12:30 LRN Newscast

Through the first two days of early voting, almost 176-thousand voters have cast ballots; and of those, almost 56-thousand of them are Black. That Black turnout amounts to almost 32-percent of the total turnout thus far; and John Couvillon of JMC Analytics and Polling says while that lines up with the Black population of Louisiana as a whole, that represents a considerably higher Black turnout compared to other recent high-profile non-Presidential elections.

Cut 6 (11) “…half percent Black.”

A poll from the First Five Years Fund shows that more than a quarter of Louisianans say they’re delaying starting a family due to the high costs of child care. The group’s executive director, Sarah Ritting, says this is an issue that crosses ideological lines.

Cut 4 (07) “…needs to address.”

Real Reform Louisiana says a recent report shows that home and auto insurers raked in massive profits in 2025. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Since LSU football fans apparently can’t behave themselves, they can now expect enhanced security patrols on game days. This comes after several fights broke out at gathering places last Saturday afternoon following LSU’s shutout win over Mississippi State.

UPDATED LRN AM Newscall October 22 ***Adds Pelicans cuts 10-12***

Real Reform Louisiana says a recent report shows that home and auto insurers raked in massive profits in 2025. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Jamie Davis outlines his priorities should he be elected Louisiana’s next U.S. Senator. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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After an offseason of eligibility controversy and mystery, Will Wade’s LSU basketball roster was finalized at 14 players. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the property and casualty insurance industry reported 150-billion dollars in profits in 2025. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Ben Riggs says insurance companies make money not only from premiums, but also by investing those dollars, earning underwriting income and delaying claims…

Cut 4 (10) “…delayed claim.”

Riggs says insurance executives are cashing in on these massive bonuses…

Cut 5 (12) “…people believe.”

Riggs is calling on Louisiana lawmakers to act. He says insurers should not be allowed to pass the cost of executive bonuses, advertising, lobbying and political spending on to policyholders, all while recording record profits. He adds that insurers should have to justify their costs to regulators before rates go up…

Cut 6 (10) “.prior approval.”

A spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Insurance says relying on national profit data does not reflect the reality of Louisiana’s insurance market. L-D-I says the cost of insurance is directly related to the losses insurers pay in claims and unfortunately Louisiana experiences some of the highest losses in the country.

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As early voting in the U.S. Senate general election continues, the candidates are pulling out all the stops in getting their messages across to voters. Democratic nominee Jamie Davis says he has several priorities should voters send him to Washington. For starters, he would work to keep lawmakers off Wall Street.

Cut 7 (13) “…and their pockets.”

Another thing Davis said he would do on day one is to ask for a national ban on non-disclosure agreements for elected officials.

Cut 8 (10) “…backroom deal done.”

On immigration, Davis says the aggressive immigration enforcement operation that the Trump administration has been pursuing for the last two years wouldn’t even be necessary if the immigration process wasn’t so lengthy and costly.

Cut 9 (12)  “…in our country.”

Davis says two of his other priorities are voters’ rights and ending the war in Iran.

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It was a back-and-forth game; but ultimately, the Pelicans fall short in Jamahl Mosley’s debut as the team’s head coach, losing to the Indiana Pacers, 123-120. While the Pelicans showed signs of brilliance, outscoring Indiana 35-18 in the second quarter, being outscored 37-28 in the fourth quarter ultimately did them in. Mosley says the fourth quarter exposed the team’s weaknesses.

Cut 10 (08) “…up moving forward”

Guard Dejounte Murray was the Pelicans’ leading scorer with 23 points in 34 minutes. Murray saw a lot of positives in his team and he knows that they played well enough to win, but they couldn’t finish the job.

Cut 11 (09) “…this one away.”

Forward Zion Williamson was the Pelicans’ second-leading scorer with 22 points in 32 minutes. He says he feels the team is making progress, but there’s still a ways to go.

Cut 12 (09) “…or three years.”

The official score sheet had the official attendance as 17,232 – but in looking around the arena, many of those fans showed up dressed as empty seats, especially in the upper bowl.

