10:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana lawmakers will come together for an override veto session at noon today. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Once again there was no big winner in Monday night’s Powerball drawing, so the jackpot now soars to an estimated $1 billion dollars. It’s the seventh-biggest Powerball jackpot in US lottery history and the third-largest Powerball.  The next drawing will be held Wednesday night.

Cleco offers an income-based energy efficiency program for residential customers interested in cutting their monthly energy use and saving money. Spokesperson Marianne Addy says customers can take advantage of a number of services and products at no out-of-pocket cost.

Cut 5 (12)   “…the program.”

Homeowners and renters who may not meet federal income guidelines are also encouraged to apply.

A state audit reveals a worker shortage has triggered challenges in administering state parks and OSP says $42 million is needed for improvements. Director of State Parks Brandon Burris says they are considering all options before a final decision is made on whether a fee hike is needed.

Cut 9 (12)  “…comes through.”

According to OSP, $42 million is needed for improvements to keep parks and historic sites operating at expected service levels.

09:30 LRN Newscast, July 18th

Lawmakers will return to the Capitol today at noon for a veto override session. The hot button measure Governor John Bel Edwards rejected would ban certain medical procedures for transgender youths. 25 bills in total were vetoed including parts of three budget proposals. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says not to count Edwards out because he’s a lame duck governor because he still has control over spending:
CUT 12 (12) “put together”
It will take 70 votes in the 105-member House and 26 votes in the 39-member Senate to override a governor’s veto.

The entire state is under yet another heat advisory today. Forecasters say we could see record high temperatures hit this afternoon at near 100 degrees, with a heat index back at over 110 degrees. This is the forecast for the remainder of the week with better chances for rain coming in for the weekend.

The recently fired gunman who killed two former co-workers at a Harvey shipyard Monday before being shot to death by deputies has been identified by the Jefferson Parish Coroner as 31-year-old Willis Thomas Jr. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says after the murders deputies tracked Thomas down at an apartment complex…:
CUT 13 (10) “pronounced dead”
Officials believe Thomas targeted the two victims.

Eligible low-income Cleco customers who want to save money on power bills could receive assistance through the utility’s energy efficiency program. Spokeswoman Marianne Addy encourages all of their customers to apply because everyone is at least eligible for home weatherization:
Cut 6 (06) “benefit you”
Apply at Cleco.com.

08:30 LRN Newscast, July 18th

The veto override session begins a noon today in Baton Rouge, where lawmakers will look at the bills Governor John Bel Edwards rejected. One of the measures driving the session would ban doctors from performing medical procedures to alter the sex of a child. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a vote to overturn that veto could happen today…:
Cut 11 (12) “be done”
The session must end Saturday.

Candidates running for statewide office this fall had to submit updated campaign finance reports to the state Ethics Board on Monday. In the Governor’s race, Republican Jeff Landry reported $9.1 million dollars in cash on hand. State Treasurer John Schroeder reported $2.2 million in ready funds, with attorney Hunter Lundy showing $2.1 million. And Stephen Waguespack reports 1.9 million.

The Legislative Auditor releases a report showing labor shortages and higher pay demands are causing staffing issues for state parks. Teiko Foxx has more…:
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels is one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, but at SEC Media Days Monday the senior said he’s more focused on winning games…:
Cut 17 (14) “…with it”

07:30 LRN Newscast, July 18th

State lawmakers convene an override veto session at noon today. Jeff Palermo has a preview..
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

At SEC Media Days Monday, LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels said he believes The tigers can have one of the top offenses in the country:
Cut 15 (15) “make plays”

The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office has released the identity of the man who allegedly killed two former co-workers at a Harvey shipyard Monday before being shot to death in a gunfight with deputies. They say the gunman is 31 year old Willis Thomas Jr of Harvey. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says Thomas was fired last week…:
CUT 14 (14) “answer”
The situation remains under investigation.

If you meet certain income requirements, Cleco residential customers may be eligible for energy-efficient products and services at no out-of-pocket costs. Spokesperson Marianne Addy says weatherizing homes can save customers energy and money…:
Cut 4 (12) “energy usage”
Visit Cleco.com to apply.

06:45 LRN Sportscast, July 18th

LSU Coach Brian Kelly was the first to speak at SEC Media Days in Nashville which kicked off Monday, and he indicated right off the bat that he knows the bar has been set high by his colleagues in terms of winning championships in year two of the job. Jay Johnson and LSU Baseball won a College World Series, and Kim Mulkey and LSU women’s basketball won the NCAA Tournament. Kelly knows what’s expected of him:
CUT 18 (09) “in our court now”
Jayden Daniels is back as the starting QB and he’s confident the Tigers can have one of the top offenses in the country…:
Cut 15 (15) “make plays”
The Tigers kick off the season September 3rd against Florida State in Orlando.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly was also asked at SEC Media days whether his program would be looking for ways to take advantage of AI technology, and he responded that it’s an intriguing opportunity they’ll be looking to make room for. He said he believes AI could create a model for them to know what kind of player they need to go after in terms of what the team is looking for.

