12:30 LRN Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy has yet another challenger for his U.S. Senate seat, as State Representative Julie Emerson has announced her candidacy. The Carencro Republican heavily touted her conservative credentials in her four-minute introductory video.

Cut 5 (13) “…for their children.”

Cassidy now has five prominent challengers running against him in next year’s Republican primary.

While inflation has slowed down last month, it is still up year-over-year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says even though overall inflation fell by three-tenths of a percent from August to September, prices are still three-percent higher than at this time last year. Stephen Kates, a financial analyst at Bankrate, says that’s higher than normal.

Cut 7 (09) “…higher than that.”

The Brian Kelly era is over at LSU. Jeff Palermo reports on why it didn’t work and what happens next…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

Brian Kelly is out as head coach of the LSU Tigers. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says the situation quickly unraveled on Sunday, following the Tigers embarrassing loss to Texas A&M. Horne says athletic director Scott Woodward demanded that Kelly make changes to his coaching staff.

Cut 9 (09)  “…from there.”

Make it five – Senator Bill Cassidy has a fifth prominent Republican challenger for his seat, as Julie Emerson has announced her candidacy. In her introductory video, the Carencro state representative says as chairwoman of the House Ways and Means Committee, she led the effort to reform Louisiana’s tax code.

Cut 4 (13) “…in economic outlook.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says overall prices rose by three-tenths of a percent from August to September; when highly variable items like food and energy are excluded, prices rose by two-tenths of a percent. Stephen Kates, a financial analyst at Bankrate, says both of those figures came in lower than expected.

Cut 6 (08) “…August to September.”

Aclara, a Canadian mining company, is investing 277-million dollars into building the nation’s first heavy rare-earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Judd Bares says by bringing Aclara to the Port of Vinton, the company will diversify what is done in Southwest Louisiana.

Cut 29 (10) “…the state.” 

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy has yet another challenger for his U.S. Senate seat, as State Representative Julie Emerson has announced her candidacy. The Carencro Republican introduced herself to statewide voters in a four-minute video. 

Cut 3 (10) “…the state legislature.”

Emerson’s entrance in the race now gives Cassidy five prominent challengers in the Republican primary, who also include John Fleming, Blake Miguez, Eric Skrmetta and Kathy Seiden.

Brian Kelly is out as head coach of the LSU Tigers. Kelly was fired yesterday after an ugly 45-29 loss to Texas A&M the previous night. Kelly was 34-14 in just under four seasons at LSU, and Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says that apparently wasn’t good enough for school administration.

Cut 13 (06)  “…he got fired.”

Louisiana is taking steps to make sure those who rely on food stamps will still receive their SNAP benefits despite the federal government shutdown. The Louisiana House passed a resolution Friday, urging the Louisiana Department of Health to provide SNAP funding in November. State Senate President Cameron Henry says the Senate will take up the same resolution on Wednesday.

Cut 9 (03)  “…at hand.”

There are 792-thousand Louisianians who rely on SNAP benefits to purchase food every month, and the state receives 150-million dollars every month from the USDA to provide the food assistance.

For those of you who collect Social Security, your benefits will increase 2.8-percent next year. That works out to an average of 56 dollars a month. Andrew Muhl, the director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana, says with the price of everything going up, every dollar helps, so this increase will come in very handy.

Cut 5 (12) “…a fixed income.”

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana SNAP recipients may get November assistance in spite of the federal government shutdown. The USDA funds SNAP but Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry says there’s a plan to use LDH dollars to make sure people do not go hungry. In addition, in an emergency order, Governor Jeff Landry suggested using money from the Rainy Day fund as a stopgap. Henry says they will look at that option if the government shutdown drags on…

Cut 8 (08) “…that place.”

The Brian Kelly era at LSU is over. The last straw came Saturday night as the Tigers got blown out at home by Texas A&M, 49-25. LSU announced the firing of Kelly Sunday but says the terms of the separation are still being finalized. Tiger Rag Editor Glen Guilbeau says Kelly will fight for every penny he’s owed.

Cut 14 (04) “…an out.”

