6:30 Dec 8 LRN Newscast

A New Orleans city councilman says the Border Patrol is playing with fire its aggressive tactics of detaining people it believes to be in the country illegally. Like in many other cities where they’ve conducted operations, masked agents are going up to people in unmarked vehicles and are detaining people without identifying themselves. J.P. Morrell points out that Louisiana is an open-carry state with a stand-your-ground law.

Cut 10 (09) “…and defends themselves.”

LSU Health Shreveport’s School of Health Professionals and Sciences is launching a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Lafayette this spring. Department of Physical Therapy Chairman Dr. Daniel Flowers says it will expand access to physical therapy education in Southwest Louisiana.

Cut 7 (08) “…year in Lafayette.”

Dr. Flowers says by setting up shop in Lafayette, LSU Health Shreveport is helping fill a void in the state.

The Hondo Rodeo Fest, which was a sold-out event last month in Phoenix, is set to make its debut at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans in April. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The college football season started with visions of LSU getting into the College Football Playoff. While it didn’t work out that way, Louisiana will be represented. Fresh off winning the American Conference championship Friday night, Tulane got into the field of 12. Senior tackle Derrick Graham says the moment seeing Tulane revealed as the 11 seed was surreal.

Cut 4 (09) “…time for us.”

LRN AM Newscall December 8

A Louisiana college football team has a chance later this month to shock the world. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The greater New Orleans area remains on edge as Operation Catahoula Crunch enters its second week. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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The Hondo Rodeo Fest, which was a sold-out event last month in Phoenix, is set to make its debut at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans in April. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The college football season started with visions of LSU getting into the College Football Playoff. While it didn’t exactly work out that way, Louisiana will be represented in the CFP. Fresh off winning the American Conference championship Friday night, Tulane got into the field of 12. Senior tackle Derrick Graham says the moment seeing Tulane revealed as the 11 seed was surreal.

Cut 4 (09) “…time for us.”

The Green Wave will travel to Oxford, Mississippi, to face the sixth-seeded Ole Miss Rebels. This is not the first time they’ll play at Vaught Hemmingway Stadium this season – on September 20th, Ole Miss pounded Tulane, 45-10. Head Coach Jon Sumrall says things will be different four months later.

Cut 5 (06) “…a better game.”

Sumrall says ending his two-year tenure at Tulane in the College Football Playoff will be really cool, as long as one thing does not happen.

Cut 6 (05) “…our ass beat.”

The game will be played Saturday, December 20th; kickoff is at 2:30. In case you’re curious, Oxford is just under 350 miles north of New Orleans straight up I-55.

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LSU Health Shreveport’s School of Health Professionals and Sciences is launching a first-of-its-kind Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Lafayette this spring. Department of Physical Therapy Chairman Dr. Daniel Flowers says it will expand access to physical therapy education in Southwest Louisiana.

Cut 7 (08) “…year in Lafayette.”

Dr. Flowers says by setting up shop in Lafayette, LSU Health Shreveport is helping fill a void in the state.

Cut 8 (12) “…so to speak.”

Flowers says interviews for admission into the program are starting very soon.

Cut 9 (10)  “…three Mays later.”

The program utilized a hybrid model that combines online coursework with hands-on clinical education through partnerships with Ochsner Lafayette General and other healthcare providers.

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A New Orleans city councilman says the Border Patrol is playing with fire in the city with its aggressive tactics of detaining people it believes to be in the country illegally. Like in many other cities where they’ve conducted operations, masked agents are going up to people in unmarked vehicles and are detaining people without identifying themselves. J.P. Morrell points out that Louisiana is an open carry state with a stand-your-ground law.

Cut 10 (09) “…and defends themselves.”

Morrell says the only defense law enforcement has against a stand-your-ground claim is by officers clearly identifying themselves.

The operation, now dubbed “Catahoula Crunch,” has a stated goal of arresting five-thousand people in the country illegally, with the Department of Homeland Security saying the focus is on the most violent criminals. Morrell says setting a goal like that essentially establishes a quota, and it’s an unrealistic one at that.

