7:30 LRN Newscast

The National Weather Service says It’s about a 50-50 chance we’ll see a measurable snowfall on Tuesday in Louisiana. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says a good portion of the state could see one to two inches of snow…

Cut 11 (14) “…over to Slidell”

Grymes says travel hazards will begin Monday night and spread across the state on Tuesday.

For snow to stick to the ground that means it will be cold on Tuesday. High Temperatures on Tuesday will be in the 30s and morning lows especially in central and north Louisiana will be in the teens. Louisiana Department of Health Deputy Secretary Pete Croughan says use this weekend to prepare for the brutal cold…

Cut 7 (16) “…compromise on infrastructure”

Researchers from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center are working with the Lancet Commission in developing new criteria to determine whether a person is obese. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A ten-million-dollar budget deficit is forcing the University of New Orleans to furlough nearly 300 staff and faculty members. Low enrollment has forced U-N-O to do some belt tightening. Last year the public university laid off employees and high-earning administrators, closed buildings and consolidated five colleges to two.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU quarterback Colin Hurley is hospitalized following a one-vehicle wreck on LSU’s campus early Thursday morning. Authorities say Hurley drove his Dodge Charger into a tree at around 2:45 and he was found unresponsive but breathing. Hurley’s family says Colin is in stable condition and they are confident he’ll make a full recovery. The cause of the crash is not known, but impairment is not suspected. Hurley is 17-years-old and did not play in 2024.

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball lost a tough game to Jacksonville State last night 63 to 61. Bulldogs Coach Talvin Hester says the 18 second chance points they gave up was the difference.

The Ragin Cajuns trailed by 20 points at halftime and lost by 20 points to Arkansas State 83 to 63. U-L Lafayette is at ULM on Saturday.

Big high school football coaching news….Newman’s Nelson Stewart is leaving his alma mater for a high school coaching job in Georgia and Teurlings Catholic Coach Dane Charpentier is also leaving his alma mater to be the offensive coordinator at East Ascension.

The Sugar Bowl is donating 500-thousand dollars to the New Year’s Day tragedy fund in response to the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street that led to a one-day postponement of the Sugar Bowl. 250-thousand dollars will go to the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund, the other 250-thousand dollars will fund public safety initiatives. Sugar Bowl President Walter Becker…

Cut 14 (08) “…EMS or fire”

14 people were killed and many more injured in the New Year’s Day attack.

Former LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels will play in the biggest game of his life tomorrow night as the Washington Commanders take on the Lions in Detroit. Daniels says he and his offense have their work cut out for them against the top seeded Lions.

Cut 16 (11) “…challenge for us.”

6:30 LRN Newscast

The U-S Justice Department is calling for State Police to revise its policies after releasing a lengthy report that finds L-S-P’s use of force tactics violate the Fourth Amendment of the U-S Constitution. The investigation that started in 2022 found Troopers unjustifiably use tasers and escalate minor incidents. Governor Landry says the report seeks to diminish the service and exceptionality of State Police and they will always have their back. Landry noted a top to bottom state review of L-S-P is ongoing.

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center are working with the Lancet Commission on Clinical Obesity, in developing new guidelines to determine obesity. Dr. Philip Schauer, the director of the Metamor Institute, says a person’s body mass index is the main tool used to determine if a person is obese, but the updated definition should look at excess body fat

Cut 4 (12) “…below the skin.”

The reframing of obesity is designed to ensure all people living with obesity receive appropriate health advice.

An Arctic cold front will hit Louisiana next week. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the cold weather will roll into Louisiana this weekend…

Cut 10 (14) “…for the afternoon.”

Temperatures will be below freezing for most of the day Tuesday, with the possibility of snowfall.

The Louisiana Department of Health is urging residents o start preparing now. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

LRN AM Newscall January 17

Researchers from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center are working with the Lancet Commission in developing new criteria to determine whether a person is obese. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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With temperatures getting ready to dive to new depths early next week, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to start preparing now. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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The Sugar Bowl makes a sizeable donation following the New Year’s Day Bourbon Street tragedy. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center are working with the Lancet Commission on Clinical Obesity, to come up with new guidelines to determine if a person is obese. Dr. Philip Schauer, the director of the Metamor Institute, says a person’s body mass index is the main tool used to determine if a person is obese, but the updated definition should also look at excess body fat and other health impairments.

Cut 4 (12) “…below the skin.”

The commission, comprising 56 global experts, aims to reframe obesity as a chronic disease requiring serious management. Schauer says as a physician, it’s crucial to understand exactly what the disease is.

