2:30 Newscast Dec 10

Former LSU superstar and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow appears to be the latest target to have his home broken into while at a game. Ohio Authorities say the break-in of Burrow’s Anderson Township happened home during the Bengals’ Monday night win over the Dallas Cowboys. 3 weeks ago, the NFL issued a security alert saying organized and skilled groups were targeting professional athletes using their schedules to plan break-ins. This was after Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce’s homes were burglarized. It is not yet clear whether this break-in is connected.

Optimism is the highest it’s been for small business owners since June 2021. That’s according to the latest national survey of small business owners. NFIB State Director Leah Long says the results of the Presidential election signal a major shift in economic policy…

Cut 3 (13) “…small business owners”

With the holiday season here, make sure you protect yourself from potentially deadly illnesses. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

16 high school football teams will play for state championships in the Caesars Superdome starting Thursday. Vermilion Catholic will face Ouachita Christian at noon Thursday. It’s a rematch of the 2022 state title game that saw O-C-S win 28-14. V-C is led by quarterback Jonathan Dartez who set a state record for total touchdowns for a career in last week’s shutout win over Kentwood. The four-year starter wants to cap his high school career with a championship…

Cut 10 (11) “…blessed to be back.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

According to the latest national survey of small business owners, optimism is the highest it’s been since June 2021. NFIB State Director Leah Long says challenges persist, however, as some owners reported unfilled job openings and inflation remains the top concern.

Cut 5 (11) “…of how high inflation is.”

Long says positive changes include lowering the personal income tax and eliminating the inventory tax.

It’s almost winter here in Louisiana; and with that, flu and COVID-19 activity will soon spike. Dr. Gabrielle Givens with St. Tammany Hospital says the very best way you can protect yourself is getting vaccinated. She says while the vaccines won’t prevent you from contracting either virus, they can minimize symptoms and complications.

Cut 8 (07) “…case scenario, death.”

It’s Prep Classic week as 16 high school football teams will play for state championships in the Caesars Superdome starting on Thursday. The division four select title game kicks-off the Prep Classic at noon and Vermilion Catholic head coach Broc Prejean (PRAY-ZHAWN) is hoping to lead the school to its third title…

Cut 9 (11)  “…home for,”

On Friday, the Franklinton Demons square off against Cecilia. The Demons are seeking their first state title since 2010 and the second in history. Demons head coach Nick Saltaformaggio says he has the best kept secret in Louisiana, his starting quarterback Jacob Crain who has thrown for 24 touchdowns..

Cut 11 (13) “…really really talented.

12:30 LRN Newscast

The holiday season is here – and so is flu and COVID-19 season. Dr. Gabrielle Givens with St. Tammany Hospital says the very best way you can protect yourself is getting vaccinated. She says the vaccines are in abundant supply and have been updated for this winter.

Cut 7 (08) “…influenza or COVID-19.”

Givens says while neither the flu nor the COVID-19 vaccine can prevent someone from contracting either virus, they can minimize symptoms and complications.

Another artificial intelligence data center is coming to Louisiana. This latest one will be in West Feliciana Parish for a company called Hut 8, which operates Bitcoin mining facilities and data centers at 20 sites throughout North America. Parish President Kenny Havard says this new data center will generate some decent tax revenue for the parish.

Cut 12 (08) “…dollars, et cetera.”

The first of the two buildings could be up and running by the end of next year.

Small Business optimism is the highest it’s been since June 2021. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Saints are preparing to face the Commanders Sunday in the Superdome. They’ve won three of their last four games after firing Dennis Allen.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

It’s unclear who will start at quarterback on Sunday for the Saints against the Washington Commanders. Starter Derek Carr has a facture of his non-throwing hand and he’s in the concussion protocol. When Carr was hurt earlier this season, Spencer Rattler started multiple games. But interim head coach Darren Rizzi says Jake Haener is also a possibility to start…

Cut 29 (21) “…positivity to the table”

Another big night for LSU star Joe Burrow last night as the Heisman winning trophy quarterback threw for 369 yards and three touchdowns in the Bengals 27 to 20 win over the Cowboys. Two of those touchdowns went to JaMarr Chase, including the game winner with about a minute left.

