7:30 LRN Newscast

Starting on December 20th, high school seniors who do not score well enough on the LEAP test to graduate, will have an option to appeal that could result in the student receiving their diploma. The policy could be changed when new BESE members are sworn in next year. Current BESE president Holly Boffy says if that does happen…
cut 12 (08) “….state law”
But Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley and Governor-elect Jeff Landry oppose the appeals process, because they believe it devalues a high school diploma.

Seven people have been arrested in a home invasion, false imprisonment, and second-degree battery of a woman in Vidalia last week. Brandy Spears with the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the victim found help at a pharmacy in Vidalia.
Cut 7 (08) “…night before..”
Deputies are still looking for one more person who allegedly participated, 23-year-old Dustin Wright of Vidalia.

It’s official as LSU’s Jayden Daniels was named a Heisman Finalist last night. The biggest argument against Daniels receiving the award is the three losses suffered by the Tigers this season. But Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says….
cut 15 (09) “…out there”
The other finalists are Oregon’s Bo Nix, Washington’s Michael Penix Junior and Ohio State’ s Marvin Harrison Junior. The award will be handed out on Saturday.

The Ragin Cajuns will once again make a short drive to compete in a bowl game as they’ll face Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl. Teiko Foxx has more from the bowl director…
Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

It’s official as LSU’s Jayden Daniels was named a Heisman Finalist last night. The biggest argument against Daniels receiving the award is the three losses suffered by the Tigers this season. But Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says….
cut 15 (09) “…out there”
The other finalists are Oregon’s Bo Nix, Washington’s Michael Penix Junior and Ohio State’ s Marvin Harrison Junior. The award will be handed out on Saturday.

Saints quarterback Derek Carr has suffered another concussion from a hard hit he took in Sunday’s loss to the Lions. It’s the second head injury for the 32-year-old in a month. He also sustained a concussion on November 12th in a loss to the Vikings. Coach Dennis Allen says the concussion is not the only injury Carr has…
Cut 16 (15) “…will be.”
New Orleans hosts Carolina this Sunday.

The Pelicans advanced to the semifinals last night of the NBA in-season tournament by beating the Kings in Sacramento 127-117. Brandon Ingram had 30 points and he had plenty of help. Herb Jones added 23 points, Jonas Valanciunas had 18 points and C-J McCollum scored 17 points. New Orleans will play again on Thursday in Las Vegas against the winner of tonight’s game between the Suns-Lakers.

Bryant Vincent will reportedly be the next head coach of the ULM Warhawks. Vincent is a former offensive coordinator at UAB and this past season he was the O-C for New Mexico.

The high school football state championships get underway Thursday. One of the top quarterbacks that will play in the Caesars Superdome is Cecilia’s Diesel Solari. Bulldogs Coach Dennis Skains…
cut 19 (06) “>…God given ability”
The Bulldogs will play district rival Opelousas in the Division Two non-select title game on Friday at noon.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Starting on December 20th, graduating high school seniors who do not score well enough on LEAP tests to graduate, will have an avenue to appeal in order to graduate. Board of Elementary and Secondary Education President Holly Boffy is a big supporter of the policy…
cut 11 (12) “…..at students”
Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley and Governor-elect Jeff Landry oppose this new appeals process over concerns it waters down the value of a high school diploma.

Concordia Parish Sheriff deputies have arrested seven people involved in the beating of a woman who was held against her will for a night inside a residence. Authorities say the victim escaped and got help at a pharmacy in Vidalia. Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Brandy Spears, says authorities are still searching for one person, 23-year-old Dustin Wright of Vidalia…
cut 9 (03) “….white male”

It’s official! Jayden Daniels is a Heisman finalist….
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”
The Heisman will be awarded on Saturday night.

On Saturday December 16th, the Ragin Cajuns will play Jacksonville State in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Bowl Director Billy Ferrante…
cut 4 (12) “…Rich Rodriguez”
The game will kick off at 1:15 on December 16th.

LRN AM Newscall December 5 2023

The Ragin Cajuns will once again make a short drive to compete in a bowl game as they’ll face Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl. Teiko Foxx has more with the bowl director…

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Outgoing BESE President Holly Boffy (bow-fee) defends her initiative to allow students to appeal their scores on the state’s standardized graduation exam. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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It’s official! Jayden Daniels is a Heisman finalist. Colleen Crain has the story

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The Ragin Cajuns will make their seventh R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl appearance against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks on December 16. Bowl director Billy Ferrante says this matchup is considered one of the more compeitive bowl games

Cut 4 (12) “…Rich Rodriguez.”

