6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU men’s basketball team was no match for the number one ranked team in the country as the Tigers lost to Auburn 87 to 74 last night. Cam Carter scored 24 points for LSU, but the Tigers turned it over 20 times and allowed 25 offensive rebounds. Coach Matt McMahon’s team falls to 1-and-6 in the SEC…

Cut 20 (17) “…second shot opportunities”

Trey Murphy had 32 points, Zion Williamson had 29 points, but the Pelicans still lost last night at the Smoothie King Center, falling to the Dallas Mavericks 137 to 136. New Orleans is now 12 and 36 on the season.

Tonight in Baton Rouge,,,seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball hosts 13th ranked Oklahoma. Tip off is at 6 PM.

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A Super Bowl-winning coach is no longer interested in the Saints head coaching vacancy. Former Cowboys and Packers coach Mike McCarthy has removed his name from consideration. But NFL analyst and WWL Radio’s Mike Detillier says McCarthy knows he’s no longer the top candidate and the Saints are more interested in Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore……

Cut 16 (18) “…pull out.”

Detillier is expecting the Saints will name Moore as its new head coach after the Super Bowl.

 

The Advocate is reporting LSU is expected to announce former Florida State assistant Alex Atkins as the Tigers new tight ends coach and running game coordinator. Atkins was the offensive coordinator at FSU for three seasons. In 2023, the Seminoles had a top 20 scoring offense, but he was fired last November after a two win season.

6:30 am Newscast

Governor Landry is outlining some of the security procedures which will be in place next week for the Super Bowl. From February 5th through the 10th, a French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone will be set up. It will be bordered by Canal, Royal, St. Ann and Dauphine streets. Within that zone, all coolers and ice chests will be prohibited. Also:

Cut 4 (14) “…Enhanced Security Zone.”

Senator Bill Cassidy faces intense pressure from Louisiana conservatives to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Trump’s health secretary. Political Analyst Robert Hogan says Cassidy, a doctor and chair of the Senate Health Committee, is at an impasse when it comes to how he will vote.

Cut 10 (10) “…matters of health.”

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Senator John Kennedy warns that failing to extend the 2017 tax cuts would severely damage the economy.  Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A 30-year Marine Corps veteran got the surprise of a lifetime – he was told by Jayden Daniels that he was selected by USAA to go to the Super Bowl. Jonathan Knauth (kuh-NOWTH) of Stafford County, Virginia, says he was nominated for the tickets, but had forgotten all about it until he heard the news.

Cut 13 (09)  “…of the blue.”

LRN AM Newscall January 30

Governor Landry releases more details of the beefed-up security for the Super Bowl. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Speaking on the Senate floor, Senator John Kennedy warned that failing to extend the 2017 tax cuts would severely damage the economy.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A 30-year Marine Corps veteran from Virginia gets the surprise of a lifetime. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Landry is outlining some of the security procedures which will be in place next week for the Super Bowl. From February 5th through the 10th, a French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone will be set up. It will be bordered by Canal, Royal, St. Ann and Dauphine streets. Within that zone, all coolers and ice chests will be prohibited. Also:

Cut 4 (14) “…Enhanced Security Zone.”

A search of those bags will be mandatory in order to get into the zone.

Cut 5 (10) “…free to enter.”

Landry says keeping people safe is a team effort that requires the cooperation of the public.

Cut 6 (09) “…say something.”

Also, vehicles will be prohibited from entering the zone, except for emergency vehicles. Starting February 5th, all vehicles parked within the zone will be towed. Anyone with reservations at a Bourbon Street hotel should enter via the Dauphine Street or the Royal Street entrance.

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Senator John Kennedy emphasized the need for Congress to prioritize spending cuts while maintaining national defense, extending tax cuts, and tackling inflation.  Speaking on the Senate floor, Kennedy warned that failing to extend the 2017 tax cuts would severely damage the economy.

Cut 7 (12) “…100% of GDP.”

Kennedy argued for increasing defense funding due to threats from China, Russia, and Iran, stressing that weakness invites aggression.

Cut 8 (113) “…money on defense.”

