8:30 LRN Newscast

It’s the second full day of the special session and some big votes are expected today on the House and Senate floors. The House meets at noon and they could take up a proposal that will shift federal, statewide and some judicial elections to closed party primaries. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says closed party primaries put Republicans and Democrats in control of which candidate appears on the general election ballot…
cut 9 (11) “….nominee”

The full Senate is expected to vote on a new Congressional District map that would make Congressman Garret Graves district a second Black majority district by stretching it from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. Graves believes the state legislature should take the current map and demand a trial in federal court on whether its constitutional…
cut 12 (13) “…..incredibly premature”
U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson agrees, but Governor Jeff Landry believes the map proposed in the Senate should be the state’s new Congressional map.

Big changes went down with the Saints coaching staff yesterday as Pete Carmichael was fired after 15 years as the team’s offensive coordinator. Locked on Saints Podcast host Ross Jackson says quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry could get promoted, but there are also quality candidates outside of the organization
cut 6 (14) “…Minnesota Vikings”
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis is expected to speak with reporters today.

After three-plus years as Louisiana Tech’s athletic director, Eric Wood, is leaving Ruston for a position in Ole Miss’s athletic department. Louisiana Tech president Doctor Jim Henderson says Wood was instrumental in the post-tornado recovery and reconstruction and oversaw championships in baseball, softball, men’s basketball and women’s basketball. He says student-athletes also broke several academic records too…
cut 16 (10) “…proud of them”

7:30 LRN Newscast

The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that will shift federal, statewide and some judicial elections from open primaries to closed party primaries. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio spoke against the proposal. He says voters didn’t like closed party primaries for federal elections in 2008 and 2010 and state legislators did away with it…
cut 10 (07) “….rid of it”
Opponents also say independents will be disenfranchised, because they can not vote in a closed party primary. But Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says they will be able to vote in the general election…
cut 8 (12) “….party”
The measure was approved on 11 to 4 vote and heads to the House floor for another key vote.

The congressional map redesign Governor Jeff Landry supports in the special session, Senate Bill 8, makes drastic changes to Congressman Garret Graves’s district and the Baton Rouge Republican is not happy about it. The proposal would make the sixth district the second Black majority district and it extends from Baton Rouge to Caddo Parish. Graves says…
Cut 11 (10) “…State of Louisiana.”
U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson also opposes the map, but it received the approval of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee and the full Senate could take up the proposal this afternoon.

The Saints have fired offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. After missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season, change felt inevitable according to the host of the Locked On Saints podcast Ross Jackson…
Cut 4 (12) “…offensive system.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Big changes went down with the Saints coaching staff yesterday as Pete Carmichael was fired after 15 years as the team’s offensive coordinator. Locked on Saints Podcast host Ross Jackson says quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry could get promoted, but there are also quality candidates outside of the organization
cut 6 (14) “…Minnesota Vikings”
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis is expected to speak with reporters today.

The Falcons are thinking big when it comes to their new head coach. It was announced Monday they interviewed Bill Belichick and yesterday Atlanta said it interviewed Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh.

Corey Raymond is reportedly back at LSU. Multiple reports say the Tigers will name the New Iberia native and former Tiger as their defensive backs coach.

After three-plus years as Louisiana Tech’s athletic director, Eric Wood, is leaving Ruston for a position in Ole Miss’s athletic department. Louisiana Tech president Doctor Jim Henderson says Wood was instrumental in the post-tornado recovery and reconstruction and oversaw championships in baseball, softball, men’s basketball and women’s basketball. He says student-athletes broke several academic records too…
cut 16 (10) “…proud of them”

After getting thumped at Auburn last Saturday, the LSU men’s basketball team is back home tonight to host Ole Miss. Both teams are 2-and-1 in the SEC. The Rebels are 15-and-1 overall and they have good guard play. Ole Miss is also shooting 40-percent from three-point territory.

