6:30 LRN Newscast

Senator John Kennedy wants to give teachers who spend their own money on school supplies a bigger tax break. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Lafayette Police say several people were injured last night when an Opelousas man stole an unoccupied school bus and drove recklessly on Pinhook Road causing a crash involving four vehicles. The suspect, 26-year-old Marion Baker, was being transported to a mental facility when he fled and stole the bus. After the crash with the bus, police say he stole a truck from a bystander who stopped to assist. Baker was eventually apprehended in Rayne.

Late last week, the Louisiana Department of Health detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu in the state. Officials say the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says while public risk is low, the risk is there.

Cut 10 (12) “…from infected cows.”

Sokol says never touch a sick or dead animal or their droppings and keep pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces.

Crawfish farmers are seeing signs that the crawfish crop will rebound in 2025. LSU AgCenter Crawfish Agent Todd Fontenot says recent rainfalls have helped produce a strong crop of young crawfish emerging from their burrows

Cut 8 (08) “…into the ponds.”

Fontenot anticipates a robust harvest for 2025 allowing people to plan their crawfish boils for March, April, and May.

AM Newscall December 16

Senator John Kennedy wants to give teachers who spend their own money on school supplies a bigger tax break. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

Crawfish lovers are hopeful for a better crawfish season this year.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

The 2024 Prep Classic saw three teams from the Acadiana area win state championships. Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

_____________________________________________

Senator John Kennedy introduced a bill that would double the maximum that teachers can deduct from their taxable income for spending their own money on school supplies.

Cut 4 (15) “…to 600 dollars.”

Kennedy says teachers spending their own money on school supplies is unfortunately very common.

Cut 5 (10) “…their income tax.” 

Kennedy says it’s a shame that he would have to propose such a bill in the first place.

Cut 6 (12) “…an unlimited deduction.”

Kennedy says he introduced the bill mainly to get a head start on it. He acknowledges that there isn’t enough time in the current session to take it up, and he will not advance it this year. He says he will reintroduce it when the 119th Congress convenes next month.

_____________________________________________

Crawfish farmers are expecting the 2025 mudbug season to be night and day from this year.  The historic drought of 2023 led to a delayed season with low supplies this year, but LSU AgCenter Crawfish Agent Todd Fontenot says recent rainfall should lead to a better 2025…

Cut 7 (12) “…normal like conditions.”

Fontenot reassures crawfish enthusiasts that the upcoming season is on track to recover. He attributes this optimism to improved conditions, including recent rains and a strong crop of young crawfish emerging from their burrows in recent months.

Cut 8 (08) “…into the ponds.”

Fontenot anticipates a robust harvest for 2025, with boiling spots beginning to open, allowing people to plan their crawfish boils for March, April, and May. This promising outlook should ease concerns among crawfish lovers eager to enjoy their seasonal delicacy after the challenges of the previous year.

Cut 9 (12)  “…they will grow.”

The LSU AgCenter remains hopeful that the improved environmental conditions will support a return to normal for the crawfish industry.

_____________________________________________

Late last week, the Louisiana Department of Health detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu. The state says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says while public risk is low, the risk is there.

Cut 10 (09) “…from infected cows.”

Sokol says the symptoms of bird flu are not unlike those for human flu.

Cut 11 (13) “…headaches, fatigue.”

But Sokol cautions that in order for it to be bird flu, the person must have come into contact with an infected animal such as a bird or a cow.

Cut 12 (10) “…not bird flu.”

_______________________________________________________

Whereas Friday’s action at the Prep Classic at the Superdome featured three riveting contests, the two games Saturday were blowouts. Both got so out of hand that they went to running clocks in the second half. In the Division One Select Championship, Edna Karr out of New Orleans beat Alexandria Senior High, 53-8. ASH coach Thomas Bachman says that one loss does not take away from the team’s accomplishments all season long.

Cut 13 (09)  “…proud of them.”

Edna Karr coach Brice Brown says the win speaks to the talent that kids from New Orleans have.

Cut 14 (21) “…but great academics.”

