7:30 LRN sportscast

A high of 16 degrees is expected in Cleveland today for the Saints-Browns game at 12:00. Some snow will be flying around and the wind will be out of the southwest from 25 to 35 miles per hour. New Orleans Quarterback Andy Dalton who played in cold conditions for a majority of his career was asked about how the wind conditions could affect today’s game…
cut 16 (12) “…get out there”
The Saints will be without their leading receiver Chris Olave. He’s out with a hamstring injury. Slot receiver Jarvis Landry has been put on injured reserve and linebacker Pete Werner will also miss the game with a hamstring injury.

The Saints are three points underdogs. Also today, the Panthers host the Lions, the Falcons are at Baltimore, and tomorrow night Tampa Bay is at Arizona.

LSU football has officially added seven players from the transfer portal. Including two of the nation’s top high school prospects in the Class of 2022, wide receiver Aaron Anderson from Alabama and cornerback Denver Harris from Texas A-and-M. Also, one of the top cornerbacks from the F-C-S level is heading to Baton Rouge, cornerback Zy Alexander, who starred at Southeastern Louisiana the last two seasons.

A frustrating Ragin Cajuns season ended with a frustrating loss to Houston in the Independence Bowl as the Cougars rallied to beat UL Lafayette 23-16. The Cajuns had a 16-6 lead at halftime, but couldn’t do anything offensively in the second half and they finish with a six and-seven record.

The Pelicans gave up a 21-point lead to Oklahoma City last night, but still beat the Thunder 128 to 125. Trey Murphy had 23 points as he hit five three-pointers and Jaxson Hayes had a season-high 21 points.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

A high of 16-degrees is expected in Cleveland tomorrow for the Saints-Browns game at 12:00. It will also be very windy, and some snow will be flying around. New Orleans Quarterback Andy Dalton who played in cold conditions for a majority of his career when he was with the Bengals answered a bunch of questions this week about playing in the cold…
cut 16 (23) “…get the job done”
The Saints will be without their leading receiver Chris Olave. He’s out with a hamstring injury. Slot receiver Jarvis Landry has been put on injured reserve and linebacker Pete Werner will also miss the game with a hamstring injury.

LSU football has announced the addition of seven players signed out of the transfer portal. The group includes two of the nation’s top high school prospects in the Class of 2022, wide receiver Aaron Anderson from Alabama and cornerback Denver Harris from Texas A-and-M. Also, one of the top cornerbacks from the F-C-S level is heading to Baton Rouge, cornerback Zy Alexander, who has starred at Southeastern Louisiana the last two seasons.

CJ McCollum was the star for the Pelicans in their 126 to 117 win over the Spurs last night as he scored 40 points, also had eight rebounds and nine assists. But tonight he’s questionable with right calf soreness as New Orleans visits Oklahoma City. Larry Nance Junior did not play last night, but tonight he’s questionable with right achillies soreness. While Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are out. Tip-off in O-K-C is at 7 PM.

The Lakers say former Pelican Anthony Davis is out indefinitely with a foot injury.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Ragin Cajuns and the Houston Cougars will play in a very cold Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport today. The temperature at kick-off will be 25-degrees. U-L Lafayette Zi’Yon Hill says the team isn’t worried about the weather…
cut 17 (18) “….perfectly fine”
The Houston Cougars are a touchdown favorite.

LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels says he’s coming back next year after leading the Tigers to an SEC West Championship. But five-star cornerback Desmond Ricks has signed with Alabama over LSU. But former Texas A-and-M cornerback Denver Harris has committed to LSU.
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After snapping a four game losing streak last night by beating San Antonio 126 to 117, New Orleans visits Oklahoma City tonight. Last night, C-J McCollum scored a season-high 40 points as New Orleans played without Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram or Larry Nance Junior. New Orleans is 19-and-12, a half a game back of Denver and Memphis for first place in the Western Conference Standings.

