LRN AM Newscall July 15

A deputy U.S. marshal was killed in a shooting in Alexandria this week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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More people than ever are working in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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SWAC Media Day kicks off in Birmingham, Alabama, today. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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If you live in Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany or Terrebonne parishes and your property sustained damage from Tropical Storm Arthur, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Nate Custer with FEMA says while the deadline to apply for assistance isn’t until late next month, you shouldn’t procrastinate.

Cut 4 (11) “…happened to you.”

Custer says once you register, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.

Cut 5 (11) “…to your property.”

Ten days after that, you’ll get a letter either via email or snail mail explaining the decision and, if approved, the amount of the assistance. Custer says have your bank account information handy, because the assistance is paid in the form of direct deposit.

Cut 6 (08) “…the postal service.”

There should be plenty of money to go around – the four parishes have been approved for eight-million dollars in FEMA assistance. To register, either download the FEMA app, go to disaster assistance-dot-gov or call 800-621-3362.

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Teachers in Richland Parish say the Meta data center is already providing benefits and will continue to do so once it’s fully built out. Sarah Morris, who teaches third and fourth grade at Holly Ridge Elementary School, says the technology associated with it is boosting student achievement.

Cut 7 (07) “…kids love it.”

Morris says the data center is allowing students to learn valuable skills that many adults couldn’t even think of grasping.

Cut 8 (11) “…learn about it.”

Morris says having the Meta data center will help set up Richland Parish students for successful careers.

Cut 9 (12)  “…with their career.”

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The number of non-farm jobs in Louisiana has topped 2.01 million for the first time in state history. That’s according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Adam Knapp, the CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says it’s a major milestone, driven largely by growth in the construction industry.

Cut 10 (12) “…the capital region.”

Knapp says Monroe posted the fastest job growth of any metro area, fueled by construction of Meta’s 50-billion-dollar data center in Richland Parish. He says six of the state’s ten metro areas added jobs, while Houma and Shreveport are among the four that lost jobs.

Cut 11 (10) “…the coming year”

While the construction boom has boosted employment, Knapp says he’s concerned Louisiana ranks among the lowest in the South for new business applications since 2019.

Cut 12 (10) “…a faster rate.”

Knapp says the construction jobs are temporary. He says if new firms do not form behind the megaprojects, the boom risks leaving little residue.

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A new law going into effect August 1st sets a minimum length limit of 12 inches and a daily creel limit of five for black bass and a minimum length of eight inches and a 25-fish daily limit for crappie in portions of the Atchafalaya Basin. Ryan Montegue with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the law hopes to improve fishing in the area.

Cut 13 (09)  “…catch larger fish.”

The law affects portions of the Atchafalaya Basin and nearby waterways in south-central Louisiana. Montegue says waterways outside of the designated area will abide by the previous regulations.

Cut 14 (08) “…of ten fish.”

Montegue says the law will allow LDWF officials to Montier the fishing quality in the area closely.

Cut 15 (12) “…benefit the fishery.”

For a map of the effected area visit the LDWF website.

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The Sun Belt conference kicks of media days in New Orleans today. UL Lafayette was picked to finish second in the West division in the preseason coaches’ poll. Fifth-yar head coach Michael Desormeaux returns starting quarterback Lunch Winfield, who Locked on Sun Belt podcast host Dave Schultz says will be key to the Cajuns’ success.

Cut 16 (19) “…couple of years.”

Louisiana Tech finished fourth in the poll in its first season in the Sun Belt. The Bulldogs have another fifth-year head coach in Sonny Cumbie, who brings back two starting quarterbacks from last season in Blake Baker and Trey Kukuk. Tech finished last year 8-and-5 with an Independence Bowl win over Coastal Carolina, and Schultz expects them to compete right away.

Cut 17 (14) “…that preseason poll.”

ULM came last in the poll, where they finished after going 1-and-7 in conference play last season. Third-year head coach Bryant Vincent brings back starting quarterback Aidan Armenta and three of his top four targets; but after two seasons of disappointment in Monroe, Schultz says it’s make-or-break for the Warhawks this season.

Cut 18 (15) “…the Sun Belt.”

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SWAC Media Day kicks off in Birmingham, Alabama, today. One of the biggest storylines in the conference is the new head coach of the Southern Jaguars: NFL legend Marshall Faulk. SWAC TV play-by-play announcer Santoria Black has high expectations for the Jaguars, but he says fans may need to wait before they dub Faulk the next Coach Prime.

Cut 19 (19) “…he’s just not.”

Defensive back Herman Brister and wide receiver Cameron Jefferson will join Faulk at Media Day.

Grambling finished 7-and-5 last season and 4-and-4 in conference play. Black says Mickey Joseph’s Tigers have some big questions to answer, but their five home games this season make them a team to watch.

Cut 20 (17) “…have a shot.”

