7:30 am Newscast

Louisiana leads the nation in early-season flu cases again this year.  According to the CDC, Louisiana reported the highest flu activity nearing the ‘very high’ range. The Louisiana Department of Health reports high RSV activity as well, with an 18% test positivity rate. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says many emergency room visits involve either flu, RSV, COVID-19, or a combination of these illnesses.

Cut 11 (08) “…flu-like illness.”

Louisiana recorded its hottest November ever this year, with average temperatures soaring over eight degrees above normal, according to the National Weather Service. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the average temperature for November is 57-degrees..

Cut 4 (07) “…that’s pretty amazing.”

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Number 13 will be returning to Baton Rouge next season. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It would mean hundreds of millions of dollars in flood protection for Louisiana and the Water Resources Development Act is nearing final passage in Congress.   Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves the effect on flood projects in Livingston and Terrebonne and Lafourche.

Cut 8 (07) “…protection efforts.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

He’s coming back. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier posted a video on his social media pages to announce that he’s returning for his final year of eligibility next season.

Cut 13 (10)  “…is not over.”

Next season will be Nussmeier’s fifth season as a Tiger. This season he’s thrown for 37-hundred yards 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

And the Tigers 2025 SEC schedule was released last night. The league opener will be against Florida on September 13th. The Tigers will visit Ole Miss on October 27th. Alabama November 8th and Oklahoma November 29th. LSU hosts South Carolina and Texas A-and-M in October.

La Tech comes to Tiger Stadium on September sixth and Southeastern Louisiana will be in Death Valley September 20th. The season opener is at Clemson.

The Saints are unsure who will start at quarterback on Sunday against Washington. It could be the injured Derek Carr. If Carr can’t go, Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler will battle it out this week to see who will start. Commanders starting quarterback Jayden Daniels will make his return to Louisiana…

Cut 18 (12) “…for sure”

Today in the Ceasars Superdome, the Prep Classic Kicks off at noon as Ouachita Christian battles Vermilion Catholic. O-C-S has several talented players including Patrick Turpin who has ten touchdown catches and three interceptions on defense…

Cut 17 (16) “….Turpin does it all”

6:30 am Newscast

With the average temperature rising over eight degrees above normal, Louisiana recorded its hottest November ever this year. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

For the second year in a row, Louisiana leads the nation in early-season flu cases.  That’s according to the CDC. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says over 11-percent of flu tests in Louisiana were positive, compared to the national average of 3.5-percent.

Cut 10 (09) “…the southern states.”

——————–

A bill that would provide Louisiana with hundreds of millions of dollars in flood protection is near final legislative passage in Congress. Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves says the Water Resources Development Act focuses on safeguarding south Louisiana from hurricanes and flooding.

Cut 7 (10) “…Ascension Parish.”

Ouachita Christian is seeking its ninth state championship today as they will face top-seeded Vermilion Catholic at noon in the Caesars Superdome. The O-C-S Eagles are an 11-seed and Coach Steven Fitzhugh is excited for another chance to bring home a championship trophy to Monroe…

Cut 16 (13) “…what they’ve done.”

LRN AM Newscall December 12

With the average temperature rising over eight degrees above normal, Louisiana recorded its hottest November ever this year. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

Louisiana leads the nation for early-season flu cases for the second year in a row. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

Number 13 will be returning to Baton Rouge next season. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

Louisiana recorded its hottest November ever this year, with average temperatures soaring over eight degrees above normal, according to the National Weather Service. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the average temperature for November is 57-degrees..

Cut 4 (07) “…that’s pretty amazing.”

Keim says cities like New Orleans and Shreveport saw multiple days in the 80s, disrupting seasonal norms.

Cut 5 (07) “…only 44-degrees.”

Keim says Louisiana has gotten above average fronts, but the problem is they just aren’t that cold.

Cut 6 (11) “…or even Siberia.”

_____________________________________________

A bill that would provide Louisiana with hundreds of millions of dollars in flood protection is near final legislative passage in Congress. Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves says the Water Resources Development Act focuses on safeguarding south Louisiana from hurricanes and flooding.

Cut 7 (10) “…Ascension Parish.”

Graves highlighted significant projects, including a comprehensive flood protection initiative in Livingston Parish and the preservation of the Morganza to the Gulf project in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.

Cut 8 (07) “…protection efforts.”

Graves says hundreds of million in investments are planned for water and wastewater infrastructure in Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, and surrounding communities. Graves emphasized the urgency of completing these projects before his term concludes at the end of the year, reflecting his commitment to advancing Louisiana’s long-term environmental and economic stability.

Cut 9 (07)  “…jam things through.”

_____________________________________________

For the second consecutive year, Louisiana leads the nation in early-season flu cases, according to CDC data. Last week, Louisiana reported the highest flu activity nearing the ‘very high’ range. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says over 11-percent of flu tests in Louisiana returned positive, compared to the national average of 3.5-percent.

