8:30 LRN Newscast

After a decade in Congress, Baton Rouge Republican Garret Graves is preparing to bid Capitol Hill farewell. Graves expressed satisfaction with his decision to step down, emphasizing the importance of leaving office on his terms rather than overstaying. He says his decision highlights a commitment to maintaining a balanced career and ensuring his time in public service concludes positively.

Cut 10 (08) “…recognize it before us”

Law enforcement throughout Louisiana is on the lookout for drunk drivers this holiday season. Officer Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the state participates in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign every year. Fischer says the increased police presence over the holidays has helped keep drivers safe.

Cut 4 (12) “…to fund them.”

The LSU football team currently has the nation’s second ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. Kace Kieschnick (KEESH-nick) has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…Kace Kieschnick.”

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is spreading Christmas cheer. The office’s mental health department is donating clothing, hygiene items and other items to the Holy Cross Hope House, which helps people who have no place to stay. The department has been helping the Holy Cross Hope House for more than five years.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The first severe case of bird flu in a human in the U.S. has been confirmed in Louisiana, raising concerns about its implications for both animal and human health. Mark Mitchell, a professor at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, says Bird flu primarily affects birds but can occasionally jump to humans through direct contact with infected animals.

Cut 6 (08) “…to another human.”

While the immediate risk to the general public remains low, Mitchell says the case highlights the importance of being prepared, and public awareness to mitigate potential risks.

The WInnsboro Rotary Club is holding a blanket donation drive to help the victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Last month, the Rotary Club sent a check to their counterparts in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. This month, they decided to take things one step further and hold a blanket donation drive. Those wishing to help can go to the Winnsboro Rotary Club’s Amazon page.

After serving five terms in Congress, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves’ time on Capitol Hill is drawing to a close. Graves says he’s proud of his accomplishments, particularly his efforts to benefit South Louisiana.

Cut 9 (11)  “…South Louisiana.” 

Reflecting on his tenure, Graves expressed satisfaction with his decision to step down, emphasizing the importance of leaving office on his terms rather than overstaying.

The LSU football team has made waves in the transfer portal and currently boasts the second-ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. Matthew Brune of the Bengal Tiger says the Tigers have added necessary depth and new playmakers…

Cut 12 (09) “…huge success”

LSU is preparing to take on Baylor in the Texas Bowl New Year’s Eve.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU football team has made waves in the transfer portal and currently boasts the second-ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. Matthew Brune of the Bengal Tiger says the Tigers have devoted more N-I-L funds to signing transfers than in years past. He says LSU has added necessary depth and new playmakers…

Cut 12 (09) “…huge success”

As for the current squad, they’re preparing to take on Baylor in the Texas Bowl New Year’s Eve. Linebacker Whit Weeks says this week is not just the end of the 2024 season but the start of 2025….

Cut 19 (12) “…play LSU football.”

The team that takes the field may look a little different from the one fans have seen all season due to transfers and opt-outs.

After Monday night’s debacle, the Saints have nowhere to go but up. The Saints play their final home game of the season Sunday against the Raiders. Interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi says while it’s unclear at this point whether Alvin Kamara will play, the star running back is trying his best to do so.

Cut 20 (15) “…get himself back.”

Rizzi says Derek Carr is making progress from a broken non-throwing hand and a concussion, and his status for Sunday will be clearer later in the week.

Just like the Saints, the Pelicans have won just five games this season while being decimated with injuries. However, there could be light at the end of the tunnel. Zion Williamson has started his return to play conditioning phase of his rehabilitation from a left hamstring strain and is expected to return to full practice next week. From there, Williamson will be day to day.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is reminding Louisiana drivers to drive sober or get pulled over this holiday season. Officer Greg Fischer says the state participates in the national campaign every year.

Cut 3 (07) “…this holiday season.”

A Slidell community springs into action after a beloved pastor and his wife lose everything, including their daughters’ Christmas gifts, when their parsonage went up in flames. The church donated seven-thousand dollars to Pastor Miguel Serrano and his wife, Jessie, and a GoFundMe campaign kicked in another three-thousand dollars. Businesses also replaced Serrano’s business equipment. Investigators believe the fire was caused by flammable products being stored in the laundry room with a gas dryer.

A Lafayette teen spreads Christmas cheer. 16-year-old Madison McManus held a Christmas stocking drive for kids who are sick or hospitalized during the holiday. Madison was inspired to do so after she herself was hospitalized during the Easter holiday when she was seven years old.

The first confirmed severe case of bird flu (H5N1) in a human in the U.S., occurring in Louisiana, highlights significant concerns about the virus’s potential impact on both human and animal health. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The LSU football team makes waves in the transfer portal and currently boasts the second-ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. This, as the Tigers have devoted more N-I-L funds to signing transfers than years past. LSU is preparing to take on Baylor in the Texas Bowl New Year’s Eve.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints were on the worse end of the NFL’s first shutout last night in a 34-0 loss to the Packers at Lambeau Field. The 5-and-10 Saints were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday and hold the tenth pick in this year’s draft with two games remaining. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, though, says the Black and Gold will keep fighting…

Cut 16 (16) “…in the dome.”

