LRN Sportscast 16:45 January 4

Will Sean Payton be back next season for the Saints? That’s the big question Who Dats are asking? Players met with reporters today and Quarterback Drew Brees doesn’t want to see major changes…
cut 30 (09) ‘”…few years”
It’s been reported that Payton was set to meet with General Manager Mickey Loomis today. NFL analyst Mike Detillier on what that conversation would be about…
cut 6 (10) “…and beyond”
Now if Payton were to leave the Saints, the team would have to trade him to another organiziation. It’s been reported the Saints would seek a second-round pick in return. The Saints P-R staff says Payton will address reporters on Wednesday.

Former Ragin Cajuns star Charles Tillman will not be on the field for the Carolina Panthers when the playoffs start. The veteran cornerback has suffered a torn ACL and is out for the remainder of the season.

Tiger Rag Featured Columnist and Gannett reporter Glenn Guilbeau reports that LSU quarterback Brandon Harris is having surgery to repair a sports hernia. Harris told Guilbeau its a minor medical procedure that will take six to eight weeks of rehab, but the Tigers starting QB says he’ll be ready for spring practice.

LSU will introduce new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda to the media tomorrow morning at 10 AM.

New ULM football coach Matt Viator names Mike Collins as the Warhawks defensive coordinator and Matt Kubik as the team’s offensive coordinator. Collins is the son of ULM Hall of Fame coach Pat Collins. This will be Mike Collins second stint as the D-C in Monroe. Kubik is a former Louisiana Tech quarterback and spent the past two seasons as the offensive coordinator at Stephen F Austin.

15:30 Newscast, January 4th, 2016

The political community in Louisiana is in shock over the death of political blogger C.B Forgotston. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

Frost and light freezes are in tonight’s forecast throughout Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says areas north of the I-10/I-12 corridor will have a light freeze Tuesday morning, while other areas will have below freezing wind chill. He says things will warm up, but only slightly Wednesday as winter is coming…:
CUT 11 (07) “the winter season”

Lafayette Police announce the arrest of a man wanted in connection with a shooting last week that killed two people. 21-year-old Tavis Jenkins of Alexandria was taken into custody without incident earlier today. Cpl. Paul Mouton says the shooting occurred on December 27th when Jenkins let himself into his ex-girlfriend’s Lafayette apartment and was confronted by 23-year-old Linton Batiste…:
cut 12 (09) “was gunfire”
17-year-old Antonio Means and Batiste were both killed in the incident. Jenkins faces two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted first degree murder.

LSU quarterback Brandon Harris reportedly had surgery this morning for a sports hernia. It appears Harris had been playing with the injury since the Alabama game and is expected to be recovered in 4-6 weeks in time for spring practice.

There were no Powerball winners in Saturday’s drawing and the prize for Wednesday now goes to an estimated $400 million dollars.

 

PM Newscall, January 4th, 2016

The political community in Louisiana is in shock over the death of political blogger C.B Forgotston. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

================

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton meets with general manager Mickey Loomis today and one topic of discussion is sure to be the coach’s future with the team. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

===================

Louisiana’s political community is in shock over the death of political blogger C.B Forgotston. Forgotston died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Sunday at the age of 70. State Treasurer John Kennedy was saddened when he heard the news…

CUT 3 (11)  “a favorite son”

Forgotston became a political watchdog after years of working as a state legislative staffer and business lobbyist. He earned many enemies by regularly skewering elected officials on his blogsite and on Twitter. Kennedy says Forgotston was determined to uncover the truth about state government because he loved Louisiana…

CUT 4 (08)  “the right course”

Kennedy says Forgotston told it like it was and has never met another person in Louisiana state government like him. He says Forgotston’s candor, honesty, and goodness will be missed…

CUT 5 (08)  “in Louisiana”

============================

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton meets with general manager Mickey Loomis today and one topic of discussion is sure to be the coach’s future with the team. Rumors have been swirling this season that Payton is looking for another opportunity in the NFL. NFL analyst Mike Detillier believes Payton is looking for some assurances from the team for him to stay on board…

CUT 6 (10) “and beyond”

He says there will need to be some structural changes to the Saints for Payton to remain as head coach. Since Payton is under contract, any NFL team that would hire him would be forced to give the Saints’ compensation, like a draft pick, for example. Detillier says that scenario would definitely not come out in the Black & Gold’s favor…

CUT 7 (06) “at this stage” 

It has been reported that Loomis is expected to give Payton permission to talk to other teams. Detillier doesn’t think we’ll have to wait long to find out about Payton’s future with the Saints…

CUT 8 (10) “or another”

============================

Temperatures across Louisiana are expected to drop to around freezing overnight resulting in frost and a light freeze. State Climatologist Barry Keim says areas north of the I-10/I-12 corridor will have a light freeze Tuesday morning. Keim says you will want to protect your pets and plants from cold…

CUT 9 (07)  “pets and plants”

