07:30 LRN NEWSCAST DECEMBER 17

The Louisiana judge who was caught on tape repeatedly using a racial slur while she was reviewing security video of an attempted burglary at her home has admitted it. Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet’s attorney is Dane Ciolino…:
CUT 10 (12) “admittedly has said”
He says his client is taking an unpaid leave of absence while she considers her next steps. Governor John Bel Edwards on Thursday called for Odinet’s resignation:
Cut 13 (05) “of the judiciary”
Police say a 59-year-old black man was arrested and charged in the robbery of Odinet’s home.

Meanwhile, also at his year-end news conference Thursday Mr. Edwards announced he supports 2 minority districts among Louisiana’s 6 when congressional lines are redrawn during a special session planned for February. He said it would be only fair as 1/3 of Louisiana’s residents are black.

Tomorrow is the last Saturday in which to get your Christmas shopping done; the so-called Super Saturday. Retail experts predict over 148-million consumers will be shopping, whether in stores or online. National Retail Federation spokesperson Katherine Cullen says for many – especially those with full-time jobs – Super Saturday is their “last hurrah”..:
Cut 7 (14) “big holiday celebration”
Cullen says the average shopper will spend nearly $900 on holiday gifts.

It looks like these crazy warm temperatures will hang on through Saturday afternoon as a cold front moves into the state. Temps across most of Louisiana will still be in the upper 70s to low 80s today, but after the front brings storms through tomorrow night, high temperatures Sunday and Monday are slated to be in the upper 50s to low 60s.

0645 LRN SPORTSCAST DECEMBER 17

The Saints and Buccaneers renew their rivalry on Sunday night when the two teams meet in Tampa Bay. New Orleans has won the past six regular season meetings, but it was the Bucs who beat the Saints in the playoffs last January. Running back Alvin Kamara on the matchup…:
Cut 17 (19) “ ready for it”
The Bucs can win the NFC South with a win on Sunday. Quarterback Tom Brady leads the NFL in completions, attempts, yards and touchdowns with 36. Kickoff is 7:20pm.

LSU fans are happy campers today as word came down Thursday 5th year senior Quarterback Myles Brennan will return to the Tigers after transferring earlier this year.

The latest update from UL-Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux revealed some new information regarding two Cajun starters. Defensive lineman Tayland Humphrey and running back Chris Smith are out for the Cajuns in the New Orleans Bowl which takes play tomorrow night.

In other Louisiana Bowl action tomorrow, the BYU Cougars and UAB Blazers football teams are scheduled to square off in the 2021 Independence Bowl in Shreveport. Kickoff is set for 2:30 at Shreveport’s Independence Stadium.

Also in northwest Louisiana, the undefeated LSU men’s basketball team will be taking on Louisiana Tech Saturday night. The match-up was originally scheduled at Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City to be played in November 2020.

The New Orleans Pelicans say that Zion Williamson will continue to be limited for an extended period following an injection to promote healing in his right foot. They say the Pels star will receive further imaging and reevaluation 4-6 weeks from now.

 

0630 LRN NEWSCAST DECEMBER 17

Attorney General Jeff Landry and Bossier City Representative Ramond Crews have filed a lawsuit against Governor John Bel Edwards in an attempt to block Covid vaccines from being required for kids to attend schools. Crews says it’s a shame this matter has to be taken to court…:

Cut 3 (12) “himself”
Mr. Edwards is not surprised the suit has been filed…:
Cut 4 (13) “sort it out”
He says the state is well within its legal authority to make the move including that parents could still opt their children out.
LSU fans are happy campers today as word came down Thursday 5th year senior Quarterback Myles Brennan will return to the Tigers after transferring earlier this year.
Tomorrow is “Super Saturday” for retailers. Kevin Gallagher reports on this last-ditch chance to complete your holiday shopping…:
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Sports betting is off to profitable start in Louisiana. More than $27 million in sports bets were placed in the state over the first two months, and casinos collected $5 million in that time, according to officials.

