6:30 AM LRN Newscast

A difficult search is underway for the remains of a teenager who authorities believe ended up in a landfill. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A deputy U.S. Marshal was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on a fugitive in Alexandria yesterday afternoon. According to officials, the suspect is in custody.  We’re told the FBI is leading the investigation into the deputy’s death. The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation into the shooting itself.

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Meta has announced it’s expanding its Richland Parish A-I data center to five gigawatts, becoming one of the largest data centers in the world. Work on the 32-hundred-acre site is underway; and the president of Meta, Dina Powell McCormick, says they anticipate the project will be completed in 2036.

Cut 4 (12) “…to move fast.”

A St. Tammany Parish youth pastor is arrested for allegedly sexually abusing several children decades ago. 72-year-old David Mercer was wanted on a warrant issued out of Bossier Parish. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Matthew Bertrand says Mercer was wanted for crimes committed between 1989 and 1995, while he had served as youth pastor at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton.

Cut 13 (08)  “…molestation of juveniles.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

More than 20 cases of the parasitic infection cyclosporiasis have been reported in Louisiana.  Louisiana is one of 29 states reporting cases of the parasitic infection. Sokol says dying from cyclosporiasis is extremely rare, but the infection is more than just your average upset stomach.

Cut 5 (12) “…loss of appetite.”

A new Louisiana law will require groups releasing political ads using A-I technology to disclose they’re using it.  New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry authored the bill which is now law, says such A-I content is something that will likely be addressed next year.

Cut 8 (11) “…to push it.”

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Three former LSU Tigers were taken on the opening day of the Major League Baseball Draft. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Big News out of Richland Parish as Meta joins Governor Landry this morning to announce expansion of the company’s Hyperion data center.  The expansion represents a landmark investment in Louisiana’s future. The News conference is set for 9:30 this morning.

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Those using artificial intelligence in political ads must now clearly disclose that fact. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Over 20 cases of the parasitic infection cyclosporiasis have been reported in Louisiana; that’s above average for this time of year. State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol…

Cut 4 (09) “…the parasite.”

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New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno asks for a face-to-face meeting with Governor Jeff Landry. That after withdrawing the city’s request to seek a 110-million-dollar loan from a third party after learning the State Bond Commission would have rejected it.  Moreno says employees will now have to stay on furlough and the city will have to delay some projects.  On social media Friday, she asked the governor to work with her administration to be successful so the state is successful…

Cut 11 (06) “…our conversation”

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected LSU All-American outfielder Derek Curiel with the fifth overall pick in the Major League Baseball Draft. Curiel had two sensational seasons at LSU, and the California native says he would not be where he is now if it were not for Jay Johnson and the Tigers’ coaching staff…

Cut 16 (11) “…LSU.”

In the second round, Seattle selected former LSU right fielder Jake Brown from Sulphur.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Big News out of Richland Parish as Meta joins Governor Landry this morning to announce expansion of the company’s Hyperion data center.  The expansion represents a landmark investment in Louisiana’s future that includes a $5 million grant to Louisiana Delta Community College to train the next generation of data center workers.  The News conference is set for 9:30 this morning.

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno asks for a face-to-face meeting with Governor Jeff Landry after exchanging letters and social media posts about the city’s finances. Knowing the State Bond Commission would have rejected it, Moreno withdrew the city’s request to seek a 110-million-dollar loan from a third party. Moreno says New Orleans will take a different approach, but it is a more painful path forward…

Cut 10 (08) “…as well.”

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From now on, groups releasing political ads using A-I technology must disclose that fact. That’s due to a bill authored by New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry and signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry. Representative Landry says her bill walks a fine line between protecting people’s right to free speech and holding people accountable for using deceptive means to hurt others.

Cut 7 (10) “…harm our reputation?”

Thanks to a grant of more than 170-thousand dollars, LSU Health Shreveport is helping to address healthcare shortages in rural areas. Dr. Sharon Dunn, the dean of the School of Health Professions and Sciences, says the Louisiana Department of Health is offering scholarships after being awarded the Healthcare Employment Reinvestment Opportunity, or HERO, grant.

Cut 13 (10)  “…into rural communities.”

11:30 AM LRN Newscast

The political dispute between the city of New Orleans and Louisiana continues to intensify as the city withdraws a loan request to the State Bond Commission for 110-million dollars. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

In response to Governor Landry’s social media comments, Mayor Moreno took to social media has since asked for a face to face with the Governor…saying she’ll meet with him anytime.

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Louisiana’s seen more than  20 cases of the parasitic infection cyclosporiasis this year.  Our state is one of 29 states reporting cases of the parasitic infection. State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says dying from cyclosporiasis is extremely rare but the infection is more than just your average upset stomach.

Cut 5 (12) “…loss of appetite.”

Previous outbreaks have been linked to bagged salads, fresh cilantro and basil, raspberries, snow peas and green onions.

A new Louisiana law will require groups releasing political ads using A-I technology to disclose they’re using it.  New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry authored the bill which is now law, says such A-I content is something that will likely be addressed next year.

Cut 8 (11) “…to push it.”

