LRN AM Newscall December 31

Governor Jeff Landry made a plenty of news in 2024. Andrew Greenstein has the story…

Cut 1 (51) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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With this year coming to an end, it’s time to prepare for filing your 2024 tax return. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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For the second time in as many weeks, a hunter is accidentally shot by another hunter; and this time, it had deadly consequences. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Another year is in the books, here’s a look back at some of the biggest stories in 2024. It started with Jeff Landry being sworn in as Louisiana’s 57th governor on January 7th. During a 30-minute speech on the steps of Louisiana’s Capitol, Landry called for unity….

Cut 4 (15) “…would be done.”

Landry guided lawmakers through a tough on crime special session in February and the regular session saw the approval of several education reforms. The governor also signed into law a bill that calls for the displaying of the Ten Commandments in every public classroom. The law is being challenged in the courts and one of the plaintiffs is Joshua Herlands.

Cut 5 (12) “…religious text”

The final special session of the year saw major tax reform approved. It will result in lower individual income taxes, but a higher state sales tax. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the governor’s tax overhaul also improves the business climate…

Cut 6 (13) “…to win.”

State and local officials celebrated a big economic development win in November with the announcement that Meta will build a ten-billion dollar Artificial Intelligence Data Center in Richland Parish. Governor Landry called Meta’s investment a game changer for Louisiana…

cut  7 (08) “…this year.”

In sports, LSU gymnastics won its first national championship in school history in April. In March, LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey threatened litigation against the Washington Post. Mulkey wanted to be proactive against what she called an upcoming hit piece on her…

Cut 8 (09) “…about me.”

The article from award-winning Post reporter Kent Babb chronicled Mulkey’s life and it has quotes from former disgruntled players, but far from being a bombshell report.

Governor Landry got people talking  when his office arranged for a live tiger mascot to be on the field when LSU played Alabama on November 9th…

Cut 9 (13)  “…a wild.”

The live Tiger did not help LSU as they lost to Alabama 42-to-13.

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As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to prepare for filing your 2024 tax return. Cloreece Davis Knight, owner of Knight CPA Services, shares key tax tips to help individuals navigate this critical season.  Knight says gather all necessary documents, including W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and records of deductible expenses.

Cut 10 (14) “…deductions that weren’t met.”

Prepare early. Begin the process early to avoid last-minute scrambling. Review your financial records, familiarize yourself with any tax law changes, and calculate your potential tax liability to avoid surprises. Knight says you can still make contributions to your IRA till April 15th.

Cut 11 (10) “…government or the IRS.”

Hire a Tax Professional. Knight says a certified tax expert can help you maximize deductions, ensure compliance, and minimize errors. Professionals can also guide you through complex tax situations, giving you peace of mind.

Cut 12 (11) “…no knowledge about.”

By following these tips, Knight says taxpayers can streamline the filing process and position themselves for a smoother tax season.

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For the second time in as many weeks, a hunter is accidentally shot by another hunter; and this time, it had deadly consequences. Captain Will Roberts with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says 61-year-old Roberto Garcia of Baton Rouge was shot and killed by another hunter while the two were hunting on the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood.

Cut 13 (12)  “…the property hunting.”

Garcia died before any emergency responders arrived. Roberts says this is why all hunters need to take all necessary precautions.

Cut 14 (10) “…are pretty visible.”

Roberts says it is too early to determine whether any charges will be forthcoming in this incident.

Cut 15 (14) “…all took place.”

Roberts says if a hunter notices a vehicle in the parking lot of a Wildlife Management Area, he or she should go somewhere else so that there aren’t two hunters within close proximity to one another.

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The LSU football team wraps up its season this afternoon in Houston against Baylor in the Texas Bowl. It will mark the end of collegiate careers for the Tigers’ seniors, including linebacker Greg Penn, who says despite battling a rib injury this season, it’s important to finish on a high note.

Cut 16 (16) “…what I start.”

Penn says it’s good to celebrate a winning season with a trip to a bowl game, even if it’s not the College Football Playoff, but the mission is not to merely play in the bowl game, it’s to win.

