4:45 LRN Sportscast December 2

LSU made its way to Atlanta today for tomorrow afternoon’s SEC Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs. The Bulldogs defense gets a lot of the headlines, because it leads the nation in scoring defense. But Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett is one of four quarterbacks in the SEC to throw for over three-thousand yards this season. LSU defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo says getting pressure on Bennett is a key…
Cut 11 (11) “…in the pocket”
Kick-off is at 3 PM.

Also tomorrow, the American Athletic Conference will be played at a sold out Yulman Stadium as Tulane hosts U-C-F. Southern faces Jackson State in the SWAC Championship Game. Could this be the final game for Deion Sanders as the head coach of the Tigers. Southeastern Louisiana visits Samford in a second round FCS playoff matchup.

The College Football Playoff announced it will expand to 12 teams starting with the 2024 season. LSU Coach Brian Kelly likes having more teams involved in the playoff…
Cut 18 (18) “…college football.”
The Sugar Bowl will be part of the 12-team playoff, hosting quarterfinal games in 2024 and 2025 and then we’ll see what happens after that.

The semi-finals of the high school football playoffs are tonight. Several teams who state championships are still in it. Zachary won the Five-A title last year and they visit Ruston. Westgate won a four-a title last year and they are at Destrehan. Amite won a Two-a title last year and they’ll visit Union Parish, while Homer who won the one-a title last year hosts Mangham.

LRN PM Newscall December 2

Vernon Parish authorities have charged five soldiers stationed at Ft. Polk with drugging and raping two women in Rosepine. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(29)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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Two of the three Americans who died of carbon monoxide poisoning at their Mexico City Airbnb are from New Orleans. Brooke Thorington has more from a mother who wants to hold the rental company accountable

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Five soldiers stationed at Ft. Polk are in the Vernon Parish Jail today, charged with raping two women in  Rosepine on November 25th.Sheriff Sam Craft says the women knew one of the soldiers, and that all five of them gave the two spiked alcohol. He says once the women were incapacitated the men raped them.

Cut 3 (11) “..type scenario.” 

Craft described the women as very credible witnesses.  He says they sought medical help the morning after the attacks.

Cut 4 (08)  “…had transpired” 

Craft says forensic evidence collected at the hospital confirmed the assaults. He says there is also video evidence. He says sheriff’s office investigators have received help from the Army’s criminal investigation division.

Cut 5 (09) “…to us”

Craft says the five soldiers are being held in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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28-year-old Jordan Marshall of New Orleans was one of the three Americans who died from carbon monoxide poisoning October 30th at their Airbnb rental in Mexico City. His mother Jennifer Marshall and the families of the other victims want the vacation rental company to be held accountable and require working carbon monoxide detectors at all of their listings.

Cut 6 (06)  “…of hurt.”

Attorney Michael Haggard says hotel chains are held to industry standards and must have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and there’s no reason why Airbnb shouldn’t either.

Cut 7 (04)  “…to prevent.”

In 2021 Airbnb reported an annual gross profit of $4.8 billion.

Jennifer Marshall wants to bring about awareness of the issue and she highly encourages vacationers to pack their own carbon monoxide detectors so they can avoid a similar fate.

Cut 8 (11)  “…their families.“

Jordan Marshall, a 12th-grade English teacher at Rosenwald Collegiate Academy, and 33-year-old Courtez Hall, who taught social studies at KIPP Morial Middle School, died along with 28-year-old Kandace Florence of Virginia.

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LSU is a 17 and a half point underdog for Saturday’s SEC championship matchup against Georgia. Coach Brian Kelly says the point spread should not be the sole source of motivatation for the Tigers.

Cut 9 (09) “…to think” 

Georgia leads the nation in scoring defense, holding opponents to eleven points a game. But Kelly says the Bulldogs are good on offense as well, led by a veteran quarterback in Stetson Bennett…

Cut 10 (11) “…do not” 

LSU defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo says getting pressure on Georgia’s quarterback is a key…

Cut 11 (11)  “…in the pocket”

Kick-off Saturday is at 3 PM.

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After two years of the pandemic, for many, the traditional office Christmas party is making a return. And while many of us are out of practice, UNO business professor Mark Rosa has some sound advice. While some might be hesitant to socialize with their work colleagues, Rosa says if your employer is hosting one you should attend.

Cut 12 (11) “…wise one.” 

Rosa says it should go without saying to limit your alcohol intake and refrain from lewd behavior at the office party. He says to also be mindful and respectful of those who choose to socially distance themselves and wear face masks at the party.

Cut 13 (04) “…mask on.”  

The office holiday party provides employees with the opportunity to mingle socially and for many, it will be the first time to do so face-to-face. Rosa says to keep it light and avoid discussing business if you can.

Cut 14 (08)   “…best behavior.”

And if you’re able to bring your significant other to the party to introduce them to your office mates and it’s also best if they too limit their alcohol consumption.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

It’s LSU versus Georgia tomorrow in the SEC Championship game. This is the second straight year the Bulldogs enter the SEC Championship game undefeated. Last year they were knocked off by Alabama. Coach Brian Kelly says his team understands the challenge they face…
cut 17 (22) “….as well”

In New Orleans, Tulane seeks its first conference championship in football since 1998 when they face U-C-F in the American Athletic Conference Championship game.

