9:30 LRN Newscast

The field of candidates for governor grew last week, with State Treasurer John Schroder, Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt all getting into the race. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Attorney General Jeff Landry is the front-runner as he has the support of the Louisiana Republican Party…
cut 14 (10) “…for governor”
Pinsonat says if Congressman Garret Graves enters the race, he could possibly keep up with Landry financially.

Senator Bill Cassidy says Louisiana will receive more than one-point-six billion dollars from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs ACT that will help pay for transportation projects, including a new Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles….
cut 5 (10) “…road and highways”

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis has granted permission to four teams to talk with Sean Payton about their head coaching vacancies. Payton is still under contract with the Saints. Loomis says these teams are aware of the type of draft pick compensation they would have to give up in order to hire Payton…
cut 21 (05) “…to em”
The Saints are without a first round pick in the draft, so many expect the Saints will be looking to acquire a first round pick for Payton’s services.

The crawfish season is about to ramp and the price for a pound of mudbugs is two-dollars higher than a year ago. Co-founder of the crawfish app Laney King…
cut 10 (12) “…this year”
King says inflation has caused base prices for crawfish farmers to double in the last few years along with an increase in fuel prices.

8:30 LRN Newscast

There are now four announced candidates running for Governor this fall, how is the race stacking up so far? Kevin Gallagher has that…:
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Louisiana Illuminator is reporting a special session is likely to take place next month that would be devoted to the state’s homeowners insurance crisis. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon would like to see a special fund established that can be used to attract private property insurance providers.

As we get closer to Mardi Gras, the appetite grows for crawfish. Co-founder of the Crawfish App Laney King says prices this past weekend were two-dollars higher than a year ago. King hopes prices will decline once the weather warms…
cut 12 (09) “….down a little”
King says farmers are incurring extra costs as a result of inflation and high fuel prices.

According to AARP’s Nursing Home COVID-19 dashboard, 2,626 nursing home residents in Louisiana have died from COVID, including 13 more during a four-week period ending in December…
cut 8 (14) “….staying safe”
That’s Andrew Muhl, the director of Advocacy for the AARP, who says rates of COVID-19 cases continue to go up because nursing home residents and staff are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths are surging among nursing home residents and staff nationwide including in Louisiana, because most residents and staff are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. That’s according to the Director of Advocacy for the AARP, Andrew Muhl….
Cut 7 (10) “…the booster.”
According to AARP’s Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard, cases among Louisiana nursing home residents increased from 460 to just over one-thousand, while staff cases went up from 245 to 533 during the same period in December.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is proud of what he achieved in 2022. The senator says he pushed through legislation that advocates for pregnant moms in the workplace, to help veterans to better transition to civilian life and to assure you get no unexpected medical bills. He says he also worked to assure Louisiana received sufficient disaster recovery aid…:
Cut 4 (11) “…go down the list.”

The state’s favorite crustacean is not immune to inflation, and you should expect to pay $2.00 a pound more than last year. Brooke Thorington has more on an app that tracks prices.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU unveiled a statue of women’s basketball player Seimone Augustus yesterday and then went out and defeated Auburn 84-54.

State Police is investigating an overnight officer involved shooting that occurred during a pursuit in Lafayette. The Lafayette Police officer was not injured, while the male suspect has non-life-threatening injuries.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Former Saints coach Sean Payton will interview with teams this week as he decides whether he wants to return to coaching. Payton is still under contract with the Saints and so if a team hires him, they will have to send draft picks to New Orleans. General Manager Mickey Loomis says they wish the best for Payton, but they also want to be compensated well…
Cut 16 (19) “…maximize that”
Four teams have received permission to speak with Payton, the Broncos, Cardinals, Texans, and the Panthers. Will the Chargers be looking for a new head coach? There’s a lot of speculation surrounding head coach Brandon Staley after Los Angeles blew a 27 point lead and lost to Jacksonville on Saturday 31-30 in an AFC Wildcard matchup.

On an afternoon that LSU unveiled a statue of former LSU women’s basketball great Seimone Augustus, the fifth ranked Lady Tigers went out and beat Auburn 84-54 in front of 11-thousand fans at the PMAC. Coach Kim Mulkey’s team is 18-0, 6-0 in the SEC, but she reminds fans it’s only January…
cut 29 (18) “…to go”
Up next for LSU, a good Arkansas team comes into the PMAC on Thursday night.

The LSU men’s basketball team is home on Wednesday to host 21st ranked Auburn. Fourth ranked Alabama trounced the Tigers on Saturday 106-66.

The Ragin Cajuns have won four in a row and they are among six teams tied for first place in the Sun Belt with a four and two league record. ULM is one of those teams as the Warhawks topped Texas State 61-58 on Saturday and will travel to Georgia Southern. U-L Lafayette is at Arkansas State.

