8:30 LRN Newscast

U-S Senator John Kennedy has filed legislation that would double the maximum teachers can deduct from their taxable income for spending their own money on school supplies…

Cut 5 (10) “….their income tax”

This legislation is not expected to be approved this year, but he’s filed the bill now in the hopes it’s something the next Congress will take up early next year.

Another crawfish season is not too far off and LSU AgCenter Agent Todd Fontenot says the 2025 crawfish season is showing signs it will be much better than what we experienced this year. Fontenot says recent rainfall has mudbugs moving in crawfish ponds…

Cut 9 (09) “…they will grow”

High temperatures will be in the 70s between today and Wednesday and then cold front comes dropping our highs in the 60s beginning on Thursday.

The final day of the LHSAA Prep Classic saw two blowouts. Edna Karr won its fifth championship in ten years by dismantling Alexandria Senior High 53 to 8. Cougars Coach Brice Brown says the win speaks to the talent that’s in Algiers…

Cut 14 (21)”…but great academics”

In the final game of the Prep Classic, Central completely dominated Ruston 42 to 0 for the Wildcats first state championship since 1966. Bearcats head coach Jerrod Baugh took responsibility for his team’s performance…

Cut 15 (19) “….out to be”

7:30 LRN Newscast

U-S Senator John Kennedy has filed legislation to increase the educator expense deduction from 300 to 600 dollars for an individual and six-hundred to 12-hundred dollars for married couples who filed jointly…

Cut 6 (12) “….an unlimited deduction”

Kennedy it’s unlikely this legislation will be taken up this year, but he filed the bill now, so that the Congress that comes in January can hopefully vote on this legislation right away.

The first human case of bird flu has been detected in Louisiana. The state Department of Health says a southwest Louisiana resident has been hospitalized with H-5-N-I. L-D-H says the individual became infected after being exposed to sick and dead birds likely infected with bird flu. The state health department did not describe this person’s symptoms, but state epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says typically H-5-N-1 can cause…

Cut 11 (13) “….headaches, fatigue”

Crawfish lovers are hopeful for a better crawfish season this year.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Saints lost 20 to 19 to the Washington Commanders yesterday, but quarterback Spencer Rattler sparked the offense in the second half as he replaced an ineffective Jake Haener…and nearly led New Orleans all the way back from a 17 point deficit. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi…

Cut 27 (15) “…not all on Jake”

The Saints fall to five and nine and visit Green Bay next Monday night.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints fell one point short from pulling off a huge come-from-behind win over the Washington Commanders, but ended up losing 20 to 19. New Orleans trailed 17-zip in the third quarter, but the offense came alive when Spencer Rattler replaced Jake Haener at quarterback. Rattler threw a touchdown pass on the final play of regulation to get within one point. Coach Darren Rizzi decided to go for the win with a two-point conversion but they could not convert…

Cut 19 (15) “…right thing.”

The Saints fall to five and nine.

Louisiana Tech is in the Independence Bowl, replacing Marshall, who did not have enough players to compete against Army.

The Fourth ranked LSU women’s basketball team beat U-L Lafayette 88 to 57 as Jersey Wolfenbarger had 18 points and 15 rebounds.

The LSU football team has reportedly landed a commitment from Mississippi state quarterback Michael Van Buren. Van Buren started seven games for the Bulldogs and in one of those starts, threw for 306 yards against Georgia.

Meanwhile, LSU Coach Brian Kelly has started the one-million dollar match challenge in an effort to increase NIL dollars for football. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says it’s refreshing to see Kelly put up his own money….

Cut 17 (14) “….his own money”

Alexandria Senior High’s first appearance in the Cesars Superdome did not go well as the Trojans lost to Edna Karr 53 to 8 in the division one select state championship game. It was the first loss of the season for ASH. Coach Thomas Bachman…

Cut 13 (09) “…proud of them”

6:30 LRN Newscast

Senator John Kennedy wants to give teachers who spend their own money on school supplies a bigger tax break. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Lafayette Police say several people were injured last night when an Opelousas man stole an unoccupied school bus and drove recklessly on Pinhook Road causing a crash involving four vehicles. The suspect, 26-year-old Marion Baker, was being transported to a mental facility when he fled and stole the bus. After the crash with the bus, police say he stole a truck from a bystander who stopped to assist. Baker was eventually apprehended in Rayne.