Cut 5 (05) “…and overtreat obesity.”

The commission defines clinical obesity as excess fat causing reduced organ function or impaired daily activities, while pre-clinical obesity involves excess fat without current organ dysfunction but increased risk for future diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Schauer says this model differentiates care strategies, promoting evidence-based treatments for those affected.

Cut 6 (13) “…extend their lives.”

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As Old Man Winter gets set to pay Louisiana an unwelcome visit, the Louisiana Department of Health has a few tips for you to stay safe. Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says even with temperatures getting into the 70s in some areas this weekend, now is the time to prepare for the brutal cold.

Cut 7 (16) “…compromise our infrastructure.”

Croughan says if you need to run any important errands, do them soon before temperatures start to plummet.

Cut 8 (08) “…tomorrow or Monday.”

Croughan says whatever you do, do not use your stove or oven to heat your home.

Cut 9 (07)  “…carbon monoxide poisoning.”

And Croughan says if you must use a space heater, plug it directly into the wall and not into a power strip or extension cord. They will not be able to handle the electricity needed to run it. Also, make sure you don’t have anything flammable within three to five feet of the space heater.

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An Arctic cold front will hit Louisiana next week, bringing temperatures in the 20’s all the way to the coastal parishes.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the cold weather will roll into North Louisiana tomorrow.

Cut 10 (14) “…for the afternoon.”

Grymes says the first half of next week north Louisiana will be flirting with single digit wind chills and some possible snowfall of one to two inches.

Cut 11 (14) “…over to Slidell.”

Grymes says if the state gets snowfall, it should be coming to an end Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning; but compared to last week there’s a good chance of some snow next week.

Cut 12 (13) “…first go around.”

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The Sugar Bowl is donating a half-million dollars to the Greater New Orleans Foundation in the wake of the tragedy on Bourbon Street the morning of the day when the game was originally scheduled to be played. Sugar Bowl President Walter Becker says the money will be evenly split two ways.

Cut 13 (09) “…the French Quarter.”

Becker says a steering committee at the foundation will determine exactly how the money earmarked for safety initiatives will be spent.

Cut 14 (08) “…EMS and fire.”

Becker says this donation shows exactly what the people of New Orleans are all about.

Cut 15 (11) “…and move on.”

This year’s Sugar Bowl was delayed until January 2nd, in which Notre Dame beat Georgia to advance to the semifinals. The postponement led to more than 11-thousand no-shows inside the Superdome.

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Former LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels will be playing in the biggest game of his life tomorrow night as the Washington Commanders take on the Lions in Detroit. The Lions are the top seed in the NFC and tied for the best record in the NFL. Daniels says he and his office have their work cut out for them.

Cut 16 (11) “…challenge for us.”

The Commanders have won a lot of close games this season, including a memorable game in late October when they beat the Bears, 18-15, when Daniels connected with Noah Brown on a 52-yard Hail Mary with no time left. Daniels says that resiliency is what makes this Commanders team so special.

Cut 17 (15)  “…for those moments.”

Last week’s win over the Buccaneers was the Washington franchise’s first playoff win in 20 years, and it has fans in the nation’s capital buzzing with excitement. Daniels says he tunes out all the hype and focuses on the task at hand.

Cut 18 (10)   “…stay at home.”

Kickoff tomorrow night from Ford Field is seven p-m Central time.

5:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana is preparing for an unusual winter weather event next week, bringing conditions the state rarely faces. Residents of Lafayette and Acadiana could experience freezing rain, sleet, icy roads, and possibly even snow.  National Weather Service Meteorologist Nick Slaughter says temperatures are expected to drop sharply, with highs in the 30s and lows in the 20s.

Cut 6 (05) “…Tuesday and Wednesday.”

Congressman Clay Higgins and other Republicans used a Congressional hearing to blast the former head of Social Security for agreeing to a telework agreement with SSA union employees. Higgins says it’s resulted in extremely long wait times when calling the Social Security helpline

Cut 12 (12) “…Social Security.”

Higgins called the helpline during the hearing and was on hold for an hour and a half without speaking with an employee.

The state is one step closer to building a statewide broadband network after securing final approval for federal funding. Veneeth Iyengar, the executive director of Connect L-A, says the state awarded contracts to many companies, several of which based in Louisiana, to build the broadband infrastructure in a robust way.

Cut 4 (13) “…and north Louisiana.”

Iyengar says the state should be connected by the end of summer.

