11:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry is defending the state’s growing data center industry amid concerns about its impact on water supplies and electricity bills. Several data centers are already under construction in Louisiana, with more planned. Speaking at a State of the State luncheon in Monroe, Landry says the projects are important to the state’s economic future.

Cut 4 (13) “…write your future.”

The governor says companies building data centers have pledged not to raise residential electricity rates. And he downplayed concerns over how much water they’ll actually use.

Not the start to the school day that dozens of Shreveport middle school students were hoping for. Fire Chief Clarence Reese says about 58 students at Northside Lanier Middle School were aboard a school bus en route to school when it became involved in a crash with a car at an intersection in a neighborhood in the northwest side of the city.

Cut 3 (05) “…four-door sedan.”

A total of 20 people were injured, including 18 kids on the bus. But thankfully no serious or major injuries.

 

 

The U-S Senate overwhelmingly approved the Protect College Sports Act last night. It creates a national framework addressing NIL compensation, revenue sharing and transfer rules. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy voted for the legislation, but wanted the measure to do something for the fans, so he attempted to amend the legislation to limit ticket prices from increasing by no more than four-percent annually…

Cut 9 (09) “…the fans”

The amendment received 42 votes and did not pass.

Saints receiver Chris Olave has been named a Guardian Signature Athlete in a partnership with the company behind the Guardian Cap. As part of the new partnership, Olave will have the chance to donate Guardian caps and chin straps to his former high school, as well as to high school teams in the New Orleans area

Cut 15 (11) “…effect is magical.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

By a vote of 77-22, the U.S. Senate passes the Protect College Sports Act. It now moves to the House, where its future is uncertain. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Southeastern Louisiana is mourning the death of three of its students who died in an overnight single-vehicle crash on U-S 51 north. State Police say the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it left the roadway and struck a concrete support column beneath an elevated portion of I-55.

 

Governor Jeff Landry delivered a state of the state address during a speaking event in Monroe. Landry says recent legal reforms approved by the legislature has resulted in more insurance companies coming into Louisiana to write policies than ever before. But he cautions that it will take time for those changes to translate into significantly lower premiums.

Cut 6 (12) “…takes a while.

There is the potential for heavy rainfall later this week as a cold front will interact with a very moist air mass associated with the remnants of Hurricane Polo in the Eastern Pacific. National Weather Service Meteorologist Donald Jones says rain chances return tomorrow and increase Thursday through the weekend.

Cut 10 (08) “…chance of rain.”

Rainfall totals of two to four inches are expected this weekend, but some areas could see higher amounts.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU football team has suffered significant injuries to starters Whit Weeks, Dashawn Spears and Trey’Dez Green. Coach Lane Kiffin says they are especially impactful now that rosters are less deep thanks to the transfer portal. He says he is considering not playing some starters when LSU takes on McNeese on Saturday.

Cut 16 (12) “…of what’s happened.”

Quarterback Sam Leavitt has a hamstring injury and Kiffin would confirm whether he’ll play against McNeese. Kiffin would not say if linebacker Whit Week’s broken leg is a season ending injury.

Former Cecilia star and Ragin Cajuns sophomore defensive back Brent Gordon Junior was named Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week. Gordon had seven tackles, an interception, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in a 34-7 win over Charlotte. The Cajuns host Arkansas State this Saturday night.

 

A couple of big calls did not go the Saints way in their 35-27 loss to the  Ravens. One of them was a roughing the passer penalty against linebacker Danny Stutsman. Watching the replay, it’s hard to say what Stutsman could have done differently when he took Cousins to the ground after he delivered a pass. Stutsman says the flag lines up with others around the league…

Cut 20 (12) “….make those calls”

Saints receiver Chris Olave has been named a Guardian Signature Athlete in a partnership with the company behind the Guardian Cap. As part of the new partnership, Olave will have the chance to donate Guardian caps and chin straps to his former high school, as well as to high school teams in the New Orleans area

Cut 15 (11) “…effect is magical.”

