6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU Tigers will ring in the New Year on Monday by taking on the Wisconsin Badgers in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Garrett Nussmeier will get the start at quarterback. Nussmeier replaces Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels who opted out. Nussmeier will have the opportunity to throw to star receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas…
cut 18 (22) “…been awesome”
Monday’s game against Wisconsin will mark Nussmeier’s first start at quarterback since December 4, 2020. He was in high school.

In transfer portal news…LSU cornerback Denver Harris has entered into it. Harris only played in five games this year.

The Pelicans found a way last night to win a close game as they defeated the Utah Jazz 112 to 105 at the Smoothie King Center. Brandon Ingram led the way with 26 points as New Orleans ended a two-game losing skid and improved to 18-14. The Pels next game is Sunday night at home against the Lakers.

The LSU men’s basketball team returns from Christmas break to host Northwestern State. The Tigers are 7-and-5, while the Demons are just two and ten. Tip time is at 7 PM.

McNeese looks to pull off an upset tonight as they visit the Michigan Wolverines. The Cowboys are 10-and-2 and they’ve won five in a row. Michigan is 6-and-6. The Wolverines last game was December 19th a double overtime loss to Florida.

Sun Belt play begins tomorrow, the Cajuns are at Marshall, and ULM visits App State.

Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk says he proably needs offseason surgery on his knee. Also no signs of Michael Thomas and Marshon Lattimore returning this season. The Saints are at the Bucs on Sunday.

6:30 LRN Newscast

If you have asthma and use the inhaler Flovent made by GSK, listen up. LSU Health New Orleans Pulmonologist Dr. Kyle Happel says it’s being removed from the shelves beginning Monday. And while there are other options…
Cut 4 (11) “…called fluticasone.”
Happel says fluticasone, which is also made by GSK, works just as well as Flovent.

According to Gas Buddy’s annual fuel outlook, the national average for gas and diesel will drop from $3.51 this year to $3.38 in 2024. After gas prices surged to nearly six dollars a gallon in 2022, GasBuddy’s Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the global refining picture has improved.
Cut 10 (10) “…price relief.”
DeHaan says average yearly spending on gasoline per household will fall to 24-hundred dollars, down two-percent from 2023 and 12-percent from 2022.

2023 comes to a close tomorrow and one of the biggest stories in Louisiana this year was Congressman Mike Johnson’s sudden rise to power as he was elected House Speaker after Kevin McCarthy was ousted and Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan failed to get majority support…
cut 14 (14) “….in business”

Louisiana’s third annual Rose Parade float is getting ready to roll along the streets of Pasadena, California on New Year’s Day. The float is designed to encourage viewers of the parade to travel to the Bayou State in 2024. Second-year rider, Assistant Vice President of Communications for the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission Kaylie LeBlanc…
Cut 8 (12) “…anything else.”
Louisiana’s 2024 Rose Parade float features a larger than life Mardi Gras jester, fleur-de-lis, second-line inspired umbrellas and a lot of purple, green and gold. The float also features the sights and sounds of a Louisiana Mardi Gras parade.

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 28

A Chalmette woman has filed a lawsuit seeking to keep former President Donald Trump’s name off of Louisiana’s presidential primary ballot. A similar lawsuit was successful in Colorado, but not in Michigan. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the U-S Supreme Court will eventually have to rule.

Cut 8 (10) “…in Louisiana.” 
The first Buc-cee’s in Louisiana is on track to open in 2025. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says $15 million from the bond commission, $6 million from the state, and an expected $6 million from Congress will fund the construction of service roads, interchanges, etc. for the toothy beaver superstore. He says it’s a good return on investment for the state.

Cut 4 (12) “…two years.”

Return season is underway and President of the Louisiana Better Business Bureau Carmen Million says before you try to return or exchange an unwanted gift, double-check the store’s policy.

Cut 9 (12) “…item back.” 

Stores are not required to accept exchanges or give refunds unless the merchandise was defective or misrepresented.

Freezing temperatures are in the forecast tonight down to the I-10 corridor. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the forecasted low for Shreveport, Monroe and Alexandria is around 30-degrees and some areas could see temperatures even lower than that…

Cut 12 (12)  “.. 25-degrees”  

 

LRN AM NEWSCALL DECEMBER 29

If you use the asthma inhaler Flovent, you need to know that beginning January 1st it won’t be on the shelves. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana’s float will be on display to the world on Monday in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Louisiana rings in a new year this weekend. Jeff Palermo reviews the top stories for 2023…

Cut 3 (50) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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If you have asthma and use the inhaler Flovent made by GSK, listen up. LSU Health New Orleans Pulmonologist Dr. Kyle Happel says they just learned it’s being removed from the shelves beginning Monday. And while there are other options…

Cut 4 (11) “…called fluticasone.”

