4:45 LRN Sportscast

A disappointing Saints season ended with a frustrating 10-7 loss to Carolina in the Superdome. New Orleans defensive end Cam Jordan says the game was a microcosm of the season…
Cut 16 (16) “…losing”
Saints Coach Dennis Allen says the indication he’s been given is that he’ll return next season as the head coach. But he says no decisions have been made on offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael or anyone else on the staff…
Cut 17 (17) “…moving forward”

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LSU needs help at the cornerback position and it looks like they are getting it from the transfer portal. The Tigers have received a commitment from Darian “Duce” Chestnut, who started the last two seasons at Syracuse. The former three-star recruit from New Jersey recorded 83 tackles and four interceptions in his two seasons for the Orange and has two more years of eligibility left.

Also former four-star recruit J-K Johnson also plans to play for the Tigers after playing every game this past season for Ohio State. He also started five games for the Buckeyes and allowed just 12 receptions according to Pro Football Focus.

In basketball, the Pelicans are in Washington looking to snap a two-game losing streak as they face Wizards. C-J McCollum and Larry Nance Junior did not play in the team’s loss at Dallas on Saturday, but they are expected to play tonight.

And tonight’s the College Football Playoff national championship game between Georgia and TCU.

LRN PM Newscall January 9

State Treasurer John Schroder becomes the second major candidate to run for governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A ruling clears up what type of visit a physician can recommend medical marijuana in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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State Treasurer John Schroder tells supporters he plans to run for governor and will officially launch his campaign next month. Meanwhile, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is not expected to enter the race. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says another major candidate left to decide is Congressman Garret Graves…

Cut 3 (11) “…what the heck” 

Graves has not given an indication on when he’ll announce his intentions on running for governor. The Baton Rouge native is beginning his fifth term representing the state’s 6th Congressional District, which covers Baton Rouge and a portion of the Bayou Parishes, including Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes.

Waguespack says Senator John Kennedy’s decision not to run was the first big domino to fall, Graves’ announcement would be the next….

Cut 4 (10)  “…in D-C” 

Republican state lawmakers Richard Nelson and Sharon Hewitt are other possible candidates. Waguespack says on the Democrat side, State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson is seriously considering running…

Cut 5 (11) “…in a poll”

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According to an opinion from Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, physicians can recommend medical marijuana to patients via a telemedicine visit. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says while doctors can’t prescribe schedule 2 medication like narcotics without an in-person visit, marijuana is not in the same classification.

Cut 6 (10)  “…legally different” 

Both Landry and Marino interpreted the law regarding doctor visits and access to medical marijuana to allow telemedicine visits. Medical marijuana can only legally be recommended by physicians who participate in the program. Marino says the ruling also helps those in rural areas who have difficulty seeing physicians in general.

Cut 7 (07)  “…that reason.”

Marino says the legislature passed the law to allow access to those who can benefit from medical marijuana and the law removed such hurdles it wasn’t intended to create more. Marino says a telemedicine visit is appropriate for someone who’s in hospice or….

Cut 8 (10)  “..no sense.” 

Marino says the state’s medical marijuana program continues to need revisions so it’s more accessible and affordable.

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says a lawsuit filed against him by longtime State Librarian Rebecca Hamilton is possibly politically motivated. Hamilton alleges Nungesser fired her and had her marched out of her office after she reported him to the FBI and other investigators over what she calls “questionable contracts.” On Jim Engster’s “Talk Louisiana” radio show, Nungesser says he had nothing to do with Hamilton being placed on administrative leave…:

Cut 9 (09) “…employees made complaints.” 

Nungesser was questioned by the FBI about some contracts awarded by his agency, but no charges were ever filed. Hamilton’s lawsuit asks the judge to prevent Nungesser from taking enforcement action against her related to her being placed in leave in September. Nungesser says he suspects the lawsuit was intended to hurt him politically..:

Cut 10 (10) “…some type of an election.” 

Nungesser says he did not hire Hamilton and he cannot fire her either. She is currently on leave and collecting her state salary. He says the actions taken against her were because of library employee grievances and the state Library Board will deal with the matter….:

Cut 11 (12)  “…to do with it.”

Nungesser says the lawsuit is an attempt to discredit him as he runs for either higher office or re-election. His decision on that is expected tomorrow morning.

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State Treasurer John Schroder tells his supporters he’s running for governor and that makes him the second major candidate to declare his candidacy. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says now that Senator John Kennedy is no longer a factor expect to see more candidates jump in the race.

Cut 12 (07) “…is running.”

