11:30 LRN Newscast

The National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on a potential disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico near the Bay of Campeche. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says there’s about a 70-percent chance of a tropical cyclone forming in the next seven days.

Cut 3 (11) “…into southeastern Louisiana.”

Grymes says we’ll need to monitor throughout the week.

New data shows the state’s adult obesity rate is falling. It went from 39-percent in 2024 to 35-percent in 2025. Doctor Oren Rom, the assistant vice chancellor for research at LSU Health Shreveport, credits Ozempic and Mounjaro for the decline, but he says GLP- drugs can lead to a loss in skeletal muscle mass…

Cut 15 (08) “…don’t do that’

 

Tonight, the Saints host the Falcons, but this game is about more than the regular-season rivalry. It’s also a night to remember one of the most emotional moments in Louisiana’s history — the Saints’ return to the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina. The Saints’ radio voice, Mike Hoss, was a fan in the stands when Steve Gleason famously blocked a punt, setting off an eruption of emotion inside the Superdome…

Cut 26 (08) “…once.”

Kick off tonight is at 7:15

The University of Louisiana System has hired a consulting firm to look at the budgets of the athletic departments that make up the U-L System. Each university’s athletics department is 10s of millions of dollars in the red. UL System President Rick Gallot says that report is expected by the end of the year and will be used to inform his recommendation.

Cut 5 (13) “…have to make.”

A Board of Regents member suggested schools like ULM, ULL and Louisiana Tech should consider moving down to FCS.

10:30 LRN Newscast

College football fans across the state were sent into a frenzy last week after a Louisiana Regent suggested that the UL System should consider moving ULL, ULM and Louisiana Tech down from the FBS to the FCS. UL System president Rick Gallot says that comment was not a directive, but the system will have to consider all cost-cutting measures as it looks to correct athletics deficits.

Cut 4 (09) “…its expenses.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has designated LSU as a Distinguished Military College. U-S Air Force Colonel Joseph Musacchia, who is the commandant of the LSU Corps of Cadet, says Hegseth’s order gives LSU Corps of Cadets and ROTC graduates a better chance at starting their military career in the officer ranks.

Cut 10 (11) “…from the pack.”

The Saints host the Falcons tonight on Monday Night Football, and the game will be used to remember the rebirth of New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And the honors for Gleason will get underway even before the start of tonight’s game. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno has announced that she will be presenting Gleason a key to the city.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Despite boasting some of the world’s best cuisine, Louisiana is actually slimming down. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A low-pressure system in the Gulf has been given a 70-percent chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next week. The National Hurricane Center gave the system only a 30-percent chance of developing within the next 48 hours, as environmental conditions appear only marginally conducive. It is expected to drift east over the next few days before turning north toward the Gulf Coast.

The UL System is considering all options to address debts faced by its universities’ athletics departments, including bumping ULL, ULM and La Tech down to the FCS. System President Rick Gallot says a financial report from Deloitte will help inform a data-driven decision, but that does not mean they will be ignoring the opinions of the universities.

Cut 6 (11) “…tough decisions.”

The Saints host the Falcons tonight in a game that celebrates one of the most iconic moments in Louisiana sports history. It is the 20th anniversary of Steve Gleason’s blocked punt against Atlanta in the Saints’ first game back in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. Saints’ radio voice Mike Hoss says part of what made the moment so powerful was that nobody saw it coming…

Cut 9 (11)  “…release.”

Gleason, who has lived with A-L-S for years, will return to the dome as an honorary captain and lead the “Who Dat” chant tonight.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s only one of two states that showed a significant decline in adult obesity rate, dropping almost four percent and moving from the third most obese state all the way to number 19.  That’s according to the State of Obesity 2026 report. Dr. Oren Rom, the assistant vice chancellor for research at LSU Health Shreveport, says that’s thanks in large part to GLP-1 drugs, the benefits of which he says outweigh the side effects.

Cut 14 (10) “…in body weight.”

