9:30 AM LRN Newscast

Yesterday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments over lawsuits filed by coastal parishes against oil and gas companies for damages to the coastline caused by drilling. These arguments come in the wake of a Plaquemines Parish jury awarding the parish almost 745-million dollars against Chevron last year. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Chevron wants to move the cases to federal court, because those courts tend to be more conservative and defendant-friendly.

Cut 6 (09) “…companies are seeking.”

When you vote in the primary election this year, in some races, you will only be allowed to vote for candidates in your own party because federal offices, the State Supreme Court, the Public Service Commission and BESE races are now closed primaries. Steven Procopio, with the Public Affairs Research Council, says if you’re registered “no party affiliation,” then you can choose which your ballot.

Cut 11 (07) “..those party’s primaries.”

If you’re registered any party other than Republican or Democrat, you’re not allowed to vote in those primary races.

Not only did LSU land the top quarterback in the transfer portal yesterday but Sophomore running back Caden Durham announced he’s withdrawing his name from the portal to return to LSU. Tiger Rag magazine editor Glen Guilbeau says LSU’s new coaching staff had to repair their relationship with Durham after they went after Kewan Lacy of Ole Miss.

Cut 9 (11)  “…and Caden Durham.”

It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Though according to the latest data compiled by the Louisiana Department of Health, rates flu cases are decreasing, flu activity is still high. On WRKF radio in Baton Rouge, Dr. Julio Figueroa, an infectious disease expert at LSU Health New Orleans, says one of the dominant strains infecting people is called H3N2.

Cut 13 (03)  “…more severe disease.”

Figueroa says the vaccine may not prevent you from getting the flu, but it can prevent serious symptoms and with Mardi Gras parades and balls coming, it’s still a good idea.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Closed party primaries are coming to this year’s elections for the State Supreme Court, the Public Service Commission and BESE races. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council, says double-check your party affiliation because.

Cut 10 (09) “…the Republican candidates.”

If you’re registered “no party affiliation,” then you can choose the ballot you vote. Those registered Independent or any party other than Democrat or Republican cannot vote in the primary.

Argument in lawsuits filed by coastal parishes against oil and gas companies for damages to the coastline caused by drilling were heard by the U.S. Supreme Court yesterday. The state says the cases should remain in state court. Chevron argued that those cases belong in federal court, citing 80-year-old federal contracts but Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says

Cut 5 (12) “…exploration and development.”

LSU football has one of the top transfer portal classes in the country. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The Louisiana Department of Health says the rates of flu cases is down, but flu activity is still high. On WRKF radio in Baton Rouge, Dr. Julio Figueroa, with LSU Health New Orleans, says the H3N2 strain is more severe but it’s still a good idea to get a flu shot with coming Mardi Gras parades and balls.

Cut 15 (10) “…then prevent hospitalization.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday over lawsuits filed by coastal parishes against oil and gas companies for damages to the coastline caused by drilling. Chevron argued that those cases belong in federal court, citing federal contracts. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says they’re citing the Federal Officer Removal Statute.

Cut 4 (14) “…World War Two.”

According to the latest data compiled by the Louisiana Department of Health, case rates for the flu are decreasing, but flu activity is still high. On WRKF radio in Baton Rouge, Dr. Julio Figueroa, with LSU Health New Orleans, says if you think you have the flu, it’s best to get tested right away, because the prescription drugs available to combat the flu are more effective when taken shortly after the onset of symptoms.

Cut 14 (09) “…day on average.”

He also says it’s not too late to get the flu shot.

Closed primaries are coming so you may want to verify party affiliation. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU has signed the top-rated quarterback in the transfer portal, Sam Leavitt of Arizona State. The Tigers also received a commitment from redshirt freshman quarterback Landen Clark of Elon over the weekend and they’re still going after redshirt freshman quarterback Husan (HOO-san) Longstreet of USC, who’s rated as the number six transfer quarterback. Tiger Rag magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says it would be major if Kiffin can land all three.

