6:30 LRN Newscast

It’s July first and there are two named storms. Beryl is a Category Three hurricane as it moves into the Caribbean. Beryl is expected to hit Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula by the end of the week and end up as a tropical storm in the southern Gulf of Mexico. There’s also Tropical Storm Chris which is producing heavy rainfall and flooding over portions of Eastern Mexico.

Several new laws go into effect today and the Fair Claims Processing bill is one of them. Colleen Crain has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Beginning August 1st both Medicaid and private insurers are required to cover for the care or treatment of menopause and perimenopause as a result of a new law approved by Louisiana lawmakers. New Orleans Democratic Representative Aimee Freeman says insurers opposed this new law…
cut 5 (10) “…along the way”
Freeman says there’s been more research on how to treat menopausal side effects and women deserve to have that coverage.

Today Southeastern Conference officially welcomes Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC making it a 16 league team. SEC Associate Commissioner Herb Vincent says Texas and O-U officially accepted invitations into the SEC in July of 2021, so the league has had plenty of time to prepare…
Cut 10 (08) “…teams.”

No more divisional play in football and baseball.

LRN AM Newscall July 1

Beginning next month treatments for menopause and perimenopause will be covered by insurance in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The SEC officially welcomes Texas and Oklahoma to the Southeastern Conference today, making it sixteen schools starting the 2024 season.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Several new laws go into effect today and the Fair Claims Processing bill is one of them. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Beginning August 1st both Medicaid and private insurers are required to cover for the care or treatment of menopause and perimenopause in Louisiana. New Orlean Democrat Representative Aimee Freem says physicians asked her to sponsor the bill because even though many of the medications they prescribe are generic they were often rejected by Medicaid.

Cut 4 (12) “…as needed.”

So, medications to treat symptoms like hot flashes, bone loss, and night sweats will be covered, and patients won’t have to wait for prior approval from their insurer.

While in committee Freeman says private insurance companies testified against the legislation because it’s a mandate.

Cut 5 (10) “…along the way.”

Freeman says she received bipartisan support for the bill. In committee, it was recommended that that requirement for private insurers be removed but when it reached the House floor, she says Representative Peter Egan added it back in.

Cut 6 (12) “…Republican colleagues.”

Freeman says there’s been more research on how to treat menopausal side effects and women deserve to have that coverage.

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A new survey from WalletHub shows Louisiana residents are the least diligent with credit in the U.S. during the first quarter of this year, meaning they’re not managing debt or their credit score responsibly. WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe (happy) says this is likely because Louisianians have high debt overall and may be unable to make payments…

Cut 7 (09) “…recently.”

The study used six metrics to determine each state’s score for diligence in credit  such as percentage of customers who have collections tradelines, which Louisiana scored last in. Happe says they put double weight on that metric because letting your account go to collections makes things much harder to resolve.

Cut 8 (09) “…payment.”

Though state and local governments could make more of an effort to teach financial literacy, Happe says most of the responsibility to fix poor credit diligence falls on those who actually have it.

Cut 9 (12)  “…credit report.

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Today Southeastern Conference officially welcomes Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC making it a 16 league team. SEC Associate Commissioner Herb Vincent says it’s been a long time coming, as Texas and O-U officially accepted invitations into the SEC in July of 2021. Vincent says the league has had plenty of time to prepare for this new era of the SEC…

Cut 10 (12) “…teams.”

One hurdle has been scheduling. With the SEC trying to preserve old rivalries and spark new ones.Vincent says for now the league is sticking to an eight game conference football schedule, but could add a ninth conference game in the future…

Cut 11 (08) “…do that.”

The 2024-25 athletic season also marks a new television deal for the Southeastern Conference as the league is no longer partners with CBS. The 2:30 Saturday afternoon games will now air on ABC. Vincent says it’s exciting time for the SEC…

Cut 12 (10) “…coming in.” 

This expansion gets rid of divisional play so say goodbye to what has been considered the most difficult division in all of football, the SEC West.

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Several new laws go into effect today and the Fair Claims Processing bill is one of them. The new law establishes a simple, clear timeline for the claims process that makes it easier for policyholders and property insurers to understand what their responsibilities are during the claim. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot.

