4:30 LRN Newscast

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as U-S Attorney General, despite concerns that Blanche’s ties to President Trump could give the White House too much influence over the Justice Department.

Cassidy says he made his decision after talking with two sitting U-S Attorneys in Louisiana — David Courcelle and Kurt Wall — who both support Blanche’s nomination. Cassidy also considered the endorsement of former Attorney General William Barr…

[Cut 11 (11) “…reality”]

It’s unclear when the Senate will vote on Blanche’s confirmation.

Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein provided an update on Friday on the number of heat related deaths this summer…

Cut 14 (11) “…substance use”

Greenstein says if you are susceptible to hot weather, stay hydrated, stay cool and stay away from heavy exertion.

 

State Police have arrested three people in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash that killed a 24-year-old Folsom man. Rodrigo Ornelas was hit and killed while riding his bicycle at night on Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish on April 12th. Trooper Marc Gremillion says 34-year-old Megan Kyle of Bogalusa was identified as the driver, while her parents face obstruction charges.

[Cut 7 (08) “…the crime.”]

 A northwest Louisiana lawmaker plans to introduce legislation next year banning license-plate reading cameras known as Flock cameras.

State Representative Danny McCormick says the cameras collect and store vehicle data in a national database without a warrant…

[Cut 5 (09) “…against these cameras”]

Supporters of the technology say the cameras track vehicles of interest, not the people inside them.

3:30 LRN Newscast

New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez qualified today to run for Congress in Louisiana’s sixth district. His biggest challenger will likely be Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds.  Board of Regents Chairwoman Misty Cordell qualified to run for Congress in the sixth district which covers all of northeast Louisiana, most of central Louisiana and a part of southeast Louisiana…

Cut 12 (10) “…can say that”

A Republican state lawmaker wants to ban Flock cameras and plans to file legislation next year. The cameras scan license plates and vehicle information, storing the data in a searchable database. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says they can help fight crime, but he believes collecting information without a warrant violates citizens’ rights…

Cut 4 (11) “…citizens”

Flock Safety say the cameras help solve crimes, find mission people and recover stolen vehicles.

 

State Police arrested three people from Washington Parish in connection with a fatal hit and run crash that killed a bicyclist from Folsom. Authorities say 24-year-old Rodrigo Ornelas was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bike at night on Louisiana Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish on April 12th. Trooper Marc Gremillion says detectives determined it was a Buick Encore that hit Ornelas…

Cut 6 (09) “…provided information”

Gremillion says detectives determined 34-year-old Megan Kyle of Bogalusa was the driver of the vehicle and her parents, were charged with obstruction.

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed eight heat-related deaths in 2026, seven of the victims were 65 or older. LDH Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein says it’s important to know the signs of heat illness…

Cut 15 (12) “…heat-related illness”

Greenstein is calling on the public to check on older adults to make sure they have water and air conditioning.

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.

________________________________________________________

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.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as U-S Attorney General, despite concerns that Blanche’s ties to President Trump could give the White House too much influence over the Justice Department.

Cassidy says he made his decision after talking with two sitting U-S Attorneys in Louisiana — David Courcelle and Kurt Wall — who both support Blanche’s nomination. Cassidy also considered the endorsement of former Attorney General William Barr…

[Cut 11 (11) “…reality”]

It’s unclear when the Senate will vote on Blanche’s confirmation.

 

Meanwhile, New Iberia State Senator Blake Miguez has qualified for the race to replace Congressman Cleo Fields in Louisiana’s sixth district.

Fields is not seeking re-election after the district was redrawn to favor Republicans. Miguez’s top Republican challenger is expected to be Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds, who lives in the district. Miguez does not.

 

State Police have arrested three people in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash that killed a 24-year-old Folsom man. Rodrigo Ornelas was hit and killed while riding his bicycle at night on Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish on April 12th. Trooper Marc Gremillion says 34-year-old Megan Kyle of Bogalusa was identified as the driver, while her parents face obstruction charges.

[Cut 7 (08) “…the crime.”]

