7:30 LRN Newscast

Today marks one year since the January sixth Capitol Hill riot. A U-S House select committee has been investigating that violent event and what former President Donald Trump was doing when thousands of his supporters made their way inside the capitol as the certification of the election was taking place. Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves says it’s a partisan panel that’s investigating…
cut 6 (12) “….political theater”
An interim report from the committee is expected in the summer.

The oldest surviving U-S World War Two veteran has died at the age of 112. Lawrence Brooks passed away in New Orleans. Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Morris Thompson knew Brooks and says Brooks claimed the key to longevity is to serve God and be nice…
cut 15 (12) “….remember him”

Construction is underway in St. Bernard Parish on a massive marsh creation project on Lake Borgne. Erik Piccoli has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

Meanwhile, volunteers planted more than 400 cypress tree seedlings at Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville yesterday. The park suffered major tree losses from Hurricane Zeta in 2020 and Hurricane Ida last year.

The Louisiana Department of Corrections has once again suspended visitation at state-run prisons. At 2:30 today, Governor Edwards will hold a media briefing on Louisiana’s response to COVID-19.

6:45 LRN Sportscast January 6

LSU football general manager Austin Thomas will not return after one season at the helm. Many expected he would remain on Brian Kelly’s staff as he also performed general manager duties at LSU from 2013 to 2017.

Meanwhile, Kelly is getting close to finalizing his staff as LSU announced the hiring of Jamar Cain, as the Tigers defensive line coach and run game coordinator. Cain was the outside linebackers and defensive ends coach at Oklahoma the past two seasons. Also, the Advocate reports new LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock will make about one-point-four million dollars a year.

Ragin Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux has named Jorge Munoz as his Associate Head Coach. Munoz is a former offensive coordinator at U-L Lafayette and now he’ll coach tight ends after stints at Baylor and LSU.

Saints defensive Cam Jordan has been named NFC defensive player of the week after his 3.5 sack performance against Carolina.

Pelicans star Zion Williamson will continue his rehab on his injured right foot away from the team. ESPN reports Williamson will conduct the rehab in Portland, Oregon near the headquarters of Nike. He has a huge sponsorship deal with the Jordan Brand. The Pels say Williamson will remain under the supervision of the team’s medical staff. New Orleans hosts Golden State tonight.

In college basketball today, After beginning Sun Belt play with two victories on the road, the Ragin Cajuns return home tonight to host Arkansas State. U-L Lafayette Coach Bob Marlin says they want to build on what they accomplished last week…
cut 17 (16) “….front of us”
Elsewhere, ULM hosts Little Rock tonight. Louisiana Tech is at UTEP, the Lady Tigers host top-ranked South Carolina at the Maravich Center.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Department of Health says 90-percent of all COVID cases in the state is the Omicron variant. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease specialist Dr. John Vanchiere (van CHERRY) says their lab sequencing indicates a significant jump in northwest Louisiana…:
Cut 11 (12) “…week prior.”
LDH reported another 10-thousand new cases yesterday, eleven COVID deaths and hospitalizations are up to 1,287.

The oldest living World War Two veteran in the US has died. Lawrence Brooks passed away in New Orleans at the age of 112. Brooks was drafted in the U-S Army in 1940 and sent to Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines performing combat support roles with other black soldiers. Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Reverend Morris Thompson says at that time there was a racist belief that blacks could not serve in a combat unit…
cut 16 (10) “…in the army”

One year ago today an angry mob of pro-President Trump supporters stormed the U-S Capitol in an effort to prevent the certification of Joe Biden as the next president of the United States. Louisiana senior senator Bill Cassidy says January sixth was, unfortunately, an example of how rhetoric has consequences, much like it did when Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise was shot in 2017….
cut 5 (15) “…should not occur”
Cassidy and six other Senate Republicans voted in February to convict former President Trump of inciting the riot at the U-S Capitol.

LRN AM Newscall January 6

Today marks one year since the January 6th riot at the U.S. Capitol that some say was an attempted insurrection. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Construction is underway in St. Bernard Parish on the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority-backed marsh creation project on Lake Borgne. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.” 

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The oldest living World War II veteran and Norwood, Louisiana native passed away at the age of 112 on Tuesday. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Today marks one year since the riot at the U.S. Capitol building that some are calling an attempted insurrection. Louisiana U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says the whole matter was sad and unfortunate, and it could have been avoided. He says inflammatory partisan rhetoric is largely to blame…:

Cut 4 (14) “… other person the enemy.” 

