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.”

______________________________________

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.”

______________________________________

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.

______________________________________

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.”

______________________________________

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.

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.”