LRN PM Newscall Monday December 1

With the new closed party primaries just months away, the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office has put out a series of videos to educate voters of the changes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin’s seven-year contract is worth more than 91-million dollars. Jeff Palermo has more on Kiffin’s new deal…

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office has released a series of videos to educate voters on the new closed party primaries. The closed primaries only apply to U.S. House, U.S. Senate, State Supreme Court, Public Service Commission and BESE races. On Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, Secretary of State Nancy Landry says the videos are part of a robust campaign to educate voters on the new voting system for those races.

Cut 3 (10) “…in-person outreach.”

With a 30-day pushback approved by the legislature in the recent special session, the primary election is May 16th, with the runoff June 27th. Landry says while that may seem a ways away, time is of the essence in making voters aware of the changes.

Cut 4 (05) “…ready for them.”

The central theme of the videos is summed up by the acronym KNOW – K-N-O-W. (say and spell the word)

Cut 5 (15) “…find more information.”

The videos can be found on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s YouTube page and on the GeauxVote website.

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While two Louisiana schools are gaining new head football coaches, another one is losing its coach. Jon Sumrall has announced that he’s leaving Tulane to take the head coaching job at Florida. Tulane Athletic Director David Harris says while it’s sad to lose Sumrall after two seasons, it’s not exactly unexpected, with the Green Wave one win away from a potential spot in the College Football Playoff.

Cut 6 (07) “…be what occurs.”

Unlike the Lane Kiffin saga at Ole Miss, there was no drama at Tulane as to whether Sumrall would be able to finish the season with the Green Wave. Harris notes that Sumrall’s situation is very different from Kiffin’s, in which Sumrall is taking a step up from a mid-major to an SEC program, whereas Kiffin is going from one SEC school to a rival SEC school, thus presenting a conflict of interest by staying any further.

Cut 7 (15) “…coach the team.”

Harris says even though Sumrall is leaving for Florida, he knows – and the players know – that there is unfinished business, starting Friday night at Yulman Stadium against North Texas in the American Championship Game.

Cut 8 (12) “…to be impacted.”

Ironically, North Texas Head Coach Eric Morris will be leaving the Mean Green to take over at Oklahoma State; and like Sumrall, Morris will be staying onboard through the conclusion of the season.

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Retailers are gearing up for a brisk holiday shopping season. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says overall, retailers are expecting a growth in revenue this year over last year.

Cut 9 (11)  “…since last year.”

Rice says with a sharp increase in prices thanks to tariffs, a good portion of holiday sales this year will come from those who are more well off than others.

Cut 10 (11) “…of their spent.”

Rice says the age of shoppers is also a factor, with young adults forecast to scale back on their spending considerably.

Cut 11 (11) “…in actual spend.”

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The Lane Train has arrived at LSU. Lane Kiffin is the new head football coach for the Tigers after a successful six-year stint with SEC rival Ole Miss. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says LSU deserves credit for hiring their top target…

Cut 12 (11) “…popcorn ready.”

Before Ole Miss played Alabama in 2021, Kiffin said get your popcorn ready. But the Rebels lost that game to the number one ranked Crimson Tide 42-21.

At one point it looked like LSU would struggle to attract a top tier coach, because of Governor Jeff Landry’s involvement in the firing of athletic director Scott Woodward. There was also confusion over whether Verge Ausberry is the permanent A-D. But Tiger Rag Editor Glen Guilbeau says through it all, LSU got its man…

Cut 13 (12)  “…he does.”

Horne believes Kiffin can have immediate success next season…

Cut 14 (11) “…next season.”

LSU will host Clemson, Alabama, Texas A&M and Texas next season, and travel to Ole Miss and Tennessee.

LRN AM Newscall December 1

For the first time ever, the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola hosted a Daddy Daughter Dance. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The LSU Tigers have a new head football coach as they have poached Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss. Jeff Palermo has more on what the Tigers are getting in Kiffin…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The hurricane season ended Sunday and for the first time since 2015 no hurricanes hit the U.S. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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God Behind Bars, a national prison ministry, organized a Daddy Daughter Dance at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola for more than two dozen fathers who had not seen their daughters in years. The fathers stood waiting in fitted tuxedos and later presented their daughters flowers, a Bible and a handwritten letter. Jake Bodine, the founder of God Behind Bars, says Angola was transformed into something special.

Cut 4 (15) “…end of the event.”

Over 30 daughters showed up to Angola in beautiful dresses, where their fathers were in matching and fitted tuxedos.  Bodine says thanks to several sponsors, the organization was able to give the inmates a different look as opposed to their typical orange uniforms.

Cut 5 (15) “…sense of pride.”

Bodine says the Daddy Daughter Dance is just as important for the daughters of the inmates as it is for the fathers.

Cut 6 (09) “…this moment forward.”

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The Pelican Institute for Public Policy has released a poll on next year’s U-S Senate race. Pelican CEO Daniel Erspamer says the Pelican Pulse poll gathered responses from 761 voters and found that state treasurer John Fleming has the best chance of ending up in a Republican primary runoff with Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 7 (14) “…22”

The other Republican Senate candidates, Julie Emerson, Blake Miguez, Cathy Seidan and Eric Skrmetta, are polling in the single digits.

