LRN PM Newscall

If you’re working outside this week, you’ll want to take extra precautions given the hot conditions. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

It was a banner year for the State Treasury in its campaign to reunite unclaimed cash with its rightful owners. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

In case you haven’t already noticed, it’s a scorcher outside, and it’s going to remain that way for the rest of the week. If you have to work outside, make sure you’re taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself. Evan Canzoneri, a safety service consultant with LWCC, says you should begin the day by drinking two glasses of water – and make sure it’s water.

Cut 3 (08) “…in your body.”

Canzoneri says there are things you should avoid eating when working outside in brutally hot conditions.

Cut 4 (11) “…up digesting that.”

When working outside in these conditions, Canzoneri says dress accordingly.

Cut 5 (12) “…head is vital.”

________________________________________________

Hood Container announced a nearly 120-million-dollar modernization project at its historic St. Francisville paper mill. The project will center around upgrading the mill’s primary paper machine to increase production capacity by 80-thousand tons per year. West Feliciana Parish President Kenny Havard says Hood’s success is the community’s success.

Cut 6 (13) “…come with it.”

The mill was first opened in the late 1950s, and since taking ownership in 2015, Hood Container has invested more than 160-million-dollars in the facility. Havard says the project will help retain 295 jobs in the parish.

Cut 7 (12) “…community partner.”

Upgrades will begin in late 2026, and phase two of the project will be completed during the mill’s annual outage in May of 2027. The state offered the company an incentive package including an 8-hundred-thousand-dollar tax credit to secure the project. Havard hopes this won’t be the last investment that comes to the area.

Cut 8 (13) “…open for business.”

________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Treasury paid out almost 70-million dollars in unclaimed property funds to both current and former residents in the 2025 fiscal year. That’s the second highest annual amount in the program’s history, just a tad less than the amount paid four years ago. State Treasurer John Fleming says it’s surprising how many people are owed money.

Cut 9 (08)  “…1.2-billion dollars.”

Fleming says claiming money that’s owed to you is very easy.

Cut 10 (10) “…it right there.” (Website: LaCashClaim.org)

Fleming says many people who claimed money owed to them had no idea that they had that money that rightfully belonged to them. He says they found out about it through the department’s outreach efforts.

Cut 11 (09) “…were owed money.”

The unclaimed property is in the form of payroll checks, old bank accounts, utility deposits and interest payments. Money that continues to go unclaimed does not go into the state’s general fund; it is socked away until it’s claimed by the rightful owner.

________________________________________________

Coca-Cola announced today it will release a new version of its classic soda sweetened with U-S sugar, which could benefit Louisiana’s sugarcane industry. Louisiana ranks second in the country in sugar cane produced, nearly 14-million tons of sugarcane each year. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is excited about the news…

Cut 12 (07) “…cane sugar.”

President Trump said last week he spoke with Coca-Cola about using real cane sugar in Coke in the United States. Coke products sold in the U-K and Mexico already use cane sugar. U-S Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Junior says cane sugar is healthier than corn syrup. Strain says Coca-Cola’s decision to use cane syrup could have a big impact on Louisiana…

Cut 13 (08)  “…few days.”

__________________________________________________________

Sun Belt Football Media Days kicked off in New Orleans today. ULM started 5-and-1 under first-year head coach Bryant Vincent last season before dropping their last six straight and failing to reach a bowl game. Vincent says phase one of rebuilding the Warhawks was establishing culture. Phase two was holding on to players despite the growing pains.

Cut 14 (12) “…role in that.”

The Warhawks are led by quarterback Aidan Armenta. The redshirt sophomore followed Vincent from New Mexico to Monroe and took over the starting role midway through the season. Vincent says it’s a big deal to have a returning starting quarterback.

Cut 15 (14) “…about him.”

Armenta passed for nearly 13-hundred yards, 9 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in eight starts last season. ULM will start the season hosting St. Francis in a Thursday night game August 28.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Combine high temperatures with high humidity, and you’ve got conditions that are downright unbearable. Thus, if you have to work outside this week, make sure you’re taking all necessary precautions. Evan Canzoneri, a safety service consultant with LWCC, says not only should you hydrate properly, but you should eat properly as well.

Cut 4 (11) “…up digesting that.”

Hood Container announced a nearly 120-million-dollar modernization project at its historic St. Francisville paper mill. West Feliciana Parish President Kenny Havard says Hood’s success is the community’s success.

Cut 6 (13) “…come with it.”