 

A northwest Louisiana lawmaker plans to introduce legislation next year banning license-plate reading cameras known as Flock cameras.

State Representative McCormick says the cameras collect and store vehicle data in a national database without a warrant…

[Cut 5 (09) “…against these cameras”]

Supporters of the technology say the cameras track vehicles of interest, not the people inside them.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says he’ll support Todd Blanche’s nomination for U-S Attorney General, despite concerns over Blanche’s close ties to President Trump.

Critics worry Blanche could give the president too much influence over the Justice Department. Cassidy became emotional as he explained his decision…

Cut 10 (10) “…right decision”

Cassidy says he’s also concerned that if Blanche is rejected, President Trump could nominate someone even more controversial.


State Police have arrested three Washington Parish residents in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash in St. Tammany Parish.

Twenty-four-year-old Rodrigo Ornelas was killed while riding his bicycle at night on Highway 40 on April 12th. Trooper Marc Gremillion says investigators determined 34-year-old Megan Kyle of Bogalusa was the driver, and her parents tried to hide their daughter’s involvement…

Cut 8 (10) “…light eventually”


A Republican state lawmaker wants to ban Flock cameras and plans to file legislation next year.

The cameras scan license plates and vehicle information, storing the data in a searchable database. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says they can help fight crime, but he believes collecting information without a warrant violates citizens’ rights…

Cut 4 (11) “…citizens”


Today is the final day of qualifying for the November Congressional elections.

Board of Regents Chairwoman Misti Cordell qualified as a Republican in the Fifth District race. The open primary includes candidates from both parties, and Cordell says she hopes to appeal to all voters…

Cut 13 (06) “…everybody”

The Fifth District race also includes Republican state lawmakers Stewart Cathey, Michael Echols and Gabe Firment.

12:30 LRN Newscast

A state lawmaker proposes a bill to ban AI-powered Flock Security cameras in Louisiana.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy announced he will vote to confirm President Trump’s nominee for Attorney General Todd Blanche. Without Cassidy’s support, there’s a good chance Blanche would not be confirmed, because two other Republican Senators have already said they would vote no. Cassidy says in the end he believes Blanche is the best person to run the Justice Department.

 

State Police have arrested three people from Washington Parish in connection with a fatal hit and run crash that killed a bicyclist from Folsom. Authorities say 24-year-old Rodrigo Ornelas was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bike at night on Louisiana Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish on April 12th. Trooper Marc Gremillion says detectives determined it was a Buick Encore that hit Ornelas…

Cut 6 (09) “…provided information”

Gremillion says through their investigation they determined it was 34-year-old Megan Kyle of Bogalusa was the driver of the vehicle and her parents, Monica Wildebrandt and Robert Kyle were charged with obstruction.

The third and final day of qualifying for the November Congressional elections got underway this morning with Board of Regents Chairwoman Misti Cordell qualifying for the fifth district….

Cut 12 (10) “…say that’

Cordell, who is a Republican, joins a field that features three Republican state lawmakers, who qualified on Wednesday, Stewart Cathey, Michael Echols and Gabe Firment.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Saints great Drew Brees will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame tomorrow. Brees thought his NFL dreams might be over after an injury to his throwing shoulder ended his career with the Chargers in 2005. Instead, he led New Orleans to its only Super Bowl title and retired as the NFL’s all-time passing leader. He says he is most looking forward to thanking the people who impacted him along his 20-year career.

Cut 15 (08) “…so much gratitude.”

The enshrinement ceremony begins at 11 a.m. tomorrow. The Panthers won the Hall of Fame game 33-30 over the Cardinals last night on a five-yard touchdown scramble by Georgia Tech rookie quarterback Haynes King on the game’s final snap.

Rivals reports four-star quarterback Colton Nussmeier is transferring to Archbishop Rummel. The brother of former LSU signal-caller Garrett Nussmeier was declared ineligible to play his senior season after officials determined he transferred to Ryan High School in Texas. The Georgia commit faces off against U High and quarterback Knox Kiffin in week one.

