6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints begin mandatory veteran minicamp today. It will be the last on-field action for the Black and Gold before training camp starts in late July. The Advocate’s Matt Paras says the biggest question mark for the defense may come off the field.

Cut 16 (16) “…of step up.”

After we spoke with Paras he released a report that says the Saints and Cam Jordan have made strides towards agreeing on a new contract. Jordan’s former teammate Terron Armstead said on his podcast “The Set” that Jordan is meeting with the Black and Gold today.

At the College World Series….Texas eliminated Alabama 14 to 2, while Oklahoma held on to beat Georgia four to three as the Sooners advance to the Winner’s Bracket.

 

Two offensive linemen committed to the LSU football program on Monday. Four-star Terrence Smith from Lansdale, Pennsylvannia chose LSU over Auburn and Tennessee. He’s six-foot-seven, 290 pounds and 247Sports ranks him as the fifth best offensive tackle in the country.

Hawaii native Amaziah Siale was a Cal commitment, but decommitted from the Golden Bears and now plans to play for the Fighting Tigers. Siale is six-foot-six and 350 pounds and did not play in his junior season at high school because of transfer-eligibility rules. He has moved to California.

The Brendan Sorsby saga at Texas Tech is over as he’s decided he will not play for the Red Raiders and instead he’ll enter the NFL Supplemental draft. Among the 90-thousand dollars in impressible bets, Sorsby gambled on Indiana when he was on the Hoosiers football team. A judge in Texas said he could play, but the Big 12 was ready to fight in federal court to keep Sorsby from playing college football.

LRN PM Newscall June 15

Flooding is a possibility this week as excessive rainfall may produce flash flooding. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Researchers from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical found that despite increasing obesity rates, severely obese individuals are receiving fewer surgeries. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

Nearly the entire state is under a flood watch as tropical moisture from a disturbance in the Gulf interacts with a stalled cold front, which is expected to produce between three to six inches of rain, with the possibility that some areas could see up to ten inches of rain fall over the next few days. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 3 (11) “…same location”

Keim says Louisiana residents should be prepared for heavy rains and the possibility of flooding.

Cut 4 (06) “…big time flooding.”

Keim says the chances for rain are high every day through Saturday. He says once this week ends, it’s likely the state will no longer be concerned with drought conditions…

Cut 5 (09) “…this fast.”

Keim says we could see the biggest rainfall totals on Tuesday going into Wednesday, but again a heavy downpour is possible every day this week, especially during the afternoon hours.

We’ve seen heavy rainfall across the I-20 corridor. In the Shreveport-Bossier area numerous cars had to be abandoned because they got stuck in flood waters.

________________________________________

An LSU Pennington Biomedical study found that Americans with severe obesity are undergoing fewer surgical procedures. Senior author of the study, Dr. Vance Albaugh says extreme obesity can predispose patients to knee or hip replacements, heart disease and other health issues that require operation. Despite rising national obesity rates, these individuals are undergoing fewer operations.

Cut 6 (07) “…their obesity.”

Albaugh says one cause of this trend could be insurance coverage. He says many insurance plans do not cover bariatric surgeries or GLP-1 medications to help with extreme weight loss.

Cut 7 (09) “…first place.”

In 2024, the Louisiana Legislature and Governor Landry passed a law requiring commercial health insurance plans to include coverage for bariatric surgery. The law was supposed to go into effect in January of 2025, but Albaugh says it has yet to be enacted.

Cut 8 (11) “…liver disease.”

_____________________________________________________________

Registration for the Fortified Roof Program lottery closes Friday at 5 p.m. 3,000 individuals will receive grants of up to ten-thousand-dollars for a new fortified roof. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says residents can create a profile and register at ldi.la.gov.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the grant.”

A new law signed last month allowed 50-million-dollars in Louisiana Citizens Insurance excess Katrina bonds to be allocated to the Fortified Roof Program. Temple says Louisiana is the fastest-growing state in the country for FORTIFIED.

Cut 10 (09) “…twelve months.” 

Temple says fortified roofs protect against extreme weather and extreme homeowners’ insurance prices. Resilient roofs limit claims, prevent damage and lower insurance rates.

Cut 11 (12) “…fortified roof on.”

______________________________________________________

The creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board is just Governor Landry’s signature away from becoming a reality. Jason Young, the co-founder of Americans for Lower Drug Prices, says Senate Bill 401, which passed overwhelmingly in the legislature, is designed to address what lawmakers say is a lack of accountability.

Cut 12 (12) “…to respond to.” 

Young cautions that the bill does not impose any price controls or set reimbursement limits.

Cut 13 (06) “…put anything out.”

Young says Americans are paying through the roof for prescription drugs and are fed up.

Cut 14 (11) “…exact same factory?”

Young says prescription drug companies respond to that by saying transparency could hurt innovation or access to prescription drugs.

