LRN AM Newscall August 21

Statistics show that the streets of Louisiana are quite deadly for pedestrians, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is working to reverse that trend. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Starting this year, a college football show just for Louisiana fans. Andre Champagne (SHOM-pahn) reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The Public Service Commission approves Entergy’s plan to provide power for Meta’s massive A-I data center that they are building in Richland Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Statistics show that Louisiana is a dangerous state for pedestrians. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says over the last ten years, more pedestrians have been killed in motor vehicle crashes than passengers. In fact, in 2024, 161 pedestrians were killed on Louisiana roadways – nearly a ten-percent increase from the year before. So the commission is working to reverse the trend. In a news conference at LSU, State Police Captain Bryan Lee issued a challenge for drivers.

Cut 4 (08) “…especially at night.”

Business owner and avid runner Jenni Peters says if you’re going to be walking at night, whether there’s a sidewalk or not, your very best line of defense is to wear a reflective vest.

Cut 5 (11) “…magnetic clip-on.”

DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet (le-DAY) says the agency is taking proactive measures to get drivers to slow down in areas where pedestrians are prevalent.

Cut 6 (14) “…crosswalk patrols.”

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Over the last several months, law enforcement agencies at several levels ranging from local to federal joined forces to crack down on crime in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas. Yesterday in a news conference, they announced the results – 52 federal indictments charging 68 people with various crimes, including drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. Governor Landry says with this kind of cooperation, a lot of great things can be accomplished.

Cut 7 (11) “…see these results.”

Governor Landry says the city got a stark reminder earlier this month that crime in the city remains rampant with the intentional fatal hit-and-run of a Baton Rouge police sergeant.

Cut 8 (14) “…go in vain.”

Landry says while the operation over the last several months has been very successful, now is not the time to let up.

Cut 9 (13)  “…far too long.”

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For the first time, Louisiana has a college football show to call its own. Louisiana Public Broadcasting is launching two new shows this season – Game Notes, which is a weekly preview show which airs at ten every Saturday morning, and Post Game Notes, which airs at six Sunday evening. The show is hosted by Victor Howell, who says the show is all about Louisiana college football.

Cut 10 (09) “…State of Louisiana.”

Howell says no matter where you are in the state, you can follow your team all season long.

Cut 11 (10) “…we’ll be following.”

Every week, Howell will be joined by former linebacker Scott Shanle.

Cut 12 (13) “…Bowl with them.”

The new series begins tonight at seven with the Fall Preview Special. Game Notes premiers August 30th, and Post Game Notes premiers August 31st. The shows air on all Louisiana Public Broadcasting stations and will be posted on its YouTube channel the day after the shows air.

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On a four to one vote, the Louisiana Public Service Commission approved Entergy Louisiana’s plan to build three natural gas powered turbine generators to power Meta’s proposed A-I data center in Richland Parish. More than a dozen people spoke out against the plan, including Logan Wolf from Thibodaux, who says a data center in Memphis is causing problems…

Cut 13 (15)  “…produce.”

PSC Member Davante Lewis was the only one commissioner to vote against the plan. Fellow Democrat, Foster Campbell, voted for it, because he says Meta’s new data center is projected to create more than 500 jobs for an area of the state that desperately needs it…

Cut 14 (14) “…or Delhi.”

Opponents are also concerned that Entergy’s plan to power the data center will result in higher bills for Entergy residential customers. But Entergy’s vice president of regulatory and public affairs, Larry Hand, says Meta will pay most of the bill for the new electric generation, while residential customers might see their bill go up a dollar…

Cut 15 (12) “…this opportunity.”

Renee Carthan of  Lake Charles also spoke against Entergy’s plan, she’s concerned about higher bills, even if it’s a small increase…

Cut 16 (13) “…corporation.” 

It’s estimated Meta’s data center will need roughly three times the amount of electricity that the city of New Orleans uses in a year. Two of the facilities Entergy will build will be in Richland Parish, the other will be built in St. Charles Parish.

