LRN AM Newscall October 7

The historic Shreveport Country Club is now ashes, and the future of the property that hosted thousands of weddings and other events is very much in doubt. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Democratic Party is calling for change after video appears to contradict State Police’s assertion that former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy caused a deadly crash. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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River Oaks School, a small Pre-K-through-12 private school in Monroe, is a finalist for a one-million-dollar sports facility makeover from T-Mobile. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The investigation continues into the weekend blaze that destroyed the historic Shreveport Country Club. It took 75 firefighters from Shreveport to put out the massive blaze, but the property is deemed a total loss. Winner’s Circle International, a nonprofit run by the Shreveport Community Church, owns the property that’s been around for 115 years, and Pastor Denny Duron says they are figuring out what the next steps are.

Cut 4 (09) “…for those people.”

There are allegations on social media that the building, which has hosted numerous weddings, dinners and other events, was burned down to insurance proceeds. But Duron says the building was not insured and he was hoping a buyer would come along and repurpose the facility.

Cut 5 (09) “…in real time.”

Duron says he was in Missouri the day the country club burned down. It has not been used since 2016, when the property was put up for sale for more than four-million dollars. Duron says vagrants repeatedly broke into the country club before the fire. He’s hoping Shreveport fire investigators can determine how the blaze started.

Cut 6 (08) “…fire broke out”

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The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office will be conducting an independent investigation into the State Police’s investigation into the crash that involved late LSU star receiver Kyren Lacy. This, after newly-surfaced video shows that Lacy did not cause the fatal crash, despite the LSP’s report that stated otherwise. Lacy died by suicide days before a grand jury was to consider the charges of vehicular homicide that Lacy had been charged with. Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius (“Darius”) Lanus says he wants to know how many other similar instances are out there.

Cut 7 (09) “…lives were changed?”

Lanus says after viewing the video, it seems that Louisiana State Police investigators have some explaining to do.

Cut 8 (09) “…we did see.”

Lanus is calling on the Legislature to pass “The Lacy Law” in the next session, which would be designed to prevent false reporting and wrongful accusations by law enforcement officers, with stricter penalties against those who deliberately fabricate or misrepresent evidence.

Cut 9 (08)  “…gaps and loopholes.”

Louisiana State Police says it’s working diligently on an investigative briefing video, which will include evidence before, during and after the crash; and once it’s complete, it will release it to the public.

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A small Pre-K-through-12 private school in Monroe is a finalist for a one-million-dollar sports facility makeover from T-Mobile. Ryan Dickson, the assistant principal and assistant athletic director at River Oaks School, says winning the competition could give the school a chance to upgrade multiple football facilities.

Cut 10 (14) “…to be done.”

River Oaks’ football stadium is outdated, and Jackson says that if the school was to win T-Mobile’s Friday Night Lights competition, the bleachers and seating would be a main priority for upgrades.

Cut 11 (14) “…a true stadium.”

Jackson says flood damage in 2016 left the school’s sports facilities in poor condition, so winning the competition would allow the school to make several upgrades to its facilities.

Cut 12 (15) “…because they’re older.”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says it received 13-hundred applications for the 2025 Black Bear Hunting Lottery. LDWF black bear biologist John Hanks says the 2024 hunt drew 973 applications. He says interest was higher this year, because more of the state is open to bear hunting during a two-week-long season in December.

Cut 13 (13)  “…open this year.”

From those 13-hundred applications, 26 permits were issued for the 2025 Black Bear Hunting Season, which will run from December 6th to the 21st. Hanks says last year, only 11 permits were issued.

Cut 14 (11) “…weeks in Louisiana.”

The Louisiana black bear was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1992. But thanks to a collaborative effort among many stakeholders, the black bear was removed from the list in 2016, and Hanks says the population remains healthy.

Cut 15 (10) “…to use those.”

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LSU’s offense ranks 80th in the country when it comes to scoring, averaging just 27 points a game. Head coach Brian Kelly says the offense showed improvements over the bye week, as the Tigers look to keep improving.

Cut 16 (16) “…week after week.”

LSU’s rush attack ranks 117th out of 134 teams, averaging about 105 yards on the ground a game. The Tigers rushed for only 57 yards against Ole Miss, who had one of the worst rush defenses in the nation going into the game. Kelly says the offense cannot be one-dimensional and has to be able to run the ball.

Cut 17 (18)  “…will be, eventually.”

LSU’s defense will be challenged once again this week, with South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers coming to Baton Rouge. Sellers is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, and Kelly says the Tigers have to be able to make him uncomfortable.

Cut 18 (20) “…are not scripted.”