New Orleans will host the 3-and-12 Raiders Sunday.

Cajuns Head football Coach Michael Desormeaux received a new five-year contract after leading UL-Lafayette to a Sun Belt West title and conference championship appearance. The third-year coach led the Cajuns to a 10-and-3 season following back-to-back 6-and-7 seasons. Desormeaux had two years remaining on his original contract. The Ragin’ Cajuns will take on TCU in the New Mexico Bowl Saturday.

LSU football coach Brian Kelly has made good on his promise to be aggressive in the portal as the Tigers have signed 13 new transfers thus far. Kelly says Tiger fans have played a big part in that. The Tigers coach challenged the fanbase earlier this month when he launched the Kelly Family Million Dollar Match Challenge, matching up to one million dollars in donations given to LSU’s NIL collective.

Cut 13 (15)  “…in the portal”

The LSU women’s basketball team dropped to sixth in the most recent AP poll despite their perfect 14-and-0 record. Undefeated UCLA held on to the top spot followed by South Carolina and Notre Dame. USC jumped to 4th following their big win over now 7th-ranked UConn, and Texas sits one spot ahead the Lady Tigers at 5th. LSU will close out non-conference play against Albany Sunday.

2:30 LRN Newscast

The Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Mississippi River levee in St. James Parish is a great Louisiana tradition. Parish President Pete Dufresne (du-FRAYN) says the tradition dates to the Cajun settlers, these bonfires serve as a guide to Midnight Mass and light the way for Santa.  The main events occur in Gramercy, Lutcher, and Paulina, with over 100 bonfires. Dufresne says it seems weather is going to cooperate, and rain shouldn’t be an issue.

Cut 6 (10) “…yet to reschedule.”

Black bear hunting season in Louisiana ended with a bang. John Hanks, the large carnivore program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says it concluded Sunday with the harvesting of a massive 696-pound male.  Hanks says in all, the black bear hunting season, which went from December 7th through the 22nd, was very successful.

Cut 8 (06) “…80-percent males.”

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift? Get tickets to the Angola Prison Rodeo, happening Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27.  Arrive early to enjoy live music, delicious food, and unique arts and crafts made by incarcerated individuals, including jewelry, leather goods, paintings, and woodwork.  Department of Corrections Communications Director Ken Pastorick says the proceeds go to the Inmate Welfare Fund.

Cut 11 (09) “…incarcerated at Angola.”

LSU’s Brian Kelly says the fans have helped in the Tigers’ pursuit in attracting the best players.  Mansoor Delane is a cornerback the Tigers signed out of the transfer portal. Delane was rated as the number two cornerback in the NCAA Transfer portal after making 29 starts at Virginia Tech and intercepting six passes in his career. Kelly says Delane can also play safety and nickel back

Cut 15 (10) “…for us.”

 

 

 

LRN AM Newscall December 25

The first confirmed severe case of bird flu (H5N1) in a human in the U.S., occurring in Louisiana, point out significant concerns about the virus’s potential impact on both human and animal health.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

The LSU football team currently has the nation’s second ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…Kace Kieschnick.

_____________________________________________

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is reminding Louisiana drivers to drive sober or get pulled over this holiday season. LHSA public information Officer Greg Fischer says the state participates in the national campaign every year…

Cut 3 (07) “…this holiday season.”

Fischer says the increased police presence over the holidays has helped keep drivers safe…

Cut 4 (12) “…to fund them.”

With Christmas celebrations ongoing and New Year’s just around the corner, Fischer reminds Louisianians to plan ahead…

Cut 5 (10) “…butt home.” 

_____________________________________________

The first severe case of bird flu in a human in the U.S. has been confirmed in Louisiana, raising concerns about its implications for both animal and human health. Mark Mitchell, a professor from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, says Bird flu, caused by avian influenza viruses, primarily affects birds but can occasionally jump to humans through direct contact with infected animals.

Cut 6 (08) “…to another human.”

This cross-species transmission is relatively rare but can lead to severe illness in humans. Mitchell explains that close monitoring is essential to understand how the virus behaves and to prevent outbreaks.

Cut 7 (08) “…prepare for it.”

While the immediate risk to the general public remains low, Mitchel says the case highlights the importance of being prepared, and public awareness to mitigate potential risks.

Cut 8 (13) “…to face that.”

_____________________________________________

After serving five terms in Congress, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is proud of his accomplishments, particularly his efforts to benefit South Louisiana.

Cut 9 (11)  “…South Louisiana.” 