Five people died as a result of the sad incident a year ago, when a crowd of angry supporters of outgoing President Trump – unhappy over the election outcome – stormed the Capitol and tried to force entry into the House Chamber. Cassidy says Leftist partisan rhetoric contributed to the shooting of Congressman Steve Scalise in 2017. He says Democrats and Republicans on the Hill need to work together in good faith…:

Cut 5 (15) “…should not occur.”

District 6 Congressman Garret Graves says he’s disappointed the House committee investigating January 6th is a mostly partisan panel, with only 2 GOP members…:

Cut 6 (12) “…political theater.”

Graves says partisan bickering over what happened a year ago and who is directly or indirectly responsible is counter-productive for the country and Congress…:

Cut 7 (11) “…North Korea and others.”

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Gov. John Bel Edwards has announced that construction has started on the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project in St. Bernard Parish. Deputy Executive Director for Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Greg Grandy says this is the largest marsh creation project that the state of Louisiana has ever undertaken…

Cut 8 (08) “…near Shell Beach.” 

The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group outlined the plan in January of 2017 and is funded by dollars obtained following compensation for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Grandy says the main piece of equipment used during the project is a cutter head dredge that will pick up sediment and transport it into the marshes…

Cut 9 (08)  “…back in those areas.”

The restoration will provide benefits to the risk reduction system around the greater New Orleans region. Grandy says that the project will also benefit the wetland ecosystem and fishermen…

Cut 10 (12) “…in and out.”

The project’s construction budget is $61 million.

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The Louisiana Department of Health says 90-percent of all COVID cases in the state are the Omicron variant. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease specialist Dr. John Vanchiere  (van CHERRY) says their lab sequencing indicates a significant jump in northwest Louisiana…:

Cut  11 (12)  “…week prior.”  

Due to the highly transmissible variant and post-holiday surge in cases, Vanchiere says LSU Health Shreveport is testing on average 650 to 800 people a day…:

Cut 12 (08) “…community testing.”

Vanchiere stresses the importance of being fully vaccinated and boosted to reduce severe illness and hospitalization from the current variant…:

Cut 13 (08) “…easily spread.

The CDC estimated the proportion of Omicron in the region that includes Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas is 98-percent.

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Louisiana native Lawrence Brooks, the oldest living World War II veteran in the US, died Tuesday at the age of 112. Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Morris Thompson fondly recounts his friendship with Brooks that began twelve years ago at a New Orleans fish fry.

Cut 14 (12)  “…want to know.”

One of 15 children, Brooks was raised in Norwood, Louisiana, and drafted at the age of 31, spending the majority of World War II in the predominantly African American 91st Engineer Battalion. Thompson says Brooks claimed the key to longevity is to serve God and be nice to people.

Cut 15 (12)  “…remember him.”

Brooks spent the majority of his service in WWII stationed in Australia. In Jim Crow America however, Thompson says Brooks told him he was often treated better overseas than he was in his own country.

Cut  16 (10) “…in the army.”

Brooks is survived by five children, 13 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren.

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After beginning Sun Belt play with two victories on the road, the Ragin Cajuns return home tonight to host Arkansas State tonight. U-L Lafayette Coach Bob Marlin says they want to build on what they accomplished last week…

Cut 17 (16) “ …front of us.”

The Red Wolves begin Georgia Southern in their lone Sun Belt game of the season and they are 10-and-3 overall. Marlin says A-S-U are led by Caleb Fields, Norchad Omier and a talented shooter by the name of Marquis Eaton, who had 32 points against the Cajuns in a game last February…

Cut 18 (16) “ …player inside” 

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The 13th ranked LSU women’s basketball team puts its 13 game winning streak on the line tonight when they host top-ranked South Carolina. Lady Tigers Coach Kim Mulkey says this is a tremendous challenge and opportunity for her squad…

Cut 19 (13) “…size to rebound” 

South Carolina is led by National Player of the Year Candidate Aliyah Boston, who is averaging 17 points and ten rebounds a game. Mulkey understands the excitement around this game, but it will not make or break their season…

Cut 20 (25) “..remain the same.”  

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 5

At a ceremony in New Orleans, Governor John Bel Edwards posthumously pardoned civil rights pioneer Homer Plessy. Plessy was a Creole man arrested in New Orleans 130 years ago when he refused to leave a whites-only railroad car. Plessy’s protest led to the 1896 ruling known as Plessy versus Ferguson, which said it was legal to have white-only spaces in public areas. Governor Edwards says unfortunately the negative effects of that ruling still linger…:

Cut 4 (08) “…our country.”

