8:30 LRN Newscast Jan 3

Louisiana is once again the number one incarcerator per capita in the country after criminal justice reform in Oklahoma bumps the Bayou State back into the top spot. Sentencing Project Executive Director Marc Mauer says Louisiana’s incarceration rate remains sky high due to a longstanding policy of not allowing parole opportunities for those with life sentences in Louisiana jails.

Cut 5 (08) “  prisons” 

The 2020 Presidential election is exactly 10 months away. On the ballot, Senator Bill Cassidy is up for re-election. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat does not foresee Cassidy facing a major challenger…

Cut 10 (11) “…the reelection process.”

Almost a decade after the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill, BP-funded research finds a list of potential health effects from the spill. Those health effects include links between obesity and dispersants used to break up the oil, dangerous bacteria in tarballs, and an understanding of links between disasters and mental health problems of both fishers and oil workers. The research is summarized in an article in the American Geophysical Union’s GeoHealth Journal.

A bakery out of Texas is now offering a New Year’s resolution Keto-friendly  King Cake. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

 

7:30 LRN Newscast Jan 3

Oil prices are up after a top Iranian general was killed in a U-S airstrike ordered by President Trump. US oil futures gained 4.1%, reaching $63.69 per barrel, that’s on track for the biggest daily gain in about a month. Iran General, Qasem Soleimani, was killed in the airstrike at the Baghdad International Airport.

A few years after implementing criminal justice reforms, Louisiana retakes the title of the nation’s top incarcerator by capita…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

 

St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrest a Georgia man after he shot a Grand Coteau police officer in the arm during a traffic stop for a red-light violation.  Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says 59-year-old Michael Dewayne Lucas shot at Officer Kiara Harris when she walked up to his vehicle.

Cut 13 (09) “…training kicked”

The officer is recovering and is in good spirits.

Select retailers in Louisiana are offering a keto diet-friendly king cake for those who want to enjoy carnival season pastry while watching their weight. The low-carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free king cake is from Unrefined. Unrefined co-founder Taylor Nicholson says the cake itself looks just like the real deal but tastes a little different.

Cut 8 (09) “…texture.”

 

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Vikings will try to pull off the upset on Sunday in the Superdome when they face the Saints. Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer knows New Orleans will look to bring the pressure on defense…
cut 19 (30)  man to man ”
Former Dome Patrol Member Sam Mills is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’s already in the Saints Hall of Fame and in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Former LSU Tiger Alan Faneca is a finalist for the fourth year in a row.

LSU returned to the practice field yesterday for the first time since its record-breaking performance in the Peach Bowl against Oklahoma. Justin Jefferson had 14 catches for 227 yards and four touchdowns in that contest. Quarterback Joe Burrow says Jefferson had something to prove…
cut 18 (09) “….he did it”
Coach Ed Orgeron said running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire practiced without limitations yesterday.

Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson participated in his first full practice since knee surgery, but it’s unknown when he’ll play in a game. New Orleans visits the Lakers tonight.

Last night in college hoops…the Cajuns lost to South Alabama 60-57, ULM topped Troy 79-63 as Tyree White had 19 points.

In the Southland, all of the Louisiana schools lost except Nicholls who beat Incarnate Word 76-60. Dexter McClanahan had 21 points for the Colonels.

6:30 LRN Newscast Jan 3

The price of oil surged Friday as uncertainty grows over potential repercussions after the U-S killed Iran’s top general. News that Gen. Qassem Soleimani, was assassinated prompted expectations of Iranian retaliation against U.S. and Israeli targets. The international benchmark for crude oil jumped 4.1%, or $2.70, to $68.95 a barrel in London trading.

What will Louisiana’s impact be on DC with the 2020 elections?

Cut 3 (32)  “… I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Select retailers in Louisiana are offering a keto diet-friendly king cake for those who want to enjoy carnival season confections while watching their weight. The low-carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free king cake from Unrefined Bakery is endorsed by Eat Fit Oschner. Oschner Dietician Vanessa Richard says it’s filling and healthy.

Cut 7 (12) “…swerve.”

She adds the lack of sugar and carbs means you won’t have an insulin spike from eating it, which means no crashing out a few hours later.

