LRN AM Newscall September 15

Louisiana is making strides in reducing the absenteeism rate of public-school students. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Commercial property owners who have Louisiana Citizens have an opportunity to lower their insurance costs. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Lane Kiffin and the Tigers face off against Ole Miss in a top ten return for the former Rebels coach this weekend. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Louisiana is making strides in improving the absenteeism rate of public-school students. Executive director of attendance strategy for the Department of Education, Misty Davis, says last year the state launched a campaign to increase attendance, and it called for schools to take proactive measures to reduce the absenteeism and truancy rate…

Cut 4 (10) “…attendance issues.”

Davis says it’s not about punishing students who keep missing school, they’ve found it to be more beneficial if you reward students for good attendance

Cut 5 (08) “…good attendance.”

Davis says the Power of Presence campaign they launched last year calls for schools to encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities, because that will motivate students to attend school.

According to the state department of Education, nearly 22-percent of public-school students were counted as chronically absent during the last school year. Davis says that’s’ down from 28-percent in 2021, but it is still four percentage points higher than it was before the COVID pandemic….

Cut 6 (09) “…the past.”

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A Minden man faces a second-degree murder charge for allegedly killing his uncle in a domestic dispute. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says 21-year-old Luther David Hair was arrested for the shooting of his 58-year-old uncle, Daniel Hair, at a home in the 34-hundred block of Dorcheat Road.

Cut 7 (12) “…in the head.”

Parker says Daniel Hair went to the home to ask his sister, the shooter’s mother, for a ride to Walmart. When she was not ready, a verbal dispute began and escalated quickly.

Cut 8 (13) “…at the time.”

Parker says he believes the shooting was uncalled for.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in my opinion.”

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Commercial property owners who have Louisiana Citizens Insurance will have a chance to get coverage from a private insurer. Governor Jeff Landry says all commercial policies are slated to move from the state-backed insurer of last resort to the private market…

Cut 10 (10) “…Louisiana Citizens.”

The private insurance provider is Property Insurance Company of America, which is based in Mississippi and in December of 2024 they were licensed as an admitted insurer in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance says there are 51-hundred commercial policies in Louisiana. Landry says nearly all of them will be offered quotes from PICA.

Cut 11 (11) “…PICA.”

Landry says the potential savings for Louisiana Citizens commercial policyholders is significant…

Cut 12 (10) “…40 percent reduction.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says this should help homeowners who have Citizens Insurance. Temple says moving commercial policies out of Citizens will lower the insurer of last resort’s exposure and reinsurance costs, improving its financial condition and helping to put downward pressure on premiums for Citizens policyholders.

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LSU coach Lane Kiffin makes his long-awaited return to Ole Miss as the seventh-ranked Tigers and eighth-ranked Rebels face off on Saturday. Both fan bases have circled the Magnolia Bowl since Kiffin left Oxford for LSU as Ole Miss prepared for the playoffs. He says he knows a lot of hate is coming his way.

Cut 13 (10)  “…any touchdowns.” 

“College GameDay” will be on campus as Kiffin and the Tigers return to the center of the college football world, but Kiffin wants to keep his focus on the field. He says the team has experience blocking out the noise after the Clemson game.

Cut 14 (11) “…on game day.”

More than 30 staff members and players have switched schools since last year’s matchup between Ole Miss and LSU. Kiffin says the coaching staffs are very familiar with one another, but Ole Miss coach Pete Golding will have more intel on him than he does on his former defensive coordinator.

Cut 15 (08) “…play against.”

LSU and Ole Miss kick off in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at 6:30 on Saturday.

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The Saints came up short in their 31-30 overtime loss to the Lions, but there were a lot of positives to take away on both sides of the ball. Seven different players recorded 30-plus scrimmage yards, and four different players found the end zone. Head coach Kellen Moore says the offense is versatile.

Cut 16 (14) “…take this.”