Later, in the Division One Non-Select title game, Central, out of Baton Rouge, annihilated Ruston, 42-0, denying Ruston its second straight state title in its third straight appearance in the Prep Classic. Ruston Head Coach Jerrod Baugh took responsibility for his team’s performance.

Cut 15 (19) “…out to be.”

Central won its second state title, the first coming in 1966. Central coach David Simoneaux said his team proved a lot of people wrong.

Cut 16 (20) “…close-knit group.”

Cecilia, Sterlington, South Plaquemines, Archbishop Shaw, Catholic New Iberia and Vermilion Catholic also won state championships.

_______________________________________________________________

To boost NIL efforts at LSU, head football coach Brian Kelly announced the one-million dollar match challenge. Kelly says he and his wife will match up to one million dollars in new money donated through NIL for football. Tiger Rag magazine editor  Glenn Guilbeau says it’s refreshing to see Kelly put up his own money to boost NIL efforts with the football program.

Cut 17 (14)  “…his own money.” 

Guilbeau says one thing that may have motivated Kelly to put up his own money is better job security.

Cut 18 (13)   “…from getting fired.”

The one-million dollars from the Kellys will go to the Tiger Athletic Foundation A-D’s Excellence fund.

_______________________________________________________________

The Saints fell one point short of pulling off a huge come-from-behind win over the Washington Commanders, but ended up losing 20 to 19. New Orleans trailed 17-zip in the third quarter, but the offense came alive when Spencer Rattler replaced Jake Haener at quarterback. Rattler threw a touchdown pass on the final play of regulation to get within one point. Coach Darren Rizzi decided to go for the win with a two-point conversion but they could not convert…

Cut 19 (15) “…right thing.”

Saints running back Alvin Kamara injured his groin and the fourth quarter and did not return. Haener started but only completed four passes and threw an interception. Rattler was 10 of 21 for 135 yards and a touchdown. Rizzi on why he made the change…

Cut 20 (17) “…first half.”

07:30 LRN Sportscast

Three amazing games on day two of the Prep Classic. It all started with Archbishop Shaw’s 28-25 victory over E-D White for the Eagles first state championship since 1987. Shaw’s Michigan signees were the difference as Josh Parker had 174 yards rushing and a touchdown and Jacob Washington caught two touchdown passes.

In the middle game, Catholic High of New Iberia held of a furious fourth quarter rally by Dunham to beat the Tigers 31 to 28. Panthers quarterback Luke Landry threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns.

And then in the nightcap…Ceclia scored a late touchdown to beat Franklinton 35 to 32. Diesel Solari’s 39 yard touchdown pass to Ellis Stewart with one minute and 17 seconds left will go down as one of the greatest plays in Prep Classic History. Cecilia wins its first state championship since 1995

The Prep Classic wraps up today with two more games. At noon it’s the Division one select state championship game as Alexandria Senior faces the Karr Cougars. The Trojans are making their first ever appearance in the Superdome for a championship game. ASH Coach Thomas Bachmann says Rapides Parish can’t wait for this one…

Cut 10 (09) “…experience that’

The final game of the day is Ruston against Central.

Tomorrow the Saints will have to contend with Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Former LSU star and Saints Tyrann Mathieu is looking forward to playing Daniels…

Cut 16 (19) “….athlete to”

Kick off is at noon.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football needed a tight end out of the transfer portal, with the starter Mason Taylor heading for the NFL. They got one today as Bauer Sharp from Oklahoma has signed with the Tigers. Sarp led the Sooners in receiving this season catching 42 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns.

To boost NIL efforts at LSU, Kelly announced the one-million dollar match challenge. Kelly says his he and wiis wife will match up to one million dollars in new money donated through NIL for football. The one-million dollars from the Kellys will go to the Tiger Athletic Foundation A-D’s Excellence fund.

For the first time since 1987, the Archbishop Shaw Eagles are state champions in football. Shaw outlasted ED White 28-25. The Michigan signees were the difference, Jacob Washington two touchdown catches and Josh Parker 174 yards rushing and one touchdown.  The Cardinals finish three points shy of winning its first state title since 1969.

