10:30 LRN Newscast

A Florida woman whose body was found in Lake Pontchartrain 38 years ago has finally been identified. 

Cut 10 (09) “…of the murder.”

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Lieutenant Suzanne (soo-ZAWN) Carboni says now that investigators have a name to go with the body, the task now is to find her killer, assuming that person is still alive. 

The Monroe Police Department is being featured on the TV documentary series On Patrol: Live for the next eight weeks. Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan says the show offers the opportunity for officers to demonstrate professionalism, courage, and dedication.

Cut 5 (12) “…led up to it.”

The show airs Friday and Saturday nights from eight to 11 p.m. on Reelz.

For the vast majority of Americans, holiday travel will be a little different this year. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Alvin Kamara contract saga is over. The Saints signed the star running back to a two-year contract extension worth almost 25-million dollars. Also in sports, Louisiana Tech beat UTEP in Ruston last night, 14-10. And the Pelicans open their season tonight against the Bulls in New Orleans.

LRN AM Newscall October 23

The TV documentary series “On Patrol: Live” on Reelz is featuring the Monroe Police Department for the next eight weeks. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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For the vast majority of Americans, holiday travel will be a little different this year. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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After 38 years, a Florida woman whose body was found in Lake Pontchartrain has finally been identified. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Monroe Police Department is being featured on the television documentary series On Patrol: Live for the next eight weeks. The show, hosted and executive produced by Dan Abrams and airs on the Reelz cable channel, offers live, real-time coverage and analysis of police officers’ daily work across various U.S. departments. Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan says viewers can observe officers as they patrol their communities, providing an inside look at the challenges and responsibilities they face.

Cut 4 (11) “…I’ve been told.”

The Monroe Police Department expressed excitement about participating in the show, with Zordan emphasizing the opportunity to demonstrate the professionalism, courage, and dedication of MPD officers.

Cut 5 (12) “…led up to it.”

Zordan believes this platform will not only show the brave actions officers take to protect the community but also raise awareness about the efforts made to improve the city of Monroe. Through On Patrol: Live, audiences will get a closer view of what it takes to maintain safety and order in the city.

Cut 6 (12) “…connection with the public.”

The show airs Friday and Saturday nights from eight to 11 p.m.

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The vast majority of Americans are changing the way they travel this holiday season due to inflation. Ted Rossman with Bankrate says a whopping 83-percent are adjusting their holiday travel routine.

Cut 7 (08) “…to their destination.”

Rossman says it’s NOT the cost of travel that’s gone through the roof…

Cut 8 (12) “…year over year.”

…rather, it’s the cost of everything else that’s gone up.

Cut 9 (10)  “…child care.”

More than one out of every four Americans say they’re planning on taking on debt to travel this holiday season.

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A Florida woman whose body was found in Lake Pontchartrain 38 years ago has finally been identified.

Cut 10 (09) “…of the murder.”

A fisherman found Pamela Lee Hupp’s body in the lake on June 19th, 1986. However, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Lieutenant Suzanne (soo-ZAWN) Carboni says due to the lack of technology available back then, they were unable to identify her or match her with any missing individuals and became known simply as “Lake Lady Jane Doe.” Using genealogy and DNA testing, and through interviews with family members, investigators were finally able to put a name with the body. Carboni says the process was long and hard, but it was worth it.

Cut 11 (13) …identify this individual.”

Now, the task is finding Hupp’s killer, assuming that person is still alive.

Cut 12 (09) “…during that time.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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Today, exclusive Taylor Swift merchandise will be available for sale at the Caesars Superdome, coinciding with her highly anticipated ERAS Tour.  Voice of the Saints Mike Hoss says this special opportunity allows fans who do not have concert tickets to purchase a range of official merch, celebrating Taylor’s diverse musical journey.

Cut 13 (13)  “…and you’re done.”

Items may include apparel, accessories, and collectibles that reflect the different eras of her career, from country roots to pop anthems. Hoss says the sale is expected to attract a large crowd, so fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure their favorite items.

