LRN PM Newscall September 29

Like John Kennedy, Bill Cassidy was among the 77 senators who voted in favor of the Protect College Sports Act. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Diesel prices across the globe are still skyrocketing with no clear end in sight. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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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.”

Chief Reese says several people had to be taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. (20 injured; 18 kids aboard the bus and the bus driver, and the driver of the sedan)

Cut 4 (11) “…the accident with.”

Reese says because of the number of people injured, they had to get several resources to the scene to assist them.

Cut 5 (09) “…in our area.”

Shreveport Police is investigating the cause of the crash. No word on who, if anyone, was cited in the crash.

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Like John Kennedy, Bill Cassidy was among the 77 senators who voted in favor of the Protect College Sports Act last night. One of the provisions that resonates with him the most is the one that limits student-athletes to just one transfer without having to sit out a year. Cassidy said he had a conversation with former LSU and Alabama head football coach Nick Saban about a student-athlete 30 credit hours shy of graduation transferring to another school.

Cut 6 (13) “…get his degree.”

College-hopping has become more and more popular among student-athletes in recent years after the NCAA eliminated its one-time transfer rule. Cassidy says that’s going to be very counter-productive for the student-athlete in the long-term, especially since only one-percent of them play sports professionally.

Cut 7 (05) “…statistically to graduate.”

Kennedy proposed an amendment that would have capped ticket price hikes to four-percent. That amendment was defeated, and Cassidy was among the senators who voted “no” to sink it.

Cut 8 (07) “…people don’t go.”

The Protect College Sports Act now heads to the House, where its future is uncertain. The House is in recess until after the midterm election; so when it takes up the bill, time will be of the essence – it will need to get onto President Trump’s desk by January 3rd, or the process will need to start all over again from square one when the new Congress is sworn in.

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Prices at the pump continue to soar across the country. Gas-Buddy-dot-com has the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana at about three-dollars-and-98-cents, that’s actually down nearly four cents from last week. GasBuddy-dot-com Chief Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says diesel prices are still at record highs.

Cut 9 (12)  “…a gallon.”

DeHaan says that while you may not personally use diesel fuel, the steep prices will affect the cost of everything else you buy.

Cut 10 (11) “…all of it.” 

DeHaan does not expect prices to go down anytime soon thanks to geopolitical conflicts. U.S. attacks on Iran and Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries have driven up prices globally.

Cut 11 (10) “…is zero.”

DeHaan says prices will continue to rise until conflicts deescelate.

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.”

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.”

LRN PM Newscall

Governor Landry issues an executive order that allows for the use of nontaxable, dyed diesel fuel in highway vehicles that are engaged in ag and timber harvesting operations. Kace Kieshnick has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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An LSU student alleges she was raped by a football player last October and has asked the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s office to investigate. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Governor Jeff Landry issued an executive order to allow Louisiana farmers and timber harvesters to use dyed diesel on vehicles that use public roads and highways. The order suspends the penalty for using off-road fuel in licensed highway vehicles through October 22nd. Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot says this is important, because dyed diesel is nontaxable, which will help producers combat record high diesel prices.

Cut 3 (10) “…fuel prices.”

Diesel prices are at an all-time high, averaging just over six-dollars a gallon in Louisiana. Fontenot says that record cost affects expenses for farmers across the board, especially during peak harvesting time.

Cut 4 (09) “…that they produce.”

As price takers, farmers are having to eat the record energy costs. Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the rise in diesel costs came at a bad time.

Cut 5 (11) “…at harvest.”

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An LSU student says she was raped by an LSU football player last October on campus prompting an investigation by the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says sexual assault cases can be difficult to prosecute

Cut 6 (05) “…beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The accuser reported the incident to LSU’s Title Nine office. She says LSU found the player responsible for rape, suspended the student athlete for two semesters, but when the semester began this year that punishment was reduced to two year’s probation. Ciolino says it sounds like LSU followed Title requirements…

Cut 7 (08) “…not theres.”

