6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU men’s basketball battled Kentucky in Lexington last night but came up three points short as the Wildcats held off the Tigers 74-71. LSU couldn’t contain the reigning SEC and national player of the year Oscar Tshiewbwe, who had 19 points and 16 rebounds. Kentucky’s Jacob Toppin also had 21 points. LSU was led by K-J Williams, who had 23 points. The Tigers are now 1-and-1 in SEC play and will visit Texas A-and-M on Saturday.

The Pelicans host the Houston Rockets tonight, but Zion Williamson will not play and he will miss some time. The team expects he’ll miss the next three weeks at least because of a hamstring strain. Williamson got hurt in the third quarter in Monday’s loss at Philadelphia. Zion is averaging 26 points, seven rebounds and nearly five assists a game. The Pels are six and two without Williamson this season. Tonight’s game against Houston tips at 7.

The Saints are on a three-game winning streak, but eliminated from playoff contention with a seven and nine record. Head Coach Dennis Allen says it’s easy to look back at moments that could have gone differently this season…
Cut 16 (20) “…from your successes.”
New Orleans concludes the regular season Sunday at home against Carolina.

We are anxiously waiting for more updates on Bills Safety Damar Hamlin who remains in critical condition at a Cincinnati hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest after making a tackle on Monday. LSU Health New Orleans cardiac elctrophysiologist Doctor Jameel Ahmed says there is hope because health professionals at the game quickly performed C-P-R on Hamlin…
cut 14 (12) “…favorable prognosis”

6:30 LRN Newscast

The 118th Congress is underway and the U-S House still does not have a speaker. Republican Kevin McCarthy was considered the front-runner, but he did not receive the 218 votes required to win. So could Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise get the job? Scalise is the majority leader and could be a possible choice, but he has not expressed interest for the post.

Will Louisiana’s legislature seek this year to give themselves their first pay raise in over 40 years?
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Tulane’s amazing comeback to beat USC in the Cotton Bowl is not only the school’s biggest win in history, but school President Michael Fitts says it also topped off a season that marked a record improvement of ten wins in a single season.
Cut 10 (11) “…top 25 teams.”
Fitts says the school already has more than 40-thousand applications from prospective students and with the football team’s success s he expects that number to increase.

Ochsner Eat Fit is selling its Eat Fit King Cakes again this year, which are gluten-free, keto-friendly, low carbs and zero sugar. Ochsner dietitian Brittany Craft says they are available at select retailers or you can order them online…
cut 9 (13) “….like that”
For more information go to Eat-King-Cake-dot-com.

LRN AM Newscall January 4

Will Louisiana’s legislature seek this year to give themselves their first pay raise in over 40 years? Kevin Gallagher has more on that…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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If you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy King Cakes this carnival season Ochsner Eat Fit has a solution for you. Whitney Thomas Reports.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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Tulane’s amazing football season is expected to generate new interest in the school. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Will Louisiana lawmakers seek to give themselves a pay raise this year? After New York state recently raised its legislative base pay, some members of Louisiana’s legislature are saying they have not had an increase in their base in 4 decades. “LaPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says it would be both the worst possible time to do that for voters…but also perhaps the best time…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…for this issue.”

The base pay for lawmakers is $16,800 a year, and it has been for 41 years. With committee chairmanships, they can make up to $37-thousand. In 2008, a bill advanced that would have set a new base at $37-k. Alford says that proved to be unpopular with the public…:

Cut 5 (06) “…that legislation.”

The state is projected to have a big revenue surplus for the fiscal year that starts in July, so House & Senate members may look to push it through. Alford says, however, many lawmakers may feel they cannot support a pay raise for themselves with elections coming this fall. He says there is a way to do it and not seem self-serving…:

Cut 6 (07)  “…starts in 2028.” 

Alford says it may be a long time before there is another governor who would support a legislative pay raise. John Bel Edwards voted “yes” to the proposed pay raise that was vetoed in 2008, and he’d likely support it again in his last year in office.