The Tigers will be represented by offensive lineman Alexander Vigil and linebacker Marcellius Johnson.

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

A political rift is heating up between Governor Landry and New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno. It started when Moreno and other city officials pushed back against a new law that combined the city’s civil and criminal district courts. Landry noted that Orleans Parish was the only one with two separate district courts.

Cut 10 (13) “…rest of the state.” 

Moreno responded by saying the focus should always be to strive for every city and every parish to reach their fullest potential.

Teachers in Richland Parish are living the good life. Thanks to tax revenues from the new Meta data center, teachers there are getting a bonus of up to FIFTY-THOUSAND DOLLARS! Mangum High School head football coach Scott Wilcher says that’s a huge help to him and his family.

Cut 5 (09) “…along right now.”

Deputies in St. John the Baptist Parish rescued four people from a car that crashed into a canal off the side of I-10. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A deputy U.S. marshal was killed in a shooting in Alexandria yesterday afternoon. It happened as Deputy Marshal Drew Hanson was attempting to serve an arrest warrant on 48-year-old Clarence Frazier Jr. The U.S. Marshals Service says Frazier was ultimately taken into custody. The FBI is leading the investigation into Hanson’s death.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU announced its representatives at SEC football Media Days in Tampa next week. LSU will send linebacker Whit Weeks, tight end Trey’Dez Green and transfer linebacker TJ Dottery. Other top players from around the SEC headed to Tampa include Texas quarterback Arch Manning, Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed and Ole Miss’s backfield duo of Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy.

Jay Johnson is preparing to welcome one of LSU’s top-rated high school classes ever as the group of signees comes into focus following the MLB Draft. Foxworth, Mississippi, right-handed pitcher Kolby Stringer ranked 110th in MLB’s draft prospect rankings. The 6-3, 205-pounder was not selected in the Major League draft and will head to Baton Rouge. Glen West of On3.com says he shot up draft boards late.

Cut 17 (13) “…bullpen next year.”

LSU defensive end Princewill Umanmielen and offensive lineman Devin Harper could face legal action from Ole Miss after failing to pay the buyouts for their revenue-sharing contracts with the Rebels. The pair signed to stay at Ole Miss in January before deciding to transfer to LSU with head coach Lane Kiffin. On3-dot-com reports the buyouts total nearly one million dollars which Ole Miss could try to get from LSU. Rebels Athletic Director Keith Carter did not rule out legal action and said the school is determined to get their money back.

Umanmielen was one of eight Tigers to make ESPN’s top 100 transfers for this season, coming in at number five. Quarterback Sam Leavitt was number two on the list and offensive tackle Jordan Seaton was third. Wide receivers Jayce Brown, Winnie Watkins and Tre Wilson also made the list, along with safety Ty Benefield and edge rusher Jordan Ross.

McNeese announced new sponsored patches coming to their football jerseys. The patch on the upper left chest of the jersey features a Navarre Chevrolet logo in conjunction with the naming of Navarre Stadium. Last year, Ryan Navarre signed a $5 million naming rights agreement for the football stadium.

4:30 LRN Newscast

The under-construction Meta data center in Richland Parish is paying dividends for teachers in a huge way – literally. The increased tax revenues from the project have led to teachers receiving a bonus this year of up to – listen to this number – FIFTY-THOUSAND DOLLARS! Holly Ridge Elementary School teacher Sarah Morris says the jaw-dropping bonus makes life a lot easier for her and her fellow teachers.

Cut 4 (11) “…a great way.”

In the latest back and forth between state leaders and the city of New Orleans, Governor Jeff Landry says the Crescent City is no longer a key to the success of Louisiana. Landry says New Orleans is not the economic driver it once was.

Cut 9 (09)  “…fate of New Orleans.”

Tragedy in Ponchatoula as a three-year-old boy died in a hot car late last week. Police Chief Bry (“bree”) Layrisson says police responded after the vehicle owner found Jahcari James locked inside.

Cut 12 (10) “…just fell asleep.” 

Chief Layrisson says this is merely a tragic accident; and while the investigation is ongoing, he does not expect any criminal charges to be filed.

St. John the Baptist Parish sheriff’s deputies rescued four people from a car that crashed into a canal off of I-10 early Monday morning. The two adults and two children were taken to a New Orleans-area hospital, and Sheriff Mike Tregre says he has not received any negative news on their health. He hopes they can one day meet the deputies under better circumstances.

Cut 8 (09) “…that night.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

The Meta data center in Richland Parish is paying off quite handsomely for schoolteachers there – literally. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU football players Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper could face legal action from Ole Miss after failing to pay the buyouts for their revenue-sharing contracts with the Rebels. The pair signed to stay at Ole Miss in January before deciding to transfer to LSU with head coach Lane Kiffin.

