5:30 LRN Newscast

The Social Security Fairness Act will get a vote in the Senate, as the bill has been placed on the legislative calendar. Congressman Garret Graves, who sponsored the House bill, says Senator Chuck Schumer will be bringing it up for a vote as a standalone bill, and that’s the last hurdle before heading to President Biden’s desk.

Cut 3 (09) “…through the Senate.” 

Graves says the bill has the support of more than 60 Senators.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking deer hunters to be on the lookout for deer exhibiting signs of chronic wasting disease, after a deer at a captive deer farm in Jeff Davis Parish tested positive last month. Johnathan Bordelon, the deer program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says chronic wasting disease is 100-percent fatal and is highly transmissible.

Cut 10 (07) “…to other deer.”

It may be December, but crawfish season is already underway. Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, explains that while last year’s season was delayed three months due to a drought, it’s not unusual to see crawfish vendors operating around the holidays.

Cut 6 (08) “…early as Thanksgiving.”

Hank Tierney leads Archbishop Shaw against E.D. White in the Division Two Select championship at the Superdome tomorrow. In the three seasons with Tierney at the helm, Shaw’s program doubled its roster, won district titles and produced talented athletes like running back Jasper Parker, who signed with Michigan.

Cut 13 (12)  “…good player.”

Kickoff tomorrow is noon.

11:30 LRN Newscast

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 – factoring in both daytime highs and overnight lows – 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.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier announces that he’s returning next year for his final year of eligibility. Tiger Rag Magazine Editor Todd Horne says this 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 got some well-placed advice from his father – Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier.

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

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

When the Saints take the field Sunday afternoon against the Commanders, they will see a familiar face on the other side of the ball – Marshawn Lattimore. The longtime Saint was traded to the Commanders earlier this season; and on Sunday, he will make his return to the Superdome, this time taking up residence in the visiting team’s locker room. Kickoff on Sunday is at noon.

10:30 LRN Newscast

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.”

For the second consecutive year, Louisiana leads the nation in early-season flu cases. 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.”

Louisiana recorded its hottest November ever this year. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30)“…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A federal judge hears arguments from several news organizations challenging a new state law requiring a 25-foot buffer zone. The law went into effect August 1st and requires people to stay 25 feet from police officers while they’re performing official duties. News organizations argue that the law violates the 1st and 14th amendments to the constitution and the language is too vague to enforce. The state argues that it’s designed to keep officers safe while they’re investigating.

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,”

4:30 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” .

LRN PM Newscall December 11

Senator Bill Cassidy is working to make flood insurance more affordable. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________

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 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. 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. Armstrong emphasizes the scholarship’s potential to benefit individuals, communities, and the state.

Cut 4 (10) “…goals as well.”

Armstrong says initially 50 scholarships were planned on being awarded but now UL is accepting donations for the scholarship and are expected to increase.

Cut 5 (10) “…even more.”

______________________________________

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

Cut 6 (13) “…flood insurance premiums.” (33% refundable tax credit for low and middle-income families)

Cassidy says this tax credit would be paid in advance.

Cut 7 (10) “…their flood insurance.”

Cassidy said the flood insurance system is broken, and this is merely the first step.

Cut 8 (07) “…place to start.”

Cassidy said this tax credit would not only benefit current flood insurance policyholders, but it would also encourage others to enroll in the program.

______________________________________

The Haynesville Golden Tornado heads to the Prep Classic seeking its 18th state championship in school history as they will face South Plaquemines on Thursday afternoon in the Caesars Superdome. Haynesville coach David Franklin says South Plaq has a lot of team speed…

Cut 9 (05)  “…well coached,”

Haynesville lost in last year’s Division Four non-select title game to Oak Grove. The Golden Tornado has not won a state title since 2014 and Franklin is excited to have another chance at winning a title…

Cut 10 (12) “…doing that.”

South Plaquemines is in the state championship game for the first time in 15 years. The Hurricanes are led by senior running back Jy’Heim Williams, who is averaging 10 yards a carry. Williams is looking forward to the matchup against Haynesvillle…

Cut 11 (12) “…long game.”

__________________________________________________________

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.”

Dr. Berry says dead birds are being brought in for testing.

Cut 13 (12)  “…make birds sick.”

Berry says Bird Flu poses very minimal risk to humans. Still, he says if you come across a dead bird, the best thing to do is not to touch it.

Cut 14 (05) “…a call first.”