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Gulf of Mexico is seeing an increase in its shark population. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Excessive rainfall is expected for Louisiana on Monday.  Total rainfall amounts from Sunday through Tuesday are expected to be between 1 and 3.5 inches but could be as high as 3 to 6 inches, so be on alert for possible watches and warnings as you begin your week.

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More than 20 cases of the parasitic infection cyclosporiasis have been reported in Louisiana; that’s above average for this time of year. State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says typically those cases come from those who become infected when traveling abroad, but this year’s outbreak is domestic.

Cut 4 (09) “…the parasite.”

From now on, groups releasing political ads using A-I technology must disclose that fact. That’s due to a bill authored by New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry and signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry. Representative Landry says her bill walks a fine line between protecting people’s right to free speech and holding people accountable for using deceptive means to hurt others.

Cut 7 (10) “…harm our reputation?”

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

Cash-strapped New Orleans has withdrawn its 110-million-dollar bond and loan request from the State Bond Commission. Mayor Helena Moreno says the city pulled the application because it would have been denied. Tulane political science professor Mike Sherman on the relationship between New Orleans and the Landry Administration.
Cut 9 (13)  “…is expanding.”

The Gulf of Mexico is seeing an increase in its shark population. Dr. Dean Grubbs, the associate director of research at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, says while some species continue to decline in population, others are recovering due to warming water temperatures.

Cut 3 (12) “…for bull sharks.”

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The Major League Baseball Draft is this weekend, and a few Tigers will definitely be in the mix when it starts at noon today. Outfielders Derek Curiel and Jake Brown are projected to go in the first and second rounds.   Koki Riley covers LSU baseball for The Advocate and says most of the other players who have a chance to leave Baton Rouge for pro ball are older right-handed relief pitchers.

Cut 7 (09) “…definitely go.”

Jay Johnson and his staff will keep an eye on the draft to see where the top LSU prep signees end up.  One they won’t have to worry about is pitcher Lucas Nawrocki out of Aldoredo, Texas.  Nawrocki announced on social media last night that he will bypass the Draft and fulfill his commitment to the LSU.  The 5’11 left hander was a projected Top-100 draft pick by multiple outlets.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

The political dispute between the city of New Orleans and Louisiana continues to intensify as the city withdraws a loan request to the State Bond Commission for 110-million dollars. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

In response to Governor Landry’s social media comments, Mayor Moreno took to social media herself offering to meet with the Governor anytime to talk about the city’s finances.

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The Gulf of Mexico is seeing an increase in its shark population. Dr. Dean Grubbs, the associate director of research at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, says while shark populations are in bad shape in most of the world, it’s a different story in the U.S., with the country having managed shark populations since 1993.

Cut 4 (11) “…the populations recovering.”

The MLB Draft starts today at noon, and a few Tigers will definitely hear their names called. Koki Riley covers LSU baseball for The Advocate and says this year’s LSU group is not as deep as in past years.

Cut 6 (07) “…tenth round.”

Outfielders Derek Curiel and Jake Brown are projected to go in the first and second rounds.

 

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

A conservation organization that represents sportsmen is disappointed Governor Landry vetoed legislation that would have designated Atlantic tarpon as a Louisiana saltwater gamefish. Rick Owens with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation says the purpose of the legislation is to preserve a piece of Louisiana’s recreational identity before it fades further.

Cut 4 (04) “…had decades ago.”

A St. Landry Parish woman has been cited for selling native turtles online, a direct violation of a new Louisiana law.  LDWF sat 32-year-old Sydney Broussard of Eunice was selling red eared slider turtles for eight dollars apiece and an alligator snapping turtle for 30 dollars. Captain Scott says Broussard with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says agents seized the turtles Broussard had in her possession and returned them to the water…as there are limits to even possessing these turtles

Cut 12 (08) “…alligator snapping turtle.”

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Amir “Aura” Khan is headed to LSU. Kace Kiechnick has details on the viral basketball student manager who’s joining Coach Will Wade’s here.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Major League Baseball Draft is this weekend, and LSU Center fielder Derek Curiel is expected to be a top 15 pick.  Right fielder Jake Brown is a potential second round pick, ranked by ESPN.com as the 64th best player in the draft. Brown says he’ll spend draft day with his family in Sulphur.

Cut 16 (11) “…in my life.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center have released their initial findings from their RURAL Health study in Franklin Parish, which focuses on comparing rural communities to each other instead of to urban areas. Lead researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles says the study shows elevated rates of obesity and high blood pressure…findings that underscore the importance of having strong health care in all communities.

Cut 14 (13) “…address these conditions.”

A new law that makes it illegal to sell native turtles in Louisiana has led to citations for a St. Landry Parish woman who was selling red-eared slider turtles and alligator snapping turtles online.  Captain Scott says Broussard with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says she faces a 350-dollar fine for each turtle she was selling.

Cut 11 (10) “…responsible for restitution.”

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The Louisiana Wildlife Federation says the Atlantic tarpon is a declining species, but Governor Jeff Landry has vetoed a bill that would have protected it.  Here’s Jeff Palermo.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

New Orleans will no longer seek approval from the State Bond Commission for a temporary loan after Mayor Helena Moreno said it had become clear the request was likely to be denied.  The request was not for state funding, but for permission to obtain a temporary loan from a private lender as the city works through ongoing financial challenges.