7:30 AM LRN Newscast

The East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office has opened an investigation into a reported rape involving an LSU student athlete. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

After eight days on the run, the Caddo Parish inmate who escaped last is back behind bars. Sheriff Henry Whitehorn says U-S Marshals Task Force members apprehended Tre’veon Jackson in Marshall, Texas last night.  The 24-year-old Jackson fled from custody on September 14th as a deputy was moving to put him into a transport van. Whitehorn says new policies have since been put in place to make sure this never happens again.

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Louisiana is closing the digital divide faster than many places in the country. According to the latest FCC Broadband Data Collection, Louisiana had the fourth highest proportional growth in the U-S. Veneeth Iyengar (EYE-in-gar), the executive director of Connect-L-A, says Louisiana more than tripled the national average in broadband access increase.

Cut 4 (12) “…100 by 20.”

Speaking of tech improvements, Louisiana’s Office of Motor Vehicles has replaced 50 year old technology with a modern AI powered system. Louisiana contracted with CHAMP titles to replace OMV’s outdated legacy computer systems. Governor Jeff Landry says CHAMP gives the public a faster, simpler way to get the services they need. In a video announcement, Landry spoke with a 13-year employee at an OMV office in Baton Rouge.

Cut 14 (13) “…is an upgrade.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Caddo Parish inmate who escaped last week while being transported from a Shreveport hospital has been captured. Sheriff Henry Whitehorn says U-S Marshals Task Force members apprehended Tre’veon Jackson in Marshall, Texas.

Jackson’s capture comes after Whitehorn held a press conference yesterday afternoon to announce that prisoner transport policies were not followed properly when Jackson escaped custody.

Cut 10 (12) “…during this transport.”

Whitehorn says new policies are in place to make sure this never happens again.

The governor’s office announces that the Office of Motor Vehicles has moved into the 21st century as Louisiana has replaced 50-year-old technology with a modern system. Governor Jeff Landry says this new AI-powered platform will reduce wait times and improve reliability.

Cut 13 (06)  “…it right here.”

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Louisiana is closing the digital divide at one of the fastest rates in the country. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno unveiled the city’s proposed 2027 budget Tuesday, which includes 77 million dollars in direct cuts, as the city works to close a roughly 100 million dollar deficit.  The proposal includes reductions across city government. But Moreno says it’s designed to protect several services that residents identified as priorities during a series of community meetings and surveys.  

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Fall officially arrives tonight. Kace Kieschnick reports on what this means for our weather.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

It’s voter registration week in Louisiana. Trey Williams with the Louisiana secretary of state’s office says it’s time to get registered if you’re not already and then make sure you keep your registration up to date.

Cut 12 (08) “…inactive voter list.”

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Governor Jeff Landry announces the state is investing 100-million dollars into Louisiana’s fortified roof program, which helps homeowners pay for stronger, more storm-resistant roofs. The program provides grants of up to 10-thousand dollars to install a fortified roof. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says Louisiana has the fastest growing fortified roof grant program in the country, improving the resilience of homes in order to reduce insurance losses.

Cut 14 (09) “…experienced in Louisiana.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Japan on a ten-day trip aimed at boosting tourism from that country.  Nungesser says international travelers want to make the most out of their time in the U.S., and Nungesser says that’s why it’s important to promote the entire state.

Cut 6 (09) “…how Americans live.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana is investing 100-million dollars federal and state dollars into the fortified roof program. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

This evening marks the official start to Fall. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the long-range forecast should be normal for this time of year, but it’ll be wetter than usual because of El Nino conditions…

Cut 8 (07) “…I would anticipate.”

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is in Japan on a ten-day trip aimed at boosting tourism here at home. Nungesser says Japan is the number-two international traveler to America, and he wants to attract as many Japanese visitors as possible.
Cut 4 (14) “…come to Louisiana.”

It’s Voter Registration Week in Louisiana right now.  Trey Williams with the Louisiana secretary of state’s office says they use this week to promote voter registration, because there are some key deadlines coming up.

Cut 11 (15) “…by October 13th.”

Williams says once you register, you will remain registered – but it’s your responsibility to keep your registration up to date.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is on a mission to get more visitors from to Louisiana.  Andrew Greenstein has details.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

By the end of today, we will officially be in Fall. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says fall officially arrives in Louisiana just after seven o’ clock tonight…

Cut 7 (10) “…the winter solstice.”

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Governor Jeff Landry announces the state is investing 100-million dollars into Louisiana’s fortified roof program, which helps homeowners pay for stronger, more storm-resistant roofs. The program provides grants of up to 10-thousand dollars to install a fortified roof. Landry says those roofs are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds — and can also help lower homeowners insurance premiums.

Cut 13 (12)  “…again and again.”

This week is Voter Registration Week in Louisiana. Trey Williams with the Louisiana secretary of state’s office says it’s a great occasion to make sure things are in order ahead of the November 3rd election.

