11:30 LRN Newscast November 21st

Today marks the one-year anniversary since Governor John Bel Edwards was elected. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Edwards came into office with budget problems and they’ll continue and he’s also now losing an ally in the White House, with Donald Trump set to replace Barack Obama in January…
cut 16 (09) “….the process”
Edwards plans to return to Washington DC next week to see if he can get more federal flood assistance.

In the U.S. Senate runoff, Republican John Kennedy has a substantial lead over Democrat Foster Campbell, according to a poll conducted by the Trafalgar Group. Pollster Robert Cahaly says Kennedy is unifying the GOP behind him…
cut 8 (07) “….red state”
The poll has Kennedy at 58-percent, Campbell at 35-percent.

The Baton Rouge Advocate reports Florida State’s Jimbo Fisher remains the top candidate to become the next head coach of the Bayou Bengals. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worshman says it’s not surprising Athletic Director Joe Alleva has Fisher high on his wishlist…
cut 6 (06) “….say no”
Fisher won a national championship at Florida State and won a national title at LSU in 2003 as the Tigers offensive coordinator.

More shoppers plan to shop online for the holidays, instead of making their purchases at a store near their home. Executive Director of the Louisiana Retailers Association Dawn Johnson understands the convenience of shopping on the internet, but…
cut 5 (08) “…the holidays”
The Deloitte survey also found that those polled plan on spending nearly one-thousand dollars on holiday gifts this year.

10:30 LRN Newscast November 21st

One year ago today, John Bel Edwards was elected as the state’s governor. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says despite budget problems, civil unrest from a police shooting and devastating flooding, the governor’s approval rating is high….
cut 15 (10) “…approval ratin’
Pinsonat says budget issues and a Republican in the White House will be some of his biggest challenges moving forward.

LSU scientists have found the first evidence of Deepwater Horizon oil in a land animal. Professor Sabrina Taylor says the seaside sparrows feed off the marsh land and that’s how the oil got into their system…
cut 5 (11) “…spill is”
Taylor says the oil gets buried under sediments and can be released during storms.

Thanksgiving feasts should be affordable, according to the Louisiana Farm Bureau. Halen Doughty has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

State Police is trying to determine the identity of a driver who lost their life in a fiery crash on US 90 in Acadia Parish. The single vehicle wreck occurred in Rayne at around 2:30 this morning. L-S-P says a Mitsubishi Lancer crossed the centerline, ran of the roadway and struck a utility pole. The vehicle caught on fire after impact.

09:30 LRN Newscast November 21st

A national polling firm predicts the runoff elections in Louisiana. Michelle Southern takes a look.
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Governor John Bel Edwards has invited community leaders and law enforcement to the State Capitol this morning to discuss the community response to the pending Department of Justice announcement regarding their investigation into the Alton Sterling police shooting. Sterling was shot in July and we’ve been waiting to hear if charges will be filed.

LSU researchers have discovered that oil from the Deepwater Horizon spil has made it into the tissue of the land animal, the Seaside Sparrow. Phillip Stouffer says when we think of oil spills, there’s mainly concern about marine animals, but their research shows wildlife that lives strictly on land can be impacted….
cut 6 (04) “…they’re facing”
Stouffer says the exposure to the oil could damage the birds’ reproductive systems.

The average price for a Thanksgiving dinner made at home is just under 50-dollaars. That’s according to the Louisiana Farm Bureau, who surveyed prices of items that are traditionally consumed on Thanksgiving day. Chair of the Farm Bureau’s women’s committee, Denise Canatella, encourages people to look around for the best deals…
cut 13 (12) “…for you”

08:30 LRN Newscast November 21st

It’s been a year since Governor John Bel Edwards was elected into office. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 3 (27) “…I’m Emelie Gunn”

Governor Edwards has invited Baton Rouge community leaders and law enforcement officials to the Capitol for a meeting this morning to discuss the pending Department of Justice announcement regarding their investigation into the Alton Sterling shooting. Sterling was fatally shot in July after a confrontation with two white police officers and we’ve been waiting to hear if the officers will be charged.

