LRN AM Newscall December 29

Hundreds of National Guard troops are set to deploy to cities throughout Louisiana. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Researchers at Tulane University are taking the lead on a vaccine to combat a little-known, potentially deadly bacterium. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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LSU football’s 2025 season has mercifully come to an end with a loss in the Texas Bowl. Andrew Greenstein is at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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I hope you enjoyed the warm weather during the Christmas holiday, because you’ll be in for a rude awakening this week. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the cold weather that we normally associate with Christmas is here now.

Cut 4 (09) “…Gulf Coast today.”

Winter in Louisiana is typically a three-month-long rollercoaster ride, with massive temperature swings, and so far this winter is no exception. Keim says the latest drop starts today.

Cut 5 (07) “…along the coast.”

Keim says you’ll really be in for a rude awakening as you leave your house to go to work tomorrow and Wednesday – assuming that you’re indeed going to work and are not taking the week off.

Cut 6 (08) “…I-10/I-12 corridor.”

Temperatures should return to the 70s this weekend, give or take depending on where in the state you are.

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As Louisiana gets set to ring in the new year, President Trump is deploying hundreds of National Guard troops to the state. Trump is acting on a request from Governor Landry, who talked about it on “The Will Cain Show” on the Fox News Channel.

Cut 7 (05) “…elsewhere around Louisiana.”

Landry said about 350 of those troops will be deployed to New Orleans, and they will stay beyond New Year’s and through Mardi Gras.

Cut 8 (07) “…we desperately need”

Whereas she had previously said that the deployment of the National Guard was a scare tactic meant to score political points, New Orleans Mayor-elect Helena Morena now says she appreciates the support by federal partners, having been assured that it’s designed strictly to increase public safety and comes at no cost to the city. Landry says the state is always ready to help President Trump with national security.

Cut 9 (09)  “…so much better.”

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Researchers at Tulane have taken the lead in developing a vaccine to protect against a little-known, yet potentially deadly tropical disease. Dr. Lisa Morici with the Tulane University School of Medicine says after ten years of development, she and her team have taken their meliodosis vaccine from discovery through pre-clinical testing to GMP manufacturing of drug substance.

Cut 10 (08) “…perhaps in Europe.”

Dr. Morici says while it is little-known, meliodosis could have an impact locally.

Cut 11 (06) “…U.S. Gulf Coast.”

Meliodosis is sometimes known as the great mimicker, since it can look like a lot of different illnesses. Morici says it can infect any part of the body, especially the lungs and the blood stream – and the effects could be dire.

Cut 12 (11) “…high fatality rate.”

Morici and her team’s findings are published in the journal “Nature Communications.”

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The Saints fell behind 13-0, but rallied to take the lead in the fourth quarter and went on to beat Tennessee 34-26 for their fourth win in a row. Coach Kellen Moore has orchestrated the team’s longest winning streak in five years, but Moore gives credit to the players…

Cut 13 (09)  “…really special.”

Sunday was a special victory for New Orleans, which improved to 6- 10. Defensive end Chase Young started the rally in the second quarter by stripping the ball away from Titans quarterback Cam Ward and returning the fumble 33 yards for a T-D. Young is playing at a high level, and so are the Saints…

Cut 14 (14) “…keep fighting.”

For the second straight week, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough threw for more than 300 yards as he threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns versus the Titans. Shough says the team was not down despite trailing by ten-points at half…

Cut 15 (13) “…great team win.”

The Saints conclude the regular season by visiting Atlanta and looking to finish with a 7-10 record.

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The 2025 LSU Tigers football season has mercifully come to an end. The Tigers ended what was for all intents and purposes a disappointing season with a 38-35 loss to the Houston Cougars in the Texas Bowl in Houston. What started with dreams of the College Football Playoff ended with a record of 7-and-6. Interim head coach Frank Wilson said he really wanted the win for his team, who had to deal with a lot this season.

Cut 16 (12) “…was love LSU.”

Early on, it looked very good for LSU, jumping out to a 14-0 lead less than five minutes into the game, including a touchdown on the opening kickoff of the game. But in front of a crowd of almost 64-thousand, most of whom were rooting for the locals, the Cougars came back to take a 21-14 lead at halftime. The score was tied at 28 midway through the 4th when Houston kicked a field goal, then scored a touchdown with less than two and a half minutes left to send most of the LSU crowd to the exits. LSU scored a late touchdown but could not recover the onside kick.

