7:30 LRN Newscast

It has been 4 months since Category Four Hurricane Ida impacted Louisiana; bringing destruction to the state’s southeastern coastal parishes. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says Terrebonne Parish still has a large number of residents living in makeshift accommodations…:
Cut 4 (10) “….nort really come yet.”
Magee says Ida damaged a large number of businesses; some of whom have rebuilt, but others still struggling.

As a result of legislation approved in June, the maximum weekly benefit an unemployed individual will receive from the state is increasing by 28-dollars to 275 dollars for people who qualify. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore says it’s been more than 10 years since the state increased the maximum unemployment benefit…
cut 8 (09) “….their families”
Fiore says individuals filing a claim on or after Sunday will see the increase.

2021 saw its fair share of big stories including a Title Nine scandal that rocked LSU. An independent investigation shined more light on allegations that the school failed to properly investigate sexual misconduct claims against former football players. No one lost their job at LSU, but two high-ranking athletic department employees were suspended. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson thought that punishment was weak…
cut 12 (07) “…truth again”
The fallout cost former football coach Les Miles’ job at Kansas and former LSU President F King Alexander resigned as president at Oregon State.

COVID was a big story in 2021 and it will be in 2022. Yesterday, the Louisiana Department of Health reported over nine-thousand new cases, which is a single-day record high for the pandemic. COVID hospitalizations have tripled in two weeks.

6:45 LRN Sportscast December 30

The LSU men’s basketball team is no longer undefeated as the Bayou Bengals failed to recover from a slow start and lost their SEC opener at Auburn 70-55. Auburn started the game on an 18-to-1 run as LSU missed its first 16 field goal attempts. The Tigers trimmed the deficit down to six points twice, but the 17 turnovers committed by LSU were just too much to overcome.

Meanwhile, LSU football coach Brian Kelly has named Robert Steeples as a defensive assistant. He’s currently the assistant special teams’ coach for the Minnesota Vikings and he had a brief NFL career as a cornerback. Earlier this week, Kelly named Matt House as his defensive coordinator. Baton Rouge sports talk show host Matt Mascona says Kelly has a track record of hiring good assistant coaches…
cut 29 (09) “…successful hire”

The Saints return to the practice field today and they are getting some players back from the COVID-19 list, including quarterbacks Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian, linebackers Demario Davis, Kwon Alexander and Kaden Ellis, tight end Adam Trautman and special teams captain J-T Gray.

The Saints will host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. New Orleans lost to Carolina in week two, but since then the Panthers have really struggled and the return of Quarterback Cam Newton hasn’t helped the offense or the firing of Joe Brady as offensive coordinator. Coach Sean Payton on their two-quarterback system with Newton and Sam Darnold…
cut 18 (16) “….rely on the tape”
Kick-off this Sunday in the Superdome is at 3:25.

6:30 LRN Newscast December 30

It has been 4 months since Category Four Hurricane Ida impacted Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher reports on the recovery…:
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

For the first time in a decade, Louisiana’s unemployment benefit will increase by eleven percent. The new amount goes into effect Sunday and the maximum weekly benefit for those who qualify will be $275. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore says it’s welcome news for recipients.
Cut 7 (05) “…to find.”
Fiore says right now there are more than 28-thousand jobs available through the L-W-C Hire website.

It’s time to look back at 2021 and it got off to a rocky start on January 6th, when thousands of angry President Trump supporters stormed the U-S Capitol causing damage to the building, and five officers who attempted to hold back the rioters died and their deaths linked to the riot. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is disgusted by what he saw…
Cut 10 (11) “…sediition.”
In February, a massive winter storm brought snow, ice, and some of the coldest temperatures on record to the Bayou State. Entergy’s John Hawkins asked customers to conserve energy as rolling blackouts were put in place, because of the demand for heat…
Cut 11 (09) “…power grid.”
Get ready for a big change in the weather, a strong cold front will hit the state on Saturday, strong storms are possible and highs in the 30s and 40s on Sunday.

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 29

One of the state’s Most Wanted fugitives is behind bars, after a five-hour standoff with LEO’s Tuesday in Delhi. 18-year-old Jatavious Carroll was wanted for an October 13th shooting on Grambling University’s campus that took the life of Damarius Murphy. State Trooper Mike Reichardt says multiple agencies cooperated to bring Carroll in..:

CUT 07  (09)        “…even better.”

Two other suspects in that case were already in jail.

State Police are looking into a fatal police shooting in Lake Charles. Officers confronted 22-year-old Christopher Thomas for shooting into a home twice in one night; wounding one person. When he fired on them, the LEOs fired back – killing him. Trooper Derek Senegal says the investigation will seek out any surveillance video that could help..:

CUT 05  (14)        “…a report.”

