LRN PM Newscall December 20

Former Congressman Ralph Abraham will serve as the next Secretary of Health in Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s administration. Brooke Thorington has more….

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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An eight-person federal jury dismisses a lawsuit filed by former LSU Assistant Athletic Director Sharon Lewis, claiming she was sexually harassed and wrongly terminated. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed former Louisiana Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish as the next Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 3 (05) “…great service.”

Abraham served three terms in DC representing the state’s 5th congressional district. Landry said it was hard convincing Abraham, who’s a family physician in Richland Parish to take the post but he’s pleased he’s accepted because…

Cut 4 (08) “…facing Louisiana.”

Landry says all Louisianans deserve access to high-quality healthcare including those who live in rural areas and says Abraham is the most qualified person to represent their needs.

Landry touts Abraham’s knowledge of Medicaid and says under his watch the state will create incentives and supports to help Louisianans move from dependence to independence…

Cut 5 (12) “ …outcomes.”  

Madison Sheehan, who most recently helmed the Republican Party in South Dakota will be the first female to oversee State Wildlife and Retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Court Judge David Matlock will be the next Secretary of DCFS.

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An eight-person jury has dismissed Sharon Lewis’s 50-million dollar federal lawsuit against LSU. Lewis, who oversaw LSU’s football recruiting department, claims she was wrongfully terminated and retaliated against for reporting sexual misconduct complaints involving former head coach Les Miles. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says executive deputy athletic director Verge Ausberry was one of the last witnesses to take the stand…

Cut 6 (04) “…was racist.”

Horne says Ausberry testified that Lewis had trouble when white people told her no or disagreed with her. Lewis was one of 40 workers in the football department let go when Brian Kelly was hired in December 2021.

The jury deliberated for only three hours. Lewis’ attorney Larry English says they are disappointed by the outcome…

Cut 7 (09) “…our case” 

English says they will consider their legal options moving forward.

Lewis also claims running backs coach Frank Wilson, who worked on Miles staff from 2010 to 2015 and then hired back by Kelly in 2022, exposed himself to Lewis and also forcefully kissed a student intern on the lips. Horne says Wilson denied those allegations on the witness stand…

Cut 8 (11) “…any situation.” 

Horne says during cross-examination, Wilson admitted to fathering a child out of wedlock while separated but still married to his wife.

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The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services’ new campaign is encouraging Louisianans to “Be There” for families in need this holiday season. Secretary Terri Ricks says even a small deed can make a huge impact on a child or family in your community.

Cut 9 (11) “…every day.” 

DCFS assists one in four Louisianans every year including food assistance, child support services, and financial assistance.

Ricks says that currently there are more than 41 hundred children in Louisiana’s foster care. She encourages everyone to provide help or open their homes to youth who have no place to go.

Cut 10 (08) “…special ways.”

This year, the 211 Statewide Network has made more than 267 thousand referrals to services. It has helped meet more than 159 thousand needs for residents.

Ricks says there were more than 11 hundred unmet needs due to a lack of available resources. She says if you know anyone who needs resources like food, housing, utility assistance, or clothing…

Cut 11 (13) “…need some.”

Visit BeThere dot Louisiana dot gov to learn more about programs and resources.

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53-year-old Lawrence J. Voisin of Houma faces two counts of first-degree rape in connection with alleged sexual abuse with a 10-year-old student. Terrebonne Parish sheriff Tim Soignet says detectives arrived at a local school where the minor reported the abuse.

Cut 12 (10)  “…Mr. Voisin.”  

During the investigation, deputies gathered evidence from the victim that suggested that Voisin was involved in a sexual relationship with the juvenile. Soignet says Voisin, who was located at his home, confessed to some of the charges.

Cut 13 (12) “…did occur.” 

Voisin is being held on a 250-thousand dollar bond at the Terrebonne Parish jail.

2:30 PM Newscast

The Federal Jury has dismissed the wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former LSU Assistant Athletic Director, Sharon Lewis. Lewis was let go in February of 2022 and claimed it was retaliation for her reporting claims of sexual misconduct, and gender discrimination. Lewis had reported allegations against running backs coach Frank Wilson saying he exposed himself to and forcefully kissed a student intern on the lips. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says Wilson denied the allegations on the witness stand…

Cut 8 situation

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services’ new campaign is encouraging Louisianans to “Be There” for families in need this holiday season. Secretary Terri Ricks says even a small deed can make a huge impact on a child or family in your community.

Cut 9 (11) “…every day.” 

DCFS assists one in four Louisianans every year including food assistance, child support services, and financial assistance.

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed former north Louisiana Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham as the next Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.

