11:40 LRN sportscast December 31

After weeks of preparation, LSU and U-C-F will finally get a chance to play each other tomorrow in the Fiesta Bowl. The Knights bring a 25-game winning streak into the contest and an offense that averages 44 points a game. But Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says you can’t overlook U-C-F’s defense led by defensive coordinator Randy Shannon…
cut 12 (12) “…60 minutes”
Kick-off is at noon.

Tonight the Pelicans host the Minnesota Timberwolves and point guard Elfrid Payton is expected to return to action. Payton has missed 31 games this season, mostly due to a broken finger. In those 31 games, New Orleans is 11-20, but they are 5-1 when Payton plays. The Pelicans enter tonight’s game in 14th place in the Western Conference.

Even though the Saints finished the regular season with a 13-and-3 record, Coach Sean Payton is not happy with how his team played Sunday in a 33-14 loss to Carolina. The Panthers started undrafted rookie Kyle Allen at quarterback and the former Houston Cougar threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Coach Sean Payton on the play of his defense…
cut 17 (09) “…disappointing”
One bright spot, wide receiver Michael Thomas broke Joe Horn’s single-season franchise record for receiving yards. He finished with 1,405 yards for the season.

Could former LSU star Leonard Fournette be finished in Jacksonville? The Jaguars are not happy with their former first round pick after he appeared disengaged from his teammates in yesterday’s regular season finale. The Associated Press is reporting the Jaguars could move to void the remaining guarantees in his four-year contract.

10:30 LRN Newscast December 31

It was an interesting year in state politics. Matt Doyle looks back at 2018…
Cut 1 (53) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Alllstate Sugar Bowl Fan Fest in New Orleans will once again be part of “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” on ABC as the nation ushers in 2019. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

If you are celebrating at home tonight and plan to light off a few fireworks, state fire marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue has this advice…
cut 11 (09) “…alcohol”

9:30 LRN Newscast December 31

The search for a nine-year-old autistic boy in Evangeline Parish resulted in the arrest of the child’s parents on a charge of cruelty to juveniles. Dozens of people searched all day Saturday for nine-year-old Bryson Thibodeaux. He was eventually found in a safe location. But authorities decided to book Paul and Minette Thibodeaux because Bryson and his sister appeared malnourished and they lived in filthy conditions.

One of the more dramatic news days in 2018 was when Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced in March the state would not pursue criminal charges against the two white Baton Rouge Police officers who were involved in the 2016 fatal shooting of Alton Sterling, who ws black. Sterling’s relatives are still seeking justice against officers Howie Lake and Blane Salamoni….
cut 8 (05) “…a killer”
A civil lawsuit against the police department, the officers involved and the city-parish remains unsettled heading into 2019.

The state Fire Marshal’s Office has advice for New Year’s Eve amateur pyro technicians…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve will once again show how New Orleans rings in a new year. Country music sensations Florida Georgia Line and Maren Morris will perform near Jax Brewery and A-B-C will show portions of the concert. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s good exposure for the state’s tourism industry…
cut 15 (11) “….watched the Grammys”
For those interested in attending the Allstate Fan Fest, it’s free and gates for all the activities open at noon at the Jax Brewery parking lot.

8:30 LRN Newscast December 31

2018 will be remembered as a year where Louisiana achieved budget stability by renewing a portion of an expiring one-cent sales tax which allowed the state to fully fund the TOPS scholarship program, public colleges and higher education.

In 2018, the state also lost its title as incarceration capital of the world as a result of criminal justice reform efforts approved in 2017.

The MeToo movement hit the Secretary of State’s office, which led to the resignation of Secretary Tom Schedler. Dawn Ross, spoke with LRN, and said she was the victim of sexually suggestive charged emails, gifts and advances since 2007 from Schedler. Ross says her boss also stalked her and bought a town home in her complex…
Cut 7 (15) “…back there.”

The Alllstate Sugar Bowl Fan Fest in New Orleans will once again be part of “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” on ABC as the nation ushers in 2019…
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The rain should be out of the state tonight when many will head outside to light fireworks. But the state fire marshal’s office has this message for those who plan to use more than just fireworks…
cut 12 (07) “….entertain people”
That’s State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue.