The Pelican Pulse Poll also asked respondents their thoughts on tax reform and Erspamer says just over half support what state lawmakers did last year in the tax reform special session…

Cut 8 (11) “…income tax.”

Erspamer says their poll also show strong support for the state’s voucher system that is seeking to expand school choice…

Cut 9 (10)  “…school year.”

The LA Gator Scholarship program pays for tuition at private schools. The Louisiana Legislature appropriated 43 million dollars for the program this school year, which is less than the nearly 100 million requested by Governor Jeff Landry.

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Lane Kiffin, one of the brightest minds in college football, is the new head coach of the LSU Tigers. The 50-year-old has accepted LSU’s reported offer of a seven-year contract worth more than $90 million. Tiger Rag Editor Glen Guilbeau calls it a fantastic hire…

Cut 10 (11) “…like that.”

The hiring of Kiffin caps off a dramatic month for LSU football. It started with the firing of Brian Kelly and the dismissal of athletics director Scott Woodward. It looked like LSU would have a hard time attracting a big-time coach, especially when it appeared Governor Landry had a hand in Woodward’s firing. But Guilbeau says new AD Verge Ausberry was confident he could hire the best coach in college football…

Cut 11 (11) “..politics.”

Kiffin’s departure from Ole Miss is messy. He’s leaving a program that went 11-1 and will play in the College Football playoff later this month. Kiffin is also taking several assistants with him to Baton Rouge. In a statement, the new LSU head coach says he wanted to coach the Rebels in the playoffs, but his request was denied by Ole Miss AD Keith Carter. Here’s Guilbeau’s take…

Cut 12 (13) “…to mad at him”

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The hurricane season ended Sunday and for the first time since 2015 a hurricane did not make landfall in the U.S. There were 13 named storms, five hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Colorado State research scientist Phil Klotzbach says atmospheric conditions protected the U.S.

Cut 13 (09)  “…the hurricanes.”

An average season has 14 named storms and 7 hurricanes. While this year failed to reach those marks Klotzbach says it made up for its lack of quantity with intensity.

Cut 14 (10) “…category five.”

Despite a below-average number of storms, Klotzbach says this is considered an above-average season due to the strength of the major storms. It’s just the second season ever with more than two category five hurricanes

Cut 15 (10) “…very strong.”

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Louisiana Tech has its first winning season since 2019 as the Bulldogs went on the road in some tough weather conditions and defeated Missouri State 42-30. Tech rushed for 388 yards, and all five of their touchdowns came on the ground. Quarterback Trey Kukuk (Q-kuhk) threw for 87 yards but set a school record for most rushing yards by a Q-B with 172. He also had three rushing TDs. Coach Sonny Cumbie…

Cut 16 (15) “…at quarterback.”

CBS Sports has Louisiana Tech playing in the 68 Ventures Bowl on December 17th. Athlon Sports has the Bulldogs going back to the Independence Bowl.

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ULM finished its season on an eight-game losing streak with a hard-fought overtime loss to the Ragin’ Cajuns. After winning five games in his first season in Monroe, Bryant Vincent only won three games this year, but he believes the future still looks bright…

Cut 17 (15)  “…great players in it.”

Meanwhile, the Ragin Cajuns are heading to a bowl game for an eighth consecutive season after U-L Lafayette defeated the Warhawks 30-27 in overtime for its fourth consecutive win. Coach Michael Desormeaux says when the team was 2-6, most people didn’t think the team would win the necessary six games to be bowl eligible…

Cut 18 (18)  “…so.”

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The Saints fell to 2-10 on the season yesterday with a 21-17 loss to Miami. It’s the fourth defeat for New Orleans by seven points or less, and once again, they could not overcome a slow start. The Dolphins led by 16 at halftime. Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan wishes they could get off to a faster start…

Cut 19 (14) “…lose it.”

Tyler Shough threw two touchdown passes and new field goal kicker Charlie Smith booted a 56-yard field goal to get New Orleans back into the game. The Saints had a ball with a chance to win it in the final minute. Head Coach Kellen Moore…

Cut 20 (18) “…learn from this.”

The Saints visit Tampa Bay next Sunday.

LRN AM Newscall November 28

Black Friday may not have the same look this year, but it will still be the busiest shopping day of the year. Jeff Palermo has what you need to know.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Thanksgiving has come and gone, and that can mean only one thing — Christmas is right around the corner. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The SEC’s most eligible bachelor will hand out his final rose tomorrow. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Black Friday spending is expected to be up 4-percent from last year, but individual budgets have reportedly decreased. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says higher prices and numbers of shoppers could be driving up the numbers.

Cut 4 (08) “…to spend.”

The Black Friday deals also may not be the door busters you’re used to. Rice says just because something is on sale doesn’t make it a good deal and expect those discounts to be a little smaller this year.

