8:30 LRN Newscast

The Saints wrapped up a disappointing season yesterday with a ten to seven loss to the Carolina Panthers. There were high hopes going into the year, but the Saints started the season two and five and could never really recover. It’s the second straight year, defensive end Cam Jordan and the Saints missed the playoffs…
Cut 17 (11) “…with a vengeance.”
It’s expected Dennis Allen will get another season as the team’s head coach.

Doctor David Guzick is the new chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport. He was awarded with the “Best Physician for Women” recognition by “Good Housekeeping” and is known for his research in reproductive medicine. He says the chancellor position is way to expand his career…
cut 9 (07) “…great things”
Guzick comes to Shreveport after spending the nine years as senior vice president of health affairs and president of University of Florida Health.

Could a Buc-ee’s be coming to Louisiana? There have been rumors of a Buc-ees coming to Ruston for several months and there’s an item on today’s Ruston City Council meeting that fuels more speculation. Malcolm Butler with the Lincoln Parish Journal is following the story and he believes Buc-ees has their eyes set on a location along Interstate 20…
cut 5 (08) “…of land”
Buc-ees is known for its cheap gas, clean bathrooms and smoky brisket.

Speaking of food, did you eat some King Cake over the weekend? King Cake season is officially underway and baker David Haydel of Haydel’s Bakery says they actually begin gathering ingredients in November. And even with all that preparation on King’s Day, they sold out.
Cut 15 (09) “…a lot of fun.”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Experts predict Louisiana’s oil & gas industry will shrink OR move toward clean, green energy. But what does the industry say? Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Grief counselors are on hand at Woodlawn Elementary School in Baton Rouge today after seven-year-old Sadie Davila died from injuries sustained when she was attacked by a dog on Friday. 20-year-old Erick Lopez faces one count of negligent homicide for allowing his pit-bull terrier to roam the neighborhood.

After a year of rumors, there could potentially be a Buc-ee’s coming to Ruston based on an agenda item that will be discussed at tonight’s city council meeting. Malcolm Butler with the Lincoln Parish Journal says council members are expected to discuss an agreement with CSMS Management.
Cut 4 (12) “…started Buck-ees.”
There are currently no Buc-ee’s in Louisiana.

Dr. David Guzick, a physician recognized by National Academy of Medicine, begins his new job as Chancellor for LSU Health Shreveport today. Guzick says he has a promising vision for the center.
Cut 7 (13) “…the region.”
Guzick was previously the senior vice president of health affairs and president of U-F Health for nine years.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints wrapped up a disappointing season yesterday with a ten to seven loss to the Carolina Panthers. There were high hopes going into the year, but the Saints started the season two and five and could never really recover. It’s the second straight year, defensive end Cam Jordan and the Saints missed the playoffs…
Cut 17 (11) “…with a vengance.”
Once again the Saints have a bunch of unrestricted free agents going into the offseason. Coach Dennis Allen could not predict on how much of a roster turnover we will see…
Cut 18 (13) “…week or two”
Today is Black Monday in the NFL, a day we see a lot of coaching changes, but Allen is expected to get another season.

Tonight is the national championship game in college football as Georgia tries to repeat, while T-C-U looks to finish an improbable season by winning the school’s first national title since 1938. Kick-off is at 6:30 PM.

LSU needs help at the cornerback position and they have received a commitment from Darian “Duce” Chestnut, who started the last two seasons at Syracuse. The former three-star recruit from New Jersey recorded 83 tackles and four interceptions in his two seasons for the Orange and has two more years of eligibility left.

The Pelicans will look to snap a two-game losing streak tonight in Washington as they face the Wizards. New Orleans is 24-and-16 and in third place in the Western Conference.

The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team improved to 16-0 yesterday, the school’s best start to a season, by beating Kentucky 67-48 at Rupp Arena in Lexington. LSU has now won 24 straight regular season games dating back to last year.

