LRN Sportscast 16:45 December 7

While talking with reporters about the bowl match-up between LSU and Texas Tech, Head Coach Les Miles was asked if offensive coordinator Cam Cameron would return next season and Miles says he’s not contemplating any changes to his coaching staff…
cut 18 (14) “…execute it”
Cameron’s contract expires early next year. He’s in the third and final year of his current contract.

McNeese State’s Matt Viator has finished third in voting for 2015 STATS FCS National Coach of the Year honors. Viator led the Cowboys to a perfect 10-0 regular season record. Portland State’s Bruce Barnum was named coach of the year.

LSU’s Ben Simmons has been SEC player of the week. Simmons had 43 points in a win over North Florida last week.

The Saints are now four and eight on the year after a tough 41-38 loss to Carolina. With four more games left in the regular season, Quarterback Drew Brees wants the team to forget about its record…
cut 20 (21) “…playing at”
The Saints are at Tampa Bay this Sunday.

Louisiana Tech will be in the Mercedes Benz Superdome on Saturday December 19th to take on Arkansas State in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Coach Skip Holtz says to represent Tech in only its eighth bowl game in school history is certainly something the players are excited about…
cut 9 (09) “…in New Orleans.

LRN PM Newscall December 7

Nominations for the 58th Grammy Awards have been announced and Louisiana is well represented.  Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Republican US Representative John Fleming has officially announced he will run for the US Senate seat that’s being vacated by David Vitter. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate last week’s murder of a 56-year-old woman in Bourg. Capt. Dawn Foret says Pamela Johnson was found dead of a gunshot wound last Tuesday and the two children she was caring for were kidnapped by the shooter. Foret says they now have a description of the alleged shooter…

CUT 3 (09)  “years of age”

Foret says the suspect fled in Johnson’s gray Buick Enclave and abandoned the vehicle in west Houma between 6:15 and 6:30 last Monday evening. The two girls were left inside the vehicle overnight and asked for help Tuesday morning. Since that is a busy traffic time in the area, Foret says they are asking for the public’s help…

CUT 4 (10)  “contact us”

The TPSO is also investigating four recent heroin overdoses in the parish that have resulted in two deaths. Foret says an arrest warrant is out for 27-year-old Shantelle White in connection with the overdose death of 35-year-old Christy Hurst…

CUT 5 (11)  “overdose deaths”

White is a 5’2″ 120 pound white female with brown/blond hair. Foret says they are trying to determine if these overdose victims received their heroine from the same source. She says investigators are also looking into the death of 28-year-old Terry Braud of Shriever was found dead of an apparent heroin overdose Thursday…

CUT 6 (07) “contact with”

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Louisiana Tech is heading to the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl where the Bulldogs will play Arkansas State on December 19th. It’s only the second time in school history that Tech will appear in back-to-back bowl games and its the Bulldogs first appearance in the New Orleans Bowl. Coach Skip Holtz is looking forward to the game…

CUT 7 (06)  “get too”

Louisiana Tech brings an 8-4 record to the bowl game, while Arkansas State has won its last eight consecutive games. Holtz says he’s impressed with what he’s seen from the Red Wolves…

CUT 8 (11)  “football games”

Holtz says to represent Louisiana Tech in only its eighth bowl game in school history is certainly something our players are really excited about…

CUT 9 (09)  “in New Orleans”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards announced his transition committee for healthcare today and says expanding Medicare is one of his top priorities. State Treasurer John Kennedy estimates it will cost about 1.5 billion dollars to add 300-thousand new people to Medicaid and he hopes the state will negotiate some terms that other states have in place…

cut 10 (06)  “percent of it”

Kennedy also suggests giving incentives to patients to live a healthier lifestyle, like quitting smoking and losing weight. He also says we should require a small co-pay for visiting doctors’ offices.

