AM LRN Newscall Dec 20

Governor-elect Jeff Landry is expected to name former Congressman Ralph Abraham the next Secretary at LDH. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is leaving office after two terms. He spoke to the media about his accomplishments. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Today begins the three-day early signing period for college football recruits and LSU’s 2024 class will feature some standout players from the Bayou State. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It’s anticipated that Governor-elect Jeff Landry will announce the appointment of former Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham to be the next Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health today. ULM political science professor Dr. Pearson Cross….

Cut 4 (11) “…that position.”

With the majority of LDH’s budget funded by federal dollars, Pearson says it’s a plus the former congressman understands the allocation and appropriation process.

Cut 5 (10) “…quite important.”

While in Congress Abraham was in favor of the repealing of the Affordable Care Act and against Medicaid expansion, which LDH oversees. On the campaign trail, Landry stated it would be difficult to roll Medicaid back once it’s been expanded.

The pandemic placed even more scrutiny on the department and Cross says whoever is appointed Secretary will have a large responsibility.

Cut 6 (09) “…to vaccines.”

Abraham graduated from LSU School of Medicine in 1994 and practiced family medicine. In 2014 he was elected to his first of three terms in Congress. In 2020 he ran for governor but failed to make the runoff between Eddie Rispone and Governor John Bel Edwards.

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After serving two terms, Governor John Bel Edwards is leaving office next month. He spoke to the media about his accomplishments and says he’s leaving the state in better shape than he found it…

Cut 7 (11) “…a balanced budget.”

Edwards says Medicaid expansion was an easy decision for him and he is proud that no rural hospitals closed during his time in office. He also said higher education funding grew 465 million dollars in recurring general funds for operations…

Cut 8 (11) “…when I did.” 

While Edwards spoke about all of the goals he was able to achieve regarding the economy, healthcare, coastal restoration, and education, he also pointed out they occurred during multiple historic natural disasters and a global pandemic.

Cut 9 (11)  “…eight years.”

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The Better Business Bureau has drawn up its list of the top three most popular Christmas scams to avoid. Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau says don’t give into scams trying to steal your personal information or money through social media ads.

Cut 10 (12) “…social media.”

The 2022 BBB Online Scams Report found online purchase scams were the most common scheme reported to their Scam Tracker during the holidays.

Fake texts claiming you’ve been hacked are also on the naughty list.  If you get such a text, Million says don’t respond to any unknown numbers.

Cut 11 (12) “…for it.” 

Million says buying and shipping gifts or money to unknown individuals through social media gift exchanges are also on the popular list. To avoid falling victim, she says never to make a payment by wire transfer, through a third party, or by prepaid debit or gift card, treat it as a red flag. Because if you’re victimized…

Cut 12 (07) “…trace them.” 

For more information BBB.org/AvoidScams.

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2023 was a tough year for Louisiana cattle and hay producers because of extreme heat and drought conditions. According to an LSU Ag Center report, these two agriculture entities lost more than 360 million dollars this year, and LSU AgCenter Area Beef Specialist Ashley Edwards says the hot temperatures also stressed cattle and led to much lower weights when they went to sale barns…

Cut 13 (08) “being sold.”

Herd numbers in Louisiana are at their lowest since the 1960s and cattle producer Mitch Marsalis says hay production was way down. He says disaster payments helped provide more relief…

Cut 14 (04) “…these calves.” 

Marsalis says he’s holding cattle up to two months longer to get more weight on them. Edwards says producers that can get more weight on their cattle there is a small silver lining…

Cut 15 (05) “…per hundredweight.”

Edwards expects to see lower calf birth weights in the spring and she advises producers to closely monitor these calves in their first 24 hours.

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Today begins the three-day early signing period for college football. LSU’s recruiting class features eight of the ten best players from the state of Louisiana according to on3.com. Recruiting analyst for the Bengal Tiger, Shea Dixon, says six-foot-six Zachary tight end Trey’Dez Green is an intriguing prospect…

 Cut 16 (16) “…flexed out tight end.”

The defensive secondary was a weak position group in 2023 for the Tigers. Dixon says LSU will address that by signing six defensive backs out of high school, including four cornerbacks. He says Lafayette Christian quarterback JuJuan Johnson is set to transition from quarterback to cornerback…

Cut 17 (24) “….from the start” 

The 2024 class has 27 commitments and Dixon expects they will all honor their commitment…

Cut 18 (18)  “…all sign.” 

