11:30 am Newscast

Ochsner Children’s Hospital is building a massive new facility to grow the pediatrics program and treat critical conditions. That’s thanks to a large donation from New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson. Chief Medical Officer Doctor Butch Adolph says the placement of departments is easily accessible to speed up time-sensitive procedures.

Cut 4 (12) “…bigger capacity.”

Will there be a special session to address the state’s property insurance crisis next year? Despite an incentive program to bring new carriers to the Bayou State, Insurance Commissioner-elect Tim Temple says it’s highly unlikely but property owners won’t see the benefits connected to the initiative immediately…

Cut 11 (09) “…to change.”

————

A big announcement regarding a proposed passenger rail service along the I-20 corridor as The Federal Railroad Administration awards the Southern Rail commission a 500-thousand dollar grant to study what it would take to make it happen. Yesterday’s news conference was held in downtown Monroe. Mayor Friday Ellis spoke about what a train station would mean.

Cut  14 (13) “..every day”

A male juror was removed from the jury in a federal trial yesterday as LSU faces wrongful termination and sexual harassment accusations from for employee Sharon Lewis.  According to Tiger Rag editor Todd Horne the juror, had been seen noticeably responding to a thumbs-up gesture from LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward during the trial.

10:30 am Newscast

Louisiana’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway this holiday season. With more parties this time of year there are more impaired drivers on the road, especially at night. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says for some because the holidays can be difficult…

Cut 8 (09) “…on the road.”

The campaign runs through New Year’s Day.

Passenger rail service to North Louisiana’s I-20 corridor may be one step closer to reality. The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded a 500-thousand dollar grant to the Southern Rail Commission to figure out what it would take to get it done. Commissioner Knox Ross says passenger rail service would bring economic development to these cities, especially their downtown areas…

Cut 13 (12) “…all about” 

The proposed rail line would connect Dallas-Fort Worth to Atlanta, with stops in Shreveport, Ruston, Monroe and Vicksburg, Mississippi.

———

Number one-ranked Ochsner Children’s Hospital will build a new 343 thousand square foot facility thanks to a historic donation from New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson. Here’s Teiko Foxx
Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 
A federal appeals court yesterday refused to reconsider its ruling setting a January deadline for the Louisiana Legislature to enact a new congressional map after a lower court found that the current political boundaries dilute the power of the state’s Black voters. If lawmakers to not pass a new map by January 30th, then a lower court judge will likely decide on a plan for the 2024 elections.

 

9:30 am Newscast

North Louisiana mayors are excited about the possibility of passenger rail service along the I-20 corridor. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital is building a massive new facility with a large donation from New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Butch Adolph on the ever growing need.

Cut 3 (13) “…one facility.”

——

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s Greg Fisher says the annual campaign is making a difference. According to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU for every 1,000 hours of impaired driver patrol, there are four fewer fatalities…

Cut 7 (06) “…fewer fatalities.” 

Whether or not there will be a special season to address the state’s property insurance crisis before the regular session is still up in the air. Insurance Commissioner-elect Tim Teeple is promising that if and when one is called, he’ll push for legislation that will help property owners get immediate premium relief. But stresses he’s not suggesting mandates for premium changes, because that only drives carriers away.

Cut 10 (12) “…availability.”

8:30 am Newscast

An important step has been taken in bringing passenger rail service to north Louisiana. The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded a 500-thousand dollar planning grant to the Southern Rail Commission. Commissioner Knox Ross says this money will determine what’s needed to bring passenger rail service to the I-20 Corridor…

Cut 12 (06)  “..want to be.”  
The proposed rail line would connect Dallas-Fort Worth to Atlanta, with stops in Shreveport, Ruston, Monroe and Vicksburg, Mississippi.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says over the past five Christmas holidays in Louisiana 26 people were killed and 452 injured in vehicle crashes involving alcohol.

Cut 6 (05) “…any means.”

————-

There’s been plenty of speculation about a special session before the regular one to address the state’s property insurance crisis next year. But at a recent NOLA-dot-com town hall meeting, Insurance Commissioner-elect Tim Temple says it’s highly unlikely…

Cut 9 (11) “…timing issue.” 

If and when one is called, Temple says he’ll push to get legislation introduced, that would focus on bringing property owners immediate premium relief.

Meanwhile a federal appeals court refused Friday to reconsider its ruling setting a January deadline for the Louisiana Legislature to enact a new congressional map after a lower court found that the current political boundaries dilute the power of the state’s Black voters.  If lawmakers to not pass a new map by January 30th, then a lower court judge will likely decide on a plan for the 2024 elections.

7:30 LRN Sportscast

The transfer portal is starting to pop for the LSU Tigers as they’ve received commitmemts from two Louisiana natives who were playing at other SEC schools. Former John Ehret star Zavion Thomas has committed to LSU. He caught 40 passes for 503 yards and a touchdown for Mississippi State in 2023 and he’s also a returner.

