12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 11

Alabama head coach Nick Saban is calling it quits, he announced his retirement yesterday. Former LSU quarterback and Baton Rouge native Marcus Randall says Saban’s legacy in football is unmatched.

Cut 5 (07) “ …unheard of.” 

Saban won seven national titles in his collegiate coaching career, and one of those at LSU in 2003.

JMC Analytics and Polling estimates a change to a closed-party primary election versus the open primary process would cost the state an extra $90 million annually. But Brent Littlefield, longtime political advisor to Governor Jeff Landry says that figure is exaggerated…

Cut 7 (12) “…in the sky.” 

Legislation for closed-party primary elections will be introduced in next week’s special session.

 

Louisiana will get a real taste of winter at the start of next week. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin has the latest…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Bill Jacquemin”

 

11:30 LRN Newscast Jan 11

Nick Saban is heading into retirement after winning seven national championships, six of them at Alabama and one at LSU in 2003. Former LSU quarterback Marcus Randall played for Saban and there’s a reason why he’s considered the greatest college football coach of all time.

Cut 3 (11) “…he’s been.”

Since sports betting has been legal in the Bayou State, Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says around five billion dollars in bets have been placed but not all sports are created equal…

Cut 12 (08) “…number one sport.” 

John says 85% to 86% of sports betting in Louisiana is done on a Mobile device.

The debate over moving to closed-party primary elections versus the current open process in Louisiana is being met with opposition. But Brent Littlefield, longtime political advisor to Governor Jeff Landry, says there’s a campaign underway to confuse lawmakers and the public about the issue.

Cut 6 (09) “…this idea.” 

There have been estimates that a change would cost the state an extra $90 million annually.

Louisiana Congressman and House Speaker Mike Johnson had a phone call with President Biden yesterday as House Republicans try to reach an agreement with Democrats on stronger immigration policies at the southern border. Johnson says since Biden took office there have been more than seven million illegal encounters recorded at the southern border….

Cut 8 (11) “…the rest.” 
 

AM LRN Newscast Jan 11

A major storm front and freezing temperatures will hit the Bayou State beginning tonight into next week. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

As another government shutdown looms, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republicans are insisting on tougher border policies. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________________

LSU hires one of the better defensive line coaches in college football. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

______________________________________________

Severe weather conditions are expected to impact the Bayou State starting today through tomorrow morning. National Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist Gary Chatelain says this front primarily for Arkansas and Oklahoma will graze the northwestern region of the Bayou State.

Cut 4 (12) “…the question.”

The forecast puts the portion of Louisiana between the northern portion of I-49 and I-20 corridor in the slight risk category for severe weather in the early morning hours of Friday.

Chatelain says the arrival of a cold front over the weekend will send temperatures plummeting and bring strong northerly winds. He says an artic outbreak will also send temperatures into freezing conditions Sunday night into next week.

Cut 5 (12) “…below freezing.”

Chatelain says the potential for severe and wintery weather is great. He says it could possibly be a bumpy ride and is worth preparing for.

Cut 6 (12) “…ice up.”

____________________________________________________________________

US House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke with President Biden Wednesday about securing the southern border to reduce the number of illegal crossings. As the Biden administration is asking for aid to Ukraine and Israel, Johnson and Republicans are insisting on tougher border policies.

Cut 7 (03) “…our own.”

Congress must pass spending bills by the 19th to avoid a government shutdown.

Johnson says border security is their top priority in the House and since Biden took office there have been more than seven million illegal encounters recorded at the southern border.

Cut 8 (11) “…the rest.” 

The Republican says there are estimates that more than 14 to 15 million illegal aliens have entered the U.S. in the last three years, including 312 suspects who are on the terrorist watch list.

The White House has proposed more funding to hire additional Border Patrol agents to reduce the number of crossings. But Johnson says they want a return to tougher policies that were in place during the Trump administration.

Cut 9 (09)  “…overdue.”

Last week Johnson and other House Republicans visited the southern border to highlight the issue.

____________________________________________________________________

Sports betting has been legal in Louisiana for just over 2 years and has had a relatively smooth implementation. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says, In the 2-year period around Five Billion Dollars in Bets have been placed and that means revenue for the Bayou State…

Cut 10 (10) “…tax revenue mark.”

85%  to 86% of sports betting in Louisiana is done on a Mobile device but to place that bet, even on a mobile device, you must be in Louisiana. Johns says West Louisiana Truck stops bordering Texas see visitors coming in just to make their wager, especially during the NFL regular season.