It was a banner year for the State Treasury in its campaign to reunite unclaimed cash with its rightful owners. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

On the day that the Saints open training camp, the team unveils a new alternate jersey. Well, make that reinstates an old alternate jersey. For the first time in 23 years, the Saints will wear a gold version of their primary jerseys. Two differences – the sleeve cuffs are black, and the jerseys will be paired with the black alternate helmet. No word on which game the Saints will wear them.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Coca-Cola announced today it will release a new version of its classic soda sweetened with U-S sugar, which could benefit Louisiana’s sugarcane industry. Louisiana ranks second in the country in sugar cane produced, nearly 14-million tons of sugarcane each year. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is excited about the news…

Cut 12 (07) “…cane sugar”

President Trump said last week he spoke with Coca-Cola about using real cane sugar in Coke in the United States.

The Louisiana Department of Treasury paid out almost 70-million dollars in unclaimed property funds to both current and former residents in the 2025 fiscal year. That’s the second highest annual amount in the program’s history, just a tad less than the amount paid four years ago. State Treasurer John Fleming says it’s surprising how many people are owed money.

Cut 9 (08)  “…1.2-billion dollars.”

A former St. Tammany Parish lawmaker and current BESE board member is in line to become the new head of the U.S. Mint. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints report for head coach Kellen Moore’s first training camp in New Orleans today. New Orleans-dot-football reporter Mike Triplett says it will be a true open battle for the starting quarterback spot between second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler and second-round pick Tyler Shough.

Cut 7 (13) “…for this team.”

Rattler threw for over 13-hundred yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions in seven appearances last season. New Orleans went 0-and7 in those appearances.

The Saints released their highly anticipated all-gold alternate jersey today. Returning for the first time since 2002, the gold base has white-lined black numbers and will be worn with black pants and the alternate black helmet. The new alternates will replace the team’s throwback uniforms.

McNeese was picked to finish sixth in the Southland Conference preseason poll. After ten seasons away from Lake Charles, head coach Matt Viator has returned to McNeese. He says he’s happy to be back home competing in the Southland Conference.

Cut 18 (15) “…special to me.”

Northwestern State was picked ninth out of ten teams. The Demons are one of the youngest teams in the country, with 50 incoming and redshirt freshmen. Head coach Blaine McCorkle says these young talents have been great for building a new culture in Natchitoches, but their development will take time.

Cut 17 (16)  “…want to build.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

In case you haven’t already noticed, it’s a scorcher outside, and it’s going to remain that way for the rest of the week. If you have to work outside, make sure you’re taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself. Evan Canzoneri, a safety service consultant with LWCC, says you should begin the day by drinking two glasses of water – and make sure it’s water.

Cut 3 (08) “…in your body.”

It’s reporting day for the Saints as players report for training camp today as training camp begins tomorrow. New Orleans is in a rebuilding phase with a new head coach and nine players selected in the 2025 draft, including the ninth overall pick, Kelvin Banks….

Cut 9 (12) “…right away”

That’s New Orleans football’s Mike Triplett.

 

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will be holding another black bear hunting season in December. John Hanks, the large carnivore manager for LDWF, says beginning next Monday, 25 tags will be available in a month-long lottery.  That’s up from ten tags last year.

Cut 12 (10) “…by our citizens.”

Applicants will pay a 50-dollar non-refundable fee, and the 25 lucky ones who get hunting tags will be required to attend a LDWF bear hunter training course.

Louisiana has stopped a large-scale coastal restoration project called the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project.  The chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Gordon Dove, says the state will now move forward with a smaller diversion plan called the Myrtle Grove project in Plaquemines Parish.

Cut 15 (09) “…within three years.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

BESE board member Paul Hollis will soon be leaving his post to become the new director of the U.S. Mint. The former lawmaker from St. Tammany Parish says he’s been an avid coin collector his entire life, ever since his grandmother gave him a coin she had saved from the Great Depression.

Cut 4 (14) “…my entire life.”

Eliminating the penny will be one Hollis’ tasks once he’s confirmed in the Fall.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will be holding another black bear hunting season in December. John Hanks, the large carnivore manager for LDWF, says 25 tags will be available in a month-long lottery, starting next Monday.

Cut 10 (10) “…your lottery tag.”

Last year, in the state’s first black bear hunting season since 1987, it was only open in far northeast Louisiana. This year there will be hunting zones n south Louisiana.

 

After an offseason of questions, it’s time for answers. Saints players report for training camp today. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Saints released an alternate gold jersey today that would go with black helmets.

It’s Sun Belt Media Day in New Orleans. The Ragin Cajuns are the favorite to win the West. ULM is picked to finish last in the division.

McNeese says it will make a major announcement regarding its athletic department tomorrow afternoon.