LSU has been designated a Distinguished Military College by U-S Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.  U-S Air Force Colonel Joseph Musacchia, who is the commandment of the LSU Corps of Cadet says it’s fitting as LSU was founded in 1860 as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy …

Cut 11 (12) “…Spanish American War”

————————

UL System president Rick Gallot says higher-ed officials will need to make tough decisions regarding the deficits university athletics departments face. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Big night at the Superdome tonight at the Saints host the Falcons and take a look back at one of the most emotional nights in Saints sports history.   the Saints’ return to the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina when Steve Gleason blocked a punt for a touchdown.  Gleason, who’s lived with ALS for years will be at tonight’s game as an honorary captain and will led the crowd in the who dat chant before the game.

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

U-S Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has designated LSU as a Distinguished Military College, which experts say will give its Corp of Cadets and ROTC grads a better chance at starting their military careers as officers.   U-S Air Force Colonel Joseph Musacchia, who is the commandant of the LSU Corps of Cadet says the designation will likely double the program’s enrollment. .

Cut 12 (14) “…Louisiana State University.”

It appears that Louisianans are slimming down. According to the State of Obesity 2026 report, Louisiana is only one of two states that showed a significant decline in adult obesity rate, falling nearly four percent and moving us from third in the nation all to way to 19 when it comes to obesity. Dr. Oren Rom, with  LSU Health Shreveport says…

Cut 13 (08)  “…receptor agonist drugs.”

————————————

As the Saints host the Falcons tonight, there will also be a celebration to commemorate the rebirth of New Orleans.
Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Gleason, who has been living with A-L-S for years, will be at tonight’s game as an honorary captain and will lead the “Who Dat” chant before kickoff.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Despite boasting the best cuisine on the planet, Louisiana is actually slimming down. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Three New Orleans Police officers were injured yesterday helping firefighters contain a fire and rescue a toddler from a fire in Gentilly yesterday.  It happened at a building in the 9000 block of Chef Menteur Highway.  We’re told two of the officers were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation while a third officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

——————–

U-S Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has designated LSU as a Distinguished Military College. U-S Air Force Colonel Joseph Musacchia, who is the commandment of the LSU Corps of Cadet says the order gives the program and ROTC graduates a better chance at starting their military careers as officers.

Cut 10 (11) “…from the pack.”

Tonight, the Saints host the Falcons, but this game is about more than the regular-season rivalry. It’s also a night to remember one of the most emotional moments in New Orleans sports history — the Saints’ return to the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina. The Saints’ radio voice, Mike Hoss, was a fan in the stands when Steve Gleason famously blocked Michael Koenen’s punt, setting off an eruption of emotion inside the Superdome…

Cut 7 (09) “…once.”

10:30am LRN Newscast

LSU hosts McNeese tonight, but the big question is: will starting quarterback Sam Leavitt play? Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

There are several college football games scheduled for this evening, and State Climatologist Jay Grymes  says if thunderstorms delay any kickoff times, the delays shouldn’t be too significant…

Cut 4 (11) “…way it looks.”

According to the 2027 Niche rankings The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts in Natchitoches is ranked number one in the country for the best public high school teachers. LSMSA faculty members are required to have at least a master’s degree in the subjects they teach, and 85-percent have a Ph.D., M-F-A or another terminal degree in their field. LSMSA Executive Director Doctor Jason Anderson says that level of expertise makes the faculty…

Cut 8 (09) “…remarkable.”

LSMSA has 287 students from across Louisiana.

Baton Rouge is among the finalists to become the permanent home of the National High School Football Hall of Fame. The capitol city was nominated by Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. Pittsburgh, Steubenville, Ohio; and Valdosta, Georgia round out the other finalist– none of which, according to Nungesser could compete with Baton Rouge.

Cut 13 (07) “…put on festivities.”

An official announcement could be made later this month or in November.