Cut 11 (11) “…back into Texas.” 

When it comes to sports betting, not all sports are created equal says Johns…

Cut 12 (08) “…number one sport.” 

____________________________________________________________________

The Tigers have hired one of the better defensive line coaches in college football, Bo Davis is leaving Texas for LSU. Davis was also a former assistant at Alabama and won two national titles. The former nose guard was also on LSU’s staff when they won the national title in 2003. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says this is a huge hire…

Cut 13 (13) “..that level.”

During his 12 seasons as a defensive line coach in college football, he’s produced 17 all-conference selections and seven all-Americans. Weathers says Davis will help in recruiting because young d-linemen will want to play for him…

Cut 14 (11) “..possibility.” 

LSU’s defensive line underperformed in 2023 as they went several through d-line coaches starting with Jamar Cain who went to the Denver Broncos. Weathers says they needed to make a solid hire for this position group…

Cut 15 (12) “…stability.”

________________________________________________________________

Nick Saban shocked the sports world on Wednesday by announcing his retirement at the age of 72. Saban won seven national championships, six at Alabama and his first was at LSU in 2003. Baton Rouge native Michael Clayton was a star receiver on that team and there’s a reason why Saban won 292 games…

Cut 16 (13) “..under his leadership.” 

Clayton was a standout wide receiver at Christian Life High School in Baton Rouge. He remembers when Saban came to his home for the first time and he quickly decided that LSU was the school for him…

Cut 17 (14) “…my life.” 

Saban coached at LSU from 2000 to 2004 and went 48-16 during those five seasons. He built the Tigers into a national powerhouse and after a two-year stint with the Miami Dolphins he arrived at Alabama in 2007. Saban won his first national title at Alabama at 2009 and the Crimson Tide have dominated the series against LSU since 2011. Clayton has mixed emotions about his retirement…

Cut 18 (18)  “…under his leadership.” 

 

Cut 19 (26) “…he’s played.” 

 

Cut 20 (10) “…fracture.”

 

Edit

1:30 LRN Newscast Jan 10

LSU Ag Center Crawfish Specialist Mark Shirley warns this could be the worst crawfish season on record. He says Louisiana should have 361,000 acres of crawfish production, that’s what farmers probably would have flooded up back in the fall, but the drought hampered things severely.

Cut 4 (11) “…the farm.”

He says prices will be high and supply will be limited this year.

A new poll finds the cost of insurance is the biggest issue facing Louisiana residents. There was talk of a special session on insurance reform before the regular session starts in March, but Senate President Cameron Henry says because of the complexity of insurance laws, it would be better to wait until the regular session…

Cut 12 (05)  “…bit more”  

The regular session begins March 11th and wraps on June 3rd.

Governor Landry wants lawmakers to look at changing to closed party primary election, but the transition could cost the state an extra $90 million annually. Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says in 2008 and 2010 state party-run primaries were just for federal races, but it caused confusion and independent voters were upset they couldn’t vote in a closed primary…

Cut 7 (04) “…too expensive” 

Louisiana’s open primary system has been around since the 1970s.

Amazon, the leading global online retailer, is opening a 56-thousand-square-foot distribution facility in Monroe. Mayor Friday Ellis says the facility will provide 200 jobs between 17 to 28 dollars per hour.

Cut 9 (09) “…people live.” 

Ellis says Amazon’s announcement will hopefully result in more economic development for the region.

 

 

12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 10

LSU Ag Center Crawfish Specialist Mark Shirley warns that 2024 will be one of the worst mudbug seasons on record as far as prices and supply are concerned. He says it’s so dire farmers are averaging one to two mudbugs a trap.

Cut 3 (13) “…(x2) just not there.”

Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy is not a fan of Governor Landry’s proposal to change from an open primary election to a closed party primary. A pollster says it could cost the state an additional 90 million dollars a year. Cassidy says the state has bigger priorities to fund…

Cut 6 (11) “…coastal restoration.” 

Amazon has selected Monroe as the site for its next distribution center. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

 

 

11:30 LRN Newscast Jan 10

A poll of 650 likely voters shows fifty-six percent are not interested in changing the way primary elections are held in the Bayou State. Governor Jeff Landry wants lawmakers to consider a closed-party primary. Pollster John Couvillon believes it’s an issue of party purity…

Cut 6 (12) “…in anymore.”

Outgoing BESE president Holly Boffy says she’s disappointed the governor immediately overturned the graduation appeal process for seniors who fail the LEAP exam. She encourages the public to reach out to their legislators and to sign a petition at excellgrad-dot-org…

Cut 14 (11) “…options in life.” .

