10:30 LRN Newscast

DOTD is updating its Statewide Transportation Plan as it does every ten years, and it’s launching a survey to get your input. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says the survey is seven questions long and should take a very short time to fill out.

Cut 6 (14) “…consider the environment.”

DOTD posted a link to its survey on its social media channels.

Meta partners with Childhelp to launch a free, expert-backed curriculum to educate middle schoolers about online safety. Ravi Sinha, the head of Meta’s Child Safety Policy, says Meta remains committed to protecting young users and equipping them with knowledge and tools to stay safe online.

Cut 16 (08) “…online and offline.”

Another encouraging report about the state of Louisiana education. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The woman charged in connection with the death of a Kansas City TV reporter in New Orleans for the Super Bowl is also tied to a death in the French Quarter in December. All we know about that December death is that it’s similar in nature to the death of Adan Manzano, who was found dead in his Kenner hotel room. His wallet and cell phone were later found at the home of 48-year-old Danette Colbert, who’s being held without bond.

LRN AM Newscall February 12

DOTD is updating its Statewide Transportation Plan as it does every ten years, and it’s launching a survey to get your input. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Another encouraging report about the state of Louisiana education. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Governor Landry announced that state executions will resume and can use nitrogen gas after the corrections agency updated the protocol. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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DOTD is updating its Statewide Transportation Plan as it does every ten years, and it’s launching a survey to get your input.

Cut 4 (11) “…motorized or otherwise.”

Erin Buchanan with DOTD says the survey will go a long way in helping DOTD develop its plan to address all forms of transportation – not just motor vehicles.

Cut 5 (14) “…need to go.”

Buchanan says the survey is seven questions long and should take a very short time to fill out.

Cut 6 (14) “…consider the environment.”

DOTD posted a link to its survey on its social media channels.

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On the heels of encouraging news from the Nations’ Report Card, Louisiana students are doing quite well in the Education Recovery Scorecard.

Cut 7 (08) “…second in math.”

State Education Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says the Recovery Scorecard measures student achievement since the end of the pandemic.

Cut 8 (10) “…in several areas.”

Dr. Brumley says it’s a testament to the hard work that teachers are putting in, but the job’s not done..

Cut 9 (10)  “…work to do.”

The Recovery Scorecard is a prominent national study by both Harvard and Stanford.

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Governor Landry announced the state will resume executions using nitrogen gas suffocation after the corrections agency updated its protocol. State Representative Nicholas Muscarello, who crafted the legislation, says use of the nitrogen gas is not unconstitutional.

Cut 10 (11) “…people arguing that.”

The director of the Loyola Center for Social Justice, Cecilla Kappel (CAP-ill), called it a reckless misuse of state resources and a step backwards for the state.

Cut 11 (09) “…death penalty system.”

Muscarello says Landry is honoring his commitment to the victims of these crimes.

Cut 12 (13) “…was going to do.”

Kappel says Landry bringing back the death penalty is only political, and it’s a practice that is not needed in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (11)  “…days of executions.”

Rapids Parish District Attorney is obtaining Death Warrants for Larry Roy, known as the “Cheneyville Slasher.” He killed two people in 1993, and he will be the first to be put to death under the new protocol on March 19th if courts don’t step in.

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Meta has partnered with Childhelp to launch a free, expert-backed curriculum to educate middle schoolers about online safety. The curriculum includes recognizing grooming and exploitation. Ravi Sinha, the head of Meta’s Child Safety Policy,  says the curriculum provides detailed lesson plans, interactive activities and videos to help young people navigate digital spaces safely.

Cut 14 (16) “…ask for help.”

Sinha says the curriculum is part of Childhelp’s “Speak Up Be Safe” program and is available to educators, parents, and community organizations. It is completely free.

Cut 15 (12) “…to middle schoolers.”

Sinha says Meta remains committed to protecting young users and equipping them with knowledge and tools to stay safe online.

Cut 16 (08) “…online and offline.”

Visit Childhelp-dot-org to download the curriculum.

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The Saints lengthy coaching search is over as Kellen Moore is new the new head coach in New Orleans. New Orleans-dot-football reporter Mike Triplett says the Saints were the last team to fill its head coaching vacancy, but their patience paid off in landing an up-and-coming coach who just won a Super Bowl…

Cut 17 (13)  “…successfully.”