Happel unfortunately says many insurance companies do not cover the alternatives for Flovent so he’s encouraging users to be proactive about refilling their maintenance medication…

Cut 5 (08) “…their asthma.”

GSK is reportedly discontinuing Flovent due to Medicaid rate changes that would force the company to pay larger penalties for hiking prices. Happel says you might want to get in touch with your doctor now so a prescription for an alternative is ready to go…

Cut 6 (12) “…January 1st.”

Happel says ironically the generic fluticasone, which is also made by GSK, works just as well as Flovent.

____________________________________________________________________

The Bayou State’s Mardi Gras-inspired float will cruise the streets of Pasadena on Monday in the 135th Rose Parade. This year’s theme is “Celebrating a World of Music: Universal Language.” Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says this is an opportunity to put Louisiana on the front line and drive tourism.

Cut 7 (12) “…every year.”

The float will feature a larger-than-life Mardi Gras jester, second-line inspired umbrellas, fleur de lis, and lots of purple, green, and gold. More than 90 volunteers from Louisiana and across the country will decorate the massive float.

Second-year rider, Assistant Vice President of Communications for the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission Kaylie LeBlanc…

Cut 8 (12) “…anything else.” 

Grammy-nominated zydeco musician Sean Ardoin, Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw, and legendary guitarist James Burton will render a musical performance along the parade route. And Lafayette musician Sydney “Sid” Williams will be representing Lafayette Parish on this year’s float.

Nungesser says this year’s riders highlight the celebratory spirit of great musicians from Louisiana. He hopes this will be another award-winning float that exposes all that the Bayou State has to offer.

Cut 9 (09)  “…and this year.”

View photos and videos of the decorating process at explorelouisiana.com. The parade will broadcast at 10 am on ABC New Year’s Day.

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According to Gas Buddy’s annual fuel outlook, the national average for gas and diesel will drop from 3.51 this year to 3.38 in 2024. After gas prices surged to nearly six dollars a gallon in 2022, Head of Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the global refining picture has continued to improve.

Cut 10 (10) “…price relief.”

The average yearly spending per household will fall to an estimated $2407, down two percent from this year and over 12 percent from last year.

DeHaan says there’s also been continued improvement in the balance of supply and demand. He says several factors contribute to less of a pinch at the pump for consumers including…

Cut 11 (13) “…year ahead.” 

DeHaan says gas prices still could fall below a national average of three dollars per gallon this winter before rising again. He says gas prices may peak to around four dollars a gallon around Memorial Day but it’s still uncertain.

Cut 12 (12) “…avoid that.” 

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2023 is coming to a close and the biggest story in Louisiana was the election of Republican Jeff Landry as the state’s 57th governor. Landry’s victory was predicted, but for him to win in October, without the need for a November run-off was a surprise…

Cut 13 (09) “…(cheering).”

A year ago, no one could have predicted that Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson would be elected as Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Republican from northwest Louisiana won the powerful seat after Kevin McCarthy was ousted and Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan failed to get majority support…

Cut 14 (14) “…in business.” 

It was a busy summer and early fall for firefighters as record-breaking hit and drought led to wildfires that destroyed 62-thousand acres statewide. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says in August alone, there were 550 wildfires…

Cut 15 (14) “…in the archives.”

The most controversial bill during the 2023 legislative session was a bill that makes it illegal for doctors to perform certain procedures to alter the sex of transgender minors. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the legislation because it said it was unnecessary…

Cut 16 (09) “…have to do.” 

But lawmakers overrode the governor’s veto and the legislation goes into effect on New Year’s Day.

2023 saw LSU athletic programs win not one, but two national championships, the Lady Tigers basketball team won in April, and LSU baseball won the College World Series in June….

Cut 17 (16) “…walk it off.” 

(Sound courtesy of the LSU Sports Radio Network.)

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The LSU Tigers will take the field on New Year’s Day with a new quarterback as Garrett Nussmeier will get the start. Nussmeier replaces Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels who opted out. Nussmeier will have the opportunity to throw to star receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas…

Cut 18 (21)  “…been awesome.” 

Monday’s game against Wisconsin will mark Nussmeier’s first start at quarterback since December 4, 2020. He can’t wait…

Cut 19 (19) “…playing good” 

Nussmeier and the Tigers will try to rack up points against a Wisconsin defense that’s only allowing 19 points a game. He says it will be a challenge…

Cut 20 (19) “…excited for it”

4:30 PM Newscast

Louisiana sees her third fatal home fire in 3 days. The latest in Jonesville claimed the life of a teenager who couldn’t escape an apartment fire. The Victim’s grandmother and a 4-year-old were hospitalized. Another occupant along with occupants of the 3 attached apartments were able to escape but are displaced from their homes. 2023 showed a record low number of fatal home fires in Louisiana but the State Fire Marshall says December is on the cusp of becoming our most deadly in 2023.

