9:30 LRN Newscast

Early voting for the November third election is underway, and the two U-S Senate candidates are working to make sure their supporters get out and vote. Republican Julia Letlow held a campaign rally in Lafayette yesterday afternoon and she was joined by U-S Senator John Kennedy. Kennedy says as charming as Letlow is, she can also be very fierce.

Cut 12 (11) “…a light snack.”

Democratic candidate in the U-S Senate race, Jamie Davis, is holding a campaign event in New Orleans today.

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.

 

Louisiana officials are working to give a final resting place for a U-S soldier killed in action during the Korean War. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

In Kenner, Williams Boulevard from I-10 to west Napoleon will be closed temporarily from 10:30 to 11:30 AM to allow for the procession bringing firefighter Shane Hirstius and his finance Leah Fonte home to Metairie. The young couple were fatally struck by suspected impaired driver early Sunday morning near the LSU campus.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Early voting continues today.  JMC Analytics and Polling’s John Couvillon says this midterm election will not see an overall turnout that approaches a Presidential election, but he expects a good number of early voters and that more than a quarter of the votes for cast for this election will be done during early early voting.

Cut 6 (08) “…next Tuesday.”
Early voting runs through Tuesday October 27th from 8:30 am to 6 pm, except for Sunday.

Yesterday marked 50 years since one of the deadliest ferry disasters in U.S. History, when the George Prince ferry was struck by the Norwegian tanker Frosta, killing 77 people.  The ferry was crossing the Mississippi River from Destrehan to Luling in the early morning hours.  Many gathered there to remember with a ceremony led by  Parish President Matthew Jewell.   After the ceremony, a screening of filmmaker Royd Anderson’s film “The Luling Disaster” was shown at the West Regional Library.

———————-

Louisiana Tech President Doctor Jim Henderson’s last day will be Thursday, earlier than planned. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 3 (26) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The state of Louisiana is considering repairing the grave of a Louisiana soldier killed in the Korean War since it’s deteriorated so badly that his casket is exposed at a Baton Rouge cemetery.    Private First Class Samuel Pierre Junior  was just 22 when he died.  Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary, Doctor Jerome Buller (BUHL-er),

Cut 9 (08)  “…behalf.”

7:30 AM 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.”

Because this a federal election, it falls on a Tuesday, not Saturday, which many Louisiana voters are used to. JMC Analytics and Polling’s Jim Couvillon says to avoid lines on November third, many people will cast their ballot during early voting going on now through next Tuesday.

Cut 5 (07) “…people believe.”

—————————

Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson will step down Thursday, months earlier than planned. Henderson announced last month he would leave at the end of the year due 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 recently sent a letter to faculty criticizing the system board.

Cut 13 (12)  “…the two”

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, Doctor Jerome Buller (BUHL-er), visited Private First Class Samuel Pierre Junior’s grave yesterday.

Cut 7 (09) “…not so today.”

With no living immediate family identified, Buller says officials are considering repairing the grave or relocating Pierre’s remains.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade’s roster is finally coming together as several players have been ruled eligible to play this upcoming season, including Saliou Niang, who is a six-foot-seven forward. The 22-year-old averaged seven points and five rebounds in the Euroleague.

Also gaining eligibility… French big man Brice Dessert and UCLA fifth-year transfers Donovan Dent and Skyy Clark.

The Pelicans tip off the Jamahl Mosley era in New Orleans against the Pacers tonight. The Pels are coming off their two worst seasons since 2012, and with much of the same roster returning, Locked On Pelicans podcast host Jake Madison says the front office is putting a lot of faith in its new head coach.

Cut 16 (14) “…elevate them.”

 

LSU Safety Ty Benefield started the season at his natural safety position but has since moved over to STAR to fill in for the injured Dashawn Spears. His length and physicality have made him an excellent fit, but he says there is still more work to do.

Cut 20 (20) “…my brothers.”

LSU receiver Jackson Harris also spoke with the media yesterday. Harris got hurt in the Mississippi State, but says he’s good to go this Saturday against Auburn.

McNeese men’s basketball is picked to finish first again in the Southland Conference.

And in the Sun Belt…the Cajuns are picked to finish sixth, Louisiana Tech 12th and ULM 14th in the 14 team league.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana officials are working to give a final resting place for a U-S soldier killed in action during the Korean War. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A procession will bring the bodies of Shane Hirstius and Leah Fonte back to their hometown of Metairie This morning, as the community remembers the young couple, who were struck and killed while walking on Nicholson Drive over the weekend.  The Kenner Fire Department says the Williams Boulevard closure for the procession will last about an hour beginning this morning at 10:30.

