1:30 LRN Newscast Aug 11

The state Pardon Board is scheduling review of dozens of applications from death row inmates; a move that is angering those who prosecuted the cases, and family members of the victims. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Three people are dead, after a high speed chase through West Baton Rouge and Pointe Coupee parishes ended in a fiery crash. Officers chasing the vehicle lost it on Highway 190 but came upon the car crashed into a tree and ablaze. The men inside were wearing body armor and cops want to know what they were up to.

 

The Biden Administration announces the federal government will spend one-point-two billion dollars to build underground carbon capture hubs in Texas and Louisiana. The carbon capture in facility in Louisiana will be in Calcasieu Parish. Governor John Bel Edwards is thrilled the White House selected Louisiana…:

CUT 03(10)      “…for investment.”

The White House says the project is estimated to create 23-hundred jobs.

State Wildlife & Fisheries is getting about $58-million in federal disaster assistance for resiliency projects stemming from the historic 2019 Mississippi and Atchafalaya flood. LDWF’s Jason Froeba says approval of the funding is extremely important for the state and Louisiana’s commercial fishing industry…:

CUT 09(08)      “…to recover.”

He says docks, processors, commercial fishermen, vessel owners, and charter captains, will be eligible for funding reimbursement.

12:30 LRN Newscast Aug 11

The White House is allocating hundreds of millions of dollars to build a huge carbon capture facility in Calcasieu Parish. Michelle Southern has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Southern.”

A Baton Rouge man, held in jail for questioning in connection with an early Thursday shooting incident, reportedly hung himself while in custody. State Police say 25-year-old Kyle Marshall used his shoelaces, while in the East Baton Rouge Parish jail. The matter is under investigation.

 

News of the Pardon Board scheduling clemency hearings for death row inmates is not setting well with family members of the victims and those who prosecuted them in court. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says he and other DAs were completely blindsided by a campaign to reduce 56 death row sentences to life in prison…:

CUT 06(08)      “…organized.”

This is the Governor’s last year in office, and many feel their chances of winning clemency or pardon are increased because of it.

Qualifying has ended for the governor’s race and the seven major candidates we expected to run have qualified. Their names will appear on the October 14th ballot. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Attorney General Jeff Landry continues to be in a great position to make November runoff…:

CUT 10(11)      “…most of ‘em,.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints have signed former Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants linebacker Jaylen Smith to a contract that will have him play in New Orleans for the 2023 season. The Saints were expected to sign former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr, but he left the city without a contract and went on to visit other teams.

The Saints first preseason game is on Sunday at noon against the Kansas City Chiefs and the team plans on having the first team to take reps a portion of the game. Listed among the first team on the unofficial depth chart was tight end Taysom Hill. Hill typically plays multiple positions for the team and he says that he can do whatever is asked of him.

Cut 19 (19) “…stay ready.”

The Saints also added tight end Jimmy Graham to the roster over the offseason. Both players caught passes from former quarterback Drew Brees and Hill says he is soaking up as much as he can from the Graham now that he is back in New Orleans.

A few LSU football players will speak to the media today after today’s practice, but yesterday offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock was the one who addressed the media. Denbrock says that the much of the team’s success will be on the shoulders of fifth-year senior quarterback Jayden Daniels and Denbrock has seen the QB spread the ball out to his weapons on offense.

Cut 16 (18) “…on the football.”

One of the targets for Jayden Daniels is 1,000 yard receiver Malik Nabors, and Denbrock says what the receiver has done to get better in the offseason.

Cut 17 (14) “…skills necessary.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Pardon Board is moving forward with clemency hearings for 20 of the 56 cases from death row prisoners a day after Governor John Bel Edward’s request. Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association Loren Lampert says the limited time frame for the cases to be reviewed before Edwards leaves office in January presents another issue.

Cut 6 (08)  “…unassailable.”

The 20 cases are scheduled to be heard between October 13 and November 27.

The National Federation of Independent Business’s latest report shows hiring qualified individuals remains a top business concern. NFIB director Dawn McVea says inflation has eased slightly and some small business owners believe the worst is behind them.

Cut 9 (07)  “…for everybody.”

42-percent of owners report job openings are hard to fill, which is a historically high percentage

Qualifying ended yesterday for the governor’s race and the seven major candidates we expected to run have qualified and their names will appear on the October 14th ballot. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Attorney General Jeff Landry continues to be in a great position to get in the November runoff…

Cut 10 (11) “…most of em.”

Early voting for the October 14th election begins September 30th.

A group of West Carroll Parish cheerleaders have been selected to participate in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade but they need help with funding their travel to the Big Apple. Angela Johnson, the mom of Ashley Johnson – one of the cheerleaders, says the Oak Grove High School squad is extremely talented but it also requires money…

Cut 14 (11)  “…kinda thing.” 