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Ochsner Eat Fit is bringing back Eat Fit King cakes for the 5th year in a row. The king cake is gluten-free, keto-friendly, with low carbs, and zero sugar. Ochsner dietitian Brittany Craft says it’s all about giving people a healthier option.

Cut 7 (12) “…natural ingredients.”

Eat Fit King Cakes have 93 percent fewer carbs, with four times the protein and two-and-a-half more fiber with zero grams of sugar.  People may worry about not getting the traditional taste, but Craft says the cakes are just as delicious.

Cut 8 (12)  “…sprinkles on top.”

The king cake will be served all across Louisiana through different retailers. Craft says people buying them in-store and online you’ll see a price difference.

Cut 9 (13)  “…like that.”

For a full list of retailers and to order visit www.EatFitKingCake.com

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Tulane’s amazing comeback to beat USC in the Cotton Bowl is not only the school’s biggest win in history, but school President Michael Fitts says it also topped off a season that marked a record improvement of ten wins in a single season.

Cut 10 (11) “…top 25 teams.” 

The Green Wave’s 46-45 victory in Arlington Monday is undoubtedly the school’s greatest victory and Fitts says not only is the win fantastic for their student-athletes and head coach Willie Fritz but says it’s energized the entire Tulane community.

Cut 11 (08)  “…the country.”

Fitts says the school already has more than 40-thousand applications from prospective students to fill 17-hundred places and with the football team’s miraculous he expects that number to increase.

Cut 12 (05) “…in Tulane University.”

The Green Wave finishes the season 12-2.

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Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is in critical condition in a Cincinnati hospital after collapsing on the field with a cardiac arrest Monday night in a game against the Bengals.

LSU Health New Orleans cardiac electrophysiologist,  Dr. Jameel Ahmed says a hard hit at the right time can cause cardiac arrest.

Cut 13 (13) “…electrical arrhythmia. ”

The Bills announced his diagnosis of cardiac arrest early Tuesday morning. He is still in ICU and in critical condition. Dr. Ahmed says the NFL medical staff are trained for situations like this.

Cut 14 (12)  “…favorable prognostics.”

Dr. Ahmed says being in ICU does not mean a patient is dying, it’s more so for the rehabilitation of the body.

Cut 15 (12)  “…its own”

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The Saints are on a three-game winning streak, but they have been eliminated from playoff contention with a seven and nine record. Head Coach Dennis Allen says it’s easy to look back at moments that could have gone differently this season…

Cut  16 (20)  “…from your successes.” 

With a three-sack day on Sunday, defensive End Cameron Jordan set a new franchise record for career sacks with the Saints. His 115.5 sacks put him half a sack ahead of Saints legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson. Allen, who has coached Jordan for seven of his twelve seasons with the Saints says it was a proud moment…

 Cut 17 (21) “…those characteristics” 

The Saints will prepare to host Carolina in their final matchup of the season. Although both teams are eliminated from the playoffs, Allen insisted that no game is meaningless. New Orleans will look to end their season on a positive note, and Allen says that every player who is healthy to play will…

Cut 18 (21) “…what we do.” 

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UL-Lafayette has had a disappointing start to league play after dropping their third straight game to Old Dominion last Saturday. The Cajuns were 10-1 before the three-game skid and preseason favorites to win the Sun-Belt, but have lost their first two conference games. Coach Bob Marlin says his team is frustrated with the losses…

Cut 19 (21) “…play better.”

The Cajuns will look to bounce back Thursday night when they host Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles are 13-2 and undefeated in Sun-Belt action. The Cajuns are still favored to win the game and Marlin says his team is ready to defend home court…

Cut 20 (19)     …big difference.” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 3

A former Livingston Parish deputy takes a plea deal and gets life behind bars for a multitude of sex crimes; many against school kids. Dennis Perkins pleaded guilty to rape, child pornography, sexual battery, and video voyeurism. Some of his crimes are so bad I won’t describe them here. State Attorney General Jeff Landry says Perkins’ wife – a former teacher – was convicted as an accomplice last year…:

CUT 13(10)      “…shake the community.”