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Angel Reese will have the opportunity to play in her hometown tonight as the seventh-ranked Lady Tigers visit Coppin State in Baltimore. Reese, who played her two years of college baseball at Maryland University, is looking forward to the homecoming…

Cut 19 (19) “…big thing.” 

Reese played high school basketball at St. Frances Academy. Her number ten jersey is retired.
After LSU’s national championship, Reese threw out the first pitch before a Baltimore Orioles game, was gifted a key to the city of Baltimore, and a basketball court in Baltimore has been named after her.

Reese says she’s looking forward to playing in front of her high school coaches and her grandparents…

Cut 20 (20) “…always remember.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 19

State Police have reinstated Trooper Lt. John Clary after criminal charges in the Ronald Greene case were dropped for withholding bodycam footage. In exchange, Clary will testify in the case against two officers. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt believes what’s happening is…

Cut 3 (13) “…being terminated.”

Graphic bodycam footage shows Black motorist Ronald Greene being beaten by officers in 2019. He died while in police custody.

LSU announced the commitment of transfer quarterback AJ Swann. Shea Dixon of On3.com says the former four-star recruit wanted to go somewhere he could compete for a national championship…

Cut 7 (13) “…and develop.” 

Louisiana lawmakers are preparing for four legislative sessions in the first few months of 2024. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

LSU’s Angel Reese and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark have been named Sporting News Athletes of the Year. The publication says Reese’s dramatic rise in 2023 saw her set records on the court while building her brand as one of the most prominent faces in college athletics. The only other female to receive the title was Jackie Joyner Kersee in 1988.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU has found a quarterback in the transfer portal. AJ Swann has committed to the Tigers after two seasons at Vanderbilt….
cut 7 (12) “…and develop”
That’s Shea Dixon of on-3-dot-com and the Bengal Tiger. Swann passed for almost 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns at Vanderbilt leading the team to a 4-11 record. He also considered transferring to South Carolina.

LSU is mourning the death of former star defensive end Rahim Alem. The former St. Aug standout has died at the age of 36. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Alem was a member of the 2007 national championship team and a had career-high eight sacks in 2008. His younger brother is Chad Jones, who was a star football and pitcher at LSU.

Big-time honor for LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese as she along with Iowa star Caitlyn Clark have been named the Sporting News Athletes of the Year. It’s only the second and third time a female has received the Sporting News Athlete of the Year Award. Jackie Joyner Kersee is the only other female recipient.

The seven and seven Saints are in position to win the NFC South with three games to go. They are tied with Tampa Bay and New Orleans will visit the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. It’s been up and down season for the Black and Gold, but Coach Dennis Allen says his guys never wavered…
cut 18 (18) “…Rams right now”
At practice today, receiver Chris Olave and running back Kendre Miller were limited participants after not practicing yesterday.

4:30 PM Newscast

A busy January for Louisiana lawmakers. An organization session begins January 8th. A Special Session to redraw the Congressional boundaries will take place January 15th through 23th. Lawmakers get a break for Mardi Gras. Then right back for a session to address crime from February 19th through March 6th.  LAPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford…

Cut 10 (12) “…on this”

State Police have reinstated Trooper Lt. John Clary after criminal charges for withholding bodycam footage of the death of Ronald Greene were dropped. Greene’s mother Mona Hardin told the Associated Press she was surprised and disgusted Clary has been restored to duty. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says while Hardin is understandably upset…

Cut 5 (09) “ …(x2) evidence there.”  

LSU’s women’s basketball star Angel Reese receives a huge honor as she’s named as the Sporting News Athlete of the Year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

2023 was a tough year for Louisiana cattle and hay producers because of extreme heat and drought conditions. LSU AgCenter Area Beef Specialist Ashley Edwards says the hot temperatures also stressed cattle and led to much lower weights when they went to sale barns…

Cut 13 (09) “being sold.”

3:30 PM Newscast

Criminal charges for withholding body cam footage in the death of Ronald Greene were recently dropped against trooper Lt. John Clary and now his position with State Police has been reinstated. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says while it looks bad that Clary has gotten his job back he points out that it’s easier to prosecute someone who destroyed evidence versus withholding it. He says terminating a civil employee is much different than a private one…

Cut 4 (05) …firing someone

Authorities arrested a Columbia Louisiana man for allegedly intentionally setting a fire inside Rapides Regional Medical Center over the weekend. Johnny Cubbit, 67, was arrested by the Alexandria Fire Prevention Bureau for aggravated arson and aggravated criminal damage. He allegedly set his bedsheets on fire in his hospital room. The fire was contained quickly and no one was injured.

