6:30 LRN Newscast

In Beauregard Parish, residents in Merryville and the surrounding area were told to leave immediately late yesterday afternoon as the Tiger Island Fire was within two miles of the town. Evacuations have also been ordered in Vernon Parish in the Evans area and B Johnson road.

People who are responsible for starting wildfires will be held liable according to State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain. Teiko Foxx has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Scorching temperatures and dry conditions have placed 90 percent of Louisiana in some type of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, which is updated every Thursday. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 13 (12) “…July first”
The drought monitor shows 44-percent of the state in extreme drought. That most of south Louisiana and the Alexandria area and western parishes like Sabine and Vernon.

We are 50 days until the October 14th primary and Tim Temple is already the Louisiana Insurance Commissioner-elect as his lone opponent dropped out of the race last week. Temple says he’s been meeting with stakeholders to find solutions to the insurance crisis and he doesn’t want to rush to failure with a half-baked plan…
cut 5 (08) “…..change nothing” (2x)
Temple says he wants to make Louisiana attractive for insurance companies to do business in the state, but the regulatory environment also needs to be consumer friendly.

LRN Am Newscall August 25

Insurance Commissioner-elect Tim Temple says he’s not wasting any time since he became the lone candidate and he’s already getting a head start on the job. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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People who are responsible for starting fires will be held liable according to State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The US Drought Monitor reports that nearly half of the state is in extreme or exceptional drought. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (32) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Tim Temple will be the state’s next Insurance Commissioners after his only opponent withdrew from the race. And even though he’s not having to hit the campaign trail, Commissioner-elect Temple says he’s simply getting a head start on the job.

Cut 4 (08) “…implement those.”

Back in October when the DeRidder native decided to run for commissioner again, he says he was also meeting with stakeholders to find solutions to the state’s insurance crisis. And while Temple says he doesn’t want to rush to failure with a half-baked plan…

Cut 5 (08) “…change nothing (x2).”

Temple says the insurance commissioner sets the tone as a regulator and he wants to make it attractive for providers to write policies in Louisiana and also be a consumer-friendly resource when individuals have problems with their insurance.

Cut 6 (12) “…state of Louisiana (x2).”

Temple also vows to work with the next governor and lawmakers to implement methods to attract new insurers and retain current providers.

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Wildfires continue to burn across the Louisiana and State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain promises to hold people who start those fires responsible. Strain says these wildfires are destroying acres of land and property…

Cut 7 (11) “…full restitution.”

Strain urges the public to not throw cigarettes out of a car window, use barbecue grills to cook outside, or burn debris. He says multiple brush fires were found outside the home in southeast Louisiana

Cut 8 (11) “…of life.”

Strain says violators with civil citations will pay up to $250 in fines. If it is criminal, the violator could face a $500 fine and up to six months in jail. That doesn’t include restitution for loss of property.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and life.”

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Pearl Harbor Sailor and New Orleans native Clarence Thompson will be buried in Slidell this morning, more than 80 years after the December 7th attack on the USS Oklahoma. His cousin Denise Bennett says they are extremely grateful for the lengths the military went to in identifying his remains.

Cut 10 (08) “…his family.”

Thompson served as a cook on the ship, earned a Purple Heart and his return home is part of the Navy’s Project Oklahoma which has identified the remains of 355 sailors since 2015 through DNA. Bennett says it’s an honor to welcome such a distinguished family member to his final resting place.

Cut 11 (06) “…and coming.”

As part of the Navy’s Project Oklahoma, the burial is paid for by the Navy and Thompson’s family chose to have him buried at the Southeast Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery. Bennett says it’s just another example of how the military leaves no man behind.

Cut 12 (07) “…to family.”

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. and is open to the public.

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Scorching temperatures and dry conditions have placed 90 percent of Louisiana in some type of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. State climatologist Barry Keim says little to no rain has caused various problems in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (12) “…July first.”

In Louisiana,43 percent of the state is currently in extreme drought. In extreme drought, trees are stressed, saltwater intrudes into rivers and water pressure is low. Keim says southwestern Louisiana is the driest part of the state.

Cut 14 (10) “…drought class.” 

The state is 20 inches below our normal amount of rainfall for 2023. The southern parts of the state were abnormally dry but were not in a drought this same week last year. Keim added it would take a lot of rain to make up for the dryness

Cut 15  (12) “….the news.”

