6:45 LRN Sportscast

It’s been worked out so Texas and Oklahoma can join the Southeastern Conference in 2024. Both schools will pay the Big 12 50-million dollars each in order to join the SEC a year earlier than planned. Now we wait to see if the SEC will go to a nine-game football schedule.

Former LSU Tiger Justin Jefferson was named the A-P Offensive Player of the Year last night. He also received the moment of the year award for his one-handed catch against the Bills.

Cowboys quarterback and former Haughton star Dak Prescott received NFL Man of the Year Honors.

In college basketball last night, the Ragin Cajuns lost the battle for first place in the Sun Belt, falling to Southern Miss 82-71. ULM also went down in defeat as they lost on their home floor to Appalachian State 52-45. Louisiana Tech came up short against F-I-U 66-62. McNeese ended an eight-game losing streak with a 69-66 win over Southeastern Louisiana.

The LSU Board of Supervisors will vote this morning on a proposal to re-name the Dale Brown Court, in the PMAC, to include long-time women’s basketball coach Sue Gunter. Broadcaster Tim Brando of Shreveport says it was in 2021 when the court was named for Brown, but one Board member, Mary Leach Werner, is angry about the omission of Gunter…:
cut 24
Brando points out that Werner was a major financial contributor to Governor John Bel Edwards election campaigns.

The undefeated LSU Lady Tigers will visit top ranked South Carolina on Sunday. The Gamecocks are the defending national champs and they’ve won 30 in a row. Zia Cooke is their leading scorer at 15 points a game and then there’s Aliyah Boston at 13 points and 10 rebounds a game. Lady Tigers Coach Kim Mulkey…
cut 19 (16) “…leading scorer”
Tip off is at 1 PM.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Super Bowl LVII (56) is expected to see super betting. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The LSU Board of Supervisors will vote this morning on a proposal to re-name the Dale Brown Court, in the PMAC, to include long-time women’s basketball coach Sue Gunter. Gunter passed away in 2005 and won over 700 games in her career at LSU. It’s a controversial vote as some believe the board is taking an honor away from the 87-year-old Brown.

According to the American Sugar Cane League, Louisiana produced more than two million tons of raw sugar in 2022 for the first time in the state’s history. General Manager of the American Sugarcane League, Jim Simon says it could have been larger if not for a string of cold weather during the week of Christmas…
cut 12 (11) “…left in

While we don’t know if the Eagles or Chiefs will come out on top Sunday, one bird has already been crowned champion. Boneless wings return to their top spot on ASAP’s top 10 most-delivered food orders for Super Bowl Sunday in Louisiana. ASAP spokesperson Dean Turcol says wings are expected to be in high demand across the country…
Cut 14 (14) “…to last year.”

AM LRN Newscast Feb 10

Super Bowl LVII (56) is expected to see super bets. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The daughter of former Governor Kathleen Blanco says she will challenge the mayor of Lafayette for re-election. Kevin Gallagher has that…:

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Food delivery app ASAP (Waitr) revealed the top 10 food orders for Louisiana this Super Bowl Sunday. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

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It’s Super Bowl weekend and an estimated one-in-five Americans will bet on the game, and it’s the second one in Louisiana with mobile sports betting online. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says historically the Super Bowl is the single largest sports betting event in the country.

Cut 4 (09)  “…this year.”

Johns expects even more gamblers in the Bayou State to wager on the big game this year because they are more familiar with online betting. He says mobile betting is 85% of the sports wagering in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (08) “…Eagles favor.”

There are seven online sports betting outlets licensed in Louisiana.

As we wrap the first year of legalized sports wagering in Louisiana how much did the state profit? Johns says they plan to release those numbers at their board meeting next week.

Cut 6 (04)  “…anticipated.” 

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling between 2018 and 2021 the number of people who said they were at risk of a gambling problem increased by 30%.  If you have a gambling problem, call 1-877-770-STOP for help.