A backup quarterback at LSU is hospitalized following a car crash near the campus. LSU Police say 17-year-old Colin Hurley crashed into a tree near the south gates shortly before three this morning. While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, investigators do not believe Hurley was impaired. Hurley was found unresponsive, and emergency personnel removed him from the car and took him to a hospital. Hurley is third on LSU’s depth chart, behind starter Garrett Nussmeier and Mississippi State transfer Michael Van Buren.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU backup quarterback Colin Hurley crashed his Dodge Charger into a tree on Highland Road near the South Gates of the LSU campus during the overnight hours. First responders found Hurley unresponsive at around 2:45 this morning,  but breathing and needed to be taken out of his smashed up vehicle. The cause of the crash has not been released. Hurley did not play this past season and a true freshman.

LSU baseball is ranked third in the D-1 baseball preseason’s poll. The Tigers will have one of the top home run hitters in baseball in Jared Jones, who hit 28 home runs as a draft eligible sophomore. D-1 baseball Kendall Rogers is interested to see what Jones can do this season…

Cut 17 (16) “…stock”

The Tigers first full squad practice is January 24th.

 

The Ragin Cajuns visit Arkansas State tonight, the preseason favorites to win the Sun Belt Conference. Both teams enter the matchup with three and two records in league play. Interim UL Lafayette head coach Derrick Zimmerman says the Red Wolves have a lot of talented players, including former Cajun Kobe Julien…

Cut 16 (25) “…for them.”

Tip off from Jonesboro is at 7 PM.

Also tonight, Louisiana Tech is at Jacksonville State. In women’s basketball ULM is at Southern Miss.

In Southland women’s hoops….Nicholls hosts Lamar. The Cardinals are undefeated in league play, UNO is at Northwestern State, while Southeastern Louisiana travels to East Texas A-and-M.

4:30 PM Newscast Jan 16

Lockport basted Bollinger Shipyard has agreed to pay over a million dollars to resolve allegations that they knowingly billed the U.S. Coast Guard for vessels built using illegal workers. The Coast Guard paid Bollinger for their Fast Response Cutters built from 2015 to 2020 without confirming employee’s legal status to work in the U.S. resulting in several ineligible employees working on the contract that provided the vessels say authorities. Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari with the Department of Homeland Security says, “Today’s settlement sends a clear message that contractors providing services to DHS programs will be held accountable for breaking the law.”

Louisiana is expected to have nice warm temperatures before brutal cold moves in. National Weather Service meteorologist Nick Slaughter says it’s still too early to determine whether any area will have wintry precipitation.

Cut 8 (10) “…still up in the air”

The Committee of 100 for Economic Development and the Council for A Better Louisiana are merging. CABL president Barry Erwin says CABL and the Committee of 100 can do great things for the state under the new moniker of Leaders for a Better Louisiana.

Cut 11 (07) “…so to speak.”

Louisiana U-S Representative Clay Higgins blasted the former head of Social Security Administration, Martin O’ Malley for agreeing to a telework agreement with SSA union employees saying it caused extremely long wait times when calling the Social Security helpline. O’Malley blamed Congress for reducing staffing levels to 50-year lows. Higgins wants to reverse the current telework union agreement that runs through October 2029…

Cut 14 (10) “…watch us do it.”

3:30 PM Newscast Jan 16

17-year-old LSU backup quarterback Colin Hurley was found in his Dodge Charger unresponsive but breathing around 2:45 this morning after LSU Police say he crashed into a tree near the south gates of LSU. The cause of the crash has not been released and may be unknown, but investigators say they do not believe Hurley was impaired. Emergency personnel removed Hurley from the vehicle and transported him to an area hospital. Hurley is the third string QB behind Garrett Nussmeier and Mississippi State transfer Michael Van Buren.

Louisiana is bracing for brutally cold temperatures next week.   National Weather Service in Lake Charles Meteorologist Nick Slaughter says freezing temperatures are expected to impact the region from Sunday night through at least Wednesday night, bringing extended subfreezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills.

Cut 7 (08) “…single digits.”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins expresses his frustration with the customers service Americans are receiving when they call the Social Security Administration’s helpline. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The federal government gives the final okay for the state to receive funding for the deployment of broadband statewide. Veneeth Iyengar, the executive director of Connect L-A, says Louisiana is the first state in the country to secure federal approval of broadband funds.

Cut 3 (08) “…our federal funds.”

