11:40 LRN Sportscast

Tonight, it’s the first of two semifinal games in the college football playoffs. Notre Dame and Penn State will meet in the Orange Bowl in Miami at 6:30. The Fighting Irish have three players who played high school football in Louisiana…former St. Aug running back Dylan Devezin and two former University High players, safety Jordan Clark and linebacker Jaiden Ausberry. Clark and Ausberry are the sons of former LSU football stars, Ryan Clark and Verge Ausberry.

The sixth ranked LSU women’s basketball team is at 16th ranked Tennessee tonight. LSU is 17-and-0, while the Lady Vols are 13-and-1. Coach Kim Mulkey says Tennessee is very good…

Cut 17 (20)  “…magic number.” 

Tip off is at 5:30 from Knoxville.

Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk has agreed to reduce his base salary for next season, which is a sign he will retire soon. Ramczyk didn’t play in 2024 because of a chronic knee injury. The former first round pick is 30-years-old.

The Sun Belt has announced cross-divisional opponents for the 2025 season, the Ragin Cajuns will host Marshall in a rematch of the Sun Belt Conference championship game and U-L will travel to James Madison. ULM will  host Old Dominion and visit Coastal Carolina.

In college hoops, the Cajuns are home tonight to take on Old Dominion. Both teams are 2-and-1 in Sun Belt play and U-L Lafayette interim head coach Derrick Zimmerman gives a scouting report on the Monarchs…

Cut 20 (20) “…the year.”

ULM is at Southern Miss.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Today, a nation comes together to mourn the passing of Jimmy Carter. The 39th President died December 29th at the age of 100. One organization near and dear to his heart was Habitat for Humanity, having helped build several homes for the organization. Kathy Gardner, the president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana, says Carter left a lasting legacy.

Cut 6 (13) “…loving human mankind.”

With the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras coming up, the big talk is how to make the French Quarter safe, especially in light of what happened early New Year’s Day. Some have suggested turning the entire French Quarter into a pedestrian mall. New Orleans representative Alonzo Knox says there’s one problem with that.

Cut 11 (08) “…of the year.”

Knox says a more viable solution is to turn just Bourbon Street into a permanent pedestrian mall – something that has previously been floated, only to have businesses on that street push back.

North Louisiana braces for a winter storm. The question now is, what kind of winter precipitation will fall? Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

So far this year, 11 people have died in eight separate fires across the state. The two latest deadly fires were in Shreveport and in Rapides Parish, with one person dying in each. These deadly fires come amid plummeting temperatures throughout Louisiana, as people come up with creative – and dangerous – ways to stay warm.

8:30 LRN Newscast

A winter storm warning is in effect for Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Claiborne Parishes. Meteorologist Matthew Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says the higher accumulation of the winter precipitation will take place near the Louisiana-Arkansas border…

Cut 8 (12) “…southern parts.”

For Monroe, Jonesboro, Winnsboro, Mansfield, Natchitoches, Alexandr and DeRidder, the possibility of freezing rain is ten percent or less.

Prior to the new year, Governor Jeff Landry expressed frustration that legislation approved in the regular session last year has not resulted in the lowering of homeowners insurance rates. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple points to Florida, who approved property insurance reforms after Hurricane Ian in 2022…

Cut 15 (11) “…benefit of that”

Since the New Year’s Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, there’s been talk about making one of the most famous streets in the world a pedestrian mall. State Representative Alonzo Knox’s district covers the French Quarter and says it is a possibility…

Cut 12 (08) “…a pedestrian mall”

New Orleans has hired former New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton. He’s known as an anti-terror planning expert.

It’s a National Day of Mourning for President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29th at the age of 100. One organization near and dear to President Carter’s heart was Habitat for Humanity. After leaving office, Carter helped the organization build a countless number of homes. Kathy Gardner, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana, says Carter set the example for everyone else to follow.