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The campaign for Lafayette Parish Mayor-President is heating up. Incumbent head of the consolidated city-parish government Josh Guillory now has two declared challengers. One is Republican Monique Blanco Boulet, the daughter of former Governor Kathleen Blanco. Boulet says Lafayette needs to be led in a new direction, and she shares her priorities if elected…:

Cut 7 (11) “…financial situation.”

Boulet is joined in challenging the incumbent by another Republican, Lafayette attorney and podcast host Jan Swift. Swift says she’d do more to promote Lafayette Parish to new businesses and to visitors. She says she too feels new leadership is called for in the Acadiana city…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…transparent government.”

Republican Josh Guillory is seeking another term as Mayor-President of Lafayette, and he says he is proud of what was accomplished during his first term…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…pay raises.”

Guillory, Swift and Boulet are all republicans. So far, no Democrat has voiced interest in the race. Guillory says he welcomes challengers and looks forward to discussing the issues…:

Cut 10 (09)  “…up against anyone.”

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Louisiana’s 2022 sugarcane crop produced more than two million tons of raw sugar for the first time ever making it the top sugar-producing state in the nation. General Manager of the American Sugarcane League, Jim Simon (rhymes with mignon) says Louisiana, Florida, and Texas are the only sugar-producing states in the country.

Cut 11 (09)  “…in America.”

And while the crop of two million tons is notable Simon says it could have been larger if it wasn’t for the freezing temps at Christmas.

Cut 12 (11) “…left in it.”

Over the last five years, Simon says the state’s crop size has ranged in the 1.6 -1.7-million-ton range. And sports isn’t the only thing Louisiana and Florida are competitive about.

Cut 13 (10)  “…this year.”

Simon credits the Louisiana sugarcane industry’s strength to procuring research funding and establishing a good national sugar policy and working well with other sugar-producing states.

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While we don’t know if the Eagles or Chiefs will come out on top Sunday, one bird has already been crowned champion. Boneless wings return to their top spot on ASAP’s (Waitr) top 10 most-delivered food orders for Super Bowl Sunday in Louisiana. They’re followed by Traditional Wings in second while last year’s favorite, fries, have fallen all the way to sixth. ASAP spokesperson Dean Turcol says wings are expected to be in high demand across the country…

Cut 14 (14)  “…to last year.”

Burgers, Pizza, and Dip round out a traditional top five, but maybe the upset of the list, donuts come in at 7th. An unexpected member, Turcol says the breakfast treat is becoming a perennial contender…

Cut 15 (12)  “…in the day.”

The list is finished off with Mozzarella Sticks in 8th, Nachos at 9th, and Tacos coming in at the final spot. Turcol says there was a lot of diversity in the different regions of Louisiana.  The Baton Rouge top-ten features LSU Rolls and Boudin Balls while Tacos and Nachos take the top spots in Shreveport and Monroe respectively. Turcol says food is an essential part of any Super Bowl party no matter what it is…

Cut  16 (08)  “…to everybody.” 

ASAP customers from Thursday through Sunday can receive $10 off any order of $25 or more by using the code “TEAMWINGS10” or “TEAMPIZZA10.”

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The LSU women’s basketball team will visit South Carolina Sunday in a matchup of the last two undefeated teams. The Tigers have been criticized for having too easy of a schedule, but Kim Mulkey’s group will have an opportunity to put the entire nation on notice. Mulkey says, however, that they won’t let the scope of the game get out of hand…

Cut 17 (16) “…winning the SEC.” 

The Gamecocks are led by 2022 player of the year and projected number-one draft pick Aliyah Boston. The 6’5” forward leads a frontcourt number-one in the nation in rebound margin just ahead of LSU. Mulkey says the glass is an area of concern for the Tigers without an easy solution…

Cut 18 (19) “…down here.” 

Despite Boston’s dominance, she is not the leading scorer for the Gamecocks. Guard Zia Cooke leads the team averaging almost 15 points a game. Mulkey says that the attention Boston draws helps to free up her teammates and South Carolina is good enough to capitalize…

Cut 19 (16) “…leading scorer.”

