LRN PM Newscall August 7

A state lawmaker proposes a bill to ban AI-powered Flock Security cameras in Louisiana. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”
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With Louisiana in the middle of extreme heat season, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to keep yourself safe. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Caddo Parish Representative Danny McCormick is working on a bill to ban AI-powered Flock cameras that read license plates and vehicle details and log them in a searchable database. McCormick says the cameras violate the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Cut 3 (11) “…across the country.”

Flock Safety estimates its technology was used by law enforcement in nearly a million cases nationwide last year, or about one in every five cases. The Republican from Oil City says they can help fight crime, but he believes collecting information without a warrant violates citizens’ rights…

Cut 4 (11) “…law-abiding citizens.”

McCormick says lawmakers and advocacy groups across the country have voiced opposition to these cameras, and the sentiment is shared in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (09) “…against these cameras.”

Proponents of the cameras argue they capture information about vehicles of interest, not the people inside them. Flock Safety estimates the cameras have been used to help locate around 10-thousand missing persons in 2025 and reports 40-percent of customer agencies report their technology was used in recovering half or more of the stolen vehicles in their jurisdiction.

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State Police have arrested three Washington Parish residents in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash that killed a Folsom bicyclist. Authorities say 24-year-old Rodrigo Ornelas was hit and killed while riding his bike at night on Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish in April. Trooper Marc Gremillion says investigators determined a Buick Encore was involved

Cut 6 (09) “…provided information.”

Gremillion says 34-year-old Megan Kyle of Bogalusa was identified as the driver, while her parents were charged with obstruction.

Cut 7 (08) “…the crime.”

Megan Kyle of Bogalusa, was charged with felony hit and run, while her parents Monica Wildebrandt and Robert Kyle, also of Bogalusa, were charged with obstruction of justice, injuring public records and accessory after the fact.

Gremillion says leaving the scene of a crash is a serious crime and these type of cases, Troopers will use every resource possible to pursue justice on behalf of the victims and their loved ones…

Cut 8 (10) “… light eventually.”

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Todd Blanche appears to have the votes to become the next U.S. Attorney General after Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy said he’ll support President Trump’s nominee. Several senators have expressed concern Blanche could give the president too much control over the Justice Department. Cassidy acknowledged Blanche is not perfect, but…

Cut 9 (11)  “…Mr. Blanche .”

Blanche’s former role as Trump’s personal lawyer and his involvement in a controversial IRS settlement have raised questions about his independence. Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski say they’ll oppose him, so Cassidy’s vote was critical to Blanche’s confirmation.

Cassidy got emotional while announcing he will support Blanche for AG…

Cut 10 (10) “…right decision.” 

Cassidy says he came this decision after speaking with two sitting US Attorneys in Louisiana. Both David Courcelle and Kurt Wall supported Blanche’s nomination. The outgoing U-S Senator also took into account former US Attorney General William Barr’s endorsement of Blanche…

Cut 11 (11) “…reality”

It’s unclear when the U.S. Senate will vote to confirm Blanche.

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Today is the final day of qualifying for the November Congressional elections. Board of Regents Chairwoman Misti Cordell has entered the race for the Fifth District, which covers all of northeast Louisiana, a large portion of central Louisiana and a part of southeast Louisiana…

Cut 12 (10) “…can say that.” 

Cordell, a Republican, joins GOP state lawmakers Stewart Cathey, Michael Echols and Gabe Firment, who qualified earlier this week. Two political unknowns, Omar Dantzler and Austin Magee, have qualified as Republicans and two Democrats have entered the race, Dan McKay and Antonio Wilson.

The November election is an open primary and Cordell believes she will appeal to all voters…

Cut 13 (06) “…everybody.”

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We’re in extreme heat season through October; thus, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to continue to take precautions when spending an extended period of time outside. Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says historically, summers are deadly in Louisiana, and this year is no different.

Cut 14 (11) “…with substance use.”

From 2023 through 2025, LDH recorded 172 heat-related deaths. Adults ages 65 and older accounted for 38-percent of those deaths. Greenstein says the number of elderly heat-related deaths signs a call to action for eveyr family, neighbor and caregiver.