 

A Baton Rouge teen faces charges after shooting and killing his father inside the family home this morning. Police say 43-year-old Mohammed Aziz was found dead, after his 17-year-old son heard a loud noise and started shooting. He’s been initially charged with negligent homicide, pending an investigation.

The New Orleans butcher who introduced NFL great John Madden to the Louisiana “turducken” mourns the passing of the football legend. Brooke Thorington has that…:

CUT 02(34)      “…Thorington.”

AM LRN Newscall Dec 30

It has been 4 months since Category Four Hurricane Ida impacted Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher reports ion the recovery progress…:

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

___________________________________

Beginning Sunday, the maximum weekly unemployment benefit will increase to $275. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

___________________________________

With just a couple of days left in 2021, it’s time to take look back at another eventful year. Kevin Gallagher has the story…

Cut 3 (45) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher” 

___________________________________

It has been 4 months since Category Four Hurricane Ida impacted Louisiana; bringing destruction to the state’s southeastern coastal parishes. Houma state Representative Tanner Magee says Terrebonne Parish still has a large number of residents living in makeshift accommodations…:

Cut 4 (10) “….nort really come yet.”

Magee says Ida damaged a large number of businesses; some of whom have rebuilt, but others still struggling. He also feels sorry for Terrebonne Parish students, who’ve been challenged with COVID protocols and now the setbacks of a major hurricane…:

Cut 5 (09) “…mobile classrooms there.”

Magee says two entire high schools will need to be rebuilt, and he’s unsure where the money to do that will come from.

After four months of hard work and suffering, Magee says Terrebonne still has “a long way to go” in recovering from Hurricane Ida…:

Cut 6 (04) “…better year for us.”

____________________________________________

For the first time in a decade, Louisiana’s unemployment benefit will increase by eleven percent. The new amount goes into effect Sunday and the maximum weekly benefit for those who qualify will be $275. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore says it’s welcome news for recipients.

Cut 7 (05) “…to find.”

The increase was approved in the 2021 regular legislative session, in exchange for the governor agreeing to end the federal supplemental weekly benefit of $300, five weeks early. Fiore says the maximum weekly benefit will increase by $28.

Cut 8 (09) “…their families.”

Fiore says the increase is only applicable to claims filed on or after January 2nd.

Cut 9 (11)  “…a decade.”

For those who make their initial claim January 1, 2022, or before, the maximum weekly benefit amount is still $247.

___________________________________________

It’s time to look back at 2021 and it got off to a rocky start on January 6th, when thousands of angry President Trump supporters stormed the U-S Capitol causing damage to the building and five officers who attempted to hold back the rioters have died and their deaths linked to the riot. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is disgusted by what he saw…

Cut 10 (11)  “…sediition.”

In February, a massive winter storm brought snow, ice, and some of the coldest temperatures on record to the Bayou State. Entergy’s John Hawkins asked customers to conserve energy as rolling blackouts were put in place, because of the demand for heat…

Cut  11 (09)  “…power grid.”  

In March, LSU released a 150-page report that investigated several cases where LSU failed to properly handle sexual misconduct complaints involving former football players. No one was fired for their roles, but two high-ranking athletic department employees were suspended. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson thought the punishment was weak

Cut 12 (07) “…truth again.”

The fallout cost former football coach Les Miles’ job at Kansas State and former LSU President F King Alexander resigned as a president of Oregon State.

In July, state lawmakers held their first-ever override veto session as Republican legislators were upset the governor vetoed a bill that would prohibit a biological male from competing on girl athletic teams. But the veto override effort failed as a few Republicans and Democrats like New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis said the legislation was not needed…

Cut 13 (09) “…to college.”

For the second straight year, Louisiana was hit by a Category Four storm. Hurricane Ida devasted the bayou and river parishes and also did a number on Tangipahoa Parish. Congressman Garret Graves couldn’t believe the destruction…

Cut 14 (12)  “…hurricane.”

Less than two years from winning a national championship and guiding LSU to a perfect 15-0 season, Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron was told in October he would not return for the 2022 season. Athletics Director Scott Woodward says mediocre play on the football field would not be accepted…

Cut 15 (09)  “…met that standard.”

___________________________________________

The Saints activated eleven players from the COVID list including quarterbacks Trevor Siemian and Taysom Hill. New COVID protocols in the NFL allow vaccinated players to return earlier if their symptoms go away. Coach Sean Payton was asked if he was concerned if players would hide their symptoms in order to come back to the field earlier…

Cut  16 (13) “…they feel.”

Payton expects Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian will be back for Sunday’s game. The coach was also asked on Wednesday about the offensive line’s performance…

Cut 17 (30) “ …we will.”

