LRN PM Newscall June 27

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s Fiscal Year 2026 Plan has been approved, and it’s the largest in program history. Kace Kieschnick reports

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was in Louisiana to witness the signing of the state’s Make America Healthy Again bill. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

The Louisiana Legislature unanimously approved the Coastal Protection Restoration Authority’s $1.98 billion Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Plan. Coastal Resource Administrator Greg Grandy says the investment supports the implementation of 146 active restoration projects and the maintenance of 163 past projects…

Cut 3 (09) “…of Louisiana.”

The investment is the largest in CPRA history, and Grandy says it is entirely funded by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement. Grandy says each project results in numerous jobs across multiple sectors…

Cut 4 (09) “…labor income.”

Grandy highlighted the completion of the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation project, the largest marsh creation effort in Louisiana, and the launch of the Chandeleur Island Restoration Project, which will restore habitat for endangered sea turtles and over 300,000 coastal birds. Grandy says projects will restore coastal ecosystems and help protect against storm surge…

Cut 5 (11) “…in Louisiana.”

Grandy encouraged residents to find more information at coastal.la.gov and email any questions to coastal@la.gov.

________________________________________________

The Supreme Court postponed ruling on Louisiana’s congressional redistricting plan until next term.  The court will decide whether or not the state’s two majority-Black congressional districts violate the Voting Rights Act. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says it’s strange a matter like this would be prolonged.

Cut 6 (14) “…expedited basis.”

The move means the congressional map will remain unchanged for now. The Supreme Court hearing stems from a lawsuit from 12 “non-African-American voters” who alleged reconfigured majority-Black districts were racial gerrymandering, a stance Ciolino says Justice Clarence Thomas agreed with.

Cut 7 (13) “…States constitution.”

Ciolino says the issue will likely be reargued in October. He says the delay makes it unclear which way the court may be leaning. He says if a majority supports Justice Thomas’s viewpoint…

Cut 8 (12) “…congressional districts.”

________________________________________________

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. looked on with approval as Governor Landry signed Louisiana’s Make America Healthy Again bill into law. Secretary Kennedy says it affirms Landry’s commitment to turning Louisiana’s health around.

Cut 9 (10)  “…do just that.”

The bill was written by Covington Republican Senator Patrick McMath. Among other things, it bans artificial colors and additives in meals served in schools. During the bill signing ceremony at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Secretary Kennedy noted that in the last six decades, juvenile diabetes has skyrocketed, due in large part to the foods that kids eat.

Cut 10 (12) “…pre-diabetic or diabetic.”

During the session, Landry also signed an executive order banning SNAP recipients from using their benefits to buy junk food like soda and candy. Kennedy said it’s a bold move by the governor.

Cut 11 (15) “…in this state.”

_____________________________________________

LSU running back Trey Holly is facing another delay after his July 7 court date was cancelled due to a broken air conditioning system in the courtroom. Holly faces charges of illegal use of a weapon and criminal damage to property stemming from a Union Parish shooting in February of last year. His attorney, Mike Small, says it was determined the AC system could not be repaired and needs to be replaced…

Cut 12 (11) “…unbearable situation .”

A pre-trial conference has been set for July 16 in order to reschedule. Holly was suspended from the LSU football team after his arrest, and Small says he hopes to go to trial as soon as possible to prove his innocence. Small says the Judge is considering every option to make the trial happen…

Cut 13 (14)  “…Lincoln Parish.”

Small was doubtful the trial would be rescheduled before the fall. He says Holly, who has been steadfast in his innocence and awaiting trial, was understandably upset by the unforeseen delay…

Cut 14 (13) “…degrees farenheit.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. looked on with approval as Governor Landry signed Louisiana’s Make America Healthy Again bill into law. Secretary Kennedy said it affirms Landry’s commitment to turning the health of Louisiana around.

Cut 9 (10)  “…do just that.”

The Calorie Control Council says while the effort to improve school nutrition is commendable, banning the availability of FDA-approved low-calorie or no-calorie sweeteners could harm students with diabetes. President Carla Saunders says removing the option could impact diabetic kids’ ability to manage their blood-sugar glucose. 