__________________________________________________

A new study has found that the number of deep-water creatures in the Gulf dropped about 60-percent in the years following the 2010 B-P Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, and populations have still not recovered. Nova Southeastern University biological oceanographer Tracey Sutton was the lead author of the study and says these animals in the “twilight zone” above the seafloor are a critical food source in the ocean ecosystem.

Cut 13 (12) “…up at night”

Researchers saw a massive decline in marine life in the years following the oil spill. Sutton says coastal fishes have rebounded much better than the open ocean.

Cut 14 (13) “…a lot wrong.”

Researchers found that the dispersants used to clean up the spill actually worsened the biological impacts. It broke down the oil into smaller droplets, increasing exposure to deep water animals. Sutton says the thought was that there would be less life found in deep water to affect.

Cut 15 (12) “…in the future”

__________________________________________________

The LSU basketball roster expanded to 14 players just in time for the regular season to start next month. The final roster features three true freshmen, five traditional transfers, two fifth-year seniors, and four former international pros. Croatian center Michael Ruzic is one of those ex-pros who has impressed LSU Radio analyst Jordy Hultberg this preseason.

Cut 16 (16) “…shooting the three.”

Overseas pros Brice Dessert, Saliou Niang and Gilad Levy just made their way onto the roster this week. Niang was a 2025 second-round pick in the NBA Draft and Hultberg expects him to go right into the starting lineup.

Cut 17 (16) “…playing against.”

Fifth-year UCLA transfer guard Donovan Dent has already been a star in the preseason, and his former teammate Skyy Clark just won a temporary injunction for eligibility. The Tigers have also used a trio of productive transfers so far, and Hultberg says you don’t need a ton of depth to find success.

Cut 18 (17)  “…good ones.”

The Tigers’ first regular season game is November 3 versus LSU New Orleans.

__________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech is 2-and-0 in Sun Belt play and will host Old Dominion for homecoming on Saturday. The Monarchs have the worst offense in the conference, but their defense is third in the league in yards allowed per game. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie says that unit is led by a secondary that stands out on film.

Cut 19 (15) “...that stop.”

Louisiana Tech has had the Sun Belt’s best defense in conference games. The Bulldogs shut out ULM last week, and Cumbie says even if his defense gives up an explosive play here or there, they never give up.

Cut 20 (15) “…great tackler.”

Kickoff in Joe Aillet Stadium is at 4 p.m.

 

LRN AM Newscall October 21

Louisiana officials are working to give a final resting place for a U-S soldier killed in action during the Korean War. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Julia Letlow brings out a heavy hitter to help her urge her supporters to get to the polls in early voting. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana Tech President Doctor Jim Henderson’s last day will be Thursday, earlier than planned. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 3 (26) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Early voting continues today as it will run through Tuesday October 27th, except for Sunday. Early locations are open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. JMC Analytics and Polling’s John Couvillon says this midterm election will not see an overall turnout that approaches a Presidential election, but he expects a good number of early voters.

Cut 4 (09) “…the way.”

Because this is a federal election, it falls on a Tuesday, not Saturday, which many Louisiana voters are used to. Couvillon says to avoid lines on Tuesday, November third, many people will cast their ballot during this early voting period.

Cut 5 (07) “…people believe.”

Couvillon says more than a quarter of the votes for this election will be made during early voting.

Cut 6 (08) “…next Tuesday.”

To see what’s on your ballot, go to geaux-vote-dot-com.

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The grave of a Louisiana soldier killed in the Korean War has deteriorated so badly that his casket is exposed at a Baton Rouge cemetery. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary, Doctor Jerome Buller (BUHL-er), visited Private First Class Samuel Pierre Junior’s grave yesterday.

Cut 7 (09) “…not so today.”

Buller says the brick structure covering Pierre’s grave has collapsed.

Cut 8 (08) “…open.”

Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says no grave should look like this, especially that of a soldier killed in action.

Pierre was 22 when he died in Korea in 1952. He grew up in Baton Rouge, attended McKinley High School, graduated from Gaudet High School in New Orleans and attended Southern University. He entered the Army in April 1951 and arrived in Korea that November.