A study conducted by Tulane Professor Toni Weiss says Mardi Gras contributes nearly 900 million dollars to New Orleans’ economy. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

 

Amazon plans to open a 56,000-square-foot distribution facility in Monroe.  Mayor Friday Ellis says construction is scheduled to being in the coming weeks and hourly wages for potential employees will range from $17 to $28 an hour.

 

 

12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 9

Governor Landry overturns the appeals process for high school seniors who fail the LEAP exam. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says if the governor hadn’t issued the executive order, he believes incoming BESE members would have reversed the process…

Cut 10 (12) “…requirements.” 

And during the special redistricting session, lawmakers will debate changing from open to closed primary elections. Senate President Cameron Henry says a closed primary election would end the December run-off in Congressional races, which hurts newly elected U.S. Representatives and Senators when it comes to seniority…

Cut 5 (10) “…which is huge” 

A statewide poll of 650 likely voters finds auto and home insurance rates are the number one issue for Louisianans. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

11:30 LRN Newscast Jan 9

Among Governor Landry’s first actions in office was overturning the appeals process for high school seniors who fail the LEAP exam. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says Landry mentioned early on that he was against this particular proposal for waving those graduation requirements…

Cut 9 (08) “…in office.” 

Library visits in Louisiana were up more than 20-percent in 2022 and State Librarian Meg Placke says they were busy answering 2.5 million reference questions online and in person the same year. She invites even more visitors to research what’s going on at their local library…

Cut 12 (11) “…just books.” 

54-percent of Louisianans are library card holders…

One of Jeff Landry’s first acts as governor is calling lawmakers to the state capitol for a redistricting session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Houma Police are investigating a fatal shooting involving two men from Alabama. The incident happened around 1:30 Saturday morning at a sports bar. Police say Christopher Boutwell of Theodore shot the victim Marvin Reed of Mobile multiple times. Both are 39 years old. Boutwell is charged with second degree murder.

10:30 LRN Newscast Jan 9

Governor Jeff Landry has issued the call for a redistricting special session to redraw the Congressional and Supreme Court maps. Senate President Cameron Henry says they’ll also debate moving to a closed primary…

Cut 4 (08) “…cost of it.”

The session will begin Monday and has until January 23rd to wrap up.

A JMC Analytics poll reveals 26 percent of Louisianans believe the cost of homeowner and car insurance is the biggest issue in the Bayou State. Pollster John Couvillon says residents are paying attention to what lawmakers are going to do about insurance rates.

Cut 6 (07) “…insurance commissioner.” 

On average, homeowners in the Bayou State pay about two thousand dollars every year for insurance – that’s 700 dollars more than the national average.

Lambda Legal, a civil rights defense organization that focuses on LGBTQ rights is suing the Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners over the ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Attorney Omar Gonzalez-Pagan says the ban sets a precedent that could reach far beyond the transgender community.

Cut 14 (07) “…all in Louisiana.” 

He says the law is unconstitutional.

Library usage in the Bayou State increased 21 percent from 2021 to 2022. State Librarian Meg Placke says Louisianan’s 334 public libraries are much more than just books. In 2022 they provided close to 75-thousand programs, in-person and virtual events for the community that recorded more than two million attendees.

Cut 11 (12) “…and needed.” 

 

 

1:30 LRN Newscast Jan 8

Possible severe thunderstorms, hail, and flash flooding is expected for southeastern Louisiana this afternoon through early tomorrow morning. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

In DC, former New Orleans Mayor and Louisiana Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu is stepping down as the White House infrastructure coordinator to co-chair President Biden’s re-election campaign. Landrieu joined the White House as a senior advisor to the President in November of 2021.

Eunice Republican Phillip Devillier was elected today as Louisiana’s new Speaker of the House. Devillier was elected to the House in 2015 and his district includes parts of Acadia, Evangeline, and St. Landry Parishes. Devillier’s acceptance speech hit on a theme Governor Jeff Landry touched on during his inauguration speech and that’s unity….

Cut 9 (09) “… are coming” 

In the upper chamber, Metairie Republican Cameron Henry was elected Senate President.

This crawfish season is among the most questionable in the Bayou State after the oppressive heat and drought of 2023. LSU AgCenter Crawfish Specialist Todd Fontenot says many rice and crawfish farmers made adjustments by irrigating.

Cut 7 (11) “…as big as an effect.” 

He says to expect a later season due to the drought.