Cut 13 (12)  “…clock starts.”

The law gives insurance companies 30 days for residential and 60 days for commercial from when the “proof of loss” statement was submitted to pay the claims for non-declared catastrophes and an additional 30 days for name storms and declared catastrophes for residential and commercial properties.

Cut 14 (12)  “…30 days.”

Talbot says there is no one new law that can lower insurance rates, but this legislation along with others approved in the last legislative session are taking steps lure more property insurers into Louisiana…

Cut 15 (11)  “…policy.”

The Fair Claims Processing law aims to reduce unnecessary lawsuits and simplify the legal process with hopes of bringing back a competitive market for the Louisiana insurance market.

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It’s Garrett Nussmeier’s time. The Lake Charles native has been at LSU since 2021 and he heads into the 2024 season as the Tigers starting quarterback. LSU is coming off back-to-back ten win seasons and Nussmeier says the team is determined to get in the twelve team playoff this season…

Cut 16 (13 “…as well.” 

The defense’s improvement will be a big story line heading into the 2024 season. On offense, the Tigers have to replace two starting receivers that were selected in the first round, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas. But Nussmeier says LSU’s receiver group still has a bunch of dogs…

Cut 17 (18) “…the ball.”

LSU will also have a new offensive coordinator this season as Joe Sloan and Cortez Hankton will serve as co-offensive coordinators. Sloan has been the Tigers quarterbacks coach since 2022. Nussmeier says he has a strong bond with Sloan, who will be the one calling plays on Saturday…

Cut 18 (19)  “…apart.”

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7:30 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans have traded for an All-Star point guard. New Orleans has reportedly acquired 27-year-old Dejounte (di-JHOHN-tay) Murray from the Atlanta Hawks for Larry Nance Junior, Dyson Daniels, E-J Liddell and two first round picks, one in 2025 and the other in 2027. Murray averaged 23 points, five rebounds and six assists last season for a bad Hawks team. Murray also shot 36-percent from three-point territory last season. He also previously won NBA All-defensive honors and led the league in steals in 2022.

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball has announced the signing of Kaden Cooper a transfer from Oklahoma. He’s six-foot-five, 190 pounds and appeared in 15 games with the Sooners as a freshman, averaging two points and one rebound a game. He was ranked as the 60th best high school player in the country by Rivals 2023.

And on Monday, Texas and Oklahoma officially join the Southeastern Conference. The SEC will be 16 teams strong.

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The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved contract extensions for several LSU coaches. For winning a national championship, gymnastics coach Jay Clark has received a four-year contract extension and a 125-thousand dollar raise. LSU track head coach Dennis Shaver received a five-year contract extension and Coach Beth Torina gets two more years added to her deal.

Hometown hero Alyson Habetz was introduced as U-L Lafayette’s new head softball coach. Habetz helped lead the Cajuns to the Women’s College World Series in 1993 as a player and won a national championship in 2012 as Alabama’s associate head coach. She takes over a program that’s dominated the Sun Belt Conference but has not been to the W-C-W-S since 2014…
cut 13 (11) “…(applause).”
Habetz replaces Gerry Glasco who is now at Texas Tech.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans introduced on Friday their draft picks from the 2024 NBA draft, former Baylor big man Yves Missi and three point specialist Antonio Reeves, who shot 45-percent from three-point territory, while averaging 20 points a game at Kentucky. Reeves talked about his shooting ability…
cut 30 (07) “…as I got older”
Missi and Reeves will play on the Pelicans Summer League Team, which will begin play on Friday July 12th against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Las Vegas.

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball has announced the signing of Kaden Cooper a transfer from Oklahoma. He’s six-foot-five, 190 pounds and appeared in 15 games with the Sooners as a freshman, averaging two points and one rebound a game. He was ranked as the 60th best high school player in the country by Rivals 2023.

The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved contract extensions for several LSU coaches. For winning a national championship, gymnastics coach Jay Clark has received a four-year contract extension and a 125-thousand dollar raise. LSU track head coach Dennis Shaver received a five-year contract extension and Coach Beth Torina gets two more years added to her deal.