Greenstein urges you to stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible, drink plenty of water and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. He also urges you to know the signs of heat illness.

Cut 15 (12) “…heat-related illness.”

LRN PM Newscall August 6

A federal grand jury indicts an Alexandria man in connection with the murder of a deputy FBI marshal, and prosecutors will seek the death penalty. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill is seeking text messages and phone records that could possibly provide information on what led to her now dismissed 16 count indictment on malfeasance and public intimidation charges…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A federal grand jury indicts an Alexandria man in connection with the murder of a federal agent, and prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty. U.S. Attorney Zachary Keller announced the five-count indictment against 48-year-old Clarence Frazier Jr., starting with the most serious count.

Cut 3 (11) “…Marshal Drew Hanson.”

(Frazier is charged with killing Deputy Marshal Drew Hanson.) FBI New Orleans Field Office Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp says on July 13th, Hanson and other deputy marshals were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on Frazier for missing a trial for a sexual battery charge, and they were going through his house room by room searching for him.

Cut 4 (12) “…on the officers.”

And as deputies returned fire, Tapp says Frazier shot Hanson one time, killing him. Western District U.S. Marshal Brian Barber says he has no doubt that a jury will convict Frazier of all five counts of the indictment.

Cut 5 (10) “…held fully accountable.”

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The Colorado State University Hurricane Forecast Team has issued its final forecast for the 2026 season, and Senior Research Scientist Phil Klotzbach says it’s unchanged from last month.

Cut 6 (08) “…or five hurricane.”

Those nine named storms actually means seven additional storms, since they include tropical storms Arthur and Bertha, which have already made landfall in the U.S. Klotzbach says you can thank El Nino for the below-average hurricane season.

Cut 7 (11) “…in the Atlantic.”

Klotzbach says the final forecast is well below what we see in a typical hurricane season.

Cut 8 (05) “…and three majors.”

Nine named storms would be the fewest in the Atlantic since 2014; four hurricanes would be the fewest since 2015, and the last time the Atlantic went through an entire hurricane season without a single major hurricane was 2013.

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Attorney General Liz Murrill has filed lawsuits seeking records related to the now-dismissed 16-count indictment against her. Murrill alleges the grand jury process was used for political purposes after she was indicted on malfeasance and public intimidation charges.

Cut 9 (15)  “…except that .”

The indictment has intensified tensions between New Orleans officials and state leaders in Baton Rouge. Mayor Helena Moreno has requested a meeting with Governor Jeff Landry, but the governor says that won’t happen until questions surrounding the indictment are answered.

Cut 10 (06) “…she is.” 

Landry and Murrill are also questioning whether the secrecy of the grand jury process was violated. Murrill says information that should have remained confidential was improperly disclosed.

Cut 11 (08) “…a crime.”

The lawsuits name special prosecutor Laurie White and New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams. Murrill wants a judge to order the release of text messages, phone records and other documents related to the case. Williams denies having any role in the indictment.

Cut 12 (11) “…grand jury investigation.” 

6:30 LRN Newscast

On avoiding another government shutdown, Senator John Kennedy expressed opposition on NBC’s “Meet The Press” to a bipartisan deal which would, in part, take away President Trump’s authority to review government grants.

Cut 14 (13) “…is hell no.”

Researchers at Tulane University might have discovered how bats are able to carry so many viral diseases without getting sick themselves. Associate Professor Hannah Frank led the study and says the largest family of bats has special genes to produce antibodies that fight off pathogens.

Cut 7 (11) “…is pretty nifty.”

Frank says understanding this immune system could help mitigate the dangers of disease transmission from bats.

With the general election three months from today, the Secretary of State’s office is out with its inactive voter list. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The recall effort against Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards garnered just over two-thousand of the over 47-thousands signatures that would have been required to force a recall election. The campaigns to recall Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill are still ongoing and would take over 500-thousand signatures.

