12:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill clarifies some points of a new law concerning a pair of abortion-inducing medications. As of October 1st, mifeprestone and misoprostol will be classified as Schedule Four controlled substances. Murrill says that will not prevent doctors from prescribing them, and they have nothing to worry about in doing so.

Cut 9 (14)  “…actions or prosecution.”

Other Schedule Four controlled substances in Louisiana include Valium, Xanax and Ambien.

 

The Public Service Commission selects Aptim Environmental and Infrastructure to run its new statewide energy efficiency program. Commissioner Davante Lewis says Louisiana will set the example through this move.

Cut 14 (08) “…in the nation.”

 

State government has accepted its first cryptocurrency payment. The digital currency paid for a hunting license according to State Treasurer John Fleming who says cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum (uh-theh-ree-uhm) offer the potential for faster and more secure transactions. Fleming says in today’s digital age, government systems must evolve and embrace new technologies.

Cut 11 (09) “…by 2028.”

The first cryptocurrency payment paid for a hunting license.

 

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser along with the Louisiana Office of Tourism leave tomorrow (Friday) for India. A $300,000 grant from the U.S. Commerce Department is paying for the trip and Nungesser says the goal is to increase tourism from India to Louisiana…

Cut 3 (10) “…coming to Louisiana.”

The delegation’s goal is to showcase Louisiana’s rich culture, heritage, and tourism opportunities to boost international visitors to the state. 

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Who Dat Nation is fired up for Sunday’s game as the 2-and-0 Saints welcome the 1-and-1 Philadelphia Eagles to the Caesars Superdome. Quarterback Derek Carr says he’s expecting an electric atmosphere…

Cut 17 (17) “…are really excited.”

 

LSU fans will head out to Tiger Stadium this Saturday afternoon as the Tigers are a big favorite to beat UCLA, who is coming off a blow out loss to Indiana. LSU defensive end Bradyn Swinson on the identity they are to create on defense…

Cut 20 (14) “…everybody loved”

Swinson had three sacks in the win over South Carolina last week and named the the SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

 

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame has named its 2025 induction class. The headliner is Andrew Whitworth, who was a dominant offensive tackle at West Monroe and LSU and had a long career in the NFL. He’s one of three people in the class that went to LSU. NCAA champion boxer Bobby Soileau from Ville Platte and former LSU gymnastics great April Burkholder. Hall of Fame chairman Doug Ireland says Burkholder was a 14-time All-American gymnast and won the 2006 NCAA beam title…

Cut 27 (09) “…gymnastics’

The class also features a couple of great high school coaches. The retired Dale Weiner, who won 317 games and led Catholic High to a state football title in 2016 and St. Thomas More boys basketball coach Danny Broussard who has led the Cougars to six state titles.

 

Texas Coach Steve Sarkisan has announced that former Newman star Arch Manning will make his first start at quarterback against ULM on Saturday.

 

The Tampa Bay Rays have named former LSU and Brother Martin star Tre Morgan as their Minor League Player of the Year. Morgan hit .324 with 10 home runs and 68 RBIs this past season.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana government has accepted its first cryptocurrency payment, signaling a step toward modernizing the state’s financial systems. State Treasurer Dr. John Fleming says cryptocurrency can enhance convenience, efficiency, and transparency…

Cut 10 (09) “…bitcoin lightning.”

Fleming says the first cryptocurrency payment to state government was for a hunting license.

 Memphis Zoo Director of Conservation and Research Steve Reichling has successfully bred the first Louisiana Pine Snake using artificial insemination, marking a significant conservation achievement, as the Louisiana Pine Snake is a federally threatened species.

Cut 4 (10) “…calling it a breakthrough.”

Reichling says there are very few Louisiana Pine Snakes left because of the loss of the long leaf pine forest.

