11:30 LRN Newscast Dec 28

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves expects Congress to address Southwest Airlines’ mass flight cancellations. Graves expects to be chairman of the Aviation House Subcommittee.  Southwest’s reportedly outdated computer system could not keep track of flight crews. Graves says they need to get to the bottom of this…

Cut 4 (12)  “…scheduling systems 

The man suspected of setting a Christmas Eve fire at the Hammond Walmart has turned himself into authorities. State Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says 43-year-old Terrence Michael Coe of Hammond got tired of seeing his photo in the media and told investigators he set the fire as a distraction so he could shoplift.

Cut 7 (08)  “…steal from the store.”

He’s charged with aggravated Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Aggravated Arson, Armed Robbery, and Terrorism.

The East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office says the cause and manner of death of the child who was found in the Amite River Christmas Eve are pending. The child’s father Jacob Stricker told authorities his son, Matias Stricker wandered off while they were hiking. Investigative reporter Kiran Chawla spoke with the child’s mother Isabel Stricker, via a translator and the mother told Chawla she dropped Matias off Friday to spend time with his father.

Cut 14 (09)  “…mom’s house.”

The mother also had a protective order against her ex-husband.

Tax experts say you have some things to do by the end of the year if you want to save on your 2022 taxes. Jason Shellhaas (SHELL-US) is a partner with the Malcolm M. Dienes (DEE-NES) CPA firm in Metairie says if you made money in the stock market this year, you might consider trimming your portfolio before the end of the year to save on taxes.

Cut 6 (11)  “…at a gain.” 

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU basketball tip offs SEC play tonight by hosting ninth ranked Arkansas inside the PMAC. The Razorbacks are averaging 79 points a game so Tigers Coach Matt McMahon says defending the Hogs dynamic offense will be a team effort…
cut 17 (21) “…those areas”
Tonight’s game features the top two scorers in the SEC, LSU’s K-J Williams who leads the conference in scoring at 19 points a game and Arkansas has Ricky Council the Fourth who is averaging 18 points a game. Tip time is at 8 PM.

Last night, Northwestern State scored just 19 points in the second half. and lost to Texas A-and-M 64-52. The Demons head into Southland play with an 8-and-5 record.

The Sean Payton rumors of him returning to the Saints to be their head coach will not go away. Pro Football Talk is reporting there’s increasing chatter in league circles about Payton returning to the Saints and Tom Brady would be the Black and Gold’s quarterback. Brady is a free agent after the season. Denver and Carolina are looking for new coaches but Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio doesn’t see Payton going to those two teams.

Former Destrehan star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed has been hired as the new head coach at Bethune Cookman. He takes over for Terry Sims who went 38-39 in seven seasons. Reed, who played for the Miami Hurricanes, has spent the last three years as an administrator with the Hurricanes football program.

The Pelicans host the Timberwolves tonight looking for their fourth straight win. The team has announced the game is a sell out at the Smoothie King Center and so is Friday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Zion Williamson has missed the last three games, but told reporters yesterday he expects to play tonight. Tip time is at 7 PM.

10:30 LRN Newscast Dec 28

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves expects Congress to address Southwest Airline’s Failure to deliver on thousands of scheduled flights when they convene a new Congress next year. Graves expects to be chairman of the Aviation House Subcommittee, so he’ll be in the middle of those discussions…

Cut 3 (10) “…in scheduling” 

At the Louis Armstrong International Airport, hundreds of bags that flew on Southwest are stranded in New Orleans.

Authorities have arrested a suspect in the Christmas Eve fire at the Hammond Walmart. State Fire Marshal’s spokeswoman Ashley Rodrigue says media exposure of the man’s picture led 43-year-old Terrence Michael Coe of Hammond to call investigators

Cut 6 (12)  “…picture out.”

Rodrigue says Coe told investigators he set the fire as a distraction so he could shoplift.

The East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office says the cause and manner of death of the child who was found in the Amite River Christmas Eve are pending. The child’s father Jacob Stricker told authorities his son, Matias Stricker wandered off while they were hiking. Investigative reporter Kiran Chawla spoke with the child’s mother Isabel Stricker, via a translator, and she has a protective order against her ex-husband.

