to start the season and got a big win over UL Lafayette last week. Vincent says his team still believes in itself and there is a lot of football left.

Cut 19 (20) “…a big one.”

Kickoff between ULM and Tech is at 7 p.m.

__________________________________________________

LSU guard Mikaylah Williams is taking charge of the LSU women’s basketball team in her senior season. The Bossier City native has been a star since her freshman year; but after two trips to the Elite Eight and a Sweet 16 elimination, she has more to prove in Baton Rouge.

Cut 20 (17) “…I’ve been here.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

A Webster Parish woman is behind bars after allegedly shooting her father to death. Deputies say 34-year-old Lacey Mann shot her 78-year-old father, Earl Benson, in the back multiple times. They say she then went after her 11-year-old son while still armed. The boy was found safe and unharmed. Sheriff Jason Parker says he is being cared for and will likely need care for quite some time.

Cut 4 (06) “…get rid of.”

Optimism among small businesses took a hit in the third quarter. NFIB State Director Leah Long says one issue facing small business owners continues to be finding good quality employees – in fact, that remains the top issue among small business owners from coast to coast.

Cut 7 (07) “…fill these jobs.”

Other issues have to do with soaring costs, including interest rates and shipping costs related to high diesel prices.

If you enjoy the outdoors or exploring Louisiana history, a new state program is designed to get you visiting more parks and historic sites. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Saints owner Gayle Benson did not mince words at the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club, not making any excuses for the team’s 1-and-4 start to the season.

Cut 13 (10)  “…improve this team.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU came up short in a 35-34 loss to Kentucky. Coach Lane Kiffin says the Tigers had two fewer sacks, two more turnovers and the same number of explosive plays as the Wildcats and still had four different chances to win the game. He told his players that shows they can be a really good team.

Cut 19 (15) “…win the game.”

Will Wade’s LSU basketball team has officially expanded its roster from four to ten players, and more could see the court for the first time when LSU takes on UCF in an exhibition game tomorrow night. Wade said at SEC Media Days today that he feels good about where they’re at.

Cut 22 (08) “…most games.”

Saints owner Gayle Benson spoke to the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club today about the team’s 1-and-4 start to the season.

Cut 21 (20) “…than we have delivered.”

Benson said the responsibility starts with her, and she is committed to making the decisions necessary to improve the team.

ULM is preparing to host Louisiana Tech on Saturday for the first time in 26 years. Warhawks coach Bryant Vincent says his players won’t understand the magnitude of the rivalry until they step on the field.

Cut 18 (11) “…year out.”

Kickoff in Monroe is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday.

4:30 LRN Newscast

A Webster Parish woman is charged with killing her father and going after her son.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The elections division of the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office in Baton Rouge was evacuated this afternoon after a package containing an unknown white powdery substance was delivered to the office. State Police say the substance was safely recovered and turned over to federal authorities for testing. L-S-P says there is no threat currently to the public.

 

With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, optimism among small businesses is on the decline. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says rising costs are fueling the drop in confidence among small business owners.

Cut 6 (08) “…their bottom line.”

Swipe fees are compounding those rising costs. Long says they can sometimes exceed the monthly rent.

The Louisiana State Office of State Parks has launched the Louisiana State Parks Passport program. State Parks Director Brandon Burris says you can ask for a passport by visiting the Louisiana State Parks Passport webpage. And when you visit either a state park or a historic site, you can get that page stamped…

Cut 11 (06) “…all of them”

Burris says travelers who visit all 32 state parks and historic sites can receive a prize.

LRN PM Newscall October 13

A Webster Parish woman is charged with killing her father and going after her son. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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If you enjoy the outdoors or exploring Louisiana history, a new state program is designed to get you visiting more parks and historic sites. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

A 34-year-old Webster Parish woman is behind bars after allegedly shooting her father to death. Deputies say Lacey Mann’s 11-year-old son told them early Sunday evening that she had shot her 78-year-old father, Earl Benson, in the back multiple times. Sheriff Jason Parker says as the boy was on the phone with 911, his mother then started going after him.

Cut 3 (06) “…was going on.”

Deputies eventually found the boy safe and unharmed. Sheriff Parker says he is being cared for and will likely need care for quite some time.

Cut 4 (06) “…get rid of.”

Parker says while the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear at this time, her son told investigators that she was, in his words, “acting crazy” as she grabbed the handgun from the center console of a truck and started shooting her father. He says Mann has had issues in the past.

Cut 5 (11) “…of the woods.”

Mann is in the Dorcheat Correctional Center on charges of second-degree murder and battery of a police officer.

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With the crucial holiday shopping season right around the corner, optimism among small businesses is on the decline. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says rising costs are fueling the drop in confidence among small business owners.

Cut 6 (08) “…their bottom line.”

Compounding those rising costs continue to be swipe fees, which Long says can sometimes exceed the monthly rent for some businesses.

Long says another issue facing small business owners continues to be finding good quality employees – in fact, that remains the top issue among small business owners from coast to coast.

Cut 7 (07) “…fill these jobs.”

Long says amid all those challenges, the holiday shopping season could be make-it-or-break-it for many small business owners.

Cut 8 (06) “…part of 2027.”

____________________________________________

The state has launched a new Louisiana State Parks Passport to encourage people to visit more of its state parks and historic sites. Office of State Parks Director Brandon Burris says the free booklet serves as a keepsake for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cut 9 (08)  “…our state parks.”

The passports are free and can be requested online through the Louisiana State Parks Passport webpage. Burris says visitors can collect a commemorative stamp at each location they explore.

Cut 10 (08) “…State Park prize.”

Those who visit all 32 state parks and historic sites and complete their passports can turn them in for prizes, including official state park merchandise or a free overnight stay in a cabin or campsite.

Burris says more than two-million people visit Louisiana’s 32 state parks and historic sites each year.

Cut 11 (06) “…all of them.”