LRN PM Newscall

The coroner of St. Tammany Parish is sounding the alarm over an uptick in suicides. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The injury bug has hit LSU hard. Linebacker Whit Weeks could be out for the season with a broken fibula. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Federal, state and local law enforcement officials held a press conference in Shreveport on Monday to announce a new multi-agency initiative called the Gator Task Force. U.S. Attorney Zachary Keller says this initiative will target violent crime and drug trafficking in the Shreveport-Bossier City area. Keller says the task force officially started in July and it’s already working…

Cut 3 (11) “…indictment”

Keller says the Gator Task Force is also responsible for the seizure of over 20 pounds of methamphetamine, 19 guns and four stolen vehicles.

Governor Jeff Landry was also on hand for the press conference. Landry says when he took office in 2024, Louisiana had three cities ranked in the top ten for the most dangerous cities in the country. Landry says today none of those cities are ranked in the top ten for crime..

Cut 4 (11) “…today.”

Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn is optimistic this task force will reduce the selling of illegal drugs and violent crime in north Louisiana…

Cut 5 (09) “…ready to go to work.”

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The coroner of St. Tammany Parish is sounding the alarm on an uptick in suicides. Dr. Christopher Tape says the parish is on pace for 60 suicides this year, which would be a record. He says most of these suicides are not planned in advance.

Cut 6 (08) “…they shoot themselves.”

Dr. Tape says just some routine gun safety practices can prevent suicides.

Cut 7 (09) “…a second guess.”

Tape says if you’re going through a crisis, there’s the 988 suicide prevention hotline, which you can call for whatever crisis you’re going through, whether you’re contemplating suicide or not. He says there are other things you can do to take your mind off those thoughts.

Cut 8 (11) “…your mental pain.”

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LSU senior linebacker Whit Weeks broke his leg during the Tigers’ 35-6 domination of Texas A&M and could miss the rest of the season. It is a major loss for a team that already lost starting defensive back Dashawn Spears to a season-ending injury. Star tight end Trey’Dez Green is also sidelined for significant time. Coach Lane Kiffin says the injuries are piling up.

Cut 9 (07)  “…step up.”

Linebacker Davhon (DAY-von) Keys will step up as the starter, like he did last season with Weeks out. Kiffin and his staff rebuilt the LSU roster with a massive transfer class, but he still has concerns about its depth with eight games remaining.

Cut 10 (12) “…week 11.” 

Quarterback Sam Leavitt also played through a hamstring injury against the Aggies. Kiffin says the team will be extremely cautious with Leavitt this week but the injury actually helped him stay in the pocket and throw the ball better.

Cut 11 (11) “…this year.”

LSU hosts McNeese on Saturday at 6:45.

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The Louisiana Supreme Court has appointed St. Tammany and Washington Parish District Attorney Collin Sims to examine the decision to seek an indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill. An Orleans Parish grand jury indicted Murrill in early July on malfeasance and public intimidation charges, but the charges were later dismissed. New Orleans Metro Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche says the investigation is unusual…

Cut 12 (11) “…this issue.” 

Sims will determine whether the process used to pursue the indictment was proper and whether any criminal or ethical violations occurred. Goyeneche says State Police is already investigating, and having a prosecutor involved could help determine whether the grand jury was used appropriately…

Cut 13 (11) “…state violations.”

Murrill has accused the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office of using the grand jury as political retaliation for her efforts to address corruption in New Orleans. Goyeneche says one of Sims’ responsibilities will be seeking access to grand jury records…

Cut 14 (09) “..to do that.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Tech president Doctor Jim Henderson has announced his retirement as he’ll leave as the school’s leader at the end of the calendar year. Louisiana Illuminator reporter Piper Hutchinson expects Governor Landry to have a significant role in selecting Henderson’s successor. She says State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley has emerged as a potential candidate.