New Orleans has another tough matchup this weekend as they prepare to head to Baltimore. Moore says work to develop the team does not stop once the season kicks off.

Cut 17 (17) “…improve.”

The Saints gave up 156 rushing yards to Jahmyr Gibbs and will face Derrick Henry this Sunday. Moore says a player of Gibbs’ caliber is expected to break off a few big plays but the defense needs to be more consistent against the run.

Cut 18 (15) “…direction there.”

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After losing to LSU 45-14 on Saturday, Louisiana Tech has another big road challenge against Baylor this weekend. The Bulldogs may be without quarterback Blake Baker, who fractured his hand in the loss to the Tigers. Coach Sonny Cumbie says whoever is at quarterback needs to make smart decisions on early downs against the Bears’ defense.

Cut 19 (15) “…overcome those.”

The Bulldogs held the Tigers to just ten points in the first half and returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown. The defense ranks second in the nation in tackles for loss, twelfth in sacks and ninth in takeaways. Cumbie says they aren’t afraid of anybody.

Cut 20 (14) “…the sacks.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

A ten-year-old boy suffering from significant stab wounds is expected to survive after he fled a horrific stabbing attack by a 47-year-old man who killed four adults in Houma. Lt. Blake Tabor, with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, says the child ran to a neighbor’s house to get help.

Cut 10 (10) “…hospital.”

The suspect has been identified as Kaegan Solet. He was arrested Sunday morning after an overnight manhunt.

A Minden man faces a second-degree murder charge for allegedly killing his uncle in a domestic dispute. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says 21-year-old Luther David Hair was arrested for the shooting of his 58-year-old uncle, Daniel Hair, at a home in the 34-hundred block of Dorcheat Road.

Cut 7 (12) “…in the head.”

Parker says Daniel Hair went to the home to ask his sister, the shooter’s mother, for a ride to Walmart.

One man was killed in a drive-by double shooting in Tangipahoa Parish near Independence early this morning. Sheriff Gerald Sticker…

Cut 6 (14) “…to survive.”

Twenty-nine-year-old Marquise Jackson died at the hospital. The other shooting victim was treated and released.

A 38-year-old Colfax man is facing a simple arson charge for allegedly starting a wildlife in Rapides Parish last week. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says his office takes these incidents seriously and will continue to hold those responsible accountable…

Cut 14 (09) “…at risk.”

Brian Todd Middleton was booked into the Rapides Parish Jail and also faces unrelated charges.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU and coach Lane Kiffin make their dramatic return to Ole Miss this weekend in a top-ten matchup. Kiffin says he told the Tigers not to worry about any outside noise.

Cut 21 (12) “…Heisman candidates.”

The Saints were one play away from a 21-point comeback win over the Lions yesterday. New Orleans forced overtime and matched Detroit’s touchdown in the extra period but lost 31-30 after failing to complete the game-winning two-point conversion attempt. Quarterback Tyler Shough says the team is aggressive and that won’t change with the game on the line.

Cut 14 (11) “…good job.”

LSU beat Louisiana Tech 45-14 on Saturday, but Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie is proud of his team’s effort.

Cut 18 (17) “…the game.”

Tech quarterback Blake Baker fractured his hand in the loss and his status for the Bulldogs’ trip to Baylor this weekend is up in the air.

Nicholls started off Southland play with a 31-28 win over UTRGV. Former Byrd High standout Jackson Dufrene tied a school record with three touchdown catches and was named Southland offensive Player of the Week. Coach Tommy Rybacki is excited to see his senior have a big game…

Cut 20 (12) “…for us.”

4:30 LRN Newscast

We are getting more information about the first ever quadruple murder in Terrebonne Parish. Four people were fatally stabbed, and a ten-year-old child is hospitalized with stab wounds. Kaegan Solet is the suspect in custody and Lt. Blake Tabor with the TPSO says the public should feel comfort that there is not an existing threat…

Cut 12 (09) “…commit murder”

A relative tells a New Orleans TV station that Solet fathered a child with one of the victims killed.

