10:30 LRN Newscast

We’re learning new information on the arrest of a Washington Parish Mayor. A statement from Louisiana State Police says Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong was arrested this morning for, among other things, drug trafficking and soliciting prostitutes. The statement says profits from those drug sales were used to purchase firearms, some of which were given to people who are prohibited from legally possessing them. The 25-year-old mayor is one of seven arrested in connection with the multi-agency investigation.

President Biden joined mourners at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans to remember the 14 people killed in the terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day. Towards the end of the hour-long interfaith service, Biden said the shock and pain are still very raw.

Cut 13 (11) “…are not alone.”

Clergy from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and other faiths joined Christians in praying not only for the families who lost loved ones, but also for those who were injured in the attack.

President Biden announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas development along most U.S. coastlines. LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director Greg Upton says this will have no impact on domestic energy in the short term.

Cut 10 (06) “…in the future.”

President-elect Donald Trump criticized the decision, promising to reverse it, though legal precedent suggests overturning such protections would require congressional action.

A diet developed by scientists at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is ranked the second-best overall diet and the top heart-healthy diet by U.S. News & World Report. Women’s Nutrition Research Coordinator Dr. Catherine Champagne says the DASH Diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy and minimizes saturated fat, cholesterol, and added sugars.

Cut 9 (10)  “…variety in your diet.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Preparations are getting underway for winter precipitation in north Louisiana later this week. 

Cut 2 (29) “…possible.”

LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin.

A Washington Parish mayor is arrested. WWL-TV reports Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong was arrested this morning in a joint effort by the Bogalusa Police Department and Louisiana State Police. No one has said why Mayor Truong was arrested; the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office is expected to announce details later today.

President Biden joined mourners at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans to remember the 14 people killed in the terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day. Biden said the people of New Orleans are very strong.

Cut 15 (16) “…get back up.”

Biden, meanwhile, announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas development along most U.S. coastlines. President-elect Donald Trump has criticized the decision, promising to reverse it. However, LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director Greg Upton says legal precedent suggests doing so would require congressional action.

Cut 12 (11) “…make that decision.”

LRN AM Newscall January 7

Mardi Gras organizers are pleased that this year’s event has been given the highest Special Event Assessment Rating by the Department of Homeland Security. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A diet developed with contributions from scientists at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is ranked the second-best overall diet and the top heart-healthy diet by U.S. News & World Report. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The patient who contracted the first human case of highly pathogenic bird flu has died. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (23) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Security for Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year will be on the same level as that of the Super Bowl. President Biden has approved a request from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to designate Mardi Gras a SEAR 1 event by the Department of Homeland Security. Arthur Hardy, the founder of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says this is excellent news.

Cut 4 (13) “…safest carnival ever.”

Hardy says all 33 parades during carnival season will be dedicated to those who lost their lives in the terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day.

Cut 5 (07) “…not go unacknowledged.”

Hardy says the beefed-up security will involve not only things that people will see, including law enforcement in tactical gear, but also what people WON’T see.

Cut 6 (08) “…they’ll find out.”

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A diet developed by scientists at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is ranked the second-best overall diet and the top heart-healthy diet by U.S. News & World Report. Women’s Nutrition Research Coordinator Dr. Catherine Champagne says the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension — or DASH — Diet is celebrated for combatting high blood pressure.

Cut 7 (09) “…of your diet.”

The DASH Diet has delivered proven health benefits for over 30 years. It ranks first for heart health and high blood pressure, second for prediabetes and gut health, and third for ease of following and diabetes. Dr. Champagne highlights its ability to lower blood pressure, reduce stroke risk, and improve metabolism across all body sizes.

Cut 8 (12) “…your blood pressure.”

Champagne says the DASH Diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy and minimizes saturated fat, cholesterol, and added sugars.

Cut 9 (10)  “…variety in your diet.”

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President Biden announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas development along most U.S. coastlines, aiming to combat climate change and protect coastal environments. This decision, affecting 625 million acres of ocean under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, covers waters off the east and west coasts, and the eastern Gulf of Mexico. LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director Greg Upton says this will have no impact on domestic energy in the short term.

Cut 10 (06) “…in the future.”

Upton says Biden’s offshore drilling ban could affect production further down the line.

