10:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Republican Congressman Mike Johnson says President-elect Donald Trump’s endorsement of him for House Speaker was supposed to come on New Year’s Day, but Johnson told News Radio 710 KEEL in Shreveport he wanted the endorsement to come earlier.

Cut 9 (12)  “…so he did,”

Because the GOP has a razor thin majority in the House, Johnson’s re-election as House Speaker is not a guarantee.

Tonight is a big night for fireworks and the State Fire Marshal’s office is urging everyone to enjoy them the safest way possible. That means detonating devices 200 feet away from structures and vehicles. Never allowing children to light fireworks, lighting devices one at a time; and Deputy Chief Nick Heinen says never use fireworks while impaired…

Cut 3 (08) “…Happy New Year.” 

On this, the final day of 2024, we continue to take a look back at all the events from the previous 365 days. On June 19th, Governor Landry signed a bill into law requiring all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. The law is being challenged in the courts and one of the plaintiffs is Joshua Herlands.

Cut 5 (12) “…religious text” 

In sports, LSU gymnastics won its first national championship in school history in April. The previous month, LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey threatened litigation against the Washington Post. Mulkey wanted to be proactive against what she called an upcoming hit piece on her.

Cut 8 (09) “…about me.”

The article from award-winning Post reporter Kent Babb  was far from being a bombshell report.

9:30 LRN Newscast

A hunter is accidentally shot and killed by another hunter. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says a shooter was aiming to shoot a deer in the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood, not realizing that 61-year-old Roberto Garcia of Baton Rouge was in the path. Capital Will Roberts says this is why all hunters need to take all necessary precautions.

Cut 14 (10) “…are pretty visible.”

2024 was an eventful year at the Capitol, with three special sessions. The final one saw major tax reform approved. It will result in lower individual income taxes, but a higher state sales tax. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the governor’s tax overhaul also improves the business climate…

Cut 6 (13) “…to win.”

With 2024 coming to an end, it’s time to start preparing your tax return. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Some scary moments in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District as a two-story building partially collapses. It happened near the intersection of Magazine and Felicity streets. The building appeared to be vacant, and there were no injuries. However, nearby businesses were forced to evacuate. The collapse also damaged an Entergy transformer.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry made plenty of news in 2024. Andrew Greenstein has the story…

Cut 1 (51) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

For the second time in as many weeks, a hunter is accidentally shot by another hunter; and this time, it had deadly consequences. Captain Will Roberts with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says 61-year-old Roberto Garcia of Baton Rouge was shot and killed by another hunter while the two were hunting on the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood.

Cut 13 (12)  “…the property hunting.”

Garcia died at the scene and L-D-W-F will continue to investigate to determine if charges should be filed.

LSU will be shorthanded in today’s Texas Bowl matchup against Baylor. Several starters have either transferred or opted out. Coach Brian Kelly says it will give some younger players a chance to show what they can do…

Cut 29 (10) “…tactical work”

Kick off is at 2:30.

7:30 LRN Newscast

2024 ends today and one of the biggest stories in Louisiana this year was the huge economic development announcement earlier this month in Richland Parish. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, officially announced its building a ten-billion-dollar artificial data center in Rayville. During a press conference on December fourth, Governor Landry called Meta’s investment a game changer for Louisiana…

Cut 7 (08) “….this year”

Landry had people talking  this year when his office arranged for a live tiger mascot to be on the field for the Alabama game on November 9th…

Cut 9 (13)  “…a wild.”

The live Tiger did not help LSU as they lost to Alabama.

A 61-year-old Baton Rouge hunter is dead after he was shot by another hunter over the weekend in the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Captain Will Roberts says the hunter told investigators he was shooting at a deer when a bullet from his 45 caliber rifle fatally struck Roberto Garcia…

Cut 15 (14) “….all took place

So as of now, no charges have been filed.

Today is the final day of 2024, but Louisiana CPA Cloreece Davis Knight says you can still claim contributions to your IRA for the 2024 tax year until April 15th for a tax deduction….

Cut 11(05) “…or IRS”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU football team wraps up its season this afternoon in Houston against Baylor in the Texas Bowl. It will mark the end of collegiate careers for the Tigers’ seniors, including linebacker Greg Penn…

Cut 16 (16) “…what I start.”

Most of LSU’s starting defense in 2024 will play in this game, but the Tigers will be without starting safeties Sage Ryan and Major Burns. LSU’s offensive line will also look much different as starting tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones will not play. Kyren Lacy, CJ Daniels and Mason Taylor will also be missing from the passing game.

The Pelicans lost their 10ths straight last night falling to the Clippers 116 to 113. McNeese men’s basketball defeated Southeastern 79 to 51.