And Southern is in Jackson, Mississippi for the SWAC Championship game as they go up against Jackson State again. The Tigers shutout the Jags in the regular season.

The Saints will face Tampa Bay on Monday. New Orleans was shutout last Sunday and Quarterback Andy Dalton expects they’ll execute better against the Buccaneers….
Cut 20 (20) “…good place”
Many Saints fans may have became concerned this morning after watching a viral video that appears to show former Saints quarterback Drew Brees getting struck by lighting while filming a promotional video for Pointsbet Sportsbook. But the video is apparently a spoof and Brees is just fine.

Tonight is the semi-finals of the high school football playoffs…Teurlings Catholic hosts Lafayette Chrisitian in a rematch of a regular season game won by the Rebels 21-17. Union Parish looks to reach a state championship game for a third consecutive season when they host Amite. The Warriors won the Class 2A title last year.

10:30 LRN newscast

More details have been provided from this week’s brutal double homicide in Covington where a retired priest and longtime church worker were killed and then burned. St. Tammany Parish Coroner Charles Preston on the manner of death for Father Otis Young and Ruth Prats…
cut 28 (14) “…death homicide”
Antonio Tyson has been charged in their killings and police believe it was a random act of violence.

Five soldiers stationed at Ft. Polk are in the Vernon Parish Jail, charged with raping two women in Rosepine. Sheriff Sam Craft says the women knew one of the soldiers, and that all five of them gave the two spiked alcohol. He says once the women were incapacitated the men raped them.
Cut 3 (11) “..type scenario.”
Craft described the women as very credible witnesses. He says they went to the hospital the next morning where forensic evidence confirmed the assaults.

The governor’s office says French President Emmanuel Macron is in New Orleans today to sign a memorandum of understanding to further expand and enhance the strong cultural connections between France and Louisiana in the areas of the economy, clean energy and the environment. Tulane French professor Faycal Falaky (Fie-sul fa-LAH-key)….
cut 12 (12) “….sign some treaties”

Tickets went on sale this morning for Shania Twain’s concert in New Orleans on July 24th. The Queen of Country Pop is the best-selling female artist in country music history and 100-point-seven Tiger DJ Abby Leigh in Baton Rouge calls Shania a trailblazer for country music female artists…
cut 14 (05) “…Taylor Swift”

9:30 LRN Newscast

The president of France, Emmanuel Macron, is in New Orleans today. It’s the first time a French leader has visited the Crescent City in over four decades. Tulane French professor Faycal Falaky says Macron will visit the New Orleans Museum of Art…
cut 11 (07) “….in Louisiana and New Orleans”
The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana says just over 100-thousand students across the state are enrolled in 26 French immersion schools across eight parishes.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is urging Louisiana voters to vote for constitutional amendment one which would prohibit voting for people who are not U-S Citizens. Ardoin says current language in the state constitution could be construed to allow non-citizens to vote in municipal elections…
cut 6 (05) “….our election”
Early voting for the December 10th election ends tomorrow.

Tickets for Shania Twain’s July 24th New Orleans concert go on sale today at 10 AM. The Queen of Country Pop is known for hits like “You’re Still the One,” and Baton Rouge Tiger 100-point-7 DJ Abby Leigh says her 1999 release of “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” also spawned a memorable music video.
Cut 15 (05) “…what it is.”
Mickey Guyton, the first Black woman to ever be nominated for a Grammy in Best Country Solo Performance category will open for Shania in New Orleans.

LSU is relatively healthy team heading into tomorrow’s SEC Championship game against top ranked Georgia. Coach Brian Kelly says leading rusher Josh Williams appears to be a go after missing the last two games with a knee injury…
cut 16 (19) “…effective”
Kick-off is at 3 PM.

8:30 LRN newscast

Authorities have released the identity of the second victim in a brutal double homicide that took place in Covington this week. It is pastoral associate Ruth Prats. She was killed and her body burned along with retired priest Otis Young. Father Daniel Brouillette, the current pastor of St. Peter Roman Catholic Chuch says the two were passionate about the church…
cut 9 (13) “….his people”
Authorities believe this was a random killing by a former convict identified as Antonio Tyson.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is urging voters to vote yes for Constitutional Amendment one on the December10th ballot. A yes vote would prohibit non U-S citizens from voting. Ardoin says there’s only been a few incidents where a non-citizen has voted or attempted to vote in Louisiana…
cut 5 (07) “….and foremost”

For the first time in over 40 years, the President of France is in New Orleans today. Kevin Gallagher has more on Emmanuel Macron’s visit…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

The top-selling country female artist of all time will make a stop in Louisiana on her 2023 world tour. Tickets for Shania Twain’s July 24th New Orleans concert go on sale today at 10 AM. Shania broke records and boundaries in the 90s and Baton Rouge 100-point-7 The Tiger DJ Abby Leigh says her fan base runs the gamut.
Cut 13 (08) “…millions of fans.”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Authorities say double murder suspect, Antonio Tyson, did not have a connection with his victims before he allegedly burned them beyond recognition in St. Tammany Parish.
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Whitney Thomas.”