A tragic accident in Ponchatoula last week resulted in the death of a three-year-old boy. The child left his house and got into the driver’s seat of a neighbor’s extremely hot car. After finding him, his family attempted life-saving measures, but Police Chief Bry Layrisson says the situation was hopeless given how long he was in the vehicle.

Cut 14 (06) “…the heat exhaustion.”

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies rescued two adults and two children from a vehicle that had crashed into a canal off of I-10 near the Spencer Chauvin Memorial Bridge early yesterday morning. Sheriff Mike Tregre says it was the deputies’ instant reaction to jump into the canal, break the glass of the car and pull them out.

Cut 7 (08) “…proud of them.”

State Police is investigating the cause of the crash. The four people in the car were taken to New Orleans area hospitals, and Tregre says he has not received any negative news on their health.

LRN PM Newscall July 14

The Meta data center in Richland Parish is paying off quite handsomely for schoolteachers there – literally. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Deputies in St. John the Baptist Parish rescued four people from a car that crashed into a canal off the side of I-10. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The under-construction Meta data center in Richland Parish is paying dividends for teachers in a huge way – literally. The increased tax revenues from the project have led to teachers receiving a bonus this year of up to – listen to this number – FIFTY-THOUSAND DOLLARS! Holly Ridge Elementary School teacher Sarah Morris says she’s shocked by the enormity of the bonus.

Cut 3 (07) “…of this sort.”

Morris, who teaches third and fourth grade, says the jaw-dropping bonus makes life a lot easier for her and her fellow teachers.

Cut 4 (11) “…a great way.”

Mangum High School head football coach Scott Wilcher says the bonus is a huge help to him and his family.

Cut 5 (09) “…along right now.”

The bonuses are part of an overall investment in the Richland Parish region of more than 50-billion dollars.

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St. John the Baptist Parish sheriff’s deputies rescued four people from a car that crashed into a canal off of I-10 early Monday morning. Sheriff Mike Tregre says the deputies were nearby for another crash and were directed to the partially submerged vehicle.

Cut 6 (10) “..out of the vehicle.”

The crash occurred around 1 a.m. near the Spencer Chauvin Memorial Bridge. Tregre says the deputies acted immediately and it was just their human reaction to jump into the canal and pull them out.

Cut 7 (08) “…proud of them.”

State Police is investigating the cause of the crash. The two adults and two children in the car were taken to New Orleans area hospitals, and Tregre says he has not received any negative news on their health. He says he hopes they can one day meet the deputies under better circumstances.

Cut 8 (09) “…that night.”

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In the latest back and forth between state leaders and the city of New Orleans, Governor Jeff Landry says the Crescent City is no longer a key to the success of Louisiana. Landry says New Orleans is not the economic driver it once was.

Cut 9 (09)  “…fate of New Orleans.”

Landry made that statement to reporters following a press conference where Meta announced it is committing more than 50-billion dollars to its Richland Parish Data Center project. Landry says Meta’s investment brings the total invested in Louisiana by businesses to 150-billion dollars since he took office in 2024.

A political rift started growing between Governor Landry and newly elected New Orleans Helena Moreno, when Moreno and other city officials pushed back against a new law that combined the city’s civil and criminal district courts. Landry points out Orleans Parish was the only parish in the state with two separate district courts and they should be treated like every other parish.

Cut 10 (13) “…rest of the state.”

Moreno responded to Landry’s latest comments by saying the focus should always be to strive for every city, every town and every parish to reach their fullest potential.

The mayor is asking for a face-to-face meeting with the governor to go over the city’s finances. New Orleans is strapped for cash which is forcing Moreno to furlough employees and delay projects. Landry says he’ll meet with the mayor, but he says one important condition needs to be met.

Cut 11 (07) “…a discussion.”

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Tragedy in Ponchatoula as a three-year-old boy died in a hot car late last week. Police Chief Bry (“bree”) Layrisson says police responded after the vehicle owner found Jahcari James locked inside.

Cut 12 (10) “…just fell asleep.”

Chief Layrisson says this is merely a tragic accident; and while the investigation is ongoing, he does not expect any criminal charges to be filed.

Cut 13 (08) “…any foul play.”

Layrisson says family members attempted life-saving measures on the little boy until first responders arrived; but given the time he was inside, it was hopeless.

Cut 14 (06) “…the heat exhaustion.”

 

2:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry says he’ll accept New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno’s invitation for an in-person meeting to discuss the city’s finances. But Landry says one important condition needs to be met.

Cut 11 (07) “…a discussion.”

New Orleans is strapped for cash which is forcing Moreno to furlough employees and delay projects.

A three-year-old Ponchatoula boy is dead after apparently locking himself inside a vehicle last Friday afternoon. Investigators say Jahcari James walked out of his home and climbed into the unlocked vehicle. He was locked inside for more than 45 minutes before family members were able to get him out. Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson says this appears to be a tragic accident, and he does not expect any criminal charges to be filed.