Ashley Reeb of Chalmette filed a lawsuit to take former President Donald Trump’s name off of the state’s presidential primary ballot in March. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution a person engaged in insurrection cannot serve as President. He says the courts are facing three difficult questions when determining if the former president should be disqualified.

Cut 7 (10) “…insurrection” 

The State Bond Commission approves $15 million to help pay for the infrastructure to build Louisiana’s first Buc-ees in Lincoln Parish. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

If you need to return a gift the President of Louisiana Better Business Bureau Carmen Million says Most electronics and home appliances, come with warranties that are to be fulfilled by the manufacturer, not the retailer. For electronics, there may be specific return requirements like returning the item in its original packaging.

Cut 11 (13) “…the manufacturer.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

With Mike Denbrock off to Notre Dame, Joe Sloan and Cortez Hankton are co-offensive coordinators for the Tigers bowl game against Wisconsin. Coach Brian Kelly says both are also candidates to replace Denbrock on a permanent basis…
cut 30 (20) “…for that position”
Sloan is LSU’s quarterbacks coach and Hankton is the receivers coach and passing game coordinator.

Larry Nance is expected to play tonight for the Pelicans as they will host the Utah Jazz tonight at the Smoothie King Center. Nance has been sidelined for the last month because of a rib injury. He’s been a guy the Pelicans like to use in late game situations. The Jazz enters today’s game with a 13-18 record, but they’ve won three straight.

A win for Tampa Bay on Sunday over the New Orleans Saints and the Buccaneers will clinch their third consecutive NFC South title. They are one of the hottest teams in the NFL as they’ve won four in a row. Coach Dennis Allen says the Bucs offense has played very well during this stretch…
Cut 18 (20) “…his feet.”
At practice today, Saints receiver Chris Olave and defensive end Cam Jordan were limited because of ankle injuries.

Former Saints right guard Jahri Evans is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of fame. Evans was on the Saints Super Bowl team and he also played in four Pro Bowls. Former John Ehret Star Reggie Wayne is a also a finalist for a fifth consecutive time after a standout career with the Colts.

3:30 PM Newscast

We’ve seen them in other states and now there’s one in Louisiana, a lawsuit attempting to remove former President Donald Trump’s name off the  March presidential primary ballot. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

An early morning crash claimed the lives of two people from Houma. 39-year-old Melissa Stelly and 28-year-old Duncan Prentice were driving in opposite directions on Hwy 182 when the accident occurred. Louisiana State Police are still investigating but say the F-350 driven by Prentice crossed the center line and struck the F-150 driven by Stelly. Both overturned into Bayou Black and were engulfed in flames. Troop C is asking drivers to drive safely and stay focused while driving.

The first Buc-cee’s in Louisiana is one step closer to reality. The Bond Commission has approved the city of Ruston’s request of $15 million to finance infrastructure to accommodate the project. Mayor Ronny Walker says now they are waiting on final plans from state transportation…

Cut 3 (10) “…the development.”

We’re looking at dropping temperatures and LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says frost and freezing conditions are expected Saturday morning but he says tomorrow morning will be the colder of the two mornings…

Cut 13 (07) “…short term” 

LRN PM Newscall December 28

The State Bond Commission approves $15 million to help pay for the infrastructure to build Louisiana’s first Buc-ees in Lincoln Parish. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

We’ve seen them in other states and now there’s one in Louisiana, a lawsuit attempting to remove former President Donald Trump’s name off the  March presidential primary ballot. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

The first Buc-cee’s in Louisiana is one step closer to reality. The Bond Commission has approved the city of Ruston’s request of $15 million to finance infrastructure to accommodate the project. Mayor Ronny Walker says now they are waiting on final plans from state transportation…

Cut 3 (10) “…the development.”

$15 million from the bond commission, $6 million from the state, and an expected $6 million from Congress will fund the construction of service roads, interchanges, etc. for the toothy beaver superstore. Walker says it’s a good return on investment for the state.

Cut 4 (12) “…two years.”

In addition to a good return on investment for the state, and Beaver Nuggets, Walker says Bucee’s will also provide more than 250 high-paying jobs.

Cut 5 (12) “ …health insurance.” 

The store will be located between Rushton and Grambling and Walker says the opportunity for new employment will benefit both towns.

