6:30 LRN Newscast January 2nd

A big story in 2019 will be Louisiana’s governor’s race. The gubernatorial primary is October 12th. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the race will likely need the November 16th runoff and the winner that night will claim the governor’s mansion by a slim margin…
cut 11 (10) “….for a Democrat”
Congressman Ralph Abraham and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone are the two main Republican challengers.

There is no talk of a national championship at U-C-F. LSU ended the Knights 25-game winning streak with a 40-32 win in the Fiesta Bowl. Quarterback Joe Burrow bounced back from an early pick six and crushing hit to throw for 394 yards and four touchdowns…..
cut 15 (10) “….keep working”
LSU finishes 10-3. It’s first ten-win season since 2013.

Unanimous jury verdicts are now required in serious felony cases in Louisiana.
voicer 2 (30) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

A flash flood watch is posted for much of Louisiana for Lake Charles, Alexandria, Natchitoches and Monroe. About three to four inches of rain could fall across central Louisiana.

LRN AM Newscall January 2nd

What are the best practices to maintain your new year’s resolutions?  Louisiana Department of Health has some tips.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Unanimous jury verdicts are now required in serious felony cases in Louisiana. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards says his top legislative priority is to give teachers a pay raise. Don Molino looks at whether the governor will be successful…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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With the new year comes the tradition of making new year’s resolutions.  But many of the goals don’t necessarily withstand the test of time.  Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health at LHD, Alex Billioux says among the recommendations in order to complete goals, choose goals you can truly commit to out of desire.

Cut 4 (06) “…you should do.” 

Billioux recommends putting together a highly detailed plan of action to make sure that your goals fit into your daily routine.

Cut 5 (10) “…going to do it.”

Billioux recommends setting goals that might not be so big and overwhelming.

Cut 6 (08) “…can actually do.”

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All felony convictions require a unanimous jury decision, as the unanimous juries constitutional amendment that passed in November is now in effect. It’s the end of a Jim Crowe era law that made Louisiana one of only two states that did not require unanimous decisions in those cases, and Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it’s a positive change.

Cut 7 (08) “…the process”

64-percent of voters approved the amendment.

Opponents are concerned unanimous verdicts will make it tougher for justice to be served to those who commit heinous crimes. Ciolino says those concerns are exaggerated, as DAs in other states do just fine…

Cut 8 (08) “…unanimous jury.”

Ciolino says the new law could mean a few more hung jury results, and will probably force DAs to reconsider pursing charges when the case is shaky.

Cut 9 (09) “…case.″

Oregon is now the only state that allows non-unanimous juries.

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A major story in 2019 will be the governor’s race. Democrat John Bel Edwards is up for re-election and there’s two announced Republican challengers, Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it’s unclear who will be Edwards’ biggest challenge

Cut 10 (12)   “…election day.”

The gubernatorial primary is October 12th. Cross says the race will likely need the November 16th runoff and the winner that night will probably win by a slim margin

Cut 11 (10) “…for a Democrat.”

Cross says Edwards opponents will point to the state’s economy as a reason why a change is needed in the governor’s mansion

Cut 12 (07)   “…still down”

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Louisiana is seeing a wet start to the New Year.  A flash flood warning has been posted for Lake Charles, Alexandria, and Monroe as the state is expected to get pounded with rain.  National Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Nuttall says the downpour is expected to last until Thursday evening.

Cut 13 (08) “…to northeast Louisiana.”

Nuttall says several factors contribute to the recent pattern of rainier weather.

Cut 14 (08) “…a wetter winter.”

Some areas in North Louisiana could see 4-6 inches of rain.
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There will be no talk of a national championship at U-C-F. LSU ended the Knights 25-game winning streak with a 40-32 win in the Fiesta Bowl. Quarterback Joe Burrow bounced back from an early pick six to throw for 394 yards and four touchdowns

Cut 15 (10) “…keep working.”