LRN PM Newscall July 30

A Delcambre (DEL-kum) angler just won free beer for a year. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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As a federal ban on THC products draws nearer, local businesses which deal in the product are working to get it overturned. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A fisherman in Vermilion Parish won free beer for a year after catching a tagged redfish during the CCA Louisiana STAR tournament. The statewide tournament tags and releases redfish along the Louisiana coast with prizes from T-shirts to new trucks and boats. Tournament director Micah Denesse (den-ESS) says Delcambre (DEL-kum) local Wayne Toups was thrilled when he found out what he’d won.

Cut 3 (13) “…get that beer.”

While fishing in Vermillion Bay, Toups reeled in a redfish with a special blue tag for a case of Michelob Ultra every week for a year. Denesse says at first, Toups thought it was just a yellow tag for a free T-shirt.

Cut 4 (09) “…what that is.”

Toups brought the tag to Don’s Boat Landing in Erath, gave Denesse a call and celebrated his catch.

Toups said he is still searching for a red tag to win a new boat. The tournament lasts through Labor Day, and Denesse says it is still not too late to register. You can register at CCA-STAR-dot-com for 35-dollars.

Cut 5 (10) “…for the tournament.”

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Saints Swiss Army Knife Taysom Hill announced he will not be returning to the black and gold in an emotional social media post yesterday. Hill spent nine years in New Orleans and became the only player in the Super Bowl era with over one-thousand yards rushing, receiving and passing. Head coach Kellen Moore says he is one of a kind.

Cut 6 (11) “…in this community.”

Hill said in the post he did not know what his future held. He is a free agent and did not rule out playing somewhere else this season.

2023 first-round defensive tackle Bryan Bresee went down with a devastating knee injury on the first day of training camp. Moore says it looks like a season-ending ACL tear, but the team is waiting on a second opinion.

Cut 7 (09) “…training camp’s about.”

Bresee also tore his ACL at Clemson in 2021, but this injury was to the other knee.

The Saints will rely veteran linemen Davon Godchaux (GOD-chaw) and Nate Shepherd as well as second-year tackle Vernon Broughton and rookie Christen Miller. Defensive end Chase Young says he isn’t worried about the defensive front.

Cut 8 (09) “…nasty D-line.”

Broughton was a 2025 third round pick out of Texas but missed most of last year with a hip injury in his NFL debut.

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A federal ban on THC products is set to take effect November 12th, after Congress passed legislation late last year as part of the bill that ended the six-week federal government shutdown. Joe Gerrity, the CEO of Crescent Canna and the president of the Louisiana Hemp Beverage Coalition, says unless the ban is repealed before it goes into effect, it would devastate his company, forcing him to lay off his entire staff among other things.

Cut 9 (08)  “…as well.”

Gerrity says if the law goes into effect, it would harm his faith in the federal government, since it would be apparent to him that they do not listen to what the people want.

Cut 10 (11) “…the state level.” 

The Louisiana Hemp Beverage Association is working to get the ban overturned before it goes into effect, and Gerrity says there’s a bill that he supports that would not only accomplish that, but it would also address concerns expressed by the ban’s supporters, who say THC drinks and gummies pose safety risks to children.

Cut 11 (12) “…we’re for that.”

THC is an estimated 33-million-dollar industry in Louisiana.

LRN PM Newscall

Ole Miss filed lawsuits against two LSU football players for nearly one-million-dollars. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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A large clinical trial led in part by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has shown that specialized treatments for kids and teens with obesity can be delivered at their primary care doctor’s office. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Ole Miss is suing LSU players Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper for nearly one-million-dollars. Ole Miss says the former Rebels have not paid the buyout clause of the revenue-sharing agreement they signed with the school before leaving for LSU. Sam Hutchens with the Clarion-Ledger broke the news and says Ole Miss AD Keith Carter told him the Rebels have paid similar buyouts for transfers.

Cut 3 (14) “…behalf of the player.”

Hutchens notes he does not know how much those previous Ole Miss buyouts were. Umanmielen’s is 550-thousand-dollars and Harper’s buyout is 400-thousand-dollars.

LSU has declined to comment, but Hutchens says, according to an Ole Miss timeline, the university declined to make the payment on the player’s behalf in March, arguing LSU is not party to the contract.

