7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana is the most stressed state in the country.  That’s according to a new study by WalletHub which looked at work, money, family, and health and safety related stress.  WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo says the financial stress is due in part to the higher interest rates we pay compared to those in other states…because our median credit score ranks close to the very bottom.

Cut 15 (11) “…up is excellent.”

Former Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet (MON-tuh-set) faces up to five years in prison for participating in a kickback scheme. Federal prosecutors say the 78-year-old  used his position as secretary to steer a state contract to a company called D-G-L-1 in exchange for one-third of the profit. FBI special agent in charge, Jonathan Tapp:

Cut 8 (06) “…this great state.”

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Legislation that increases the penalties against minors for calling in fake bomb threats receives pushback. Jeff Palermo reports Democratic lawmakers are concerned the measure could also result in the child’s parents being fined up to five-thousand dollars.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The FBI yesterday announced arrests in relation to 5 drug busts across Louisiana, resulting in the seizure of hundreds of pounds of narcotics linked to Mexican cartels.  The operation uncovered more than 250 pounds of cocaine, 25 pounds of fentanyl and in one case, more than 300 pounds of methamphetamine was confiscated after two Mexican nationals were arrested on the interstate in Breaux Bridge while towing an ice cream machine.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Steven Milam homered twice from both sides of the plate and Derek Curiel hit a grand slam as LSU rallied from five runs down to beat Southern 16 to 6. John Pearson had another big day with a home run and four runs driven in.

ULM scored eight runs in the fourth inning on its way to a 14 to 3 win over Louisiana Tech in Ruston. The Warhawks had 17 hits, and they were led by catcher Marcus Aranda, who had a home run and drove in four runs.

For the second time this season, Southeastern Louisiana has defeated a team ranked in the Top 10. The Lions went to Hattiesburg last night and defeated eighth-ranked Southern Miss five to one. Brody Capps started the scoring with a two-run homer, and Luke Lirette was the winning pitcher.

Hayden Stringfellow homered twice, and McNeese outscored the Cajuns ten to seven, Tulane topped Nicholls 6-2, UNO over South Alabama two to one, and Mississippi State blanked Grambling 12 to nothing.

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One of Lane Kiffin’s first moves as LSU football coach was retaining defensive coordinator Blake Baker. Kiffin praised Baker’s work over the past two years in Baton Rouge and says he wants the defense to reach a new level this season.

Cut 19 (17) “…used to be.”

Kiffin announced former Evangel star and redshirt sophomore defensive end Gabriel Reliford will miss the 2026 season after tearing his ACL.

U-L Lafayette athletics director Bryan Maggard is one of 13 people who will serve on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. Maggard says he can help shine a spotlight on athletics in Lafayette…

Cut 18 (07) “…certainly our university.”

It’s a three-year term for Maggard.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

A bill that increases the penalties against a minor found guilty of calling in a bomb threat or threatening to commit violence at school is getting pushback from Democrats on the House floor, because the it could also result in the child’s parents facing fines of up to five-thousand dollars.  New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry was one of the first lawmakers to object.

Cut 4 (08) “…trying very hard.”

But Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says his legislation leaves it up to the discretion of the courts to decide if a parent should be fined. He says the overall goal is to make schools as safe as possible.

Cut 7 (10) “…this bill does.”

The House approved the bill on a 71-26 vote and heads to the Senate for more discussion.
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It seems that restaurants in Louisiana still have room for improvement when it comes to being honest about the origins of their shrimp. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A new study by WalletHub shows that Louisiana is the most stressed state in the country. WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo says, Louisiana ranked in the top ten in all of four of the stress dimensions examined.

Cut 14 (09) “…safety-related stress.”