Cut 12 (08) “…take the position.”

Brumley says his focus is on pre-K through 12th-grade education, where he says Louisiana schools have made historic progress.

The coroner of St. Tammany Parish is sounding the alarm on an uptick in suicides. Dr. Christopher Tape says the parish is on pace for 60 suicides this year, which would be a record. He says most of these suicides are not planned in advance.

Cut 6 (08) “…they shoot themselves.”

Tape says if you’re going through a crisis, there’s the 988 suicide prevention hotline, which you can call for whatever crisis you’re going through, whether you’re contemplating suicide or not.

 

A rough fourth quarter for the Saints on Sunday as they watched an 11-point third quarter lead evaporate as New Orleans lost its home opener to Las Vegas 35-27. Tyler Shough turned it over three times in the fourth quarter, including a costly interception right after the Raiders took the lead. Shough says he should not have tried to push the ball down the feel…

Cut 18 (16) “….side of the field”

New Orleans is now 1-2 and will host the Falcons a week from tonight.

The 11th ranked LSU Tigers put together a dominating performance, beating Texas A-and-M 35 to 6 on Saturday. Coach Lane Kiffin’s team outgained the Aggies 506 yards to 197…

Cut 13 (08) “…prepared well”

But LSU linebacker Whit Weeks could be lost for the season with a broken leg.

8:30 LRN Newscast

A poll paid for by the Jamie Davis campaign shows the Democrat from Tensas Parish is just four percentage points behind Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow in the U-S Senate race. Nearly all political observers have Letlow winning this race easily, but LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says the race might be more competitive than originally thought…

Cut 9 (10) “…we have seen”

Louisiana Tech president Doctor Jim Henderson has announced he’s retiring at the end of the calendar year. During his tenure, Tech posted revenue-generating enrollment growth, including record freshman classes and the highest retention rate in the U-L System. Louisiana Illuminator higher education reporter Piper Hutchinson says Tech also secured 38-million dollars in federal money for research

Cut 11 (11) “…universities.”

 

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt injured his hamstring in Saturday night’s 35 to 6 win over Texas A-and-M. But the leg injury turned him into more of a passer than a runner as he threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns. Leavitt also completed 74-percent of his passes,,,

Cut 14 (12) “…to place it”

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough turned it over three times in the fourth quarter and New Orleans blew an 11-point lead and lost to the Las Vegas Raiders 35 to 27.

The losing continues in Natchitoches as Northwestern State lost its 16th straight, falling to Southeastern Louisiana 52 to 21. Demons Coach Blane McCorkle…

Cut 19 (12) “…ever single day”

ULM has lost 12 in a row as they lost to Florida Atlantic.

7:30 LRN Newscast

A new poll from Hart Research Associates shows a close U-S Senate race in Louisiana with Republican Julia Letlow leading Democrat Jamie Davis 48 to 44 percent. Now it is important to note that Davis paid for this survey. But LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Letlow’s popularity could be impacted by President Trump’s falling poll numbers…

Cut 8 (13) “….where voters stand”

The election is November third.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, there is a rise in asthma attacks and asthma-related emergency room visits at this time of the year. Louisiana Department of Health nurse consultant Tanya (TAN-yuh) Cobb says children are especially vulnerable…

Cut 4 (11) “…your asthma.”

Cobb recommends people with asthma have rescue medication like an inhaler close at hand wherever they go.

 

LSU bottles up its anger from its crushing loss to Ole Miss and takes it out on Texas A-and-M. Andrew Greenstein is at Tiger Stadium with more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Saints missed out on an opportunity to go to 2-and-1 on the season as they blew an 11-point third quarter lead and lost to the Las Vegas Raiders 35 to 27. Hard to win, when you turn it over four times in the fourth quarter.

