6:45 LRN Sportscast

Former Saints coach Sean Payton will interview with teams this week as he decides whether he wants to return to coaching. Payton is still under contract with the Saints and so if a team hires him, they will have to send draft picks to New Orleans. General Manager Mickey Loomis says they wish the best for Payton, but they also want to be compensated well…
Cut 16 (19) “…maximize that”
Four teams have received permission to speak with Payton, the Broncos, Cardinals, Texans, and the Panthers. Will the Chargers be looking for a new head coach? There’s a lot of speculation surrounding head coach Brandon Staley after Los Angeles blew a 27 point lead and lost to Jacksonville on Saturday 31-30 in an AFC Wildcard matchup.

On an afternoon that LSU unveiled a statue of former LSU women’s basketball great Seimone Augustus, the fifth ranked Lady Tigers went out and beat Auburn 84-54 in front of 11-thousand fans at the PMAC. Coach Kim Mulkey’s team is 18-0, 6-0 in the SEC, but she reminds fans it’s only January…
cut 29 (18) “…to go”
Up next for LSU, a good Arkansas team comes into the PMAC on Thursday night.

The LSU men’s basketball team is home on Wednesday to host 21st ranked Auburn. Fourth ranked Alabama trounced the Tigers on Saturday 106-66.

The Ragin Cajuns have won four in a row and they are among six teams tied for first place in the Sun Belt with a four and two league record. ULM is one of those teams as the Warhawks topped Texas State 61-58 on Saturday and will travel to Georgia Southern. U-L Lafayette is at Arkansas State.

6:30 LRN Newscast

There are now four announced candidates running for Louisiana Governor this fall. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt officially entered the race Friday; joining A.G. Jeff Landry, Treasurer John Schroder and Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…:
Cut 13 (10) “…typical Louisiana race.”
Congressman Garret Graves, Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson, DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson and Louisiana Democratic Party Chairwoman Katie Bernhardt are other candidates who could jump into the race.

Did you enjoy some crawfish over the weekend? If you did, you may have noticed the price….
cut 11 (10) “…no denying”
Cofounder of the Crawfish App Laney King says inflation has caused base prices for crawfish farmers to double along with an increase in fuel prices.

Senator Bill Cassidy is proud of what he’s accomplished over the past year. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

LRN AM Newscall January 16

Senator Bill Cassidy is proud of what he’s accomplished for Louisiana over the past year. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The state’s favorite crustacean is not immune to inflation, and you should expect to pay $2.00 a pound more than last year. Brooke Thorington has more on an app that tracks prices.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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There are now four announced candidates running for governor this fall, so how is the race stacking up so far? Kevin Gallagher has that…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is proud of what he achieved in 2022. The senator says he pushed through a law advocating for pregnant moms in the workplace, to help veterans to better transition to civilian life and to assure you get no unexpected medical bills. He says he also worked to assure Louisiana received sufficient disaster recovery aid…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…go down the list.”

Cassidy says he’s worked to bring federal flood insurance back to a reasonable cost, introduced legislation to get illegal immigration under control and supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs act, which will bring millions to Louisiana for road and bridge improvements, including $150-million for a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles…:

Cut 5 (10) “…road and highways.”

Cassidy says Louisiana sent him to D.C. to deliver solutions and that’s what he has tried to do. He says he is particularly proud of passing his “No Surprises Act” last January which prevents patients from receiving medical bills they were not expecting for from procedures they thought insurance covered…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…of this legislation.” 

Cassidy says he looks forward to bringing home more for Louisiana in the year ahead.

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Rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths surge among nursing home residents and staff nationwide including here in Louisiana, because most residents and staff are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. That’s according to the Director of Advocacy for the AARP, Andrew Muhl….

Cut 7 (10) “…the booster.”

According to AARP’s Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard, cases among residents nationwide increased 57% towards the end of December. In Louisiana, resident cases went from 460 to just over one-thousand, while staff cases went up from 245 to 533 during the same period. Muhl says it’s unfortunate

Cut 8 (14)  “.staying safe..”

Nursing home deaths nationwide increased by 14% during the end of December. Since the beginning of the pandemic 3,626 nursing home residents have died from the virus, and 13 more died at the end of December. Muhl says they’ll continue to advocate for better safety measures.

Cut 9 (14)  “… They’ve been taking .”

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You’ll want to budget accordingly for crawfish boils this year, with prices up $2.00 a pound compared to this time last year.  Crawfish App averages data from more than 16 hundred businesses and app co-founder Laney King says while she tries to remain optimistic…

Cut 10 (12)  “…this year.”