Cut 8 (05) “…is Sam Leavitt.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Supreme Court hears oral arguments over lawsuits filed by coastal parishes accusing oil and gas companies of causing erosion by drilling and exploration activity. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports flu case rates are decreasing, but flu activity is still high. On WRKF radio in Baton Rouge, Dr. Julio Figueroa, with LSU Health New Orleans, says one dominant strain this year is H3N2.

Cut 13 (03)  “…more severe disease.”

Figueroa says if you think you have the flu, it’s best to get tested right away

Lane Kiffin is off to a hot start as the head coach at LSU. Yesterday, Kiffin landed a commitment from redshirt sophomore Sam Leavitt of Arizona State, who’s the top-rated quarterback in the transfer portal. Tiger Rag magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says Leavitt is the full package.

Cut 7 (07) “…he can run.”

In addition to Leavitt, LSU also received a commitment from redshirt freshman quarterback Landen Clark of Elon over the weekend. And LSU sophomore running back Caden Durham announced that he’s withdrawing his name from the transfer portal and returning in 2026 to play for the Tigers.

When you vote in the primary election this year, you will be limited to voting for members of your own political party for federal offices, the State Supreme Court, the Public Service Commission and BESE which are now in closed primaries. Steven Procopio, with the Public Affairs Research Council says if you have no party affiliation and vote in one party’s primary, you cannot vote in the other party’s runoff. And for those registered with so called third parties Procopio says…

Cut 12 (06) “…the general election.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

It is official. LSU has signed former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, despite a push from Tennessee to sign the 20-year-old dual-threat quarterback. If Leavitt has recovered from a Lisfranc foot surgery, he’ll be the starting quarterback in the season opener against Clemson.

The backup would be Landen Clark from Elon and LSU might not be done as Coach Lane Kiffin is reportedly interested in also signing Husan (Hoo-san) Longstreet, who just completed his freshman season at USC. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says if Kiffin gets all three, that would be impressive…

Cut 8 (05) “…is Sam Leavitt”

LSU’s leading rusher in 2025, Caden Durham, is returning for his junior season. Durham entered the transfer portal, but the new coaching staff has convinced him to stay at LSU.

LSU women’s basketball is up to number six in the latest A-P Top 25 poll, and Tigers baseball is ranked second behind UCLA by D-1 Baseball.

_______________________________________________________

In college basketball…McNeese built a big first-half lead and easily defeated Nicholls 94 to 68 in a battle for first place in the Southland last night. Larry Johnson had 24 points and 10 rebounds, and DJ Richards scored 20 points off the bench. The Cowboys and Colonels are now 7-and-1 in league play.

Northwestern State was down by five points with 30 seconds left but rallied to beat U-T-R-G-V 64-63. An Izzy Miles free throw with one second left was the winning point. Micah Thomas had 17 points, including a big three-pointer in that last-minute rally.

Coleton Benson hit a 25-foot three-pointer with three seconds left as UNO upended Southeastern Louisiana 79 to 76. Benson had a big night as he had 30 points.

Southern rallied to beat Bethune-Cookman 77 to 73, and Grambling lost to Florida A-and-M 91 to 84.

In the NBA….the Pelicans host the Denver Nuggets tonight.

LRN AM Newscall January 13

The Supreme Court hears oral arguments over lawsuits filed by coastal parishes accusing oil and gas companies of causing erosion by drilling and exploration activity. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

LSU football has one of the top transfer portal classes in the country. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

With the closed primaries coming up, now is the time to double-check your voter registration cards. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________

The Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday over lawsuits filed by coastal parishes against oil and gas companies for damages to the coastline caused by drilling. Chevron argued that those cases belong in federal court, citing federal contracts. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says they’re citing the Federal Officer Removal Statute.

Cut 4 (14) “…World War Two.”

The state, however, is arguing that the cases should remain in state court. Ciolino says those contracts from more than 80 years are irrelevant in these cases.

Cut 5 (12) “…exploration and development.”

The oral arguments come in the wake of a Plaquemines Parish jury awarding the parish almost 745-million dollars against Chevron last year. Ciolino says Chevron wants to move the cases to federal court, because those courts tend to be more conservative and defendant-friendly.