Michael Van Buren completed 16 out of 26 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns. He says he feels that he could lead the team going forward after being thrust into the starting role earlier than anyone had anticipated with the injury to Garrett Nussmeier.

Cut 17 (09)  “…see what happens.”

After the game, Wilson, who now leaves to become the running backs coach at Ole Miss, had a message for his team.

Cut 18 (09)  “…of the game.” 

LSU’s loss drops Louisiana teams to 0-and-3 in bowl games. Louisiana Tech is the Bayou State’s last hope on Tuesday in the Independence Bowl against Coastal Carolina.

11:30 AM LRN Newscast

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says 2025 was the year when Louisianans started seeing their insurance rates go down, and he’s looking forward to that trend continuing in 2026. Temple says 30 auto insurance carriers filed for premium decreases in 2025. And in 2026, rates will continue to go down when the impact of legislation passed earlier this year takes hold.

Cut 9 (09)  “…impact next year.”

The 2025 LSU football season comes to an end tonight in the Texas Bowl and it will be Frank Wilson’s last game with the Tigers before he takes over as running backs coach at Ole Miss. New head coach Lane Kiffin has hired his running backs coach at Ole Miss, Kevin Smith, to be the running backs coach at LSU, which left Wilson without a spot on LSU’s staff.

Cut 16 (12) “…do fantastic.”

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2025 has been a difficult year for farmers because of low commodity prices. LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto says Louisiana saw more than a 60-percent increase in corn acreage because of the low price of soybeans. But he says corn prices fell below four dollars this summer, which is below the cost of production.

Cut 4 (04) “…of the situation.”

Governor Jeff Landry appears to be backtracking on wanting to make Greenland part of the United States as a goal in his appointment as Special Envoy to the island Nation.  President Trump has repeatedly said the U.S. needs Greenland for national security because of its vast supply of minerals and rare earths the island has. .  On “The Will Cain Show” on the Fox News Channel, Landry said Denmark has neglected the country, and other countries have taken advantage.

Cut 7 (08) “…the Western Hemisphere.”

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

LSU puts a wrap on the 2025 season playing Houston in the Texas Bowl tonight. Jeff Palermo has a preview.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

If oysters will be on your game time or New Year’s day menu, be sure to cook them thoroughly as an ongoing wide-spread salmonella outbreak is linked to raw oysters. The CDC reports 64 people across 22 states have been sick with the same strain of salmonella.  So far, there’s been no recall.

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Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says 30 auto insurance carriers filed for premium decreases in 2025. And he says they’ll continue to decline as legislation passed this year kicks in. But while premiums are going in the right direction, Temple says they’re still higher than in neighboring states…and he says one key factor is needed to get to that level.

Cut 10 (08) “…it should be.”

Low commodity prices have made 2025 a difficult year for farmers. LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto says Louisiana saw more than a 60-percent increase in corn acreage because of the low price of soybeans. But he says corn prices fell below the cost of production this summer.  Rice prices also dropped 25-percent this year, and …

Cut 5 (11) “…going into 2026.”

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

The insurance commissioner says auto premiums turned the corner in 2025 and expects the momentum to continue in 2026. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (26) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

2025 has been a difficult year for farmers because of low commodity prices. LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto says optimism that prices will increase in 2026 is low.

Cut 3 (11) “…face in 2026.”

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The 2025 LSU football season comes to an end tonight at the Texas Bowl, where the Tigers play 21st-ranked Houston. It will be Frank Wilson’s last game at LSU before he takes over as running backs coach at Ole Miss. Wilson spoke with reporters yesterday about not staying at LSU and the New Orleans native says no hard feelings

Cut 15 (10) “…work it out.”
Kick-of is tonight at 8:15.

Governor Landry appears to be walking back earlier comments about making Greenland a part of the U.S. Landry used those words on social media after being named special envoy to the island nation that President Trump has wanted to wrest from Denmark for years. On “The Will Cain Show” on the Fox News Channel, Landry said his goal as special envoy is not to launch an invasion.

