4:30 LRN Newscast

Election day for the U.S. Senate race between Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis is almost here, and the results could end up closer than expected. Letlow has spent the past several weeks visiting all 64 parishes, but political consultant Mary-Patricia Wray says many Republican voters still aren’t energized by her candidacy because they don’t know much about her…

Cut 4 (07) “…to voters.”

While you’re resetting your clocks for the end of Daylight Saving Time this weekend, the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshall also urges you to take the opportunity to check your smoke alarms. You hear fire officials say time and time again that smoke alarms save lives, and Chief Chad Sonnier says an incident in West Monroe back in early September epitomizes that sentiment.

Cut 13 (11) “…to get out.”

This Halloween weekend, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging you to be extra careful on the roadways. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

If you’re looking for a way to spend your holiday afternoon, how about watching college football? At 2, Louisiana Tech has a big game at South Alabama for the lead in the Sun Belt West, and McNeese hosts Nicholls for homecoming in a Southland showdown. ULM could get its second win in a row against Southern Miss at 2:30.

3:30 LRN Newscast

A few weeks ago, Republican Julia Letlow appeared to be a clear favorite in Louisiana’s U-S Senate race. But several political observers now see a much closer contest. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A former high school band director shoots himself after deputies show up to his house to arrest him on additional counts of child molestation. The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says 56-year-old Kevin Williams struggled with deputies, pulled a handgun from his waistband and shot himself. He’s currently listed in critical condition.

This is Halloween weekend, which can be a very spooky time on Louisiana’s roadways. Gregory Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says last year, almost 650 people were injured in crashes during the Halloween period, and some of those people did not survive their injuries.

Cut 6 (08) “…but it is.”

Of those 16 people, three were killed in alcohol-related crashes.

It’s that time of year again – before you go to bed tomorrow night, go through your house and turn all of your clocks back one hour, because Daylight Saving Time ends at two Sunday morning. While you’re at it, the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal also urges you to check your smoke detectors. Chief Chad Sonnier says the process is very simple.

Cut 12 (06) “…for another year.”

If you don’t have a smoke detector because you can’t afford one, your local fire department will install one inside your home for free.

LRN PM Newscall October 30

A few weeks ago, Republican Julia Letlow appeared to be a clear favorite in Louisiana’s U-S Senate race. But several political observers now see a much closer contest. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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This is Halloween weekend, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging you to be extra careful on the roadways. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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There are growing signs Louisiana’s U-S Senate race could be closer than previously expected. Washington-based Inside Elections has downgraded the race from Solid Republican to Likely Republican, while Shreveport-based pollster Bishop George now calls it a toss-up. Political consultant Mary-Patricia Wray says that helps explain why President Trump is holding a tele-rally for Republican candidate Julia Letlow Monday night…

Cut 3 (07) “…back up.”

Letlow has represented Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District since 2021. She defeated incumbent Bill Cassidy and State Treasurer John Fleming in the Republican primary to advance to Tuesday’s general election.

Letlow has spent the past several weeks visiting all 64 parishes, but political consultant Mary-Patricia Wray says many Republican voters still aren’t energized by her candidacy because they don’t know much about her…

Cut 4 (07) “…to voters.”

Wray says Letlow is well liked by Republican leaders in Louisiana, but it appears she’s having trouble connecting with many conservative voters…

Cut 5 (12) “…she’s trying to attract.”

Sixth District Congressman Cleo Fields from Baton Rouge says Letlow’s opponent, Jamie Davis, has connected with Louisiana voters with his grassroots campaign. Fields says Davis is talking about the issues that’s impacting many Louisianans, higher prices at the gas pump and grocery store.

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This is Halloween weekend, which can be a very spooky time on Louisiana’s roadways. Gregory Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says last year, almost 650 people were injured in crashes during the Halloween period, and some of those people did not survive their injuries.

Cut 6 (08) “…but it is.”

Of those 16 people, three were killed in alcohol-related crashes.

Fischer says especially with little ghouls and goblins walking the streets after dark, you need to slow down and pay extra attention, especially Saturday night.

Cut 7 (08) “…on the dot.”

As for trick-or-treating Saturday night, Fischer says as challenging as it may be depending on the costume, especially for those choosing to dress up as Darth Vader instead of a Stormtrooper, the key is for kids to be able to be seen.

Cut 8 (11) “…better than nothing.”

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If you’re a Saints fan that has been frustrated with the team’s up-and-down start to the season, know you aren’t alone. One longtime fan sent a letter to the organization expressing his frustration with the Black and Gold’s repeated failures. Scott Fazio says he was in Paris to watch the Saints lose to the Steelers.

Cut 9 (14)  “…this is ridiculous.”

Fazio addressed owner Gayle Benson, general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Kellen Moore. He cited repeated issues in the run game and starting slowly offensively, poor draft picks and decisions not to retain players who went on to star elsewhere and a five-year playoff drought. He says he understands losing, but he just wants competitive quality.

Cut 10 (13) “…nothing changes.” 