AM Newscall 1/3/20

A few years after implementing criminal justice reforms, Louisiana retakes the title of the nation’s top incarcerator by capita…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

A bakery out of Texas is now offering a New Year’s resolution friendly Keto King Cake. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________________________

What will Louisiana’s impact be on DC with the 2020 elections? Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “… I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________________________

Louisiana is once again the number one incarcerator per capita in the country after criminal justice reform in Oklahoma bumps the Bayou State back into the top spot.

Louisiana fell to 49th after the 2017 criminal justice reforms went into effect here, but Sentencing Project Executive Director Marc Mauer says this news is proof we have a lot of work to do.

Cut 4 (09) “…done”

The bipartisan reforms expanded parole opportunities and reduced the amount of time nonviolent criminals had to spend in jail.

Mauer says Louisiana’s incarceration rate remains sky high due to a longstanding policy of not allowing parole opportunities for those with life sentences in Louisiana jails.

Cut 5 (08) “  prisons” 

A Sentencing Project study showed Louisiana topped the nation in 2017 with 13% of it’s prison population being lifers without the chance of parole.

Mauer says Louisiana needs to substantially reduce the use of life without parole sentences. He adds the aging populations created by the policy are expensive and don’t make us any safer.

Cut 6 (10) “…30s”

_________________________________________________

Select retailers in Louisiana are offering a keto diet friendly king cake for those who want to enjoy carnival season confections while watching their weight. The low-carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free king cake from Unrefined Bakery is endorsed by Eat Fit Oschner. Oschner Dietician Vanessa Richard says it’s filling and healthy.

Cut 7 (12) “…swerve.”

She adds the lack of sugar and carbs means you won’t have an insulin spike from eating it, which means no crashing out a few hours later.

Unrefined co-founder Taylor Nicholson says the cake itself looks just like the real deal, but tastes a little different.

Cut 8 (09) “…texture.”

Nicholson has been gluten-free for the past 17 years, and having grown up outside Louisiana admits she has not had a traditional king cake before.

Each cake has about 1,300 calories in it, with only ten grams of carbs total. Nicholson says at under 200 calories a slice, you can indulge a bit and not regret it later.

Cut 9 (10) “holiday”

The cake is available at many Whole Foods statewide, and at select local retailers.

________________________________________

The 2020 Presidential election is exactly 10 months away. On the ballot, Senator Bill Cassidy is up for re-election. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat does not foresee Cassidy facing a major challenger…

Cut 10 (11) “…the reelection process.”

It is uncertain if Congressman Ralph Abraham will run for re-election. Pinsonat says Abraham has previously stated he might term limit himself, but there are those that want him to run again.

Cut 11 (09) “…very little gets done.”

Pinsonat expects President Donald Trump will once again win Louisiana by a safe margin.

Cut 12 (05) “…16 to 20 points.” 

_______________________________

St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrest a Georgia man after he shot a Grand Coteau police officer in the arm during a traffic stop for a red light violation.  Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says 59-year-old Michael Dewayne Lucas shot at Officer Kiara Harris when she walked up to his vehicle.

Cut 13 (09) “…training kicked”

Lucas eventually exited the vehicle and ran for a bit more before getting restrained.  Thibodeaux says the suspect is also wanted for murder in a rural county in the Florida Panhandle.

Cut 14 (11) “…her and fleeing.”

It’s unclear why Lucas was in St. Landry.  Thibodeaux says they are glad that Officer Harris was able to put up the fight and get the suspect off the streets because it appears he’s got a long history of run-ins with the long arm of the law.

Cut 15 (12) “…on police officers.”

The officer is recovering and is in good spirits.

______________________________________________

LSU returned to practice yesterday as they get ready for the national championship game against Clemson. The opponent could have easily been Ohio State, who lost in in the final minutes to Clemson in the national semifinals. LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow admits it would have been fun to face his old school and teammates

Cut 16  (9)  …to play” 

LSU heads into the national championship game number one in scoring, averaging 49 points a contest. Burrow on why it’s so difficult to defend the Tigers

Cut 17  (23) “the rest” 

In the semifinal game, Oklahoma held Bilentikoff winner Ja’Marr Chase to two catches, but Justin Jefferson had a record-setting day, catching 14 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns. Burrow says Jefferson had something to prove

cut 18  (9) he did it”  

_____________________________________________________

The Vikings will try to pull off the upset on Sunday in the Superdome when they face the Saints. Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer knows New Orleans will look to bring the pressure on defense

cut 19 (30)  man to man ”  

Minnesota is an eight-point underdog in the contest, but Vikings Quarterback Kirk Cousins says they are not using the point spread as extra motivation

cut 20 (12) “playoffs”    

A few years after implementing criminal justice reforms, Louisiana retakes the title of the nation’s top incarcerator by capita…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

A bakery out of Texas is now offering a New Year’s resolution friendly Keto King Cake. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________________________

What will Louisiana’s impact be on DC with the 2020 elections? Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “… I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________________________

Louisiana is once again the number one incarcerator per capita in the country after criminal justice reform in Oklahoma bumps the Bayou State back into the top spot.