At 5-and-9, the Saints have been given a two-percent chance of making the playoffs. But Quarterback Andy Dalton says the team will continue to fight the rest of the season…
cut 18 (19) “….most of it”
Kick-off tomorrow is at noon. High temperature in Cleveland tomorrow is 15-degrees, which will be the coldest game played in the Saints franchise history.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU signed 25 players out of high school on the first day of the early signing period. Ten are from Louisiana and 21 of the 25 are from SEC states. Kelly and his staff are not done. The Tigers are expected to receive a signed national letter of intent today from five-star cornerback Desmond Ricks and then announce 10 transfers on Friday. Kelly says he will only use the transfer portal to supplement his roster…
cut 17 (23) “….have a plan”
Kelly announced during his radio show that Ali Gaye will not play in the Citrus Bowl. So Mekhi Wingo is the only regular starter on the D-Line that will play in the game.
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The Pelicans will look to snap a four-game losing streak tonight without Zion Williamson as he will not play because he’s been placed in health and safety protocols. Zion is averaging 25 points, seven rebounds, and five assists a game and has helped New Orleans to an 18-and-12 record.

In college hoops last night, LSU edged out East Tennessee State 72-68. K-J Williams had 28 points and 12 rebounds. The Tigers next game is the SEC opener at home against Arkansas on Wednesday.

Louisiana Tech ended a three-game losing streak with a 108-52 victory over Jarvis Christian. The Bulldogs will host U-T-S-A a week from tonight. 7th ranked Texas trounced the Cajuns 100-72 and third-ranked Houston handled McNeese 83-44.

New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis was selected to the NFC’s Pro Bowl Team Wednesday night, the first time in his outstanding 11-year career he’s earned the honor. The Saints will leave today for Cleveland and will play the Browns on Saturday.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards is urging Louisianans to prepare for the coldest weather of the season. An Artic outbreak will reach north Louisiana on Thursday and areas north of I-20 will stay below freezing for up to 60 hours. The cold front is also expected to deliver high winds, producing dangerously cold wind chills.

The LSU Ag Center has tips on how to handle outside plants that are not used to this extremely cold weather. Marsanne Golsby has more.
Cut 1(30) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

A Baton Rouge judge has reportedly tossed out a lawsuit filed by former LSU athletic executive Sharon Lewis who claimed she faced harassment and retaliation for reporting sexual harassment allegations made by LSU students. Sources say Lewis and her attorneys have also been sanctioned 330-thousand dollars for bringing RICO claims against LSU’s former law firm Taylor Porter. Legal Analyst Franz Borghardt…
cut 10 (08) “…what happens”

A judge has sentenced 54-year-old Meshell Hale of Baton Rouge to life in prison after she was convicted of poisoning her former live-in boyfriend 41-year-old Damian Skipper. Authorities also suspect Hale poisoned her estranged husband Arthur Noflin. His charred remains were found in New Orleans in 2016. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore…
cut 12 (10) “…where we are”
Hale has only been convicted for the 2015 death of Skipper.

8:30 LRN Newscast

A judge has sentenced 54-year-old Meshell Hale of Baton Rouge to life in prison after she was convicted of poisoning her live-in boyfriend 41-year-old Damian Skipper. Authorities also suspect Hale poisoned her estranged husband Arthur Noflin. The charred remains of Noflin’s body were found in New Orleans in a burned out pickup truck in 2016. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore…
cut 12 (10) “…where we are”
Hale has only been convicted for the 2015 death of Skipper.

There are good people in this world and it appears New Orleans attorney Alistar Adkinson is one of them. Adkinson is allowing people to deliver packages to his law office in the lower garden district so porch pirates do not get to them….
cut 5 (08) “….give us call”
Adkinson says it’s the first Christmas they’ve offered this service.

The Salvation Army is making it easier to donate in a variety of ways. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund will stop accepting applications today at 5 PM. Desiree Honore Thomas is Assistant Commissioner in the Division of Administration.
Cut 23 (05) “..funds left. ”
The programs started to provide assistance for those who lost jobs as a result of COVID.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Efforts to bring more federal funding for coastal restoration, via higher oil & gas royalty payments, are dead for the year. Senator Bill Cassidy says the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems Act is not a part of the federal spending bill that Congress must pass this week…:
Cut 7 (08) “…not included.”
Cassidy says he’ll try to pass the RISE Act again next year.

