6:30 LRN Newscast

Senator John Kennedy wants to give teachers who spend their own money on school supplies a bigger tax break. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Lafayette Police say several people were injured last night when an Opelousas man stole an unoccupied school bus and drove recklessly on Pinhook Road causing a crash involving four vehicles. The suspect, 26-year-old Marion Baker, was being transported to a mental facility when he fled and stole the bus. After the crash with the bus, police say he stole a truck from a bystander who stopped to assist. Baker was eventually apprehended in Rayne.

Late last week, the Louisiana Department of Health detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu in the state. Officials say the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says while public risk is low, the risk is there.

Cut 10 (12) “…from infected cows.”

Sokol says never touch a sick or dead animal or their droppings and keep pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces.

Crawfish farmers are seeing signs that the crawfish crop will rebound in 2025. LSU AgCenter Crawfish Agent Todd Fontenot says recent rainfalls have helped produce a strong crop of young crawfish emerging from their burrows

Cut 8 (08) “…into the ponds.”

Fontenot anticipates a robust harvest for 2025 allowing people to plan their crawfish boils for March, April, and May.

AM Newscall December 16

Senator John Kennedy wants to give teachers who spend their own money on school supplies a bigger tax break. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Crawfish lovers are hopeful for a better crawfish season this year.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The 2024 Prep Classic saw three teams from the Acadiana area win state championships. Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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Senator John Kennedy introduced a bill that would double the maximum that teachers can deduct from their taxable income for spending their own money on school supplies.

Cut 4 (15) “…to 600 dollars.”

Kennedy says teachers spending their own money on school supplies is unfortunately very common.

Cut 5 (10) “…their income tax.” 

Kennedy says it’s a shame that he would have to propose such a bill in the first place.

Cut 6 (12) “…an unlimited deduction.”

Kennedy says he introduced the bill mainly to get a head start on it. He acknowledges that there isn’t enough time in the current session to take it up, and he will not advance it this year. He says he will reintroduce it when the 119th Congress convenes next month.

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Crawfish farmers are expecting the 2025 mudbug season to be night and day from this year.  The historic drought of 2023 led to a delayed season with low supplies this year, but LSU AgCenter Crawfish Agent Todd Fontenot says recent rainfall should lead to a better 2025…

Cut 7 (12) “…normal like conditions.”

Fontenot reassures crawfish enthusiasts that the upcoming season is on track to recover. He attributes this optimism to improved conditions, including recent rains and a strong crop of young crawfish emerging from their burrows in recent months.

Cut 8 (08) “…into the ponds.”

Fontenot anticipates a robust harvest for 2025, with boiling spots beginning to open, allowing people to plan their crawfish boils for March, April, and May. This promising outlook should ease concerns among crawfish lovers eager to enjoy their seasonal delicacy after the challenges of the previous year.

Cut 9 (12)  “…they will grow.”

The LSU AgCenter remains hopeful that the improved environmental conditions will support a return to normal for the crawfish industry.

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Late last week, the Louisiana Department of Health detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu. The state says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says while public risk is low, the risk is there.

Cut 10 (09) “…from infected cows.”

Sokol says the symptoms of bird flu are not unlike those for human flu.

Cut 11 (13) “…headaches, fatigue.”

But Sokol cautions that in order for it to be bird flu, the person must have come into contact with an infected animal such as a bird or a cow.

Cut 12 (10) “…not bird flu.”

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Whereas Friday’s action at the Prep Classic at the Superdome featured three riveting contests, the two games Saturday were blowouts. Both got so out of hand that they went to running clocks in the second half. In the Division One Select Championship, Edna Karr out of New Orleans beat Alexandria Senior High, 53-8. ASH coach Thomas Bachman says that one loss does not take away from the team’s accomplishments all season long.

Cut 13 (09)  “…proud of them.”

Edna Karr coach Brice Brown says the win speaks to the talent that kids from New Orleans have.

Cut 14 (21) “…but great academics.”