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Cut 20 (17)  “…national title.” 

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Edit

5:30 LRN Newscast Feb 9

A family of four in Jefferson Parish is dead in what appears to be a murder-suicide. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says a 9-1-1- call early this morning, with a Harvey address gave dispatch a dire message…:

Cut 9 (09) “…we found, unfortunately.”

Inside they found the bodies of an adult male, an adult female, and two young men ages 14 and 20.

The National Weather Service confirms an EF-2 tornado struck Tangipahoa Wednesday night. Officials are surveying damage and as many homes were damaged or destroyed last night. Parish President Robby Miller says since the light of day they’ve come across even more homes in the town of Tangipahoa that were impacted by the twister.

Cut 15 (10) “…they shouldn’t”

 

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was in Lake Charles this afternoon to officially announce the $150 million federal grant to go towards the Calcasieu River Bridge. Buttigieg says he understands southwest Louisiana has heard several promises over the years for the bridge that never developed.

Cut 12 (07) “…funding does.”

The Humane Society of Louisiana is once again helping horses purchased to ride in Mardi Gras parades find homes, so Carnival season isn’t their last. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says when they learned that many of the horses were often sold for slaughter, they created the Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program.

Cut 6 (12)  “…really well.” 

You can find more information on their Facebook page at Humane Society of Louisiana’s Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program.

4:30 LRN Newscast Feb 09

A Jefferson Parish family of four is dead in an apparent murder-suicide this morning. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Monroe state Senator Katrina Jackson is being sued by the Tulane University First Amendment Law Clinic for blocking a woman’s access to her Twitter account over differing political views. The suit says it’s a 1st Amendment violation because Jackson is a public figure, and so is her account.

 

The LSU Board of Supervisors is set to vote tomorrow on a proposal to add Sue Gunter’s name to the Dale Brown Court inside the Maravich Center; a move that irks a number of people…like sports broadcaster and Shreveport native Tim Brando, who says a female board member opposes honoring the achievements of an old white man…:

CUT 05(06)      “…of higher learning.”

He’s referring to board member Mary Leach Werner. The governor says he believes Gunter’s achievements certainly warrant inclusion in the name of the court.

DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson was in Lake Charles today to officially announce $150-million in federal money for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge replacement. Wilson says there are even more dollar allocated to get that bridge built…:

CUT 14(12)      “…contribution.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast Feb 09

The LSU Board of Supervisors is expected to vote tomorrow on a proposal to add the former women’s basketball coach Sue Gunter’s name to the basketball court in the Maravich Center. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The NBA trade deadline was today and the Pelicans will be sending Guard Devonte’ Graham along with four second-round picks to San Antonio in exchange for guard Josh Richardson. The 6’6 guard will provide some much-needed defensive size and shooting off the bench and should be an immediate part of the Pels’ rotation.

The Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball team visits Southern Miss tonight with first place in the Sun-Belt on the line. The Cajuns won ten straight after losing their first two conference games starting back on January 5th against the Golden eagles. Southern Miss was led by 6’8 forward Deandre Pinckney with 21 points. Cajuns Coach Bob Marlin says Pinckney is a big who can shoot…

Cut 17

Tip-off is at 7:30

Elsewhere in Louisiana hoops:

Louisiana Tech will visit FIU

Currently fifth in the Sun-Belt, UL-Monroe will host Appalachian State as they look to improve to top-four in the league and earn a double bye.

UNO tips-off at Nicholls at 7:00

Southeastern visits McNeese at 7:30

And Northwestern State will head to Texas A&M Commerce at 8.

3:30 LRN Newscast Feb 09

A Jefferson Parish family of four is dead in an apparent murder-suicide this morning. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says deputies found a man, a woman and two young men – ages 20 and 14 – dead from gunshots at a home in Harvey. He says they are still determining who shot who. As for a possible motive, he says the family had fallen upon extremely hard times…:

CUT 11(08)      “…this morning.”

