16:30 LRN Newscast

A winter storm warning is forthcoming for the four northwestern-most parishes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The State Fire Marshal’s office  says since January first, eleven people have died in Louisiana in house fires. Two more fatalities occurred this morning, one in Shreveport and the other in Rapides Parish, which claimed the life of an elderly man. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams is urging the public to take caution when heating homes.

As we told you in the last segment, winter storm warnings and advisories will go into effect for a large portion of north Louisiana tomorrow. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Buchanan says DOTD will have crews watching for icing on bridges and overpasses and with construction ongoing on I-20 in Bossier and Caddo Parishes, keeping I-220 open is a priority…

Cut 14 (12) “…elsewhere.”

The Advocate reports Hyundai Motor Group is eyeing Ascension Parish to build a multibillion-dollar steel mill. The project would create an estimated 13-hundred permanent jobs and economist Loren Scott says the mill would spur hundreds of other jobs…

Cut 6 (13) “….picking up jobs”

Governor Landry and Ascension Parish officials are not commenting on the possibility of large steel mill being built near Baton Rouge.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

A name familiar to Louisiana sports fans has emerged as a candidate to be the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have reportedly requested to interview Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Brady was the passing game coordinator on the LSU Tigers’ 2019 national championship team. Host of the Locked on Saints podcast Ross Jackson says it didn’t go well for Brady as the offensive coordinator for the Panthers in 2021, but he’s been an outstanding play caller for the Bills…

Cut 16 (11) “…night and day.”

The Saints will have to wait until the Bills season ends to interview Brady. New Orleans will reportedly interview Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver today. He’s a defensive-minded coach that’s known as a culture builder.

Zion Williamson played in his first game in two months, but his presence was not enough to help the Pelicans win their third straight. Minnesota defeated New Orleans 104 to 97 last night. Williamson scored 22 points in 28 minutes

Cut 20 (20) “…better at it”

New Orleans is now 7-and-30 and they host Portland tonight.

The LSU Tigers fell to 0-and-2 in the SEC as the Tigers got off to another slow start. They turned it over ten times in the first half and shot 38-percent from the field in the first 20 minutes in an 83 to 67 loss to Missouri. The win for Mizzou snaps a 19-game SEC losing streak that dates back to 2023.

Tulane also lost on the road last night as they fell to UAB in Birmingham 81 to 69.

Updated 8:30 makes corrections to the reporting on the potential winter storm

The National Weather Service still has northern parishes of Louisiana under a winter storm watch for tomorrow morning through Friday morning. Forecasters say Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne and Union Parishes could snow accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations up to one quarter of an inch. But the National Weather Service admits there is still uncertainty with the forecast.

The below freezing temperatures led to three deadly house fires in Louisiana yesterday. Four people including children were discovered when Winnsboro firefighters responded to a house fire just after 4:00 yesterday morning. Less than an hour later, firefighters in Abbeville discovered a victim in a house fire there. And around 7:00, a victim was found by Shreveport firefighters. Ashley Rodrigue (rod-REEG) with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says while the causes of those three fires are under investigation, prior history has shown that space heaters are a major culprit.

Cut 13 (13) “…heaters still on.”

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As you know by now, sweeping changes to the tax code took effect at the outset of the year. What does it all mean for your personal wallets? Andrew Greenstein gives us some real-world numbers.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

 

The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation is launching a full review into New Orleans’ security plan after the terror attack there New Year’s Day. The findings are expected to guide law enforcement in securing the city’s safety for both residents and visitors. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Cut 9 (07)  “…end up here again.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Zion Williamson played in his first game in two months, but his presence was not enough to help the Pelicans win their third straight. Minnesota defeated New Orleans 104 to 97. The Timberwolves were led by Anthony Edwards who had 32 points. Dejounte Murray had 29 points to lead the Pels and Williams scored 22 points in 28 minutes as New Orleans fell to 7-and-30.

The LSU Tigers fell to 0-and-2 in the SEC as the Tigers got off to another slow start. They turned it over ten times in the first half and shot 38-percent from the field in the first 20 minutes in an 83 to 67 loss to Missouri. The win for Mizzou snaps a 19-game SEC losing streak that dates back to 2023.

Also in the SEC last night…eight ranked Florida crushed top ranked Tennessee 73 to 43 and second ranked Auburn defeated Texas 87 to 82.