With no living immediate family identified, Buller says the state, governor’s office, Louisiana Cemetery Board and Attorney General’s Office are considering repairing the grave or relocating Pierre’s remains.

Cut 9 (08)  “…behalf.”

The Louisiana Cemetery Board has advised that relocating remains would require court approval since no family members have been located.

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With early voting underway, Louisiana’s Republican U.S. Senate nominee, Julia Letlow, urged her supporters to get the polls to cast their ballots for her. Letlow spoke in front of a small invitation-only audience in Lafayette.

Cut 10 (11) “…right to vote.”

Letlow told her supporters that the difference between not only her and Jamie Davis, but also between Republicans and Democrats as a whole, couldn’t be any more stark.

Cut 11 (09) “…take back control.”

Letlow got an assist in getting her message out from Senator John Kennedy, who said as charming as Letlow is, she can also be very fierce.

Cut 12 (11) “…a light snack.”

Early voting runs through next Tuesday, with no early voting on Sunday.

__________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson will step down Thursday, months earlier than planned. Henderson announced last month that he would leave at the end of the year, citing health reasons. But his departure also comes amid frustration over the U-L System Board’s decision not to approve faculty pay raises. USA Today Network political reporter Greg Hilburn says Henderson sent a letter to faculty earlier this month criticizing the system board.

Cut 13 (12)  “…the two”

Hilburn says Henderson’s last day on the job is the same day that the U-L System will have its next board meeting.

Cut 14 (12) “…of the year.”

Hilburn reports that Dickie Crawford, Tech’s current executive vice president for student affairs, will serve as acting president. The UL System Search Committee is accepting applications until November sixth from individuals who are interested in becoming the school’s next president. Hilburn says State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley has been rumored as a possible replacement to Henderson.

Cut 15 (06) “…by the governor”

The U-L System is looking to have a new president in place on January 1st.

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The Pelicans tip off the Jamahl Mosley era in New Orleans against the Pacers tonight. The Pels are coming off their two worst seasons since 2012, and with much of the same roster returning, Locked On Pelicans podcast host Jake Madison says the front office is putting a lot of faith in its new head coach.

Cut 16 (14) “…elevate them.”

Forward Zion Williamson returns as the team’s biggest star. After being plagued by injuries, the former number-one pick played in 62 games last year, but his 21 points per game were the fewest of his career. Madison says a lot has been made of his offseason work.

Cut 17 (18) “…prove it.”

NBA All-Rookie team selections from last year, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, will look to take the next step in year two. Queen has struggled during the preseason, but Madison says Fears has looked like the team’s best player. He says he wouldn’t be surprised if he is the starting point guard tonight.

Cut 18 (20)  “…right now.”

Tip-off in the Smoothie King Center is at 7 p.m.

__________________________________________________

LSU will hope to snap its eight-game SEC road losing streak at Auburn this weekend. The Tigers have lost by one score in both of their conference away games so far this season, and safety Ty Benefield says every detail matters on the road.

Cut 19 (19) “…to outcomes.”

Benefield started the season at his natural safety position but has since moved over to STAR to fill in for the injured Dashawn Spears. His length and physicality have made him an excellent fit, but he says there is still more work to do.

Cut 20 (20) “…my brothers.”

 

12:30 LRN Newscast

Early voting is now underway. The biggest race on the general election ballot is for U.S. Senate, with Republican Julia Letlow squaring off against Democrat Jamie Davis. Throughout the campaign, analysts had said whoever emerges as the Republican nominee – in this case, Letlow – would be almost a lock to win the general election. But LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says with the only two publicly-released polls showing Davis within just four points of Letlow, it could end up being a lot closer than originally forecast.

Cut 12 (11) “…ties with Trump.”

The U-S Drought Monitor releases an update Thursday, and State Climatologist Jay Grymes expects to see extreme drought and exceptional drought designations throughout the state. Grymes says wildfires are becoming an ever-increasing problem as well.

Cut 11 (06) “…of the state.”