6:30 LRN newscast

Experts say the Louisiana oil & gas industry is expected to transition to clean, sustainable fuels. LSU energy sector economist David Dismukes says a number of companies will seek incentives from the Biden Administration to invest in energy projects like wind, clean hydrogen fuel and carbon capture. Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla says he agrees…but not as many companies as one may think…:
Cut 10 (11) “…get into green.”

Doctor David Guzick takes over today as the new chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport. Guzick served the last nine years as senior vice president of health affairs and president of University of Florida Health. Guzick says he integrated the hospital system and health science faculty in a manner that spurred tremendous growth…
cut 8 (05) “…in Shreveport”

Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans is working around the clock to meet the demand for King Cakes. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Saints season came to an end yesterday with a ten to seven defeat to Carolina. The Black and Gold finish with a seven and then record.

LRN AM Newscall January 9

We are expecting to learn more tonight about a rumored Buc-ees coming to Ruston, Whitney Thomas reports on the potential of the famous mega-convenience store being built on I-20.

Cut 1 (31)  “…Whitney Thomas.”

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Experts predict Louisiana’s oil & gas industry will shrink OR move toward clean, green energy. But what does the industry say? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans is working around the clock to meet the demand for King Cakes. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________________________

After a year of rumors, there could potentially be a Buc-ee’s coming to Ruston based on an agenda item that will be discussed at tonight’s city council meeting. Malcolm Butler with the Lincoln Parish Journal says council members are expected to discuss an agreement with CSMS Management.

Cut 4 (12)  “…started Buck-ees.”

Butler says they reached out to Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker to ask about the speculations but he declined to comment. He says if the rumors are confirmed tonight that the potential location for the Buck-ees will be perfect.

Cut 5 (08) “…of land.”

This would be the first Buc-ee’s in Louisiana. Butler says it would be great for the local economy.

Cut 6 (07)  “…our parish.” 

_____________________________________________

Dr. David Guzick, a National Academy of Medicine-recognized physician, will begin his new job as Chancellor for LSU Health Shreveport today. Guzick says he has a promising vision for the center.

Cut 7 (13) “…the region.”

Guzick’s most recent position was at the University of Florida, where he served as senior vice president of health affairs and president of UF health for nine years. He was able to integrate the hospital system with health science faculty, which led to tremendous growth. Guzick says he is more than prepared to be Chancellor.

Cut 8 (13)  “…in Shreveport.”

Guzick was awarded best physician for women and is a recipient of the Roy M. Pitkin Award. He says the Chancellor position is a way of expanding his career.

Cut 9 (07)  “…great things.”

____________________________________________

Experts say the Louisiana oil & gas industry is expected to shrink over the next year OR attempt a shift to clean, sustainable fuels. LSU energy sector economist David Dismukes says a number of companies will seek incentives via the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Investments Act to invest in energy projects like wind, clean hydrogen fuel and carbon capture. Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla says he agrees…but not as many companies as one may think…:

Cut 10 (11) “…get into green.”

In a “Louisiana Illuminator ” article, Dismukes said, “Clean hydrogen initiatives will be something else that will take off and probably be pretty big.” Moncla says LOGA is all for alternate fuels used alongside traditional energy but feels that prediction is “wishful thinking”…:

Cut 11 (12)  “…into that arena.”

Moncla says there are well over 800 companies currently drilling in Louisiana, and he doesn’t see too many of them having interest in, nor the budget for, exploring green energy…:

Cut 12 (10) “…in south Louisiana.”

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It’s now socially acceptable to devour a King Cake and among the most popular is from Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans. Third-generation baker David Haydel says on average they braid anywhere from 60,000 to 75,000 cakes a year. And it’s not just folks in the Bayou State who enjoy a Haydel King Cake.

Cut 13 (09) “…since then.”

They also ship internationally and Haydel says they’ve sent the beloved pastry to places like Egypt, Ireland, and Australia.

And while most bakeries place the plastic baby on the outside of a King Cake, Haydel’s does it the old fashion way.