Cut 11 (04) “…the United States.”

President-elect Donald Trump criticized the decision, promising to reverse it, though legal precedent suggests overturning such protections would require congressional action.

Cut 12 (11) “…make that decision.”

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President Biden joined mourners at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans to remember the 14 people killed in the terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day. Towards the end of the hour-long interfaith service, Biden said the shock and pain are still very raw.

Cut 13 (11) “…are not alone.”

Biden told those gathered that for those who lost loved ones, things will be very difficult.

Cut 14 (16) “…of her laugh.”

Biden says the people of New Orleans are very strong.

Cut 15 (16) “…get back up.”

Clergy from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and other faiths joined Christians in praying not only for the families who lost loved ones, but also for those who were injured in the attack.

______________________________________________________

Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi says he’ll interview with the team next week as the franchise begins to ramp up its search for a permanent head coach. The Black and Gold went 3-and-4 with Rizzi as the helm following the firing of Dennis Allen. Rizzi says during his seven weeks as interim head coach, he showed he can lead and it shouldn’t be a strike against him because he doesn’t call plays…

Cut 16 (28) “…that part.”

The Saints just concluded a 5-and-12 season, their worst record since 2005. Rizzi says changes are coming, but doesn’t think wholesale changes are needed…

Cut 17 (17)  “…you do change.” 

Rizzi says he looks forward to the opportunity to talk with Owner Gayle Benson and General Manager Mickey Loomis about his vision for the franchise…

Cut 18 (17)   “…whole building.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

President Biden grants New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s request that Mardi Gras be upgraded to a SEAR 1 event, the highest Special Event Assessment Rating by the Department of Homeland Security.

Cut 8 (08) “…and months ahead.”

SEAR 1 events are events that require extensive federal interagency support. The Super Bowl is already designated as a SEAR 1 event.

A pair of magnitude 3.0 earthquakes strike Caddo Parish. The first was reported late last night near Mooringsport, while the second struck the same area a short time later. Research Geophysicist Thomas Pratt with the U.S. Geological Survey says this has been occurring for the past few weeks.

Cut 12 (09) “…call them a sequence.”

Pratt says the earthquakes are due to oil and gas companies injecting fluid into the earth that increases the pressure and opens the faults up more.

The Committee of 100’s year-end economic report says healthcare, construction, and professional services will be the fastest job growing sectors through 2032. CEO Adam Knapp says healthcare alone is expected to create 20-thousand new jobs.

Cut 4 (07) “…future in healthcare.”

Knapp says demand will especially be high for registered nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides.

Some changes in unemployment insurance in Louisiana took effect January 1st. Robert Wooley, the assistant secretary of Unemployment Insurance Administration at the Louisiana Workforce Commission, says benefits go down from 26 weeks to between 12 and 20 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate.

Cut 9 (06)  “…12-week range.”

Wooley says people can get up to eight additional weeks of benefits if they enroll in an approved training program.

10:30 LRN Newscast

The FBI says Shamsud-Din Jabbar planned his attack on Bourbon Street well in advance. FBI Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Mytrhil says during an October visit, Jabbar recorded reconnaissance video of Bourbon Street with smart glasses…

Cut 11 (11) “…contact us.”

At this time, the FBI does not know why Jabbar, who was from Houston, chose Bourbon Street to attack.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is seeking federal assistance on security plans for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.

Cut 6 (15) “…months on end.”

Mayor Cantrell says one of the things she’d like the tactical expert to do is to determine whether the city’s plans for bollards on Bourbon Street are sufficient to prevent another tragedy like the one that happened early on New Year’s Day.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser criticized New Orleans leadership following the terror attack on Bourbon Street. Nungesser was filled with sadness and anger when he heard the news as he was returning to Louisiana from the Rose Parade.

Cut 5 (12) “…making it safer” 

Except for the five districts named in the ACLU’s ongoing lawsuit, all public school classrooms are now required to post the Ten Commandments. Attorney General Liz Murrill issued guidance late last Friday afternoon, saying among other things that there are four posters to choose from.

Cut 7 (13) “…with the law.”

The posters should be between 11-by-14 inches and 18-by-24 inches in size, placed within close proximity to other educational posters and away from a teacher’s desk or podium.

