7:30 LRN Newscast

A former Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputy pleads guilty to a multitude of sex crimes. Dennis Perkins will serve 100 years with no parole for rape, child pornography, sexual battery, and video voyeurism. Attorney General Jeff Landry says Perkins will never be a free man again…:
CUT 30 (12) “…released early.”
Perkins’ wife Cynthia was convicted last year as an accessory. She is serving a 41 year sentence.

Will Louisiana lawmakers seek to give themselves a pay raise this year? After New York state recently raised its legislative base pay, some members of Louisiana’s legislature say they have not had an increase in their base in 4 decades. “LaPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says it would be both the worst possible time to do that for voters…but also perhaps the best time…:
Cut 4 (10) “…for this issue.”
As a legislator in 2008, Governor Edwards voted to give lawmakers a pay raise, but it was unpopular among the public and then Governor Bobby Jindal vetoed the bill.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin remains sedated and in critical condition in a Cincinnati hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest Monday night following a tackle in a game against the Bengals. LSU Health New Orleans cardiac electrophysiologist, Dr. Jameel Ahmed says a hard hit in the chest at the right time can cause cardiac arrest.
Cut 13 (13) “…electrical arrhythmia. ”
Doctors performed CPR on Hamlin moments after tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins.

Tulane President Michael Fitts expects more student applications and alumni donations as a result of the football team’s highly successful season that was capped by a wild win over U-S-C in Monday’s Cotton Bowl…
cut 12 (05) “….in Tulane University”
The Green Wave finished the year 12 and-2, after winning just two games the year before.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU men’s basketball battled Kentucky in Lexington last night but came up three points short as the Wildcats held off the Tigers 74-71. LSU couldn’t contain the reigning SEC and national player of the year Oscar Tshiewbwe, who had 19 points and 16 rebounds. Kentucky’s Jacob Toppin also had 21 points. LSU was led by K-J Williams, who had 23 points. The Tigers are now 1-and-1 in SEC play and will visit Texas A-and-M on Saturday.

The Pelicans host the Houston Rockets tonight, but Zion Williamson will not play and he will miss some time. The team expects he’ll miss the next three weeks at least because of a hamstring strain. Williamson got hurt in the third quarter in Monday’s loss at Philadelphia. Zion is averaging 26 points, seven rebounds and nearly five assists a game. The Pels are six and two without Williamson this season. Tonight’s game against Houston tips at 7.

The Saints are on a three-game winning streak, but eliminated from playoff contention with a seven and nine record. Head Coach Dennis Allen says it’s easy to look back at moments that could have gone differently this season…
Cut 16 (20) “…from your successes.”
New Orleans concludes the regular season Sunday at home against Carolina.

We are anxiously waiting for more updates on Bills Safety Damar Hamlin who remains in critical condition at a Cincinnati hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest after making a tackle on Monday. LSU Health New Orleans cardiac elctrophysiologist Doctor Jameel Ahmed says there is hope because health professionals at the game quickly performed C-P-R on Hamlin…
cut 14 (12) “…favorable prognosis”

6:30 LRN Newscast

The 118th Congress is underway and the U-S House still does not have a speaker. Republican Kevin McCarthy was considered the front-runner, but he did not receive the 218 votes required to win. So could Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise get the job? Scalise is the majority leader and could be a possible choice, but he has not expressed interest for the post.

Will Louisiana’s legislature seek this year to give themselves their first pay raise in over 40 years?
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Tulane’s amazing comeback to beat USC in the Cotton Bowl is not only the school’s biggest win in history, but school President Michael Fitts says it also topped off a season that marked a record improvement of ten wins in a single season.
Cut 10 (11) “…top 25 teams.”
Fitts says the school already has more than 40-thousand applications from prospective students and with the football team’s success s he expects that number to increase.

Ochsner Eat Fit is selling its Eat Fit King Cakes again this year, which are gluten-free, keto-friendly, low carbs and zero sugar. Ochsner dietitian Brittany Craft says they are available at select retailers or you can order them online…
cut 9 (13) “….like that”
For more information go to Eat-King-Cake-dot-com.

