Author Archives: LRN News

01.31.22
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11:40 LRN Sportscast January 31

The search for the next head coach of the Saints is picking up steam. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport says the team has already spoken with former Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, and plans this week to meet with former Dolphins coach Brian Flores Tuesday, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn on Wednesday, and current Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen on Thursday.

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There will be a distinct LSU flavor to Super Bowl 46. Wideout Odell Beckham Jr. and lineman Andrew Whitworth will represent the Los Angeles Rams, but all eyes will be on Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and the upstart Cincinnati Bengals. Burrow threw for 250 yards and two TDs as the Bengals came back from 18 down to shock the Chiefs at Arrowhead. Burrow said as the season went on, he felt Cincy had the talent to get to the big game.

Cut 20 (20) “…personally as well.”

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Preseason practice is underway for college baseball teams, including the LSU Tigers, who are ranked in the top 10 in the polls. Pitching is one of the biggest concerns for the Tigers opening the season. Devin Fontenot is trying to go from closer to starter and first year coach Jay Johnson says Fontenot has the ability to do it…Now in his fifth season in Baton Rouge, Fontenot has yet to reach the College World Series. Fontenot says the goal is to play postseason games in The Box this year and get back to Omaha.

Cut 17 (15) “…our fans.”

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In basketball…Kim Mulkey won her 650th game of her hall of fame career as the Lady Tigers defeated Kentucky 78-69 in front of 87-hundred fans at the PMAC.

The LSU men’s basketball team hosts Ole Miss tomorrow night after losing to TCU on Saturday 77-68.

UNO defeated McNeese 84-78 to improve to 5-0 in the Southland.

And the Pelicans are on the road tonight in Cleveland to face the Cavs. Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, and Jonas Valanciunas are all listed as questionable.

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01.28.22
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17:30 LRN Newscast January 28

An Associated Press report shows Governor Edwards knew that State Troopers were involved in a violent struggle with Ronald Greene, but didn’t say anything despite conflicting reports about Greene’s death. Here’s Jeff Palermo.

Cut 2 (40)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The governor’s office also announced that Kevin Richard will replace Kimberly Lewis as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Lewis has accepted a position at LSU.

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A federal judge in Washington has invalidated a Gulf of Mexico oil lease sale over concerns it will harm the climate by producing more planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla says its disappointing Judge Rudolph Contreras supports the Biden Administration’s energy policy…

Cut 4 (08) “…all doubled.”

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Saints executive vice president and General Manager Mickey Loomis provided an update on the status of the team’s head coaching search on Friday. With the Senior Bowl coming up next weekend and the NFL scouting combine just a month away, Loomis understands the time crunch but says the Saints won’t be rushed.

Cut 14 (12) “…diligent about that.”

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01.28.22
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LRN 4:45 Sportscast January 28

Saints executive vice president and General Manager Mickey Loomis provided an update on the status of the team’s head coaching search on Friday. New Orleans is the last team in the NFL to begin its search, but Loomis doesn’t believe that will have an impact on finding the right person.

Cut 12 (12) “…circumstances are different.”

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Brian Flores is the latest name to be added to the Saints list of candidates to replace Sean Payton. Flores is the fourth coach, joining Dennis Allen, Aaron Glenn, and Byron Leftwich, that the Saints will interview. In his three seasons with Miami, he led the team to a 24-25 record and consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 2002-03.

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Khayla Pointer become the first LSU player with 1500 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists in a career, but it wasn’t enough to help the 12th-ranked Tigers overcome torrid shooting by Arkansas in a 76-90 defeat on Thursday night.

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After a vote by Class 5A representatives, Friday at the LHSAA convention, the state’s largest public and private schools will continue to play for separate championships in football, basketball, baseball, and softball. A number of proposals failed to reach a simple majority. All state divisions have been separated in football since 2013, with the other sports following in 2017. There was hope that uniting Class 5A would be the first step in rejoining schools in all five classes for the postseason.