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Despite facing one of the best defensive fronts in all of the NFL, the Saints’ offensive line did not allow quarterback Spencer Rattler to be sacked once in the 26-14 win over the Giants. Head coach Kellen Moore says he’s impressed with the entire group.

Cut 19 (16) “…an awesome group.”

After missing the first five games of the season with a calf injury, there’s a chance that Saints defensive end Chase Young could return for Sunday’s game against the Patriots. Moore says  Young is progressing well.

Cut 20 (12) “…some optimism here.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

Today’s announcement by MMR that it’s going to build an assembly facility in Lafayette comes on the heels of Friday’s announcement by drone manufacturer DMR that it will set up shop in a facility it’s renovating in the city. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the drones will have several applications germane to Louisiana.

Cut 6 (11) “…economy is future-proofing.”

Saints fans at yesterday’s game at the Superdome were ecstatic to see their team pull off their first win of the 2025 season – a 26-14 come-from-behind win over the New York Giants.

Cut 3 (14) “…a good win.”

The Saints will try to make it two in a row this Sunday at the Superdome against New England.

An attorney for former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy says video evidence disputes a State Police’s report that he caused a fatal crash in Lafourche Parish last December. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

At this year’s News Awards by the National Association of State Radio Networks, LRN won for best newscast, best sportscast and best feature.

1:30 LRN Newscast

The attorney for the family of late LSU receiver Kyren Lacy says video evidence shows that he was not responsible for a deadly crash in Thibodaux last December. Lacy was charged with negligent homicide and other charges, and he died by suicide just two days before a grand jury was to hear evidence against him. Attorney Matthew Ory says newly-surfaced body camera footage shows that Lacy was travelling well behind the vehicles involved in the deadly crash. Ory also provided evidence during an extensive interview on HTV 10 News that one of the drivers in the crash was eating Funyuns and tailgating before colliding with the other vehicle and was supposed to have been cited.

Cut 9 (12)  “…taken away”

L-S-P originally said Lacy illegally passed multiple vehicles, causing one driver to swerve to avoid his car, causing a head-on crash.

Another company announces an investment in Lafayette. Baton Rouge-based electrical contractor MMR announces that it’s investing in a new assembly plant in Lafayette to produce electrical components used in semiconductors and data centers. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says it’s the latest example of how Louisiana is becoming a technology hub for the country.

Cut 7 (12) “…kind of manufacturing.”

Saints fans at yesterday’s game at the Superdome were ecstatic to see their team pull off their first win of the 2025 season – a 26-14 come-from-behind win over the New York Giants.

Cut 3 (14) “…a good win.”

The Saints will try to make it two in a row this Sunday at the Superdome against New England.

12:30 LRN Newscast

The attorney for former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy says video evidence shows he was not responsible for a fatal crash last December in Thibodaux. On HTV-10 News Friday, Matthew Ory says body camera footage shows Lacy’s vehicle traveling well behind the head-on collision.

Cut 8 (10) “..ever painted.”

Lacy had been charged with negligent homicide; he died by suicide just before a grand jury was to hear the evidence against him.

Today’s announcement by MMR that it’s going to build an assembly facility in Lafayette comes on the heels of Friday’s announcement by drone manufacturer DMR that it will set up shop in a facility it’s renovating in the city. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the drones will have several applications germane to Louisiana.

Cut 6 (11) “…economy is future-proofing.”

Cut 23 (04) “…nightmare is over.”

For Saints fans, the start of this season, along with the end of last season, seemed like a long, national nightmare. The Saints ended an eight-game losing streak dating back to last season with a 26-14 win over the Giants. Not only is it Kellen Moore’s first win as an NFL head coach – but it’s also Spencer Rattler’s first win as an NFL starting quarterback in 11 tries. Fans were thrilled for the former South Carolina Gamecock.

Cut 4 (09) “…get a win.”

The Saints will try to make it two in a row this Sunday at the Superdome against New England.

10:30 LRN Newscast

The state is making strides in its education attainment rate – the rate of people between the ages of 25 and 64 with a credential beyond a high school diploma. The Board of Regents says it’s close to 53-percent, with a goal of 60-percent by 2030. Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says some disparities also must be closed.

Cut 6 (09) “…men and women.”

Saints fans at yesterday’s game at the Superdome were ecstatic to see their team pull off their first win of the 2025 season – a 26-14 come-from-behind win over the New York Giants.

Cut 3 (14) “…a good win.”

The Saints will try to make it two in a row this Sunday at the Superdome against New England.

A drone manufacturing company is shifting production to Louisiana. Jeanne (“zhahn”) Burns reports.