One of the persons killed was a former St. Charles parish deputy. The investigation is ongoing.

Federal Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was in Lake Charles today to officially announce $150-million in Infrastructure Law money for the I-10 Bridge there. He says this bridge has needed replacing for a long time…:

CUT 13(12)      “…this work.”

 

Officials are surveying damage in Tangipahoa Parish after a confirmed EF-2 tornado damaged as many as 30 mobile homes last night. Parish President Robby Miller says even though some homes had significant damage, it’s fortunate no one was seriously hurt…:

CUT 16(12)      “…minor injuries.”

The Humane Society of Louisiana hopes folks will again this year want to adopt a Mardi Gras Horse to spare it from being destroyed. Often these animals are slaughtered after parade season is over. HSLA director Jeff Dorson says, if you cannot afford to adopt a horse, you can donate to help the program…:

CUT 08(07)      “…appreciated.”

Find out more by searching Humane Society of Louisiana on Facebook.

LRN PM Newscall

The LSU Board of Supervisors is expected to vote tomorrow on a proposal to add the former women’s basketball coach Sue Gunter’s name to the basketball court in the Maravich Center. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Jefferson Parish family of four is dead in an apparent murder-suicide this morning. More from Brooke Thorington…:

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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The LSU Board of Supervisors is set to vote tomorrow on a proposal to add Sue Gunter’s name to the Dale Brown Court inside the Maravich Center. The idea has upset several people close to Brown who had the court named in his honor in 2021. Broadcaster Tim Brando of Shreveport says a vote to add Gunter’s name will stain Louisiana…

Cut 3 (10) “…great depression” 

In 2021, the LSU Board of Supervisors rejected a proposal to have Gunter’s name appear on the court next to Brown’s. But Brando says the Board has changed its mind, because Governor John Bel Edwards has gotten involved, because board member Mary Leach Werner is upset Gunter’s name is not on the court

Cut  4 (06)  “…happened here” 

Brown coached at LSU for 25 years, Gunter 22 years. Gunter, who passed away in 2005, won over 700-games. Brown won 448 games, four SEC titles and took the Tigers to the Final Four twice. He’s the only SEC Coach to make 15 straight NCAA Tournament appearances.

Brando says Werner opposes the idea of honoring the accomplishments of an older white man

Cut 5 (09) “…higher learning.”

Werner was a major financial contributor to Governor Edwards’ election campaigns. A statement from the governor says after reviewing the achievements of Brown and Gunter over the years, the governor believes her name certainly warrants inclusion in the name of the court.

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The Humane Society of Louisiana is once again helping horses purchased to ride in Mardi Gras parades find homes, so Carnival season isn’t their last. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says when they learned that many of the horses were often sold for slaughter, they created the Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program.

Cut 6 (12)  “…really well.” 

Since 2017 he says more than 70 horses have found new homes. Dorson says this is a small component of parade season that animal lovers look forward to and they want a horse that has the distinction of being a Mardi Gras horse.

Cut 7 (07)  “…really works.” 

Over the years horses have found homes in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and even Massachusetts. Dorson says even if you aren’t able to purchase a horse you can donate to the program.

Cut 8 (07)  “… appreciated.” 

You can find more information on their Facebook page at Humane Society of Louisiana’s Mardi Gras Horses Adoption Program.

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A family of four in Jefferson Parish is dead in what appears to be a murder-suicide. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says a call came in to 9-1-1 early this morning; giving the address in the city of Harvey, and offering a dire message…:

Cut 9 (09) “…we found, unfortunately.”

Deputies went to the address and found it in what Lopinto calls “deplorable condition.” Inside they found the bodies of an adult male, and adult female, and two young men ages 14 and 20. Lopinto says there is evidence the incident was, in fact, a case of murder-suicide…but are sorting through the crime scene to determine who exactly pulled the trigger…:

Cut 10 (09) “…for the parents.” 