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says Tuesday was the first time they’ve heard about the alleged sexual assault and his office has asked LSU and the university police department to turn over the information they have gathered.

LSU President Wade Rousse says LSU properly followed its Title nine policies and processes to a conclusion. Ciolino says it’s now up to the District Attorney Hillar Moore to determine if a criminal crime possibly took place…

Cut 8 (09) “…in Baton Rouge”

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The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed a case of rabies in a dog earlier this month. The infected dog was in the Acadiana region of the state. It’s the first case of canine rabies in Louisiana since 2014 and the fifth in the state in the last 20 years. Dr. Mark Mitchell, a professor of zoological medicine at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, says especially since rabies is almost 100-percent fatal, this underscores the importance of vaccinating your pets as required by law.

Cut 9 (12)  “…interact with them.”

Dr. Mitchell says while rabies is mostly associated with household pets, humans can get the disease too.

Cut 10 (14) “…through rabbits.” 

Mitchell says it’s also important to prevent your pets from roaming freely, especially in rural areas in order to keep them away from wildlife.

Cut 11 (10) “…them at risk.”

Updated LRN AM Newscall September 23rd ### Escaped inmate in Caddo Parish has been captured###

Louisiana is closing the digital divide at one of the fastest rates in the country. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office has opened an investigation into a reported rape involving an LSU student athlete. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The state announces it has successfully replaced the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles’ 50-year-old computer system. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Louisiana is closing the digital divide at among the fastest rates in the country. According to the latest FCC Broadband Data Collection, Louisiana had the fourth highest proportional growth in the country. Veneeth Iyengar (EYE-in-gar), the executive director of Connect-L-A, says Louisiana more than tripled the national average in broadband access increase.

Cut 4 (12) “…100 by 20.”

Iyengar says whereas other states could take as long as six years to fully close the digital divide, Louisiana is on pace to do so in just two more years.

Cut 5 (13) “…100-percent.”

Iyengar says the best part is that this local issue is being solved by local providers.

Cut 6 (10) “…to Louisiana contractors.”

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Commodity prices are on the rise. That’s helping farmers absorb the higher costs of things like fuel and fertilizer, but economists aren’t sure how long the commodity rally will last. LSU AgCenter Economist Michael Deliberto notes that while farm commodities like corn, soybeans and rice have risen nearly 20-percent since January, fuel costs have risen a whopping 60-percent since March.

Cut 7 (10) “…four-month period.”

Deliberto says weather patterns around the globe are playing a role in low yields in Louisiana and across the country.

Cut 8 (11) “…in different hemispheres.”

Deliberto says despite the rising commodity prices, many farmers are still struggling to cover the high costs of production.

Cut 9 (10)  “…costs have gone.”

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The Caddo Parish inmate who escaped last week while being transported from a Shreveport hospital has been captured in Texas. Sheriff Henry Whitehorn says U-S Marshals Task Force members apprehended Tre’veon Jackson in Marshall, Texas.

Jackson’s capture comes after Whitehorn held a press conference to announce that prisoner transport policies were not followed properly when Jackson fled from deputy custody. During a Tuesday afternoon press conference, Whitehorn highlighted some of the mistakes made.

Cut 10 (12) “…during this transport.”

Whitehorn says Jackson was a known escape risk, but yet only one deputy was present when he was transported to the hospital for a medical evaluation.

Cut 11 (10) “…transfer of custody.”

The 24-year-old Jackson fled from custody on September 14th as a deputy was moving to put him into a transport van. He’s accused of fatally shooting another man in 2019. He was convicted late last year on an armed robbery charge.

Whitehorn says new policies are in place to make sure this never happens again.

Cut 12 (11) “…no exceptions.”

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The governor’s office announces that the Office of Motor Vehicles has moved into the 21st century as Louisiana has replaced 50-year-old technology with a modern system designed to support driver licenses, ID cards, credential management and future digital government services. Governor Landry says this new AI-powered platform will reduce wait times and improve reliability.

Cut 13 (06)  “…it right here.” 

