12:30 LRN Newscast

America is mourning the passing of Jimmy Carter. The 39th President of the United States died yesterday at the age of 100. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell remembers the personal touch he provided in northwest Louisiana when he ran for President in 1976.

Cut 7 (11) “…for President.”

As for the incoming president, Donald Trump has endorsed Mike Johnson to return as Speaker of the House in the 119th Congress. With Republicans holding a very slim majority, it will take a nearly unified G-O-P caucus to agree on a speaker. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Trump’s endorsement is intended to achieve that unanimity.

Cut 4 (12) “…his preferences are.”

Lafourche Parish joins the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. The parish was previously excluded from the Atchafalaya Basin due to an oversight when the Heritage Area was established in 2006; this inclusion rectifies that. Executive Director Justin Lemoine says it allows the parish to access federal funding for recreational projects and historical preservation through the National Park Service’s program.

Cut 10 (10) “…recreational resources .”

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area spans 15 parishes and over 11-thousand square miles, showcasing Louisiana’s distinct food, music, and cultural ties to the land.

11:30 LRN Newscast

President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed Mike Johnson to return as Speaker of the House. In a post on social media, Trump says Johnson would provide, in his words, immediate relief from all the destructive policies of the last administration. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Trump’s endorsement is a 180 of sorts.

Cut 3 (09) “…recent budget deal.” 

America is mourning the death of our 39th U.S. president. Jimmy Carter passed away yesterday at the age of 100. Carter may be best known for what he did after leaving the White House after his sole term. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says Carter went around the world to resolve conflict, promote democracy, protect human rights and resolve conflict….

Cut 6 (10) “…What a Great American” (2x)

Louisiana’s population trend reverses course this year. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Lafourche Parish joins the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, aligning its boundaries with the historical Atchafalaya Basin. Executive Director Justin Lemoine aims to develop a recreational master plan and identify culturally significant sites in Lafourche.

Cut 9 (13)  “…historic region,”

10:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry checked off several items on his to-do list in year one. Landry got lawmakers to pass legislation that seeks to reduce crime, he also got lawmakers on board with a school choice bill, and he capped off 2024 by getting lawmakers to approve a major overhaul of the state’s tax code…

Cut 10 (13) “…health care.”

New voting machines will soon be coming in Louisiana. While the new model has not yet been selected, one thing that’s for certain is that in accordance with a new state law, there will be a paper component. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says having the paper ballot will allow the state to easily verify the machine vote tally.

Cut 14 (11) “…recount is necessary.”

If you’re looking for something to do to inaugurate 2025, may I suggest taking a hike? All state parks are taking part in America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes. Louisiana State Parks Director Brandon Burris says it’s a way for the state to introduce its state parks to those either new to the state or to those who don’t regularly use them.

Cut 5 (09) “…marshes and byways.”

Louisiana could be turning the tide in population numbers. The U.S. Census Bureau says Louisiana’s population grew slightly in 2024 – up nearly 10-thousand to almost 4.6-million. Demographer Greg Rigamer says this a small increase after three straight years of decline.

Cut 7 (13) “…lot of people.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Could Louisiana finally be making a U-turn in terms of population? The Census Bureau says Louisiana’s population grew slightly in 2024 – up nearly 10-thousand to almost 4.6-million – after three straight years of declines. Demographer Greg Rigamer says the population growth is lead by East Baton Rouge, Ascension, and Livingston parishes.

Cut 8 (08) “…significant factors.”

Looking for something to do New Year’s Day? The climate here in Louisiana is a little too warm for the Polar Bear Plunge, so why not take a hike? Louisiana State Parks Director Brandon Burris says all state parks are taking part in conjunction with America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes, which started in Massachusetts in 1992.

Cut 4 (05) “…has to offer.”

Burris says it’s a way for the state to introduce its state parks to those either new to the state or to those who don’t regularly use them.

It was a busy first year in office for Governor Jeff Landry, punctuated with the passage of a sweeping tax reform package. Part of it needs voter approval, and a Constitutional Amendment revising Article Seven of the state constitution will go before voters in March. Landry says there’s a lot packed into it, including a permanent increase in teacher salaries…

Cut 12 (15) “…our businesses.”

Landry and other Louisiana officials pay their respects to President Jimmy Carter, who died yesterday at the age of 100. In a post on X, the governor said Carter was a true public servant and that he and his wife extend their deepest condolences to the 39th President’s family. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, as well as House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, also paid their respects to Carter on social media.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana saw its population increase in 2024 for the first time in several years. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

Governor Jeff Landry told Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that his tax reform plan will eliminate the corporate franchise tax, which will lure new businesses to the state, help the ones currently here…

Cut 11 (09) “…for us’

Looking ahead to her second year in office, Attorney General Liz Murrill says she would like to focus on the fentanyl crisis. Murrill says she’s borrowing an idea from Arizona, appointing a fentanyl opioid specialist to help decide how to spend opioid settlement money that’s resulting in millions of dollars going to the states from companies that manufactured, sold or distributed prescription painkillers…

Cut 30 (16) “…the long-term.”

And Secretary of State Nancy Landry says in her second year, she wants to move forward on purchasing new voting machines for the state to replace Louisiana’s voting machines that are about 30 years old…

Cut 15 (08) “…testing it out”

Landry says they have not determined a system, but the new machines will have a paper component that will help with recounts and a paper trail on how people voted.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry’s first year in office was eventful with major legislation passing. Jeanne Burns looks back….

