16:30 LRN Newscast

The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Department reports the Tiger Island Fire which has destroyed more than 13-thousand acres in southwest Louisiana is now 85-percent contained. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Shannon Burgess says the fire crossed over Highway 27 last night…
cut 10 (11) “…could happen”
Burgess says Highways 27 and 110 have reopened.

The wildfires across the state have produced some smokey air. Because of the Tiger Island Fire, southwest Louisiana is impacted the most. Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson Greg Langley says these conditions could last for awhile…
cut 5 (09) “….some time”
For today, the air index quality is moderate for what is known as particulate matter released by smoke.

In a new poll by Faucheux Strategies, crime, education and rising insurance rates are the three biggest concerns among Louisiana voters….
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

The National Hurricane Center is keeping its eye on a broad area of low pressure in the Pacific Ocean that’s expected to cross over central America and into the Caribbean Sea. The disturbance is expected to keep heading north and there’s a medium chance it will develop into a tropical depression or storm in the Gulf of Mexico within the next week.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU defensive tackle Maason Smith has been suspended for the first game of the year against Florida State for taking improper benifts. The violation happened before players could take full advantage of name image and likeness. The advocate’s Wilson Alexander broke the story and says Smith will be very hard to replace.

 

Cut 13 (10) “…Brayden Swinson.”

 

The Saints are practicing for the preseason finale against the Texans, and the team is hoping to see their star wide receiver, Michael Thomas, return to form. He has been battling injuries after his 2019 season that earned him the title as the NFL’s offensive player of the year, and Coach Dennis Allen says they are seeing the Michael Thomas of old.

 

Cut 26 (14) “…it’s been good.”

 

Cornerback Alontae Taylor has been competing with Paulson Adebo all off-season for the second press corner spot. Taylor says that one way he can improve is by getting reps against young wide receiver Chris Olave.

 

Cut 17 (15) “…same thing.”

 

La Tech head football coach Sonny Cumbie is entering his second year with the team, and he says he seen the roster grow with many of the players being with the Bulldogs for more than just this season ahead of their game against FIU.

 

Cut 27 (12) “…have here, so.”

 

Ragin Cajun basketball head coach Bob Marlin has agreed to a three year extension with the team. He lead last year’s team to a Sun Belt conference championship, and the contract will keep him in Lafayette through the 2026-27 season.

 

Ragin Cajun softball coach Gerry Glasco has been extended through the 2028 season after winning his fourth consecutive Sun Belt conference regular season and tournament title.

3:30 LRN Newscast

Smoke-filled skies due to wildfires burning across the state have become a concern. Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson Greg Langley says smoke can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory issues.

Cut 3 (12) “…breathing problems”

Langley says the public can track air quality by going to D-E-Q’s website. The state is currently in yellow for moderate smoky conditions.

A new poll by Faucheux Strategies finds crime is a top concern among 18 percent of Louisiana voters. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says gubernatorial candidates have not yet addressed any of the voter’s concerns…

Cut 7 (08) “…the candidates.” 

The second biggest concern for Louisiana voters is education followed by rising insurance rates.

Today, the wildfire in Beauregard Parish is 85 percent contained compared to 65 percent contained on Wednesday. Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Shannon Burgess says last night the blaze crossed over Highway 27.

Cut 9 (11) “…loss of life.”

Highways 27 and 110 have reopened but evacuation orders remain in effect.

LSU will not have one of its top players for the season opener against Florida State. The NCAA has suspended defensive tackle Maason Smith for receiving an improper benefit. Wilson Alexander from the Advocate broke the story and says the infraction occurred before college athletes could take advantage of NIL…

Cut 12 (10) “…g0tten hurt”

LRN PM Newscall August 24

In a new poll by Faucheux Strategies, crime, education and rising insurance rates are the three biggest concerns among Louisiana voters. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

______________________________________

Officials say the wildfire in Beauregard Parish is 85 percent contained but evacuation orders remain in effect. Jeff Palermo has more on the Tiger Island Wildfire..

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

______________________________________

With a number of wildfires burning in Louisiana, air quality has become a concern. Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson Greg Langley says when smoke travels through the air, it releases particulate matter which can irritate your lungs….

Cut 3 (12) “…breathing problems”

Langley says the public can keep track of air quality by going to D-E-Q’s website and looking at the air quality index which is color coded. He says for today, the entire state is in yellow for moderate smoky conditions…

Cut 4 (07) “…avoid exposure”

Right now, southwest Louisiana is impacted the most by the smoke in the air. Langley says these conditions could last awhile…

Cut 5 (09) “          …some time” 

______________________________________________

A new poll finds crime is the biggest concern among Louisiana voters. Faucheux Strategies surveyed 800 Louisiana residents and 18 percent listed crime as their top concern. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the gubernatorial candidates are promoting tough-on-crime rhetoric but voters want specific ideas.

Cut 6 (08) “… their solutions.” 