LRN AM Newscall January 6

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser criticized New Orleans leadership following a deadly New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street, labeling the response as lacking.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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As a legal challenge continues in court, today is the first day that schools will have an opportunity to implement Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law. Andrew Greenstein reports Attorney General Liz Murrill issued guidance Friday afternoon.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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New Orleans finds itself home to two of the most disappointing franchises in professional sports in the Saints and Pelicans. Nola.com columnist Jeff Duncan expects owner Gayle Benson to make some major changes. Kace Kieschnick (KEESH-nick) has more

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser criticized New Orleans leadership following a deadly New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street, labeling the response as lacking. Nungesser expressed frustration with the absence of bollards at key entrances.

Cut 4 (11) “…important as Superbowl.”

Nungesser was filled with sadness and anger when he heard the news of trying to get back to Louisiana from the Parade of Roses in California.

Cut 5 (12) “…making it safer”

Nungesser reaffirmed Louisiana’s resilience, encouraging unity and vigilance. He also announced plans to enhance security measures in New Orleans’ most popular areas.

Cut 6 (16) “…city it can be.”

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Amid an ongoing legal challenge, today is the first day that kids throughout Louisiana will start seeing the Ten Commandments posted in classrooms. Except for the five districts named in the lawsuit, all public school classrooms are now required to post the Ten Commandments. Attorney General Liz Murrill issued guidance late last Friday afternoon, saying among other things that there are four posters to choose from.

Cut 7 (13) “…with the law.”

The posters should be between 11-by-14 inches and 18-by-24 inches in size, placed within close proximity to other educational posters and away from a teacher’s desk or podium. Murrill said the posters themselves place the Ten Commandments in an educational context, including tying them in with the House of Representatives and the Supreme Court.

Cut 8 (12) “…and comply constitutionally.”

Murrill concedes that posting the Ten Commandments by itself without any educational context violates the First Amendment as previously interpreted by the Supreme Court.

Cut 9 (12)  “…Supreme Court precedent.”

Murrill said it’s not in her office’s jurisdiction to prosecute school districts that fail to put up the posters in schools, saying that would be BESE’s job. Furthermore, she says if individual teachers refuse to display the posters, their school boards could pursue disciplinary action against them.

______________________________________________________

Federal authorities say the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street could have claimed more lives if officers did not kill the suspect after he crashed into construction equipment. Joshua Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the A-T-F New Orleans field office, says Shamsud-Din Jabbar possessed a transmitter with radio receivers designed to ignite two bombs that he placed on Bourbon Street

Cut 10 (09) “…set off the devices.”

Jabbar died in a gun fight with New Orleans Police officers after his vehicle crashed.

Authorities still believe Jabbar acted alone. The FBI says they learned the 42-year-old from Houston visited New Orleans twice in the months leading up to his attack. FBI Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Mytrhil says during his October visit, he recorded reconnaissance video of Bourbon Street with smart glasses…

Cut 11 (19) “…contact us.”

Mytrhil says they also know that Jabbar travel traveled to Canada and Egypt in 2023. He says they want to talk with anyone that may have encountered Mythril…

Cut 12 (08) “…New Orleans.”

The FBI also does not know why he planned this attack for New Orleans.

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Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson has some tough decisions ahead of her as the leader of two of the worst teams in professional sports. Nola.com columnist Jeff Duncan says Benson is a proud New Orleanian, and she’s as frustrated as anyone.

Cut 13 (18)  “…a little shaken.”

The Saints have made significant roster and coaching changes following the departure of Sean Payton but find themselves again in limbo with a top 10 draft pick and in search of a new Head Coach. Fans think it might be time for a new general manager, but Duncan says he’d be shocked if GM Mickey Loomis got the boot.

Cut 14 (19) “…clean house.”

The Pelicans are on pace for less than 15 wins in a year meant to be their leap into contention after trading for former All-Star Dejounte Murray. Injuries have yet again derailed their season as trade rumors swirl amidst contract disputes. Duncan says whether it’s a star player or Head Coach Willie Green.

Cut 15 (17) “…coaching staff.”

