06:30 LRN Newscast January 2nd

A new year can mean the start of several new things, including how to handle your finances. Keeping your financial house in order can be tough, if you are not aware of where you spend your money. Baton Rouge CPA Layne McDaniel says knowing how you spend is very important…
Cut 10 (10) “you want.”

Louisiana’s craft brewery industry has the opportunity to grow this year, thanks to the recently approved GOP tax bill, because it cut in half the excise tax on beer for many producers. Cary Koch, director of the Louisiana Craft Brewers Guild, says Louisiana ranks 48th in the country for the number of breweries per capita and this tax cut can help grow this industry….
cut 15 (09) “…kinda plateau”

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson looks ahead to road projects coming and continuing into 2018. Michelle Southern reports…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

Another very cold start to the morning, with wind chills in some areas reaching the single digits. but it will be a tad warmer this afternoon.

AM Newscall January 2

Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson looks ahead to road projects coming and continuing into 2018. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

Do you want to save more money this year?  Kelley Ray spoke with a CPA to get some easy ways to make that possible…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Craft Breweries are getting a big tax break as a result of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30) “Im Matt Doyle.”

Many people make quitting smoking one of their New Year’s resolutions.  Louisiana is 47th out of 50 states for tobacco use, with over 22-percent of adults light up, one of the highest percentages in the nation.  Smoking Cessation Trust CEO Mike Rogers says one of the main reasons people don’t succeed is they try to go it alone

Cut 4  (10) “people do.” 

If people want to succeed, Rogers says to get rid of anything that may tempt you to light up…

Cut 5  (10)  “light up.”

Rogers says the high rate of smoking in Louisiana can be linked directly to the tobacco companies themselves and the way they fabricate what they do…

Cut 6 (05)  “cigarette company.”

He adds if you don’t succeed this time, to keep trying.  An average person quits at least eight times before succeeding…

Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson looks ahead to road projects coming and continuing into 2018. He says major progress will take place on the work being done on I-10, west of the Basin Bridge to Lafayette. They will also break ground on the widening of the highly traveled interstate between Highland Road in Baton Rouge to La 73.:

Cut 7 (10)  “Baton Rouge.”

Wilson says there is a major construction boom happening in Southeast Louisiana this year where over 100,000 people pass through each day, so motorists need to expect delays for at least the entire year. He says people need to really understand what’s happening with traffic…:

Cut 8 (10) “two lanes.”

Wilson says there are a few projects that will be wrapping up this year…:

Cut 9 (10)  “late 18.”

A new year can mean the start of several new things, including how you handle your finances.  Trying to keep your financial house in order can be tough, if you are not aware of where you are spending your money.  Baton Rouge CPA Layne McDaniel says one way to try to squeeze a little more out of your budget is knowing how you spend…

Cut 10 (10) “you want.”

Another way to save money, is simply don’t spend it.  McDaniel says if you really want that shiny new item, give yourself some time before plopping down your hard earned money…

Cut 11 (10) “it already.”

How much to save is the big question.  McDaniel says even though it’s an old cliché, he says to “pay yourself first” across your savings account and your employer matching IRA…

Cut 12 (07) “start with.”

The number of Craft Breweries in Louisiana has more than doubled in the last five years, and with the recent corporate tax cuts as a result of the tax reform legislation passed by Congress, we could see a few more. Executive Director of the Louisiana Craft Brewers Guild Cary Koch says a provision in the new tax law will have big returns for local brewers…

Cut 13 (08)  “its been.”

The tax cut is on the first 60,000 barrels produced, and the average for Louisiana brewers is only 3,000 barrels a year. Abita is the state’s only brewery to top the 60,000 mark. Koch says this could lead to big expansions in the local brewing scene…

Cut 14 (10) “more workers.”

The state’s craft brewing industry is worth about 740 million dollars a year, but is only 48th out of 50 states in brewers per capita. Koch says this means the state has a unique opportunity to grow the industry…

Cut 15 (09) “kinda plateau”

The excise tax reduction will last for the next two years.

Disappointing finish to the season for the LSU Tigers as Notre Dame scored a late touchdown to beat the Bayou Bengals 21-17. There were special team miscues, highlighted by two missed field goals in the first half and the offense failed to score when they had the ball at the Notre Dame goal line in the 2nd quarter. Running back Derius Guice….

Cut 16 (15) “the end zone”

Orgeron was not happy with the special teams either….

Cut 17 (20) “make a difference”

Jack Gonsoulin kicked a 17-yard field goal to give LSU a 17=14 lead with 2:03 left. Orgeron was asked about going for it on 4th and goal, so that the Tigers would take a touchdown lead. But Orgeron says they failed to execute on 4th-and-goal from the one yard line earlier in the game…

Cut 18 (19) “three points”

Orgeron would not address the future of offensive coordinator Matt Canada during the postgame press conference, but talked about replacing two of the team’s best wide receivers….

