LRN AM Newscall October 22 ###Pelicans sound will be updated later###

Real Reform Louisiana says a recent report shows that home and auto insurers raked in massive profits in 2025. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Jamie Davis outlines his priorities should he be elected Louisiana’s next U.S. Senator. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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After an offseason of eligibility controversy and mystery, Will Wade’s LSU basketball roster was finalized at 14 players. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the property and casualty insurance industry reported 150-billion dollars in profits in 2025. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Ben Riggs says insurance companies make money not only from premiums, but also by investing those dollars, earning underwriting income and delaying claims…

Cut 4 (10) “…delayed claim.”

Riggs says insurance executives are cashing in on these massive bonuses…

Cut 5 (12) “…people believe.”

Riggs is calling on Louisiana lawmakers to act. He says insurers should not be allowed to pass the cost of executive bonuses, advertising, lobbying and political spending on to policyholders, all while recording record profits. He adds that insurers should have to justify their costs to regulators before rates go up…

Cut 6 (10) “.prior approval.”

A spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Insurance says relying on national profit data does not reflect the reality of Louisiana’s insurance market. L-D-I says the cost of insurance is directly related to the losses insurers pay in claims and unfortunately Louisiana experiences some of the highest losses in the country.

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As early voting in the U.S. Senate general election continues, the candidates are pulling out all the stops in getting their messages across to voters. Democratic nominee Jamie Davis says he has several priorities should voters send him to Washington. For starters, he would work to keep lawmakers off Wall Street.

Cut 7 (13) “…and their pockets.”

Another thing Davis said he would do on day one is to ask for a national ban on non-disclosure agreements for elected officials.

Cut 8 (10) “…backroom deal done.”

On immigration, Davis says the aggressive immigration enforcement operation that the Trump administration has been pursuing for the last two years wouldn’t even be necessary if the immigration process wasn’t so lengthy and costly.

Cut 9 (12)  “…in our country.”

Davis says two of his other priorities are voters’ rights and ending the war in Iran.

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Cut 10 (11) “…right to vote.”

 

Cut 11 (09) “…take back control.”

 

Cut 12 (11) “…a light snack.”

 

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A new study has found that the number of deep-water creatures in the Gulf dropped about 60-percent in the years following the 2010 B-P Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, and populations have still not recovered. Nova Southeastern University biological oceanographer Tracey Sutton was the lead author of the study and says these animals in the “twilight zone” above the seafloor are a critical food source in the ocean ecosystem.

Cut 13 (12)  “…up at night” 

Researchers saw a massive decline in marine life in the years following the oil spill. Sutton says coastal fishes have rebounded much better than the open ocean.

Cut 14 (13) “…a lot wrong.”

Researchers found that the dispersants used to clean up the spill actually worsened the biological impacts. It broke down the oil into smaller droplets, increasing exposure to deep water animals. Sutton says the thought was that there would be less life found in deep water to affect.

Cut 15 (12) “…in the future”

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The LSU basketball roster expanded to 14 players just in time for the regular season to start next month. The final roster features three true freshmen, five traditional transfers, two fifth-year seniors, and four former international pros. Croatian center Michael Ruzic is one of those ex-pros who has impressed LSU Radio analyst Jordy Hultberg this preseason.

Cut 16 (16) “…shooting the three.”

Overseas pros Brice Dessert, Saliou Niang and Gilad Levy just made their way onto the roster this week. Niang was a 2025 second-round pick in the NBA Draft and Hultberg expects him to go right into the starting lineup.

Cut 17 (16) “…playing against.”

Fifth-year UCLA transfer guard Donovan Dent has already been a star in the preseason, and his former teammate Skyy Clark just won a temporary injunction for eligibility. The Tigers have also used a trio of productive transfers so far, and Hultberg says you don’t need a ton of depth to find success.

Cut 18 (17)  “…good ones.” 

The Tigers’ first regular season game is November 3 versus LSU New Orleans.

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Louisiana Tech is 2-and-0 in Sun Belt play and will host Old Dominion for homecoming on Saturday. The Monarchs have the worst offense in the conference, but their defense is third in the league in yards allowed per game. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie says that unit is led by a secondary that stands out on film.

Cut 19 (15) “...that stop.”