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Joe Burrow has the Cincinnati Bengals on the doorstep of their first Super Bowl appearance in more than 30 years. Burrow has a well-earned reputation as a big-game player. Bengals reciever Ja’Marr Chase knows that as well as anyone, with their connection dating back to the practice fields outside of Tiger Stadium. Chase says that when the game is on the line, there’s no one that wants the ball more.

Cut 17 (14) “…come down to.”

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01.28.22
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LRN PM Newscall January 28

The start of mobile sports betting in Louisiana brings excitement and money to the state. The Louisiana Department of Health wants bettors to be aware of the potential for addiction and how to deal with it. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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An Associated Press report shows Governor Edwards knew that State Troopers were involved in a violent struggle with Ronald Greene, but didn’t say anything despite conflicting reports about Greene’s death.

Cut 2 (40)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Mardi Gras parade riders and other participants, like marching bands and dance troupes, must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test 72 hours before the procession in New Orleans. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says city leaders are doing all they can to keep the event safe and allow the parades to roll.

Cut 3 (08) “…COVID free.”

At the last Mardi Gras Advisory Council meeting before parades get underway Hardy says Mayor LaToya Cantrell attended and wanted to assure attendees that Mardi Gras is a go this year.

Cut 4 (10) “…we’re going.”

In addition to COVID requirements for parade riders, Arthur says krewe captains must also enforce mask requirements for Mardi Gras balls which fall under the indoor mask mandate.

Cut 5 (08) “…let’s do it.”

Health officials in New Orleans say despite the high prevalence of omicron they believe Carnival can be held safely.

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With mobile sports betting now online, thousands of people in Louisiana will be wagering for the first time. Robert Henson, Program Manager at the Office of Behavioral Health, treats addictive gambling disorder for the Louisiana Department of Health. He advises that bettors take a few precautions before placing their bets.

 Cut 6 (10) “…time doing it.” 

Henson says that approximately one percent of the US population has some type of gambling disorder, with another two to three percent showing some of the markers for addiction. He says we should be aware of the warning signs.

Cut 7 (11) “…the truth out.” 

The ease of access to gaming through our ever-present mobile devices is of particular concern to Henson, as people who might never have wagered before have a much easier path to do so.

Cut 8 (12) “…a casino per se.”  

For help with compulsive gambling, call 877-770-7867 or visit LDH.LA.GOV for additional resources.

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An Associated Press report has found out that Governor John Bel Edwards knew within hours Ronald Greene died after a violent, lengthy struggle with State Troopers, but Greene’s family was told he died in a car crash at the end of a police chase. Greene’s deadly May 2019 arrest occurred as Edwards was up for re-election. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it could have been damaging to Edwards if it became public that Greene died after he was beaten by troopers…

Cut 9 (07) “…point though.”

After the AP released video of the arrest of Greene, black motorist, Edwards called the troopers’ actions unprofessional and disturbing and even used the word criminal. Greene’s arrest remains under a federal investigation, no charges have been filed.

In 2019, Edwards won re-election over Republican businessman Eddie Rispone by getting 51-percent of the vote. Support among black voters helped the governor get a second term. Stockley says many of the supporters are likely disappointed Edwards didn’t do more after hearing details about Greene’s arrest…

Cut 10 (09)  “…his legacy” 

Edwards stayed quiet for two years on Greene’s death until the AP released body camera video of his fatal arrest. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is quoted in the A-P story saying that Greene’s family deserves to know the truth. Stockley says Edwards’ critics will attack him for not doing more in the immediate aftermath…

Cut  11 (07)   “…against them”

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Saints executive vice president and General Manager Mickey Loomis provided an update on the status of the team’s head coaching search on Friday. New Orleans is the last team to begin its search, but Loomis doesn’t believe that will have an impact on finding the right person.

Cut 12 (12) “…circumstances are different.”  

When the Saints hired Payton in 2006, the franchise was in a much different place, coming off of a 3-13 campaign after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Loomis says this search has very little in common with that one.

Cut 13 (15) “…a head coach.”

The NFL calendar moves quickly, with the Senior Bowl coming up next weekend and the combine just a month away. Loomis understands the time crunch but says the Saints won’t be rushed.

Cut 14 (12)  “…diligent about that.” 