Cut 4 (13) “…in North Louisiana.”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Former New York City police commissioner William Bratton has been hired to look at how New Orleans can improve its security efforts. Bratton will meet with the media today.

One of the victims in the New Year’s Day attack, Tiger Bech, pushed a girl out of harm’s way from the suspect’s truck that was speeding down Bourbon Street. That’s according to Tiger’s brother Jack Bech, who posted the information he received from the FBI on social media.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple understands the frustration about rising homeowners’ insurance premiums. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

We’re watching for the possibility of wintery precipitation across north Louisiana today and into tomorrow. The biggest threat is for northwest Louisiana and Meteorologist Matthew Hemingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says if we get any freezing rain that could be a problem…

Cut 9 (12) “…Friday morning”

Precipitation is expected to begin falling this afternoon.

Today is a National Day of Mourning for our 39th President Jimmy Carter, who passed away just before the new year. Carter is remembered for his time in politics and his humanitarian efforts. He was involved with many organizations including Habitat for Humanity. Kathy Gardner is the CEO of the Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana…

Cut 5 (13) “…a greater level”

6:45 LRN sportscast

The Saints conducted a virtual interview with Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver yesterday. The 44-year-old is considered one of the NFL’s top rising assistants. New Orleans will reportedly interview Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafika today and then Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn tomorrow.

The Saints and offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk have reportedly agreed to a restructured deal as Ramczyk is expected to announce his retirement this offseason. The restructured contract will save the Saints nearly 17 million dollars in salary cap space.

The Pelicans were thoroughly outplayed in a 119 to 100 loss to Portland last night. New Orleans head coach Willie Green…

Cut 23 (12) “…consistently”

The Pels are 7 and 31 and in last place in the West.

The sixth ranked LSU women’s basketball team will put its undefeated record on the line tonight when they visit 16th ranked Tennessee. ESPN.com bracketologist Charlie Crème called the Lady Tigers an enigma because their soft non-conference schedule makes difficult to evaluate them. Coach Kim Mulkey is fine with the enigma label…

Cut 16 (07) “…won the championship.”

LSU is 17-and-0, while Tennessee is 13-and-1.

After dropping its first two Conference USA games on the road, Louisiana Tech returns to the Thomas Assembly Center tonight to host FIU. Bulldogs Coach Talvin Hester hopes last week’s losses serve as a wake up call..

Cut 19 (10) “…really is.”

FIU is seven and eight but the Panthers have won five of their last seven. Tip off is at 6:30.

6:30 LRN Newscast

A winter storm rolls into north Louisiana today, the question is what type of precipitation will fall? National Weather Service Meteorologist Matthew Hemingway says the high temperatures will reach the upper-30s, so we could see mixed precipitation at first….

Cut 7 (13) “…area Friday morning.”

Expect the precipitation to fall early this afternoon.

In New Orleans, discussions continue on how to make the French Quarter safer in light of the terrorist attack on New  Year’s Day on Bourbon Street. State Representative Alonzo Knox’s district includes the French Quarter and he’s open to all suggestions…

Cut 10 (10) “…least mitigate it”

The city has hired tactical expert Bill Bratton, who has led both the New York and Los Angeles Police departments. He’ll be introduced to the media this afternoon.

On this, the national day of mourning, Habitat for Humanity chapters across the country, including here in Louisiana, are mourning the passing of one of its biggest champions, President Jimmy Carter.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Governor Jeff Landry told the Advocate newspaper he’s frustrated legislation passed in the 2024 regular session has yet to lead to a decrease in homeowners insurance premiums. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s response…

Cut 14 (08) “…of this crisis”

Temple remains confident the reforms passed last year will end the rise in premiums.

