LRN AM Newscall August 18

Some good news about auto insurance rates. State Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says auto insurers have filed over 20 rate decreases in the Louisiana market…..

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

So how strong is the public corruption case against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell? Jeanne Burns spoke with a legal analyst who says it’s very strong…

Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

____________________________________________

All Aboard! You can now take the train from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama and back. Andre Champagne has more….

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

In a sign that the auto insurance market might be improving, Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says auto insurers have filed over 20 rate decreases since the start of the year. Temple says 14 of those decreases were for more than one percent….

Cut 4 (11) “…accident frequency.”

In this year’s legislative session, state lawmakers approved several legal reform measures that are designed to reduce excessive lawsuits and inflated bodily injury claims. Temple says it will take time for this year’s legal reforms to take effect and make a difference, but it’s a positive sign that insurers are lowering rates because there have been fewer accidents since 2024…

Cut 5 (11) “…accident frenquency.”

All State, Geico, State Farm, Go Auto, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive Security are among the auto insurers who have reduced rates this year on many of their policyholders. Temple says in 2022 and 2023, drivers were seeing double digit auto insurance rate increases, but through July 2025, the average market impact is a rate decrease of two-percent…

Cut 6 (06) “…we’re seeing.”

________________________________________________________

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is facing charges of conspiracy, fraud and obstruction for allegedly trying to cover up a romantic relationship with her bodyguard. Prosecutors say Cantrell and retired NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie cheated the city out of 70-thousand dollars for trips they took together under the premise that Vappie was providing security to Cantrell. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the evidence laid out in the 18-count indictment will be difficult to defend for Cantrell and her lawyers…

Cut 7 (11) “…70-thousand dollars.”

The mayor has previously said her relationship with Vappie was strictly professional.  But prosecutors say they found 15-thousand messages sent through the  What’s App platform that provides evidence of a love affair.

Ciolino says having an affair is not the crime, it’s the using of taxpayer money and then the coverup. He says if Cantrell is found guilty on on most of these charges could result in a federal prison sentence of five to six years…

Cut 8 (11) “…probateable crimes.”

Cantrell has five more months left in office. She’s the first sitting mayor in New Orleans’ history to be indicted. Vappie was indicted last summer on wire fraud charges, accused of filing fraduluent payroll documents and making false statements about his relationship with the mayor.

Ciolino is surprised the indictment against Cantrell didn’t come sooner…

Cut 9 (11)  “…year ago”

Vappie is facing new allegations in Cantrell’s indictment.

________________________________________________________

Passenger rail service starts today between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama as Amtrak’s new “Mardi Gras Service” begins twice-daily routes. The service will have morning and evening departures and the train will also make stops along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Chairman of the Southern Rail Commission Knox Ross says interest is high…

Cut 10 (10) “…by that.”

Ross believes the Mardi Gras Service will bring more visitors to New Orleans and he expects the train will have passengers taking a day trip or weekend trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast or Mobile…

Cut 11 (11) “…the day.”

1996 was the last time there was passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile. Ross says the next step is to connect New Orleans and Baton Rouge with a passenger train…

Cut 12 (11) “…corridor”

Adult coach fares end-to-end for Amtrak’s Marci Gras Service start at 15-dollars each way and the tickets cost less if it’s a shorter distance.

_______________________________________________________

It was a rough first half to watch, but it was a good ending as Spencer Rattler led the Saints on a game-tying drive in the final minutes and the second preseason game of the year ended in 17-17 tie versus Jacksonville. Coach Kellen Moore liked how Ratter responded from a fourth quarter interception to throw a touchdown with 21 second left…

Cut 13 (17)  “..situation was.”

Rattler threw for 199 yards and he also rushed for 19 yards. Rattler connected with Mason Tipton several times on the game tying drive and Tipton finished with 100 yards receiving. Rattler on his performance…

Cut 14 (14) “…big time today.”

Tyler Shough started and led the offense for four drivers in the first half. Three of the drives ended with punts and one drive ended with a field goal. Moore is not ready to make a decision on a starting quarterback for the season opener, but he was happy with how his team competed on Sunday…

Cut 15 (15) “…was awesome.”