Construction is expected to begin next year and is projected to open in 2025.

________________________________________________________________

A Louisiana resident has filed a lawsuit seeking to take former President Donald Trump’s name off of the state’s presidential primary ballot in March. Ashley Reeb of Chalmette filed the petition. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the petitioner believes Trump should be disqualified because he violated Section Three of the 14th Amendment

Cut 6 (11) “…presidency.”

Ciolino says under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution a person engaged in insurrection can not serve as President. He says the courts are facing three difficult questions when determining if the former president should be disqualified.

Cut 7 (10) “…insurrection” 

A similar lawsuit was successful in Colorado, but not in Michigan. Ciolino says the U-S Supreme Court will eventually have to step in.

Cut 8 (10) “…in Louisiana.” 

President Trump is facing numerous felony charges including accusations he attempted the results of the 2020 election. The U-S Justice Department says the attack on the nation’s capitol on January 6, 2021 was an unprecedented assault on the seat of American democracy. Trump calls the charges fake.

Ciolino says the constitution does not say someone has to be convicted of insurrection in order to be found in violation of the 14th Amendment.

__________________________________________________________________

Christmas is over and gift return season begins. President of Louisiana Better Business Bureau Carmen Million says before you try to return or exchange an unwanted Christmas gift, double check the store’s policy.

Cut 9 (12) “…item back.” 

Million says stores are not required to accept exchanges or give refunds unless the merchandise was defective or misrepresented. She says most stores will only accept returns and exchanges if you can present the item with its original receipt.

Cut 10 (08) “…super important.”

Most electronics and home appliances come with warranties that are to be fulfilled by the manufacturer, not the retailer. For electronics, Million says there may be specific return requirements like returning the item in its original packaging.

Cut 11 (13) “…the manufacturer.”

_________________________________________________________________

Freezing temperatures are in the forecast tonight down to the I-10 corridor. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the forecasted low for Shreveport, Monroe and Alexandria is around 30-degrees and some areas could see temperatures even lower than that…

Cut 12 (12)  “.. 25-degrees”  

Jacquemin says frost and freezing conditions are expected Saturday morning too. But he says tomorrow morning will be the colder of the two mornings…

Cut 13 (07) “…short term” 

New Year’s eve will be a mild day, but another front will move through and 2024 will start off chilly.

2:30 PM Newscast

A Louisiana resident has filed a lawsuit to remove former President Donald Trump’s name off the state’s presidential primary ballot in March. Ashley Reeb of Chalmette filed the petition and Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the petitioner believes Trump should be disqualified because she says he violated Section Three of the 14th Amendment.

Cut 6 (11) “…presidency.”

It’s the fourth day of Christmas and gift returns have begun. President of Louisiana Better Business Bureau Carmen Million says stores are not required to accept exchanges or give refunds unless the merchandise was defective or misrepresented and She says most stores will only accept returns and exchanges if you can present the item with its original receipt.

Cut 10 (08) “…super important.”

In addition to a good return on investment for the state, and Beaver Nuggets, The first Buc-cee’s in Louisiana will also provide more than 250 high-paying jobs says Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker.

Cut 5 (12) “ …health insurance.” 

Construction is expected to begin next year and the store to be located between Rushton and Grambling is projected to open in 2025.

Temperatures are dropping tonight with Freezing temperatures forecast down to the I-10 corridor. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the forecasted low for Shreveport, Monroe and Alexandria is around 30-degrees and some areas could see temperatures even lower than that…

Cut 12 (12)  “.. 25-degrees”  

1:30 LRN Newscast

A Chalmette woman has filed a lawsuit seeking to keep former President Donald Trump’s name off of Louisiana’s presidential primary ballot. A similar lawsuit was successful in Colorado, but not in Michigan. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the U-S Supreme Court will eventually have to rule.
Cut 8 (10) “…in Louisiana.”
Ashley Reeb of Chalmette states in her petition that based on Section 3 Amendment 14 of the U-S Constitution, Trump can not run for President because he engaged in insurrection on January 6, 2021.

The next couple of mornings, most of the state will see temperatures get below freezing. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin…
cut 13 (07) “…short term”
Lows tomorrow morning could dip below 30-degrees for central and north Louisiana.

The State Fire Marshal’s office says a home fire in Jonesboro claimed the life of a teenager last night. A grandmother and a four-year-old were able to escape the blaze, but they are hospitalized. An investigation into the cause is ongoing. The state fire Marshal says it’s the third fatal fire across Louisiana in as many days.

The State Bond Commission approves $15 million to help pay for the infrastructure to build Louisiana’s first Buc-ees in Lincoln Parish. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”