Cut 5 (07) “…years past.”

Consumer sentiment is shifting away from in person shopping, and only 11-percent of shoppers are more interested in Black Friday shopping this year than years past. Despite all the negative trends Rice says today will still easily be the busiest shopping day of the year.

Cut 6 (11) “…people shopping.”

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Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday began in 2010 to help local shops and restaurants bring in more customers after the Great Recession. NFIB state director Leah Long says last year, shoppers spent an estimated 22 billion dollars at locally owned businesses nationwide and that’s great for the local economy…

Cut 7 (05) “…in the community.”

Long says this support means more than ever as many small business owners are dealing higher interest rates and other factors…

Cut 8 (11) “…spent this year.”

Long says the Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Trump this summer made the 20-percent Small Business Deduction permanent and that was a big relief for small business owners. But she says NFIB’s latest survey shows small business optimism has slipped as owners grow more cautious about the months ahead…

Cut 9 (10)  “…small businesses.”

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Thanksgiving has come and gone and the tryptophan has worn off, so that can mean one thing — stores will be packed with Christmas shoppers. But you won’t find these people roaming the aisles hunting for doorbuster bargains.

Cut 10 (07) “…Fortnite.”

For some, Christmas shopping can be a real hassle

Cut 11 (07) “..because she’s crazy.”

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The winner of the Lane Kiffin Sweepstakes will be announced tomorrow as the Ole Miss Head coach takes the podium to reveal his decision. LSU, Florida, and Ole Miss have been the three destinations to watch but ESPN Baton Rouge’s Matt Moscona says it may be down to a two-horse race.

Cut 12 (12) “…sort of conceded.”

Moscona believes relations in Oxford may have soured enough to prevent Kiffin’s return.

Kiffin has been the obvious number one candidate for the Tigers since firing head coach Brian Kelly. Last week Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported LSU offered him a 7-year $90 million contract with a promise to invest at least $25 million into his roster each year. Moscona says there’s no such thing as a sure thing in coaching searches.

Cut 13 (12)  “…over the years.”

If Kiffin decides against coming to Baton Rouge, Moscona says things get a little more hazy. He says LSU’s first target would have been Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, but support for his call to Baton Rouge has dwindled.

Cut 14 (13) “…Blake Baker.”

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LSU will close out the season at 8th-ranked Oklahoma tomorrow. Despite a disappointing season, the Tigers are looking to play spoiler for a new SEC rival on the edge of the College Football Playoffs. Linebacker Whit Weeks says the first step will be dealing with experienced Sooners quarterback John Mateer.

Cut 15 (10) “…stop him.”

Weeks has been sidelined much of the second half of the season with what he just revealed was a broken ankle, not the bone bruise initially reported. Weeks says he broke the ankle in the week 5 loss to Ole Miss. He returned in a limited capacity last week and says the pain won’t stop him from taking the field against a top ten team.

Cut 16 (10) “…worst games.”

The regular season finale will give the Tigers a chance to reach eight wins this season, the lowest mark for LSU since 2021. Weeks, though, says a bad record won’t stop the Tigers from giving their best each and every week.

Cut 17 (13)  “…get a victory.”

Kickoff is at 2:30.

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Louisiana Tech will close out the season at Missouri State tomorrow. The Bulldogs already clinched a bowl appearance, but head coach Sonny Cumbie says his team still has a lot to play for. LA Tech is just 1-and-4 on the road this season, and he says this is their last chance to play road spoiler.

Cut 18 (18)  “…on the road.”

The Bulldogs have been led by their dominant defense all season, but they gave up nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns on the ground to Liberty last week. Missouri State and running back Shomari Lawrence have another potent rushing attack they’ll need to stop.

Cut 19 (19) “…answers defensively.”

Kickoff is at 1:00.

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Southeastern head coach Frank Scelfo spoke to WWL’s Mike Detillier about the Lions’ outstanding season and FCS playoff matchup with Illinois State tomorrow. The 9-and-3 lions are led by a dominant defense featuring lineman and Southland Conference Player of the Year Kaleb Proctor and Southland Defensive Player of the Year linebacker KK Reno. Scelfo says this is a special team.

Cut 20 (14) “…part of this.”

Kickoff in Strawberry Stadium is at noon. The winner between the Lions and Cardinals will head to North Dakota State to face the top-seeded Bison.

LRN Am Newscall November 27

Tomorrow is the biggest shopping day of the year. Kace Kieschnick has some tips from WalletHub

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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It’s Thanksgiving, and our own Andrew Greenstein got some opinions from some people on their impressions of the holiday.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana High School football quarterfinals are on Friday night, and Andre Champagne has more on what is expected to be a top matchup in Division 4 select…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Black Friday deals have already arrived to many stores, and WalletHub’s recent holiday shopping studies have revealed not all discounts are created equally. Analyst Chip Lupo says JCPenney, Belk, and Kohl’s rank as this year’s best Black Friday destinations with an average discount of at least 45-percent.

Cut 4 (06) “…biggest discounts.”