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LSU was not as effective as it would have liked to be last season in terms of creating explosive plays when returning punts. Wide receiver Zavion Thomas averaged only 4.6 yards per return on a whopping 66 total return yards during the entire season. Head coach Brian Kelly says he wants the Tigers to be much more reliable on special teams this season.

Cut 17 (17)  “…single time.”

LSU hired special team analyst Aman Anand in January after he helped lead Grambling in the SWAC in kick return yards. Anand has placed a focus on special teams, becoming more group-oriented than it has been in the past. Kelly says that he likes what Anand has done in his short time in Baton Rouge.

Cut 18 (16) “…its details.”

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UL Lafayette has named its starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Former five-star and Lafayette’s own Walker Howard has been named the starter after beating out Daniel Beale and Lunch Winfield for the job. Head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) said that Howard earned the job after an impressive camp.

Cut 19 (20) “…really excited.”

Howard has had his fair share of ups and downs during his college career. He began his career at LSU coming in as the No. 5 quarterback and later transferred to Ole Miss. When Desormeaux told him that he won the starting job, Howard said he got emotional.

Cut 20 (14) “…behind me.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

The Public Service Commission approves Entergy’s proposal to build three power plants to provide electricity for the Meta A-I data center that will be built in Richland Parish. Before the opponents spoke, Commissioner Foster Campbell said he was voting for the plan, because the data center will provide hundreds of jobs for northeast Louisiana…

Cut 14 (14) “…Delhi”

La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says House Speaker Phillip DeVillier has told lawmakers there could be a special session on redistricting in the fall. Alford says if the  Republican led legislature goes through that difficult process again, it would be to redraw a Congressional map with one majority minority district, not two.

Cut 8 (06) “…back””

 

Lafayette native Walker Howard has been named the starting quarterback for the Ragin Cajuns. Howard, who failed to see playing time at LSU and Ole Miss is thrilled to play for the school in his home city…

Cut 22 (12) “…back home”

Former LSU coach Ed Orgeron says he’s been away long enough – he wants to return to the sidelines. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football is only ten days away from kicking off its season against Clemson and the Tigers are still looking for a starting left guard and right tackle. The left guard and right tackle position battle involves several players. Head coach Bryan Kelly says he and the staff are trying to find the best options for the opener.

Cut 17 (17)  “…right tackle.”

UL Lafayette has named its starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Former five-star and Lafayette’s own Walker Howard has been named the starter after beating out Daniel Beale and Lunch Winfield for the job, where he will make his debut as a starter vs Rice on August 30th. Howard was ranked as the No.6 quarterback in the class of 2022 and transferred in from Ole Miss this past offseason.

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore told the media that he is still not ready to decide on which quarterback would get the start in week one versus the Arizona Cardinals. Moore says the staff will continue to monitor each quarterback day by day before making any decisions.

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron has not coached since 2021, when he went 6 and 6 with LSU. Orgeron told Tiger Rag that he wants to eventually make a return to coaching, but he says he is waiting for the right opportunity.

Cut 5 (10) “…best for us.”

Louisiana Tech sophomore quarterback Evan Bullock has been named to the 2025 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List. The award is given annually to the top offensive player in college football who also exhibits the characteristics that define Earl Campbell. Bullock totaled 2,107 yards passing to go with 14 touchdowns in the air.

4:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry is celebrating the news released by the state Insurance Department that 20 auto insurers have filed rate decreases. Landry says this includes some of the biggest companies in the industry.

Cut 12 (13) “…and more.”

Former LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron says he’s ready to get back into coaching. He hasn’t coached since being fired after the 2021 season. Orgeron says while he would ultimately like to be a head coach; with this being his fourth year away from the game, he would accept any viable coaching opportunity that comes his way, whether it be as a head coach or as an assistant coach.

Cut 5 (10) “…best for us.”