He says areas north of the corridor will drop to at or slightly below freezing overnight. South central and southeast Louisiana is expected to remain above freezing tonight, but wind chill values are expected to drop below freezing in some areas. Keim doesn’t expect this weather event to last very long…

cut 10 (08)  “during Christmas”

He says a warm front passing through the state Wednesday night will cause warmer temperatures to settle across the state, but not as warm as temperatures on Christmas. Keim says he’s quite sure more freezes are on their way for the Bayou State…

Cut 11 (07) “the winter season”

============================

Lafayette Police announce the arrest of a man wanted in connection with a shooting last week that killed two people. 21-year-old Tavis Jenkins of Alexandria was taken into custody without incident earlier today. Cpl. Paul Mouton says the shooting occurred on December 27th when Jenkins let himself into his ex-girlfriend’s Lafayette apartment and was confronted by 23-year-old Linton Batiste….

cut 12 (09) “was gunfire”

17-year-old Antonio Means was shot once and passed away at a local hospital. Batiste was shot twice and died a day later. Jenkins’ ex-girlfriend was unharmed in the incident. Mouton says Jenkins faces serious charges…

cut 13 (06)  “in the apartment”

Jenkins faces two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted first degree murder. Mouton says it is a relief to have Jenkins in custody…

cut 14 (07)  “off the street” 

============================

 

14:30 Newscast, January 4th, 2016

We’ll be getting some chilly temperatures overnight and frost and light freezes could be part of the system. State Climatologist Barry Keim says areas north of the I-10 corridor can expect a light freeze tomorrow morning, and other areas that remain above freezing will still see below freezing wind chill values. He says this won’t last long…:
CUT (07) “during Christmas”

The Louisiana political world is in shock today at the news that blogger CB Forgotston took his own life Sunday. The capitol watcher reportedly left his wife a note while she was sleeping with instructions about where his body could be found. State Treasurer John Kennedy says this is tragic…:
CUT 3 (11) “a favorite son”
Forgoston earned many enemies by regularly skewering elected officials on his blogsite and on Twitter.

A man who was wanted for murder in Texas was found dead in the Jefferson David Parish Jail, according to the sheriff’s office. They say investigators discovered the body of Richard Craig hanging in his cell over the weekend. Craig was wanted for allegedly shooting someone in Harris County Texas and was scheduled for an extradition hearing today.

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis and Coach Sean Payton are meeting today and are likely discussing Payton’s future with the team. Rumors have been swirling that Payton will want to leave New Orleans for another franchise. NFL analyst Mike Detillier doesn’t think this will be a drawn out process…:
CUT 8 (10) “or another”
He says there will need to be some structural changes to the Saints for Payton to remain as head coach.

Nobody won Saturday night’s PowerBall drawing. The estimated jackpot for Wednesday night’s drawing climbs to $400 million.

 

13:30 Newscast, January 4th, 2016

Temperatures across Louisiana are expected to drop to around freezing overnight resulting in frost and a light freeze. State Climatologist Barry Keim says areas north of the I-10/I-12 corridor will have a light freeze Tuesday morning…:
CUT 9 (09) “pets and plants”
He says a front passing through the state Wednesday night will cause warmer temperatures to settle in, but not as warm as temperatures on Christmas.

Louisiana’s political community is in shock over the apparent suicide of political blogger C.B Forgotston. State Treasurer John Kennedy the 70-year-old capitol watchdog would say what other people were too scared to say. He says Forgotston’s candor, honesty, and goodness will be missed…:
CUT 5 (08) “in Louisiana”
It’s reported that he left his wife a note while she was sleeping indicating where his body could be found.

It’s likely that Coach Sean Payton will be discussing his future with general manager Mickey Loomis during today’s meeting…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

LSU running back Leonard Fournette has been named the state’s top offensive player of the year according to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. McNeese State’s Wallace Scott was selected as defensive player of the year. And Louisiana Tech quarterback Jeff Driskel earned Newcomer of the Year honors.

 

12:30 Newscast, January 4th, 2016

A staple in Louisiana political blogging has committed suicide. 70-year-old C.B Forgotston will be remembered by many for his outspoken criticism of Louisiana politics in every facet. State Treasurer John Kennedy says Forgotston was determined to uncover the truth about state government because he loved Louisiana…:
CUT 4 (08) “the right course”
Forgotston became a political watchdog after years of working as a state legislative staffer and business lobbyist.

We’ll have a new governor one week from today. Democrat John Bel Edwards’ deputy chief of staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says in these final days of the transition, they’ve been hearing good feedback about the team the governor-elect is building…:
CUT 13 (10) “it’s just different”

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton meets with general manager Mickey Loomis today and one topic of discussion is sure to be the coach’s future with the team. Rumors have been swirling this season that Payton is looking for another opportunity in the NFL. NFL analyst Mike Detillier believes Payton is looking for some assurances from the team for him to stay on board…:
CUT 6 (10) “and beyond”
It’s been reported that Loomis is expected to give Payton permission to talk to other teams.