Cut 29 (38) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

In addition, MMR Group has also announced plans to invest in a new assembly plant in Lafayette, expanding its footprint in Louisiana. That will create 200 more direct new jobs with an average annual salary of 85-thousand dollars a year, along with more than 300 indirect new jobs.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple approves Farm Bureau’s request for a nearly 12-percent auto insurance rate decrease. He says Farm Bureau is the first company that told him its rate decrease request is a direct result of the insurance reform package that the legislature passed this year. He says Louisiana is becoming a more attractive state for insurance companies to do business.

Cut 4 (07) “…accordingly and appropriately.”

Congressman Cleo Fields is denying allegations of insider trading. The news website NOTUS reports the Democrat is being investigated after he bought a large amount of Oracle stock days before President Trump signed an executive order that gave the company a leading role in TikTok’s pending U.S. spinoff from a Chinese company. Fields says he’s been trading stocks for a long time.

Cut 7 (08) “…I’m in Congress.”

It’s a light schedule of college football games this Saturday., but there are still games of interest. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And if you’re planning on spending time outdoors this weekend, temperatures will be warmer than normal throughout the state for this time of year. A disturbance near the Bahamas will bring rain to Southeast Louisiana that will last a few days. North of the I-12 corridor, however, will see little to no rain whatsoever.

12:30 LRN Newscast

What does the weather hold in store this weekend? It depends on where in the state you’re in. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says those in Southeast Louisiana could be in for a wet end to the weekend.

Cut 9 (11)  “…along the coast.”

However, for those of you north of the I-12 corridor, Grymes says you’ll be lucky to see any rain in the next seven days.

Those of you who have Farm Bureau auto insurance could be in for a decrease in your premiums when your policy is up for renewal. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple has approved its request for a nearly 12-percent rate decrease, effective the first of the year. Temple says it’s in part a direct result of the work of the legislature earlier this year.

Cut 3 (11) “…the 2025 session.”

Congressman Cleo Fields is facing allegations of insider trading. The news website NOTUS reports the Democrat bought a large amount of Oracle stock days before President Trump signed an executive order that gave the technology giant a leading role in TikTok’s pending U.S. spinoff from a Chinese company. Fields denies he had any inside knowledge.

Cut 6 (07) “…this for years.”

Fields is a member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, which oversees the financial markets and securities industry. NOTUS says it’s unclear what, if anything, Fields knew about Oracle’s involvement in the TikTok deal, or whether Fields initiated the trade himself or if a financial adviser did so on his behalf.

LRN AM Newscall October 3

With a forecast of almost 75-thousand new jobs in the next two years, one economist says Louisiana is poised to cross the two-million jobs barrier. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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How will the ongoing federal government shutdown affect consumer spending? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new Superdome agreement between the state and the Saints has been signed, which will keep the team in the city of New Orleans for the foreseeable future. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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One economist says the state as a whole is expected to add almost 75-thousand jobs in the next two years. Dr. Loren Scott says much of South Louisiana is expected to see a good portion of those new jobs, fueled by the industrial construction boom.

Cut 4 (11) “…now beginning construction.”

Dr. Scott says when considered by itself, the New Orleans metropolitan area tells a very different story. He says environmental organizations have stifled industrial projects, and with the exception of St. Tammany Parish, that has slowed job growth tremendously there.

Cut 5 (09) “…were before Katrina.”

Scott says there is a level of uncertainty in the oil and gas sector, thanks in large part to tariffs and oil prices.

Cut 6 (12) “…used to do.”

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How will the federal government shutdown affect consumer spending? Kris Lindsey-Hall, an associate professor of marketing at LSU, says those who stand to lose their income, whether temporarily or permanently, will have a very rough go for the time being.

Cut 7 (12) “…to do that.”

Lindsey-Hall says even those who don’t work for the federal government may find themselves cutting back on spending, or opting for less expensive options like private label brands at the supermarket instead of national brands.

Cut 8 (10) “…today was financially.”

Lindsey-Hall says people tend to put off major purchases during federal government shutdowns.

Cut 9 (10)  “…that ripple effect.”

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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has laid out its plan on how it will address a 25-million-dollar structural deficit. Interim President Jamie Hebert says the school has implemented 10-percent operational spending cuts and a five-percent cut to academic affairs.

Cut 10 (12) “…offices on campus.”

Hebert says there will be a handful of layoffs. He says they will also adjust building temperatures and make changes to the campus shuttle bus system. He says there will be several other cost-saving measures.

Cut 11 (10) “…current revenue streams.”

The deficit is the result of a decline in enrollment of full-time undergraduates since 2015. During that time, the school has seen an increase in online and graduate programs, but that brings in less revenue. Hebert says the goal with these cost cutting initiatives is not to diminish the student learning experience, and they believe they can achieve that.

Cut 12 (10) “…to conduct research.”