Cut 6 (09) “…companies are seeking.”

________________________________________________________

Lane Kiffin is off to a hot start as the head coach at LSU. Yesterday, Kiffin landed a commitment from redshirt sophomore Sam Leavitt of Arizona State, who’s the top-rated quarterback in the transfer portal. Tiger Rag magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says Leavitt is the full package.

Cut 7 (07) “…he can run.”

In addition to Leavitt, LSU also received a commitment from redshirt freshman quarterback Landen Clark of Elon over the weekend. The Tigers are still going after redshirt freshman quarterback Husan (HOO-san) Longstreet of USC, who’s rated as the number-six transfer quarterback. Guilbeau says it would be major if Kiffin can land all three.

Cut 8 (05) “…is Sam Leavitt.”

Also yesterday, LSU sophomore running back Caden Durham announced that he’s withdrawing his name from the transfer portal and returning in 2026 to play for the Tigers. Guilbeau says LSU’s new coaching staff had to repair their relationship with Durham after they went after Kewan Lacy of Ole Miss.

Cut 9 (11)  “…and Caden Durham.”

______________________________________________________________

When you vote in the primary election this year, you won’t be able to choose from all candidates in all races. That’s because federal offices, the State Supreme Court, the Public Service Commission and BESE races have moved to closed primaries. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says double-check your voter registration card – whatever party affiliation is indicated is the ballot you will receive.

Cut 10 (09) “…the Republican candidates.”

Procopio says if your voter registration card reads “no party affiliation,” then you actually get to choose which ballot you get to fill out.

Cut 11 (07) “..those party’s primaries.”

If you have no party affiliation and vote in one party’s primary, you cannot vote in the other party’s runoff. Those with no party affiliation who did not vote in the primary can vote in either party’s runoff. Procopio says those who are registered with third parties are out of luck.

Cut 12 (06) “…the general election.”

_____________________________________________________________

***Must credit WRKF in the following story***

According to the latest data compiled by the Louisiana Department of Health, case rates for the flu are decreasing, but flu activity is still high. On WRKF radio in Baton Rouge, Dr. Julio Figueroa, an infectious disease expert at LSU Health New Orleans, says one of the dominant strains infecting people is called H-3.

Cut 13 (03)  “…more severe disease.”

Figueroa says if you think you have the flu, it’s best to get tested right away, because the prescription drugs available to combat the flu are more effective when taken shortly after the onset of symptoms.

Cut 14 (09) “…day on average.”

Figueroa says it’s not too late to get the flu shot, especially with Mardi Gras parades and balls ready to ramp up. He says the vaccine will not prevent you from getting the flu, but it can prevent serious symptoms.

Cut 15 (10) “…then prevent hospitalization.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

After eight years, the people of New Orleans have some new terminology to get used to – “Mayor Moreno.” Helena Moreno was sworn in this morning as the 63rd mayor of the City of New Orleans. In her inaugural address, Mayor Moreno says today represents not only a new beginning, but also a new direction.

Cut 3 (08) “…our beautiful city.”

Moreno succeeds the term-limited LaToya Cantrell.

A tragic incident out of Lafayette, as a four-year-old boy is shot to death as a result of sheer negligence. Lafayette Police Corporal Ashley Wood says police were called to the home shortly before six Saturday afternoon and found the disturbing scene. 

Cut 9 (06)  “…and loaded firearm.”

The child fired the gun, hitting and killing four-year-old Blaze Rubin. Another relative, 17-year-old Jenarius Johnson, is arrested on two charges.

LSU Coach Lane Kiffin has found his starting quarterback next season. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And that’s not all – LSU is also keeping one of its top running backs. Caden Durham announced on social media that he is taking his name out of the transfer portal and will be returning to LSU next season. The sophomore has rushed for more than 12-hundred yards in his two seasons with the Tigers.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The number one-rated Q-B in the transfer portal, Sam Leavitt, has committed to LSU after a lengthy visit to Baton Rouge last week that was followed up by Lane Kiffin visiting him in Tennessee. Leavitt led Arizona State to a Big 12 Championship and a College Football Playoff berth in 2024. Michelle Gardner with the Arizona Republic covered Leavitt at A-S-U…

Cut 12 (12) “…in the clutch.”