Hometown hero Alyson Habetz was introduced as U-L Lafayette’s new head softball coach. Habetz helped lead the Cajuns to the Women’s College World Series in 1993 as a player and won a national championship in 2012 as Alabama’s associate head coach. She takes over a program that’s dominated the Sun Belt Conference but has not been to the W-C-W-S since 2014…
cut 13 (11) “…(applause).”
Habetz replaces Gerry Glasco who is now at Texas Tech.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Many Democrats have expressed concern about President Joe Biden’s performance in last night’s Presidential debate. State Representative Mandie Landry from New Orleans is one of those and says the former president won the debate…
cut 9 (12) “…just unfortunate”
In a social media post, Landry called Mr. Trump the worst president ever and she’s despondent as a Democrat.

Louisiana Congressmen Troy Carter and Clay Higgins have co-authored a bill that would give the F-D-A the authority to destroy imported contaminated seafood that posses a significant public health concern. Carter this bipartisan bill is important to the Louisiana seafood industry…
cut 8 (10) “….get things done”

The Louisiana Farm Bureau is holding its 102nd Annual Convention this weekend in New Orleans. Brooke Thorington reports they need to elect a new president
Cut 30 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Hometown hero Alyson Habetz was introduced today as U-L Lafayette’s new head softball coach. Habetz had a Hall of Fame playing career as a Cajuns softball player and after a 25-year run as an assistant coach at Alabama, she’s back home at her alma mater
Cut 12 (11) “… wow.”

16:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry is making national headlines with the Ten Commandments law requiring them to be displayed in every Louisiana public classroom. Some might wonder if the Republican has political aspirations outside of the state. ULM Political science professor Pearson Cross believes Landry’s “end game” is without boundaries…
Cut 6 (09) “…this game.”
Cross says if Louisiana wins the court battle over the First Amendment Law, Landry would be considered a hero by Christian conservatives.

Congressman Garret Graves makes it clear he will not seek another political office this year, and that includes Baton Rouge Mayor, PSC Commissioner, or dog catcher. Graves announced earlier this month he will not seek re-election
Cut 9 (05) “…take a step back.”
But Graves plans on finishing strong by bringing back more federal dollars to his south Louisiana district.

Louisiana is seeing an increase in the fall webworm population for this time of year. Jeff Palermo reports they like to munch on leaves…
Cut 1 (31)… I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Nicholls has named Brent Haring as its new baseball coach. Haring spent the 2024 season as LSU’s Director of Baseball Operations. Before spending one year on Jay Johnson’s staff. Haring was a long-time assistant at BYU. He takes over a program that has made two straight trips to the NCAA Regionals.

3:30 LRN Newscast

Congressman Garret Graves makes it clear he will not run for another political office this year, including dog catcher.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

What area of the state saw the highest job gains from April to May? It’s central Louisiana according to Emily Epps with the Louisiana Workforce Commission…
cut 14 (09) “….MSAs”
For the year, Alexandria added 600 jobs from May 2023 to last month.

Governor Jeff Landry’s national prominence is growing with him signing a bill that requires every public school to post the Ten Commandments in their classroom, effective January 1st. Is it possible the governor could secure a spot in the Trump Administration if Donald Trump beats President Joe Biden in November. ULM political science Professor Pearson Cross says Landry just became governor in January…
cut 7 (10) “…one term”

A caterpillar called fall webworms are here earlier than usual and in greater numbers according to LSU urban entomologist Aaron Ashbrook. Ashbrook says there are few possibilities for the boom in population…
cut 5 (12) “…them less”
Ashbrook says fall webrooms like to chew on leaves so if you see a bunch of fuzzy blondish caterpillars, use a pesticide with B-T.

LRN PM Newscall June 26

Louisiana is seeing an increase in the fall webworm population for this time of year. They could cause major damage to your fruit and nut trees.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31)… I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Congressman Garret Graves makes it clear he will not run for another political office this year, including dog catcher…or  commissioner. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Louisiana is seeing an increase this year in a fuzzy blondish caterpillar called fall webworms. LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says they do not bite humans, but they could do a number on trees and bushes in your yard

Cut 3 (09) “…defoliators.”

