7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center have released their initial findings from their RURAL Health study in Franklin Parish, which focuses on comparing rural communities to each other instead of to urban areas. Lead researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles says the study shows elevated rates of obesity and high blood pressure…findings that underscore the importance of having strong health care in all communities.

Cut 14 (13) “…address these conditions.”

A new law that makes it illegal to sell native turtles in Louisiana has led to citations for a St. Landry Parish woman who was selling red-eared slider turtles and alligator snapping turtles online.  Captain Scott says Broussard with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says she faces a 350-dollar fine for each turtle she was selling.

Cut 11 (10) “…responsible for restitution.”

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The Louisiana Wildlife Federation says the Atlantic tarpon is a declining species, but Governor Jeff Landry has vetoed a bill that would have protected it.  Here’s Jeff Palermo.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

New Orleans will no longer seek approval from the State Bond Commission for a temporary loan after Mayor Helena Moreno said it had become clear the request was likely to be denied.  The request was not for state funding, but for permission to obtain a temporary loan from a private lender as the city works through ongoing financial challenges.

 

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

A conservation organization that represents sportsmen is disappointed Governor Landry vetoed legislation that would have designated Atlantic tarpon as a Louisiana saltwater gamefish. In his veto message, Governor Landry said there is no real harvest pressure on tarpon and nothing in science suggests the state needs to put limits or restrictions to protect it. But Rick Owens with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation says the LDWF lists the “silver king” as vulnerable and at a moderate risk of going extinct.

Cut 5 (09) “…fish to release.”

A St. Landry Parish woman has been cited for allegedly selling native turtles online. Captain Scott Dupre with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the legislature recently passed a law making it illegal to sell native turtles in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (08) “…to protect it.”

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Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center have released their initial findings from their RURAL Health study in Franklin Parish. Lead researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles says some of the more notable findings include elevated rates of two key health factors.

Cut 13 (13)  “…others like diabetes.”

Viral McNeese basketball student manager Amir Khan is following Will Wade to LSU. He’ll join Wade’s LSU staff in the same role. Khan says he first became a student manager because he grew up as an LSU fan watching Wade.

Cut 7 (10) “…lot to me.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

Initial findings from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s RURAL Health study shows that Franklin Parish has elevated rates of obesity and high blood pressure. Lead researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles says the findings underscore the importance of having strong health care in all communities, including in rural areas.

Cut 14 (13) “…address these conditions.”

We’re now in the time of year when something outside is really bugging you – mosquitoes. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says this is prime mosquito season; and as such, you need to take every precaution possible when venturing outside, especially at night.

Cut 9 (08)  “…sort of thing.”

You are no longer required to get an inspection sticker for your vehicle in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick has the new process.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court says retired Judge Robert Chaisson will preside over the criminal case against Attorney General Liz Murrill. All 12 New Orleans Criminal District Court judges recused themselves. The state supreme court has issued a stay on the case and it remains to be seen if it will allow the case to move forward.

4:30 LRN Newscast

One U.S. House district’s race is getting crowded, while potential candidates in another are waiting to see what a certain someone does. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

An invitation has been sent out to LSU’s 40 biggest athletic donors to meet at the governor’s mansion during the first week of August to discuss funding the university’s athletics programs. According to the event invitation, an alternative revenue generating opportunity that is the first of its kind will be presented to those in attendance.

 

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is looking into key drivers of chronic disease in rural parishes. They just completed a study looking at Franklin Parish, and found the percentage of adults who are overweight is significantly higher than the state average and so are the rates of high blood pressure and hypertension. Lead researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles says the next task is to figure out why….

Cut 15 (11) “….do about it”

Much of Louisiana is seeing daily rain showers, which leaves standing water. Agricultural Commissioner Mike Strain says if you have standing water on your property, get rid of it…

Cut 20 (14) “….where mosquitos breed”

3:30 LRN Newscast

The fifth Congressional district race now has its fourth Republican contender, with Stewart Cathey joining Gabe Firment, Michael Echols and Misti Cordell. The big question is what Blake Miguez will do, whether he will run in the fifth or the sixth district. As for that sixth district, Greg Hilburn, a political reporter with the USA Today Network, says the field there so far is very thin.

Cut 8 (09) “…he would prefer.”

Current Sixth district Congressman Cleo Fields has not decided if he’ll run for re-election in the newly drawn district that favors a Republican to win.

Louisianians no longer need to get a vehicle inspection sticker, but how does the new QR code work? Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the QR code sticker will go in the same spot as your current inspection sticker.

Cut 3 (12) “…displayed anyway.”

 

Individuals who are acting as agents and representing college and high school athletes with their NIL deals must now register with the state. Attorney General Liz Murrill says recently approved legislation gives her office the tools to ensure those who seek to profit from athletes are held to rigorous standards of conduct.

Cut 12 (09) “…in this state.”

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center have released their initial findings from their RURAL Health study in Franklin Parish. Lead researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles says some of the more notable findings include elevated rates of two key health factors.

Cut 13 (13)  “…others like diabetes.”

Dr. Broyles says these findings underscore the importance of having strong health care in all communities, including in rural areas.

2:30 LRN Newscast

You can add Stewart Cathey’s name to the list of district five U.S. House Republican candidates that also includes Gabe Firment, Michael Echols and Misti Cordell. Greg Hilburn with the USA Today Network says there’s one big question surrounding the race.