The transfer portal opened Monday and hundreds of college football players jumped in. 247 sports is reporting former Oklahoma receiver Nic Anderson has narrowed his choices between LSU, Ole Miss and Florida. Blake Ruffino with Are You Series Sports says Anderson had ten touchdown catches in 2023 for the Sooners, but injuries kept him off the field last season

Cut 17 (12)  “…athleticism.” 

The Ragin Cajuns will take on TCU in the New Mexico Bowl on December 28th. U-L Lafayette is coming off a 31-3 loss to Marshall in the Sun Belt Championship game. But Coach Michael Desormeaux says that’s now ancient history and the task at hand is preparing for the Horned Frogs…

Cut 20 (08) “…regrouping after disappointment”

Desormeaux says it’s a possibility quarterback Ben Woolridge can play in the bowl game after breaking his collarbone on November 16th.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Optimism is the highest it’s been for small business owners since June 2021. That’s according to the latest national survey of small business owners. NFIB State Director Leah Long says positive changes made here in Louisiana are lowering the personal income tax to 3-percent, and no longer have to pay an inventory tax are great news for small businesses, and says reform was a move in the right direction.

Cut 4 (07) “…in general.”

The holiday season is here; and with that, there will be many celebration gatherings. The holiday season is usually the time when flu and COVID-19 cases tick up. Dr. Gabrielle Givens with St. Tammany Hospital says the very best way you can protect yourself is getting vaccinated.

Cut 6 (11) “…or influenza vaccines.”

Shreveport is getting ready to welcome visitors from New York and West Virginia for the Independence Bowl. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Tickets are now available for Super Bowl LIX (59) in New Orleans. Fans can attend the $20 Opening Night Ceremony on February 3 at Caesars Superdome to see both teams. Starting February 5, the Super Bowl Experience at Morial Convention Center offers player meet-and-greets, autographs, and interactive activities.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Optimism is the highest it’s been for small business owners since June 2021. That’s according to the latest national survey of small business owners. NFIB State Director Leah Long says the results of the Presidential election signal a major shift in economic policy…

Cut 3 (13) “…small business owners”

Long says unfilled job openings remain a concern.

A nearly ten-thousand square foot cannabis dispensary has opened in Lake Charles. It’s believed to be the largest cannabis dispensary in the South. Good Day Farm chief retail officer Laurie Gregory says medical marijuana is a growing industry…

Cut 26 (11) “…in Louisiana”

The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport has its matchup, Army versus Marshall, a battle between two teams that won their respective conferences. The game will take place Saturday December 28th. Bowl spokesperson Erik Evenson says there will be several events leading up to the game, especially the day before on the 27th

Cut 9 (14) “…concert as well”

Then on game day, the free Coca Cola Fan Fest starts at 3:00, with music, games and fun. Kickoff on December 28th is at 8:15.

The transfer portal opened Monday and hundreds of college football players jumped in. 247 sports is reporting former Oklahoma receiver Nic Anderson has narrowed his choices between LSU, Ole Miss and Florida. Blake Ruffino with Are You Series Sports says Anderson had ten touchdown catches in 2023 for the Sooners, but injuries kept him off the field last season

Cut 17 (12)  “…athleticism.” 

9:30 LRN Newscast

Yet another artificial intelligence data center is coming to Louisiana. This latest one will be in West Feliciana Parish for a company called Hut 8, which operates Bitcoin mining facilities and data centers at 20 sites throughout North America. Parish President Kenny Havard says two 450-thousand-square-foot buildings will be put up on a 611-acre parcel off Louisiana Highway 964.

Cut 11 (09) “…were looking for.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is teaming up with the Healing Road Foundation to raffle off a black bear harvest permit to a military veteran. Secretary Madison Sheahan says depending on what happens to the black bear population, there could be more opportunities for military veterans to be able to participate.

Cut 15 (13) “…increase those opportunities.”

The largest medical marijuana dispensary is open in Lake Charles. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (27)“…I’m Sean Richardson.”

It’s Army and Marshall in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport. Erik Evenson (EE-vin-son) with the Independence Bowl says just as it has in the past, the city is rolling out the welcome mat for those visiting from West Point, New York, and from Huntington, West Virginia.