Cut 4 (13) “…this whole thing.”

If LSU were to pay the buyout for its players, it would count against its 21.3-million-dollar revenue-share cap. Hutchens says despite any reluctance from the university or players, it’s hard to imagine someone wearing purple and gold does not fork over the money.

Cut 5 (11) “…deal with all this.”

Both lawsuits were filed in Lafayette County in Mississippi with different judges presiding. Judge John Kelly Luther attended Ole Miss for both his undergrad and law school. Judge Kent E. Smith received his undergrad degree from Northeast Louisiana and his J.D. from LSU.

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A large clinical trial led by researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and others has shown that specialized treatments for kids and teens with obesity can be delivered at their primary care doctor’s office. Dr. Amanda Staiano, the director of the pediatric obesity and health behavior laboratory at Pennington, says the findings are from a study involving more than 700 children across four states and 41 primary care practices.

Cut 6 (08) “…quality of life.”

The program involves teaching kids and parents how to cook healthy meals, helping with grocery shopping, devising physical activity strategies and managing stress. Dr. Staiano says it’s a short program that has long-lasting impacts.

Cut 7 (12) “…the program’s over.”

Staiano says the program sets kids and teens up for healthy lives as they get older.

Cut 8 (09) “…of their lives.”

The findings were published in the July 27th issue of JAMA Pediatrics.

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The Saints hit the field for the first practice of training camp today. Defensive end Cameron Jordan returned to finish his career in New Orleans after testing free agency for the first time this offseason. He says the team feels more optimistic than it has in recent years.

Cut 9 (12)  “…put the pads on.”

Running back Alvin Kamara also returned after the Saints signed free agent Travis Etienne. Kamara says he always planned to be back and is looking forward to sharing the backfield with Etienne.

Cut 10 (12) “…last year.” 

Quarterback Tyler Shough’s development will be the focal point of the preseason. He says he stepped up as a leader on the team this offseason and is looking forward to building chemistry with eighth overall pick Jordyn Tyson, a receiver from Arizona State.

Cut 11 (12) “…never satisfied.”

Fourth-year defensive tackle Bryan Bresee left practice early with a knee injury feared to be a season-ending torn ACL. It’s a heavy blow for a budding star on the interior of the Saints defensive front.

LRN PM Newscall

Louisiana is one of five states still in the running to host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo .”

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The Saints reported for training camp today, with practice kicking off tomorrow. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

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Louisiana is one of five states under consideration for a new Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus as the Trump Administration looks to expand the nation’s nuclear energy industry. Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy spokesperson Patrick Courreges says the campus would support every stage of the nuclear fuel cycle…

Cut 3 (10) “…different state.”

Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Idaho are the other finalists. Courreges says the U.S. Department of Energy chose the five states after reviewing 28 applications from 26 states…

Cut 4 (10) “…go forward.”

The Energy Department says the campuses would attract major investment, boost domestic manufacturing and create thousands of high-paying jobs. Courreges says Governor Jeff Landry believes Louisiana is well positioned to strengthen America’s energy security…

Cut 5 (09) “…playoffs.”

According to the Energy Department,. the proposed innovation campuses have the potential to attract up to $50 billion in capital investment, generate as much as $10 billion in state and local tax revenue, and create nearly 25,000 jobs with an establishment of a campus.

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The Saints reported for training camp today. There is optimism for year two under head coach Kellen Moore after a strong end to last year. WWL’s Mike Detillier says the Saints added a lot of offensive help through free agency and the draft, but it all comes down to second-year quarterback Tyler Shough.

Cut 6 (11) “…to this season.”

New Orleans signed running back Travis Etienne, guard David Edwards and tight end Noah Fant in free agency. They drafted wide receiver Jordyn Tyson eighth overall and tight end Oscar Delp in the third round.

Detillier says the first day of camp is just getting back into the building and taking physicals. The first practice is tomorrow, and he says even practice isn’t the offseason boot camp it used to be.

Cut 7 (13) “…ground running.”

New Orleans finished 6-and-11 last season but rattled off a four-game win streak with Shough as the starter towards the end of last year. Detillier says the Saints are still in a rebuild, but the NFC South should come right down to the wire.