Perkins will spend 100 years in prison with no parole.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley is recommending school systems remove access to the app TikTok over security concerns. Brumley says he sent out a memo today and wanted to raise awareness of those concerns among school systems…:

CUT 05(07)      “…communication screens.”

Brumley also advises school co-curricular clubs, extracurricular organizations, and sports teams to stop using TikTok.

Remains of the four men who died in a helicopter crash in the Gulf last week have been recovered. Three oil rig workers and a pilot were on board when it crashed leaving an oil platform on Thursday. The Coast Guard suspended their search after eight hours. The NTSB is investigating the cause of the crash.

2022 was a rough year for investments and retirement accounts. What may be ahead for 2023? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

4:30 LRN Newscast Jan 03

A case from 2019 that shocked the whole state and made national headlines reaches conclusion, as former Livingston Parish deputy Dennis Perkins pleads guilty to multiple counts of rape, child pornography, sexual battery, and video voyeurism. Some of his victims were juveniles. Investigators said among his crimes, putting his own sperm in cupcake batter, then serving those to school kids. Attorney General Jeff Landry says the plea deal taken by Perkins and his lawyer means victims won’t have to relive the ordeal in court…:

CUT 12(10)      “…this plea.”

Perkins will serve the rest of his life in prison.

The state Highway Safety Commissioner asks that we all be better drivers in 2023. LHSC Director Lisa Freeman says too many have died because someone drove while drunk or high. She says that is there’s no excuse for doing that…:

CUT 11(06)      “…so many options.”

She says also make this the year you leave your cellphone down while driving.

 

State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley asks school districts to block access to the video sharing app TikTok, due to concerns it records and saves personal information from our devices. He’s asking schools and also clubs, sports teams and extracurricular groups to quit TikTok…:

CUT 05(07)      “…communication screens.”

TikTok is a China-based platform. Other state agencies are also blocking the app from use on state-operated networks and WiFi.

Police in New Orleans are investigating three persons found dead inside a home in Gentilly, near the New Orleans Fairgrounds. NOPD was asked to make wellness check and made the discovery. They are treating it as a homicide due to shell casings found on the floor of the home. Autopsies will try to determine cause of death, but officers say the person have been dead for several days at least. They ask anyone who knows anything to call NOPD or Crimestoppers.

3:30 LRN Newscast Jan 03

A Monroe store clerk is arrested for manslaughter after shooting and killing an armed robber today. 30-year-old Rafus Anderson reportedly told police he feared the robber was going to shoot him. His gunshot hit the robber, but also another customer – who will be OK. No word from Monroe Police as to why Anderson was arrested.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is encouraging residents to have better driving habits in 2023.  Director Lisa Freeman says it doesn’t matter how a good a driver you may be, if you look at or handle your phone while driving, you are no longer a good driver…:

CUT 10(12)      “…also takes visual.”

In 2021, Louisiana had 850 accidents resulting in injury or death that involved cell phone use. By comparison, 315 deaths that year were connected with alcohol.

 

A former Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputy pleads guilty to a multitude of sex crimes. Dennis Perkins will serve 100 years with no parole for rape, child pornography, sexual battery, and video voyeurism. Some of his victims were minors. Attorney General Jeff Landry says Perkins will never be a free man again…:

CUT 14(12)      “…released early.”

Perkins’ wife Cynthia was convicted last year as an accessory. She is serving a 41 year sentence.

The state Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley, asks school systems to block access to the app TikTok on their campuses, due to security worries. The China-based video sharing app reportedly captures and stores personal info on all users. Brumley says it’s best to safeguard students…:

CUT 04(07)      “…communication tool.”