Reflecting on his tenure, Graves expressed satisfaction with his decision to step down, emphasizing the importance of leaving office on his terms rather than overstaying. His decision highlights a commitment to maintaining a balanced career and ensuring his time in public service concludes positively.

Cut 10 (08) “…recognize it before us”

Graves’ tenure in Congress has been marked by a focus on addressing the needs of his constituents and delivering results for the region. With his departure, he now looks ahead to new opportunities and challenges, signaling a transition to the next phase of his career.

Cut 11 (14) “…sooner than later.”

_______________________________________________________

The LSU football team has made waves in the transfer portal and currently boasts the second-ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. Matthew Brune of the Bengal Tiger says the Tigers have devoted more N-I-L funds to signing transfers than years past. He says LSU has added necessary depth and new playmakers…

Cut 12 (09) “…huge success”

Brune says Oklahoma wide receiver Nic Anderson headlines the class…

Cut 13 (18)  “…in Anderson”

Brune also highlighted edge rusher Patrick Payton. The Florida St. junior is the portal’s second-ranked prospect and top edge rusher…

Cut 14 (10) “…talent’s there.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

The Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Mississippi River levee in St. James Parish is a great Louisiana tradition. Parish President Pete Dufresne (du-FRAYN) says the structures, traditionally pyramid-shaped but now include elaborate designs like a John Deere tractor.

Cut 5 (09) “…painted John Deere.”

Lighting of the bonfires starts around 7:00 P-M.

Black bear hunting season in Louisiana ended with a bang. John Hanks, the large carnivore program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says it concluded Sunday with the harvesting of a massive 696-pound male.

Cut 7 (10) “…in recent decades.”

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift? Get tickets to the Angola Prison Rodeo, happening Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27. Department of Corrections Communications Director Ken Pastorick says the rodeo features Angola inmate cowboys competing in events like Convict Poker, Wild Cow Milking, Bull Riding, and the famous Guts-n-Glory. Gates open at 8 a.m., with the action starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are 20 dollars and Pastorick says get this stocking stuffer while you can.

Cut 12 (07) “…our spring rodeo…”

LSU’s Brian Kelly says the fans have helped in the Tigers’ pursuit in attracting the best players. The Tigers coach challenged the fanbase earlier this month when he launched the Kelly Family Million Dollar Match Challenge, matching up to one million dollars in donations given to LSU’s NIL collective. He says the normal LSU fan is stepping up

Cut 13 (15)  “…in the portal”

12:30 LRN Newscast

A military veteran from Lafayette who scored a black bear hunting permit through the Healing Road Foundation harvested what’s believed to be the biggest bear in state history. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.

This week, human remains have been discovered at two different locations near the town of Ville Platte. The first discovery was over the weekend in a field located south of the Martin Luther King Junior Center. The second set of human remains was found just north Ville Platte on Monday. Authorities are working to identify the remains.

The Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Mississippi River levee tonight in St. James Parish is a great Louisiana tradition. Parish President Pete Dufresne (du-FRAYN) says the tradition dates to the Cajun settlers, these bonfires serve as a guide to Midnight Mass and light the way for Santa.

Cut 4 (13) “…St. James Parish.”

Saints fans have received a lump of coal from their favorite NFL team this year as New Orleans continued its dreadful season last night with a 34-to-nothing loss to Green Bay. Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi says it was a disappointing performance….

Cut 20 (20) “…disappointing day”

The Saints are 5-and-10 and will host Las Vegas this Sunday.

8:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says a total of ten bears, eight males and two females were harvested during a black bear hunting season that ended Sunday….

Cut 9 (11) “…almost 40 years”

Military veteran Deron Santiny from Lafayette harvested a 696-pound bear in Tensas Parish. It’s believed to be the largest harvested bear in the state’s history.

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift? Get tickets to the Angola Prison Rodeo, happening Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27. Department of Corrections spokesperson Ken Pastorick says the rodeo features Angola inmates as cowboys competing in events like Convict Poker, Wild Cow Milking, Bull Riding, and the famous Guts-n-Glory.

Cut 10 (08) “…front of everybody”

Arrive early to enjoy live music, delicious food, and unique arts and crafts made by incarcerated individuals.

Rain is in the forecast for Louisiana on Christmas Eve and into Christmas Day. But St. James Parish President Pete Dufrense says they believe the rain will come after midnight for southeast Louisiana, which means the weather should be good for their Christmas Eve bonfires along the Mississippi River…

Cut 6 (10) “…yet to reschedule”

Lighting of the bonfires starts around 7:00 P-M.

LSU football coach Brian Kelly’s stocking has been stuffed with transfer portal players. The Tigers have signed 13 of them over the last couple of weeks, including Virginia Tech cornerback Mansoor Delane, who can also play safety and nickelback….

Cut 15 (10) “…for us”

Rough night for the Saints last night as the Green Bay Packers won in dominating fashion over New Orleans 34 to nothing.