Louisiana Tech has had the Sun Belt’s best defense in conference games. The Bulldogs shut out ULM last week, and Cumbie says even if his defense gives up an explosive play here or there, they never give up.

Cut 20 (15) “…great tackler.”

Kickoff in Joe Aillet Stadium is at 4 p.m.

5:30 LRN Newscast

The Federal Aviation Administration is accepting public comments through Monday on SpaceX’s proposal to build a large-scale rocket launch facility in coastal Vermilion Parish. The Louisiana Wildlife Federation has submitted two letters to the F-A-A. Executive Director Rebecca Triche says their latest letter urges the agency to take local environmental conditions into account…

Cut 6 (08) “..coastal hazard.”

The Saints have been in Paris since Monday morning as they prepare to face the Steelers on Sunday. General Manager Loomis says the early departure was not just to get acclimated to the new time zone.

Cut 11 (13) “…our organization.”

Despite concerns of civil unrest in Paris, the game is expected to go on as scheduled, and several players made public appearances on their day off in the city yesterday.

Louisiana’s dry spell is expected to continue into next week. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the lack of rain could drive up irrigation and food costs and increase the risk of wildfires. He says they are now seeing 50-plus wildfires a week.

Cut 5 (07) “…the state.”

The grave of a Louisiana soldier killed in the Korean War has deteriorated so badly that his casket is exposed at a Baton Rouge cemetery. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Jerome Buller says the brick structure covering Private First-Class Samuel Pierre Junior’s grave has collapsed.

Cut 27 (08) “…open.”

With no living family immediately identified, state officials are considering repairing the grave or relocating Pierre’s remains.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints owner Gayle Benson issued a call to action for the team to live up to a better standard after its 1-and-4 start. New Orleans responded with a win last Sunday against the Giants to improve their record to 2-and-4. General Manager Mickey Loomis says this is a young team and they are still learning how to win…

Cut 10 (10) “…wanted.”

The Saints kick off against the Steelers in Paris on Sunday.

The LSU men’s basketball roster is finally set. Will Wade’s squad grew from four players listed this offseason to 14, with fifth-year seniors and international pros gaining their eligibility. LSU radio analyst Jordy Hultberg says he expects a good team this year because Wade is an excellent talent evaluator.

Cut 21 (09) “…time here.”

The Tigers’ first regular season game is November 3 versus LSU New Orleans.

The Pelicans begin the season tonight against the Pacers. New Orleans NBA All-Rookie team selections from last year, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, will look to take the next step in year two. Queen has struggled during the preseason, but Locked On Pelicans podcast host Jake Madison says Fears has looked like the team’s best player. He says he wouldn’t be surprised if he is the starting point guard tonight.

Cut 18 (20)  “…right now.”

Tip-off in the Smoothie King Center is at 7 p.m.

Former LSU star Angel Reese and the Dream also tip off game three of the WNBA Finals at 7. Reese is coming off a 30-point, 16-rebound performance in game two that helped even the series against the Golden State Valkyries at one apiece.

4:30 LRN Newscast

A study conducted by Nova Southeastern University researcher Tracey Sutton has found that the number of deep water creatures in the Gulf dropped about 60-percent in the years following the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. But Sutton says coastal fishes have rebounded much better than the ones in the open ocean…

Cut 14 (13) “….a lot wrong”

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is concerned about the F-A-A’s proposed rule   that would allow them to waive 13 federal laws for commercial space licensing like Space X’s rocket launch facility in coastal Vermilion Parish. Executive Director Rebecca Triche says such a proposal would eliminate environmental reviews by the F-A-A…

Cut 7 (11) “…what’s planned.”

SpaceX has said they will operate under required environmental rules.

 

Saints general Manager Mickey Loomis addressed owner Gayle Benson’s criticism of the team’s slow start. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office announces a West Carroll Parish man has been arrested on more than 500 counts of sex crimes against children, including first-degree rape. Investigators say 33-year-old Shayne Stewart of Pioneer raped at least two children under the age of eight.

3:30 LRN Newscast

Saints General Manager Mikey Loomis took questions from reporters in Paris today and of course he was asked about Owner Gayle Benson’s critical comments regarding the slow start to the season.  Loomis says this is a young team and they are still learning how to win…

Cut 10 (10) “…wanted.”

The Saints are two and four and will face Pittsburgh in Paris on Sunday.