The Ragin Cajuns are Texas State, Tulane visits UAB and the Pelicans are home tonight to host Charlotte. New Orleans is 24-17 at the halfway point of the season.

6:30 LRN Newscast

We’re waking up to some cold temperatures. In Oak Grove it’s eight degrees, temperatures are in the low teens along I-20 and into Alexandria and upper teens along I-10. But we will see temperatures get above freezing today.

The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a bill to move Louisiana from a jungle primary system to a closed party primaries. Colleen Crain has the story…
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approves a Congressional district map that has the support of Governor Jeff Landry. Catahoula Parish Senator Glen Womack says his proposed map creates two majority minority districts, protects Congresswoman Julia Letlow, who serves on the Appropriations and Ag Committees and…
cut 14 (11) “…of Louisiana”
Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves’s district would turn into the second majority minority district. The full Senate takes up the proposal next.

Pete Carmichael is out as Saints offensive coordinator. Host of the Locked on Saints podcast, Ross Jackson, says a change had to happen, after two consecutive inconsistent seasons on offense…
cut 5 (13) “…improve here”

LRN AM Newscall January 17

The Saints have fired offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael after 18 seasons with the organization, 15 as the offensive coordinator. Beau Gaspard has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Beau Gaspard”

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a bill to move Louisiana from a jungle primary to closed party primaries. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________________

The congressional map backed by Governor Landry, that drastically changes Congressman Garret Graves district advances from committee. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (43) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Saints have fired offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Carmichael was the offensive coordinator for the last 15 seasons and he’s been with the franchise for 18 years. After missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season, change felt inevitable according to the host of the Locked On Saints podcast Ross Jackson…

Cut 4 (12) “…offensive system.”

Many in the Who Dat Nation believe head coach Dennis Allen should be fired, but Jackson says the Saints look at the inconsistency of the offense as a reason why Carmichael needed to be replaced.

Cut 5 (13) “…improve here.” 

Jackson on some possible replacements for Carmichael…

Cut 6 (11) “…in the NFL.”

Senior offensive assistant Bob Bicknell and wide receivers coach Kodi Burns were also let go.

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a closed-party primary bill supported by Governor Jeff Landry. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson’s proposal would shift, federal, statewide, and certain judicial elections from a jungle primary to closed-party primaries. New Orleans Democrat Candace Newell says the Legislature should not rush to do this

Cut 7 (12) “…dedicate to it.”

Governor Jeff Landry wants lawmakers to pass this legislation during the current special session which ends next Tuesday.

Opponents also raised concerns that Independents will be disenfranchised because they can’t vote in the primaries. But Emerson says that’s not accurate…

Cut 8 (12) “…party.” 

Supporters of the closed primary system say it will lead to better candidates on the ballot for the general election. Emerson says voters who identify with a party should be in control of that process

Cut 9 (11)  “…nominee.”

Louisiana uses a closed-party system to nominate a President and the state had closed primaries for the 2008 and 2010 federal elections. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says voters found closed primaries confusing and demanded the state goes back to the jungle primary system…

Cut 10 (07) “…rid of it.”

____________________________________________________________________

The congressional map redesign Governor Jeff Landry supports in the special session, Senate Bill 8, makes drastic changes to Congressman Garret Graves’s district and the Baton Rouge Republican is not happy about it. The proposal would make the sixth district the second Black majority district and it extends from Baton Rouge to Caddo Parish. Graves says…

Cut 11 (10) “…State of Louisiana.” 

Graves points out that the congressional map passed by a two-thirds majority in the legislature two years ago has not been through what’s called a merits trial, to determine if it violates redistricting principles or not.

Cut 12 (13) “…incredibly premature.” 

Graves also wonders why the Republican-controlled legislature would just roll over without fighting for the current map and accept the proposed map in Senate Bill 8 because it would weaken the GOP majority in the US House.

