6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Today could be the day that the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history comes to an end. The House gavels back in session today for the first time since September 19th to consider the funding package passed by the Senate that would keep the government open through January 30th. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says the only way that the shutdown was going to end was going to be when enough members of one party caved, and in this case it was the Democrats.

Cut 7 (09) “…short-term deal.”

Brian Kelly’s lawsuit against LSU could potentially hurt its head coaching search. ESPN Baton Rouge Radio’s Matt Moscona appeared on the Moon Griffon show and says LSU has notified potential coaches and their representatives about the upcoming lawsuit.

Cut 10 (09) “…coming and why.” 

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A five-year-old Slidell boy is killed, and his grandmother is charged in his death. Police chief Daniel Seuzeneau says Carson Lawson was sitting in front of 55-year-old Kristen Anders’ GMC Yukon SUV yesterday morning when Anders got in and pulled out of the driveway, not realizing the boy was in front of the vehicle.

Cut 4 (12) “…didn’t see him.”

Veterans Day may be over, but Raising Cane’s is still matching your donations to the Gary Sinise Foundation to help our nation’s heroes.  Danny Caudle, the area leader for the Baton Rouge market for Raising Cane’s, says the Gary Sinise Foundation honors and supports military veterans, first responders and their families in need, and it’s a charity that the restaurant chain greatly believes in.

Cut 13 (05)  “…Gary Sinise Foundation.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

The LSU system has a new president.  Dr. Wade Rousse.  Rouse is a Louisiana native who grew up in Golden Meadow who up till now served as president of McNeese State.  Rousse believes with his leadership skills, the governor knows the LSU system is in good hands.

Cut 10 (12) “…a leadership void.”

Now that it’s reached 35 days, this federal government shutdown in officially the longest in U.S. history.  ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says republicans and democrats are digging in and refusing to budge from their positions on healthcare subsidies…and that’s not how it’s supposed to work.

Cut 13 (14)  “…it should be.”
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The Saints were very active in yesterday’s NFL trade deadline. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

New LSU president Wade Rousse has been added to the head football coach search committee.   And he knows it’s a big responsibility.

Cut 17 (13) “…in that process.”

 

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

LSU’s new system president is a Louisiana native who grew up in Golden Meadow. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

New LSU president Wade Rousse has been added to the head football coach search committee. It features five other members, including Verge Ausberry, who is now LSU’s full-time athletic director after Rousse removed his interim tag.

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This is now the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Today is the 36th day of the shutdown, eclipsing the old record of 35 days that began in 2018, during Donald Trump’s first presidency. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says the shutdown is over one single issue – healthcare subsidies – and neither party is willing to negotiate.

Cut 11 (11) “…a subsidy extension.”

Livestock owners throughout Louisiana and elsewhere are worrying about something else…the the New World screwworm.  At this point, it’s been found as far north as Mexico. LSU AgCenter veterinarian Christine Navarre says if it returns to the U.S. for the first time since the 1960s, it could cause big problems.

Cut 4 (11) “…can be deadly.”

 

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

McNeese State President Dr. Wade Rousse has been named the new president of the LSU system. Rousse is a Louisiana native and grew up in Golden Meadow. Rousse has been at McNeese as an administrator since 2019 and was named president last year. Rousse says he’s eager to build on LSU’s strong foundation.

Cut 7 (11) “…ahead of us.”

Before Rousse was named president by the LSU Board of Supervisors, several students voiced their opposition to him being named president. Ryan Spalt was one of seven students arrested last month during LSU presidential search meeting for speaking past their allotted time. He’s upset that Rousse is perceived as Governor Landry’s handpicked choice.

Cut 8 (11) “…Landry lap dog.”

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We are now in the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Saints sent wide receiver Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2026 fourth and fifth-round pick. Mike Detillier, host of “SportsTalk” on WWL Radio, says the move is about draft capital and rebuilding.

Cut 14 (11) “…make this work.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Food Banks across Louisiana are feeling the burden of the federal government shutdown. Pat Van Burkleo, the executive director of Feeding Louisiana, says food banks already came under financial hardship earlier this year, with the change in presidential administrations.

Cut 4 (13) “…the food banks.”
Now that the time has changed, it’s getting dark earlier…which means many are driving home in the dark at six pm which is why Governor Landry has proclaimed this week Drowsy Driving Prevention week.  Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says s when it comes to driving, doing so after depriving yourself of sleep is just as dangeroud as drinking and driving.

Cut 8 (08) “…average-sized man.”

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The number-five ranked LSU women’s basketball team begins their season tonight as the Tigers host Houston Christian at 7 p.m. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The college basketball season tipped off last night. In the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge, the Ragin Cajuns and ULM both lost.  But talk about a shocker, the UNO Privateers, a 22-point underdog, defeated TCU 78-74. UNO only won four games last year.

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

The LSU Board of Supervisors selects a new president today. Jeff Palermo has more from the perceived front-runner, McNeese president Wade Rousse.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

We all know Louisiana is known for it’s great food.  Well, three New Orleans restaurants received Michelin stars for the first time as the prestigious dining guide expanded to include the American South.  Emeril’s in the Warehouse District debuted in the guide with two stars. Saint-Germain on St. Claude Avenue and Mid-City’s Zasu each received one star.