Abraham served three terms in DC representing the state’s 5th congressional district. Landry said it was hard convincing Abraham, who’s a family physician in Richland Parish to take the post but he’s pleased he’s accepted because…

Cut 4 (08) “…facing Louisiana.”

Landry says all Louisianans deserve access to high-quality healthcare including those who live in rural areas and says Abraham is the most qualified person to represent their needs. Also appointed, Madison Sheehan, who most recently helmed the Republican Party in South Dakota. She will be the first female to oversee State Wildlife and Retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Court Judge David Matlock will be the next Secretary of DCFS.

1:30 PM Newscast Dec 20

Former LSU Assistant Athletic Director Sharon Lewis’s 50 million dollar wrongful termination lawsuit against the university is close to wrapping up. Lewis’s claims she was terminated as retaliation for reporting sexual misconduct complaints. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says Lewis claims she was fired because she would not back down from the power-based male-dominated culture of the football department…

Cut 7 (10) “…be fired” 

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed former north Louisiana Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham as the next Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 3 (06) “…great service.”

Abraham served three terms in DC representing the state’s 5th congressional district.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services’ is encouraging Louisianans to “Be There” for families in need this holiday season with their new campaign. Secretary Terri Ricks says there were more than 11 hundred unmet needs due to a lack of available resources. She says if you know anyone who needs resources like food, housing, utility assistance, or clothing…

Cut 11 (13) “…need some.”

Visit BeThere dot Louisiana dot gov to learn more about programs and resources

Angel Reese will have the opportunity to play in her hometown tonight as the seventh-ranked Lady Tigers visit Coppin State in Baltimore. Reese, who played her two years of college baseball at Maryland University, is looking forward to the homecoming…

Cut 19 (19) “…big thing.” 

12:30 LRN Newscast December 20

Governor-elect Jeff Landry announces the appointments of those who will head the Louisiana Department of Health, State Wildlife, and the Department of Children and Family Services. Former north Louisiana Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham will be the next Secretary of Health at LDH. Madison Sheehan, who most recently helmed the Republican Party in South Dakota will be the first female to oversee State Wildlife and Retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Court Judge David Matlock will be the next Secretary of DCFS.

If you know someone in your community who needs a little extra help, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services encourages you to support this holiday season as part of their “Be There” initiative. Secretary Terri Ricks urges Louisianans to provide help or open their homes to youth who have no place to go.

Cut 10 (08) “…special ways.”

Visit BeThere dot Louisiana dot gov to learn more about programs and resources.

Former LSU Assistant Athletic Director Sharon Lewis’s wrongful termination lawsuit against the university is close to wrapping up as jury deliberations are underway. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Today begins the three day early signing period in college football. LSU has already received signatures from all 25 of their 27 commits in the class of 2024. One position group the class will address is the defensive secondary which was a liability for the Tigers in 2023. On3.com’s Shea Dixon says LSU will address that by signing six defensive backs out of high school, including four cornerbacks. He says Lafayette Christian quarterback JuJuan Johnson is set to transition from quarterback to cornerback…

Cut 17 (24) “….from the start” 

UL-Lafayette has also officially signed catholic High School quarterback Daniel Beale. The three-star recruit committed to the Ragin Cajuns in June of this year before leading the Bears to a Division I Select State Championship.

Angel Reese will have the opportunity to play in her hometown tonight as the seventh-ranked Lady Tigers visit Coppin State in Baltimore. Reese, who played her two years of college baseball at Maryland University, is looking forward to the homecoming…

Cut 19 (19) “…big thing.” 

Tip-off is at 5:00

The Pelicans’ second half woes continued last night as the Grizzlies mounted a 24-point comeback to snap the Pels four game win streak in a heartbreaking 115-113 loss. All Star guard Ja Morant made his season debut for Memphis with a 34 point performance capped off with a game-winning buzzer beater. Pels forward Brandon Ingram had 34 of his own but it wasn’t enough to stop a 19-point second half comeback. The Pelicans will return to action tomorrow night as they head to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers.

11:30 LRN Newscast Dec 20

Jury deliberations are underway in Sharon Lewis’s 50-million dollar federal lawsuit against LSU. Lewis, who oversaw LSU’s football recruiting department, claims she was wrongfully terminated and retaliated against for reporting sexual misconduct complaints allegedly performed by former head coach Les Miles and current running backs coach Frank Wilson. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says executive deputy athletic director Verge Ausberry was one of the last witnesses to take the stand…

Cut 6 (04) “…was racist.”

Horne says Ausberry testified that Lewis had trouble when white people told her no or disagreed with her. Lewis was one of 40 workers in the football department let go when Brian Kelly was hired in December 2021.

Three people were killed in a crash in Ascension Parish last night. Chief James LeBlanc with the St. Amant Volunteer Fire Department says it happened around midnight.  The three adults killed were all in the same vehicle. State Police are overseeing the investigation.