Cut 11 (06) “…meet that number.”

DHS has said it has released the identities of about a half dozen people with violent criminal histories who Border Patrol agents arrested. Morrell says, however, that the department is not being transparent, because the big picture tells a very different story.

Cut 12 (06) “…here not illegally.”

The advocacy group Union Migrante says so far, Border Patrol agents have arrested several people with no criminal records, including at least three U.S. citizens.

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The biggest rodeo ever is coming to Louisiana as the Hondo Rodeo Fest will make its New Orleans debut at the Caesars Superdome April 10 to 12, 2026.  Co-Founder Blake Cody says the Hondo Rodeo Fest is a three-day premium rodeo competition with a one-million-dollar prize purse.

Cut 13 (07)  “…for the fans.”

The rodeo takes place during the day and at night big-name musical performers take the stage. On Friday Lynyrd Skynyrd will open for country music icon on Jason Aldean.

On Saturday, CMA Male Vocalist of the Year award winner Cody Johnson will perform and Sunday night rock band Creed will take the stage.

Cody says there’s also Western-themed Street Fest.

Cut 14 (09) “…with the sheep.”

Hondo Rodeo Fest launched in November of 2024 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona and returned for a sold-out event last month. Cody says they are excited to bring this massive event to Louisiana.

Cut 15 (08) “…their home state.”

Pre-sale tickets go on sale on Wednesday and with general on-sale tickets going on sale Friday. Tickets start at 40 dollars.

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The Saints avenge a bad loss to the Buccaneers six weeks ago, flipping the script and beating them in Tampa, 24-20. Head Coach Kellen Moore says despite being eliminated from playoff contention a week ago, the team put forth a great effort to earn its third win of the season.

Cut 16 (17) “…with the win.”

In the Saints’ last game against the Bucs, Tyler Shough entered the game in relief of the benched Spencer Rattler, and he’s been the starter ever since. Yesterday afternoon in the rain, Shough completed 13 of 20 passes for only 144 yards and had one of his passes picked off. However, he also rushed for 55 yards and scored two of the Saints’ three touchdowns; the other scored by Devin Neal. Shough said the Saints are turning the corner.

Cut 17 (08)  “…get those wins.”

The Saints will try to make it two in a row and four in 2025 next Sunday afternoon at the Superdome against the Panthers. Kickoff is 3:25.

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The Prep Football Classic begins Thursday in the Caesars Superdome, and the marquee matchup that day will be the Division 3 select state title game between Dunham and Calvary Baptist. The Tigers are led by one of the best quarterbacks in the nation in the Class of 2027, Elijah Haven. Dunham Coach Neil Weiner says his three-year starter at quarterback has played at a high level since he walked on campus…

Cut 18 (19)  “…everything he does.”

Calvary Baptist is a sixth seed as they are looking for their fifth state championship and first since 2023. Cavaliers coach Rodney Guinn says they had to re-load after losing in the semifinals last year…

Cut 19 (20) “…first year playing.”

 

11:30 AM LRN Newscast

The massive Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project in St. Bernard Parish is finished. Michael Hare, the executive director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, says the five-year construction project restored almost 32-hundred acres of marsh along the lake’s south shore.

Cut 3 (11) “…New Orleans area.”

Jon Sumrall will coach at least one more game at Tulane before heading to coach Florida.  The Green Wave defense forced five turnovers last night against an explosive North Texas offense, and the Tulane offense reeled off 24 straight points after going down in a 7-0 hole to win the American Conference Championship at Yulman Stadium, 34-21.  Tulane making its fourth consecutive appearance in the conference title game….winning its first American championship since 2022.
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After speculation that he’d leave for the Tulane job, LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker is staying on Lane Kiffin’s staff.  The head coach confirmed that late yesterday.

Netflix has announced that it has purchased Warner Brothers. Haggai Davis, the host of the radio show TechGumbo, says with that purchase, Netflix is also acquiring HBO and the streaming service HBO Max, but HBO Max won’t be going away entirely.

Cut 7 (13) “…your Netflix subscription.”

