12:30 LRN Newscast

LSU now knows which conference opponents they’ll play for the next four seasons. The SEC has announced that next season, LSU will host Alabama, Mississippi State, Texas A-and-M and Texas. Tiger Rag Editor Glen Guilbeau is looking forward to the matchup with the Longhorns, as it will likely mark the return of New Orleans native Arch Manning to Louisiana.

Cut 12 (12) “…Bo Jackson.”

The new archbishop of the New Orleans diocese will be James Checchio (CHETCH-ee-oh). He was most recently the bishop of Metuchen (meh-TOOTCH-in), New Jersey, and he will succeed Gregory Aymond when he retires on November 12th. Checchio noted the abundance of Catholic schools in New Orleans.

Cut 4 (10) “…blessing that’ll be.”

Governor Landry proclaims today as Hurricane Rita Remembrance Day. Jeff Palermo reports it’s a day southwest Louisiana will never forget…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana approves its first-ever carbon storage well. Sempra Infrastructure plans to inject an estimated two-million metric tons of carbon dioxide a year underneath Black Lake in Cameron Parish. Patrick Courreges (cur-RAHJ) with the Department of Energy and Natural Resources says these permits are the most restrictive permits the department does.

Cut 7 (16) “…inject the carbon.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking you to be on the lookout for the eastern spotted skunk. It  wants to use the data to help biologists determine the current distribution and conservation needs of the species. Jennifer Manuel, the furbearer biologist with the State of Louisiana, says if you see one…

Cut 15 (05) “…might still occur.”

NOLA.com is reporting the Superdome lease negotiations between the Saints and the state are at standstill. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Two people in a car in Mississippi were killed when the Amtrak Mardi Gras train hit it last night as it was crossing the tracks. It happened as the train was headed east from New Orleans towards Mobile, Alabama. Investigators say the car never slowed down as the driver tried crossing the tracks. There were 97 passengers on board the train at the time; none of them were hurt.

5:30 LRN Newscast

President Trump says pregnant women who take Tylenol increase the chances of their babies having autism. Senator Bill Cassisy, however, says the most reputable of studies have shown no connection between the two. Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, says when in doubt, don’t listen to politicians – always trust your doctor.

Cut 8 (09) “…to your OB.”

An Allen Parish man is behind bars after allegedly setting ten fires along Louisiana Highway 26. Agricultural and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says 67-year-old Bradley Montou was booked into the Allen Parish jail on ten counts of simple arson, and his bond is set at 75-thousand dollars.

Cut 13 (09)  “…more fires.”

The State of Louisiana has a stern warning for litterbugs – we’re not putting up with your garbage anymore! Don Molino reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Don Molino.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking you to be on the lookout for the eastern spotted skunk. It’s a species that hasn’t officially been documented in the state in more than three decades. LDWF says if you see one, simply snap a photo and email it to them.

4:30 LRN Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy is pushing back on President Trump’s notion that autism can be linked to women taking acetaminophen while pregnant. The Republican Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, says it’s important to note that no study has explicitly said that taking the drug, most commonly sold under the Tylenol brand, CAUSES autism.

Cut 6 (08) “…that it’s associated.”

The State of Louisiana has a stern warning for litterbugs: We’re not taking your trash anymore! Harahan Representative John Illg authored the new state law that beefs up enforcement of the state’s anti-littering enforcement efforts.

Cut 3 (07) “…enforce litter laws.”

Fines for littering range from 175 dollars for simple littering on a first offense up to one-thousand dollars for gross littering – dumping large amounts of trash or having an illegal dump site.

If you order shrimp from a restaurant in Monroe or Ruston, chances are it will be imported. SeaD Consulting recently did genetic testing on shrimp from 24 restaurants in the area and found that every single one of them was serving imported shrimp – including seven which claimed that the shrimp was caught in the Gulf of Mexico. SeaD Consulting Founder Dave Williams says especially with the increase in radioactive material being found in imported shrimp, that’s a huge issue.

Cut 10 (14) “…issue to me.”

An Allen Parish man is facing multiple counts of arson after he allegedly set ten fires along Louisiana Highway 26. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says 67-year-old Bradley Montou set the fires on September 15th

Cut 12 (10) “…the highway.”

LRN AM Newscall September 23

A juvenile is arrested for allegedly posting a threat against a school on social media. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Researchers at the University of South Florida are looking at reimagining how we judge the intensity of hurricanes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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President Trump says Tylenol use during pregnancy may be linked to an increased risk of autism. Jeff Palermo has the reaction from the Autism Society…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Two men are killed in a mass shooting in Shreveport over the weekend. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon says it happened at around one Saturday morning, where more than 100 people were gathered for a party in remembrance of someone who had died within the past year.

Cut 4 (13) “…55 years of age.”