Louisiana contracted with CHAMP titles to replace OMV’s outdated, 50-year-old legacy computer systems. Landry says CHAMP gives the public a faster, simpler way to get the services they need. In a video announcement, Landry spoke with a 13-year employee at an OMV office in Baton Rouge.

Cut 14 (13) “…is an upgrade.”

The governor says the CHAMP system will save taxpayers 30-million dollars and will make for an easier experience at the OMV.

Cut 15 (10) “…vehicle registration system.”

OMV offices were closed for two days last week to complete the implementation of the CHAMP driver services platform.

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LSU will need to bounce back from its SEC opener loss to Ole Miss against number-23 Texas A-and-M on Saturday. The Aggies also dropped their first game of conference play, so both teams will have a lot at stake if they want to achieve their College Football Playoff aspirations. Tigers wide receiver Winnie Watkins says it’s a long season.

Cut 16 (15) “…it ain’t nothing.”

Watkins has racked up 15 catches for 207 yards and two of quarterback Sam Leavitt’s three touchdowns. He is the only offensive starter who played under Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis last season, so he says he needs to step up as a leader.

Cut 17 (14) “…being a leader.”

After a sluggish first half for the offense and missed opportunities late against the Rebels, Watkins says leaders have to step up on that side of the ball. He says Leavitt already has.

Cut 18 (15) “…believe in Sam.”

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ULM will host FAU for homecoming on Saturday. Head Coach Bryant Vincent says some things will have to change after the Warhawks lost to Southeastern Louisiana. He says quarterback Aiden Armenta will have the opportunity to compete with Austin Carlisle to win the starting job back.

Cut 19 (16) “…conference schedule.”

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Southern kicks off SWAC play this weekend at Jackson State. The Jags put up 50 points against Louisiana Christian after senior advisor Fred McNair took over playcalling duties from offensive coordinator Ken Merchant. Head coach Marshall Faulk says it is still the same offense, just simplified.

Cut 20 (12) “…more of it.”

Kickoff in Jackson is set for 6 p-m. The Tigers have won the last seven meetings, including two conference championship games.

LRN PM Newscall September 22

The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association says Governor Landry’s plan to rein in diesel prices is counterproductive. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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An LSU student alleges she was raped by a football player and the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office is investigating her allegation. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Not everyone believes Governor Landry’s idea of halting diesel exports for 90 days is the answer to get prices under control. In fact, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association says that will only have the opposite effect. President Tommy Faucheux says diesel pipelines are already operating at capacity.

Cut 3 (08) “…to export them.”

Faucheux says if refineries have nowhere to put their surplus diesel, it will cause a chain reaction series of events which will ultimately raise not only diesel prices, but also gasoline prices which are also sky-high.

Cut 4 (10) “…that they produce.”

Faucheux says the ultimate solution to lowering diesel prices is an end to the military conflicts in Iran and between Russia and Ukraine

Cut 5 (08) “…here at home.”

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State Police say they arrested 32 people over the weekend in response to increase criminal activity in Ouachita and Morehouse parishes. State Trooper Ryan Davis says this two-day enforcement detail resulted in 188 traffic stops that led to the arrests…

Cut 6 (12) “…32 individuals.”

Davis says most of the people they arrested were fugitives…

Cut 7 (06) “…court system.”

Davis says this initiative is designed to enhance community safety through proactive policing strategies targeting violent  crime and drug trafficking…

Cut 8 (08) “…street level sellers”

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East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore is investigating an alleged rape involving an LSU football player. LSU student, Kendall Danielle, has detailed her allegations on TikTok. She says the alleged rape happened last October and claims the player admitted to the assault during an LSU Title Nine investigation. The player was suspended by LSU for one year following that investigation, but has since been allowed to return to campus

Cut 9 (08)  “…similar to this.”

Moore’s office is now investigating the allegations. In a statement, he said his office became aware of the allegation today.

Moore says he’s requested all reports, interviews, evidence and other relevant records from LSU, LSU Police Department, the Baton Rouge Police Department, the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office and any other agency possessing information related to this matter.