The game ended with rookie safety Jonas Sanker intercepting a pass with no time left.

__________________________________________________________________________

LSU football lost four starting offensive linemen to the NFL draft this summer. Head coach Brian Kelly is known for developing and producing top-level talent at the offensive line position. Kelly says even though the Tigers are not as top-heavy as last season, he expects big things from the new group.

Cut 16 (19) “…well together.”

LSU football had one of the worst rush attacks in the SEC last season. The Tigers have been adamant about running the ball all offseason. Head coach Brian Kelly says that running the ball this season is non-negotiable and that the Tigers have to be more physical.

Cut 17 (20)  “…on you.”

The LSU wide receiver room will not lack talent or speed in the slightest bit this season. Senior wideout Zavion Thomas is one of the players who has an ability to hurt defenses with his speed. Head coach Brian Kelly says that the offensive staff hopes to utilize Thomas’s skillset more this upcoming season.

Cut 18 (22) “…even more so.”

________________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech’s defense finished 89th in the country last season in sacks with only 22 on the year. Sophomore Linebacker and Ruston native Jadon Mayfield says he is expecting big things out of the defensive line and linebackers this season.

Cut 19 (17) “…this defense.”

Louisiana Tech has several players on its current roster who are from Ruston. Mayfield says that he and the others being able to play for the hometown team is a dream come true.

Cut 20 (22) “…a powerhouse.”

11:30 AM Newscast

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted on federal corruption charges as prosecutors allege, she defrauded taxpayers out of 70-thousand dollars to conceal a personal relationship with former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie.  Cantrell has said Vappie was part of her security detail, which is why they traveled together regularly. But Acting US Attorney Michael Simpson says they found messages that show the two used the trips to foster their romantic relationship as evidenced by text messages.

Cut 15 (15) “…physical relationship.”

The multi-state Powerball jackpot is up to 565-million dollars for Saturday night’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Chrislyn Maher (Mayor) says it’s the biggest Powerball jackpot of the year…

Cut 3 (11) “…big one”

———–

LSU football coach Brian Kelly spoke publicly on Friday for the first time since the arrest of freshman running back JT Lindsey. Lindsey is accused of harboring two wanted second-degree murder suspects in his LSU dorm room for several days. He’s been suspended from the football team until his criminal case is resolved. Coach Kelly says Lindsey’s story is a lesson for all young student-athletes..

Cut 13 (14)  “…that now.”

The 5thUS  Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Louisiana’s legislative district map violates the federal Voting Rights Act. The plaintiffs in that case argue that Blacks and Democrats are not fairly represented in the Louisiana Legislature. Political analyst Scott Hughes…

Cut 8 (12) “..they are really not” 

10:30 AM Newscast

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is in the hot seat again, indicted on federal corruption charges over 70-thousand dollars they allege she used to cover up an affiar with her former bodyguard.  Cantrel is the first sitting New Orleans mayor to face federal charges. Acting US Attorney Michael Simpson says his office takes allegations of public corruption seriously…

Cut 16 (11) “…own government.”

LSU football coach Brian Kelly spoke publicly yesterday for the first time since the arrest of freshman running back JT Lindsey. Lindsey is accused of harboring two wanted second-degree murder suspects in his LSU dorm room for several days. There’s also a report of guns found inside the apartment,. Kelly says it appears Lindsey was hanging out with the wrong crowd…

Cut 12 (11) “…your circle.”

———————–

Fewer Americans than ever before are drinking alcohol.  That’s according to a Gallup poll showing it’s down to 54-percent.  That’s because studies from decades ago saying there were health benefits to having a drink or two a day have been debunked by new research. LSU Health New Orleans physiology professor Nick Gilpin says not only can too much alcohol impact a person’s liver, but it can lead to other health problems…

Cut 10 (11) “…cigarettes.”

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is already higher than it’s been all year.  The multi-state prize is already up to 565-million dollar.  And Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Chrislyn Maher (Mayor) says that’ll go even higher as sales continue today.