Tulane also lost on the road last night as they fell to UAB in Birmingham 81 to 69.

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There are six head coaching vacancies in the NFL and the Saints opening is considered one of the least desirable because of an aging starting QB and no salary cap flexibility. But Locked on Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says a coaching candidate may look at the Saints as a place where they’ll be given time…

Cut 17 (17)  “…first year.” 

Expectations are low for the Saints, but Mike Scarborough of Tigerbait-dot-com says the expectations will be high for LSU next season, especially on offense…

Cut 28 (16) “…on LSU”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Zion Williamson returns to the court tonight. The Pelicans forward has missed the last 27 games with a left hamstring strain. Williamson will try to help New Orleans win its third straight game. The Pels are playing host to Minnesota.

The LSU men’s basketball team is at Missouri. The Tigers need a win to avoid an 0-and-2 start in the SEC.

McNeese is 4-and-0 in the Southland after beating Northwestern State 92 to 69. The Cowboys host the Colonels on Saturday.

The second-ranked LSU gymnastics team will compete this Saturday in Oklahoma City against some of the best teams in the country, Oklahoma, Utah and California. Head Coach Jay Clark embraces the challenge…

Cut 14 (12) “…compete”

The meet is at 3 PM on ABC.

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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 at 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 will reportedly interview Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn later this week. The Jets, Bears and Jaguars will also talk with Glenn.

LRN PM Newscall January 7

We’re now one full year into the Landry administration. Andrew Greenstein takes a look back and a look ahead.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Preparations are getting underway for winter precipitation in north Louisiana later this week. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin…

Cut 2 (29) “…possible.”

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A southwest Louisiana resident is the first person in the United States to die from the bird flu. State health officials say the patient was over 65 years old and had underlying health conditions and contracted the virus through exposure to a backyard flock of wild birds. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor Rebecca Christofferson…

Cut 3 (07) “…with known animals.” 

Christofferson says the overall public health risk is low, individuals working with birds, poultry, or livestock face higher exposure risks. To prevent H5N1 infection, people should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and their droppings and keep pets away from contaminated animals.

Cut 4 (08) “…who you’re around.”

Christofferson says workers in poultry or dairy farming are advised to get a seasonal flu vaccine to reduce the risk of co-infection with influenza viruses, though it does not protect against avian flu.

Cut 5 (15) “…or more dangerous.”

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Five parishes in North Louisiana are under a winter storm watch for later this week.  The five parishes are Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne and Union Parishes. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says the winter storm watch goes into effect Thursday morning and goes into Friday afternoon.

Cut 6 (13) “…when it starts.”

This will likely bring widespread rain south of I-20, freezing rain north of I-20, and Thorne says significant snowfall near and north of I-30, where heavy snow accumulation is possible.

Cut 7 (07) “…to support that.”

Temperatures will stay frigid throughout the event, with highs only in the 30s and lows in the 20s.  Thorne says travel could become hazardous, and monitoring updates closely is crucial as this storm could significantly disrupt the region.

Cut 8 (12) “…and be careful.”

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We’re now one full year into the Landry administration here in Louisiana. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics-dot-com, says Landry set a new standard in moving quickly on his agenda, which not only included the biggest tax overhaul in decades, but it also included consolidating his power as governor.

Cut 9 (12)  “…of state government.”

Alford says Landry greatly boosted his national profile in his first year as governor.

Cut 10 (15) “…politicians usually speak.”

As for Landry’s agenda for year number two, Alford says one of his biggest focuses will be on public safety, particularly in New Orleans.

Cut 11 (11) “…push this year.”

Alford says economic development will be another of Landry’s priorities.

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One of college athletics most popular athletes is glad she’s back for her fifth and final year of eligibility. LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne had strong performances on the balance beam and floor on Friday as the Tigers began defense of their first national championship with a win over Iowa State. Dunne says it was a blast performing again at the PMAC…

Cut 12 (10) “…I’ve ever made.”

Dunne is one of the most followed college athlete on social media. On3.com says Dunne’s NIL valuation is 4.2 million dollars, the most of any female athlete. The New Jersey native could have pursued a career as a model and influencer full-time. But Dunne says her decision to return and try to win another national championship is the best decision she’s ever made…

Cut 13 (17)  “…my best friends”

Dunne and the Tigers have a big meet this Saturday in Oklahoma City as they will compete against some of the best teams in the country, Oklahoma, Utah and California.  Head Coach Jay Clark embraces the challenge…

Cut 14 (12) “…compete.”

