6:45 LRN Sportscast

As expected Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels has announced he will not play in the bowl game. But Coach Brian Kelly says that’s the only opt-out, which means receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Junior will both play and Kyren Lacy is coming back next year…
cut 20 (06) “….come back”

The Saints practice today and then it’s off to Los Angeles tomorrow to play the Rams on Thursday night. Coach Dennis Allen says game day on these short weeks comes at you fast…
cut 17 (21) “…Thursday night”
The Rams are also 7-and7.

Grambling State has hired Marrero native and former LSU assistant coach Mickey Joseph as its new head coach. Jeff Palermo has the story.

 cut 30 (30 “…I’m Jeff Palermo

In transfer portal news…former Many star Tackett Curtis has entered the transfer portal after one season at U-S-C. His high school teammate Tylen Singleton is part of the 2024 recruiting class.

LSU has found a quarterback to challenge Garrett Nussmeier. Former Vanderbilt QB AJ Swann, appeared in 15 games the last two seasons for the Commodores. He’s thrown for 27-hundred yards, completing 56-percent of his passes for 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has two more years of eligibility left. South Carolina was also interested in him.

6:30 am Newscast

Tis the season to be jolly but many Americans suffer from stress, depression, and sadness during the holidays. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says holiday depression can stem from numerous causes.

Cut 10 (12) “…that year.”

Heisman Trophy Winner Jayden Daniels’ spent his 23rd birthday helping Raising Canes founder Todd Graves give away 100 bikes at the Boys and Girls Club and Baton Rouge Big Buddy program on Monday. Graves says he remembers how special it was when he got his first bike as a child…

Cut 13 (08) “…that joy.”

——-

Pope Francis released an official Papal declaration permitting Catholic priests to bless members of same-sex couples. LSU professor of religious studies Michael Pasquier (PassKay) says this doesn’t mean the Church has changed its position on marriage…

Cut 4 (10) “…one woman.”

At his end-of-the-year press conference, Governor John Bel Edwards said never say never on a possible return to politics. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
 

AM LRN Newscall Dec 19

Catholic Priests now have the Pope’s permission to give blessings to individuals in same-sex relationships as the Vatican releases a Papal Declaration this week.  Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_______________________________________________

At his end-of-the-year press conference, Governor John Bel Edwards said never say never on a possible return to politics. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________________

For some, the holidays can be difficult. Teiko Foxx has more from an LSU Health New Orleans psychiatrist on how to cope with holiday depression…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_________________________________________________

Pope Francis released an official Papal declaration permitting Catholic priests to bless members of same-sex couples. LSU professor of religious studies Michael Pasquier (PassKay) says this doesn’t mean the Church has changed its position on marriage…

Cut 4 (10) “…one woman.”

Pasquier says the declaration seeks to raise a question about pastoral blessings and does not change or expand ritual sacraments like marriage. Pasquier says the message is that all should feel comfortable seeking a blessing…

Cut 5 (07) “…a blessing.”

Pasquier says Pope Francis has not been without criticism for his willingness to discuss same-sex unions and the roles of gay and lesbian individuals in the church. But Pasquier points out that this declaration is not a departure from traditional doctrine…

Cut 6 (11) “…like marriage.”

______________________________________________

During his final press conference of the year and the next to last of his administration, Governor John Bel Edwards says while he doesn’t intend to run for office again…

Cut 7 (08) “…with the state.”

Edwards, a Democrat says he’s pulling for Republican Governor-elect Jeff Landry and hopes he does a good job. Edwards, along with his family and future grandchildren, will reside in Louisiana and he wants the state to continue to flourish.

Cut 8 (11) “…say never.” 

First Lady Donna Edwards stood behind the governor as he took questions from the media and he joked when asked about running again, that he couldn’t see the expression on her face.

Cut 9 (07)  “…would do that.”

After the press conference, Edwards also told reporters at the request of Landry, that the chickens will remain at the mansion, and he plans to get new chickens when he returns to Amite.

________________________________________________

Tis the season to be jolly but many Americans suffer from stress, depression, and sadness during the holidays. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says holiday depression can stem from numerous causes.

Cut 10 (12) “…that year.”

Symptoms of holiday blues include loneliness, irritability, changes in eating or sleeping habits, fatigue, and poor concentration.

Bailey says don’t feel guilty about saying no to things like holiday parties or spending time with people. He also recommends acknowledging the issue and being more open when it comes to taking care of your mental health.

Cut 11 (13) “…speak emotionally.” 