 

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01.28.22
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11:40 LRN Sportscast January 28

Louisiana has officially joined 18 other states in allowing mobile sports betting. In November 2020, 55 parishes voted to legalize sports betting and today the digital dollars begin to flow. First-year gross revenue projections exceed $200 million, with roughly 10 percent of that coming back to the state. While it isn’t a jackpot just yet, Eric Ramsey of the PlayUSA.com network says it’s a nice early payout.

Cut 6 (10) “…a tax standpoint.”

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association annual convention has already produced some big news. Unification of sports between so-called select and non-select schools continues to be a divisive issue. All proposals to rejoin class 5A failed during a vote Friday morning. Executive director Eddie Bonine did announce that the Division IV football playoffs will expand to 24 teams, with the championship game to be played at the Superdome.

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Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is the latest name to be added to the Saints list of candidates to replace Sean Payton. Flores is considered a long-shot, since he is a finalist for the top job with the New York Giants, and could take that position in the coming days. Flores is the fourth coach, joining Dennis Allen, Aaron Glenn, and Byron Leftwich, the Saints will interview. In three seasons with Miami, he led the team to a 24-25 record and consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 2002-03.

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Joe Burrow will lead the Cincinnati Bengals into Arrowhead Stadium this Sunday with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.

Burrow has earned the nickname “Joe Cool” for his unflappable demeanor. He says that’s the way it has to be for success in the NFL, and this game is just another on the schedule.

Cut 18 (19) “…the entire year.”

The AFC Championship game starts at 2 p.m. this Sunday.

01.27.22
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5:30 LRN Newscall January 27

In addition to property damage, an estimated 280 million fish were killed in inland water in Louisiana due to Hurricane Ida. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Inland Fisheries Fish Kill Coordinator Robby Maxwell says while the numbers are alarming it’s a regular occurrence with storms.

Cut 3 (10) “…south Louisiana.”

For more information about or to report fish kills, visit LDWF’s website.

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A 65-year-old Church Point woman becomes the 13th person to die from a home fire in Louisiana this year. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says an official cause of the fire remains undetermined but they are looking at several potential causes including an electrical malfunction related to house wiring…

Cut 7 (11) “…unattended candle.”

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The LSU athletic department lost money during the 2021 fiscal year. Overall revenues were down nearly $39 million, and the University saw a 52 percent decrease in donations to the department. Tiger Rag-dot-com editor Adam Hunsucker says that after layoffs, pay reductions, and other staff and cost-cutting measures during the downturn, there are signs that LSU is regaining its financial strength.

Cut 11 (15)   “…be better”

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State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says the Omicron surge has peaked in Louisiana, but there’s still a lot of COVID circulating in the state. The highest percentage of new cases is from northwest Louisiana, which is 16-percent. Statewide, nearly 20-percent of the new cases are among those 5 to 17. Kanter says he’s optimistic the state is heading in the right direction in the fight against the Omicron variant…

Cut 14 (11)  “…week prior.”

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01.27.22
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4:45 LRN Sportscast January 27

The search for Sean Payton’s replacement has begun. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports the Saints have reached out to Tampa Bay with a request to interview offensive coordinator Bryron Leftwich and to the Detroit Lions to meet with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Owner Gayle Benson promised the team would look at both in-house and external candidates. Rod Walker, who covers the Saints for NOLA.com, says New Orleans is the type of landing spot that any coach would be drawn to.

Cut 18 (6) “…good situation.”

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With mobile sports betting set to kick off on Friday morning, individual platforms have begun to announce who will be online for bettors. Companies include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesar’s.

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The Tulane Green Wave set a school record for margin of victory in any conference game with a 97-63 destruction of Tulsa in New Orleans Wednesday night. Tulane’s previous largest victory in the AAC had been 23 points against South Florida in 2017, and the overall record came in a 33-point win against Virginia Tech in 1991.

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12th-ranked LSU takes on Arkansas tonight, looking to rebound after their one-point loss at Florida. The Razorbacks come in hot, having won three of four including back-to-back routs of Alabama and Mississippi State. Arkansas plays small and shoots a lot of threes, having made an SEC-high 177 this year. Tigers coach Kim Mulkey understands the challenge for her big frontcourt..

