12:30 LRN Newscast

America is mourning the passing of Jimmy Carter. The 39th President of the United States died yesterday at the age of 100. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell remembers the personal touch he provided in northwest Louisiana when he ran for President in 1976.

Cut 7 (11) “…for President.”

As for the incoming president, Donald Trump has endorsed Mike Johnson to return as Speaker of the House in the 119th Congress. With Republicans holding a very slim majority, it will take a nearly unified G-O-P caucus to agree on a speaker. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Trump’s endorsement is intended to achieve that unanimity.

Cut 4 (12) “…his preferences are.”

Lafourche Parish joins the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. The parish was previously excluded from the Atchafalaya Basin due to an oversight when the Heritage Area was established in 2006; this inclusion rectifies that. Executive Director Justin Lemoine says it allows the parish to access federal funding for recreational projects and historical preservation through the National Park Service’s program.

Cut 10 (10) “…recreational resources .”

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area spans 15 parishes and over 11-thousand square miles, showcasing Louisiana’s distinct food, music, and cultural ties to the land.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints wanted to give their fans something to cheer about, but other than a nice trick play that resulted in a touchdown, there was not much to cheer about Sunday in a 25 to 10 loss to the Raiders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi says the third down stat tells the story, the Saints only converted once on third down, while Las Vegas was 10-of-18 on third down…

Cut 18 (12)   “…like turnovers.”

The Saints will close out the regular season this Sunday at Tampa Bay. A win for the Buccaneers and they win the NFC South.

The Washington Commanders are in the NFC playoffs for the first time since 2020 and former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is a big reason why. Daniels led the Commanders on a game-winning touchdown drive last night to beat Atlanta. Daniels has now thrown a touchdown pass in the last 30 seconds of five different games this season, which is an NFL record.

It was a great season for U-L Lafayette football, but the Cajuns had a couple of ugly postseason games. U-L Lafayette followed up a blowout loss in the Sun Belt Championship game with another blowout loss on Saturday. T-C-U trounced the Cajuns 34 to 3 in the New Mexico Bowl. Coach Michael Desormeaux’s team was playing without several starters who left the program for the transfer portal…

Cut 16 (20) “…going to compete.”

Not much competition in the PMAC last night as the LSU men’s basketball team finished off non-conference play with a 110 to 45 win over Mississippi Valley State. Cam Carter had 23 points.

The LSU women’s basketball team is 15-and-0 for the third time in program history as the Lady Tigers defeated Albany 83 to 61.

11:30 LRN Newscast

President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed Mike Johnson to return as Speaker of the House. In a post on social media, Trump says Johnson would provide, in his words, immediate relief from all the destructive policies of the last administration. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Trump’s endorsement is a 180 of sorts.

Cut 3 (09) “…recent budget deal.” 

America is mourning the death of our 39th U.S. president. Jimmy Carter passed away yesterday at the age of 100. Carter may be best known for what he did after leaving the White House after his sole term. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says Carter went around the world to resolve conflict, promote democracy, protect human rights and resolve conflict….

Cut 6 (10) “…What a Great American” (2x)

Louisiana’s population trend reverses course this year. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Lafourche Parish joins the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, aligning its boundaries with the historical Atchafalaya Basin. Executive Director Justin Lemoine aims to develop a recreational master plan and identify culturally significant sites in Lafourche.

Cut 9 (13)  “…historic region,”

10:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry checked off several items on his to-do list in year one. Landry got lawmakers to pass legislation that seeks to reduce crime, he also got lawmakers on board with a school choice bill, and he capped off 2024 by getting lawmakers to approve a major overhaul of the state’s tax code…

Cut 10 (13) “…health care.”

New voting machines will soon be coming in Louisiana. While the new model has not yet been selected, one thing that’s for certain is that in accordance with a new state law, there will be a paper component. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says having the paper ballot will allow the state to easily verify the machine vote tally.

Cut 14 (11) “…recount is necessary.”

If you’re looking for something to do to inaugurate 2025, may I suggest taking a hike? All state parks are taking part in America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes. Louisiana State Parks Director Brandon Burris says it’s a way for the state to introduce its state parks to those either new to the state or to those who don’t regularly use them.

Cut 5 (09) “…marshes and byways.”

Louisiana could be turning the tide in population numbers. The U.S. Census Bureau says Louisiana’s population grew slightly in 2024 – up nearly 10-thousand to almost 4.6-million. Demographer Greg Rigamer says this a small increase after three straight years of decline.

Cut 7 (13) “…lot of people.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Could Louisiana finally be making a U-turn in terms of population? The Census Bureau says Louisiana’s population grew slightly in 2024 – up nearly 10-thousand to almost 4.6-million – after three straight years of declines. Demographer Greg Rigamer says the population growth is lead by East Baton Rouge, Ascension, and Livingston parishes.

Cut 8 (08) “…significant factors.”