Bailey encourages everyone to proactively seek care before the problem worsens. He urges those who are suffering from depression not to compare themselves to others who seem to have it all this time of year.

Cut 12 (13) “…the case.” 

If you feel overwhelmed, you can also speak with a trained counselor by dialing 988 on your phone.

_____________________________________________

Heisman Trophy Winner Jayden Daniels’ spent his 23rd birthday helping Raising Canes founder Todd Graves give away 100 bikes at the Boys and Girls Club and Baton Rouge Big Buddy program on Monday. Graves says he remembers how special it was when he got his first bike as a child…

Cut 13 (08) “…that joy.”

Canes also donated a $25,000 check to the Greg Brooks Foundation. Brooks. The LSU safety was diagnosed with brain cancer in October. Daniels says he’s honored to help out…

Cut 14 (12) “…blessing others.” 

This is the fifth year Canes and Graves have partnered with youth organizations giving away bicycles. Graves says it’s pretty special having Daniels helping him this year and not only is he proud of the quarterback’s accomplishments on the field…

Cut 15 (11) “… role model.”

Canes will give away a total of 1,500 bikes this month, in New York, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Dallas.

______________________________________________________

The New Orleans Saints are in the final stretch of the with only the Rams, Buccaneers, and Falcons left on the schedule. The added stress of playing Thursday Night Football almost 2,000 miles away on a shortened week will prove to be a tough test, but Head Coach Denis says they’ll be prepared come Thursday.

 Cut 16 (23) “…ready to go for Thursday Night.”

Allen says they’ll have to make special accommodations with the next game so soon and they’ll focus on getting the team physically recovered also.

Cut 17 (21) “….ready to play for Thursday Night” 

Allen says before the Saints can even think about the postseason, they’ll need to finish strong and preferably with a four-game winning streak. He says to be successful in the playoffs, the Saints have to fix issues that have plagued them all season. But in the meantime, they’re concentrating on the Rams.

Cut 18 (18)  “…Rams right now.” 

________________________________________________________

LSU Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels announces he’s not playing in the bowl game, but the Tigers’ two-star receivers, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Junior will play in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on January 1st. Coach Brian Kelly says no one else has decided to opt out…

Cut 19 (18) “…we are.” 

Both Nabers and Thomas are expected to go pro after the bowl game. But Kyren Lacy from Thibodaux says he will return for his final season of eligibility. Lacy is fourth on the team in receptions with 24 catches for 463 yards and seven touchdowns…

Cut 20 (06) “…come back.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 18

State police have reinstated Lt. John Clary, who’d been accused of withholding the graphic body camera footage evidence of Black motorist Ronald Greene being beaten by officers. Obstruction of Justice charges against Clary were dropped after he agreed to testify in the negligent homicide trial of Trooper Kory York, who’s charged with Greene’s death.

Pope Francis has formally approved to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex married couples. Loyola Professor of Theology Tom Ryan says it’s not necessarily a blessing of the relationship, but the people in the relationship.

Cut  14 (10) “…always blessed.”

New Ways Ministry, which advocates for LGBTQ-Catholics says the letter from Pope Francis “significantly advances” efforts to make their members feel welcomed in the church.

Heisman winner and LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels has played his last college football game. In a video announcement, Daniels said he’s opting out of the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa against Wisconsin on New Year’s Day…

Cut 15 (08) “…moving forward.”

Garrett Nussmeier will get the start at QB against the Badgers.

Grambling State has named former LSU and Nebraska assistant Mickey Joseph as its new head football coach. The Marrero native says he plans to be active in the community…

Cut 11 (09) “…would say.”

Joseph replaces Hue Jackson who was fired after two seasons.

And Governor John Bel Edwards held his end-of-the-year press conference today. When asked if he’d run for governor again, he said while he doesn’t intend to run, he says never say never.

 

 

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The New Orleans Saints are now 7 and 7 after their victory over the New York Giants on Sunday. A big factor in their win was the play of quarterback Derek Carr who led the offense to 24 total points and had 218 yards and 3 touchdowns in the game. After receiving some criticism from fans after his performance, Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen says that the criticism was unwarranted.

Cut 17 (15) “… played well.”

The Saints will travel to face the Rams on Thursday Night Football and kickoff will be at 7:15 pm on Prime Video.

LSU Heisman and All-American quarterback Jayden Daniels has opted out of the 2024 Reliaquest Bowl. Daniels says that even though he is from California and played most of his career at Arizona State …

Cut 16 (07) “… Bayou boy.”

Daniels is projected to be a top 10 pick and the third quarterback to be taken in next year’s draft.

