6:30 LRN Newscast Jan 3

The price of oil surged Friday as uncertainty grows over potential repercussions after the U-S killed Iran’s top general. News that Gen. Qassem Soleimani, was assassinated prompted expectations of Iranian retaliation against U.S. and Israeli targets. The international benchmark for crude oil jumped 4.1%, or $2.70, to $68.95 a barrel in London trading.

What will Louisiana’s impact be on DC with the 2020 elections?

Cut 3 (32)  “… I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Select retailers in Louisiana are offering a keto diet-friendly king cake for those who want to enjoy carnival season confections while watching their weight. The low-carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free king cake from Unrefined Bakery is endorsed by Eat Fit Oschner. Oschner Dietician Vanessa Richard says it’s filling and healthy.

Cut 7 (12) “…swerve.”

She adds the lack of sugar and carbs means you won’t have an insulin spike from eating it, which means no crashing out a few hours later.

AM Newscall 1/3/20

A few years after implementing criminal justice reforms, Louisiana retakes the title of the nation’s top incarcerator by capita…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

A bakery out of Texas is now offering a New Year’s resolution friendly Keto King Cake. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________________________

What will Louisiana’s impact be on DC with the 2020 elections? Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “… I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________________________

Louisiana is once again the number one incarcerator per capita in the country after criminal justice reform in Oklahoma bumps the Bayou State back into the top spot.

Louisiana fell to 49th after the 2017 criminal justice reforms went into effect here, but Sentencing Project Executive Director Marc Mauer says this news is proof we have a lot of work to do.

Cut 4 (09) “…done”

The bipartisan reforms expanded parole opportunities and reduced the amount of time nonviolent criminals had to spend in jail.

Mauer says Louisiana’s incarceration rate remains sky high due to a longstanding policy of not allowing parole opportunities for those with life sentences in Louisiana jails.

Cut 5 (08) “  prisons” 

A Sentencing Project study showed Louisiana topped the nation in 2017 with 13% of it’s prison population being lifers without the chance of parole.

Mauer says Louisiana needs to substantially reduce the use of life without parole sentences. He adds the aging populations created by the policy are expensive and don’t make us any safer.

Cut 6 (10) “…30s”

_________________________________________________

Select retailers in Louisiana are offering a keto diet friendly king cake for those who want to enjoy carnival season confections while watching their weight. The low-carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free king cake from Unrefined Bakery is endorsed by Eat Fit Oschner. Oschner Dietician Vanessa Richard says it’s filling and healthy.

Cut 7 (12) “…swerve.”

She adds the lack of sugar and carbs means you won’t have an insulin spike from eating it, which means no crashing out a few hours later.

Unrefined co-founder Taylor Nicholson says the cake itself looks just like the real deal, but tastes a little different.

Cut 8 (09) “…texture.”

Nicholson has been gluten-free for the past 17 years, and having grown up outside Louisiana admits she has not had a traditional king cake before.

Each cake has about 1,300 calories in it, with only ten grams of carbs total. Nicholson says at under 200 calories a slice, you can indulge a bit and not regret it later.

Cut 9 (10) “holiday”

The cake is available at many Whole Foods statewide, and at select local retailers.

________________________________________

The 2020 Presidential election is exactly 10 months away. On the ballot, Senator Bill Cassidy is up for re-election. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat does not foresee Cassidy facing a major challenger…

Cut 10 (11) “…the reelection process.”

It is uncertain if Congressman Ralph Abraham will run for re-election. Pinsonat says Abraham has previously stated he might term limit himself, but there are those that want him to run again.

Cut 11 (09) “…very little gets done.”

Pinsonat expects President Donald Trump will once again win Louisiana by a safe margin.

Cut 12 (05) “…16 to 20 points.” 

_______________________________

St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrest a Georgia man after he shot a Grand Coteau police officer in the arm during a traffic stop for a red light violation.  Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says 59-year-old Michael Dewayne Lucas shot at Officer Kiara Harris when she walked up to his vehicle.