LSU Baseball outfielder Brayden Jobert won’t be back as a Tiger in 2024 as the former Northshore High, Nicholls and Delgado standout says he intends to sign with St. Louis instead. The Cardinals selected Jobert in the 12th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Jobert hit .273 with 21 doubles, three triples, 32 homers, 107 RBI and 86 runs over the past two seasons at LSU including .301 this past season with 14 homers including a team-high three bombs in the College World Series for the national champion Tigers.

06:30 LRN Newscast, July 18th

State lawmakers return to the capitol today for a veto override session. Governor John Bel Edwards rejected 25 bills and parts of three budget measures previously approved by lawmakers. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says legislators are more likely to get the two-thirds majority they need if they focus on just a few of the vetoes…:
Cut 10 (09) “passing nothing”
The session can’t last more than five days.

State Parks have been faced with challenges due to low staffing levels according to a new report from the Legislative Auditor. State Park Director Brandon Burris says recruiting new employees has been hard.:
Cut 7 (12) “us yeah”
But he says visitation numbers are high.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is lapping the field when it comes to campaign dollars in the race for governor. Jeff Palermo has the story:
Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
And Stephen Waguespack reports $1.4 million dollars raised, with 1.9 million cash on hand.

Dow Chemical has issued a statement in response to the explosion at its facility in Plaquemine Friday, but limited details have been released on what caused the blast and fire. The statement said the site remains operational and air monitoring data is being gathered, though the numbers indicated it was safe to lift the shelter in place 6 hours after the explosion. Dow said assessment of the impacted area continues.

LRN AM Newscall July 18

A smaller pool of workers and higher salary demands have made it difficult to manage state parks, according to a report from the legislative auditor. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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State lawmakers convene an override veto session at noon today. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry is lapping the field when it comes to campaign dollars in the race for governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (27)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

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If you meet certain income requirements, Cleco residential customers may be eligible for energy-efficient products and services at no out-of-pocket costs. Power Wise is Cleco’s energy efficiency program designed for qualified homeowners during the summer months. Cleco spokesperson Marianne Addy says weatherizing homes can save customers energy and money.

Cut 4 (12)  “…energy usage.”

The program helps low-income households make their homes more energy efficient. Addy says customers will be able to take advantage of a number of services and products at no expense.

Cut 5 (12)   “…the program.”

Homeowners and renters who may not meet federal income guidelines are also encouraged to apply. Addy urges all customers to this smarter approach to cutting energy use at no expense.

Cut 6 (06)  “…benefit you.”

Cleco customers can visit www.cleco.com/weatherization or call 833-373-6842

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The Louisiana Legislative Auditor releases a new report that finds low staffing levels present challenges for administering state parks. Director of State Parks Brandon Burris says recruiting new employees has been difficult…

Cut 7 (12) “…us yeah.”

OSP revenue increased by nearly fifty percent from 2016 through 2022 due to short-term revenue including the COVID-19 relief fund. OSP also generates visitation revenues through sources like cabins, campsites, and day-use admissions and non-visitation revues revenues. Burris says despite the audit’s findings, visitation numbers are high.

Cut 8 (11) “…we are.’”

According to OSP, $42 million is needed for improvements to keep parks and historic sites operating at expected service levels. Burris says fee and price increases are on the table but they are considering all options before a final decision is made.

Cut 9 (12)  “…comes through.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in visitation, recent hurricanes have damaged or forced some parks to close.

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State lawmakers return to the capitol today for an override veto session. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed 25 bills and parts of three budget bills approved by lawmakers in the last legislative session. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says if legislators focus on just a few of the vetoes they can get the two-thirds vote needed in the House and Senate

Cut 10 (09) “…passing nothing.”

Last year, the Republican controlled Legislature was successful in overriding the governor’s veto of the congressional redistricting bill. This year, a bill that would ban doctors from performing medical procedures to alter the sex of a child has been the driving force of the override veto session. Pinsonat says a vote to overturn that veto could happen today…

Cut 11 (12)  “…be done.”

It will take 70 votes in the 105-member House and 26 votes in the 39-member Senate to override a governor’s veto.

Pinsonat says do not count out John Bel Edwards, because he’s a lame duck governor. He says Edwards still has control over spending and what projects get funded….