Looking for something to do New Year’s Day? The climate here in Louisiana is a little too warm for the Polar Bear Plunge, so why not take a hike? Louisiana State Parks Director Brandon Burris says all state parks are taking part in conjunction with America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes, which started in Massachusetts in 1992.

Cut 4 (05) “…has to offer.”

Burris says it’s a way for the state to introduce its state parks to those either new to the state or to those who don’t regularly use them.

It was a busy first year in office for Governor Jeff Landry, punctuated with the passage of a sweeping tax reform package. Part of it needs voter approval, and a Constitutional Amendment revising Article Seven of the state constitution will go before voters in March. Landry says there’s a lot packed into it, including a permanent increase in teacher salaries…

Cut 12 (15) “…our businesses.”

Landry and other Louisiana officials pay their respects to President Jimmy Carter, who died yesterday at the age of 100. In a post on X, the governor said Carter was a true public servant and that he and his wife extend their deepest condolences to the 39th President’s family. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, as well as House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, also paid their respects to Carter on social media.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana saw its population increase in 2024 for the first time in several years. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

Governor Jeff Landry told Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that his tax reform plan will eliminate the corporate franchise tax, which will lure new businesses to the state, help the ones currently here…

Cut 11 (09) “…for us’

Looking ahead to her second year in office, Attorney General Liz Murrill says she would like to focus on the fentanyl crisis. Murrill says she’s borrowing an idea from Arizona, appointing a fentanyl opioid specialist to help decide how to spend opioid settlement money that’s resulting in millions of dollars going to the states from companies that manufactured, sold or distributed prescription painkillers…

Cut 30 (16) “…the long-term.”

And Secretary of State Nancy Landry says in her second year, she wants to move forward on purchasing new voting machines for the state to replace Louisiana’s voting machines that are about 30 years old…

Cut 15 (08) “…testing it out”

Landry says they have not determined a system, but the new machines will have a paper component that will help with recounts and a paper trail on how people voted.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry’s first year in office was eventful with major legislation passing. Jeanne Burns looks back….

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

And the governor believes his tax reform plan will result in more people moving into the state. Demographer Greg Rigamer says we’ll have to wait and see if that happens…

Cut 9 (09) “….within our region”

New voting machines will soon be coming in Louisiana. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says while the new model has not yet been selected, one thing that’s for certain is that in accordance with a new state law, there will be a paper component.

Cut 13 (11)  “…a locked box.”

Landry says having the paper ballot will allow the state to easily verify the machine vote tally.

Looking for something to do on New Year’s Day. The Louisiana Office of State Parks is encouraging the public to take a hike or walk at one of the state’s 21 parks. Louisiana State Parks Director Brandon Burris says some of the hikes are led by rangers…

Cut 6 (11) “….great animals here”

Burris says Poverty Point has ranger-guided hikes so does Bogue Chitto State Park and Forts Randolph-Buhlow State Historic Site.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints season started with so much hope, a 47-10 win over the Carolina Panthers in the Superdome. It will end with the Saints losing at least 11 games as they fell to 5-and-11 yesterday with a 25 to 10 loss to the Raiders, who won their fourth game of the season.

Rookie Spencer Rattler started at quarterback and looked good in the first half, but the offense could do nothing in the second half. Rattler finished 20 of 36 for 219 yards. He threw one touchdown pass, but he was intercepted twice and sacked three times…

Cut 19 (12) “…in the second half.”

The Saints conclude the regular season this Sunday at Tampa Bay.

Former LSU quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels led their respective teams to overtime victories over weekend. Daniels helped Washington clinch its first playoff berth since 2020.

Both of Louisiana’s college football teams who played in bowl games on Saturday were blown out. The Ragin Cajuns lost 34 to 3 to TCU in the New Mexico Bowl as U-L Lafayette ends the season with a 10-and-4 record and Coach Michael Desormeaux is excited about 2025…

Cut 17 (17) :….going to do”

Louisiana Tech lost to nationally ranked Army 27 to 6. Bulldogs quarterback Evan Bullock threw for 169 yards and he was intercepted once, but Coach Sonny Cumbie is expecting big things from Bullock next season with new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin…

Cut 30 (15) “…his leadership”

The Bulldogs finish the season averaging just 21 points a game.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s population grew slightly in 2024 according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The state’s estimated population on July first was 4.59-million up nearly 10-thousand from 2023. Demographer Greg Rigamer says its a small increase after three straight years of decline.

Cut 7 (13) “…lot of people.”

Population losses have been widespread, particularly in central and northeast Louisiana.

It was a busy first year in office for Governor Jeff Landry. Landry got lawmakers to pass legislation that seeks to reduce crime, he also got lawmakers on board with a school choice bill, and he capped off 2024 by getting lawmakers to approve a major overhaul of the state’s tax code…

Cut 10 (13) “…health care.”

Lower income tax rates, but higher sales taxes take effect January 1st.