Cut 13 (09) “…training kicked”

Lucas eventually exited the vehicle and ran for a bit more before getting restrained.  Thibodeaux says the suspect is also wanted for murder in a rural county in the Florida Panhandle.

Cut 14 (11) “…her and fleeing.”

It’s unclear why Lucas was in St. Landry.  Thibodeaux says they are glad that Officer Harris was able to put up the fight and get the suspect off the streets because it appears he’s got a long history of run-ins with the long arm of the law.

Cut 15 (12) “…on police officers.”

The officer is recovering and is in good spirits.

______________________________________________

LSU returned to practice yesterday as they get ready for the national championship game against Clemson. The opponent could have easily been Ohio State, who lost in in the final minutes to Clemson in the national semifinals. LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow admits it would have been fun to face his old school and teammates

Cut 16  (9)  …to play” 

LSU heads into the national championship game number one in scoring, averaging 49 points a contest. Burrow on why it’s so difficult to defend the Tigers

Cut 17  (23) “the rest” 

In the semifinal game, Oklahoma held Bilentikoff winner Ja’Marr Chase to two catches, but Justin Jefferson had a record-setting day, catching 14 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns. Burrow says Jefferson had something to prove

cut 18  (9) he did it”  

_____________________________________________________

The Vikings will try to pull off the upset on Sunday in the Superdome when they face the Saints. Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer knows New Orleans will look to bring the pressure on defense

cut 19 (30)  man to man ”  

Minnesota is an eight-point underdog in the contest, but Vikings Quarterback Kirk Cousins says they are not using the point spread as extra motivation

cut 20 (12) “playoffs”    

A few years after implementing criminal justice reforms, Louisiana retakes the title of the nation’s top incarcerator by capita…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

A bakery out of Texas is now offering a New Year’s resolution friendly Keto King Cake. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________________________

What will Louisiana’s impact be on DC with the 2020 elections? Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “… I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________________________

Louisiana is once again the number one incarcerator per capita in the country after criminal justice reform in Oklahoma bumps the Bayou State back into the top spot.

Louisiana fell to 49th after the 2017 criminal justice reforms went into effect here, but Sentencing Project Executive Director Marc Mauer says this news is proof we have a lot of work to do.

Cut 4 (09) “…done”

The bipartisan reforms expanded parole opportunities and reduced the amount of time nonviolent criminals had to spend in jail.

Mauer says Louisiana’s incarceration rate remains sky high due to a longstanding policy of not allowing parole opportunities for those with life sentences in Louisiana jails.

Cut 5 (08) “  prisons” 

A Sentencing Project study showed Louisiana topped the nation in 2017 with 13% of it’s prison population being lifers without the chance of parole.

Mauer says Louisiana needs to substantially reduce the use of life without parole sentences. He adds the aging populations created by the policy are expensive and don’t make us any safer.

Cut 6 (10) “…30s”

_________________________________________________

Select retailers in Louisiana are offering a keto diet friendly king cake for those who want to enjoy carnival season confections while watching their weight. The low-carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free king cake from Unrefined Bakery is endorsed by Eat Fit Oschner. Oschner Dietician Vanessa Richard says it’s filling and healthy.

Cut 7 (12) “…swerve.”

She adds the lack of sugar and carbs means you won’t have an insulin spike from eating it, which means no crashing out a few hours later.

Unrefined co-founder Taylor Nicholson says the cake itself looks just like the real deal, but tastes a little different.

Cut 8 (09) “…texture.”

Nicholson has been gluten-free for the past 17 years, and having grown up outside Louisiana admits she has not had a traditional king cake before.

Each cake has about 1,300 calories in it, with only ten grams of carbs total. Nicholson says at under 200 calories a slice, you can indulge a bit and not regret it later.

Cut 9 (10) “holiday”

The cake is available at many Whole Foods statewide, and at select local retailers.

________________________________________

The 2020 Presidential election is exactly 10 months away. On the ballot, Senator Bill Cassidy is up for re-election. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat does not foresee Cassidy facing a major challenger…

Cut 10 (11) “…the reelection process.”