Cut 14 (06) “…a little different.”

Hoss says this event shows Taylor Swift’s immense popularity and the strong connection she has with her fanbase, providing a way for everyone to participate in the excitement of the tour.

Cut 15 (08) “…get some merchandise.”

Don’t miss this chance to grab exclusive memorabilia and celebrate the music that has resonated with so many today and tomorrow at Champions Square at Caesars Superdome.

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The Pelicans tip off the 2024-25 season tonight as they host the Chicago Bulls. Willie Green begins his fourth season as the head coach of the Pels…

Cut 16 (16)   “…training camp.”

The Pels have a chance to get a win tonight as Chicago is a mediocre team in the Eastern Conference. Green says the Bulls like to play fast…

Cut 17 (12) “…well coached.”

The Pelicans were just 21-and-19 at the Smoothie King Center last season. Green says they want to play better on their home floor this year…

Cut 18 (18)   “…the road”

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LSU was ranked 86th in points allowed last season, giving up 30 points a game. This year LSU is allowing 21 points a game and ranked 35th in the country. First-year defensive coordinator Blake Baker is getting a lot of credit and Coach Brian Kelly says Baker has taken the time to develop personal relationships with the players…

Cut 19 (15) “….things for me”  

LSU kicker Damian Ramos is the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week after nailing four field goals against Arkansas, including a career-long tying kick of 48 yards. It’s the second consecutive game Ramos made multiple 40-plus-yard field goals. He’s also made 114 straight PATs. For the season Ramos has missed just two kicks and Kelly says Ramos is locked in…

Cut 20 (15) “…working on it.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

A federal judge in Baton Rouge heard arguments yesterday over the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public school classrooms. One of the plaintiffs, Unitarian Universalist Minister Darcy Roake, says it’s not the state’s job to push religion on kids.

Cut 3 (11) “…the school system.”

The state argued that the Ten Commandments have historical significance and is not overtly religious. Attorney General Liz Murrill said the plaintiff’s expert witness, Steven K. Green of Willamette University, failed to prove that the posting of the Ten Commandments in classrooms violates the First Amendment.

Cut 6 (11) “…for the judge.”

Judge John deGravelles is expected to issue a ruling by November 15th.

A Louisiana Tech student has been accused of driving drunk and killing a 21-year-old man from Sterlington. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A genealogist has identified the remains of five enslaved people who are buried on the grounds of a proposed plastics facility in St. James Parish. Lenora Gobert says the five people were between the ages of nine and 31 when they died, and that it was standard practice back then to bury the remains of enslaved people at the plantations they worked at. Taiwan-based Formosa Plastics Group says it has fenced off the burial site for protection.

1:30 LRN Newscast

A federal judge in Baton Rouge heard arguments yesterday over the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public school classrooms. One of the plaintiffs, Unitarian Universalist Minister Darcy Roake, says it’s not the state’s job to push religion on kids.

Cut 3 (11) “…the school system.”

The state argued that the Ten Commandments have historical significance and is not overtly religious. The hearing included testimony from Steven K. Green of Willamette University, who the plaintiffs called as an expert witness. Attorney General Liz Murrill argued that Green’s testimony be excluded.

Cut 5 (15) “…was admittedly subjective (2x)”

State Police are looking for the driver of the vehicle that struck and killed a pedestrian on Interstate 20 in Richland Parish just east of Louisiana Highway 133. Trooper Ryan Davis says when walking along roads be sure there is a sidewalk.

Cut 9 (07)  “…diligence in being safe.”

That said, Davis said pedestrians should avoid the Interstates altogether; after all, by law, pedestrians aren’t allowed on Interstates.

A genealogist has identified the remains of five enslaved people who are buried on the grounds of a proposed plastics facility in St. James Parish. Lenora Gobert says the five people were between the ages of nine and 31 when they died, and that it was standard practice back then to bury the remains of enslaved people at the plantations they worked at.