Late last week, the Louisiana Department of Health detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu in the state. Officials say the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says while public risk is low, the risk is there.

Cut 10 (12) “…from infected cows.”

Sokol says never touch a sick or dead animal or their droppings and keep pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces.

Crawfish farmers are seeing signs that the crawfish crop will rebound in 2025. LSU AgCenter Crawfish Agent Todd Fontenot says recent rainfalls have helped produce a strong crop of young crawfish emerging from their burrows

Cut 8 (08) “…into the ponds.”

Fontenot anticipates a robust harvest for 2025 allowing people to plan their crawfish boils for March, April, and May.

AM Newscall December 16

Senator John Kennedy wants to give teachers who spend their own money on school supplies a bigger tax break. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Crawfish lovers are hopeful for a better crawfish season this year.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The 2024 Prep Classic saw three teams from the Acadiana area win state championships. Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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Senator John Kennedy introduced a bill that would double the maximum that teachers can deduct from their taxable income for spending their own money on school supplies.

Cut 4 (15) “…to 600 dollars.”

Kennedy says teachers spending their own money on school supplies is unfortunately very common.

Cut 5 (10) “…their income tax.” 

Kennedy says it’s a shame that he would have to propose such a bill in the first place.

Cut 6 (12) “…an unlimited deduction.”

Kennedy says he introduced the bill mainly to get a head start on it. He acknowledges that there isn’t enough time in the current session to take it up, and he will not advance it this year. He says he will reintroduce it when the 119th Congress convenes next month.

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Crawfish farmers are expecting the 2025 mudbug season to be night and day from this year.  The historic drought of 2023 led to a delayed season with low supplies this year, but LSU AgCenter Crawfish Agent Todd Fontenot says recent rainfall should lead to a better 2025…

Cut 7 (12) “…normal like conditions.”

Fontenot reassures crawfish enthusiasts that the upcoming season is on track to recover. He attributes this optimism to improved conditions, including recent rains and a strong crop of young crawfish emerging from their burrows in recent months.

Cut 8 (08) “…into the ponds.”

Fontenot anticipates a robust harvest for 2025, with boiling spots beginning to open, allowing people to plan their crawfish boils for March, April, and May. This promising outlook should ease concerns among crawfish lovers eager to enjoy their seasonal delicacy after the challenges of the previous year.

Cut 9 (12)  “…they will grow.”

The LSU AgCenter remains hopeful that the improved environmental conditions will support a return to normal for the crawfish industry.

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Late last week, the Louisiana Department of Health detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu. The state says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says while public risk is low, the risk is there.

Cut 10 (09) “…from infected cows.”

Sokol says the symptoms of bird flu are not unlike those for human flu.

Cut 11 (13) “…headaches, fatigue.”

But Sokol cautions that in order for it to be bird flu, the person must have come into contact with an infected animal such as a bird or a cow.

Cut 12 (10) “…not bird flu.”

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Whereas Friday’s action at the Prep Classic at the Superdome featured three riveting contests, the two games Saturday were blowouts. Both got so out of hand that they went to running clocks in the second half. In the Division One Select Championship, Edna Karr out of New Orleans beat Alexandria Senior High, 53-8. ASH coach Thomas Bachman says that one loss does not take away from the team’s accomplishments all season long.

Cut 13 (09)  “…proud of them.”

Edna Karr coach Brice Brown says the win speaks to the talent that kids from New Orleans have.

Cut 14 (21) “…but great academics.”

Later, in the Division One Non-Select title game, Central, out of Baton Rouge, annihilated Ruston, 42-0, denying Ruston its second straight state title in its third straight appearance in the Prep Classic. Ruston Head Coach Jerrod Baugh took responsibility for his team’s performance.