A poll on the third district Congressional race by the Trafalgar Group finds Republican Clay Higgins leading fellow GOP candidate Scott Angelle 49-to-42-percent. Higgins has never held political office before and he’s getting his support from those who voted for Donald Trump….
cut 9 (08) “…Trump effect”
The runoff election is December 10th.

The Louisiana Farm Bureau finds the cost of a Thanksgiving meal in the Bayou State will be below the national average this year, thanks to the hard work of farmers. Chair of the Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, Denise Canatella, says they found that families can still affordably provide a bountiful meal on Thanksgiving….
cut 11 (10) “…in Louisiana”
The average price for a Thanksgiving dinner in Louisiana is $49.79.

07:30 LRN Newscast November 21st

Governor John Bel Edwards is hosting a meeting at the State Capitol this morning with community leaders and law enforcement officials in response to the pending Department of Justice announcement concerning the Alton Sterling case. The group is expected to talk about how relationships between residents and police officers can improve.

A poll on the third district Congressional race shows law enforcement officer, Captain Clay Higgins, is leading Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle in the runoff between two Republicans. Higgins is at 49-percent, while Angelle is at 42-percent. Pollster Robert Cahaly says this is a hard fought race between establishment Republicans and Trump supporters….
cut 10 (07) “…to Higgins”
In the 4th district congressional race, the poll finds Republican Mike Johnson has a huge lead over Democrat Marshall Jones.

LSU scientists have found the first evidence of Deepwater Horizon oil in a land animal—the Seaside Sparrow. LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources Professor Phillip Stouffer says they believe the oil got into the birds’ system, because they are feeding off the marsh and the oil is trapped in the marsh…
cut 4 (09) “birds’ tissue” 11
Researchers also found that the direct exposure to the oil could be damaging the birds’ reproductive systems.

The average price for a Thanksgiving dinner will be $49.79, which is slightly less than the national average. That’s according to the Louisiana Farm Bureau. Denise Canatella, who is the chair of the Farm Bureau’s Women Committee, says the low prices are a testament to farmers hard work following the floods and drought conditions they’ve dealt with this year…
cut 12 (09) “…low price”
Canatella says Louisiana shoppers can expect to pay less for sweet potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie mix, and pie shells.

06:45 LRN Sportscast November 21st

The LSU Tigers suffered a painful 16-10 loss to Florida. The Tigers had plenty of chances to beat the Gators, but there were too many mistakes, including five trips into the red zone and coming away with just one touchdown. Safety John Battle says the coaches are not the blame for this loss….
cut 17 (18) “…A-and-M”
Interim Head Coach Ed Orgeron’s candidacy to become permanent head coach for the Tigers took a hit with this loss. Orgeron is now 4-and-2 since he took over for the fired Les Miles.

The Baton Rouge Advocate reports Orgeron remains a candidate for the head coaching job, but there’s also great interest in Florida State Head Coach Jimbo Fisher.

A 3:00 kickoff time on Friday has been set for Louisiana Tech’s regular season finale at Southern Miss. The Bulldogs have won seven in a row and they’ve already wrapped up the Conference USA West Division. A win on Friday and they could possibly host the CUSA title game in Shreveport.

A big crowd is expected for Saturday’s Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern. Over 40-thousand tickets have been sold for the game, which is 13-thousand more than last year at this time. Both teams are 8-0 in the SWAC and feature two dynamic quarterbacks, Austin Howard for Southern and Devante Kincade for Grambling.

In the NFL…Tampa Bay won again to move past the Saints into second place in the NFC South. The Bucs are now 5-5 after a nice 19-17 win on the road over Kansas City. Former LSU Tiger Spencer Ware had 69 yards rushing in that contest. The Black and Gold host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The Rams fell to 4-6 after losing to Miami 14-10

06:30 LRN Newscast November 21st

Governor John Bel Edwards was elected into office one year ago today. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the governor has had quite the year. He says he’s had some successes, including the approval of a higher sales tax that prevented the state from bigger budget cuts.
cut 14 (09) “out alive”
Pinsonat says expect Edwards to deal with budget issues for the remainder of his time in office.