Cut 13 (08) “…any foul play.”

Deputies in St. John the Baptist Parish rescued four people from a car that crashed into a canal off the side of I-10. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A deputy U.S. marshal was killed in a shooting in Alexandria yesterday afternoon. It happened as the marshal was attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a fugitive. The U.S. Marshals Service says the suspect was ultimately taken into custody. The FBI is leading the investigation into the marshal’s death.

1:30 LRN Newscast

A political rift is heating up between Governor Landry and New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno. It started when Moreno and other city officials pushed back against a new law that combined the city’s civil and criminal district courts. Landry noted that Orleans Parish was the only one with two separate district courts.

Cut 10 (13) “…rest of the state.” 

Moreno responded by saying the focus should always be to strive for every city and every parish to reach their fullest potential.

The increased tax revenue from the under-construction Meta data center in Richland Parish is leading to teachers there receiving a bonus this year of up to – listen to this number – FIFTY-THOUSAND DOLLARS! Holly Ridge Elementary School teacher Sarah Morris says she’s shocked by the enormity of the bonus.

Cut 3 (07) “…of this sort.”

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies rescued four people from a car that crashed into a canal off of I-10 early Monday morning. Sheriff Mike Tregre says the deputies were nearby for another crash and were directed to the partially submerged vehicle.

Cut 6 (10) “..out of the vehicle.”

Tragedy in Ponchatoula as a three-year-old boy died in a hot car late last week. Police Chief Bry (“bree”) Layrisson says police responded after the vehicle owner found Jahcari James locked inside.

Cut 12 (10) “…just fell asleep.” 

Chief Layrisson says this is merely a tragic accident; and while the investigation is ongoing, he does not expect any criminal charges to be filed.

12:30 LRN Newscast

The search for the remains of a 15-year-old Baton Rouge boy continues at the Baton Rouge North Landfill. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says finding Je’Derrius Minnieweather’s remains is crucial for two reasons.

Cut 12 (06) “…in this matter.”

Baton Rouge Police say 51-year-old Maurice Parms beat Minnieweather to death and dumped his body in a trash can that was picked up during garbage collection.

In the latest back and forth between state leaders and the city of New Orleans, Governor Jeff Landry says the Crescent City is no longer a key to the success of Louisiana. Landry says New Orleans is not the economic driver it once was…

Cut 9 (09)  “…fate of New Orleans.”

Landry made that statement to reporters following a press conference where Meta announced it is committing more than 50-billion dollars to its Richland Parish Data Center project. Landry says Meta’s investment brings the total invested in Louisiana by businesses to 150-billion dollars since he took office in 2024.

 

The Meta data center in Richland Parish is paying off quite handsomely for schoolteachers there – literally. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

An East Baton Rouge Parish judge has ordered Pastor Tony Spell he must stay at least 50 yards away from the home of his neighbor. The church leader in Central is accused of attacking his 20-year-old neighbor. Spell is facing a charge of second-degree battery. Spell claims the neighbor threatened to rape and kill his family members.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter is considering taking LSU football players Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper to court for failing to pay their contract buyouts. The duo signed revenue-sharing contracts with Ole Miss before transferring to LSU this offseason, and now the Rebels are seeking the nearly one million dollars it would take for the pair to buy out the contracts. If the former Rebels are sued, LSU would likely foot the bill.

Only nine of LSU’s class of 22 incoming prep signees were taken in the MLB draft, and two top position players are already expected to choose Baton Rouge over the pros. On3.com’s Glen West says this class is one Tiger fans may look back on as a program-changer.

Cut 18 (20) “…they’re that talented.”

Eight Tigers were listed in ESPN’s ranking of the top 100 transfers in college football. Quarterback Sam Leavitt led the LSU contingent at number two overall, followed by offensive tackle Jordan Seaton at three and edge Princewill Umanmielen at five. Wide receivers Jayce Brown, Winnie Watkins and Tre Wilson also made the list, along with safety Ty Benefield and edge rusher Jordan Ross.

UL Lafayette was picked to finish second in the Sun Belt West in this year’s Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Louisiana Tech was picked fourth and ULM came last in the seven-team division.

Cajuns wideout Shelton Sampson Jr. and D-B Brent Gordon Jr. joined Bulldogs linebacker Kolbe Fields, Warhawks linebacker Noah Flemmings and ULM offensive lineman AJ Vinson on the preseason All-Sun Belt first team.

Southeastern Louisiana linebacker Jake Dalmado was one of 30 players named to the Buck Buchanan Award watchlist. The accolade is given out annually to the best defensive player in the FCS. Dalmado was a two-time All-Southland selection at Nicholls before transferring to the Lions this offseason. He was also a Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-American.