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.

06:45 LRN Sportscast, August 11th

The Saints are just days away from their preseason opener against Kansas City Sunday, but tight end Taysom Hill says he’s still unclear 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”
Kickoff Sunday is at noon. Practice is being held in the Dome today.

New Orleans hosted former Pro Bowler Jaylon Smith for a workout Thursday as they continue the search for depth in the linebacker position. Smith played thirteen games for the Giants last season recording 88 tackles, one sack, and a fumble recovery.

LSU’s offense is expected to be the strength of the team under 5th year senior quarterback Jayden Daniels who threw for almost 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions last season. Daniels was criticized for being too conservative with the football, but LSU Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock says his starting QB is working on that…:
CUT 16 (18) “on the football”
The season opens September 3rd.

A 4-star running back and 5 star edge rusher pegged Thursday as the day they’d announce their commitments, and LSU got one of them, lost out on the other. Caden Durham, a top 10 ranked back out of Dallas, chose The Tigers over Oklahoma and Texas A&M. But his teammate, Colin Simmons, a top 10 overall player, chose Texas.

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.”

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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”

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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”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast Aug 10

Qualifying for the 2023 election ended today, and in the governor’s race two more Republicans added their names to the ballot, bringing the total number of main candidates to seven. Former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry president Stephen Waguespack is considered a long-shot, because the Republican Party is backing Jeff Landry. But Waguespack says party leaders will not elect our next governor…
Cut 9 (10) “…resonate.”
Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson also qualified today. He’s a big proponent of tax reform, including eliminating the state income tax and making up for the revenue loss with higher property taxes and the elimination of certain sales tax deductions…
cut 12 (09) “…trying to fix”

The primary is October 14th.

A one-point-one-billion-dollar solar panel manufacturing facility is coming to Iberia Parish. Teiko Foxx has the story…
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Louisiana Pardon Board is following the directive of Governor Edwards as they’ve started scheduling clemency application hearings from 20 of the 56 death row inmates seeking to reduce their sentence to life in prison without parole. Edwards, who does not support capital punishment, asked the board to review their cases.

4:45 LRN Sportscast Aug 10

LSU Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock spoke to media today about his offense expected to take big steps forward in year 2. Much of the public attention has been on returning quarterback Jayden Daniels and top receiving threat Malik Nabers. Denbrock, though, expects tight end Mason Taylor to elevate his game this year and make big contributions for the offense…

Cut 20

Taylor went for over 400 yards and three touchdowns last season and will hope to improve as both as  pass catcher and a blocker

LSU has landed a commitment from four-star running back Caden Durham out of Dallas. The top-ten ranked back from Duncanville high school chose the Tigers over Oklahoma and Texas A&M. His teammate and 5-star defensive lineman Colin Simmons also announced his commitment to the University of  Texas over LSU

The Saints canceled the public portion of practice today due to extreme heat concerns, but that didn’t stop the team from preparing for their first game of preseason against the Chiefs coming up this Sunday. Tight end and utility player Taysom Hill says one player to watch will be tight end Juwan Johnson who’s made big steps this offseason…

Cut 19

Head Coach Dennis Allen says he expects the starters to get about 15 snaps while the backups take 25 and the third team plays the rest of the game. Kickoff is Sunday at 12:00

The search for depth in the linebacker room continues for New Orleans as the Saints hosted former Pro Bowler Jaylon Smith for a workout today. Smith played thirteen games for the Giants last season recording 88 tackles, one sack, and a fumble recovery. He also made a visit with the Raiders last week and is reported to be interested in joining Las Vegas as well. 

4:30 LRN Newscast

Qualifying has ended and the main candidates running for Louisiana governor include five Republicans, one Democrat, and one Independent. Republican Stephen Waguespack, Former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry president, is considered a long-shot because the Republican Party is backing Jeff Landry. But Waguespack is already taking an issue with a mailer from a political action committee that attacks him…

Cut 10 (13)  “…that man”

The youngest candidate in the race is Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson at 37.  The Republican says among his top priorities are to change the state’s tax structure, recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. Nelson says he’d call a special session immediately to find solutions for the insurance crisis.

Cut 11 (08)  “…moot.” 

First Solar, a solar energy manufacturer, announces plans to build a one-point-one billion-dollar solar panel manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the facility will employ 700 workers.  Pierson says the company was awed by University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s solar energy lab..

Cut 7 (06) “…as well” 

The facility will be built on an LED Certified Site, meaning it has gone through extensive due diligence and studies to be declared development ready….

Maybe you haven’t seen a coyote in your neighborhood, but residents in Jefferson Parish have. Jefferson Parish officials held a meeting this week to address residents’ concerns about the recent increase in coyote sightings. LDWF State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says the escalated sightings are due to an increase in urban development and the availability of food…

Cut 3 (11) “… urban sprawl.”

According to Wildlife and Fisheries, coyotes are becoming more common in urban and suburban areas across the state including Jefferson and Orleans Parishes.

3:30 LRN Newscast

On the final day of qualifying, former L-A-B-I president Stephen Waguespack and Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson added their names to the ballot for governor. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (36) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Louisiana Pardon Board is moving forward with Governor Edwards’ request for the clemency applications of 56 death row inmates to be heard. The Pardon Board has scheduled 20 hearings so far, beginning in October. Edwards opposes capital punishment.

The largest solar energy manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, First Solar, announces plans to build a one-point-point billion dollar solar panel manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the facility will employ 700 workers. He says it’s a huge win for the state and the country…
cut 6 (07) “…big way”
The project is expected to be completed in 2026.

Earlier this week Jefferson Parish officials held public meetings to discuss the increase in coyote sightings in neighborhoods. LDWF State Wildlife Veterinarian Doctor Jim LaCour says coyotes are looking for food so it’s hard to keep them out of your subdivision, but you can take steps to keep them out of your yard…
cut 5 (11) “…controlled operator”