7:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s Mineral and Energy Board has approved the first-ever wind farm operating agreements in state offshore waters. Colleen Crain has more…
cut 3 (31) “….I’m Colleen Crain”

A major renovation project is underway in Bossier City to transform the old riverboat Diamondjacks Casino into the first land-based casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market. The casino-hotel project is expected to create about 15-hundred new jobs for the region. It’s expected to open in 2025.

Governor John Bel Edwards has 25 days left in office. He hosted his final monthly call-in radio show yesterday and was asked if he could run for a third-term, would he….
cut 11 (13) “….just fine”
Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards will be grandparents for the first time in January.

A state department of transportation building in Baton Rouge has been named after Louisiana’s first black governor, P-B-S Pinchback, who led the state for a little over a month during reconstruction, December 9 ,1872 and January 13, 1873. DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda says Pinchback was the only African-American governor of any state during the Reconstruction era…
cut 7 (11) “….of him”
Pinchback signed legislation that established Southern University in Baton Rouge.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Brandon Ingram erupted for a season-high 40 points last night as the Pelicans started a three-game road trip with a 142 to 122 win over the Washington Wizards. New Orleans improved to 14-11 on the season and they’ll be at Charlotte tomorrow night.

With Will Wade on the sidelines for the first time this season, McNeese trounced Southern Miss 67-48. DJ Richards scored a career-high 24 points.

The Cajuns won their 19th straight home game as U-L Lafayette dribbled past Eastern Kentucky 73-62. Themus Fulks had a game-high 21 points.

LSU men’s basketball trailed by four at halftime to Alabama State but went on to win 74-56.

LSU’s 2024 football schedule was unveiled last night and the Tigers will close out the regular season at home against Oklahoma. The Tigers will host Alabama November ninth. The SEC slate starts on September 14th at South Carolina.

Longtime assistant coach in the SWAC Terrence Graves, will get his opportunity to lead the Southern Jaguars. Graves says he’s a builder of champions…
cut 28 (10) “…..I’m a winner”
Graves has been an assistant coach for 31 years, 15 of them at Southern. He’s been a part of five SWAC championships and four HBCU National Championships.

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was a bigger part of the offense last Sunday in the win over Carolina, catching two passes, including one for a touchdown. New Orleans quarterback Derek Carr says even though Graham has just four catches on the year, he’s a big part of the team…
Cut 17 (14) “…about em”
New Orleans hosts the Giants on Sunday.

6:30 LRN Newscast

On his final radio call-in show, Governor Edwards reflected on his time in office and what he’s looking forward to when he leaves next month.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor-Elect Jeff Landry has named Dan Casey as the man to lead Louisiana’s Office of Motor Vehicles under his administration. Casey is a managing member of DGC Consultants. Landry is promising a better customer service experience at the DMV.

A national survey of small businesses finds 22-percent of owners report inflation is their single most important problem. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says inflation is affecting every business, regardless of size and it’s cutting into profits…
cut 4 (12) “…labor costs
McVea says 93-percent of owners who are trying to hire, report few or no qualified applicants.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation’s main building in Baton Rouge has been named after P-B-S Pinchback, Louisiana’s first Black Governor who served from 1872 to 1873. Gonzales Senator Ed Price authored the legislation to make it happen…
cut 9 (12) “…do it”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

It’s a big night in Lake Charles as McNeese Coach Will Wade returns to the sidelines. It’s been 642 days since Wade coached a game. He was fired by LSU in 2022 and served a ten-game suspension to begin the season for recruiting violations that date back to Baton Rouge. Willy the Kid looks forward to being back on the sidelines…
cut 19 (19) “….Southern Miss.
The Pokes are 8-and-2 and will host Southern Miss.

After a loss on Saturday to Kansas State the LSU men’s basketball team hosts Alabama State tonight. The Tigers are 5-adn-4.

The Ragin Cajuns look for their 20th home victory in a row and they host Eastern Kentucky.

The Pelicans begin a three-game road trip at Washington tonight.

Terrence Graves was introduced today as the new head football coach at Southern University. Graves was the interim head coach for the Jaguars when they defeated Grambling in the Bayou Classic. He’s also been an assistant at Grambling, Mississippi Valley State and three different periods for former Southern coach Pete Richardson. Graves believes he’s the right person for the job…
cut 28 (10) “….clapping”

The seventh ranked LSU Lady Tigers were a big winner last night as they set a school record for most points scored in a game in a 133-to-44 win over McNeese. At one point, LSU scored 47 unanswered points. Hall of Fame Coach Kim Mulkey says such an incredible run is a first for her…
cut 12 (08) “…kind of crazy”
The 89-point win is also a school record for largest margin of victory.