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With Sunday’s time change, that means it is now getting dark much earlier. If you get off work at six p-m, you will be driving home in total darkness. Governor Landry has used the occasion of the end of Daylight Saving Time to proclaim this week as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, which is a national campaign led by the National Sleep Foundation. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says sleep deprivation is on par with intoxication.

Cut 7 (13) “…point-one-two.”

Food Banks throughout Louisiana are feeling the burden of the federal government shutdown. But Pat Van Burkleo, the executive director of Feeding Louisiana, says others are stepping up to fill the need during the crisis.

Cut 5 (08) “…has matched that.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

People who need food assistance are turning to food banks amid the federal government shutdown. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A death that was initially reported as a possible suicide in New Orleans East is now being investigated as a homicide, and police have made an arrest in the case. Authorities say 32-year-old Joshua Badod is facing a second degree murder in the case.

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The LSU Board of Supervisors meets this morning to select a new president. The three finalists are University of Alabama provost James Dalton, former University of Arizona president and Mississippi native Robert Robbins and McNeese State president Wade Rousse, who is the favorite. Currently, the LSU president oversees the entire system and the Baton Rouge campus. Rousse believes they should be separated.

Cut 10 (07) “…the outlining campuses.”

Pelicans’ coach Willie Green is officially on the hot seat after the team’s 0-and-6 start to the season, with half of those losses by lopsided scores. Green says he understands the criticism and takes responsibility for the poor start.

Cut 13 (12)  “…get on track.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

Police in Monroe have made  a second arrest in a triple homicide that left three people dead including a 2 year old girl.   24 year-old Cameron Criner is accused in the triple homicide that claimed the lives of Jamal Bosley, Jaborris Simpson and the child.  Police say Criner’s criminal history is “extensive and deeply troubling”.  Another suspect, 24-year-old Travis Payton was arrested on Wednesday.

LSU introduced New Iberia native and longtime athletic administrator Verge Ausberry as its interim athletics director. After a tumultuous week that saw the firing of head football coach Brian Kelly and the departure of athletics director Scott Woodward, Ausberry had this message for LSU fans…

Cut 3 (12) “…job done.”

Ausberry says his main priority is to find the best football coach that LSU can hire.

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If you’re looking for something to do today, Andrew Greenstein has a great idea.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Good news for Louisiana soybean farmers, as China this week agreed to buy 12-million metric tons of U.S. soybeans between now and January. That was the result of a meeting between President Trump and the Chinese President.  Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain.

Cut 12 (09) “…first few months.”

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

New Iberia native and longtime athletics administrator Verge Ausberry is now the man in charge of the LSU athletics department. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Bossier City man who fatally shot a customer at his watermelon stand almost five years ago was convicted Thursday in Bossier District Court.  A Bossier Parish jury found 29 year old Colton Matthews guilty of Manslaughter. He was originally charged with second-degree murder. Matthews will be sentenced in February.

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The Louisiana Book Festival is going on now in Baton Rouge. Robert Wilson, the executive director for the Louisiana Center for the Book says there are books for readers of all ages and all interests.

Cut 10 (09) “…are just beginning.”

And for the kids, Wison say the festival features a musical performance from Rick Kelley of Music with a Message for Kids, who travels the state promoting reading as a fun activity for kids.

Saints Rookie Tyler Shough will make his first NFL start on Sunday when the Saints visit the Rams. Los Angeles has a very good pass rush. Third year edge rusher Byron Young has nine sacks and last year’s defensive rookie of the year, Jared Verse, has four sacks. New Orleans offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier…

Cut 18 (06) “…their scheme”

Kick off is at 3:05.

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

LSU alum and Baton Rouge native Scott Woodward is no longer the athletics director at LSU after Governor Landry said he did not want Woodward to hire the next football coach. It was announced on Thursday night that Woodward and the LSU Board of Supervisors mutually agreed to party ways. LSU Board of Supervisors member John Carmouche denies that Landry had anything to do with Woodward’s departure…

Cut 6 (09) “…part ways.”

Woodward still had three years left on his contract and LSU owes him six million dollars.

New Iberia native and longtime athletic administrator Verge Ausberry has been named interim athletics director at LSU. Ausberry says his main priority is to find the best football coach that LSU can hire. He’s forming a committee that includes members of the LSU Board of Supervisors and major donors to the athletic program.

Cut 4 (10) “…one of those at LSU.”

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Big news for Louisiana soybean farmers as China has agreed to buy 12-million metric tons of U.S. soybeans between now and January. That number is down more than ten-million metric tons after China stopped buying U.S. soybeans amid a months-long tariff battle. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the U.S. is the second-biggest producer of soybeans in the world.

Cut 13 (11)  “…Argentina 50.9.”

If you’re a book fan and looking for something to do today, the Louisiana Book Festival is happening in Baton Rouge. Robert Wilson, the executive director for the Louisiana Center for the Book, says there’s one building that’s usually a part of the festival that won’t be this year.

Cut 9 (09)  “…we didn’t normally.”

The book fair opened at nine and runs till four today at the State Library and the surrounding Capitol Park area.