Cut 19 (15)   “on offense”

16:45 LRN Sportscast

A tough finish to the 2017 season for the LSU Tigers as Notre Dame backup Quarterback Ian Book connected with Miles Boykin on a 55-yard touchdown pass play to give Notre Dame a 21-17 victory over the Bayou Bengals. Boykin made a spectacular catch with two LSU defenders near him, but he broke away from Donte Jackson and John Battle and walked into the end zone.

Book came off the bench and completed 14 of 19 passes for 164 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

In his final game as an LSU Tiger, Danny Etling was 19-of-33 for 229 yards and threw two touchdown passes to Derrius Guice. Guice also rushed for 98 yards on the ground.

LSU missed two field goals in the first half and that is one of the reasons the Tigers finish the year 9-4, instead of 10-and-3.

The Tigers next game on the gridiron, will be September 2nd against Miami in Dallas.

The Saints are preparing to host the Carolina Panthers in an NFC playoff game this Sunday. New Orleans offense hasn’t played great the last two weeks. Coach Sean Payton says the postseason is great opportunity to get the offense back on track….

Cut 17 (10) “….at home”

New Orleans will host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at 3:40 in the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

Tonight at the Dome, it will be Alabama versus Clemson in the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs. Clemson beat Bama in the national championship game last year.

Earlier today in bowl game action, UCF completed an undefeated season by beating Auburn 34-27 as quarterback McKenzie Milton accounted for three touchdowns in the Peach Bowl.

And in the Outback Bowl, Michigan had five turnovers in the second half and blew a 16-point lead to South Carolina as the Gamecocks rallied for a 26-19 win.

3:30PM Newscast January 1

LRN News, I’m Matt Doyle

Parts of the state will be enduring below freezing temperatures, and wind chills as low as single digits to start out 2018. This time of year, temperatures are usually about 20 degrees higher. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service says residents can expect some surprisingly chilly mornings…

Cut 8 (06) “unusual.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says his administration is working to maintain economic momentum heading into the new year.  However, a big challenge for the governor in 2018 is the expiration of a one cent sales tax that’s been keeping state finances afloat. The expiration will create a one billion dollar gap in the budget. Edwards says he doesn’t want budget cuts, but is against renewing the sales tax…

Cut 11 (06) “of taxation”

LRN

The Saints lost to Tampa Bay 31-24, but walked away with the NFC South title. They’ll host Carolina for a playoff game this weekend. The offense only scored two touchdowns despite a ball hawking defense that grabbed three interceptions. Sean Peyton says the post season is a great opportunity to get the offense back on track…

Cut 17 (10) “at home”

The Saints will play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at 3:40 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Governor Edwards touted the state’s progress in getting a bipartisan criminal justice reform package passed, aimed at lowering the state’s prison population by reducing sentences for non-violent, non-sexual offenders. Edwards says the effort mirrors that of other, conservative leaning southern states, and is being considered at a national level.

Cut 10 (05) “that effort”

LRN News, I’m Matt Doyle

 

2:30PM Newscast January 1

LRN News, I’m Matt Doyle

The Saints went down in the last seconds to Tampa Bay, but still managed to snag the NFC South title, and 4th seed. Coach Sean Peyton says the offense won’t have a lot of time to clean up the mistakes…

Cut 15, 9 seconds, right now

the top three teams NFC South Teams all made the playoffs.

It’s going to be a freezing cold first week of the year. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1, 27 seconds, Jeff Palermo

LRN

Governor John Bel Edwards wrapped up 2017 saying he believes Louisiana can continue making progress in the areas of employment and criminal justice reform. The state’s unemployment rate is it’s lowest since 2008, with record numbers of employment in healthcare and construction.  He says there should be more job opportunities this year…

Cut 9 (08)  “

With temperatures in the teens in some parts of the state, many Louisianans are turning to unconventional sources to heat their house.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the increase in fire deaths over the last few weeks is reminder for people to check their fire alarms…

Cut 3 (10) “smoke alarm.”

He says homes without a working fire alarm are unsafe, and should not be slept in until the equipment is up and working.

Matt Doyle, Louisiana radio network news.

1:30PM Newcast January 1st

With your Louisiana Radio Network News, I’m Matt Doyle

Looking to save some cash this year?  Kelley Ray spoke with a CPA to get some easy tips

Cut 2, 30, Kelley Ray

Many people make quitting smoking one of their New Year’s resolutions.  Louisiana is 47th out of 50 states for tobacco use.  Smoking Cessation Trust CEO Mike Rogers says one of the main reasons people don’t succeed is they try to go it alone…

Cut 4  (10) “people do.” 

An average person quits at least eight times before succeeding.

LRN

Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson looks ahead to road projects coming and continuing into 2018. He says major progress will take place on the work being done on I-10, west of the Basin Bridge to Lafayette. They will also break ground on the widening of the highly traveled interstate between Highland Road in Baton Rouge to La 73.:

Cut 7 (10)  “Baton Rouge.”

Wilson says there is a major construction boom happening in Southeast Louisiana this year.