Later, in the Division One Non-Select title game, Central, out of Baton Rouge, annihilated Ruston, 42-0, denying Ruston its second straight state title in its third straight appearance in the Prep Classic. Ruston Head Coach Jerrod Baugh took responsibility for his team’s performance.

Cut 15 (19) “…out to be.”

Central won its second state title, the first coming in 1966. Central coach David Simoneaux said his team proved a lot of people wrong.

Cut 16 (20) “…close-knit group.”

Cecilia, Sterlington, South Plaquemines, Archbishop Shaw, Catholic New Iberia and Vermilion Catholic also won state championships.

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To boost NIL efforts at LSU, head football coach Brian Kelly announced the one-million dollar match challenge. Kelly says he and his wife will match up to one million dollars in new money donated through NIL for football. Tiger Rag magazine editor  Glenn Guilbeau says it’s refreshing to see Kelly put up his own money to boost NIL efforts with the football program.

Cut 17 (14)  “…his own money.” 

Guilbeau says one thing that may have motivated Kelly to put up his own money is better job security.

Cut 18 (13)   “…from getting fired.”

The one-million dollars from the Kellys will go to the Tiger Athletic Foundation A-D’s Excellence fund.

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The Saints fell one point short of pulling off a huge come-from-behind win over the Washington Commanders, but ended up losing 20 to 19. New Orleans trailed 17-zip in the third quarter, but the offense came alive when Spencer Rattler replaced Jake Haener at quarterback. Rattler threw a touchdown pass on the final play of regulation to get within one point. Coach Darren Rizzi decided to go for the win with a two-point conversion but they could not convert…

Cut 19 (15) “…right thing.”

Saints running back Alvin Kamara injured his groin and the fourth quarter and did not return. Haener started but only completed four passes and threw an interception. Rattler was 10 of 21 for 135 yards and a touchdown. Rizzi on why he made the change…

Cut 20 (17) “…first half.”

11:30 am Newscast

At the Prep Classic in New Orleans today, Edna Karr will go after its seventh state championship when they face Alexandria Senior High in the Division One select state championship game. The Cougars are undefeated and Coach Brice Brown says his team does a lot of things well…

Cut 9 (13)  “…(laughs),”

It’s Alexandria’s very first state championship game.  Meanwhile Ruston looks to defend its state title against Central.

Archbishop Shaw beat ED White yesterday for the Eagles first state championship since 1987.  In game two, Catholic High of New Iberia held off a strong fourth quarter rally by Dunham to beat the Tigers 31 to 28. And in the nightcap, Ceclia scored a late touchdown to beat Franklinton 35 to 32.

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The FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act, co-authored by Baton Rouge Republican Congressmen Garret Graves has been approved by the house.  Here’s Sean Richardson.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Meanwhile the anti hazing bill co-authored by Senator Bill Cassidy is on the President’s desk now.  It requires college campuses to post all instances in which an organization has been found guilty of hazing and establishes a hazing education and prevention program.

Cut 4 (13) “…that have violated.”

10:30 am Newscast

A bill to address hazing on college campuses is now on President Biden’s desk. The bill passed both houses unanimously. The bill requires college campuses to post all instances in which an organization has been found guilty of hazing and establishes a campus-wide research-based hazing education and prevention program. Senator Bill Cassidy co-authored the bill says fraternities and sororities across the country are in full support of this legislation.

Cut 5 (11) “…endorse this concept.”

The legislation was spurred in part by the September 2017 hazing death of LSU freshman Max Gruver.

The Louisiana Department of Health has detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu. The state says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. It says while the current public risk for Bird Flu is relatively low, those who work with or have recreational exposure to birds, poultry or cows are at higher risk.

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Billy Cannon’s legacy is being celebrated through an extensive exhibit at Baton Rouge’s Capitol Park Museum “Billy Cannon: They Called Him Legend,” showcases nearly 200 artifacts, including his Heisman Trophy and celebrates Cannon’s redemption story following a 1983 counterfeiting arrest. Daughter Bunnie Cannon hopes that time in her father’s life doesn’t overshadow his legacy.