LSU finishes the season 10-3. It’s first ten-win season since 2013. There were some who projected that the Tigers would only win seven games, but Coach Ed Orgeron says they never listened to the doubters…

Cut 16 (21)  our players”

LSU’s defense was great against one of the top offenses in college football. They held U-C-F to 250 total yards as the Tigers played without several starters and lost two more players during the game as a result of a targeting penalty and a punch to the helmet. Rashard Lawrence had two of the Tigers five sacks…

 cut 17 (19)    on pushing” 

LSU’s defense also forced two turnovers. Devin White forced a fumble in the first half that turned the momentum. The Springhill native was one of a few projected first round picks to play in a non-playoff bowl game…

Cut 18 (20)    new year” 

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After losing to the Carolina Panthers 33-14 in the regular season finale, the Saints say they will use the extra week before their January 13th playoff game to focus on fundamentals. New Orleans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins says the mistakes they made against the Panthers are fixable

Cut 19 (15)   “…from there”

The Saints will play either Dallas, Seattle or Philadelphia in the NFC Divisional round. Rankins says having a week to focus on themselves will be good for the Black and Gold

Cut 20 (16) “…as well”

16:45 LRN Sportscast

In a wild game that featured several big plays, ejections and four touchdown passes from quarterback Joe Burrow, the 11th ranked LSU Tigers ended UCF’s 25-game winning streak with a 40-32 victory. It was Burrow’s best game as an LSU Tiger, despite throwing a pick six in the 1st quarter that gave UCF a 14-3 lead in the first quarter.

Burrow rebounded to throw for 394 yards. Freshman Ja’Marr Chase had a break out game as he caught six passes for 93 yards and toucdown. Justin Jefferson had two touchdown catches.

LSU struggled in the red zone, but Cole Tracy kicked four field goals to set an NCAA record for most career field goals.
Despite playing short-handed on defense, the Tigers held one of the nation’s most explosive offenses to 250 yards and sacked UCF quarterback Darriel Mack five times. It’s LSU’s first 10-win season since 2013.
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Tonight in the Mercedes Benz Superdome, the 5th ranked Georgia Bulldogs will face 15th ranked Texas. The Bulldogs will want to show they should have been in the college football playoffs, while the Longhorns are seeking their 10th win of the season as they make their fourth appearance in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

The Saints first playoff game is not until January 13th and Coach Sean Payton says that gives them time to improve on the fundamentals. Payton is not happy with how his team performed in Sunday’s 33-14 home loss to Carolina. New Orleans will play either Dallas, Seattle or Philadelphia in the NFC divisional round.

The Pelicans celebrated the new year by beating Minnesota 123-114 last night. Anthony Davis did not play because of illness, but Elfrid Payton returned from a broken finger and it helped spark a nine-point win. Julius Randle led the way with 33 points and 11 rebounds.

In college hoops, Ragin Cajuns announce second leading scorer Malike Marquetti is out for the season with a knee injury.

10:30 LRN Newscast January 1

Governor John Bel Edwards has said his top priorities for 2019 are to give teachers a pay raise, increase the minimum wage and close the gender pay gap. Edwards says women earn about 66 cents on the dollar compared to men performing a similar job…
Cut 7 (09) “…the same work.”
Edwards made it a campaign promise to raise the minimum wage and close the gender wage gap.

A new report indicates the oyster population continues to struggle along the Gulf Coast. Coastal and marine conservation director at the Nature Conservancy Seth Blitch says the industry has struggled since the 2010 oil spill.
Cut 9 (10) “…like to be.″
Blitch believes more BP oil money needs to be spent on building up oyster reefs.

It’s the first day of 2019, but let’s take one look back at the year in state politics in 2018. Matt Doyle has more…
voicer 1 (53) “…reporting”

8:30 LRN Newscast January 1

Twenty states have minimum wage increases taking effect today, while the minimum wage in Louisiana remains set by the federal government, $7.25 an hour and it’s been that way since 2009. Governor John Bel Edwards will attempt once again this year to raise that minimum wage…

cut 6 (06) “…right thing to do”
Previous attempts to raise the wage have faced resistance from groups who say it will increase the costs of running a business.

324 members of the Golden Band from Tigerland are in Glendale today for the Fiesta Bowl, joining the Fighting Tigers in representing LSU in Arizona. LSU Videographer and former band member Steven Miley, on Talk Louisiana, said when the band takes a big trip like this, it’s all business.
Cut 3 (12) “band trip.”
Kick-off today is at noon.

A story to watch in 2019 is what happens with a federal lawsuit that’s already won one court battle in its attempt to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. Louisiana Democrats want to see legislation passed to make sure key provisions of Obamacare are protected. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown…
cut 13 (10) “….the states”
Brown says he’ll file legislation this year that would allow children to stay on their parents’ health insurance until the age of 26 and make sure people with pre-existing conditions are protected, if Obamacare is ruled unconstitutional.