The player’s name has not been made public. Danielle believes the university went out of its way to protect him…

Cut 10 (06) “…more than anything.” 

Danielle says she first reported the assault to the Baton Rouge Police Department, but what was told the LSU Police Department has jurisdiction because the alleged incident happened on campus. The woman says the LSU Police investigators were not interested in conducting an extensive investigation…

Cut 11 (14) “…what I did today.”

LSU president Wade Rousse says this incident has been handled professionally and that LSU has strictly followed their policies, procedures and best practices. Rousse says LSU is cooperating with its law enforcement partners as they work through investigatory process.

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A Kenner business owner is accused of recording people inside the bathroom of his business. According to his LinkedIn profile, 57-year-old Henry Rios owns a sign and banner shop called ETC NOLA. Kenner Deputy Police Chief Mark McCormick says a woman used the bathroom at his business earlier this month and discovered a camera mounted underneath the sink.

Cut 12 (09) “…using the bathroom.” 

McCormick says detectives executed a search warrant at Rios’ business and home last week and recovered three additional concealed surveillance cameras, and a search of those cameras uncovered some startling findings.

Cut 13 (07) “…videos or images.”

And McCormick says that’s likely just the tip of the iceberg, as detectives have also recovered 13 thumb drives, five memory cards and a hidden camera disguised as an LED alarm clock. Right now, Rios is charged with three counts of video voyeurism, which is a felony under Louisiana law, but he says many more charges are likely to follow. So far, detectives have identified three victims, but there could be many more.

McCormick is urging businesses which have done work with Rios to thoroughly inspect their workplaces.

Cut 14 (07) “…in our community.”

LRN PM Newscall

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is urging the nominee to head the FDA to come to Louisiana to learn about the state’s seafood industry. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU’s star tight end has avoided surgery after injuring his knee in the loss against Ole Miss, but he is expected to miss some time. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says President Trump’s nominee to head the FDA, Dr. Heidi Overton, should learn about the state’s seafood industry as part of her confirmation process. Nungesser expressed that sentiment in a letter to Senator Bill Cassidy, saying tariffs on shrimp imports is a good start, but it’s only a starting point.

Cut 3 (11) “…up their act.”

Nungesser says in his letter that Overton should visit Louisiana as part of that learning process. 

Cut 4 (15) “…into this country.”

Nungesser says the state’s seafood industry needs strong safeguards to protect not only the people who eat the seafood, but also the people who catch the seafood locally.

Cut 5 (08) “…a lot safer.”

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If you thought gasoline was expensive, that’s nothing compared to diesel. Here in Louisiana, diesel is now averaging more than six dollars a gallon. Even though most of you likely do not drive a vehicle that runs on diesel fuel, that high cost of diesel will be passed on in the form of higher prices on groceries and other goods. In an effort to get diesel prices under control, Governor Landry is calling for a 90-day pause on diesel exports. In an interview with CNBC, Landry blames Washington for allowing diesel prices to spiral out of control.

Cut 6 (10) “…fuel on supply.”

Landry notes that the U.S. is sending a record amount of diesel to Europe.

Cut 7 (15) “…pay for it.”

Landry says while the overall solution needs to be wide-ranging, his temporary export moratorium is a start.

Cut 8 (08) “…prices to fall.”

However, not everyone is on board with Landry’s idea. The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association says with pipelines for domestic diesel transportation already at maximum capacity, halting exports of diesel would only force refineries to reduce production, which would decrease the production of gasoline.

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The LSU Tigers suffered a tough loss on Saturday night to Ole Miss and sustained a couple of major injuries to key players. Tight end Trey’Dez Green and defensive back Dashawn Spears each suffered knee injuries. Spears will reportedly miss the season with a torn ACL. Coach Lane Kiffin says the injuries are not ideal…

Cut 9 (10)  “…great feeling.”

Green’s injury is not season ending, but his mother said in a Facebook post that her son will miss time with some bad sprains and bruises. Kiffin says not having Spears will be a big loss for the defense…

Cut 10 (12) “…on defense.” 