After adding Leavitt, LSU now boasts the No. 1 transfer portal class, according to 247sports.

LSU sophomore running back Caden Durham announced on his social media that he will be returning with the program to play with the Tigers in 2026, despite entering the transfer portal earlier this month. This season, Durham led the team in rushing with 505 yards and also had three touchdowns.

LSU junior center Braelin Moore and sophomore tight end Trey’Dez Green also announced on Sunday night that they will return to play for the Tigers in 2026.

The LSU women’s basketball team secured its first win against an AP top 2 team for the first time since 2008 yesterday after the Tigers defeated No. 2 Texas 70-65. Junior guard Mikaylah Williams was the team’s leading scorer with 20 points in 38 minutes. She said toughness is what the team has focused on since those back-to-back losses.

Cut 17 (18)  “…those big moments.”

LSU moved up to No. 6 in the new AP Poll this week.

D1Baseball.com released its preseason top-25 ahead of the 2026 season, and the LSU baseball team will start their title defense as the No.2 team in the nation. The Tigers were only behind UCLA. LSU was ranked as No. 1 in the Perfect Game Baseball Preseason poll last week.

In men’s basketball, Nicholls looks to remain undefeated in the Southland when they travel to Lake Charles tonight to face McNeese State. The Cowboys are on a three game winning streak and have not lost at home since 2023. Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m.

4:30 LRN Newscast

Helena Moreno was sworn in this morning as the 63rd mayor of the City of New Orleans. The one theme she repeated in her roughly 13-minute inaugural address was that she’s “all in” for New Orleans, despite the big challenges she faces…

Cut 4 (09) “…that they’re impossible.”

Moreno was sworn in by former Vice President Kamala Harris, who says Moreno is up for the challenge….

Cut 8 (12) “…of New Orleans”

A fatal shooting in Farmerville has claimed the life of a Union Parish High school football player. Investigators say 18-year-old Cynia Gray fatally shot Kayane Smith on Friday. Gray has been charged with second degree murder, and her bond has been set at one million dollars.

 

In Lafayette, a two-year-old gets a hold of a gun and kills a four-year-old boy. Lafayette Police Corporal Ashley Wood says the firearm was unsecured and loaded when the two-year-old got a hold of it.

Cut 10 (05) “…four-year-old child.”

The four-year-old boy, Blaze Rubin, died from his injuries. A 17-year-old relative is behind bars on two charges, including negligent homicide.

LSU has reportedly secured a commitment from Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, the number one ranked quarterback in this transfer portal class. LSU fans hope history repeats itself. Jayden Daniels also transferred from Arizona State to LSU and ended up winning the Heisman in 2023. Michelle Gardner with the Arizona Republic says Daniels was an elite runner and Leavitt is also dangerous running the football.

Cut 14 (07) “…first down.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

New Orleans has a new mayor. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris swore in Moreno as mayor at the Saenger Theater this morning. Harris says she first crossed paths with Moreno many years ago…

Cut 6 (08) “….she is tough”

Harris added that Moreno will never stop fighting for the people of New Orleans.

 

Lafayette Police have arrested a teenager in connection with the fatal shooting of a four-year-old boy. Authorities say the victim, Blaze Rubin, was shot by a two-year-old who found an unsecured and loaded gun in the home. Lafayette Police Corporal Ashley Wood says says the gun belonged to a 17-year-old…

Cut 11 (09) “…by a juvenile”

It is unknown if the two year-old has been removed from the home.

Former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt has committed to LSU. Leavitt threw for 46-hundred yards, 36 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and 816 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns during his career at A-S-U. Michelle Gardner covered Leavitt at Arizona State for the Arizona Republic and says Leavitt takes his craft seriously…

Cut 13 (13) “….his power”