10:30 LRN Newscast

A Livingston Parish high school has been placed on lockdown after a reported bomb threat on the first day of school. Denham Springs High students have been placed in the school’s gym as law enforcement secure the campus grounds. This is a developing story…

Louisiana District Attorneys Association reacts to Governor Edwards’ letter to the Board of Pardons to hear clemency applications. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (27)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The monthly survey of small business owners nationwide finds that labor quality remains the biggest concern. National Federation of Independent Business director Dawn McVea says 42-percent of owners report job openings are hard to fill, which is a historically high percentage…

Cut 7 (07) “…for work.”

McVea says labor quality has been an issue the since the pandemic started. She says there are a couple of theories on why…

Oak Grove High School cheerleaders have been chosen to participate in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade but they need help raising money to help fund their travel to the Big Apple. Angela Johnson, one of the girls’ mom, says it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to show their talents and the squad is committed…

Cut 15 (09)  “…trip happen.”

If you’d like to donate, contact Oak Grove High directly.

09:30 LRN Newscast, August 11th

The field in the governor’s race for the upcoming election is officially closed with no big surprises in the field. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry still has a major leg up on the other candidates who don’t have much time to build name recognition…:
CUT 12 (11) “everybody”
Early voting for the October 14th election begins September 30th.

The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office says the body armor clad suspects they were chasing in a car that was allegedly stolen early Thursday morning were going about 100 miles per hour when they struck a tree leaving three occupants dead. One of the suspects is in critical condition. The matter remains under investigation.

In the latest survey of small business owners, finding good workers still remains their biggest issue. National Federation of Independent Business director Dawn McVea says 42 percent of owners report job openings are hard to fill, but their optimism is gradually rising..
Cut 9 (07) “…for everybody.”

Cheerleaders from Oak Grove High School will take part in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but need help to make it happen. Teiko Foxx has more…:
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

 

08:30 LRN Newscast, August 11th

The state District Attorneys Association reacts to Governor Edwards’ letter to the Board of Pardons to hear clemency applications. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 1 (27) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Saints fans headed to the Caesar’s Superdome for the pre-season game versus Kansas City Sunday will notice some big changes. Renovations to the dome began in 2020 and there are now two new atrium lobby entrances at Gates B and H, and new vertical transportation to take fans from the 100 level all the way up to the 650 level. Kickoff is at noon.

Qualifying has wrapped up for the upcoming elections and it still looks like Republican Jeff Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson are the favorites to make an expected governor’s runoff in November. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat believes the other candidates will go after Landry, but that might not be the best tactic…:
CUT 11 (09) “be in”
Early voting for the October 14th election begins September 30th.

Labor issues continue to be the biggest hurdle for small businesses. That’s according to the monthly survey by the National Federation of Independent Business, and Director Dawn McVea says the quality of available workers still hasn’t recovered from the pandemic.
CUT 8 (08) “indicate that”
But she says the survey did indicate small business optimism is rising.

07:30 LRN Newscast, August 11th

Qualifying in the October 14th elections wrapped up Thursday with 16 candidates running for governor. Teiko Foxx has more…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

The National Hurricane Center boosted its projections for the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane season, now expecting above average activity. In its mid-season update, the NHC now forecasts 14-21 named storms, and 6-11 hurricanes, with 2-5 of them being major storms of category 3 or greater. Its forecast in late May called for an average season.

The Pardon Board has scheduled to hear 20 of the 56 clemency cases from death row inmates in response to Governor Edwards’ request. Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association Loren Lampert says the governor is asking the board to go against their own rules..:
Cut 4 (12) “time frame”
The hearings will be held between October 13th and November 27th.

Oak Grove High School cheerleaders have been chosen to participate in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, but they need help raising money to get there. One of the girls’ moms, Ashley Johnson, says they just found out in July…:
Cut 13 (11) “that trip”
If you’d like to donate, contact Oak Grove High directly.

06:30 LRN Newscast, August 11th

The field in the upcoming Governor’s race is set with qualifying now closed in the October 14th primary. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry remains in a good position to make the expected November runoff…:
Cut 10 (11) “most of em”
He says former transportation secretary Shawn Wilson, the lone major Democrat in the race, is also likely to make the runoff. Early voting begins September 30th.

A day after Governor John Bel Edwards asked the Louisiana Board of Pardons to consider clemency for 56 death row inmates, hearing dates are now planned. Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association Loren Lampert criticizes the governor’s request:
Cut 5 (07) “volumes”
The board has so far scheduled 20 hearings.

The monthly survey of small business owners nationwide finds labor quality remains the biggest concern. National Federation of Independent Business director Dawn McVea says 42-percent of owners report job openings are hard to fill, which is historically high…:
Cut 7 (07) “for work”
But McVea says this latest survey did find that optimism among small business owners is gradually improving.