The state legislature could return to the state capitol this fall for a redistricting session. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Whether the Congressional district lines change or not, absentee ballot envelopes will certainly change in time for the next election. The envelopes will be color-coded and will feature larger print and will be easier to read. The ultimate goal is to make it simpler to cast absentee ballots.

3:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana could be the next state to hop onto the extraordinary mid-decade redistricting bandwagon. House Speaker Phillip DeVillier told legislators to prepare for a possible special session in either October or November. LaPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says if lawmakers redraw the Congressional map this fall, the big question is – how will they reshape the two majority-minority districts?

Cut 7 (10) “…Troy Carter.”

If you’re casting an absentee ballot, you will notice that the envelopes will look different from now on. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says the new color-coded envelopes will incorporate changes in election laws that the legislature passed in the last couple years.

Cut 9 (10)  “…legally allowed to.”

Governor Landry is celebrating the news released by the state Insurance Department that 20 auto insurers have filed rate decreases.

Cut 13 (04)  “…on the way.”

While Landry says the decreases are the result of legislation he pushed targeting the insurance industry and injury lawyers who seek big settlements, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says insurance companies have told him they’re in response to a decrease in accidents since last year.

Former LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron says he wants to coach again. Orgeron was fired in 2021 and received a 17-million-dollar buyout– half of which ultimately went to his ex-wife. He says his focus since his firing has been seeing his sons start their coaching careers; and now that they’ve done that, it’s time for him to get back to work.

Cut 4 (09) “…got it done.”

LRN PM Newscall August 20

Ed Orgeron says he’s been away long enough – he wants to return to the sidelines. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The state legislature could return to the state capitol this fall for a redistricting session. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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He may be living the good life in Miami, but former LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron says he wants to return to the sidelines. Orgeron told Tiger Rag Radio that now that his sons have started their coaching careers, he’s getting the itch to coach again.

Cut 3 (14) “…and compete again.”

Orgeron was fired in 2021 and received a 17-million-dollar buyout– half of which ultimately went to his ex-wife. He says his focus since his firing has been seeing his sons start their coaching careers; and now that they’ve done that, it’s time for him to get back to work.

Cut 4 (09) “…got it done.”

Orgeron says while he would ultimately like to be a head coach; with this being his fourth year away from the game, he would accept any viable coaching opportunity that comes his way, whether it be as a head coach or as an assistant coach.

Cut 5 (10) “…best for us.”

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Louisiana House Speaker Phillip DeVillier has told legislators to keep their calendars open for a possible redistricting special session in late October or November.  La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are already constitutional questions about Louisiana’s current Congressional map and there’s also an effort to create more Republican seats.

Cut 6 (12) “…Congressional seats.”

The U-S Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on October 15th over whether Louisiana’s current Congressional boundaries are constitutional. The legislature created a second majority minority district last year, but opponents of the current map say politics, not race shaped the new boundaries.

Alford says if lawmakers seek to decide to redraw the Congressional map this fall, how will they reshape the two majority-minority districts.

Cut 7 (10) “…Troy Carter.”

It’s not a guarantee that we will see a redistricting special session this fall, but Alford says if the Republican led legislature goes through that difficult process again, it would be to redraw a map with one majority minority district, not two.

Cut 8 (06) “…back””

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If you’re casting an absentee ballot, you will notice that the envelopes will look different from now on. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says besides incorporating larger print and easier to read instructions, the new envelopes will incorporate changes in election laws that the legislature passed in the last couple years.

Cut 9 (10)  “…legally allowed to.”

Watson says the new envelopes are much more colorful – for a good reason.

Cut 10 (14) “…the pre-addressed envelope.”

Watson says the ultimate goal of the redesigned envelopes is to make it simpler to cast absentee ballots.

Cut 11 (11) “…these absentee ballots.”

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Governor Jeff Landry is celebrating the news released by the state Insurance Department that 20 auto insurers have filed rate decreases. Landry says this includes some of the biggest companies in the industry.

Cut 12 (13) “…and more.”