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt threw and ran for a touchdown but it only completed 59-percent of his passes and it took him a little while to settle down. Kiffin says he liked the fight Leavitt showed, but improvement is needed…

Cut 11 (11) “…both games.”

LSU will host Texas A&M this Saturday night. Both teams lost their SEC openers.

LRN PM Newscall

The wait is almost over. LSU is just one day away from taking on Ole Miss, and Tiger fans are hitting the road. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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LSU and Ole Miss are meeting for the 115th time since 1894 on Saturday night, never have the emotions been higher in this rivalry. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU fans are hitting the road to support the Tigers in Oxford this weekend. Record crowds are expected for the top-10 clash between LSU and Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin’s homecoming. Sally Steil with the LSU Alumni Association says she’s already heard from thousands of fans.

Cut 3 (12) “…into Oxford.”

The LSU-Ole Miss rivalry is always a big one, but Stiel says this year’s matchup has a different feel because of all the drama around Kiffin’s departure.

Cut 4 (11) “…what happens”

Stiel says Tiger Nation can relate to how Rebels fans feel after facing Nick Saban at Alabama for all those years. She knows emotions are high in Oxford, but she hopes that won’t stop anyone from having a good time.

Cut 5 (10) “…be there.”

LSU and Ole Miss kick off at 6:30.

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The calendar says Fall starts next week, but it’s still hot. LSU health climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures this weekend will be in the 90s and it will be warm for the LSU-Ole Miss game…

Cut 6 (09) “…Oxford, Mississippi.”

But Keim says there is a sign that fall is right around the corner and that is the humidity level has dropped, which has helped drop our morning lows into the upper 60s and lower 70s…

Cut 7 (08) “..in place.”

Keim says the lower humidity makes it easier to be outside for a longer period…

Cut 8 (08) “.over the summer.”

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Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy is not in support of President Trump’s proposal to give every adult American five-thousand dollars if the Republican Party maintains control of Congress after the mid-term elections. Cassidy says the dividend checks will add to the country’s out-of-control debt…

Cut 9 (06)  “…oppose it.”

Cassidy says the five-thousand-dollar dividend will actually cost Americans more money, because it will increase the U-S national debt, which is at 40-trillion dollars…

Cut 10 (10) “…other things.” 

Several Republican lawmakers have spoken out against President Trump’s five-thousand dollar payments to Americans. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not endorsed it. Cassidy says dividend checks will increase the cost of living as it will raise borrowing costs and inflation…

Cut 11 (09) “…the country.”

Cassidy says if you want Americans to have more money, reduce health care costs.

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The game that has been talked about for months is finally here as seventh ranked LSU visits eighth ranked Ole Miss in a huge matchup to begin the SEC schedule for both teams. Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin is well aware of the abilities of the Rebels two big playmakers on offense, Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy…

Cut 12 (15) “…up front.” 

Emotions will be high as Kiffin makes his return to Ole Miss, a school he coached at for six years. Ole Miss Coach Pete Golding says who ever executes the best will win…

Cut 13 (12) “…win the game.”

Kick off is at 6:30.

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The Saints travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens on Sunday. It will be the 2026 debut for running back Alvin Kamara and defensive end Cameron Jordan, as both have been ruled fully available. Saints head coach Kellen Moore says Kamara will split carries with Travis Etienne and Kendre Miller.

Cut 14 (11) “…Travis will.”

Wide receiver Chris Olave and edge rusher Chase Young are both questionable after being limited in the last two practices.

Ravens Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers returned to practice today but is doubtful to play with a hamstring injury. Flowers caught 150 yards and scored a touchdown against the Colts last week, and Moore says the Saints need to be ready for him.

Cut 15 (10) “…different things.”

LRN AM Newscall September 18

Louisiana is receiving national recognition for the restoration of a barrier island off the coast of Grand Isle. Cade Voisin has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Cade Voisin.”