Moore was a record setting quarterback at Boise State. He spent six seasons as a quarterback in the NFL and he’s been an offensive coordinator the last six years of his life, with three different teams, the Cowboys, Chargers and Eagles. Triplett says Moore arrives in New Orleans with a good resume…

Cut 18 (14)  “…different teams.”

Triplett had a chance to get to know Moore during Super Bowl Week in New Orleans and came away learning that Moore loves talking offensive football…

Cut 19 (21) “…really cool.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

The Saints have their man. Jeff Palermo has more on the hiring of Kellen Moore as their new head coach…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor Landry must produce text messages he sent to LSU Board Chair Scott Ballard about law professor Ken Levy. Levy was suspended after he made critical remarks about Landry to his students. Levy testified Monday that he was told and believes a student reported his comments to Landry who then reached out to Balland.

A Flood Watch is in effect for northern Louisiana due to heavy rainfall expected through tomorrow afternoon. The National Weather Service says there will be up to a 75% chance that rainfall totals will be greater than three inches for the area. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s also the chance for severe weather…

Cut 11 (10) “…flash floding.”

The Port of Iberia will soon host a major development, bringing nearly 600 jobs to the region. Baton Rouge-based Cajun Industries has chosen the port for its new 60-acre assembly yard, where heavy industrial modules will be built. Port of Iberia Executive Director Craig Romero says Cajun Industries isn’t wasting any time.

Cut 3 (08) “…for their customers.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

The Saints have their guy. Kellen Moore has agreed to be the team’s next head coach. The 36-year-old will have his challenges as a first-time head coach as he takes over a team where the better players are older, and it’s unclear who the long term quarterback will be. Luke Johnson, who covers the Saints for NOLA.com, expects the Saints to be patient with Moore…

Cut 13 (11)  “…they are.”

A Flood Watch is in effect for northern Louisiana. The National Weather Service says Monroe, Jonesboro and Natchitoches could see as much as six inches of rain. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says heavy rain may lead to flooding of low-lying areas, rivers, creeks and roads…

Cut 10 (09) “…risks out there.”

The Port of Iberia will soon host a major development, bringing nearly 600 jobs to the region. Baton Rouge-based Cajun Industries has chosen the port for its new 60-acre assembly yard, where heavy industrial modules will be built. Port of Iberia Executive Director Craig Romero says Cajun Industries isn’t wasting any time.

Cut 3 (08) “…for their customers.” 

We’re getting local reaction to President Trump’s executive order halting new development of wind energy. LaRose Republican Representative Joseph Orgeron says there are many benefits of wind energy, saying it helps provide an alternative revenue stream and stability, including in the boating industry.

Cut 8 (13) “…the bad times.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

This just in to the LRN Newsroom – we’re getting reports that the Saints are hiring Kellen Moore as their new head coach. Moore just helped the Eagles win a Super Bowl championship as the team’s offensive coordinator, winning the title on the very same field where he will be coaching his home games next season. Luke Johnson covers the Saints for NOLA.com says it appears to be a solid hire for the Black and Gold…

Cut 12 (14) “…charismatic guy.”

A Flood Watch is in effect for northern Louisiana due to heavy rainfall expected through Wednesday afternoon. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says much of the watch area will see two to four inches of rain.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the whole area.”

We’re getting local reaction to President Trump’s executive order halting new development of wind energy. LaRose Republican Representative Joseph Orgeron says Trump is a longtime critic of wind farms, and it may be personal.

Cut 7 (15) “…along the coast.”

Orgeron says there are many benefits of wind energy, saying it helps provide an alternative revenue stream and stability, including in the boating industry.

And now, a look at today’s commodities.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Registration for the next round of grants through the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program opens at eight tomorrow morning. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says homeowners can apply for a chance to receive up to 10-thousand dollars in grants to upgrade their roofs.

Cut 4 (12) “…grants to award.”

We’re getting local reaction to President Trump’s executive order halting new development of wind energy. LaRose Republican Representative Joseph Orgeron says Trump’s order does not affect any current wind farms.