Pinsonat believes over the next two months, rumored candidates will make it known if they are in or out of the governor’s race.

Cut 13 (o7) “…you can raise.” 

When it comes to fundraising, Pinsonat says Attorney General Jeff Landry has a huge advantage with the backing of the state Republican party. He says gubernatorial candidates have to raise a minimum of five million to be considered a viable contenders.

Cut 14 (07)   “…your time.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is expected to officially announce tomorrow he’s not running for governor.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

A disappointing Saints season came to a close yesterday with New Orleans losing to Carolina ten to seven. The Black and Gold finished with a record of seven and ten and a second straight non-playoff appearance. Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu hopes this season could serve as a lesson that will result in more victories next year…
cut 19 (18) “….believe in that”
It’s expected Dennis Allen will get a second season as the head coach. Houston has fired Lovie Smith, Arizona has let Kliff Kingsbury go and former Saints Coach Sean Payton will interview with Denver. The Broncos and Saints have reportedly worked out trade compensation if Payton takes the job in Denver.

The 7th-ranked LSU women’s basketball team defeated Kentucky 67-48 to improve to 16-0 yesterday, the best start in program history. Coach Kim Mulkey’s team led 31-17 at halftime to cruise to their fourth SEC win of the year…
Cut 20 (20) “..start a game”
Angel Reese had 26 points and 13 rebounds for her 16th straight double-double.

The Pelicans are in Washington tonight looking to snap a two-game losing streak as they face the Wizards. CJ McCollum and Larry Nance are expected to return after missing Saturday night’s loss in Dallas. Tip time is at 6 PM.

Tonight is the college football playoff championship game as Georgia looks to make it two in a row when they face TCU at 6:30 in Inglewood, California.

9:30 LRN Newscast

An article by the Louisiana Illuminator says based on analyst predictions, Louisiana’s oil and gas sector will shrink this year and pivot towards developing more clean fuels. But the president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Mike Moncla says they are all for alternate fuels used alongside traditional energy, but believes the prediction is wishful thinking…
cut 11 (12) “….into that arena”

It’s now socially acceptable to devour a King Cake. Third-generation baker David Haydel of Haydel Bakery says they braid about 70-thousand cakes a year. And it’s not just folks in the Bayou State who enjoy a Haydel King Cake.
Cut 13 (09) “…since then.”

The New Iberia Police Department says a juvenile shot multiple times on Park Avenue on Saturday night has died from their injuries. Authorities have not released a lot of details, but if anyone has information into the homicide, they should contact the New Iberia Police Department.

We are expecting to learn more tonight about a rumored Buc-ees coming to Ruston, Whitney Thomas reports on the potential of the famous mega-convenience store being built on I-20.
Cut 1 (31) “…Whitney Thomas.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

The Saints wrapped up a disappointing season yesterday with a ten to seven loss to the Carolina Panthers. There were high hopes going into the year, but the Saints started the season two and five and could never really recover. It’s the second straight year, defensive end Cam Jordan and the Saints missed the playoffs…
Cut 17 (11) “…with a vengeance.”
It’s expected Dennis Allen will get another season as the team’s head coach.

Doctor David Guzick is the new chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport. He was awarded with the “Best Physician for Women” recognition by “Good Housekeeping” and is known for his research in reproductive medicine. He says the chancellor position is way to expand his career…
cut 9 (07) “…great things”
Guzick comes to Shreveport after spending the nine years as senior vice president of health affairs and president of University of Florida Health.

Could a Buc-ee’s be coming to Louisiana? There have been rumors of a Buc-ees coming to Ruston for several months and there’s an item on today’s Ruston City Council meeting that fuels more speculation. Malcolm Butler with the Lincoln Parish Journal is following the story and he believes Buc-ees has their eyes set on a location along Interstate 20…
cut 5 (08) “…of land”
Buc-ees is known for its cheap gas, clean bathrooms and smoky brisket.

Speaking of food, did you eat some King Cake over the weekend? King Cake season is officially underway and baker David Haydel of Haydel’s Bakery says they actually begin gathering ingredients in November. And even with all that preparation on King’s Day, they sold out.
Cut 15 (09) “…a lot of fun.”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Experts predict Louisiana’s oil & gas industry will shrink OR move toward clean, green energy. But what does the industry say? Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Grief counselors are on hand at Woodlawn Elementary School in Baton Rouge today after seven-year-old Sadie Davila died from injuries sustained when she was attacked by a dog on Friday. 20-year-old Erick Lopez faces one count of negligent homicide for allowing his pit-bull terrier to roam the neighborhood.