Cut 13 (10)  “…anything for anybody.”

The exhibit is set to open next Tuesday.

In football action today Ruston is looking to defend its Division one non-select state championship against Central at the Prep Classic.  Bearcats Coach Jerrod Baugh says starting quarterback Josh Brantley is playing at a high level…

Cut 11 (16) “…for us.”

9:30 am Newscast

Day two of the Prep Classic had a few surprises on Friday.  Archbishop Shaw beat ED White for the Eagles first state championship since 1987.  In game two, Catholic High of New Iberia held off a strong fourth quarter rally by Dunham to beat the Tigers 31 to 28. And in the nightcap, Ceclia scored a late touchdown to beat Franklinton 35 to 32.

In Prep action today, Edna Karr will go after its seventh state championship when they face Alexandria Senior High in the Division One select state championship game. The Cougars are undefeated and Coach Brice Brown says his team does a lot of things well…

Cut 9 (13)  “…(laughs),”

Alexandria Senior High will play in its very first state championship at the dome today.  And Ruston will look to defend its Division one non-select state championship when it faces Central this evening.

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The House has unanimously approved the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act, co-authored by Baton Rouge Republican Congressmen Garret Graves, this bill requires FEMA to pay interest on delayed reimbursements to local governments and electrical cooperatives, addressing inefficiencies in the agency’s reimbursement process. FEMA currently has over 70-billion-dollars  in outstanding claims.

Cut 6 (06) “…process claims.”

A bill that Senator Bill Cassidy introduced along with Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar to address hazing on college campuses is now on President Biden’s desk. The bill passed both houses unanimously. Cassidy says it requires college campuses to post all instances in which an organization has been found guilty of hazing.

Cut 3 (10) “…particular campus organization.”

8:30 am Newscast

A bill that Senator Bill Cassidy sponsored that addresses hazing on college campuses is on President Biden’s desk. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Prep Classic Continues today as Alexandria Senior High makes its first trip to the Superdome to play in a state championship.  Coach Thomas Bachmann says their fanbase cannot wait….

Cut 10 (09) “…experience that.”

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Billy Cannon’s legacy is celebrated through an extensive memorabilia exhibit at Baton Rouge’s Capitol Park Museum. Organized by his youngest daughter, Bunnie Cannon, the exhibit, titled “Billy Cannon: They Called Him Legend,” showcases nearly 200 artifacts, including his Heisman Trophy and high school letterman jacket. Bunnie, deeply tied to LSU like her father, aims to preserve his legacy through this exhibition

Cut 12 (13) “…the first process.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has detected the first possible human case of the highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu. The state says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. It says while the current public risk for Bird Flu is relatively low, those who work with or have recreational exposure to birds, poultry or cows are at higher risk.

07:30 LRN Sportscast

Three amazing games on day two of the Prep Classic. It all started with Archbishop Shaw’s 28-25 victory over E-D White for the Eagles first state championship since 1987. Shaw’s Michigan signees were the difference as Josh Parker had 174 yards rushing and a touchdown and Jacob Washington caught two touchdown passes.

In the middle game, Catholic High of New Iberia held of a furious fourth quarter rally by Dunham to beat the Tigers 31 to 28. Panthers quarterback Luke Landry threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns.

And then in the nightcap…Ceclia scored a late touchdown to beat Franklinton 35 to 32. Diesel Solari’s 39 yard touchdown pass to Ellis Stewart with one minute and 17 seconds left will go down as one of the greatest plays in Prep Classic History. Cecilia wins its first state championship since 1995

The Prep Classic wraps up today with two more games. At noon it’s the Division one select state championship game as Alexandria Senior faces the Karr Cougars. The Trojans are making their first ever appearance in the Superdome for a championship game. ASH Coach Thomas Bachmann says Rapides Parish can’t wait for this one…

Cut 10 (09) “…experience that’

The final game of the day is Ruston against Central.

Tomorrow the Saints will have to contend with Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Former LSU star and Saints Tyrann Mathieu is looking forward to playing Daniels…

Cut 16 (19) “….athlete to”

Kick off is at noon.