AM LRN Newscall Aug 10

Louisiana District Attorneys Association reacts to Governor Edwards’ letter to the Board of Pardons to hear clemency applications. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (27)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The October 14th ballot is set and there are 16 individuals running for governor. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

_______________________________________________

Six senior cheerleaders from Oak Grove High School are fired up to take part in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this November but need funds to make it happen. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

________________________________________________

The Pardon Board has scheduled to hear 20 of the 56 clemency cases from death row inmates in response to Governor Edwards’ request. Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association Loren Lampert says the governor is asking the board to go against their own rules.

Cut 4 (12)  “…time frame.”

Last month, the board decided not to hear them on the grounds they were not filed within a year after the inmates’ final appeal was denied. Edwards says it does not violate the rules but an opinion from the Attorney General says it does.

In the letter, Edwards recognized the emotional toll on board members when reviewing a case.  But Lampert says it’s what’s not in the letter that resonates.

Cut 5 (07)   “…volumes.”

Lampert says the limited time frame for the cases to be reviewed before Edwards leaves office in January presents another issue.

Cut 6 (08)  “…unassailable.”

The 20 cases are scheduled to be heard between October 13 and November 27.

________________________________________________

The monthly survey of small business owners nationwide finds that labor quality remains the biggest concern. National Federation of Independent Business director Dawn McVea says 42-percent of owners report job openings are hard to fill, which is a historically high percentage…

Cut 7 (07) “…for work.”

McVea says labor quality has been an issue the since the pandemic started. She says there are a couple of theories on why…

Cut 8 (08) “…indicate that”

But McVea says this latest survey did find that optimism among small business owners is gradually improving. She says inflation has eased slightly and some small business owners believe the worst is behind them…

Cut 9 (07)  “…for everybody.”

____________________________________________

Qualifying has ended for the governor’s race and the seven major candidates we expected to run have qualified and their name will appear on the October 14th ballot. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Attorney General Jeff Landry continues to be in a great position to get in the November runoff…

Cut 10 (11) “…most of em.”

Pinsonat says former state transportation secretary Shawn Wilson is also in great position to make an expected runoff since he’s the lone major Democrat in the race. Pinsonat expects the other candidates will be aggressive in attacking Landry but it might not work…

Cut 11 (09) “…be in.”

Early voting for the October 14th election begins September 30th. Pinsonat says the candidates who are not named Jeff Landry do not have much time to build their name recognition….

Cut 12 (11) “…everybody.”

__________________________________________

Six senior cheerleaders in West Carroll Parish have been selected to participate in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and are raising money to help fund their travel. Angela Johnson, the mom of Ashley Johnson – one of the cheerleaders, says a select number of cheerleaders are chosen and they were notified in July…

Cut 13 (11) “…that trip.”

The Oak Grove High School squad will have a busy schedule consisting of multiple rehearsals a day. But in between, Johnson says the team will also have the opportunity to see a Broadway show, take a tour of the Empire State Building, embark on a Statue of Liberty tour, and more. She says it isn’t just talent that gets the teams into the parade, it also requires a large amount of money…

Cut 14 (11)  “…kinda thing.” 

The goal is to raise 36 thousand dollars. Johnson says time is ticking and the cheer squad has been working non-stop. She says it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to show their talents and the squad is committed…

Cut 15 (09)  “…trip happen.”

To donate, contact Oak Grove High School.

___________________________________________________________________

LSU Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock spoke to media yesterday. Denbrock’s experienced offense is expected to be the strength of the Tigers under fifth-year senior quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels threw for almost 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns with only three interceptions last season, but was sometimes criticized for being too conservative with the football. Denbrock says he’s made an effort to spread the ball around more and take shots this offseason…

Cut 16 (18) “…on the football.”

One of those dynamic playmakers will be Daniels’ favorite target a season ago, wide receiver Malik Nabers. The Louisiana native had a breakout season last year with over 70 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards. Denbrock says the junior has worked hard all offseason to improve and been a great leader in a relatively inexperienced receiver room…

Cut 17  (14) “…skills necessary” 

The Tigers found surprise success under first year Head Coach Brian Kelly last year thanks to their talented roster and impressive coaching. With most of the offensive production returning from last season and a second year in the new system, Denbrock says the offense is far ahead of where they were this time last year…

Cut 18 (18) “…goes along.”

The Tigers will open the season in 3 weeks against Florida St.

_____________________________________________________

The Saints are just days away from their preseason opener against Kansas City Sunday but that doesn’t mean tight end Taysom Hill has gotten much clarification on his role in the offense. Originally a quarterback, Hill has played snaps at just about every offensive position and on special teams. He says he can throw, block, run, catch, or do whatever the team needs him to…

Cut 19 (19) “…stay ready.”

Hill has spent the offseason with the tight ends and new addition Jimmy Graham. Hill’s experience as a signal caller gave him a good understanding of the offense, but he says learning from Graham has been similar to listening to Drew Brees when he first arrived in New Orleans…

Cut 20 (17) “…special person.”