After a year of rumors, there could potentially be a Buc-ee’s coming to Ruston based on an agenda item that will be discussed at tonight’s city council meeting. Malcolm Butler with the Lincoln Parish Journal says council members are expected to discuss an agreement with CSMS Management.
Cut 4 (12) “…started Buck-ees.”
There are currently no Buc-ee’s in Louisiana.

Dr. David Guzick, a physician recognized by National Academy of Medicine, begins his new job as Chancellor for LSU Health Shreveport today. Guzick says he has a promising vision for the center.
Cut 7 (13) “…the region.”
Guzick was previously the senior vice president of health affairs and president of U-F Health for nine years.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints wrapped up a disappointing season yesterday with a ten to seven loss to the Carolina Panthers. There were high hopes going into the year, but the Saints started the season two and five and could never really recover. It’s the second straight year, defensive end Cam Jordan and the Saints missed the playoffs…
Cut 17 (11) “…with a vengance.”
Once again the Saints have a bunch of unrestricted free agents going into the offseason. Coach Dennis Allen could not predict on how much of a roster turnover we will see…
Cut 18 (13) “…week or two”
Today is Black Monday in the NFL, a day we see a lot of coaching changes, but Allen is expected to get another season.

Tonight is the national championship game in college football as Georgia tries to repeat, while T-C-U looks to finish an improbable season by winning the school’s first national title since 1938. Kick-off is at 6:30 PM.

LSU needs help at the cornerback position and they have received a commitment from Darian “Duce” Chestnut, who started the last two seasons at Syracuse. The former three-star recruit from New Jersey recorded 83 tackles and four interceptions in his two seasons for the Orange and has two more years of eligibility left.

The Pelicans will look to snap a two-game losing streak tonight in Washington as they face the Wizards. New Orleans is 24-and-16 and in third place in the Western Conference.

The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team improved to 16-0 yesterday, the school’s best start to a season, by beating Kentucky 67-48 at Rupp Arena in Lexington. LSU has now won 24 straight regular season games dating back to last year.

6:30 LRN newscast

Experts say the Louisiana oil & gas industry is expected to transition to clean, sustainable fuels. LSU energy sector economist David Dismukes says a number of companies will seek incentives from the Biden Administration to invest in energy projects like wind, clean hydrogen fuel and carbon capture. Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla says he agrees…but not as many companies as one may think…:
Cut 10 (11) “…get into green.”

Doctor David Guzick takes over today as the new chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport. Guzick served the last nine years as senior vice president of health affairs and president of University of Florida Health. Guzick says he integrated the hospital system and health science faculty in a manner that spurred tremendous growth…
cut 8 (05) “…in Shreveport”

Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans is working around the clock to meet the demand for King Cakes. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Saints season came to an end yesterday with a ten to seven defeat to Carolina. The Black and Gold finish with a seven and then record.

LRN AM Newscall January 9

We are expecting to learn more tonight about a rumored Buc-ees coming to Ruston, Whitney Thomas reports on the potential of the famous mega-convenience store being built on I-20.

Cut 1 (31)  “…Whitney Thomas.”

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Experts predict Louisiana’s oil & gas industry will shrink OR move toward clean, green energy. But what does the industry say? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans is working around the clock to meet the demand for King Cakes. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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After a year of rumors, there could potentially be a Buc-ee’s coming to Ruston based on an agenda item that will be discussed at tonight’s city council meeting. Malcolm Butler with the Lincoln Parish Journal says council members are expected to discuss an agreement with CSMS Management.

Cut 4 (12)  “…started Buck-ees.”

Butler says they reached out to Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker to ask about the speculations but he declined to comment. He says if the rumors are confirmed tonight that the potential location for the Buck-ees will be perfect.

Cut 5 (08) “…of land.”

This would be the first Buc-ee’s in Louisiana. Butler says it would be great for the local economy.

Cut 6 (07)  “…our parish.” 

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Dr. David Guzick, a National Academy of Medicine-recognized physician, will begin his new job as Chancellor for LSU Health Shreveport today. Guzick says he has a promising vision for the center.

Cut 7 (13) “…the region.”

Guzick’s most recent position was at the University of Florida, where he served as senior vice president of health affairs and president of UF health for nine years. He was able to integrate the hospital system with health science faculty, which led to tremendous growth. Guzick says he is more than prepared to be Chancellor.

Cut 8 (13)  “…in Shreveport.”

Guzick was awarded best physician for women and is a recipient of the Roy M. Pitkin Award. He says the Chancellor position is a way of expanding his career.

Cut 9 (07)  “…great things.”