AM Newscall Dec 17

AM NEWSCALL

Saturday (Tomorrow) is “Super Saturday” for retailers. Kevin Gallagher reports on this last-ditch chance to complete your holiday shopping…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Lafayette City Court Judge Michele Odinet is no longer denying she used a racial slur while viewing a security video of a black male attempting to burglarize her home last Saturday.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry filed a lawsuit this week against Gov. John Bel Edwards from adding COVID vaccines to the list of shots students are required to receive to attend schools and universities. One of the plaintiffs in the suit is Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews.

Cut 3 (12) “….himself.” 

With respect to the litigation, Edwards says he’s not surprised that a suit has been filed.

Cut 4 (13) “….sort it out.”

Edwards stated he followed proper procedures and in adding the COVID vaccine school schedule, however, Crews disputes that and says it’s the legislature that makes laws. They go through committees, then are debated, and voted on by the legislature, and then signed by the governor.

Cut 5 (09) “…laws here.”

Edwards says he fully expects the administrative procedures act will be upheld and pondered the thought of where the state would be vaccination rate-wise if there wasn’t opposition.

Cut 6 (14) “…promoting vaccinations”

The state already requires students to be immunized against mumps, measles, and polio — before attending public and private K-12 schools, daycares, universities, and colleges.

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Tomorrow (Saturday) is the last Saturday in which to get your Christmas shopping done; the so-called Super Saturday. Retail experts predict over 148-million consumers will be shopping, whether in stores or online. National Retail Federation spokesperson Katherine Cullen says for many – especially those with full-time jobs – Super Saturday is their “last hurrah”…:

Cut 7 (14) “…big holiday celebration.”

Supply chain issues that have prevailed since late summer have caused many consumers to begin their Christmas shopping early; some as early as September. However, Cullen says, you should still be prepared for stores to be crowded and bustling Saturday…:

Cut 8 (09) “…early start this year.”

Retailers started their Holiday marketing earlier as well. Some advertised “Black Friday Specials” before Halloween. Cullen says a sizable number will be men, who tend to wait until it’s almost too late to start shopping. Some shoppers, she says, just find Super Saturday invigorating…:

Cut 9 (09)  “…what they’re looking for.”

Cullen says the average shopper will spend nearly $900 on holiday gifts. Popular gifts this year: clothing, toys, electronics, and, of course, gift cards.

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The attorney for Lafayette City Court Judge Michele Odinet (oh-dih-nay) says his client is now admitting to using a racist slur when reacting to those seen in a security video that captured an attempted burglary at her home last Saturday morning. Dane Ciolino is representing Odinet:

Cut 10 (12)  “…admittedly has said.”

Ciolino says Odinet is petitioning the Louisiana Supreme Court and the Judiciary Commission asking that she be placed on an indefinite period of unpaid leave until she can consider her next step. Governor John Bel Edwards is among those urging Odinet to resign her judicial post.

Ciolino tells us that Odinet is hoping she can be forgiven for her inappropriate utterances.

Cut  11 (06)  “…for this conduct.”  

Ciolino says Judge Odinet is not opting to resign her post but rather has filed a petition with the Louisiana Supreme Court and the Judiciary Commission:

Cut 12 (11) “…for her community.”

Governor Edwards at his end of the year press conference Thursday said that Odinet should resign her post for using a racial slur while viewing the security camera video.

Cut 13 (05) “…of the judiciary.”

A 59-year-old Black man was arrested and charged with two counts of simple burglary in connection with Saturday’s incident at Odinet’s residence.

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U.S. Senator John Kennedy says the disturbing increase in crime across Louisiana – and the country – falls at the feet of liberals and progressives. During his most recent news conference, the Senator was asked about his views on the spikes in criminal activity…:

Cut 14 (09)  “…de-fund and disrespect police movement.”

