10:30 LRN Newscast December 13

From two to 6:30 this afternoon, the Louisiana Health Department will make flu shots available at their parish health clinics…
voicer 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

It’s a rainy dreary day across Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim on how much rain we can expect…
cut 12 (06) “….across the state”

The LSU men’s basketball team fell to 7-3 last night after losing to 24th ranked Houston 82-76.

Louisiana has three of the top 30 cities most in need of charity donations this holiday season according to the personal finance website Wallethub.com. New Orleans is ranked 10th, Shreveport 21st and Baton Rouge 26th. Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzales says one category in particular stood out…
cut 7 (10) “…pretty huge”
The report also took into account unemployment, homelessness, the high school drop out rate and economic security.

According to Google, the World Cup and LSU’s football schedule ranked at the top when it came to google searches in Louisiana during 2018. Google Technology Expert Molly Vandenburg says Louisianians also were concerned about the two major hurricanes that hit the US coastline this year….
cut 6 (10) “…they can”

9:30 LRN newscast December 13

Free flu shots are available from two to 6:30 PM at parish health clinics across the state. Louisiana health officials have seen an uptick in flu cases. Immunization Director Doctor Frank Welch says its the best way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated…
cut 15 (10) “…cover their cough”
And if you are sick, do not kiss babies, pregnant women, grandparents and others who may be at a higher risk of getting sick.

There’s the potential for an inch to two inches of rain today and into tonight as a result of a cluster of storms moving through the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim….
cut 11 (07) “…isolated areas”
So far today, the heaviest rainfall can be found in south Louisiana.

Louisiana has three cities in Wallethub’s ranking of top 30 cities who are in most of need in charity donations. New Orleans ranks 10th, Shreveport 21st and Baton Rouge 26th. Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzales hopes this will inspire Louisianians seek out reputable non-profits who can brighten the holidays for the less fortunate…
cut 9 (11) “…of giving”
The report took in account child poverty, homelessness, economic security and safety ratings.

So what were the top Google searches in Louisiana during 2018? Google technology expert Molly Vandenburg says many in the Bayou State were trying to find out when their favorite team was playing…
cut 5 (10) “….on there”
And Vandenburg says Louisiana residents also showed great interest in finding out about Hurricane Florence and Michael, which hit the Carolinas and Florida respectively.

8:30 LRN Newscast December 13

The state health department offers free flu shots today from 2 to 6:30 PM at parish health units. Immunization director for L-D-H, Doctor Frank Welch, says Louisiana is among the states with the highest levels of flu activity so far this season…
cut 14 (07) “….climb up”
And Welch says if you have cold symptoms or have a fever greater than 100.3 degrees, stay away from others until you have not had a fever for 24 hours.

Three Louisiana cities come in the top 30 cities for most in need of charity donations. New Orleans ranks 10th, Shreveport 21st and Baton Rouge 26th. Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzales says the state’s higher than the national unemployment rate is one reason why…
cut 8 (10) “…average”
All three cities scored above average for the number of consumer bankruptcies.

There are reports federal and local investigators are looking allegations former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain sexually abused at least four teenagers. According to WWL-TV, the investigation is over a year long and the abuse may have occurred over decades. No arrests have been made and no charges have been filed in the case.

Google’s annual Year in Search report has been released and shows Louisianans tend to google the most for sports information. Connor Ferrill has the story…
voicer 1 (28) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”

7:30 LRN Newscast December 13

The Louisiana Health Department is making flu shots available at parish health units throughout Louisiana from 2 until 6:30 this afternoon. LDH Immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says a similar event was conducted last January during the middle of a rough flu season that saw more than 1,600 deaths in Louisiana.
Cut 13 (06) “…a little earlier.”
Welch says Louisiana is among the states with the highest levels of flu activity so far this season.

Google’s annual Year in Search report shows Louisianans searched the most for soccer, LSU football and hurricanes. Google Technology Expert Molly Vandenburg says the number one search in the Bayou State was a little surprising…
cut 4 (09) “….directly”
Vandenburg says Louisiana internet users also googled the LSU football schedule a bunch this year.

The legislative auditor’s office says they can’t determine if State Police properly spent two-point-four-million dollars policing the New Orleans French Quarter last year. But the Department of Public Safety disagrees with the report. The agency says two-point-four million in other funding was used to cover their French Quarter policing costs until funding designated for that area’s policing became available.