Saints rookie tight end Brock Rechsteiner was suspended six games by the NFL. The undrafted free agent is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Scott Steiner. He will be allowed to participate in preseason action but will be suspended if he makes the 53-man roster.

Former LSU wide receiver Barion Brown has made a splash at Saints training camp. Brown was picked in the sixth round of this year’s draft as the last of three receivers selected by the Saints. Despite his strong start, he says he can’t listen to his own hype.

Cut 17 (18) “…to get better.”

UL-Lafayette’s leading receiver last year, Shelton Sampson Jr., missed the first few days of practice with a hyperextended knee, per KATC in Lafayette. Coach Michael Desormeaux previously said he would be relying on a group of young pass catchers to step up behind Sampson.

11:30 LRN Newscast

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.

Qualifying continues today for the Congressional races. Democrat Rubia Garcia is seeking to replace fellow Democrat Cleo Fields in the Sixth District, even though the district has been redrawn to favor a Republican.

Garcia says she wants to go to Washington to make life better for Republicans and Democrats…

Cut 13 (11) “…all partisan lines”

Qualifying ends at 4:30 this afternoon.

Caddo Parish Representative Danny McCormick says he’ll file a bill next year to ban AI-powered Flock cameras that scan license plates and collect vehicle information 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.”

But police could oppose the legislation. Flock Safety says its technology was used by law enforcement in nearly a million cases nationwide last year.

Saints legend Drew Brees will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame tomorrow. The Super Bowl MVP says there are so many people to thank…

Cut 15 (08) “…so much gratitude.”

The induction ceremony begins at 11 AM central time in Canton, Ohio tomorrow.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Today is the final day to qualify for the Congressional elections this fall.

Two Democrats have entered the race to replace Cleo Fields in the Sixth District. Pat Forbes has the endorsement of former Governor John Bel Edwards. Forbes is an engineer who has worked for three governors in state government. He says Republicans aren’t doing enough to address the needs of Louisiana residents…

Cut 11 (11) “…and health care”

The other Democrat in the race is Rubia Garcia, who shares many of Forbes’ concerns.

Also in the Sixth District race, Higher Education Chairman Misti Cordell has entered the contest, joining Republican state lawmakers Stewart Cathey, Michael Echols and Gabe Firment.

There’s still no word on whether Republican state Senator Blake Miguez will qualify today.


Elvis Brooks spent 42 years in prison for a murder a New Orleans judge later determined he did not commit. He’s seeking 480-thousand dollars in compensation from the state.

ProPublica reporter Richard Webster recently wrote an extensive story about Brooks. Webster says Brooks is upset with Attorney General Liz Murrill because she’s preventing him from receiving the money…

Cut 6 (07) “…for him”

Murrill says Brooks pleaded guilty to the crime, and there’s evidence linking him to the fatal shooting at a New Orleans bar in 1977.


Saints legend Drew Brees will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame tomorrow.

The Super Bowl MVP helped revive the Saints and the city of New Orleans when he arrived as a free agent after Hurricane Katrina. Brees says it was a rebirth for both him and the community.

Cut 14 (12) “…the other side.”

Brees finished his career with more than 80-thousand passing yards and 571 touchdown passes.

9:30 LRN Newscast

A New Orleans man believes he’s deserving of up to 480-thousand dollars in compensation from the state for serving 42 years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports nine cases of flesh-eating bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, including five deaths. LDH urges residents to avoid brackish or salt water if you have an open wound.

NOAA’s revised hurricane forecast has the season projection down to seven to 13 named storms, including two to six hurricanes. Forecaster Matthew Rosencrans says the quieter-than-average hurricane season can be credited to a strong El Niño in the Atlantic.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the event gets.”

Saints quarterback Drew Brees will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame tomorrow alongside running back Roger Craig, linebacker Luke Kuechly, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and kicker Adam Vinatieri. He says that every interaction he has with a current Hall of Famer gives him more appreciation for the honor he is about to receive.

Cut 16 (14) “…see and appreciate.”