Lupo warned that discounts this year may not be as potent as they seem. Some retailers will raise prices before discounting them while prices on other items like many electronics have increased due to tariffs and a lackluster economy. Lupo says it’s important shoppers do their homework.

Cut 5 (11) “…favorite retailer.”

Despite higher prices, Lupo still expects to see a lot of spending this holiday season. He says this is the time of year budgets tend to go out the window and wallets get thinned quickly.

Cut 6 (10) “…specific item.”

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Thanksgiving is a holiday of traditions. This man looks forward to seeing siblings he doesn’t get to spend a whole lot of time with these days.

Cut 7 (07) “…time with them.”

Family time is a Thanksgiving tradition for this man too.

Cut 8 (09) “…with the family”

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A classic Louisiana holiday favorite for the holiday is oyster dressing. It’s just like corn bread dressing, but way more unique as it features fresh domestic oysters, tasty herbs, vegetables, bread crumbs and seasonings. Chairman of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, Mitch Jurisich, says the holidays and the cool weather lead to an increase oyster sales…

Cut 9 (08)  “…oyster dressing.”

Jurisich says if you’ve never had oyster dressing, you do not know what you’re missing. He says most people who try it, want it to be a holiday staple…

Cut 10 (08) “…oyster dressing.”

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It’s Bayou Classic weekend in New Orleans as Southern University will face Grambling State on Saturday in the Caesars Superdome. The event is more than just a football game as there are several activities surrounding the matchup of the two HBCU Schools. Dottie Belleto with the Bayou Classic says tomorrow two student teams each from Southern and Grambling will compete each other as they present innovative business concepts…

Cut 11 (12) “…the public.”

Beletto says a Black Small Business showcase will also take place from 10:30 AM to 4 PM at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans…

Cut 12 (14) “…they provide.”

The game between Southern and Grambling will kick off at 1 PM on Saturday. Beletto says the Bayou Classic Fan Festival will begin four hours before game time..

Cut 13 (12)  “…local arists.”

More than 200-thousand people come to New Orleans for the Bayou Classic weekend.

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The Louisiana High School Football quarterfinals are tomorrow night. Today, we look at the select matchups. LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett says the most intriguing matchup in Division 1 is between Catholic and Alexandria. Verrett says the winner could face top-seeded Edna Karr.

Cut 14 (09) “…against Edna Karr.”

In Division II, the defending state champion Archbishop Shaw Eagles travel to Shreveport to face the Loyola Prep Flyers. Verrett says Loyola Prep has a dangerous pass attack, but believes the Eagles’ secondary could cause problems for junior quarterback Bryce Restovich and his offense.

Cut 15 (08) “…up there.”

In Division III, the top-seeded Lafayette Christian Academy Knights will host Catholic High of New Iberia, who are the defending state champions. Verrett says Catholic has had a great year, but he thinks the end of the road is near for the Bears.

Cut 16 (10) “…worst games.”

LRN PM Newscall November 26

A national college football reporter is reporting it’s looking more likely that Lane Kiffin ends up at LSU. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The holiday season is here, and that means turkey, mistletoe – and the flu. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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College football writer Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports says the signs are pointing toward Lane Kiffin leaving Ole Miss and heading to LSU. But Dellenger says there are no guarantees Kiffin will be the next head coach at LSU…

Cut 3 (10) “…Lane Kiffin.”

Dellenger reports Florida officials have started to pursue other candidates and Ole Miss administrators have begun to reach out to potential replacement coaches.

Kiffin has been at Ole Miss for six seasons, winning 10 or more games in four of those seasons. This year, he has the Rebels on the cusp of making the College Football playoffs. Dellenger says he spoke with Kiffin two weeks ago and Kiffin said he loves it in Oxford, but it’s also believed he wants to coach for a Blue Blood…

Cut 4 (10) “…that was torn.”

Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter said last week a decision on Kiffin’s coaching future will be announced on Saturday. Dellenger says if Kiffin does not sign a contract extension with the Rebels, he’ll likely be suspended or placed on leave, which will result in Kiffin leaving Oxford…

Cut 5 (05) “…for him.”

Kiffin’s record at Ole Miss is 54-and-19.

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With Thanksgiving being one of the worst times of the year for serious crashes, State Police remind you to make an extra effort to drive safely. You hear it time and time again – don’t drive distracted. Trooper Ryan Davis says not only does that mean putting down your cell phone and removing your focus from your infotainment system, but that also includes making sure your kids are on their best behavior.

Cut 6 (14) “…duty of driving.”

It should be common knowledge by now that speed kills. But Davis also reminds you that the roads are not to be treated as NASCAR racetracks – do not follow the vehicle in front of you too closely!

Cut 7 (10) “…stop in time.”

And as always, never take the wheel after you’ve had too much to drink. Davis says if you plan on having a good time – perhaps TOO good of a time – have a plan beforehand.

Cut 8 (08) “…a great option.”

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With the holidays upon us, that means flu activity is ramping up. Dr. Julio Figueroa with LSU Health New Orleans says Louisiana has some of the highest prevalence of flu in the country right now.

