10:30 LRN Newscast December 5

Louisiana high school seniors will have the option to appeal their scores on the state’s standardized graduation exam starting December 20th. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Department of Transportation announced preliminary site work has started on the Jimmie Davis Bridge over the Red River connecting Bossier and Caddo Parishes. Officials say the process of removing types of vegetation is underway near the foot of the existing bridge.

Jayden Daniels is a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, one of the highest awards in college football. Some have mentioned LSU’s 9-3 record and its potential to hurt Daniels’ chances of winning the Heisman. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne…

Cut 15 (09) “…out there.”

The ceremony will air on ESPN at 8 pm on Saturday.

The Ragin Cajuns will play the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the 23rd annual R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on December 16. Bowl director Billy Ferrante…

Cut 4 (12) “…Rich Rodriguez.”

The Ragin Cajuns who are six-and-six overall, will make their seventh appearance in the bowl game.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Board of Elementary and Secondary Education President Holly Boffy defends her efforts to give students who are unable to pass the LEAP test to file an appeal. Boffy filed an emergency rule for the process to be implemented sooner but after political pushback, it will go into effect on December 20th.

Cut 10 (11) “…a distraction.”

Boffy says it was never her intent for the issue to become a political distraction, but the December 20th date still allows for December graduates. Louisiana is one of eight states that require passage of the graduation

Concordia Parish Deputies have arrested seven people in a home invasion, false imprisonment, and second-degree battery of a female in Vidalia last week. One more person is still wanted for their allegedly participating. Brandy Spears with Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the female was inside a residence when eight individuals entered without permission and assaulted the victim.

Cut 8 (08) “…pepper spray.” 

The woman escaped the next day and was able to identify eight people ranging in age from 23 to 43 involved in the home invasion.

LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels is one of four finalists up for the Heisman Trophy. Daniels leads college football in most offensive categories including yards per rush at 8.4 yards a carry. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says that sets Daniels apart from the other two quarterbacks up for the award….

Cut 14 (11) “…at quarterback.”

The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday night.

The Ragin Cajuns will once again compete in the R and L Carriers New Orleans Bowl as they face Jacksonville State on December 16. Bowl director Billy Ferrante says this is the 23rd annual R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl and every time, U-L Lafayette is in the game, there’s more interest locally…

Cut 5 (12) “…0f market.”

The 23rd annual bowl game will air on ESPN at 1:15 pm.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Outgoing BESE President Holly Boffy (bow-fee) defends her initiative to allow high school seniors to appeal their scores on the state’s standardized graduation exam…
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

According to the Louisiana Illuminator, 197-thousand Louisiana residents lost their Medicaid career during a five-month-period this year. It’s part of a nationwide Medicaid disenrollment process. For three years, the federal government did not allow states to remove individuals from Medicaid, even if they did not meet income requirements.

The list of Heisman finalists is out and Jayden Daniels is one of four players’ up for the award. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the oddsmakers believe Daniels will be LSU’s third Heisman Trophy winner…
Cut 13 (09) “…overwhelming favorite.”
The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday night.

High school football fans will be in New Orleans this weekend for the Prep Classic, the following weekend it’s the New Orleans Bowl between the Ragin Cajuns and Jacksonville State. Bowl Director Billy Ferrante knows the Cajuns will have a lot of fans at the game and they expect the same from Jacksonville State…
cut 6 (11) “…makes a difference’
The game will be on December 16th at 1:15 PM.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Starting on December 20th, high school seniors who do not score well enough on the LEAP test to graduate, will have an option to appeal that could result in the student receiving their diploma. The policy could be changed when new BESE members are sworn in next year. Current BESE president Holly Boffy says if that does happen…
cut 12 (08) “….state law”
But Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley and Governor-elect Jeff Landry oppose the appeals process, because they believe it devalues a high school diploma.

Seven people have been arrested in a home invasion, false imprisonment, and second-degree battery of a woman in Vidalia last week. Brandy Spears with the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the victim found help at a pharmacy in Vidalia.
Cut 7 (08) “…night before..”
Deputies are still looking for one more person who allegedly participated, 23-year-old Dustin Wright of Vidalia.

It’s official as LSU’s Jayden Daniels was named a Heisman Finalist last night. The biggest argument against Daniels receiving the award is the three losses suffered by the Tigers this season. But Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says….
cut 15 (09) “…out there”
The other finalists are Oregon’s Bo Nix, Washington’s Michael Penix Junior and Ohio State’ s Marvin Harrison Junior. The award will be handed out on Saturday.

The Ragin Cajuns will once again make a short drive to compete in a bowl game as they’ll face Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl. Teiko Foxx has more from the bowl director…
Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

It’s official as LSU’s Jayden Daniels was named a Heisman Finalist last night. The biggest argument against Daniels receiving the award is the three losses suffered by the Tigers this season. But Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says….
cut 15 (09) “…out there”
The other finalists are Oregon’s Bo Nix, Washington’s Michael Penix Junior and Ohio State’ s Marvin Harrison Junior. The award will be handed out on Saturday.