Cut 13 (11) “…abuse battery.”

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.

For his final year in office, Governor Edwards says he plans to ask state lawmakers to make further amendments to the state’s abortion law. The law had very few exceptions under which the procedure would be allowed.

Cut 10 (12) “…that starts in April.” 

 

9:30 LRN Newscast December 28

The cause and manner of death for the child who was found in the Amite River on Christmas Eve is undetermined.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State Police says two people from Cut Off were killed in a three-vehicle wreck on Louisiana Highway One just north of the Leeville Tolll Bridge yesterday afternoon. The victims have been identified as 43-year-old Archie Duet and 53-year-old Guy Dupierre. L-S-P says Duet was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash.

Just a few more days left in 2022 and there are some things you can do to lessen that tax bill that will be due in the spring time. CPA Jason Shellhaas (Shell-us) says taxpayers can help themselves and their favorite charity at the same time…
cut 5 (08) “….in 2022”
He says if you made money in the stock market, consider trimming your portfolio by selling your stocks at a loss to save on taxes.

The USDA has designated eleven Louisiana parishes as disaster areas do to excessive rains that occurred from June 1st to November 2nd. Avoyelles, Calcasieu, Franklin, Iberville, Madison and Vermilion Parishes are among those parishes eligible. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says famers should gather documentation of disaster losses and apply soon…
cut 9 (08) “….services agency”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards has one more year left in office and one of his goals during 2023 will be convincing the Louisiana Legislature to amend the state’s abortion ban to provide an exception for rape and incest. Edwards will also seek to pass legislation that would clarify what would constitute a medical exemption…
cut 12 (09) “…specific conditions”
Edwards says there were cases this year of women who had to seek abortions in other states, even though they could have received one in Louisiana based on their medical condition.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says most of Louisiana’s parishes are eligible for federal aid as a result of drought conditions in 2022 that turned into devastating rains that destroyed crops. Strain says the assistance will come in the form of USDA Farm Services Agency emergency loans…
cut 8 (07) “….types of assistance”

Tax experts say you can save money on your 2022 taxes if you act before the end of the year. Marsanne Golsby has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

The Caesar’s Superdome was evacuated this morning after a construction fire broke out in the walls of the historic stadium. No injuries reported. Smoke was not seen leaving the Superdome, but a New Orleans TV Station smoke made its way onto the field. The Sugar Bowl is Saturday between Alabama and Kansas State. The Saints are in Philadelphia on Sunday.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll ask state lawmakers during the 2023 regular legislative session to amend the state’s current ban on abortion to include exceptions for rape and incest. Edwards also wants to provide more clarity to what constitutes a medical exemption….
cut 11 (09) “….probably should have”

The investigation continues into the tragic death of a four-year-old boy in East Baton Rouge Parish, who was pulled from the frigid Amite River on Christmas Eve. The child’s father says Matias Stricker Abreu wandered away from him while the two were walking in Central. But investigative reporter Kiran Chawla spoke to the child’s mother who does not believe that story..
cut 15 (09) “….walk off”
The East Baton Rouge coroner is still trying to determine a cause of death.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says federal aid for farmers hit hard by drought then flooding rain in 2022 is on the way. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Hundreds of Louisiana residents continue to be impacted by Southwest Airlines meltdown after last week’s major winter storm. There are hundreds of unclaimed bags at Louis Armstrong International Airport and nearly two-thirds of Southwest’s flights are canceled today.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU Men’s Basketball will begin SEC play tonight in the P-MAC. The 11-1 Tigers will host ninth-ranked Arkansas as new Head Coach Matt McMahon looks to establish himself in the SEC. The Razorbacks are 5.5 point favorites and the Tigers have an opportunity to open conference play with a statement win, but McMahon says his goal is the same as always: to help his team become the best they can be…
Cut 16 (19) “..of themselves.”
Arkansas has a talented freshman in six-foot-five Nick Smith and they force nearly 19 turnovers a game, 11th best in the nation. Tip time is at 8 PM on ESPN Two.