Cut 14 (12)  “…can find it.”

Haydel says they begin prepping for King Cake season in early November and bring in truckloads of ingredients. The average day at Haydel’s this time of year begins at 12:30 in the morning for bakers, they close shop at 5:00 in the evening, a cleaning crew comes in, and then it starts all over again. And even with all that preparation on King’s Day, they sold out.

Cut 15 (09)  “…a lot of fun.”

And every Haydel King Cake includes a porcelain collectible.

________________________________________________________

A disappointing Saints season ended with a frustrating 10-7 loss to Carolina in the Superdome. New Orleans scored its lone touchdown on the opening drive, while the Panthers kicked a game-winning field goal on the final play of the game. Saints defensive end Cam Jordan says the game was a microcosm of the season…

Cut  16 (16)  “…losing” 

There were high hopes going into the season, but the Saints started the season two and five and could never really recover. It’s the second straight year Jordan and the Saints missed the playoffs…

 Cut 17 (11) “…with a vengance.” 

Once again the Saints have a bunch of unrestricted free agents going into the offseason. Coach Dennis Allen could not predict on how much of a roster turnover we will see…

Cut 18 (13) “…week or two” 

Saints safety Tyann Mathieu hopes this season could serve as a lesson that will result in more victories next year…

 Cut 19 (18) “…believe in that”

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The 7th-ranked LSU women’s basketball team defeated Kentucky 67-48 to improve to 16-0 yesterday, the best start in program history. Coach Kim Mulkey’s team led 31-17 at halftime to cruise to their fourth SEC win of the year…

Cut 20 (20)  “..start a game” 

10:30 LRN Newscast Jan 7

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with payroll fraud after attending only one meeting in 2022. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

A Calcasieu Parish man, who’d JUST been released from the parish jail on one charge, is now back IN, after returning and attacking the jail building. 39-year-old Ken Hunt threw rocks at the glass then pushed the glass in. His next stay with the parish is for criminal damage to property.

 

The recent collapse of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin on field, and the quick use of CPR to revive him, has some talking about the importance of learning CPR themselves. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital Area West Red Cross Ed Bush.

CUT 05(12)      “…uptick in classes”

Find out how at “RedCross.org/CPR.

It’s now socially acceptable to enjoy a slice of King Cake. Friday was King’s Day, or 12th Night and thus the official start of the Carnival season that ends with Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy explains the novelty of a King Cake…:

CUT 10  (09)        “…for everybody.”

Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 21st this year.

9:30 LRN Newscast Jan 7

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. His attorney says he was at work at his job and couldn’t make it. 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says if a job gets in the way of holding public office, then you have to make a decision…:

CUT 08  (08)        “…needs to resign.”

His case goes to trial in June.

As of today, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry is the only major declared candidate for governor. A few candidates have decided NOT to run, and a handful of fellow GOP members are thinking about it. Landry Campaign spokesman Brent Littlefield says fundraising is running full speed ahead.

CUT 12(07)      “…our message out.”

He says they have just over $5-million cash, plus PAC and party money.

Firefighters in Ascension Parish spent the evening responding to a lengthy grass fire along interstate 10. The flames extended for more than six miles near the La 73 interchange. Sheriff Bobby Webre says it didn’t cause any traffic snarls only slowdowns from those passing by. The cause of the blaze is unknow. The Gonzales, Prairieville, Sorrento and Geismar fire departments responded to the incident.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to show remarkable improvement after collapsing on the field Monday and medical experts say CPR most likely saved his life. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital Area West Red Cross Ed Bush says the Red Cross is the leading expert on CPR instruction…

Cut 4 (09)  “…super easy.” 

The website is RedCross-dot-org forward slash CPR

8:30 LRN Newscast Jan 7

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says Spears has committed a crime…

Cut 6 (07)  “…with it” 

Based on the charge, Spears could face a fine of up to one-thousand and up to two years in prison.