A 2.8 percent pay increase is coming to Social Security recipients next year. It works out to an average of 56 dollars a month. Director of Advocacy for AARP Louisiana, Andrew Muhl, says

Cut 4 (10) “…income for retirees.”

This year’s increase evenly splits the difference of last year’s increase of 2.5-percent and the ten-year average of 3.1-percent.

An Canadian mining company is investing 277-million dollars to build the nation’s first heavy rare-earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton. Aclara selected the Port of Vinton location for its proximity to key chemical suppliers, access to Gulf Coast logistics and availability of skilled industrial workers. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Judd Bares bringing the company to Calcasieu Parish is a testament to the infrastructure of the parish.

Cut 12 (10) “…readily available.” 

Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by the end of 2027.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

LSU’s ugly 45 to 29 loss to Texas A and M Saturday was the final blow for Brian Kelly as the Tiger’s head coach and despite a huge buyout he’ll have to be paid, Kelly was fired Sunday. New Orleans native and longtime assistant coach Frank Wilson will serve as interim head coach and a permanent coach will be named after the regular season. Tiger Rag Editor, Glen Guilbeau, says Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin is likely on top of LSU’s wish list.

Cut 15 (10) “…Florida for him.”

Aclara, a Canadian mining company, is bringing the nation’s first heavy rare-earth separation facility to the Port of Vinton. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Judd Bares says with this project, the company will diversify what is done in Southwest Louisiana.

Cut 11 (10) “…the state.” 

Despite the federal government shutdown, SNAP recipients might still receive assistance to purchase food in November. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Social Security recipients are getting a 2.8-percent cost-of-living increase next year. That’s an average of 56 dollars a month. Andrew Muhl, the director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana lawmakers from both parties have pledged to protect Social Security.

Cut 6 (09) “…it’s there.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Brian Kelly era at LSU is over. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (39) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

With the federal government shut down, Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry says there’s a plan to make sure people do not go hungry. The state receives 150-million dollars every month from the USDA to provide food assistance. The Louisiana House passed a resolution on Friday urging L-D-H to provide SNAP funding in November and Henry says the Louisiana Senate will take up the same resolution on Wednesday…

Cut 9 (03) “…at hand.”

It’s unclear if the state will be reimbursed for SNAP costs in November.

Social Security recipients are getting a raise. AARP Louisiana Director of Advocacy, Andrew Muhl says with the price of everything going up …

Cut 5 (12) “…a fixed income.”

The 2.8-percent cost of living increase works out at an average of 56 dollars per month and takes effect next year.

Canadian mining company, Aclara, is investing 277-million dollars in building the nation’s first heavy rare-earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Judd Bares says the facility will refine rare earth metals that will be used for electric vehicles, wind turbines, drones and robotics.

Cut 10 (15) “…powered magnets.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by the end of 2027.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

The winningest active coach in NCAA Football did not win at a high enough level in Baton Rouge and Brian Kelly is out as head coach of the LSU Tigers. Kelly was fired on Sunday after an ugly 45-29 loss to Texas A&M. It was the third loss in four games for a team that had national championship aspirations. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Kelly was 34-14 in three-plus seasons with LSU.

Cut 13 (06)  “…he got fired…

In a statement, Athletics Director Scott Woodward said as a proud alum, current caretaker of the athletics programs, he will not compromise LSU’s pursuit of excellence and he will not lower the school’s standards.

Louisiana is taking steps to make sure those who rely on food stamps will still receive their SNAP assistance despite the federal government shutdown. The USDA funds SNAP, but because of the shutdown the federal agency is not allocating any SNAP funding for November. Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry says there’s a plan to use state dollars to make sure people do not go hungry…

Cut 7 (09) “…SNAP shortfall.”

The nation’s first rare earth separation facility is coming to Southwest Louisiana. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

For those of you who collect Social Security, your benefits will increase 2.8-percent next year. That works out to an average of 56 dollars a month. Andrew Muhl, the director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana, says these cost of living adjustments are good news for Louisiana seniors.

Cut 4 (10) “…income for retirees.”

