LRN PM Newscall January 21

With crippling weather bearing down on Louisiana, now is the time to start getting ready. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU has added one of the top pass rushers in the SEC to its roster and it’s someone coach Lane Kiffin knows well. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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We continue to keep an eye on the winter storm that’s bearing down on much of Louisiana late this week and this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says by the end of the week, the roads will be unbearable for many.

Cut 3 (13) “…of southern Louisiana.”

Keim says in south Louisiana, that wintry mix will be mainly from Lake Charles to the Mississippi River. He says areas east of the Mississippi River appear to be clear of any hazardous conditions for the time being, but this is still something those people need to keep a close eye on.

Cut 4 (12) “…at cold rain.”

Keim says conditions when conditions start to deteriorate, they will not improve for the duration of the weekend.

Cut 5 (09) “…much clear out.”

A cold weather advisory is also in effect for southwest Louisiana from Saturday night to Sunday morning.

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With much of the state in the crosshairs of Mother Nature’s wrath, GOHSEP is urging you to start preparing now. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says now is the time to start putting together your emergency kit.

Cut 6 (10) “…significant power loss.”

Steele says when at the grocery store, stock up on foods that require neither refrigeration nor preparation.

Cut 7 (05) “…rule of thumb.”

Of course, when hunkering down at home, there’s a very good chance that you could lose power, possibly for days on end. Steele says those of you who have generators need to be smart when using them.

Cut 8 (12) “…cooled down properly.”

GOHSEP has all this information and more on its emergency preparedness website, get a game plan-dot-org.

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New Orleans officials announce the arrest of a 35-year-old man who allegedly set eight vehicles on fire in the Bywater neighborhood early Monday morning. Deputy Mayor of Public safety Michael Harrison says surveillance cameras caught Kyle Tomeson go on an arson spree…

Cut 9 (09)  “…from the area.”

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno says Tomeson was caught within 48 hours of the fires…

Cut 10 (09) “…of New Orleans.”

Tomeson has been booked on four counts of aggravated arson and nine counts of simple arson. Moreno says the burning of the vehicles has been unsettling for residents in the Bywater neighborhood. But the mayor is thankful for one thing…

Cut 11 (07) “…situation”

Officials are not sure of a motive. Aggravated arson could result in a prison sentence of six to 20 years. Simple arson could result in a sentence of up to 15 years. Fox-8 TV is reporting Tomeson was nabbed authorities while working his job as a bartender in the French Quarter.

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Investigators in Rapides Parish are calling it a tragic accident. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to a shooting south of Lecompte early Monday morning and found two people inside a vehicle, one of whom had been shot.

Cut 12 (06) “…in the head.”

Carnline says investigators determined that there was no foul play involved. The sheriff’s office has not released the victim’s identity. Carnline says this underscores the importance of handling firearms with the greatest of care.

Cut 13 (09)  “…toward the ground.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

The northern half of the state is under a winter storm watch. Wintery precipitation is possible from Friday to Sunday. The National Weather Service says there is a high probability of significant accumulations of freezing rain and or sleet. Power outages are possible. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says generator safety will be important…

Cut 8 (11) “…properly”

The winter weather will not spread across the entire state. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says southeast Louisiana will likely not see any wintery precipitation…

Cut 4 (11) “…cold rain”

 

The entire Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard the case of Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law, along with a nearly identical case out of Texas. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Investigators in Rapides Parish are calling it a tragic accident. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to a shooting south of Lecompte early Monday morning and found two people inside a vehicle, one of whom had been shot.

Cut 12 (06) “…in the head.”

Authorities have not released the identity of the person who was fatally shot.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

In a move that was expected to happen, the number one edge rusher in the transfer portal, Princewill Umanmielen  (OO-mAn-me-Ellen) has committed to LSU according to multiple reports. He’s six-five, 245 pounds and is coming off a big season at Ole Miss, where he recorded nine sacks and 45 tackles.

According to 247Sports, LSU has the number one transfer portal class in the country.  The class features three quarterbacks, four running backs, nine receivers, eight offensive linemen and now three edge rushers. Kiffin spoke at the Baton Rouge Business Report Power Breakfast and says  these players want to be part of the next great team at LSU.

Cut 18 (18)  “…this special thing.”

 

 

The defending national champion Florida Gators easily defeated the LSU Tigers 79 to 61 in Gainesville last night, despite the return of starting point guard Dedan Thomas. Thomas played for the first time since December 29th, because of a lower leg injury and had 2 points. The story of the game was what happened on the glass, as Florida outrebounded LSU 50 to 30.

The Pelicans will host Detroit tonight. The Pistons have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 31-10. New Orleans has the worst record in the West at 10-35. Zion Williamson is questionable with an illness and Herb Jones is questionable because of an ankle injury.

The Saints have signed safety Julian Blackmon to a one-year contract extension. Blackmon was signed during training camp, but suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the season opener.  He’s now missed 28 games in his six-year career.