 

Louisiana lawmakers are preparing for four legislative sessions in the first half of 2024. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

 

LSU announced the commitment of transfer quarterback AJ Swann. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is expected to take over for the Tigers as Jayden Daniels leaves for the NFL, but Shea Dixon of On3.com  says Swann will bring exactly what the Tigers need to the young QB room…

Cut 6 (09) “…heir apparent.”

LRN PM Newscall

LSU’s women’s basketball star Angel Reese receives a huge honor as she’s named as the Sporting News Athlete of the Year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Louisiana lawmakers are preparing for four legislative sessions in the first half of 2024. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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State Police have reinstated Trooper Lt. John Clary after criminal charges in the Ronald Greene case were dropped for withholding bodycam footage. In exchange, Clary will testify in the case against two officers. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt believes what’s happening is…

Cut 3 (13) “…being terminated.”

Graphic bodycam footage shows Black motorist Ronald Greene being beaten by officers in 2019. He died while in police custody.

Borghardt admits while it “looks bad” that Clary has gotten his job back he points out that it’s easier to prosecute someone who destroyed evidence versus withholding it. He says terminating a civil employee is much different than a private one.

Cut 4 (05) “…firing someone.”

Greene’s mother Mona Hardin told the Associated Press she was surprised and disgusted Clary has been restored to duty. Borghardt says while Hardin is understandably upset…

Cut 5 (09) “ …(x2) evidence there.”  

Master Trooper Kory York faces negligent homicide and malfeasance charges, and Union Parish Sheriff’s deputy Chris Harpin is charged with three counts of malfeasance in the Ronald Greene death.

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LSU announced the commitment of transfer quarterback AJ Swann. Swann has played in 15 games over two seasons at Vanderbilt. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is expected to take over for the Tigers as Jayden Daniels leaves for the NFL, but Shea Dixon of On3.com  says Swann will bring exactly what the Tigers need to the young QB room…

Cut 6 (09) “…heir apparent.”

Swann passed for almost 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns at Vanderbilt leading the team to a 4-11 record. Dixon says the former four-star recruit was expected to transfer to South Carolina until deciding he wanted to go somewhere he could compete for a national championship…

Cut 7 (13) “…and develop.” 

Swann will join Nussmeier, Freshman Rickie Collins, and incoming four-star 2024 recruit Collin Hurley in the LSU quarterback room. Dixon says Nussmeier, who is getting his first start in the ReliaQuest Bowl on January 1st, will still have the inside track at the starting spot after waiting behind Daniels for two seasons but there could be a competition this offseason…

Cut 8 (07) “…SEC games.” 

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Louisiana lawmakers are gearing up for Sessionpalooza in 2024. An organizational session, one for the congressional map, another on crime, and then the regular session in March.  LAPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says the last time the legislature had this many sessions on the calendar was in 2008.

Cut 9 (12) “…something comparable.” 

The organizational session begins on January 8th. It could wrap up that day or take until January 10th to complete. Alfred says a special session to redraw the Congressional map is tentatively scheduled to take place from January 15th through 23rd…

Cut 10 (12) “…on this.”

A federal judge has given the Louisiana Legislature until January 30th to redraw a Congressional map with two majority-minority districts. Alford says a criminal justice reform special session from February 16 to March 6th could change some of the sentencing laws that were approved in 2017 as part of Governor Edwards’ criminal justice reform package…

Cut 11 (13) “…council reports.”

The talk of property insurance reform will have to wait until a regular session that’s set to begin March 11th and end June third.

2:30 PM Newscast

State Police have reinstated Trooper Lt. John Clary after criminal charges in the Ronald Greene case were dropped for withholding bodycam footage. In exchange, Clary will testify in the case against two officers. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt believes what’s happening is…

Cut 3 (13) “…being terminated.”

Graphic bodycam footage shows Black motorist Ronald Greene being beaten by officers in 2019. He died while in police custody.

Governor Edwards’ Justice Reinvestment Initiative to lower the state’s prison population may be on the legislature’s crime-fighting agenda says LA Politics Dot Com Publisher, Jeremy Alford. While the agenda on crime remains unknown, he says the GOP super-majority legislature will have to tackle the criminal justice reform pendulum.

Cut 11 (13) “…council reports.”

Regular session begins March 11th and ends June 3rd.

Authorities arrested a Columbia Louisiana man for allegedly, intentionally setting a fire inside Rapides Regional Medical Center over the weekend. Johnny Cubbit, 67, was arrested by the Alexandria Fire and Prevention Bureau for aggravated arson and aggravated criminal damage. He allegedly set his bedsheets on fire in his hospital room. Rapides Regional Medical Center saysa small fire occurred on the seventh floor. The fire was contained and quickly extinguished. No one was injured.