Former Destrehan star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed has been hired as the new head coach at Bethune Cookman. He takes over for Terry Sims who went 38-39 in seven seasons. Reed, who played for the Miami Hurricanes, has spent the last three years as an administrator with the Hurricanes football program.

Northwestern State men’s basketball built a 15-point lead in the first half, but the Demons struggled in the second half and lost to Texas A-and-M 64-52. Despite the loss, Northwestern made a season-best 13 three-pointers on a school record 40 attempts.

The Pelicans who are on a three-game winning streak will host the Minnesota Timberwolves. The T-Wolves are 16-and-18 overall, while the Pels are 21-12 and 14-and-4 inside the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans is one game back of Denver for first place in the Western Conference. After tonight, the Pels host Philadelphia on Friday and visit the Grizzles on Saturday to close out 2022.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The cause and manner of death for the child who was found in the Amite River on Christmas Eve is undetermined. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Authorities have arrested a Hammond man who started a fire inside a heavily-occupied Walmart store in Hammond on Christmas Eve. 43-year-old Terrence Coe was booked on several charges including aggravated arson and terrorism. The State Fire Marshal’s Office says Coe set the fire to cause a distraction so he could shoplift.

Tax experts say you have some things to do by the end of the year if you want to save on your 2022 taxes. Jason Shellhaas (SHELL-US) is a partner with the Malcolm M. Dienes (DEE-NES) CPA firm in Metairie. He recommends business owners pay bills now so they can take those deductions for 2022, and also look to see if they need to make large equipment purchases.
Cut 4 (12) “…tax year 2022.”

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack declares a weather disaster in numerous Louisiana parishes; bringing federal aid for hard-hit farmers. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says farmers fought extreme drought in 2022, then were hit with torrential rainfalls that damaged crops and affected yields.…:
Cut 7 (09) “…in the crop year.”
Strain says the assistance will come in form of USDA Farm Services Agency emergency loans and other aid.

AM LRN Newscall Dec 27

Tax experts say you can save money on your 2022 taxes if you act before the end of the year. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

________________________________________________________

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says federal aid for farmers hit hard by drought then flooding rain in 2002 is on the way. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

_______________________________________________

The cause and manner of death for the child who was found in the Amite River on Christmas Eve is undetermined. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

________________________________________________

Tax experts say you have some things to do by the end of the year if you want to save on your 2022 taxes. Jason Shellhaas (SHELL-US) is a partner with the Malcolm M. Dienes (DEE-NES) CPA firm in Metairie. He recommends business owners pay bills now so they can take those deductions for 2022, and also look to see if they need to make large equipment purchases.

Cut 4 (12)  “…tax year 2022.”

Shellhaas says individuals can help themselves and deserving charities at the same time.

Cut 5 (08) “…in 2022.”

He says if you made money in the stock market this year, you might consider trimming your portfolio before the end of the year to save on taxes.

Cut 6 (11)  “…at a gain.” 

________________________________________________

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack declares a weather disaster in numerous Louisiana parishes; bringing federal aid for hard-hit farmers. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says farmers fought extreme drought in 2022, then were hit with torrential rainfalls that damaged crops and affected yields. He says Vilsack made the federal assistance official…:

Cut 7 (09) “…in the crop year.”

Strain says the assistance will come in form of USDA Farm Services Agency emergency loans and other aid. He says farmers with drought and rain related losses can begin application for the assistance right away, but remember there IS a time limit…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…types of assistance.”

The primary disaster parishes are Ascension, Avoyelles, Calcasieu, Cameron, Franklin, Iberville, Madison, St. James, Tensas, Vermilion and West Baton Rouge. Areas bordering those parishes will also be eligible to apply. Strain says farmers should gather documentation of disaster losses and apply soon…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…Services Agency.”

Information is online at “fsa.usda.gov”

__________________________________________

In his final year in office, Governor John Bel Edwards says he plans to ask state lawmakers to make further amendments to the state’s abortion law. The law, which was authored by Monroe area Democrat senator Katrina Jackson, and had very few exceptions under which the procedure would be allowed. Edwards says those weren’t enough…:

Cut 10 (12) “…that starts in April.” 