Cut 6 (12) “…we represent protection.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says 2025 was the year when Louisianans started seeing their insurance rates go down, and he’s looking forward to that trend continuing in 2026. Temple says 30 auto insurance carriers filed for premium decreases in 2025. And in 2026, rates will continue to go down when the impact of legislation passed earlier this year takes hold.

Cut 9 (09)  “…impact next year.”

The 2025 LSU football season comes to an end tonight in the Texas Bowl and it will be Frank Wilson’s last game with the Tigers before he takes over as running backs coach at Ole Miss. New head coach Lane Kiffin has hired his running backs coach at Ole Miss, Kevin Smith, to be the running backs coach at LSU, which left Wilson without a spot on LSU’s staff.

Cut 16 (12) “…do fantastic.”

The Tigers will take on 21st ranked Houston tonight at 8.

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2025 has been a difficult year for farmers because of low commodity prices. LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto says Louisiana saw more than a 60-percent increase in corn acreage because of the low price of soybeans. But he says corn prices fell below four dollars this summer, which is below the cost of production.

Cut 4 (04) “…of the situation.”

Governor Jeff Landry appears to be backtracking on wanting to make Greenland part of the United States as a goal in his appointment as Special Envoy to the island Nation.  President Trump has repeatedly said the U.S. needs Greenland for national security because of its vast supply of minerals and rare earths the island has. .  On “The Will Cain Show” on the Fox News Channel, Landry said Denmark has neglected the country, and other countries have taken advantage.

Cut 7 (08) “…the Western Hemisphere.”

7:30 LRN Sportscast

The 2025 LSU football season comes to an end tonight. It started with high hopes, but it ends at the Texas Bowl, playing 21st ranked Houston. It will be Frank Wilson’s last game at LSU before he takes over as running backs coach at Ole Miss.

Wilson took over for the fired Brian Kelly, but is not part of the new coaching staff assembled by Lane Kiffin. Wilson spoke with reporters yesterday about not staying at LSU and the New Orleans native says no hard feelings…

Cut 15 (10) “…work it out”

Kiffin has hired his running backs coach at Ole Miss, Kevin Smith, to be the running backs coach at LSU, which left Wilson without a spot on LSU’s staff.

Tonight’s game is at 8:15. The Tigers will look to score more than 25 points against an FBS team. They have yet to do it this season.

 

The Saints will try to extend their win streak to four games on Sunday when they face the 3-and-12 Tennessee Titans. Running back Alvin Kamara will not play as he remains out with a knee-ankle injury. Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (bruh-ZEE) is also out with a knee injury. Right guard Cesar Ruiz will also miss the game with an ankle injury. Receiver Chris Olave is questionable with a back injury, and kicker Charlie Smith is also questionable with an illness.

The Pelicans are feeling sick after missing 17 free throws in a 115 to 108 loss to the Suns. Devin Booker scored 30 points for the Phoenix, 12 of them came in the fourth quarter. The same two teams will play again tonight at the Smoothie King Center.

A member of LSU’s 2025 national championship baseball team has signed with the Kansas City Royals organization. Michael Braswell was a third baseman and shortstop for the Tigers, but he’s signed with K-C as a pitcher. He features a fastball in the mid-90s.

2:30 PM Dec 26 LRN Newscast

The big news this week is Governor Jeff Landry’s new volunteer job as President Trump’s special envoy to Greenland. The president says Greenland is critical to the United States’ national security interests. Governor Landry was on Fox News this week. He says Greenland, the arctic island owned by Denmark, could become a better country if owned by the U-S…

Cut 8 (08) “…they actually deserve?”

Greenland’s Prime Minister says they are not interested in being acquired by the United States.

A tragic Christmas morning domestic incident ended with deadly force resulting in the death of a man who was holding a victim hostage at knifepoint. Calwell Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call and found Forrest Nelson with a large knife pressed against the victim’s abdomen demanding to leave a residence with his victim. When the victim struggled to get away, Nelson reportedly drew back the knife to stab the victim and deputies shot him. There were three children in the home at the time of the incident.

The insurance commissioner says auto premiums turned the corner in 2025 and expects the momentum to continue in 2026. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (26) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The LSU Tigers’ 2025 football season wraps up Saturday when the Tigers take on 21st-ranked Houston in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl. Tiger Rag magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says some of LSU’s best players have also opted out of the bowl game as they begin preparations for the NFL draft.