The Saints lost their regular season finale to Tampa Bay 31-24, but New Orleans still won the NFC South, because Carolina also lost. New Orleans offense struggled mightily in this game.  Coach Sean Payton says they need to be better in the playoffs…

Cut 16 (12) “…we’ll get you beat”

LRN, I’m Matt Doyle

8:30 LRN Newscast January 1

Unusually frigid temperatures will blanket the state this week. Temperatures started in the 20s statewide this morning.  High temperatures will be in the 30s today and tomorrow. This time of year, temperatures are usually about 20 degrees higher. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service says residents can expect below freezing temperatures every morning this week…

Cut 8 (06) “unusual.”

Governor John Bel Edwards believes Louisiana can continue the progress it made during 2017.  However, a big challenge for the governor in 2018 is the looming fiscal cliff, triggered by the expiration of a temporary one cent sales tax, which will create a one billion dollar gap in the budget. Edwards says he wants a solution that doesn’t include renewing that temporary penny sales tax.

Cut 11 (06) “of taxation”

The Saints lose to Tampa Bay 31-24 in the final seconds, but still win the NFC South and they’ll host Carolina for a playoff game this weekend. Head Coach Sean Payton wishes they finished the game better….

Cut 15 (11) “right now”

The Saints will play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at 3:40 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The 17th ranked LSU Tigers take on number 14 Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando today. Both teams are 9-3 with the Tigers riding a three-game winning streak.  Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says LSU will face one of the best running games in college football, but Irish Quarterback Brandon Wimbush is inconsistent as a passer…

Cut 12 (13) “college football?”

Kickoff is at noon on ABC.

7:30 LRN Newscast January 1

Unusually frigid temperatures will blanket the state this week. High temperatures will be in the 30s today and tomorrow. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service, says it’ll also be a gusty start to the year making it feel even colder outside.

Cut 6 (07)  “tuesday and wednesday”

Temperatures bottomed in the 20’s state wide, with even colder overnight lows expected early Tuesday morning.

Many are turning to additional sources of heat with the extended cold snap.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says there has been an increase in fire fatalities in the state in the last couple of weeks. Browning says under no circumstances should a kitchen stove be used…

Cut 4  (11) “do that.” 

A man is under arrest after state troopers say he killed a bicyclist, then drove away from the scene. State Police say 29-year-old Juan Lujan of Luling was arrested Saturday. Troopers said 60-year-old Michael Atkinson was riding a bike on the shoulder of highway 90 in New Orleans near the edge of the roadway when he was hit from behind by an SUV that drifted onto the shoulder. Atkinson died at the scene.

The Citrus Bowl pits LSU against Notre Dame.  Jeff Palermo has a look at what it will take to get a Tiger win…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

6:45 LRN Sportscast January 1

The Saints lost their regular season finale to Tampa Bay 31-24, but New Orleans still won the NFC South, because Carolina also lost. New Orleans offense struggled in this game. They only rushed for 92 yards, scored just two touchdowns on offense, despite getting three turnovers and they also had seven penalties. Coach Sean Payton says they need to be better in the playoffs…

Cut 16 (12) “…we’ll get you beat”

New Orleans will now get ready to play the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. The Saints are the four seed and will play the 5th seed Panthers on Sunday at 3:40 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The other wild card match-up is Atlanta at Los Angeles. If the seeds hold, New Orleans will visit the Philadelphia Eagles a week from Saturday.

In the AFC, its the Buffalo Bills versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. The other game is Kansas City hosting Tennessee.

The bowl game is finally here for the LSU Tigers as they face Notre Dame in Orlando at noon. The Tigers will look to run the football and Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says they should have success against a Fighting Irish team that’s allowing 153 yards a game on the ground….

Cut 13 (11) “…Notre Dame”

Winning the Citrus Bowl would give the Tigers a ten win season, the first since back to back ten win seasons in 2012 and 2013.

Tonight at the Mercedes Benz Superdome, Alabama and Clemson meet for the third year in a row in the college football playoffs. This time it’s a semi-final matchup and the winner will play the winner of the Rose Bowl, Georgia or Oklahoma.

In college basketball last night…the Cajuns beat Arkansas State 88-78, Little Rock knocked off Ulm 71-62 and Southeastern Louisiana defeated Central Arkansas 73-69.

6:30 LRN Newscast January 1

The Bayou State is experiencing freezing temperatures to ring in the new year. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor John Bel Edwards believes Louisiana can continue the progress it made during 2017 in the areas of employment and criminal justice reform. The state’s unemployment rate has declined seven straight months and at 4.7 percent it’s the lowest been since 2008.  He says there will be more employment opportunities this year…

Cut 9 (08)  “been announced”

Many are turning to additional sources of heat with the extended cold snap.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says there has been an increase in fire fatalities in the state in the last couple of weeks.  He says homes that don’t have a working smoke alarm are at the greatest risk…

Cut 3 (10) “smoke alarm.”

The 17th ranked LSU Tigers take on number 14 Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando today. Both teams are 9-3 with the Tigers riding a three-game winning streak.  Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Winning the Citrus Bowl would give the Tigers a ten win season. It would be the first since back to back ten win seasons in 2012 and 2013 making this season a success…

Cut 14 (07) “sucessfull overall.”