When it comes to foreclosures, each of Louisiana’s biggest metropolitan areas is at an elevated risk. That’s according to a new study by NestCash, which did a county-by-county analysis of foreclosure risk across the country. NestCash Founder John Carter says Louisiana’s mortgage delinquency rate is the highest in the country.

Cut 3 (10) “…national 0.9-percent.”

During the inaugural Love Our Waterways month last month, 43-hundred volunteers across 51 parishes removed 68 tons of debris from Louisiana’s waterways. Susan Russell, the executive director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful, says the volunteers ran the gamut from government organizations, schools, businesses, non-profits – and even families.

Cut 8 (09) “…did their part.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Early voting in the November 3rd election is now underway. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says with your ballot being exceptionally long this year, it’s important that you review your sample ballot ahead of time.

Cut 9 (08)  “…Vote mobile app.”

The biggest office up for grabs this year is U.S. Senate, with Republican Julia Letlow and Democrat Jamie Davis squaring off in that race. Throughout the campaign, analysts had said whoever emerges as the Republican nominee – in this case, Letlow – would be almost a lock to win the general election. But LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says with the only two publicly-released polls showing Davis within just four points of Letlow, it could end up being a lot closer than originally forecast.

Cut 12 (11) “…ties with Trump.”

El Niño may have kept hurricanes at bay in the Atlantic for the most part, but it will likely yield a wetter-than-normal winter in Louisiana. LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says a strong El Niño strengthens the southerly jet stream, bringing more storm activity to the Gulf Coast.

Cut 5 (05) “…panhandle of Florida.”

The rain could provide some much-needed relief from drought conditions, with the U.S. Drought Monitor indicating about two-thirds of Louisiana is experiencing severe drought, with several northern parishes facing extreme or exceptional drought. 

With the growing unrest in Paris, some are urging the NFL to pull this Sunday’s game between the Saints and the Steelers out of the city. Saints tight end Juwan Johnson says safety is his top priority.

Cut 15 (10) “…that’s going on.”

The two teams have been in regular contact with the NFL, and officials could consider moving the game if necessary, although that is not the plan at this time.

LRN AM Newscall October 20

We got our first taste of fall this past weekend with cool and dry conditions, so what can we expect for winter? Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Early voting in the November 3rd election gets underway today. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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This election cycle is certainly unlike any other in state history. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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NOAA’s winter outlook calls for wetter-than-normal conditions in Louisiana. LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says that’s typical during El Niño winters.

Cut 4 (04) “…that enhanced storminess.”

Keim says a strong El Niño strengthens the southerly jet stream, bringing more storm activity to the Gulf Coast.

Cut 5 (05) “…panhandle of Florida.”

About two-thirds of Louisiana is experiencing severe drought, with several northern parishes facing extreme or exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Keim says the increased chances of rain this winter could provide some much-needed drought relief.

Cut 6 (09) “…now in place.”

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Early voting for the November 3rd election gets underway today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says no matter where in the state you are, you will have several key decisions to make.

Cut 7 (09) “…on their ballot.”

Plus, voters could have a myriad of local races to decide. Landry says in all, there are more than 25-hundred races statewide. She calls it “the great convergence.”

Cut 8 (10) “…every ten years.”

Landry says with your ballot being exceptionally long this year, it’s important that you review your sample ballot ahead of time.

Cut 9 (08)  “…Vote mobile app.”

You can mark that sample ballot and bring it with you – either printed out or on your mobile device – to help you cast your ballot quickly. Early voting runs today through next Tuesday from 8:30 to six; there’s no early voting on Sunday. Make sure you bring a government-issued photo ID with you.

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What’s unique about this election cycle is that there are both general elections and primary elections on the ballot. The U.S. Senate race is down to two – Republican Julia Letlow and Democrat Jamie Davis. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says while that’s the biggest office on the ballot, it’s not the highest profile one.

Cut 10 (11) “…juicing their vote.”

Hogan says it’s the U.S. House races, especially the ones in districts five and six where the incumbents are not on the ballot, which will ultimately drive up voter turnout.

Cut 11 (08) “…getting turnout up.”