The Saints will host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. New Orleans lost to Carolina in week two, but since then the Panthers have really struggled and the return of Cam Newton hasn’t helped the offense or the firing of Joe Brady as offensive coordinator…

Cut 18 (18) “ …rely on the tape” 

4:30 LRN Newscast Dec 29

State Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Lake Charles. Troop D spokesman Trooper Derek Senegal says LCPD was called to a home that had been fired upon twice. A person was wounded in the second event. Senegal says the suspect, 22-year-old Christopher Thomas fled to another home, where police confronted him and tried to negotiate. He says Thomas retreated back into the house…:

CUT 04(12)      “…he actually died.”

State Police investigate all officer-involved shootings.

After a five-hour standoff, the last man wanted a fatal shooting on the Grambling campus in October is in custody. Trooper Mike Reichardt says 18-year-old Jatavious Carroll – aka “Rabbit” – had been in the wind for over two months, but marshals caught up with him Tuesday in Delhi..:

CUT 06(09)      “…custody.”

Two other suspects in that case were already behind bars.

 

Starting January 1st, medical marijuana patients in Louisiana will have the option of smoking the herb. State lawmakers – with Governor’s agreement – expanded the medicinal cannabis law to include the smokable marijuana plant flowers as an approved treatment for numerous ailments. Until now only oils, tinctures, edibles and oral dissolvables have been available. One must have a doctor’s recommendation to get medical marijuana, and it is still only available in ten dispensaries statewide.

Sports news: new LSU head football coach Brian Kelly names Matt House as his new Defensive Coordinator.            House is currently the linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. Baton Rouge sports radio talk show host Matt Moscona says KC defensive back Tyrann Mathieu gives House a shining endorsement…:

CUT 13(09)      “…with it.”

House will remain with Kansas City through the end of the NFL season, then make the moved to LSU.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The 16th ranked LSU basketball team tips off SEC play tonight with a trip to 11th ranked Auburn. The undefeated Tigers have yet to play a true road game. Coach Will Wade says Auburn Arena is not an easy place to play for a visitor….
Cut 17 (18) “ …great fans.”
Both teams are averaging around 80 points a game, while the Tigers lead the SEC in field goal percentage defense at 34-percent, while Auburn is 39-percent. Tip off is at 6 PM.

U-L Lafayette begins Sun Belt play at Appalachian state tomorrow. But Coach Bob Marlin will not be there was he’s tested positive for COVID-19.

Louisiana Tech will welcome Marshall to the Thomas Assembly Center for the start of Conference USA play tomorrow. The Bulldogs have won 15 straight home games, while the Thundering Herd has dropped three straight overall.

LSU football coach Brian Kelly has named Matt House as the Tigers new defensive coordinator. House is currently the linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs and Baton Rouge sports talk show host Matt Moscona says current Chief and former LSU Tiger Tyrann Mathieu has said it’s a great hire by LSU…
cut 13 (09) “with it”
House spent three seasons with Kentucky, two as defensive coordinator. House’s 2018 Kentucky defense ranked sixth in the nation in points allowed, he’s also credited with helping to defensive lineman Aaron Donald when he was at the University of Pittsburgh.

The man who introduced NFL great John Madden to one of his favorite dishes – the TURDUCKEN – mourns the passage of the football legend. New Orleans butcher Glenn Mistich says he first met Madden in 1996, during the Saints – Rams game. During an appearance on WWL radio, the subject of the “turducken” came up…:
Cut 9 (12) “…the All-Madden Team.”
A “turducken” is a chicken, stuffed inside a duck, stuffed inside a turkey.

3:30 LRN Newscast Dec 29

One of the state’s Most Wanted fugitives is now behind bars. Michelle Southern has more..:

CUT 01(30)      “…Southern.”

A new report lists Louisiana among the ten worst states in the U.S. for overall road conditions. The report by Consumer Affairs Research ranks us 8th-worst for things like poor upkeep of bridges, lack of safety features & and insufficient funding for upgrades and maintenance. This likely comes as no surprise to most Louisiana motorists.

 

State Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Lake Charles. Troop D spokesman Trooper Derek Senegal says it began with LCPD officers called to an address where a man had fired shots into a home twice; the second time hitting someone inside…:

CUT 03(11)      “…fled on foot.”

They caught up to Thomas at another home and tried to negotiate, but when he fired on them, officers fired back – killing him. LSP investigates all officer-involved shootings.

The man who introduced NFL great John Madden to one of his favorite dishes – the TURDUCKEN – mourns the passage of the football legend. New Orleans butcher Glenn Mistich says Madden loved the dish and raved about it during game broadcasts; leading to huge spikes in sales…:

CUT 11(15)      “…and my business.”

Mistich says he will miss Madden, whom he’s called a friend since the late 1990’s.

