8:30 AM LRN Newscast

A federal judge has ruled a 2023 state law that requires social media companies to verify the age of users is unconstitutional. Jeff Palermo has reaction.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Vernon Parish woman authorities say called the police after shooting and killing her husband has pleaded guilty to a count of manslaughter.  Melissa Ann Sweat was arrested in August of last year and originally charged with second-degree murder.  She faces up to 40 years in prison with the manslaughter plea.  Sentencing is set for January.

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Too much screen time can cause nearsightedness in children. Louisiana Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says using objects up close like phone screens can cause permanent complications.  He recommends kids put down the phones and go play outside.

Cut 14 (07) “…near-sightedness in kids.”

It seems that A-I has infiltrated the Christmas shopping experience. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says an increasing number of shoppers are turning to A-I for inspiration before heading to stores…and if you’ve noticed that items you’re looking for in stores are always in stock, you can thank A-I for that.

Cut 8 (11) “…what they want.”

 

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s law requiring social media companies to verify the age of users, obtain parental consent and provide parental controls violates the first amendment. That’s the ruling from federal Judge John deGravelles after NetChoice challenged the law saying the government doesn’t have the authority to restrict free speech that way. But, attorney General Liz Murrill says the purpose of the legislation is to protect children from online predators.

Cut 5 (11) “…using social media.”

Murrill has said she will appeal the decision.

Two people are dead, and one is in critical condition following a shooting in LaPlace last night around 7.  St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre has said there is no threat to the public at this time and that this was an isolated incident.

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Nearsightedness is becoming an epidemic in Louisiana, and our deputy surgeon general has some for protecting children’s eyesight. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Raising Cane’s owner Todd Graves and Saints owner Gayle Benson are once again donating children’s bikes to youth organizations across the country.  Yesterday, they were in Baton Rouge to donate 100 bikes and helmets to members of the YMCA of the Capital Area.

Cut 11 (10) “…of the season.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

A federal judge in Baton Rouge has ruled that Louisiana’s law that requires social media companies to verify the age of users, obtain parental consent and provide parental controls is unconstitutional. Judge John deGravelles (guh-GRAVEL) said the law violates the First Amendment. Attorney General Liz Murrill says it’s unfortunate that the court chose to protect huge corporations that facilitate child exploitation.

Cut 4 (03) “…of the solution.”

Studies show excessive social media can have adverse on mental health. But it can also cause nearsightedness in children. Louisiana Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says using objects up close like phone screens makes their eyes grow longer and could cause permanent complications.

Cut 13 (11)  “…your whole life.”

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It seems that A-I has taken over the entire Christmas shopping experience. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says with Christmas shopping lists becoming more and more complex, an increasing number of shoppers are turning to A-I for inspiration before schlepping to the malls and fighting the crowds.

Cut 7 (10) “…interaction nowadays.”

Raising Cane’s owner Todd Graves and Saints owner Gayle Benson were in Baton Rouge yesterday to donate 100 children’s bikes and helmets to members of the YMCA of the Capital Area. Mrs. Benson also presented a check to the YMCA to renovate its locker rooms.

Cut 10 (12) “…feel so good.”

 

11:30 LRN AM Newscast

Iowa won its first state championship in school history last night as the Yellow Jackets defeated North Desoto 50-43. Sterlington won its second title in a row as the Panthers defeated Jena 34-20 at the LHSAA Prep Classic in New Orleans.  St. Charles Catholic with a wild comeback in the final seconds of that game.  A 44-yeard field goal from Senior Tyler Milioto gave them the 23-21 win over Shaw.

Today, Ouachita Parish is back in the state title game for the first time since 1994. The Lions take on their in-district rivals in the Ruston Bearcats in today’s early game. Ouachita head coach Benjy Lewis says that his team knew it had a chance to be special after losing a close game to Ruston in week six.

Cut 12 (14) “…started it.”

Ouachita Parish is looking for its first state title since 1989.

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If you get behind the wheel after having one too many, you will be caught, and you will be arrested. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Nearly five years after losing her husband to COVID-19 complications, Congresswoman Julia Letlow is getting ready to tie the knot. Letlow announced yesterday her engagement to Baton Rouge lawyer Kevin Ainsworth. President Donald Trump congratulated the couple at a White House event yesterday.

 

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

If you’ll be drinking this holiday season, be sure you don’t get behind the wheel. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is happening now through New Year’s day state wide.  Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the holiday season has traditionally is always deadly on Louisiana roadways due to drinking and driving, and last year was no different.

Cut 4 (13) “…alcohol-related crash.”

Fischer says if you plan on having a good time at your holiday gatherings, by all means do so – but have a plan to get home safely.

Cut 5 (06) “…a designated driver.”

Lots of people will be headed to the LHSAA Prep Classic to watch state championship football today.  Ruston is set to take on Ouachita Parish at noon.  . At 3:30 it’s a battle of New Orleans football giants:  Edna Karr versus St. Aug.

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Haynesville claimed its 18th football state championship Thursday after beating Mangham, 39-37.  Haynesville had made it to the state championship game in the last three seasons but came up short.  Head coach David Franklin says the character of his players this season allowed the team to flourish this season

Cut 10 (14) “…on the cake.”