It is uncertain if Congressman Ralph Abraham will run for re-election. Pinsonat says Abraham has previously stated he might term limit himself, but there are those that want him to run again.

Cut 11 (09) “…very little gets done.”

Pinsonat expects President Donald Trump will once again win Louisiana by a safe margin.

Cut 12 (05) “…16 to 20 points.” 

_______________________________

St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrest a Georgia man after he shot a Grand Coteau police officer in the arm during a traffic stop for a red light violation.  Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says 59-year-old Michael Dewayne Lucas shot at Officer Kiara Harris when she walked up to his vehicle.

Cut 13 (09) “…training kicked”

Lucas eventually exited the vehicle and ran for a bit more before getting restrained.  Thibodeaux says the suspect is also wanted for murder in a rural county in the Florida Panhandle.

Cut 14 (11) “…her and fleeing.”

It’s unclear why Lucas was in St. Landry.  Thibodeaux says they are glad that Officer Harris was able to put up the fight and get the suspect off the streets because it appears he’s got a long history of run-ins with the long arm of the law.

Cut 15 (12) “…on police officers.”

The officer is recovering and is in good spirits.

______________________________________________

LSU returned to practice yesterday as they get ready for the national championship game against Clemson. The opponent could have easily been Ohio State, who lost in in the final minutes to Clemson in the national semifinals. LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow admits it would have been fun to face his old school and teammates

Cut 16  (9)  …to play” 

LSU heads into the national championship game number one in scoring, averaging 49 points a contest. Burrow on why it’s so difficult to defend the Tigers

Cut 17  (23) “the rest” 

In the semifinal game, Oklahoma held Bilentikoff winner Ja’Marr Chase to two catches, but Justin Jefferson had a record-setting day, catching 14 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns. Burrow says Jefferson had something to prove

cut 18  (9) he did it”  

_____________________________________________________

The Vikings will try to pull off the upset on Sunday in the Superdome when they face the Saints. Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer knows New Orleans will look to bring the pressure on defense

cut 19 (30)  man to man ”  

Minnesota is an eight-point underdog in the contest, but Vikings Quarterback Kirk Cousins says they are not using the point spread as extra motivation

cut 20 (12) “playoffs”    

530PM LRN News

Over six-thousand Louisiana taxpayers have yet to repay the state after a computer glitch last March sent them a double tax refund. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says ignoring collection letters for the amount owed will only delay the inevitable.

Cut 4 (10) “…is satisfied.”

Collection efforts include offsetting state and Federal tax returns, wage garnishments and bank levies.

Authorities arrest a suspect in the allegedly premeditated murders of three homeless people in Baton Rouge last month. 29-year-old Jeremy Anderson is thought to have murdered 40-year-old Gregory Corcoran and 53-year-old Christina Fowler December 13th, and 50-year-old Tony Williams December 27th. District Attorney Hillar Moore says a crime lab linked the two scenes…

Cut 10 (11) “…person.”

The Ragin’ Cajuns are mourning the death of former athletics director David Walker.  Walker served in many roles in the administration for more than thirty years, including his run as the interim AD from 2005, then officially taking the reins in 2007 through his retirement in 2010.  Voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker remembers his impact.

Cut 6 (10) “…really respected him.”

Out of the four NFL Wildcard playoff games this weekend, the Saints are the biggest favorite at a remarkable 8 points, sky high for a competitive playoff game. oddsmaker consultant Scott Cooley says part of that is the fact that NFL fans have always had a soft spot for the Black and Gold, and as such tend to boost their lines by betting on them.

Cut 14 (10) “…those guys.”

The Saints are the 2nd favorite to win the NFC.