As of today, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry is the only major declared candidate for Louisiana Governor in 2023. A few candidates have decided NOT to run, and a handful of fellow GOP members are thinking about it. Landry Campaign spokesman Brent Littlefield says the Landry Campaign has a good head start on potential challengers…:

CUT 13  (09)        “…Leadership PAC

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to show remarkable improvement after collapsing on the field Monday and medical experts say CPR most likely saved his life. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital Area West Red Cross Ed Bush says it was actually a trainer who administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on Hamlin,

Cut 3 (06) “…gentleman alive.” 

To learn CRP visit RedCross.org/CPR

Friday was 12th Night, or King’s Day for some, which means Carnival season is underway, and that means it’s considered socially acceptable to devour some King Cake. Publisher of New Orleans’ “Mardi Gras Guide” Arthur Hardy says the Crescent City kicked off the festival season properly yesterday.

CUT 09(09)      “…in New Orleans.”

7:30 LRN Sportscast

Playing without the injured Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans could not defeat one of the more talented teams in the NBA as New Orleans fell to the Brooklyn Nets 108-102 in front of a sold out crowd at the Smoothie King Center. Coach Willie Green liked the fight he saw from his team…
cut 16 (11) “…down the stretch”
C-J McCollum had 28 points to lead New Orleans and Naji (Nah-G) Marshall had a career high 23 points and nine rebounds. The Nets got 33 points from Kevin Durant. The Pels begin a five-game road trip tonight in Dallas.

LSU is in Bryan-College Station today to take on Texas A-and-M. The Tigers have won ten straight over the Aggies. LSU is 1-1 in SEC play, A-and-M is 1-0. Tip time is 5 PM.
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LSU offensive lineman Anthony Bradford has declared for the NFL draft. The former four-star recruit out of Michigan started the final games of this season. He’s six-foot-five, 345 pounds. Despite Bradford’s departure, LSU is still expected to return a majority of its starting offensive line next season.

The Saints will look to close out the regular season on a four-game winning streak when they host Carolina tomorrow. Offensive guard Andrus Peat and Paulson Adebo (Uh-dee-bo) have been ruled out because of injuries. Kick-off is at noon.

Back to college basketball, here are some other games on the schedule today…ULM, who is 3-and-0 in the Sun Belt, hosts Southern Miss, the Cajuns take on Georgia State, La Tech hosts UTEP and Nicholls is at Northwestern State.

LSU baseball is ranked number one in the Perfect Game preseason poll and Dylan Crews has been named Preseason player of the year

5:30 LRN Newscast Jan 06

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla (duh-QUILL-uh) says Spears was paid for the eleven meetings he failed to attend…:

CUT 07(07)      “…that as a crime.”

Spear’s attorney says his client was at work and couldn’t make it. If convicted, he could get up to two years in prison.

As of today, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry is the only major declared candidate for Louisiana Governor in 2023. A few candidates have decided NOT to run, and a handful of fellow GOP members are thinking about it. Landry Campaign spokesman Brent Littlefield says fundraising is running full-speed ahead; anticipating a large field of fellow candidates…:

CUT 12(07)      “…our message out.”

He says they have just over $5-million cash in hand, plus PAC and party money.

 

A Calcasieu Parish man, who’d JUST been released from the parish jail on one charge, is now back IN, after returning and attacking the jail building. 39-year-old Ken Hunt threw rocks at the glass then pushed the glass in. His next stay with the parish is for criminal damage to property.

Louisiana is letting the good times roll by kicking off Carnival season with 12th Night, or King’s Day, and – of course – lots of King Cake. The traditional Carnival treat is made with a rich dough and a wide array of fillings, like cinnamon, chocolate, and cream cheese. Each cake is topped with the traditional purple, green and gold sprinkles. “Mardi Gras Guide” publisher Arthur Hardy says there is no right or wrong way to enjoy King Cake…:

CUT 11(12)      “…fun dessert.”

Here’s the question: if you get the baby in your slice, DO you buy the next King Cake, as is the tradition?