54-year-old Meshell Hale has been sentenced to life in prison after she was convicted in the poisoning death of her former live-in boyfriend 41-year-old Damian Skipper. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says when they exhumed Skipper’s body, they found high levels of barium acetate. Moore says money was the likely motive.
Cut 11 (09) “…intent.”

Because fewer people are carrying cash on them, Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign is falling behind. Lt. Thomas Johnson says every year the Salvation Army helps thousands of individuals and families in need….
cut 14 (11) “….come to us”
With five days left before Christmas, the Salvation Army is asking the public to make a physical or online donation today.

By day Alistair Adkinson is a New Orleans attorney and when he’s not practicing law, he’s saving Christmas. After reading about porch pirates stealing packages in their neighborhood, he decided to offer his office as a drop-off site because they have an indoor door.
Cut 4 (08) “…holidays.”
Adkinson and his wife are allowing folks to send packages to their Lower Garden district office so Christmas gifts don’t get swiped.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Today is the first day of the early signing period for college football recruits. Recruiting analyst Shea Dixon with on3-dot-com says the Tigers head into today with the seventh best recruiting class…
cut 18 (17) “….up well”
The class features one five-star prospect, Neville offensive tackle Zalance Heard.

LSU is also busy in the transfer portal as three defensive linemen have announced their commitment to the Tigers. Arizona defensive end Paris Shand, Oregon edge rusher Bradyn Swinson and Florida nose tackle Jalen Lee, who is from Live Oak High School in Livingston Parish.

Meanwhile, LSU defensive lineman Jaquelin Roy announces his intentions to enter the NFL draft after recording a career-high 49 tackles this season.

The LSU men’s basketball team hosts East Tennessee State in its final game before taking few days off for Christmas Break. Coach Matt McMahon’s team is 10-and-1 and he’s looking for his guys to be mentally locked in tonight…
Cut 19 (27) “…take of business”
The Buccaneers are four and eight. Tip off is at 7 PM.

In other action, Jacksonville defeated ULM 66-55. Northwestern State lost to 12th ranked Baylor 58-48.

LSU baseball is ranked number one in Collegiate Baseball’s Preseason poll and the Saints place guard Cesar Ruiz on injured reserve.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The U-S Senate is expected to approve a one-point-seven trillion dollar spending bill this week that would avoid a partial government shutdown. But Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy told reporters he will likely vote “No” on the legislation…
cut 9 (13) “…I’m no”
Cassidy is disappointed the legislation does not contain a provision that would result in the state receiving nearly two-billion dollars over ten years to repair its coast.

A Baton Rouge woman convicted of poisoning her former live-in boyfriend in 2015 has been sentenced to life in prison. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore…
cut 10 (09) “….a verdict”
Moore believes money led to Meshell Hale killing Damian Skipper. She’s also been accused of killing her estranged husband, 42-year-old Arthur Noflin. The charred remains of his body was found in a burned out pickup truck in New Orleans in 2016.

Concerned about porch pirates stealing gifts? Brooke Thorington reports a New Orleans attorney is doing his part to save Christmas.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LRN Am Newscall December 21

Tried of porch pirates stealing your gifts? Brooke Thorington talks to an attorney who’s doing his part to save Christmas.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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As Congress races to pass a federal spending bill before a government shutdown deadline, Senator Bill Cassidy laments there’s NO money in it for coastal restoration. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

The Salvation Army is making it easier to donate in a variety of ways. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

________________________________________________

By day Alistair Adkinson is a New Orleans attorney and when he’s not practicing law, he’s saving Christmas. After reading about porch pirates stealing packages in their neighborhood, he decided to offer his office as a drop-off site because they have an indoor door.

Cut 4 (08)  “…holidays.”

Adkinson and his wife are allowing folks to send packages to their Lower Garden district office so your Christmas gift won’t get swiped by a Grinch. And if you’re worried that their office will be closed by the time you can pick up your package, they’ve got that covered.

 Cut 5 (08) “…give us a call.”