A new poll on the U.S. Senate runoff finds Republican John Kennedy with a huge lead over Democrat Foster Campbell. Kennedy leads Campbell 58-to-35 percent in the Trafalgar survey. Pollster Robert Cahaly says there are some national analysts who believe Campbell has a chance, because Edwards beat Republican David Vitter in last year’s governor’s race…
cut 7 (10) “…the Democrat”

The cost of a Thanksgiving dinner is slightly below the national average. Halen Doughty has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

We’re seeing a light freeze across much of Louisiana this morning. But it will warm up to a high around 70. A marginal risk for severe weather in northwest Louisiana tomorrow.

LRN AM Newscall November 20th

A national polling firm predicts the runoff elections in Louisiana. Michelle Southern takes a look.

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Thanksgiving feasts should be affordable, according to the Louisiana Farm Bureau. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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It’s been a year since Governor John Bel Edwards was elected into office. Emelie Gunn has more on what we can expect for the remainder of his term…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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LSU scientists have found the first evidence of Deepwater Horizon oil in a land animal—the Seaside Sparrow. LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources Professor Phillip Stouffer says they believe the oil got into the birds’ system, because they are feeding off the marsh and the oil is trapped in the marsh…

cut 4  (09) “birds’ tissue” 11

Researchers also found that the direct exposure to the oil could be damaging the birds’ reproductive systems. LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources Associate Professor Sabrina Taylor says the study tells us the oil didn’t affect the offshore and the near shore ecosystems, but the marsh land where the sparrows live.

Cut 5  (11)  “spill is”

Taylor says the oil gets buried under sediments and can be released during storms. Stouffer says when we think of oil spills, there’s mainly concern about marine animals, but their research shows wildlife that lives strictly on land can be impacted….

Cut 6 (04) “they’re facing”

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A survey from a national polling firm on the 2016 runoffs in Louisiana predicts winners. Pollster Robert Cahaly with the Trafalgar Group says some national pollsters thought Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards victory last year meant Democrat Foster Campbell had a shot in the US Senate runoff. But he says there were unusual circumstances surrounding that election.

CUT 7 (10)  “the Democrat”

Republican John Kennedy leads Campbell in the Trafalgar poll 58 to 35-percent. Cahaly says Kennedy is unifying the GOP behind him.

Cut 8 (07) “red state”

Cahaly says the 3rd Congressional District race between Republicans Scott Angelle and Clay Higgins is a good illustration of the divide we’re seeing within the Republican Party nationally.

Cut 9 (08)  “Trump effect”

Cahaly says he’s got Higgins leading Angelle 49 to 42-percent. He says it remains to be seen whether or not Trump supporters are still energized about the election. He says either way, this will be a hard fought race between establishment Republicans and the Trump coalition.

Cut 10 (07)  “to Higgins”

The poll also found that Republican Mike Johnson has a strong lead over Democrat Marshall Jones in the 4th Congressional District race, which Cahaly says isn’t surprising in a red state.

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The Louisiana Farm Bureau finds the cost of a Thanksgiving meal will be below the national average this year, thanks to the hard work of Louisiana farmers and ranchers. Chair of the Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, Denise Canatella, says they found that families can still affordably provide a bountiful meal on Thanksgiving.

cut 11 (10) “in Louisiana”

Canatella says Louisiana shoppers can expect to pay less for Thanksgiving favorites like sweet potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie mix, and pie shells. She says the low prices are a testament to farmers’ hard work following the floods and drought they’ve dealt with this year.

cut 12 (09) “low price”

The average price for a Thanksgiving dinner in Louisiana  $49.79, which is slightly less than the national average. But Canatella says shoppers will pay a little more for turkey, milk, rolls, whip cream, and a veggie tray. She encourages people to look around to find the best deals.

