4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are preparing to take on the Carolina Panthers on this New Year’s holiday. New Orleans needs a win Sunday in the Superdome in order to keep the Black and Gold’s playoff hopes alive. But they have just one win inside the Dome this season. Cornerback P-J Williams says it’s been frustrating they have not been able to take advantage of the support they get from Who Dat Nation…
cut 16 (17) “….this week”

There will be a football game held in the Superdome on Saturday night as seventh-ranked Baylor faces eighth-ranked Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl. The Rebels have been led by Quarterback Matt Corral who could be someone the Saints are looking at in next year’s draft. Kick-off is at 7:45.

The state epidemiologist with the Louisiana Department of Health has recommended that extracurricular activities at schools should stop because of the latest surge of COVID cases fueled by the Omicron variant. But Louisiana High School Athletic Association executive director Eddie Bonine sent out a memo that says the LHSAA will not halt their winter sports seasons.

In college basketball, last night, Louisiana Tech and the Ragin Cajuns started conference play on the right foot. The Bulldogs beat Marshall 79-56 as the Thundering Herd shot just 29-percent from the field. Cobe Williams led the Bulldogs with 22 points.

U-L Lafayette defeated Appalachian State 71-55 as Jordan Brown had 16 points.

ULM allowed 12 three-pointers and got crushed by Coastal Carolina 94-64.

The 19th ranked LSU Lady Tigers won their 12th straight last night beating 13th ranked Georgia in Athens 68-62.

2:30 LRN Newscast Dec 31

The Lafayette city court judge under fire for a video in which she can be heard off-camera uttering a racial slur resigns – effective immediately. The cell phone video, shot inside Judge Michelle Odinet’s home, shows a TV screen on which people are watching home security video of someone attempting to burglarize the house. That’s when the inflammatory words are heard. Odinet had been on forced leave without pay. Her resignation is immediate.

Celebrating the New Year with fireworks? Ashley Rodrigue, with the state Fire Marshal’s office, has a few safety tips. Like never use them when you’ve been drinking, don’t let kids light or handle them and be sure to properly quench the stuff after you’re done…:

CUT 05        (11)    “…trash can.”

 

In a press event yesterday, Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the ongoing surge in COVID cases – many of them the Omicron variant. The state added over 12-thousand new cases Wednesday and over 9-thousand Thursday. About 760 are hospitalized with the virus. Mr. Edwards says this time he is asking Louisianans to mask back up, to keep more people from failing ill…:

CUT 14        (11)    “…a loved one.”

COVID tests sites are swamped, so he says – if you cannot get tested, act as if you ARE positive and take precautions.

Get ready for the cold weather to return over the holiday weekend. By Monday morning we should see low temperatures in the mid-to-upper 20’s in northern parishes and the low-to-mid 30’s in the south. So get those coats back out.

1:30 LRN Newscast Dec 31

Judge Michelle Odinet, the Lafayette city court judge who was caught on a viral video using a racial slur, has resigned. In her letter to the Chief Justice of the state Supreme Court, Odinet says she takes full responsibility for her “hurtful words” and apologizes for any trouble she’s caused..

The Great Holiday Heat Wave of 2021 is almost over. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a significant cold front will begin moving across Louisiana in the afternoon and evening of New Year’s Day. He says some Saturday precipitation could even be somewhat severe in the northern half of the state. He says the cooling continues through the weekend…:

CUT 07 (09)      “…of the state.”

By Monday, you can expect frigid temperatures to the work week.

 

Amid the recent surge of COVID cases and hospitalizations in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards implores residents to take proper precautions in an effort to reduce transmission of the virus but fell short of reinstating a mask mandate. He says even though a mask mandate is not in place it doesn’t mean one should ignore their vital use to mitigate COVID…:

CUT 13 (11)      “…wear a mask.”

He says get vaccinated and/or get necessary boosters and stay healthy.

Meanwhile the state Department of Health is urging schools to keep a handle on the spread of the Omicron virus by canceling all extracurricular activities. Sports events, cheerleading, band, music and theater –after school social functions like dances. All of it. Again, it’s a recommendation; NOT a mandate.

Be prepared for temperatures statewide to take a huge nosedive. By Monday morning, northern parishes could see a hard freeze, and the mercury will go into the lower 30’s in the south.

12:30 LRN Newscast Dec 31

The Lafayette City Court Judge reportedly heard using racial slurs on a viral video has resigned. Judge Michelle Odinet has been under fire ever since a video surfaced of persons watching an attempted burglary on home security video and using a derogatory term for the black suspect. She had been on forced leave without pay due to the incident.

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the Omicron variant COVID surge during his latest press event. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

 

Louisiana will be on display to the world tomorrow, in the 133rd Tournament of Roses Parade. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is in Pasadena, California helping to prepare the Louisiana “Feed Your Soul” float, which will feature over 34-thousand flowers and a host of parade riders made up of real Louisiana heroes…:

CUT 10(13)      “…help after hurricanes.”