An early morning house fire in St. Landry parish claims the lives of two young boys, ages 11 and 12. Opelousas Fire Chief Charles Mason says only four of the six residents escaped. A third child was taken to a hospital.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Jonesboro’s Fire Chief Brandon Brown and a Jackson Parish Sheriff’s deputy, George Wyatt face insurance fraud charges involving a two-vehicle crash of fire department vehicles. Trooper Michael Reichardt says two have also been charged with filing or maintaining false public records, and malfeasance in office.

Cut 12 (07) “…jail now.”  

The investigation revealed that Brown’s juvenile son was the driver of one of the vehicles.

LSU’s football season ended with a loss in the Texas Bowl against Kansas State. But the game was a highlight for fifth-year senior Jontre Kirklin who made his first start at quarterback with three touchdown passes. Kirklin who only played cornerback and wide receiver at LSU, says he was calm heading into his first start at QB since Lutcher High…

Cut 8 (11) “…win this game” 

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast January 5

The 21st ranked LSU men’s basketball team rebounded from last week’s loss to Auburn to beat 16th ranked Kentucky 65-60 last night. The Bayou Bengals trailed by nine points at one point in the second half but outscored the Wildcats 24 to 10 the rest of the way. Coach Will Wade…
cut 15 (15) “…in Tennessee”
18th ranked Tennessee hosts Ole Miss tonight. If they win, the Vols and Tigers will both be 1-and-1 in SEC play when they meet Saturday in the PMAC.

The Pelicans announced today that injured star Zion Williamson will continue his rehabilitation away from the team, but will remain under the supervision of the Pelicans medical staff. In a statement, Williamson says he will continue to put in the time necessary to get back on the floor.

LSU’s football season ended with a disappointing 42-20 loss to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl last night. This despite the best efforts of 5th-year senior wide receiver Jontre Kirklin, who stepped up to fill in at quarterback. Kirklin is known as a hard worker and team leader.
Cut 7 (10) “…here I am”
Kirklin completed seven of his eleven pass attempts for 138 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. It was Kirklin’s first game at quarterback since 2016 when he was at Lutcher high school. Meanwhile, Kansas State Quarterback Skylar Thompson started his 41st game and threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns.

LSU football coach Brian Kelly continues to clean house. General Manager Austin Thomas was let go today. Thomas was brought in a year ago by athletics director Scott Woodward and many thought he would survive the regime change.

4:30 LRN Newscast Jan 5

Governor Edwards gave a posthumous pardon to Homer Plessy, the subject of the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court case that ensconced a “separate, but equal” policy that enabled decades of segregation.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Lawrence Brooks, the oldest living World War II veteran in the US and Louisiana native, died Tuesday at the age of 112. The Norwood, Louisiana native and New Orleans resident was drafted at the age of 31 and served in the Army’s predominantly African American 91st Engineer Battalion.

Jonesboro’s Fire Chief and a Jackson Parish Sheriff’s deputy face insurance fraud charges involving a two-vehicle crash of fire department vehicles. Trooper Michael Reichardt says State Police received a tip in August and found Chief Brandon Brown and Deputy George Wyatt were involved and listed as the drivers.

Cut  11 (10)  “…the vehicles.” 

A strange ending to the 2021 football season for the LSU Tigers last night as they only had 38 scholarship players available, and it showed in a 42-20 loss to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl. Fifth-year senior Jontre Kirklin made his first start at quarterback and threw three touchdown passes…

 Cut 6 (12) “…whole journey” 

 

3:30 LRN Newscast Jan 05

At a ceremony in New Orleans, Governor John Bel Edwards posthumously pardoned civil rights pioneer Homer Plessy, the subject of a separate but equal Supreme Court ruling that enabled decades of segregation of black Americans. Keith Plessy, a direct descendant, was on hand for today’s ceremony…:

CUT 03(10)      “…to be born.”

The Supreme Court reversed segregation laws in 1954. Plessy died in 1921 with his conviction still on his record.

Two children were killed in a house fire early this morning in St. Landry Parish. Opelousas Fire Chief Charles Mason says they received a call shortly before 1:30 of a house fire where six people resided. Only four escaped…:

CUT 09(06)      “…an one 11.”

Mason says a third child was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. The fire is under investigation.

 

The oldest known military veteran in the U.S. has passed away. Lawrence Brooks, who is from Norwood, Louisiana, was 112. Brooks served in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines during World War II. Brooks said the secret to his long life was being nice to people.

LSU’s 42-20 loss to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl last night will be known as the Jontre Kirklin game, as the fifth-year senior started his first college game at quarterback. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Palermo.”

2:30 LRN Newscast Jan 05

An early morning house fire in St. Landry parish takes the lives of two young boys. Opelousas Fire Chief Charles Mason says they were called around 1:30 AM to a home where 6 people resided. When they arrived the house was engulfed in flame. He says only four made it out. In addition to the boys – ages 12 and 11 – who died, a third child was taken to a hospital…:

CUT 10 (05)   “…smoke inhalation.”