Kennedy called for returning spending to pre-pandemic levels, citing a recent Office of Management and Budget memorandum as a step in that direction. Kennedy dismissed concerns over spending reductions, urging Americans to stay grounded and recognize the necessity of fiscal discipline.

Cut 9 (06)  “…was ditch water.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy faces intense pressure from Louisiana conservatives to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Trump’s health secretary. Political Analyst Robert Hogan says Cassidy, a doctor and chair of the Senate Health Committee, is at an impasse when it comes to how he will vote.

Cut 10 (10) “…matters of health.”

Governor Landry, the Louisiana Freedom Caucus, and other Republican figures have urged Cassidy to support Kennedy, despite concerns over Kennedy’s abortion rights stance and Democratic background. Hogan says with Kennedy’s confirmation his political career is on the line.

Cut 11 (09) “…going to win.”

Cassidy has been fundraising aggressively, with strong financial backing from Republican donors. He continues outreach efforts but has yet to reconcile with Trump, making his upcoming vote pivotal for his political future. Hogan believes a “no” vote would end his re-election chances.

Cut 12 (10) “…the Republican Party.”

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A 30-year Marine Corps veteran got the surprise of a lifetime – he was told by Jayden Daniels that he was selected by USAA to go to the Super Bowl. Jonathan Knauth (kuh-NOWTH) of Stafford County, Virginia, says he was nominated for the tickets by a former boss. He filled out the application and forgot about it. But then, he was called to an office to do a podcast, only to find out that there was a team of USAA representatives waiting for him to give him the news that he won the trip to New Orleans and tickets to the Super Bowl.

Cut 13 (09)  “…of the blue.”

Knauth says he can’t wait to meet the Commanders rookie sensation and former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from LSU.

Cut 14 (10) “…that he is.”

This will be Knauth’s second time ever visiting New Orleans. The first time was in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Cut 15 (05) “…rebuilt, revamped, revitalized.”

Not only is Knauth going to the Super Bowl, he’ll be enjoying the game from a luxury suite.

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A Super Bowl-winning coach is no longer interested in the Saints head coaching vacancy. Former Cowboys and Packers coach Mike McCarthy has removed his name from consideration. But NFL analyst and WWL Radio’s Mike Detillier says McCarthy knows he’s no longer the top candidate and the Saints are more interested in Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore……

Cut 16 (18) “…pull out.”

The Saints top executives flew to Philadelphia on Monday night to interview Moore. Detillier believes Moore will be announced as New Orleans next head coach after the Super Bowl…

Cut 17 (16) “…Kellen Moore.”

Detillier says Moore was known as a pass-happy offensive coordinator when he was with the Cowboys and Chargers, but he’s adjusted to the personnel in Philadelphia to help the Eagles reach the Super Bowl…

Cut 18 (18) “…run the ball.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry is celebrating Louisiana’s surge up the rankings in the Nation’s Report Card for 2024. It shows that the state’s overall ranking has soared from 43rd to 32nd. Landry said it’s a testament to the leaders who aren’t afraid to try new things to turn Louisiana’s academic achievement around.

Cut 4 (10) “…step to success.”

The state made the biggest strides in 4th grade reading, moving from 42nd all the way to 16th since 2022. Fourth grade math scores have also increased from 50th in 2019 to 38th.

DOTD has secured an additional three-million-dollars from the state legislature for litter pickup along major federal highways. Spokesman Rodney Mallet says litter pickup is not only costly, but it diverts money from road improvement projects…

Cut 8 (07) “…for actual infrastructure.”

A traffic stop led to the largest fentanyl pill seizure in the history of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says it started when they pulled over a Chevy Yukon SUV on U.S. Highway 11 last week.

Cut 9 (08)  “…pressed fentanyl pills.”

Carboni says the driver was 21-year-old Tawan Anthony, and the passenger was 41-year-old Regginald Henry, both of Pearl River. Both are booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on several charges each.

You can now start filing your state tax return. The Department of Revenue is urging you to do so through the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point, or La-TAP. Department spokesman Byron Henderson says by using La-TAP, you will get your refund faster, should one be coming your way.

Cut 13 (12)  “…eight weeks.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

A struggling LSU men’s basketball team has a big test tonight as they host top ranked Auburn. Auburn leads the SEC in field goal percentage at 49-percent and Coach Matt McMahon says their ability to shoot makes them tough to beat…

Cut 16 (17) “…offensive glass.”

