7:30 LRN Sportscast

It’s expected Jayden Daniels will become LSU’s third Heisman Trophy winner as the award will be handed out tonight in New York City. Daniels won two big awards last night, the Walter Camp national Player of the Year award and the Davey O’Brien Award as the top quarterback in college football.

Billy Cannon and Joe Burrow are the two other LSU players who won the Heisman. Coach Brian Kelly on what it would mean if Daniels would win the Heisman…
cut 20 (20) “….to retain”
LSU star receiver Malik Nabers did not win the Biletnikoff Award last night. Instead, that honor went to Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison, even though Nabers had more catches and receiving yards.

Union Parish ended its streak of three consecutive losses in the state championship game with a dramatic 36-35 win over St. James yesterday. The Farmers executed a two-point conversion with 11 seconds left for the winning score. Also at the Prep Classic, Opelousas won the school’s first state championship with a 26-13 win over Cecilia and Catholic High crushed Acadiana 55-31.

Today is the final day of the Prep Classic and the first game should be a high-scoring affair as Lafayette Christian takes on St. Thomas More. STM beat LCA in last year’s division two select state title game 52-48 and Cougars Hall of Fame Coach Jim Hightower is expecting another tough game…
cut 9 (08) “…measure up”
Also today, St. Charles Catholic versus Calvary Baptist and Zachary against Ruston.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Jayden Daniels is expected to win the Heisman Trophy tomorrow night. After three up-and-down seasons at Arizona State, Daniels blossomed at LSU, becoming one of the top players in college football. Coach Brian Kelly credits Daniels’ work off the field with helping him be spectacular on the field…
Cut 19 (19) “…the game.”
Daniels is trying to become the third LSU player to win the Heisman Trophy.

Saints quarterback Derek Carr is questionable to play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Carr is recovering from a concussion and he also had a rib and right shoulder injury Swiss army knife Taysom also questionable with a foot and left hand injury.

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Opelousas won its first state championship in football history as they it defeated district rival Cecilia 26-13. The Tigers rushed for 291 yards as D’Shawn Ford had 146 yards and two touchdowns.

Tomorrow, Ruston will try to win its first state title since 1990 when the Bearcats take on Zachary in the Division one non-select state title game. Last year Ruston lost to Destrehan in the championship game and Bearcats coach Jerrod Baugh says…
cut 11 (11) “….state championship”
Tonight it’s the Division One select state championship game as Catholic High battles Acadiana. Two Lafayette schools battle tomorrow in the Division Two select state title game as St. Thomas More faces Lafayette Christian. Also tomorrow, St. Charles Catholic versus Calvary.

The Tulane Green Wave are reportedly close to hiring Jon Sumrall as its next head coach. Sumrall just led Troy to back-to-back Sun Belt titles.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Oak Grove has a football dynasty going as the Tigers took home their fourth state championship in five years with a dominant 62-36 victory over Haynesville in the Division Four select state championship game. Jackson Bradley and Jay Freeman each rushed for three touchdowns.

In the Division Four-select title game. Southern Lab outlasted Riverside 42-35. That’s a sixth state title for the Kittens and a second in three years. Jerome Harris had two TD runs in the fourth quarter for the Kittens.

LSU’s Jayden Daniels was named A-P College Football Player of the Year. Tomorrow night he’s expected to win the Heisman Trophy.

The Pelicans were soundly defeated last night by the Lakers in the semi-finals of the NBA in-season tournament, 133- to-89. A vintage performance from Lebron James as King James had 30 points and eight assists.
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The Saints will host the Panthers on Sunday. Last Sunday, the Dome had a large presence of Lion fans, and Who Dat Nation was booing the Black and Gold when they got down 21-0. New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara…
cut 17 (17) “…understand it”

High school football fans get three more championship games today. Cecilia against Opelousas at noon, Union Parish versus St. James at 3:30 and the nightcap is Catholic against Acadiana. Catholic coach Hudson Fuller’s team is led by quarterback and Cajuns commitment Daniel Beale…
cut 14 (11) “…really special”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels received another huge honor today as he was named the AP player of the year, beating out Washington’s Michael Penix and Oregon’s Bo Nix. Daniels is in Baltimore tonight to receive the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and then he’ll head to New York City for a full day of activities tomorrow. He’s is the favorite to win the Heisman on Saturday night.

The 2023 Prep Classic is underway in the Caesars Superdome as over the next three days eight champions will be crowned in high school football. Tonight’s non-select Division 4 matchup features two teams that know a lot about winning state championships as Oak Grove faces Haynesville. Oak Grove is led by quarterback Jackson Bradley. Tigers Coach Ryan Gregory…
Cut 13 (12) “…from him.” (From Thursday AM)

The Pelicans will face the Lakers tonight in Las Vegas in a semifinal game of the NBA’s first in-season tournament. Should be a fun matchup as Zion Williamson will face off against Lebron James. Former Pelicans star Anthony Davis has played well against his former team since he was traded to L-A as he’s averaged 28 points in games played against New Orleans. Tip time is at 8.