9:30am LRN Newscast

LSU coach Lane Kiffin said that he would be cautious playing quarterback Sam Leavitt against McNeese tonight. WAFB Sports Director Jacques Doucet says the situation reminds him of Garrett Nussmeier starting against Southeastern last season while he dealt with nagging injuries. He thinks LSU should keep Leavitt on the sideline but says that adds another risk.

Cut 10 (10) “…nothing wrong.”

Kickoff between the Tigers and Cowboys tonight is set for 6:45pm

The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts in Natchitoches is ranked number one in the country for the best public high school teachers, according to the 2027 Niche rankings. LSMSA Executive Director Doctor Jason Anderson says students are challenged to pursue excellence, while learning from faculty who model those same values…

Cut 6 (08) “…every day.”

Baton Rouge is among the finalists to become the permanent home of the National High School Football Hall of Fame. It would honor the best high school players, coaches, teams and contributors and would preserve high school football history through exhibits and memorabilia. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser nominated Baton Rouge and  says landing the National High School Football Hall of Fame would be a huge win for Baton Rouge and Louisiana.

Cut 14 (06) “…year after year.”

An official announcement could be made later this month or in November.

In an effort to help reach patients during large crowd events like LSU Football games the East Baton Rouge Parish Emergency Medical Services has deployed 20 new bikes for it’s medics. EMS officer Brad Harris says the EMS bicycle team rides ahead to reach patients first, stabilize them and then allow ambulances and other rescue vehicles to follow. The agency says they have already proven useful at LSU football games this season handling about 70 calls at the first LSU home game, 60 at the second and 50 at the most recent game.

8:30am LRN Newscast

There are several college football games in the state today, will the weather cooperate? Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

According to the Louisiana Department of Education high school students are earning improved scores on advanced placement exams.  Nearly 70% of the AP exams that Louisiana students took this year received a score of 3 or higher on a five-point scale. Despite these gains Louisiana students still remain less likely than their peers nationally to have access to college-level courses.

Baton Rouge is among the finalists to become the permanent home of the National High School Football Hall of Fame. It would honor the best high school players, coaches, teams and contributors and would preserve high school football history through exhibits and memorabilia. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser nominated Baton Rouge…

Cut 12 (06) “…in Baton Rouge.”

The other finalists are Pittsburgh, Steubenville, Ohio; and Valdosta, Georgia. An official announcement could be made later this month or in November.

The Louisiana Cattle Festival returns to downtown Abbeville for the 76th year. The festival official kicked-off Friday, but continues throughout the weekend, celebrating south Louisiana’s cattle industry. Today, you can expect ice cream and rib eating contests, a whip cracking contest, a parade and more.

5:30 LRN Newscast

LSU and several other teams are playing at home Saturday, and all eyes will be on the weather. Thunderstorms are in the forecasts, and that could cause delays. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says if thunderstorms delay any kickoff times, the delays shouldn’t be too significant.

Cut 4 (11) “…way it looks.”

As for the LSU game, the big question as they face a considerably outmatched McNeese team is whether starting quarterback Sam Leavitt will play. Zach Nagy with 247Sports believes Leavitt could get the start but be pulled shortly after. He says the Tigers need to be especially careful with their starting quarterback for the long term.

Cut 11 (13) “…ramps up more.”

The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts in Natchitoches is ranked number one in the country for the best public high school teachers. This, according to the 2027 Niche rankings. LSMSA Executive Director Dr. Jason Anderson says students are challenged to pursue excellence, while learning from faculty who model those same values.

Cut 6 (08) “…every day.”

LSMSA was founded in 1983 as a residential high school for high-achieving students.

Baton Rouge is among the finalists to become the permanent home of the National High School Football Hall of Fame. It would honor the best high school players, coaches, teams and contributors and would preserve high school football history through exhibits and memorabilia. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser nominated Baton Rouge.

Cut 12 (06) “…in Baton Rouge.” 

The other finalists are Pittsburgh, Steubenville, Ohio; and Valdosta, Georgia.