President Trump is proposing to give every adult American a five-thousand dollar check if the Republicans remain in control of the House and Senate after midterm elections. Republicans and Democrats are asking what about the massive debt the country is facing. House Speaker Mike Johnson says Congress has taken steps to reduce spending…

Cut 5 (09) “…government spending”

 

The Saints opened the season with a 31-30 overtime loss to the Lions, but seven points were left off the board thanks to a controversial officiating decision. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

LSU coach Lane Kiffin provided an update on the health of assistant coach Ed Orgeron, who has not been on the sidelines for the first two games of the season. Kiffin admits Orgeron is dealing with a health issue that got very serious, but he’s doing better.

3:30 LRN Newscast

Democrats have called it a political bribe.  President Trump’s proposal to give every adult American a five-thousand-dollar check if the Republican Party remains in control of the House and Senate after the midterm elections. In an interview with KEEL Radio Mike Johnson pushed back on the idea

Cut 4 (11) “…proposed goal.”

Republicans are concerned about sending out dividend checks when the nation is 40-trillion dollars in debt.

Forty-seven-year-old Kaegan Solet of Houma faces four counts of first-degree murder after he allegedly stabbed four people on Saturday. A ten-year-old boy was also severely injured from stab wounds. Lt. Blake Tabor with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office says the child ran to a neighbor’s house for help…

Cut 11 (09) “…at that point”

A Go Fund me has been established to help the family pay for funeral expenses.

 

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Enforcement agents have charged a Colfax man with simple arson for allegedly setting a wildfire in Rapides Parish last week. Commissioner Mike Strain says Brian Middleton was book on that charge and other unrelated charges. Strain reminds the public that wildfires can quickly spread…

Cut 15 (09) “…these wildfires”

The Saints were unable to complete a 21-point comeback and lost to the Lions 31-30 in overtime. During a scoreless first half for the Black and Gold, defensive end Chase Young strip sacked Lions quarterback Jared Goff, and safety Jonas Sankey scooped it and scored. The fumble was controversially overturned despite Goff’s pass going backwards, but head coach Kellen Moore says the team has to live with it.

Cut 8 (12) “…outcome for us.”

The Saints visit the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday.

2:30 LRN Newscast

A ten-year-old boy suffering from significant stab wounds is expected to survive after he fled a horrific stabbing attack by a 47-year-old man who killed four adults in Houma. Lt. Blake Tabor, with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, says the child ran to a neighbor’s house to get help.

Cut 10 (10) “…hospital.”

The suspect has been identified as Kaegan Solet. He was arrested Sunday morning after an overnight manhunt.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry enforcement agents arrest a 38-year-old Colfax man for allegedly starting a wildlife in Rapides Parish. Commissioner Mike Strain says last week firefighters responded to a wildfire near 418 Cabra Hill Road and during their response Brian Middleton fled the scene, but was arrested later that day….

Cut 13 (08) “…of charges.”

President Trump wants to give every American adult a five-thousand dollar check if the GOP maintains control of the House and Senate after the midterm elections. Joe Galinaro has reaction from the U-S House Speaker…

Cut 1 (32) “….I’m Joe Gallinaro”

Two people in Webster Parish have been indicted on federal charges for voter fraud, one of the individuals is a citizen of Jamaica. The U-S Attorney’s Office says 53-year-old Bridget Johnson of Cotton Valley allegedly falsified a voter registration application for 52-year-old Michael Wedderburn, who is not a U-S Citizen. Federal prosecutors say Wedderburn went on to vote illegally in November of 2024.