King says inflation has caused base prices for crawfish farmers to double in the last few years along with an increase in fuel prices.  It’s not just customers that are upset, King says retailers are equally frustrated about the increase in prices. While your favorite store to pick up mudbugs is getting the blame for the higher prices, she says they’re just paying what farmers and wholesalers are charging them.

Cut 11 (10)  “…no denying.”

With prices up, King says you might want to compare prices by using the Crawfish App to see if you can find a better price somewhere else besides your usual stop.  She says as the weather warms up, hopefully, prices will go down. decline.

Cut 12 (09) “…down a little.”

The Crawfish App compares prices for both boiled and live crawfish.

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There are now four announced candidates running for Louisiana Governor this fall. Slidell state Senator Sharon Hewitt officially entered the race Friday; joining A.G. Jeff Landry, Treasurer John Schroder and Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…:

Cut 13 (10)  “…typical Louisiana race.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry leads those candidates in fundraising for the race. His campaign reports over $5-million cash on hand, with well over a million in Political action Committee money, plus the backing and resources of the state Republican Party.   Pinsonat says it was a brilliant strategy and fellow candidates are now forced to try and catch up…:

Cut 14 (10)  “…to run for governor.”

At this point, Pinsonat gives Landry a clear advantage in the race. He says perhaps Congressman Garret Graves could be a formidable challenge, but has doubts Graves will run. So far there are no declared Democrat candidates. Pinsonat says the Party of The Left is running behind at this time…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…two different worlds.”

Democrat DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson may run, as may New Orleans Councilwoman Helena Moreno and state Democratic Party chair Katie Bernhardt…but so far none have made it official.

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Former Saints coach Sean Payton will interview with teams this week as he decides whether he wants to return to coaching. Payton is still under contract with the Saints and so if a team hires him, they will have to send draft picks to New Orleans. General Manager Mickey Loomis says they wish the best for Payton, but they also want to be compensated well…

Cut  16 (19)  “…maximize that” 

Four teams have received permission to speak with Payton, the Broncos, Cardinals, Texans, and the Panthers.

The Saints are coming off a 7-and-10 campaign and a second straight non-playoff appearance. But Loomis says he has no plans to tear down the roster and build it back up…

Cut 17 (16) “…in my mind'” 

Injuries have been a big problem for the Saints for two years in a row. Loomis says they are looking into it…

Cut 18 (19) “…knee injuries” 

9:30 LRN Newscast January 14

There are now four announced candidates running Governor this fall, how is the race stacking up so far? Kevin Gallagher has that…:
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Louisiana Illuminator is reporting a special session is likely to take place next month that would be devoted to the state’s homeowners insurance crisis. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon would like to see a special fund established that can be used to attract private property insurance providers.

Big economic development news for St. Mary Parish; South Korean tire giant Kumho (Koo-moe) will invest millions in a 350-thousand square foot distribution center in Franklin. Port of New Orleans President Brandy Christian says this, plus a planned cargo container facility will further grow the state’s import & export capabilities..:
CUT 07(11) “…and manufacturing.”
When complete, the Kumho facility should create about 200 full-time jobs.

The 2023 New Orleans Jazz Festival lineup is out, and it features big names like Lizzo, Ed Sheeran, Dead & Company, Santana and many more. Festival organizer Quint Davis says some artists are finally coming after the pandemic prevented it in years past…:
CUT 10(11) “…put them on.”
The festival runs during the last weekend in April and first weekend in May.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Add state Senator Sharon Hewitt to the list of those running for Governor this fall. Hewitt is chair of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee and says – in her private professional life – she has acquired the business savvy to run the state…:
CUT 04(09) “…our state.”
Hewitt is the third person this week to announce they are running for governor. Republican State Treasurer John Schroder and Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy, an Independent, also got in the race. Attorney General Jeff Landry is the front-runner. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that’s because Landry secured the Republican Party’s nomination last year…
cut 14 (10) “…for governor”
The primary is in October.

The lineup for Jazz Fest is out, and organizers say this year they are back in their full glory. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A Mega Millions ticket bought in Maine is worth one-point-three-five billion dollars as it matched the winning numbers from last night’s drawing. The jackpot was the second largest in Mega Millions history and the fourth time the game has surpassed a billion dollar jackpot.

