6:30 LRN Newscast Dec 30

One of the new laws taking effect New Year’s Day requires carbon monoxide detectors in one or two-family homes sold or newly leased in Louisiana. Marsanne Golsby has more…:

CUT 1   (29)      “…Golsby.”

Someone in the Shreveport area spent a great deal of holiday time to leave anti-Semitic flyers all over a number of neighborhoods. The flyers – left on car windshields, door jambs and on door steps – blame Jewish people for everything from abortion, to rising crime to “taking Christ out of Christmas.” Shreveport Police are aware and looking into it.

 

The National Weather Service issues a Flash Flood Watch for all of northwestern Louisiana. The area covers everything north of Natchitoches and west of Monroe. Areas of the state have the potential for severe weather today as a cold front enters the state from the west. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm prediction center has us in a marginal category, which is a one out of five of a severe weather threat…:

CUT 13(07)      “…two inches.”

New Year’s Day should be mostly sunny and warm-ish.

New statistics show that New Orleans is on track for having the highest homicide rate in the U.S. this year. Rafael Goyeneche with the Metropolitan Crime Commission says the city has lost over 150 police officers this year…:

CUT 07(08)      “…900 police officers.”

New Orleans had an average of over 70 homicides per 100-thousand persons in 2022. Goyeneche says city officials have responded by funding police raises, bonuses and money to hire more cops.

AM LRN Newscall Dec 29

One of the new laws taking effect New Year’s Day requires carbon monoxide detectors in one or two-family homes sold or newly leased in Louisiana. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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New Orleans is seeing astronomical crime rates and is considered to be the nation’s murder capital. Whitney Thomas reports

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas .”

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Some may have a New Year’s Resolution to find a new job in 2023. Brooke Thorington seeks some tips on doing that…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A new law taking effect January 1st requires carbon monoxide detectors in one or two-family homes sold or newly leased in Louisiana.  Metairie State Representative Stephanie Hilferty authored the law. She says she and other family members were staying in her mother-in-law’s home after Hurricane Ida when her portable carbon monoxide detector went off.

Cut 4 (09)  “…have  happened.”

The state health department says six people in Louisiana died from carbon monoxide poisoning after Hurricane Ida, and nine after Laura. Hilferty says she knows from experience you can’t smell, taste, or see carbon monoxide, but it does cause fatigue and headaches.

Cut 5 (11) “…poisoning. ”

This law will affect any home that is sold or leased after the first of the year. Hilferty says she offered to sponsor the bill after her family’s experience.

Cut 6 (05)  “..sort of thing.” 

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New statistics show that New Orleans is on track for having the highest homicide rate in the U.S. this year. Rafael Goyeneche with the Metropolitan Crime Commission says the city has lost over 150 police officers this year.

Cut 7 (08) “…900 police officers.”

Goyeneche says since 2019 the homicide rate has increased by 132%

Cut 8 (09)  “…are up 21%.”

Goyeneche says political officials are now responding to the issue by providing officers with the resources they need.

Cut 9 (08)  “… police department.”

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With the New Year may come the resolution to move to a new job. UNO professor of Economics & Finance Mark Rosa has some tips. First, make sure your resume is up to date and truthfully reflects your work history. Rosa says employers are eager to hire new talent right now…:

Cut 10 (11) “…a buyer’s market.” 

Rosa says to ask yourself why you want to change jobs. Is it the pay? Is it the people? Make sure you’re not forsaking a profession in which you’ve gained useful work experience…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…worth having.”

Rosa advises you not to leave a job, just to have a different job. He says to look at the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired up to this point as an investment in your career and livelihood; not just a way to pay the bills. He says to choose your job move wisely because your current employer will get along without you…:

Cut 12 (06) “…like everybody loses.”

Rosa says it may be better to negotiate a raise, rather than leave your job.

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Some rain and thunderstorms linger over Louisiana as we approach the New Year’s holiday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm prediction center has us in a marginal category, which is a one out of five of a severe weather threat.

