3:30 LRN Newscast

LSU interim head football coach Frank Wilson says quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has re-aggravated an abdominal injury he sustained in preseason camp, but he’s still expected to start against Arkansas tomorrow. Wilson says if Nussmeier’s injury is more severe than originally thought, Michael Van Buren will start at Q-B…

Cut 12 (11) “…his progress.”

This week, Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder was indicted on felony charges as Attorney General Liz Murrill accused Schexnayder of stealing a rare state artifact. A 20-foot-long cypress board harvested from a tree believed to be more than one-thousand years old. It was last seen hanging in Schexnayder’s legislative office in Gonzales. But Schexnayder says he didn’t take it and does not know where it is. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says unless there’s evidence Schexnayder took the board, it’s hard to prove guilt…

Cut 11 (08) “…for her”

This is the last weekend of the State Fair of Louisiana, and Andrew Greenstein has a couple ways you can save money.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Tomorrow it’s the state volleyball championships in Lafayette. Westminster Christian who was seeking a fourth straight appearance in the state finals, was defeated today in five sets, losing to Central Catholic of Morgan City. The Eagles advance to face Country Day, who has won nine consecutive Division V state titles.

LRN PM Newscall

This is the last weekend of the State Fair of Louisiana, and Andrew Greenstein has a couple ways you can save money.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Indicting him is one thing; convicting him may be another story. Jeff Palermo has more on the difficulty of convicting former House Speaker Clay Schexnayder of theft…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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This is the last weekend of the State Fair of Louisiana; and if you’re a hockey fan, there’s a special deal for you this weekend. Russell Adams with the State Fair tells KEEL if you go to the fair Friday or Saturday, you can get discounted tickets to the Shreveport Mudbugs game at Hirsch Memorial Coliseum.

Cut 3 (11) “…the hockey game.”

And the reverse is true too – if you paid full price to the Mudbugs game either day, you can get into the fair for just five dollars. Sunday is Military Appreciation Day – all veterans and active duty servicemembers get in for free. Adams says on Sunday, there will be a military parade.

Cut 4 (08) “…down our midway.”

Adams says after the parade Sunday will be a special worship service.

Cut 5 (09) “…a good message.”

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A major milestone in St. Tammany Parish as the 56-million-dollar I-12 widening project is completed months ahead of schedule. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says the freeway was widened in the Covington-Mandeville area.

Cut 6 (07) “…to LA 1077.”

Mallett says with the growth in St. Tammany Parish, coupled with I-12 being a major freight corridor for trucks going coast to coast, the volume along that stretch of roadway has increased significantly in just the last few years.

Cut 7 (11) “…20-thousand since 2018.”

Mallett says the widening of I-12 will have many more benefits beyond simply being able to more easily get from point A to point B.

Cut 8 (07) “…in that area.”

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Louisiana’s former House Speaker, Clay Schexnayder, is facing felony charges for allegedly stealing a rare Louisiana artifact. A 20-foot-long cypress board that used to hang in the halls of the Louisiana State Capitol is missing. It was last seen 18 months ago in Schexnayder’s legislative office in Gonzales.  Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says this will be a tough case to prosecute…

Cut 9 (13)  “…problematic.”

Schexnayder says when he left the office in January 2024, it was still there and he didn’t steal the board. The leasing manager for his office says they did not remove the board.

The Attorney General’s office is prosecuting Schexnayder. A-G Liz Murrill said public officials do not get to keep Louisiana property. Borghardt hopes Murrill spoke with Schexnayder before seeking the indictment…

Cut 10 (09) “…instance.”

Bordhardt says the indictment doesn’t mean anything right now…

Cut 11 (08) “…for her.”

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LSU interim head football coach Frank Wilson says quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has re-aggravated an abdominal injury he sustained in preseason camp, but he’s still expected to start against Arkansas tomorrow. Nussmeier is listed as probable, but Wilson says if Nussmeier’s injury is more problematic than what they thought, Michael Van Buren will make his first start in a Tiger uniform…

Cut 12 (11) “…his progress.”

Saturday’s game could be high scoring. The Razorbacks have one of the worst defenses in college football, but Arkansas QB Taylan Green leads the country in total offense. Wilson on the matchup with the 2-7 Hogs…

Cut 13 (09)  “…can score.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

LSU interim head football coach Frank Wilson says quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has re-aggravated his abdominal injury he first injured in preseason camp, but he’s still expected to start against Arkansas tomorrow. The Razorbacks have one of the worst defenses in college football, but Arkansas quarterback Taylan Green leads the country in total offense. Wilson on the matchup with the 2-7 Hogs…

Cut 13 (10) “…they can score”

Kick off is at 11:45.