Grambling State has named former LSU and Nebraska assistant Mickey Joseph as its new football head coach. Joseph says that all the talent he needs to build a winning program at Grambling can be found in Louisiana and that he and his staff will have to prioritize in state recruiting in order to win.

Cut 10 (12) “… these kids.”

Joseph was hired after former Head Coach Hue Jackson was fired at the end of this season.

In basketball news, the Pelicans set a franchise record number of three pointers in their 146 to 110 win over the Spurs yesterday. New Orleans made 22 three pointers in their second win over the Spurs this season which was one more than the previous record of 21.

In college basketball news, McNeese defeated ULL 74 to 72 yesterday and improved to 10 and 2 on the year and in a major upset earlier today, the University of Jacksonville beat ULM 75 to 66.

4:30 PM Newscast

Big news from the Vatican today as Pope Francis has formally approved to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex married couples. Loyola Professor of Theology Tom Ryan says it’s not necessarily a blessing of the relationship, but the people in the relationship.

Cut 12 (12)  “…permitted.”  

 

Louisiana is the first state to receive approval for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) proposal to bring high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet to residents. State Broadband Office Director Veneeth Iyengar says this will give the state first access to key resources to eliminate the digital divide…

Cut 3 (09) “…for Louisianans..”

The state can request access to more than 42 billion dollars from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

 

On his last radio show “Ask the Governor” Governor John Bel Edwards talked about his attempts to close the gender pay gap in Louisiana so women who are doing the same job as men are paid equally.

Cut 7 (05) “…the country.”

 

Edwards also presented legislation to raise the state’s minimum wage every year he was governor.

 

Grambling State has named former LSU and Nebraska assistant Mickey Joseph as its new head football coach. Joseph is from Marerro and was a wide receivers coach and special teams assistant at Grambling in 2014 and 2015. He’s also spent time as an assistant at Nicholls and Louisiana Tech, so he knows the state well and plans to bring in Louisiana’s best prep stars…

Cut 10 (12) “…these kids”

3:30 PM Newscast Dec 18

From the Vatican, Pope Francis has formally made a declaration allowing Catholic Priests to bless couples in same-sex relationships or irregular relationships without blessing their union or relationship. Loyola Professor of Theology Tom Ryan says Pope Francis is a very pastoral Pope and the declaration released from the Vatican ends with what the Pope wants to convey.

Cut  14 (11) “…always blessed.”

On his last radio show “Ask the Governor” Governor John Bel Edwards was asked about his biggest regrets in office. The outgoing two-term governor says he has two, not raising the minimum wage and not closing the gender pay gap.

Cut 6 (12) “…so forth.”

 

Louisiana is the first of 49 states and six territories in the nation to have its broadband grant proposal approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

 

Garrett Nussmeier will get the startin the ReliaQuest Bowl as Jayden Daniels announces his decision to opt out. Daniels says he’ll always have a special place in his heart for Baton Rouge…

Cut  16 (07)   “…California bayou boy”

PM LRN Newscall Dec 18

Louisiana is the first of 49 states and six territories in the nation to have its broadband grant proposal approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

______________________________________

Grambling State has hired Marrero native and former LSU assistant coach Mickey Joseph as its new head coach. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

______________________________________

Louisiana is the first state to receive approval for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) proposal to bring high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet to residents. State Broadband Office Director Veneeth Iyengar says this will give the state first access to key resources to eliminate the digital divide…

Cut 3 (09) “…for Louisianans..”

The state can request access to more than 42 billion dollars from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration.  

Iyengar says ConnectLA was the first to be awarded grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. He says the state’s plan stressed the importance of high-quality resilient infrastructure.

Cut 4 (12) “…of crisis.”

The Biden-Harris Administration “Internet for All” – Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a 65 billion dollar investment to closing the digital divide in communities throughout the U.S. Iyengar expects the process to be finished the process before next year. He says the funds will also expand broadband access to businesses that lack adequate internet.

Cut 5 (12) “ …that problem.”  

The state hopes to wipe out the digital divide by 2029.

________________________________________________________________

On his last radio show “Ask the Governor” Governor John Bel Edwards was asked about his biggest regrets in office. The outgoing two-term governor says he has two, not raising the minimum wage and not closing the gender pay gap.

Cut 6 (11) “…so forth.”

Edwards says he’s well aware, however, that many individuals are paid more than the legal wage of $7.25 an hour in Louisiana. He presented legislation every year as governor to raise the state’s minimum wage.

Edwards says he’s also tried to close the gender pay gap in Louisiana so women who are doing the same job as men are paid equally.