5:30 LRN Newscast

A bill that Senator Bill Cassidy introduced along with Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar to address hazing on college campuses is now on President Biden’s desk. Cassidy says it requires college campuses to post all instances in which an organization has been found guilty of hazing.

Cut 3 (10) “…particular campus organization.” 

Cassidy says the legislation also establishes a campus-wide research-based hazing education and prevention program.

The FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act is one step closer to President Biden’s desk after passing unanimously in the House. Co-authored by Baton Rouge Republican Garret Graves, it requires FEMA to pay interest on delayed reimbursements to local governments and electric co-ops. FEMA currently has over 70-billion-dollars in outstanding claims.

Cut 6 (06) “…process claims.”

The first possible human case of a highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu is detected in Louisiana. The Department of Health says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. LDH says while the current public risk for Bird Flu is relatively low, those who work with or have recreational exposure to birds, poultry or cows are at higher risk.

Billy Cannon’s legacy is celebrated through an extensive memorabilia exhibit at Baton Rouge’s Capitol Park Museum. The memorabilia reflects Cannon’s journey as a celebrated athlete and his redemption story following a 1983 counterfeiting arrest. After prison, he served 23 years as a dentist at Angola, earning the respect of inmates. Cannon’s daughter, Bunnie, hopes that time in her father’s life doesn’t overshadow his legacy.

Cut 13 (10)  “…anything for anybody.”

The exhibit opens next Tuesday.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football needed a tight end out of the transfer portal, with the starter Mason Taylor heading for the NFL. They got one today as Bauer Sharp from Oklahoma has signed with the Tigers. Sarp led the Sooners in receiving this season catching 42 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns.

To boost NIL efforts at LSU, Kelly announced the one-million dollar match challenge. Kelly says his he and wiis wife will match up to one million dollars in new money donated through NIL for football. The one-million dollars from the Kellys will go to the Tiger Athletic Foundation A-D’s Excellence fund.

For the first time since 1987, the Archbishop Shaw Eagles are state champions in football. Shaw outlasted ED White 28-25. The Michigan signees were the difference, Jacob Washington two touchdown catches and Josh Parker 174 yards rushing and one touchdown.  The Cardinals finish three points shy of winning its first state title since 1969.

Tonight Cecilia is back in the Division Two non-select state championship game after losing last year to Opelousas. The Bulldogs will face top-seeded Franklinton at 7 PM. Cecilia is an 18-seed and head coach Dennis Skains says his team has played at a higher level since the postseason…

Cut 18 (14)   “…the season.”

Edna Karr will go after its seventh state championship tomorrow when it faces Alexandria Senior High in the Division One select state championship game. The Cougars are undefeated and Coach Brice Brown says his team does a lot of things well…

Cut 9 (13) “…(laughs)

Kick off is at noon.

4:30 PM Newscast Dec 13

The Louisiana Department of Health has detected the first possible human case of a highly pathogenic strain of Bird Flu. The state says the person lives in southwest Louisiana and is hospitalized. LDH says while the current public risk for Bird Flu is relatively low, those who work with or have recreational exposure to birds, poultry or cows are at higher risk.

Billy Cannon’s legacy is celebrated at Baton Rouge’s Capitol Park Museum. Organized by his youngest daughter, Bunnie Cannon, the exhibit, titled “Billy Cannon: They Called Him Legend,” showcases nearly 200 artifacts, including his Heisman Trophy and high school letterman jacket. Bunnie, deeply tied to LSU like her father, aims to preserve his legacy through this exhibition

Cut 12 (13) “…the first process.”

The exhibit opens next Tuesday.

The FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act moves to the Senate after unanimous approval by the house.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A bill spurred in part by the September 2017 hazing death of LSU freshman Max Gruver passes both houses unanimously.  Senator Bill Cassidy who co-sponsored it says the legislation establishes a hazing education and prevention program.

Cut 4 (13) “…that have violated.”

Cassidy says fraternities and sororities across the country are in full support of this legislation.