Cut 22 (18) “…all over the floor.”

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The LSU athletic department lost money during the 2021 fiscal year. While revenues were down nearly $39 million, Tiger Rag-dot-com editor Adam Hunsucker says it could have been worse…

Cut 9 (11) “…9.6 million.”

01.27.22
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11:40 LRN Sportscast January 27

Two days into the search for Sean Payton’s replacement as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, several names are beginning to emerge. Dennis Allen, the team’s defensive coordinator, is the current favorite, but Gayle Benson has promised a thorough search. NOLA.com Saints reporter Rod Walker says that even though there is plenty of familiarity with Allen, the Saints should cast their net wide as they fill one of the most attractive job openings in the NFL.

Cut 17 (15) “…whoever you want.”

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LSU men’s basketball ended its three-game losing streak and moved back to .500 in SEC play with a 70-64 win over Texas A&M, Wednesday night. Sophomore guard Brandon Murray led the Tigers with a game-high 21 points, and Eric Gaines added 16 points and six assists. LSU is back on the court Saturday when they host TCU at 11:00 a.m.

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After suffering its first conference loss of the season, Louisiana Tech will look to get back on track as the host Rice Thursday night at the Thomas Assembly Center. The Owls, who lead the conference in three-point shooting, present a major challenge. Tech coach Eric Konkol says for Tech to collect the victory, his team is going to have to play disciplined and together on the defensive end.

Cut 20 (21) “…want to do well.”

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There’s also a big in-state rival game tonight as Nicholls travels to face McNeese in Lake Charles. ULM is hosting Georgia Southern today, UL-Lafayette is hosting Georgia State, and Northwestern State hosts Incarnate Word.

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With mobile sports betting set to kick off on Friday morning, individual platforms have begun to announce who will be online for bettors. Companies include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesar’s.

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01.26.22
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LRN AM Newscall January 27

The app LinkedIn is known for creating connections in the professional world and now a new app, BoomNation, wants to do the same for the trade industry. Kevin Gallagher explains

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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 Willis-Knighten Health System in Shreveport is looking for clinical trial participants to help with a medication to treat COVID. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Washington D-C Mardi Gras returns after a one-year hiatus. David Grubb has more on the popular business and social event…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m David Grubb” 

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When four friends in the trade industry had trouble finding qualified workers they asked, Chris Meaux the brainchild of Waitr, to come up with a solution. And what LinkedIn is for professional workers Meaux says BoomNation is for the skilled worker.

Cut 4 (10) “…those trades.” 

Meaux says the app is free for job seekers and it allows them to search for jobs and employers to post work opportunities.

Cut 5 (10) “…they may have.”

In addition to allowing prospective employers to search worker profiles, BoomNation also has the ability for skilled workers to showcase their work and display photos of their greatest hits.

Cut 6 (08) “…showcase the work.”

Meaux says they also want to build a community of trade workers and employers with Boom Nation in addition to helping them find work.

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State Wildlife & Fisheries’ annual “Get Out and Fish” events start today in select ponds across the state. LDWF spokesperson Danica Williams says 17 sites will be stocked with adult-size rainbow trout; a colder water fish uncommon to Louisiana waters…:

Cut 7 (06) “…they’re good eating.”

Rainbow trout are native to lakes & rivers in western North America. They thrive in cooler waters and are very good to eat. Williams says agents began stocking the trout before dawn this morning at the following ponds…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…in Minden, Louisiana.”

The event continues next week, with agents beginning at I-10 Park in Calcasieu Parish, Girard Park in Lafayette, South Side Regional Park in Youngsville, Bayou Country Sports in Houma, plus parks in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Williams says this is a great time of year to cast a line for some tasty trout…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…ready to go.”

Check locations near you online at “wlf.la.gov”; click on Get Out and Fish! You must have a valid Louisiana fishing license if over 16.