Saints quarterback Derek Carr has suffered another concussion from a hard hit he took in Sunday’s loss to the Lions. It’s the second head injury for the 32-year-old in a month. He also sustained a concussion on November 12th in a loss to the Vikings. Coach Dennis Allen says the concussion is not the only injury Carr has…
Cut 16 (15) “…will be.”
New Orleans hosts Carolina this Sunday.

The Pelicans advanced to the semifinals last night of the NBA in-season tournament by beating the Kings in Sacramento 127-117. Brandon Ingram had 30 points and he had plenty of help. Herb Jones added 23 points, Jonas Valanciunas had 18 points and C-J McCollum scored 17 points. New Orleans will play again on Thursday in Las Vegas against the winner of tonight’s game between the Suns-Lakers.

Bryant Vincent will reportedly be the next head coach of the ULM Warhawks. Vincent is a former offensive coordinator at UAB and this past season he was the O-C for New Mexico.

The high school football state championships get underway Thursday. One of the top quarterbacks that will play in the Caesars Superdome is Cecilia’s Diesel Solari. Bulldogs Coach Dennis Skains…
cut 19 (06) “>…God given ability”
The Bulldogs will play district rival Opelousas in the Division Two non-select title game on Friday at noon.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Starting on December 20th, graduating high school seniors who do not score well enough on LEAP tests to graduate, will have an avenue to appeal in order to graduate. Board of Elementary and Secondary Education President Holly Boffy is a big supporter of the policy…
cut 11 (12) “…..at students”
Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley and Governor-elect Jeff Landry oppose this new appeals process over concerns it waters down the value of a high school diploma.

Concordia Parish Sheriff deputies have arrested seven people involved in the beating of a woman who was held against her will for a night inside a residence. Authorities say the victim escaped and got help at a pharmacy in Vidalia. Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Brandy Spears, says authorities are still searching for one person, 23-year-old Dustin Wright of Vidalia…
cut 9 (03) “….white male”

It’s official! Jayden Daniels is a Heisman finalist….
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”
The Heisman will be awarded on Saturday night.

On Saturday December 16th, the Ragin Cajuns will play Jacksonville State in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Bowl Director Billy Ferrante…
cut 4 (12) “…Rich Rodriguez”
The game will kick off at 1:15 on December 16th.

LRN AM Newscall December 5 2023

The Ragin Cajuns will once again make a short drive to compete in a bowl game as they’ll face Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl. Teiko Foxx has more with the bowl director…

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Outgoing BESE President Holly Boffy (bow-fee) defends her initiative to allow students to appeal their scores on the state’s standardized graduation exam. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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It’s official! Jayden Daniels is a Heisman finalist. Colleen Crain has the story

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The Ragin Cajuns will make their seventh R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl appearance against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks on December 16. Bowl director Billy Ferrante says this matchup is considered one of the more compeitive bowl games

Cut 4 (12) “…Rich Rodriguez.”

The Ragin Cajuns are six-and-six overall, while Jacksonville State is 8-4.

This is the 23rd annual R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl and everytime, U-L Lafayette is in the game, there’s more interest locally…

Cut 5 (12) “…0f market.”

The Cajuns are 5-and-1 in the New Orleans Bowl. Ferrante says the coaches, players and fans will enjoy this year’s experience.

Cut 6 (12) “…as well.”

The game will air on ESPN at 1:15 pm on December 16.

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Seven people have been arrested in a home invasion, false imprisonment, and second-degree battery of a female in Vidalia last week. Deputies are still looking for one more person who allegedly participated. Brandy Spears with Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office says Friday,  a woman walked into a Vidalia pharmacy asking for help.

Cut 7 (08) “…night before..”

Spears says the female was inside a residence when eight individuals entered without permission. During the home invasion, she says the suspects then assaulted the victim.

Cut 8 (08) “…pepper spray.” 

The woman escaped the next day and was able to identify eight people ranging in age from 23 to 43 involved in the home invasion.

Although the investigation is ongoing, Spears says during a search warrant narcotics were found. She says deputies are working to arrest two other persons involved.

Cut 9 (08)  “…black male.”

Anyone with leads should contact the Concordia Sheriff or call 911.

________________________________________________

BESE President Holly Boffy continues to defend her efforts to allow students who fail the state’s standardized graduation exam to file an appeal. Boffy filed an emergency rule for the process to be implemented sooner but after political pushback, it will go into effect on December 20th.

Cut 10 (11) “…a distraction.”

Boffy says it was never her intent for the issue to become a political distraction, but the December 20th date still allows for December graduates.

Louisiana is one of eight states that require passage of the graduation exam but is the only state without an appeal. In just over two weeks, Boffy if a student is unable to pass a portion of LEAP, they can appeal to local educators to determine if they should be allowed to graduate….

Cut 11 (12) “…at students.” 

Boffy says it involves several steps and the students’ grades are also considered along with any hurdles they might be facing. She gave examples of students who are undergoing chemotherapy, or who have severe test anxiety.

She says an appeal is not the same as a waiver, which was used during the pandemic when they were unable to administer LEAP tests.