LSU football coach Brian Kelly is busy adding to his staff. Louisiana native and former McNeese football coach Lance Guidry has reportedly been hired as analyst after spending the last two seasons as the Miami Hurricanes defensive coordinator.

And Wilson Alexander of the Advocate reports former Florida State offensive coordinator Alex Atkins will be the Tigers new tight ends coach and running game coordinator.

LSU’s starting shortstop last season Michael Braswell is in competition with Steven Milam to be the starting shortstop this season. If Milam wins the job, Braswell will move to third base and the senior says he’s comfortable at the hot corner…

Cut 15 (24) “..everyday”

Milam might win the job at shortstop because he’s the better defender.

Former LSU star Paul Skenes is on the cover of the MLB The Show 25 video game that will hit the market on March 18. Skenes was last year’s NL Rookie of the Year and he’s sharing the cover with two other young stars, Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson and Reds shortstop Elly Del La Cruz.

4:30 LRN Newscast

The Nation’s Report Card for 2024 shows that Louisiana students are improving tremendously. In the overall ranking, Louisiana has moved from 43rd in the nation to 32nd in just two years. In making the announcement at a Baton Rouge elementary school, Governor Landry said struggling students made strides that no others anywhere else in the country did.

Cut 3 (10) “…one place — Louisiana.” (applause fades) 

A traffic stop led to the largest fentanyl pill seizure in St. Tammany Parish history – 16-thousand pills. The driver was 21-year-old Tawan Anthony, and the passenger was 41-year-old Regginald Henry, both of Pearl River. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says both were on probation.

Cut 11 (11) “…possession of methamphetamine.”

The state will spend an additional three million dollars on litter pickup along major interstates. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

You can now start filing your state income tax returns. The Department of Revenue is asking you to submit your return electronically through the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point, also known as La-TAP. The department says by doing so, you will get your refund faster, if one is indeed coming to you. And to minimize any delays, make sure your information is up to date.

3:30 LRN Newscast

The Nation’s Report Card for 2024 shows that Louisiana students are improving tremendously. In the overall ranking, which considers reading and math scores in 4th and 8th grades, Louisiana has moved from 43rd in the nation to 32nd in just two years. In making the announcement at Magnolia Woods Elementary School in Baton Rouge, Governor Landry it’s a testament to the leaders who aren’t afraid to try new things to turn Louisiana’s academic achievement around.

Cut 4 (10) “…step to success.”

DOTD has secured an additional three-million-dollars from the state legislature for litter pickup along major federal highways. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says in the coming months, residents statewide will notice litter removal efforts.

Cut 6 (09) “…pick up regularly.”

A traffic stop led to the largest fentanyl pill seizure in the history of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says it started when they pulled over a Chevy Yukon SUV on U.S. Highway 11 last week.

Cut 9 (08)  “…pressed fentanyl pills.” (Seized 16,000 pressed fentanyl pills, nearly 5 lbs. worth)

Louisiana taxpayers can begin filing their state income tax returns today. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says this year they are asking filers to submit their returns electronically through L-D-R’s Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point, also known as La-TAP

Cut 12 (11) “…account history.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana moves up in a big way in the Nation’s Report Card. Andrew Greenstein is in Baton Rouge with details.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Authorities are looking for a 44-year-old inmate who escaped from the Avoyelles Parish Jail last night. Officials say Carl James Ducote Junior of Hessmer fled from the jail after exploiting a structural weakness in the jail’s ceiling. Ducote was incarcerated on trespassing and burglary charges.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says they conducted a record-breaking fentanyl bust during a traffic stop on U-S Highway 11 last week. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says they found 16-thousand pressed fentanyl pills in the vehicle….

Cut 10 (12) “…of this Yukon”

Carboni says 21-year-old Tawan Anthony and the passenger in the vehicle, 41-year-old Regginald Henry, both of Pearl River, were arrested.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation is receiving an additional three million dollars from the state legislature to pick up litter along interstates. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they started using this money by cleaning up in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl 59…

Cut 7 (08) “…our contract”

Mallet says litter pickup is not only costly, but it diverts money from road improvement projects.