Cut 6 (12) “…their construction plans.”

Orgeron says Trump is a longtime critic of wind farms, possibly because a wind farm was put up near a golf course in Scotland that he had purchased.

Baton Rouge-based Cajun Industries is bringing 600 jobs to the Port of Iberia with a new assembly yard. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A sheriff’s deputy in Evangeline Parish finds himself on the other side of the law. The sheriff’s office there says 36-year-old Joshua Uhlman is charged with several counts of indecent behavior with juveniles. Investigators say he would provide them money and alcohol if they allowed him to take indecent photos. Uhlman is being held on 150-thousand dollars bond.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Registration for the next round of Louisiana Fortify Homes Program grants opens at eight tomorrow morning. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says homeowners living in the coastal areas including the Lake Charles area are eligible.

Cut 5 (08) “…have to re-register.”

Homeowners selected will receive a ten-thousand-dollar grant for a fortified roof. The application window closes at five Sunday night.

The Department of Health is launching a pilot program aimed at reducing the unnecessary use of an emergency room by Medicaid recipients. Brigadier General Cindy Haygood says Acadian Health will launch an urgent mobile care unit to patients’ homes for treatment of non-life-threatening medical conditions.  

Cut 10 (13) “…our Medicaid members.”

The Louisiana Wildlife Commission is looking at extending the alligator hunting season amid an explosion in the population. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Life on the run for a New Orleans celebrity of sorts is over. A terrier mix named Scrim escaped months ago after being adopted from Zeus’ Rescues, leading to a massive city-wide effort to find him. Sightings were reported in several neighborhoods, including Mid-City and the Lower Garden District. Zeus’ Rescues announced Scrim’s capture on social media, thanking an organization called Trap Dat Cat.

5:30 LRN Newscast

Super Bowl 59 is in the books. Mark Romig, the chief marketing officer of New Orleans and Company, says New Orleans literally welcomed the world to the city.

Cut 5 (12) “…around the world.”

Romig says New Orleans will be bidding to host another Super Bowl, but the earliest that can happen is 2030. The next three Super Bowls will be in Santa Clara, Los Angeles and Atlanta, and the 2029 Super Bowl would coincide with Mardi Gras.

As for the game itself, the Philadelphia Eagles thoroughly dominated the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley celebrated a birthday yesterday by winning a title…

Cut 12 (12) “…world champs.”

Kenner Police have uncovered additional evidence linking Danette Colbert of Slidell to the suspicious death of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano. Manzano was found unresponsive in a Kenner hotel room and later pronounced dead. Police Chief Keith Conley says they seized three cell phones.

Cut 6 (08) “…some nature.”

Security footage from Project NOLA shows Colbert with Manzano together in the Quarter and later leaving his hotel room alone. Pending further investigation and toxicology results, charges could be upgraded to homicide. Those tests could take several weeks.

A murder-suicide in Lafayette, and police there say the couple’s two children were present at the time. Corporal Ashley Wood says they exited the SUV, and one of them flagged down a passing driver for help.

Cut 11 (08) “…Lafayette Police Department.”

LRN AM Newscall February 10

LSU Alexandria ranked #4 in Niche’s 2025 Best Colleges in Louisiana, placing it among the state’s top institutions in the state.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Families will be able to start applying for education grants through the L-A GATOR program starting March First. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A new NFL champion was crowned at the Superdome last night. Andrew Greenstein reports from the site of Super Bowl 59.

Cut 3 (38) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) is ranked #4 in Niche’s 2025 Best Colleges in Louisiana. Chancellor Paul Coreil says this recognition reflects LSUA’s increasing reputation and coincides with a record-high Spring enrollment of nearly seven-thousand undergraduates, a 28% surge, the highest growth rate among Louisiana universities.

Cut 4 (08) “…interest in LSUA.”

Coreil says a key factor driving LSUA’s expansion is its online programs, which have grown 46-percent in one year, now serving nearly 4,000 students. On-campus enrollment also…

Cut 5 (07) “…Universities have declines.”

Coreil emphasized LSUA’s commitment to high-quality, accessible education and workforce readiness.

Cut 6 (08) “…are very marketable.”