7:30 LRN Newscast December 31

With no Drew Brees, the Saints stumbled in the regular season finale, falling to the Carolina Panthers 33-14. The loss doesn’t hurt the Black and Gold as they already have the number one seed in the NFC playoffs. But Coach Sean Payton didn’t like what he saw on Sunday
Cut 16 (12) ready to play”
The Saints will have a first round bye in the NFC playoffs and they’ll either host Philadelphia, Dallas, or Seattle on January 13th.

The state fire marshal’s office says before you slap down the cash for fireworks today, make sure the retailer is licensed…
Cut 10 (06) “from us.”
State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says over the weekend their office issued cease and desist orders to eight fireworks stands in five parishes, Sabine, Lafayette, Acadia, St. Martin and Iberia parishes. A large warehouse in Acadia Parish was also shut down.

One of the most significant pieces of legislation approved in 2018 was the constitutional amendment that will require unanimous jury verdicts for a conviction in serious felony convictions. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell argued the standard of needing only 10 of 12 jurors to secure a conviction is not what our founders envisioned…
cut 6 (08) “….unanimous juries”
Louisiana lost a couple of legendary figures in 2018. LSU’s only Heisman trophy winner Billy Cannon passed away in May at the age of 80. And Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson died in March. He was 90. Benson’s wife, Gayle, has taken over the two professional sports franchises and plans to keep the teams in new Orleans…
Cut 9 (10) “…big family.″

6:45 LRN Sportscast December 31

With no Drew Brees, the Saints stumbled in the regular season finale, falling to the Carolina Panthers 33-14. The loss doesn’t hurt the Black and Gold as they already have the number one seed in the NFC. But Coach Sean Payton didn’t like what he saw on Sunday
Cut 16 (12) ready to play”
Carolina led 23-0 at halftime. First time in the Payton era, the Saints were shutout in the first half at home.

But that’s all history now. The franchise can focus on hosting a playoff game on January 13th against either Philadelphia, Seattle or Dallas. New Orleans will play who ever is the lowest seed remaining after the wild card round.

There will be at least one coaching change in the NFC South. Dirk Koetter is out in Tampa Bay after three seasons and back-to-back 5-and-11 campaigns.

We are now a day away from LSU’s matchup with undefeated UCF in the Fiesta Bowl. The Tigers go into this game thin on the defensive line and at cornerback, because of injuries, suspensions and a couple of players have decided to turn pro. Coach Ed Orgeron says they need nose tackle Tyler Shelvin to step up. He’s been hindered during his brief LSU career by injuries and weight issues. Kick-off tomorrow is at noon.

Former Louisiana Tech defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is the new head coach at Miami after a wild day in south Florida. Yesterday morning, Mark Richt announced his retirement after three years as the head man at his alma mater. Diaz who was named head coach at Temple on December 13th left the Owls to replace Richt as the Hurricanes new head coach.

The Pelicans close out 2019 by hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at 7 PM. Point guard Elfrid Payton is expected to play after missing 30 of the last 31 games, mostly due to a broken finger.

6:30 LRN Newscast December 31

Today is the final day of 2018, so let’s look at the biggest stories of the year in Louisiana. The first half of the year was all budget talk as the state faced another massive budget shortfall. It took three special sessions, but Governor John Bel Edwards was pleased with the final budget deal…
Cut 4 (06) “ compromise is”
The sales tax plan approved in June fully funded the TOPS scholarship program, public colleges, and health care. But many Republicans were not happy about a state sales tax rate of 4.45 percent. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says it’s needed to pay for a bloated Medicaid expansion program…
Cut 5 (11) “…important priorities.”
Another big story in 2018 was the resignation of Secretary of State Tom Schedler as a result of sexual harassment allegations.

New Orleans will be part of “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” broadcast on ABC tonight. It will feature live performances by country artists Maren Morris and Grammy-nominated Florida Georgia Line. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says it’s great exposure for the Big Easy.
Cut 13 (08) “…vacation next year.”
Nungesser says 30-million people watched Dick Clark’s Rockin New Year’s Eve last year.