LRN AM Newscall January 4

Will Louisiana’s legislature seek this year to give themselves their first pay raise in over 40 years? Kevin Gallagher has more on that…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________________

If you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy King Cakes this carnival season Ochsner Eat Fit has a solution for you. Whitney Thomas Reports.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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Tulane’s amazing football season is expected to generate new interest in the school. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Will Louisiana lawmakers seek to give themselves a pay raise this year? After New York state recently raised its legislative base pay, some members of Louisiana’s legislature are saying they have not had an increase in their base in 4 decades. “LaPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says it would be both the worst possible time to do that for voters…but also perhaps the best time…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…for this issue.”

The base pay for lawmakers is $16,800 a year, and it has been for 41 years. With committee chairmanships, they can make up to $37-thousand. In 2008, a bill advanced that would have set a new base at $37-k. Alford says that proved to be unpopular with the public…:

Cut 5 (06) “…that legislation.”

The state is projected to have a big revenue surplus for the fiscal year that starts in July, so House & Senate members may look to push it through. Alford says, however, many lawmakers may feel they cannot support a pay raise for themselves with elections coming this fall. He says there is a way to do it and not seem self-serving…:

Cut 6 (07)  “…starts in 2028.” 

Alford says it may be a long time before there is another governor who would support a legislative pay raise. John Bel Edwards voted “yes” to the proposed pay raise that was vetoed in 2008, and he’d likely support it again in his last year in office.

_____________________________________________

Ochsner Eat Fit is bringing back Eat Fit King cakes for the 5th year in a row. The king cake is gluten-free, keto-friendly, with low carbs, and zero sugar. Ochsner dietitian Brittany Craft says it’s all about giving people a healthier option.

Cut 7 (12) “…natural ingredients.”

Eat Fit King Cakes have 93 percent fewer carbs, with four times the protein and two-and-a-half more fiber with zero grams of sugar.  People may worry about not getting the traditional taste, but Craft says the cakes are just as delicious.

Cut 8 (12)  “…sprinkles on top.”

The king cake will be served all across Louisiana through different retailers. Craft says people buying them in-store and online you’ll see a price difference.

Cut 9 (13)  “…like that.”

For a full list of retailers and to order visit www.EatFitKingCake.com

____________________________________________

Tulane’s amazing comeback to beat USC in the Cotton Bowl is not only the school’s biggest win in history, but school President Michael Fitts says it also topped off a season that marked a record improvement of ten wins in a single season.

Cut 10 (11) “…top 25 teams.” 

The Green Wave’s 46-45 victory in Arlington Monday is undoubtedly the school’s greatest victory and Fitts says not only is the win fantastic for their student-athletes and head coach Willie Fritz but says it’s energized the entire Tulane community.

Cut 11 (08)  “…the country.”

Fitts says the school already has more than 40-thousand applications from prospective students to fill 17-hundred places and with the football team’s miraculous he expects that number to increase.

Cut 12 (05) “…in Tulane University.”

The Green Wave finishes the season 12-2.

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Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is in critical condition in a Cincinnati hospital after collapsing on the field with a cardiac arrest Monday night in a game against the Bengals.

LSU Health New Orleans cardiac electrophysiologist,  Dr. Jameel Ahmed says a hard hit at the right time can cause cardiac arrest.

Cut 13 (13) “…electrical arrhythmia. ”

The Bills announced his diagnosis of cardiac arrest early Tuesday morning. He is still in ICU and in critical condition. Dr. Ahmed says the NFL medical staff are trained for situations like this.

Cut 14 (12)  “…favorable prognostics.”

Dr. Ahmed says being in ICU does not mean a patient is dying, it’s more so for the rehabilitation of the body.