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The REAL ID enforcement date is approaching, with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) urging residents to prepare before May 7. OMV Public Affairs Director Matthew Boudreaux says visit express-lane-dot-org for a REAL ID checklist of what drivers need.

Cut 7 (8) “…your current address .”

OMV encourages residents to upgrade to a REAL ID when renewing their license or by applying for a duplicate. Boudreaux says to avoid a last-minute rush and advises residents to act early.

Cut 8 (11) “…if you act now.”

Boudreaux says Louisiana’s digital ID, LA Wallet, is accepted at TSA checkpoints but requires a REAL ID-compliant credential.

Cut 9 (09)  “…that white star.”

After May 7th, to fly domestically you’ll need a REAL ID or a passport. Also a REAL ID will be needed to enter many federal buildings.

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There’s a new school choice program in Louisiana, and the application window opens March 1st. The website for the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise, or L-A Gator, program has launched, providing families with all the information they need about the program. Germain Gilson, the assistant superintendent of school choice, says families can use the money to customize their children’s education.

Cut 10 (13) “…courses and uniforms.”

Gilson says while this program is now open to everyone of all income levels, not just low-income families under the previous Louisiana Scholarship Program, those in the previous program shouldn’t worry about being left out.

Cut 11 (06) “…Louisiana Scholarship Program.”

The legislature is only going to set aside a limited amount of money for L-A GATOR, so it’s unclear at this time how many additional families the state will accommodate.

Cut 12 (09) “…into the program.”

For more information, the website is lagator.la.gov.

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Fly, Eagles, Fly! Fans who attended Super Bowl 59 at the Superdome no doubt had that song stuck in their heads last night. They played it often, as the Philadelphia Eagles dethroned the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history. The game was much more lopsided than the final score indicated – the Eagles jumped out to a 34-0 lead before the Chiefs even crossed midfield late in the third quarter. Jalen Hurts passed for 221 yards and two touchdowns, including a 46-yard bomb to Amite’s very own DeVonta Smith that effectively ended the competitive phase of the game. Hurts was named Super Bowl MVP and said afterwards it was the culmination of a long journey that included a benching in the 2018 College Football Playoff Championship game while at Alabama, a subsequent transfer to Oklahoma and a loss to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl two years ago.

Cut 13 (15)  “…inside to win.”

Hurts said his journey to Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP is unprecedented.

Cut 14 (10) “…all as one.”

Eagles Coach Nick Siriani said his team fought through adversity all season long

Cut 15 (13) “…we went through.”

Chiefs Coach Andy Reid said his team had no answers for the Eagles until it was way too late and complimented the Eagles on a hard-fought win.

Cut 16 (08) “…a nice job.”

Another player with Louisiana ties, former Saint Zack Baun, intercepted a Patrick Mahomes pass late in the first half that set up a touchdown that put the Eagles up 24-0 at halftime.

5:30 LRN Newscast

Kenner Police arrest a woman in connection with the death of a Kansas City TV reporter in town covering the Super Bowl. Police Chief Keith Conley says 48-year-old Danette Colbert was seen on surveillance video at a Comfort Suites hotel entering Adan Manzano’s room Wednesday morning.

Cut 12 (10) “…entering that room.”

Chief Conley says the credit card that Manzano used to check into the hotel was missing from his wallet. Investigators found it a short time later inside Colbert’s Slidell home.

The Super Bowl weekend crawfish boil will be relatively cheap this year. Crawfish App founder Laney King says crawfish is averaging about $4.79 a pound, which is much less than the price at this time last year.

Cut 7 (12) “…it’s super early”

You can bet on just about anything at the Super Bowl. You can bet on whether Saquon Barkley will record ten rushing yards in each quarter or how long it will take for New Orleans native Jon Batiste to sing the national anthem. Bookies-dot-com’s Adam Thompson says even diehard Swifties might want to make a bet on the big game.

Cut 11 (12) “…for the Super Bowl.”

But the big question on everyone’s mind is – who’s going to win? I asked people that question at the NFL Experience at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, and there seems to be at least some consensus.

Cut 4 (07) “…Eagles by 10.”

One woman says she thinks one team will make Super Bowl history.

Cut 5 (05) “…it to them.”