New voting machines will soon be coming to Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The longest living American president has died. Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States passed away at the age of 100. Governor Jeff Landry called Carter a true public servant. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the world is a more peaceful place because of Carter. New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says President Carter will be remembered for his political legacy and his humanitarian efforts.

LRN AM Newscall December 30

Louisiana saw a population increase for 2024 according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry’s first year in office was eventful with major legislation getting approved. Jeanne Burns looks back….

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

_____________________________________________

New voting machines will soon be coming to Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________________

Looking for something to do New Year’s Day? The climate here in Louisiana is a little too warm for the Polar Bear Plunge, so why not take a hike? Louisiana State Parks Director Brandon Burris says all state parks are taking part in conjunction with America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes, which started in Massachusetts in 1992.

Cut 4 (05) “…has to offer.”

Burris says it’s a way for the state to introduce its state parks to those either new to the state or to those who don’t regularly use them.

Cut 5 (09) “…marshes and byways.” 

Burris says many hikes are led by rangers.

Cut 6 (11) “…great animals here.”

For more information, visit the Louisiana State Parks First Day Hikes webpage.

______________________________________________________

Louisiana’s population grew slightly in 2024 according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The state’s estimated population on July first was over 4.59-million up nearly 10-thousand from 2023. Demographer Greg Rigamer says this a small increase after three straight years of decline.

Cut 7 (13) “…lot of pepeople.”

Population losses have been widespread, particularly in central and northeast Louisiana. Caddo and Plaquemines parishes have also seen declines, but Rigamer says southeastern parishes like East Baton Rouge, Ascension, and Livingston are growing.

Cut 8 (08) “…significant factors.”

Governor Landry says his tax reform package will help end migration out of the state and bring more people to Louisiana. Rigamer says we’ll have to wait and see if that happens

Cut 9 (09)  “…within our region.” 

______________________________________________________

It was a busy first year in office for Governor Jeff Landry. Landry got lawmakers to pass legislation that seeks to reduce crime, he also got lawmakers on board with a school choice bill, and he capped off 2024 by getting lawmakers to approve a major overhaul of the state’s tax code…

Cut 10 (13) “…health care.”

Landry says the tax reform legislation will lower everyone’s income taxes on January 1st, but it will also increase the state sales tax to five percent. He says the tax reform plan will also eliminate the corporate franchise tax and help lure new businesses to the state, while also helping the ones currently here…

Cut 11 (09) “…for us.”

Part of the tax reform plan still needs voter approval and a Constitutional Amendment revising Article Seven of the state constitution will go before voters in March. Landry says there’s a lot packed into that amendment, including a permanent increase to teacher salaries…

Cut 12 (15) “…our businesses.”

______________________________________________________

New voting machines will soon be coming in Louisiana. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says while the new model has not yet been selected, one thing that’s for certain is that in accordance with a new state law, there will be a paper component.

Cut 13 (11)  “…a locked box.”

Landry says having the paper ballot will allow the state to easily verify the machine vote tally.

Cut 14 (11) “…recount is necessary.”

Landry says the state has not yet issued a request for proposals and there’s a lengthy approval process. Therefore, it will be a few years before voters will start casting their ballots on the new machines.

Cut 15 (08) “…testing it out.”

Landry says the current machines are 30 years old and as such, there are no replacement parts available for them.

______________________________________________________

It was a great season for U-L Lafayette football, but the Cajuns had a couple of ugly postseason games. U-L Lafayette followed up a blowout loss in the Sun Belt Championship game with another blowout loss on Saturday. T-C-U trounced the Cajuns 34 to 3 in the New Mexico Bowl. Coach Michael Desormeaux’s team was playing without several starters who left the program for the transfer portal…

Cut 16 (20) “…going to compete.”

Desormeaux also feels good about the future and is eager to develop the chemistry needed for another winning season in 2025….

Cut 17 (17)  “…going to do.” 

The Cajuns finished 2024, 10-and-4.

_____________________________________________________

The Saints wanted to give their fans something to cheer about, but other than a nice trick play that resulted in a touchdown, there was not much to cheer about Sunday in a 25 to 10 loss to the Raiders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi says the third down stat tells the story, the Saints only converted once on third down, while Las Vegas was 10-of-18 on third down…

Cut 18 (12)   “…like turnovers.”

Rookie Spencer Rattler got the start and looked sharp in the first half, but New Orleans could do nothing in the second half. Rattler finished 20 of 36 for 219 yards. He threw one touchdown pass, but he was intercepted twice and sacked three times…

Cut 19 (17) “…in the second half.”

The Saints are now 5-and-11 and wrap up the regular season on Sunday at Tampa Bay.

______________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers will play Baylor tomorrow in the Texas Bowl to close out the 2024 season. The Bayou Bengals received good news for the 2025 season as star linebacker Harold Perkins announced he’s returning for his senior season. Perkins played only four games in 2024 because of a season-ending knee injury. Coach Brian Kelly is happy Perkins is coming back

Cut 20 (20) “…to write.”