Cut 11 (07) “…on the plantation.”

Taiwan-based Formosa Plastics Group says it has fenced off the burial site for protection.

9:30 LRN Newscast

What impact will potential changes to sales taxes and personal income taxes have on taxpayers? RESET Louisiana did a comprehensive study on that issue. PAR President Steven Procopio says in the final analysis, nearly everyone will see their income taxes go down, but they will pay more in sales taxes.

Cut 6 (13) “…by wealthier individuals.”

Lawmakers will convene in a special session next month.

A federal judge heard arguments yesterday over the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public school classrooms. The state argued that the Ten Commandments have historical significance and is not overtly religious, but opponents including the ACLU say there’s no evidence that the Ten Commandments were considered by the country’s founding fathers. Judge John deGravelles is expected to issue a ruling by November 15th.

A Baton Rouge mother is sentenced to life in prison after her two-year-old son died from a Fentanyl overdose. Whitney Ard was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of her son, Mitchell Robinson the Third. District Attorney Hillar Moore argued that the circumstances demonstrated a pattern of negligence that crossed into criminal behavior.

Cut 7 (12) “…child to have access.”

While the case has prompted scrutiny of the Department of Children and Family Services, the agency is not under criminal investigation.

New Orleans is about to get a huge economic boost with a trio of Taylor Swift concerts in the Superdome. Dr. Diego Bufquin (BUFF-quin), the director of the hospitality unit at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, says Swift’s concerts will bring as much as 300-million dollars to the city.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that she’s bringing.”

LRN AM Newscall October 22

A new study illustrates the impact on income tax and sales tax reforms on individuals. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A mother was found guilty of Second-Degree murder in the death of her two-year-old son from a Fentanyl overdose and sentenced to life in prison.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Taylor Swift is about to provide a huge economic boost to New Orleans. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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What impact will potential changes to sales taxes and personal income taxes have on taxpayers? RESET Louisiana did a comprehensive study on that issue as lawmakers get set to debate Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal. Steven Procopio with PAR says the study made connections between income levels and changes in tax burdens.

Cut 4 (13) “…slightly less regressive.”

However, Procopio says the difference in tax burden changes is not that much different between income levels.

Cut 5 (08) “…lot of comfort.”

Procopio says in the final analysis, nearly everyone will see their income taxes go down, but they will pay more in sales taxes.

Cut 6 (13) “…by wealthier individuals.”

Lawmakers will convene in a special session next month to consider the sweeping proposals.

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A Baton Rouge mother is sentenced to life in prison after her two-year-old son died from a Fentanyl overdose. Five weeks ago, 31-year-old Whitney Ard was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2022 death of Mitchell Robinson the Third. Ard’s attorneys argued their client should have been tried for negligent homicide instead of murder. But East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says a mother should never allow her child to be exposed to such dangerous drugs.

Cut 7 (12) “…child have access.”

Despite Ard’s defense claiming negligence rather than intent, the jury’s decision underscores a growing recognition of the severe consequences of drug abuse, particularly in environments involving children. The case has also prompted scrutiny of the Department of Children and Family Services, which faced criticism for its handling of the situation, leading to the resignation of a supervising official.  Moore says DCFS is not under criminal investigation.

Cut 8 (11) “…for his death.”

This case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective measures to protect vulnerable children and address the broader opioid epidemic. Moore says Ard will likely appeal

Cut 9 (10)  “…which it is.”

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WalletHub released its 2024 report ranking the safest states in America, with Louisiana identified as the least safe. WalletHub.com Analyst Chip Lupo say the ranking evaluated all 50 states based on five key safety factors across several categories…

Cut 10 (12) “…emergency prepairdness.”

Some of the criteria used for assessment included the number of law enforcement personnel per capita, bullying rates, assault rates, and unemployment rates.  Lupo says Louisiana and Mississippi ranked lowest, are facing challenges related to crime rates, financial security, and emergency readiness.

Cut 11 (12) …just for starters (laughing).”

