8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Just under three years in and Governor Jeff Landry has already issued more executive orders than his predecessor, John Bel Edwards. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Tulane University is breathing new life into  Charity hospital, which has been shuttered since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Tulane officials are spearheading a $500 million effort to convert Charity Hospital into a pioneering medical research facility. Construction is expected to be completed in 2029.

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At the urging of the legislature, the Board of Regents is cracking down on hazing and bullying. The board approved sweeping enhancements to the Uniform Anti-Hazing Policy to align it with the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says under the new policy, schools will now be required to be more transparent in disclosing hazing incidents, so parents can have a better understanding of the organization their kids are joining.

Cut 6 (13) “…on our website.”

While the entire world is mourning the loss of Dolly Parton, that can especially be said for the Krewe of Dolly. Sarah Post with the Krewe of Dolly says the organization was founded in 2020 by a group of women who are die-hard fans of the country superstar.

Cut 13 (11)  “…Bosom Buddies Parade.”

The Krewe of Dolly will do a celebration of life second line in memory of Dolly Parton on September 5th – “9/5” as in “9 to 5.”  You’ll find details on the krewe’s website.

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Board of Regents is updating its hazing and power-based violence policies in order to comply with state law. Here’s Kace Kieschnick.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A Houma man who worked as a coach was arrested yesterday, charged with  five counts of second-degree rape.  Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Officials say the charges against 25 year old Zachariah Jerry Trujillo stem from allegations from a former student who claimed they were raped by Turjillo.  He is being held in the Terrebonne Parish jail on a $1,000,000 bond.

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In less than three years in office Governor Jeff Landry has already issued more executive orders than Governor John Bel Edwards.  LaPolitics Weekly publisher Jeremy Alford says Landry has used executive orders to reshape state government and to advance his education agenda.

Cut 11 (12) “…funds public education.”

A seafood consulting firm says more than one out of every four restaurants in the Baton Rouge area is misrepresenting the origins of their shrimp. SeaD (“seed”) Consulting recently did an audit on previously-tested restaurants on behalf of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, and it found that 27-percent of them told diners their shrimp was American wild-caught, when genetic testing found that it was actually imported. SeaD Co-Founder David Williams says while restaurants are required by law to disclose the presence of imported shrimp, some seem to have found a way around it.

Cut 7 (08) “…ask your server.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry is not shy about issuing executive orders. In less than three years in office, he’s issued 406 of them — surpassing the number his predecessor, John Bel Edwards, issued during two full terms. LaPolitics Weekly publisher Jeremy Alford says Landry’s record pace fits his personality.

Cut 10 (06) “…Huey P. Long.”

At the urging of the legislature, the Board of Regents is cracking down on hazing and bullying. The board approved sweeping enhancements to the Uniform Anti-Hazing Policy to align it with the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says it especially cracks down on organizations where hazing is taking place.

Cut 4 (09) “…a college campus.”

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If you’d like to celebrate the life of Dolly Parton New Orleans-style, the Krewe of Dolly will be holding a celebration of life second line in her memory on September 5th – “9/5” as in “9 to 5.” Andrew Greenstein has more on the Krewe of Dolly.

Cut 3 (47) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

As the world remembers Dolly Parton, we’re hearing from a Natchitoches woman who worked with her on Steel Magnolias. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (51) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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It was emotional celebration of life ceremony in Baton Rouge for legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman, as former players, coaches, and the broader LSU community joined the Bertman family to pay tribute to him.  Ben McDonald was a star pitcher for Bertman from 1986 until 1989 and recalled seeing Bertman in the hospital shortly before his passing.

Cut 8 (16) “…see Coach Bertman.”

It appears Sunday’s Republican Party endorsement of Blake Miguez in the district six race for U.S. Congress might not be the last word there.   Tyler Bridges, a political reporter with The Advocate,” says it’s raising eyebrows in republican circles, Governor Landry has expressed outrage over the decision, and it’s possible that the infighting could lead to a re-vote.

Cut 6 (06) “…of both candidates.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

It’s official.  SpaceX plans to build the largest rocket launching facility in the world on near Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish. The 100-billion-dollar spaceport will bring thousands of jobs to Acadiana. But SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell  says SpaceX also has another mission here.

Cut 14 (10) “…and wildlife conservation”

The LSU family came together last night to celebrate the life of legendary baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman.  LSU’s current head baseball coach, Jay Johnson, noted that Bertman was in Omaha for the championship series between the Tigers played Coastal Carolina in 2025 and shared what Bertman told him before the second game in that series.

Cut 7 (12) “…better win today.”

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As the world mourns the passing of Dolly Parton, we’re hearing from a Natchitoches woman who served as her local stand-in when she was filming “Steel Magnolias” in the summer of 1988. Jacque (“Jackie”) Horton says Dolly may have been one of the biggest celebrities on the planet back then, she made everyone around her feel important.

Cut 11 (08) “…lots of us.”

Looks like Sunday’s endorsement of Blake Miguez in the district six race for U.S. Congress might not be the last word in that contest. The executive committee’s decision raised some eyebrows within Republican circles. Tyler Bridges, a political reporter with The Advocate,” says the nod came after more members of the state Republican central committee chose to back Miguez’s most prominent GOP opponent, Rick Edmonds.

Cut 4 (06) “…Louisiana Republican Party.”