The second biggest concern for Louisiana voters is education followed by rising insurance rates. Procopio says the candidates for governor have yet to provide any specific answers on how they would address these issues…

Cut 7 (08) “…the candidates.” 

The economy and roads rounding out the top five for biggest concerns among Louisiana voters. 51-percent of the respondents said they wanted state leaders to get tough on crime. Procopio says voters should step up and demand that the candidates provide solutions to the state’s problems…

Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”

The gubernatorial primary election is October 14. Early voting begins September 30th.

______________________________________________

Authorities say the wildfire in Beauregard Parish is 85 percent contained, but evacuation orders remain in effect. Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Shannon Burgess says last night the blaze crossed over Highway 27.

Cut 9 (11) “…loss of life.”

The wildfire in Beauregard Parish is known as the Tiger Island Fire due to the proximity of its origin near Tiger Island Hunting Club.

Since Wednesday, Burgess says the wildfire went from 65 percent contained to 85 percent. He says a sudden wind change caused the fire to jump from the west side of Highway 27 to the east.

Cut 10 (11) “…could happen.”

Burgess says Highways 27 and 110 have reopened after a small fire on the east side of the parish, that destroyed eight acres, was contained.

The only structures that have been destroyed in the blaze are camps and deer stands. And while the increase in containment is welcome news, Burgess says the slightest spark could change things in an instant and he’s imploring residents to abide by the statewide burn ban.

Cut 11 (07) “…message out.”

National Guard helicopters will conduct water dumps in the area today. So far more than 13,000 acres have burned in Beauregard Parish.

___________________________________________

LSU will not have one of its top players for the season opener against Florida State. The NCAA has suspended defensive tackle Maason Smith for receiving an improper benefit. Wilson Alexander from the Advocate broke the story and says the infraction occurred before college athletes could take advantage of NIL…

Cut 12 (10) “…g0tten hurt”

Wilson says the NCAA also said Smith had to serve the one-game suspension for the season opener, which is a top ten matchup between the Tigers and Seminoles. Alexander says Smith’s absence will be a factor as he was expected to provide pressure up the middle against FSU QB Jordan Travis…

Cut 13 (11) “…Bradyn Swinson”

The story broke to the public on Wednesday night, but Alexander says LSU has known about this suspension….

Cut  14 (06)  “.. .for that.”

LSU and Florida State meet in Orlando on September 3rd.

2:30 LRN Newscast

Officials say the wildfire in Beauregard Parish is 85 percent contained but evacuation orders remain in effect. Jeff Palermo has more on the Tiger Island Wildfire..
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

And the governor’s office has announced that FEMA has approved Louisiana’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help with wildfire fighting efforts in Beauregard Parish. The request was approved due to the threat to lives, homes, property and critical facilities near Merryville.

A poll of 800 likely voters finds that crime, education and rising insurance rates are the top three concerns of Louisiana residents. 51-percent of the respondents said they wanted state leaders to get tough on crime. PAR President Steven Procopio says voters should step up and demand that the gubernatorial candidates provide solutions to the state’s problems…
Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”
Procopio says so far we’ve mostly heard rhetoric from the candidates.

Last night, news broke that star LSU defensive tackle Maason Smith will be suspended for the season opener against Florida State because he participated in a autograph signing before NIL was legal in college athletics. The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander broke the story, but he says LSU has known about the suspension…
cut 14 (06) “…for that”
The Tigers and Seminoles play each other September 3rd in Orlando.

1:30 LRN Newscast Aug 24

The Tiger Island wildfire in Beauregard Parish is 85-percent contained. The only structures that have been destroyed in the blaze are deer stands. And while the increase in containment is welcome news, Shannon Burgess with the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s office says the slightest spark could change things in an instant and he’s imploring residents to abide by the statewide burn ban.

Cut 11 (07) “…message out.”

A change in wind direction last night caused the fire to jump across Highway 27 but that has since been contained and Highway 27 has reopened.

So far more than 13,000 acres have burned in Beauregard Parish. Officials are urging residents to follow the statewide burn ban. Associate State Forester Epney Brasher….

cut 30 (12) “…could be a hazard”

A new poll finds crime is the biggest concern among Louisiana voters. Faucheux Strategies surveyed 800 Louisiana residents and 18 percent listed crime as their top concern. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the gubernatorial candidates are promoting tough-on-crime rhetoric, but voters want specific ideas.

Cut 6 (08) “… their solutions.” 

The second biggest concern for voters is education followed by insurance rates.

LSU will not have one of its top players for the season opener against Florida State. The NCAA has suspended defensive tackle Maason Smith for receiving an improper benefit. The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander says Smith’s absence will be a factor as he was expected to provide pressure up the middle against FSU QB Jordan Travis…

Cut 13 (11) “…Bradyn Swinson”

 

 

12:30 LRN Newscast

The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Department reports the Tiger Island Fire which has destroyed more than 13-thousand acres in southwest Louisiana is now 85-percent contained. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Shannon Burgess says the fire crossed over Highway 27 last night…
cut 10 (11) “…could happen”
Burgess says Highways 27 and 110 have reopened.

