LRN AM Newscall October 9

A new study gives a clear indication of ULM’s economic impact in all of Northeast Louisiana. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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In late January, the Superdome will play host to the Biggest Rock Band on Earth. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The 2026 U.S. Senate race has its first female candidate. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A new study gives a very clear picture of ULM’s economic impact on Northeast Louisiana. University President Dr. Carrie Castille says the university generates more than 617-million dollars of annual economic impact.

Cut 4 (13) “…the entire region.”

Dr. Castille says the study by Lightcast showed that ULM supported more than ten-thousand jobs across the region.

Cut 5 (05) “…of Louisiana-Monroe.”

Castille says with such a huge economic impact to the region, her objective as ULM president is not only to educate her students, but also to create the jobs in the region so that those who graduate from the university end up settling in the region.

Cut 6 (12) “…to support growth.”

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And then, there were none. The last remaining escapee from the Orleans Parish jailbreak has been captured. Derrick Groves was taken into custody in Atlanta yesterday following an hours-long standoff. He and nine others escaped from the jail back on May 16th. State Police Colonel Robert Hodges told a news conference last night that Groves’ capture marks the end of a five-month ordeal.

Cut 7 (09) “…visitors of Louisiana.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill says these last five months have been very taxing for everyone involved in trying to capture Groves.

Cut 8 (12) “…implicated Derrick Groves.”

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams says the public was very instrumental in capturing not only Groves, but many of the other ten escapees.

Cut 9 (07)  “…makes this happen.”

In addition to the charges he’s been awaiting sentencing for, including second-degree murder, Groves will also be charged with simple escape, and he will also likely face charges in Georgia and from federal prosecutors. Once he’s extradited back to Louisiana, whether voluntarily or otherwise, he will be incarcerated in Angola.

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On January 31st, the Superdome will host the Biggest Rock Band on Earth. The Rockin’ 1000 will take the floor of the Superdome for the rock phenomenon’s first-ever U.S. show. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says this is a concert like none other.

Cut 10 (09) “…of their lives.”

The Rockin’ 1000 movement started on July 26th, 2015, when Fabio Zaffagnini gathered one-thousand musicians in a field in Cesena, Italy, to play the Foo Fighters song “Learn To Fly” strictly as a call for the band to hold a concert in the city. It didn’t take long for the video to make its way to Dave Grohl, who instantly said yes. Schulz says the best part about Rockin’ 1000 is you do not have to be a Dave Grohl to be in the band.

Cut 11 (11) “…on the side.”

If you can sing, drum or play guitar, bass or keyboard and you’d like to be a part of the thousand, you may submit your video audition now by uploading a video onto YouTube and submitting the link on the Rockin’ 1000’s website. If you’d just like to be a spectator, tickets are on sale now, starting at 50 dollars. Schulz says either way, this is an experience of a lifetime.

Cut 12 (11) “…than New Orleans.”

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Another Republican has entered the 2026 U.S. Senate race. St. Tammany Parish Councilwoman Kathy Seiden is the first woman to enter the Republican primary race that already has incumbent Bill Cassidy and three other well-known challengers — Treasurer John Fleming, State Senator Blake Miguez and Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta. Seiden says Cassidy’s challengers have not said how they will help American families.

Cut 13 (08)  “…to the state.”

The Republican Senate primary is in April, and Cassidy is facing strong opposition from within his own party because of his 2021 vote to convict then-former President Trump during his second impeachment trial. Seiden says Cassidy is not a true Republican.

Cut 14 (06) “…on his part.”

Seiden was born in Hammond, grew up in Brusly, and is the mother of four boys. The LSU graduate represents District 4 on the St. Tammany Parish Council. She says Washington has lost touch with the real challenges families face every single day.

Cut 15 (07) “…be a leader”

Seiden says her platform is rooted in faith, family and America First principles.

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LSU’s offense has not been balanced as they would like it to be, due to the recent struggles with running the ball. Junior center Braelin Moore says that the offensive line has to do a better job of establishing the run, especially when defenses drop most of its defenders in coverage.

Cut 16 (14) “…to be better.”

South Carolina’s defensive line, which features top edge rusher Dylan Stewart, is one of the best in the SEC as the Gamecocks have totaled 14 sacks through their first five games. Moore says that LSU’s offensive line has to focus on the task at hand while going out and proving they can do it.

Cut 17 (17)  “…go do it.”

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Saints’ second-year cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry had his best game in the black and gold last Sunday after intercepting two passes in the team’s 26-14 win over the Giants. Head coach Kellen Moore said McKinstry is developing well.

Cut 18 (18) “…progress really well.”

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Louisiana Tech looks for its first 5-and-1 start since 2019 as the Bulldogs make their first trip to Georgia in 100 years to face Kennesaw State tonight at 6 p.m. Central time. The game will air on ESPNU. Junior defensive back Jacob Fields credits the Bulldogs’ defense’s success to holding each other accountable.

Cut 19 (18) “…striving for greatness.”

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Tulane hosts an up-and-down East Carolina team tonight in New Orleans at 6:30 p.m. Head coach Jon Sumrall says the Green Wave will have their hands full on offense as they go up against a talented Pirates defense.

Cut 20 (16) “…a great defense.”