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.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are the only team in the NFL that has yet to decide on a starting quarterback for the regular season. Coach Kellen Moore says the battle between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough is really, really close. The preseason finale is Saturday against Denver.

Southern kicks off its season on Saturday against North Carolina Central and Coach Terrance Graves says they have not settled on a starting quarterback.

The Ragin Cajuns will reportedly start former LSU Tiger and Ole Miss Rebel Walker Howard at quarterback for the season opener against Rice.

LSU has a battle ongoing for starting right tackle. Coach Brian Kelly says freshman Carius Curne is battling with redshirt freshman Weston Davis…

Cut 18 (11) “….compeitition there”

 

There are only a few more days left to enter The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation’s Premier Season Ticket raffle. The raffle offers one lucky fan the chance to win tickets to over 500 South Louisiana’s top sporting events. Jay Cicero, the CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says the proceeds will help the foundation continue to host major events.

Cut 14 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

A raffle ticket costs 100-dollars and a winner will be announced on Sunday. Go to GNO-sports-dot-com for more information.

Former LSU Coach Ed Orgeron was on Tiger Rag Radio last night talking about his desire to coach again. Orgeron says his three sons are in the coaching profession and he would like be on the sidelines again…

Cut 4 (09) “…got it done”

Orgeron received 17-million dollar buyout as part of his firing from LSU in 2021. The payments on that buyout come to an end at the end of 2025.

10:30 LRN Newscast

The Public Service Commission is meeting at this hour, and it may decide whether to approve a power plant that Entergy is looking to build in northeast Louisiana that would power a massive Meta data center. The Alliance for Affordable Energy is asking the commission to hold off on voting on it until October. Executive Director Logan Burke says the project will benefit one company, while everyone else gets to pay for it.

Cut 4 (13) “…in North Louisiana.”

But Commissioner Mike Francis says most stakeholders appear to be on board with the plan, so there’s no sense in delaying the inevitable. Francis says Louisianans already benefit from some of the lowest energy costs in the country.

Cut 7 (08) “…in the country.”

Crews are making good progress on the Backbone Fire in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area in Natchitoches Parish. Jim Caldwell with the U.S. Forest Service says as of yesterday evening, the 24-hundred-acre fire was just under 60-percent contained.

Cut 11 (11) “…soon be out.”

Caldwell says there are no homes or structures threatened, and no one has been forced to evacuate.

Just like across the rest of the country, smoking continues to be on the decline in Louisiana. In 2023, less than 16-percent of Louisiana adults surveyed admitted that they smoke. Chrishelle Stipe with the Louisiana Public Health Institute says, however, that other tobacco use is on the rise – especially among younger people.

Cut 9 (11)  “…electronic cigarette use.”

9:30 AM Newscast

Crews are making some real progress on that Backbone Fire in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area in Natchitoches Parish. Jim Caldwell with the U.S. Forest Service says the 24-hundred-acre fire was just under 60-percent contained as of last night.  Caldwell, says there are no homes or structures threatened, and no one has been forced to evacuate.

Cut 12 (12) “…within that wilderness.”

Smoking is down across the country…and that goes for Louisiana as well. In 2023, the latest year that data is available, fewer than 16-percent of Louisiana adults surveyed admitted they smoke. That’s down almost eight points from a decade ago. Chrishelle Stipe with the Louisiana Public Health Institute says it’s a sign that messaging about the dangers of smoking is working.

Cut 8 (08) “…across the state.”

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Just a few days left to get yourself a raffle ticket that could win you season tickets to all of the major sports teams in Louisiana. Andre Champagne has details.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

In Shreveport, a Blanchard man accused of murdering his mother while slept in bed, has been indicted.  19 year old Connor Lyons is charged with second degree murder in the stabbing death of 55 year old Lara Lyons on May 23rd.  Lyons is in the Caddo Correctional Center on a two million dollar bond.

8:30 AM Newscast

If you’re a sports fan, you may want to get  your shot at a raffle The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation is doing soon.  The grand prize winner will get two season tickets to 17 different events. Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports says the raffle helps bring so many special sporting moments to the state.

Cut 15 (13) “…to Louisiana.”

The drawing is set for Sunday.

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.”

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Officials say crews fighting that Backbone fire in Natchitoches Parish that started August 3rd, are making real progress.  As of last night, it was 60 percent contained.  Jim Caldwell with the U.S. Forest Service says fire personnel remain on the scene and are working to achieve full containment.

Cut 13 (13)  “…very good situation.”

Authorities believe it was a lightning strike that started the fire.

The Public Service Commission may decide today whether to approve a power plant that Entergy is looking to build in northeast Louisiana that would power a massive Meta data center. The project has garnered a fair share of controversy. The Alliance for Affordable Executive Director Logan Burke says the Entergy power plant for the Meta data center has both short-term and long-term risks.

Cut 6 (14) “…ever asked for.”

But Commissioner Mike Francis has said Louisianans already benefit from some of the lowest energy costs in the country