 The Public Service Commission unanimously selects an outside firm to run its upcoming statewide energy efficiency program. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

 The founder and CEO of Raising Cane’s, Todd Graves, will be one of 16 guest Sharks on the Emmy-winning reality TV show “Shark Tank.” The 16th season of Shark Tank will debut on ABC on October 18th. Graves, who opened his first Raising Cane’s in 1996 near the LSU campus, will have the opportunity to help entrepreneurs build their brand.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Attorney General Liz Murrill issues a lengthy statement that attempts to alleviate concerns over a new law that goes into effect next month that will classify two abortion inducing drugs as dangerous controlled substances. Opponents of the law, including Vice President Kamala Harris, say it will have a negative impact on the health care of a pregnant mother, but Murrill says that’s not the case…

Cut 8 (13) “…for emergency purposes”

The Louisiana Public Service Commission has hired a Baton Rouge firm to run a statewide energy efficiency program. It was a unanimous vote, but Commissioner Eric Skrmetta is concerned about the cost…

Cut 15 (11) “…top of that”

But Commissioner Craig Greene says the decision strikes the right balance between local expertise and fiscal responsibility.

Researchers at the Memphis Zoo breed the Louisiana Pine Snake with artificial insemination for the first time.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Could we see another hurricane threat next week? The National Hurricane Center says there is now a medium chance of a tropical storm forming early next week in the northwestern Caribbean Sea and southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Long range models show a storm in the Gulf next week that will threaten the Gulf coast.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU’s defense showed signs it can be dominant in the 36-33 win over South Carolina. The Tigers held the Gamecocks to one total yard in the third quarter, but also gave up long touchdown runs in the second and fourth quarters. Senior defensive end Bradyn Swinson says they are close to being a good defense

Cut 19 (17) “….long ride 

The senior edge rusher is coming off a three-sack performance against South Carolina and this Saturday’s opponent, UCLA, has issues along its offensive line.

 

A prosecutor with the state attorney general’s office has provided the court with police bodycam footage from a shooting in Union Parish that led to the arrest of LSU running back Trey Holly. Two people were injured. One of them is Keisha Cornett who is seeking justice. Holly remains suspended from the football team and his next court hearing is December 18th.

 

The Saints are back at work getting ready for Sunday’s home game against Philadelphia. Quarterback Derek Carr says must put the 2-and-0 start behind them and focus on beating the Eagles…

Cut 18 (13)  “…going to count.”

Cornerback Marshon Lattimore was at practice yesterday after missing the Cowboys win because of a hamstring injury. But Taysom Hill did not practice yesterday because of a chest injury.

 

Three former LSU Tigers make up the 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, former offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth, former gymnast April Burkholder and Bobby Soileau of Ville Platte who was an NCAA champion in boxing at LSU. Former Lady Techster All-American Vickie Johnson is also part of the class. Hall chairman Doug Ireland says Johnson also had a great pro career…

Cut 23 (14) “…WNBA”

6:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s attorney general clarifies a new law going into effect next month concerning a pair of abortion-inducing drugs.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A prosecutor with the state attorney general’s office has provided the court with police bodycam footage from a shooting in Union Parish that led to the arrest of LSU running back Trey Holly. Two people were injured. One of them is Keisha Cornett who is seeking justice. Holly remains suspended from the football team and his next court hearing is December 18th.

 

State government has accepted its first cryptocurrency payment. The digital currency paid for a hunting license according to State Treasurer John Fleming who says cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum (uh-theh-ree-uhm) offer the potential for faster and more secure transactions. Fleming says in today’s digital age, government systems must evolve and embrace new technologies.

Cut 11 (13) “…by 2028.”

 

A researcher at the Memphis Zoo has successfully used artificial insemination to breed the Louisiana Pine Snake, which is an endangered species due to the loss of the long leaf pine forest. Steve Reichling says it’s a big break through in trying to grow a more diverse population of the Louisiana Pine Snake…

Cut 5 (12) “….probably declining”

He says their first try with artificial insemination produced three little pine snakes.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints got back to work today as they prepare for Sunday’s game against the Eagles. Defensive End Carl Granderson says while his unit’s performance against the Cowboys last Sunday was dominant, it wasn’t perfect.