Cut 9 (10)  “…our surrounding states.”

Dr. Figueroa says if you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, the very best thing you can do is to stay home and to stay away from people who are susceptible to illness.

Cut 10 (10) “…individuals as well.”

Figueroa says your very best defense against the flu is to get vaccinated – and it’s not too late to get your flu shot.

Cut 11 (10) “…January and February.”

Figueroa points out that this year’s H-3 strain of the virus has a slightly different variant than what’s in the vaccine, although the extent of the mismatch is unclear at this time. The vaccine, however, will protect against all other strains currently circulating.

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. taps Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham to be the new principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s the number-two job at the agency. Mark Ballard, the Washington, DC, correspondent for The Advocate, says the move solidifies the CDC’s newly-found skepticism on vaccines.

Cut 12 (09) “…and his thoughts.”

During his time as the state’s first surgeon general, Abraham worked to end the promotion of vaccination clinics in the state. Ballard says Abraham will use his new role to take that mission national.

Cut 13 (12)  “…a national level.”

During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy assured Senator Bill Cassidy that he would not push any conspiracies on connections between vaccines and autism. This month, the CDC’s website was altered to say that the notion that vaccines do not cause autism is not based on evidence, despite scores of clinical studies proving otherwise.

LRN PM Newscall November 24

There’s the potential for severe weather tonight and tomorrow morning. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy found himself on the defensive after the health secretary he helped confirm went back on his word about spreading misinformation regarding any connection between vaccines and autism. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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There’s the potential for severe weather tonight into tomorrow morning for north and central Louisiana. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the primary threats are damaging winds, large hail and the possibility of tornadoes…

Cut 3 (11) “…severe weather.”

Three parishes are under a tornado watch until 7 PM tonight, DeSoto, Red River and Sabine. Grymes says more watches and warnings are possible as the day goes on…

Cut 4 (10) “…southern parishes.”

Grymes says one to three inches of rain is possible for north and central Louisiana…

Cut 5 (10) “…south Louisiana.”

Grymes says the cold front that will begin to move to through the state tonight is the first of two cold fronts to hit the state this week. The second one will bring us cooler temperatures for Thanksgiving.

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Senator Bill Cassidy finds himself on the defensive after the CDC changes its website to say that the claim of vaccines not causing autism is not based on evidence. Back in January, Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary after Kennedy assured him that he would not push any conspiracies on connections between vaccines and autism. Jake Tapper confronted Cassidy about that on CNN’s “State of the Union” yesterday, saying that Kennedy lied to him during that confirmation hearing.

Cut 6 (08) “…it at that.”

Despite the CDC’s website now saying that scientific studies have not ruled out the possibility that vaccines contribute to the development of autism, Cassidy says that is not true.

Cut 7 (07) “…quite a fringe.”

It was Cassidy’s vote in the Senate Finance Committee that was the deciding vote to advance Kennedy’s nomination to the full Senate, paving the way for his confirmation. Tapper asked Cassidy why he would not criticize Kennedy by name, especially after a member of his own family took him to task for slashing vaccine research funding after revealing that she was diagnosed with terminal cancer and had one year to live.

Cut 8 (13) “…make America healthy.”

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Registration for the next State Police’s cadet class is now open. The deadline to register for Cadet Class 109 is January 6th. Captain Johnnie Brown says after that date, they will select the best candidates from those who registered, and there is no set number.

Cut 9 (08)  “…a specific number.”

Captain Brown says it will take several months to select the class, and the class will take up almost the entire second half of next year, all of which is paid.

Cut 10 (06) “…finish December 11th.”

Brown says the class takes that long because there’s a lot to cover.

Cut 11 (12) “…and so forth.”

Candidates must be at least 21 years old and have either two years experience as a police officer, 60 college credit hours, or any two-year combination of those two. They can also qualify with three years of military service.

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Congresswoman Julia Letlow is working with Washington Democrat Kim Shrier on a bipartisan maternal support bill. Letlow says a key component of the Newborns Essentials Support Toolkit, or NEST, Act is giving new mothers access to newborn supply kits.

Cut 12 (08) “…and breastfeeding supplies.”

Letlow says the foundation for providing the supply kits to new mothers is already in place.

Cut 13 (08)  “…to new moms.”

Letlow says the NEST Act would also provide postpartum mental health resources in areas of need.

Cut 14 (12) “…and expand services.”

LRN AM Newscall November 24

The American Farm Bureau Federation found Louisiana is home to the second-cheapest Thanksgiving dinner in the country this year. Kace Kieschnick reports…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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DCFS is taking steps to strengthen operations at its Child Safety Response Center. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The season started with LSU fans dreaming of the College Football Playoff. It’s ending with LSU fans dreaming of Lane Kiffin. Andrew Greenstein talked with Tigers fans to gauge their confidence in LSU’s ability to lure the Ole Miss head coach to Baton Rouge.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The price for a Thanksgiving dinner in Louisiana is the second-lowest in the U.S. according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesman Avery Davidson says the average cost for a classic 11-item meal for approximately ten guests is $44.70.