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A new Superdome agreement has been signed between the Saints and the State of Louisiana. The ten-year extension keeps the Black and Gold in New Orleans through the 2035 season, and the Saints will have the option to renew every five years through 2055. Owner Gayle Benson says the deal is an example of the special partnership between the state and the NFL franchise.

Cut 13 (13)  “…of the way.”

The new lease agreement is the result of lengthy negotiations between the NFL franchise and the Saints. According to NOLA.com, the two sides had trouble agreeing on new details for other real estate properties, such as Benson Tower, which is owned by the Saints but leases office space to state agencies.

Changes have also been made on revenue percentages for food and beverage sales at games and gives Louisiana more favorable terms to market the Dome’s exclusive suites for marquee events.

The lease agreement also contains language that would deter a future owner from relocating the team. Governor Jeff Landry praises the deal.

Cut 14 (10) “…of New Orleans.”

Because the lease agreement negotiations took longer than expected, the Saints missed a key deadline in order to bid on hosting a Super Bowl in 2031. But Benson believes it’s not too late to get involved in the bidding.

Cut 15 (08) “…am not deterred.”

If 2031 is not on the table for the Saints, the next available year for New Orleans to host the Super Bowl is 2038.

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McNeese football hasn’t had the ideal start they would have liked, but the Pokes will have an opportunity to get back in the win column as they host Southeastern tomorrow. Head coach Matt Viator says he wants his team to be frustrated and be able to respond to a tough loss to Stephen F. Austin.

Cut 16 (18) “…you don’t win.”

The Pokes have struggled to be put a full offensive showing together for four quarters. Even though the group has showed flashes, Viator says that the coaching staff has to do a better job of putting his players in the best position to be effective.

Cut 17 (16)  “…hit and miss.”

Southeastern is 3-2 after coming off of a 45-31 win over Texas Rio Grande Valley. The Lions play two quarterbacks on offense, junior Carson Camp and sophomore Kyle Lowe. Head coach Frank Scelfo commends the two quarterbacks for being able to make such a difficult system work.

Cut 18 (19) “…win or lose.”

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Quarterback Jaxson Dart was drafted 25th overall by the New York Giants in the this year’s NFL Draft. Even though the Saints were in the market for a quarterback, they passed on the electric playmaker from Ole Miss. Dart says that he’s going into Sunday’s game against the Saints with an extra chip on his shoulder.

Cut 19 (14) “…like that happens.”

Dart will make his first start on the road in New Orleans on Sunday. Even though the Superdome is known for being one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, Dart says he’s used to crowd noise from playing in the SEC.

Cut 20 (19) “…prepare that way.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

Southeast Louisiana could be in for a wet weekend this weekend. The National Hurricane Center has identified an area of low pressure that has a low potential of developing into a tropical depression. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says this disturbance is helping increase rain chances.

Cut 10 (12) “…anybody’s guess.”

Congress’s inability to approve a government funding bill has resulted in the expiration of the National Flood Insurance Program. Policies currently in effect will continue until the end of the current one-year policy term. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the program can still pay claims, but that will stop once available funds run out.

Cut 4 (10) “…hurricane season.”

One economist is predicting that Louisiana will soon achieve a significant employment milestone. Dr. Loren Scott says Louisiana is expected to add almost 75-thousand jobs over the next two years, pushing the state past the elusive two-million jobs threshold.

Cut 6 (11) “…employment in Louisiana.”

A new Superdome agreement has been signed between the Saints and the state of Louisiana. The ten-year extension keeps the Black and Gold in New Orleans through the 2035 season, and the Saints will have the option to renew every five years through 2055. Owner Gayle Benson says the deal is an example of the special partnership between the state and the NFL franchise.

Cut 13 (13)  “…every step of the way.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

Southeast Louisiana could be in for a wet weekend. The National Hurricane Center has identified an area of low pressure near the Bahamas that has a low potential of developing into a tropical depression. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that will bump up the rain chances Sunday.

Cut 11 (09) “…part of Wednesday.”

One economist says Louisiana is expected to add almost 75-thousand jobs over the next two years, pushing the state past the elusive two-million jobs threshold. Dr. Loren Scott says this is being driven in large part by the industrial construction boom throughout the state, including in Richland Parish, where a Meta data center is being put up.

Cut 8 (09) “…next few years.”

Congress’s failure to pass a funding bill to keep the federal government operating also means the National Flood Insurance Program is no longer active. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Don Molino.”

Contestants on Jeopardy! apparently don’t pay a whole lot of attention to the news around here. Last week, they were all stumped by a clue about this year’s jailbreak in New Orleans.

Cut 25 (10) “…Plaquemines? No.”

The correct response, Ken Jennings?

Cut 26 (01) “…Orleans Parish.”