Speaking of losing, Northwestern State’s losing streak is up 16 games after losing to Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday night. ULM has lost 12 in a row after falling Florida Atlantic for homecoming.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints let one get away yesterday: up by 11 in the third quarter, they turned it over four times in the fourth quarter and lost to the Las Vegas Raiders 35 to 27. New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough threw four touchdown passes, but also turned it over three times…

Cut 16 (12) “…with all of us.”

How about that LSU defense? They made Texas A-and-M look bad on Saturday night, holding Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed to 106 passing yards and minus 13 yards rushing. Safety Ty Benefield…

Cut 15 (14) “…a lot easier’

But the LSU defense will be without linebacker Whit Weeks for possibly the rest of the season with a broken leg.

 

The Ragin Cajuns defense looked good again on Saturday as U-L Lafayette held Charlotte to 137 yards in a 34-to-7 win. Brent Gordon had a huge game had an interception, forced two fumbles and recovered one. Lunch Winfield was 19 for 26 for 149 yards and a touchdown.

ULM lost its 12th straight game, falling to Florida Atlantic 45 to 17.

Northwestern State lost its 16th straight as Southeastern Louisiana defeated the Demons 52 to 21. Lions coach Frank Scelfo says it was a sloppy first half, but they cleaned up those mistakes…

Cut 20 (15) “…second half.”

Nicholls, Southern and Grambling lost, Tulane rallied to beat Southern Miss 21 to 14, and McNeese beat East Texas A-and-M 27 to 24. The Cowboys travel to Tiger Stadium to play LSU this Saturday night. Former Acadiana star Omiri Wiggins had 116 yards rushing.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The Saints let one get away yesterday, up by 11 points in the third quarter, but New Orleans turned it over four times and lost to the Las Vegas Raiders 35-27.

However, the LSU Tigers put together a dominating performance, beating Texas A-and-M 35 to 6. Coach Lane Kiffin’s team outgained the Aggies 506 yards to 197…

Cut 13 (08) “…prepared well”

But LSU linebacker Whit Weeks could be lost for the season with a broken leg.

 

Doctor Jim Henderson will retire as Louisiana Tech president at the end of the year, ending a long career in Louisiana higher education. Henderson has also served as president of the U-L System and his alma mater, Northwestern State. Louisiana Illuminator higher education reporter Piper Hutchinson says Henderson has earned a lot of respect during his career…

Cut 10 (11) “…entire career.”

 

With school back in session and ragweed pollen counts near their peak, September can be a concerning time for people with asthma. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has issued mercury-related consumption advisories for seven waterways. The new and updated advisories include Mermentau River and Lake Arthur, Vermillion River and Bayou Tortue, Boeuf River, Lake Bistineau, Pearl River and Tew Lake.

LRN AM Newscall September 28

With school back in session and ragweed pollen counts near their peak, September can be a concerning time for people with asthma. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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For only the second time in the general election campaign for U.S. Senate, we have poll numbers. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU bottles up its anger from its crushing loss to Ole Miss and takes it out on Texas A-and-M. Andrew Greenstein is at Tiger Stadium with more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The final weeks of September bring a rise in asthma attacks and asthma-related emergency room visits. Louisiana Department of Health nurse consultant Tanya (TAN-yuh) Cobb says children are especially vulnerable as a return to school brings exposure to…

Cut 4 (11) “…your asthma.”

Environmental factors like pollen, mold, dust, smoke, aerosols and strong odors can also trigger symptoms, including coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Cobb says people have unique triggers and symptoms.

Cut 5 (11) “…avoid that.”

Cobb recommends people with asthma have rescue medication like an inhaler close at hand wherever they go. She says families should work with their healthcare providers to develop an asthma action plan.

Cut 6 (11) “…they occur.”

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Election Day is now just over five weeks away; and last week, we got our second snapshot of the U.S. Senate race between Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis. Like the first poll, the poll this month by Hart Research Associates shows Letlow with a four-point lead over Davis. However, with the split being 48 to 44-percent, there were far fewer undecided voters in this poll of 500 likely voters. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says there is one important thing to note about this poll. 