LRN PM Newscall

President Trump wants to give every American Adult a five-thousand dollar check if the GOP maintains control of the House and Senate after the midterm elections. Joe Galinaro has reaction from the U-S House Speaker…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The Saints opened the season with a 31-30 overtime loss to the Lions, but seven points were left off the board thanks to a controversial officiating decision. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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President Trump has said the federal government will send every American adult a five-thousand check if the Republicans maintain control of the House and Senate after the midterm elections. House Speaker Mike Johnson was a guest on KEEL Radio in Shreveport and says the proposal will need Congressional approval…

Cut 3 (09) “…part of the discussion.”

Democratic New York Congressman Dan Goldman called the pledge corrupt and blatantly illegal. The top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, says called the proposal a political bribe. Johnson pushed back on the idea that it is a bribe…

Cut 4 (11) “…proposed goal.”

There are some Republicans who do not support the five-thousand dollar dividend check, because the country faces 40-trillion dollars in debt and the checks could lead to more inflation. Johnson’s argument to those concerns is that the Republican-led Congress has taken steps to reduce spending…

Cut 5 (09) “…government spending.”

The payments would cost more about one-point-two trillion dollars.

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One man was killed in a shooting in Tangipahoa Parish near Independence early this morning. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker was on the scene on Louisiana Highway 40 between I-55 and Old Highway 51.

Cut 6 (14) “…to survive.”

The victims’ identities are unknown as the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office assists the town of Independence with the investigation. Sticker says the investigation is in its early stages.

Cut 7 (10) “…this crime.”

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The Saints were unable to complete a 21-point comeback and lost to the Lions 31-30 in overtime. During a scoreless first half for the Black and Gold, defensive end Chase Young strip sacked Lions quarterback Jared Goff, and safety Jonas Sankey scooped it and scored. The fumble was controversially overturned despite Goff’s pass going backwards, but head coach Kellen Moore says the team has to live with it.

Cut 8 (12) “…outcome for us.”

Young said that he had never seen anything like it but that he and the defense just moved on to the next play. Linebacker Kaden Elliss says the team had the rule explained by the referee.

Cut 9 (11)  “…it’s OK.”

The Saints forced a fumble on the following drive and allowed just 18 yards the rest of the second quarter.

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A ten-year-old boy suffering from significant stab wounds is expected to survive after he survived a horrific stabbing attack by a 47-year-old man who killed four adults in Houma. Lt. Blake Tabor, with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, says the child fled to a neighbor’s house to get help.

Cut 10 (10) “…hospital.” 

The suspect has been identified as Kaegan Solet. He was arrested Sunday morning after an overnight manhunt. Tabor says three women and one man ranging from middle-aged to elderly were killed across two separate residences on the same property, but at least the young boy got away from Solet and ran to a neighbor’s house…

Cut 11 (09) “…at that point.”

A relative and family advocate for the victims, Brandon Thiel, tells Fox 8 TV in New Orleans that Solet fathered a child with one of the victims killed. Tabor says law enforcement is not ready to discuss Solet’s relationship with the victims, but the public should know there is not an existing threat…

Cut 12 (09) “…commit murder.” 

A fundraiser is raising money to cover the funeral expenses and help the family. More than 52-thousand dollars has been raised.

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The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry enforcement agents arrest a 38-year-old Colfax man for allegedly starting a wildlife in Rapides Parish. Commissioner Mike Strain says last week firefighters responded to a wildfire near 418 Cabra Hill Road and during their response Brian Middleton fled the scene, but was arrested later that day….

Cut 13 (08) “…of charges.”

Strain says his office takes these incidents seriously…

Cut 14 (09) “…at risk.”

Strain reminds the public that fires can quickly spread and cause significant damage to forests and property, so don’t light that match…

Cut 15 (09) “…these wildfires”

1:30 LRN Newscast

We are getting more information about the first ever quadruple murder in Terrebonne Parish. Four people were fatally stabbed, and a ten-year-old child is hospitalized with stab wounds. Kaegan Solet is the suspect in custody and Lt. Blake Tabor with the TPSO says the public should feel comfort that there is not an existing threat…

Cut 12 (09) “…commit murder”

A relative and family advocate for the victims, Brandon Thiel, tells Fox 8 TV in New Orleans that Solet fathered a child with one of the victims killed.