Cut 4 (10) “…eighteen cents.”

The cost is down three dollars from last year, but Davidson says some prices have dropped while others have risen. Turkey was the biggest faller along with stuffing, but the cost of ham, sweet potatoes, and vegetables are up.

Cut 5 (13) “…those items.”

Davidson encourages Louisianians to remember farmers this Thanksgiving. Farmers receive just 9-point-one cent of every dollar spent on food, and their share of an average Louisiana Thanksgiving dinner is just five-dollars.

Cut 6 (13) “…such a meal.”

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DCFS is addressing concerns about response times at its Child Safety Response Center. Secretary Rebecca Harris says the department has received reports about delays in the ways that it receives complaints about child maltreatment. Harris says while the department strives to handle phone calls and online reports quickly, urgent situations should always be phoned in.

Cut 7 (10) “…to sexual abuse.”

That said, Harris says the processing time for online reports, which had averaged more than 24 hours earlier this year, is now less than an hour. And hold times on the phone have also gone down significantly.

Cut 8 (08) “…a half minutes.”

Harris says the health and welfare of children throughout the state is the top priority at the department.

Cut 9 (09)  “…of that call.”

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Drone Institute announced a 340-thousand-dollar expansion of its Lafayette headquarters set to be complete by June of next year. CEO George Femmer says the project will consolidate drone operations, data processing and pilot training into one facility.

Cut 10 (14) “…up to snuff.”

The company and development is estimated to produce nearly 14-hundred new jobs over the next ten years, many of which Femmer says will be high paying.

Cut 11 (11) “…our clients.”

Louisiana offered Drone Institute an incentives package including a 300-thousand-dollar performance-based grant to assist in building renovation costs in order to secure the project. Femmer says he’s been glad to call Lafayette home and invest in its future.

Cut 12 (12) “…where they live.”

Construction will begin by the end of this year and Drone Institute training and operations will continue during the multi-stage renovation plan.

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The Lane Kiffin watch is on in a big way in Baton Rouge. This past Friday, Ole Miss said in a statement that an announcement about Kiffin’s future with the university would be made this Saturday, one day after Friday’s Egg Bowl matchup against in-state rival Mississippi State. Later that night, reports surfaced that LSU was working to finalize a 90-million-dollar offer for Kiffin to lure him to Baton Rouge – with the full blessing of Governor Landry. Those two developments have LSU fans excited.

Cut 13 (08)  “…Ole Miss coach.”

One fan says he can read between the lines of Ole Miss’s statement, interpreting that as meaning the Egg Bowl will be Kiffin’s last with the Rebels.

Cut 14 (11) “…coming to LSU.”

One fan says the contract LSU is finalizing is way too good for any coach to pass up.

Cut 15 (08) “…kind of suspect.”

Florida is also hot on Kiffin’s trail, working very hard to lure him to Gainesville. Amid all the uncertainty, the one given is that the college football world – especially fans in Baton Rouge, Gainesville and Oxford – will have their eyes glued to social media Saturday for definitive word on where Kiffin will be going, if anywhere.

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Instead of playing for a berth in the SEC Championship Game and a spot in the College Football Playoff, LSU ended its 2025 home schedule by squeaking by Conference USA opponent Western Kentucky, 13-10. LSU didn’t take the lead until a minute and a half before halftime when Trey’Dez Green caught an 11-yard pass from Michael Van Buren for the Tigers’ only touchdown. After the game, Interim Coach Frank Wilson gave credit to the Hilltoppers’ defense.

Cut 16 (16) “…the football game.”

Van Buren completed 25 out of 42 passes for 202 yards and that one touchdown. He was also intercepted once. Harlem Berry was LSU’s leading rusher with 82 yards. LSU improves to 7-and-5  and wraps up its regular season Saturday against Oklahoma in Norman; kickoff is at 2:30.

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Louisiana Tech is bowl eligible as the Bulldogs earned their sixth win of the season on Saturday with a come-from-behind win over Liberty, dousing the Flames 34-28 in overtime. Tech trailed by three touchdowns in the third quarter to pull off the biggest win in Sonny Cumbie era…

Cut 17 (08)  “…to compete.”

Quarterback Trey Kukuk sparked the rally and he did it with his legs. Kukuk had 31 yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter and a 29-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to tie the game. Kukuk says the players wanted to win this game for Cumbie and the coaches…

Cut 18 (18))  “…into this team.”

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The Saints made three trips into the red zone against the Falcons on Sunday, but only managed three points in a 24-10 loss to Atlanta. Kicker Blake Grupe missed two field goals. And in the third quarter, the Black and Gold failed to score a touchdown after getting the ball to the one-yard line. Coach Kellen Moore says they didn’t get it done on offense…

Cut 19 (10) “…find a way.”

The only touchdown for the Saints came in the second quarter, when Justin Reid returned an interception for a touchdown. The loss drops New Orleans record to 2-9. Reid says they are not giving up on the season…

Cut 20 (13) “…can do.”