The fire’s cause is under investigation.

The fire chief in Jonesboro and a Jackson Parish deputy face insurance fraud charges involving a two-vehicle crash of fire department vehicles. Trooper Michael Reichardt says State Police investigated and it appears the two men were trying to cover up the fact that Chief Brown’s juvenile son was one of the drivers at the time of the crash…:

CUT 13         (12)   “…drive those.”

The investigation remains active.

 

At a ceremony in New Orleans, Governor John Bel Edwards posthumously pardoned civil rights pioneer Homer Plessy, the subject of a separate but equal Supreme Court ruling that enabled decades of segregation. The Supreme Court reversed segregation laws in 1954, but Plessy died in 1921 with his conviction still on his record. Edwards says this is Louisiana’s first pardon as a result of a 2006 state law that allows for pardons of people convicted under laws that were intended to discriminate…:

CUT 05(12)      “…criminal conviction.”

A Natchitoches man is under arrest for allegedly firing a gun at revelers who were firing off fireworks on December 30th – a full night early. 48-year-old Kyle Tanner is charged with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, disturbing the peace by public intoxication, and obstruction of justice. No one was hit by any of Tanner’s gunfire.

LRN PM Newscall January 5

Governor Edwards gave a posthumous pardon to Homer  Plessy, the subject of the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court case that ensconced a “separate, but equal” policy that enabled decades of segregation. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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LSU’s 42-20 loss to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl last night will be known as the Jontre Kirklin game, as the fifth-year senior started his first college game at quarterback. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

______________________________________

At a ceremony in New Orleans, Governor John Bel Edwards posthumously pardoned civil rights pioneer Homer Plessy, the subject of a separate but equal Supreme Court ruling that enabled decades of segregation of black Americans. Keith Plessy, a direct descendant, was on hand for today’s ceremony…

Cut 3 (10) “…to be born.”

Homer Plessy was a Creole man arrested in New Orleans 130 years ago when he refused to leave a whites-only railroad car. Plessy’s protest led to the 1896 ruling known as Plessy versus Ferguson, which said it was legal to have white-only spaces in public areas. Governor Edwards says unfortunately the negative effects of that ruling still linger…

Cut 4 (08) “…our country.”

The Supreme Court reversed segregation laws in 1954. Plessy died in 1921 with his conviction still on his record.

Edwards says this is Louisiana’s first pardon as a result of a 2006 state law that allows for pardons of people convicted under laws that were intended to discriminate…

Cut 5 (12) “…criminal conviction”

__________________________________

A strange ending to the 2021 football season for the LSU Tigers last night as they only had 38 scholarship players available and it showed in a 42-20 loss to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl. Fifth-year senior Jontre Kirklin made his first start at quarterback and threw three touchdown passes…

 Cut 6 (12) “…whole journey” 

Kirklin was a standout quarterback at Lutcher High School but only played cornerback and wide receiver at LSU up until last night. Kirklin was a backup during his time and LSU, but he’s known as a hard worker and a team leader…

Cut 7 (10) “…here I am” 

Kirklin says he was calm heading into his first start at quarterback since 2016…

Cut 8 (11) “…win this game” 

Kirklin completed seven of his eleven pass attempts for 138 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.

______________________________________________________

Two children were tragically killed in a house fire early this morning in St. Landry Parish. Opelousas Fire Chief Charles Mason says they received a call shortly before 1:30 of a house fire where six people resided, only four escaped.

Cut 9 (06) “…and one eleven.”

Mason says the home in the 1900 block of Jake Drive was fully engulfed when eight firefighters responded to the scene. In addition to the two fatalities, another child was taken to the hospital.

Cut 10 (05)  “…smoke inhalation.”

The cause of the fire is unknown, and the State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating.  

______________________________________________

Jonesboro’s Fire Chief and a Jackson Parish Sheriff’s deputy face insurance fraud charges involving a two-vehicle crash of fire department vehicles. Trooper Michael Reichardt says State Police received a tip in August and found Chief Brandon Brown and Deputy George Wyatt were involved and listed as the drivers.

Cut  11 (10)  “…the vehicles.” 

The two men have been charged with insurance fraud, filing or maintaining false public records, and malfeasance in office. Reichardt credits LSP investigators for their diligent work in the case.

Cut 12 (07) “…jail now.”  

Reichardt says it appears the two men were trying to cover up the fact that Chief Brown’s juvenile son was one of the drivers at the time of the crash.

Cut 13 (12) “….drive those. “

The investigation remains active.