 

2:30 LRN Newscast

Nearly the entire state is under a flood watch as tropical moisture from a disturbance in the Gulf interacts with a stalled cold front. Three to six inches of rain is predicted, with the possibility that some areas could see up to ten inches of rain over the next few days. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 3 (11) “…same location”

That’s what happened today In the Shreveport-Bossier area as numerous cars had to be abandoned.

Legislation was approved in the recently completed legislative session that seeks to lower prescription drug prices. One of the measures puts tougher restrictions on pharmacy benefits managers. P-B-Ms handle prescription drug coverage for health plans. There’s also a bill that creates the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Jason Young is the co-founder for Americans for Lower Drug Prices…

Cut 14 (11) “..exact same factory”

 

Researchers out of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center finds that despite increasing obesity rates, severely obese individuals are receiving fewer surgeries. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The viral World Cup traveler from Germany, identified on “X” as Freddy, had quite the visit to Louisiana on his way to watch World Cup matches in Houston. He got a tour of the Saints and Pelicans training facilities and during his trip through Baton Rouge, he and his buddies got a tour of Tiger Stadium. Freddy also ate at the original Raisin Cane’s restaurant next to the Baton Rouge campus and said it was life changing.

11:30 LRN Newscast

The potential for flooding exists for most of the state this week as rain chances are very high and it’s possible several inches of rain could fall in a short period. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a stalled cold front is interacting with tropical moisture, which will result in several inches of rain this week…

Cut 4 (07) “….big time flooding”

Keim says we could see the biggest rainfall totals on Tuesday, but again heavy downpour is possible every day this week.

During a speaking event at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, Louisiana U-S Senator John Kennedy, says donors to his 2028 re-election campaign have approached him about running for President and he has not ruled out the idea. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says a Kennedy presidential campaign has a chance to gain traction, because he agrees with many of President Trump’s priorities. But Hogan says it’s hard to say who Republicans will support post-Trump…

Cut 12 (07) “…looking for.”

Kennedy is 74-years-old. He’s currently serving his second term as U.S. Senator.

 

LSU Researchers at Pennington Biomedical in Baton Rouge have found that despite increasing obesity rates, severely obese individuals are receiving fewer surgeries.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Gas prices continue to fall. The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline fell another penny to $3.64 overnight. That’s eight-cents lower than a week ago and 36-cents cheaper than a month ago.

10:30 LRN Newscast

U-S Senator John Kennedy said during a speaking event at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics that donors have urged him to run for President and it’s an idea he has not dismissed. Kennedy is not as well-known as other potential Republican Presidential candidates like Vice President J.D. Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but political analyst Ron Faucheux says those who follow politics are aware of Kennedy…

Cut 11 (06) “…what he says.”

Kennedy is 74-years-old. He’s currently serving his second term as U.S. Senator.

Louisiana came in 19th in WalletHub’s ranking of the best states for military retirees, climbing seven spots from last year. State Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says there are jobs in Louisiana for post-military life…

Cut 4 (12) “…good work.”

 

Nearly the entire state is under a flood watch as tropical moisture interacts with a stalled cold front, which is expected to produce between three to six inches of rain for much of the state, with the possibility that some areas could see up to ten inches of rain fall over the next few days. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 3 (11) “…same location”

Keim says drier weather will not move into the state until Sunday.

The Lieutenant Governor’s office says more than 50 litter citations have been issued in recent months as a result of an increased effort to get the public to report when they see someone littering. Keep Louisiana Beautiful Director Susan Russell says people who submit reports must sign an affidavit…

Cut 8 (10) “….the proper investigation”

Russell says you can report littering by calling 855-LA-Litter or online through Keep Louisiana Beautiful.

9:30 LRN Newscast

During a public appearance, U-S Senator John Kennedy says he’s been courted by donors to run for President and he has not ruled out the idea. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

Gas prices continue to fall. The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline fell another penny to $3.64. That’s eight-cents lower than a week ago and 36-cents cheaper from a month ago.

 

Louisiana has moved up seven spots to number 19 in WalletHub’s 2025 “Best States for Military Retirees” rankings.   According to the report the increase I driven by affordability, quality of life, veteran community support and access to services. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says attracting and supporting veterans benefits all Louisianians…

Cut 6 (12) “…the economy”

McNeese athletics officially trademarked the nickname Bayou Bandits. The moniker has become synonymous with the Cowboys men’s basketball. McNeese Sports Information Director Matthew Bonnette says the name has spread throughout Southwest Louisiana.

Cut 13 (09)  “…for us.”

The Bayou Bandits became the identity of the men’s basketball team during its run of three straight Southland Championships and trips to the NCAA tournament.