Cut 10 (15) “…the upcoming ballot.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana is shooting for the stars as it attempts to land the U-S Space Academy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport won a one-million-dollar grant to help start offering nonstop flights to Chicago.  Director of Aviation Mike Edwards says those flights will improve connectivity in Baton Rouge.

Cut 9 (12)  “…across the globe.”

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The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is over four-dollars again and there is no sign they are coming down anytime soon. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says he doesn’t see gas prices coming back down until the U-S war in Iran ends. The statewide average record high for a gallon of gasoline is $4.55, set in June of 2022. Redman doesn’t think it will get that bad…

Cut 5 (06) “…in Iran.”

A Houma family is preparing to lay three loved ones to rest after a stabbing last week left four people dead and a young boy critically injured.  The Verret family will hold a funeral today for three of the victims. We’re told the boy who ran to a neighbor’s house is still hospitalized and recovering, but still has a long road ahead. 47-year-old Kaegan Jude Solet is facing four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder in the incident.

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Baton Rouge Metro Airport hopes to start offering nonstop flights to Chicago before the end of next year. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is above four-dollars again and there is no sign prices are coming down anytime soon. AAA spokesperson Don Redman…

Cut 4 (08) “…four dollars a gallon”
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President Donald Trump wants to build a Space Academy in the United States and Greater New Orleans Inc, president and CEO Michael Hecht says New Orleans would be perfect for the facility that would be led by NASA and educate future scientists, engineers, astronauts and warfighters. States have until October 26th to submit a proposal. Hecht says the competition is fierce…

Cut 11 (11) “…space conversation.”

LSU rallied from 17 points down on Saturday night to tie the game in the fourth quarter only to lose to Trinidad Chambliss and the Ole Miss Rebels 32-24.  Coach Lane Kiffin says it was a great comeback…

Cut 16 (14) “…the end.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Regular gasoline now averages over four dollars, 17 cents a gallon a gallon statewide. Cade Voisin spoke with Tripple A spokesman Don Redman…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Cade Voisin.”

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport won a one-million-dollar grant to help start offering nonstop flights to Chicago. Director of Aviation Mike Edwards says the money will help incentivize a carrier to launch the service.

Cut 7 (09) “…service builds.”

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President Donald Trump wants to build a Space Academy in the United States and Louisiana officials believe it should be in the Bayou State. Greater New Orleans Inc, president and CEO Michael Hecht says the New Orleans area would be the perfect place. Hecht says there’s already rocket factory in New Orleans East, NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility…

Cut 10 (14) “…in Louisiana.”

The Saints got their first win of the season with a 24-17 upset of the Ravens. New Orleans trailed 14-6 at the half but scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Head coach Kellen Moore says the black and gold are resilient.

Cut 13 (10)  “…find a way.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Two candidates in the Sixth District congressional race are trading allegations over where they live. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Both Edmonds and Miguez are Republicans. The Sixth District race will be decided in a November third jungle primary, with a December 12th runoff if no candidate receives a majority.

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The search continues for escaped inmate Tre’Veon Jackson.  Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. issued a statement yesterday saying Jackson remains at large and authorities have no location on him.  He’s asking citizens to remain vigilant and call law enforcement if they see anything suspicious and warning anyone who thinks they see Jackson, not to approach him, but to call 911 immediately.

Hundreds of thousands of fans and visitors are expected to descend upon Oxford fortop ten matchup between LSU and Ole Miss.   And there will be more security than usual. The increased police presence comes as LSU coach Lane Kiffin returns to the fan base he left for LSU at the end of the last season. Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean TindelTindell says he understands emotions are high, but any misbehavior from unruly fans will not be tolerated.

Cut 9 (12)  “…County jail.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana is receiving national recognition for the restoration of a barrier island off the coast of Grand Isle. Cade Voisin has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Cade Voisin.”

A Jefferson Parish Jury has found two people guilty of racketeering in the death of reporter 27- year- old Adan Manzano who was found dead in February of 2025, while in town covering the Super Bowl.  Danette Colbert and Rickey White were accused of drugging Manzano, so they could steal his money, which prosecutors argued lead to his death. Colbert was found guilty on negligent homicide charges, but the jury found White not guilty of manslaughter.

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LSU’s trip to Ole Miss is one of the most anticipated games of the college football season, and that’s been reflected in the betting world. Josh Barton with Bet-Online Sports and Casino says  the top-10 clash between the Tigers and Rebels has received more action than any other college football game this weekend.

Cut 10 (08) “…on LSU.”

Kick-off is set for tomorrow evening at 6:30.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is working with Louisiana and Mississippi State Police to enhance security in Oxford as eight-ranked Ole Miss hosts seventh-ranked LSU this weekend. Commissioner Sean Tindell says the department will have around three times the typical number of officers on duty.

Cut 7 (12) “…officers there.”