It’s the first Christmas they’ve offered the free service and with all the positive feedback they’ve received Adkinson believes it will become a holiday tradition.

Cut 6 (07)  “…lifesaver.” 

You can call Adkinson at his office at 504-444-6910 or visit their website triplealawyer.com that’s triple spelled out for package arrangements.

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Efforts to bring more federal funding for coastal restoration, via higher oil & gas royalty payments, are dead for the year. Senator Bill Cassidy says he and Senator John Kennedy worked on the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems Act was not a part of the omnibus federal spending bill that Congress must pass this week…:

Cut 7 (08) “…not included.”

Cassidy’s RISE Act would lift a cap on royalties to energy-producing states to give them more capital for coastal rebuilding. The bill passed out of committee without opposition, but Cassidy says it got shunted aside in the mad dash to pass the spending bill. He says Congress dithers too long on important matters…:

Cut 8 (12)  “…this will change.”

Cassidy says the RISE Act could have brought nearly $ 2 billion to Louisiana over ten years, and he vows to bring it back in the next Congress. As for the spending bill itself…Cassidy says he cannot support it…:

Cut 9 (13)  “… I’m a NO.”

Cassidy calls the failure of the RISE Act to pass, and the rush to pass a massive spending plan at the last minute “chaos by design.”

__________________________________________

A Baton Rouge woman is sentenced to life in prison for the 2015 poisoning death of her boyfriend Damian Skipper. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says it was persistence that led to the second-degree murder conviction of Meshell Hale.

Cut 10 (09) “…in a verdict.” 

Moore says when they exhumed Skipper’s body, they found high levels of barium acetate which they believe Hale used to poison him and possibly her husband Arthur Noflin. Moore says they believe money was the motive.

Cut 11 (09)  “…intent.”

Two years after Skipper died in a Baton Rouge hospital his body was exhumed and his death was ruled a homicide after barium was found in his system. The charred remains of Noflin, the estranged husband, were found in the back of a truck in New Orleans in 2016. Moore says both men had been hospitalized with similar symptoms before their deaths.

Cut 12 (10) “…where we are.”

Hale has only been convicted for the death of Skipper.

______________________________________________

Because people tend to not carry cash on them these days, the Salvation Army is offering additional ways for you to donate to their annual Red Kettle Campaign. Lt. Thomas Johnson with the Salvation Army in Lafayette says now it’s as easy as pulling out your phone to donate when you see a bell ringer.

Cut 13 (08) “…to the site.”

Johnson says the Salvation Army has made it easier than ever to donate and your contribution stays in the community. He says donations help them fill a variety of needs.

Cut 14 (11)  “…come to us.”

With the inflation causing so many to tighten their belts, Johnson says that also means more people need assistance.

Cut 15 (11)  “…too small.”

Johnson says funds raised during the holidays go towards programs year-round, not just Christmas.

______________________________________________

A three-day early signing period begins today for high school football recruits to sign with college programs and the LSU Tigers are on the verge of signing a Top 5 class. On3.com ranks LSU’s 2023 Class as the seventh best. It features several defensive backs, including safety Javien Toviano, cornerback Daylen Austin and safety Kylin Jackson from Zachary. On3-dot-com’s Shea Dixon says five-star cornerback Desmond Ricks could also sign with the Tigers on Thursday

Cut  16 (23)  “..next class” 

In Kelly’s first recruiting class, the Tigers only signed 15 high school players last year. Dixon says Coach Brian Kelly will sign well over 20 high school players this recruiting cycle, a good combination of players from Louisiana and out of state…

Cut 17 (19) “…D-C area” 

Dixon says this goes down as Kelly’s first full signing class and it’s looking good…

Cut 18 (17) “…up well.” 

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The LSU men’s basketball team hosts East Tennessee State in its final game before taking few days off for Christmas Break. Coach Matt McMahon’s team is 10-and-1 and he’s looking for his guys to be mentally locked in tonight…

Cut 19 (27) “…take of business”

McMahon is looking for better perimeter defense after allowing opponents to make 18 three-pointers over the last two games…

Cut 20 (23)     ….of the year”