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It was the story of the 2024 New Orleans Saints – they couldn’t hold a late lead. That was the case in Tampa yesterday as the Saints coughed up a fourth quarter lead and lost to the Buccaneers, 27-19, to finish their dismal season with a record of 5-and-12. The Saints led 19-13 going into the fourth quarter, but a 32-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield to Jalen McMillan put the Bucs up for good. An 11-yard touchdown run by Bucky Irving with a 1:51 left gave the Buccaneers a late cushion. After the game, Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi said he was disappointed with the outcome but not the effort.

Cut 16 (13) “…credit to them.”

The aforementioned last play of the season saw Mike Evans catch a pass for nine yards to put him over one-thousand for the season, his record-tying 11st straight season with one-thousand receiving yards that kicked in a three-million-dollar bonus. Rizzi was wearing a sweatshirt that read “NOLA,” with a heart replacing the O in memory of those killed in the New Year’s Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street. Rizzi said he wanted to win it for them and for the whole grieving city.

Cut 17 (09)  “…a short term.” 

Spencer Rattler completed 26 out of 42 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown. He was also sacked twice. After the game, Rattler said he’s disappointed that he couldn’t lead the Saints to a win in the season finale.

Cut 18 (16)   “…from as well.”

With the season now over for the Saints, they can look ahead to the NFL draft, where they will be picking ninth. In the short term, the front office will be starting the interview process for a new head coach. Rizzi said he expects to get an interview for the permanent position.

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It was a disappointing start to SEC play for the LSU men’s basketball team as they dropped their conference opener at home to Vanderbilt 80 to 72. But Vanderbilt is fourth in the country in steals per game and they forced 15 turnovers and LSU allowed the Commodores to beat them on the glass. Coach Matt McMahon

Cut 19 (11) “…so large.”

LSU is one of six teams in the SEC not ranked in the AP Top 25 and they were playing another non-ranked team at home. So this loss stings for the Tigers, who will play next four out of five on the road. McMahon says they have to move past this loss…

Cut 20 (09) “…this season.”

LSU is at Missouri on Tuesday night. Mizzou also started SEC play with a loss as they fell to 2nd ranked Auburn on the road to 84 to 68.

5:30 LRN Newscast

Benton Congressman Mike Johnson was re-elected as Speaker of the House, but it didn’t come without some drama. Two Republican Congressmen initially voted for someone else, but they switched their support when given another chance, giving Johnson the necessary votes to retain the gavel. Johnson told the House it’s time to get to work and that means putting Americans first again…

Cut 3 (12) “…working people.” 

The mild weather we’ve been experiencing will come to an end on Sunday as the coldest weather of the season will begin to make its way into the Bayou State. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will be in the 70s on Sunday, but be prepared for a big change…

Cut 12 (10) “…so far.”

In the wake of the New Year’s Day Terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, French Quarter businesses are asking what can be done to prevent something like it from happening again. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Crowds, meanwhile, are returning to Bourbon Street after it was closed for nearly 36 hours after the attack. One woman visiting New Orleans from Indiana says the incident will not keep her from returning to the city.

Cut 10 (05) “…100-percent come back.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

Bourbon Street is back open after being closed for 36 hours following the New Year’s Day terror attack that left 14 innocent people dead. I spoke to a man outside Bourbon Street who was visiting from Georgia. He told me the whole scene was surreal.

Cut 5 (10) “…it’s history” 

Early reports said multiple suspects were involved in the attack, but now the FBI says Shamsud Din Jabbar acted alone. FBI Deputy Assistant Director of Counter Terrorism Christopher Raia says Jabbar had three cell phones and two laptops; and after searching the devices they can confirm that no information on the devices linked anyone else to the attack.

Cut 14 (10) “…attack by anybody.”

President Biden will fly to New Orleans early next week to meet with the families of the victims.

The 119th Congress gets to work today, and the Republican controlled House and Senate say they have a mandate from voters to improve the livelihoods of Americans. Majority Leader Steve Scalise from Jefferson Parish says they have an ambitious agenda to carry out in the first 100 days…

Cut 3 (11) “…America’s economy.” 

Among those being sworn in today is Cleo Fields. The Baton Rouge Democrat is returning to Congress following a three-decade absence. Fields says he wants to focus on education; saying when he left Congress the first time, there was the Education Caucus that doesn’t exist anymore…

Cut 8 (08) “…on education.”

The redrawing of the 6th District which Fields represents led in part to Garret Graves deciding not to seek re-election.