Louisiana has three cities listed among the nation’s Twenty Worst Cities for Violent Crime; Shreveport, Baton Rouge & New Orleans. Baton Rouge has already set an all-time record for murders within a calendar year. Kennedy says, in America’s most liberal cities after the George Floyd incident in Minneapolis, liberal mayors permitted widespread rioting and looting, while calling for a general de-funding of law enforcement. He says these leaders have a skewed mindset…:

Cut 15 (07)  “…always the gun’s fault.”

He says it’ll take voters to replace leaders who are soft on crime, in order to make cities safer for law-abiding people. Kennedy says “what you allow is what will continue”…:

Cut  16 (14) “… a rise in crime. Duh!”

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The Saints and Buccaneers renew their rivalry on Sunday night when the two teams meet in Tampa Bay. New Orleans has won the past six regular season meetings, but it was the Bucs who beat the Saints in the playoffs last January. Running back Alvin Kamara on the matchup…

Cut 17 (19) “ ready for it” 

Tampa Bay’s defense ranks third in the NFL in defending the run, allowing 91 rushing yards a game.

The Bucs can win the NFC South with a win on Sunday. Quarterback Tom Brady leads the NFL in completions, attempts, yards and touchdowns with 36. Cornerback CJ Gardner-Johnson is looking forward to competing against the best quarterback to ever play in the NFL…

Cut 18 (20) “ striving for” (2x) 

Safety Malcom Jenkins says they can’t just focus on Tom Brady and the Bucs’ receivers. Jenkins says running back Leonard Fournette was a big reason why Tampa Bay won last year’s playoff game….

Cut 19 (12) “ of their offense” 

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5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 16

Big news for Tiger fans today, fifth-year senior Quarterback Myles Brennan says he’ll return to the Purple and Gold after entering the NCAA transfer portal earlier this year. Louisiana Radio Network Sports Director Jeff Palermo says the future is bright for Brennan.

Cut 12 (16) “…full season.”  

 

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers to help plant 600 trees in Lake Maurepas near Manchac this weekend weather permitting. Communications Director James Karst says volunteers 16 and older will travel by boat to plant various types of trees.

Cut 9 (10) “…to restore habitats.”

To register visit the group’s events webpage at www.crcl.org.

 

 

Louisiana’s Teen Vax Campaign is looking for volunteers to become vaccine youth ambassadors. The group’s Ritney Castine says you can be 12 to 17 to help lead the state’s effort to improve the Bayou State’s vaccination rates. He says the ambassadors, who will meet monthly with public health professionals, will be a plus for the Teen Vax Campaign.

Cut 4 (08) “…Department of Health.”

 

Castine says the youth ambassadors of the Louisiana Teen Vax Campaign will help students to distinguish the truth about being vaccinated from the misconceptions.

Governor John Bel Edwards held his year-end press conference this afternoon. He covered a variety of events that impacted the state in 2021 from the pandemic, hurricanes, infrastructure funds, and COVID vaccinations to name a few. Edwards halfheartedly joked this might not be his last briefing of the year…

 Cut 6 (10) “…in 2022.” 

Edwards wished Louisianans a safe and happy holiday season.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU’s quarterback situation looks much better as a former starter decides to stay a Tiger…
cut 1 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo

But LSU receiver Trey Palmer has put his name into the transfer portal and former Fighting Tigers cornerback Eli Ricks has announced he’s transferring to Alabama.

The Pelicans announced that Zion Williamson will be re-evaluated in another four to six weeks after getting an injection in his injured right foot. The injection is designed to stimulate bone healing as he continues to recover from a fracture.

The Saints continue preparations for Sunday’s primetime matchup against The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Coach Sean Payton says the passing game needs to click in order to upset the Bucs…
cut 17 (12) “…so well”
Hill threw for 175 yards last week in a 30-9 win over the Jets.

New Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie signed eleven players on Wednesday. Cumbie says there are four wide receivers in this class they are really excited about…
Cut 20 (17) “ push them”
Louisiana Tech’s class includes Calvary Baptist Quarterback Landry Lyddy, the 2021 Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year.

4:30 LRN Newscast Dec 16

Governor John Bel Edwards held his year-end press conference this afternoon. He covered a variety of events that impacted the state in 2021 from the pandemic, hurricanes, infrastructure funds, and COVID vaccinations to name a few. Mr. Edwards asks us to pray for the New Year…:

CUT 08(07)      “…a better 2022.”

The governor also stated that he still plans to go forward with adding the COVID vaccine to the school shot schedule for fall of 2022, despite a lawsuit to block it from Attorney General Jeff Landry.

A former priest and ex-director of the Association for Retarded Citizens in Greater New Orleans faces charges under Louisiana’s video voyeurism law. Jefferson Parish detectives say 59-year-old Stephen Sauer possessed images of men in sexual situations that appeared to be taken without their knowledge. Sauer was fired from his job at ArcGNO earlier this week.

 

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers to help plant 600 trees in Lake Maurepas near Manchac this weekend – weather permitting. CRCL’s James Karst says they need volunteers who aren’t afraid of a boat ride to get to the job…:

CUT 11(10)      “…click on ‘events’”

That web address is “CRCL.org”

This could help with some roadside encounters with law enforcement. Eligible Louisiana motorists can now request to have an “Autism” indicator added to their driver’s license. Any person diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by a qualified medical or mental health professional is included. The autism indicator will appear under the customer’s picture on the license.

LSU senior Quarterback Myles Brennan says he’ll exit the transfer portal and return to LSU. Brenna could play in the January 4th Texas Bowl versus Kansas State.

PM LRN Newscast Dec 16

Some good news for LSU fans: quarterback Myles Brennan will return to the Tigers. More from Jeff Palermo, who’s on the road…:

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you care for the environment, Dave Brannen reports there’s an event taking place this weekend that might be right up your alley.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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Louisiana’s Teen Vax Campaign is looking for volunteers to become vaccine youth ambassadors. The group’s Ritney Castine says you can be 12 and 17 to help lead the state’s effort to improve the Bayou State’s vaccination rates.

Cut 3 (11) “…get a vaccination.”

Those interested, regardless of their vaccination status, can take part in the campaign as an ambassador by applying as an individual or taking part in a team or club looking to inform other youths about the advantages of the vaccine.

Castine says the ambassadors, who will meet monthly with public health professionals, will be a plus for the Teen Vax Campaign.

Cut 4 (08) “…Department of Health.”

Castine says the youth ambassadors of the Louisiana Teen Vax Campaign will help students to distinguish the truth about being vaccinated from the misconceptions.

Cut 5 (10) “..on social media.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards held his year-end press conference this afternoon. He covered a variety of events that impacted the state in 2021 from the pandemic, hurricanes, infrastructure funds, and COVID vaccinations to name a few. Edwards halfheartedly joked this might not be his last briefing of the year…

 Cut 6 (10) “…in 2022.” 

Edwards wished Louisianans a safe and happy holiday season and also expressed optimism for 2022 with incoming infrastructure funds.

Cut 7 (13) “…to be coming.”  

The governor also stated that he still plans to go forward with adding the COVID vaccine to the school shot schedule for fall of 2022 and despite a lawsuit from Attorney General Jeff Landry that his office will be successful and he is merely following the science in doing so.

Edwards also asked residents to pray for the upcoming year.

Cut 8 (07) “…better 2022.”

We will have more tomorrow on the Governor’s year-end press conference.

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The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers to help plant 600 trees in Lake Maurepas near Manchac this weekend weather permitting. Communications Director James Karst says volunteers 16 and older will travel by boat to plant various types of trees.

Cut 9 (10) “…to restore habitats.”

Habitats that have been disrupted by previous hurricanes and storms. Karst says there will be two shifts, one at 9 a.m. the other at noon, on Friday and Saturday for volunteers to take part in the tree planting. To register visit the group’s events webpage at www.crcl.org.