Cut 10 (09) “…the southern states.”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports high RSV activity as well, with an 18% test positivity rate. Sokol says many emergency room visits involve either flu, RSV, COVID-19, or a combination of these illnesses.

Cut 11 (08) “…flu-like illness.”

Vaccination is still available and can help reduce the severity and spread of the flu.  Sokol says other preventive measures, including handwashing, covering coughs, staying home when ill, and getting a flu shot, remain critical.

Cut 12 (13) “…frequently touched surfaces.”

_______________________________________________________

He’s coming back. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier posted a video on his social media pages to announce that he’s returning next season for his final year of eligibility.

Cut 13 (10)  “…is not over.”

Tiger Rag Magazine Editor Todd Horne says the fact that Nussmeier is returning to LSU next season is not a surprise.

Cut 14 (08) “…was coming back.”

Horne says it’s possible that Nussmeier was negotiating his NIL deal for his senior year – and that he likely got some good advice from someone very close to him who knows what he’s talking about.

Cut 15 (16) “…had before him.”

Nussmeier led the Tigers to an 8-and-4 regular season, and they will be facing Baylor in the Texas Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

____________________________________________________

Ouachita Christian is seeking its ninth state championship today as they will face top-seeded Vermilion Catholic at noon in the Caesars Superdome. The O-C-S Eagles are an 11-seed and Coach Steven Fitzhugh is excited for another chance to bring home a championship trophy to Monroe…

Cut 16 (13) “…what they’ve done.”

The O-C-S Eagles are 13-and-1 and one of their top players is Patrick Turpin, who has nine touchdown catches on offense and three interceptions on defense. Fitzhugh says Turpin is a big part of what they do…

Cut 17 (16)  “…Turpin does it all.” 

____________________________________________________

It’s a homecoming of sorts for former LSU Tiger Jayden Daniels as he leads the Washington Commanders against the Saints in the Superdome. Daniels says while he’s looking forward to playing in front of fans in Louisiana, he’s focused on the task at hand – beating the Saints.

Cut 18 (12)   “…Louisiana for sure.”

The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner says he’s been able to make the adjustment from the college game to the pro game.

Cut 19 (11) “…Sunday for real.”

The Saints will need to contain Daniels if they’re going to win their fourth in five games since the firing of Dennis Allen. Kickoff Sunday at the Superdome is at noon.

5:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana is seeing an uptick in Bird Flu. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Along with New Jersey Democrat Cory Booker, Senator Bill Cassidy introduces the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act. Cassidy says it would be a refundable tax credit of up to 33-percent of the premium for low and middle-income families.

Cut 7 (10) “…their flood insurance.”

The UL Lafayette Alumni Association introduces the Comeback Scholarship to support re-entry students who left before earning their degrees. Association CEO Amy Armstrong says funding comes from UL vanity license plates sold in the state where the school receives 100-dollars per plate.

Cut 3 (13) “…online or in-person” 

The scholarship offers up to $2,000 over two semesters to eligible students who re-enroll.

The Haynesville Golden Tornado head to the Prep Classic seeking their 18th state championship in school history – and their first in ten years – as they face South Plaquemines tomorrow afternoon in the Caesars Superdome. Haynesville coach David Franklin says South Plaq has a lot of team speed…

Cut 9 (05)  “…well coached,”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU does not play its bowl game until New Year’s Eve day against Baylor in the Texas Bowl, but it’s still a very busy time for the Fighting Tiger football program. Kelly says he and his staff are balancing game prep, practices which will resume tomorrow and the transfer portal….

Cut 27 (12) “…quite busy”

Kelly says he was at three different upscale restaurants in Baton Rouge last night to meet with recruits out of the transfer portal as the Tigers try to rebuild their roster.

Houston Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta is interested in buying the Saints. Last year, Fertitta attempted to acquire the Washington Commanders. The Houston Business Journal reports Fertitta told Gayle Benson he’d be interested in buying the Saints, but has not sent her an official offer. The Saints are currently not for sale.

St. James is back in the state championship game for a second consecutive season after suffering a heart-breaking loss to Union Parish last season. Wildcats Coach Lavanta Davis is trying to bring home a sixth state title for St James…

Cut 16 (12) “…miscues.”

St. James will play Sterlington tomorrow night in the Division 3 non-select state championship game. Panthers head coach Lee Doty says his team has gotten better every week…

Cut 18 (23)   “…finally got healthy.”

This game will kick off at 7 PM tomorrow. The first game of the day tomorrow is Vermilion Catholic versus Ouachita Christian.

4:30 LRN Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy is working to help families with soaring flood insurance costs. The Republican, along with New Jersey Democrat Cory Booker, has introduced the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act.