7:30 LRN Sportscast January 14

The Pelicans improved to 2-and-2 on their five-game road trip last night as they defeated the Detroit Pistons 116 to 110. Huge game for Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas, who had 33 points on 12 of 15 shooting and also grabbed 16 rebounds. Coach Willie Green on Valancinuas’ big game…
cut 28 (09) “…for us”
The Pelicans conclude this road trip in Cleveland when they play the Cavaliers on Monday afternoon.

The LSU men’s basketball team looks to snap a three-game losing streak when they visit fourth ranked Alabama today. Tip time is at 3 PM. The Ragin Cajuns look for their fourth straight win as they are at South Alabama. That’s also a 3 PM tip.

La Tech hosts UAB, Texas State is at ULM, Northwestern State visits Nicholls, Grambling is at Southern.

Seimone Augustus is considered the greatest women’s basketball player from Louisiana and on Sunday LSU will unveil a statue of the former All-American. It will be located near the Maravich Center. Augustus is the first statue on LSU’s campus of a female-student athlete and Lady Tigers Coach Kim Mulkey pushed for it…
Cut 14 (07) “…for Louisiana”
After the unveiling of the statue, Mulkey’s team will host Auburn. The fifth ranked Lady Tigers will look to improve to 18-0 on the season.

The NFL playoffs get underway this weekend. Tomorrow night the Bengals host their division rivals, Baltimore in an AFC Wildcard match-up. Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow on facing the Ravens for a third time this season…
cut 26 (19) “…down the field”
Kick-off is at 7:15.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed today that the Broncos, Cardinals and Texans have been granted permission to speak with former head coach Sean Payton who remains under contract with the Black and Gold. Loomis says these three teams are also aware of the type of draft pick compensation they would have to give up in order to hire Payton…
cut 21 (05) “…to em”
The Saints are without a first round pick in the draft, so many expect the Saints will be looking to acquire a first round pick for Payton’s services.

Former LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow is trying to take the Bengals back to the Super Bowl this season. They will host their division rival Baltimore in an AFC Wild Card game on Sunday…
cut 18 (19) “….down the field”
Kick off is at 7:15 on Sunday.

Seimone Augustus is considered the greatest women’s basketball player from Louisiana and on Sunday LSU will unveil a statue of the former All-American. It will be located near the Maravich Center. Lady Tigers Coach Kim Mulkey says Augustus is very deserving of the statue
Cut 12 (12) “…Olympics”
Augustus scored 27-hundred points at LSU, led the Lady Tigers to three Final Fours, won four W-N-B-A titles and won three gold medals for the U-S Olympic team.

The Pelicans are in Detroit tonight to face the Pistons. After losing to one of the best teams in the NBA on Wednesday night, New Orleans faces a Detroit team that’s just 12-and-33 on the season.

The LSU men’s basketball team will look to snap a three-game losing streak on Saturday when they visit fourth ranked Alabama.

Also, La Tech hosts UAB, Texas State is at ULM, Northwestern State visits Nicholls, Grambling is at Southern.

LRN PM Newscall January 13

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt announces she’s running for governor. Jeff Palermo has more on her candidacy…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The lineup for Jazz Fest is out, and organizers say this year they are back in their full glory. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

Add another name to the list of candidates who are running for governor. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt made her candidacy official today. The Republican has served in the state senate since 2016 and she’s also an engineering executive…

Cut 3 (08) “…and results” 

She is the chairwoman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee and led the Senate GOP’s redistricting efforts last year.

If elected Hewitt would be the state’s first woman Republican governor. The 64-year-old says she one of the first female executives at Shell Oil as she oversaw Shell’s central deepwater assets in the Gulf

Cut 4 (09)  “…our state.” 

Hewitt has been married for 40 years and helped raised two sons and she’s a grandmother. Hewitt says she’ll put her business experience to work growing the economy, cutting taxes and creating more opportunity across Louisiana….

Cut 5 (13) “…in Louisiana.”

Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry, GOP State Treasurer John Schroder and Lake Charles Hunter Lundy are also running. Lundy will listed on the ballot as an Independent.

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Kumho (Coo-moe) Tires announces plans to construct a 350-thousand-square-foot warehouse and future plans for a distribution center in Franklin. Brandy Christian President of the Port of New Orleans says it’s a significant multi-million-dollar investment in St. Mary Parish

Cut 6 (12)  “…as well.” 

Kumho Tires manufactures 17-inch passenger and light truck tires.

Christian says it’s also significant for the public-private partnership with the Port of New Orleans to establish a $1.8 billion container facility, further growing Louisiana’s import and export capacity.

Cut 7 (11)  “…and manufacturing.” 

