06:45 LRN Sportscast

15 players were listed on the Saints injury report Wednesday. Quarterback Derek Carr was limited. Coach Dennis Allen says Carr is in concussion protocol…
Cut 17 (14) “…after that.”
Carr took a big hit in last Sunday’s loss to the Lions and suffered his second concussion in the last month. New Orleans hsots the 1-and-11 Carolina Panthers this Sunday in the Dome.

Today in the Dome, it’s the first day of the Prep Classic as Southern Lab takes on Riverside and the nightcap is Oak Grove versus Haynesville. Southern Lab Coach Darrell Asberry says his team is motivated by last year’s quarterfinal loss to Vermilion Catholic…
cut 15 (11) “…this point”
The Kittens and Rebels will get underway at 3:30.
_____________________________________________________________
Yahoo Sports reports that LSU and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock are finalizing a three-year contract extension. Denbrock is the play caller for the nation’s number one ranked offense and helped Jayden Daniels become a Heisman Finalist. Football Scoop reports Texas A&M was interested in hiring Denbrock away from LSU.

48-year-old Bryant Vincent is the new head football coach of the ULM Warhawks. He takes over a program that won two games in 2023 and has not had a winning season since 2012. Vincent says he wants to build a program that northeast Louisiana can be proud of….
Cut 19 (19) “…physical football team.”
Vincent comes from New Mexico where he improved the Lobos offense in just one season as offensive coordinator.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The NCAA transfer portal is open and it’s expected the Tigers will sign defensive linemen, defensive backs and also look for a veteran receiver or two. What about a quarterback to compete with Garrett Nussmeier in 2024? Coach Brian Kelly says if they sign a Q-B, they’ll inform Nussmeier and others…
Cut 16 (21) “…that room.”
LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock helped develop Jayden Daniels into a Heisman finalist and he called the plays for this year’s record breaking offense. There are reports that Denbrock will sign a three-year contract extension.

LSU’s offensive line named a finalist for the Joe Moore, which goes to college football’s best o-line.

15 players were listed on the Saints injury report today. Quarterback Derek Carr was limited as he’s still in concussion protocol. Taysom Hill did not practice today as he’s nursing a foot and a left hand injury. Cam Jordan, Marcus Maye, Kendre Miller and Rashid Shaheed also did not practice today.

ULM introduced Bryant Vincent as its new head football coach today. Vincent comes from New Mexico where he improved the Lobos offense in just one season as offensive coordinator. Vincent also spent four seasons as UAB’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He doesn’t see why ULM can’t have a winning football program…
Cut 20 (19) “…championship program”
Vincent’s contract is five years and AD John Hartwell says salaries for Vincent and his assistant coaches have been increased.

LRN PM Newscall December 6

If you’re still looking for Medicare health coverage or want to change your existing plan, you have until tomorrow to meet the 2024 Medicare Annual Enrollment deadline. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

______________________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy says Republicans can not support a 111-billion dollar military aid package for Ukraine and Israel without policy changes that will reduce the number of illegal crossings across the southern border. Jeff Palermo has more..

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

______________________________________

The deadline to choose a 2024 Medicare health plan or make changes to your current plan is tomorrow. For those still seeking coverage, Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut says Louisianans 65 and older can choose Medicare Parts A, B, D, or a combination of the three.

Cut 3 (12) “…to go.”

Under Parts A and B you get coverage for hospital care, doctor visits, nursing facility care, home healthcare services, and preventative service. Part D includes prescription drug coverage.

Bertaut says choosing a plan can be difficult and overwhelming at times, but there are free services to help guide you to a plan that is best for you.

Cut 4 (12) “…you nothing.”

Bertaut says original Medicare doesn’t cover all of your healthcare expenses, leaving you responsible for about 20 percent of your costs. He urges Louisianans to consider the three P’s when looking for the ideal Medicare plan.

Cut 5 (13) “ …plans incorporate.”  

Medicare coverage starts January 1st. The number to call is 1-800-568-1417 or visit bcbslaplan.com/Medicare.

________________________________________________________________

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says Republicans are unified and will not approve a 110-billion dollar military aid package for Ukraine and Israel unless the legislation addresses southern border security. Cassidy says since President Biden took office there have been eight-million illegal crossings…

Cut 6 (06) “…not done so”

Democratic leadership in the Senate says this funding for Ukraine is desperately needed and the funding bill should not be tied to extreme immigration proposals. But Cassidy says the crisis at the U-S-Mexico border can no longer be ignored…

Cut 7 (09) “..southern border.” 

Democrats say their bill contains more than five billion dollars in emergency funding for the U-S Customs and Border Protection and two-point-three billion dollars in emergency dollars to U-S Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But Cassidy says Republicans want to see policy changes

Cut 8 (11) “…country of origin” 

__________________________________________________________________

Mandeville Representative and former gubernatorial candidate Richard Nelson has been appointed Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there’s speculation Governor-elect Jeff Landry promised Nelson a job in exchange for dropping out of the race…

Cut 9 (12) “…Republican.” 