Louisiana Tech has announced the signing of offensive lineman Tye Hylton, a transfer from Florida State. Hylton never played for the Seminoles and has three years of eligibility remaining.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow is now a candidate for U-S Senate and she has the backing of President Trump. In her campaign announcement, Letlow says she has fought alongside Trump to put America first…

Cut 15 (11) “…drives up inflation”

Incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy is not backing down, despite Letlow’s  entrance into the race…

Cut 14 (08) “…up with anybody”

During a zoom call with reporters, Cassidy touted his record pointing to legislation he helped passed or he authored that has been signed into law.

LSU’s transfer portal class got better today as Ole Miss edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen (OO-mAn-me-Ellen) has committed to LSU. Princewill had nine sacks this past season and was an All-SEC selection.

All 17 judges of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments over Louisiana’s law requiring public schools to post the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Governor Landry signed the law in 2024. He says the Ten Commandments are an important part of American history and, thus, belong in the classroom.

Cut 7 (08) “…of the hypocrisy.”

A three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit previously ruled Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is plainly unconstitutional.

2026 is the “Year of Outdoors” in Louisiana. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s a year-long initiative to invite both residents and visitors to discover the natural beauty and recreational opportunities the state has to offer.

Cut 11 (09) “…flights into Louisiana.”

 

 

10:30 LRN Newscast

The full Fifth U-S Circuit Court of Appeals heard a lawsuit filed by a multifaith group of families that’s seeking to block a 2024 state law requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in every public classroom. The Reverend Jeff Sims of St. Tammany Parish says Louisiana’s law not only interferes with his religious freedom, but it tramples on it.

Cut 5 (10) “…its chosen religion.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill defended the law before the 17 judges. She said the Ten Commandments posters are specifically designed from a historical perspective and do not amount to indoctrinating students into a certain religion.

Cut 6 (08) “…is not it.”

The constitutionality of state’s Ten Commandments is expected to eventually go before the U-S Supreme Court.

 

Congresswoman Julia Letlow has officially entered the U.S. Senate race, as she’s seeking to win the seat currently occupied by fellow Republican Bill Cassidy. In her campaign announcement, Letlow says she wants to ensure a safe and strong nation for our children.

Cut 13 (08)  “…worth fighting for.”

Letlow has the backing of President Trump, but Cassidy says the campaign will not be about endorsements, it will be about accomplishments and the state’s Senior Senator believes he’s delivered more for Louisiana than any of his opponents.

The Louisiana Office of Tourism has launched the “Year of Outdoors” Campaign as Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and his team will promote an entire array of outdoor opportunities. Nungesser says he’s invited travel writers to stay in a cabin along Lake Pontchartrain and ride a Mardi Gras float in Covington….

Cut 12 (12) “…on their sites”

9:30 LRN Newscast

It was a year ago today when south Louisiana was blanketed by a record snowfall. And the state is bracing for another winter storm this weekend that could impact the northern half of the state with ice starting on Friday. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin….

Cut 8 (08) “….of northern Louisiana”

Southwest Louisiana could also see some ice.

All 17 judges of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments over Louisiana’s law requiring public schools to post the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Governor Landry signed the law in 2024. He says the Ten Commandments are an important part of American history and, thus, belong in the classroom.

Cut 7 (08) “…of the hypocrisy.”

A three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit previously ruled Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is plainly unconstitutional.

 

Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow is now a candidate for U-S Senate and she has the backing of President Trump. In her campaign announcement, Letlow says she has fought alongside Trump to put America first…

Cut 15 (11) “…drives up inflation”

Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy says he welcomes the additional competition and is not bothered by Trump’s endorsement of Letlow. he believes voters will make their decision based on a candidate’s record of getting things accomplished. Cassidy says he’ll put his record up against anyone’s in the race.

Cut 16 (09) “…of the others.”

Cassidy says he’s secured billions of dollars for Louisiana to improve infrastructure, including high speed internet expansion and coastal restoration.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin went into a little more detail on why he left Ole Miss to be the head coach of the Fighting Tigers. Kiffin spoke at the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Power Breakfast. He said he was torn over whether to leave Ole Miss for LSU, but former LSU coach Nick Saban told him he would regret not taking the LSU job, because it’s the best job in America.

Cut 17 (15)  “…to another level.”

LSU is not done signing players out of the portal. The Tigers are still trying to land offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, who is ranked as the fourth-best player in the portal. Kiffin said at the Baton Rouge Business Report event that the Tigers were on the verge of signing the greatest transfer portal class in the history of college football.

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The LSU men’s basketball team was outclassed last night as they lost to the defending national champion Florida Gators 79 to 61. The Tigers trailed the 16th-ranked Gators by double figures for nearly the entire game. Point guard D-J Thomas made his long-awaited return from a lower leg injury and scored two points in 17 minutes. LSU is at 20th-ranked Arkansas this Saturday. The Razorbacks beat 15th-ranked Vanderbilt 93-68 last night.