Cut 8 (12) “…something together.”

Carolina won the division with an 8-and-9 record last year. Detillier says every other team in the division has just as many questions as New Orleans.

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A Thibodaux man is charged with sex crimes involving a child. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Captain Brennan Matherne says juvenile detectives began investigating 61-year-old Gregory Leblanc last month after allegations surfaced about inappropriate behavior years ago with a girl who was under ten years old at the time.

Cut 9 (05)  “…the child’s knowledge.”

Captain Matherne says those photos weren’t the only inappropriate things detectives say Matherne did to the girl. Thus, he’s facing a slew of charges.

Cut 10 (11) “…of a juvenile.” 

Matherne says investigators do not know of any other victims at this time.

Cut 11 (11) “…offenders to justice.”

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Conservation groups and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are working to restore a popular fishing area in Terrebonne Parish. The project is expanding habitat at the historic “Sulphur Mine” site, creating a better environment for speckled trout, redfish and other marine life.

Coastal Conservation Association Louisiana Chief Marketing Officer Ryan Page says crews are installing 650 NATRX exoform reef structures to enhance the area…

Cut 12 (12) “…excited about that.”

CCA Louisiana Conservation and Habitat Chairman John Walther says anglers can begin fishing the new reefs right away…

Cut 13 (09) “…life there.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Artificial Reef Coordinator Mike McDonough says the agency is partnering with ConocoPhillips to restore the popular fishing destination…

Cut 14 (11 “…our anglers.”

LRN PM Newscall July 27

At least for the first half of this week, you will want to take extra precautions when spending time outdoors. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Department of Education has recognized the state’s teacher and principal of the year. Jeff Palermo tells us who won…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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“We’re going to have heat on steroids this week.” Those are the words of LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim as he describes the heat and humidity that’s blanketing Louisiana this week. Keim says the culprit is an area of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico that serves as a pump.

Cut 3 (12) “…clouds from forming.”

The lack of cloud cover allows the sun to bake on the landscape, preventing rainfall and anything else that could cool us off. Keim says that’s going to make conditions outside miserable at least through Wednesday.

Cut 4 (11) “…of those days.”

Keim says when you factor in above-normal humidity levels, that’s going to make it that much more unbearable.

Cut 5 (09) “…week moves on.”

So if you absolutely have to be outside, take every precaution possible, including drinking plenty of fluids, wearing light-colored loose-fitting clothing and taking plenty of breaks.

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The Louisiana Department of Education has named Alisha Butler as the Louisiana Teacher of the Year. Butler teaches dual enrollment English and intermediate Braille at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired in Baton Rouge….

Cut 6 (10) “…several years.”

Butler and other teachers were honored this past weekend at the 20th Annual Educator Excellence Gala at the World War Two Museum in New Orleans. By winning the award, Butler gets to drive a new Mercedes Benz for a year. Butler says she’s proud to be a teacher in Louisiana…

Cut 7 (06) “…humbling.”

The Louisiana Principal of the Year is Lauren Rentrop at Patterson Junior High in St. Mary Parish. Rentrop was shocked she won…

Cut 8 (04) “…possible.”

Patterson Junior High was the highest -performing middle School in St. Mary Parish on the 2025 LEAP. Under her leadership, the school has grown 18 points over six years. Rentrop was beaming with pride during her acceptance speech…

Cut 9 (11)  “…state of Louisiana.”

The Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year is Sarah Corley of Alexandria. Katie Weber, a ninth grade English Teacher at Fontainebleau High School in St. Tammany is the New Teacher of the Year. Jillian Graves of St. Louis Academy Head Start in St. James Parish was named Early Childhood Teacher of the Year.

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If you have a state tax refund due to you, time is running out to claim it from the Department of Revenue. Department spokesman Byron Henderson says it sent nearly 23-thousand unclaimed property letters to individual and business taxpayers.

Cut 10 (12) “…state treasurer’s office.” 

Currently, the department has more than 17.5-million dollars in unclaimed tax refunds. Henderson says if you receive one of the letters, you can claim your tax refund in one of two ways.