Benson expressed similar disappointment after the Saints lost three home games in a row before the trip to Paris. It was an uncharacteristically harsh assessment of the team’s need to improve for Benson, but Fazio says without any real change, it doesn’t mean anything.

Cut 11 (10) “…something happen here.”

The Saints are 2-and-5 to start the season and 8-16 under Moore. Their 27 wins over the last four seasons is the team’s worst four-year stretch since the end of the 90s and a sixth season missing the playoffs would be its longest playoff drought since then as well. That era ended in a complete overhaul of the coaching staff and front office.

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It’s that time of year again – before you go to bed Saturday night, go through your house and turn all of your clocks back one hour, because Daylight Saving Time ends at two Sunday morning. While you’re at it, the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal also urges you to check your smoke detectors. Chief Chad Sonnier says the process is very simple.

Cut 12 (06) “…for another year.” 

You hear fire officials say time and time again that smoke alarms save lives, and Chief Sonnier says an incident in West Monroe back in early September epitomizes that sentiment.

Cut 13 (11) “…to get out.”

Sonnier says the fire marshal’s office will go to great lengths to make sure everyone has a working smoke detector inside his or her home.

Cut 14 (10) “…or your family.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

Many political observers are anticipating a much closer U-S Senate race than originally anticipated on Election Day. Based on early voting totals, black voters seem more energized than Republican voters, which should benefit the Democratic candidate, Jamie Davis. Political consultant Mary Patricia Wray says Julia Letlow is well liked by Republican leaders in Louisiana, but it appears she’s having trouble connecting with many conservative voters…

Cut 5 (12) “…she’s trying to attract.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging motorists to be on the lookout for Trick or Treaters on Saturday night. And spokesperson Greg Fischer has this advice for pedestrians.

Cut 8 (11) “…better than nothing.”

 

Four-billion dollars’ in repairs and maintenance is needed on Louisiana’s college campuses.  That’s according to a study conducted by a facility management consulting firm. Gordian has spent the last two years assessing the physical shape of Louisiana’s campus buildings. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says it’s a significant backlog.

Cut 15 (05) “…just significant challenges.”

Regents will be requesting over 702-million dollars in capital outlay funding for new and continuing projects for the fiscal year 2027-28.

No Saints game this Sunday to frustrate Who Dat Nation. The team has a bye. Scott Fazio was among the thousands of Saints fans who went to France last weekend to watch the Black and Gold lose to the Steelers…

Cut 9 (14) “…this is ridiculous”

The Saints are 2-and-5 and could miss the postseason for a sixth consecutive season.

1:30 LRN Newscast

There are some political observers that believe Louisiana’s U-S Senate race, between Republican Julia Letlow and Democrat Jamie Davis, will be much closer than originally anticipated. Letlow has spent the past several weeks visiting all 64 parishes, but political consultant Mary-Patricia Wray says many Republican voters still aren’t energized by her candidacy because they don’t know much about her…

Cut 4 (07) “…to voters.”

Another political consultant, Roy Fletcher, says there are still some hurt feelings within the Republican Party over the accusations exchanged during the party primary.

 

There are many Saints upset over the team’s two-and-five record and the possibility of a sixth straight of missing the playoffs. We spoke with one diehard fan, Scott Fazio, who has written the organization expressing his frustrations and demanding changes

Cut 10 (13) “…nothing changes”

This is Halloween weekend, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging you to be extra careful on the roadways. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

There is a chance for rain on Halloween. Nothing too significant, but it could damper some outdoor activities. Looking at stronger front moving through Louisiana on Tuesday, which is an election Day. Also don’t forget Daylight Savings Time ends, the clock will fall back one hour at 2 AM Sunday.

12:30 LRN Newscast

A few weeks ago, Republican Julia Letlow appeared to be a clear favorite in Louisiana’s U-S Senate race. But several political observers now see a much closer contest. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

On Tuesday, we could see one-million voters head to polling places across the state to cast ballots. Based on early voting numbers, the Secretary of State’s Office is forecasting an overall turnout of between 48 and 52-percent of all registered voters.

This is Halloween weekend; and especially in light of 16 fatalities on roadways during the Halloween period last year, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging you to be extra careful on roadways this weekend. Spokesman Greg Fischer says especially with little ghouls and goblins walking the streets after dark, you need to slow down and pay extra attention, especially Saturday night.

Cut 7 (08) “…on the dot.”

The Saints will hopefully use this bye week to make plans to start turning things around amid growing frustration within their fanbase. Owner Gayle Benson uncharacteristically expressed disappointment after the Saints lost three home games in a row before the trip to Paris. Scott Fazio flew to Paris to watch the Saints lose to the Steelers, and he says without any real change, Benson’s critique doesn’t mean anything.

Cut 11 (10) “…something happen here.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Louisiana Tech visits South Alabama in a matchup between the top two teams in the Sun Belt West. The Jaguars have the league’s best rushing attack, but the Bulldogs rank first in total defense and rushing defense in conference play. Tech defensive lineman Justice Williams says they want to dominate offenses.