Cut 6 (13) “…flood insurance premiums.”

Cassidy said this is merely the first step.

The UL Lafayette Alumni Association introduces the Comeback Scholarship to support re-entry students who left before earning their degrees.  Alumni Association CEO Amy Armstrong says initially 50 scholarships were planned on being awarded, but now UL is accepting donations so that they can increase the number of awards.

Cut 5 (10) “…even more.”

Louisiana is seeing an uptick in Bird Flu, and it’s causing an increase in deaths among birds. Dr. Rusty Berry, the assistant state wildlife veterinarian at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says while Bird Flu activity typically increases this time of year, this year it’s different.

Cut 12 (11) “…across the state.”

Berry says if you come across a dead bird, the best thing to do is not to touch it.

The Prep Classic football title games get underway tomorrow. Among the matchups is Haynesville against South Plaquemines. South Plaquemines is in the state championship game for the first time in 15 years. Senior running back Jy’Heim Williams, who’s averaging 10 yards a carry, is looking forward to the matchup against Haynesvillle…

Cut 11 (12) “…long game” .

3:30 LRN Newscast

The UL Lafayette Alumni Association is working to help students who left before completing their degree programs come back and finish them. Association CEO Amy Armstrong says the Comeback Scholarship offers up to two-thousand dollars over two semesters to eligible students who re-enroll.

Cut 4 (10) “…goals as well.”

Applicants must have been previously enrolled in a degree program at the university, earned at least 60 credit hours, and meet re-entry admission requirements. Funding comes from UL vanity license plates sold in the state where the school receives 100-dollars per plate.

Louisiana is seeing an uptick in Bird Flu, and it’s causing an increase in deaths among birds. Dr. Rusty Berry, the assistant state wildlife veterinarian at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says if you come across a dead bird, the best thing to do is not to touch it.

Cut 14 (05) “…a call first.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is working to help families dealing with soaring flood insurance costs. Along with New Jersey Democrat Cory Booker, Cassidy has introduced the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act, which would provide low and middle-income families with an up-front tax credit of up to 33-percent.

Cut 8 (07) “…place to start.”

The Prep Classic state football championships begin tomorrow at the Superdome. Three games are on the slate for tomorrow, including Haynesville and South Plaquemines. Haynesville has not won a state title since 2014 and head coach David Franklin is excited to have another chance at winning a title…

Cut 10 (12) “…doing that.”

Vermillion Catholic and Oachita (WASH-uh-tuh) Christian start the day’s activities, and St. James and Sterllington wrap them up.

2:30 LRN Newscast

Along with New Jersey Democrat Cory Booker, Senator Bill Cassidy introduces the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act. Cassidy says it would be a refundable tax credit of up to 33-percent of the premium for low and middle-income families.

Cut 7 (10) “…their flood insurance.”

The UL Lafayette Alumni Association introduces the Comeback Scholarship to support re-entry students who left before earning their degrees.  Alumni Association CEO Amy Armstrong says funding comes from UL vanity license plates sold in the state where the school receives 100-dollars per plate.

Cut 3 (13) “…online or in-person” 

The scholarship offers up to $2,000 over two semesters to eligible students who re-enroll at UL Lafayette.

Louisiana is seeing an uptick in Bird Flu. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Haynesville Golden Tornado head to the Prep Classic seeking their 18th state championship in school history – and their first in ten years – as they face South Plaquemines tomorrow afternoon in the Caesars Superdome. Haynesville coach David Franklin says South Plaq has a lot of team speed…

Cut 9 (05)  “…well coached,”

1:30 LRN Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy is working to help families with soaring flood insurance costs. The Republican, along with New Jersey Democrat Cory Booker, has introduced the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act.

Cut 6 (13) “…flood insurance premiums.”

Cassidy said this is merely the first step.

Louisiana is seeing an uptick in Bird Flu, and it’s causing an increase in deaths among birds. Dr. Rusty Berry, the assistant state wildlife veterinarian at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says while Bird Flu activity typically increases this time of year, this year it’s different.

Cut 12 (11) “…across the state.”

Berry says if you come across a dead bird, the best thing to do is not to touch it.

The UL Lafayette Alumni Association has introduced the Comeback Scholarship to support re-entry students who left before earning their degrees.  Alumni Association CEO Amy Armstrong says initially 50 scholarships were planned on being awarded, but now UL is accepting donations so that they can increase the number of awards.

Cut 5 (10) “…even more.”

The Prep Classic football title games get underway tomorrow. Among the matchups is Haynesville against South Plaquemines. South Plaquemines is in the state championship game for the first time in 15 years. Senior running back Jy’Heim Williams, who’s averaging 10 yards a carry, is looking forward to the matchup against Haynesvillle…

Cut 11 (12) “…long game” .