8:30 LRN Newscast

A blood drive takes place today on Louisiana Tech’s campus in support of the victims of Monday’s stabbings outside the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center. Colleen Crain has more…
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The suspect, Jacoby Johnson, is being held without bond. He faces life in prison if convicted. Ruston police say Johnson was inside the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center when he pulled a knife on a student playing basketball and chased him oustide. That’s when the attack on the four unsuspecting women occurred.

When announcing his appointment to lead the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Governor-elect Jeff Landry was asked if he plans to continue Governor John Bel Edwards’ 2050 Carbon-Neutral initiative.
Cut 7 (12) “…working people.”
Edwards’ climate action plan is the only one in the Deep South and has a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

LSU Eunice has announced a Respiratory Therapy Apprenticeship Training Program that will provide students with a paid position at Ochsner Lafayette General as they work towards their degrees. LSU-E Chancellor Doctor Nancee Sorenson says there is a growing need for Respiratory Therapists
cut 6 (12) “….healthcare organization”
LSU E’s Respiratory Care program is regarded as one fo the top programs in the state.

7:30 LRN Newscast

LifeShare Blood Center and Louisiana Tech are holding a replenishment blood drive today on Tech’s campus for the victims of Monday’s knife attack that killed one person and wounded three others. Regional director of Life Share Blood Centers, Michael Bricker…
cut 13 (10) “….in our area”
Annie Richardson died from her wounds. The Ruston resident is being remembered as a creative, compassionate artist who had a zest for life.

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has said he’ll call a special session after his January 8th inauguration so lawmakers can redraw the state’s congressional map so it contains two majority minority districts. A federal appeals court has given state lawmakers a January 15th deadline but current Governor John Bel Edwards says he may need to call the special session if the deadline is not push backed…
cut 10 (12) “….15th deadline”

LSU-Eunice aims to address the need for more respiratory therapists through a new paid apprenticeship program. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Saturday is election day and a new poll paid for by KADN-TV and KLAF-TV shows the race for Lafayette-Mayor President is very close. 40-percent of the respondents say they are voting for former Acadiana Planning Commission CEO Monique Blanco Boulet, while incumbent Josh Guillory is getting 37-percent of the vote. 22-percent are undecided.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The 15th ranked LSU Tigers are 7-and-3 heading into Saturday’s game with Georgia State. The Bayou Bengals are out of the hunt for an SEC Championship but defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson says the Tigers still have a lot to play for…
Cut 16 (20) “…end of the season”

Nicholls can win an outright Southland Conference title tonight when they visit Southeastern Louisiana in Hammond. The Colonels are trying to become the first conference team to go undefeated in league play since Central Arkansas in 2017. The Lions are 3-and-7 and enter the game on a three-game winning streak. Kick-off is at 6 PM.

In the NFL tonight…Joe Burrow and the Bengals are in Baltimore.

The Ragin Cajuns will try to get that elusive sixth win of the season on Saturday when they visit Troy. U-L Lafayette has lost two in a row and this Saturday they face a Trojans team that’s won seven in a row and they have the best defense in the Sun Belt. Coach Michael Desormeaux says they face a big challenge…
Cut 19 (19) “…formation it correctly.”

Cajuns men’s basketball hit 18 three-pointers and defeated Louisiana Christian 107-56. Kentrell Garnett led the way with 20 points. Also yesterday, Denver downed Nicholls 91-85 and BYU beat Southeastern 105 to 48.

LSU men face Dayton this afternoon in Charleston, South Carolina.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards has set a goal for Louisiana to be carbon neutral by 2050, but Governor-Elect Jeff Landry says zero carbon emissions policies are extremely descrutive on the economy. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Landry has named former U-S Fish and Wildlife Director Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto as his Department of Environmental Quality Secretary. The Indiana native is a biologist, attorney and avid hunter. She served in the Trump Administration and was a lab technician at Monsanto.