Everyone’s talking about the wild ending of last night’s St. Charles Catholic versus Shaw match up in the Division Two select state title game.  Senior Tyler Milioto overcame a missed extra point with 36 seconds left and thanks to a Shaw penalty, got a second chance to win it for his team.  Our own Jeff Palermo had the call on the LHSAA Network…

Cut 30 (13) “….to hero”

Milioto kicked a 44-yeard game wining field goal to give the Comets the win 23-21

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

A storybook ending in the Division 2 Select title game for St. Charles Catholic in the Superdome last night!  Senior Tyler Milioto overcame a missed extra point with 36 seconds left in the game when he got a second chance after a Shaw penalty.  Milioto kicked a 44-yeard game wining field goal to give the Comets the win 23-21.

Iowa won its first State Championship in school history . Iowa with its first ever state championship taking out North Desoto 50-43.  . Sterlington won its second title in a row as the Panthers defeated Jena 34-20.

Ruston is making its fourth straight state championship appearance and is looking to capture its ninth state title in school history as they take on Ouachita Parish.  Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh says last season’s 42-0 loss to Central is something that’s motivating the players this season.

Cut 14 (15) “…for this year.”

Kickoff for that game is today at noon.

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Haynesville claimed its 18th football state championship this week after beating Mangham, 39-37. The Golden Tornado have the second-most football state titles in Louisiana, just behind John Curtis. Head coach David Franklin says this year’s team will always be special to him.

Cut 9 (11)  “…they put forth.”

You might want to spend part of your weekend getting ready for some serious cold. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the the winds of change will blow into the state tonight. Bringing temperatures in the mid-20’s to the northern part of the state and near freezing temps in the southern part of the state by Monday morning.

Cut 8 (07) “…long, long duration.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana has some brutally cold weather headed our way this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the weekend will start off mild, but the winds of change will blow into the state Saturday night and on Sunday night, temperatures will drop like a rock across the state

Cut 7 (09) “…the coastal parishes.”

Between now and New Year’s Day, there will be extra police on the roadways looking for drunk drivers, as the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is now underway. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says there’s traditionally an increase in drinking and driving during the holiday season.

Cut 3 (07) “…and New Year’s.”

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Big week in Louisiana high school football and for the Haynesville Golden Tornado. They captured the program’sr 18th state title on Thursday — Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

On Friday, St. Charles Catholic won in an amazing end of game comeback, taking out Shaw for the title there.  Iowa with its first ever state championship.  Sterlington beat Jena.  And St. Charles Catholic won in an end of game comeback, taking out Shaw for the title.

Ruston takes on Ouachita Parish today at noon. At 3:30 it’s a battle of New Orleans football giants:  Edna Karr versus St. Aug.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

If you get behind the wheel after having one too many, you will be caught, and you will be arrested. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Nearly five years after losing her husband to COVID-19 complications, Congresswoman Julia Letlow is getting ready to tie the knot. Letlow announced yesterday her engagement to Baton Rouge lawyer Kevin Ainsworth. President Donald Trump congratulated the couple at a White House event yesterday.

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Iowa won its first state championship in school history as the Yellow Jackets defeated North Desoto 50-43. Sterlington won its second title in a row as the Panthers defeated Jena 34-20.  And St. Charles Catholic with a wild comeback in the final seconds of that game.  They beat Shaw 23-21 in the end.

Ouachita Parish is back in the state title game for the first time since 1994. The Lions take on their in-district rivals in the Ruston Bearcats in the early game Saturday. Ouachita head coach Benjy Lewis says that his team knew it had a chance to be special after losing a close game to Ruston in week six.

Cut 12 (14) “…started it.”

Ouachita Parish is looking for its first state title since 1989.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

A star-studded lineup is announced for the 2026 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 1 (39) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

Lane Kiffin will return to Oxford on September 19th. The Tigers will kick off SEC play by visiting Ole Miss on that day. LSU’s home schedule includes games against Clemson, Texas A&M, Alabama and Texas.

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Nike announces a new NIL venture, and has chosen to partner with ten LSU athletes on its first campaign.  Zach Greenwell, LSU’s deputy athletic director for external affairs, says Trey’Dez Green, Derek Curiel and gymnast Kailin Chio are among the athletes. Greenwell says they will promote Nike products

Cut 8 (12) “…place to start.”

At the LHSAA Prep Classic yesterday, Haynesville won its 18th state championship, Riverside and Dunham each won their second. Today, Iowa and Jena will play in their first-ever state championship game.  KNOE-TV sports Aaron Dietrich says the Giants will have a lot of support in the dome today…

Cut 10 (14) “…for Jay Roark.”

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7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Nike announces a first-of-its-kind partnership with LSU athletes.  Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

At the LHSAA Prep Classic, the Dunham Tigers won their first state championship since 2004 as they took outCalvary Baptist 34-17.  Haynesville won its 18th state championship as they beat Mangham 39-37.  And Riverside took out Ascension Catholic 31-21.

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is expressing concerns about the impact of Operation Catahoula Crunch. Nungesser says the enhanced immigration enforcement operation has immigrant communities on edge, and could hurt tourism in the state, which is why he’d like to see a different approach.

Cut 14 (07) “…the whole community.”

The lineup for next year’s New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has been announced.  The Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Rod Sewart, and Louisiana’s own Lainey Wilson will be among the performers.  Producer and Director Quint Davis says Jazz Fest will five-thousand musicians will be performing on 14 stages during the eight-day festival, and nearly all genres of music are represented.

Cut 5 (06) “…a blues tent.”