He’s asking that all school clubs, sports teams and extracurricular groups stop using TikTok.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Tigers Citrus Bowl matchup against Purdue wasn’t much of a contest as LSU trounced the short-handed Purdue team without their head coach and starting Quarterback. The Tigers’ offense had nearly 600 yards en route to a 63-7 victory. Sophomore wide receiver Malik Nabers had nine catches for 163 yards and a touchdown and one passing touchdown on a trick play to quarterback Jayden Daniels…

Cut 28

Nabers will continue to have a big role in the offense next season as he fills the WR1 spot left by Kayshon Boutte.

The LSU Men’s Basketball team will return to action tonight at Kentucky in their second SEC contest of the season. Many didn’t know what to think of new Head Coach Matt McMahon’s rebuilt squad, but the Tigers have started the season 12-1 and opened SEC play last week with a home win over ninth-ranked Arkansas. Tip-off in Lexington is tonight at 7:00.

Tulane pulled off a shocking 46-45 Cotton Bowl upset over USC. The Green Wave finishes the season with a 12-2 record giving the program the best single-season turnaround in FBS history after a two-win season last year. Down 15 with 4 and a half minutes left, Tulane put together a two-play touchdown drive, caused a safety after a muffed kickoff, and led a three-minute game-winning touchdown drive capped off with a  touchdown reception by Alex Bauman. The pass was originally ruled an incompletion before the call was reversed. Bauman said he knew it was a catch all-along…

Cut 18

The last-second extra point gave Tulane the 46-45 win.

The Buffalo Bills released a statement earlier today saying safety Demar Hamlin is in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest during last night’s Monday Night Football game. Hamlin received CPR on the field before being rushed to UC Medical Center for further treatment. The NFL suspended the game indefinitely and has announced there are no plans to play the game this week.

PM Newscall Jan 03

The State Superintendent of Education encourages school systems to remove access to TikTok. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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2022 was a rough year for investments and retirement accounts. What may be ahead for 2023? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Because of security concerns linked to the popular app TikTok, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley recommends school systems remove access to the video-sharing application from publicly funded devices.

Cut 3 (10) “…to examine.” 

Brumley sent a letter today to school systems advising them to remove access to TikTok or any other application developed by their parent company, China-based ByteDance Limited. He says there’s just not enough known about the personal data the application is collecting and it’s best to safeguard students.

Cut 4 (07)  “…communication tool.” 

Last month the Division of Administration blocked TikTok traffic on networks operated by the state Office of Tech Services out of security concerns. Brumley says he wanted to raise awareness about those concerns among school systems.

Cut 5 (07) “…communication screens.”

Brumley also advises school co-curricular clubs, extracurricular organizations, and sports teams to stop using TikTok.

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After a rough year for investors and retirement accounts, with lots of financial losses…what may 2023 bring for stocks, money funds and other investments? The Dow ended 2022 down 9-percent. The S&P 500 ended down over 19-percent and the NASDAQ ended down a whopping 33-percent. Is a big market crash imminent? Baton Rouge-based financial advisor Fred Dent says it’s possible, but not likely…:

 Cut 6 (08)  “…so who knows?”

On “TalkLouisiana with Jim Engster” today, Dent suggests investors stay the course and ride out the investment wave. He says if you’re concerned about the shrinking amount on your investment statement bottom line, there are resources that may help with that…:

Cut 7 (11)  “…even forgot about.”

Dent says there are also some federal taxing policy changes that will help you hold on to more of your money…:

Cut 8 (12)  “…simple Roth IRAs.“

Dent advises you stay the course on your investments, but DO contact your financial advisor soon and discuss concerns, ask questions and make possible adjustments.

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is encouraging residents to have better driving habits in 2023.  Director Lisa Freeman says according to data out of LSU people using mobile phones while they were driving caused 850 crashes that injured or killed someone in Louisiana in 2021

Cut 9 (12) “…group text.” 