The Ragin Cajuns are six-and-six overall, while Jacksonville State is 8-4.

This is the 23rd annual R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl and everytime, U-L Lafayette is in the game, there’s more interest locally…

Cut 5 (12) “…0f market.”

The Cajuns are 5-and-1 in the New Orleans Bowl. Ferrante says the coaches, players and fans will enjoy this year’s experience.

Cut 6 (12) “…as well.”

The game will air on ESPN at 1:15 pm on December 16.

______________________________________________

Seven people have been arrested in a home invasion, false imprisonment, and second-degree battery of a female in Vidalia last week. Deputies are still looking for one more person who allegedly participated. Brandy Spears with Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office says Friday,  a woman walked into a Vidalia pharmacy asking for help.

Cut 7 (08) “…night before..”

Spears says the female was inside a residence when eight individuals entered without permission. During the home invasion, she says the suspects then assaulted the victim.

Cut 8 (08) “…pepper spray.” 

The woman escaped the next day and was able to identify eight people ranging in age from 23 to 43 involved in the home invasion.

Although the investigation is ongoing, Spears says during a search warrant narcotics were found. She says deputies are working to arrest two other persons involved.

Cut 9 (08)  “…black male.”

Anyone with leads should contact the Concordia Sheriff or call 911.

________________________________________________

BESE President Holly Boffy continues to defend her efforts to allow students who fail the state’s standardized graduation exam to file an appeal. Boffy filed an emergency rule for the process to be implemented sooner but after political pushback, it will go into effect on December 20th.

Cut 10 (11) “…a distraction.”

Boffy says it was never her intent for the issue to become a political distraction, but the December 20th date still allows for December graduates.

Louisiana is one of eight states that require passage of the graduation exam but is the only state without an appeal. In just over two weeks, Boffy if a student is unable to pass a portion of LEAP, they can appeal to local educators to determine if they should be allowed to graduate….

Cut 11 (12) “…at students.” 

Boffy says it involves several steps and the students’ grades are also considered along with any hurdles they might be facing. She gave examples of students who are undergoing chemotherapy, or who have severe test anxiety.

She says an appeal is not the same as a waiver, which was used during the pandemic when they were unable to administer LEAP tests.

After serving 12 years on BESE, Boffy feels her initiative to allow for the appeals process in Louisiana will be among her proudest achievements. She’s optimistic a new board won’t reverse the appeals option, but if they do…

Cut 12 (08) “…state law.” 

Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley and Governor-elect Jeff Landry have been outspoken opponents of the appeal process.

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The list of Heisman finalists is out and Jayden Daniels is one of four players’ up for the award. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the oddsmakers believe Daniels will be LSU’s third Heisman Trophy winner…

Cut 13 (09) “…overwhelming favorite.”

Daniels leads college football in most offensive categories including yards per rush at 8.4 yards a carry. Horne says that sets Daniels apart from the other two quarterbacks up for the award….

Cut 14 (11) “…at quarterback.”

Some have mentioned LSU’s 9-3 record and its potential to hurt Daniels’ chances win the Heisman but Horne says, that shouldn’t matter…

Cut 15 (09) “…out there.”

The other finalists are Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday night.

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Saints quarterback Derek Carr has suffered another concussion from a hard hit he took in Sunday’s loss to the Lions. It’s the second head injury for the 32-year-old in a month. He also sustained a concussion on November 12th in a loss to the Vikings. Coach Dennis Allen says the concussion is not the only injury Carr has…

Cut 16 (15) “…will be.”

The Saints season is slipping away as they’ve lost three in a row and they are 5-5 on the season. Atlanta is in first place in the NFC South with a 6-6 record and they own the tiebreaker over New Orleans. Allen says they need a win this Sunday against Carolina…

Cut 17 (13) “…we can control.”

Kick-off between New Orleans and the Panthers in the Superdome on Sunday is at noon.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints Quarterback Derek Carr is back in concussion protocol after getting slammed down on the Superdome turf in yesterday’s 33-28 loss to the Detroit Lions. Its the second time Carr has diagnosed with a concussion in a month as he also got one in the loss to the Vikings. Coach Dennis Allen was asked if the concussion protocol changes after multiple concussions in a short period…
cut 17 (05) “…those situation”
The Saints are at home again this Sunday as they will host the one and eleven Carolina Panthers. You can say it’s a must win.

LSU’s Jayden Daniels finds out tonight that he’s officially a Heisman candidate. He’s the favorite to win the award when it’s handed out on Saturday night.