While in heavily wooded areas the damage caused by the caterpillars mainly goes unnoticed…

Cut 4 (10) “…environments.”

Ashbrook recommends using pesticides that don’t harm other, beneficial insects by using BT (bacillus thuringiensis). There are a few possibilities for the boom in population this year.

Cut 5 (12)  “…them less.”

Eventually, the fall webwork will head from the trees to the grass. Spin their cocoons and emerge as a small white moth. Ashbrook says not to worry the trees are not on the menu for moths.

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Governor Jeff Landry is making national headlines with the Ten Commandments law requiring them to be displayed in every Louisiana public classroom. Some might question if the Republican has political aspirations outside of the state, UL-Monroe Political science professor Pearson Cross believes Landry’s “end game” is without boundaries…

Cut 6 (09) “…this game.”

Cross says Landry is already on speed dial with Donald Trump, Junior, and has been endorsed by the former president, and if Trump wins in November…

Cut 7 (10) “…one term.”  

With the constitutionality of the Ten Commandments law in question, if Landry’s case reaches the U.S. Supreme Court and it’s ruled in his favor or not, Cross feels Landry wins politically either way.

Cut 8 (08)  “…him really.”

The ACLU and nine families have filed lawsuits against the Ten Commandments law.

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Congressman Garret Graves makes it clear he will not seek another political office this year, and that includes Baton Rouge Mayor, PSC Commissioner, or dog catcher. Graves says he’s not ready to jump into another political office after announcing earlier this month he will not seek re-election

Cut 9 (05) “…take a step back.”

Graves says he looks forward to being a normal citizen, reintroducing himself to friends and family and…

Cut 10 (11) “…prospective.”

The 52-year-old Graves says one of his main priorities is finishing out his fifth term in the U-S House…

Cut 11 (11) ” …huge wins.”

The Republican from Baton Rouge’s term ends in January. Graves says, “God has a plan, and he intends to listen.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s law that calls for the posting of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom is heading for a court fight as the ACLU says its in violation of the separation of church and state. U-L-M Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says even if the law gets thrown out, it’s still a political victory for Governor Landry who signed the bill and said he couldn’t wait to get sued…
cut 8 (08) “….him really”
The case will be heard by a federal judge in Baton Rouge.

A caterpillar called fall webworms seem to have a bigger population this year and they are out earlier this year. They like to munch on leaves. LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says in heavy wooded areas the damage can go unnoticed…
cut 4 (10) “…environments”
Ashbrook says if you see fuzzy light blond caterpillars in your yard, use a pesticide with B-T.

Most of the state is under a heat advisory again today as heat indices could reach 110-degrees so be careful when spending long periods of time outside…
cut 27 (11) “….as well”
That’s Doctor Sunday Winder with the Louisiana Department of Health.

A strong line of storms is moving through northwest Louisiana and much of the northern half of the state is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 7 PM. The Monroe-Ruston area is under a severe thunderestorm warning until 3:15 PM.

A Ragin Cajuns legend has been named as the new head coach of the U-L Lafayette softball team. Crowley native Alyson Habetz was a two-sport star for the Cajuns and led the team to the Women’s College World Series in ‘93. Habetz will be officially introduced Friday.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Congressman Garret Graves makes it clear he will not run for another political office this year, including dog catcher.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Ragin Cajun fan base is thrilled over the announcement that former player and Crowley native Alyson Habetz will be the next head coach of the U-L Lafayette softball program. Her former coach Yvette Girouard calls it a Grand Slam hire…
cut 14 (12) “…help her”

The Louisiana Department of Health’s Heat-Related Illness Dashboard is new and improved this year. Dr. Sundee Winder with the department says if you thought last year was hot, you’re right. The average number of ER visits for heat-related illness for the last decade was 2,800.
Cut 29 (08) “…numbers.”
You can see the dashboard at ldh-dot-la-gov-forward slash-heat

Louisiana is seeing an increase this year in a fuzzy blondish caterpillar called fall webworms. LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says they do not bite humans, but they could do a number on trees and bushes in your yard…
Cut 3 (09) “…defoliators.”
Ashbrook recommends using pesticides that don’t harm other, beneficial insects by using BT.