Cut 11 (13) “…unclaimed property letter.”

Any money not claimed by September 4th will be transferred to the unclaimed property division. Henderson says what’s important to remember is unclaimed property is never forfeited.

Cut 12 (13) “…unclaimed property division.”

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According to Leaders for a Better Louisiana, the average homeowners insurance premium runs nearly six-thousand dollars a year in the Bayou State. Better Louisiana CEO Adam Kanpp says that’s about 2.4 times the national average and one of the highest premiums in the South…

Cut 13 (04) “…Oklahoma third.”

Knapp says there was legislation approved in 2024 that has helped slow the increase in homeowners’ insurance premiums. According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance, rate increases slowed to just four percent in 2025. Knapp says it’s also helped that it’s been a few years since Louisiana’s last major hurricane…

Cut 14 (08) “…better pricing.”

LRN AM Newscall July 27

McNeese has a new president – and for the time being, he’ll be doing double duty. Andrew Greenstein reports. 

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LDWF’s whooping crane reintroduction project had its most successful nesting season ever. Kace Kieschinck has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Ochsner Health has partnered with a company testing a new Alzheimer’s treatment that is showing encouraging results in clinical trials. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Call him “president,” call him “senator” – when referring to Mike Reese, both titles apply to him simultaneously. The state senator from Leesville is now the new president at McNeese State University, taking over for Wade Rousse, who’s now heading the LSU system. Reese officially took over as McNeese president July 1st with words of encouragement for both current and incoming students.

Cut 4 (13) “…having wonderful careers.”

Reese notes that 78-percent of McNeese’s graduates remain in Louisiana, so it’s important that the school work very closely with the community to prepare them for life after college.

Cut 5 (08) “…meaningful to them.”

As for President Reese’s alter ego, Senator Reese says he will serve in one more legislative session and will not run for re-election. But between now and the end of his term, given the fact that there are only 24 hours in a day, Senator Reese – make that President Reese – says time management will be key.

Cut 6 (11) “…as state senator.”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported the state’s whooping crane recovery effort saw 10 fledged chicks. That means the chicks are fully grown and capable of flight. It brings the state’s total population to 84. LDWF Biologist Sara Zimorski says it was a historic nesting season.

Cut 7 (14) “…had this year.”

Louisiana’s whooping crane reintroduction project began in 2011. 18 of the 20 total pairs that nested were able to hatch chicks, the largest percentage ever. Zimorski says there could be several factors contributing to the successful season, but one is that the birds are more experienced.

Cut 8 (08) “…figured out.”

Whooping cranes are large white birds with a red head and black facial markings that can grow up to five feet tall. They are a federally endangered species that was once native to the state but had not lived in the Louisiana wilderness since 1950 before the project began. Zimorski says LDWF has a history of restoring endangered native species in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (14)  “…the next ones.”

Zimorski says if you see a whooping crane, observe it from a distance and report where you saw it on the LDWF website.

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In announcing that he will not seek a second term in his second stint in Congress, Cleo Fields noted that a lot has changed since the first time he served on Capitol Hill, and not for the better. He said when he served in the House for the first time from 1993 until 1997, representatives from opposite parties were actually cordial towards one another.

Cut 10 (09) “…their families together.”

Of course, on the day Fields left Capitol Hill the first time, there was no such thing as Facebook, X was merely the 24th letter of the alphabet, and Donald Trump was seven years away from launching “The Apprentice” on NBC. Times have changed, and Fields says so has Congress in the 28 years he had been gone.

Cut 11 (09) “…has to change.”

Fields says the lack of cordialness has spread well beyond the halls of Congress.

Cut 12 (08) “…talking at all.”

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A new at-home treatment for Alzheimer’s disease could soon be available, and Ochsner Health is partnering with the company behind the technology. Ochsner regional medical director Dr. Richard Zweifler says Cognito Therapeutics has developed the Spectris headset, which uses brain stimulation to help slow the disease…

Cut 13 (13)  “…over time.”

