08:30 Newscast, December 29th, 2017

Both Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots are over 300 million dollars for the draws this weekend…:
Cut 3 (30) “Matt Doyle”

In Orlando, LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada told reporters that he’d love to keep his job after the Citrus Bowl Monday. A report surfaced this week indicating the school planned to part ways with Canada after the New Years Day game versus Notre Dame. He’s the highest paid offensive coordinator in college football, getting $1.5 million dollars per year.

Louisiana State Parks are looking to help get 2018 off to a healthy start by participating in America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes Monday. Office of State Parks spokesperson Sharon Broussard..:
Cut 9 (10) “day hike”

Louisiana Radio Network looks back at our biggest stories in 2017. This year the legislature got involved in the Confederate monuments debate; but two bills aimed at protecting the statues never made it out of a Senate committee. Jenna Bernstein got passionate during the hearing in support of the statues, and went back and forth with Committee Chairman Karen Carter Peterson who was against the legislation…:
Cut 11 (10) “no you don’t”
Other big stories this year include the death of LSU pledge Max Gruver, and the shooting and injuring of Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise.

07:30 Newscast, December 29th, 2017

Louisiana Radio Network is looking back at top stories from 2017. One of the most gripping which made national headlines was the death of LSU pledge Max Gruver on September 14th. LSU Officials said Gruver died during an alleged hazing incident, and a month later East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner Dr. Beau Clark said the student had a blood alcohol level of .495…:
Cut 10 (03) “with death”
Other big stories this year include the Confederate monuments debate in the legislature, and the shooting and injuring of Jefferson Parish House Majority Whip Steve Scalise.

Louisiana also had a rare Powerball jackpot winner this year from a 191 million dollar ticket sold in the small town of Eunice. Could we see another? Both the Powerball and Mega Millions prizes are over $300 million dollars, and Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison is hoping to see another big prize awarded here..:
Cut 6 (05) “New Year”
Mega Millions drawing is tonight, Powerball tomorrow.

Three people lost their lives in a fire in New Orleans East this morning. The New Orleans Fire Department says the victims are a three-year-old boy, a 70-year-old man and a 69-year-old woman.

Louisiana State Parks are looking to help get 2018 off to a healthy start by participating in America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes. It gives individuals an opportunity to connect with the outdoors by taking a hike for health in one of the state’s 21 state parks on Monday, January 1st. Office of State Parks spokesperson Sharon Broussard…:
Cut 7 (07) “state park”
Broussard says There is no set time for First Day Hikes at most parks, you can just show up and enjoy the beauty of the state.

LSU is in Orlando ahead of Monday’s Citrus Bowl against Notre Dame. Rumors have been swirling about offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s departure from the team following the New Years Day contest. He and Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda will hold a news conference this morning at 8am our time.

 

06:45 Sportscast, December 29th, 2017

The Saints are in the playoffs, but who they will play remains a question. If New Orleans beats Tampa Bay Sunday, they are guaranteed a post-season game in the Dome. Saints Radio Network sideline reporter Kristan Garic says if they end up at home next weekend they’ll likely be favored against either Atlanta, Carolina or Seattle..:
Cut 15 (11) “at home”
Kickoff Sunday is at 3:25pm on FOX. The Panthers and Falcons play at the same time.

Saints breakout rookie running back Alvin Kamara wore red cleats on Christmas Eve in the victory over Atlanta, and tweeted Thursday that he was fined for doing that. He joked that The Grinch stole Christmas and he was going to start a Go Fund Me account to help pay for the $6,079 fine.

In the NBA, The Pelicans host the Dallas Mavericks tonight.

LSU is in Orlando getting ready to play Notre Dame in Monday’s Citrus Bowl. All the buzz is about Tigers offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who will likely leave the program after the game. Meanwhile on defense, LSU will face one of the top offensive lines in the country. Defensive end Christian Lacouture says the Fighting Irish like to run the football with 225-pound ball carrier Josh Adams…:
Cut 17 (09) “help out”
Kickoff is at noon.

LSU men’s hoops got a nice road victory last night over Memphis, 71-61. It’s the third straight win for Coach Will Wade and The Tigers before the open SEC play on Wednesday against No. 16 Kentucky in the PMAC.