Landry says the rate decreases are coming after he pushed the legislature to pass several insurance reform measures that target both the insurance industry and attorneys who seek big settlements. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says insurance companies have told him the rate decreases are in response to a decrease in accidents since 2024.

Landry says it’s good to see Louisiana drivers are starting to see relief from some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country.

Cut 13 (04)  “…on the way.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry is celebrating the news released by the state Insurance Department that 20 auto insurers have filed rate decreases. Landry says this includes some of the biggest companies in the industry.

Cut 12 (13) “…and more.”

Absentee ballots have a new look. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says the ultimate goal of the colorful redesigned envelopes is to make it simpler to cast absentee ballots.

Cut 11 (11) “…these absentee ballots.”

The state legislature could return to the state capitol this fall for a redistricting session. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Former LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron was fired in 2021 and received a 17-million-dollar buyout, but he says he wants to return to the sidelines. Orgeron told Tiger Rag Radio he would ultimately like to be a head coach but since this will be his fourth year away from the game he would accept the right coaching opportunity.

Cut 5 (10) “…best for us.”

1:30 PM LRN Newscast

Louisiana House Speaker Phillip DeVillier has told legislators to keep their calendars open for a possible redistricting special session in late October or November.  La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are already constitutional questions about Louisiana’s current Congressional map and there’s also an effort to create more Republican seats…

Cut 6 (12) “…Congressional seats.”

Operation Violent Crime Takedown was a huge success, says Governor Jeff Landry. The Governor’s office with the U.S. Department of Justice announced the results of the multi-agency initiative to reduce violent crime in the Baton Rouge area today. Over a hundred arrests were made and hundreds of dangerous drugs and weapons were taken off the street. Federal officials are helping local law enforcement through Project Safe Neighborhoods. And Governor Landry says he made a commitment to reduce crime across the state that started in New Orleans.

The look of absentee ballot envelopes is changing. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office

Cut 10 (14) “…the pre-addressed envelope.”

He says the goal of the redesign is to make it simpler to cast absentee ballots.

He may be living the good life in Miami, but former LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron says he wants to return to the sidelines. Orgeron told Tiger Rag Radio now that his sons have started their coaching careers, he’s getting the itch to coach again.

Cut 3 (14) “…and compete again.”

12:30 PM LRN Newscast

If you’re casting an absentee ballot, you will notice that the envelopes will look different from now on. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says besides incorporating larger print and easier to read instructions, the new envelopes will incorporate changes in election laws that the legislature passed in the last couple years.

Cut 9 (10)  “…legally allowed to.”

The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation will announce the winner of th Premier Season Ticket raffle. One lucky fan will win tickets to 17 different top sporting events. Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says the raffle helps big events to the area like the recent Super Bowl and U. S. Gymnastics Championship.

Cut 16 (12) “…these

Ed Orgeron says he’s been away long enough – he wants to return to the sidelines. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

The Public Service Commission could vote today to approve an Entergy plant that would power a Meta data center in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

There’s the possibility we could see a special session this fall on redistricting. House Speaker Phillip DeVillier has told House members to keep their schedules open for late October, early November. The US Supreme Court will re-hear arguments on the constitutionality of Louisiana’s current congressional map on October 15th, but it’s unclear when the court will make a ruling.

Smoking is down across the country…and here in Louisiana.  In fact, in 2023, fewer than .  16-percent of Louisiana adults surveyed admitted that they smoke. That’s down almost eight points in ten years. But Chrishelle Stipe with the Louisiana Public Health Institute says other smoking alternatives, like vaping, are on the rise.

Cut 10 (12) “…people stay healthy.”

He may be living the good life in Miami, but former LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron says he wants to return to the sidelines. Orgeron told Tiger Rag Radio that now that his sons have started their coaching careers, he’s getting the itch to coach again.

Cut 3 (14) “…and compete again.”

LSU fired Orgeron in 2021 and he received a 17-million-dollar buyout– half of which ultimately went to his ex-wife. The payments end at the end of 2025.