The family dog was found alive in the back yard and taken to a shelter. As to a possible motive, Lopinto says the family had fallen upon extremely hard times…:

Cut 11 (08)  “…this morning.”

The investigation is ongoing. Lopinto says he’ll have updates and more is discovered. LRN has learned one victim was a former St. Charles Parish deputy. This shooting marks the second murder-suicide in less than 12 hours in Jefferson Parish. Two brothers are dead from an incident Wednesday in Marrero.

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U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joined Governor John Bel Edwards and DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson this afternoon to officially announce the $150 million federal grant to go towards the Calcasieu River Bridge. Buttigieg (Buddha-judge) says he understands southwest Louisiana has heard several promises over the years for the bridge that never developed.

Cut 12 (07) “…funding does.”

In addition to the 70-year-old bridge’s deficiencies, Buttigieg says because the bridge narrows from six lanes to four it’s also one of the primary traffic jams in the U.S. which impacts the nation’s supply chain.

Cut 13 (12) “…this work.” 

In addition to the $150 million federal funds, Wilson says there’s even more money allocated for the project.

Cut 14 (12)   “…contribution.”

Buttigieg says the project will create more than 60,000 jobs also.

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Officials are surveying damage in Tangipahoa Parish after a tornado damaged as many as 30 mobile homes last night. Parish President Robby Miller says since the light of day they’ve come across even more residences in the town of Tangipahoa that were impacted by the twister.

Cut 15 (10) “…they shouldn’t”

Miller says even though some homes had significant damage, it’s fortunate no one was seriously hurt.

Cut  16 (12)  “…minor injuries.”

Miller asked the public to keep those who were impacted in their prayers. Assessments by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness are ongoing along with those from parish officials and the Red Cross.

2:30 LRN Newscast Feb 09

A family of four in Jefferson Parish is dead in what appears to be a murder-suicide. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says deputies made the grim discovery this morning. A man, woman and two young men – ages 20 and 14 – were killed. Which one pulled the trigger is unknown…:

CUT 10(09)      “…for the parents.”

The family dog was found unharmed and taken to a no-kill shelter.

Officials are surveying damage in Tangipahoa Parish after a tornado damaged as many as 30 mobile homes last night. Parish President Robby Miller says since the light of day they’ve come across even more residences in the town of Tangipahoa that were impacted by the twister…:

CUT 15(10)      “…they shouldn’t.”

Damage assessment are ongoing and the Red Cross is rendering aid.

 

The LSU Board of Supervisors is expected to vote tomorrow on a proposal to add the former women’s basketball coach Sue Gunter’s name to the basketball court in the Maravich Center. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Palermo.”

State Treasurer John Schroder has made it official: he will run for governor of Louisiana this fall. Schroder joins a field of seven other candidates who want to succeed John Bel Edwards, who is term-limited. Schroder’s been considered a candidate for many weeks, but made his official announcement this morning.

1:30 LRN Newscast Feb 09

A Jefferson Parish family of four is dead in an apparent murder-suicide this morning. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux has ordered 35 properties demolished in an effort to combat blight in his city. He says blight begets more blight and that begets increased crime. Once the properties are gone, the city will issue leins against them.

 

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joined Governor John Bel Edwards and DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson this afternoon to officially announce the $150-million federal grant for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Buttigieg says he understands southwest Louisiana has heard several promises over the years for the bridge that never developed…:

CUT 12(07)      “…funding does.”

Buttigieg says the project will create more than 60,000 jobs.

The Louisiana Humane Society wants you to consider adopting a Mardi Gras Horse. Each year these animals are used for parades, but often left for the slaughter afterward. HSLA’s Jeff Dorson says for some the idea of an actual Mardi Gras Horse is attractive…:

CUT 07(07)      “…really works.”’

To find out more on how you can save a horse, go to their Facebook page. Humane Society of Louisiana.