Cut 15 (19) “…out to be.”

Central won its second state title, the first coming in 1966. Central coach David Simoneaux said his team proved a lot of people wrong.

Cut 16 (20) “…close-knit group.”

Cecilia, Sterlington, South Plaquemines, Archbishop Shaw, Catholic New Iberia and Vermilion Catholic also won state championships.

_______________________________________________________________

To boost NIL efforts at LSU, head football coach Brian Kelly announced the one-million dollar match challenge. Kelly says he and his wife will match up to one million dollars in new money donated through NIL for football. Tiger Rag magazine editor  Glenn Guilbeau says it’s refreshing to see Kelly put up his own money to boost NIL efforts with the football program.

Cut 17 (14)  “…his own money.” 

Guilbeau says one thing that may have motivated Kelly to put up his own money is better job security.

Cut 18 (13)   “…from getting fired.”

The one-million dollars from the Kellys will go to the Tiger Athletic Foundation A-D’s Excellence fund.

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The Saints fell one point short of pulling off a huge come-from-behind win over the Washington Commanders, but ended up losing 20 to 19. New Orleans trailed 17-zip in the third quarter, but the offense came alive when Spencer Rattler replaced Jake Haener at quarterback. Rattler threw a touchdown pass on the final play of regulation to get within one point. Coach Darren Rizzi decided to go for the win with a two-point conversion but they could not convert…

Cut 19 (15) “…right thing.”

Saints running back Alvin Kamara injured his groin and the fourth quarter and did not return. Haener started but only completed four passes and threw an interception. Rattler was 10 of 21 for 135 yards and a touchdown. Rizzi on why he made the change…

Cut 20 (17) “…first half.”

11:30 am Newscast

At the Prep Classic in New Orleans today, Edna Karr will go after its seventh state championship when they face Alexandria Senior High in the Division One select state championship game. The Cougars are undefeated and Coach Brice Brown says his team does a lot of things well…

Cut 9 (13)  “…(laughs),”

It’s Alexandria’s very first state championship game.  Meanwhile Ruston looks to defend its state title against Central.

Archbishop Shaw beat ED White yesterday for the Eagles first state championship since 1987.  In game two, Catholic High of New Iberia held off a strong fourth quarter rally by Dunham to beat the Tigers 31 to 28. And in the nightcap, Ceclia scored a late touchdown to beat Franklinton 35 to 32.

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The FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act, co-authored by Baton Rouge Republican Congressmen Garret Graves has been approved by the house.  Here’s Sean Richardson.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Meanwhile the anti hazing bill co-authored by Senator Bill Cassidy is on the President’s desk now.  It requires college campuses to post all instances in which an organization has been found guilty of hazing and establishes a hazing education and prevention program.

Cut 4 (13) “…that have violated.”

10:30 am Newscast

A bill to address hazing on college campuses is now on President Biden’s desk. The bill passed both houses unanimously. The bill requires college campuses to post all instances in which an organization has been found guilty of hazing and establishes a campus-wide research-based hazing education and prevention program. Senator Bill Cassidy co-authored the bill says fraternities and sororities across the country are in full support of this legislation.

Cut 5 (11) “…endorse this concept.”

The legislation was spurred in part by the September 2017 hazing death of LSU freshman Max Gruver.

The Louisiana Department of Health has detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu. The state says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. It says while the current public risk for Bird Flu is relatively low, those who work with or have recreational exposure to birds, poultry or cows are at higher risk.

———————————————————

Billy Cannon’s legacy is being celebrated through an extensive exhibit at Baton Rouge’s Capitol Park Museum “Billy Cannon: They Called Him Legend,” showcases nearly 200 artifacts, including his Heisman Trophy and celebrates Cannon’s redemption story following a 1983 counterfeiting arrest. Daughter Bunnie Cannon hopes that time in her father’s life doesn’t overshadow his legacy.

Cut 13 (10)  “…anything for anybody.”