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Louisiana Tech is only one day away from its first game of the year against FIU. Second-year Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie says his players are excited for their first game but have to pay attention to the details.

Cut 16 (15) “…bye-week really.”

Graduate transfer quarterback Hank Buchmeier will play his first game with the Bulldogs on Saturday, and Cumbie says how he has been able to keep Buchmeier on the same page.

Cut 17 (18) “…comfort with it.”

Last year, La Tech allowed 468 yards per game, which was second to last in Conference USA. Cumbie says he still has questions about his front four along with other players on his defense.

Cut 18 (14) “…look for.”

The two teams played each other last year in Miami and beat FIU 42-34 in double overtime.

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Dennis Allen is entering his second year as the Saints head coach since taking over for Super Bowl-winning coach Sean Payton. Allen was the defensive coordinator for seven years before accepting his current role, and linebacker Demario Davis says that this is the most comfortable Allen has been since he joined the team almost a decade ago.

Cut 19 (17) “…that are undisclosed.”

Davis has been a centerpiece of the defense ever since he went to New Orleans, but he says that the success starts with Allen.

Cut 20 (13) “…game situation.”

17:30 LRN Newscast

The Tiger Island wildfire in Beauregard Parish is 85-percent contained. The only structures that have been destroyed in the blaze are camps and deer stands. And while the increase in containment is welcome news, Shannon Burgess with the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s office says the slightest spark could change things in an instant and he’s imploring residents to abide by the statewide burn ban.
Cut 11 (07) “…message out.”
A change in wind direction last night caused the fire to jump across Highway 27 but that has since been contained and Highway 27 has reopened.

There’s smoke in the air from the wildfires. DEQ spokesperson Greg Langley says the public can keep track of air quality by going to D-E-Q’s website and looking at the air quality index which is color coded. He says for today, the entire state is in yellow for moderate smoky conditions…
Cut 4 (07) “…avoid exposure”

A poll of 800 likely voters finds that crime, education and rising insurance rates are the top three concerns of Louisiana residents. 51-percent of the respondents said they wanted state leaders to get tough on crime. PAR President Steven Procopio says voters should step up and demand that the gubernatorial candidates provide solutions to the state’s problems…
Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”
Procopio says so far we’ve mostly heard rhetoric from the candidates.

LSU will not have one of its top players for the season opener against Florida State. The NCAA has suspended defensive tackle Maason Smith for receiving an improper benefit. The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander says Smith’s absence will be a factor as he was expected to provide pressure up the middle against FSU QB Jordan Travis…
Cut 13 (11) “…Bradyn Swinson”
The Tigers will play the Seminoles on September 3rd.

16:30 LRN Newscast

The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Department reports the Tiger Island Fire which has destroyed more than 13-thousand acres in southwest Louisiana is now 85-percent contained. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Shannon Burgess says the fire crossed over Highway 27 last night…
cut 10 (11) “…could happen”
Burgess says Highways 27 and 110 have reopened.

The wildfires across the state have produced some smokey air. Because of the Tiger Island Fire, southwest Louisiana is impacted the most. Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson Greg Langley says these conditions could last for awhile…
cut 5 (09) “….some time”
For today, the air index quality is moderate for what is known as particulate matter released by smoke.

In a new poll by Faucheux Strategies, crime, education and rising insurance rates are the three biggest concerns among Louisiana voters….
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

The National Hurricane Center is keeping its eye on a broad area of low pressure in the Pacific Ocean that’s expected to cross over central America and into the Caribbean Sea. The disturbance is expected to keep heading north and there’s a medium chance it will develop into a tropical depression or storm in the Gulf of Mexico within the next week.

LRN PM Newscall August 24

In a new poll by Faucheux Strategies, crime, education and rising insurance rates are the three biggest concerns among Louisiana voters. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

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Officials say the wildfire in Beauregard Parish is 85 percent contained but evacuation orders remain in effect. Jeff Palermo has more on the Tiger Island Wildfire..

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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With a number of wildfires burning in Louisiana, air quality has become a concern. Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson Greg Langley says when smoke travels through the air, it releases particulate matter which can irritate your lungs….