LRN AM Newscall January 9

On this, the national day of mourning, Habitat for Humanity chapters across the country, including here in Louisiana, are mourning the passing of one of its biggest champions, President Jimmy Carter. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

North Louisiana is bracing for a winter storm, the question is what type of precipitation will fall?  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple understands the frustration about rising homeowners insurance premiums. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________________

It’s the national day of mourning for President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29th at the age of 100. One organization near and dear to President Carter’s heart was Habitat for Humanity. After leaving office, Carter helped the organization build a countless number of homes. Kathy Gardner, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana, says Carter set the example for everyone else to follow.

Cut 4 (13) “…in North Louisiana.”

Gardner says Carter embodied everything that Habitat for Humanity stands for.

Cut 5 (13) “…a greater level.”

Gardner says Carter left a lasting legacy at the organization.

Cut 6 (13) “…loving human mankind.”

______________________________________________________

A winter storm rolls into north Louisiana today, the question is what type of precipitation will fall? National Weather Service Meteorologist Matthew Hemingway says the high temperatures will reach the mid-30s, so we could see mixed precipitation at first….

Cut 7 (13) “…area Friday morning.”

A winter storm warning is in effect for Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Claiborne Parishes. Hemingway says the higher accumulation of the winter precipitation will take place near the Louisiana-Arkansas border…

Cut 8 (12) “…southern parts.”

Hemingway says a major concern of freezing rain is the impact it will have on roadways and bridges.

Cut 9 (12)  “…Friday morning.”

______________________________________________________

With the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras coming up, the big talk is how to make the French Quarter safe, especially in light of what happened early New Year’s Day. New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox says he is open to any and all suggestions.

Cut 10 (10) “…least mitigate it.”

Some have suggested turning the entire French Quarter into a pedestrian mall. Knox says there’s one problem with that.

Cut 11 (08) “…of the year.”

Knox says a more viable solution is to turn just Bourbon Street into a permanent pedestrian mall – something that has previously been floated, only to have businesses on that street push back.

Cut 12 (08) “…a pedestrian mall.”

As it is, Bourbon Street is blocked off to vehicular traffic from six p-m to six a-m every day. However, that did not prevent a terrorist from driving around a police cruiser and into a group of people, killing 14 of them. The City of New Orleans has just hired former New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton to review the city’s security measures. The consultation is scheduled for late this afternoon.

______________________________________________________

The legislature is expected to take up soaring homeowners and auto insurance premiums in its next regular session this year. Governor Landry has expressed frustration that a package of insurance industry-backed bills has not lowered home insurance premiums. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says he understands the frustration.

Cut 13 (08) “…understand the frustration.”

Temple says this crisis has been years in the making, and a fix will not happen overnight.

Cut 14 (08) “…of this crisis.”

Temple says one state that had a similar plight is Florida, where homeowners saw their insurance premiums skyrocket after Hurricane Ian in 2022. He says just as Louisiana homeowners are experiencing, it took time for them to start seeing results.

Cut 15 (11) “…benefit of that.”

______________________________________________________

The sixth ranked LSU women’s basketball team will put its undefeated record on the line tonight when they visit 16th ranked Tennessee. ESPN.com bracketologist Charlie Crème called the Lady Tigers an enigma because their soft non-conference schedule makes difficult to evaluate them. Coach Kim Mulkey is fine with the enigma label…

Cut 16 (07) “…won the championship.”

LSU is 17-and-0, while Tennessee enters tonight’s game with a 13-and-1 record. That one loss happened last Sunday against Oklahoma. Mulkey says Tennessee is very good…

Cut 17 (20)  “…magic number.” 

Tennessee is averaging 97 points a game, while LSU is averaging 92 points a contest, despite struggling to find consistency at the point guard position. Mulkey on Last Tear Poa, Shayeann Day-Wilson and Kailyn Gilbert sharing the point guard duties…

Cut 18 (17)   “…separated.”

Tip off is at 5 PM.

__________________________________________________

After dropping its first two Conference USA games on the road, Louisiana Tech returns to the Thomas Assembly Center tonight to host FIU. Bulldogs Coach Talvin Hester hopes last week’s losses serve as a wake up call..

Cut 19 (10) “…really is.”