As for the U.S. Senate race – throughout the campaign, analysts had said whoever emerges as the Republican nominee – in this case, Julia Letlow – would be almost a lock to win the general election. But Hogan says with the only two publicly-released polls showing Jamie Davis within just four points of Letlow, it could end up being a lot closer than originally forecast.

Cut 12 (11) “…ties with Trump.”

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The Saints flew to Paris after their 34-27 win over the Giants on Sunday. Recent riots in the city have called into question whether the NFL would hold its first-ever Paris game as planned, but the league said it is doing its due diligence to ensure safety this week and is moving ahead with the game. Saints tight end Juwan Johnson…

Cut 13 (12)  “…city of Paris.”

The civil unrest began as student-led protests but has turned into riots and looting in recent weeks. The Black and Gold had yesterday and today off to enjoy the city before settling in for a regular game week, but safety Justin Reid says many players will just stick around the hotel.

Cut 14 (12) “…get a win.”

The Saints and Steelers kick off in the Stade (“stahd”) de France at 8:30 our time on Sunday. The teams have been in regular contact with the NFL, and officials could consider moving the game if necessary, although that is not the plan at this time. Johnson says safety is his top priority.

Cut 15 (10) “…thast’s going on.”

The Steelers will travel to Paris on Thursday.

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LSU recorded its first SEC shutout in nearly two decades with a 31-0 win over Mississippi State on Saturday. Multiple defenders made big plays, but sophomore cornerback D.J. Pickett stood out not just for his coverage but his physicality as a tackler. Coach Lane Kiffin says he could feel how Pickett’s play impacted the team.

Cut 16 (19) “…team to see.”

The offense rolled behind a nearly spotless performance from quarterback Sam Leavitt. He completed a season-high 82-percent of his passes and had no turnovers for the first time this year. Kiffin says the offense got off to a hot start.

Cut 17 (17) “…do with that.”

Auburn is coming off of a 27-24 upset win over top-ranked Georgia this weekend. It was a big victory for first-year head coach Alex Golesh, but there could be a letdown after the emotional win. Kiffin says Relief Syndrome is real.

Cut 18 (17)  “…them next week.”

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After two big SWAC wins, Grambling lost to Alabama A&M 61-31 on the road. Down just two points at the half, the G-Men allowed 35 points in the third quarter, thanks to two turnovers. Head coach Mickey Joseph says he did not have his team prepared well enough.

Cut 19 (14) “…and fix it.”

The Tigers have a bye this week.

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Southern returns to action at Texas Southern this weekend after a week off. The Jaguars earned their first SWAC win under head coach Marshall Faulk before the bye week. He says his team needed time to learn how to play together.

Cut 20 (15) “…we’re looking for.”

 

4:30 LRN Newscast

High school sweethearts from Jefferson Parish are dead after being hit by an SUV. Baton Rouge Police say 21-year-olds Shane Hirstius (HERSE-tus) and Leah Fonte were walking on a shoulder near Tigerland when they were hit. Hirstius played one season of college baseball at Delgado Community College in New Orleans in 2024. Delgado Head Coach Joe Scheuermann (“sherman”) says Hirstius’ high school coach at Archbishop Rummel, Frank Cazeaux, called him with the tragic news.

Cut 5 (08) “…in the stomach.”

The 20-year-old driver is facing several charges.

The latest campaign finance report shows that Republican Julia Letlow has 476-thousand dollars more in cash on hand than her Democratic opponent Jamie Davis. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says you would think Letlow would have a more sizable fundraising advantage.

Cut 10 (06) “…first time candidate.” 

——————————-

Cut 14 (10) “…shame on you.”  (fade and use as bed)  

Some heated moments at last week’s LSU Board of Supervisors meeting, as campus police remove a student who tried to question members about the university’s handling of rape allegations against football player Damien Shanklin. Ziad Eissa raised the issue during public comment at a meeting where comments were limited to LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade’s contract.

A Webster Parish homeowner fatally shoots a man who was breaking into his home. Investigators say following a crash, 44-year-old Billy McFarland tried breaking into a mobile home. The homeowner shot McFarland several times, killing him. Sheriff Jayson Parker says because homeowners have every right to defend themselves inside their own homes, the department will not be filing any charges against the homeowner.