Freeman says it doesn’t matter how good a driver actually is, if you look at or handle a phone while driving, you are no longer a good driver…

Cut 10 (12) “…visual” 

In 2021, there were also 315 fatal crashes in Louisiana that involved at least one driver who had been drinking. That number accounted for the most alcohol-related crashes reported in 13 years. Freeman says there is no reason to get behind the wheel when impaired…

Cut 11 (06)  “…options”

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Former Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputy Dennis Perkins pleads guilty to rape, child pornography, sexual battery, and video voyeurism charges. Dennis Perkins will spend 100 years in prison for his crimes without the chance of parole. Attorney General Jeff Landy says the plea deal also spares the victims from having to relive the horrific crimes during a trial.

Cut 12 (10) “…this plea.”  

Dennis Perkins and his then-wife Cynthia Perkins a former Livingston Parish school teacher, faced more than 150 felony charges after their arrest in 2019. Landry says Cynthia Perkins pled guilty last year and was sentenced to 41 years in prison.

Cut 13 (10) “…the community”  

Melanie Curtain was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole last March for her role in the case. Landry says Dennis Perkins will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Cut 14 (12)   “…released early.”

Dennis Perkins reportedly addressed the courtroom and apologized for his crimes and said Jesus Christ had forgiven him.

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2:30 LRN Newscast Jan 03

A former Livingston Parish deputy takes a plea deal and gets life behind bars for a multitude of sex crimes; many against school kids. Dennis Perkins pleaded guilty to rape, child pornography, sexual battery, and video voyeurism. Some of his crimes are so bad I won’t describe them here. State Attorney General Jeff Landry says Perkins’ wife – a former teacher – was convicted as an accomplice last year…:

CUT 13(10)      “…shake the community.”

Perkins will spend 100 years in prison with no parole.

We all watched our investment and retirement accounts shrink in 2022. What will 2023 have in store? On Jim Engster’s “TalkLouisiana” radio show, Baton Rouge financial consultant Fred Dent says there are resources to help you grow that bottom line…:

CUT 07(11)      “…even forgot about.”

He says don’t make hasty decisions about moving your money.

 

Because of security concerns linked to the popular app TikTok, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley recommends school systems remove access to the video-sharing application from publicly funded devices…:

CUT 03(10)      “…to examine.”

Brumley also advises school co-curricular clubs, extracurricular organizations, and sports teams to stop using TikTok. Other state agencies have already taken steps to block access to TikTok.

The Coast Guard confirms they have recovered the remains of four men who were in a helicopter that went down into the Gulf of Mexico Thursday. The helicopter was being operated by Rotorcraft Leasing Company and the passengers were employed by Island Operating Company. They were en route from an offshore rig to the shore.

Three people were found dead today inside a home in New Orleans’ Gentilly area. Police are investigating. More as it develops.

1:30 Newscast Jan 03

Former Livingston Parish deputy Dennis Perkins pleads guilty to rape, child pornography, sexual battery, and video voyeurism charges. Perkins will spend 100 years in prison for his crimes without the chance of parole. Attorney General Jeff Landry says the plea deal also spares the victims from having to relive the horrific crimes during a trial…:

CUT 12(10)      “…this plea.”

Perkins’ then-wife Cynthia Perkins pled guilty last year and was sentenced to 41 years in prison.

The state’s Highway Safety Commission encourages us to be better drivers in 2023.  Director Lisa Freeman says data from of LSU shows using mobile phones while driving caused 850 crashes that injured or killed someone in Louisiana in 2021…:

CUT 09(12)      “…group text.”

 

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley is recommending school systems remove access to the app TikTok over security concerns. Last month the Division of Administration blocked TikTok traffic on networks operated by the state Office of Tech Services for the same reason. Brumley says he wanted to raise awareness of those concerns among school systems…:

CUT 05(07)      “…communication screens.”

Brumley also advises school co-curricular clubs, extracurricular organizations, and sports teams to stop using TikTok.

Scattered storms will bring a risk of severe weather across norther parishes this afternoon; including damaging winds, large hail and possible tornadoes through the evening and into the overnight hours. After tonight, the remainder of the week will bring gradually cooler, but also calmer weather.

Beloved New Orleans radio host John Osterlind has died of natural causes. He was 55.