Cut 13 (07) “…two inches.”

Keim says by Saturday rain from the cold front will have moved out of the state. Compared to the Artic cold front that we just thawed out from this particular front will leave us with mild temperatures.

Cut 14 (09)  “…mild temperatures.”

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The Pelicans moved back into first in the Western Conference with their 119-118 win over the Timberwolves Wednesday night and a Nuggets loss. The Pels are 22-12 on the season ahead of tonight’s game against Philadelphia. This time last year the team was 12-22. All-star Forward Zion Williamson credits the team’s improvement to the work they put in after last year’s surprise resurgence…

Cut 15 (20)  “…something special.”

Williamson scored a career-high 43 points in the win Wednesday night and has been the leading scorer on the team in Brandon Ingram’s absence. Without Ingram, Williamson has led the Pels to an 8-4 record in games he’s played in. Williamson who is emerging as one of the NBA’s young stars and potential future MVP candidate says he just wants to win…

Cut  16 (16)  “…getting the win.” 

Tip-off in the Blender tonight is at 7:30

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The LSU Men’s basketball team is 12-1 on the season and is now 1-0 in Sec play after upsetting ninth-ranked Arkansas. First-year Coach Matt McMahon has insisted the team is still a work in progress improving each week, but the Tigers are still looking to shake up a loaded Southeastern Conference…

Cut 17 (20) “…build on.” 

One player who’s shown improvement in McMahon’s program is guard Trae Hannibal. Hannibal spent his first two years at South Carolina before transferring to Murray State last year. He followed his coach to Baton Rouge this year, and after 19 point performance, McMahon says he can be a key piece in this LSU team…

Cut 18 (23) “…moving forward.” 

The Tigers will face 19th-ranked Kentucky next Tuesday in Lexington

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Cut 19 (27) “…take of business”

 

Cut 20 (23)     ….of the year” 

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5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 29 UPDATED

UPDATED – USCG calls off search

The US Coast Guard has called off the search for four people that were in a helicopter that crashed this morning after it left an oil platform. Family members were told the oil rig company would start recovery efforts Friday at daylight. The helicopter with three passengers and a pilot crashed about 10 miles off the coast of Plaquemines Parish. According to Fox 8 in New Orleans, one of the passengers is 36-year-old David Scarborough of Mississippi. Scarborough was reportedly on his way home to his pregnant wife Lacy and the couple lost a child to drowning in March.

Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (BOO-tee) changes his mind and enters the NFL draft. The New Iberia native made the announcement hours after LSU said Boutte would not play in Monday’s Citrus Bowl but was enrolled for the spring semester. Hunt Palmer of the LSU Sports Radio Network and ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge has this reaction…

Cut 12 (07) “…for a championship.”  

The National Weather Service issues a Flash Flood Watch for all of northwestern Louisiana. The watch area covers everything north of Natchitoches and west of Monroe. Areas of the state have the potential for severe weather today and tomorrow as a cold front enters the state from the west. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm prediction center has us in a marginal category, which is a one out of five of a severe weather threat.

Cut 15 (10) “… southeastern Louisiana.”

The Department of Transportation and Development has been awarded a $150 million Mega Grant from the federal government to go towards the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge project. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s the largest discretionary grand they’ve ever received. He also thanked Senator Bill Cassidy and Congressman Troy Carter for their support of the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Act.

Cut 11 (12)  “…those dollars.”

 

4:30 LRN Newscast Dec 29

Louisiana’s been awarded a $150 million Mega Grant from the federal government to go towards the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge project. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says this particular allotment is significant and he also thanked Senator Bill Cassidy and Congressman Troy Carter for their support of the President’s Infrastructure Act.

Cut 11 (12)  “…those dollars.”

Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (BOO-tee) changes his mind and enters the NFL draft. The New Iberia native made the announcement hours after LSU said Boutte would not play in Monday’s Citrus. Hunt Palmer of the LSU Sports Radio Network and ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge says it’s unclear what led to the abrupt ending of Boutte’s career at LSU…

Cut 13 (07) “…college sports.”  

A single-vehicle crash in Terrebonne Parish claims the life of 29 years old Steven English of Houma. State Trooper Ross Brennan says English was traveling at a high rate of speed on LA- Highway 15 when he went off the road, flipped, and hit a tree. Toxicology is pending; however, Brennan says investigators believe impairment is possible…:

CUT 07(05)      “…particular crash.”

The Coast Guard is searching for 4 people aboard a downed helicopter in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 10 miles offshore of Southwest Pass. The helicopter reportedly was in the process of departing an oil platform when it crashed.

Smoke-free Louisiana coalition says there was an eight-percent increase in Quitline calls during the year by individuals looking to stop using tobacco products.. Spokesperson Randy Hayden says a good New Year’s resolution for smokers would be to kick the habit…

cut 5 (09) “…in the year”
The number to call is 1-800-Quit-Now

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans came out with a nail biting 119-118 win over the Timberwolves last night behind a career-high 43 point performance from Zion Williamson. Down five with just under 3 minutes left, Williamson took over, scoring the Pels last 14 straight to close out the game. New Orleans has now won their last four straight and move back into first in the Western Conference. Williamson, who has embraced the city ever since being drafted in 2019, thinks it’s time for a new era in New Orleans sports…

Cut 19

LSU kicked off conference play with a bang upsetting ninth-ranked Arkansas 60-57 in the P-MAC last night. Guard Trae Hannibal led the Tigers provided a spark with 19 points off the bench and forward Derek Fountain had a 14-point double-double. The 12-1 tigers will return to action next Tuesday at 19th-ranked Kentucky

The 9th-ranked Lady Tigers will tip-off SEC play tonight in Arkansas at 6:00

The 10-2 Sun-Belt favorite Ragin’ Cajuns will begin conference play against Coastal Carolina tonight at 6:00

LSU Wide Receiver Kayshon Boutte announced yesterday he will enter the 2023 NFL Draft. The Preseason All-American and first round prospect earlier said he’d return to the team in 2023, but plans unexpectedly changed less than a week before the Citrus Bowl. The Tigers will now look to sophomore Malik Nabers to step into the leading role in the Tigers offense. Nabers led the team in receptions and yards this year and will look to continue his success with quarterback Jayden Daniels next season.

The Saints will fight to keep their slim playoff chances alive this weekend as they travel to Philadelphia to face the NFL-leading Eagles. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts missed last week with a shoulder injury but is questionable to return this week as they look to clinch the number-one seed in the NFC. One player the Eagles will for sure be without is safety CJ Gardner-Johnson who the Saints traded to Philly earlier this year. Gardner-Johnson has been on IR since week 12 but still leads the league in interceptions. Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen says he doesn’t regret the decision…

Cut 18

PM Newscall Dec 29

Anti-smoking experts say New Year’s is a great time to quit smoking. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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The Department of Transportation and Development has been awarded a $150 million federal Mega Grant to go towards the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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If quitting smoking is on your New Year’s resolution list, the Smoke-Free Louisiana Coalition has some tips for you. Randy Hayden says nicotine replacement products are among the most effective ways.

Cut 3 (10) “…nicotine drug.” 

Experts say nicotine is extremely addictive and causes strong withdrawal cravings but they don’t last forever

Cut 4 (07)  “…they’ll pass.” 

The Smoke-free Louisiana coalition says they saw an eight-percent increase in Quitline calls during the year by individuals looking to stop using tobacco products or vaping. The number to call is 1-800-Quit-Now.

Experts say research shows that most smokers who are trying to quit have to make several attempts before they succeed, but Hayden says to keep at it. And he says quitting on a special day such as New Year’s Day can be effective.