Cut 7 (04) “…the country.” 

He says just about every state has seen fit to do better than the Bayou State by raising their minimum wage above the federal requirement of $7.25 an hour.

Cut 8 (09) “…to accomplish.” 

Governor Edwards is holding his end-of-the-year press conference today at 3 PM.

__________________________________________________________________

Grambling State has named former LSU and Nebraska assistant Mickey Joseph as its new head football coach. Joseph replaces Hue Jackson who was fired after two seasons. Joseph is from Marrero and this will be his second stint with Grambling…

Cut 9 (09) “…very aggressive” 

Joseph was also a wide receivers coach and special teams assistant at Grambling in 2014 and 2015. He’s also spent time as an assistant at Nicholls and Louisiana Tech, so he knows the state well and plans to bring in Louisiana’s best prep stars…

Cut 10 (12) “…these kids”

In 2022, Joseph served nine games as an interim head coach at Nebraska. He was cut loose by the university in December after he was arrested for felony assault by strangulation or suffocation against his wife. The charges were dropped last April.

Joseph says he plans to be active in the community…

Cut 11 (09) “…would say.”

___________________________________________________________________

Big news from the Vatican today as Pope Francis has formally approved to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex married couples. Loyola Professor of Theology Tom Ryan says it’s not necessarily a blessing of the relationship, but the people in the relationship.

Cut 12 (12)  “…permitted.”  

In the letter, Ryan says Pope Francis is very clear that he doesn’t want the invitation to bless individuals in a same-sex marriage to be mistaken for the blessing of a marriage. He stresses that the church wants to avoid confusion.

Cut 13 (11) “…relationships.” 

Ryan also points out that Pope Francis is a very pastoral Pope. In the document, Ryan says it ends with what the Pope wants to convey.

Cut  14 (10) “…always blessed.”

New Ways Ministry, which advocates for LGBTQ-Catholics says the letter from Pope Francis “significantly advances” efforts to make their members feel welcomed in the church.

_______________________________________________________

LSU’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback has played his last college football game. In a video announcement, Jayden Daniels said he’s opting out of the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa against Wisconsin on New Year’s Day…

Cut 15 (08) “…moving forward.”

Garrett Nussmeier will get the start at QB against the Badgers. By opting out of the bowl game, Daniels can now prepare for the NFL draft as he could be a top-five pick. Daniels says he’ll always have a special place in his heart for Baton Rouge…

Cut  16 (07)   “…California bayou boy”

2:30 LRN Newscast Dec 18

Big news from the Vatican today as Pope Francis has formally approved to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex married couples. Loyola Professor of Theology Tom Ryan says the letter very clear that it’s an invitation to bless the individuals in a same-sex marriage, not a blessing of a marriage. He stresses that the church wants to avoid confusion….

Cut 13 (11) “…relationships.” 

LSU’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback has played his last college football game. In a video announcement, Jayden Daniels said he’s opting out of the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa against Wisconsin on New Year’s Day…

Cut 15 (08) “…moving forward.”

Garrett Nussmeier will get the start at QB against the Badgers.

Grambling State has hired Marrero native and former LSU assistant coach Mickey Joseph as its new head coach.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

An emu at the Monroe Zoo was killed by two stray dogs over the weekend. A spokesperson for the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo says the dogs entered the emu enclosure Saturday afternoon and staff members followed protocol and shot the two dogs.

1:30 LRN Newscast December 18

Big news from the Vatican today as Pope Francis has formally approved to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex married couples. Loyola Professor of Theology Tom Ryan says it’s not necessarily a blessing of the relationship, but the people in the relationship.

Cut 12 (12)  “…permitted.”  

Ryan says Pope Francis is very clear that he doesn’t want the invitation to bless individuals in a same-sex marriage to be mistaken for the blessing of a marriage.

Former LSU and Nebraska assistant Mickey Joseph has been named Grambling State’s new head football coach.  This will be Joseph’s second stint with Grambling…

Cut 9 (09) “…very aggressive” 

During his Ask the Governor radio program, John Bel Edwards says one of his biggest regrets in office is not raising the minimum wage. He says he presented legislation every year as governor to raise the state’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.

Cut 8 (09) “…to accomplish.” 

Governor Edwards is holding his end-of-the-year press conference today at 3 PM.

 

Louisiana is the first state to receive approval for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment proposal to bring high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet to residents. State Broadband Office Director Veneeth Iyengar says the funds will also expand broadband access to businesses that lack adequate internet.

Cut 5 (12) “ …that problem.”