Louisiana fell to 49th after the 2017 criminal justice reforms went into effect here, but Sentencing Project Executive Director Marc Mauer says this news is proof we have a lot of work to do.

Cut 4 (09) “…done”

The bipartisan reforms expanded parole opportunities and reduced the amount of time nonviolent criminals had to spend in jail.

Mauer says Louisiana’s incarceration rate remains sky high due to a longstanding policy of not allowing parole opportunities for those with life sentences in Louisiana jails.

Cut 5 (08) “  prisons” 

A Sentencing Project study showed Louisiana topped the nation in 2017 with 13% of it’s prison population being lifers without the chance of parole.

Mauer says Louisiana needs to substantially reduce the use of life without parole sentences. He adds the aging populations created by the policy are expensive and don’t make us any safer.

Cut 6 (10) “…30s”

_________________________________________________

Select retailers in Louisiana are offering a keto diet friendly king cake for those who want to enjoy carnival season confections while watching their weight. The low-carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free king cake from Unrefined Bakery is endorsed by Eat Fit Oschner. Oschner Dietician Vanessa Richard says it’s filling and healthy.

Cut 7 (12) “…swerve.”

She adds the lack of sugar and carbs means you won’t have an insulin spike from eating it, which means no crashing out a few hours later.

Unrefined co-founder Taylor Nicholson says the cake itself looks just like the real deal, but tastes a little different.

Cut 8 (09) “…texture.”

Nicholson has been gluten-free for the past 17 years, and having grown up outside Louisiana admits she has not had a traditional king cake before.

Each cake has about 1,300 calories in it, with only ten grams of carbs total. Nicholson says at under 200 calories a slice, you can indulge a bit and not regret it later.

Cut 9 (10) “holiday”

The cake is available at many Whole Foods statewide, and at select local retailers.

________________________________________

The 2020 Presidential election is exactly 10 months away. On the ballot, Senator Bill Cassidy is up for re-election. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat does not foresee Cassidy facing a major challenger…

Cut 10 (11) “…the reelection process.”

It is uncertain if Congressman Ralph Abraham will run for re-election. Pinsonat says Abraham has previously stated he might term limit himself, but there are those that want him to run again.

Cut 11 (09) “…very little gets done.”

Pinsonat expects President Donald Trump will once again win Louisiana by a safe margin.

Cut 12 (05) “…16 to 20 points.” 

_______________________________

St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrest a Georgia man after he shot a Grand Coteau police officer in the arm during a traffic stop for a red light violation.  Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says 59-year-old Michael Dewayne Lucas shot at Officer Kiara Harris when she walked up to his vehicle.

Cut 13 (09) “…training kicked”

Lucas eventually exited the vehicle and ran for a bit more before getting restrained.  Thibodeaux says the suspect is also wanted for murder in a rural county in the Florida Panhandle.

Cut 14 (11) “…her and fleeing.”

It’s unclear why Lucas was in St. Landry.  Thibodeaux says they are glad that Officer Harris was able to put up the fight and get the suspect off the streets because it appears he’s got a long history of run-ins with the long arm of the law.

Cut 15 (12) “…on police officers.”

The officer is recovering and is in good spirits.

______________________________________________

LSU returned to practice yesterday as they get ready for the national championship game against Clemson. The opponent could have easily been Ohio State, who lost in in the final minutes to Clemson in the national semifinals. LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow admits it would have been fun to face his old school and teammates

Cut 16  (9)  …to play” 

LSU heads into the national championship game number one in scoring, averaging 49 points a contest. Burrow on why it’s so difficult to defend the Tigers

Cut 17  (23) “the rest” 

In the semifinal game, Oklahoma held Bilentikoff winner Ja’Marr Chase to two catches, but Justin Jefferson had a record-setting day, catching 14 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns. Burrow says Jefferson had something to prove

cut 18  (9) he did it”  

_____________________________________________________

The Vikings will try to pull off the upset on Sunday in the Superdome when they face the Saints. Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer knows New Orleans will look to bring the pressure on defense

cut 19 (30)  man to man ”  

Minnesota is an eight-point underdog in the contest, but Vikings Quarterback Kirk Cousins says they are not using the point spread as extra motivation

cut 20 (12) “playoffs”    

530PM LRN News

Over six-thousand Louisiana taxpayers have yet to repay the state after a computer glitch last March sent them a double tax refund. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says ignoring collection letters for the amount owed will only delay the inevitable.