Cut 11 (10) “or hospital”

Kennedy says another idea to keep down Medicaid costs is requiring able-bodied recipients to take job training courses or get a job. He says none of these solutions are radical and hopes the administration considers these ideas to save us a lot of money.

cut 12 (10)  “anything else”

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US Representative John Fleming has made it official. The republican from Minden has announced his candidacy for US Senate, as he’ll seek the seat that David Vitter is giving up. Fleming made his announcement with a posting on youtube

cut 13 (13)  “United States Senate”

Fleming says he wants to work on legislation to fight terrorism, remove Obamacare and help small businesses grow. Fleming has served in the US House since 2009 and is expected to be one of several prominent republicans to be on the ballot next fall

cut 14 (07)  “is possible” 

ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says Fleming is a strong candidate that will  have a good chance at replacing Vitter as Senator

cut 15 (10)  “if you will”

Stockley says expects a large field of candidates to run…

cut 16 (13)  “John Kennedy”

11:40 LRN Sportscast December 7

When LSU takes on Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl on December 29th, it will be a contrast of styles on offense. The Tigers ground and pound philosphy, against the Red Raiders, who are ranked second nationally in offense, averaging almost 600 yards per game and 47 points a contest. Coach Les Miles says it will be a good test for the Tigers defense….
cut 17 (19) “…match-up”

Frank Beamer’s final game as head coach of Virginia Tech will be in Shreveport as his Hokies will face Tulsa in the Camping World Independence Bowl on December 26th. Beamer won his first bowl game in Shreveport in the 1993 Indy Bowl. He announced his retirement earlier this year.

Louisiana Tech is heading to the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl where the Bulldogs will play Arkansas State on December 19th. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz is looking forward to the game…
cut 7 (06) “…get too”
It’s only the second time in school history that Tech will appear in back-to-back bowl games and its the Bulldogs first appearance in the New Orleans Bowl.

No bowl game for UL Lafayette this season. After four consecutive trips to the New Orleans Bowl, the Cajuns finished the 2015 campaign with a four and eight record. UL Lafayette ended its regular season with a 41-17 loss to Troy.

The Saints are now four-and-eigth after another frustrating loss. New Orleans had a chance to hand Carolina its first loss of the season, but the Black and Gold could not hold on to a fourth quarter lead and lost to the Panthers 41-38. The Saints have lost four in a row and they are at Tampa Bay this Sunday.

LRN AM Newscall December 7

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has received 11 new whooping cranes to be released into the wild in a couple of weeks. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A UNO Philosophy Professor has received a grant to study alternatives to incarceration. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Those looking to give hoverboards as a gift this holiday season need to be wary as they’re known to burst into flames.  Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has received 11 young whooping cranes to be released at White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area. Spokesperson Bo Boehringer says the population will increase to 46 with the addition of 8 females and 3 males. He says they’re working to create a flock that is able to survive in the wild.

cut 4  (10)  “adult birds”

Boehringer says they’ve experienced some hardships since the project began six years ago, like illnesses and birds being illegally shot. But he’s optimistic with hard work the whooping crane population will increase and flourish.

Cut 5  (10)  “success process”

Boehringer says biologists predict that a successful hatch with the whooping cranes is in the near future. He says once the birds start to reproduce on their own, they hope to have over 100 mating pairs.

Cut 6 (08)  “the population”

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A UNO Philosophy Professor has received a grant to study alternatives to incarceration. The US leads the world, on a per capita basis, in incarceration and Louisiana incarcerates more people per capita than any other state in the nation. Professor Chris Suprenant (SIR-pruh-nont) says the grant will help them study America’s approach to punishment…

CUT 7 (06)  “of punishment”

Suprenant says the project will consider under what conditions incarceration is legitimate and should be implemented. He says the goal of punishment is to deter bad behavior from happening again. Suprenant says locking people up doesn’t always achieve the desired goal…

Cut 8  (06)  “as a society”

The grant, from the Charles Koch Foundation, will fund an academic conference and studies related to the topic. Suprenant says they will look at other forms of punishment that are currently being used or have been used historically…

Cut 9 (10) “realizing justice”

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The highly sought after “hoverboard” is on the top of many children’s Christmas wish lists, but these self-balancing, motorized scooters have been known to burst into flames. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says read up on these devices before purchasing one…

Cut 10 (10) “laboratory” 

Browning says in November, a Lafitte resident was harmed by a fire started from an exploding “hoverboard,” but events like this are happening all over the country. He advises buyers to read the operation manual before using the device.

cut 11 (10) “recommendations”

Browning says not all hoverboards are unsafe, because some are properly tested. He says the highest risk of fire is when the device is charging.