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Bet-Online Sports and Casino says LSU’s headliner matchup with eight-ranked Ole Miss is one of the hottest games of the weekend. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Two candidates in the Sixth District congressional race are trading allegations over where they live. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Queen Bess Island Restoration Project has been named one of the nation’s Best Restored Shores for 2026. The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association recognized the project, which restored critical habitat near Grand Isle that was devastated by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Katie Freer with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority says the project was the first of its kind…

Cut 4 (10) “…oil spill”

The project cost about 19-million dollars and it was fund through the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlements.

Freer says the restoration expanded and elevated the island, while significantly improving nesting habitat…

Cut 5 (07) “…can’t be restored.”

Freer says the project increased nesting habitat from just five acres to 36 acres…

Cut 6 (09) “..we’ve done”

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The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is working with Louisiana and Mississippi State Police to enhance security in Oxford as eight-ranked Ole Miss hosts seventh-ranked LSU this weekend. Commissioner Sean Tindell says the department will have around three times the typical amount of officers on duty.

Cut 7 (12) “…officers there.”

Hundreds of thousands of fans and visitors are expected to descend upon Oxford for the rivalry game this weekend. Tindell says if you’re one of the incoming visitors, make sure you plan for the massive crowds.

Cut 8 (07) “…get to.”

The increased police presence comes as LSU coach Lane Kiffin returns to the fan base he left for LSU at the end of the 2025 regular season. Tindell says he understands emotions are high, but any misbehavior from unruly fans will not be tolerated.

Cut 9 (12)  “…County jail.”

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LSU’s trip to Ole Miss has been one of the most anticipated games of the college football season, and that’s been reflected in the betting world. Josh Barton with Bet-Online Sports and Casino says that the top-10 clash between the Tigers and Rebels has received more action than any other college football game this weekend.

Cut 10 (08) “…on LSU.”

LSU is favored by 2-and-a-half points on the road, even after the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Sam Leavitt. Barton says fans have seen LSU’s blowout wins over Clemson and Louisiana Tech.

Cut 11 (11) “…the bettors.”

In addition to the normal offerings, Barton says Bet-Online has special prop bets about the drama around Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford.

Cut 12 (10) “…two of them.”

LSU and Ole Miss kick off at 6:30 tomorrow.

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State Senator Rick Edmonds is accusing congressional opponent Blake Miguez of making conflicting claims about where he lives. A New Iberia resident has filed a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office alleging Miguez does not live in the state Senate district he represents. If that allegation is substantiated, the state constitution would require Miguez to vacate his senate seat. Edmonds says Miguez’s residency claims raise questions about trust…

Cut 13 (09)  “…organizations” 

The Attorney General’s Office has 20 days to investigate the complaint.

Edmonds and Miguez are among ten candidates running for the newly drawn Sixth Congressional District, which includes Baton Rouge. Miguez has said he has lived in Baton Rouge since 1999, while also maintaining a home in New Iberia, where his family’s offshore oil and gas business is based. Edmonds says Miguez can not he lives in Baton Rouge while also saying he resides in Senate District 22 which includes parts of Iberia, Lafayette and St. Martin parishes…

Cut 14 (09) “…for decades.”

Miguez’s campaign is firing back, accusing Edmonds of actually living in Mississippi, where he pastors at a church in McComb. Edmonds says he lives in Baton Rouge and drives to Mississippi to preach on Sundays…

Cut 15 (08) “…nothing to hide.”

Both Edmonds and Miguez are Republicans.

The Sixth District race will be decided in a November third jungle primary, with a December 12th runoff if no candidate receives a majority.

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UL Lafayette takes on UAB tomorrow night. The Cajuns are coming off a 49-30 loss to USC last week. Freshman running back JJ Garner flashed in the loss with an 18-yard run to lead off the team’s first touchdown drive. Head coach Michael Desormeaux says he’s been impressive.

Cut 16 (16) “…is unbelievable.”

Desormeaux says UL did not get the outcome they wanted from their trip to California, but the experience can be good down the road. He says the team needs to have a mindset that it is never good enough.