FIU is seven and eight but the Panthers have won five of their last seven. Tip off is at 6:30.

_____________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns are home tonight to take on Old Dominion. Both teams are 2-and-1 in Sun Belt play and U-L Lafayette interim head coach Derrick Zimmerman gives a scouting report on the Monarchs…

Cut 20 (20) “…the year.”

Tip off is at 7 PM in the Cajundome.

5:30 LRN Newscast

A winter storm warning will be going into effect tomorrow morning for Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Claiborne parishes in northwest Louisiana. Precipitation is expected to start falling after the morning commute tomorrow. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says depending on what happens, driving in areas of northwest Louisiana could get dangerous.

Cut 10 (12) “…ice on contact.”

Erin Buchanan with the state Department of Transportation says crews are ready to respond if and when wintry precipitation begins to fall…

Cut 12 (12) “…watching the forecast.”

In addition, a winter weather advisory is coming for DeSoto, Red River, Bienville, Lincoln, Jackson, Ouachita, Union, Morehouse and West Carroll parishes. All watches and advisories expire at noon Friday.

The Advocate reports that a multi-billion-dollar steel mill for Hyundai will be built in Ascension Parish for its Hyundai and Kia vehicle assembly plants in the U.S. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The man who killed 14 people by plowing a pickup truck through a crowd on Bourbon Street posted videos ahead of time. Senator Bill Cassidy says there’s a way that social media companies can cooperate with law enforcement in those instances.

Cut 4 (09) “…to law enforcement.”

16:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints reportedly interviewed Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver today for their head coaching vacancy. Weaver is 44-years-old and after a seven-year-playing career, he has spent the past 13 seasons as an assistant coach. This past season, the Dolphins had one of the top defenses in the NFL despite not making the playoffs.

The Saints are also expected to interview Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka on Friday and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn by the end of the week.

Host of the Locked on Saints Podcast Ross Jackson says  if some of the top coaching candidates go elsewhere, interim head coach Darren Rizzi will become a viable option for the Saints…

Cut 18 (18)   “…few years.”

The LSU men’s basketball team fell to 0-2 in the SEC, with an 83 to 67 loss at Missouri last night. Mizzou hit eight three-pointers in the first half and the Tigers turned it over ten times in the first half, which led to 14 points for Missouri.

La Tech is off to an 0-and-2 start in Conference USA Play, losing both games on the road. Tomorrow night the Bulldogs host FIU and Coach Talvin Hester is hoping a return to the Thomas Assembly Center will do them some good…

 

Cut    29 (07) “….years past”

The sixth ranked Lady Tigers are at 16th ranked Tennessee tomorrow night. Coach Kim Mulkey on Last Tear Poa, Shayeann Day-Wilson and Kailyn Gilbert sharing the point guard duties…

Cut 27 (17) “….separated’

 

 

16:30 LRN Newscast

A winter storm warning is forthcoming for the four northwestern-most parishes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The State Fire Marshal’s office  says since January first, eleven people have died in Louisiana in house fires. Two more fatalities occurred this morning, one in Shreveport and the other in Rapides Parish, which claimed the life of an elderly man. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams is urging the public to take caution when heating homes.

As we told you in the last segment, winter storm warnings and advisories will go into effect for a large portion of north Louisiana tomorrow. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Buchanan says DOTD will have crews watching for icing on bridges and overpasses and with construction ongoing on I-20 in Bossier and Caddo Parishes, keeping I-220 open is a priority…

Cut 14 (12) “…elsewhere.”

The Advocate reports Hyundai Motor Group is eyeing Ascension Parish to build a multibillion-dollar steel mill. The project would create an estimated 13-hundred permanent jobs and economist Loren Scott says the mill would spur hundreds of other jobs…

Cut 6 (13) “….picking up jobs”

Governor Landry and Ascension Parish officials are not commenting on the possibility of large steel mill being built near Baton Rouge.