12:30 LRN Newscast

The LSU Ag Center says the recent freezes were disruptive to the sugarcane crop. Sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says the crops now being harvested experienced what he calls a killing freeze…:
CUT 07(09) “…we’ve had.”
However, ten of the eleven sugar cane mills in Louisiana are still processing cane, and the quality of the sugar being processed is still very good.

The Smoke-free Louisiana coalition says they saw an eight-percent increase in Quitline calls during the year by individuals looking to stop using tobacco products or vaping. Spokesperson Randy Hayden says a good New Year’s resolution for smokers would be to kick the habit…
cut 5 (09) “…in the year”
The number to call is 1-800-Quit-Now

Recent wastewater samples from Shreveport show an increase in COVID in northwestern Louisiana. The Center for Excellence for Emerging Viral Threats at LSU Health Shreveport has been monitoring samples. Dr. Krista Queen says when individuals are infected the virus begins replicating in their bodies even before they know they are sick.
Cut 11 (08) “…uses the restroom.”
She says similar to this time last year, we’ll start to see cases spike again.

LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte announced last night he’s entering the NFL draft and will not come back for his senior season. But Hunt Palmer of the LSU Sports Radio Network and ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge says the Tigers still have several talented receivers…
cut 14 (12) “….as well”
The Tigers play Purdue in the Citrus Bowl on Monday.