One of Nelson’s campaign promises was to repeal the state income tax. Pinsonat says the popularity of no state income tax in nearby Texas and Florida, and a GOP super-majority in the legislature, Nelson’s appointment to helm Revenue brings even more momentum for the initiative…

Cut 10 (10) “…the revenue.”

Nelson was the youngest gubernatorial candidate and Pinsonat believes the appointment is a good fit.

Cut 11 (12) “…the governor.”

Jarrod Coniglio, who has more than three decades of experience with oversight of the state’s Medicaid program and Department of Revenue, has been named under-secretary of LDR.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Insuring Louisiana’s school buildings is becoming a struggle with climbing insurance rate increases. Colleen Crain has the story
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Former gubernatorial candidate Richard Nelson will be the state’s next Secretary for the Department of Revenue. That announcement was made by Governor-elect Jeff Landry today. Nelson dropped out of the governor’s race before the election and endorsed Landry. Nelson is currently a state lawmaker from Mandeville.

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says Republicans will not support a 111-billion dollar military aid package for Ukraine and Israel unless the legislation contains provisions to slow the number of illegal crossings across the southern border. Demorats say there is funding in the bill for border protection and customs enforcement, but Cassidy says Republicans want policy changes…
cut 8 (11) “….country of orgin”
Cassidy says since President Biden took office there have been eight-million illegal crossings.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

After a disastrous season on defense, LSU football coach Brian Kelly is still evaluating what went wrong. Could Kelly fire defensive coordinator Matt House after two seasons? Kelly says personal relationships will not get in the way of what’s best for LSU…
Cut 17 (18) “…national championship.”
LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is not going anywhere anytime soon. He’s reportedly close to agreeing to a three-year contract extension.

ULM introduced Bryant Vincent as its new head football coach today. Vincent was the offensive coordinator at New Mexico this past season and the Lobos earned national top-20 rankings in red zone offense and rushing offense. He was previously an assistant at UAB and served as an interim head coach in 2022.

There’s a chance Saints quarterback Derek Carr will not be healthy enough to make the start this Sunday against the Panthers. Carr is in concussion protocol for a second time in a month and has a rib injury. Jameis Winston would start if Carr can’t go and offensive tackle Ryan Ramcyzk says they have confidence Winston can get the job done…
cut 27 (09) “…have to play”
The Saints-Panthers game will kick off at noon.

The Pelicans will face the Lakers in the semifinals of the NBA’s first ever in-season tournament. Los Angeles defeated the Suns 106 to 103 last night. So L-A and the Pels will meet in Las Vegas tomorrow night.

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball improved to 7-2 on the season with a 56-49 win at Stephen F Austin. For the second straight week, Ragin Cajuns star Kobe Julien was named Sun Belt Player of the Week. U-L Lafayette is at La Tech on Saturday.

11:30 LRN Newscast

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says Republicans are united in their opposition to a 110-billion dollar military aid package for Ukraine and Israel, if the legislation does not contain policy changes to slow the number of illegal crossings over the U-S Mexico border…
cut 7 (09 “…southern border”
Democrats say funding for Israel and Ukraine should not contain extreme immigration proposals.

The state transportation department has pushed back the deadline for executing the public-private partnership for widening Interstate 10 in Lake Charles including the construction of a new two-point-one billion dollar bridge. DOTD spokesperson John Guidroz…
Cut 10 (08) “…this project.”
The project needs legislative approval and the House Transportation Committee voted against it as several lawmakers objected to use of tolls. The new legislature will have until February 1st to vote on the proposal.

Property insurance premiums are rising for many homeowners and the same goes for school systems. Louisiana School Board Association lobbyist Dannie Garrett says some districts have seen a 30 to 50-percent increase in year-to-year property insurance costs, but state funding for schools has been relatively flat…
cut 9 (06) “….per pupil”

The deadline for choosing a 2024 Medicare health plan is tomorrow. For those still seeking coverage, Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut says Louisianans 65 and older can choose Medicare Parts A, B, D, or a combination of the three.
Cut 3 (12) “…to go.”
Bertaut says Blue Cross has experts available to help beneficiaries find a plan.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Insuring Louisiana’s school buildings is becoming a struggle with climbing rate increases. Colleen Crain has the story
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

After a tense debate, the Terrebonne Parish School Board made the difficult decision to close three elementary schools, which will send students, teachers and staff to other schools next school year.

ULM will hold a press conference at 11 AM today to introduce Bryant Vincent as its new football coach.