9:30 AM Newscast

The Saints report for training camp today under first-year head coach Kellen Moore. All eyes will be on the quarterback room to see who wins the starting job. NewOrleans-dot-football reporter Mike Triplett says it will be a true open position battle between second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler and second-round pick Tyler Shough (“shuck”).

Cut 7 (13) “…for this team.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will be holding another black bear hunting season in December. John Hanks, the large carnivore manager for LDWF, says beginning next Monday, 25 tags will be available in a month-long lottery.  That’s up from ten tags last year.

Cut 12 (10) “…by our citizens.”

Applicants will pay a 50-dollar non-refundable fee, and the 25 lucky ones who get hunting tags will be required to attend a LDWF bear hunter training course.

—————————-

The long-talked about Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project in Plaquemines Prish won’t happen after all.  The chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Gordon Dove, says the cost became too much.

Cut 13 (14)  “…three point one billion”

Dove says the state will now move forward with a smaller diversion plan called the Myrtle Grove project in Plaquemines Parish.

BESE board member Paul Hollis will soon be leaving his post to become the new director of the U.S. Mint. The former lawmaker from St. Tammany Parish’s  nomination hearings before the Senate will take place in the fall, and he’s not expected to face any resistance. Once confirmed, he says he will act on the Presiden’t  call to end the minting of the penny.

Cut 6 (07) “…to make it.”

8:30 AM Newscast

BESE board member Paul Hollis will soon be leaving his post to become the new director of the U.S. Mint. The former lawmaker from St. Tammany Parish says he’s been an avid coin collector his entire life, ever since his grandmother gave him a coin she had saved from the Great Depression.

Cut 4 (14) “…my entire life.”

Louisiana has stopped a large-scale coastal restoration project called the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project.  The chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Gordon Dove, says the state will now move forward with a smaller diversion plan called the Myrtle Grove project in Plaquemines Parish.

Cut 15 (09) “…within three years.”

———————–

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is holding another black bear hunting season; and as Colleen Crain reports; this year’s will be even bigger than last year’s.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The body of a missing St. Martin Parish teen has been found.  St. Martinville Police Department officials say the body of 15 year old Iris Davis, was found in a field near her home her residence. Officials say the teen’s death is being investigated as a homicide.

7:30 AM Newscast

After an offseason of questions, there will be some answers as the Saints report for training camp today.  Here’s Kace Kieschnick.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

BESE board member Paul Hollis will soon be leaving his post to become the new director of the U.S. Mint. The former lawmaker from St. Tammany Parish says the U.S. Mint plays an important role in the U.S. economy.

Cut 5 (10) “…collector coins.”
Hollis’ nomination hearings before the Senate will take place in the fall, and he’s not expected to face any resistance.

———————————

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has set another black bear hunting season for December. This year, there will be 25 tags available in a month-long lotter y beginning next week.  Last year’ was the first black bear season in Louisiana since 19-87 and was limited to far northeast Louisiana. John Hanks, the large carnivore manager for LDWF, says this year it’s expanding to coastal parishes and the lower and upper Atchafalaya basins.

Cut 11 (05) “…two and four.”

Louisiana has put the brakes on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project for the West Bank in Plaquemines Parish which due in part to soaring costs.  The chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Gordon Dove, says now that the Mid-Barataria project is cancelled, the state can use the money in other areas along the coast.

Cut 14 (14) “…affected parishes.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

I’m Jeanne Burns. This sportscast is brought to you by the Louisiana Department of Health. When gambling is more than a game, no one wins.

It’s reporting day for the Saints, and when the team hits the practice field tomorrow, there will be a lot of attention on the battle for starting quarterback. New Orleans-dot-football reporter Mike Triplett says the battle for Q-B 1 will get all of the attention, but the offensive line will need to come together. He says former first-round pick Trevor Penning’s move from tackle to left guard is something to monitor…

Cut 8 (09) “….if he can’t”

The coaches have picked the Ragin Cajuns to win the West Division of the Sun Belt. U-L Lafayette finished just ahead of Texas State in the poll. ULM is picked to finish last.

Louisiana Tech linebacker Kolbe Field has been named Conference USA’s preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

______________________________________

UIW is picked to win the Southland this season, followed by Stephen F Austin than Southeastern Louisiana. Northwestern State is picked to finish ninth in the ten team league. The Demons were winless in head coach Blaine McCorkle’s first season last year.

Cut 16 (19) “…days coming.”

Nicholls is picked to finish fifth and McNeese is picked to finish sixth after going six and six last season. McNeese has not had a winning season since 2019 and head coach Matt Viator was hired to bring back a winning tradition…

Cut 19 (16) “…it all starts”