Cut 12 (09) “the battery”

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It looks as though a stiff competition is brewing in the race to be Louisiana’s next Speaker of the House. Governor-elect John Bel Edwards is backing New Orlreans Democratic Representative Walt Leger. Conservatives are working to drum up support for Republican Representative Cameron Henry of Metairie to lead the lower chamber. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford:

Cut 13 (13)  “for confrontation”

Some are wondering if this battle could be a sign of what’s to come when lawmakers convene for a special session in February to address the budget issue. Alford says these kinds of leadership struggles always take place in the months leading up to a session, but this time the mainstream media is paying attention…:

Cut 14 (08) “elected”

The election occurs January 11th. Alford says the House votes on their choice for speaker or they end up with a single candidate, but they have
never gone against the governor’s choice…:

Cut 15  (06) “historic” 

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The 20th ranked LSU Tigers will play Texas Tech in the 10th annual Advocare V-100 Texas Bowl on December 29th in Houston. Coach Les Miles is excited about the bowl invite…

Cut 16  (18)  “for us”

The Red Raiders are ranked second nationally in offense, averaging almost 600 yards per game and 47 points a contest. Miles says it will be a good test for the Tigers defense.

Cut 17 (19) “match-up”

LSU’s players will have this week off as they final exams. The coaches are busy recruiting. Miles was asked if offensive coordinator Cam Cameron would return next season and Miles says he’s not contemplating any changes

Cut 18 (14) “…execute it”

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The Saints nearly handed Carolina its first loss of the season, but Panthers quarterback Cam Newton threw five touchdown passes to help the NFC South champs escape the Big Easy with a 41-38 victory. Saints QB Drew Brees threw three touchdown passes in the hard fought defeat…

Cut 19 (15) “that one”

Carolina improved to 12-0 with the win, while the Saints fell to 4-8 as they’ve now lost four straight. With four more games left in the regular season, Brees wants the team to forget about its record….

Cut 20 (21) “playing at”

LRN Sportscast 16:45 December 3rd

In an article by the The Baton Rouge Business Report, LSU President F King Alexander says the decision to keep Les Miles as the Tigers head coach was made during the Texas A-and-M game. The cost to buyout Miles contract was 15-million dollars and it was to be paid by private donors, but Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Alexander makes it clear in the article that the PR hit would have been tremendous either way…
cut 12 (07) “…that matters”
Alexander says the strong show of support from the public for Miles to remain the head coach also went into the decision.

In other LSU news…right hander pitcher Jake Godfrey is transferring from the baseball team to attend a junior college.

Tonight in college hoops…ULM hosts UL Lafayette in the Sun Belt opener for both teams.

The Saints have the opportunity to hand Carolina its first loss of the season when they host the Panthers on Sunday. Coach Sean Payton dismisses the idea that beating Carolina would make their season…
cut 20 (18) “…is on”
Kick-off is at 3:25.

The Ragin Cajuns are preparing to host Troy on Saturday. A win would improve UL Lafayette’s record to 5-7 and that could be good enough to get a bowl invite. Coach Mark Hudspeth says a team with a losing record doesn’t desrve a bowl bid, but he’ll take it, if offered…
cut 18 (16) “….give ya”
Kick-off against Troy is at 4 PM.

LRN Sportscast 11:40 December 3

The Saints host the 11-0 Carolina Panthers at the Superdome for a 3:25 kickoff this Sunday. Panthers QB Cam Newton is having an MVP type season. Coach Sean Payton says Newton is generating a lot of big plays…
cut 19 (18) “…poised and confident”
The Saints are 4-5 against the Panthers since 2011 when Newton joined Carolina.

According to business-report-dot-com, LSU President F King Alexander says the final decision on whether to keep Les Miles as head coach was not make until after a halftime meeting during the A-and-M game. Alexander says the cost of the buyout, even though university funds would not be used and the show of public support for Miles went into the decision.

LSU freshman Ben Simmons scored whopping 43 points as the Tigers ended a three-game losing streak by beating North Florida 119 to 108. It’s the first time an LSU player scored 43 points in a game since Shaquille O’ Neal did it in 1991.