Lupo sys the report stresses the importance of considering multiple factors that influence the overall safety of residents in each state including a financial safety dimension where Louisiana ranks 49th

Cut 12 (13) “…would be lower.”

Lupo says Louisiana has ranked near the bottom of this list multiple times with our neighbors Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas ranking 47, 48, and 49 on average.

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New Orleans is about to get a huge economic boost with a trio of Taylor Swift concerts in the Superdome. Dr. Diego Bufquin (BUFF-quin), the director of the hospitality unit at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, says Swift’s concerts will bring as much as 300-million dollars to the city.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that she’s bringing.”

Dr. Bufquin says Taylor Swift’s concerts will continue to have an impact, even after her last show on Sunday wraps up.

Cut 14 (07) “…more money here.”

Because of this economic windfall, Dr. Bufquin says a guest speaker in one of his classes who works at the convention center says New Orleans will be all the way back from the great economic downturn of 2020.

Cut 15 (09) “…the pandemic started.”

All hotel rooms in the city are booked all weekend long, and tickets on the secondary market are going for a minimum of one-thousand dollars apiece, not including fees.

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Eight ranked LSU and 14th ranked Texas A-and-M will battle for first place in the SEC on Saturday night. Both teams have won six straight since losing their season opener. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says the LSU defense will prepare for a strong rushing attack

Cut 16 (16)   “…weapons.”

LSU is 6-and-1 and they’ve put themselves in the discussion to be one of the 12 teams in the college football playoff. Kelly says he’s more worried about being consistent…

Cut 17 (17) “…to that.”

Many doubted that LSU could contend for the SEC Championship, but now they are 4-and-0 and many are now believing in them. Kelly says he wants the players to focus on their preparation, not what the press is saying…

Cut 18 (19)   “…usually happen” .

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Louisiana Tech takes on UTEP tonight in Conference USA action. The Miners lead the league in tackles for loss so Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says it will be important for quarterback Evan Bullock to get rid of the ball quickly…

Cut 19 (24) “….create pressure”  

Tech enters the game with a 2-4 record, 1-and-2 in Conference USA. Senior defensive lineman Mykol Clark says they are hungry for a win after a bad loss last week at New Mexico State…

Cut 20 (20) “…to go, man.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

More than 170-thousand people showed up at the polls for early voting Friday and Saturday. Normally, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says that’s not the case this time around.

Cut 4 (15) “…2020 and 2024.”

When mail-in ballots are factored in, the total number of early votes through the end of the weekend approaches 260-thousand.

LSP Class 105 started its accelerated 14-week POST class. Lieutenant Jared Sandifer says the timeline is rigorous, pushing students to excel and adapt quickly.

Cut 10 (07) “…to be a Trooper.”

Many are remembering Charles Baglio, a longtime LSU staffer and a Hall of Fame high school football coach, who died at the age of 81. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Saints Coach Dennis Allen said today that it’s still too early to know if quarterback Derek Carr will be healthy enough to play in this Sunday’s game against the Chargers. He’s hopeful Taysom Hill will be back from fractured ribs, while receiver Chris Olave remains in concussion protocol. Former Bills, Chiefs and Packers receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling worked out for the team today.

LRN PM Newscall October 21

The first two days of early voting in Louisiana broke records. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Many are remembering Charles Baglio, a longtime LSU staffer and a Hall of Fame high school football coach, who died at the age of 81. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Voters turned out in droves during the first two days of early voting. The secretary of state’s office says more than 170-thousand people showed up at the polls Friday and Saturday. John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says the actual number is even higher.

Cut 3 (11) “…to 259,512 statewide.”

Normally, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but Couvillon says that’s not the case this time around.

Cut 4 (15) “…2020 and 2024.”

And at least on Saturday, Black voters didn’t turn out in the numbers that the state saw four years ago.

Cut 5 (09) “…had in 2020.”

