8:30 AM LRN Newscast

A man living in the Lafayette area is now facing federal charges after being accused of assisting in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Federal prosecutors allege Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadi provided, attempted to provide, or conspired to provide material support to the National Resistance Brigades, which is considered a foreign terrorist organization. al-Muhtadi is accused of travelling to the United States on a fraudulent visa.

A close call for the sheriff of Assumption Parish. Sheriff Leland Falcon was shot by a suspect in another shooting. Sheriff’s spokesman Lonny Cavalier says Sheriff Falcon was close to the scene when the call for assistance came down, so he responded.

Cut 6 (08) “…the left torso.”

Falcon was grazed by the suspect’s bullet, was briefly hospitalized and is doing fine. A deputy returned fire, hitting the suspect, who was taken to the hospital.

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A northeast Louisiana assistant police chief finds himself on the other side of the law. State Police arrested Rayville Assistant Police Chief Czyz (“chizh”) Williams for theft and malfeasance in office. Trooper Ryan Davis says Williams was selling department property and pocketing the money.

Cut 12 (08) “…for personal gain.”

With its famous namesake on hand, Southeastern Louisiana University officially opens its new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center. President Dr. William Wainwright says it includes a newsroom, a film studio and a multimedia studio, giving students experience in all facets of broadcasting.

Cut 3 (13) “…also digital media.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Small business optimism declined in September for the first time in three months. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Smitty’s Supply announced Tuesday it has filed a lawsuit against two other companies for selling and installing faulty equipment that Smitty’s says led to the series of explosions that has devasted the Roseland community since late August.  Smitty’s is seeking compensation for loss of inventory, income, and profits, clean up and restoration, and damage to the company’s reputation

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An urgent warning about a highly lethal drug this morning.  Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker says the only difference between green fentanyl and regular fentanyl is the color and can easily be mistaken for cannabis or other less potent drugs. Sheriff Sticker says green fentanyl has recently been linked to an increase in opioid-related emergency calls throughout the Northshore and greater New Orleans.

Cut 14 (10) “…overdoses and use.”

The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments today on the constitutionality of the state’s congressional map – specifically, the two majority Black districts. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino …

Cut 5 (13) “…drawing those lines.”

 

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the state’s congressional map – specifically on its two majority Black districts. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A community lead and a tip to Crime Stoppers have led to the arrest of a 16-year-old in that shooting on the LSU campus that left two people injured homecoming night.  Baton Rouge police say the teenager is facing several charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder though the incident is still under investigation.

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Optimism among small business owners across the country was down in September for the first time since June. NFIB spokesman Todd Pack says 14-percent of owners reported inflation as their single biggest problem, and 64-percent surveyed reported that supply chain disruptions were affecting their businesses.

Cut 11 (09) “…prices in check.”

Hey parents, if your Teenager’s on Instagram using teen-specific accounts, there are new restrictions in place for them. Haggai Davis, the chief operating officer of 180 Pros, a Baton Rouge IT services company, the content those teens will be restricted to PG-13 type content.  And parent company Meta, is adding a feature that allows parents to control the level of restriction.

Cut 8 (08) “…to the teens.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments today on the constitutionality of the state’s congressional map – specifically, the two majority Black districts. This is the second time the Supreme Court is hearing this case. This past June, the court punted the issue to this session. By doing so, Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says…

Cut 4 (14) “…drawing congressional districts.”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is issuing an urgent warning about green fentanyl. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says the only difference between green fentanyl and regular fentanyl is the color.

Cut 13 (09)  “…100-percent deadly.”

Sticker says fentanyl is about 50 times more potent than heroin.

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Optimism among small business owners nationwide fell in September. It’s the first decline in three months. NFIB spokesman Todd Pack says the uncertainty index also rose to its fourth-highest reading in over 51 years.

Cut 10 (09) “…tight labor market.”

Teenagers on Instagram using teen-specific accounts now have their content restricted. Haggai Davis, the chief operating officer of 180 Pros, a Baton Rouge IT services company, says from now on, the content they will be able to see on Instagram will be similar to what they can expect to see at a PG-13 movie.

Cut 7 (11) “…adult-oriented content.”

Davis says Instagram’s parent company Meta is also adding other features that will allow parents set control on things like political content and even the time of day when their kids can access the site.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

If you love hot sauce, then you’ll want to check out the Louisiana Hot Sauce Trail. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Louisiana Tech’s enrollment of just over 12 thousand students for the 2025 Fall Quarter is the highest it’s since 2018. And Louisiana Tech president Doctor Jim Henderson says the school also continue to attract a lot of engineering students…

Cut 9 (11)  “…success.”

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The 10th-ranked LSU Tigers improved to 5-1 on Saturday with a 20-10 win over South Carolina. The Bayou Bengals’ struggling offense had 420 yards of total offense, but the purple and gold’s defense was outstanding as they held South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers to 124 passing yards, intercepting him once and sacking him five times

Cut 14 (08) “…of the game.”

The Saints came up short again yesterday as they lost to the New England Patriots 25-19. The black and gold scored just one touchdown and had to settle for four field goals. The defense got off to another slow start, giving up two touchdowns in the first quarter. Safety Justin Reid…
Cut 18 (18) “…over with.”

With that loss, the Saints drop to 1-5 on the season.

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

New Orleans has a new Mayor-elect.  City Councilwoman Helena Moreno received 55 percent of the vote in Saturday’s election …defeating state senator Royce Duplessis and fellow councilmember Oliver Thomas to avoid a run off. She will replace LaToya Cantrell, who was indicted last August.During the campaign, Moreno said she would improve public safety, enhance economic development, and improve city services…

Cut 6 (12) “…New Orleans home.”