The state-of-the-art facility will have the annual capacity to manufacture five million tires annually. Christian says they are excited to see Kumho Tires’ commitment to the region and it’s indicative of the future growth of the Port of New Orleans.

Cut 8 (11)  “..the Midwest.” 

The tire distribution center is expected to create upward of 200 full-time jobs.

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The lineup for the 2023 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival was unveiled this morning. Festival producer Quint Davis says the headliners run the gamut in musical genres.

Cut 9 (10) “…it’s for everybody.” 

The pandemic forced the festival to postpone and then eventually canceled in 2020 and 2021. Davis says last year was an abbreviate comeback festival but this 2023 festival is reminiscent of those before COVID and it’s about darn time.

Cut 10 (11) “…put them on.” 

Davis says Ed Sheeran is kicking off his American tour at Jazz Fest the first weekend, and Dead & Company, who isn’t on tour will perform the second weekend.

The annual event is held at the Fairgrounds and Racecourse, which Davis says while it’s one of the biggest race tracks in the country it’s easy to navigate and you can catch all your favorite acts.

Cut 11 (11)  “…on time (x2).”

The festival kicks off on April 28th and runs through May 7th. For tickets and the full line-up visit NOjazzfest.com

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Seimone Augustus is considered the greatest women’s basketball player from Louisiana and on Sunday LSU will unveil a statue of the former All-American. It will be located near the Maravich Center. Lady Tigers Coach Kim Mulkey says Augustus is very deserving of the statue

Cut 12 (12) “…Olympics”

Augustus scored 27-hundred points at LSU, led the Lady Tigers to three Final Fours, won four W-N-B-A titles and won three gold medals for the U-S Olympic team. Mulkey says Augustus was a great shooter…

Cut 13 (12) “…jump shot” 

Augustus’ statue will be located next to the statues other LSU basketball legends, Shaquille O’ Neal, Pete Maravich and Bob Petit. Augustus is the first statue on LSU’s campus of a female-student athlete. Mulkey pushed for it…

Cut 14 (07)   “…for Louisiana”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The 21st ranked LSU women’s basketball team improved to 17-and-0 last night with a 77-57 win at Missouri. Even though the Lady Tigers won by 20 points, it was not easy, because leading scorer Angel Reese and fellow post player LaDazhia Williams got into foul trouble in the first quarter. Coach Kim Mulkey says they had to rely on a smaller line-up…
cut 21 (21) “…bigs in there”
Reese still got a double-double, 20 points and 12 rebounds and Alexis Morris came off the bench to score a season-high 24 points. LSU looks to stay perfect on the season when they host Auburn on Sunday.

The N-F-L playoffs kick-off this weekend. One of the better games is on Sunday afternoon when the Vikings host the Giants. Former LSU Tiger and veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson gets another shot at the postseason with the Vikings…
cut 17 (16) “…other down”
Kick-off for that game is at 3:30.

In men’s college basketball last night, the Ragin Cajuns won their third straight as they defeated ULM 86-73 in Monroe. Southeastern Louisiana is now tied for first place in the Southland after rallying to beat Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi 85-82 in overtime. Freshman guard Jalen Hampton had 22 points as Northwestern State dribbled past McNeese 89-75. Lamar hit a three-pointer with one second left as the Cardinals stunned Nicholls 69-66.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Add another name to the list of candidates who are running for governor. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt made her candidacy official today. The Republican has served in the state senate since 2016 and she’s also an engineering executive…
cut 3 (08) “…and results”
Hewitt says she wants to grow the state’s economy, cut taxes and create more opportunity.

Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy is also running for governor and he’ll do so as an Independent. Lundy says after years in the courtroom, he’s ready to lead the state from the governor’s mansion…
cut 28 (11) “…I’m doing”
Republican State Treasurer John Schroder and Attorney General Jeff Landry have also announced they are running for governor. Still waiting to hear from Congressman Garret Graves.

A handful of bills have been filed for the 2023 Regular Legislative Session that will begin in April and one of the proposals would require the father of a child to pay for half of the pregnancy related out of pocket costs. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman can’t believe this is not a law already…
cut 11 (10) “…be fixed”
The bill only focuses on medical expenses during pregnancy.

The Pentagon has ended COVID vaccine mandates for U.S. servicemen and women. This comes after the Pelican Institute for Public Policy sued on behalf of two Louisiana military members who didn’t want to get the shots for religious reasons. Pelican’s General Counsel Sarah Harbison says it wasn’t only Pelican’s lawsuit that made the military change its policy…:
Cut 7 (12) “…requests were denied.”