Couvillon says a couple reasons for the huge Republican turnout are that they’re enthusiastic about this year’s election, and the fact that since Louisiana doesn’t have a single competitive race on the ballot in terms of federal offices, people wanted to get their voting out of the way early.

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Longtime LSU football staffer Charles Baglio died Friday night when he was hit by a car on U-S Highway 51 in Tangipahoa Parish. Baglio was just involved in a wreck himself and checking on another vehicle when he was struck and killed by a passing motorist. Baglio was also a successful high school football coach at Independence. Former Independence Coach Keith Carona says Baglio made high school sports fun

Cut 6 (07) “…fun doing it.”

Baglio won 205 games as a high school football coach and took Independence to the state championship game twice. Carona says former LSU coach Nick Saban hired Baglio as a staffer in in 2002 and he was part of three national championship teams…

Cut 7 (11) “…at LSU.”

Baglio was 81-years-old and Corona says the Independence native served as a mentor for many high school football coaches…

Cut 8 (08) “…other plans.”

Baglio was inducted into the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and part of this year’s National High School Athletics Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

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LSP Class 105 started its accelerated 14-week POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) class, designed to prepare the 56 students for careers in law enforcement. This intensive program will equip them with essential skills and knowledge, including legal principles, investigative techniques, and physical training.  LSP Lt. Jared Sandifer says cadets in the accelerated program have POST training going into the academy.

Cut 9 (11)  “…exposed to some of that.”

Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on learning experiences and real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and decision-making abilities. Sandifer says the 14-week timeline is rigorous, pushing students to excel and adapt quickly.

Cut 10 (07) “…to be a Trooper.”

By the end of the program, graduates will be well-prepared to take on the challenges of law enforcement, ready to serve and protect their communities. Sandifer noted the benefits that come with becoming an LSP Trooper…

Cut 11 (12) “…if you will.”

LSP is currently taking applications for Class 107 starting in the summer of 2025.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Voters turned out in droves during the first two days of early voting. The secretary of state’s office says more than 170-thousand people showed up at the polls Friday and Saturday. John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says the actual number is even higher. 

Cut 3 (11) “…to 259,512 statewide.”

Normally, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but Couvillon says this time, it’s the other way around.

Oral arguments are taking place in U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge at this hour over Louisiana’s controversial Ten Commandments law. Legal analyst Dane Ciolino says the state has almost no chance of winning this round.

Cut 9 (16)  “…establishment clause precedent.”

Some 150-thousand Swifties are set to invade New Orleans this week. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

LSU rolled past the Razorbacks on Saturday night beating Arkansas 34 to 10 in Fayetteville. The win sets up a huge game this Saturday against Texas A-and-M. LSU has won six in a row since the season-opening loss to USC and are now ranked number-seven in the nation.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The Saints of today are a far cry from the first two weeks of the season. That was evident Thursday night when the Saints got walloped by the Broncos, 33-10. Head Coach Dennis Allen says the team is much better than what last night showed.

Cut 23 (13) “…playing that way.”

LSU hopes to fare better than the Saints as they travel to Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. LSU got a huge win last week against Ole Miss, and Coach Brian Kelly expects his team can avoid a let down.

Cut 15 (10) “…right direction.”

LSU is 5-and-1 on the season, while Arkansas is 4-and-2. Kickoff is at six.

The Ragin Cajuns take their 5-and-1 record on the road to play Coastal Carolina at 11 AM central time on Saturday. Coastal is coming off a 39 to 7 loss to James Madison. But Cajuns Coach Mike Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) says they looked good in their five previous games…

Cut 17 (15) “…being motivated.”

Elsewhere, Southern hosts Alcorn State, and Tulane hosts Rice.

When it comes to professional sports in Louisiana, it’s hockey 2, baseball 0. The Monroe Moccasins join the Baton Rouge Zydeco (ZYE-de-koh) in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, taking the ice following a 23-year absence. Moccasins Owner Nic Perkin says there’s excitement in the air.

Cut 9 (08)  “…it’s just incredible.”