The Saints face a must-win situation on Sunday in order to make the playoffs, when they host the Carolina Panthers in the final home game of the year. But the Black and Gold have won only once inside the Dome this year. Offensive tackle James Hurst can’t pinpoint why they haven’t been more successful in New Orleans…:

CUT 15(20)      “…cheer about”

08:30 LRN NEWSCAST DECEMBER 31

Governor John Bel Edwards took to Zoom on Thursday to implore residents to take Covid precautions this New Year’s as cases surge. He says it’s no fun to wear a mask and he’s not issuing a mandate, but it’s better to be safe than sorry:
Cut 14 (11) “watching a loved one”
The state reported over 12-thousand cases Thursday.

The New Year will also mark the end of the 2021 Louisiana winter heat wave. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a significant cold front will begin moving across the state the afternoon and evening of New Year’s Day…:
Cut 6 (13) “and some hail”
He says the first freeze of 2022 will occur Sunday into Monday.

If there’s one thing Louisiana knows it’s floats and the state will be showcasing a Bayou State themed one in the Rose Parade Saturday morning. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says his office worked hard to make arrangements for our state to take part in the parade, with a first-of-its-kind entry…:
Cut 11 (08) “we’re real excited”
He says everything on the float is organic even though it might look like paint. The New Year’s Day Rose Parade broadcast begins 10am our time.

If you’re going to be shooting fireworks to ring in 2022, state officials are urging you to play it safe. Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says be sure to detonate your fireworks at least 200 feet away from any structures and vehicles — and be mindful in hurricane impacted areas…:
Cut 4 (10) “flammable as well”
Happy New Year.

0730 LRN NEWSCAST DECEMBER 31

Amid the recent surge of COVID cases in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards implores residents to take proper precautions this New Year’s but fell short of reinstating a mask mandate..:
Cut 12 (11) “before that happens”
He says those who are vaccinated and/or boosted are less likely to be hospitalized if they get sick.

State officials are also encouraging you to play it safe when setting off fireworks for New Year’s Eve. Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the firework ordinances in your area first…:
Cut 3 (08) “sorts of places”
She says it should go without saying that anyone lighting fireworks should not be drinking.

State Police say intoxication was determined to be a major factor in a quadruple fatality crash that occurred in St. Landry Parish on December 17th. They say test results confirmed the at-fault driver, 54-year-old John Lundy of Georgia, was three times the legal limit of intoxication. Lundy died and so did 3 siblings from Jeanerette in the vehicle he hit head on driving the wrong way on I-49: 20-year-old Lindy Rae Simmons, 16-year-old Chris Simmons and 14-year-old Kamryn Simmons.

The state will be a featured in the 133rd Annual Rose Parade Saturday morning.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

06:45 LRN SPORTSCAST DECEMBER 31

The Saints face a must-win situation on Sunday in order to make the playoffs when they host the Carolina Panthers in the final home game of the year. But the Black and Gold have won only once inside the Dome this year. Offensive tackle James Hurst can’t pinpoint why they haven’t been more successful in New Orleans…:
Cut 15 (20) “cheer about”
The game kicks off at 3:25pm.

Meanwhile it appears Saints Quarterback Jameis Winston’s recovery is moving along. He was captured on video by his rehab doctor on Thursday throwing a football for the first time since he underwent knee surgery last month.

In college hoops Louisiana Tech extends its home win streak to eight following an easy 79-56 victory over Marshall Thursday night. The game was the Conference USA opener for both teams.

UL-Lafayette had an easy time over App State in their Sun Belt Conference opener, winning 71-55 on the road.

ULM was riding a 6-game win streak going into their game last night but ended up falling hard to Coastal Carolina 94-64.

The LSU women’s basketball team improves to 13-1 following its biggest win of the year. The Tigers prevailed over No. 13 Georgia on the road to claim the 68-62 victory.

New Orleans Saints legend Sam Mills has become a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his final year of eligibility. The NFL and Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the former NFL players under consideration for Modern-Era player category honor on Thursday.

06:30 LRN NEWSCAST DECEMBER 31

In response to the surge in Covid cases, Governor John Bel Edwards held a final briefing in 2021. Brooke Thorington reports…:
CUT 2 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

State Police say an elderly man and woman died in a two-vehicle crash in Grant Parish Thursday afternoon. They say 82-year-old John Watz and 79-year-old Sharon Watz of Pollock were towing a camper trailer on Highway 165 near La. Highway 524 when for unknown reasons their vehicle struck another vehicle that was parked on the side of the road. The Watz’ were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Great Holiday Heat Wave of 2021 is almost over. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the New Year holiday will usher in more winter-like temps….:
Cut 8 (11) “on Monday morning”
He says there is a slight risk for severe weather before the front moves in Saturday, mostly across Northern Parishes.

Louisiana becomes the first state to be featured in the New Year’s Tournament of Roses Parade. Speaking from Pasadena, California where the massive float is being assembled, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they main rule they must follow for entry is that everything on the structure be made of flowers or plants…:
CUT 9 (12) “green with parsley”
The Rose Parade broadcast Saturday begins at 10am.