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Willis-Knighton Health System in Shreveport is one of 400 sites conducting clinical trials for an oral medication to prevent COVID illness for those who are exposed to the virus by someone in their household. Principal investigator Dr. Joseph Bocchini (Bo-key-nee) Jr. says this is a critical advance in outpatient therapy.

Cut 10 (12) “…management of COVID.”

The Pfizer medication being used has already received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA for those who are more susceptible to severe COVID complications. Bocchini says the trial is looking for participants who are exposed to COVID by someone in their household to compare efficacy and dosage.

Cut  11 (10)  “…be needed”  

The trial is looking for those 18 and older with no current symptoms of COVID and who reside in the same household as someone with symptoms of COVID. Bocchini says participants will be compensated.

Cut 12 (10) “…involved.”

For more information call 318-212-8130 or visit Willis Knighten’s website and search COVID clinical trials.

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D-C Mardi Gras activities get underway today as one of the biggest social events of the year for the nation’s capitol returns after a one-year hiatus because of COVID-19. LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says hundreds of people from Louisiana travel to the event for a chance to do business and also celebrate the Mardi Gras season…

Cut 13 (08) “…from Louisiana.”

Governor John Bel Edwards will be in Washington D-C, but is not planning on attending any of the social gatherings. He will speak today to the Committee of 100, a group of business leaders from Louisiana. Alford says several high-profile elected leaders are skipping the event this year…

Cut 14 (11)  “..vaccine requirement.”

There are big social gatherings tonight and tomorrow and on Saturday it’s the Mardi Gras Ball. But Alford says during the daylight hours, there’s a lot of networking going on….

Cut 15 (08)  “…consultants.”

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The search is now on for the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints. So far, current defensive coordinator seems Dennis Allen to be the early favorite to succeed Sean Payton. Allen has been with the Saints for the past five seasons, and spent two seasons as head coach of the Oakland Raiders. NOLA.com Saints reporter Rod Walker says Allen has the credentials…

Cut  16 (11)  “..the Buccaneers out.”

However, even with Allen as a leading in-house candidate, Walker says that the Saints should cast their net wide as they fill one of the most attractive job openings in the NFL.

Cut 17 (15) “ ….whoever you want.” 

Walker says the Saints are in a much different place than they were in 2006, when the franchise was on shaky ground.

Cut 18 (6) “ ..good situation.” 

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After suffering its first conference loss of the season, Louisiana Tech will look to get back on track as the host Rice Thursday night at the Thomas Assembly Center. Outside shooting killed the Bulldogs in their loss to UAB, as the Blazers made 12 three-pointers. Coach Eric Konkol says the Owls, who lead the conference in three-point shooting, present a major challenge.

Cut 19 (18)_“…throughout the night.” 

Konkol says for Tech to collect the victory, his team is going to have to play disciplined and together on the defensive end.

Cut 20 (21) “ …want to do well.” 

 

01.26.22
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LRN 5:30 Newscast January 26

TigerRag.com broke the news Tuesday that Sharon Lewis, LSU associate athletic director of football recruiting and alumni relations, was fired from the school, months after she filed a lawsuit against the University. Here’s Brooke Thorington.

Cut 2 (30)…”I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor Edwards has earmarked funds for pay raises for Louisiana’s teachers and support staffers in his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed raises of $1500 for teachers and $750 for support staff, could increase if the Revenue Estimating Conference recognizes additional funds. Louisiana Association of Educators President, Dr. Tia Mills is looking forward to the session.

Cut 5 (06) “…educators.”

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With mobile sports wagering set to begin this Friday morning at 8 a.m., the Louisiana Gaming Control Board says it’s ready to go in the 55 parishes that voted for gaming last November. Participating sportsbooks will go online just before the busy NFL championship weekend, with the Super Bowl just two weeks away.

After getting a late start with casino gambling, Board Chairman Ronnie Johns is proud that Louisiana has gotten the jump on our neighbor to the east.

Cut 8 (11) “…ahead of Mississippi.”

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US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is stepping down from the bench. Though his replacement won’t change the court’s conservative majority, Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says naming Breyer’s replacement is time-sensitive for progressives and Democrats.

Cut 12 (11) “…by the Senate.”

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