—————————————–

With early voting underway, Louisiana’s Republican U.S. Senate nominee, Julia Letlow, urged her supporters to get the polls to cast their ballots for her. Letlow spoke in front of a small invitation-only audience in Lafayette.

Cut 10 (11) “…right to vote.”

Early voting runs through next Tuesday, except for Sunday. Early locations are open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. JMC Analytics and Polling’s John Couvillon says this midterm election will not see an overall turnout that approaches a Presidential election, but he expects a good number of early voters.

Cut 4 (09) “…the way.”

To see what’s on your ballot, go to geaux-vote-dot-com.

LRN AM Newscall October 21

Louisiana officials are working to give a final resting place for a U-S soldier killed in action during the Korean War. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana Tech President Doctor Jim Henderson’s last day will be Thursday, earlier than planned. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 3 (26) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________

Early voting continues today as it will run through Tuesday October 27th, except for Sunday. Early locations are open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. JMC Analytics and Polling’s John Couvillon says this midterm election will not see an overall turnout that approaches a Presidential election, but he expects a good number of early voters.

Cut 4 (09) “…the way.”

Because this is a federal election, it falls on a Tuesday, not Saturday, which many Louisiana voters are used to. Couvillon says to avoid lines on Tuesday, November third, many people will cast their ballot during this early voting period.

Cut 5 (07) “…people believe.”

Couvillon says more than a quarter of the votes for this election will be made during early voting.

Cut 6 (08) “…next Tuesday.”

To see what’s on your ballot, go to geaux-vote-dot-com.

__________________________________________

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, Doctor Jerome Buller (BUHL-er), visited Private First Class Samuel Pierre Junior’s grave yesterday.

Cut 7 (09) “…not so today.”

Buller says the brick structure covering Pierre’s grave has collapsed.

Cut 8 (08) “…open.”

Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says no grave should look like this, especially that of a soldier killed in action.

Pierre was 22 when he died in Korea in 1952. He grew up in Baton Rouge, attended McKinley High School, graduated from Gaudet High School in New Orleans and attended Southern University. He entered the Army in April 1951 and arrived in Korea that November.

With no living immediate family identified, Buller says the state, governor’s office, Louisiana Cemetery Board and Attorney General’s Office are considering repairing the grave or relocating Pierre’s remains.

Cut 9 (08)  “…behalf.”

The Louisiana Cemetery Board has advised that relocating remains would require court approval since no family members have been located.

__________________________________________________

With early voting underway, Louisiana’s Republican U.S. Senate nominee, Julia Letlow, urged her supporters to get the polls to cast their ballots for her. Letlow spoke in front of a small invitation-only audience in Lafayette.

Cut 10 (11) “…right to vote.”

Letlow told her supporters that the difference between not only her and Jamie Davis, but also between Republicans and Democrats as a whole, couldn’t be any more stark.

Cut 11 (09) “…take back control.”

Letlow got an assist in getting her message out from Senator John Kennedy, who said as charming as Letlow is, she can also be very fierce.

Cut 12 (11) “…a light snack.”

Early voting runs through next Tuesday, with no early voting on Sunday.

__________________________________________________

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 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.”

Hilburn reports that Dickie Crawford, Tech’s current executive vice president for student affairs, will serve as acting president. The UL System Search Committee is accepting applications until November sixth from individuals who are interested in becoming the school’s next president. Hilburn says State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley has been rumored as a possible replacement to Henderson.

Cut 15 (06) “…by the governor”

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

__________________________________________________

The Pelicans tip off the Jamahl Mosley era in New Orleans against the Pacers tonight. The Pels are coming off their two worst seasons since 2012, and with much of the same roster returning, Locked On Pelicans podcast host Jake Madison says the front office is putting a lot of faith in its new head coach.

Cut 16 (14) “…elevate them.”

Forward Zion Williamson returns as the team’s biggest star. After being plagued by injuries, the former number-one pick played in 62 games last year, but his 21 points per game were the fewest of his career. Madison says a lot has been made of his offseason work.

Cut 17 (18) “…prove it.”

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 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.

__________________________________________________

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.”

Benefield started the season at his natural safety position but has since moved over to STAR to fill in for the injured Dashawn Spears. His length and physicality have made him an excellent fit, but he says there is still more work to do.

Cut 20 (20) “…my brothers.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana ranks 22nd nationally in foreclosure filing rate, with more than 29-hundred foreclosure filings in the first half of 2026 – that’s one out of every 724 housing units. NestCash Founder John Carter says the foreclosure process takes the longest in Louisiana by a very wide margin – taking nearly a whole decade to complete a process that would normally take no more than a year.