Not everyone in Baton Rouge was willing to roll out the welcome mat for Secretary Kennedy. Several dozen protestors gathered outside the Pennington Biomedical Research Center to let him know how they felt about his policies.

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s Fiscal Year 2026 Plan has been approved, and it’s the largest in program history. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

While Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says he would like lawmakers to be called into a special session to continue work on insurance reform, he says significant progress was made in the recently-concluded regular session. He points to the passage of House Bill  431, which moves Louisiana from a pure to a modified comparative fault.

Cut 9 (07)  “…common sense bill.”

Fifty-one men and women of Cadet Class 107 began their journey today toward becoming Louisiana State Police Troopers. The class is scheduled to graduate in December, and Trooper Shelby Mayfield says Cadet Class 108 will begin next January. If you are interested in becoming a State Trooper, visit lsp-dot-org.

Cut 15 (12) “…last minute.”

Members of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025 shared their thoughts before the induction ceremony tomorrow night. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Pelicans wrap up their 2025 draft by taking Georgetown’s Micah Peavy with the 40th pick. The 23-year-old averaged 17 points a game for the Hoyas last season. Peavy joins Jeremiah Fears of Oklahoma and Derik Queen of Maryland in the Pels’ rookie class of 2025.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be on hand as Governor Landry signs Louisiana’s Make America Healthy Again bill. Among other things, it bans artificial colors and additives in meals served in schools. The author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath, says the movement transcends ideological lines.

Cut 6 (12) “…York and California.”

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will be inducting their 2025 class in Natchitoches tomorrow night. Among the honorees is longtime St. Thomas More basketball coach Danny Broussard, who says he learned early in his career how to make an average player great.

Cut 12 (13) “…of basketball.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple pushes for lawmakers to return for a special session on insurance reform. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A scary moment for a DOTD worker in Denham Springs, and it was captured on video. He was working on a traffic signal when the top of an 18-wheeler clipped the bucket he was in, flipping it and leaving him dangling. Had it not been for the harness he was wearing, he would have fallen onto the pavement. Instead, he only suffered minor injuries and was not taken to a hospital. Police and DOTD are investigating.

LRN AM Newscall June 27

A member of President Trump’s cabinet will be in the capital city for a bill signing this morning. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple pushes for lawmakers to return for a special session on insurance reform. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025 shared their thoughts before the induction ceremony tomorrow night. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

Another bill signing in Baton Rouge this morning, and this one will have a big name in attendance. Governor Landry will sign Senate Bill 14 late this morning – the so-called “Make America Healthy Again” bill – and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be on hand to witness the moment. The bill’s author, Covington Secretary Patrick McMath, says Kennedy’s attendance shows that Louisiana is a leader in the Make America Healthy Again movement.

Cut 4 (11) “…this bill is.”

Among other things, it will ban certain artificial colors and additives in meals served in schools, and it would require restaurants to disclose whether their food is cooked in seed oil. McMath says this bill goes farther than any other bill in the country, and that’s what’s bringing Secretary Kennedy here.

Cut 5 (14) “…to celebrate that.”

McMath says the fact that the bill passed unanimously in both houses of the legislature shows that the Make America Healthy Again movement transcends ideological lines.

Cut 6 (12) “…York and California.”

________________________________________________________

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple addresses the need for a special session to tackle what he calls the “deepest insurance crisis” in state history, and he still supports calling lawmakers back.

Cut 7 (09) “…a special session.”

Temple says some key legislation signed by Governor Landry which go into effect down the road includes consumer-transparency bills like HB 345, which calls for a 60‑day notice before cancellation, and SB 136, which calls for rate transparency — alongside tort-reform measures targeting frivolous lawsuits.

Cut 8 (05) “…that can help.”

HB 345 goes into effect July 1st, 2026, while SB 136 doesn’t take effect until the outset of 2027. Reflecting on the past legislative session, Temple says he’s most excited about the passage of House Bill  431, which moves Louisiana from a pure to a modified comparative fault.

Cut 9 (07)  “…common sense bill.”

________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will be inducting their 2025 class in Natchitoches tomorrow night. This year’s class features football coaching greats like LSU’s Nick Saban and Catholic’s Dale Weiner (WY-ner). Delgado’s Joe Scheuermann is the winningest baseball coach in state history.