LRN PM Newscall December 13

Three Bossier City juveniles have been arrested for the murder of a Haughton teen. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

The bird flu outbreak that arrived in the Bayou State last year by infected waterfowl is back again. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

______________________________________

McNeese State President Daryl Burckel announces his plans to leave his role by June 30th.  Burckel says it is the right time to welcome new leadership who can see the school through more growth.

Cut 3 (13) “…moving forward.”

During his seven years as President, he was able to bring the $40 million state-of-the-art Legacy Center to campus which seats more than four thousand people. The complex is the home to the men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball programs.

He also secured over $100 million in funding for the future campus.

Burckel led the university through major setbacks from the pandemic and natural disasters in 2020 and 2021.

Cut 4 (12) “…leadership team.”

Burckel has spent nearly 31 years working in higher education and was McNeese’s seventh president.  When asked what are his plans for the future…

Cut 5 (12) “ …and teaching.”  

________________________________________________________________

In Bossier Parish, three juveniles have been arrested after an 18-year-old Houghton teen was found dead in an apartment complex parking lot Monday night. Sheriff’s Office Lt. Matt Gaydos (Gay-duss) says the suspects, whose ages are 15, 16, and 17 are from Bossier City.

Cut 6 (11) “…lives away.”

Gaydos says robbery is believed to be the apparent motive for the shooting and that the suspects and the victim were acquaintances. The crime trail began in Bossier City with a stolen vehicle, a shooting in Houghton, and ended in Shreveport. Gaydos says it was a vehicle that led investigators to the suspects.

Cut 7 (11) “…Bossier City.” 

Gaydos says it’s always heartbreaking to see a life end way too soon. As for the suspects…

Cut 8 (12) “…out of hand.” 

The investigation is ongoing. One of the suspects arrested early Tuesday morning has been charged with First Degree Murder. The other two were arrested later in the day.

__________________________________________________________________

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the bird flu outbreak is wiping out waterfowl in the Bayou State for a second year. State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Jim Lacour says cases have been detected among waterfowl in the southwest and northeast parts of the state.

Cut 9 (13) “…municipal ponds.” 

Lacour says this year’s fall migration has created a resurgence of infected waterfowl. While this strain of bird flu poses minimal dangers to humans…

Cut 10 (10) “…to it.”

Though many waterfowl hunting dogs contact birds with HPAI, no dog infections have been reported in Louisiana. If you come across any unexplained mortality among birds, LaCour urges residents to avoid contact and call LWDF.

Cut 11 (12) “…fisheries offices.”

___________________________________________________________________

The seventh ranked LSU Lady Tigers set a school record for most points scored in a game last night in a 133-to-44 win over McNeese. At one point, LSU scored 47 unanswered points. Hall of Fame Coach Kim Mulkey says such an incredible run is a first for her

Cut 12 (08)  “..kind of crazy”  

The 89-point win is also a school record for largest margin of victory. In the second quarter, the Lady Tigers outscored the Cowgirls 30-to-nothing. Mulkey says she asked the players to pick up the intensity after a slow start…

Cut 13 (11) “…better” 

LSU will host Northwestern State on Sunday.

12:30 LRN Newscast

A state appeals court agrees with a lower court’s ruling, a new election should take place for Caddo Sheriff because of several illegal votes. Brooke Thorington reports Democrat Henry Whitehorn thought he won by one vote, but will likely face Republican John Nicholsen again on a March ballot…
cut 2 (25) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

In nearby Bossier Parish, three juveniles have been arrested in connection with Monday night’s murder of an 18-year-old in Haughton. Lt. Matt Gaydos says robbery was the motive and there’s a stolen vehicle involved… cut 7 (11) “…Bossier City”

McNeese State President Daryl Burckel has announced he’s stepping down effective June 30th after seven years as the school’s leader. Burckel led the school through a couple of difficult years with the Covid pandemic and then Hurricane Laura. He’s been working in higher education for 31 years and doesn’t plan on going too far….
cut 5 (12) “…teaching”

The seventh ranked LSU Lady Tigers set a school record for most points scored in a game last night in a 133-to-44 win over McNeese. At one point, LSU scored 47 unanswered points. Hall of Fame Coach Kim Mulkey says such an incredible run is a first for her…
cut 12 (08) “…kind of crazy”
The 89-point win is also a school record for largest margin of victory.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are back at practice today to get ready for the surging New York Giants who have won three in a row. New York has one of the better running backs in the NFL, Saquon Barkley. Linebacker Pete Werner says they can’t let Barkley beat them…
Cut 16 (12) “…like him.”
The Saints are a six point favorite on Sunday.

Terrence Graves was introduced today as the new head coach for the Southern Jaguars. The 53-year-old was serving as the interim coach after Eric Dooley was fired on November 14th. Graves led the Jags to win over Grambling in the Bayou Classic and plans to do more winning now that he’s officially the head man…
cut 20 (10) “….win every day”
Graves was also an assistant for many years at Southern under legendary coach Pete Richardson.