A blood drive will take place on the Louisiana Tech campus today in response to Monday’s deadly knife attack that left one person dead and wounded three others. Regional director for Life Share Blood Centers, Michael Bricker, says Lifeshare will provide 15-dollars towards the medical expenses for two of the victims…
cut 14 (12) “….in their name”
The drive will take place from nine AM to 3 PM.

The state’s first customized two-year Associate Respiratory Therapy Apprenticeship program has opened on the LSU Eunice campus. Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson says students will have the unique chance to earn while they learn…
Cut 4 (09) “…underserved populations.”
Sorenson says it’s important the healthcare workforce looks like and has many of the same experiences as the people it serves.

LRN PM Newscall November 15

One person has died from Monday’s attack by a 23-year-old student on the Louisiana Tech’s campus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (27)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

______________________________________

Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s first cabinet appointment is also the first Black woman to serve as the director of the Department of Environmental Quality.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

One of the four victims in Monday’s stabbing on the Louisiana Tech campus has passed away from her injuries. Annie Richardson lived in Ruston and was a Louisiana artist. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie opened his weekly press conference discussing the tragic incident….

Cut 3 (04) “….lives”

Twenty-three-year-old Jacoby Johnson of Rayville now faces a second-degree murder charge and three counts of attempted second-degree murder. Authorities have called the attack on four women as random.

Tech freshman Colin Campbell of Minden saw the attack and took two of the victims to the hospital before first responders arrived.

Cumbie says the team’s thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this violent act…

Cut 4 (08) “…scary situation”

________________________________________________________________

Governor-elect Jeff Landry Appoints the first Black woman to head the Department of Environmental Quality. The appointment of Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto (Jack-ah-metto) is also his first cabinet appointment. Landry says Giacometto served as Director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife under former President Trump.

Cut 5 (11) “ …of Louisiana.”  

The Indiana native began her career at Monsanto as a lab tech and in addition to a biology degree from Howard, and a master’s in molecular genetics from Purdue, she has a law degree from the University of Kentucky.

Landry says her appointment will attract others to the state.

Cut 6 (10) “…Environmental Quality.”

After leaving her federal appointment with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Landry says Giacometto returned to the private sector and became an advisor…

Cut 7 (09) “…reliable energy.” 

Landry made the announcement from his transition team headquarters at the University of Louisiana Lafayette.

_____________________________________________

Today marks two years since President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is a co-author of the legislation and he says Louisiana has received nine-billion dollars from the infrastructure law in the first two years alone…

Cut 8 (11) “…in Baton Rouge” 

Cassidy says one-point-four billion dollars has been invested in broadband, benefiting more than 447-thousand households…

Cut 9 (06) “…affordable internet.” 

The senator’s office says 545 million dollars in funding has already been awarded to Louisiana for ports and waterways to repair infrastructure and strengthen supply chains. Another 368-million dollars has been awarded for infrastructure and coastal resiliency. Cassidy says Louisiana is better off now than it was two years ago because of the infrastructure law…

Cut 10 (09) “…our state” 

_______________________________________________________

Southern University has parted ways with Head Football Coach Eric Dooley after only two seasons. Despite different perspectives, Athletics Director Roman Banks says it was clear a change in leadership of the program was necessary.

Cut 11 (11) “…was best.”

After a 7-5 season last year, the Jaguars struggled to a 5-5 record this year. The Jaguars lost to Prarie View A&M in a blowout-loss of 21-44 last Saturday.

The Jaguars will take on its rival the Grambling State Tigers in the 50th annual Bayou Classic in less than two weeks. Banks says Assistant Head Coach Terrance Graves and Safeties Coach Sean Wallace will serve as Interim Head Coach for the big game.

Cut 12 (12) “…Bayou Classic.”  