Cut 5 (10) “…the national average.”

Volunteers hauled 68 tons of trash and debris from Louisiana’s waterways during last month’s first-ever Love Our Waterways campaign. Susan Russell, the executive director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful says the month-long event had quite the turnout.

Cut 7 (11) “…up our waterways.”

The drought is intensifying in Louisiana. That’s according to State Climatologist Jay Grymes who says above-normal temperatures are not helping…

Cut 9 (08)  “…well as himself.”

Grymes expects to see extreme drought and exceptional drought designations expand when the U-S Drought Monitor updates on Thursday.

Video circulating from Paris showing violent demonstrations and riots has raised questions about the city hosting its first NFL game Sunday between the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers. The demonstrations started as protests by students, who are upset with the poor school conditions and teacher shortages, but the movement has expanded to other issues, like cost-of-living, high fuel prices and cuts to public spending. Saints radio play-by-play announcer Mike Hoss says the NFL is closely monitoring the situation…

Cut 14 (07) “…day by day”   

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

18th-ranked LSU visits Auburn on Saturday. Auburn is coming off a 27-24 upset win over top-ranked Georgia this weekend. It was a big victory for first-year head coach Alex Golesh, but there could be a letdown after the emotional win. LSU coach Lane Kiffin says relief syndrome is real.

Cut 18 (17)  “…them next week.”

Will Wade got one eligibility win and one loss as the LSU basketball roster comes into focus with the regular season just two weeks away. Senegalese-Italian pro Saliou Niiang was ruled eligible to play this season after spending the last several years in the European pro circuit. The 6-foot-8 forward was selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA draft but chose to remain overseas before committing to LSU this offseason. Former St. John’s star RJ Luis is not expected to become eligible, though after signing NBA and G League contracts.

There have been concerns over Paris hosting its first NFL game between the Saints and Steelers this Sunday due to violent riots and looting in the city. Saints play-by-play voice Mike Hoss is in Paris with the team and says most of the protests are confined to the northern part of the city while everything in their area seems to be business as usual.

Cut 14 (07) “…day by day”   

The Pelicans tip off the season against the Pacers tomorrow night. New head coach Jamahl Mosley leads a squad hoping to return to the playoffs after winning fewer than 30 games each of the last two seasons. Locked On Pelicans podcast host Jake Madison says forward Trey Murphy will need to step up for that to happen.

Cut 20 (19) “…up defensively.”

4:30 LRN Newscast

What was the response to the inaugural Love Our Waterways month in Louisiana? Andrew Greenstein has the numbers.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Former Southwood High School Band Director Lennard Holden has been indicted on charges of child pornography. According to court documents the indictment alleges that Holden asked a minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct and produce a video of the activity. Holden faces 15 years to 30 years in federal prison if convicted on all charges.

When it comes to foreclosures, each of Louisiana’s biggest metropolitan areas is at an elevated risk. That’s according to a new study by NestCash, which did a county-by-county analysis of foreclosure risk across the country. NestCash Founder John Carter says Louisiana’s mortgage delinquency rate is the highest in the country.

Cut 3 (10) “…national 0.9-percent.”

Carter says the foreclosure risk is highest in Orleans Parish, followed by Evangeline, St. John the Baptist, Sabine, Caddo and East Baton Rouge parishes.

According to State Climatologist Jay Grymes the drought in Louisiana is intensifying and as a result of the dry conditions wildfires are becoming an ever-increasing problem as well…

Cut 11 (06) “…of the state.”

Grymes adds that preliminary numbers from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry suggest as many as 80-plus fires in the state in recent weeks.

3:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Tech president Doctor Jim Henderson says Thursday will be his last day on the job. Henderson said last month he would retire at the end of the calendar year, but in a letter to university employees today, Henderson says he needs to address some things with his physical health. This announcement comes after a public dispute with the UL System board over proposed faculty pay raises.

State Climatologist Jay Grymes says drought conditions are intensifying in Louisiana.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

 

During the inaugural Love Our Waterways campaign last month, 43-hundred volunteers across 51 parishes removed 68 tons of debris from Louisiana’s waterways. Susan Russell, the executive director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful, says the volunteers ran the gamut from government organizations, schools, businesses, non-profits – and even families.

Cut 8 (09) “…did their part.”

The Saints are enjoying a day off in Paris today and will practice tomorrow as they get ready to face Pittsburgh on Sunday in the first NFL game ever to be held in Paris. The radio voice of the Saints, Mike Hoss, says the protests you’ve seen on the news, have yet to impact their trip…

Cut 13 (14) “…this area”