In high school football playoff news, Gina who’s never been to a state championship, has punched its ticket to the big game.  The Giants beat the Union Parish Farmers 30-6.  They’ll take on defending State Champs Sterlington, who trounced St. James 63-24.

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

A proposed 2.8 million square foot data center was denied this week by the Shreveport Metropolitan Planning Commission after getting major backlash from the community. Earlier in the week, people showed up in large numbers to speak out against the project.  The plan was denied after a tie vote from the planning commission.  Bohler Engineering, the company behind the data center, could still appeal the decision to the city council.

The biggest rodeo ever is coming to Louisiana in New Orleans next year.  Set for April 10th-12th at the Caesars Superdome, the Hondo Rodeo Fest will feature big-name musical performers at night. Lynyrd Skynyrd and Jason Aldean will perform, as will CMA Male Vocalist of the Year award winner Cody Johnson and rock band Creed. Hondo Rodeo Fest Co-Founder Blake Cody says there’s also Western-themed Street Fest.

Cut 14 (09) “…with the sheep.”

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A 13-year-old is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of a 21-year-old family member. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Big news for high school football fans in Iowa.  The Yellow Jakets are headed to the state championship for the very first time.  That after defeating Belle Chase 28-21 last night.  Iowa will play North Desoto. The Griffons got a scare from Plaquemine last night, but in the end beat the green devils 58-44.

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

The biggest rodeo ever is coming to Louisiana as the Hondo Rodeo Fest will make its New Orleans debut at the Caesars Superdome April 10 to 12, next year.  Co-Founder Blake Cody says the Hondo Rodeo Fest is a three-day premium rodeo competition with a one-million-dollar prize purse.

Cut 13 (07)  “…for the fans.”

The rodeo takes place during the day and at night big-name musical performers take the stage. On Friday Lynyrd Skynyrd will open for country music icon on Jason Aldean.

In Semi-final High School football playoff action.  Top seeded Ruston is headed to the State Championship game for the fourth year in a row.  The bearcats knocked off 13th seeded Zachary 21-17.  Ruston will play district rival Ouachita Parish.  The Lions upset second seeded Neville 14 to 7.  Ouachita Parish is heads to the State Championship for the first time since 1994.

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Louisiana’s largest ever marsh creation project is completed. Don Molino reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Don Molino.”

A 13-year-old in Leesville is facing a second-degree murder charge after allegedly shooting a 21-year-old family member to death early Friday morning. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says the juvenile was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

Cut 10 (10) “…very tragic situation.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Jon Sumrall will coach at least one more game at Tulane before heading to coach Florida.  The Green Wave defense forced five turnovers last night against an explosive North Texas offense, and the Tulane offense reeled off 24 straight points after going down in a 7-0 hole to win the American Conference Championship at Yulman Stadium, 34-21.  Tulane making its fourth consecutive appearance in the conference title game….winning its first American championship since 2022.

A 13-year-old is facing a second-degree murder charge after allegedly fatally shooting a 21-year-old family member in Leesville. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says the shooting happened during an argument early yesterday morning.

Cut 9 (11)  “…21 year old.”

The victim has been identified as Kavin Simmons Junior. The juvenile was taken into custody at the scene without incident. It’s uncertain whether the 13 year old will be charged as an adult.

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LSU football season ticket costs will remain the same next year.  The LSU Board of Supervisors and the LSU Athletics Department made that announcement yesterday.  They made the announcement just in time for Christmas saying 2026 will be feature a phenomenal home schedule with Coach Lane Kiffin on the sidelines. LSU’s 2026 schedule is set to be revealed Thursday at 7 pm on the SEC Network.

Netflix has announced that it has purchased Warner Brothers. Haggai Davis, the host of the radio show TechGumbo, says with that purchase, Netflix is also acquiring HBO and the streaming service HBO Max.

Cut 6 (09) “…’Stranger Things’ shows.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

After five years of construction, the massive Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project in St. Bernard Parish is done. Lake Borgne is a critical first line of defense from hurricanes from the Gulf of Mexico that threaten the greater New Orleans area, and this project provides an added layer of defense. Michael Hare, the executive director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, says to say that this was a massive project is a mild understatement.