4:30 PM Newscast

 

29-year-old Jeremy Anderson is arrested in Baton Rouge as the man allegedly behind the premeditated murders of three homeless people last month. Matt Doyle has more…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

A Union Parish man is now facing a second-degree murder charge, accused of shooting his girlfriend in the head.  25-year-old Sean Johnson fled to Texas after the Saturday night shooting of 25-year-old Sharmaine Brown, where authorities found him attempting to hide inside a cabinet at a former girlfriend’s apartment.

 

More than six-thousand Louisiana taxpayers have yet to repay the state after a computer glitch last spring sent them a double tax refund. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says so far only half that were sent an extra refund in error have yet to repay the state.
Cut 3 (10) “…that is owed.”
Henderson says ignoring collection letters for the amount owed will only delay the inevitable.

Out of the four NFL Wildcard playoff games this weekend, the Saints are the biggest favorite. The Saints are eight-point favorites over the Vikings, but oddsmaker consultant Scott Cooley says even though the Saints will have to win three playoff games to reach the Super Bowl in Miami, they are one of the favorites to get to south Florida

Cut 13 (12) “…the conference”

330PM LRN News

Over six thousand people never returned their infamous “double tax return” that was generated by a computer glitch last tax season, returns worth a collective 1.9 million dollars. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says you need to give that money back, or else the state is going to come get it with interest…

Cut 5 (07) “…25 percent.”

If you owe money to the state contact the department to return the amount in a lump sum or set up a repayment plan.

Authorities arrest a suspect in the allegedly premeditated murders of three homeless people in Baton Rouge last month. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says one of his detectives received a tip that led to the arrest of 29-year-old Jeremy Anderson…

Cut 9 (08) “…crimes”

Anderson is thought to have murdered 40-year-old Gregory Corcoran, 53-year-old Christina Fowler and 50-year-old Tony Williams.

UL Lafayette remembers the life and works of former Athletic Director David Walker, who passed away last night. Voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker says just before his retirement in 2010, Walker hired basketball coach Bob Marlin and former football coach Mark Hudspeth.

Cut 8 (10) “…New Orleans Bowls.”

Walker served in a number of roles during his 30 years at the school.

Out of the four NFL Wildcard playoff games this weekend, the Saints are the biggest favorite. The Saints are eight-point favorites over the Vikings, but oddsmaker consultant Scott Cooley says he could see that line come down before Sunday’s noon kickoff…

Cut 12 (06) “…we’ll see.” 

Despite not having home-field advantage, the Saints are rated second most likely to win the NFC.

230PM LRN News

About six-thousand taxpayers that were sent double tax returns last March have yet to repay the state. Brooke Thorington has more on what they are facing.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

Former Lafayette Parish School System Superintendent Burnell Lemoine was arrested New Year’s Eve after allegedly exposing himself to an undercover officer. Lemoine was jailed on obscenity charges for “intentionally exposing his penis to an undercover agent” according to the department. Lemoine was superintendent from 2007 to 2011.

29-year-old Jeremy Anderson is arrested on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder in the deaths of three homeless people in December in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul says Anderson does have a criminal history, and while they don’t have a motive yet, they’re confident it was just a one-man job…

Cut 11 (10) “…presents”

Anderson lived just blocks away from the murders, per the Advocate.

The Ragin’ Cajuns are mourning the death of former athletics director David Walker. David Walker helped navigate the University and Lafayette communities through the aftermaths of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker remembers the AD as being an effective fundraiser for the department.

Cut 7 (10) “…was very persuasive.”

1:30 PM Newscast

More than six-thousand Louisiana taxpayers have yet to repay the state after a computer glitch last spring sent them a double tax refund. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says ignoring collection letters for the amount owed will only delay the inevitable.
Cut 4 (10) “…is satisfied.”
Collection efforts include offsetting state and Federal tax returns, wage garnishments and bank levies.
Baton Rouge area authorities arrest a suspect in the allegedly premeditated murders of three homeless people throughout the city in December. 29-year-old Jeremy Anderson is accused of killing 40-year-old Gregory Corcoran and 53-year-old Christina Fowler December 13th, and 50-year-old Tony Williams December 27th. District Attorney Hillar Moore says a lab linked the two scenes…
Cut 10 (11) “…person.”