Cut 3 (12) “…breathing problems”

Langley says the public can keep track of air quality by going to D-E-Q’s website and looking at the air quality index which is color coded. He says for today, the entire state is in yellow for moderate smoky conditions…

Cut 4 (07) “…avoid exposure”

Right now, southwest Louisiana is impacted the most by the smoke in the air. Langley says these conditions could last awhile…

Cut 5 (09) “          …some time” 

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A new poll finds crime is the biggest concern among Louisiana voters. Faucheux Strategies surveyed 800 Louisiana residents and 18 percent listed crime as their top concern. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the gubernatorial candidates are promoting tough-on-crime rhetoric but voters want specific ideas.

Cut 6 (08) “… their solutions.” 

The second biggest concern for Louisiana voters is education followed by rising insurance rates. Procopio says the candidates for governor have yet to provide any specific answers on how they would address these issues…

Cut 7 (08) “…the candidates.” 

The economy and roads rounding out the top five for biggest concerns among Louisiana voters. 51-percent of the respondents said they wanted state leaders to get tough on crime. Procopio says voters should step up and demand that the candidates provide solutions to the state’s problems…

Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”

The gubernatorial primary election is October 14. Early voting begins September 30th.

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Authorities say the wildfire in Beauregard Parish is 85 percent contained, but evacuation orders remain in effect. Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Shannon Burgess says last night the blaze crossed over Highway 27.

Cut 9 (11) “…loss of life.”

The wildfire in Beauregard Parish is known as the Tiger Island Fire due to the proximity of its origin near Tiger Island Hunting Club.

Since Wednesday, Burgess says the wildfire went from 65 percent contained to 85 percent. He says a sudden wind change caused the fire to jump from the west side of Highway 27 to the east.

Cut 10 (11) “…could happen.”

Burgess says Highways 27 and 110 have reopened after a small fire on the east side of the parish, that destroyed eight acres, was contained.

The only structures that have been destroyed in the blaze are camps and deer stands. And while the increase in containment is welcome news, Burgess says the slightest spark could change things in an instant and he’s imploring residents to abide by the statewide burn ban.

Cut 11 (07) “…message out.”

National Guard helicopters will conduct water dumps in the area today. So far more than 13,000 acres have burned in Beauregard Parish.

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LSU will not have one of its top players for the season opener against Florida State. The NCAA has suspended defensive tackle Maason Smith for receiving an improper benefit. Wilson Alexander from the Advocate broke the story and says the infraction occurred before college athletes could take advantage of NIL…

Cut 12 (10) “…g0tten hurt”

Wilson says the NCAA also said Smith had to serve the one-game suspension for the season opener, which is a top ten matchup between the Tigers and Seminoles. Alexander says Smith’s absence will be a factor as he was expected to provide pressure up the middle against FSU QB Jordan Travis…

Cut 13 (11) “…Bradyn Swinson”

The story broke to the public on Wednesday night, but Alexander says LSU has known about this suspension….

Cut  14 (06)  “.. .for that.”

LSU and Florida State meet in Orlando on September 3rd.

2:30 LRN Newscast

Officials say the wildfire in Beauregard Parish is 85 percent contained but evacuation orders remain in effect. Jeff Palermo has more on the Tiger Island Wildfire..
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

And the governor’s office has announced that FEMA has approved Louisiana’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help with wildfire fighting efforts in Beauregard Parish. The request was approved due to the threat to lives, homes, property and critical facilities near Merryville.

A poll of 800 likely voters finds that crime, education and rising insurance rates are the top three concerns of Louisiana residents. 51-percent of the respondents said they wanted state leaders to get tough on crime. PAR President Steven Procopio says voters should step up and demand that the gubernatorial candidates provide solutions to the state’s problems…
Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”
Procopio says so far we’ve mostly heard rhetoric from the candidates.

Last night, news broke that star LSU defensive tackle Maason Smith will be suspended for the season opener against Florida State because he participated in a autograph signing before NIL was legal in college athletics. The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander broke the story, but he says LSU has known about the suspension…
cut 14 (06) “…for that”
The Tigers and Seminoles play each other September 3rd in Orlando.

12:30 LRN Newscast

The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Department reports the Tiger Island Fire which has destroyed more than 13-thousand acres in southwest Louisiana is now 85-percent contained. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Shannon Burgess says the fire crossed over Highway 27 last night…
cut 10 (11) “…could happen”
Burgess says Highways 27 and 110 have reopened.