Tonight Cecilia is back in the Division Two non-select state championship game after losing last year to Opelousas. The Bulldogs will face top-seeded Franklinton at 7 PM. Cecilia is an 18-seed and head coach Dennis Skains says his team has played at a higher level since the postseason…

Cut 18 (14)   “…the season.”

Edna Karr will go after its seventh state championship tomorrow when it faces Alexandria Senior High in the Division One select state championship game. The Cougars are undefeated and Coach Brice Brown says his team does a lot of things well…

Cut 9 (13) “…(laughs)

Kick off is at noon.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints will start Jake Haener at quarterback this Sunday against the Washington Commanders as Derek Carr has been ruled out. When Carr was injured earlier this year, the Saints went with rookie Spencer Rattler as the starter.

College football….LSU offensive tackle Emery Jones has declared for the NFL draft, Tony Franklin has been hired back as the offensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech, and Ragin Cajuns kicker Kenneth Almendares (al-mun-DARE-ez) has been named the Lou Groza winner.

At yesterday’s prep classic, Sterlington beat St. James, 35-28. It was Sterlington’s third title and first since 2021. Coach Lee Doty’s team won the title despite starting 2-and-3…

Cut 29 (11) “….this year”

In other action, South Plaquemine beat Haynesville 20-7, and Vermillion Catholic beat Ouachita Christian, 33-21.

There are three more games at the prep classic today, and it gets started at noon with E-D White facing Shaw. At 3:30, Dunham takes on Catholic High of New Iberia. Dunham has one of the best sophomore quarterbacks in the country in Elijah Haven. Dunham Coach Neil Weiner (WHY-ner) says Haven has all the physical tools, but his poise impresses him….

Cut 19 (19) “…part in that.”

Catholic Panthers quarterback Luke Landry has had a sensational senior season throwing for 26 hundred yards and 37 touchdowns…

Cut 20 (12) “…great feeling.”

The final game of the day is Franklinton against Cecilia.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU offensive lineman Emery Jones has declared for the NFL draft, which means the Tigers will need to replace four starters on their o-line. Jones is expected to be a second or third round pick.

Ragin Cajuns kicker Kenneth Almendares (al-mun-DARE-ez) has been named the Lou Groza winner in college football. Almendares is the first kicker in school history to win the award which goes to the nation’s best kicker. He leads the nation in field goals with 27.

Tony Franklin is back as Louisiana Tech’s offensive coordinator. Franklin’s offenses in Ruston from 2010 to 2012 averaged nearly 36 points a game and in 2012 Tech led the nation in scoring, averaging 51 points a game.

The Saints have announced Jake Haener will start at quarterback this Sunday against Washington. It will be the first career start for the former fourth round pick out of Fresno State. Derek Carr has been ruled out for Sunday’s game.

The three schools that won a state championship in football on Thursday, all won their third title in school history. Vermilion Catholic upended Ouachita Christian 33-21. V-C head coach Brock Prejean…

Cut 30 (07) “…more proud”

South Plaquemines defeated Haynesville 20-7 and Sterlington upset St. James 35 to 28.

E-D White goes for its third state championship at noon when it faces Archbishop Shaw. Cardinals Coach Kyle Lasseigne (Luh-saine) says he purposely arranged a tough non-district schedule to prepare his team for this moment…

Cut 17 (17) “…for this”

Kick off is at noon. Also today….Dunham takes on Catholic of New Iberia and Cecilia faces Franklinton.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU offensive tackle Emery Jones has decided to enter the NFL draft. He becomes the second Tiger offensive lineman to forgo his senior season. The other was Will Campbell.

At the Prep Classic, Vermilion Catholic won its first state title since 2013 as the Eagles defeated Ouachita Christan 33-21. Jon Jon Dartez rushed for 253 yards and two touchdowns and threw for two touchdowns.

Tonight Sterlington takes on St. James in the non-select division three state title game.

Tomorrow in the Prep Classic, Archbishop Shaw will be looking for its first state title since 1987. The Eagles have a talented running back in Jasper Parker. Shaw head coach Hank Tierney…

Cut 13 (12) “…good player”

Shaw will face E-D White at noon tomorrow.