Not a good end to the regular season for the Saints and as they lost to Carolina 33-14 to finish with a record of 13-and-3. Several starters like Drew Brees and Alvin Kamara did not play. Now the team gets ready to host playoff game on January 13th.

LRN AM Newscall December 31

It was another interesting year in state politics. Matt Doyle looks back at 2018…

Cut 1 (53) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________________________

The Fire Marshal’s Office has some advice for New Year’s Eve amateur pyro technicians…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

_______________________________

The Alllstate Sugar Bowl Fan Fest in New Orleans will once again be part of “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” on ABC as the nation ushers in 2019.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

___________________________________

Today is the final day of 2018, so let’s take a look at the biggest stories of the year in Louisiana. The first half of the year was all budget talk as the state began January facing another massive budget shortfall. It took three special sessions, but Governor John Bel Edwards was pleased with the final budget deal…

Cut 4 (06) “      compromise is” 

The sales tax plan approved in June fully funded the TOPS scholarship program, public colleges, and health care. But many Republicans were not happy about a state sales tax rate of 4.45 percent. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says it’s needed to pay for the governor’s bloated Medicaid expansion program

Cut 5 (11) “…important priorities.”

There was one piece of legislation lawmakers and the public overwhelmingly supported and that was a constitutional amendment that said in order to convict a person of a serious felony crime, the jury’s verdict had to be unanimous. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell argued the standard of needing only 10 of 12 jurors to secure a conviction is not what our founders envisioned…

Cut 6 (08) “unanimous juries”

In May, Secretary of State Tom Schedler resigned amid sexual harassment allegations. His former secretary, Dawn Ross, spoke with LRN, and said she was the victim of sexually suggestive charged emails, gifts and advances since 2007. Ross says Schedler also stalked her and bought a town home in her complex…

Cut 7 (15) “…back there.”

A big story from 2016 continued into 2018, when Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced the state would not pursue criminal charges against two white Baton Rouge Police officers who were involved in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling, who was black. Sterling’s relatives are still seeking justice against officers Howie Lake and Blane Salamoni…

Cut 8 (05) “…a killer.”

Louisiana lost a couple of legendary figures in 2018. LSU’s only Heisman trophy winner Billy Cannon passed away in May at the age of 80. And Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson died in March. He was 90. Benson’s wife, Gayle, has taken over the two professional sports franchises and plans to keep the teams in new Orleans…

Cut 9 (10) “…big family.″

_______________________

The state fire marshal’s office wants everyone to have a fun New Year, but make sure you buy, and set off fireworks in a legal, and safe way. For starters, before you slap down the cash for a bag of explosives, state fire marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says make sure the retailer is licensed to sell fireworks,,,

Cut 10 (06)   “from us.”

Also, make sure it’s legal to buy fireworks in that area.

When you get home, before you set off those devices, have a bucket of water nearby to dose expended explosives, and set them up to only fire one at a time. Before lighting up…

Cut 11 (09) “…alcohol.”

Adults should always supervise children when fireworks are in play, and not allow kids to ignite, or hold the devices.

And just in case you’re wondering, leave the gun, take the candle instead.

Cut 12 (07)   “…entertain people”

_______________________________

New Orleans will be part of “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” being broadcast on ABC tonight.  Tonight will feature performances by country artists Maren Morris and Grammy-nominated Florida Georgia Line as part of the live telecast.  Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says it’s great exposure for the Big Easy.

Cut 13 (08) “…vacation next year.”

In 2018, Florida Georgia Line broke every record from the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts when they spent 50 weeks at the top spot with the song “Meant to Be,”  Nungesser says after the clock strikes midnight in the eastern time zone, it’s all focused on the performances in New Orleans.

Cut 14 (07) “…to New Orleans.”

With the value that comes with the publicity, Nungesser says the state could never afford to pay for the level of coverage they will receive on national TV tonight.

Cut 15 (11) “…watched the Grammys.”

