11:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s Mineral and Energy Board has approved the state’s first wind farm operating agreements in state offshore waters. Diamond Offshore Wind Louisiana off the coast of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes and Cajun Wind off the coast of Cameron Parish. DNR spokesperson Patrick Courreges…
cut 13 (12) “….we already have”
Each company will eventually pay the Bayou State a royalty on what they produce.

Governor John Bel Edwards is wrapping up his two terms in office. Edwards was in the state House of Representatives when he made the decision to run for governor, a long-shot considering his lack of name recognition…
cut 10 (13) “…if I were governor”

Construction is underway to build the first land based casino in northwest Louisiana. The Cordish Companies is building the casino at the former site of DiamondJacks in Bossier City. Mayor Thomas Chandler says Live Casino-Hotel will bring world-class gaming, dining, entertainment and hotel amenities to the area…
cut 5 (12) “….and region”
The project is expected to be completed by late 2025.

A state department of transportation building in Baton Rouge has been named after Louisiana’s first black governor, P-B-S Pinchback. 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.

10:30 LRN Newscast

A survey of small business owners nationwide finds that 22-percent of them report inflation is their single most important problem. NFIB State Director Dawn McVea says unfilled job openings remain another major concern…
cut 27 (05) “…get them to stay”
40-percent of owners reported job openings that were hard to fill. McVea says a cut in interest rates would be helpful.

The Cordish Companies has broken ground on the $270 million LIVE! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. The casino will be built on the site of the former Diamond Jacks casino. Principal of the Cordish Companies Jon Cordish says this will be the first land-based casino in northwest Louisiana.
Cut 3 (12) “…entertainment attraction.”
The newly renovated casino will feature more than 47,000 square feet of gaming space, an upscale hotel, dining and entertainment venues. Scheduled to open in 2025.

Louisiana has handed out its first-ever offshore wind energy leases to a pair of companies that plan to build wind farms off the coast of Terrebonne, Lafourche and Cameron Parishes. Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Patrick Courreges says the agreements will result in additional revenue for the state…
cut 14 (11) “…pay a cut”
The two companies are Diamond Offshore Wind and the Cajun Wind.

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.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The state mineral and energy board has approved the first-ever offshore wind agreements for Diamond Offshore Wind Louisiana and Cajun Wind to build wind farms off the coasts of Terrebonne, Lafourche and Cameron Parishes. Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Patrick Courreges says this is great news for the state’s evolving energy industry….
cut 15 (12) “….support industries”

Governor John Bel Edwards is a big advocate for clean advocate energy production in this state. He believes it can work hand and hand with the state’s traditional oil and gas industry. In 25 days, Edwards will leave office and he’s looking forward to some of the perks of a private citizen…
cut 12 (11) “….do that’
Edwards and First Lady Donna are expecting their first grand child next month.

The latest national survey of small businesses finds owners remain pessimistic about future business conditions, because inflation continues to eat away at profits. State NFIB Director Dawn McVea says lowering borrowing costs would be beneficial for small business owners…
cut 6 (12) “….they’re business”
The Federal Reserve has indicated a cut to rates could occur next year.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development building in Baton Rouge is now named after P-B-S Pinchback. He’s the first Black Governor of Louisiana and served for a little over a month from 1872 to 1873. DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda says the name designation of Pinchback is well deserved…
cut 8 (10) “…do this “

8:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s Mineral and Energy Board has approved the state’s first wind farm operating agreements in state offshore waters. Diamond Offshore Wind Louisiana off the coast of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes and Cajun Wind off the coast of Cameron Parish. DNR spokesperson Patrick Courreges…
cut 13 (12) “….we already have”
Each company will eventually pay the Bayou State a royalty on what they produce.

Governor John Bel Edwards is wrapping up his two terms in office. Edwards was in the state House of Representatives when he made the decision to run for governor, a long-shot considering his lack of name recognition…
cut 10 (13) “…if I were governor”

The latest survey of small businesses nationwide finds owners remain pessimistic about future business conditions….
cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

According to the Ouachita Citizen, the Louisiana Department of Health is keeping a close eye on Glenwood Regional Medical Center. The hospital in West Monroe is hampered by staffing and supply concerns. It’s emergency room is still open, but Acadian Ambulances are no longer taking E-R patients to Glenwood.

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.