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Experts say the Louisiana oil & gas industry is expected to shrink over the next year OR attempt a shift to clean, sustainable fuels. LSU energy sector economist David Dismukes says a number of companies will seek incentives via the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Investments Act to invest in energy projects like wind, clean hydrogen fuel and carbon capture. Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla says he agrees…but not as many companies as one may think…:

Cut 10 (11) “…get into green.”

In a “Louisiana Illuminator ” article, Dismukes said, “Clean hydrogen initiatives will be something else that will take off and probably be pretty big.” Moncla says LOGA is all for alternate fuels used alongside traditional energy but feels that prediction is “wishful thinking”…:

Cut 11 (12)  “…into that arena.”

Moncla says there are well over 800 companies currently drilling in Louisiana, and he doesn’t see too many of them having interest in, nor the budget for, exploring green energy…:

Cut 12 (10) “…in south Louisiana.”

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It’s now socially acceptable to devour a King Cake and among the most popular is from Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans. Third-generation baker David Haydel says on average they braid anywhere from 60,000 to 75,000 cakes a year. And it’s not just folks in the Bayou State who enjoy a Haydel King Cake.

Cut 13 (09) “…since then.”

They also ship internationally and Haydel says they’ve sent the beloved pastry to places like Egypt, Ireland, and Australia.

And while most bakeries place the plastic baby on the outside of a King Cake, Haydel’s does it the old fashion way.

Cut 14 (12)  “…can find it.”

Haydel says they begin prepping for King Cake season in early November and bring in truckloads of ingredients. The average day at Haydel’s this time of year begins at 12:30 in the morning for bakers, they close shop at 5:00 in the evening, a cleaning crew comes in, and then it starts all over again. And even with all that preparation on King’s Day, they sold out.

Cut 15 (09)  “…a lot of fun.”

And every Haydel King Cake includes a porcelain collectible.

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A disappointing Saints season ended with a frustrating 10-7 loss to Carolina in the Superdome. New Orleans scored its lone touchdown on the opening drive, while the Panthers kicked a game-winning field goal on the final play of the game. Saints defensive end Cam Jordan says the game was a microcosm of the season…

Cut  16 (16)  “…losing” 

There were high hopes going into the season, but the Saints started the season two and five and could never really recover. It’s the second straight year Jordan and the Saints missed the playoffs…

 Cut 17 (11) “…with a vengance.” 

Once again the Saints have a bunch of unrestricted free agents going into the offseason. Coach Dennis Allen could not predict on how much of a roster turnover we will see…

Cut 18 (13) “…week or two” 

Saints safety Tyann Mathieu hopes this season could serve as a lesson that will result in more victories next year…

 Cut 19 (18) “…believe in that”

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The 7th-ranked LSU women’s basketball team defeated Kentucky 67-48 to improve to 16-0 yesterday, the best start in program history. Coach Kim Mulkey’s team led 31-17 at halftime to cruise to their fourth SEC win of the year…

Cut 20 (20)  “..start a game” 

7:30 LRN Sportscast

Playing without the injured Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans could not defeat one of the more talented teams in the NBA as New Orleans fell to the Brooklyn Nets 108-102 in front of a sold out crowd at the Smoothie King Center. Coach Willie Green liked the fight he saw from his team…
cut 16 (11) “…down the stretch”
C-J McCollum had 28 points to lead New Orleans and Naji (Nah-G) Marshall had a career high 23 points and nine rebounds. The Nets got 33 points from Kevin Durant. The Pels begin a five-game road trip tonight in Dallas.

LSU is in Bryan-College Station today to take on Texas A-and-M. The Tigers have won ten straight over the Aggies. LSU is 1-1 in SEC play, A-and-M is 1-0. Tip time is 5 PM.
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LSU offensive lineman Anthony Bradford has declared for the NFL draft. The former four-star recruit out of Michigan started the final games of this season. He’s six-foot-five, 345 pounds. Despite Bradford’s departure, LSU is still expected to return a majority of its starting offensive line next season.

The Saints will look to close out the regular season on a four-game winning streak when they host Carolina tomorrow. Offensive guard Andrus Peat and Paulson Adebo (Uh-dee-bo) have been ruled out because of injuries. Kick-off is at noon.

Back to college basketball, here are some other games on the schedule today…ULM, who is 3-and-0 in the Sun Belt, hosts Southern Miss, the Cajuns take on Georgia State, La Tech hosts UTEP and Nicholls is at Northwestern State.

LSU baseball is ranked number one in the Perfect Game preseason poll and Dylan Crews has been named Preseason player of the year