Corporal Bordelon says Johnny Robinson and Jonathan Green were pronounced dead at the scene.

Cut 5 (08) “…non-life-threatening injuries.”

Bordelon says the shooters are still on the loose, and it’s unclear at this point exactly what led to the shooting.

Cut 6 (09) “…the intended target.”

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A juvenile is arrested for allegedly posting a threat onto social media to shoot up a school in Rapides Parish. The threat was made to Oak Hill High School in Elmer. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says the threat was made Sunday, and the sheriff and superintendent had to act fast.

Cut 7 (14) “…most prudent thing.”

(Due to the hour of the day, the sheriff and superintendent decided to close the school Monday.) Carnline says with the assistance of the Cyber Crime Unit, they were able to track down a suspect after several hours.

Cut 8 (08) “…threat originated from.”

Carnline says when a threat is posted onto social media like this one, it will spread like wildfire.

Cut 9 (13)  “…bottom of it.”

The suspect has been placed in the Renaissance Home for Youth. Carnline says this is still an active investigation.

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Researchers at the University of South Florida want to reimagine the way we categorize hurricanes. Currently, they’re rated on a scale of one to five based solely on wind speed. But Jennifer Collins, a professor of geosciences at U-S-F, says there are two other factors that need to be considered that may be even more important.

Cut 10 (09) “…from wind alone.”

Collins says factoring in rainfall and storm surge would allow forecasters to give a much more accurate threat level for each storm.

Cut 11 (07) “…an overall category.”

The overall category would normally be the highest value of the three ratings. But Collins says in certain instances, a storm could be rated as a category six.

Cut 12 (10) “…a cat five.”

An example of a Category Six storm would be Hurricane Wilma from 2005 – it was a Category Four for wind speed and a Category Five for both rainfall and storm surge. Collins says she and her fellow researchers are planning on presenting their proposal to the National Hurricane Center in the near future.

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President Donald Trump is urging pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol as he says there is a link between acetaminophen and autism. But President of the Louisiana Chapter of the Autism Society, Beryl Hebert, says there is no conclusive evidence of Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism…

Cut 13 (04)  “…does not imply causation.”

Mr. Trump says the Food and Drug Administration will notify physicians immediately that is strongly recommended that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary. Hebert recommends talking with your physician…

Cut 14 (08) “…that you trust.”

There are some studies that point to possible link, but Hebert says the best study out there on this issue was released last year and it says acetaminophen use during pregnancy was not associated with children’s risk of autism…

Cut 15 (11) “…no causal link.”

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The Saints are trying to figure out what went wrong in Sunday’s 44 to 13 loss to Seattle. The Seahawks had a long punt return for a touchdown and blocked a punt in the first quarter to start the beat down. Coach Kellen Moore says they just failed to execute…

Cut 16 (20) “…out of it.”

The Saints trailed 38-6 at halftime. The 38 points are the most they’ve allowed in the first half in franchise history. Moore is eager to see how his team responds to blowout loss…

Cut 17 (16)  “…get it done now.”

The Saints are Buffalo this Sunday. The Bills are off to a 3-and-0 start.

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly says he expects tight end Trey’Dez Green and West Weeks will play this Saturday against Ole Miss after missing the Southeastern Louisiana game with injuries. Kelly says running back Caden Durham also has a chance to play after spraining his ankle against the Lions. The coach is feeling good about his running back room and believe junior Kaleb Jackson is coming around…

Cut 18 (20) “…the offense.”

Kelly says Durham’s injury against Southeastern Louisiana was not serious…

Cut 19 (15) “…the week.”

The last time LSU played Ole Miss in Oxford, the Rebels won a shootout, 55 to 49. The Tigers allowed a single game record of 706 yards. Kelly brings a better defense to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium this season, but Kelly his offense will still be needed to score…

Cut 20 (15) “…in the SEC.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

A new trial date is set for former Union Parish football star and ex-LSU running back Trey Holly who is facing felony charges in connection with a shooting in Union Parish that injured two people in February of last year. Holly’s lawyer, Michael Small, says Judge Monique Clement (clay-MAW) has set the trial date for April 27th; this, after the original trial in July was postponed due to a broken air conditioner at the courthouse in Farmerville.

Cut 3 (09) “…on that date.”

Two fishermen drowned on Sunday at Dorcheat (Door-cheat) Bayou in Webster Parish. The bodies of 54-year-old Annie Buggs of Bernice and 41-year-old Deandrea Ford of Homer were found in the water, along with a chair. Sheriff Jason Parker says foul play is not suspected.

Cut 8 (08) “..what happened.”