Cut 5 (08) “…that way.”

Tickets sales will stop at 9 PM on Saturday.

9:30 AM Newscast

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted on federal corruption charges as prosecutors allege, she defrauded taxpayers out of 70-thousand dollars to conceal a personal relationship with former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie, who served as her bodyguard. Acting US Attorney Michael Simpson…

Cut 14 (14) “…positions”

A US Court of appeals panel of judges has ruled that that Louisiana’s legislative district map approved in 2022 violates the federal Voting Rights Act. But there won’t be any re-drawing yet. Political Scott Hughes says the legislative map issue won’t be resolved until there is a U-S Supreme Court ruling regarding the state’s contested Congressional map…

Cut 7 (11) “…US Supreme Court”

———-

A new Gallup poll finds only 54-percent of Americans consume alcohol that’s the lowest percentage in the 90-year history of the survey. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The biggest multi-state Powerball jackpot of the year is up for grabs in tonight’s drawing. The jackpot’ been growing since June and is well over 565 million dollars.  It’s been seven years since someone in Louisiana won the Powerball grand prize, but Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Chrislyn Maher (Mayor) says a Carencro man recently became a Powerball millionaire.

Cut 4 (07) “…winners in Louisiana.”

8:30 AM Newscast

 A federal grand jury has indicted New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on federal corruption charges. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Gallup poll finds 54-percent of Americans drink alcohol. That’s a record low. LSU Health New Orleans physiology professor Nick Gilpin says more Americans are understanding the health hazards that come with indulging in one or two drinks a day…

Cut 9 (07)  “…and your body.”

———————
A panel of judges on the U-S 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Louisiana’s legislative district map  violates the federal Voting Rights Act. Political analyst Scott Hughes says the panel and a state judge in Baton Rouge both agree that the map approved in 2022 dilutes the Black vote…

Cut 6 (13) “…fewer black districts”

The multi-state Powerball jackpot is up to 565-million dollars for tonight’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Chrislyn Maher (Mayor) says it’s the biggest Powerball jackpot of the year…

Cut 3 (11) “…big one”

Tickets sales will stop at 9 PM on Saturday.

5:30 LRN Newscast

A federal grand jury has indicted New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on public corruption charges. The superseding indictment alleges Cantrell and her former bodyguard, ex NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie defrauded taxpayers out of 70-thousand dollars to hide their romantic relationship and maximize their time together. Acting US Attorney Michael Simpson…

Cut 16 (12) “…own government”

Cantrell is New Orleans first sitting mayor to be indicted.

A record low percentage of Americans currently drink alcohol; 54-percent according to a Gallop poll. LSU Health New Orleans physiology professor Nick Gilpin says it’s known that too much alcohol can impact a person’s liver, but we are learning that regular alcohol consumption can lead to other health problems…

Cut 10 (11) “…cigarettes.”

Gilpen says the poll shows that younger adults are at the center of the decline in alcohol consumption.

Louisiana’s legislative district map violates the federal Voting Rights Act says a panel of judges on the U-S 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. The plaintiffs in the case argue Blacks and Democrats are not fairly represented in the Louisiana Legislature. Political analyst Scott Hughes says one-third of the state’s voting population is black, but Republicans have a super majority control in the House and Senate…

Cut 8 (12) “..they are really not” 

Hughes says the legislative map issue isn’t going to be resolved, until there is a U-S Supreme Court ruling regarding the state’s contested Congressional map scheduled to be reargued in October.

Powerball sales are expected to be brisk for Saturday night’s drawing. The jackpot is up to 565-million dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Chrislyn Maher (Mayor) says a Carencro man recently became a millionaire because of Powerball

Cut 4 (07) “…winners in Louisiana.”

Tickets sales will stop at 9 PM on Saturday.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football coach Brian Kelly spoke publicly today for the first time since the arrest of freshman running back JT Lindsey. Lindsey is accused of harboring two wanted second-degree murder suspects in his LSU dorm room for several days. There’s also a report of guns found inside the apartment, raising questions on how firearms got inside a university-owned building. Kelly says it appears Lindsey was hanging out with the wrong crowd…

Cut 12 (11) “…your circle.”