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

An emotional celebration of life ceremony for the one and only Skip Bertman. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Governor Jeff Landry, Mayor-President Sid Edwards, and Sheriff Sid Gautreaux were escorted out of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center during last night’s celebration of life due to a credible.  LSU Police said officers were notified around 8 p.m. of a threat directed at the LSU campus that had been posted on social media.

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SpaceX plans to build the largest rocket launching facility in the world on roughly 125-thousand acres near Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish. The 100-billion-dollar spaceport will bring thousands of jobs to Acadiana. SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell says once operational, SpaceX will launch multiple rockets a day, but it will also take steps towards protecting the coast.

Cut 13 (09)  “…projects start immediately.”

As the world mourns the passing of Dolly Parton, we’re hearing from a Natchitoches woman who served as her local stand-in when she was in that city filming “Steel Magnolias” in the summer of 1988. Jacque (“jackie”) Horton says Dolly may have been one of the biggest celebrities on the planet back then, but you wouldn’t have known it by spending time with her.

Cut 10 (07) “…most beautiful woman.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

A celebration of life ceremony for the legendary Skip Bertman will be held in the PMAC tonight. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Republican state Senator Blake Miguez has picked up the endorsement of the Louisiana Republican party in the race for Louisiana’s 6th Congressional district.  The November 3rd election is what’s known as a jungle primary, which means all candidates, regardless of party, will be on the same ballot.

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Big announcement expected from Governor Landry this morning regarding plans for SpaceX to build a spaceport in coastal Vermillion Parsish.  The Pecan Island area is a haven for hunting and fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts are concerned about what the spaceport will mean for them. But Parish President Chad Vallo says he’s confident the net for Vermilion Parish will be overwhelmingly positive, just as a similar project in Brownsville, Texas, has been.

Cut 5 (07) “…community as well.”

Willis Knighton Health in Bossier City is the first facility in the region to offer a new treatment for thumb arthritis. It’s called the TOUCH CMC 1 Prosthesis, and it’s being performed by hand and wrist surgery specialist Dr. Diego Miranda, who says while traditional treatments require complete removal of the trapezium (tra-PEE-zee-um) bone, this new procedure keeps it intact.

Cut 13 (05)  “…the joint surfaces.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Governor Landry will be in Abbeville this morning, where he’s expected to announce that SpaceX will be building a spaceport in Vermilion Parish. Here’s Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Poice in Eunice have identified the two victims who were killed in Saturday morning’s shooting as 22 year old Davion Fugett and 34 year old Rico Morgan, both of Eunice. The two were killed when five people were shot early Saturday at Chip’s Daiquiris there. So far, no arrests have been made but police say they have identified a person of interest.

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LSU’s celebration of Louisiana legend Skip Bertman’s life will be held in the PMAC tonight at 7.  Doors are set to open at six and the event is open to the public. The ceremony will also be broadcast on ESPN-plus and the SEC Network. Doug Thompson, one of Bertman’s national champion pitchers, says LSU fans are known for showing up for their teams, and he hopes that the PMAC is bursting at the seams with Tiger fans honoring Bertman.

Cut 8 (08) “…we’re so unique.”

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is seeing more multi-sport officials. Director of Officials Lee Sanders says there are about four-thousand officials, and 926 of them work multiple sports, which is a 10-percent increase from last year and a 22-percent increase from 2024.

Cut 10 (07) “…and member schools.”

 

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

LSU’s celebration of Skip Bertman’s life will be held in the PMAC tonight at 7 p-m. The event honoring the Louisiana legend who passed away at the age of 88 earlier this month is open to the public. Doors open at 6 p-m, with general admission seating around the upper bowl available. Doug Thompson, one of Bertman’s national champion pitchers, says it is a great opportunity to celebrate an icon.

Cut 7 (11) “…to do it.”

Governor Jeff Landry will be in Abbeville this morning, where he’s expected to announce that SpaceX will be building a spaceport in coastal Vermilion Parish. Parish President Chad Vallo this is a monumental day for his parish.

Cut 4 (14) “…very good jobs.”

The news conference is scheduled to start this morning at 11.

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is pleased to see the number of officials who are working multiple sports is growing. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the U-s Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating the illegal shooting and killing of a bald eagle.  It happened in Vermillion Parish in early December of last year.  A reward of up to 20-thousand dollars is being offered to anyone with information that leads to a conviction in this case.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

University Medical Center New Orleans officially opens phase one of its expanded cancer center, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 this morning. Dr. Amelia Jernigan with UMC New Orleans says the additional space will allow cancer patients to be able to be seen quickly for frontline care and will help support the needs of oncology patients regionally.

Cut 5 (15) “…systemic therapy.”

A new mRNA vaccine that’s patient specific, based on an individual’s genetic profile is being developed to reduce the risk of repeat melanoma. Dr. Katherine Chang with LSU Health Shreveport, says the vaccine by Merk and Moderna has seen success in clinical trials and they plan to file for approval of the vaccine within months.  Dr. Chang says this vaccine could be a game-changer, especially in states like Louisiana.

Cut 12 (10) “…a death sentence.”

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LSU basketball commit RJ Luis has a preliminary injunction hearing this afternoon to decide his basketball future. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

LSU is at the center of history as former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright is set to become the first football player to participate in an NFL training camp but return to play in college. Wright has been released by the Browns and if he clears waivers, is expected to end up on LSU’s campus. A Baton Rouge judge has given Wright and several other players a fifth year of eligibility.