LRN AM Newscall October 27

Despite the federal government shutdown, SNAP recipients might still receive assistance to purchase food in November. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The nation’s first rare earth separation facility is coming to Southwest Louisiana. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

The Brian Kelly era at LSU is over. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (39) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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For those of you who collect Social Security, your benefits will increase 2.8-percent next year. That works out to an average of 56 dollars a month. Andrew Muhl, the director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana, says these cost of living adjustments are good news for Louisiana seniors.

Cut 4 (10) “…income for retirees.”

Muhl says with the price of everything going up, every dollar helps, so this increase will come in very handy.

Cut 5 (12) “…a fixed income.”

Muhl says lawmakers from both parties have pledged to protect Social Security, and they need to continue to do so.

Cut 6 (12) “…and grandkids tomorrow.”

This year’s increase evenly splits the difference of last year’s increase of 2.5-percent and the ten-year average of 3.1-percent.

_________________________________________________

Louisiana is taking steps to make sure those who rely on food stamps will still receive their SNAP benefits despite the federal government shutdown. The USDA funds SNAP, but because of the shutdown the federal agency is not allocating any SNAP funding for November. Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry says they are planning on using state dollars to make sure people do not go hungry…

Cut 7 (09) “…SNAP shortfall.”

The Louisiana Department of Health oversees the SNAP program in Louisiana. Henry says there’s likely 150-million dollars available in L-D-H’s budget that can cover the costs for November.

In an emergency declaration order, Governor Jeff Landry also suggested using money from the Rainy Day fund as a SNAP stopgap. Henry says they will look at that option if the government shutdown drags on…

Cut 8 (08) “…that place.”

There are 792-thousand Louisianians who rely on SNAP benefits to purchase food every month and the state receives 150-million dollars every month from the USDA to provide the food assistance. The Louisiana House passed a resolution on Friday urging the L-D-H to provide SNAP funding in November and Henry says the Louisiana Senate will take up the same resolution on Wednesday…

Cut 9 (03)  “…at hand.”

It’s unclear if the state will be reimbursed for covering SNAP costs in November. It’s also unknown when the federal government shutdown will end as negotiations are at a stalemate.

_________________________________________________

Aclara, a Canadian mining company, is investing 277-million dollars into building the nation’s first heavy rare-earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Judd Bares says the facility will refine rare earth metals that will be used for electric vehicles, wind turbines, drones and robotics.

Cut 10 (15) “…powered magnets.”

By bringing Aclara to the Port of Vincent, Bares says the company will diversify what is done in Southwest Louisiana.

Cut 11 (10) “…the state.” 

Aclara selected the Port of Vinton location after evaluating more than 100 potential U.S. sites for its proximity to key chemical suppliers, access to Gulf Coast logistics and availability of skilled industrial workers. Bares says bringing the company to Calcasieu Parish is a testament to the infrastructure of the parish.

Cut 12 (10) “…readily available.” 

Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by the end of 2027.

_________________________________________________

The winningest active coach in NCAA Football did not win at a high enough level in Baton Rouge and Brian Kelly is out as head coach of the LSU Tigers. Kelly was fired on Sunday after an ugly 45-29 loss to Texas A&M. It was the third loss in four games for a team that had national championship aspirations. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Kelly was 34-14 in three-plus seasons with LSU.

Cut 13 (06)  “…he go fired…

In a statement, Athletics Director Scott Woodward said as a proud alum, current caretaker of the athletics programs, he will not compromise LSU’s pursuit of excellence and he will not lower the school’s standards.

LSU hired Kelly in December 2021 after 12 years at Notre Dame. He signed a ten-year contract and with six years remaining on his deal, his buyout is north of 50-million dollars.

LSU says the terms of the separation are still being finalized. Guilbeau says Kelly will fight for every penny he’s owed.

Cut 14 (14) “…an out.”

New Orleans native and longtime assistant coach Frank Wilson will serve as interim head coach. LSU will name a permanent successor to Kelly after the regular season. Guilbeau says Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin is likely on top of LSU’s wish list.

Cut 15 (10) “…great coach.”