A $1 million dollar Powerball prize is out there that still hasn’t been claimed. The Louisiana Lottery says the prize was won on August 5th from a ticket that was sold in Montegut and is set to expire February 1st.

 

11:30 Newscast, January 4th, 2016

The political community in Louisiana is in shock over the death of political blogger C.B Forgotston. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

Democrat John Bel Edwards will be sworn in as the state’s next governor in one week. The governor-elect’s deputy chief of staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says the new administration plans to keep an open dialogue with the public when it comes to the harsh realities the state faces with its budget situation…:
cut 14 (08) “for Louisiana”

The Corps of Engineers is scheduled to begin emergency operations on the Mississippi River as historically high water levels are expected to crest later this month at Vicksburg and Natchez. Fifth Louisiana Levee District President Reynold Minsky says relief wells were installed, which should reduce flooding…:
cut 7 (09) “2011”
The Mississippi is expected to rise to 60 feet by January 17th, less than two feet short of the record set in 2011.

Will Sean Payton return to coach the Saints again next season? Following New Orleans’ 20-17 victory over the Falcons Sunday, Payton told reporters he didn’t want to talk about his future…:
CUT 18 (14) “be more clear”
ESPN is reporting they will allow Payton to explore his options, as he is under contract with the Saints next season.3

 

LRN Sportscast 11:40 January 4

The Saints finished the 2015 season with a 20-17 win over Atlanta, improving their record to 7-9 on the year. Coach Sean Payton on the team’s effort in the regular season finale…
cut 17 (12) “…that was important”
What’s important now is whether Payton will return next season. There’s plenty of speculation going around, Payton could coach somewhere else next season. He declined to put those rumors to rest in Sunday’s postgame press conference…
cut (14) “…be more clear”
Payton is expected to meet with General Manager Mickey Loomis today.

Nice win for the LSU men’s basketball team on Saturday as they beat Vanderbilt on the road, but they can’t celebrate too hard as 10th ranked Kentucky will be at the PMAC tomorrow night. The Wildcats are 12-1 on the season and beat Ole Miss by 22 points in their SEC opener. After the game against Kentucky, LSU heads to Florida for a 12:30 Saturday afternoon game against the Gators.

Former LSU receiver Jarvis Landry broke Saints wide out Marques Colston’s record for most catches by a player in his first two seasons in the NFL. Landry has 194 grabs since he was drafted in 2014, while Colston had 168 receptions for the Saints in 2006 and 07.

LSU running back Leonard Fournette has been named the state’s top offensive player of the year according to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. McNeese State’s Wallace Scott was selected as defensive player of the year. And Louisiana Tech quarterback Jeff Driskel earned Newcomer of the Year honors.

10:30 Newscast, January 4th, 2016

Louisiana’s political community is in shock over the death of outspoken capitol watcher C.B. Forgotston. The 70-year-old political blogger died of an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound Sunday. State Treasurer John Kennedy was says this is a major loss…:
CUT 3 (11) “a favorite son”
Forgotston reportedly left his wife a note while she was sleeping with instructions about where his body could be found.

Arson is reportedly suspected in a deadly Acadia Parish fire. Once firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze at the home near Church Point, a body was discovered near the front door. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the victim’s identity and cause of death. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.

Many are wondering if lawmakers can make up the state’s budget shortfall without raising taxes. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

Many people are kicking off their New Years resolutions today, and experts say it’s easier to make lifestyle changes in slow, small steps. LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore…:
CUT 12 (09) “do that”
She says making a plan and building on it every month will help you reach your goals.

 

09:30 Newscast January 4, 2016

One week from today, Democrat John Bel Edwards will be sworn in as the state’s 56th governor. Incoming Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne has pegged the budget shortfall for this fiscal year at 750-million dollars and one-point-nine billion dollars next fiscal year. The governor-elect’s deputy chief of staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says they seek the public’s help in solving these budget issues…

cut 15 (06) “from everyone”

Payer says they’re hearing good feedback about the team Edwards is building.

The Corps of Engineers is scheduled to begin emergency operations on the Mississippi River as river levels are expected to crest later this month at near record high levels at Vicksburg and Natchez. Fifth Louisiana Levee District President Reynold Minsky says hesco baskets, which are filled with sand that serve as temporary levees, will be used again to protect businesses in downtown Vidalia…

cut 9 (07) “go to today”

He says relief wells were also installed, which should reduce flooding.

Many people set New Year’s resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle in 2016. Emelie Gunn spoke with a doctor who has some tips to keep them….

cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Louisiana’s political community is in shock over the death of political blogger C.B Forgotston. Forgotston became a political watchdog after years of working as a state legislative staffer and business lobbyist. He earned many enemies by regularly skewering elected officials on his blogsite and on Twitter. Forgotston died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 70-years-old.