After serving 12 years on BESE, Boffy feels her initiative to allow for the appeals process in Louisiana will be among her proudest achievements. She’s optimistic a new board won’t reverse the appeals option, but if they do…

Cut 12 (08) “…state law.” 

Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley and Governor-elect Jeff Landry have been outspoken opponents of the appeal process.

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The list of Heisman finalists is out and Jayden Daniels is one of four players’ up for the award. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the oddsmakers believe Daniels will be LSU’s third Heisman Trophy winner…

Cut 13 (09) “…overwhelming favorite.”

Daniels leads college football in most offensive categories including yards per rush at 8.4 yards a carry. Horne says that sets Daniels apart from the other two quarterbacks up for the award….

Cut 14 (11) “…at quarterback.”

Some have mentioned LSU’s 9-3 record and its potential to hurt Daniels’ chances win the Heisman but Horne says, that shouldn’t matter…

Cut 15 (09) “…out there.”

The other finalists are Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday night.

_____________________________________________

Saints quarterback Derek Carr has suffered another concussion from a hard hit he took in Sunday’s loss to the Lions. It’s the second head injury for the 32-year-old in a month. He also sustained a concussion on November 12th in a loss to the Vikings. Coach Dennis Allen says the concussion is not the only injury Carr has…

Cut 16 (15) “…will be.”

The Saints season is slipping away as they’ve lost three in a row and they are 5-5 on the season. Atlanta is in first place in the NFC South with a 6-6 record and they own the tiebreaker over New Orleans. Allen says they need a win this Sunday against Carolina…

Cut 17 (13) “…we can control.”

Kick-off between New Orleans and the Panthers in the Superdome on Sunday is at noon.

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 4

One of the largest private owners of timberland in the world, Weyerhaeuser will invest 96 million dollars in its Winn Parish lumber mill in Winn Parish to reduce carbon emissions. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

If you want your packages and holiday cards to reacher their destination by December 25th you need to put them in the mail by December 16th. You get an extra four days if you send them priority but if you send them by priority mail express you have to mail them by December 21st.

California will face off against Texas Tech in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport on December 16th.  Bowl spokesperson Erik Evenson says it’s their first power-five match-up since 2016. With two high-profile teams, Evenson says it’s a three-hour commercial for Shreveport-Bossier City.

Cut 6 (12) “…the game.”

Sixteen teams are getting ready to play in the state high school football championships. Among them, Union Parish will make their fourth straight state championship game appearance when they face St. James Friday afternoon. Farmers Head Coach Joe Spatafora says they want to win it all this year after finishing as a runner-up the last three seasons…

Cut 11 (11) “…last three.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints Quarterback Derek Carr is back in concussion protocol after getting slammed down on the Superdome turf in yesterday’s 33-28 loss to the Detroit Lions. Its the second time Carr has diagnosed with a concussion in a month as he also got one in the loss to the Vikings. Coach Dennis Allen was asked if the concussion protocol changes after multiple concussions in a short period…
cut 17 (05) “…those situation”
The Saints are at home again this Sunday as they will host the one and eleven Carolina Panthers. You can say it’s a must win.

LSU’s Jayden Daniels finds out tonight that he’s officially a Heisman candidate. He’s the favorite to win the award when it’s handed out on Saturday night.

Bryant Vincent will reportedly be the next head coach of the ULM Warhawks. Vincent is a former offensive coordinator at UAB and this past season he was the O-C for New Mexico.

16 high school football teams are left standing and they will play in the Prep Classic that begins Thursday in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Opelousas is making its first state championship game appearance since 1956. Tigers head coach Jimmy Zachery on leading his alma mater to a title game…
cut 16 (04) “…I’m just blessed”
Opelousas will play district rival Cecilia on Friday at noon.

Union Parish is in a state title game for a fourth year in a row. Farmers Head Coach Joe Spatafora says they want to win it all this year after finishing as a runner-up the last three seasons…
Cut 11 (11) “…last three.”
St. Charles will attempt to win its fourth straight championship when the Comets collide with Calvary Baptist on Saturday at 3:30.

The Prep Classic gets underway with Division Four state title games….Riverside versus Southern Lab and Haynesville against Oak Grove.

4:30 PM Newscast Dec 4

Governor John Bel Edwards set a goal to reduce GHG emissions to net zero by 2050. And Weyerhaeuser, one of the largest private owners of timberland is investing millions in Louisiana to modernize and decarbonize their facilities. Spokesperson Deano Orr says the Dodson facility will add a new trimmer, sorter, and stacker to improve mill efficiencies and help reach production targets. He says the technology will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and waste, in addition to…

Cut 4 (11) “…as well.”

Weyerhaeuser has eight locations in Louisiana including Hammond, Ruston, and Winnfield.Orr says the company is committed to the rural communities in the Bayou State. The first two CDKs are expected to be installed by the end of next year.

16 high school football teams will play in the Prep Classic that begins Thursday in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Shreveport is hosting the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in primetime on Saturday December 16th. Bowl Spokesperson, Erik Evenson says it’s a win-win for visiting fans and locals to enjoy the festivities leading up to kickoff.

Cut 8 (10) “…on Monday.”