Cut 10 (11) “…famers too.”

Two former pro basketball All-Stars Danny Granger and Vickie Johnson also join the class. Johnson helped Louisiana Tech to the Final Four as a freshman and was a two-time Sun Belt Conference MVP. A player in the WNBA’s inaugural season, Johnson says she learned a lot from hall of fame coaches Leon Barmore and Kim Mulkey.

Cut 11 (12) “…about learning.”

Longtime St. Thomas More basketball coach Danny Broussard will also be inducted. Broussard is the sixth all-time winningest high school basketball coach in the country after 42 years in Lafayette. He’s led the Cougars to 34-straight playoff appearances and won six state basketball championships. Broussard says he learned early in his career how to make an average player great…

Cut 12 (13) “…of basketball.”

Also headlining the class are former LSU offensive tackle and Super Bowl champ Andrew Whitworth, 14-time All-American LSU gymnast April Burkholder and former NCAA champion bower and Sacred Heart football coach George Soileau.

________________________________________________________

Fifty-one men and women of Cadet Class 107 began their journey today toward becoming Louisiana State Police Troopers. Trooper Shelby Mayfield says over the next 24 weeks, they will train in firearms, defensive tactics, civil rights, de-escalation and more to prepare for a life of public service.

Cut 13 (08)  “…themselves as well.”

Mayfield says Louisiana State Police offers competitive pay, benefits, a take-home vehicle and strong retirement options, and he says you start getting paid on your first day of training.

Cut 14 (07) “…training facility.”

Cadet Class 107 is scheduled to graduate in December. Mayfield says Cadet Class 108 will begin next January. If you are interested in becoming a Louisiana State Police Trooper, visit lsp-dot-org.

Cut 15 (12) “…last minute.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

Attorney General Liz Murrill is demanding an investigation of the Caddo Parish Commission for issuing a proclamation welcoming Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders to Shreveport. Murrill says there was no mention of the resolution on any meeting agenda, and that’s a violation of the Open Meetings Act. Loyola University New Orleans Law Professor Dane Ciolino says there is merit to Murrill’s claims. 

Cut 3 (13) “…in general session.”

A recent traffic stop in St. Tammany Parish is going viral on social media. Lieutenant Carli Messina says Deputy Dustin Byers pulled a driver over on Highway 21 near Bogalusa for speeding, and he noticed something about the driver.

Cut 6 (08) “…his tie properly.”

Yes, Byers did issue the driver a citation.

The 18th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off kicks off tomorrow at The Harbor Center in Slidell. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says twelve top chefs from across the state will compete to showcase their culinary skills using Louisiana seafood.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the restaurant show.”

Nine former athletes and coaches will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Saturday, including former NFL star Andrew Whitworth. Ronnie Rantz is president and CEO of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation.

Cut 13 (15)  “…of NFL.”

LRN PM Newscall June 26

A proclamation by the Caddo Parish Commission welcoming Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders to Shreveport last weekend has drawn the ire of Attorney General Liz Murrill, and she’s ordered the Louisiana Department of Justice to open an investigation. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

Festivities get underway today in Natchitoches for the 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

Attorney General Liz Murrill has instructed the Louisiana Department of Justice to open an investigation into the Caddo Parish Commission for issuing a proclamation welcoming Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders to Shreveport last weekend as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. Murrill says at issue here is there’s no mention of the resolution on any meeting agenda, and that’s a violation of the Open Meetings Act. Loyola University New Orleans Law Professor Dane Ciolino says there is merit to Murrill’s claims.

Cut 3 (13) “…in general session.”

That said, Ciolino says even if the commission acted improperly, the violation is a fairly minor one.

Cut 4 (12) “…care much about.”

In fact, Murrill went out of her way to call Sanders, in her words, “socialist Bernie Sanders” in her official release announcing the investigation. Ciolino says it’s important to note that this is different from a mayoral proclamation.

Cut 5 (08) “…public meetings law.”

________________________________________________

A recent traffic stop in St. Tammany Parish is going viral, and not for bad reasons. Lieutenant Carli Messina with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says last weekend, Deputy Dustin Byers pulled a driver over on Highway 21 near Bogalusa, and he noticed something about the driver.