Cut 17 (11)  “…there and competing.” 

Kickoff from N-R-G Stadium is at 2:30 this afternoon.

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The Saints have one more game left and they are looking at their worst record since 2005, the Katrina season. That year New Orleans split its home games between Baton Rouge and San Antonio because the Superdome was destroyed by fierce winds. The Saints had several injuries this year that destroyed their chances of getting back to the playoffs, but defensive end Cam Jordan says no excuses…

Cut 18 (15)   “…deserved more.”

Does Jordan deserve one more year in a Saints uniform? He will be 36-years-old next season and has four sacks this season after recording two sacks last year. Jordan has 121 career sacks and knows he’s got more fuel in the tank….

Cut 19 (09) “…in the future.”

5:30 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.”

Carter also held a rally in Jackson Square in New Orleans during that campaign.

Other Louisiana officials took to social media to pay their respects to President Carter. In a post on X, Governor Landry said Carter was a true public servant and that he and his wife extend their deepest condolences to his 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. President Biden has declared January 9th as the national day of mourning.

President-elect Donald Trump backs Mike Johnson to return as Speaker of the House. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says it’s in Trump’s best interest to get the House Republican caucus on the same page, and quickly.

Cut 5 (12) “…speaker be elected.”

In an endorsement posted on social media, Trump said Johnson will, in his words, do the right thing and will continue to win.

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,”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

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.”

Kickoff from N-R-G Stadium tomorrow afternoon is 2:30.

LSU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are enjoying a few days off to celebrate the new year before opening conference play later this week. The 15-and-0, 6th-ranked women return to action Thursday night at Arkansas; the 11-and-2 men host Vanderbilt Saturday afternoon.

The Saints have one more game left and they are looking at their worst record since 2005, the Katrina season. That year, the Saints split its home games between Baton Rouge and San Antonio because the Superdome was severely damaged by fierce winds. The Saints had several injuries this year that destroyed their chances of getting back to the playoffs, but defensive end Cam Jordan says no excuses…

Cut 18 (15)   “…deserved more.”

The Saints will try to play spoiler Sunday in their season finale against the Bucs in Tampa. A Bucs win would seal the division for them. But if the Saints can pull off the upset and the Falcons beat the Panthers, the Falcons would win the division and the Bucs would join the Saints in watching the playoffs from the comfort of their own living rooms.

NBA, the Pelicans host the Clippers at the Smoothie King Center tonight. The injury-riddled Pelicans have the worst record in the NBA and are trying to snap a nine-game losing streak.

4:30 PM Newscast Dec 30

A weekend deer hunt turned deadly for a 61-year-old Baton Rouge man. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says Roberto Garcia was fatally shot in the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood Saturday when another hunter shot at a deer. Garcia was behind the deer but the shooter said he did not see him because of vegetation. LDWF is handling the investigation.

Mike Johnson just got a huge boost in his quest to retain the speaker’s gavel. President elect, Donald Trump has endorsed Johnson to return as Speaker of the House in the 119th Congress. With Republicans holding a very slim majority, it will take a 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.

Cut 4 (12) “…his preferences are.”

A lifelong Louisiana Democrat remembers President Jimmy Carter who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Lafourche Parish has joined the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, aligning its boundaries with the historical Atchafalaya Basin. Executive Director Justin Lemoine says it showcases Louisiana’s distinct food, music, and cultural ties to the land.

Cut 11 (08) “…part of the country.”

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area spans 15 parishes and over 11,000 square miles

3:30 PM Newscast Dec 30

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 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 morns 39th President Jimmy Carter who passed away yesterday at the age of 100. The Democrat from Georgia served only one term in the White House but might be best known for what he did after politics. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says Carter went around the world to resolve conflict, promote democracy, protect human rights and prevent disease….

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

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 .”