LRN PM Newscall December 29

One of Louisiana’s most wanted murder suspects is now behind bars. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

______________________________________

The New Orleans butcher who introduced NFL great John Madden to the Louisiana “turducken” mourns the passing of the football legend. Brooke Thorington has that…:

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

State Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Lake Charles. Troop D spokesman Trooper Derek Senegal says it began with LCPD officers called to an address where a man had fired shots into a home twice; the second time hitting someone inside…:

Cut 3 (11) “…fled on foot.”

Lake Charles Police caught up with an armed and body-armored 22-year-old Christopher Thomas at another residence, where they tried to negotiate his surrender. Trooper Senegal says Thomas retreated inside the house…:

Cut 4 (12) “…he actually died.”

As with all police officer-involved shootings in the state, LSP is investigating. Senegal says they’ll seek out any surveillance video which may help in the investigation…:

Cut 5 (14) “…put together a report.”

__________________________________

After a five-hour standoff, the suspected gunman in the first shooting during homecoming on the campus of Grambling State is now in custody. State Trooper Michael Reichardt says they had been looking for 18-year-old Jatavious Carroll, aka “Rabbit” since October 13th. He says the US Marshal’s located Carroll in a home in Delhi.

 Cut 6 (09) “…custody.” 

The October 13th shooting injured a 16-year-old and killed 19-year old Damarius Murphy of Rayville. Reichardt says multiple agencies assisted in Tuesday’s standoff with Carroll

Cut 7 (09) “…even better.”  

Reichardt says the two suspected gunmen in the October 17th shooting on the Grambling campus, that killed one person and wounded seven were taken into custody previously one December 6th the other November 11th.

Cut 8 (11) “…in jail.”

Carroll is being held in the Lincoln Parish Jail.

______________________________________________________

The man who introduced NFL great John Madden to one of his favorite dishes – the TURDUCKEN – mourns the passage of the football legend. New Orleans butcher Glenn Mistich says he first met Madden in 1996, during the Saints – Rams game. During an appearance on WWL radio, the subject of the “turducken” came up…:

Cut 9 (12) “…the All-Madden Team.”

For the unenlightened, a “turducken” is a chicken, stuffed inside a duck, stuffed inside a turkey. The dish has become a holiday table tradition for many across the state. Mistich says, after talking with Madden quite a bit, he sent the Madden family one. That quickly became a tradition of its own…:

Cut 10 (07)  “…Christmas as well.”

Madden frequently raved about the turducken during broadcasts, and Mistich says that undoubtably contributed to the popularity of the food…:

Cut  11 (15)  “…and my business.” 

Madden passed away, at age 85, and Mistich says he will miss his friend. Mistich does not claim to have invented the turducken. That honor lies with the late Chef Paul Prudhomme of New Orleans.

______________________________________________

LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly has named Matt House as his defensive coordinator. House is the linebackers coach at Kansas City and previously served as a defensive coordinator on the collegiate level at Kentucky, FIU, and Pittsburgh. Baton Rouge sports talk show host Matt Mascona says House seems like a solid hire

Cut 12 (07) “…NFL experience.”  

House will remain with the Kansas City Chiefs until their season ends. K-C defensive back and former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu gave a ringing endorsement of House’s hiring. Mascona says Mathieu says House is one of the best coaches he’s been around…

Cut 13 (09) “. with it “

House spent three seasons with Kentucky, two as defensive coordinator. House’s 2018 Kentucky defense ranked sixth in the nation in points allowed, he’s also credited with helping to defensive lineman Aaron Donald when he was at Pittsburgh. Mascona says Kelly has been hiring assistant coaches for a long time now and knows what he’s looking for…

Cut 14 (10)  “…successful hire.” 

2:30 LRN Newscast Dec 29

The state has seen its highest single-day spike in COVID cases since the pandemic started. Over 9-thousand cases were reported Wednesday by the state Department of Health. Prior to that, the highest single-day number was 7500. Right now 659 people statewide are in the hospital with the coronavirus.

The New Orleans butcher who introduced NFL great John Madden to the Louisiana “turducken” mourns the passing of the football legend. Brooke Thorington has that…:

CUT 02(34)      “…Thorington.”

 

One of Louisiana’s Most Wanted fugitives is now behind bars. After a 5-hour standoff, the man suspected of the first of two fatal shootings on the Grambling University campus has been apprehended. State Police Trooper Mike Reichardt says 18-year-old Jatavious Carroll has been in the wind since mid-October. U.S. Marshalls caught up with him Tuesday at a home in Delhi. Reichardt says with Carroll’s capture, all three suspected shooters have now been caught..:

CUT 08(11)      “…are in jail.”

LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly names Matt House as his new Defensive Coordinator. House is currently linebackers coach at Kansas City, and has worked with collegiate programs at Kentucky, FIU and Pitt. Baton Rouge sports radio host Matt Moscona says House looks like a solid hire…:

CUT 12(09)      “…NFL experience.”

House will stay with the Chiefs until their season ends, then move to Baton Rouge.