Tonight, ULM and UL Lafayette begin Sun Belt play by playing each other in Monroe. The two teams play a different style of basketball. The Cajuns are averaging 96 points a game, while Warhawks like to slow it down as they averaging just over 61 points a contest. Tip-off is at 7:00.

And the ULM football team closes out its regular season on Saturday with a home game against New Mexico State. The Warhawks are looking to snap a 10-game losing streak. Interim head coach John Mumford admits the losing has taken its toll…
cut 17 (17) “…winning games”
ULM is a three-point favorite. Kick-off is at 2 PM.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 December 2nd

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association executive committee has removed the Amite football team from the Class 3A playoffs as a result of a benches clearing fight that erupted in a quarterfinal victory over Bogalusa. LHSAA sportsmanship rules say that players who leave the bench area during a fight are automatically suspended for the next game. Tangipahoa School system attorney Chris Moody says they believe the punishment doesn’t fit what happened towards the end of the game…
cut 14 (11) “…next game”
If the LHSAA’s ruling stands, St. James advances to the Three-A title game where they’ll play the winner of Friday night’s semifinal contest between West Felciana and Lutcher.

ESPN’s Brett McMurphy reports the Taxslayer Bowl is considering either LSU or Georgia as the SEC representative in their bowl. And McMurphy also reports from Georgia coach Mark Richt is heading to his alma mater Miami to be the head coach of the Hurricanes.

Grambling State quarterback Johnathan Williams has been named the SWAC offensive player of the year, while Grambling’s Broderick Fobbs has been named coach of the year. Grambling faces Alcorn State on Saturday for the SWAC title.

The LSU men’s basketball team will look to snap a three-game losing streak tonight when they host North Florida. The Tigers are coming off a 70-58 loss to College of Charleston. In that game, LSU shot 31-percent from the field and committed 19 turnovers.

The Pelicans are at Houston tonight. Both teams have been a disappointment in the Western Conference. The Rockets already have fired their head coach, Kevin McHale. Houston is 3-4 under interim head coach JB Bickerstaff. James Harden is averaging close to 30 points a game for the Rockets.

LRN PM Newscall December 2nd

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has publicly endorsed New Orleans Democrat Walt Leger as the next state Speaker of the House. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The Amite high school football team has been ousted from the playoffs by the LHSAA. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has publicly endorsed New Orleans Democrat Walt Leger as the next state Speaker of the House. Edwards spoke about the Speaker position at a joint news conference with Governor Bobby Jindal…

CUT 3 (09)  “young man”

Leger currently serves as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Louisiana House. Current House Speaker, Republican Chuck Kleckley of Lake Charles, is leaving the House due to term limits. The Governor-elect feels Leger has proven his willingness and talent in working with Republicans…

CUT 4 (09)  “in Louisiana”

Although Republicans hold a majority of state House seats, the governor has traditionally played a big role in the selection of the Speaker. Edwards believes Leger’s ability to work across the isle will reinforce the Governor-elect’s bipartisan approach to state government…

CUT 5 (06)  “effective legislature”

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Governor Bobby Jindal says the letter from the White House indicating the state would start getting detailed information about the Syrian refugees resettling in Louisiana, is not good enough. President Obama’s Chief of Staff says a monthly report will be provided to governors with refugees entering their state. Jindal says the response is not up to par…:

CUT 6 (10) “into our state”

The letter also said the federal government’s vetting of refugees is “the most robust screening process for anyone coming into the US.” But Jindal feels the state should get details about those escaping the Syrian civil war before they come to Louisiana to resettle, not after…:

CUT 7 (09)  “being placed here”

Jindal says he’s calling on Congress to stop the Obama Administration from allowing the Syrian refugee operation to continue in the United States…:

CUT 8 (06)  “of our security”

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State Police say a shooting at the Morehouse Parish Courthouse has left one man dead. Trooper Michael Reichardt says 42-year-old Keith Atkins was in court for a hearing when the incident happened…

CUT 9 (06)  “committed suicide”