The Federal Aviation Administration is taking public comments through Monday on Space X’s proposed rocket launch site in coastal Vermilion Parish. The Louisiana Wildlife Federation executive director Rebecca Triche says they are urging the F-A-A to consider the impacts of coastal land loss and shoreline stability…

Cut 8 (11) “…migration”

Space X has said they will operate under required environmental rules.

 

A new study has found that the number of deep-water creatures in the Gulf dropped about 60-percent in the years following the 2010 B-P Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, and populations have still not recovered. Nova Southeastern University biological oceanographer Tracey Sutton was the lead author of the study and says these animals in the “twilight zone” above the seafloor are a critical food source in the ocean ecosystem.

Cut 13 (12)  “…up at night”

Sutton says deep-water predators like the dragon fish have suffered severe population losses because of this.

It’s dry in Louisiana and according to the U-S Drought Monitor, about 45-percent of the United States is suffering from drought conditions. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says this could lead to even higher food prices, because farmers turn to irrigation to water their crops…

Cut 4  (09) “….the East Coast”

LRN PM Newscall October 21

As drought conditions worsen, Louisiana’s Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says firefighters are busy battling dozens of wildfires a week. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Saints general Manager Mickey Loomis addressed owner Gayle Benson’s criticism of the team’s slow start. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Based on the forecast, it doesn’t look like Louisiana will see any rain for at least the next week. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Doctor Mike Strain says the lack of rainfall helps with harvest, but the state’s sugarcane crop could use some rain

Cut 3 (04) “…sugarcane.”

Strain says the lack of rain could result in even higher food prices, because when there is no rain, farmers turn to irrigation to water their fruits and vegetables and other crops like corn and beans…

Cut 4 (09) “…the East Coast.”

And the dry conditions are also raising the wildfire risk. Strain says they are now seeing 50-plus wildfires a week…

Cut 5 (07) “…the state.”

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The Federal Aviation Administration is accepting public comments through Monday on SpaceX’s proposal to build a large-scale rocket launch facility in coastal Vermilion Parish. The Louisiana Wildlife Federation has submitted two letters to the F-A-A. Executive Director Rebecca Triche says their latest letter urges the agency to take local environmental conditions into account…

Cut 6 (08) “..coastal hazard.”

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation and two other conversation groups, the National Wildlife Federation and the Pontchartrain Conservancy are also concerned about the F-A-A’s proposal that would allow them to waive 13 federal laws for commercial space licensing. Triche says such a proposal would eliminate environmental reviews by the F-A-A…

Cut 7 (11) “…what’s planned.”

Triche says the L-W-F is urging the F-A-A to consider the impacts of coastal land loss and shoreline stability…

Cut 8 (11) “..migration.”

SpaceX has said they will operate under required environmental rules.

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Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis met with the media in Paris today and the first question he asked was about Owner Gayle Benson’s critical comments regarding the team’s slow start to the season. Loomis has no issues with what Benson said…

Cut 9 (07)  “…that’s okay.”

New Orleans responded with a win last Sunday against the Giants to improve their record to 2-and-4. Loomis says this is a young team and they are still learning how to win…

Cut 10 (10) “…wanted.” 

The Saints have been in Paris since Monday morning. Loomis says the early departure was not just to get acclimated to the new time zone.

Cut 11 (13) “…our organization.”

Despite concerns of civil unrest in Paris, the game is expected to go on as scheduled, and several players made public appearances on their day off in the city yesterday.

2:30 LRN Newscast

Outgoing Louisiana Tech president Jim Henderson is citing health as the reason he’s now stepping away from the job tomorrow as opposed to the end of the year. But USA Today Network political reporter Greg Hilburn says Henderson has also been in a public beef with the U-L System Board after they did not take his recommendation and raise the salary of the faculty at Tech. Hilburn says Henderson’s last day on the job is the same day that the U-L System will have its next board meeting.

Cut 14 (12) “…of the year.”

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis met with the media in Paris today and the first question he asked was about Owner Gayle Benson’s critical comments regarding the team’s slow start to the season. Loomis has no issues with what Benson said…

Cut 9 (07)  “…that’s okay.”

New Orleans responded with a win last Sunday against the Giants to improve their record to 2-and-3. This Sunday they face Pittsburgh in Paris.