The state transportation department has pushed back the deadline for executing the public-private partnership for widening Interstate 10 in Lake Charles including the construction of a new two-point-one billion dollar bridge. DOTD spokesperson John Guidroz…
Cut 10 (08) “…this project.”
The project needs legislative approval and the House Transportation Committee voted against it as several lawmakers objected to use of tolls. The new legislature will have until February 1st to vote on the proposal.

Earlier this year Niagara Bottling announced plans to build a 160-million dollar production facility in Ponchatoula. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Regine Williams says Niagara Bottling is holding a job fair today and tomorrow in Hammond as they plan to create 70 new jobs…
cut 14 (04) “…hiring event”
It takes place today until 3:30 PM at Chappapeela Sports Park in Hammond and then again tomorrow from 8 AM until 1:30 PM.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Judge Joe Bleich has ordered a new election in the Caddo Sheriff’s race. Teiko Foxx reports Republican John Nickelson challenged the election after losing by one vote…
cut 1 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will hear a sexual abuse lawsuit against the Diocese of Lafayette that claims the church knew Reverend Kenneth Morvant acted inappropriately with altar boys. The lawsuit was filed in 2018 by Doug Bienvenu who says he was abused when he was nine years old. Morvant died in 2002.

Property insurance premiums are rising for many homeowners and the same goes for school systems. Louisiana School Board Association lobbyist Dannie Garrett says some districts have seen a 30 to 50-percent increase in year-to-year property insurance costs, but state funding for schools has been relatively flat…
cut 9 (06) “….per pupil”

A plan to use public and private dollars, including toll money, to build a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge is still alive as a new deadline of February first has been set for legislative approval. DOTD spokesperson John Guidroz says they want to give the new administration and Legislature a chance to weigh in…
cut 12 (10) “….path forward”
Southwest Louisiana legislators oppose the idea of using tolls to pay for a new bridge.

6:45 LRN sportscast

LSU Coach Brian Kelly says a decision has yet to be made on if quarterback Jayden Daniels will play in the Tigers bowl game on New Year’s Day in Tampa against Wisconsin. Daniels is a likely top ten pick in the 2024 NFL draft and Kelly says the Heisman finalist understands the pros and cons of playing in one more college game…
Cut 15 (15) “…both sides of it.”
If Daniels does not play, Garrett Nussmeier will get the start against the Badgers.

There’s a chance Saints quarterback Derek Carr will not be healthy enough to make the start this Sunday against the Panthers. Carr is in concussion protocol for a second time this month and has a rib injury. Jameis Winston would start if Carr can’t go and offensive tackle Ryan Ramcyzk says they have confidence Winston can get the job done…
cut 21 (09) “…have to play”
The Saints-Panthers game will kick off at noon.

ULM is set to announce Bryant Vincent as its new head football coach today. Vincent was the offensive coordinator at New Mexico this past season and he took an offense that was dead last in the FBS to total offense and this year they were ranked 39th. The Lobos red zone offense was ranked as the 14th best in the country.

In college basketball…Louisiana Tech grinded out a 56-49 win over Stephen F Austin last night to improve to 7-and-2 on the season. Isaiah Crawford had a game-high 19 points and Daniel Batcho recorded his fourth double-double, 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Jacob Wilson scored a career-high 16 points as the Warhawks dribbled past Champion Christian 110 to 63. And McNeese dominated Mississippi University for Women 92-23 to improve to 8-and-2. Coach Will Wade’s ten game suspension is over.

The Pelicans will play the Lakers tomorrow night in Las Vegas in the semifinals of the NBA’s in-season tournament.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Republican John Nickelson has won his lawsuit challenging the results of the November 18th Caddo Parish sheriff’s election. Nickelson lost the race by one vote to Democrat Henry Whitehorn, but a judge has ruled a new election should take place because there were 11 questionable votes counted….
cut 4 (12) “…vote margin”
Political analyst Scott Hughes says unless the ruling is overturned on appeal, the re-do election will take place in March.

The state department of transportation will give the next Legislature an opportunity to approve a public-private partnership that would result in the construction of a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. The current House Transportation Committee rejected the plan, because of its reliance on tolls as a source of funding. DOTD spokesperson John Guidroz says they want to give a new group of legislators a say…
cut 11 (07) “….cost anything”
The deadline has been extended from December 3rd to February first.

Many Louisiana residents have felt the financial squeeze from rising property insurance rates, it’s also a growing problem for school systems. Dannie Garrett is a lobbyist for the Louisiana School Board Association and he says premiums are going up and funding from the state is not matching the increase in insurance cost…
cut 8 (11) “…school system”
Legislators are expected to address the state’s property insurance crisis next year.

In partnership with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Niagara Bottling is hosting a two-day hiring event, today and tomorrow in Hammond. Regine Williams with the LWC says they are looking to hire employees for their new water bottling plant in Ponchatoula.
Cut 13 (09) “…and more.”
Last January Niagara Bottling announced plans to invest up to 160-million dollars on a new production facility near Hammond.