Cut 17 (11) “…to force turnovers.”

Saints Coach Dennis Allen said today that he hopes Marshon Lattimore will be able to play against the Eagles. He missed the Dallas game with a hamstring injury, but practiced on a limited basis. .

 

Freshman running back Caden Durham had a big game last Saturday as he led the Tigers with 98 yards rushing and two touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, 50 of his yards came after contact. But Coach Brian Kelly is not ready to name Durham as the top back…

Cut 19 (12) “….looking for 

 

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame announces its class of 2025. Chairman Doug Ireland says the headliner of the new class is football standout Andrew Whitworth, who won championships at all three levels – high school, college and pro.

Cut 14 (08) “…with the Rebels.”

And after winning the national championship with Nick Saban’s LSU squad in 2003, Whitworth went on to play in the NFL for 16 years, going out a winner.

The class of 2025 also includes two basketball All-stars — Danny Granger and Vickie Johnson. Granger  was an NBA All-Star with the Pacers in 2009 after staring at Grace King High School in New Orleans

Johnson played for Louisiana Tech and played in the WNBA for the first 13 years of the league’s existence and was a WNBA All-Star twice.

Former LSU gymnast April Burkholder, St. Thomas More boys basketball coach Danny Broussard and Delgado Baseball Coach Joe Scheurmann also make up the 2025 class.

3:30 LRN Newscast

Senator John Kennedy had some choice words for the executive director of the Arab American Institute during a Judiciary Committee hearing on hate crimes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

 

The National Hurricane Center is watching for possible development of a tropical storm in the Western Caribbean over the next seven days. Right now, forecasters are giving it a low chance, but there are long range forecasts that show the possibility of a storm in the Gulf of Mexico next week. We’ll keep you updated.

 

Today marks one year since construction began on a section of I-20 in Bossier City. Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Buchannan says once work is completed late next year, motorists will have a much better commute through one of the busiest section of interstate in north Louisiana….

Cut 13 (10) “…commercial vehicles included

 

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches has announced it’s 2025 induction class and the headliner is former football star Andrew Whitworth. The offensive tackle won championships at West Monroe, LSU and with the Rams…

Cut 15 (13) “…a great game”

The 2025 class also consists of former Lady Techster All-American Vickie Johnson, and St. Thomas More boys basketball coach Danny Broussard.

2:30 LRN Newscast

Enrollment at LSU-Alexandria is up 33-percent over last year as the school is approaching seven-thousand full-time undergraduate students. Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Shelly Gill says LSU-A’s affordability and commitment to student success have played key roles in attracting more students. And Gill says the university partners with local industries to meet workforce needs.

Cut 4 (12) “…loving what they see at LSUA.”

 

Louisiana U-S Senator John Kennedy had a testy exchange with the executive director of the Arab American Institute. Kennedy accused Maya Berry, a longtime Democratic party activist of supporting Hamas…

Cut 8 (16) “….in a bag (gasps)

 

DOTD marks one year of progress on the $127 million I-20 major rehabilitation project in Bossier City. Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the project focuses on improving a heavily trafficked section of the interstate, addressing deteriorating road conditions, drainage issues, and upgrading interchanges…

Cut 11 (12) “…moving forward with it.”

Buchanan says they are still on track to complete the project in late 2025.

 

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches has announced it’s induction class of 2025. The headliner is former West Monroe and LSU star and Super Bowl Champion Andrew Whitworth. The class also features several great coaches, including St. Thomas More Boys basketball coach Danny Broussard. The Hall’s Chairman Doug Ireland…

Cut 16 (14) “…in Lafayette”

Also going into the Hall former Lady Techster All-American Vickie Johnson.