Cut 6 (08) “…his tie properly.” (driver was en route to a funeral, and deputy helped him tie his tie)

The sheriff’s office posted the photo of Deputy Byers tying the driver’s tie on its Facebook page, and it’s been shared more than 25-hundred times and has received more than 17-hundred comments. The driver was going 20 miles over the speed limit; and in case you’re wondering, Messina says – yes – Deputy Byers did issue the driver a citation.

Cut 7 (06) “…importance to us.”

Messina says all in all, it was a very heartwarming encounter.

Cut 8 (09) “…a traffic stop.”

Hopefully, the driver can take the defensive driver course and get his citation dismissed.

________________________________________________

The 18th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off kicks off tomorrow at The Harbor Center in Slidell. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says twelve top chefs from across the state will compete to showcase their culinary skills using Louisiana seafood.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the restaurant show.”

Held alongside the Tammany Taste of Summer, Nungesser says attendees can enjoy tastings from 15 local restaurants trying to find Louisiana on a plate.

Cut 10 (09) “…in their dish.”

Nungesser says the winner will travel the globe and be an ambassador for the state.

Cut 11 (09) “…hospitality industry.”

Tickets are available at Louisiana-Seafood-dot-com.

_____________________________________________

A big celebration takes place this weekend in Natchitoches as nine former athletes and coaches will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday. Headlining the class is Nick Saban. CEO and president of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, Ronnie Rantz, says the legendary college football coach brought the LSU Tigers from relative mediocrity to a national championship in five years.

Cut 12 (13) “…years later.”

One of Saban’s former players is also part of the 2025 class. Rantz says Andrew Whitworth won multiple championships while playing offensive tackle at a high level.

Cut 13 (15)  “…of NFL.”

Former NBA All-Star Danny Granger, former WNBA All-Star Vickie Johnson and LSU gymnast all-American April Burkholder will be enshrined on Saturday night. Rantz says The class also features some greats coaches like Delgado baseball coach Joe Scheuermann, St. Thomas More boys basketball coach Danny Broussard and former Catholic High football coach Dale Weiner.

Cut 14 (13) “…NFL players.”

You can watch this year’s ceremonies on Saturday night on Louisiana Public Broadcasting at 7 p-m.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Doctors across the country are urging Congress not to make cuts to Medicaid. Among them is Dr. Betty Lo of Metairie, who says with Louisiana having an exceptionally high number of people dependent on Medicaid for health coverage, slashing Medicaid would have a devastating effect.

Cut 11 (13) “…secondary class citizens.”

A bill to ban balloon releases sails through the legislature; so naturally, Governor Landry would sign it, right? Wrong! Governor Landry vetoed House Bill 581 by Harahan Republican John Illg, who says his colleagues were as shocked as he was when Landry turned it away.

Cut 7 (11) “…trying to do.”

Illg says he will try again next year.

The Louisiana Farm Bureau’s 103rd annual convention is breaking records with over 15-hundred farmers and families expected to attend this weekend.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Landry paid tribute to the LSU baseball team last night, saying thanks to the leadership of Head Coach Jay Johnson, the College World Series champs embody the greatness of Louisiana.

Cut 17 (11)  “…Louisiana really is. (applause fades, starts at :08)”

10:30 LRN Newscast

Doctors across the country are urging Congress not to make cuts to Medicaid as they debate the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” Among them is Dr. Betty Lo of Metairie, who says she hopes lawmakers will prioritize people and their livelihoods over money.

Cut 12 (08) “…in the future.”

Despite the bill sailing through the legislature, Governor Landry vetoes a bill that would have banned the release of balloons into the air, saying such a ban would be nearly impossible to enforce. Harahan representative John Illg authored House Bill 581 and says he learned through legislative debate that balloons were harming cattle on farms throughout the state.

Cut 9 (08)  “…had no idea.”

Illg says he will file a revised version of the bill again next year.

It was a packed house at Alex Box Stadium as fans celebrated LSU’s national championship baseball team. College World Series Most Outstanding Player Kade Anderson finished the season with 180 strikeouts – third most in LSU history behind Ben McDonald and Paul Skenes. Anderson said he’s honored to be mentioned among such select company.