The 10th-ranked LSU Tigers improved to 5-1 on Saturday with a 20-10 win over South Carolina. The Bayou Bengals’ struggling offense had 420 yards of total offense, but two turnovers at the one-yard line prevented this game from being a blowout. Coach Brian Kelly…

Cut 13 (11)  “…right direction.”

LSU is at Vanderbilt this Saturday. Kick off is at 11 AM.
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The Saints once again came up a little short yesterday as they fell to the New England Patriots 25-19 to drop to 1-5 on the season. It’s the third time this season New Orleans has lost a game by fewer than seven points. Coach Kellen Moore …

Cut 17 (16) “…little margins.”

Louisiana Tech’s enrollment of just over 12 thousand students for the 2025 Fall Quarter is its highest in seven years.  since 2018. And that’s not all. Louisiana Tech president Dr. Jim Henderson says the school’s nursing program has seen a 20-percent increase in students…

Cut 8 (15) “…hospital setting.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Helena Moreno is the next mayor of New Orleans. The city councilwoman received 55 percent of the vote on Saturday to avoid a run-off election and will be sworn in on January 10th. Moreno says she looks forward to growing opportunities in the city…

Cut 4 (18) “…it deserves.”

Louisiana Tech’s enrollment of just over 12 thousand students for the 2025 Fall Quarter is the highest since 2018. The freshmen class of 24-hundred students is the largest domestic class in the school’s more than 130-year history. Louisiana Tech president Dr. Jim Henderson says there’s been more of an emphasis on recruiting students from the I-10 corridor

Cut 7 (11) “…the country.”

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LSU defeated South Carolina 20-10 on Saturday as the offense showed signs of progress, despite three turnovers. Jeff Palermo has a recap…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Hot sauce is a big part of the Louisiana cuisine and there are several factories that make spicy sauce. The state Office of Tourism is celebrating that launching the Louisiana Hot Sauce Trail. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the trail features several places in Louisiana where hot sauce fans can get their taste buds buzzing…

Cut 10 (09) “…hot sauce.”

11:30 AM LRN Newscast

With no end in sight to the federal government shutdown, President Donald Trump says furloughed federal workers may not get back pay. However, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says that’s not Trump’s call.

Cut 9 (07)  “…read the constitution”

The last government shutdown was in January of 2019 and lasted 35 days.

The Landry administration has stopped another sediment diversion project. The Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion Project would have used Mississippi River water and sediment to build wetlands on the east bank of Plaquemines Parish. Charles Sutcliffe with the National Wildlife Federation is disappointed…

Cut 3 (12) “…anti-transparency.”

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LSU ‘s offense ranks near the bottom in the SEC when it comes to points scored.  But they’ve had two weeks to work on it.  Coach Brian Kelly on what he wants to see from his offense when they host the South Carolina Gamecocks tonight…

Cut 11 (12) “…within our offense”

The Saints heads into tomorrow’s game against the Patriots with an offense that ranks 28th in the NFL in scoring. Veteran running back Alvin Kamara says that New Orleans is still trying to figure out its offense, especially with so many players involved.

Cut 14 (14) “…they can.”

Kamara is listed as questionable with an ankle injury.  On the other side of the ball, defensive end Chase Young will make his season debut tomorrow after missing the first five games of the season with a calf injury.

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

A second sediment diversion project has been stopped by the Landry administration. The Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion Project would have used Mississippi River water and sediment to build wetlands on the east bank of Plaquemines Parish. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Director Gordon Dove says both projects had become too expensive. But Charles Sutcliffe with the National Wildlife Federation says these projects were essential and the plan was to use BP Oil Spill settlement money to ensure the long-term health of the coast.

Cut 4 (07) “…no sense.”

Don’t forget, it’s election day across Louisiana and turnout in some areas is expected to be heavy.  Like in and around New Orleans, as voters there cast ballots for Mayor and Sheriff.  Early voting totals saw more than twice as many ballots cast as there were on election day eight years ago, the last time there was an open race for the mayor’s office.

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Banana Ball is coming to New Orleans as the Savannah Bananas are headed to the Caesar’s Superdome in March.  Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

LSU has had two weeks to fix an offense that ranks near the bottom in the SEC for points scored. As for the defense, it will be focused on South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Last year, Sellers rushed for two touchdowns against LSU, including a 75-yarder. Defensive end Jimari Butler…

Cut 12 (12) “…get home.”

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

It’s election day across Louisiana with some big votes happening in and around New Orleans.  Residents there are casting ballots for a new mayor, and sheriff, along with some other races.  Slidell and Jean Lafitte will also choose new mayors today.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. till eight tonight.  To find your polling location, go to geauxvote.com

Still no end in sight as the federal government remails shut down.  President Donald Trump says furloughed federal workers may not get back pay. But Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says that’s not up to the President. Kennedy says Congress has always made sure that federal workers have been taken care of following government shutdowns, and this time will be no different.

Cut 10 (10) “…in my opinion.”

The last government shutdown was in January of 2019 and lasted 35 days.

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LSU fans are hoping to see the Tigers offense find its groove against South Carolina on Saturday night. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Saints defensive end Chase Young will make his season debut against the Patriots tomorrow after missing the first five games of the season with a calf injury. Head coach Kellen Moore.

Cut 13 (13)  “…juice too.”

Kickoff tomorrow is set for noon.