Looking for something to do on New Year’s Day. The Louisiana Office of State Parks is encouraging the public to participate in Louisiana State Parks First Day Hikes and hike one of the state’s 21 parks. Louisiana State Parks Director Brandon Burris says some of the hikes are led by rangers…

Cut 27 (11) “…. great animals here”

2:30 PM Newscast Dec 30

America morns the death of our 39th president, Jimmy Carter who passed away yesterday at the age of 100. Elected in America’s bicentennial year, Carter lost in his re-election bid to Ronald Reagan in 1980. But Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says Carter didn’t stop trying to make the world a better place…

Cut 8 (11) “…some of these diseases.”

He and his wife, Rosalyn, also helped rebuild thousands of homes for Habitat for Humanity, including several in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina.

A weekend deer hunt turned deadly for a 61-year-old Baton Rouge man. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says Roberto Garcia was fatally shot in the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood Saturday when another hunter shot at a deer and did not see that Garcia was behind the deer because of vegetation. LDWF extends thoughts and prayers for the family.

Mike Johnson just got a huge boost in his quest to retain the speaker’s gavel. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Lafourche Parish has joined the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, aligning its boundaries with the historical Atchafalaya Basin.  Previously excluded due to an oversight when the Heritage Area was established in 2006, Lafourche’s inclusion rectifies a gap in representing Louisiana’s unique culture. Executive Director Justin Lemoine aims to develop a recreational master plan and identify culturally significant sites in Lafourche.

Cut 9 (06)  “…historic region”

LRN PM Newscall December 30

Mike Johnson just got a huge boost in his quest to retain the speaker’s gavel. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A lifelong Louisiana Democrat remembers President Jimmy Carter who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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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.” 

With Republicans holding a very slim majority in the 119th Congress, it will take a nearly unified G-O-P caucus to agree on a speaker. Hogan says Trump’s endorsement is intended to achieve that unanimity.

Cut 4 (12) “…his preferences are.”

Hogan says it’s in Trump’s best interest to get the House Republican caucus on the same page, and quickly.

Cut 5 (12) “…speaker be elected.”

Hogan says it’s unlikely that Hogan will draw any significant challengers to his speakership.

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America is mourning the death of our 39th president. Jimmy Carter passed away yesterday at the age of 100. The Democrat from Georgia served only one term in the White House, but might be best known for what he did after politics. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says Carter went around the world to resolve conflict, promote democracy, protect human rights and prevent disease….

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

He and his wife also helped rebuild thousands of home for Habitat for Humanity, including several in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina.

When he ran for President in 1976, he held a rally in Jackson Square in New Orleans, and Campbell remembers the personal touch he provided in northwest Louisiana

Cut 7 (11) “…for President.”

Carter lost in his re-election bid to Ronald Reagan in 1980. But Campbell says Carter didn’t stop trying to make the world a better place…

Cut 8 (11) “…some of these diseases.”

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Lafourche Parish has joined 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,”

Previously excluded due to an oversight when the Heritage Area was established in 2006, Lafourche’s inclusion rectifies a gap in representing Louisiana’s unique culture. Lemoine says this inclusion 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 bipartisan legislation, spearheaded by U-S House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and supported by Louisiana lawmakers, passed swiftly and was signed into law by President Biden.  Lemoine says the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area spans 15 parishes and over 11,000 square miles, showcasing Louisiana’s distinct food, music, and cultural ties to the land.

Cut 11 (08) “…part of the country.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

President-elect Donald Trump backs Mike Johnson to return as Speaker of the House. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says it’s in Trump’s best interest to get the House Republican caucus on the same page, and quickly.

Cut 5 (12) “…speaker be elected.”

In an endorsement posted on social media, Trump said Johnson will, in his words, do the right thing and will continue to win.

Lafourche Parish has joined the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, aligning its boundaries with the historical Atchafalaya Basin. Executive Director Justin Lemoine says it showcases Louisiana’s distinct food, music, and cultural ties to the land.

Cut 11 (08) “…part of the country.”

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area spans 15 parishes and over 11,000 square miles

A lifelong Louisiana Democrat remembers President Jimmy Carter who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Other Louisiana officials took to social media to pay their respects to President Carter. In a post on X, Governor Landry 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.

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.