He says, during a scuffle, Atkins took a bailiff’s gun and committed suicide. It has been reported that Atkins was in jail on kidnapping and drug charges stemming from a February arrest. Reichardt says the situation was over rather quickly…

cut 10 (04)  “that was it”

No one else was injured in the incident. The State Police investigation is ongoing. Reichardt says the public was never in any real danger…

Cut 11 (07) “to the public”

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association executive committee has removed the Amite football team from the Class 3A playoffs as a result of a benches clearing fight that erupted in a quarterfinal victory over Bogalusa. Tangipahoa School system attorney Chris Moody says they’ve filed a suit and hope a state judge reverses what he calls a “harsh” decision

cut 12 (07)  “next year”

LHSAA’s sportsmanship rules say that players who leave the bench area during a fight are automatically suspended for the next game. But Moody argues many players left the sidelines because the Warriors had just scored a touchdown and the team was preparing to kick the extra point…

cut 13 (06)  “to fight”

If the LHSAA’s ruling stands, St. James advances to the Three-A title game where they’ll play the winner of Friday night’s semifinal contest between West Feliciana and Lutcher. Moody says they believe the LHSAA’s punishment doesn’t fit what happened towards the end of the game

cut 14 (11)  “next game” 

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LRN Sportscast 11:40 December 2nd

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association executive committee has removed the Amite football team from the Class 3A playoffs as a result of a benches clearing fight that erupted in a quarterfinal victory over Bogalusa. Tangipahoa School system attorney Chris Moody says they’ve filed a suit and hope a state judge reverses what he calls a “harsh” decision…
cut 12 (07) “…next year”
LHSAA’s sportsmanship rules say that players who leave the bench area during a fight are automatically suspended for the next game. But Moody argues many players left the sidelines because the Warriors had just scored a touchdown and the team was preparing to kick the extra point.

If the LHSAA’s ruling stands, St. James advances to the Three-A title game where they’ll play the winner of Friday night’s semifinal contest between West Felciana and Lutcher.

LSU and Louisiana Tech will find out this weekend where they’ll be bowling. The Tigers could end up at one of the bowls in Florida or the Texas Bowl in Houston. Jerry Palm of c-b-s-sports-dot-com says Louisiana Tech could play in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Palm says Southern Miss could be the other option from Conference USA to play a school from the Sun Belt…
cut 16 (11) “…Liberty Bowl”
Palm says the Independence Bowl could be forced to take a team that has a five and seven record, because of not enough teams that have six wins.

Tyreke Evans and Norris Cole returned to the floor for the Pelicans last night but they still lost, falling to Memphis 113 to 104. New Orleans is now 4-and-14 on the season as they visit Houston tonight.

In college hoops last night….Memphis beat Louisiana Tech 94-68.Tonight LSU hosts North Florida.

LRN Newscast 17:30 December 1

Republican Governor Bobby Jindal and Democrat Governor-elect John Bel Edwards met at the governor’s mansion for about an hour today to discuss transition as Edwards is set to be sworn in on January 11th. Edwards says Jindal has been cooperating with the transition ever since election night…
cut 30 (12) “….Governor Jindal”

With Republican Senator David Vitter deciding not to run for re-election next year that means Bill Cassidy will soon be Louisiana’s Senior Senator. Cassidy is just finishing up his first year in office and UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Cassidy’s involvement in health care issues and public policy will see his stature in the Senate grow in the coming years…
cut 11 (07) “….to posturing”
A poll from Morning Consult finds that 44-percent of Louisiana voters approve of Cassidy’s job performance.

Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham is back in Louisiana after spending his Thanksgiving holiday with American soldiers in Afghanistan. Abraham says he was honored to spend time with the people who let us sleep safely every night. He says the men and women are optimistic about their mission of training Afghan soldiers to battle terrorism in their country:
cut 12 (10) “hostile environment”
Abraham says they want to help give Afghanistan the democratic type of government that they want.

Today is Giving Tuesday — a chance for you to give back to charities. The American Red Cross is participating in the third Giving Tuesday and hopes everyone who can, will give back in a meaningful way. Louisiana Region Spokesperson Nancy Malone…:
CUT 6 (09) “overnight”
She says you can visit Red-Cross-dot-org-slash-gifts (redcross.org/gifts) to donate.