The Saints are at Miami this Sunday.

LRN PM Newscall November 20

With the immigration crackdown in New Orleans approaching, an immigration lawyer is reminding you of your rights, should you encounter a Border Patrol agent. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Rapides Parish facility where plastic containers are manufactured for companies around the world announces a major expansion. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Lafayette Police arrest two Vermillion Parish men for allegedly assaulting a man who was walking home from Festivals Acadiens et Creoles last month. Tristan Frederick and Tynes Chaney, who are both 23, are charged with second-degree battery in the October 12th attack on Dustyn Cope. Sergeant Robin Green says important evidence led investigators to the two men.

Cut 3 (09) “…after the festival.”

Cope is half Filipino and says the attack was racially motivated, with his attackers and others with them calling him racial slurs. Sergeant Green says the exact motive at this time, however, remains unclear.

Cut 4 (07) “…not prove that.”

Green says attacks like this one cast a very dark shadow on Lafayette.

Cut 5 (10) “…we have here.”

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A Baton Rouge immigration lawyer is reminding you of your rights should you be approached by a Border Patrol officer during the immigration crackdown operation that will be getting underway soon in and around New Orleans. David Rozas says the right to remain silent extends to everyone in the country, whether they’re citizens or immigrants.

Cut 6 (11) “…to remain silent.”

Rozas says if you do exercise your right to remain silent, you may still be detained, but the grounds for the federal agents to detain you have been playing out in the federal courts. Rozas says especially during the operation, immigrants who are in the country legally need to make an extra effort to have their required identification with them at all times.

Cut 7 (11) “…search and seizure.”

While President Trump, Governor Landry and others maintain that the federal agents are going after the most violent criminals, Rozas says the people they’ll really be going after are other people entirely, and they’ll be targeting them solely based on the color of their skin.

Cut 8 (11) “…last 20 years.”

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The LSU Board of Supervisors has called for a special meeting tomorrow to discuss the lawsuit filed by Brian Kelly against LSU as the former Tigers football coach is seeking his entire 54-million-dollar buyout. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says most of the meeting will take place behind closed doors

Cut 9 (10)  “.of the meeting.”

When LSU fired Kelly last month they said negotiations over the size of the buyout would continue. Contractually, Kelly is due 54-million dollars, but according to the lawsuit filed by Kelly’s attorneys, the school is seeking to fire Kelly with cause, which means they would not have to pay any of the buyout. Hutchinson says we will find out tomorrow on how LSU plans to respond to Kelly’s lawsuit…

Cut 10 (09) “…meeting is over.”

Hutchinson says once the board members emerge from executive session, they will announce their next steps in the Kelly buyout dispute…

Cut 11 (11) “…of that meeting.”

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Plastipak Manufacturing announces a major expansion of its Pineville manufacturing facility. The nearly 54-million-dollar plan will add 200-thousand square feet to its facility, and it will create 15 direct jobs and 25 indirect jobs while retaining 340 current positions. Louisiana Central President and CEO Chris Masingill says Plastipak is one of the global leaders in plastic packaging.

Cut 12 (12) “…supply chain synergy.”

Masingill says as such, if you use a certain brand of detergent, the bottle that it’s contained in was manufactured in Rapides Parish.

Cut 13 (10)  “…from that facility.”

Masingill says the expansion of the facility is a huge economic win for the entire Central Louisiana region.

Cut 14 (12) “…and business climate.”

The project is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

LRN PM Newscall November 19

Three former employees at a Lake Charles Christian school are arrested for allegedly covering up sexual assaults involving football players. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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College football reporters had a chance today to ask Lane Kiffin about his coaching future. Jeff Palermo has more on what the Ole Miss coach had to say and didn’t say….

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Three former employees at a Lake Charles Christian school are arrested for allegedly covering up sexual assaults at the school from earlier this year. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory says there was a culture on the Hamilton Christian School football team in which older players would haze the younger players.

Cut 3 (07) “…a sexual assault.”

Sheriff Guillory says the principal at the time, Morgan Daugherty, and one of the assistant coaches, Dominique Washington, knew about the incidents and, as school personnel, they were required to report them to law enforcement.

Cut 4 (05) “…reported to us.”

Guillory says both Daugherty and Washington were arrested and charged with failure to report certain felonies and obstruction of justice; their bonds are set at more than a million dollars apiece.

Cut 5 (04) “…of our investigation.”

In addition, a school cook, 58-year-old Stacy Bargeman, was arrested for allegedly sending threatening messages to other school personnel about the investigation. She’s charged with cyberstalking, and her bond is set at 75-hundred dollars. No football players have been arrested so far; Guillory says the investigation is ongoing.

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Louisiana is the first state in the country to be approved for almost 1.36-billion dollars in federal funding to expand broadband internet access across the state. Veneeth Iyengar, the executive director of Connect-L-A, says it will allow the state to provide everyone in the state with reliable, cost-effective high-speed internet.

Cut 6 (10) “…get to historically.”