The device is still in clinical trials and has not been approved by the FDA. But Zweifler says early results show the therapy may help remove the plaque associated with Alzheimer’s…

Cut 14 (11) “…high quality of life.”

Ochsner expects FDA approval could come by next June. Through its partnership with Cognito Therapeutics, Zweifler says the goal is to make the treatment available to Ochsner patients as soon as possible…

Cut 15 (05) “…game changing.”

Patients would wear the headset for one hour a day, and Zweifler says side effects appear to be minimal.

An estimated 95,000 Louisianans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers hope the Spectris headset could provide a less invasive alternative to infusions or oral medications.

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At SEC Media Days last week, LSU coach Lane Kiffin said his goal at LSU was to combine the top portal classes with elite high school talent. Kiffin has become known as the “Portal King” in college football, and welcomed the number-one class this offseason. He said people need to reframe how they look at transfers.

Cut 16 (11) “…eligibility left.”

Kiffin said programs that have tried to invest in only traditional high school classes have not survived. The most famous case of this is Dabo Swinney’s Clemson who brought in only five portal players in seven years before adding ten this offseason. Kiffin said freshmen don’t stick around anymore because of playing time or money.

Cut 17 (14) “…have that.”

He proposed a limit on the earnings of incoming freshmen similar to NFL rookie contracts.

Kiffin said to find success, coaches need to balance top-end young talent with long-term transfers and immediate impact transfers, and that balance will look different for every school. As for his LSU tenure, he does not plan to abandon his portal kingdom.

Cut 18 (15) “…through the portal.”

LRN PM Newscall

The state takes a huge step towards its goal of making high-speed internet access available to everyone through a new partnership with Starlink. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Lane Kiffin took the stage at SEC Media Days as a Tiger for the first time. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Louisiana takes a huge step towards connecting the entire state to broadband internet through a partnership with Starlink. ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says Starlink will deliver high-speed internet access to more than ten-thousand rural locations in more than 50 parishes by the end of the summer.

Cut 3 (12) “…folks with Starlink.”

Iyengar says under the partnership with the state, the customers will get the equipment for free, and the service will be about 55 dollars a month for good, reliable high-speed internet.

Cut 4 (11) “…of those speeds.”

Iyengar reiterates that Starlink is only intended for locations which are so rural that it’s impossible to install fiber internet in a cost-effective way.

Cut 5 (11) “…fixed wireless.”

For more information on Starlink’s services, visit Starlink’s website.

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Lane Kiffin made his long-awaited first SEC Media Days appearance with LSU today. He reflected on his growth as a person since arriving at LSU. He said one of the ways he’s grown is his social media use. His son Knox challenged him not to use the apps. Kiffin said he has since deleted them and realized how many others are addicted.

Cut 6 (09) “…try this sometime.”

He said as people go through life, they often add things, but he has found the importance of subtraction.

Cut 7 (09) “…refreshing”

Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding said yesterday that he would “take the over” on Kiffin’s return to social media. He did highlight the Rebels’ 2024 matchup with Georgia, when he challenged Kiffin to put down social media for the week of the game. Ole Miss won 28-10.

Kiffin reflected on the recent deaths of his parents and his own mortality as he considered the importance of doing and saying what you want before you die. He was asked about his comment in a Vanity Fair story that Oxford’s lack of diversity hurt his talent acquisition at Ole Miss.

Cut 8 (14) “…of the words.”

Linebacker Whit Weeks came back for his senior season at LSU instead of going to the NFL Draft. Weeks became Kiffin’s right-hand man on recruiting and transfer portal visits. The two have become very familiar with one another since Weeks started dating Kiffin’s daughter, Landry last year, but he says that does not affect their relationship.

Cut 9 (11)  “…cutting up.”

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Even though the 16-count indictment against her has been dismissed, Attorney General Liz Murrill wants to get to the bottom of how it all happened. Under Governor Landry’s directive, State Police have launched a criminal investigation into the grand jury which indicted her. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this is unprecedented on several fronts, including the fact that Murrill’s office generally does not have criminal jurisdiction over matters in Orleans Parish.

Cut 10 (10) “…office’s independent investigation.” 