A 38-year-old Cofax man is facing a simple arson charge for allegedly starting a wildlife in Rapides Parish last week. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says his office takes these incidents seriously and will continue to hold those responsible accountable…

Cut 14 (09) “…at risk.”

 

The Saints opened the season with a 31-30 overtime loss to the Lions, but seven points were left off the board thanks to a controversial officiating decision. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

You may have noticed in the first two LSU games, that Tigers assistant coach Ed Orgeron was not on the sidelines. Coach Lane Kiffin was asked about his absence today. Kiffin didn’t go into details but admitted it got scary for Coach O at one point, but he’s now doing much better. It’s not known if Coach O will travel with the team to Ole Miss this Saturday.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff investigators say a 47-year-old man fatally stabbed four people and badly wounded a juvenile at a residence in Houma. The wounded juvenile was flown to an out-of-area hospital and is in stable but critical condition. Lt. Blake Tabor says they are not discussing a possible motive with the public and they are not ready to say the exact relationship between the stabber and the victims…

Cut 11 (09) “…reasons.”

One man was killed, and another was wounded in a shooting on Louisiana Highway 40 between I-55 and Old Highway 51 in Tangipahoa Parish early this morning. The victims’ identities are unknown as the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office assists the town of Independence with the investigation. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says the area will be closed as authorities process the crime scene.

Cut 7 (10) “…this crime.”

The Saints overcame a 21-nothing third-quarter deficit but were unable to get a win in their opener, falling to the Lions 31-30 in overtime. Quarterback Tyler Shough had three turnovers but finished the game with 410 passing yards and three touchdowns. He says he needs to play well all game.

Cut 13 (11)  “…too inconsistent.”

While down 7-0 in the first half, the Saints had a defensive touchdown taken off the board. A Chase Young strip sack that was returned for a touchdown was overturned to an incomplete pass because of an NFL rule that an attempted pass cannot be a fumble if the quarterback has already started his throwing motion, even if the ball goes backwards. Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss says the team had to have the rule explained to them.

Cut 9 (11)  “…it’s OK.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU moved up to No. 7 after beating LA Tech 45-14 and will face eighth-ranked Ole Miss this weekend. The Tigers turned it over four times in the first half against Tech but eventually pulled away from the Bulldogs. Quarterback Sam Leavitt threw for 344 yards and a touchdown, and he also rushed for three touchdowns. But he also threw three interceptions, which he knows can’t happen this Saturday at Ole Miss..…

Cut 16 (13) “…go to work.”

A documentary on legendary LSU Heisman winner Billy Cannon premieres tonight at 7:00 on Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Following his career, counterfeiting conviction and work as a dentist at Angola, Cannon’s daughter, Bunnie, says she hopes viewers get to see a new side of her father.

Cut 4 (11) “…knew about.”

The Saints lost their season opener 31-30 versus the Lions in overtime. After a scoreless first half and two turnovers to start the second half, New Orleans fought back from a 21-0 deficit with five straight scoring drives to force overtime. Quarterback Tyler Shough finished with 410 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, but says he needs to be better for four quarters.

Cut 13 (11)  “…too inconsistent.”

Kicker Daniel Carlson missed a 62-yard field goal at the end of regulation. After Detroit scored on the first possession of O-T, the Saints scored a touchdown of their own but could not complete the two-point conversion attempt to secure the win.

New Orleans is on the road again at Baltimore this weekend.

All four teams in the NFC South lost yesterday. The Falcons fell 20-13 to the Steelers with Cooper Rush at starting quarterback, the Panthers lost a 59-37 shootout to the Bears and the Buccaneers fell 33-27 to the Bengals.