Cut 4 (10) “…is satisfied.”

Collection efforts include offsetting state and Federal tax returns, wage garnishments and bank levies.

Authorities arrest a suspect in the allegedly premeditated murders of three homeless people in Baton Rouge last month. 29-year-old Jeremy Anderson is thought to have murdered 40-year-old Gregory Corcoran and 53-year-old Christina Fowler December 13th, and 50-year-old Tony Williams December 27th. District Attorney Hillar Moore says a crime lab linked the two scenes…

Cut 10 (11) “…person.”

The Ragin’ Cajuns are mourning the death of former athletics director David Walker.  Walker served in many roles in the administration for more than thirty years, including his run as the interim AD from 2005, then officially taking the reins in 2007 through his retirement in 2010.  Voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker remembers his impact.

Cut 6 (10) “…really respected him.”

Out of the four NFL Wildcard playoff games this weekend, the Saints are the biggest favorite at a remarkable 8 points, sky high for a competitive playoff game. oddsmaker consultant Scott Cooley says part of that is the fact that NFL fans have always had a soft spot for the Black and Gold, and as such tend to boost their lines by betting on them.

Cut 14 (10) “…those guys.”

The Saints are the 2nd favorite to win the NFC.

4:30 PM Newscast

 

29-year-old Jeremy Anderson is arrested in Baton Rouge as the man allegedly behind the premeditated murders of three homeless people last month. Matt Doyle has more…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

A Union Parish man is now facing a second-degree murder charge, accused of shooting his girlfriend in the head.  25-year-old Sean Johnson fled to Texas after the Saturday night shooting of 25-year-old Sharmaine Brown, where authorities found him attempting to hide inside a cabinet at a former girlfriend’s apartment.

 

More than six-thousand Louisiana taxpayers have yet to repay the state after a computer glitch last spring sent them a double tax refund. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says so far only half that were sent an extra refund in error have yet to repay the state.
Cut 3 (10) “…that is owed.”
Henderson says ignoring collection letters for the amount owed will only delay the inevitable.

Out of the four NFL Wildcard playoff games this weekend, the Saints are the biggest favorite. The Saints are eight-point favorites over the Vikings, but oddsmaker consultant Scott Cooley says even though the Saints will have to win three playoff games to reach the Super Bowl in Miami, they are one of the favorites to get to south Florida

Cut 13 (12) “…the conference”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints continued their preparations today to host the 10-and-6 Minnesota Vikings in Sunday’s N-F-L Wildcard playoff game. The Vikings are 10-and-6 and have one of the best defenses in the league. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees says it starts with Minnesota’s fierce pass rush which has resulted in 48 sacks…
cut 18 (19) “…close attention”
Out of the four NFL Wildcard playoff games this weekend, the Saints are the biggest favorite. New Orleans is an eight-point favorite over the Vikings, but oddsmaker consultant Scott Cooley says he could see that line come down before Sunday’s noon kickoff…
Cut 12 (06) “…we’ll see.”

Former Ragin Cajuns athletics director David Walker has passed away. The 1976 graduate of the school took over as A-D on an interim basis right before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and was named permanent A-D in 2007 and retired from the position in 2010. The voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker says David Walker was an effective fundraiser and hired some good coaches at the end of his tenure…
cut 8 (10) “….New Orleans Bowls”
Current Cajuns football coach Billy Napier has agreed to a two-year contract extension that extends his deal through 2025.

LSU has received a verbal pledge from the nation’s number one linebacker in the class of 2021. California native Raesjon Davis announced his commitment to LSU on Twitter.

And Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson participated in his first full practice today since knee surgery, but no timetable on when he’ll play in a game.

330PM LRN News

Over six thousand people never returned their infamous “double tax return” that was generated by a computer glitch last tax season, returns worth a collective 1.9 million dollars. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says you need to give that money back, or else the state is going to come get it with interest…

Cut 5 (07) “…25 percent.”