Karst says the planting of these 600 trees will address the degradation these areas of Lake Maurepas have undergone for various reasons, including hurricanes.

Cut 10 (07)  “…it’s safe there.”

Karst says the volunteer operation will include snacks and drinks and the equipment needed to plant the trees, and as for those who want to give of their time for the project…

Cut  11 (10)  “…click on events.”  

For more information, visit www.crcl.org.

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Big news for Tiger fans today, fifth-year senior Quarterback Myles Brennan says he’ll return to the Purple and Gold after entering the NCAA transfer portal earlier this year. Louisiana Radio Network Sports Director Jeff Palermo says the future is bright for Brennan.

Cut 12 (16) “…full season.”  

Brennan suffered a series of injuries in the 2020 season that prevented him from starting. This past season he was, perhaps, under-utilized by Coach Ed Orgeron. He entered the transfer portal in October, before the coach’s departure from LSU was announced. Palermo says the change of leadership likely changed his mind…:

Cut 13 (08) “…best place for him.”

Coach Kelly recently got a commitment during early signing from St. Thomas More QB Walker Howard but certainly will still need some experience at the position, so getting Brennan to come back makes good sense. Palermo says Brennan’s return to LSU has possibilities that come well before next football season…:

Cut 14 (04) “…on January 4th.” 

2:30 LRN Newscast Dec 16

Governor John Bel Edwards held his year-end press conference this afternoon, in which he covered many events impacting the state this past year. From the pandemic, to hurricanes, infrastructure funds, and COVID vaccinations and more. Edwards halfheartedly joked this might NOT be his last briefing of the year…:

CUT 06(10)      “…see you is in 2022.”

Edwards wished Louisianans a safe and happy holiday season.

Big news for Tiger fans today, fifth-year senior Quarterback Myles Brennan says he’ll return to the Purple and Gold after entering the NCAA transfer portal earlier this year. Louisiana Radio Network Sports Director Jeff Palermo says the change of head coaches could have changed his mind…:

CUT 13(08)      “…best place for him.”

Coach Kelly recently got a commitment during early signing from St. Thomas More QB Walker Howard but, Palermo says, certainly will still need some experience at the position.

 

A Shreveport man has been jailed on numerous counts of possessing and distributing child pornography. 28-year-old Joshua Turner was arrested after a tip began a state Justice Department investigation, in which his computer and devices were seized.

If you care for the environment, Dave Brannen reports there’s an event taking place this weekend that might be right up your alley….:

CUT 02(35)      “…Brannen.”

1:30 LRN Newscast Dec 16

Louisiana’s Teen Vax Campaign is looking for volunteers to become vaccine youth ambassadors. The group’s Ritney Castine says you can be as young as 12 and up to 17. Castine says the youth ambassadors of the Louisiana Teen Vax Campaign will help students to distinguish the truth about being vaccinated from the misconceptions…:

CUT 05(10)      “…on social media.”

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers to help plant 600 trees in Lake Maurepas near Manchac this weekend weather permitting. Communications Director James Karst says this will address the degradation these areas of Lake Maurepas have undergone for various reasons, including hurricanes…:

CUT 10(08)      “…it’s safe there.”

To register visit the group’s events webpage at www.crcl.org.

 

Add Governor John Bel Edwards to the list of those calling for Lafayette Judge Michelle Odinet to resign, after a video shot in her home surfaced containing racial slurs and insults. Odinet is on a self-imposed leave of absence without pay. An interim judge has been named to hear cases on her docket. The governor shared his opinion during his end-of-year new conference.

Some good news for LSU fans: quarterback Myles Brennan will return to the Tigers. More from Jeff Palermo, who’s on the road…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Palermo.”

Lifeshare Blood Centers across the state says blood supplies are always low this time of year, so if you are of a mind to … please consider donating blood.