While presenting Senate Bill 8 in committee, Catahoula Parish Senator Glen Womack says the map’s boundaries assure Congresswoman Julia Letlow, who serves on US Appropriations and Agriculture committees remains unimpaired by any other congressional incumbents…

Cut 13 (06) “…this decade.”

Because of the geographical makeup of the state’s Black population, Womack says this particular map creates two Black-majority districts; District 2 represents minorities in New Orleans, and District 6, includes minorities in Baton Rouge and extends to include Blacks in Shreveport. He says this map also ensures Letlow will remain in Congress and…

Cut 14 (11) “…of Louisiana.” 

Senate Bill 8 which advanced from committee is one of several maps lawmakers are considering during the special session.

US District Judge Shelly Dick, of the Middle District of Louisiana, issued an end-of-the-month deadline for lawmakers to redraw the state’s Congressional map with two Black-majority districts.

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Louisiana Tech’s Athletic Director is heading to Ole Miss. After serving the university for three years marked by some major challenges, Dr. Eric Wood will become a Senior Deputy AD at Ole Miss. Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson says Wood will be missed

Cut 15 (11) “…in the classroom”

After tornados destroyed athletic facilities, Wood raised funds and oversaw the rebuilding of a new baseball park, and a softball and soccer complex Henderson called a marvel of innovation. Henderson says Wood supports the student in the student-athlete…

Cut 16 (10) “..proud of them” 

Dr. Wood will serve through the end of January then Deputy Athletic Director Mary Kay Hungate will serve as interim AD. Henderson says in the next few weeks, Louisiana Tech will develop a process to select the next athletic director worthy of the Bulldogs…

Cut 17 (10) “…towards that vision.” 

5:30 LRN Newscast

The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a closed party primary bill supported by Governor Jeff Landry. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson’s proposal would shift, federal, statewide and certain judicial elections from a jungle primary system to a closed party primary. New Orleans Democrat Candace Newell says this is a big change and legislators should not rush this…
Cut 7 (12) “…dedicate to it”
Opponents also raised concerns that Independents will be disenfranchised because they can’t vote in the primaries. But Emerson says that’s not accurate…
Cut 8 (12) “…party.”
The proposal passed on an 11-to-4 vote and heads to the House floor.

The Saints have fired offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Carmichael was the offensive coordinator for the last 15 seasons and he’s been with the franchise for 18 years. After missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season, change felt inevitable according to the host of the Locked On Saints podcast Ross Jackson.
Cut 4 (12) “.. offensive system”

Louisiana Tech’s Athletic Director is heading to Ole Miss. After serving the university for three years marked by some major challenges, Dr. Eric Wood will become a Senior Deputy AD at Ole Miss. Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson says Wood will be missed
Cut 15 (11) “…in the classroom”
A search for a new A-D at Tech is underway.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints long time offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael was let go today after spending 18 years with the Black and Gold. Ross Jackson, host of the Locked On Saints podcast, says that the Saints are spending most of their time looking outside of the organization for his replacement.

Cut 6 (11) “… in the NFL.”

The Saints have also let go of Senior Offensive Assistant Bob Bicknell and Wide Receivers Coach Kodi Burns.

In the 2024 NFL playoffs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be moving on as Baker Mayfield threw three touchdown passes in the Buccaneers 32-9 win over the fifth seeded Eagles. One of those touchdown passes went to former Kentwood star Trey Palmer.

And in LSU baseball news, the Tigers are 4th in the opening 2024 D1 Baseball Preseason Poll. The Tigers are only behind Wake Forest, Florida, and Arkansas and are scheduled to play 19 games in the 2024 regular season against Preseason top 25 teams.

An influential factor in the Mavericks 125 to 120 win against New Orleans yesterday was the play of Dallas Center Dereck Lively II who had a big night with 12 rebounds. Pelicans Head Coach Willie Green says that most of Lively’s rebounds were during big moments and created key opportunities for the Mavs.

Cut 18 (23) “ … back out.”

The Pelicans will host the Hornets tomorrow with tipoff at 7pm.