Ciolino says there’s also the potential issue of a conflict of interest.

Cut 11 (09) “…under those circumstances.”

One day after the grand jury handed down the indictment, Congressman Clay Higgins asked FBI Director Kash Patel to look into whether the grand jury was properly convened or was used for political retaliation. Ciolino says federal investigators would be wasting their time.

Cut 12 (11) “…into than this.” 

Murrill is also seeking reimbursement from the state for her legal fees, which she says are around 250-thousand dollars.

LRN PM Newscall July 22

Former LSU and NFL Safety Ryan Clark was fired while live on ESPN Monday. Kace Kieschnick has more from OutKick writer Dan Zaksheske, who reveals why.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The 16-count indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill has been dismissed, but the A-G is still coming out swinging. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Former LSU football standout Ryan Clark was fired from ESPN Monday after over 10 years with the network. Clark was part of a number of layoffs to on-air personalities announced yesterday. Clark, though, was fired abruptly while on ESPN’s “NFL Live” show because OutKick writer Dan Zaksheske had the story early and asked ESPN to comment.

Cut 3 (08) “…after the fact.”

Former NFL MVP Cam Newton, College World Series announcer Karl Ravech and insider Tom Pelissero were also included in the layoffs. Many of the firings were a result of redundancy from ESPN’s recent acquisition of NFL Network, but Zaksheske says the writing was on the wall for Clark since he signed his 2024 contract.

Cut 4 (12) “…kind of thing.”

Zaksheske also noted the multiple on-air apologies Clark has had to make for comments about Louisiana State Police during the lawsuit filed by former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy’s parents. Zaksheske says he doesn’t expect Clark to get a TV job anywhere else, but he’ll do just fine.

Cut 5 (12) “…of the business.”

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At the urging from New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, special prosecutor Laurie White has dismissed the 16-count indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill. Tulane University political science professor Mike Sherman says it was Moreno’s way to turn down the political temperature.

Cut 6 (12) “…officials work together.”

An Orleans Parish grand jury indicted Murrill on eight counts each of public intimidation and malfeasance in connection with letters she wrote to Moreno and other elected officials, threatening their jobs over their support of an appointment of an interim court clerk and a special election for a permanent one. Sherman says had this case dragged on, it would have thrown gasoline onto a bonfire.

Cut 7 (12) “…the partisan divide.”

In response to the lawsuit, Governor Landry started slamming the City of New Orleans, saying it’s not as essential to the State of Louisiana as it once was. Sherman says that talk is pure hyperbole.

Cut 8 (12) “…New Orleans is.”

While Moreno’s move may be an effort to turn down the political temperature, it seems that Murrill is content in keeping the thermostat turned up. In a statement, she said the case should have never been brought in the first place because she did not commit any crime, and that the dismissal of the charges will not end her quest to get to the bottom of it all.

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It appears that Tropical Storm Bertha is going to end up being just one big dress rehearsal for South Louisiana. Lauren Chandler with the National Weather Service says Bertha, which at last check was packing maximum sustained winds of 50 miles an hour, is weakening and won’t have much of an impact when it makes landfall later this afternoon.

Cut 9 (09)  “…some loose items.”

Chandler says what’s unique about this storm is that the biggest threat is actually excessive heat, since it will produce almost no rainfall over land.

Cut 10 (10) “…from strengthening anymore.” 

Chandler says storm surge could be a factor in the southern coastal areas.

Cut 11 (11) “…of levee system.”

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LSU and Ole Miss fans fight it out on social media over Lane Kiffin’s decision to leave the Rebels for the Tigers. But Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding said at SEC Media Days on Wednesday that he does not have a problem with Kiffin leaving Ole Miss before their historic playoff run last season…

Cut 12 (12) “…at all.” 

Golding was the Rebels defensive coordinator and was promoted to interim head coach when Kiffin took the LSU job. Golding led Ole Miss to two playoff victories and is now permanent coach. Golding says he still talks with Kiffin…

Cut 13 (12) “…appreciative of that.”

Ole Miss will host LSU on September 19th in the SEC opener for both teams.