The Gulf Coast oyster population remains on the decline since the 2010 BP Oil spill. That’s according to coastal and marine conservation director for the Nature conservancy, Seth Blitch, says hurricanes and a lack of salinity levels in the water are other factors in the decline…
cut 10 (10) “…the coast”
The Nature Conservancy wants to see more BP funds used on building up oyster reefs.

7:30 LRN Newscast January 1

Several new state laws go into effect on this first day of 2019. Serious felony crimes committed now require an unanimous jury verdict for a conviction, instead of 10 of 12 jurors. Families can install video cameras in nursing home rooms to keep an eye on loved ones and boat registration fees are nine dollars higher.

State Representative Chad Brown wants to make sure Louisianans get to keep some of the popular aspects of Obamacare, even if a pending federal court case undoes the law…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Nature Conservancy would like to see strides made in 2019 to improve oyster harvests, which have taken a hit since the 2010 BP spill. The conservancy’s director of coastal and marine conservation, Seth Blitch, says the decline of oysters in the Gulf has had profound human and ecological impacts…
cut 11 (10) “…crabs and shrimp”
Blitch says the Nature Conservancy would like to see more BP money used to build up oyster reefs along the Gulf Coast.

LSU and UCF will face off today in the Fiesta Bowl. The Golden Band from Tigerland are also in Arizona to perform and support the team. LSU videographer and former band member Steven Miley says in the old days, band members were handed a sheet of paper telling them where to go for each song during their halftime performance, now its all on an app…
cut 5 (11) “..smart phone”

6:45 LRN Sportscast January 1

At high noon today, it’s LSU versus Central Florida in the Fiesta Bowl. Both teams say they have a lot to play for. The Knights are looking to extend their winning streak to 26 games and they want to prove to college football fans that they belong with the big boys in the sport. The Tigers are looking for their first 10-win season since 2013 and Coach Ed Orgeron says the seven overtime loss to Texas A-and-M in the regular season finale also serves as motivation in this game…
Cut 30 (11) “…to approach it.”
LSU should have success running the football today. U-C-F allowed 227 yards a game on the ground this season.

In the Mercedes Benz Superdome tonight, fifth ranked Georgia takes on 15th ranked Texas at 7:45.

The Saints first playoff game is not until January 13th and Coach Sean Payton says that gives them time to improve on the fundamentals and techniques. Payton is not happy with how his team performed in Sunday’s 33-14 home loss to Carolina.

Elfrid Payton returned last night after missing 22 games and the Pelicans defeated Minnesota 123 to 114. Payton has only played in seven games this season, but the Pels have won six of them. And New Orleans won last night without Anthony Davis, who was out with an illness. Julius Randle had 33 points and 11 rebounds in A-D’s absence. Darius Miller had a big fourth quarter and finished with 21 points.

In college basketball, the Ragin Cajuns second leading scorer Malik Marquetti will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. The Senior was averaging 15 points a game and shooting 45-percent from three-point territory. The U-S-C transfer hurt his knee in Saturday’s win over Southeastern.

6:30 LRN Newscast January 1

Governor John Bel Edwards says pay issues for minimum wage workers and the gender wage gap are among his big concerns to spearhead in 2019. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Two dozen new state laws take effect with the start of the new year. Serious felony crimes committed from this date forward will take a unanimous jury verdict to secure a conviction. Families can now install video cameras in nursing home rooms and new sexual harassment policies go into effect for state government.

A state representative plans to bring legislation in the upcoming session that would lock in health care protections for Louisianans with pre-existing conditions and allow dependents to stay on their parents’ plan until 26, even if a pending court case strikes down Obamacare. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown….
Cut 12 (10) “…coverage”
A federal judge in Texas has declared the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. The case is expected to be heard next in the New Orleans based 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The LSU Tigers face Central Florida this afternoon in Arizona in the Fiesta Bowl. There are over 300 members from the Golden Band from Tigerland that will perform at halftime and before the game with the Tigers opponent…
cut 4 (07) “….two bands”
That’s LSU videographer and former band member Steven Miley.

LRN PM Newscall December 31

A recent Facebook post by the Harahan Police Department is encouraging anyone who has purchased meth in Louisiana to have it tested for the Zika virus.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Tomorrow it will be legal to have cameras installed in your loved one’s nursing home room to keep an eye on them. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The Harahan Police Department’s recent offer to screen methamphetamine for the Zika virus has captured the attention of social media and news outlets across the globe.  In a Facebook post, the department encouraged meth users to bring all of their drug to police for free testing.  Police Chief Tim Walker acknowledged the post was a stunt to bring attention to the issue of drug use.