Today will be another day where the high temperature will exceed 100-degrees. Office of Public Health Deputy Assistant Secretary Devin George says know the signs of heat-related illness…
cut 5 (12) “….of time”
The state office of public health says 25 people have died from heat related illnesses since June.

LSU will not have one of its top players for the season opener against Florida State. The NCAA has suspended defensive tackle Maason Smith for receiving an improper benefit. Wilson Alexander from the Advocate broke the story and says the infraction occurred before college athletes could take advantage of NIL…
Cut 12 (10) “…g0tten hurt”
Wilson says the NCAA also said Smith had to serve the one-game suspension for the season opener.

The polls on the governor’s race are showing Republican Jeff Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson will likely face each other in a run-off. All of the other candidates are polling in the single digits. Pollster Ron Faucheux says time is running out for one of these other candidates to make a move…
cut 15 (10) “..the past”

11:30 LRN Newscast

Authorities say the wildfire in Beauregard Parish is 85 percent contained, but evacuation orders remain in effect. Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Shannon Burgess says last night the blaze crossed over Highway 27.
Cut 9 (12) “…loss of life.”
Burgess says National Guard helicopters will conduct water dumps in the area today. So far over 12-thousand acres have been burned in Beauregard. How this massive blaze started is unknown. But officials are urging residents to follow the statewide burn ban. Associate State Forester Epney Brasher….
cut 30 (12) “…could be a hazard”
And once again today, we’ll see the temperature climb above 100-degrees.

Another poll released this week shows Republican Jeff Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson in position to face each other in a run-off. All of the other candidates are polling in the single digits. Pollster Ron Faucheux conducted a poll last week and found only 14-percent of voters are undecided…
cut 14 (10) “…runoff”
The primary is October 14th, the run-off election is November 18th.

That same poll found crime is the biggest concern among Louisiana voters. Faucheux Strategies surveyed 800 Louisiana residents and 18 percent listed crime as their top concern. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the gubernatorial candidates are promoting tough-on-crime rhetoric but voters want specific ideas.
Cut 6 (08) “…there solutions.”
The second biggest concern for Louisiana voters, education and rising insurance rates finished third.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Wildfires are popping up in rural areas of Louisiana and the state has activated its emergency operations center. GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle…
cut 8 (09) “….response”

The biggest response is in Beauregard Parish as a large wildlfire north of Lake Charles has burned thousands of acres…
cut 3 (29) “…I’m Pierson Luscy”

Shelters have been set up for those who have evacuated.

Today will be another day where the high temperature will exceed 100-degrees. Office of Public Health Deputy Assistant Secretary Devin George says know the signs of heat-related illness…
cut 5 (12) “….of time”
The state office of public health says 25 people have died from heat related illnesses since June.

Political watchers are waiting for the governor’s race to heat up, but another poll released this week shows Republican Jeff Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson in position to face each other in a run-off. All of the other candidates are polling in the single digits. Pollster Ron Faucheux conducted a poll last week and found only 14-percent of voters are undecided…
cut 14 (10) “…runoff”
The primary is October 14th, the run-off election is November 18th.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The outbreak of wildfires in Louisiana has prompted the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to activate the State Emergency Operations Center. Assistant State Fire Marshal Felicia Cooper is urging the public to observe the burn ban…
Cut 7 (07) “…at all.”
That means not even cooking outside or lighting a fire pit due to the extreme heat and drought.

The biggest problem area is Beauregard Parish, where a large wildfire has burned more than 12-thousand acres and prompted evacuations in the Merryville and Singer areas. Beauregard Fire District One Chief Jay Williams…
cut 10 (07) “….spread thin”
Several local fire departments are battling the blaze that’s ten times larger than City Park in New Orleans. So far no injuries reported.

In the governor’s race, Republican Jeff Landry holds the lead position with 36 percent support and Democrat Shawn Wilson is at 26 percent according to a new poll conducted by Faucheux Strategies. Teiko Foxx reports Landry and Wilson are likely headed towards a run-off…
Cut 1 (32) “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Faucheux also asked voters what are their top concerns. Crime and violence came in at number one, followed by education and finishing third was high insurance rates.