Cut 13 (12) “for you”

______________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards was elected into office one year ago today. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the governor has had quite the year. He says he’s had some successes, including the approval of higher sales tax that prevented the state from bigger budget cuts.

cut 14 (09) “out alive”

Pinsonat says Edwards will likely be dealing with budget issues for the remainder of his years in office. He says despite budget problems, civil unrest from a police shooting and devastating flooding, the governor’s approval rating is high…

Cut 15 (10) “approval rating”

Pinsonat says Edwards faces some uncertainty with a new Republican presidency. He says it might be more difficult for a Democratic governor to get federal assistance…

Cut 16 (09)” the process”

_____________________________________________

After a disappointing 16-10 loss to Florida, interim head coach Ed Orgeron’s chances of keeping the job on a permanent basis seem to be dwindling. The Tigers had plenty of chances to beat the Gators, but there were too many mistakes, including five trips into the red zone and coming away with just one touchdown. Safety John Battle says the coaches are not the blame for this loss….

Cut 17 (18) “A-and-M”

LSU came into this season with championship aspirations, instead they are 6-4 heading into the regular season finale. The Tigers lost by a combined 21 points in the four losses. Quarterback Danny Etling says they’ve learned every play matters in major college football…

Cut 18 (13) “ right attitude”

Orgeron says beating Florida would have been a great win for the program, but now they have to focus on the regular season finale against Texas A&M on Thanksgiving night…

Cut 19 (10)   “come Thursday”

 

10:30 Newscast November 19, 2016

LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva sent out a letter describing what qualities he’s looking for in a new head football coach. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Alleva might’ve issued this letter because he’s tired of hearing a lot of misinformation and speculation that’s circling. He believes this also points to the fact that a resolution is coming down very soon…:
cut 11 (10) “full swing”

Governor John Bel Edwards delayed an 18-million dollar cut to public universities as part of his plan to resolve Louisiana’s 313 million dollar budget shortfall. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala spoke at a budget meeting and says he doesn’t understand why higher ed is taking most of the cuts while the Department of Health isn’t taking any.
Cut 13 (12) “shared burden”

 

The Public Service Commission has approved Entergy’s request to build a new plant in St. Charles Parish. Entergy Spokesperson Michael Burns says the power from this plant could meet the city of New Orleans’ needs on the hottest day of the year. He says Entergy customers can expect slightly higher bills…
Cut 8 (10) “$1.92”
The plant is estimated to cost 869 million dollars and will be up and running by 2019.

A Rapides Parish judge has denied bail for the former Monroe TV personality, Mr. Wonder due to the severity of his crimes. Frank Selas III fled the state after allegedly sexually assaulting multiple children nearly 40 years ago. The 77-year-old was caught in Califorina in January and extradited back to Louisiana. Selas has been charged with multiple counts of aggravated rape and sexual battery among other charges and he’s pleaded not guilty to all.

9:30 Newscast November 19,2016

Governor John Bel Edwards has delayed an 18-million dollar cut to higher education as part of his plan to eliminate a 313 million dollar budget shortfall. The decision was made by the governor after lawmakers expressed concerns at a budget meeting regarding additional funding cuts to public colleges. Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson asks for another month to determine if there are other ways to cut the budget.
cut 12 (09) “has input”

The Public Service Commission has approved Entergy’s request to build a 869 million dollar plant in St. Charles Parish. The plant is set to be up and running by June of 2019. Entergy Spokesperson Michael Burns says this power will be used throughout southeast Louisiana and meet the increased demand along the Mississippi River.
CUT 7 (10) “older plants”

 

LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva sent a letter to Tiger fans explaining the qualities he’s looking for when hiring a new head football coach. He said the guidelines include integrity, work ethic, relentless recruiter and accomplished leader. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says one item stuck out.
Cut 9 (08) “Les Miles”

Moran said a letter like this would be what any athletic director would look for in a coach.

The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights begins tonight in north Louisiana. Executive Director of the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau Lynn Dorsey says in Minden there will be a fasching festival, a German celebration similar to Mardi Gras to celebrate the town’s German heritage. She says all the lights turn on at dusk tonight.
Cut 4 (08) “nut crackers”