Cut 9 (08)  “…well as himself.”

Sheriff Parker notes that the vehicle McFarland was in was going more than 100 miles an hour at the time of the crash.

3:30 LRN Newscast

A young engaged couple from Jefferson Parish is killed after being hit by an SUV in Baton Rouge early Sunday morning. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says the crash happened in an unlit section of Nicholson Drive, near Tigerland. 

Cut 4 (11) “…early morning hours.”

Leah Fonte was pronounced dead at the scene; her fiance, Shane Hirstius (HERSE-tus), died of his injuries at a hospital. The driver, Mia Dawson, is facing several charges.

A Webster Parish homeowner fatally shoots a man who was breaking into his home. Sheriff Jayson Parker says after getting into a crash, 44-year-old Billy McFarland walked to a nearby mobile home and broke into it.

Cut 7 (09) “…by the homeowner.”

The homeowner shot McFarland several times, killing him. Parker says since the homeowner had every right to defend himself inside his own home, he will not be facing any charges.

The latest campaign finance reports show Republican Julia Letlow with a slight fundraising edge over Democrat Jamie Davis in the U-S Senate race. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

We’re getting new details of a deadly shooting near Ville Platte High School’s homecoming game that led to the game’s cancellation. Investigators say there were five gunshots, and the shooting did not happen on stadium grounds. The victim who died in the shooting is identified as 24-year-old Deondra Thomas of Texas. Two others were hurt. So far, police have not made any arrests.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Tragedy in Baton Rouge as a young engaged couple from Jefferson Parish is killed after being hit by an SUV early Sunday morning. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says 21-year-olds Shane Hirstius (HERSE-tus) and Leah Fonte were walking on the shoulder along Nicholson Drive, near Tigerland, when they were hit.

Cut 3 (11) “…of his injuries.”

20-year-old Mia Dawson faces several charges, including vehicular homicide and, despite being under the limit, DWI because she’s under 21.

Hirstius played one season of college baseball at Delgado Community College in New Orleans in 2024. Delgado Head Coach Joe Scheuermann (“sherman”) says Hirstius had his future plans clearly in focus, and that meant giving up baseball. He recalled the conversation Hirstius had with him when he said he was leaving baseball behind.

Cut 6 (11) “…with my life.”

A Webster Parish homeowner fatally shoots a man who was breaking into his home. Investigators say following a crash, 44-year-old Billy McFarland tried breaking into a mobile home. The homeowner shot McFarland several times, killing him. Sheriff Jayson Parker says because homeowners have every right to defend themselves inside their own homes, the department will not be filing any charges against the homeowner.

Cut 9 (08)  “…well as himself.”

The latest campaign finance report shows that Republican Julia Letlow has 476-thousand dollars more in cash on hand than her Democratic opponent Jamie Davis. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Davis has done well in raising money despite never having run for a statewide office before.

Cut 12 (11) “…Democratic candidate.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana finished the fiscal year that ended on June 30th with a 565-million-dollar budget surplus. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A wildland firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service was killed in the line of duty in Rapides Parish. Kaitlyn Gallagher of Alexandria was struck by a tree while responding to the Broken Creek Fire on the Kisatchie National Forest in Rapides Parish. The fire had grown to ten acres; it has since been contained.

A Jonesboro theater which was one at the center of the civil rights movement is awarded a 750-thousand-dollar grant for the first phase of a major restoration project. In all, the renovation of the Palace Theater will cost up to four-million dollars. Dr. Herbert Simmons Jr., the co-founder of the Greater North Louisiana Community Development Commission, says they have big plans for when the renovations are complete.

Cut 8 (09) “…past and present.”

After Owner Gayle Benson ripped her team’s poor start to the season, the Saints will have their chance to answer her call to action on Sunday against the Giants. Nola.com’s Jeff Duncan says Benson’s speech comes before a big road trip to New York, then to Paris for the first-ever NFL game in France.

Cut 3 (14) “…so bad.”