8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Governor Landry takes to social media to address his new side hustle. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

If you’re feeling lucky this Christmas Eve, you should know the Powerball jackpot has jumped to 1.7 billion.  That after there was no big winner in last night’s drawing.  In fact, there have been 46 straight drawings without a big winner since Sept. 6th. The next drawing is set for tomorrow with the prize expected to be the 4th-largest in U.S. lottery history.

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Community activists gathered outside a Baton Rouge church with a unified message: Operation Catahoula Crunch must end now. Faith leaders and organizers say instead of going after “the worst violent criminals in the country illegally” they’re terrorizing innocent citizens…including a 17-year-old who was accosted in Denham Springs by six federal agents in tactical gear as he was putting gas in his car.

Cut 7 (09) “…I said yes.”

Sara Ayo (EYE-oh) Louis with the group Voice of the Experienced says instead of keeping communities safe, Operation Catahoula Crunch is creating an environment of terror.
Cut 9 (11)  “…of racial profiling.”

The U-S Department of Homeland Security says it has arrested 370 undocumented immigrants since early December as part of Operation Catahoula Crunch, but has not said how many have committed violent crimes

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Despite last year’s repeal of Louisiana’s “three-year rule” that prevents insurance carriers from dropping policies older than three years, only one company has canceled old policies. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Governor Jeff Landry has announced a four-day mourning period to mark one year since the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, this New Year’s Day. Flags will be flown at half-staff beginning January 1 at 3:15 AM. On January 4, the Governor there will be a moment of silence to remember the victims, and the governor is asking all churches to ring 14 bells.
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Community leaders gather in Baton Rouge to demand an end to Operation Catahoula Crunch. They say innocent victims, in one case a 17-year-old boy just putting gas in his car, was detained and aggressively questioned by six federal agents.  We’re told they eventually let him go on his way.  But Marcela Hernandez from Familias Unidas en Accion says it’s a scene playing out repeatedly.

Cut 8 (09) “…immigration cases open.”

Governor Landry is speaking out about his new side hustle as special envoy to Greenland after getting the nod by President Trump.  In a video posted to social media, Landry said with the exception of the governor of Alaska, he’s the one best suited to have a conversation with the government of Greenland about becoming a part of the United States.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Community leaders gather in Baton Rouge to demand an end to Operation Catahoula Crunch. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Powerball jackpot has jumped to 1.7 billion dollars since there was no big winner last night.  Since Sept. 6, there have been 46 straight drawings without a big winner. The next drawing will is set for tomorrow with the prize expected to be the 4th-largest in U.S. lottery history.

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Louisiana lawmakers passed a legislative package aimed at improving the insurance market for homeowners in Louisiana last year. One of the laws included in this effort repealed the state’s “three-year rule,” preventing companies from dropping policyholders who had been customers for three years. A year later, state Representative Gabe Firment says only one company has taken advantage of the policy.

Cut 4 (13) “…three year rule.”

Governor Landry is speaking out about his new side hustle as special envoy to Greenland. In a video posted to social media, Landry said President Trump approached him about the opportunity.

Cut 10 (09) “…the United States.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

It’s going to be a spectacular line of fire along the banks of the Mississippi River Christmas Eve. Andre Champagne explains.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry Special Envoy to Greenland.  That announcement came over the weekend.  Landry posted on “X” his thanks for the nod to the volunteer position, assuring residents here that the role in no way affects his position as Governor of Louisiana.
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It’s an exciting time for West Feliciana Parish, as construction is now underway on the Hut 8 data center. Even though it won’t be up and running until 2027, Hut 8 has already secured its first tenant in A-I safety and research company Anthropic. Parish President Kenny Havard says the data center will triple the parish’s tax revenue and create lots of jobs.

Cut 8 (08) “…15-hundred construction jobs..”

One of the big concerns about data centers is about the massive energy required to power them. Havard says the Hut 8 data center won’t be pulling any water off the aquifer.

Cut 9 (06)  “…or whatever with.”

Tulane’s rematch against Ole Miss in the first round of the College Football Playoff went nearly identically to their matchup from exactly four months earlier, with the Rebels trouncing the Green Wave, 41-10. The stage is now set for the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans as the Rebels will take on the Georgia Bulldogs January 1st.

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

It’s a game-changer for West Feliciana Parish, as construction is now underway on the Hut 8 data center. Even though it won’t be up and running until 2027, Hut 8 has already secured its first tenant in A-I safety and research company Anthropic. Parish President Kenny Havard says the data center will triple the parish’s tax revenue.

Cut 7 (07) “…plus the 41.”

Havard says the Hut 8 data center will create one-hundred plus jobs just in the first phase and 15-hundred construction jobs in all.

After Operation Access Denied let to the arrests of 67 people in a month-long sex offender sting in the northern part of Louisiana, Attorney General Liz Murril says her office will try to replicate the successful sting in other parts of the state…and she has a stern warning for child sex predators.

Cut 12 (13) “…violating the law.”

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The Sugar Bowl matchup is now set. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Christmas in parts of Louisiana is unlike no other as dozens of bonfires are set to be lit along the banks of the Mississippi River once again this Christmas Eve.   St. James Parish President Pete Dufresne says the bonfires are a longstanding tradition and most will take place on the east bank.