LRN PM Newscall January 16

Louisiana takes a huge step towards launching broadband internet statewide. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins expresses his frustration with the customers service Americans are receiving when they call the Social Security Administration’s helpline. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The federal government gives the final okay for the state to receive funding for the deployment of broadband statewide. Veneeth Iyengar, the executive director of Connect L-A, says Louisiana is the first country to secure federal approval of broadband funds.

Cut 3 (08) “…our federal funds.” 

Iyengar says the state awarded contracts to several companies, including several based in Louisiana, to build the broadband infrastructure in a robust way.

Cut 4 (13) “…and north Louisiana.”

Iyengar says construction will begin very soon, and that people across the state should be connected by the end of summer.

Cut 5 (10) “…of this year.”

This funding is through the state’s GUMBO 2.0 program, which will connect about 140-thousand locations across the state by way of 20 internet service providers, most of which are based in Louisiana.

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Much of Louisiana could experience freezing rain, sleet, icy roads, and possibly even snow, starting Monday night and into Tuesday. National Weather Service in Lake Charles Meteorologist Nick Slaughter says artic air will move in on Sunday and it will get very cold a couple of days later.

Cut 6 (05) “…Tuesday and Wednesday.”

Slaughter says freezing temperatures are expected to impact the region from Sunday night through at least Wednesday night, bringing extended subfreezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills.

Cut 7 (11) “…bundled up.”

Slaughter says uncertainty remains regarding winter precipitation. It is still too early to determine the exact snow or ice accumulations and potential impacts.

Cut 8 (10) “…still up in the air”

Winter precipitation depends on surface low in the Gulf of Mexico. If it stays south of the state, Louisiana will remain dry, but the further north it moves, the great the chance we could see snow or a wintery mix.

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A pair of government advocacy groups are joining forces. The Committee of 100 for Economic Development and the Council for A Better Louisiana, or CABL, have announced that they’re merging to form Leaders for a Better Louisiana. Barry Erwin, who was the president of CABL, says this merger was a long time in the making.

Cut 9 (09)  “…way, we hope.”

Erwin says CABL and the Committee of 100 have unique things to bring to a merged organization.

Cut 10 (12) “…state as well.”

Erwin says by joining forces, CABL and the Committee of 100 can do great things for the state under the new moniker of Leaders for a Better Louisiana.

Cut 11 (07) “…so to speak.”

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Louisiana U-S Representative Clay Higgins along with several other Republicans used a Congressional hearing to blast the former head of Social Security for agreeing to a telework agreement with SSA union employees. Higgins says it’s resulted in extremely long wait times when calling the Social Security helpline

Cut 12 (12) “…Social Security.”

Higgins called the SSA helpline during the hearing was on hold for an hour and a half without speaking to an employee.

Cut 13 (12)  “…nobody  (phone thrown down).”

Higgins anger was directed at Martin O’ Malley. The former Maryland governor resigned in November as Social Security Commissioner. He’s now seeking to be the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee. In testimony to the committee, O’Malley blamed Congress for reducing staffing levels to 50-year lows.

But Higgins says the Republican led Congress with help from the incoming Trump administration will attempt to reverse the current telework union agreement that runs through October 2029…

Cut 14 (10) “…watch us do it.”

2:30 PM Newscast Jan 16

During a Congressional hearing, Louisiana U-S Representative Clay Higgins blasted the former head of the Social Security Administration, Martin O’ Malley, for agreeing to a telework arrangement with the Social Security Administration union, blaming a telework agreement for slow service. He called the SSA helpline during the hearing and was on hold for an hour and a half without speaking to an employee.

Cut 13 (12) “…nobody (phone thrown down).”

O’Malley blamed Congress for reducing staffing levels to 50-year lows.

The Committee of 100 for Economic Development and the Council for A Better Louisiana are merging to become Leaders for a Better Louisiana. CABL president Barry Erwin says CABL and the Committee of 100 have unique things to bring to a merged organization.

Cut 10 (12) “…state as well.”

He says they can do great things for the state under the new moniker of Leaders for a Better Louisiana.

Louisiana takes a huge step towards launching broadband internet statewide. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Much of Louisiana could experience freezing rain, sleet, icy roads, and possibly even snow, starting Monday night and into Tuesday. National Weather Service in Lake Charles Meteorologist Nick Slaughter says artic air will move in on Sunday and it will get very cold a couple of days later.

Cut 6 (05) “…Tuesday and Wednesday.”

He says freezing temperatures are expected to impact the region from Sunday night through at least Wednesday night