Was Sunday’s loss to the Raiders, the final game for Cam Jordan in a Saints uniform in the Superdome. Jordan will be 36 years-old next season and heading into the final game of this year, he has four sacks on the season. Jordan says he has more fuel in the tank….

Cut 19 (09) “…in the future”

The Saints conclude the regular season on Sunday at Tampa Bay.

Tomorrow night it’s the Sugar Bowl as Georgia will take on Notre Dame in a College Football Playoff game. The Fighting Irish’s offensive coordinator is Mike Denbrock, who spent two seasons as the O-C at LSU for Brian Kelly. Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman helped convince Denbrock to leave LSU last January…

Cut 20 (20) “…Mike Denbrock”

6:30 LRN Newscast

For the second time in as many weeks, a hunter is accidentally shot by another hunter; and this time, it had deadly consequences. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana’s fourth District Congressman Mike Johnson has the backing of President-elect Donald Trump as he seeks to remain House Speaker. A new Congress convenes on Friday and Johnson is seeking to remain the leader of the U-S House. In a social media post, Trump said Speaker Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man who will do the right thing.

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to time think about filing your 2024 tax return. Cloreece Davis Knight, owner of Knight CPA Services, says gather all necessary documents, including W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and records of deductible expenses.

Cut 10 (14) “…deductions that weren’t met.”

Knight says prepare early to avoid last-minute scrambling.

We will look back today on the biggest stories of 2024. The first big story was the inauguration of Jeff Landry as Louisiana’s 57th governor. During a 30-minute speech on the steps of Louisiana’s Capitol, Landry called for unity….

Cut 4 (15) “…would be done.”

Landry’s biggest accomplishment of 2024, getting lawmakers to approve a major overhaul of the state’s tax code.

LRN AM Newscall December 31

Governor Jeff Landry made a plenty of news in 2024. Andrew Greenstein has the story…

Cut 1 (51) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

With this year coming to an end, it’s time to prepare for filing your 2024 tax return. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

For the second time in as many weeks, a hunter is accidentally shot by another hunter; and this time, it had deadly consequences. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________________

Another year is in the books, here’s a look back at some of the biggest stories in 2024. It started with Jeff Landry being sworn in as Louisiana’s 57th governor on January 7th. During a 30-minute speech on the steps of Louisiana’s Capitol, Landry called for unity….

Cut 4 (15) “…would be done.”

Landry guided lawmakers through a tough on crime special session in February and the regular session saw the approval of several education reforms. The governor also signed into law a bill that calls for the displaying of the Ten Commandments in every public classroom. The law is being challenged in the courts and one of the plaintiffs is Joshua Herlands.

Cut 5 (12) “…religious text”

The final special session of the year saw major tax reform approved. It will result in lower individual income taxes, but a higher state sales tax. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the governor’s tax overhaul also improves the business climate…

Cut 6 (13) “…to win.”

State and local officials celebrated a big economic development win in November with the announcement that Meta will build a ten-billion dollar Artificial Intelligence Data Center in Richland Parish. Governor Landry called Meta’s investment a game changer for Louisiana…

cut  7 (08) “…this year.”

In sports, LSU gymnastics won its first national championship in school history in April. In March, LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey threatened litigation against the Washington Post. Mulkey wanted to be proactive against what she called an upcoming hit piece on her…

Cut 8 (09) “…about me.”

The article from award-winning Post reporter Kent Babb chronicled Mulkey’s life and it has quotes from former disgruntled players, but far from being a bombshell report.

Governor Landry got people talking  when his office arranged for a live tiger mascot to be on the field when LSU played Alabama on November 9th…

Cut 9 (13)  “…a wild.”

The live Tiger did not help LSU as they lost to Alabama 42-to-13.

______________________________________________________

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to prepare for filing your 2024 tax return. Cloreece Davis Knight, owner of Knight CPA Services, shares key tax tips to help individuals navigate this critical season.  Knight says gather all necessary documents, including W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and records of deductible expenses.

Cut 10 (14) “…deductions that weren’t met.”

Prepare early. Begin the process early to avoid last-minute scrambling. Review your financial records, familiarize yourself with any tax law changes, and calculate your potential tax liability to avoid surprises. Knight says you can still make contributions to your IRA till April 15th.

Cut 11 (10) “…government or the IRS.”

Hire a Tax Professional. Knight says a certified tax expert can help you maximize deductions, ensure compliance, and minimize errors. Professionals can also guide you through complex tax situations, giving you peace of mind.

Cut 12 (11) “…no knowledge about.”

By following these tips, Knight says taxpayers can streamline the filing process and position themselves for a smoother tax season.

______________________________________________________

For the second time in as many weeks, a hunter is accidentally shot by another hunter; and this time, it had deadly consequences. Captain Will Roberts with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says 61-year-old Roberto Garcia of Baton Rouge was shot and killed by another hunter while the two were hunting on the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood.