Cut 5 (09) “…in the year.”

The Smoke-Free Louisiana Coalition has actively lobbied for workplace protections to keep workers from being exposed to secondhand smoke. Currently, more than 30 Louisiana municipalities have such protections.

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A single-vehicle crash in Terrebonne Parish claims the life of a Houma man. State Trooper Ross Brennan says 29 year old Steven English was traveling at a high rate of speed on LA- Highway 15

 Cut 6 (07)  “…Tree.”

A toxicology sample is pending, however, Brennan says investigators believe impairment was a factor.

Cut 7 (05)  “…crash.”

Brennan says impaired, distracted driving, speeding, and not being properly restrained can be a recipe for disaster.

Cut 8 (10)  “…other things.“

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The Department of Transportation and Development has been awarded a $150 million Mega Grant from the federal government to go towards the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge project. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says this is welcome news.

Cut 9 (14) “…this project.” 

As of today, Wilson says with this grant included the state is at $550 million and the project is estimated to cost $1.5 billion.

Cut 10 (08) “…to lead.” 

Wilson says there are so many other projects across the country that Louisiana has to compete with for federal grants, so this particular allotment is significant. He also thanked Senator Bill Cassidy and Congressman Troy Carter for their support of the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Act.

Cut 11 (12)  “…those dollars.”

Wilson added that Louisiana’s entire Congressional delegation signed off on a letter requesting the funds in May.

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Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (BOO-tee) changes his mind and enters the NFL draft. The New Iberia native made the announcement hours after LSU said Boutte would not play in Monday’s Citrus Bowl but was enrolled for the spring semester. Hunt Palmer of the LSU Sports Radio Network and ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge has this reaction…

Cut 12 (07) “…for a championship.”  

Palmer says it’s unclear what led to the abrupt ending of Boutte’s career at LSU…

Cut 13 (07) “…college sports.”  

Boutte is second on the team in receptions with 48. He also had 538 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Palmer LSU still has a lot of talent at wide receiver as the Tigers’ leading receiver returns next season, plus an emerging playmaker in Brain Thomas Junior…

Cut 14 (12)   “…as well.”

Plus former five-star prospect Aaron Anderson is transferring in from Alabama and incoming freshman wideout Shelton Sampson projects to be a big-time player for the Tigers.

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The National Weather Service issues a  Flash Flood Watch for all of northwestern Louisiana. The watch area covers everything north of Natchitoches and west of Monroe. Areas of the state have the potential for severe weather today and tomorrow as a cold front enters the state from the west. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm prediction center has us in a marginal category, which is a one out of five of a severe weather threat.

Cut 15 (10) “… southeastern Louisiana.”

Keim says there will be scattered showers both today and tomorrow, and rain totals could be anywhere from one to two inches. He says conditions should settle down around Saturday afternoon.

Cut  16 (12)  “…cold at all.”

For New Year’s Eve and day, he says things should clear up with high temps in low 70s statewide.

2:30 LRN Newscast Dec 29

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for northwestern Louisiana. The watch area covers everything east of Monroe and north of Natchitoches. Strong or severe thunderstorms are expected that can cause drainage systems and roadside ditches to overflow. Remember, do not try to drive through high water. Find another route.

DOTD is awarded a $150 million federal grant for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

 

The Coast Guard is searching for four people aboard a helicopter that crashed this afternoon, about ten miles out in the Gulf. More on this as it develops.

A single-vehicle crash in Terrebonne Parish claims the life of a Houma man. State Trooper Ross Brennan says 29 years old Steven English was traveling at a high rate of speed on LA- Highway 15 when he went off the road, flipped over and hit a tree. A toxicology sample is pending, however, Brennan says investigators believe impairment is possible…:

CUT 07(05)      “…particular crash.”

Giving up smoking is a pretty good New Year’s resolution. So says Smoke-Free Louisiana, and spokesman Randy Hayden. He says nicotine is very addictive but those cravings won’t last forever…:

CUT 04(07)      “…they’ll pass.”