Iyengar says the federal funding is a major milestone for the state’s GUMBO 2.0 program. 

Cut 7 (09) “…next 24 months.”

The announcement by the federal government comes on the heels of Connect-L-A completing a major broadband expansion project in Vernon Parish. Iyengar says despite the scope of that project, it still left out three-thousand locations in the parish, and this federal funding will allow it to finish the job.

Cut 8 (10) “…1.36-billion-dollar announcement.”

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Lincoln Parish is mourning the death of Ruston Fire Department Chief Chris Womack, who died at the age of 54 after a brief battle with cancer.  Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker appointed Womack as fire chief in 2015 and says his leadership of that department is unparalleled…

Cut 9 (10)  “..was fair.”

Walker says during Womack’s time as Fire Chief, the Ruston Fire Department achieved a Class 1 rating for the first time in the city’s history.  The mayor says Chief Womack also played a critical role in the construction of a new fire station and fire tower for training. Walker says Womack started with the Ruston Fire Department in the early 1990s…

Cut 10 (10) “…he did.”

Walker says Womack will be missed…

Cut 11 (11) “…the state.”

Walker says Womack found out months ago he had cancer after the disease was detected because of a new-mandatory state cancer screening for current and former firefighters.

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Ole Miss head football coach Lane Kiffin was grilled by reporters about his future during the SEC football coaches weekly media teleconference, but Kiffin didn’t provide any new insight. Kiffin was asked if Rebels athletics director Keith Carter has given him an ultimatum to decide on where he plans to coach next season…

Cut 12 (10) “…this point.”

Speculation over Kiffin’s future at Ole Miss has been the talk of college football. The rumors really began to swirl after Kiffin’s ex-wife, Layla Kiffin, reportedly visited Gainesville and Baton Rouge this week as Florida and LSU have targeted Kiffin as their top target to be their next head coach.

There have been reports Ole Miss does not want Kiffin coaching the team in the playoffs if he’s planning on staying. So he was asked will he coach in the Egg Bowl against Mississippi State on November 28th

Cut 13 (09)  “ be at work.”

The early signing period for recruits is in the first week of December, so programs that have vacancies at head coach are really pushing to have a head coach in place before December third. Here’s a direct question to Kiffin about coaching the Rebels in the postseason…

Cut 14 (05) “…other jobs.”

LRN PM Newscall

The House has voted nearly unanimously to require the attorney general to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin was a guest on ESPN’s Pat McAfee show with rumors swirling he could leave Oxford for LSU. Jeff Palermo has more on what Kiffin said…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The House voted nearly unanimously to require the attorney general to release the Epstein files. The vote was 427-1, with Republican Clay Higgins casting the lone “no” vote. Democrat Troy Carter says no matter who’s named in those files, they need to be held accountable.

Cut 3 (10) “…brought to justice.”

So far about 50-thousand pages of evidence have already been released. Carter says that only scratches the surface.

Cut 4 (09) “…lot of people.”

Carter says the evidence takes on many forms.

Cut 5 (13) “…actual video footage.”

The measure now moves to the Senate, and Carter believes they could vote this week to send it to President Trump’s desk for his signature. Even though he had previously gone to great lengths to prevent the vote from happening, Trump has now said he would sign the measure should it reach his desk.

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The mayor of Vivian, in Caddo Parish, says his tight-knit community is shaken to the core following Friday’s murder of police officer Marc Brock. He was shot to death Friday evening as he was investigating a cyberstalking complaint against 58-year-old Nicolas Alexander. Mayor Ronnie Festavan says this is something that one would never expect to happen in Vivian.

Cut 6 (08) “…a long time.”

Mayor Festavan says Friday’s incident underscores the dangers that police officers face every day, even in what they expect to be the most routine calls.

Cut 7 (11) “…that comes up.”

Festavan says the whole community is coming together to help Brock’s family and loved ones, and you can help too.

Cut 8 (08) “…can donate to.”

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Ole Miss head football coach Lane Kiffin denies he’s been given an ultimatum by Ole Miss to decide by next Friday on where he plans to coach next season. Kiffin was a guest on ESPN’s Pat McAfee show…

Cut 9 (10)  “…I love it here”

Ole Miss has led the Rebels to a 10-1 record this season, but his success in Oxford has led to LSU and Florida both attempting to hire him as their next coach. There are several reports that Kiffin’s family members toured both Gainesville and Baton Rouge this week. Wilson Alexander of the Advocate says if Kiffin is going to leave Ole Miss for LSU, he wants assurances that there will be enough NIL dollars to build a championship roster…

Cut 10 (09) “…in place.”

Alexander says reports out of Oxford suggest that Ole Miss does not want Kiffin coaching the Rebels in the college football playoffs if he plans on leaving for LSU and Florida. He says that’s why we may know soon whether Kiffin will be the next head coach of the Tigers…

Cut 11 (13) “…other jobs.”

Ole Miss has a bye week this this Saturday and its final regular season game is the Egg Bowl against Mississippi State on November 28th.