Cut 14 (05) “…the offensive line.”

Eleven players on the 2025 team have announced they plan on transferring, including two starting offensive linemen — Carrius Curne and Coen Echols.

1:30 PM Dec 26 LRN Newscast

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple expects insurance rates to continue to improve in 2026 because of legislation passed this year. He says 30 auto insurance carriers filed for premium decreases in 2025 but he says while premiums are going in the right direction, they’re still considerably higher than those in neighboring states like Mississippi and Alabama. He says there’s one key to getting to those lower levels.

Cut 10 (08) “…it should be.”

Temple says he’s focused on making Louisiana a great place for all parties when it comes to insurance.

A member of the LSU’s 2025 national championship baseball team has signed with the Kansas City Royals organization. Michael Braswell was a third baseman and shortstop for the Tigers, but he’s signed with K-C as a pitcher. He features a fastball in the mid-90s.

Denmark is not happy with President Trump’s talk of acquiring Greenland from them to increase U.S. national security, nor are they happy with the president’s appointment of Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. During an appearance on “The Will Cain Show” on the Fox News Channel, Landry says Denmark has neglected the country and other countries have taken advantage…

Cut 7 (08) “…the Western Hemisphere.”

There are only 57-thousand people in Greenland, but the territory has a vast supply of minerals and rare earths. Landry says he wants to use his role to take the U.S. message directly to the people of Greenland.

2025 has been tough for Louisiana farmers because of low commodity prices. LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto says corn acreage increased by over 60-percent because the soybean price was so low. Now corn prices have fallen below the cost of production.

Cut 4 (04) “…of the situation.”

He says there is a bright spot for ranchers. Beef prices are near record levels creating profitable conditions for the first time in a while.

12:30 PM Dec 26 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry appears to be walking back earlier social media comments about making Greenland a part of the U.S. after he was named special envoy to the island that President Trump wants to wrest from Denmark. Landry appeared on “The Will Cain Show” on the Fox News Channel.

Cut 6 (12) “…we represent protection.”

He says he wants to use his role to take the U.S. message directly to the people of Greenland.

Christmas morning was tragic for the families of 4 people who died in an early morning crash in St. James Parish. The two-vehicle accident happened just before 4:00 am on Highway 641. Four of the five people in a Honda Accord that lost control and struck a GMC Sierra were unrestrained and died as a result of their injuries. A 13-year-old in the back seat was improperly restrained and survived but was transported to a hospital with moderate injuries. The driver of the GMC also was properly restrained and was transported to the hospital with moderate injuries.

LSU puts a wrap on the 2025 season by playing Houston in the Texas Bowl tomorrow night. Jeff Palermo has a preview.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says 2025 was the year when Louisianans started seeing their insurance rates go down, and he’s looking forward to the trend continuing in 2026. Temple says 30 auto insurance carriers filed for premium decreases in 2025. And in 2026, rates will continue to go down because of legislation passed earlier this year.

Cut 9 (09)  “…impact next year.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The 2025 season ends for the LSU football team tomorrow night as they will face 21st ranked Houston in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl in Houston at 8:15. Tiger Rag Editor Glen Guilbeau says the Tigers team that plays in the Texas Bowl will look much different than the one that played in the regular season…

Cut 14 (05) “…offensive line”

Two starting offensive lineman, Carrius Curne and Coen Echols, have announced plans to enter the transfer portal, but they are expected to play Saturday night. Starting right guard Josh Thompson will not play. Thompson is preparing for the NFL draft instead.

A member of the LSU’s 2025 national championship baseball team has signed with the Kansas City Royals organization. Michael Braswell was a third baseman and shortstop for the Tigers, but he’s signed with K-C as a pitcher. He features a fastball in the mid-90s.

 

The Saints will face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. It’s been a solid rookie campaign for offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Junior. Coach Kellen Moore says Banks has been steady all season long…

Cut 19  (29) “…credit to him”

One of the Titans edge rushers is Arden Key. The former LSU Tiger has four sacks on the season. Jeffery Simmons is Tennessee’s best defensive lineman with nine sacks and 16 tackles for a loss. Kick off is at noon.

The Pelicans will host the Phoenix Suns the next two nights at the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans is 8-23, while the Suns are 16-13 on the year.