LSU head coach Brian Kelly is being extra cautious with work management when it comes to linebacker Whit Weeks and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. After Weeks was held out of Friday’s practice, Kelly said the junior linebacker will not participate in five straight practices until the week of Clemson but will be back for Saturday’s scrimmage.

Kelly also said that Nussmeier reached an amount of throws that allows him to slow down for a day. Kelly said the veteran quarterback will practice fully in Saturday’s scrimmage.

 

The New Orleans Saints are already battling with injuries. Cornerback Alontae Taylor will miss some time at the beginning of the season, so head coach Kellen Moore is looking for someone to step up in the secondary. 4th Round draft pick and Defensive back Quincy Riley says he will do whatever is needed from him and is opening to playing anywhere on the field.

Cut 18 (13) “…play it.”

The Saints return to play on Sunday where it will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in New Orleans. Head coach Kellen Moore has yet to name a starting quarterback.

 

Former LSU and SEC basketball player of the year Marcus Thornton is joining the LSU Men’s Basketball Support Staff for the 2025 season. Thornton will serve in an off-court role in mentoring players and assisting in the player development aspect of the program under head coach Matt McMahon.

Thornton led the SEC in scoring as he averaged 21.1 points per game in the 2008 season, helping him earn All-American honors.

4:30 PM LRN Newscast

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted on federal corruption charges as prosecutors allege, she defrauded taxpayers out of 70-thousand dollars to conceal a personal relationship with former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie, who served as her bodyguard. Acting US Attorney Michael Simpson…

Cut 14 (14) “…positions”

Cantrell is the first sitting New Orleans mayor to face federal charges.

A Gallup poll finds 54-percent of Americans drink alcohol — a record low percentage. LSU Health New Orleans physiology professor Nick Gilpin says more Americans are understanding the potential health hazards of alcohol consumption. He says adults are also finding other alternatives to alcohol…

Cut 11 (06) “…use adults.”

Gilpen says the poll shows that younger adults are at the center of the decline in alcohol consumption.

LSU football coach Brian Kelly addressed the arrest of freshman running back JT Lindsey Friday. Lindsey is accused of harboring two wanted second-degree murder suspects in his LSU dorm room for several days. He’s been suspended from the team until his case is resolved. Kelly says Lindsey’s story is a lesson for all young student-athletes and he wants to educate them

Cut 13 (14)  “…that now.”

The multi-state Powerball jackpot is up to 565-million dollars for Saturday night’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Chrislyn Maher (Mayor) says expect an increase in sales heading into Saturday night’s drawing at 9:59 PM…

Cut 5 (08) “…that way.”

Tickets sales will stop at 9 PM on Saturday.

LRN PM Newscall August 15

A federal grand jury has indicted New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on federal corruption charges. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

A new Gallup poll finds only 54-percent of Americans consume alcohol that’s the lowest percentage in the 90-year history of the survey. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

___________________________________________________

The multi-state Powerball jackpot is up to 565-million dollars for Saturday night’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Chrislyn Maher (Mayor) says it’s the biggest Powerball jackpot of the year…

Cut 3 (11) “…big one”

Maher says the jackpot has been growing since early June. 2018 was the last time a Louisiana resident won the Powerball grand prize, but Maher says a Carencro man recently became a millionaire because of Powerball

Cut 4 (07) “…winners in Louisiana.”

Maher says expect an increase in sales heading into Saturday night’s drawing at 9:59 PM…

Cut 5 (08) “…that way.”

Tickets sales will stop at 9 PM on Saturday.