Cut 14 (09) “…really grateful (2x).”

Louisiana Farm Bureau’s 103rd annual convention starts today in New Orleans and runs through Sunday. Spokesman Avery Davidson says highlights include the estate planning seminar, the crowning of the 2025 Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen, and the talent contest.

Cut 5 (09) “…our talent contest.”

The event will also include appearances by elected officials, including Congressman Clay Higgins.

FINAL LRN AM Newscall June 26

The Louisiana Farm Bureau’s 103rd annual convention is breaking records with over 15-hundred farmers and families expected to attend this weekend.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

A bill sails through the legislature, so naturally the governor would sign it, right? Not so fast! Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

LSU fans pack Alex Box Stadium to celebrate the national championship baseball team. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Over 15-hundred farmers and families are expected at the Louisiana Farm Bureau’s 103rd annual convention, starting today through Sunday in New Orleans. Spokesman Avery Davidson says the event will feature policy sessions, national speakers, and appearances by elected officials, including Congressman Clay Higgins.

Cut 4 (12) “…on their ranches.”

Attendees will discuss key agricultural issues, attend awards ceremonies, and elect officers. Davidson says highlights include the estate planning seminar, the crowning of the 2025 Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen, and the talent contest.

Cut 5 (09) “…our talent contest.”

Davidson stressed the importance of policy-setting and says what sets the convention apart is that elected officials want to come to this convention.

Cut 6 (08) “…value in it.”

________________________________________________________

A bill to ban balloon releases sails through the legislature; so naturally, Governor Landry would sign it, right? Wrong! Governor Landry vetoed House Bill 581 by Harahan Republican John Illg, who says his colleagues were as shocked as he was when Landry turned it away.

Cut 7 (11) “…trying to do.”

In his veto message, Landry wrote that a law fining anyone for coordinating the release of a group of balloons would be impossible to enforce. Illg said people testified in favor of the bill, saying balloons that went up into the air eventually came down and ended up in waterways, harming marine wildlife.

Cut 8 (10) “…of the waterfowl”

Illg says he learned through this process that balloons were also harming cattle on farms throughout the state.

Cut 9 (08)  “…had no idea.”

Illg says he plans on bringing the bill back next year with some tweaks, in hopes that it will earn the governor’s signature the next time around.

________________________________________________________

Doctors across the country are urging Congress not to make cuts to Medicaid as they debate the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” Among them is Dr. Betty Lo of Metairie, who says Louisiana has an exceptionally high number of people dependent on Medicaid for health coverage.

Cut 10 (12) “…with no insurance.”

Dr. Lo says as such, slashing Medicaid would have a devastating effect on both Louisiana patients and doctors.

Cut 11 (13) “…secondary class citizens.”

Lo says she hopes lawmakers will prioritize people and their livelihoods over money.

Cut 12 (08) “…in the future.”

________________________________________________________

It was a packed house at Alex Box Stadium as fans celebrated LSU’s national championship baseball team. Dignitaries, including Governor Landry and East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards, were on hand to pay tribute to the team that conquered the college baseball world. Steven Milam expressed his gratitude for all the support all season long.

Cut 13 (09)  “…national champion npw.”

College World Series Most Outstanding Player Kade Anderson finished the season with 180 strikeouts. Not only did that lead the nation, but that’s the third highest single-season total in LSU history behind some legendary names, Ben McDonald and Paul Skenes. Anderson said he’s honored to be mentioned among such select company.

Cut 14 (09) “…really grateful (2x).”

Jared Jones will be forever known as the guy who drove in the winning run to cap the three-run ninth inning rally against Arkansas that put LSU in the national championship series. Jones said even when LSU fell behind by two in the top of the ninth that game, the team never gave up.

Cut 15 (09) “…get it done.”

Governor Landry said the team had a great leader in Head Coach Jay Johnson.

Cut 16 (09) “…team so special.”

Landry said thanks to Jay Johnson’s leadership, the College World Series Champion LSU Tigers embodies the greatness of Louisiana.

Cut 17 (11)  “…Louisiana really is. (applause fades, starts at :08)”