For those interested in attending the Allstate Fan Fest, it’s free and gates for all the activities open at noon at the Jax Brewery parking lot.
____________________________________

With no Drew Brees, the Saints stumbled in the regular season finale, falling to the Carolina Panthers 33-14. The loss doesn’t hurt the Black and Gold as they already have the number one seed in the NFC. But Coach Sean Payton didn’t like what he saw on Sunday

Cut 16 (12)  ready to play”

Carolina led 23-0 at halftime. First time in the Payton era, the Saints were shutout in the first half at home. Undrafted rookie quarterback Kyle Allen threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, before leaving in the fourth quarter with an injury. Payton was disappointed with his defense…

 cut 17 (09)    disappointing” 

In the fourth quarter wide receiver Michael Thomas caught a six-yard pass to break Joe Horn’s single-season franchise record for receiving yards. Payton says it was nice to see, but it’s overshadowed by the loss…

Cut 18 (15)    winning though” 

10:30 am Newscast Dec. 29, 2018

55 years ago today Saints head coach Sean Payton was born. Long before putting on his coaching visor to become the most victorious coach in the team’s history,

Payton was a college quarterback. He began his post college football career in the lesser known Arena Football League.

However, Payton’s NLF debut came courtesy of the 1987 NFL players’ strike, when he played briefly as a replacement player for the Chicago Bears.

He took up coaching in 1988. Happy birthday to Saints head coach Sean Payton and good luck to the team in Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

LSU sophomore running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is with the Tigers in Arizona after he, and walk-on linebacker Jared Small were involved in a fatal shooting in Baton Rouge.

Authorities have ruled the shooting justified and Coach Ed Orgeron gave his comments on the situation.

Cut 9 (11) “…totally.″

The LSU Tigers will take on the University of Central Florida Knights in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona on Sunday afternoon.

 

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy said FEMA was mistaken when it said it could not issue or renew National Flood Insurance Program policies during a partial government shutdown.

FEMA released a statement on Friday changing their policy from a previous announcement earlier this week. Cassidy issued a statement assuring that FEMA will start selling flood insurance policies again.

Over half a million homeowners in Louisiana currently have flood insurance through the program.

The holiday season had many nativity displays portraying the birth of Jesus in a stable surrounded by animals.

But one nativity scene in Louisiana had an actual living camel. The Tiger Truck in Grosse Tete added Casper the Camel from Texas for visitors to see over the summer.

With the holiday season, Tiger Truck Stop owner Mike Sandal installed nativity figures adjacent to the camel’s enclosure along Interstate 10 between Lafayette and Baton Rouge.

Casper the Camel will continue to be an attraction for motorists into the foreseeable future although the nativity statues may be stored away until the next holiday season.

9:30 am Newscast Dec. 29, 2018

A FEMA announcement regarding the partial government shutdown sparked concerns for homeowners and real estate professionals over funding for the National Flood Insurance Program.

However, Senator Bill Cassidy said FEMA made an error as he assured flood insurance policy holders that FEMA will maintain the government supported flood insurance program.

FEMA reversed course on Friday announcing a change to their policy from a previous announcement earlier in the week.

Thousands of homeowners in Louisiana currently have the flood insurance through the program.

The New Orleans Saints have a notable birthday as head coach Sean Payton turns 55 years old today.

His coaching career began in 1988 after playing quarterback in college and a short career in the Arena Football League. Payton did manage to play three NFL games as a Chicago Bear as a replacement player during the 1987 NFL players strike.

But he found greater success off of the field as a coach for various teams. Payton’s first NFL head coaching job was for the Saints beginning in 2006.

To date, he has more victories than any other Saints coach in the team’s history including a 2010 Super Bowl victory.

 

Authorities in St. Tammany Parish keeping an eye on river levels in the Covington area, which could affect residents in low lying areas.

Heavy rainfall on Thursday has portions of the state monitoring waterways including St. Tammany parish. St. Tammany Emergency Management Director Dexter Accardo.

Cut 8 (09) “…Clinton area.”

The Louisiana penitentiary at Angola has a program for inmates to train service dogs to benefit military veterans.

The “Prisoners Assisting Warriors Service” or PAWS for short, prepares canines to serve former military service members dealing with physical or mental challenges according to the Advocate newspaper.

The program began in July of 2017 and has placed three service dogs with veterans thus far.

Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlance describes the program as a unique opportunity that’s a “win-win.”