________________________________________________

A panel of judges on the U-S 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Louisiana’s legislative district map  violates the federal Voting Rights Act. Political analyst Scott Hughes says the panel and a state judge in Baton Rouge both agree that the map approved in 2022 dilutes the Black vote…

Cut 6 (13) “…fewer black districts”

The ruling from the federal appeals court does not mean that Louisiana lawmakers have to redraw the House and Senate district maps right away. A federal appeals judge not involved in Thursday’s ruling put a pause on the case. But Hughes says the legislative map issue was not going to be resolved, until there is a U-S Supreme Court ruling regarding the state’s contested Congressional map…

Cut 7 (11) “…US Supreme Court”

The plaintiffs in the state legislative map case are arguing Blacks and Democrats are not fairly represented in the Louisiana Legislature. Hughes says one-third of the state’s voting population is black, but Republicans have a super majority control in the House and Senate…

Cut 8 (12) “..they are really not” 

________________________________________________

A Gallup poll finds 54-percent of Americans drink alcohol, which is a record low percentage. LSU Health New Orleans physiology professor Nick Gilpin says more Americans are understanding the health hazards that come with consuming one or two drinks a day…

Cut 9 (07)  “…and your body.”

Gilpin says studies from decades ago said it was actually a health benefit to have a drink or two a day, but new research debunks those theories. He says it’s been known that too much alcohol can impact a person’s liver, but we are learning that an overabundance of alcohol consumption can lead to other health problems…

Cut 10 (11) “…cigarettes.”

Gilpen says adults are also finding other alternatives to alcohol…

Cut 11 (06) “…use adults.”

Gilpen says the poll shows that younger adults are at the center of the decline in alcohol consumption.

________________________________________________

LSU football coach Brian Kelly spoke publicly today for the first time since the arrest of freshman running back JT Lindsey. Lindsey is accused of harboring two wanted second-degree murder suspects in his LSU dorm room for several days. There’s also a report of guns found inside the apartment, raising questions on how firearms got inside a university owned building. Kelly says it appears Lindsey was hanging out with the wrong crowd…

Cut 12 (11) “…your circle.”

Lindsey has been suspended from the football team until his criminal case is resolved. Kelly says Lindsey’s story is a lesson for all young student-athletes..

Cut 13 (14)  “…that now.”

_________________________________________________

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been indicted on federal corruption charges as prosecutors allege, she defrauded taxpayers out of 70-thousand dollars to conceal a personal relationship with former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie, who served as her bodyguard. Acting US Attorney Michael Simpson…

Cut 14 (14) “…positions”

Cantrell previously said Vappie was part of her security detail and the two traveled together regularly for out-of-state and out-of-country trips. But Simpson says they found messages that show the two used the trips to foster their romantic relationship. He gave an example of a message sent by Vappie to Cantrell after a trip to D-C…

Cut 15 (15) “…physical relationship.”

Cantrell is the first sitting New Orleans mayor to face federal charges. She’s facing conspiracy, wire fraud, obstruction of justice and false statements. Simpson says his office takes allegations of public corruption seriously…

Cut 16 (11) “…own government.”

3:30 PM LRN Newscast

A federal grand jury has indicted New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on federal corruption charges. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A three-judge panel from the Fifth U-S Circuit Court of appeals agrees with a district judge in Baton Rouge that the state’s legislative district map for the House and Senate violate the Voting Rights Act, because it dilutes Black votes. Political analyst Scott Hughes says the issue isn’t going to be resolved until the U-S Supreme Court rules on the state’s contested Congressional map…

Cut 7 (11) “…US Supreme Court”

LSU football coach Brian Kelly spoke publicly today for the first time since the arrest of freshman running back JT Lindsey. Lindsey is accused of harboring two wanted second-degree murder suspects in his LSU dorm room for several days. There’s also a report of guns found inside the apartment, raising questions on how firearms got inside a university owned building. Kelly says it appears Lindsey was hanging out with the wrong crowd…

Cut 12 (11) “…your circle.”

Lindsey has been suspended from the football team until his criminal case is resolved.

A record low percentage of Americans currently drink alcohol; 54-percent of according to a Gallop poll. LSU Health New Orleans physiology professor Nick Gilpin says it’s been known that too much alcohol can impact a person’s liver, but we are learning that an regular alcohol consumption can lead to other health problems…

Cut 10 (11) “…cigarettes.”

Gilpen says the poll shows that younger adults are at the center of the decline in alcohol consumption.