Today will be another day where the high temperature will exceed 100-degrees. Office of Public Health Deputy Assistant Secretary Devin George says know the signs of heat-related illness…
cut 5 (12) “….of time”
The state office of public health says 25 people have died from heat related illnesses since June.

LSU will not have one of its top players for the season opener against Florida State. The NCAA has suspended defensive tackle Maason Smith for receiving an improper benefit. Wilson Alexander from the Advocate broke the story and says the infraction occurred before college athletes could take advantage of NIL…
Cut 12 (10) “…g0tten hurt”
Wilson says the NCAA also said Smith had to serve the one-game suspension for the season opener.

The polls on the governor’s race are showing Republican Jeff Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson will likely face each other in a run-off. All of the other candidates are polling in the single digits. Pollster Ron Faucheux says time is running out for one of these other candidates to make a move…
cut 15 (10) “..the past”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU will reportedly not have one of the team’s top defensive lineman for their season opener against Florida State on September 3rd. Sources say the NCAA is suspending defensive tackle Maason Smith for the season opener for receiving improper benefits, before college athletes could take advantage of name image and likeness. Jacobian Guillory, West Virginia transfer Jordan Jefferson, and second team AP all-American Mekhi Wingo will be LSU’s primary interior defensive lineman against Florida State.

Zy Alexander is projected to be a starter at cornerback by the Tiger Rag Audibles Podcast. The Southeastern Louisiana transfer was first team all-Southland in 2022, and says how the jump has been in FBS football, including guarding LSU receiving core in practice.

Cut 19 (13) “…our receivers.”

The Saints are practicing for the preseason finale against the Texans. The two teams were scheduled for joint practices today and tomorrow ahead of the game before a statement on Sunday announced their cancelation. The NFL’s cut down day is on Tuesday, and coach Dennis Allen says how players on the bubble can find their ways as a member of the final 53 players.

Cut 16 (13) “…into account.”

One of the members looking to make the team is defensive end Niko Lalos, who had 3 sacks and a pass deflection last week in the Saints 22-17 win against the Chargers.

LSU women’s basketball team released its non-conference schedule for the 2023 season. They will hang their national championship banner on November 9 against Queens, North Carolina. They will also go to Hammond to play Southeastern on November 17, and the Tigers will host Virginia Tech in a rematch of last year’s Final 4 game.

 

11:30 LRN Newscast

Authorities say the wildfire in Beauregard Parish is 85 percent contained, but evacuation orders remain in effect. Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Shannon Burgess says last night the blaze crossed over Highway 27.
Cut 9 (12) “…loss of life.”
Burgess says National Guard helicopters will conduct water dumps in the area today. So far over 12-thousand acres have been burned in Beauregard. How this massive blaze started is unknown. But officials are urging residents to follow the statewide burn ban. Associate State Forester Epney Brasher….
cut 30 (12) “…could be a hazard”
And once again today, we’ll see the temperature climb above 100-degrees.

Another poll released this week shows Republican Jeff Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson in position to face each other in a run-off. All of the other candidates are polling in the single digits. Pollster Ron Faucheux conducted a poll last week and found only 14-percent of voters are undecided…
cut 14 (10) “…runoff”
The primary is October 14th, the run-off election is November 18th.

That same poll found crime is the biggest concern among Louisiana voters. Faucheux Strategies surveyed 800 Louisiana residents and 18 percent listed crime as their top concern. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the gubernatorial candidates are promoting tough-on-crime rhetoric but voters want specific ideas.
Cut 6 (08) “…there solutions.”
The second biggest concern for Louisiana voters, education and rising insurance rates finished third.

10:30 LRN Newscast Aug 24

The outbreak of wildfires prompts the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to activate the State Emergency Operations Center.  GOSHEP Director Casey Tingle encourages the public to be extremely cautious due to the drought and to help them spread the word about the burn ban.

Cut 9 (09)  “…for all of us.”

Tingle says the wildfire in Beauregard Parish is among the worst the state has ever seen.

It’s another day where the high temperature is expected to get a few degrees above 100. Office of Public Health Deputy Assistant Secretary Devin George says 25 people have died as a result of heat-related illnesses since June up from the 16 reported deaths on August 4th…

cut 4 (06) “…the heat”

In the governor’s race, Republican Jeff Landry holds the lead position with 36 percent support and Democrat Shawn Wilson is at 26 percent according to a new poll conducted by Faucheux Strategies. Teiko Foxx reports Landry and Wilson are likely headed towards a run-off…
Cut 1 (32) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Faucheux also asked voters what their top concerns are. Crime and violence came in at number one, followed by education and finishing third was high insurance rates.