LSU announced the commitment of transfer quarterback AJ Swann. Swann will join Nussmeier, Freshman Rickie Collins, and incoming four-star 2024 recruit Collin Hurley in the LSU quarterback room. Shea Dixon of On3.com  says Nussmeier, who is getting his first start in the ReliaQuest Bowl on January 1st, will still have the inside track at the starting spot after waiting behind Daniels for two seasons but there could be a competition this offseason…

Cut 8 (07) “…SEC games.” 

1:30 PM Newscast Dec 19

State Police have reinstated Trooper Lt. John Clary after criminal charges for withholding bodycam footage of the death of Ronald Greene were dropped. Greene’s mother Mona Hardin told the Associated Press she was surprised and disgusted Clary has been restored to duty. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says while Hardin is understandably upset…

Cut 5 (09) “ …(x2) evidence there.”  

 

A busy January for Louisiana lawmakers. An organization session begins January 8th. A Special Session to redraw the Congressional boundaries will take place January 15th through 23th. Lawmakers get a break for Mardi Gras. Then right back for a session to address crime from February 19th through March 6th.  LAPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford…

Cut 10 (12) “…on this”

 

LSU’s women’s basketball star Angel Reese receives a huge honor as she’s named as the Sporting News Athlete of the Year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

 

LSU announced the commitment of transfer quarterback AJ Swann. Shea Dixon of On3.com says the former four-star recruit wanted to go somewhere he could compete for a national championship…

Cut 7 (13) “…and develop.” 

12:30 LRN Newscast Dec 19

State Police have reinstated Trooper Lt. John Clary after criminal charges in the Ronald Greene case were dropped for withholding bodycam footage. In exchange, Clary will testify in the case against two officers. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says while it looks bad, terminating a civil employee is much different than a private one.

Cut 4 (05) “…firing someone.”

Greene’s mother Mona Hardin told the Associated Press she was surprised and disgusted Clary has been restored to duty.

Louisiana lawmakers are gearing up for Sessionpalooza in 2024. An organizational session, one for the congressional map, another on crime, and then the regular session in March.  LAPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says the last time they had this many sessions right off the bat was in 2008.

Cut 9 (08) “…something comparable.” 

LSU announces the commitment of transfer Vanderbilt quarterback AJ Swann. Sophomore Garrett Nussmeier is expected to replace QB Jayden Daniels as he leaves for the NFL. On3-dot-com’s Shea Dixon says Swann will bring exactly what the Tigers need to the young QB room…

Cut 6 (09) “…heir apparent.”

Swann has played in 15 games over two seasons at Vanderbilt.

LSU’s Angel Reese and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark have been named Sporting News Athletes of the year. The publication says Reese’s dramatic rise in 2023 saw her set records on the court while building her brand as one of the most prominent faces in college athletics. The only other female to receive the title was Jackie Joyner Kersee in 1988. Reese also joins the ranks of Michael Jordan, Tom Brady and LeBron James with the honor.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

After a crucial win over the Giants Sunday the saints are in the midst of a tight race for both the NFC South and a Wild Card spot. They’re set to play the Rams Thursday who are also 7-and-7 and currently in the seven seed. Head Coach Dennis Allen says New Orleans will have the added challenge of traveling over 2,000 miles on a short week…

 Cut 16 (23) “…ready to go for Thursday Night.”

The Pelicans will take the floor tonight as they host the Grizzlies. Memphis has had a slow start to the season, but all-star point guard Ja Morant is set to make his season debut after serving a 25-game suspension. The Pels will look to extend their 4-game win streak tonight at 6:30 in the Smoothie King Center.

LSU Heisman-winning Quarterback Jarden Daniels has opted out of the Tigers’ bowl game leaving backup QB Garrett Nussmeier to officially take the reins. Head Coach Brian Kelly says the rest of LSU’s stars plan to suit up for the ReliaQuest Bowl on January 1st…

Cut 19 (18) “…we are.” 

Joining Nussmeier in the QB room next year will be Vanderbilt quarterback AJ Swann. The former four-star recruit was expected to transfer to South Carolina but switched allegiances t the Tigers and is expected to backup Nussmeier next season.

Former Many High School standout Tackett Curtis has announced he will be transferring from USC this offseason. The Linebacker was the fifth-ranked recruit out of Louisiana in the 2023 class.

The Nicholls basketball team will visit Maryland tonight at 7:30.