Cut 16 (16) “…that’s our goal.”

LA Tech running back Dylone Brooks is listed as doubtful to play, and defensive lineman Judd Rouyea is probable to make his first appearance since the LSU game. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.

ULM hosts Southern Miss at 2:30 as both teams look to turn disappointing seasons around with back-to-back wins. Warhawks defensive linemen Zyan Tremont and Tyrell Brown are both questionable to return after missing last week’s win with injuries.

Tulane visits Charlotte tonight at 6. The Green Wave are looking ot rebound from a big loss to UTSA against the 1-and-6 49ers.

If you have been frustrated by the Saints’ 2-and-5 start this season, one longtime fan wants you to know you aren’t alone. Scott Fazio sent a letter to the organization detailing the repeated failures of the front office and coaching staff and requesting real evaluation and change.

Cut 21 (19) “…fired by now.”

After the Panthers lost to the Packers 27-19 last night, New Orleans is just a game out from first in the division. Atlanta is also tied for the lead at 3-and-4 and will play the 2-and-5 Buccaneers on Sunday.

The Pelicans got their first win of the season last night, beating the Kings 132-120. Point guard Jeremiah Fears led the Pels with 22 points, 13 assists, and 8 rebounds.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Many political observers are anticipating a much closer U-S Senate race than originally anticipated on Election Day. Based on early voting totals, black voters seem more energized than Republican voters, which should benefit the Democratic candidate, Jamie Davis. Political consultant Mary Patricia Wray says Julia Letlow is well liked by Republican leaders in Louisiana, but it appears she’s having trouble connecting with many conservative voters…

Cut 5 (12) “…she’s trying to attract.”

This is Halloween weekend. Gregory Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says last year, almost 650 people were injured in crashes during the Halloween period, and some of those people did not survive their injuries.

Cut 6 (08) “…but it is.”

Of those 16 people, three were killed in alcohol-related crashes.

 

The Board of Regents has received a report that shows there is four-billion dollars worth of repairs and maintenance needed on Louisiana’s college campuses. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says it will take an annual investment of 777-million dollars in state funding to eventually erase the backlog.

Cut 12 (07) “…work through it.”

Regents will be requesting over 702-million dollars in capital outlay funding for new and continuing projects for the fiscal year 2027-28.

It’s homecoming on the campus of McNeese State this weekend and the Cowboys will host Nicholls for a two PM kickoff. Both teams are 3-and-5 and 2-and-3 in Southland play. Cowboys coach Matt Viator says his offense is talented but has problems to fix before they face a tough Colonels defense.

Cut 19 (12) “…win this game.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

There are growing signs Louisiana’s U-S Senate race could be closer than previously expected. Washington-based Inside Elections has moved the race from Solid Republican to Likely Republican, while Shreveport-based pollster Bishop George now calls it a toss-up. Political consultant Mary-Patricia Wray says that helps explain why President Trump is holding a tele-rally for Julia Letlow Monday night.

Cut 3 (07) “…back up.”

With more absentee ballots coming in between now and Monday afternoon, Democrats now outnumber Republicans in early and absentee voting by almost 17-thousand. Almost 94-thousand no-party voters have cast early and absentee ballots, and LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says how those no-party voters marked their ballots is anyone’s guess.

Cut 8 (09) “…there than Democrats.”

An advocacy group is calling for additional vehicle safety enhancements after a three-year-old girl is killed in a Carencro restaurant parking lot. The group Kids and Car Safety says the tragedy spotlights the fact that automakers need to make additional safety technology standard across all trim levels. Spokeswoman Chloe Burke says no amount of technology can substitute for good old fashioned parenting.

Cut 6 (12) “…physically holding them.”

A recent study says Louisiana’s college campuses need four-billion dollars worth of repairs and maintenance. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says the previous estimate was two-billion dollars. She says they can start reducing the backlog by getting rid of buildings that have outlived their usefulness.

Cut 11 (10) “…of those campuses.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Just four days to go until Election Day. Despite Democrats outnumbering Republicans in early voting and limited polling showing Jamie Davis within striking distance of Julia Letlow, all online forecasters still have Louisiana solidly in Julia Letlow’s column. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says if Davis can come within a few points of victory, it would give the Louisiana Democratic Party a much-needed boost in morale.

Cut 9 (14)  “…but it did.”

The Louisiana Book Festival will be open in Baton Rouge tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Robert Wilson, the executive director of the Louisiana Center for the Book, says with the festival on Halloween, Wilson says the event is leaning into the holiday.

Cut 15 (06) “…bit of everything.”

The Board of Regents has learned there are four-billion dollars in deferred maintenance on Louisiana’s college campuses. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Several woods fires along Highway 10 in Vernon Parish have been contained. It took several fire departments working with the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office and state and federal forestry resources to contain the fires. Investigators say the fires were caused by sparks from a garbage truck with two flat tires.