The 56-million dollar I-12 expansion project in St. Tammany Parish has been completed, and construction finished several months ahead of schedule. State transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says widening a three and a half mile stretch of I-12 produces a lot of benefits.

Cut 8 (07) “…in that area.”

This is the last weekend of the State Fair of Louisiana, and Andrew Greenstein has a couple ways you can save money.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

In an exclusive interview with Jeff Duncan of the Advocate and the Times-Picayune, Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson says that she has no plans to sell the NFL and NBA franchises. Benson will turn 79 in January, and the plan is for the two teams to be sold to the highest bidder after she dies and 100-percent of the proceeds will be used to improve the community.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU interim head football coach Frank Wilson says quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has re-aggravated his ab injury that slowed him down earlier this season, but he’s still expected to start against Arkansas tomorrow. Tomorrow’s game could be high scoring. The Razorbacks have one of the worst defenses in college football, but Arkansas quarterback Taylan Green leads the country in total offense, averaging 335 yards a game through the air and on the ground. Wilson on tomorrow’s matchup with the 2-and-7 Hogs…

Cut 13 (10) “…they can score”

In other action on Saturday, Louisiana Tech is at Washington State, ULM hosts South Alabama, Southeastern Louisiana is at Incarnate Word, Nicholls hosts Northwestern State, McNeese takes on U-T-R-G-V in its home finale, Grambling is at Alcon and Louisiana Christian is at 11th ranked Ottawa University in Arizona and a win for the Wildcats they can clinch a share of the SAC Championships.

 

The high school football playoffs kicked off last night and St. Mary’s went down to south Louisiana and defeated St. John’s of Plaquemine 30-14. Bonnabel beat Riverdale 28-14. The Bruins are led by former LSU Tiger Andre Anthony and it is their first playoff win since 1997.

Plenty more high school playoff games tonight and Andre Champagne has this preview of the select side of the bracket…

Cut 30 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne

11:30 LRN Newscast

It’s high school football playoff time as there are several games around the state tonight. In Division three select, Lafayette Christian is the top seed. Spencer Verrett of the LHSAA Network says the Knights are one of the most battle-tested teams in the state….

Cut 18 (15) “….at the six seed”

Tonight’s LHSAA Network Game of the Week is Airline at Westgate.

Governor Jeff Landry made the radio rounds this week and was a guest on  WRKF’s Talk Louisiana. Landry says he is not involved in the search for Brian Kelly’s replacement, but he hopes the university sets the standard for what a contract should look like for a football coach.

Cut 15 (09) “…some performance basis.”

LSU football hosts Arkansas tomorrow.

 

If you want to be a part of the biggest rock band on Earth, you have an open invitation to audition – no professional experience necessary. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is preparing to distribute 100-percent of the federal SNAP funds to eligible recipients, including able-bodied adults, within a week. Beginning next week, full federal benefits will be paid to eligible SNAP households that have not received November benefits.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU interim head football coach Frank Wilson says quarterback Garrett Nussmeier re-aggravated his ab injury, but he’s still expected to start at Arkansas. Nussmeier is listed as probable on the availability report released last night. Wilson says they also plan to play backup Michael Van Buren again…

Cut 26 (16) “…proper place”

LSU linebacker Whit Weeks, who has missed the last three games with a bone bruise on his ankle, is listed as questionable.

The LSU men’s basketball team had five players score in double figures last night and defeated F-I-U 98-81. Marquel Sutton had a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Michael Nwoko (nuh-WOE-koe) also had 19 points.

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The first round of the high school football playoffs begins in earnest tonight; and today, we are previewing the select side of the bracket. Spencer Verrett with the LHSAA Network says Edna Karr is the favorite to repeat as Division One select champs, but a few of their Catholic League rivals might have a chance at upsetting the Cougars.

Cut 16 (14) “…St. Augustine gets there.

Final home games of the season tomorrow for ULM, McNeese and Nicholls. The Colonels take on Northwestern State at 3 PM. Nicholls Coach Tommy Rybacki on H-TV…

Cut 19 (14) “…important to us”

The Demons have lost nine in a row.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes is the first former LSU pitcher to win a Cy Young Award, winning it for the National League. Skenes led Major League Baseball with a 1.97 ERA and had 216 strikeouts. At LSU, Skenes helped the Tigers win a national championship in 2023 and was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player. LSU Coach Jay Johnson is thrilled to see Skenes having success in the Majors.