LRN PM Newscall January 29

Louisiana moves up in a big way in the Nation’s Report Card. Andrew Greenstein is in Baton Rouge with details.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The state will spend an additional three million dollars on litter pickup along major interstates. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

The Nation’s Report Card for 2024 shows that Louisiana students are improving tremendously. In the overall ranking, which considers reading and math scores in 4th and 8th grades, Louisiana has moved from 43rd in the nation to 32nd in just two years. In making the announcement at Magnolia Woods Elementary School in Baton Rouge, Governor Landry said struggling students made strides that no others anywhere else in the country did.

Cut 3 (10) “…one place — Louisiana.” (applause fades)

Governor Landry said it’s a testament to the leaders who aren’t afraid to try new things to turn Louisiana’s academic achievement around.

Cut 4 (10) “…step to success.”

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the state soared to new heights in all four metrics that went into the Nation’s Report Card.

Cut 5 (12) “…8th grade math.” (applause fades)

The state made the biggest strides in 4th grade reading, moving from 42nd all the way to 16th since 2022. Fourth grade math scores have also increased from 50th in 2019 to 38th.

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DOTD has secured an additional three-million-dollars from the state legislature for litter pickup along major federal highways. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says in the coming months, residents statewide will notice litter removal efforts.

Cut 6 (09) “…pick up regularly.”

This initiative aims to improve the cleanliness and appearance of key transportation routes. Mallet says the effort recently launched in the New Orleans area, coinciding with the upcoming Super Bowl.

Cut 7 (08) “…of our contract.”

Mallet says litter pickup is not only costly, but it diverts money from road improvement projects…

Cut 8 (07) “…for actual infrastructure.”

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A traffic stop led to the largest fentanyl pill seizure in the history of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says it started when they pulled over a Chevy Yukon SUV on U.S. Highway 11 last week.

Cut 9 (08)  “…pressed fentanyl pills.” (Seized 16,000 pressed fentanyl pills, nearly 5 lbs. worth)

Carboni says the driver was 21-year-old Tawan Anthony, and the passenger was 41-year-old Regginald Henry, both of Pearl River. She says the two went to great lengths to conceal the fentanyl.

Cut 10 (12) “…of this Yukon.”

Anthony and Henry are both booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on several charges each. Carboni says both were on probation.

Cut 11 (11) “…possession of methamphetamine.”

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Louisiana taxpayers can begin filing their state income tax returns today. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says this year they are asking filers to submit their returns electronically through L-D-R’s Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point, also known as La-TAP

Cut 12 (11) “…account history.”

The La-TAP portal can be found on the Department of Revenue’s website.

Taxpayers may also submit their returns using commercially available tax preparation software. And paper returns that can be mailed in are also available at the department of revenue’s website. Henderson says for those eligible for a refund, you’ll get your money faster if you file electronically

Cut 13 (12)  “…eight weeks.”

Henderson says taxpayers can minimize delays in receiving their refunds by updating their contact information with the Department of Revenue…

Cut 14 (10) “…contact information.”

1:30 PM Newscast Jan 29

A traffic stop led to the largest fentanyl pill seizure in St. Tammany Parish last week. STPSO says after observing multiple traffic violations, they pulled an SUV over and found nearly 5 pounds of pressed fentanyl pills concealed in the sunroof area of the vehicle. The driver, 21-year-old Tawan Anthony and passenger 41-year-old Regginald Henry were arrested.

Louisiana’s education ranking has skyrocketed in the last two years, moving from 43rd to 32nd considering reading and math scores in 4th and 8th grades. That’s according to the Nation’s Report Card for 2024. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the state soared to new heights in all four metrics that went into the Nation’s Report Card.

Cut 5 (12) “…8th grade math.” (applause)

The state made the biggest strides in 4th grade reading, moving from 42nd all the way to 16th since 2022.

New Orleans Police release their preliminary security plans for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Today is the day Louisiana taxpayers can begin filing their state income tax returns. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says this year they are asking filers to submit their returns electronically through L-D-R’s Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point, La-TAP and to minimize delays in receiving refunds make sure contact information is up to date with the Department of Revenue…

Cut 14 (10) “…contact information.”