LRN PM Newscall September 18

LSU Alexandria saw a 33.5-percent increase in undergraduates for Fall 2024 with a total of 6,818 students.  This 1,711 jump from last year represents one of the institution’s largest increases.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

______________________________________

Senator John Kennedy had some choice words for the executive director of the Arab American Institute during a Judiciary Committee hearing on hate crimes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________

LSU Alexandria is experiencing a significant surge in enrollment for Fall 2024, with a remarkable 33.5% growth, bringing the total undergraduate student population to 6,818. Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Shelly Gill says the surge is attributed to several factors, including enhanced recruitment efforts, expanded academic programs, and the growing popularity of online courses

Cut 3 (09) “…percent of that is online.”

LSUA’s affordability and commitment to student success have also played key roles in attracting more students. Gill noted that the university’s partnerships with local industries and businesses have helped align LSUA’s programs with workforce needs, making the university an attractive option for career-ready degrees.

Cut 4 (12) “…loving what they see at LSUA.”

Gill says as LSUA grows, the institution plans to further invest in its infrastructure and faculty to maintain high educational standards and meet the increasing demand.

Cut 5 (11) “…do more with the university.”

The enrollment boost is demonstrates the university’s growing role in providing quality, and affordable bachelor’s degrees in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

____________________________________

Senator John Kennedy had some choice words for the executive director of the Arab American Institute during a Judiciary Committee hearing on hate crimes. Kennedy opened his remarks by confirming that Maya Berry is a longtime Democratic party activist who served on the 2016 Democratic National Convention’s Platform Standing Committee. He continued:

Cut 6 (13) “…do not support.”

Berry was not happy with the tone of the question.

Cut 7 (11) “…I appreciate it. (applause fades)”

Kennedy closed his remarks with a pointed message for Berry. 

Cut 8 (16)  “…in a bag. (gasps)”

That last comment drew that audible rebuke from people attending the hearing, as well as committee Democrats on Social Media afterwards.

____________________________________

Lafayette Police have arrested a second 17-year-old for the double murder that took place at a barbershop on Louisiana Avenue during Labor Day Weekend. Sergeant Robin Green says Shylon Mouton and Jeffery Broussard, both of Lafayette, are facing two counts of first degree murder…

Cut 9 (10)  “…barbershop.”

19-year-old Quincy Duhon Junior and 48-year-old Johnny Trailer Junior were fatally shot. There were four others in the barbershop when shots rang out, but only Duhon and Trailer were shot. Green says Lafayette Police detectives worked hard on this case…

Cut 10 (12) “…for awhile.”

________________________________________________________

DOTD marks one year of progress on the $127 million I-20 major rehabilitation project in Bossier City. Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the project focuses on improving a heavily trafficked section of the interstate, addressing deteriorating road conditions, and drainage issues, and upgrading interchanges…

Cut 11 (12) “…moving forward with it.”

Over the past year, Buchanan says crews have worked to reconstruct aging infrastructure, ensuring the interstate can handle the growing traffic demands along southeastern I-20.

Cut 12 (11) “…that’s what happens.”

The phased construction approach has allowed work to progress while minimizing disruptions, although lane closures and detours have affected travel.

Cut 13 (10) “…commercial vehicles included.” 

As the project enters its second year, DOTD remains focused on completing the work on schedule for its targeted completion date of late 2025, weather permitting, Buchanan says the improvements will reduce congestion and provide safer, more efficient travel through the region.

____________________________________________________

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame announces its class of 2025. Chairman Doug Ireland says the headliner of the new class is football standout Andrew Whitworth, who won championships at all three levels – high school, college and pro.

Cut 14 (08) “…with the Rebels.”

And after winning the national championship with Nick Saban’s LSU squad in 2003, Whitworth went on to play in the NFL for 16 years, going out a winner.

Cut 15 (13) “…a great game.”

The class also includes legendary high school basketball coach Danny Broussard from St. Thomas More.

Cut 16 (14)   “…in Lafayette.”

The class also consists of  former NBA All-Star Danny Granger and former Lady Techster All-American Vickie Johnson, Delgado baseball coach Joe Scheuermann, former LSU gymnast April Burkholder, former Catholic High football coach Dale Weiner and former LSU national boxing champion George “Bobby” Soileau of Ville Platte. The class of 2025 will be inducted next summer.