Due to the potential for a winter storm in north Louisiana, Louisiana Tech’s game against Kennesaw State has been rescheduled for Friday at 1 p.m. inside the Thomas Assembly Center. The Bulldogs are 3-4 in Conference USA play. The Owls are 4-and-3 and play tonight at Sam Houston.

The Pelicans host the Detroit Pistons tonight. New Orleans is 10-35 on the season, while the Pistons are 31- 10. Tip-off is at 7 PM at the Smoothie King Center.

4:30 LRN Newscast

After months of speculation, Congresswoman Julia Letlow has made her decision – she’s entering the U.S. Senate race. Three days after President Trump endorsed her, Letlow announced that she is running for the seat currently held by Bill Cassidy. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says with Trump’s endorsement vaulting Letlow to the top, there’s a good chance the primary will go to a run-off.

Cut 7 (15) “…much in question.”

Before Letlow got in the race, Cassidy was already facing four major Republican challengers. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says we’ll see if John Fleming, Blake Miguez, Julie Emerson and Eric Skrmetta stay in the race. He says it will depend on campaign finances…

Cut 19 (07) “…that’s simple”

Qualifying for the race is next month.

 

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin went into a little more detail on why he left Ole Miss to be the head coach of the Fighting Tigers. Kiffin spoke at the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Power Breakfast. He said he was torn over whether to leave LSU for Ole Miss, but former LSU Coach Nick Saban told him he would regret not taking the LSU job, because it’s the best job in America…

Cut 17 (15) “….another level”

According to 2-4-7 sports, LSU has the number one transfer portal class in the country.

House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the British Parliament this morning. Johnson’s address to a joint session of the House of Lords and the House of Commons serves as the unofficial start of America’s 250th birthday.

Cut 5 (10) “…importantly in spirit.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow announced her candidacy for U-S Senate today. The big announcement comes three days after President Trump endorsed Letlow for that senate seat over Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy. In 2021, Cassidy voted to impeach Trump for his role in the January 6th attack on the U-S capitol. In her campaign announcement, Letlow says she has fought alongside President Trump to put America first…

Cut 15 (11) “…drives up inflation”

Letlow has served in the U-S House since 2021 and ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says it is a political gamble for Letlow to run for Senate…

Cut 8 (08) “…of office”

Cassidy says he’s confident he can win a third-term as a U-S Senator.

 

House Speaker Mike Johnson addresses the British Parliament, becoming the first U.S. Speaker of the House in history ever to do so. Andrew Greenstein reports.

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The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect from Friday morning through Sunday as a mixed wintery precipitation is expected across north Louisiana and into central Louisiana. Meteorologist Dayvon Hill…

Cut 9 (09) “…on both”

Hill says travel could be difficult this weekend and power outages are  possible.

LRN PM Newscall January 20

House Speaker Mike Johnson addresses the British Parliament, becoming the first U.S. Speaker of the House in history ever to do so. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow has entered the U-S Senate race, challenging Bill Cassidy who is seeking a third term. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the British Parliament this morning, becoming the first U.S. Speaker of the House ever to do so. In his nearly 23-minute address to members of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, Johnson talked about the great experiment America embarked on when it gained independence from the British 250 years ago.

Cut 3 (13) “…equal and free.”

Johnson told the British lawmakers that the relationship between the two countries has always been more powerful and enduring than the enemies that they face.

Cut 4 (09) “…has ever known.”

Johnson told Parliament that the two countries have great reason for hope.

Cut 5 (10) “…importantly in spirit.”

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Fifth District Congresswoman Julia Letlow says she will run for U-S Senate, challenging incumbent Bill Cassidy in the Republican Primary. Letlow made the announcement at the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Power Breakfast event. Her announcement comes after President Trump endorsed her over Cassidy. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says with Trump’s backing, Letlow is the favorite to win this seat…

Cut 6 (08) “…Trump’s endorsement.”

Qualifying for the U-S Senate seat is next month, and the party primary is May 16th. Cross says there is a good chance the primary will be decided in a run-off held on June 27th…

Cut 7 (15) “…very much in question.”

Cassidy released a statement following Letlow’s announcement that expressed confidence he will win a third term in office. Letlow is in her second term as a U-S Representative and Cross says it is a political gamble to run for the Senate….

Cut 8 (08) “…of office.”

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The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for north central and northwest Louisiana. It will go into effect Friday morning and run through Sunday morning. Davyon Hill with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says freezing rain is expected to arrive on Friday night and the precipitation is expected to turn to sleet and possibly snow before the storm system moves out on Sunday….

Cut 9 (09)  “…on both.”

Hill says there’s a 40-percent chance the Lake Charles and Lafayette areas will also see some ice accumulation on Saturday and Sunday. He says travel could be treacherous this weekend…

Cut 10 (07) “…travel impacts.”

Hill says prepare now, because the possibility exists for power outages from the freezing rain…

Cut 11 (07) “…start preparing.”