Cut 12 (12)    “…put together” 

Pinsonat says the votes are likely there to overturn the governor’s veto on a bill to ban medical procedures to alter a child’s sex and possibly a couple of the other anti-LGBTQ bills.

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Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says the suspect in a deadly double shooting at a shipyard in Harvey is dead after a shootout with authorities. Lopinto says a man who was recently fired from FMT Shipyard returned on Monday and killed two of his former-coworkers. The sheriff says they tracked the gunman down at St. Germaine apartments…

Cut 13 (10) “…pronounced dead” 

Lopinto the gunman was fired last week and he returned on Monday to kill his former co-workers who were part of a grass-cutting crew…

Cut 14 (14)  “…answer”

The Jefferson Parish coroner’s office has identified the two men killed at the shipyard as 48-year-old Nakie James Brown and 20-year-old Dustin Parrie Junior. Both of Harvey.

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LSU won an SEC West title in Coach Brian Kelly’s first season at the helm and the Tigers plan on building on that success this season. Jayden Daniels is back as the starting QB and Daniels believes they can have one of the top offenses in the country…

Cut 15 (15)  “…make plays.”

Kelly says Daniels will have to get better because back-up Garrett Nussmeier is getting better every single day as well…

Cut 16 (14) “..move forward”

Daniels is one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, but the senior is more focused on victories than trophies…

Cut 17 (14) “…with it”

5:30 LRN Newscast

It’s campaign finance reporting day as declared candidates for governor had to submit to the state ethics board how much they’ve raised and what they’ve spent. Jeff Landry is expected to report nine million dollars in cash on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says if you do not have at least a million dollars on hand by now, you’re probably toast….
cut 10 (13) “….competitive candidates”

LSU is expected to compete for another SEC West title this season as Jayden Daniels returns for his second season as the starting Q-B. Coach Brian Kelly on what he hopes to see from his signal caller in 2023…
cut 14 (11 ) “….tight window throws”
That’s Kelly speaking at SEC Media Days.

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate announced its official launch today. Kace Kieschnick has more…
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

One of the stars of the reality TV show “Cajun Pawn Stars” has passed away. Jimmie DeRamus died in Houston at the age of 71. He was the owner of Silver Dollar Pawn and Jewelry in Alexandria and was known as “Big Daddy” on the show which aired for over a year on the History Channel.

4:30 LRN Newscast

Candidates running for statewide office this fall must submit updated campaign finance reports to the state Ethics Board today. Republican Jeff Landry is expected to report nine million dollars cash on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says that’s a huge number for his opponents to keep up with…
Cut 9 (08) “…for competitiveness.”
There are seven major candidates running for governor and qualifying is set for August 8th through the tenth.

SEC Football Media Days is underway and LSU’s Brian Kelly was the first coach to speak to hundreds of reporters in Nashville. Kelly says there’s still more work to be done in the area of recruiting before they have the same level of talent as two-time national champion Georgia…
cut 13 (09) “…playing field”

The Advocate newspaper started is latest endeavor today. A digital publication that will cover issues impacting the Shreveport-Bossier City area. Publisher Judi Terzotis says they’ve hired seven reporters and plan to hire three more…
cut 4 (12) “….community foundation”

And it’s Rural Road Safety Awareness Week. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says the latest data finds 62 percent of all fatal crashes are on rural highways. He says everyone has a role to play in keeping the highways safe…
cut 8 (11) “….cars and trucks”
Fischer says speeding is a major contributor in fatal car crashes on Louisiana roadways.

3:30 LRN Newscast July 17

Candidates running for governor have to submit updated campaign finance reports to the state ethics board today. Republican front runner Jeff Landry is expected to report nine million dollars in cash on hand. Shawn Wilson is the lone major Democrat in the race and ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Wilson could see a surge in donations over the upcoming months….
cut 11 (07) “….raise money”
Qualifying for the election is August 8th to the 10th, while the primary is October 14th.

Governor John Bel Edwards has proclaimed this week as “Rural Road Safety Awareness Week.” According to the latest statistics, 62-percent of all fatal crashes are on rural roadways. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says this initative attempts to raise awareness about fatal wrecks on rural roads…
cut 7 (12) “…considerable amount”

LSU Coach Brian Kelly likes the direction of his football program as he gets ready to begin his second year as head coach of the Tigers.
Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

One of the stars of the reality TV show “Cajun Pawn Stars” has passed away. Jimmie DeRamus passed away in Houston at the age of 71. He was the owner of Silver Dollar Pawn and Jewelry in Alexandria and was known as “Big Daddy” on the show which aired for over a year on the History Channel.