Coach Graves is the only coach in the history of the Bayou Classic to coach both Southern University and Grambling State as the Interim Head Coach.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Annie Richardson, one of four women stabbed in a random knife attack on Louisiana Tech’s campus on Monday has died. Richardson was leaving an exercise class at the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center when she was attacked from behind. Bulldogs football coach Sonny Cumbie says the team’s thoughts and prayers are with those impacted…
Cut 4 (08) “…scary situation”
Twenty-three-year-old Jacoby Johnson of Rayville now faces a second-degree murder charge.

Assault charges have been dropped against Natchitoches Parish President John Richmond. Latorria Freeman claimed Richmond pushed her during a festival in May. Richmond only recalls a conversation with his accuser.
Cut 15 (12) “…happened”
Richmond failed to make the run-off for this Saturday’s election.
Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s first cabinet appointment is also the first Black woman to serve as the director of the Department of Environmental Quality.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Two years ago today, the federal infrastructure law was approved and Senator Bill Cassidy says it has resulted in nine-billion dollars in federal dollars for the state. He says one-point-four billion dollars went to expanding broadband…
cut 9 (06) “…affordable internet”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans ended a five game losing streak by beating the Dallas Mavericks 131 to 110. Defensive specialist Herb Jones returned after a three-game absence and held Luka Donic to 16 points on five of 16 shooting. Brandon Ingram had 25 points for the Pels and rookie Jordan Hawkins also had 25 points as he finished with five three-pointers.

Mikaylah Williams from Bossier City scored 42 points, a record for an LSU freshman, as the seventh ranked LSU Lady Tigers defeated Kent State 109 to 79 in the PMAC yesterday. Williams was 15 of 20 from the field and hit five three-pointers. She credits her practice habits
Cut 17 (11) “…paid off.”
It’s the most points scored by an LSU women’s basketball player since Cornelia Gayden had 43 against TCU in 1996.

Georgia State will come into Tiger Stadium on Saturday to play 15th ranked LSU on a three game losing streak. Panthers head coach Shawn Elliot says they suffered a tough 42-14 loss to Appalachian State and it will not get any easier this weekend…
Cut 19 (20) “…about that.”
The Tigers are 30.5 point favorites.

McNeese men’s basketball is off to its first 4-5 start in 51 years as the Cowboys defeated LeTourneau 81-49.

Tonight the Ragin Cajuns host Louisiana Christian. Nicholls faces Denver in Mobile and Southeastern Louisiana is at BYU.

06:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans came to play last night. On Sunday night, New Orleans lost to Dallas 136 to 124. The same two teams met again last night in the Smoothie King Center and the Pels handed the Mavericks a 131-110 loss. The victory snapped a five-game losing streak for New Orleans. Brandon Ingram had 25 points and so did rookie Jordan Hawkins.

Bossier City’s Mikaylah Williams scored 42 points, the most ever by an LSU freshman as the seventh-ranked Lady Tigers handed Kent State a 109 to 79 defeat inside the PMAC. Head Coach Kim Mulkey says Williams did more than just score the basketball…
cut 18 (13) “….big as the ocean”
The Lady Tigers are at Southeastern Louisiana on Friday night.

Georgia State will come into Tiger Stadium on Saturday to play 15th-ranked LSU on a three-game losing streak. Panthers head coach Shawn Elliot says they suffered a tough 42-14 loss to Appalachian State last weekend and it will not get any easier this weekend…
Cut 19 (20) “…about that.”
Georgia State is 6-and-4.

Southern fired head football coach Eric Dooley before he could wrap up his second season. The Jaguars are 5-and-5. Safeties Coach Sean Wallace will serve as acting head coach for the Bayou Classic against Grambling.

In the NFL…former LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady has been promoted to offensive coordinator in Buffalo after the Bills fired O-C Ken Dorsey.

4:45 LRN sportscast

Coach Brian Kelly signed Jayden Daniels after his third season at Arizona State and the two have worked together to create one of the greatest college football offenses of all time. When reflecting on recruiting Daniels to LSU, Kelly remembers that…
Cut 18 (18) “…fun to watch.”
Daniels is the Maxwell Award National Offensive Player of the Week . In the win against Florida, Daniels set an SEC record with 606 total yards, becoming the first player in FBS history to rush for 200 yards and throw for 300 yards in the same game.