If you owe money to the state contact the department to return the amount in a lump sum or set up a repayment plan.

Authorities arrest a suspect in the allegedly premeditated murders of three homeless people in Baton Rouge last month. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says one of his detectives received a tip that led to the arrest of 29-year-old Jeremy Anderson…

Cut 9 (08) “…crimes”

Anderson is thought to have murdered 40-year-old Gregory Corcoran, 53-year-old Christina Fowler and 50-year-old Tony Williams.

UL Lafayette remembers the life and works of former Athletic Director David Walker, who passed away last night. Voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker says just before his retirement in 2010, Walker hired basketball coach Bob Marlin and former football coach Mark Hudspeth.

Cut 8 (10) “…New Orleans Bowls.”

Walker served in a number of roles during his 30 years at the school.

Out of the four NFL Wildcard playoff games this weekend, the Saints are the biggest favorite. The Saints are eight-point favorites over the Vikings, but oddsmaker consultant Scott Cooley says he could see that line come down before Sunday’s noon kickoff…

Cut 12 (06) “…we’ll see.” 

Despite not having home-field advantage, the Saints are rated second most likely to win the NFC.

LRN PM Newscall January 2nd

About six-thousand taxpayers that were sent double tax returns last March have yet to repay the state. Brooke Thorington has more on what they are facing.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

_____________________

29-year-old Jeremy Anderson is arrested in Baton Rouge as the man allegedly behind the premeditated murders of three homeless people last month. Matt Doyle has more…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

___________________________

Over six-thousand Louisiana taxpayers have yet to repay the state after a computer glitch last March sent them a double tax refund. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says only half of the individuals given an extra refund in error have yet to repay the state.

Cut 3 (10) “…that is owed.”

Henderson says ignoring collection letters for the amount owed will only delay the inevitable.

Cut 4 (10) “…is satisfied.”

Collection efforts include offsetting state and Federal tax returns, wage garnishments and bank levies.

Henderson says procrastinating about what is owed can be costly, late fees are owed on the debt as well.

Cut 5 (07) “…25 percent.”

The total amount of repayment yet to be paid is $1.9 million. If you owe money to the state contact the department to return the amount in a lump sum or set up a repayment plan

_______________________

The Ragin’ Cajuns are mourning the death of former athletics director David Walker.  Walker served in many roles in the administration for more than thirty years, including his run as the interim AD from 2005, then officially taking the reins in 2007 through his retirement in 2010.  Voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker remembers his impact.

Cut 6 (10) “…really respected him.”

David Walker helped navigate the University and Lafayette communities through the aftermaths of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Jay Walker remembers the AD as being an effective fundraiser for the department.

Cut 7 (10) “…was very persuasive.”

Just before his retirement, Walker hired basketball coach Bob Marlin and former football coach Mark Hudspeth.

Cut 8 (10) “…New Orleans Bowls.”

_________________________________

Authorities arrest a suspect in the allegedly premeditated murders of three homeless people in Baton Rouge last month. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Geautreaux says one of his detectives received a tip that led to the arrest of 29-year-old Jeremy Anderson…

Cut 9 (08) “…crimes”

Anderson has been charged with two counts of 1st Degree Murder, and one count of 2nd Degree Murder.

Anderson is thought to have murdered 40-year-old Gregory Corcoran and 53-year-old Christina Fowler December 13th, and 50-year-old Tony Williams December 27th. District Attorney Hillar Moore says a crime lab linked the two scenes…

Cut 10 (11) “…person.”

Corcoran and Fowler were found underneath an overpass, and Williams was discovered on the front porch of a vacant residence.

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul says Anderson does have a criminal history, and while they don’t have a motive yet, they’re confident it was just a one-man job…

Cut 11 (10) “…presents”

Anderson lived just blocks away from the murders, per the Advocate.

______________________

Out of the four NFL Wildcard playoff games this weekend, the Saints are the biggest favorite. The Saints are eight-point favorites over the Vikings, but oddsmaker consultant Scott Cooley says he could see that line come down before Sunday’s noon kickoff…

Cut 12 (06) “…we’ll see.” 

Cooley says even though the Saints will have to win three playoff games to reach the Super Bowl in Miami, they are one of the favorites to get to south Florida

Cut 13 (12) “…the conference”

Cooley says historically, sports fans like betting on the Saints…

Cut 14 (10) “…those guys.”