Elsewhere, Tulane topped Temple 85-75. McNeese State got by Incarnate Word 85-62. UNO over Abilene Christian 77-74. Nicholls State over Northwestern State 87-46. Southeastern over Stephen F Austin 78-62.

UL-Lafayette announced Thursday it will keep Troy Wingerter as director of football operations.

06:30 Newscast, December 29th, 2017

Some food stamp recipients will see a decrease in benefits because of a federal cost of living adjustment for 2018. Sam Guillory with the State Department of Children and Family Services says about 86-thousand of the 410-thousand Louisiana households which receive SNAP benefits will see an average monthly reduction of $6.50..:
Cut 13 (07) “all exists”
One of every five Louisiana households receiving food stamps will be affected.

Powerball and Mega Millions are currently sitting at a combined six hundred ninety million dollars. Mega Millions’ Friday night drawing is worth 306-million, while Saturday night’s Powerball drawing is at 384-million. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison on how rare this is…:
Cut 4 (05) “same time”
The cash values of Mega Millions and Powerball are 191 million and 239 million respectively.

Louisiana Radio Network looks back at our biggest stories in 2017…:
Cut 2 (40) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

AM Newscall December 29

Louisiana State Parks are encouraging people to celebrate the new year with outdoor activities.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Louisiana Radio Network looks back at our biggest stories in 2017. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (40) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Both Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots are over 300 million dollars for the draws this weekend. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “Matt Doyle.”

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Powerball and Mega Millions are sitting at a combined six hundred ninety million dollars for the drawings that start tomorrow night. Mega Millions, drawing Friday night, sits at 306-million, while Saturday night’s Powerball drawing is at 384-million.  LA lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the numbers are historic…

Cut 4  (05) “same time.” 

Powerball usually runs higher, but Annison says Mega Millions made a big change earlier this year to bring jackpots in line with its competitor…

Cut 5  (07)  “increase jackpots.”

Louisiana is no stranger to lotto winners, with a 191 million dollar Powerball winner from Eunice back in October. Annison says he’s hoping to see a repeat win for the state…

Cut 6 (05)  “New Year”

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Louisiana State Parks are looking to help get 2018 off to a healthy start by participating in America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes.  It gives individuals an opportunity to connect with the outdoors by taking a hike for health in one of the state’s 21 state parks on Monday, January 1st. Office of State Parks spokesperson Sharon Broussard says…

Cut 7 (07)  “state park.”

Broussard says even though it’s exceptionally cold right now, it’s still a great time to visit…

Cut 8 (09) “light jacket.”

There are three state parks that will have specific activities on Monday, Bouge Chitto, Fontainebleau and Lake D’ Arbonne.  But Broussard says you can attend any of the state parks…

Cut 9 (10)  “day hike.”

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Louisiana Radio Network looks back at our biggest stories in 2017. One of the most gripping which made national headlines was the death of LSU pledge Max Gruver on September 14th. LSU Officials said Gruver died during an alleged hazing incident, and a month later East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner Dr. Beau Clark said the student had a blood alcohol level of .495…:

Cut 10 (03) “with death”

10 current and former LSU students were formally charged with hazing — and one of them, Matthew Alexander Naquin, with negligent homicide in Gruver’s death.

Also this year the legislature got involved in the Confederate monuments debate; but two bills aimed at protecting the statues never made it out of a Senate committee. Jenna Bernstein got passionate during the hearing in support of the statues, and went back and forth with Committee Chairman Karen Carter Peterson who was against the legislation…:

Cut 11 (10) “no you don’t”

In New Orleans, four monuments to Confederate-era figures were removed this year.

On June 14th in Virginia, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana was shot while practicing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. He underwent surgery and three months of rehab, and returned to the House Floor on September 28th. Scalise was greeted with a roaring ovation from colleagues and House Speaker Paul Ryan…:

Cut 12 (10) “(applause/laughter)”

The gunman died after a shootout with the police.

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Some SNAP recipients, also known as food stamps, will see a decrease in benefits because of a federal cost of living adjustment for 2018.  Sam Guillory from the State Department of Children and Family Services says about 86-thousand of the 410-thousand Louisiana households who receive food stamps will see an average monthly reduction of $6.50…

Cut 13 (07)  “all exists.”