Edwards says he’ll ask for a bill to amend exceptions for rape and incest into the law. He says, since the law went into effect with the reversal of Roe v Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, there have documented cases of women having to leave the state in order to terminate their pregnancy…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…probably should have.”

The law has exceptions for so-called “medical futility”; where the infant would be still-born, and there are exceptions to save the life of the mother. Edwards says the law has also been modified to allow other medical exceptions…:

Cut 12 (09) “…specific conditions.”

He says he’d still prefer to have rape & incest added to the law in this year’s legislative session.

______________________________________________

The East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office says the cause and manner of death of the child who was found in the Amite River Christmas Eve are pending. The child’s father Jacob Stricker told authorities his son, Matias Stricker wandered off while they were hiking. Investigative reporter Kiran Chawla spoke with the child’s mother Isabel Stricker, via a translator, and she has a protective order against her ex-husband.

Cut 13 (11) “…abuse battery.”

The child was found about an hour after he was reported missing and taken to Children’s Hospital where he died before midnight. Chawla says the mother told her that she dropped Matias off Friday to spend time with his father.

Cut 14 (09)  “…mom’s house.”

Jacob Stricker told authorities his son was missing in the BREC Frenchtown Conservation Area trails. But Chawla says his mother told her that Matias is autistic and it’s not like him to walk off.

Cut 15 (09)  “…walk off.”

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. LRN reached out to the sheriff’s office for comment but no response.

______________________________________________

LSU Men’s Basketball will begin SEC play tonight in the P-MAC. The 11-1 Tigers will host ninth-ranked Arkansas as new Head Coach Matt McMahon looks to establish himself in the SEC. The Razorbacks are heavy favorites in the matchup and the Tigers have an opportunity to open conference play with a  statement win, but McMahon says his goal is the same as always: to help his team become the best they can be…

Cut  16 (19)  “..of themselves.” 

LSU has struggled defensively at times, especially on the perimeter, but have been bailed out by poor shooting from opponents. The Tigers will not enjoy that same margin for error against one of the nation’s top teams. Arkansas boasts an explosive backcourt featuring transfer Ricky Council IV, who’s averaging 18 points a game, and McDonald’s All-American Anthony Black. McMahon says defending the Razorbacks dynamic offense will be a team effort…

Cut 17 (21) “…in those areas.” 

The Razorbacks are not only an offensive team by any measure but, with one of the best defenses in the country. They’ve allowed opponents just under 62 points per game this season and average just over 10 steals a game. McMahon says limiting their defensive impact will be important if LSU wants to win…

Cut 18 (22) “…open floor.” 

Tip-Off in the P-MAC is at 8:00

  ______________________________________________

 

Cut 19 (27) “…take of business”

 

Cut 20 (23)     ….of the year” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 27

After a four-year-old child went missing Christmas Eve and was found in the freezing waters of the Amite River, the East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office says the manner of death has not been determined. Jacob Stricker told authorities his son Matias Stricker wandered off while they were hiking in the BREC Frenchtown Conservation Area trails. The toddler was found an hour later in the river transported to the hospital and died just before midnight. The child’s mother Isabel Stricker reportedly has a protective order against his father. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.

State Police say 39-year-old Brandi Hall, of Darrow, was a passenger who died in a crash in Ascension Parish yesterday. Troopers say a pickup crossed the center line and hit the SUV head-on. Trooper Christian Reed says neither in the SUV were wearing seatbelts.

CUT 05(07)      “…seat belt use.”

The driver of the pickup is charged with negligent homicide.

The weather continues to cause several travel delays and flight cancellations across the country. Nick Chabarria with Triple-A says Southwest airlines has had the most cancellations compared to other airlines. And after numerous cancellations over the weekend airlines are now playing catch up.

Cut 9 (06) “…to get home.” 

If you bought a Powerball ticket for the July 30th drawing at the Fisherman’s One Stop in Saint Amant you might want to check your numbers. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says no one has claimed a $50-thousand prize and the ticket will expire January 26th. She’s hoping this story will help bring the winner forward…

Cut 14 (09)   “…word out.”

She says you can use the Louisiana Lottery app on your phone to check and see if you’re a winner or not.