6:30 LRN Newscast

There are now four announced candidates running for Louisiana Governor this fall. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt officially entered the race Friday; joining A.G. Jeff Landry, Treasurer John Schroder and Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…:
Cut 13 (10) “…typical Louisiana race.”
Congressman Garret Graves, Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson, DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson and Louisiana Democratic Party Chairwoman Katie Bernhardt are other candidates who could jump into the race.

Did you enjoy some crawfish over the weekend? If you did, you may have noticed the price….
cut 11 (10) “…no denying”
Cofounder of the Crawfish App Laney King says inflation has caused base prices for crawfish farmers to double along with an increase in fuel prices.

Senator Bill Cassidy is proud of what he’s accomplished over the past year. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

LRN AM Newscall January 16

Senator Bill Cassidy is proud of what he’s accomplished for Louisiana over the past year. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

The state’s favorite crustacean is not immune to inflation, and you should expect to pay $2.00 a pound more than last year. Brooke Thorington has more on an app that tracks prices.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

There are now four announced candidates running for governor this fall, so how is the race stacking up so far? Kevin Gallagher has that…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_____________________________________________

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is proud of what he achieved in 2022. The senator says he pushed through a law advocating for pregnant moms in the workplace, to help veterans to better transition to civilian life and to assure you get no unexpected medical bills. He says he also worked to assure Louisiana received sufficient disaster recovery aid…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…go down the list.”

Cassidy says he’s worked to bring federal flood insurance back to a reasonable cost, introduced legislation to get illegal immigration under control and supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs act, which will bring millions to Louisiana for road and bridge improvements, including $150-million for a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles…:

Cut 5 (10) “…road and highways.”

Cassidy says Louisiana sent him to D.C. to deliver solutions and that’s what he has tried to do. He says he is particularly proud of passing his “No Surprises Act” last January which prevents patients from receiving medical bills they were not expecting for from procedures they thought insurance covered…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…of this legislation.” 

Cassidy says he looks forward to bringing home more for Louisiana in the year ahead.

_____________________________________________

Rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths surge among nursing home residents and staff nationwide including here in Louisiana, because most residents and staff are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. That’s according to the Director of Advocacy for the AARP, Andrew Muhl….

Cut 7 (10) “…the booster.”

According to AARP’s Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard, cases among residents nationwide increased 57% towards the end of December. In Louisiana, resident cases went from 460 to just over one-thousand, while staff cases went up from 245 to 533 during the same period. Muhl says it’s unfortunate

Cut 8 (14)  “.staying safe..”

Nursing home deaths nationwide increased by 14% during the end of December. Since the beginning of the pandemic 3,626 nursing home residents have died from the virus, and 13 more died at the end of December. Muhl says they’ll continue to advocate for better safety measures.

Cut 9 (14)  “… They’ve been taking .”

____________________________________________

You’ll want to budget accordingly for crawfish boils this year, with prices up $2.00 a pound compared to this time last year.  Crawfish App averages data from more than 16 hundred businesses and app co-founder Laney King says while she tries to remain optimistic…

Cut 10 (12)  “…this year.”

King says inflation has caused base prices for crawfish farmers to double in the last few years along with an increase in fuel prices.  It’s not just customers that are upset, King says retailers are equally frustrated about the increase in prices. While your favorite store to pick up mudbugs is getting the blame for the higher prices, she says they’re just paying what farmers and wholesalers are charging them.

Cut 11 (10)  “…no denying.”

With prices up, King says you might want to compare prices by using the Crawfish App to see if you can find a better price somewhere else besides your usual stop.  She says as the weather warms up, hopefully, prices will go down. decline.

Cut 12 (09) “…down a little.”

The Crawfish App compares prices for both boiled and live crawfish.

___________________________________________________

There are now four announced candidates running for Louisiana Governor this fall. Slidell state Senator Sharon Hewitt officially entered the race Friday; joining A.G. Jeff Landry, Treasurer John Schroder and Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…:

Cut 13 (10)  “…typical Louisiana race.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry leads those candidates in fundraising for the race. His campaign reports over $5-million cash on hand, with well over a million in Political action Committee money, plus the backing and resources of the state Republican Party.   Pinsonat says it was a brilliant strategy and fellow candidates are now forced to try and catch up…:

Cut 14 (10)  “…to run for governor.”

At this point, Pinsonat gives Landry a clear advantage in the race. He says perhaps Congressman Garret Graves could be a formidable challenge, but has doubts Graves will run. So far there are no declared Democrat candidates. Pinsonat says the Party of The Left is running behind at this time…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…two different worlds.”

Democrat DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson may run, as may New Orleans Councilwoman Helena Moreno and state Democratic Party chair Katie Bernhardt…but so far none have made it official.