But Guillory says food stamp recipients could see extra money when it comes to Social Security or veterans benefits…

Cut 14 (13) “less SNAP.”

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The Saints are in the playoffs, but who they will play remains a question. If the Saints beat Tampa Bay Sunday, they are guaranteed a playoff game at the Dome.  Saints Radio Network sideline reporter Kristan Garic says if they end up at home next weekend they’ll likely be favored against either Atlanta, Carolina or Seattle…

Cut 15 (11) “at home.”

Who would be the best matchup for the Saints next weekend?  Garic says it could be dangerous to face either Atlanta or Carolina for a third time this season.  He says Seattle may be the Saints best bet…

Cut 16 (15) “up facing.”

Kickoff Sunday is at 3:25pm on FOX.

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LSU is in Orlando getting ready to play Notre Dame in Monday’s Citrus Bowl. All the buzz is about Tigers offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who will likely leave the program after the game. Meanwhile on defense, LSU will face one of the top offensive lines in the country. Defensive end Christian Lacouture says the Fighting Irish like to run the football with 225-pound ball carrier Josh Adams

Cut 17 (09) “help out”

Adams has rushed for 1,386 yards and nine touchdowns this season. LaCouture says they’ll need to gang tackle Adams…

Cut 18 (16) “bring em down”

18:30 LRN Newscast December 28

The number of officers killed in the line of duty in Louisiana and around the country in 2017 dropped from 2016.  Louisiana saw five killed this year, while nine were killed last year.  National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund President and CEO Craig Floyd says the decrease in fatalities is linked to better communication between police and citizens and more transparency…

Cut 4  (12) “and professionally.” 

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Department says the suspect in an officer involved shooting early yesterday is identified as 36-year-old Dusty L. Sanders of Bastrop.  A deputy stopped to assist a stalled vehicle in Monroe when shots were fired and Sanders was struck.  He’s charged with attempted 1st degree murder of a police officer and possession of Schedule II narcotics.  He remains in the hospital.

A Christmas eve fatal shooting initially ruled an accident, is now classified as a homicide. Kenner police charged 29-year-old Dominque Wix with manslaughter in the death of 25-year-old Akoya Skeith.  Wix told officers Skeith had accidentally fired the weapon but after a second interview Lieutenant Brian McGregor says Wix told officers she discharged the gun.

Cut 15 (10) “shot him.”

The Citrus Bowl will reportedly be Matt Canada’s last game with the Tigers after an inconsistent first year leading LSU’s offense under head coach Ed Orgeron.  Glen Guilbeau, who covers LSU for the USA Today Network says Orgeron wasn’t a fan of Canada’s offense that featured pre snap shifts and motion…

Cut 7 (09)  “for the split.”

17:30 Newscast December 28

A Christmas eve fatal shooting initially ruled an accident, is now claissified as a homicide. Kenner police charged 29-year-old Dominque Wix with manslaughter in the death of 25-year-old Akoya Skeith. Initially, Wix told officers Skeith had accidentally fired the weapon while holding it, but Lieutenant Brian McGregor says the autopsy indicated that the death was not accidental. McGregor says it appears that after the shooting, that Wix sought aid…

Cut 16, 12, EMS

One person is dead and another is in critical condition after a head on collision in Desoto Parish. The collision caused one of the vehicles to burst into flames, and officers still aren’t certain why. Master Trooper Glen Younger says the reason for the crash is still under investigation…

Cut 10, 07, comes back

One juvenile sustained minor injuries in the crash.

 

 On duty police deaths dropped between 2017 and 2016 nationwide, and in Louisiana. Five Louisiana officers were killed this year, while nine were killed last year. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund President and CEO Craig Floyd says police are carrying fewer lethal weapons and are now better equipped and trained, increasing the safety of both officers and the public…

Cut 5, 10, all want

Four of the officers killed in Louisiana in 2016 died from gunfire and one was killed in a traffic accident.