Governor-elect Jeff Landry appoints former congressman Ralph Abraham Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. Because LDH is predominantly federally funded ULM political science professor Dr. Pearson Cross says it’s a plus that Dr. Abraham already understands the allocation and appropriation process.

Cut 5 (10) “…quite important.”

 

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services’ new campaign is encouraging Louisianans to “Be There” for families in need this holiday season. Secretary Terri Ricks says even a small deed can make a huge impact on a child or family in your community.

Cut 9 (11) “…every day.” 

 

10:30 LRN Newscast

Governor-elect Jeff Landry is in Monroe this morning to hold an 11 AM press conference where he’s expected to name former Congressman Ralph Abraham as the state’s next Louisiana Department of Health Secretary. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross…
cut 4 (11) “…that position”
Abraham served in Congress from 2015 to 2021. He’s also worked as a veterinarian and a physician.

This is the season for scams. Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau says if you get a text message saying that you’ve been hacked, do not respond especially if it is coming from an unknown number…
cut 11 (12) “….for it”
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Governor John Bel Edwards believes he’s leaving the state in better shape than it was when walked into the governor’s mansion on January eight. Colleen Crain has more…
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Today is national signing day in college football and LSU’s 2024 recruiting class has a quarterback that signed this morning. Colin Hurley from Jacksonville, Florida, will be just 16 years old when he enrolls at LSU in January. Catholic High quarterback Daniel Beale, fresh off a state championship, has signed with U-L Lafayette.

9:30 a.m. Newscast

Governor-elect Jeff Landry is anticipated to announce the appointment of former Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham as the next Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health today. As you’ll recall, the pandemic placed even more scrutiny on that department and Cross says whoever is appointed Secretary will have a large responsibility.

Cut 6 (09) “…to vaccines.”
You better watch out…for holiday scams that is. The Better Business Report’s online scams report found online purchase scams were the most common last holiday season. But the ever-present fake texts claiming you’ve been hacked are also on the naughty list.  If you get one, Carmen Million with the BBB says don’t respond.

Cut 11 (12) “…for it.” 

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The three-day early signing period for college football recruits begins today and LSU’s 2024 class will feature some standout players from the Bayou State. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Mosquitoes are back with a vengeance in much of Louisiana. Experts say the late season explosion of mosquitoes is unusual….but say the drought we saw earlier this year simply delayed mosquito activity until now. Unless we see more cold weather, experts say the mosquitos will be around for the next couple of weeks.

8:30 am Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards is leaving office after two terms. He spoke to the media about his accomplishments. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

 

The Better Business Bureau wants you to be aware of scams this holiday season and watch out when it comes to shipping gifts or money to strangers on social media and never make payments by wire transfer, or by prepaid gift card because…

Cut 12 (07) “…trace them.” 

The three-day early signing period for college football begins today. LSU’s recruiting class features eight of the ten best players from the state of Louisiana according to on3.com. Recruiting analyst for the Bengal Tiger, Shea Dixon, says Lafayette Christian quarterback JuJuan Johnson is set to transition from quarterback to cornerback…(Cut  17 only 9 seconds…outcue need him)

Cut 17 (24) “….from the start” 
Former congressman Ralph Abraham is expected to be names the new Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health today by Governor Elect Jeff Landry. With the majority of LDH’s budget funded by federal dollars, ULM political science professor Dr. Pearson Cross says it’s a plus that Dr. Abraham already understands the allocation and appropriation process.

Cut 5 (10) “…quite important.”

7:30 am Newscast

It’s anticipated that Governor-elect Jeff Landry will announce the appointment of former Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham to be the next Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health today. ULM political science professor Dr. Pearson Cross….

Cut 4 (11) “…that position.”
After serving two terms, Governor John Bel Edwards is leaving office next month. He spoke to the media about his accomplishments and says he’s leaving the state in better shape than he found it…

Cut 7 (11) “…a balanced budget.”
Edwards says Medicaid expansion was an easy decision for him and he is proud that no rural hospitals closed during his time in office.
Extreme heat and drought conditions this year have wreaked havoc on Louisiana Cattle and hay producers. They’ve taken a combined 360 million dollar hit this year. Herd numbers in Louisiana are at their lowest since the 1960s and cattle producer Mitch Marsalis says hay production was way down. He says disaster payments helped provide more relief…

Cut 14 (04) “…these calves.” 

 

Angel Reese will have the opportunity to play in her hometown tonight as the seventh-ranked Lady Tigers visit Coppin State in Baltimore. Reese, who played her two years of college baseball at Maryland University, is looking forward to the homecoming…

Cut 19 (19) “…big thing.”