He says to remember help & support with quitting is as close as a phone call to 800 QUIT NOW.

1:30 LRN Newscast Dec 29

A single vehicle crash in Terrebonne Parish claims the life of a Houma man. Trooper Ross Brennan says 29-year-old Steven English was traveling at a high rate of speed on LA Highway 15…:

CUT 06(07)      “…struck a tree.”

A toxicology sample is pending, however, Brennan says investigators believe impairment was a factor.

The Department of Transportation and Development gets a $150-million federal grant for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says this is welcome news…:

CUT 09(14)      “…this project.”

The whole project rings up at just over $1.5-billion.

 

Anti-smoking experts say New Year’s is a great time to quit smoking. Marsanne Golsby has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Golsby.”

A Zwolle man – already on probation for dealing drugs – was apparently caught by his parole officer back up his old tricks. Sabine Parish deputies say 46-year-old Larry Melmay was nabbed after a short chase. Officers they found abundant amounts of weed, and various pills, plus guns in his home. When caught, he had over $4000 cash in his pockets. Melmay is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

12:30 LRN Newscast

The LSU Ag Center says the recent freezes were disruptive to the sugarcane crop. Sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says the crops now being harvested experienced what he calls a killing freeze…:
CUT 07(09) “…we’ve had.”
However, ten of the eleven sugar cane mills in Louisiana are still processing cane, and the quality of the sugar being processed is still very good.

The Smoke-free Louisiana coalition says they saw an eight-percent increase in Quitline calls during the year by individuals looking to stop using tobacco products or vaping. Spokesperson Randy Hayden says a good New Year’s resolution for smokers would be to kick the habit…
cut 5 (09) “…in the year”
The number to call is 1-800-Quit-Now

Recent wastewater samples from Shreveport show an increase in COVID in northwestern Louisiana. The Center for Excellence for Emerging Viral Threats at LSU Health Shreveport has been monitoring samples. Dr. Krista Queen says when individuals are infected the virus begins replicating in their bodies even before they know they are sick.
Cut 11 (08) “…uses the restroom.”
She says similar to this time last year, we’ll start to see cases spike again.

LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte announced last night he’s entering the NFL draft and will not come back for his senior season. But Hunt Palmer of the LSU Sports Radio Network and ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge says the Tigers still have several talented receivers…
cut 14 (12) “….as well”
The Tigers play Purdue in the Citrus Bowl on Monday.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Zion Williamson scored a career-high 43 points as the New Orleans Pelicans edged out Minnesota 119 to 118. The Pels are now 15-and-4 at home, 22-and-12 overall and Williamson is thrilled he’s brought a winning team to the Big Easy…
cut 16 (15) “…great too”
New Orleans hosts Philadelphia tomorrow.

The Saints enter the game with the Eagles with a six-and-nine record and needing to win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Philadelphia has the best record in the NFL at 13-and-2. Coach Dennis Allen says the players understand the challenge in front of them…
Cut 17 (16) “…handful for sure”
Kick-off Sunday is at noon.

Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (BOO-tee) has announced he’s ending his LSU career and entering the NFL draft. The New Iberia native made the announcement hours after LSU said Boutte would not play in the Cirtus Bowl, but was enrolled for the spring semester. Hunt Palmer of the LSU Sports Radio Network and ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge has this reaction….
cut 12 (07) “….for a championship”
Palmer says it’s unclear what led to the abrupt ending of Boutte’s career at LSU.

LSU Coach Matt McMahon won his first SEC game last night as the Tigers knocked off ninth ranked Arkansas 60-57 in the conference opener for both teams. Reserve guard Trae Hannibal scored 19 points off the bench to lead the way as LSU has won 13 straight home games.

Tonight, La Tech hosts UTSA, the Cajuns are at Coastal Carolina and ULM visits Texas State.