Southern Football has fired head coach Eric Dooley before he can finish his second season. The Jaguars are 5-and-5 this season. Assistant head coach, special teams coordinator and linebackers coach, Terrence Graves, will serve as interim head coach.

Mikaylah Williams from Bossier City scored 42 points today, a record for an LSU freshman, as the seventh ranked LSU Lady Tigers defeated Kent State 109 to 79 in the PMAC during the annual field trip game. Williams was 15 of 20 from the field and hit five three-pointers. She credits her practice habits for her record breaking performance…
cut 17 (11) “…paid off”
Aneesah Morrow added 17 points and nine rebounds. The Lady Tigers are at Southeastern Louisiana on Friday night.

The Pelicans get another shot at Dallas at home tonight after losing to the Mavericks on Sunday night. New Orleans has dropped five in a row. Coach Willie Green is looking for his team to play with a sense of urgency.

Former LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady is the new play-caller for the Buffalo Bills after the Bills fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey.

LRN PM Newscall November 14

Acadiana Representative Phillip DeVillier is the Republicans’ choice for the next Louisiana Speaker of the House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

The Governor’s Office has kicked off the “56 for 56” social media campaign chronicling the progress of the state under Governor Edwards leadership for his remaining 56 days. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

______________________________________

It appears that Eunice Representative Phillip DeVillier is the Republicans’ choice for Louisiana Speaker of the House. LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says he’s never seen a legislature so pro-active, and they need to get a leg up because…

Cut 3 (10) “….right off the bat.”

And there’s a chance another special session could be called before the regular session begins in March.

DeVillier has strong Cajun roots like Governor-elect Jeff Landry, and he was first elected to represent Acadiana District 41 in 2015.  As he begins his third and final term in the legislature, Alford says DeVillier has very strong ties to business and industry.

Cut 4 (11) “…in January.”

Alford says with the Governor’s race, and the majority of House and Senate races decided last month, there’s already a huge jump on the next term of state government.

Cut 5 (08) “ …early start.”  

Metairie Senator Cameron Henry is expected to be the Republicans’ choice for Senate President.

________________________________________________________________

The Govenor’s Office has launched “56 for 56” – a social media campaign highlighting one of the governor’s accomplishments every day for his final 56 days in office. While the series highlights the progress of Governor Edwards, Digital Creator for the Governor’s Office Tyler Walker says it also celebrates Louisianans who supported and worked with Governor Edwards since 2016.

Cut 6 (13) “…we’ve made.”

The first post highlights Edwards first day in office where he signed an executive order expanding Medicaid. Walker says the campaign will also recap economic development projects, the bipartisan criminal justice reform, and…

Cut 7 (09) “…to highlight.” 

The public can follow the “56 for 56” campaign on the Governor’s social media accounts and use the hashtag #56for56. Walker encourages Louisianans to join in and comment on their favorite state improvement during Edwards tenure.

Cut 8 (11) “….this week.” 

_____________________________________________

The question looms if incoming lawmakers can meet the January 15th deadline to redraw the state’s congressional map to include a second majority-minority district.  Outgoing Senate President Page Cortez says it’s best to ask for a deadline extension because it’s not ideal for current lawmakers to meet.

Cut 9 (11) “…could pass.” 

And if Edwards vetoed the maps, because of the limited timeline, Cortez says there would be a veto override session for incoming lawmakers and Governor-elect Landry.  Cortez says they’ll have a better idea next week of where things stand.

Cut 10 (08) “…take it up.” 

Cortez says he hasn’t discussed it with Governor Edwards if he plans to call for a special session before he leaves office. Cortez believes Edwards is waiting to see if Judge Shelly Dick grants an extension or not.

Cut 11 (08) “…additional time.”

Governor-elect Landry and new lawmakers will be sworn in office one week before the January 15th deadline.