Cut 15 (12)  “…its own”

________________________________________________________

The Saints are on a three-game winning streak, but they have been eliminated from playoff contention with a seven and nine record. Head Coach Dennis Allen says it’s easy to look back at moments that could have gone differently this season…

Cut  16 (20)  “…from your successes.” 

With a three-sack day on Sunday, defensive End Cameron Jordan set a new franchise record for career sacks with the Saints. His 115.5 sacks put him half a sack ahead of Saints legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson. Allen, who has coached Jordan for seven of his twelve seasons with the Saints says it was a proud moment…

 Cut 17 (21) “…those characteristics” 

The Saints will prepare to host Carolina in their final matchup of the season. Although both teams are eliminated from the playoffs, Allen insisted that no game is meaningless. New Orleans will look to end their season on a positive note, and Allen says that every player who is healthy to play will…

Cut 18 (21) “…what we do.” 

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UL-Lafayette has had a disappointing start to league play after dropping their third straight game to Old Dominion last Saturday. The Cajuns were 10-1 before the three-game skid and preseason favorites to win the Sun-Belt, but have lost their first two conference games. Coach Bob Marlin says his team is frustrated with the losses…

Cut 19 (21) “…play better.”

The Cajuns will look to bounce back Thursday night when they host Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles are 13-2 and undefeated in Sun-Belt action. The Cajuns are still favored to win the game and Marlin says his team is ready to defend home court…

Cut 20 (19)     …big difference.” 

10:30 LRN Newscast

18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton expects to see legislation in the legislative session that addresses the tragic deaths of two teenage students from Brusly High School, who were killed in a crash involving an Addis Police officer traveling at a high speed during a police chase for a vehicle theft suspect….
cut 5 (07) “….violent nature”
Clayton says Officer David Cauthron was reckless in his pursuit and is now facing two counts of negligent homicide.

Because of security concerns linked to the popular app TikTok, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley is recommending school systems remove access to the video-sharing application from publicly funded devices.
Cut 3 (11) “…to examine.”
Brumley says schools also should no longer use TikTok as a way to promote their school, teachers or athletic teams.

Websites with pornographic material are now required to verify a user’s age in Louisiana or face consequences. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Strong storms are moving through the state. A flash flood warning is in effect until 11:45 today or northwestern Avoyelles and Central Rapides Parishes. Between two to four inches of rain have fallen in a short period of time. A large portion of southeast Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 5 PM today.

8:30 LRN Newscast

An Addis police officer faces two counts of negligent homicide after his vehicle struck a car with three passengers in Brusly and killed two teenage girls while he was participating in a high-speed chase Saturday. 18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton says once the evidence comes out the public will be enraged over Officer David Cauthron’s actions.
Cut 4 (07) “…horrible decision.”
17-year-old Maggie Dunn and 15-year-old Caroline Gill were killed and Maggie’s brother Liam Dunn was also injured in the crash.

A new law that went into effect with the new year makes it more difficult for minors to access pornography on the internet. Metairie Representative Laure Schlegel’s legislation gives parents the opportunity to sue a porn company if they do not require age verification on their website…
cut 9 (08) “…have to”
Schlegel says websites would verify someone’s age in collaboration with LA Wallet.

The Louisiana Office of Tourism’s Celebration Riverboat float rolled in yesterday’s Rose Bowl Parade and won the Showmanship Award for the most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment. The float cost the state 350-thousand dollars and it’s used to help promote tourism to the Bayou State.

LSU steamrolled Purdue in the Citrus Bowl on Monday as they pounded the Boilermakers 63-7. Jayden Daniels started at quarterback as expected, but back-up Garrett Nussmeier also saw significant snaps. Daniels threw for 139 yards and a TD, while Nussmeier had 173 yards passing and two touchdowns and an interception. Coach Brian Kelly says Daniels still goes into the offseason as the starter…
Cut 14 (14) “…elite quarterbacks.”

Michael Pratt’s six-yard touchdown pass to Alex Bauman with nine seconds left helped give Tulane a 46-45 victory over USC in the Cotton Bowl.