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

And the governor believes his tax reform plan will result in more people moving into the state. Demographer Greg Rigamer says we’ll have to wait and see if that happens…

Cut 9 (09) “….within our region”

New voting machines will soon be coming in Louisiana. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says while the new model has not yet been selected, one thing that’s for certain is that in accordance with a new state law, there will be a paper component.

Cut 13 (11)  “…a locked box.”

Landry says having the paper ballot will allow the state to easily verify the machine vote tally.

Looking for something to do on New Year’s Day. The Louisiana Office of State Parks is encouraging the public to take a hike or walk at one of the state’s 21 parks. Louisiana State Parks Director Brandon Burris says some of the hikes are led by rangers…

Cut 6 (11) “….great animals here”

Burris says Poverty Point has ranger-guided hikes so does Bogue Chitto State Park and Forts Randolph-Buhlow State Historic Site.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s population grew slightly in 2024 according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The state’s estimated population on July first was 4.59-million up nearly 10-thousand from 2023. Demographer Greg Rigamer says its a small increase after three straight years of decline.

Cut 7 (13) “…lot of people.”

Population losses have been widespread, particularly in central and northeast Louisiana.

It was a busy first year in office for Governor Jeff Landry. Landry got lawmakers to pass legislation that seeks to reduce crime, he also got lawmakers on board with a school choice bill, and he capped off 2024 by getting lawmakers to approve a major overhaul of the state’s tax code…

Cut 10 (13) “…health care.”

Lower income tax rates, but higher sales taxes take effect January 1st.

New voting machines will soon be coming to Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The longest living American president has died. Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States passed away at the age of 100. Governor Jeff Landry called Carter a true public servant. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the world is a more peaceful place because of Carter. New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says President Carter will be remembered for his political legacy and his humanitarian efforts.

11:30 am Newscast

No matter where you are in the state today, be sure to keep an eye on the weather.  A large tornado watch has been issued for most of Louisiana and portions of Mississippi and Texas.  This is just the start of a long day of expected severe weather with the threats extending well beyond 3 p.m. when this watch expires.

It was a busy first year in office for Governor Jeff Landry. Landry managed to get lawmakers to pass legislation to reduce crime, approve a school choice bill, and overhaul the state’s tax code. Not only will that legislation lower the income tax and raise the stat sales tax to five percent, but the governor says it will also eliminate the corporate franchise tax and help bring new business to Louisiana and help those already doing business here.

Cut 11 (09) “…for us.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill looks back at her first year in office and looks ahead to year two. Murrill says one of her biggest accomplishments is addressing crime in New Orleans through the creation of Troop NOLA within the State Police, saying it’s a force multiplier.

Cut 6 (10) “…have a need.”

The Ragin Cajuns will face TCU in the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque on this afternoon at 1:15. U-L Lafayette is in a bowl game for a seventh straight year and they are 10-and-3 on the season, while the Horned Frogs are 8-and-4. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux says the team that makes the fewest mistakes will win….

Cut 16 (12) “…going to win.”

It’s the first ever meeting between the two schools on the football field.

 

10:30 am Newscast

It was a busy first year in office for Governor Jeff Landry. Landry got lawmakers to pass legislation that seeks to reduce crime, he also got lawmakers on board with a school choice bill, and he capped off 2024 by getting lawmakers to approve a major overhaul of the state’s tax code…

Cut 10 (13) “…health care.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill just finished her first year in office.  Murrill says one of her biggest accomplishments is addressing crime in New Orleans creating Troop NOLA within the State Police, to increase the force. As for her priorities in year two, Murrill said she would like to focus on the fentanyl crisis.

Cut 7 (15) “…opioid settlement money.”

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The Independence Bowl is tonight and Louisiana Tech is looking to upset 22nd ranked Army. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A man and a woman were shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Shreveport late Friday night. According to the Shreveport Police Department, the victims were rushed to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport where they later died. SPD said the suspect vehicle is possibly a burnt orange Dodge Charger. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.

 

9:30 am Newscast

State Attorney General Liz Murrill looks back at year one in office and looks ahead to year two. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A large tornado watch has been issued for most of Louisiana and portions of Mississippi and Texas.  This is just the start of a long day of expected severe weather with the threats extending well beyond 3 p.m. when this watch expires.
And A single Mega Millions ticket in California matched all six numbers to win the 1.2 billion dollar jackpot last night.  It’s the ninth largest jackpot the nation has ever seen.

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A 13-year-old boy is hit and killed while riding a bicycle on a dark country roadway in Tangipahoa Parish. State Police say Benjamin Mixon of Kentwood was riding with another boy on State Highway 1061 at around 6:30 Thursday evening when an SUV hit them from behind. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-on) there was no way the driver could have seen the two boys until it was too late.

Cut 12 (03) “…at a hillcrest.”

For the sixth time in the program’s history, Louisiana Tech will play in the Independence Bowl. The Bulldogs will battle 22nd ranked Army at 8:15 tonight. The Black Knights are led by quarterback Bryson Dailey, who finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie says not only does Army have a great quarterback, but their offensive line is outstanding…

Cut 14 (07) “…offensive line.”