3:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana is working to contain a rare strain of tuberculosis. The patient from China had crossed into the U.S. illegally, was transferred to a federal prison in Louisiana, then went to a medical facility. Solicitor General Benjamin Aguinaga (ag-win-YAH-ga) says Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against ICE in an effort to prevent the release of detainees from the state’s two federal prisons.  

Cut 15 (20) “…make that commitment.”

The state says the patient may have come into contact with more than 200 other detainees and countless non-detainees. Still, Governor Landry assured the people of the state in a news conference that there is currently no danger to public health.

A new $107 million Construction & Advanced Manufacturing Building project was announced recently by LSU.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Fire danger continues to increase amid sunny and dry conditions. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says Washington Parish firefighters were busy battling a wildfire yesterday…

Cut 12 (10) “…very, very dry.”

LRN PM Newscall October 23

A die-hard Taylor Swift fan from Metairie books nearly an entire hotel near the Superdome – but not to make a profit. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new $107 million Construction & Advanced Manufacturing Building project was announced recently by LSU.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A die-hard Taylor Swift fan from Metairie books practically an entire downtown New Orleans hotel for the Taylor Swift concerts, but not to make an easy profit. Rebecca Fox booked 191 rooms at the Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome hotel for about 500 dollars each for four nights this week. She says since she booked the rooms immediately after the Superdome shows were announced, she got a relative bargain

Cut 3 (07) “…for quad occupancy.”

Fox says she booked early to avoid what would almost certainly have been a huge price increase.

Cut 4 (09) “…taxes and fees.”

Fox says she re-sold all the rooms that she booked at exactly the price she paid, so she’s not making any profit. She says she did so so that other Taylor Swift fans could meet and connect this weekend. Fox says she feels that Taylor Swift fans are being price-gouged, and that’s not right.

Cut 5 (08) “…for the stuff (2x)”

All hotels in New Orleans are completely booked for the three nights of Taylor Swift’s Superdome shows. Tickets to the shows are going for a minimum of one-thousand dollars on the resale market.

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Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Louisiana’s insurance outlook remains stable, with officials maintaining a positive stance. State Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple describes the situation as “manageable,” saying that the storms’ impact falls below the catastrophic level seen in hurricanes like Ian in 2022…

Cut 6 (11) “…half of that.”

Temple says Louisiana has escaped significant damage this season,  but the global nature of reinsurance must be considered. This means that events worldwide could still influence local insurance rates.

Cut 7 (06) “…out of this year yet”

The state has only faced one major storm, and Temple is optimistic that the remainder of the season may pass with minimal disruption. However, he advises caution, as the global market for reinsurance affects rates in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (09) “…next two months bring.”

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LSU has unveiled plans for a new $107 million Construction & Advanced Manufacturing Building.  Dean of the College of Engineering Vicki Colvin says the project will enhance the university’s construction management program.

Cut 9 (11)  “…on Mars.”

Colvin says the new building will be located on South Stadium Drive next to Tiger Stadium and will offer advanced lab and faculty spaces to support cutting-edge research and prepare students for Louisiana’s growing construction industry.

Cut 10 (07) “…technology for them.”

The project has received a $15 million donation from Art Favre, a 1972 LSU graduate and founder of Performance Contractors. Colvin says LSU is actively raising more money for the construction of the building…

Cut 11 (05) “…time to do it.”

Groundbreaking for the building is expected to start in 2026.

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Sunny and dry conditions persist in Louisiana and the fire danger continues to increase. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says Washington Parish fire fighters were busy battling a wildfire yesterday…

Cut 12 (10) “…very, very dry.”

Strain says they believe a chain hanging from a vehicle started a roadside fire in Washington Parish last night….

Cut 13 (11) “…very, very dry.” 

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Governor Landry is assuring the people of Louisiana that there is no danger, even as an inmate in a federal prison in the state tests positive for a rare, drug-resistant form of tuberculosis. Landry said in a news conference that the patient came from China and crossed into the U.S. illegally.

Cut 14 (15) “…worked to eradicate.”

Landry says the patient was transferred to a federal prison in Louisiana; and from there, to a medical facility. Solicitor General Benjamin Aguinaga says Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against ICE in an effort to prevent the release of detainees from the state’s two federal prisons.

Cut 15 (20) “…make that commitment.”

Surgeon General Ralph Abraham says the patient, who the state is referring to as “Patient Zero,” has a very resistant strain of tuberculosis.

Cut 16 (13)   “…a foreign country”

The state says the patient may have come into contact with more than 200 other detainees and countless other non-detainees.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Louisiana’s insurance outlook remains stable. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the storms’ impact falls below the catastrophic level seen in hurricanes like Ivan.

Cut 6 (11) “…half of that.”

Temple emphasized that while Louisiana has largely escaped significant damage this season, the global nature of reinsurance must be considered.

Investigators in St. Tammany Parish now have a name to go with a body recovered from Lake Pontchartrain 38 years ago. Using genealogy and DNA testing, they have identified the body as that of Pamela Lee Hupp. Lieutenant Suzanne (soo-ZAWN) Carboni says the process was long and hard, but it was worth it. 

Cut 11 (13) …identify this individual.”

A die-hard Taylor Swift fan from Metairie books practically an entire downtown New Orleans hotel for the Taylor Swift concerts, but not to make an easy profit. Rebecca Fox booked 191 rooms at the Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome hotel for about 500 dollars each for four nights this week. She says since she booked the rooms immediately after the Superdome shows were announced, she got a relative bargain

Cut 3 (11) “…for quad occupancy.”

Fox says she re-sold all the rooms that she booked at exactly the price she paid, so she’s not making any profit.

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.