The Saints are unsure who will start at quarterback this Sunday against the Commanders. Derek Carr has an injured non-throwing hand and is in concussion protocol. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi says Carr’s backups, Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler, are sharing snaps with the first-team offense…

Cut 20 (12) “…quarterback situation”

Washington is 8-and-5 and led by former LSU star Jayden Daniels, who is a candidate to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Daniels talked this week about his adjustment to the pros…

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.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

After waiting three years for his opportunity to be the starting quarterback at LSU, Garrett Nussmeier is not ready to give it up. On Wednesday afternoon, Nussmeier announced that he would return for his fifth and final season at LSU. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says it’s unsurprising that Nussmeier is staying…

Cut 14 (10) “…coming back”

Nussmeier has thrown for 37-hundred yards this season with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

The Saints are unsure who will start at quarterback this Sunday against the Commanders. Derek Carr has an injured non-throwing hand and is in concussion protocol. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi says Carr’s backups, Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler, are sharing snaps with the first-team offense…

Cut 20 (12) “…quarterback situation”

Kick off is at noon.

 

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.”

V-C and O-C-S played in a state title game in 2022 and Ouachita Chrisian won by two touchdowns.

At 3:30 it’s the division four non-select state championship game, as Haynesville battles South Plaquemines. The Golden Tornado is undefeated and they were runner-ups last season. Haynesville is looking for an 18th championship. The Hurricanes are looking for their first title since 2008.

The final game of the day is top seeded St. James versus Sterlington, a rematch of a semifinal game last year won by the Wildcats. Kick off is at 7.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

He’s coming back. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier posted a video on his social media pages to announce that he’s returning for his final year of eligibility next season.

Cut 13 (10)  “…is not over.”

Next season will be Nussmeier’s fifth season as a Tiger. This season he’s thrown for 37-hundred yards 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

And the Tigers 2025 SEC schedule was released last night. The league opener will be against Florida on September 13th. The Tigers will visit Ole Miss on October 27th. Alabama November 8th and Oklahoma November 29th. LSU hosts South Carolina and Texas A-and-M in October.

La Tech comes to Tiger Stadium on September sixth and Southeastern Louisiana will be in Death Valley September 20th. The season opener is at Clemson.

The Saints are unsure who will start at quarterback on Sunday against Washington. It could be the injured Derek Carr. If Carr can’t go, Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler will battle it out this week to see who will start. Commanders starting quarterback Jayden Daniels will make his return to Louisiana…

Cut 18 (12) “…for sure”

Today in the Ceasars Superdome, the Prep Classic Kicks off at noon as Ouachita Christian battles Vermilion Catholic. O-C-S has several talented players including Patrick Turpin who has ten touchdown catches and three interceptions on defense…

Cut 17 (16) “….Turpin does it all”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU does not play its bowl game until New Year’s Eve day against Baylor in the Texas Bowl, but it’s still a very busy time for the Fighting Tiger football program. Kelly says he and his staff are balancing game prep, practices which will resume tomorrow and the transfer portal….

Cut 27 (12) “…quite busy”

Kelly says he was at three different upscale restaurants in Baton Rouge last night to meet with recruits out of the transfer portal as the Tigers try to rebuild their roster.

Houston Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta is interested in buying the Saints. Last year, Fertitta attempted to acquire the Washington Commanders. The Houston Business Journal reports Fertitta told Gayle Benson he’d be interested in buying the Saints, but has not sent her an official offer. The Saints are currently not for sale.

St. James is back in the state championship game for a second consecutive season after suffering a heart-breaking loss to Union Parish last season. Wildcats Coach Lavanta Davis is trying to bring home a sixth state title for St James…

Cut 16 (12) “…miscues.”

St. James will play Sterlington tomorrow night in the Division 3 non-select state championship game. Panthers head coach Lee Doty says his team has gotten better every week…

Cut 18 (23)   “…finally got healthy.”

This game will kick off at 7 PM tomorrow. The first game of the day tomorrow is Vermilion Catholic versus Ouachita Christian.