LRN Updated AM Newscall January 3 (Replaces Cut 12)

A pall of sadness hovered over one of the most festive areas in all of the South until it was reopened yesterday afternoon. Andrew Greenstein talked with people passing by Bourbon Street prior to its reopening.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Cleo Fields returns to Congress today after nearly three decades since he has last served as a U-S Representative. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (25) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

_____________________________________________

A tight vote is expected in the U-S House today as Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson seeks re-election as Speaker of the House. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Until it was reopened yesterday afternoon, a pall of sadness hovered over Bourbon Street after a terrorist plowed a pickup truck into a crowd of people, killing 15 and injuring several others. A local pastor says the city has made such great strides in improving safety up until that point.

Cut 4 (13) “…it really hurts.”

This man visiting from Georgia says the whole scene is surreal.

Cut 5 (10) “…it’s history”

This woman from Indiana said the city’s response has been tremendous.

Cut 6 (04) “…everything was wonderful.”

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After nearly three decades, Cleo Fields returns to Congress today. The Baton Rouge Democrat will be sworn in, representing the newly drawn 6th Congressional District, which is the state’s second majority-minority district. Fields says he’s excited to return to D-C.

Cut 7 (15) “…needle forward.”

Fields says he wants to focus on education.  He says when he left Congress there was the Education Caucus that doesn’t exist anymore…

Cut 8 (08) “…on education.”

His path back to Congress opened when a federal court ordered Louisiana to create a second majority-Black district following census data that showed one third of the state’s voting population is Black. The GOP-controlled Legislature reluctantly complied, targeting Republican Garret Graves’ seat. Fields says he looks forward to working with Republicans and says we can’t let partisanship get in front of progress.

Cut 9 (10)  “…meaningful done.”

Fields’ win marks the first time since 2011 that Louisiana will have two Democratic House members, as Troy Carter also retained his seat in the 2nd District.

______________________________________________________

Georgia and Notre Dame waited 19 additional hours to play the Sugar Bowl at the Superdome. In the end, Notre Dame came out on top, beating the Bulldogs 23-10. The game was a defensive struggle through most of the first half. After Notre Dame took a 6-3 lead with less than a minute to go in the first half, the next 54 seconds proved to be the difference. Junior Tuihalamaka recovered a Gunner Stockton fumble deep in Georgia territory on their first play of the ensuing drive; and on the next play, Beaux Collins caught a touchdown pass from Riley Leonard to put the Irish up 13-3 at halftime. Then on the second half’s opening kickoff, Jayden Harrison ran it back 98 yards for a touchdown to essentially put the game away. Irish head coach Marcus Freeman said he wanted to keep the pressure on after closing out the first half with two huge plays.

Cut 10 (21) “…of the game.”

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard said the extra day gave him and his team more time to prepare.

Cut 11 (07) “…paid off today.”

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart defended his decision to call a pass play from the Bulldogs’ own 25 yards line with 38 seconds left in the first half that resulted in a fumble that led to a Notre Dame touchdown on the next play.

Cut 12 (17) “…them some momentum.”

While the game was officially a sellout, the one-day postponement resulted in more than 11-thousand no-shows. All four teams who advanced to the quarterfinals by winning a first-round game won their way to the semifinals. Notre Dame will take on Penn State in the Orange Bowl next Thursday evening, and Texas will face Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl next Friday evening.

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Early reports said multiple suspects were involved in the New Orleans terrorist attack, now the FBI says Shamsud Din Jabbar acted alone. FBI Deputy Assistant Director of Counter Terrorism Christopher Raia confirmed there was no one else assisting Jabbar in placing two functional IEDs in coolers in the area…

Cut 13 (12)  “…put that to rest.”

Raia says Jabbar had three cell phones and two laptops and after searching the devices they can confirm that no information on the devices linked anyone else to the attack.

Cut 14 (10) “…attack by anybody.”

Raia says the investigation continues into Jabbar and asks anyone who has ever seen or been in contact with Jabbar for any reason to contact the FBI.

Cut 15 (15) “…investigation leads.”

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Amidst the tragic New Year’s attack on Bourbon Street the Saints are still preparing for their season finale in Tampa Bay. Saints Head Coach Darren Rizzi says this was a somber reminder there are things more important than football, but now it’s up to the Saints to be there for their community…

Cut 16 (17) “…it’s a disaster.”