 

As drought conditions worsen, Louisiana’s Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says firefighters are busy battling dozens of wildfires a week. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Early voting runs through Tuesday October 27th, except for Sunday. Early voting locations are open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. JMC Analytics and Polling’s John Couvillon expects a good number of early voters.

Cut 24 (09) “…the way.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

Based on the forecast, it doesn’t look like Louisiana will see any rain for at least the next week. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Doctor Mike Strain says the lack of rainfall helps with harvest, but the state’s sugarcane crop could use some rain.

Cut 3 (04) “…sugarcane.”

Strain says the dry conditions are also raising wildfire risk.

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation, the National Wildlife Federation and the Pontchartrain Conservancy are concerned about the F-A-A’s proposal for SpaceX’s large-scale rocket launch facility project that would allow them to waive 13 federal laws for commercial space licensing. L-W-F Executive Director Rebecca Triche says such a proposal would eliminate environmental reviews by the F-A-A…

Cut 7 (11) “…what’s planned.”

SpaceX has said they will operate under required environmental rules.

Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson will step down Thursday, months earlier than planned. Henderson announced last month that he would leave at the end of the year, citing health reasons. But his departure also comes amid frustration over the U-L System Board’s decision not to approve faculty pay raises. USA Today Network political reporter Greg Hilburn says Henderson sent a letter to faculty earlier this month criticizing the system board.

Cut 13 (12)  “…the two”

Hilburn reports that Dickie Crawford, Tech’s current executive vice president for student affairs, will serve as acting president. The U-L System is looking to have a new president in place on January 1st.

Louisiana Tech head basketball coach Talvin Hester received a contract extension through the 2029-2030 season. Hester was hired in 2022 in his first job as a head coach. He has led the Dunkin’ Dogs to a 77-and-754 record in his four seasons with 20 or more wins each of the last three years.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Julia Letlow brings out a heavy hitter to help her urge her supporters to get to the polls in early voting. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Letlow’s opponent, Democrat Jamie Davis, is holding a campaign event at this hour in New Orleans. Davis believes he has a real chance to beat Letlow on November third. The farmer from Tensas Parish says his internal polling shows he’s only four percentage points behind, despite not receiving any financial support from the National Democratic Party.

 

Jim Henderson’s last day as president of Louisiana Tech is tomorrow. The UL System is accepting applications until November sixth from individuals who are interested in becoming the school’s next president. Greg Hilburn of the USA Today Network says State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley is a rumored candidate

Cut 15 (06) “…by the governor”

The U-L System is looking to have a new president in place on January 1st.

The Saints held their first practice today in Paris as the team gets ready Sunday’s game  against Pittsburgh. New Orleans arrived in France early Monday morning and General Manager Mickey Loomis says the early departure was not just to get acclimated to the new time zone.

Cut 11 (13) “…our organization.”

Meanwhile in New Orleans, the Pelicans tip-off the regular season by hosting the Pacers.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis met with the media in Paris today. He was asked about owner Gayle Benson’s comments on the team’s slow start last week.

Cut 9 (07)  “…that’s okay.”

The Saints and Steelers kick off at 8:30 Sunday morning.

The Pelicans tip off their first season under head coach Jamahl Mosley against the Pacers tonight at 7. Forward Zion Williamson had one of his healthiest NBA seasons last year, playing 62 games, but his 21 points per game were the fewest of his career. Locked On Pelicans podcast host Jake Madison says a lot has been made of his offseason work.

Cut 17 (18) “…prove it.”

Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton will make his return after tearing his Achilles in the 2025 Finals

The SEC women’s basketball preseason coaches poll and all-conference teams were released today. The coaches picked LSU to tie for third in the league with Vanderbilt. South Carolina and Texas took the top two spots in the poll, and Kentucky rounded out the top five. Guards Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley were both selected to the All-SEC first team. The Lady Tigers will tip off their preseason tomorrow night in the P-MAC with an exhibition against UNT Dallas.

LSU will hope to snap its eight-game SEC road losing streak at Auburn this weekend. The Tigers have lost by one score in both of their conference away games so far this season, and safety Ty Benefield says every detail matters on the road.

Cut 19 (19) “…to outcomes.”

LSU and Auburn will kick off at 11 a.m. on Saturday.