7:30 LRN Newscast

An Addis police officer faces two counts of negligent homicide after his vehicle struck a car and killed two Brusly teenage girls during a high-speed chase Saturday. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

There’s a potential for severe weather today. AT this hour strong storms are moving through northeast Louisiana and moving into Avoyelles, Concordia and Tensas parishes.

A big announcement is expected soon from junior U-S Senator John Kennedy who is considering a run for governor this year. If Kennedy doesn’t run, political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there will be a large field of candidates, but they need to raise a lot of money to compete with Attorney General Jeff Landry, who already has the endorsement of the state GOP…
cut 11 (11) “…statewide organization”

One of the many new laws that went into effect with 2023 is legislation that requires age verification for any website that contains 33-percent or more pornographic material. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel authored the law…
cut 8 (11) “….the majority of children”
Schlegel says a website that features a lot of pornography could be sued by a child’s parent if they do not verify age.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The 17th ranked LSU Tigers finished off the 2022 season with a resounding 63-7 blowout win over Purdue in the Citrus Bowl yesterday. The win gives the Tigers ten wins on the season. Sophomore receiver Malik Nabers had a career high 163 receiving yards and a TD. He also he threw two touchdown passes, one of them went for a touchdown. The defense was on point too. Three interceptions and four sacks. Coach Brian Kelly was impressed…
cut 15 (18) “….today”
There’s a good chance LSU will enter next season ranked in the Top 10 and the same goes for Florida State. The two storied programs will kick off the 2023 season in Orlando in September.

What a victory for Tulane yesterday in the Cotton Bowl as the Green Wave rallied back from a 15-point deficit to beat U-S-C 46-45 to finish a magical season with a 12-2 record. Coach Willie Fritz led the turnaround of a program that won just two games last season…
Cut 16 (20) “…for an institution”
Tulane found themselves down 45-30 with 4 minutes and 30 seconds left. A fourth touchdown run by Tyjae Spears, a safety and then a touchdown pass with nine seconds left produced the comeback.

Zion Williamson left last night’s game with the 76ers with a hamstring strain and the Pelicans lost to Philadelphia 120 to 111.

6:30 LRN Newscast

2023 is shaping up to be a fascinating year for state politics with a governor’s race taking place in the fall. We still don’t know who is exactly running, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says we are expecting a decision from junior U-S Senator John Kennedy soon…
Cut 10 (10) “…couple months now”

18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton expects to see legislation in the legislative session that addresses the tragic deaths of two teenage students from Brusly High School, who were killed in a crash involving an Addis Police officer traveling at a high speed after a vehicle theft suspect….
cut 5 (07) “….violent nature”
Clayton says Officer David Cauthron was reckless in his pursuit and is now facing two counts of negligent homicide.

Websites with pornographic material are now required to verify a user’s age in Louisiana or face consequences. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A tornado watch is posted until 11 AM for the I-20 north Louisiana parishes. The Alexandria area is under a flash flood watch until noon and a large portion of southeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until 10 PM.

LRN AM Newscall January 3

An Addis police officer faces two counts of negligent homicide after his vehicle struck a car and killed two Brusly teenage girls during a high-speed chase Saturday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (37)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

________________________________________________________

Websites with pornographic material are now required to verify a user’s age in Louisiana or face consequences. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The field for the 2023 governor’s race should become more clear this month. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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An Addis police officer faces two counts of negligent homicide after his vehicle struck a car with three passengers in Brusly and killed two teenage girls while he was participating in a high-speed chase Saturday. 18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton says once the evidence comes out the public will be enraged over Officer David Cauthron’s actions.

Cut 4 (07)  “…horrible decision.”

17-year-old Maggie Dunn and 15-year-old Caroline Gill were killed and Maggie’s brother Liam Dunn was also injured in the crash.

Authorities were pursuing 24-year-old Tyquel Zanders who allegedly stole a family member’s vehicle and led them on a chase in both East and West Baton Rouge parishes, that reached speeds of 110 miles per hour. Clayton expects there will be legislation to better define when officers can and cannot pursue a suspect at high rates of speed.