The Saints will host the Panthers on Sunday. Last Sunday, there were a lot of Detroit fans and when New Orleans got behind 21-nothing, Who Dat nation let their thoughts known with some loud boos. Running back Alvin Kamara says the boos were unsettling, but justified…
cut 17 (19) “…understand it” (From Friday AM)
New Orleans hosts Carolina at noon Sunday.

06:45 LRN Sportscast

15 players were listed on the Saints injury report Wednesday. Quarterback Derek Carr was limited. Coach Dennis Allen says Carr is in concussion protocol…
Cut 17 (14) “…after that.”
Carr took a big hit in last Sunday’s loss to the Lions and suffered his second concussion in the last month. New Orleans hsots the 1-and-11 Carolina Panthers this Sunday in the Dome.

Today in the Dome, it’s the first day of the Prep Classic as Southern Lab takes on Riverside and the nightcap is Oak Grove versus Haynesville. Southern Lab Coach Darrell Asberry says his team is motivated by last year’s quarterfinal loss to Vermilion Catholic…
cut 15 (11) “…this point”
The Kittens and Rebels will get underway at 3:30.
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Yahoo Sports reports that LSU and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock are finalizing a three-year contract extension. Denbrock is the play caller for the nation’s number one ranked offense and helped Jayden Daniels become a Heisman Finalist. Football Scoop reports Texas A&M was interested in hiring Denbrock away from LSU.

48-year-old Bryant Vincent is the new head football coach of the ULM Warhawks. He takes over a program that won two games in 2023 and has not had a winning season since 2012. Vincent says he wants to build a program that northeast Louisiana can be proud of….
Cut 19 (19) “…physical football team.”
Vincent comes from New Mexico where he improved the Lobos offense in just one season as offensive coordinator.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The NCAA transfer portal is open and it’s expected the Tigers will sign defensive linemen, defensive backs and also look for a veteran receiver or two. What about a quarterback to compete with Garrett Nussmeier in 2024? Coach Brian Kelly says if they sign a Q-B, they’ll inform Nussmeier and others…
Cut 16 (21) “…that room.”
LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock helped develop Jayden Daniels into a Heisman finalist and he called the plays for this year’s record breaking offense. There are reports that Denbrock will sign a three-year contract extension.

LSU’s offensive line named a finalist for the Joe Moore, which goes to college football’s best o-line.

15 players were listed on the Saints injury report today. Quarterback Derek Carr was limited as he’s still in concussion protocol. Taysom Hill did not practice today as he’s nursing a foot and a left hand injury. Cam Jordan, Marcus Maye, Kendre Miller and Rashid Shaheed also did not practice today.

ULM introduced Bryant Vincent as its new head football coach today. Vincent comes from New Mexico where he improved the Lobos offense in just one season as offensive coordinator. Vincent also spent four seasons as UAB’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He doesn’t see why ULM can’t have a winning football program…
Cut 20 (19) “…championship program”
Vincent’s contract is five years and AD John Hartwell says salaries for Vincent and his assistant coaches have been increased.

LRN PM Newscall December 6

If you’re still looking for Medicare health coverage or want to change your existing plan, you have until tomorrow to meet the 2024 Medicare Annual Enrollment deadline. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

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Senator Bill Cassidy says Republicans can not support a 111-billion dollar military aid package for Ukraine and Israel without policy changes that will reduce the number of illegal crossings across the southern border. Jeff Palermo has more..

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The deadline to choose a 2024 Medicare health plan or make changes to your current plan is tomorrow. For those still seeking coverage, Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut says Louisianans 65 and older can choose Medicare Parts A, B, D, or a combination of the three.

Cut 3 (12) “…to go.”

Under Parts A and B you get coverage for hospital care, doctor visits, nursing facility care, home healthcare services, and preventative service. Part D includes prescription drug coverage.

Bertaut says choosing a plan can be difficult and overwhelming at times, but there are free services to help guide you to a plan that is best for you.

Cut 4 (12) “…you nothing.”

Bertaut says original Medicare doesn’t cover all of your healthcare expenses, leaving you responsible for about 20 percent of your costs. He urges Louisianans to consider the three P’s when looking for the ideal Medicare plan.

Cut 5 (13) “ …plans incorporate.”  

Medicare coverage starts January 1st. The number to call is 1-800-568-1417 or visit bcbslaplan.com/Medicare.

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Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says Republicans are unified and will not approve a 110-billion dollar military aid package for Ukraine and Israel unless the legislation addresses southern border security. Cassidy says since President Biden took office there have been eight-million illegal crossings…

Cut 6 (06) “…not done so”

Democratic leadership in the Senate says this funding for Ukraine is desperately needed and the funding bill should not be tied to extreme immigration proposals. But Cassidy says the crisis at the U-S-Mexico border can no longer be ignored…

Cut 7 (09) “..southern border.” 