LSU football’s three permanent opponents for the 2026 to 2029 season have been leaked. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Researchers at the University of South Florida are looking to reimagine how we rate Hurricane intensity. Currently, they’re rated based solely on wind speed. But researchers say factors like rainfall and storm surge also need to be rated on a scale of one to five, and the hurricane’s overall rating would be the highest of the three numbers.

12:30 LRN Newscast

After the initial trial date was pushed back due to a broken air conditioner, a new trial date for former Union Parish football star Trey Holly is now set for April 27th. Holly is charged with illegal use of a weapon and aggravated criminal damage to property in connection with a shooting that injured two people in February of 2024. His lawyer, Michael Small, says barring any extenuating circumstances, the trial will not be moved.

Cut 5 (13) “…to have occurred.”

Much of Louisiana is at a heightened risk of wildfires. In fact, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says wildfire activity greatly ramped up over the weekend.

Cut 12 (15) “…11 fires”

The outcome of the game was never in doubt – as expected, LSU crushed Southeastern Louisiana, 56-10, at Tiger Stadium Saturday night. LSU went for it on fourth down three times and converted on all of them. After the game, Head Coach Brian Kelly said that’s something they wanted to work on, with the meat of the SEC schedule looming.

Cut 13 (14)  “…need moving forward.”

On3.com’s Chris Low, by the way, is reporting that LSU’s three permanent opponents in the SEC’s new scheduling system will be Arkansas, Texas A&M and Ole Miss.

11:30 LRN Newscast

A new trial date is set for former Union Parish football star and ex-LSU running back Trey Holly who is facing felony charges in connection with a shooting in Union Parish that injured two people in February of last year. Holly’s lawyer, Michael Small, says Judge Monique Clement (clay-MAW) has set the trial date for April 27th; this, after the original trial in July was postponed due to a broken air conditioner at the courthouse in Farmerville.

Cut 3 (09) “…on that date”

Two fishermen drowned at Dorcheat Bayou in Webster Parish yesterday. The bodies of 54-year-old Annie Buggs of Bernice and 41-year-old Deandrea Ford of Homer were found in the water, along with a chair. Sheriff Jason Parker says relatives tell investigators they did not know how to swim.

Cut 7 (11) “…pulled in themselves”

Australian based Woodside Energy will be a major employer for southwest Louisiana for decades to come. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Get used to seeing the Rebels, the Razorbacks and the Aggies. While the SEC will officially be announcing each team’s three permanent opponents under the conference’s new nine-game scheduling structure tomorrow, On3.com’s Chris Low let the cat out of the bag one day early. The SEC will revisit the permanent opponents every four years.

5:30 LRN Newscast

A Calcasieu Parish jury has found a southwest Louisiana man guilty of murder in the brutal death of 72-year-old Sheila Ortega in 2023. District Attorney Stephen Dwight says it took just over an hour for the jury to convict 43-year-old Christopher Cater of first-degree murder and unlawful disposal of remains….

Cut 10 (12) “…guilty verdict.”

The longtime face of New Orleans Mardi Gras has announced his retirement. Arthur Hardy, the longtime publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says after a half century, the 2026 edition will be his last. Hardy says he has lots of post-retirement plans.

Cut 7 (08) “…in Oslo, Norway.”

The Mardi Gras Guide will continue to bear Hardy’s name.

We are looking at a dry weekend across the state and abnormally dry conditions have developed across south Louisiana and along the Arkansas border. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says nearly half of the state is on the verge of drought conditions according to the Drought Monitor.

Cut 3 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

The Saints hit the road for the first time this season as they face the Seahawks Sunday. Lumen Field is one of the hardest places to play in the NFL, but defensive end Cam Jordan says outside distractions are the least of the team’s worries this weekend.

Cut 14 (12) “…a win.”

Jordan will play in his 229th career game as a Saint Sunday, surpassing Drew Brees for most games played in franchise history.

2:30 LRN Newscast

A Calcasieu Parish jury has found a southwest Louisiana man guilty of murder in the brutal death of 72-year-old Sheila Ortega in 2023. District Attorney Stephen Dwight says it took just over an hour for a jury to convict 43-year-old Christopher Cater of first-degree murder and unlawful disposal of remains….

Cut 10 (12) “…guilty verdict.”

The longtime face of New Orleans Mardi Gras is calling it a career. Arthur Hardy, the longtime publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says after a half century, the 2026 edition will be his last.

Cut 6 (09) “…time as any.”

Hardy launched the Mardi Gras Guide with his wife in 1977 as a way to make it easy for people to keep up with parade schedules. It’s now published by Georges Media and will continue to bear Hardy’s name.

Drought conditions are starting to develop across Louisiana as the state is in store for another dry weekend. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is starting to test seafood for contamination following last month’s explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland. LDEQ is testing them for heavy metals and petroleum-related chemicals. It’s collecting samples in the Tangipahoa River and Lake Pontchartrain.