Cut 5 (07) “…Paulina area.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Data center mania has gripped Louisiana, with construction getting underway on one in Central Louisiana this month. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

President Donald Trump appoints Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry Special Envoy to Greenland.  Landry posted on “X” his thanks for the nod to the volunteer position, assuring residents here that the role in no way affects his position as Governor of Louisiana.

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The arrests of 67 people in a month-long sex offender sting underscores the fact that the battle against child sex predators is never ending. During the month-long operation last month, agents from more than 30 departments joined forces to arrest sex offenders using social media to commit additional crimes against children. Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin Cobb says it doesn’t matter where a child lives, all it takes for a child to become a victim are a device and access to the internet.

Cut 10 (10) “…be a victim.”

On Christmas Eve, dozens of bonfires will be lit along the banks of the Mississippi River. St. James Parish President Pete Dufresne says the lighting of the bonfires is a tradition that has gone on for centuries.

Cut 4 (07) “…St. James Parish.”

11:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Department of Economic Development says 2025 was a record-breaking year. Secretary Susan Bourgeois says 2025 saw the largest investment and job creation in Louisiana history.

Cut 3 (09) “…93-hundred direct jobs.”

Bourgeois says those jobs pay an average salary of 91-thousand dollars a year, which is 30-thousand higher than the state’s current average.  She credits several new initiatives for the increased investment in Louisiana.

After a two week manhunt, an escapee from the St. Landry Parish jail was captured yesterday without incident.  That’s the word from Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz.  Keith Eli had been in jail on a charge of second degree murder. Another escapee was captured back on December 5th, following a brief chase.

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In their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance Tulane will meet Ole Miss or the second time this season, Saturday. The first matchup was in September, and the Green Wave lost by five touchdowns with he Rebels putting up nearly 550 yards of offense. Senior linebacker Sam Howard says the Green Wave’s defense has to do a better job of getting off the field.

Cut 13 (11)  “…make a play.”

Kick off is this afternoon at 2:30.

Kick off is set for 2:30.

With the transfer portal window set to open on January 2nd, ten LSU football players are expected to enter. Among them is redshirt freshman quarterback Colin Hurley, who enrolled at LSU as a 16-year-old. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says the move isn’t surprising as head coach Lane Kiffin is expected to shop for multiple quarterbacks in the portal.

Cut 15 (08) “…going to be missed.”

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

If you have some last-minute Christmas shopping to do, why not do it at a local business? Andre Champagne reports…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

If you’ll be out and about today, you may want to get a Powerball ticket. If the five numbers and the Powerball you choose match the numbers drawn Saturday night, you win one and a half billion dollars! In case you’re wondering, the odds of winning are 292-million-to-one.

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2025 was a record-breaking year for economic development in Louisiana, with 61-billion dollars in capital investment and more than 93-hundred direct new jobs. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says those jobs pay an average salary of 91-thousand dollars a year,and…

Cut 4 (11) “…current state average.”

Today is the big day for Tulane as the road to the national championship begins. It won’t be easy for the Green Wave as they’re in Oxford to take on Ole Miss. Four months ago, they lost to the Rebels by five touchdowns.  Freshman running back Jamauri McClure says the Green Wave will be out for revenge today.

Cut 14 (12) “…ready for this game.”

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

Tulane is set to play in its first-ever College Football Playoff game today as it faces Ole Miss for the second time this season. Head coach Jon Sumrall says his team is one that’s led by the players.

Cut 12 (14) “…and their approach.”

Kick off is scheduled for 2:30

The City of Shreveport is looking to be the next Louisiana city to build a large data center. After two hours of intense debate, the City Council unanimously on Thursday voted to overturn a decision by the Metropolitan Planning Commission and approve the building of a center there. Councilman Jim Taliaferro explained that he understood everyone’s concerns but…

Cut 11 (11) “…safeguards in place.”

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2025 was a big year for economic development in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

If you still have Christmas shopping to do this Super Saturday, you might want to consider shopping local. Leah Long, the director of the Louisiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business says even if you prefer to shop online, shopping local is a benefit to your community. .

Cut 8 (08) “…it to you.”

 

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Department of Economic Development says 2025 was a record-breaking year. Secretary Susan Bourgeois says 2025 saw Louisiana’s the largest investment and job creation in state history.

Cut 3 (09) “…93-hundred direct jobs.”

Those jobs pay an average salary of 90-thousand dollars a year.

Another Louisiana city is building another large data center. Following two hours of passionate debate Thursday, the Shreveport City Council unanimously voted to overturn a decision by the Metropolitan Planning Commission and approve the building of the center. Supporters spoke about increased tax revenue and more education and training for the future. Others voiced concerns…

Cut 10 (10) “…of this project?”

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In their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance Tulane will meet Ole Miss or the second time this season, Saturday. The first matchup was in September, and the Green Wave lost by five touchdowns. The Rebels totaled nearly 550 yards of offense. Senior linebacker Sam Howard says the Green Wave’s defense has to do a better job of getting off the field this time around.

Cut 13 (11)  “…make a play.”

Kick off is this afternoon at 2:30.

With the transfer portal set to open January 2nd, ten LSU football players are expected to enter. One of the most surprising names expected to enter the portal is freshman offensive lineman Carius Curne. Curne played in seven games and had starts at both left and right tackle. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau…

Cut 16 (09) “…are significant.”