Cut 5 (11) “…so awesome.”

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson says the team will play both Garrett Nussmeier and Michael Van Buren at quarterback this weekend. Senior wide receiver Zavion Thomas says Nussmeier is a great teammate and that he and Nussmeier have a great relationship both on and off the field.

Cut 20 (12) “…for each other.”

Louisiana Tech dropped to 5-and-4 after a heartbreaking 25-24 loss to Delaware last Saturday. Two of the Bulldogs’ four losses have been by one point. Head coach Sonny Cumbie says he believes his team will respond the right way this week.

Cut 17 (19)  “…good football team.”

Kickoff in Pullman on Saturday is at 9 p.m. Central time.

The LSU women’s basketball team stayed unbeaten on the year and improved to 4-and-0 after defeating Charlotte last night by a score of 117-59. It’s the fourth straight game where the Tigers have scored over 100 points. Junior guard MiLaysia Fulwiley led LSU in scoring with 22 points.

The LSU men’s basketball team returns to action tonight as they host Florida International at 7 p.m.

3:30 LRN Newscast

The University of Louisiana System has appointed Ramesh Kolluru as the new interim president at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, replacing Doctor Jamie Hebert, who will go back to his provost position. Kolluru is the school’s current vice president for research, innovation and economic development. He had this message for the faculty at today’s U-L System Board meeting…

Cut 11 (11) “…university forward”

The State Bond Commission has approved the City of New Orleans’ request to secure a 125-million-dollar loan to cover payroll costs into January. How did New Orleans find themselves in this payroll crisis?  Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack says improper budgeting practices, no oversight of overtime spending and the loss of federal COVID recovery dollars.

Cut 13 (12) “…your biggest issue.”

 

With Louisiana only being able to muster a C-minus in the infrastructure report card, the big question is, how does the state improve that grade? Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Work to widen I-12 in St. Tammany Parish has been completed and several months ahead of schedule. I-12 between LA 21 and LA 1077 is now three lanes. Parish President Mike Cooper says this 56-million dollar project will greatly improve the quality of life of citizens who travel this stretch of road daily.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU Interim head football coach Frank Wilson said the Tigers will play both quarterbacks this weekend. Guillory defended Garrett Nussmeier after seeing a lot of criticism on social media and says he has full faith in both Nussmeier and Michael Van Buren to give LSU a shot at winning on Saturday.

Cut 19 (22) “…to win.”

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes became the first former LSU baseball player to win the Cy-Young last night. Skenes was selected as the unanimous winner of the National League Cy Young Award and became the first pitcher in 40 years to win the Rookie of The Year one season and baseball’s top pitching prize the next. Skenes has a 10-and-10 record with a league-best 1.97 ERA and 216 strikeouts.

The LSU men’s basketball team hosts Florida International tonight at 7 p.m. LRN

Louisiana Tech dropped to 5-and-4 after a heartbreaking 25-24 loss to Delaware last Saturday. Blake Baker, the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback, suffered a season-ending injury after tearing his ACL. Head coach Sonny Cumbie says the team is devastated.

Cut 16 (20) “…for us.”

The Bulldogs are planning to play both Evan Bullock and Trey Kukuk (Q-Kuk) at quarterback in this week’s game at Washington State.

The Pelicans dropped their third straight game last night after losing to the Portland Trail Blazers by a score of 125-117. Rookie Derik Queen led scoring for New Orleans with a career-high 26 points. The Pelicans are now last in the Western Conference at 2-and-9 on the season.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana gets its infrastructure report card, and Andrew Greenstein reports like much of the rest of the country, Louisiana has room for improvement.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The federal government shutdown is over. New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter voted no to the funding bill that reopened the government, because the legislation does not extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s time to work together to address the health care affordability crisis.

 

Because of a lawsuit filed by Brian Kelly’s legal team, we’ve learned that LSU did not formally terminate the former Tigers football coach and they are planning to fire him for cause to avoid paying the entire 54-million dollar buyout. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says Kelly has not been formally terminated because an agreement on the size of the buyout was not reached. He says LSU’s final offer to Kelly was a 30-million-dollar buyout in two lump sums, and Kelly’s attorneys countered with 43-million.

Cut 12 (13) “…can win that.”

It’s unknown what information LSU has on Kelly to fire him with cause.

Former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes has won the National League Cy Young Award, which goes to the best pitcher in the N-L. LSU Coach Jay Johnson is thrilled to see Skenes having success in the Majors

Cut 5 (11) “…so awesome.”