8:30 LRN Newscast

U-S Senator John Kennedy is seeking re-election in 2028, but is he eyeing an even higher office? While speaking on Friday at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics. Kennedy said his donors have approached him about running for President and he has not ruled out the idea. Political analyst Ron Faucheux says Kennedy would be an interesting Republican Presidential candidate because of his way with words…

Cut 10 (08) “…a lot of people.”

Littering is not a laughing matter, but the Lieutenant Governor’s Office announces more than 50 litter citations have been issued in the last few months. Susan Russell is the executive director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful and says if you see someone littering call 855-LA-Litter or you can report it online through the Keep Louisiana Beautiful website…

Cut 9 (08) “…we’ll enforce it”

 

Louisiana has climbed seven spots to number 19 for the Best States for Military Retirees. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says it’s great to have military retirees in your state, because they remain active after they are done with the military. Meglinley says according to the V-A Annual benefits report, there was a 9-point-5 percent increase in Louisiana’s veterans using their education benefits…

Cut 5 (10) “…percent increase”

McNeese athletics has secured federal trademark registration for Bayou Bandits. It’s a name that has defined McNeese men’s basketball during this run of three straight Southland titles. Sports Information director Matthew Bonnette says securing the trademark and protecting the identity they’ve been working to build has been a goal for a while….

Cut 15 (10) “…that to happen”

7:30 LRN Newscast

During a speaking event at the New Hamshire Institute of Politics, Louisiana U-S Senator John Kennedy, says donors to his 2028 re-election campaign have approached him about running for President and he has not ruled out the idea. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says a Kennedy presidential campaign has a chance to gain traction, because he agrees with many of President Trump’s priorities. But Hogan says it’s hard to say who Republicans will support post-Trump…

Cut 12 (07) “…looking for.”

Kennedy is 74-years-old. He’s currently serving his second term as U.S. Senator.

Louisiana came in 19th in WalletHub’s ranking of the best states for military retirees, climbing seven spots from last year. State Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says there are jobs here for post-military life…

Cut 4 (12) “…good work.”

 

The state’s new litter-reporting hotline has yielded some positive results. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Nearly the entire state is under a flood watch. Several rounds of widespread heavy rain are expected now through early Wednesday. Rainfall amounts of three to six inches is expected with localized heavier amounts of up to ten inches are possible through Wednesday. More rain is in the forecast for Thursday and Friday as well.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Tulane outfielder Jason Wachs is transferring to LSU. The left-handed hitting Wachs performed well at the plate in his two seasons with the Green Wave. The Florida native hit .327 and also showed some power last season, as he blasted nine home runs and also had a team-leading 21 doubles. Wachs could be a possible replacement for Derek Curiel in center, or he could play a corner outfield position.

Former LSU softball pitcher Jayden Heavener is transferring to Texas Tech. Heavener went 13-9 with a 2.81 ERA for the Tigers. She goes to a program that’s invested heavily into its softball program. The Red Raiders have finished runner-ups the last two seasons.

Iowa football star Kaston Lewis has committed to Texas Tech. Lewis is a four-star safety and last season helped the Yellow Jackets win their first state championship in football. Lewis also had offers from West Virginia and Arkansas.

 

The LSU men’s basketball team has announced four transfer portal additions. The first Tiger to announce his commitment was senior forward Mo Dioubate, who was a glue guy for Kentucky last season, averaging just under nine points and five rebounds. TJ Brown covers the LSU men’s basketball team for the Advocate and says his impact goes beyond the stats sheet…

Cut 18 (17) “….to win”

Ole Miss is two  and barbeque in the College World Series. Troy rallied back from a six to two deficit to eliminate the Rebels 12 to 8. Former West Monroe star Hayden Federico had three hits in a losing effort.

And North Carolina advances to the winner’s bracket with a five to two win over West Virginia.

 

6:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana now ranks 19th in the country in WalletHub’s ranking of the best states for military retirees, that’s seven spots higher than last year. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Governor Jeff Landry has signed legislation into law that makes it illegal to sue oil companies over climate change. The Advocate reports there are 30 lawsuits nationwide seeking to hold industry for the impacts of sea level rise, extreme weather events, wildfires and flooding, but none of those type of lawsuits have been filed in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Litter Hotline has led to 50 simple littering citations since it was launched last September. A law that was passed last year created the hotline and it expands the authority of Louisiana State Park Rangers to investigate litter complaints, not just on park lands. Susan Russell, the executive director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful, says people are simply fed up with filth.

Cut 7 (10) “…acts of neglect.”

The most common violations involve fast food bags, drink cups, cigarette butts and other trash thrown from vehicles.

McNeese Athletics has officially secured federal trademark registration for Bayou Bandits. The three-time defending Southland champion McNeese men’s basketball team is known as the Bayou Bandits and Sports Information Director Matthew Bonnette says the name has helped bring national attention to the Lake Charles school…

Cut 14 (12) “…taking off”