An arrest has been made in the St. James Christmas Eve bonfire altercation that left two black minors in the hospital. Jordan Hitt, a 21-year-old white male, was arrested and charged with aggravated second degree battery. One of the victim’s mothers, La’Quesha Scott, says the attack was racially motivated, and that he son and his cousin were surrounded by several white males after talking to a nearby woman. Sheriff Willy Martin Jr. says the department cannot confirm whether the incident was racially motivated.

16:45 LRN Sportcast December 28

About a year ago, LSU football coach Ed Orgeron proclaimed Matt Canada as the best offensive coordinator in the country. But it appears Canada’s time as LSU’s play caller will last just one season as multiple reports indicate he’ll leave after Monday’s bowl game against Notre Dame. Canada got off to a rough start at LSU, only scoring seven points in a blow out loss against Mississippi State. The Tigers were also upset by Troy. Glen Guilbeau, with USA Today Network, says Orgeron wasn’t a fan of Canada’s offense that featured pre snap shifts and motion…
Cut 7 (09) “for the split.”
Canada has two more years remaining on his contract and LSU will owe him about three million dollars if the school buys out his contract. Tight ends coach Steve Ensminger has been rumored to replace Canada.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara wore red cleats for the victory over Atlanta. And Kamara posted a photo today on social media that says he was fined for his holiday-themed cleats and joked he might start a Go Fund Me Page.

In college basketball tonight, the LSU Tigers final non-conference game of the year is a road contest against Memphis. Both teams have three losses on the season and the Tigers are looking to have a three-game winning streak when they start SEC play next week against Kentucky.

Conference play starts tonight for Louisiana Tech, Tulane and the Southland Conference. The Bulldogs are at Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers are best shooting team in Conference USA. The Green Wave are at Temple. Tulane brings a 9-3 record into league action, while Temple is 7-and-4.

In the Southland tonight, Northwestern State is at Nicholls State. Both schools enter league play with losing records. McNeese hosts Incarnate Word, UNO takes on Abilene Christian and Southeastern Louisiana is at Stephen F Austin.

16:30 LRN Newscast December 28

Was a fight between juvenilles during the famous Christmas Eve bonfires in St. James Parish racially motivated? Two black teenagers were injured, one of them had bruises and cuts on his face. Sheriff Willy Martin Junior…
cut 12 (10) “….racially motivated”
The mothers of the victims claim their sons were injured by a group of white males, after a white female spoke to another black male with their sons.

Multiple reports indicate offensive coordinator Matt Canada will leave the LSU football program following Monday’s Citrus Bowl matchup with Notre Dame because of tensions between Canada and Head Coach Ed Orgeron Glen Guilbeau with the USA Today Network says Canada is the highest paid offensive coordinator in the country and the university would still owe him the remaining two years of his contract…..
cut 8 (08) “….money in this”

The number of officers killed in the line of duty in Louisiana and around the country in 2017 dropped from the previous year. Kelley Ray has more.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

State Police say a Bastrop man will be charged with attempted murder of a police officer once he is released from the hospitals. Authorities say 36-year-old Dusty Sanders exchanged gunman with a Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputy early yesterday morning. Sanders remains in the hospital. The deputy was not injured.

15:30 LRN Newscast December 28

Monday’s bowl game between LSU and Notre Dame will reportedly be offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s last with the Tigers, Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (31) “Matt Doyle Reporting.”

State Police say the man who exchanged gunfire with a a Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputy early yesterday morning has been identified as 36-years-old Dusty Sanders of Bastrop. Sanders was shot and remains in a hospital. But once discharged, he’ll be charged with attempted first degree murder of a police officer. The deputy was not injuried.

The number of officers killed in the line of duty in Louisiana and around the country in 2017 dropped from 2016. Louisiana saw five killed this year, while nine were killed last year. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund President Craig Floyd says even though 124 cops died nationwide, it’s a number that is trending lower…
Cut 3 (11) “fatalities nationwide.”
Four of the five officers killed in Louisiana died from gunfire and the other, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Beard died in a traffic accident.

A firey head-on crash kills one and leaves a second person in critical condition in DeSoto Parish. Louisiana State Police Master Trooper Glenn Younger says it happened on Louisiana-174 last night, one of the vehicles burst into flames and troopers are trying to figure out why…
Cut 9 (07) “we speak.”
Younger says they have yet to identify the deceased victim.