Cut 7 (09) “…out to be.”

However, Hogan says there is likely credence in these polls, given the fact that other Republican Senate candidates who would otherwise be coasting to victory find themselves in unusually competitive races.

Cut 8 (13) “…where voters stand.”

Hogan says while it’s still likely that Letlow will ultimately win on November 3rd, these polls do create an opening for Davis to make this a competitive race.

Cut 9 (10)  “…we have seen.”

The margin is within the poll’s 4.5-percent margin of error.

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Doctor Jim Henderson will retire as president of Louisiana Tech at the end of the year, ending a long career in Louisiana higher education. Henderson has also served as president of the U-L System and his alma mater, Northwestern State. Louisiana Illuminator higher education reporter Piper Hutchinson says Henderson has earned a lot of respect during his career.

Cut 10 (11) “…entire career.”

Henderson became Louisiana Tech’s 15th president in January 2024. He announced his retirement Friday, citing declining health, but says there is no immediate threat to his life.

During his tenure, Tech posted revenue-generating enrollment growth, including record freshman classes and the highest retention rate in the U-L System. He also oversaw the university’s move into the Sun Belt Conference.

Hutchinson says she’s also impressed that Tech secured 38-million dollars in federal appropriations for research in biomedical engineering, micro-manufacturing, cyber engineering and forest products.

Cut 11 (11) “…universities.”

Hutchinson expects Governor Landry to have a significant role in selecting Henderson’s successor. She says State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley has emerged as a potential candidate.

Cut 12 (08) “…take the position.”

Brumley says his focus is on pre-K through 12th-grade education, where he says Louisiana schools have made historic progress.

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After suffering a disappointing loss to Ole Miss a week ago, LSU redeems itself in a big way, crushing Texas A-and-M, 35-6. It was a far cry from the beating the Aggies laid on the Tigers in Death Valley last year that resulted in the firing of Brian Kelly. Head Coach Lane Kiffin was especially pleased with how his team dominated on both sides of the ball, outgaining A-and-M 506 yards to 197.

Cut 13 (08)  “…prepared really well.” 

Quarterback Sam Leavitt completed 17 out of 23 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns. After the game, Leavitt said some of the adjustments he made from the previous week paid off.

Cut 14 (12) “…to place it.”

One of the big questions going into Saturday night’s game was whether LSU could stop a mobile quarterback like Marcel Reed. Safety Ty Benefield, who tied for the team lead with seven tackles, said he and his teammates answered that question in a huge way by holding him to just 106 yards passing and minus-13 yards rushing. 

Cut 15 (14) “…a lot easier.”

Despite the win, LSU dropped from 10th to 11th in the rankings, while Texas A-and–M went from 23rd to out of the rankings altogether. LSU improves to 3-and-1 on the season, 1-and-1 in the SEC, and hosts McNeese next Saturday.

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The Saints let one get away yesterday: up by 11 in the third quarter, they turned it over four times in the fourth and lost to the Las Vegas Raiders 35 to 27. New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough threw four touchdown passes, but also turned it over three times.

Cut 16 (12) “…with all of us.”

The loss dropped the Saints to 1-2 and Sunday’s defeat spoiled a great atmosphere for the home opener. Coach Kellen Moore wishes they could have won for Who Dat Nation.

Cut 17 (16) “…it done together.”

Shough was intercepted once. It came with the Raiders up by one, and the I-N-T set them up to take an eight-point lead. Shough on what happened on that play.

Cut 18 (16) “..side of the field.”

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Northwestern State lost its 16th in a row on Saturday falling to Southeastern Louisiana 52-21. Even though the losses keep coming, Demons coach Blaine McCorkle believes the program is heading in the right direction.

Cut 19 (12) “…every single day.”

Lions coach Frank Scelfo says it was a sloppy first half, but they cleaned up those mistakes.

Cut 20 (15) “…second half.”