The exhibit is set to open next Tuesday.

In football action today Ruston is looking to defend its Division one non-select state championship against Central at the Prep Classic.  Bearcats Coach Jerrod Baugh says starting quarterback Josh Brantley is playing at a high level…

Cut 11 (16) “…for us.”

9:30 am Newscast

Day two of the Prep Classic had a few surprises on Friday.  Archbishop Shaw beat ED White for the Eagles first state championship since 1987.  In game two, Catholic High of New Iberia held off a strong fourth quarter rally by Dunham to beat the Tigers 31 to 28. And in the nightcap, Ceclia scored a late touchdown to beat Franklinton 35 to 32.

In Prep action today, Edna Karr will go after its seventh state championship when they face Alexandria Senior High in the Division One select state championship game. The Cougars are undefeated and Coach Brice Brown says his team does a lot of things well…

Cut 9 (13)  “…(laughs),”

Alexandria Senior High will play in its very first state championship at the dome today.  And Ruston will look to defend its Division one non-select state championship when it faces Central this evening.

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The House has unanimously approved the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act, co-authored by Baton Rouge Republican Congressmen Garret Graves, this bill requires FEMA to pay interest on delayed reimbursements to local governments and electrical cooperatives, addressing inefficiencies in the agency’s reimbursement process. FEMA currently has over 70-billion-dollars  in outstanding claims.

Cut 6 (06) “…process claims.”

A bill that Senator Bill Cassidy introduced along with Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar to address hazing on college campuses is now on President Biden’s desk. The bill passed both houses unanimously. Cassidy says it requires college campuses to post all instances in which an organization has been found guilty of hazing.

Cut 3 (10) “…particular campus organization.”

8:30 am Newscast

A bill that Senator Bill Cassidy sponsored that addresses hazing on college campuses is on President Biden’s desk. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Prep Classic Continues today as Alexandria Senior High makes its first trip to the Superdome to play in a state championship.  Coach Thomas Bachmann says their fanbase cannot wait….

Cut 10 (09) “…experience that.”

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Billy Cannon’s legacy is celebrated through an extensive memorabilia exhibit at Baton Rouge’s Capitol Park Museum. Organized by his youngest daughter, Bunnie Cannon, the exhibit, titled “Billy Cannon: They Called Him Legend,” showcases nearly 200 artifacts, including his Heisman Trophy and high school letterman jacket. Bunnie, deeply tied to LSU like her father, aims to preserve his legacy through this exhibition

Cut 12 (13) “…the first process.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu. The state says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. It says while the current public risk for Bird Flu is relatively low, those who work with or have recreational exposure to birds, poultry or cows are at higher risk.

07:30 LRN Sportscast

Three amazing games on day two of the Prep Classic. It all started with Archbishop Shaw’s 28-25 victory over E-D White for the Eagles first state championship since 1987. Shaw’s Michigan signees were the difference as Josh Parker had 174 yards rushing and a touchdown and Jacob Washington caught two touchdown passes.

In the middle game, Catholic High of New Iberia held of a furious fourth quarter rally by Dunham to beat the Tigers 31 to 28. Panthers quarterback Luke Landry threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns.

And then in the nightcap…Ceclia scored a late touchdown to beat Franklinton 35 to 32. Diesel Solari’s 39 yard touchdown pass to Ellis Stewart with one minute and 17 seconds left will go down as one of the greatest plays in Prep Classic History. Cecilia wins its first state championship since 1995

The Prep Classic wraps up today with two more games. At noon it’s the Division one select state championship game as Alexandria Senior faces the Karr Cougars. The Trojans are making their first ever appearance in the Superdome for a championship game. ASH Coach Thomas Bachmann says Rapides Parish can’t wait for this one…

Cut 10 (09) “…experience that’

The final game of the day is Ruston against Central.

Tomorrow the Saints will have to contend with Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Former LSU star and Saints Tyrann Mathieu is looking forward to playing Daniels…

Cut 16 (19) “….athlete to”

Kick off is at noon.