Testimony is underway in a federal courtroom in Baton Rouge in former LSU associate athletic director Sharon Lewis’ 50-million dollar lawsuit against LSU. Lewis claims LSU athletic officials retaliated against her because she tried to report sexual misconduct allegations against former LSU coach Les Miles and running backs coach Frank Wilson. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the first witness in the trial, a former student worker in the recruiting office, was emotional when retelling a story that Wilson kissed her and also attempted to give her gifts…
cut 15 (13) “….to accept”
This happened between 2012 and 2014. When Brian Kelly was hired he brought Wilson back as an assistant and said in March of 2022 the allegations of sexual assault and harassment against Wilson were unfounded.

8:30 LRN Newscast

The trial Former associate AD Sharon Lewis’ 50-million dollar lawsuit against LSU is underway and the first day of testimony was highlighted by allegations of sexual misconduct performed by running backs coach Frank Wilson. Colleen Crain has more…
Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

WWL-TV in New Orleans is reporting a man has filed a lawsuit against Orleans Parish Coroner Dwight McKenna for gross negligence claiming his 42-year-old son’s body was left to decompose in a broken cooler after it sat in the morgue for a month and no one knew.

Today is the Final Ask the Governor show. Since April 2016, Governor John Bel Edwards has held a monthly call in radio show from the Louisiana Radio Network Studios. LRN General Manager Jim Engster says the show was good public relations for the governor…
cut 9 (11) “…Governor Edwards”
The final air shows at 2:06 PM.

The Presidential Primary in Louisiana is March 23rd and starting today and for the next three days, presidential candidates can qualify to have their name on the ballot…
cut 5 (10) “….and qualify”
Deputy Secretary of State for Outreach Joel Watson says a representative for the presidential candidate files the qualifying papers or they are mailed in.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Today is Governor John Bel Edwards’ last monthly call-in radio show, “Ask the Governor”. Louisiana Radio Network General Manager Jim Engster says the show gave Edwards a chance to directly talk with Louisianans.
Cut 7 (12) “…radio program.”
The show launched in April of 2016 and the final show airs at 2:06 PM.

A former student worker at the LSU football recruiting office alleges current LSU running backs coach Frank Wilson kissed her on the lips back in 2013. Nikole Jessie made the statement while giving testimony in a federal trial in Baton Rouge. Former LSU Associate AD Sharon Lewis is suing the university, because she claims the athletic department retaliated against her because she tried to report sexual misconduct. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne is covering the trial…
cut 14 (10) “…her job”
LSU has said the sexual harassment allegations against Wilson are unfounded.

It’s looking more likely we’ll have another election for Caddo Parish Sheriff. A state appeals court agrees with a lower court’s ruling that a new election should take place after eleven questionable votes were cast. Democrat Henry Whitehorn believes he won by one vote, but political analyst Scott Hughes says Republican John Nickelson will get another chance as another election will likely take place in March…
cut 11 (12) “…better sheriff”
The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s election will be on the same ballot as the Presidential Primary. Qualifying for the March presidential primary begins today and Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office reminds you that if you want to vote in the Republican or Democratic presidential primary…
cut 6 (11) “….Independent primary”
That election is March 23rd.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints snapped a three-game losing streak with a 28-6 win over Carolina on Sunday. Linebacker Pete Werner on holding the Panthers to just a touchdown…
cut 17 (17) “…this week”
The Saints host the Giants this Sunday. New York is on a three-game winning streak.

Many linebacker Tylen Singleton has signed his letter of intent with LSU as the four-star recruit will enroll in school in January.

Southern is removing the interim tag from Terrence Graves’ title as the 53-year-old will be the new head coach of the Jaguars. Graves is a longtime coach in the SWAC and this is his second stint with Southern.

Texas A-and-M has hired longtime former LSU strength and conditioning coach Tommy Moffit.

The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team defeated McNeese last night 133 to 44. The 133 points is the most in a single game in program history and the margin of victory was the largest in program history.

In men’s hoops…Louisiana Tech downed Southeastern Louisiana 89-60, Sam Houston edged ULM 63-62 and Boise State blew out Northwestern State 95-54.

Coach Will Wade makes his long-awaited return to the sidelines tonight as his McNeese team hosts Southern Miss in Lake Charles. The former LSU coach has not coached a game since March of 2022 and he was suspended for the first 10 games of this season because of recruiting violations that led to his firing in Baton Rouge. Wade is fiery on the sidelines, but after some time away, he might be a little calmer…
Cut 18 (13) “…on things.”
The Cowboys are off to a great this season as they are 8-and-2. Tip off is at 7 PM from the Legacy Center.