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz, Tulane’s Jon Sumrall, Vanderbilt’s Cleark Lea, Georgia Tech’s Brent Key, Arizona State’s  Kenny Dillingham are all possible candidates.

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The Saints had another turnover-filled game as they lost to NFC South rival Tampa Bay 23-3 on Sunday. For the second week in a row, New Orleans turned it over four times. Starting quarterback Spencer Rattler was benched for rookie Tyler Shough (Shuck) after turning it over twice. Coach Kellen Moore says he was looking for a spark and was not signaling out Rattler….

Cut 16 (16) “…not there.”

The Saints’ next game is against the Rams in Los Angeles this Sunday. Moore says he’s not interested in flipping back and forth between quarterbacks, so he hopes to decide soon on who will start this Sunday in L-A…

Cut 17 (17) “…address that.”

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The Brian Kelly era at LSU is over. The last straw came Saturday night as the Tigers got blown out at home by Texas A&M, 49-25. A meaningless LSU touchdown in the final minute of the game amid chants of “Fire Kelly” in the student section made the final score appear less lopsided. During the postgame news conference on the night before he was fired, Head Coach Brian Kelly said he took full responsibility for the team’s performance — not only Saturday night but throughout the entire underachieving season.

Cut 18 (08)  “…falls with me.”

LSU led at halftime, 18-14. But the Aggies outscored the Tigers 35-7 in the third quarter to seal LSU’s — and ultimately Kelly’s — fate. Kelly says he felt the fans’ pain.

Cut 19 (07) “…for four quarters.”

With their record now 5-and-3, a trip to the College Football Playoff is now out of the question for LSU. Associate head coach and running backs coach Frank Wilson takes over as interim coach and will try to salvage the season and get the Tigers to a halfway decent bowl game. Linebacker West Weeks says despite the team now being unable to fulfill its preseason goal, he and his teammates will not quit.

Cut 20 (13) “…everybody else is.”

 

11:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Shrimp Association is hailing Congressman Clay Higgins’ request to halt shrimp imports. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Governor Jeff Landry signed an emergency order Friday, approving food assistance benefits through November for children, elderly people and those with disabilities during the federal government shutdown. Benefits for all other affected individuals will lapse November first  if the federal shutdown continues.

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Drought conditions have been expanding across the Bayou State, but Louisiana is set to receive some much needed rain this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says two inches of rain could fall across south Louisiana Saturday and Sunday…

Cut 3 (09) “…in places.”

If you’re going to the LSU game tonight, you’ll want to give yourself extra time to get to the stadium, as Baton Rouge and LSU campus police are beefing up security starting four hours before kickoff. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says depending on which direction you’re coming from, traffic will either be diverted or restricted.

Cut 11 (11) “…areas on campus.”

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

If you’ve been worried about increasing drought conditions in your part of the state, good news, most of us will be getting plenty of rain this weekend.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says north Louisiana could see as much as four inches of rain and in south Louisiana, many areas could see at least a couple of inches.  In fact, Grymes says the rain on Saturday could get in the way of your outdoor plans…

Cut 5 (13) “…rain gear.”

Ruston hosted the official groundbreaking for Louisiana’s first Buc-ee’s on yesterday. The new Buc-ee’s is expected to feature more than 120 gas pumps and bring over 250 full-time, high-paying jobs to north Louisiana and have a huge economic impact on the region.  The store is expected to open in 20-27.

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In a letter to President Trump, Congressman Clay Higgins is asking that all shrimp imports be paused. Higgins says radioactive shrimp on grocery store shelves is a significant public health threat. Acy Cooper, the president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association, says domestic shrimp is tested more stringently than imported shrimp, and that’s not right.

Cut 7 (06) “…killing our people.”

The Saints are set to host divisional rival Tampa Bay tomorrow. Earlier this week, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield said he didn’t like the Saints. Head coach Kellen Moore says the team knows what Mayfield said, and they are looking forward to tomorrow’s matchup.

Cut 15 (14) “…this one.”

Kickoff tomorrow in New Orleans is at 3:05..