Democrats say their bill contains more than five billion dollars in emergency funding for the U-S Customs and Border Protection and two-point-three billion dollars in emergency dollars to U-S Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But Cassidy says Republicans want to see policy changes

Cut 8 (11) “…country of origin” 

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Mandeville Representative and former gubernatorial candidate Richard Nelson has been appointed Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there’s speculation Governor-elect Jeff Landry promised Nelson a job in exchange for dropping out of the race…

Cut 9 (12) “…Republican.” 

One of Nelson’s campaign promises was to repeal the state income tax. Pinsonat says the popularity of no state income tax in nearby Texas and Florida, and a GOP super-majority in the legislature, Nelson’s appointment to helm Revenue brings even more momentum for the initiative…

Cut 10 (10) “…the revenue.”

Nelson was the youngest gubernatorial candidate and Pinsonat believes the appointment is a good fit.

Cut 11 (12) “…the governor.”

Jarrod Coniglio, who has more than three decades of experience with oversight of the state’s Medicaid program and Department of Revenue, has been named under-secretary of LDR.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Insuring Louisiana’s school buildings is becoming a struggle with climbing insurance rate increases. Colleen Crain has the story
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Former gubernatorial candidate Richard Nelson will be the state’s next Secretary for the Department of Revenue. That announcement was made by Governor-elect Jeff Landry today. Nelson dropped out of the governor’s race before the election and endorsed Landry. Nelson is currently a state lawmaker from Mandeville.

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says Republicans will not support a 111-billion dollar military aid package for Ukraine and Israel unless the legislation contains provisions to slow the number of illegal crossings across the southern border. Demorats say there is funding in the bill for border protection and customs enforcement, but Cassidy says Republicans want policy changes…
cut 8 (11) “….country of orgin”
Cassidy says since President Biden took office there have been eight-million illegal crossings.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

After a disastrous season on defense, LSU football coach Brian Kelly is still evaluating what went wrong. Could Kelly fire defensive coordinator Matt House after two seasons? Kelly says personal relationships will not get in the way of what’s best for LSU…
Cut 17 (18) “…national championship.”
LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is not going anywhere anytime soon. He’s reportedly close to agreeing to a three-year contract extension.

ULM introduced Bryant Vincent as its new head football coach today. Vincent was the offensive coordinator at New Mexico this past season and the Lobos earned national top-20 rankings in red zone offense and rushing offense. He was previously an assistant at UAB and served as an interim head coach in 2022.

There’s a chance Saints quarterback Derek Carr will not be healthy enough to make the start this Sunday against the Panthers. Carr is in concussion protocol for a second time in a month and has a rib injury. Jameis Winston would start if Carr can’t go and offensive tackle Ryan Ramcyzk says they have confidence Winston can get the job done…
cut 27 (09) “…have to play”
The Saints-Panthers game will kick off at noon.

The Pelicans will face the Lakers in the semifinals of the NBA’s first ever in-season tournament. Los Angeles defeated the Suns 106 to 103 last night. So L-A and the Pels will meet in Las Vegas tomorrow night.

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball improved to 7-2 on the season with a 56-49 win at Stephen F Austin. For the second straight week, Ragin Cajuns star Kobe Julien was named Sun Belt Player of the Week. U-L Lafayette is at La Tech on Saturday.

11:30 LRN Newscast

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says Republicans are united in their opposition to a 110-billion dollar military aid package for Ukraine and Israel, if the legislation does not contain policy changes to slow the number of illegal crossings over the U-S Mexico border…
cut 7 (09 “…southern border”
Democrats say funding for Israel and Ukraine should not contain extreme immigration proposals.

The state transportation department has pushed back the deadline for executing the public-private partnership for widening Interstate 10 in Lake Charles including the construction of a new two-point-one billion dollar bridge. DOTD spokesperson John Guidroz…
Cut 10 (08) “…this project.”
The project needs legislative approval and the House Transportation Committee voted against it as several lawmakers objected to use of tolls. The new legislature will have until February 1st to vote on the proposal.

Property insurance premiums are rising for many homeowners and the same goes for school systems. Louisiana School Board Association lobbyist Dannie Garrett says some districts have seen a 30 to 50-percent increase in year-to-year property insurance costs, but state funding for schools has been relatively flat…
cut 9 (06) “….per pupil”

The deadline for choosing a 2024 Medicare health plan is tomorrow. For those still seeking coverage, Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut says Louisianans 65 and older can choose Medicare Parts A, B, D, or a combination of the three.
Cut 3 (12) “…to go.”
Bertaut says Blue Cross has experts available to help beneficiaries find a plan.