A survey shows Louisiana has three cities in particular in need of charitable givings this season. I’m Matt Doyle.
Voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

6:30 LRN Newscast December 13

The Louisiana Health Department will make flu shots available at their parish health clinics this afternoon…
voicer 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The special one-day shot promotion will take place from two until 6:30 PM.

There’s a marginal risk for severe weather today as a strong system that will bring Louisiana heavy rainfall moves in from Texas. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 10 (08) “…serious problems”
One to two inches of rain is possible.

Louisiana has three of the top 30 cities most in need of charity donations this holiday season according to the personal finance website Wallethub.com. New Orleans come in at 10th, Shreveport 21 and Baton Rouge 26th. Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzales says one category in particular stood out…
cut 7 (10) “…pretty huge”
The report also took into account unemployment, homelessness, high school drop outs and economic security.

The FBI and local prosecutors are reportedly investigating allegations that former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain sexually abused teenagers. Two of Strain’s former top aids already face federal charges in an alleged kicked scheme involving a work release program. A source says an investigation is now looking to see if Strain awarded these two men a contract in an effort to keep them quiet about the alleged sexual abuse.

6:45 LRN Sportscast December 13

Anthony Davis scored a season-high 44 points, while Julius Randle had 22 points and Jrue Holiday added 20 points in the Pelicans 118 to 114 win over red hot Oklahoma City last night. Coach Alvin Gentry says it was a good win over the Western Conference-leading Thunder…
cut 30 (23) “…for him”
The Pels get a little bit of break as they don’t play again until Sunday against Miami.

In college basketball, LSU had a 15-point lead in the second half, but lost to 24th ranked Houston 82-76. Also, 11th ranked Texas Tech 79-44 over Northwestern State and Ole Miss defeated Southeastern Louisiana 69-57.

If the Saints win on Monday night against Carolina, New Orleans will clinch a first-round playoff bye. They can also secure a first-round bye if the Bears lose to the Packers on Sunday.

Veteran wide receiver Brandon Marshall will not be with the Saints for their playoff run. He was released by the team after not playing in a game, since he was signed last month. Tight end Erik Swoope takes Marshall’s place on the roster. Swoope was released by the Colts after catching eight passes this season.

UL-Lafayette and Tulane have arrived in Orlando for their appearance in the Cure Bowl on Saturday. The Green Wave are a 3.5 point favorite.

Bowl practice is underway for the LSU Tigers. Joe Burrow says before they begin focusing on Central Frloida, he’s working to make himself a better quarterback…
cut 17 (09) “…every offseason”
And LSU safety Grant Delpit has become the ninth Tiger to be named a unanimous All-American.

16:45 LRN Sportscast December 12

LSU has begun bowl practices for their New Year’s Day matchup with Central Florida. Coach Ed Orgeron says they will continue to work on getting the offense to score more touchdowns and it starts with doing more with their quarterback…
cut 19 (14) “…on that”
LSU safety Grant Delpit has become only the ninth unanimous All-American in school history. Delpit was one of four Tigers who made the F-B-S Coaches All-America Teams.

The Saints have released wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Marshall never appeared in a game with the Black and Gold after he was signed last month. To take Marshall’s place, tight end Erik Swoope signed with the Saints. Swoope was just released by the Colts.

The LSU men’s basketball team visits 24th ranked Houston. The Cougars are 8-0 and they’ve won 21 straight at home, which is the second longest active streak in Division One basketball. The last time LSU has won a game on an opponents home floor, January 10th. Tip-off tonight is at 8 PM.

Also tonight…Northwestern state is at 11th ranked Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are also 8-0, while the Demons are just two and seven.

Southeastern Louisiana visits Ole Miss in a game that will be played at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson, Mississippi. Lions head coach Jay Ladner won a state championship in that building while coaching St. Stanislaus in 2011. This will be S-L-U’s first game in 11 days.

Last night, Louisiana Tech won its fourth straight, beating Mississippi Valley State 96-80. The Ragin Cajuns won their fifth straight as they defeated Prairie View 122 to 90. UL-Lafayette will host Louisiana Tech on Saturday.

And ULM started a four-game homestand last night by beating Grambling State 72-67.