Cut 5 (07) “…violent nature.”

Zanders also faces charges in the deaths of the two teens.

Clayton says he believes the two charges of negligent homicide and one charge of negligent injuring are warranted against Cauthron.

Cut 6 (11)  “…under arrest.” 

Grief and crisis counselors will be at Brusly High School to assist students with the loss of their classmates.

_____________________________________________

As of January 1st, websites that have pornographic material must verify a user’s age in Louisiana or face consequences. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel, who’s also a licensed counselor, authored the legislation because of the harmful effects pornography can have on children, like depression, and anxiety and they’re more likely to…

Cut 7 (08) “…in boy’s aggression.”

Schlegel says pornography is also tied to two of society’s greatest ills like sexual assault and human trafficking.

She believes age verification should be the gold standard when it comes to pornography which Schlegel says is just a click away and too accessible for children.

Cut 8 (11)  “…the majority of children.”

Louisiana is the first state to pass such a law and Schlegel hopes to see the issue addressed on a federal level.

Cut 9 (08)  “…have to.”

Schlegel says accountability will come when companies are sued for allowing minors access to hardcore pornography. She says websites would verify someone’s age in collaboration with LA Wallet. 

____________________________________________

2023 is shaping up to be a fascinating year for state politics with a governor’s race taking place in the fall. We still don’t know who is exactly running, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says we are expecting a decision from junior U-S Senator John Kennedy…

Cut 10 (10) “…couple months now.” 

Kennedy won re-election in November to a second term in the U-S Senate. But the 71-year-old announced in early November he’s considering a run for Governor. Pinsonat says if Kennedy decides not to run, we could have a large field of candidates, but they’ll need to raise a lot of money to compete with Attorney General Jeff Landry, who already has the endorsement of the state Republican Party…

Cut 11 (11)  “…statewide organization.”

This is also Governor John Bel Edwards’ final year in office as it’s a lame-duck year for Edwards and the Louisiana Legislature. But Pinsonat says trying to get more private property insurance companies into the state will be a goal…

Cut 12 (10) “…to see that.”

___________________________________________________

LSU’s matchup with Purdue in the Citrus Bowl was not much of a game as the Fighting Tigers blew out the Boilermakers 63-7 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. The Tigers had nearly 600 yards of offense. Sophomore wide receiver Malik Nabers had nine catches for 163 yards and a touchdown, he also threw a TD pass on a trick play…

Cut 13 (13) “…and executed”

Jayden Daniels started at quarterback as expected, but back-up Garrett Nussmeier also saw significant snaps. Daniels threw for 139 yards and a TD pass, while Nussmeier had 173 yards passing and two touchdowns and an interception. Coach Brian Kelly says Daniels still goes into the offseason as the starter…

Cut 14 (14)  “…elite quarterbacks.”

The Tigers played stellar defense as they intercepted three passes and had four sacks. Kelly says he was impressed with their play…

Cut 15 (18)  “…today”

________________________________________________________

What a victory for Tulane yesterday in the Cotton Bowl as the Green Wave rallied back from a 15-point deficit to beat U-S-C 46-45 to finish a magical season with a 12-2 record. Coach Willie Fritz led the turnaround of a program that won just two games last season…

Cut  16 (2o)  “…for an institution” 

Tulane found themselves down 45-30 with 4 minutes and 30 seconds left. A fourth touchdown run by Tyjae Spears, a safety and then a touchdown pass with nine seconds left produced the comeback. Fritz says his team showed great heart…

 Cut 17 (14) “…young men” 

Alex Bauman caught the touchdown pass that tied the game at 45 with nine seconds left. Initially, the referee ruled it was an incomplete pass, but Bauman knew that instant replay would show he caught the pass in the end zone…

Cut 18 (14) “…I scored.” 

The extra point gave Tulane a dramatic victory.