Cut 7 (12) “…Baton Rouge-based.”

So far, Rick Edmonds is the only declared candidate in district six.

One of the big pieces of legislation approved in the 2026 session was the bill that eliminates the inspection sticker and it will be replaced with by a QR code that will cost motorists six dollars every year, starting January 1st. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the OMV will send you the sticker in the mail…

Cut 5 (10) “….vehicle registration”

And law enforcement is not longer writing tickets for not having an up to date vehicle inspection sticker.

 

The state department of transportation has raised the speed limit by 10 miles per hour on the Pineville Expressway. Motorists are now allowed to go up to 60-miles per hour. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan on why it was raised…

Cut 14 (14) “…that’s occurring already”

The new speed limit is in effect right now.

Much of Louisiana has been seeing daily rain showers, which is leaving standing water. Agricultural Commissioner Mike Strain says if you have standing water on your property, get rid of it at all costs…

Cut 11 (14) “….where mostquitos breed”

1:30 LRN Newscast

The fifth district race now has its fourth Republican contender, with Stewart Cathey joining Gabe Firment, Michael Echols and Misti Cordell. The big question is what Blake Miguez will do, whether he will run in the fifth or the sixth district. As for that sixth district, Greg Hilburn, a political reporter with the USA Today Network, says the field there so far is very thin.

Cut 8 (09) “…he would prefer.”

Not only is this prime mosquito season, but it’s also prime encephalitis season. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says because of that, you need to protect any animals on your property.

Cut 10 (08) “…for your horses.” 

Strain says when you go outside, especially at night, wear long sleeves, wear a hat, and wear mosquito repellent with DEET.

You are no longer required to get an inspection sticker for your vehicle in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick has the new process.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has so far reported 23 cases of Cyclospora this year. Over the last five years, the state has averaged 20 cases in the first six months of the year. Louisiana is one of 29 states which have reported outbreaks of Cyclospora, which is a parasitic infection that can cause weeks of explosive diarrhea.

12:30 LRN Newscast

One U.S. House district’s race is getting crowded, while potential candidates in another are waiting to see what a certain someone does. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court says retired Judge Robert Chaisson will preside over the criminal case against Attorney General Liz Murrill. All 12 New Orleans Criminal District Court judges recused themselves. The state supreme court has issued a stay on the case and it remains to be seen if they will allow the case to move forward.

 

There’s a new Louisiana law that requires agents who represent college or high school athletes in negotiating NIL deals, to register with the state.  And there’s a portal on the Attorney General’s website where they can register.  AG Liz Murril…

Cut 22 (11) “…require this registration.”

A key requirement of the new law is mandatory background check and pre-registration education. Every agent applying for registration must complete the program before an application can be approved.

We’re now in the time of year when something outside is really bugging you – mosquitoes. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says this is prime mosquito season; and as such, you need to take every precaution possible when venturing outside, especially at night.

Cut 9 (08)  “…sort of thing.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

You can add Stewart Cathey’s name to the list of district five U.S. House Republican candidates that also includes Gabe Firment, Michael Echols and Misti Cordell. Greg Hilburn with the USA Today Network says there’s one big question surrounding the race.

Cut 7 (12) “…Baton Rouge-based.”

So far, Rick Edmonds is the only declared candidate in district six.

The North Louisiana Criminalistic Laboratory says nearly one in three tablets with legitimate drug imprints bought on the streets it tested were counterfeit. Kenton Leigh (“lee”), the lab’s deputy director of toxicology and chemistry, says the most commonly counterfeited pills were blue M-30 tablets.

Cut 19 (11) “…it’s fentanyl.”

Soon, you will be replacing your brake tag on your windshield with a QR code. If you’re worried about your privacy, no need to. State Senator Alan Seabaugh says those who try to scan it with their cell phones will only see the VIN – the same number that one can see by looking through the windshield. Seabaugh says law enforcement, however, will have special equipment.

Cut 4 (12) “…law to have.” 

A new state law requires agents to register with Louisiana if they are representing college or high school athletes in negotiating NIL deals. Attorney General Liz Murrill says the Athlete Agent Registration portal went live on July 1st.

Cut 10 (09) “…through some training.”

You can get to the portal by logging on to the Attorney General’s website.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Louisianians no longer need to get a vehicle inspection sticker, but how does the new QR code work? Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the QR code sticker will go in the same spot as your current inspection sticker.

Cut 3 (12) “…displayed anyway.”

QR code stickers are not required until January 1, and Governor Jeff Landry has issued a grace period for the rest of this year, meaning you can no longer be ticketed for a missing or expired inspection sticker.

Another Republican announces his intention to run for the district five U.S. House seat. The latest is Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey. Greg Hilburn, a political reporter for the USA Today Network, says Cathey is the third Republican state legislator to enter the district five race.

Cut 6 (13) “…in the race.”

Qualifying is August 5th to the 7 for the open primary that will be held November third.

 

Volunteers from Minuteman Disaster Response are in St. Landry Parish helping flood victims get back on their feet. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

FEMA has opened disaster recovery centers in St. Landry. St. Tammany and Terrebonne Parish. They are located at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library in Houma, the Towers Administration Building in Slidell and the Town of Washington Community Center in Washington.  The center in Masura at the LSU Ag Center will close on Friday.