 

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU All-American linebacker Devin White says he still has not made a decision on whether he’ll enter the NFL draft. White could be a top 10 pick, but the Springhill native says he would hate to leave LSU without winning a title…
cut 17 (18) “…the team”
LSU’s other potential top 10 pick, cornerback Greedy Williams, has already turned pro and he will not play in the Fiesta Bowl against U-C-F. Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s old fashioned and believes a player should complete a season with their team…
cut 18 (16) “…with his team”
LSU has started its bowl practice.

The Saints have placed veteran offensive lineman Michael Ola on injured reserve. Ola went down with an ankle injury in the victory against Tampa Bay. Ola has served as the team’s sixth offensive lineman and the team has signed former Texans starter Derek Newton, who hasn’t played since 2016.

Austin Peay has hired former Ragin Cajuns coach Mark Hudspeth as its head coach. Hudspeth spent this past season as the tight ends coach at Mississippi State. Coach Hud was the head man at UL Lafayette for seven seasons and led the Cajuns to five New Orleans Bowl appearances.

In college basketball last night, Louisiana Tech defeated Mississippi Valley State 96-80 as DeQuan Bracey had 24 points. ULM beat Grambling 72-67, while Ragin Cajuns defeated Prarie View 122 to 90 as Marcus Stroman had 18 points and 11 assists.

Tonight LSU visits Houston for an 8 PM tip off.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans fell to 4-11 on the season on the road with a 113 to 100 loss to the Boston Celtics. Anthony Davis, who was questionable prior to the game with a hip injury, scored 41 points. Julius Randle added 20 points and had 11 rebounds. The Celtics were without the injured Kyrie Irving and Al Horford, but got 31 points from Marcus Morris.

The Saints are in position to claim the top overall seed in the NFC. New Orleans, who is 11-2, has to win just as many games as the Rams to earn homefield advantage in the NFC playoffs. New Orleans will play Carolina twice in the final three games and also host Pittsburgh. Los Angeles will host Philadelphia on Sunday night and then visit Arizona and host the 49ers in the regular season finale.

Former Louisiana Tech and Zachary High School star Boston Scott has signed with the Eagles and will be placed with the team’s 53-man roster. Scott has been on the Saints practice squad this season after he was drafted in the sixth round by New Orleans.

_________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers begin Fiesta Bowl practice today. The Bayou Bengals will battle Central Florida in Glendale, Arizona on New Year’s Day. Grant Delpit, Cole Tracy, Greedy Williams and Devin White were named to the A-P All-America team.

Junior college cornerback Dreshun Miller has switched his commitment from LSU to West Virginia according to 24-7 sports. Miller is a four-star prospect, but the LSU’s 2019 recruiting class already contains commitments from three other cornerbacks, including five-star prospect Derek Stingley Junior from Dunham High School.

Louisiana Tech’s Jaylon Ferguson has been named Third team all-american by Associated Press. Ferguson has 15 sacks on the season, which is tied for the nation’s lead. He also has 23.5 tackles for a loss and was voted Conference USA Defensive Player of the year.

Back to the NBA, former Louisiana Tech standout Paul Millsap will miss the next four to six weeks with the Denver Nuggets because of a broken toe. Millsap is averaging 14 points and seven rebounds a game.

8:30 LRN Newscast December 10

Louisiana voters decide to keep Republican Kyle Ardoin as Secretary of State. Ardoin defeated Democrat Gwen Collins-Greenup in Saturday’s special election and had this to say to his supporters
Cut 13 (11) “…upon me.”
Since Ardoin was elected to complete the term of former Secretary of State Tom Schedler, he will have to run for re-election again next year.

An LSU grad has developed an app that shows you locations on where to meet another person when trying to determine a good halfway point to meet. It’s called Find A spot and Walker native Derrick Denicola says it’s simple to use, even his parents can figure it ou, which was his goal…
cut 9 (10) “…password in”
Denicola says th app has been downloaded 45-hundred times and it has a retention rate of 40-percent, which he says is good for a new app.

An AMBER alert issued for 3-year-old Paizley Ann Fontenot of Ville Platte was cancelled late last night after the little girl was found safe in Amite County, Mississippi. State Police issued the AMBER Alert after the child was taken by non-custodial father yesterday afternoon. Authorities say the father, Brandon Fontenot, is in custody and charges are pending.

A group of LSU faculty and students have teamed up to create a rehab program for stroke patients using an adapted guitar. Connor Ferrill has the story.
Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Connor Ferrill.”