________________________________________________________

Former Saints coach Sean Payton will interview with teams this week as he decides whether he wants to return to coaching. Payton is still under contract with the Saints and so if a team hires him, they will have to send draft picks to New Orleans. General Manager Mickey Loomis says they wish the best for Payton, but they also want to be compensated well…

Cut  16 (19)  “…maximize that” 

Four teams have received permission to speak with Payton, the Broncos, Cardinals, Texans, and the Panthers.

The Saints are coming off a 7-and-10 campaign and a second straight non-playoff appearance. But Loomis says he has no plans to tear down the roster and build it back up…

Cut 17 (16) “…in my mind'” 

Injuries have been a big problem for the Saints for two years in a row. Loomis says they are looking into it…

Cut 18 (19) “…knee injuries” 

10:30 LRN Newscast January 14

Senator Bill Cassidy is proud of what he’s accomplished for Louisiana over the past year. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1(33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Reader- Ticktoc star Waffler69 whose real name was Taylor Claydorm according to media outlets died this week at the age of 33. He was from lafayette with over 1.7 million followers and 32.8 million likes on his social platform.

Kumho (Coo-moe) Tires announces plans to construct a 350-thousand-square-foot warehouse and future plans for a distribution center in Franklin. Brandy Christian President of the Port of New Orleans says it’s a significant multi-million-dollar investment in St. Mary Parish

Cut 6 (12)  “…as well.” 

Seimone Augustus is considered the greatest women’s basketball player from Louisiana and on Sunday LSU will unveil a statue of the former All-American. It will be located near the Maravich Center. Lady Tigers Coach Kim Mulkey says Augustus is very deserving of the statue

Cut 12 (12) “…Olympics”

 

9:30 LRN Newscast January 14

There are now four announced candidates running Governor this fall, how is the race stacking up so far? Kevin Gallagher has that…:
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Louisiana Illuminator is reporting a special session is likely to take place next month that would be devoted to the state’s homeowners insurance crisis. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon would like to see a special fund established that can be used to attract private property insurance providers.

Big economic development news for St. Mary Parish; South Korean tire giant Kumho (Koo-moe) will invest millions in a 350-thousand square foot distribution center in Franklin. Port of New Orleans President Brandy Christian says this, plus a planned cargo container facility will further grow the state’s import & export capabilities..:
CUT 07(11) “…and manufacturing.”
When complete, the Kumho facility should create about 200 full-time jobs.

The 2023 New Orleans Jazz Festival lineup is out, and it features big names like Lizzo, Ed Sheeran, Dead & Company, Santana and many more. Festival organizer Quint Davis says some artists are finally coming after the pandemic prevented it in years past…:
CUT 10(11) “…put them on.”
The festival runs during the last weekend in April and first weekend in May.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Add state Senator Sharon Hewitt to the list of those running for Governor this fall. Hewitt is chair of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee and says – in her private professional life – she has acquired the business savvy to run the state…:
CUT 04(09) “…our state.”
Hewitt is the third person this week to announce they are running for governor. Republican State Treasurer John Schroder and Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy, an Independent, also got in the race. Attorney General Jeff Landry is the front-runner. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that’s because Landry secured the Republican Party’s nomination last year…
cut 14 (10) “…for governor”
The primary is in October.

The lineup for Jazz Fest is out, and organizers say this year they are back in their full glory. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A Mega Millions ticket bought in Maine is worth one-point-three-five billion dollars as it matched the winning numbers from last night’s drawing. The jackpot was the second largest in Mega Millions history and the fourth time the game has surpassed a billion dollar jackpot.

7:30 LRN Sportscast January 14

The Pelicans improved to 2-and-2 on their five-game road trip last night as they defeated the Detroit Pistons 116 to 110. Huge game for Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas, who had 33 points on 12 of 15 shooting and also grabbed 16 rebounds. Coach Willie Green on Valancinuas’ big game…
cut 28 (09) “…for us”
The Pelicans conclude this road trip in Cleveland when they play the Cavaliers on Monday afternoon.

The LSU men’s basketball team looks to snap a three-game losing streak when they visit fourth ranked Alabama today. Tip time is at 3 PM. The Ragin Cajuns look for their fourth straight win as they are at South Alabama. That’s also a 3 PM tip.

La Tech hosts UAB, Texas State is at ULM, Northwestern State visits Nicholls, Grambling is at Southern.

Seimone Augustus is considered the greatest women’s basketball player from Louisiana and on Sunday LSU will unveil a statue of the former All-American. It will be located near the Maravich Center. Augustus is the first statue on LSU’s campus of a female-student athlete and Lady Tigers Coach Kim Mulkey pushed for it…
Cut 14 (07) “…for Louisiana”
After the unveiling of the statue, Mulkey’s team will host Auburn. The fifth ranked Lady Tigers will look to improve to 18-0 on the season.

The NFL playoffs get underway this weekend. Tomorrow night the Bengals host their division rivals, Baltimore in an AFC Wildcard match-up. Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow on facing the Ravens for a third time this season…
cut 26 (19) “…down the field”
Kick-off is at 7:15.