Bryant Vincent will reportedly be the next head coach of the ULM Warhawks. Vincent is a former offensive coordinator at UAB and this past season he was the O-C for New Mexico.

16 high school football teams are left standing and they will play in the Prep Classic that begins Thursday in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Opelousas is making its first state championship game appearance since 1956. Tigers head coach Jimmy Zachery on leading his alma mater to a title game…
cut 16 (04) “…I’m just blessed”
Opelousas will play district rival Cecilia on Friday at noon.

Union Parish is in a state title game for a fourth year in a row. Farmers Head Coach Joe Spatafora says they want to win it all this year after finishing as a runner-up the last three seasons…
Cut 11 (11) “…last three.”
St. Charles will attempt to win its fourth straight championship when the Comets collide with Calvary Baptist on Saturday at 3:30.

The Prep Classic gets underway with Division Four state title games….Riverside versus Southern Lab and Haynesville against Oak Grove.

LRN PM Newscall December 4

One of the largest private owners of timberland in the world, Weyerhaeuser, will invest 96 million dollars in its Dobson lumber mill in Winn Parish to reduce carbon emissions. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

______________________________________

16 high school football teams are left standing and they will play in the Prep Classic that begins Thursday in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Weyerhaeuser, one of the largest private owners of timberland, will spend 96 million dollars to modernize and decarbonize its Winn Parish lumber mill. Spokesperson Deano Orr says the upgrade will increase safety, productivity, and reliability.

Cut 3 (12) “….dry kilns.”

Governor John Bel Edwards set a goal to reduce GHG emissions to net zero by 2050.

Orr says the Dodson facility will add a new trimmer, sorter, and stacker to improve mill efficiencies and help reach production targets. He says the technology will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and waste, in addition to…

Cut 4 (11) “…as well.”

Weyerhaeuser has eight locations in Louisiana including Hammond, Ruston, and Winnfield. The investment for facility and equipment upgrades in Winn Parish will continue to make an economic impact and retain nearly one hundred sixty jobs.

Orr says the company is committed to rural communities in the Bayou State. He says earlier this month the company announced the Thrive project…

Cut 5 (13) “ …first beneficiary.”  

The first two CDKs are expected to be installed by the end of next year.

________________________________________________________________

California will face off against Texas Tech in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport on December 16th.  Bowl spokesperson Erik Evenson says it’s their first power-five match-up since 2016 and the game will be a three-hour commercial for Shreveport-Bossier City.

Cut 6 (12) “…the game.”

Both teams are six and six for the season. Cal has a big win over UCLA and Evenson says they have a dynamic running back with Jaydn Ott. Texas Tech has big wins over Kansas and UCF and a leading running back with Tahj Brooks. Evenson says it will be a great match-up…

Cut 7 (10) “…play too.” 

The game is usually held closer to Christmas which made it difficult for fans to travel but this year it will be primetime and on a Saturday. Evenson says it’s a win-win for visiting fans and locals to enjoy the festivities leading up to kickoff.

Cut 8 (10) “…on Monday.” 

The Pac-12 Golden Bears will play the Big 12 Conference Red Raiders on Saturday, December 16th at 8:15 on ESPN. For tickets and more information visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com

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Sixteen teams are getting ready to play in the state high school football championships. Opelousas will play in its first state title game since 1956 and coach Jimmy Zachery says there’s a big buzz inside the St. Landry Parish town…

Cut 9 (09) “…all the time” 

Opelousas will play Cecilia in the Division two non-select state title game on Friday at noon in the Caesars Superdome. Cecilia Coach Dennis Skains has the Bulldogs playing for its first state title game since 1995…

Cut 10 (10) “…with that”  

Union Parish will make their fourth straight state championship game appearance when they face St. James on Friday afternoon. Farmers Head Coach Joe Spatafora says they want to win it all this year after finishing as a runner-up the last three seasons…

Cut 11 (11) “…last three”

The Prep Classic gets underway with Division Four state title games….Riverside versus Southern Lab and Haynesville against Oak Grove.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints fell behind by three touchdowns to the Detroit Lions, but got back into the game in the second half only to lose 33-28 yesterday. The defeat drops New Orleans record to 5-and-7, as they have now lost three in a row. Coach Dennis Allen believes his team is still confident they can make a run for a playoff spot…
Cut 14 (10) “…break through”
Derek Carr threw for 226 yards and a touchdown. But his first pass of the game was intercepted and he left the game in the fourth quarter after taking a huge hit. Jameis Winston was just two of five for 41 yards.