Also committing to LSU, Safety Jardin Gilbert, who played at Texas A-and-M the last three seasons. Had nearly 80 tackles and two interceptions during his career with the Aggies. His commitment may have forced LSU’s Sage Ryan to enter the transfer portal. Ryan started nine games at cornerback for the Tigers last season and had 35 tackles and three passes break up.

Today at 1:15, the Ragin Cajuns host Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl. At the Independence Bowl in Shreveport tonight, Texas Tech will battle Cal.

Sunday, the Saints will host the Giants. New Orleans receiver Chris Olvave a game time decision with an ankle injury.

_______________________________________________________________-

The Pelicans won their third straight last night as they defeated Charlotte 112 to 107. Big night from Jonas Valanciunas who scored 29 points and had 13 rebounds. Zion Williamson also had a double-double, 21 points and 11 rebounds and C-J McCollum had 19. New Orleans will finish a three-game road trip on Sunday against San Antonio.

The LSU Tigers are in Houston this morning to take on 19th ranked Texas. Jalen Cooks will make his season debut as an agreement has been reached between the NCAA and the courts over the eligibility of players who have transferred multiple times.

In other today…Louisiana Tech is at St. Louis. The Bulldogs are trying to improve to 10-2. And on Sunday in Lake Charles, McNeese hosts the Ragin Cajuns. Only a few hundred tickets are left for this game and Cowboys Coach Will Wade and Cajuns Coach Bob Marlin are not the best of freiends. So it should be a spicy game at 3 PM. The Pokes are on a four-game winning streak, U-L is 0-3 on the road.

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 15

There’s been plenty of speculation about a special session before the regular one to address the state’s property insurance crisis next year. But at a recent NOLA-dot-com town hall meeting, Insurance Commissioner-elect Tim Temple says it’s highly unlikely…

Cut 9 (11) “…timing issue.” 

With more parties this time of year there are more impaired drivers on the road, especially at night. And Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says for some the holidays can be difficult…

Cut 8 (09) “…on the road.” 

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway until January 1st to deter impaired driving. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has given a grant to pay for more officers to be able to patrol this time of year.

A male juror was removed from the jury in the federal trial of former LSU employee Sharon Lewis against the school for wrongful termination and sexual harassment. According to Tiger Rag editor Todd Horne the juror, had been seen noticeably responding to a thumbs-up gesture from LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward during the trial.

 

North Louisiana mayors are excited about the possibility of passenger rail service along the I-20 corridor. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU received its first major commitment from a player in the transfer portal as safety Jardin Gilbert announced he’s committed to playing for the Tigers next season. Gilbert appeared in 23 games for Texas A-and-M and had 79 tackles and two interceptions. He’s from Baton Rouge and played his high school football at University High. But Sage Ryan, who started nine games in 2023 for the Tigers, has entered the transfer portal. The former Lafayette Christian star had 35 tackles at cornerback.

The Ragin Cajuns will face Jacksonville State in tomorrow’s R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Kick-off is set for 1:15. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux says his team has been preparing to play a good team, one that has won 17 games over the last two seasons…
Cut 19 (14) “…moving forward.”

The Saints will host the surging New York Giants on Sunday. The G-Men may have found something in 25-year-old rookie quarterback Tommy Devito. He’s led New York to three straight victories. New Orleans linebacker Demario Davis on Devito…
cut 16 (11) “…his legs”
Kick-off Sunday is at noon.

Wide receiver Malik Nabers is 22 yards away from breaking Josh Reed’s record for all-time receiving yards at LSU. Nabers may play in the bowl game, just to break the record. Draft analyst and WWL’s Mike Detillier expects Nabers will be the second wideout selected in the NFL draft, after Marvin Harrison Junior. Detillier says Nabers has the goods…
cut 17 (11) “…top ten pick”

4:30 LRN Newscast December 15

Ochsner Children’s Hospital announces plans for The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital made possible through a large donation from New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson.  Chief Medical Officer Dr. Butch Adolph says the placement of departments is easily accessible to speed up time-sensitive procedures.

Cut 4 (12) “…bigger capacity.”

The new pediatric cardiovascular unit will expand from 12 to 20 beds. Ochsner Medical Center-New Orleans expects to break ground around the summer of 2024 and open its doors in late 2027.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign kicks off today and runs through New Year’s Day. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission…..

Cut 7 (06) “…fewer fatalities.” 

In the last five years, 26 people were killed and 452 injured in vehicle crashes involving alcohol during the Christmas holidays. According to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU for every 1,000 hours of impaired driver patrol, there are four fewer fatalities…

Will there be a special session to address the state’s property insurance crisis next year? Despite an incentive program to bring new carriers to the Bayou State, Insurance Commissioner-elect Tim Temple says it’s highly unlikely but property owners won’t see the benefits connected to the initiative immediately…

Cut 11 (09) “…to change.”

When Temple’s lone opponent withdrew from the election in the fall, Temple was named commissioner-elect. He says he’s using the extra time to meet with decision-makers so he can hit the ground running on January 8th.

Ochsner Lafayette General has launched a one-million-dollar initiative to combat Louisiana’s rural opioid addiction crisis. The project is made possible by a federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration Rural Communities Opioid Response Program.