The Ragin’ Cajuns are mourning the death of former athletics director David Walker.  Walker served in many roles in the administration for more than thirty years, including his run as the interim AD from 2005, then officially taking the reins in 2007.  Voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker remembers his impact.
Cut 6 (10) “…really respected him.”

Walker retired as AD in 2010.

Northwestern State University has established a scholarship in memory of sports-journalist and alumna Carley McCord, who was tragically killed in a plane crash along with four others last Saturday. McCord family friend Danielle Cobb says Carley always made an impression wherever she went.

Cut 13 (12) “…to do”

Services for McCord will be Saturday in Baton Rouge.

12:30 Newscast

More than six-thousand Louisiana taxpayers have yet to repay the state after a computer glitch last spring sent them a double tax refund. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says so far only half that were sent an extra refund in error have yet to repay the state.
Cut 3 (10) “…that is owed.”
Henderson says ignoring collection letters for the amount owed will only delay the inevitable.
Baton Rouge area authorities arrest a suspect in the allegedly premeditated murders of three homeless people throughout the city in December. Information leading to the arrest of 29-year-old Jeremy Anderson was first reported to an East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s detective. Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says it was on a holiday.
Cut 9 (08) “…crimes”
Anderson faces two counts of 1st Degree Murder, and one count of 2nd Degree Murder.

What’s in store for state politics in 2020? Jeff Palermo reports more battles between Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and the state legislature…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

11:30 LRN Newscast Jan 2

A Louisiana mother and son who were killed in a plane crash last Saturday will be laid to rest today. 51-year old Gretchen Vincent and her 15-year old son Walker Vincent will be remembered at a visitation and funeral service in Lafayette beginning at noon. Attendees are being asked to dress in purple and gold in memory of the two LSU fans.

Tickets to see the two big football games coming up in the Superdome are in high demand. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

Governor Edward’s reelection was the big political story of 2019 and political analyst Bernie Pisonat expects a big battle in the 2020 session that begins March over auto insurance reform. He expects Republican leadership to bring forward legislation after a similar effort was blocked by the governor last year

Cut 6 (09) “…insurance reform”

Many begin a new year looking to live a healthier lifestyle. Chief of dietary assessment at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center Catherine Champagne says it’s not just about exercising more, portion control when it comes to serving size is also vital…
cut 11 (11) “…are nutrient-dense”

 

Champagne says when finding the right diet, look for red flags, like anything that would eliminate food groups.

10:30 LRN Newscast Jan 2

Governor John Bel Edwards’ re-election was the big political story in 2019. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says with the state no longer dealing with budget deficits, the major story in 2020 will be how much money the state will actually spend. He says the Republican-controlled legislature will look to reduce government spending

Cut 4 (07) “…the budget”

New Years’ resolution health goals should not only factor in food intake but be accompanied by physical activity as well. Professor and Chief of dietary assessment at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center Catherine Champagne says try walking thirty minutes a day, three days a week to start off, then increase it to five days a week.

Cut 12 (09) “…a day every day.” 

Northwestern State University has established a scholarship in memory of sports-journalist and alumna Carley McCord, who was tragically killed in a plane crash along with four others last Saturday. Before becoming an in-game host for The Saints and the Pelicans, McCord competed in the Miss Louisiana pageant and was 1st runner up twice. McCord family friend Danielle Cobb hopes future winners of the scholarship will have the same drive as McCord…

Cut 15 (09) “…like her”

Louisiana football fans have plenty of reasons to want to scoop up tickets to be in Superdome over the next two weeks. Sunday, the Saints host the Vikings in a wild card playoff game. CEO of ticket reseller Gametime Blake Griffith says average ticket prices for the LSU game are 23-hundred. If dropping a stack or two on the Tigers’ championship seems is a bit too rich for you, Griffith says cheering for the Saints this Sunday might be more reasonable.

Cut 9 (05) “the Vikings game.”