LSU’s Jayden Daniels will be officially named a Heisman finalist today. He’ll find out on Saturday night if he won. The 13th ranked Fighting Tigers will play Wisconsin in the Reliaquest Bowl on January first in Tampa. The Badgers are seven and five and they are not very good on offense.

ULM will reportedly hire Bryant Vincent as its new head coach. Vincent was an assistant at UAB from 2018 to 2021 and served as the Blazers interim coach in 2022. He’s was New Mexico’s offensive coordinator this past season. The Lobos went four and eight.

The Ragin Cajuns will play Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl on December 16th. Tulane will face Virginia Tech in the Military Bowl on December 27th in Annapolis, Maryland, but Coach Wille Fritz has left the Greenies to be new head coach at Houston.

The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on December 16th will have Cal playing Texas Tech. Both teams are six and six. Cal has a big win over UCLA, while the Red Raiders defeated Kansas and UCF. Bowl spokesperson Erik Evenson…
cut 7 (10) “…play too”

10:30 LRN Newscast

At one time Louisiana led the nation in HIV cases but Sam Burgess with The Louisiana Department of Health says, Since 2018, the Bayou State has seen an 11% decrease in new cases of HIV. Burgess says the improvements were possible through the efforts of many…
Cut 4 (11) “…public health partners.”
In spite of the disruptions to healthcare during the pandemic, Louisiana HIV patients continued to receive care and new cases fell.

Another disappointing loss for the Saints yesterday as they dug themselves a 21-to-nothing hole, only to lose to the Detroit Lions 33-28. Taysom Hill tried to put a positive spin on it…
cut 15 (14) “….keep fighting”
The Saints fall to 5-and-7 and the hot seat for head coach Dennis Allen is getting hotter.

Louisianans will get an up-close view of the amazing craftsmanship and architecture of the State Capitol in a new LPB documentary premiering tonight at 7:00 pm….
cut 2 (33) “….I’m Teiko Foxx”

Monroe Police Detectives are asking for the public’s help in finding the person responsible for the shooting of a 29-year-old woman. Monroe P-D received a call about a shooting on Owl Street early Sunday morning. It was initially reported the woman died, but authorities that that’s not the case and they are still looking for leads.

8:30 LRN Newscast

How many special sessions will we see in 2024 before the start of the regular session in March? A special session will be needed in January to redraw the state’s Congressional map. Governor-elect Jeff Landry wants a special session on criminal justice reform. New Orleans Representative Matthew Williard says there’s also talk of a special session on insurance reform…
cut 12 (11) “….special session”
New Iberia Senator elect Blake Miguez says in addition to addressing crime and the state’s insurance crisis, improving education also needs to be done…
Cut 13 (09) “…come about.”
The new legislature will be sworn in on January 8th.

The Louisiana Health Department reports new HIV diagnoses have dropped 11-percent over the last five years. As of June, the number of individuals living with HIV in Louisiana stands at nearly 23-thousand. Sam Burgess with L-D-H says with access and adherence to antiretroviral medication, individuals living with HIV can achieve an undetectable viral load…
cut 5 (09) “…..anymore”

Louisiana Public Broadcasting will debut a documentary tonight on the State Capitol. L-P-B Senior Producer Dorothy Kendrick says the 90-minute program has drone shot video of the capitol that gives viewers a new perspective of the 450-foot building. Kendrick says the documentary also goes into the construction of the iconic building and how Huey Long secured funding…
cut 8 (12) “…..a depression”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Another disappointing loss for the Saints yesterday as they dug themselves a 21-to-nothing hole, only to lose to the Detroit Lions 33-28. Taysom Hill tried to put a positive spin on it…
cut 15 (14) “….keep fighting”
The Saints fall to 5-and-7 and the hot seat for head coach Dennis Allen is getting hotter.

State lawmakers are gearing up for a busy 2024. New Orleans Representative Matthew Williard says state legislators will have to redraw the state’s Congressional district map in January and they expect another special session on crime before the regular session begins in March….
cut 10 (12) “…for sure”
And there could be a special session on property and auto insurance reform.

Louisiana is seeing a decline in new HIV diagnoses. Colleen Crain has the details.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Tulane has lost its head football coach to Houston. Willie Fritz led the Green Wave program to new heights, 23 wins over the last two years, including a Cotton Bowl victory.

LSU will face Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on New Year’s Day. It will be the fourth 11 AM kickoff for the Tigers this season. The Ragin Cajuns will play Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl on December 16th.