Cut 17 (19) “…so far.”

The Blazers came back from a 20-10 halftime deficit to beat ULM 26-20 last week. Desormeaux says UAB has looked good through the first two weeks of the season.

Cut 18 (20) “…of the ball.”

Kickoff at Cajun Field is set for 7 p.m.

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Seventh-ranked LSU is just one day away from kickoff against number-eight Ole Miss. With concerns around quarterback Sam Leavitt’s health and availability, the Tigers may have to lean on their defense against the Rebels. Senior linebacker Whit Weeks says they’ll have the tough task of stopping Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy.

Cut 19 (16) “…score a touchdown.”

Record crowds are expected in Oxford for Lane Kiffin’s return to Ole Miss after leaving the school for LSU before the playoffs last year. Weeks says he’s excited for the Tigers’ first road trip in a hostile SEC environment, but he doesn’t know what the crowd has in store for Kiffin.

Cut 20 (12) “…than anybody.”

LSU and Ole Miss kick off at 6:30 tomorrow.

LRN PM Newscall September 17

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt was listed as doubtful on the initial SEC availability report for the Tigers’ top-10 matchup at Ole Miss. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The daughter of LSU head football coach Lane Kiffin is speaking out after becoming the target of vulgar sexual jokes in Oxford. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Outgoing U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says he will not get involved in the U-S Senate race between Republican Julia Letlow and Democrat Jamie Davis. That means Cassidy, who finished third in the U-S Senate Republican Primary, will not endorse Letlow in the November third general election…

Cut 3 (06) “…matter in our state.”

President Trump’s endorsement of Letlow, before she even entered the race, helped the Congresswoman win the U-S Senate Republican Primary run-off over state treasurer John Fleming. Cassidy says Letlow doesn’t his help to beat Davis…

Cut 4 (04) “…closed party primary”

Cassidy is expecting Letlow to win easily on November third over Davis…

Cut 5 (06) “…55-45.”

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LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt is doubtful to play when the Tigers visit Ole Miss on Saturday. Leavitt reportedly is dealing with a sore throwing shoulder and was listed on the initial SEC availability report last night. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says he showed no signs of injury against LA Tech last week.

Cut 6 (10) “…now this.”

The doubtful designation estimates Leavitt has a 25-percent chance of playing. Many fans have speculated whether this could be a tactic from coach Lane Kiffin ahead of an important rivalry game, and Guilbeau says Kiffin does have a history of gamesmanship.

Cut 7 (12) “..Sam Leavitt.”

Schools are subject to a 25-thousand-dollar fine from the SEC for its first offense of providing misleading information on the report.

Guilbeau says shoulder injuries can be tricky, and in the worst case for LSU could hinder Leavitt all season. Even if Leavitt does play, the injury could hinder his ability. Guilbeau says LSU will have to rely on its defense to stop Ole Miss and keep the score low.

Cut 8 (12) “..even greater.”

Louisiana-sports-dot-net is reporting Leavitt was back at practice this morning. Sources have told Louisiana-sports-dot-net that the Tigers signal caller is dealing with back spasms.

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The daughter of LSU football coach Lane Kiffin, Landry Kiffin, takes to social media to express her sadness and disappointment over being the punchline of a sexual joke by Ole Miss students. In a post on TikTok, Kiffin, who is a 21-year-old student at Ole Miss, says there are banners hanging from houses in Oxford that contain vulgar messages about her and a former Ole Miss player…

Cut 9 (10)  “…frustrating.”

There have been untrue rumors in Oxford about Landry Kiffin being in a sexual relationship with a player that no longer attends Ole Miss. Kiffin has been dating LSU linebacker Whit Weeks since last year.  Kiffin says she hopes people realize there is an actual person behind the jokes they make…

Cut 10 (12) “…mind blowing to me.” 

Landry Kiffin says she understands emotions are running high this week with her dad returning to Oxford for Saturday night’s Top Ten showdown between Ole Miss and LSU, but these banners have crossed the line…

Cut 11 (09) “…not be okay”