Cut 3 (08) “…their free time.”

Chief Tim Walker says the social media post has already received over 500,000 views in the two days since it was posted.

Cut 4 (06) “…world its interesting.″

Walker admits there is no meth actually contaminated with the Zika virus.  But has anyone been gullible enough to take him up on the offer of testing meth?

Cut 5 (06) “…would surprise me.”

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Only one person in Louisiana was sentenced to death this year, David Brown of Lafourche Parish, who was convinced of sexually assaulting, then murdering a mother and her two daughters, and setting their house on fire in 2012. Death Penalty Information Center Executive Director Robert Dunham says that follows a nationwide trend of an 85 percent decline in death sentences.

Cut 6 (08) “…the country”

Louisiana did not sentence anyone to death in 2017 and 2016.

Durham attributes the decline in support for the death penalty, even in Bayou State, to public awareness of the extensive legal costs, the difficulty of finding chemicals for lethal injection, and the 11 exonerations for death row inmates in Louisiana since 1900.

Cut 7 (06) “…the country”

20 states have outlawed the practice, and 10 others have no performed an execution in over a decade.

Durham notes that more than half of all death sentences come from 2 percent of counties, or parishes, in the US. He says there’s two parishes in Louisiana that stand out when it comes to the number of death penalties issued.

Cut 8 (08) “…in Louisiana”

Louisiana has not performed an execution since 2010.

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A new year begins tomorrow, which means new laws will go into effect, including one that allows you to set up a camera to monitor your elderly loved ones in their nursing home room. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says the families must pay for the device and installation, cannot use the facility’s Wi-Fi, and…

Cut 9 (06) “…roommate″

The law was brought by former New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno during the regular session last year.

Since you can’t use the facility’s Wi-Fi, you’ll have to purchase a data plan from a cellular provider that will support the device. Talbot says it’s for a good reason.

Cut 10 (11) “…of communication”

Talbot says he’s checked out the cost for those data plans, and they appear to be affordable.

The legislation was inspired by a case of suspected abuse of an elderly person by nursing home workers, and Talbot says he’s gotten a lot of positive feedback about the opportunity now available to families. As for the nursing homes…

Cut 11 (11) “…matter what.”

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After weeks of preparation, LSU and U-C-F will finally play each other tomorrow in the Fiesta Bowl. The Knights bring a 25-game winning streak into the contest and an offense that averages 44 points a game. But Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says you can’t overlook U-C-F’s defense led by defensive coordinator Randy Shannon

Cut 12 (12)   “…60 minutes.” 

Last year, U-C-F upset Auburn in the Peach Bowl 34-27. Some say Auburn wasn’t ready to play after losing in the SEC Title game. But LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says his guys are focused and desperately want to win

Cut 13 (12) “…be battle.”

LSU enters the game with a 9-3 record. Orgeron says the seven overtime loss to Texas A-and-M in the regular season finale also serves as motivation in this game…

Cut 14 (11) “…to approach it.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

2018 will be remembered as a year where Louisiana achieved budget stability by renewing a portion of an expiring one-cent sales tax which allowed the state to fully fund the TOPS scholarship program, public colleges and higher education.

In 2018, the state also lost its title as incarceration capital of the world as a result of criminal justice reform efforts approved in 2017.

The MeToo movement hit the Secretary of State’s office, which led to the resignation of Secretary Tom Schedler. Dawn Ross, spoke with LRN, and said she was the victim of sexually suggestive charged emails, gifts and advances since 2007 from Schedler. Ross says her boss also stalked her and bought a town home in her complex…
Cut 7 (15) “…back there.”

The Harahan Police Department’s recent offer to screen methamphetamine for the Zika virus has captured the attention of social media and news outlets across the globe. In a Facebook post, the department encouraged meth users to bring all of their drug to police for free testing. Police Chief Tim Walker acknowledged the post was a stunt to bring attention to the issue of drug use….
Cut 3 (08) “…their free time.”
Walker admits there is no meth actually contaminated with the Zika virus.

A new year begins tomorrow, which means new laws go into effect, including one that allows you to set up a camera to monitor elderly loved ones in their nursing home room. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says the families must pay for the device and installation, cannot use the facility’s Wi-Fi, and…
Cut 9 (06) “…roommate″
The legislation was inspired by a case of suspected abuse of an elderly person by nursing home workers.