3:30 PM Newscast

Speaking at a recent NOLA-dot-com town hall meeting, Insurance Commissioner-elect Tim Temple says it’s unlikely we’ll have a special session to address the property insurance crisis before the regular one next year but when we do, he’ll push to get legislation introduced focusing on bringing immediate premium relief but he’s not suggesting mandates for premium changes, because he says that drives carriers away.

Cut 10 (12) “…availability.”

 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital is building a new 343 thousand square foot facility with a large donation from New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Butch Adolph says this will help advance the growing need to help children throughout the region.

Cut 3 (13) “…one facility.”

The donation will come from the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, a private foundation founded in 2007 to make a positive impact.

 

North Louisiana mayors are excited about the possibility of passenger rail service along the I-20 corridor. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

 

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says over the past five Christmas holidays in Louisiana 26 people were killed and 452 injured in vehicle crashes involving alcohol.

Cut 6 (05) “…any means.”

LRN PM Newscall December 15

Number one-ranked Ochsner Children’s Hospital will build a new 343 thousand square foot facility thanks to a historic donation from New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

______________________________________

North Louisiana mayors are excited about the possibility of passenger rail service along the I-20 corridor. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

______________________________________

Ochsner Children’s Hospital is building a new 343 thousand square foot facility with a large donation from New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Butch Adolph says this will help advance the growing need to help children throughout the region.

Cut 3 (13) “…one facility.”

The donation will come from the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, a private foundation founded in 2007 to make a positive impact.

Adolph says the new five-story structure helps continue to grow its pediatrics program and treat critical conditions such as pediatric heart and liver transplants. He says the placement of departments is easily accessible to speed up time-sensitive procedures.

Cut 4 (12) “…bigger capacity.”

The new pediatric cardiovascular unit will expand from 12 to 20 beds. The 14-bed intensive care unit will expand to 20 beds.

Ranked the number one hospital for kids in Louisiana, the current hospital cares for more than 100 thousand children every year. Adolph says a new facility will help meet the needs of more families who want their children to receive care at Ochsner…

Cut 5 (06) “ …bit faster.”  

Ochsner Medical Center-New Orleans expects to break ground around the summer of 2024 and open its doors in late 2027.

________________________________________________________________

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says over the past five Christmas holidays in Louisiana 26 people were killed and 452 injured in vehicle crashes involving alcohol.

Cut 6 (05) “…any means.”

Fischer says the annual campaign is making a difference. According to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU for every 1,000 hours of impaired driver patrol, there are four fewer fatalities…

Cut 7 (06) “…fewer fatalities.” 

In 2021, more than 40 percent of vehicle crashes in the state were alcohol-related and the number of fatalities that year was 299.

With more parties this time of year there are more impaired drivers on the road, especially at night. And Fischer says for some because the holidays can be difficult…

Cut 8 (09) “…on the road.” 

The LHSC helps pay for overtime so more law enforcement officers can stop impaired drivers. The campaign runs through New Year’s Day.

__________________________________________________________________

There’s been plenty of speculation about a special session before the regular one to address the state’s property insurance crisis next year. But at a recent NOLA-dot-com town hall meeting, Insurance Commissioner-elect Tim Temple says it’s highly unlikely…

Cut 9 (11) “…timing issue.” 

But if and when one is called, Temple says he’ll push to get legislation introduced. He says he’s focusing on bringing property owners immediate premium relief. But stresses he’s not suggesting mandates for premium changes, because that only drives carriers away.

Cut 10 (12) “…availability.”

After the 2020 and 2021 hurricane seasons, with 800-thousand claims and $23 billion in property loss Temple says we have to acknowledge the industry was stressed and twelve companies went insolvent.

An incentive program to incite new carriers to come to the state went into effect earlier this year. Temple unfortunately says property owners won’t see the benefits immediately…

Cut 11 (09) “…to change.”

When Temple’s lone opponent withdrew from the election in the fall, Temple was named commissioner-elect. He says he’s using the extra time to meet with decision-makers so he can hit the ground running on January 8th.

___________________________________________________________________

An important step has occurred in bringing passenger rail service to north Louisiana. The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded a 500-thousand dollar planning grant to the Southern Rail Commission. Commissioner Knox Ross says this money will determine what’s needed to bring passenger rail service to the I-20 Corridor…

Cut 12 (06)  “..want to be.”  

The proposed rail line would connect Dallas-Fort Worth to Atlanta, with stops in Shreveport, Ruston, Monroe and Vicksburg, Mississippi. Ross says passenger rail service would bring economic development to these cities, especially their downtown areas…

Cut 13 (12) “…all about” 

The mayors of Shreveport, Ruston and Monroe were in attendance for the announcement. The press conference was held in downtown Monroe. Mayor Friday Ellis spoke of at the site of a proposed train station…

Cut  14 (13) “..every day”

Officials say now is the time to build an I-20 passenger line with millions of dollars available as a result of the 2021  federal infrastructure law.