AM LRN Newscall Dec 31

Louisiana will be a feature in the 133rd Annual Rose Parade Saturday morning. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

___________________________________

The staggering increase in COVID cases since his year-end press conference last week prompted Governor John Bel Edwards to hold another briefing. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

___________________________________

In addition, taking COVID precautions state officials are also asking you to practice safety when setting off fireworks for New Year’s Eve. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says before you light your first explosive be sure they are legal at your location.

Cut 3 (08) “…sorts of places.” 

If you’re setting off fireworks in a city and or parish where they are legal, Rodrigue says to be sure to detonate your fireworks at least 200 feet away from any structures, vehicles, and in hurricane-impacted areas…

Cut 4 (10) “….flammable as well.”

Never light fireworks if you are under the influence, and never allow children to light or handle fireworks. And it’s a good idea to have a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case things go awry. When you’ve finished Rodrigue says to be sure everything is properly extinguished.

Cut 5 (11) “…trash can.”

Rodrigue says it’s much safer to enjoy a public fireworks display versus creating your own.

____________________________________________________

The Great Holiday Heat Wave of 2021 is almost over. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a significant cold front will begin moving across Louisiana in the afternoon and evening of New Year’s Day…:

Cut 6 (13) “…and some hail.”

Keim says we’ve seen the last of the unseasonably warm 80-degree temperatures of the past several days. Saturday will see temperatures dropping along with some precipitation; some of it possibly severe in the northern half of the state. He says the cooling continues through the weekend…:

Cut 7 (09) “…of the state.”

Keim says the New Year holiday will usher in 2022’s first freeze for Louisiana…:

Cut 8 (11) “…on Monday morning.”

____________________________________________________

Louisiana will be on display to the world Saturday, in the 133rd annual Tournament of Roses Parade. Speaking from Pasadena, California, where the Louisiana float is being assembled, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the first-ever Rose Parade float representing a whole state must follow the main rule: everything is made of flowers or plants…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…green with parsley”

The Louisiana “Feed Your Soul” float features cypress trees, pelicans, alligators, jazz and New Orleans; all represented with natural plant materials. As for float riders, Nungesser says they invited real Louisiana heroes to be in the parade…:

Cut 10 (13)  “…help after hurricanes.”

Parade floats often have music and Nungesser says Livingston Parish’s own Lane Hardy – a past American Idol winner – will be providing that. Nungesser worked hard to make arrangements for our state to take part in the parade, with a first-of-its-kind entry…:

Cut  11 (08)  “…we’re real excited.”  

The Rose Parade broadcast starts at 10 am Louisiana time, and can be seen on ABC, NBC, the Hallmark Channel, and on RFD TV.

____________________________________________________________

Amid the recent surge of COVID cases and hospitalizations in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards implores residents to take proper precautions in an effort to reduce transmission of the virus but fell short of reinstating a mask mandate for the state.

Cut 12 (11) “…before that happens.”

While Edwards shared the latest statistics of the Omicron surge in Louisiana, he says even though a mask mandate is not in place it doesn’t mean one should ignore their vital use to mitigate COVID.

Cut 13 (11) “…wear a mask.”

The governor encourages more people to get vaccinated and or boosted because COVID vaccinations have shown to significantly reduce hospitalizations and severe illness.

Edwards recognizes that wearing a face mask is an inconvenience but it’s a minor request in an effort to keep more people from falling ill or even hospitalized.

Cut 14 (11)  “…watching a loved one.”

Edwards also acknowledges that many COVID testing sites are overwhelmed and the difficulty of locating home tests. He says if you are showing symptoms and unable to get tested assume you are positive and isolated.

_________________________________________________________

The Saints face a must-win situation on Sunday in order to make the playoffs when they host the Carolina Panthers in the final home game of the year. But the Black and Gold have won only once inside the Dome this year. Offensive tackle James Hurst can’t pinpoint why they haven’t been more successful in New Orleans…

Cut 15 (20)  “…cheer about.”

Cornerback P-J Williams says it’s been frustrating they have not been able to take advantage of home-field advantage…

Cut  16 (17) “…this week”

###

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 30

Governor Edwards is encouraging Louisianans to celebrate the New Year with their immediate household and avoid large crowds due to the uptick in cases. Edwards says 95-percent of the parishes are at the highest risk level for COVID-19 transmission and predicts January will be very challenging. He urges the unvaccinated to make getting the COVID vaccine a New Year’s resolution…

Cut 14 (09)  “…COVID” 

The FDA plans to broaden eligibility for Pfizer COVID boosters for teens 12 to 15 in the coming days. Those who are 16 years or older already have access to booster shots. Studies indicate a booster dose increases protection from the Omicron variant which to date is the most transmissible variant of COVID.

Baton Rouge state Representative Ted James has been appointed as the new Regional Administrator of the federal Small Business Administration in the South-Central Region. James, a Baton Rouge native is Chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee and has served in the legislature since 2012.

Cut 5 (07) “…new challenge.”

James will remain in Louisiana and work in the New Orleans office.

The Powerball jackpot for Saturday night’s drawing has reach a half-billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says those jackpots are growing much more quickly because of new Powerball policies…:

Cut 10 (09)  “…so does that jackpot..”

Powerball tickets will be available until 9 pm Saturday. The half-billion drawing will be at 10.