McNeese is now in first place in the Southland conference after their 88 to 69 win over Lamar last night and with the success of this season the university is now receiving votes in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time in program history. Nicholls also defeated their Southland opponent, UNO, 78 to 75 last night.

 

4:30 PM Newscast Jan 16

At the special session, the first map to receive approval from the House Governmental Affairs Committee is a redesign of the seven-district Louisiana Supreme Court district map. Chief Judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeal John Michael Gray spoke in favor of the map

Cut  14 (14) “..re-election”

There is also a proposal to add two more districts to the Louisiana Supreme Court map to increase voting power in the Shreveport-Bossier area.

The frigid temperatures are causing problems with some water treatment facilities and several communities across Louisiana are under boil advisories. The town of Vivian, the Village of Elizabeth, Junction community and all customers served by Beauregard Parish Waterworks District 6, Basile, and Oberlin are currently advised to boil water by bringing it to a rolling boil for a full one minute then allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. Authorities recommend boiling water before consuming it, making ice, brushing teeth and rinsing anything that will be consumed. If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, check with water provider.

There are numerous road closures in the Bayou State after an arctic cold front swept across the country Monday creating hazardous conditions. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says Because elevated roads and bridges ice over first, DOTD crews in conjunction with State Police worked throughout the day and overnight…

Cut 4 (10) “…US-51.”

Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge after a single vehicle wreck led to a massive traffic jam. Westlake Police Chief Chrstopher Wilrye says the driver involved in the single vehicle wreck lost his life after either jumped or fell off the bridge…

Cut 9 (12) “…events yesterday.” 

 

3:30 PM Newscast Jan 16

The Special Legislative session to redraw congressional maps got underway Monday and The House Governmental Affairs Committee has approved a map proposed by Pineville Representative Mike Johnson. The proposal keeps District 7 in New Orleans as a majority-Black district. District two would be the second majority-Black District stretching from Monroe through the Delta Parishes into Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle supports this redrawing…

Cut 13 (06) “…possible fix” 

 

Three Natchitoches police officers are recovering from injuries after attempting to arrest 25-year-old Lakendra Bolton who allegedly tried to steal from Super One Foods yesterday afternoon. Natchitoches police spokesperson John Greely says one of the officers was injured when she rammed a police-vehicle head on. He says all three officers injured were transported to local hospitals.

Cut 7 (10) “…the hospital.” 

 

There are numerous road closures in the Bayou State after an arctic cold front swept across the country Monday creating hazardous conditions. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says even though crews began applying brine and salt to roadways Monday afternoon…

Cut 3 (12) “…our drivers.”

 

Windy and cold weather continues to grip Louisiana. Bill Jacquemin has the latest on the weather warnings…

Cut 2 (35)  “…untreated surfaces” 

2:30 PM Newscast Jan 16

At the special session, the first map to receive approval from the House Governmental Affairs Committee is a redesign of the seven-district Louisiana Supreme Court district map. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson’s proposal adds a second majority-minority district, which the courts have suggested is needed…..

Cut 12 (09)  “…federal judge does”  

25 years ago was the last time Louisiana’s Supreme Court map was drawn.

Three Natchitoches police officers are recovering from injuries after attempting to arrest 25-year-old Lakendra Bolton who allegedly tried to steal from Super One Foods yesterday afternoon. Natchitoches police spokesperson John Greely says two of the officers were injured when trying to arrest her in the parking lot

Cut 6 (05) “..over them.” 

The suspect, Bolton was not injured

State Transportation crews are working to keep motorists safe after an artic cold front blanketed Louisiana with frozen perception. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge after a single vehicle wreck led to a massive traffic jam. Westlake Police Chief Chrstopher Wilrye says the driver involved in the single vehicle wreck lost his life after either jumped or fell off the bridge. The accident blocked a portion of the westbound lanes. And while some drivers were able to move to the next lane to avoid the accident, one vehicle traveling west…

Cut 10 (08) “..drivers vehicle.”