Cut 8 (14) “…they have it.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

There’s news of another artificial data center coming to Louisiana, bringing hundreds of permanent jobs. This one would be in West Feliciana built by Hut 8. Hut 8 mines Bitcoin and operates energy infrastructure in North America. West Feliciana Parish President Kenny Havard says this A-I data center would contain ten-billion dollars’ worth of computers and equipment and will be a major tax revenue generator …

Cut 12 (08) “…dollars et cetera”

The first of two buildings could be operational by the end of next year.

A nearly ten-thousand square foot cannabis dispensary has opened in Lake Charles. It’s believed to be the largest cannabis dispensary in the South. Good Day Farm chief retail officer Laurie Gregory says medical marijuana is a growing industry in the state…

Cut 5 (11) “…in Louisiana”

The matchup for the Independence Bowl in Shreveport is set – Marshall against Army. Erik Evenson (EE-vin-son) with the Independence Bowl says this is one of the best matchups in the bowl’s long history.

Cut 7 (10) “…a ranked team.”

Army is ranked 22nd and will play this Saturday against Navy. The Independence Bowl is set for Saturday night on December 28th.

The state’s first black bear hunting season since 1987 is underway in a section of northeast Louisiana. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan says it’s a remarkable milestone in the state’s conservation efforts of the black bear….

Cut 14 (14) “…have a season”

Ten black bear hunting tags were allocated through a lottery, but the state made sure the first tag went to a Louisiana military veteran through a partnership with Healing Road Foundation.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Yet another artificial intelligence data center is coming to Louisiana. This latest one will be in West Feliciana Parish for a company called Hut 8, which operates Bitcoin mining facilities and data centers at 20 sites throughout North America. Parish President Kenny Havard says this is a good time for businesses to set up shop in Louisiana

Cut 10 (08) “…to be working.”

The data center is expected to create several hundred permanent jobs in West Feliciana Parish.

The largest medical cannabis store in the South has opened in Lake Charles. Good Day Farm Chief Retail Officer Laurie Gregory says the ten-thousand square foot facility is located near Golden Nugget and L’Auberge casinos…

Cut 6 (10) “….cannabis products”

State law does not say you have to be a Louisiana resident to participate in the state’s medical marijuana program. And in Texas, it’s harder to qualify for a medical marijuana prescription than in Louisiana.

Shreveport is getting ready to welcome visitors from New York and West Virginia for the Independence Bowl. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Voters in Monroe approved the renewal of the one-percent Capital Infrastructure Sales Tax. The tax has been around since 1994 and it helps pay for better streets, sewers, drainage, waterworks, bridges and public facilities. Mayor Friday Ellis says the vote reflects the community’s commitment to long-term planning and efficient use of tax dollars.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The transfer portal is open in college athletics and the LSU Tigers are looking for receivers. LSU has been named a team to watch for Barion Brown, who had 29 catches for 361 yards and three touchdowns for the Kentucky Wildcats this past season. Blake Ruffino for A-Y-S Sports says other SEC schools will also be interested

Cut 16 (19) “…he does.”

LSU is also reportedly in the running to land a pass rusher out of the Big Ten. Nebraska’s Jimari Butler is reportedly looking at LSU, Texas A-and-M and Florida State. Butler recorded 7.5 sacks during his three seasons for the Cornhuskers.

Former St. Thomas More and LSU quarterback Walker Howard is on the move again. Howard who was a back-up Q-B at Ole Miss the last two seasons has reportedly entered the transfer portal. ON-three-dot-com is reporting Howard could return home to Lafayette to play for the Ragin Cajuns.

UL Lafayette will take on TCU in the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque on Saturday, December 28th. Cajuns Head Coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) says it’s a great way to wrap up a successful season.

Cut 19 (14) “…a part of.”

Desormeaux says it’s a possibility quarterback Ben Wooridge could play in the bowl game after breaking his collarbone against South Alabama on November 16th.

Will Saints quarterback Derek Carr play this Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi says Carr has a fractured non-throwing hand and he’s also dealing with a concussion…

Cut 28 (10) “…both”

Rizzi says reports that Carr will miss the rest of the season are false and he considers the veteran Q-B week to week.