The meet will be televised by ABC at 3 PM on Saturday. LSU will start on vault.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi says he’ll interview to be the permanent head coach for the Black and Gold next week. Rizzi says he looks forward to the opportunity to talk with owner Gayle Benson and General Manager Mickey Loomis…

Cut 18 (17) “….whole building”

The Saints have also requested interviews with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

Will Saints quarterback Derek Carr be back? Carr will be 34-years-old next year, but expects to be back next season…

Cut 29 (16) “…everybody”

One of college athletics most popular athletes is glad she’s back for her fifth and final year of eligibility. LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne had strong performances on the balance beam and floor on Friday as the Tigers began defense of their first national championship with a win over Iowa State. Dunne says it was a blast performing again at the PMAC…

Cut 12 (10) “….I’ve ever made”

Dunne and the Tigers have a big meet this Saturday in Oklahoma City as they will compete against some of the best teams in the country, Oklahoma, Utah and California.

The LSU men’s basketball team will try to bounce back from its SEC opening loss to Vanderbilt when the Tigers visit Missouri tonight. Tip off is at 8 PM.

McNeese made 16 three-pointers on its way to beating Northwestern State 92 to 69 last year. Southeastern Louisiana defeated U-T Rio Grande Valley 79 to 75.

8:30 LRN Newscast

President Joe Biden met with family members of the 14 victims killed in the Bourbon Street attack and attended a prayer service at St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. Mr. Biden told those gathered that for those who lost loved ones, things will be very difficult.

Cut 14 (16) “…of her laugh.”

Before his arrival in New Orleans, the President approved Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s request for Mardi Gras 2025 to receive a level one Special Event Assessment Rating, which will allow the city to receive additional federal resources.

In north Louisiana, a winter storm watch has been posted for Thursday into Friday morning for the following the parishes…Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne and Union Parishes. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin…

Cut 29 (08) “…in the morning”

A southwest Louisiana resident who contracted the first human case of highly pathogenic bird flu has died. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (23) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Once again, the U-S News and World Report ranks the DASH diet as one of the top diets. Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center helped develop the DASH Diet and Doctor Catherine Champagne says the diet can lower a person’s blood pressure, reduce stroke risk and improve metabolism for all body sizes…

Cut 8 (12) “…your blood pressure”

7:30 LRN Newscast

A prayer service was held last night at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans for the 14 victims of the Bourbon Street Terrorist Attack. Archbishop Gregory Aymond…

Cut 29 (12) “…lose hope”

In an effort to prevent another terrorist attack on New Orleans, the federal Department of Homeland Security has agreed to designate the Carnival as a “level one” event….

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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.”

President Joe Biden has issued a sweeping offshore oil and gas drilling ban that will prevent oil companies to conduct drilling operations along the East Coast, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the coasts of Washington, Oregon, California and Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea. LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director Greg Upton says this will have no impact on domestic energy in the short term, but long term…

Cut 11 (04) “…in the United States”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

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

Cut 17 (17)  “…you do change.” 

Rizzi is one of several people the Saints will interview to be their next head coach. New Orleans has also reportedly requested to talk with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara came up 50 yards short from his first 1,000 yard rushing season, but Kamara is not too disappointed…

Cut 19 (19) “…..I wanted it”

McNeese men’s basketball knocked down a season-high 16 three-pointers as the Cowboys defeated Northwestern State 92 to 69 in Natchitoches last night. D-J Richards made six threes, and led all scorers with 20 points. The Cowboys improve to 4-and-0 in the Southland, while the Demons fall to 3-and-1.

Jakevion Buckley had 25 points as Southeastern Louisiana defended its home floor and beat U-T Rio Grande Valley 79 to 75, Nicholls went to Commerce and defeated East Texas A-and-M 83 to 61.

Southern improved to 2-and-0 in the SWAC as the Jaguars defeated Prairie View A-and-M 84 to 80.  A-J Barnes had 19 points and nine rebounds. Grambling fell to 0-and-2 in the SWAC with a 71 to 66 loss to Texas Southern.

The LSU men’s basketball team looks to rebound after dropping its SEC opener to Vanderbilt on Saturday. Tonight the Tigers are at Missouri, who also started off conference play with a loss.