The 5-and-11 Saints’ season is all but over, and the black and gold currently hold the 10th pick in next year’s draft. The Buccaneers are one game ahead of the Falcons at 9-and-7, and a win would crown them as NFC South Champions and punch their ticket to a home playoff game. Rizzi says he’s glad his team has the chance to play spoiler…

Cut 17 (16)  “…into the playoffs.” 

Kickoff in Tampa Bay is at 12:00

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The LSU men’s basketball team will tip-off SEC play Saturday against Vanderbilt Saturday. The 11-and-2 Tigers are off to a strong start but have a grueling SEC schedule ahead of them. Head Coach Matt McMahon says the conference is the best in the history of college basketball at this point in the season, but his team is eager to compete…

Cut 18 (17)   “…in the postseason.”

The 12-amd-1 Commodores are off to their best start since 2008 after going 9-and-23 a season ago. Vanderbilt is led by the SEC’s third leading scorer Jason Edwards who the Tigers faced twice with North Texas last year. McMahon says they play extremely fast and limiting turnovers is his biggest concern…

Cut 19 (18) “…really good roster.”

Senior guard Cam Carter has stepped up to lead the Tigers with 17 points per game on just 11 shots. The Kansas St. transfer has seen a massive jump in efficiency, improving marks of 39% from the floor and 30% from three last season to 46% and 43% in Baton Rouge. McMahon says he’s also gotten to the line and reduced turnovers…

Cut 20 (18) “…percentage standpoint.”

LRN PM Newscall January 1

Tragedy in New Orleans as a man plows through a crowd on Bourbon Street with his pickup truck, killing at least 15 people and injuring 35 others. It happened shortly after three this morning; the man turned onto Bourbon Street from Canal Street; the area is always bustling with people. Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick says this was an intentional act.

Cut 1 (16) “…he possibly could.”

The FBI has identified the man as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, and they say he’s a U.S. citizen from Texas. They say the Ford pickup truck he was driving had been rented. Jabbar reportedly had an ISIS flag inside the truck. The FBI did not make any mention of that in its release, but it did say weapons and a potential improvised explosive device were found in the truck. Other potential IEDs were also found in the French Quarter. Kirkpatrick says Jabbar was intent on killing as many people as possible.

Cut 2 (11) “…that he did.”

Kirkpatrick says Jabbar exchanged gunfire with officers.

Cut 3 (12) “…they are stable.”

Bourbon Street attracts tourists all 365 days a year; even more so right now, with Georgia and Notre Dame getting set to play in the Sugar Bowl tonight. Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick says given the fact that this happened after three o’clock this morning, many tourists had likely left the area.

Cut 4 (14) “…locals versus tourists.”

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell spoke at a news conference early this morning in the immediate aftermath of the incident on Bourbon Street.

Cut 5 (07) “…still under investigation.”

Mayor Cantrell says her heart goes out to everyone affected by what happened on Bourbon Street.

Cut 6 (09) “…to this tragedy.”

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FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan says the driver was intent on killing as many people as possible before police stopped him.

Cut 7 (09) “…at the scene.”

Duncan says investigators have identified the man as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas.

Cut 8 (11) “…with terrorist organizations.”

Duncan says agents found weapons inside Jabbar’s pickup truck, and that’s not all.

Cut 9 (09)  “…the French Quarter.”

Duncan says agents are looking for additional suspects.

Cut 10 (07) “…his known associates.”

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Governor Jeff Landry has issued a state of emergency in response to the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Landry says this will allow for utilizing all available state resources ahead of Super Bowl 59 and Mardi Gras. Landry says his administration is committed to providing every resource necessary to keep everyone who visits and lives in the state safe…

Cut 11 (12) “…is safe.”

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A Baton Rouge father of two is among the ten people dead. A University of Georgia student is among the critically injured.

St. Thomas More Athletics Director Kim Broussard has confirmed that former STM football player Tiger Bech is one of the individuals killed in the terrorist attack. Bech played college football at Princeton and his younger brother played at LSU and starred at TCU this season. Tiger Bech was just 28.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill….

Cut 12 (19) “…our breath sometimes.”