Cut 13 (12)  “…the property hunting.”

Garcia died before any emergency responders arrived. Roberts says this is why all hunters need to take all necessary precautions.

Cut 14 (10) “…are pretty visible.”

Roberts says it is too early to determine whether any charges will be forthcoming in this incident.

Cut 15 (14) “…all took place.”

Roberts says if a hunter notices a vehicle in the parking lot of a Wildlife Management Area, he or she should go somewhere else so that there aren’t two hunters within close proximity to one another.

______________________________________________________

The LSU football team wraps up its season this afternoon in Houston against Baylor in the Texas Bowl. It will mark the end of collegiate careers for the Tigers’ seniors, including linebacker Greg Penn, who says despite battling a rib injury this season, it’s important to finish on a high note.

Cut 16 (16) “…what I start.”

Penn says it’s good to celebrate a winning season with a trip to a bowl game, even if it’s not the College Football Playoff, but the mission is not to merely play in the bowl game, it’s to win.

Cut 17 (11)  “…there and competing.” 

Kickoff from N-R-G Stadium is at 2:30 this afternoon.

_____________________________________________________

The Saints have one more game left and they are looking at their worst record since 2005, the Katrina season. That year New Orleans split its home games between Baton Rouge and San Antonio because the Superdome was destroyed by fierce winds. The Saints had several injuries this year that destroyed their chances of getting back to the playoffs, but defensive end Cam Jordan says no excuses…

Cut 18 (15)   “…deserved more.”

Does Jordan deserve one more year in a Saints uniform? He will be 36-years-old next season and has four sacks this season after recording two sacks last year. Jordan has 121 career sacks and knows he’s got more fuel in the tank….

Cut 19 (09) “…in the future.”

5:30 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.”

Carter also held a rally in Jackson Square in New Orleans during that campaign.

Other Louisiana officials took to social media to pay their respects to President Carter. In a post on X, Governor Landry said Carter was a true public servant and that he and his wife extend their deepest condolences to his 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. President Biden has declared January 9th as the national day of mourning.

President-elect Donald Trump backs Mike Johnson to return as Speaker of the House. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says it’s in Trump’s best interest to get the House Republican caucus on the same page, and quickly.

Cut 5 (12) “…speaker be elected.”

In an endorsement posted on social media, Trump said Johnson will, in his words, do the right thing and will continue to win.

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,”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU Tigers will play Baylor tomorrow in the Texas Bowl to close out the 2024 season. The Bayou Bengals received good news for the 2025 season as star linebacker Harold Perkins announced he’s returning for his senior season. Perkins played only four games in 2024 because of a season-ending knee injury. Coach Brian Kelly is happy Perkins is coming back

Cut 20 (20) “…to write.”

Kickoff from N-R-G Stadium tomorrow afternoon is 2:30.

LSU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are enjoying a few days off to celebrate the new year before opening conference play later this week. The 15-and-0, 6th-ranked women return to action Thursday night at Arkansas; the 11-and-2 men host Vanderbilt Saturday afternoon.

The Saints have one more game left and they are looking at their worst record since 2005, the Katrina season. That year, the Saints split its home games between Baton Rouge and San Antonio because the Superdome was severely damaged by fierce winds. The Saints had several injuries this year that destroyed their chances of getting back to the playoffs, but defensive end Cam Jordan says no excuses…

Cut 18 (15)   “…deserved more.”

The Saints will try to play spoiler Sunday in their season finale against the Bucs in Tampa. A Bucs win would seal the division for them. But if the Saints can pull off the upset and the Falcons beat the Panthers, the Falcons would win the division and the Bucs would join the Saints in watching the playoffs from the comfort of their own living rooms.

NBA, the Pelicans host the Clippers at the Smoothie King Center tonight. The injury-riddled Pelicans have the worst record in the NBA and are trying to snap a nine-game losing streak.

4:30 PM Newscast Dec 30

A weekend deer hunt turned deadly for a 61-year-old Baton Rouge man. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says Roberto Garcia was fatally shot in the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood Saturday when another hunter shot at a deer. Garcia was behind the deer but the shooter said he did not see him because of vegetation. LDWF is handling the investigation.

Mike Johnson just got a huge boost in his quest to retain the speaker’s gavel. President elect, Donald Trump has endorsed Johnson to return as Speaker of the House in the 119th Congress. With Republicans holding a very slim majority, it will take a 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.

Cut 4 (12) “…his preferences are.”

A lifelong Louisiana Democrat remembers President Jimmy Carter who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Lafourche Parish has joined the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, aligning its boundaries with the historical Atchafalaya Basin. Executive Director Justin Lemoine says it showcases Louisiana’s distinct food, music, and cultural ties to the land.

Cut 11 (08) “…part of the country.”

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area spans 15 parishes and over 11,000 square miles