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested five Fort Polk soldiers after they allegedly drugged and raped two women at a residence in Rosepine. Authorities say one of the victims was acquainted with one of the subjects, who brought four other men to her home that she shared with a roommate. The victims claim the men brought alcohol that caused them to lose consciousness and the men allegedly engaged in non-consensual sexual contact with the females.

The President of France visits New Orleans today; the first time a French leader has done so since 1976. President Emmanuel Macron will meet with Governor John Bel Edwards and other officials, tour the French Quarter and attend a special dinner with film and entertainment figures. Tulane University French professor Faycal Falaky (Fie-sul fa-LAH-key) says Macron’s visit makes sense because Louisiana remains tied culturally to everything French…:
Cut 10 (07) “…talk about that.”
The governor’s office says Edwards and President Macron will sign a memorandum of understanding to further expand and enhance the cultural connections between France and Louisiana in the areas of the economy, clean energy and environment.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is urging voters to vote for constitutional amendment one on the December 10th ballot. Ardoin says a yes vote would prohibit non-citizens from voting in Louisiana, even though it’s already unlawful for them to vote in state and federal elections…
cut 4 (09) “.,,,their elections”
Early voting for the December tenth election concludes tomorrow.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU looks to be at full strength for tomorrow’s SEC Championship game against unbeaten and top ranked Georgia. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is fine after injuring his ankle last week, cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse has returned from a concussion and Coach Brian Kelly says leading rusher Josh Williams appears ready to go….
cut 16 (19) “…effective”
A win for LSU could put them in the Sugar Bowl.

The Sugar Bowl will be part of the 12-team playoff that’s coming to college football starting with the 2024 season. The Sugar Bowl will be the site of a quarterfinal game in 2024 and 2025…. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says they’ll keep the division format in football until the league expands to 16 teams in 2025.

Tulane hosts UCF tomorrow as the Green Wave try to win their first conference championship since 1998 as they look to win the American Athletic Conference. Green Wave Coach Willie Fritz hopes this is just the first of many tries to win a conference title in the years to come…
Cut 19 (17) “…whole program”
A win for Tulane and they could be headed to the Cotton Bowl.

Tonight it’s semifinal action of the high school football playoffs….The reigning Class 5A champs, the Zachary Broncos, travel north to play top-seeded Ruston, the Division Two-select semifinals will be played in Lafayette, as top seeded St. Thomas More hosts E-D White and Teurlings Catholic hosts Lafayette Christian. In Division Two non-select, Iowa hosts North Desoto, while Lutcher travels to West Feliciana.

6:30 LRN newscast

Authorities have released a few more details in the double homicide in Covington where the victims bodies were burned. Covington Police Lieutenant Kevin Collins says the suspect Antonio Tyson came in contact with the victims, retired priest Otis Young and longtime church worker, Ruth Prats, while riding his bike in Prats neighborhood…
cut 7 (13) “….Prats residence”
The charred bodies of Young and Prats were found in an alleyway in downtown Covington on Monday morning.

The governor’s office says French President Emmanuel Macron will be in New Orleans today to sign a memorandum of understanding to further expand and enhance the strong cultural connections between France and Louisiana in the areas of the economy, clean energy and the environment. Tulane French professor Faycal Falaky (Fie-sul fa-LAH-key)….
cut 12 (12) “….sign some treaties”

The Queen of Country Pop adds New Orleans to her 2023 tour and tickets go on sale today. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU Tigers leave for Atlanta tomorrow where they’ll play top ranked Georgia on Saturday in the SEC Championship Game. The Bulldogs are second in the SEC in passing yards with quarterback Stetson Bennett at the helm. His top receiver is tight end Brock Bowers. Tigers cornerback Mekhi Garner says they are really good at the tight end position…
cut 18 (18) “…stop that offense’
Kick off Saturday is at 3 PM.

The College Football Playoff Board of Managers announced that a 12-team playoff will begin with the 2024 season. The six highest ranked conference champs automatically qualify and then the next six highest-ranked teams will receive at-large bids. The top four conference champs receive a bye and seeds five through eight will host a first round playoff game on their campus.

Southern will play Jackson State in the SWAC Championship game on Saturday. The Tigers trounced the Jaguars in the regular season matchup, winning 35-0. Southern Coach Eric Dooley says they need to execute better…
Cut 19 (17) “…forward to it”
Kick-off is at 3 PM in Jackson.

Zion Williamson scored a season-high 33 points as the Pelicans defeated the Raptors 126 to 108 last night. Williamson was 12 of 15 from the floor. He also grabbed ten rebounds, five assists, four steals and two block shots. Trey Murphy started for an injured Brandon Ingram and hit six three-pointers, and scored 26 points. New Orleans visits the Spurs tomorrow night.

Tonight in college hoops, Northwestern State at Stephen F Austin.