Cut 4 (06) “…three times over.”

Netflix has announced that it has purchased Warner Brothers. Haggai Davis, the host of the radio show TechGumbo, says while that purchase will include HBO Max, that service will not be going away entirely.

Cut 7 (13) “…your Netflix subscription.”

The deal is expected to close sometime in the second half of next year.

A 13-year-old is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of a 21-year-old family member. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The ACLU has dismissed its suit against the state over the law that makes it a state crime to interfere with an immigration enforcement operation. The ACLU said it dismissed it because it got assurances from the state that the law would not be used to stifle free speech. But Attorney General Liz Murrill said the ACLU dropped it because it knew it was a frivolous case.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Tonight is the semifinals of the high school football playoffs and there are several big games in the Monroe area. Top-seeded Ruston, who is looking to get to the Superdome for the fourth consecutive season will host Zachary in a rematch of the 2023 Division one non-select state title game.

The other semifinal game in that bracket is Neville versus Ouachita Parish. The Tigers beat the Lions by one point in week eight of the season. Sterlington hosts St James in a rematch of last year’s Division three non-select state title game won by the Panthers.

At Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Tulane hosts North Texas in the American Athletic Conference Championship game. The winner will get a spot in the 12-team college football playoff. Green Wave Coach Jon Sumrall is looking for a big game from his 22-year-old quarterback Jake Retzlaff…

Cut 17 (09) “…big deal”

Kick off is at 7 PM.

LSU has announced football season ticket costs will remain the same for 2026. The LSU Board of Supervisors approved a price increase for season tickets, but after the bad loss to Texas A&M, Governor Jeff Landry said the board should rethink that vote and they did.

Four months after being blind-sided by the resignation of its athletic director, ULM has its new man. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

St. Thomas More High School Quarterback Cole Bergeron has signed with Georgia Tech.

3:30 LRN Newscast

A 13-year-old is facing a second-degree murder charge after allegedly fatally shooting a 21-year-old family member in Leesville. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says the shooting happened overnight (Friday morning) in the midst of a verbal argument…

Cut 09 (11) “..21-year-old”

The victim has been identified as Kavin Simmons Junior. The juvenile was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

A reward of 35-hundred dollars is being offered for anyone  that provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who fatally shot a black bear in Concordia Parish last weekend.

Cut 13 (08) “…offering a thousand”

That’s LDWF Sergeant Cole Cupip who says the fatally shot black bear was found in the Richard V Yancy Wildlife Management Area.

 

Louisiana’s largest ever marsh creation project is completed. Don Molino reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Don Molino.”

The nation’s number one high school prospect in the Class of 2026 has signed with LSU. Lamar Brown from University High School in Baton Rouge turned in his paperwork on the final day of the early signing period. Brown is expected to play on the defensive line. Yesterday LSU officially signed the nation’s highest rated defensive tackle, Richard Anderson, from Edna Karr High School.

2:30 LRN Newscast

The massive Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project in St. Bernard Parish is finished. The lake is a critical first line of defense from hurricanes from the Gulf of Mexico that threaten the greater New Orleans area. Michael Hare, the executive director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, says the final price tag will come in about five-million dollars less than the original projections.

Cut 5 (09) “…engineer on this.”

A 35-hundred-dollar reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who shot and killed a black bear last weekend in Concordia Parish. Sergeant Cole Cupip (CUE-pip) says while black bears can be shot legally, this was not one of those instances – one of the reasons being that it happened in the Richard K. Yancy Wildlife Management Area.

Cut 12 (11) “…of the state.”

A 13-year-old is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of a 21-year-old family member. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Three escapees in two South Louisiana jailbreaks remain on the loose. 23-year-old Gavin Garnica escaped from the Vermilion Parish Jail, and 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Johnathan Joseph escaped from the St. Landry Parish Jail. The other inmate who broke out of St. Landry, 26-year-old Joseph Harrington, died by suicide during a standoff with Port Barre Police.