11:30 LRN Newscast

The Democratic National Convention has wrapped up with national polls showing Vice President Kamala Harris slightly ahead of former President Donald Trump. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan says the D-N-C went smoothly and reflects well on Democrats…
Cut 3 (12) “…two parties.”
Democrats were lagging in the polls before President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, but have since caught up.

Louisiana’s Department of Children and Family Services has opened the application process for Phase 3 of SUN Bucks. This program provides a one-time benefit of $120 dollars to low income families with children to help pay for meals during the summer time when schools are closed. DCFS Economic Stability Director Tim Jenkins says they have received over two thousand applications so far…
Cut 7 (06) “…September 20th.”
And you can apply at louisiana-dot-summer-e-b-t-app-dot-com.

The tropics continue to be quiet as we head into the final full weekend of August, but Accuweather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter says they are predicting a very busy September with anywhere between six to ten named storms…
cut 12 (11) “…September 10th”
Porter says less wind shear and less dry air is starting next week which will create conducive conditions for the development in the Atlantic Ocean.

LSU football will have two players wearing number 7 and 18 this year. Since 2008, a top playmaker for the Tigers wears number seven and this year offensive tackle Will Campbell will once again wear a number seven patch and linebacker Harold Perkins will change his jersey number to seven. 2-4-7 sports LSU reporter Glen West says Perkins has a strong camp…
cut 14 (10) “….tackles for loss”
Running back Josh Williams and linebacker Greg Penn will each wear 18, which goes to the player who represents LSU in a significant way on and off the field.

10:30 LRN Newscast

A seven-year-old boy in Terrebonne Parish is dead after he was struck by a school bus that just dropped him off after a day at school. It happened on L-A Highway 6-65 in Montegut. Seven-year-old Jeremiah Falgout died from his injuries at a local hospital. Louisiana State Police is investigating but they’ve ruled out impairment of the bus driver as a factor.

Governor Landry was in north Louisiana this week and in speeches in front of the Bossier and Monroe Chamber of Commerce he said tax reform is the key to generational change. Tax reform has been a buzz word at the state capitol for decades. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Landry is not the first governor to propose a major change to the state’s tax code that would include the elimination of certain tax breaks…
Cut 6 (06) “…very issue.”
A special session on tax reform could happen in 2025.

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker is meeting with federal and state transportation officials today to discuss the changes needed at the I-20 Tarbutton Interchange to accommodate the construction of a Buc-ees…
cut 15 (12) “…Grambling”
Walker is optimistic construction on the travel center will begin later this year and the state’s first Buc-ees will open its doors in late 2025.

Nearly 550-million dollars in renovations have been completed on the Superdome just in time for the Saints to host the Titans on Sunday in the final preseason game of the year. Superdome spokesperson Mike Hoss says the renovations were done to improve the fan experience…
cut 9 (09) “…concourse”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry said this week for Louisiana to experience a generational change it has to make major changes to its tax code. Jeremy Alford of La-politics-dot-com says the Landry administration would like to lower income taxes and offset the revenue lost by eliminating several different tax breaks…
cut 5 (10) “…that direction”
A tax reform special session could take place early next year.

After a quiet August, AccuWeather is predicting 6 to 10 named storms during what it calls “Supercharged September.” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter says we didn’t see many named storms in August due to the Saharan Air Layer and wind shear…
Cut 10 (10) “…persistent problem.”

State Police has released the name of the child that died from injuries after getting hit by a bus yesterday in Terrebonne Parish. L-S-P says the bus just dropped off seven-year-old Jeremiah Falgout of Montegut and hit the child as it started moving southbound on Louisiana Highway 6-65. Impairment is not suspected on the part of the bus driver.

State and federal transportation officials meet in Baton Rouge today to discuss proposed changes to the I-20 Tarbutton exit interchange and service road to accommodate the construction of a Buc-ee’s.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry was in north Louisiana this week and in speeches in front of the Bossier and Monroe Chamber of Commerce he said tax reform is the key to generational change. Tax reform has been a buzz word at the state capitol for decades. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Landry is not the first governor to propose a major change to the state’s tax code that would include the elimination of certain tax breaks…
Cut 6 (06) “…very issue.”

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker is in Baton Rouge today to meet with federal and state transportation officials to talk about the needed changes for the I-20 Tarbutton interchange to accommodate the construction of a Buc-ee’s. Walker says a couple of hurdles still need to be cleared before construction can begin….
cut 14 (12) “…other places”
Planning is also underway for the construction of a Bucees in Lafayette off of I-10.

AccuWeather is predicting a Supercharged September when it comes to tropical storms. AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jon Porter says less wind shear and less dry air will create conducive conditions for development in the Atlantic Ocean beginning next week and he says the Gulf’s record-high water temperatures create the perfect environment….
cut 11 (10) “….other concerns”
Porter says we could see between six to ten named storms in September.

The Department of Children and Family Services is now accepting applications from low-income families who have not already qualified for the Sun Bucks program, which provides eligible families with a one-time payment of 120-dollars. The 120-dollars is to help cover meals for children when not in school for the summer. DCFS’s Tim Jenkins says the child will have 122 days to use the funds…
cut 8 (07) “….the account”
You can apply at louisiana-dot-summer-e-b-t-app-dot-com.

7:30 LRN Newscast

In two different speeches in north Louisiana this week, Governor Jeff Landry talked about the need for tax reform. Colleen Crain has the story…
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

State Police is investigating a bus crash that resulted in the death of a student from Terrebonne Parish. The crash between a bus and a vehicle happened on Louisiana Highway 6-65 in Montegut and authorities have not released any other details. The Terrebonne Parish School District says there thoughts and prayers go out to the student, the student’s family and the bus driver involved.

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says a critical meeting is scheduled today in Baton Rouge to discuss the I-20 Tarbutton interchange design to accommodate a Buc’ee’s travel center.
Cut 13 (09) “…will be about.”
Walker says they hope to break ground soon on the project and they are hopeful the store will open next year.

Louisiana’s Department of Children and Family Services has opened the application process for Phase 3 of SUN Bucks. This program provides a one-time benefit of $120 dollars to low income families with children to help pay for meals during the summer time when schools are closed. DCFS Economic Stability Director Tim Jenkins says they have received over two thousand applications so far…
Cut 7 (06) “…September 20th.”
And you can apply at louisiana-dot-summer-e-b-t-app-dot-com.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football will have two players wearing number 18 and two wearing number seven this year . Sixth-year-running back Josh Williams and starting linebacker Greg Penn will each wear number 18, which since the mid 2000s has gone to a player who posses the traits of a great teammate.

The number seven jersey goes to the player that elevates others around them and is from Louisiana or calls Louisiana home. Offensive tackle Will Campbell, who wore a number seven patch last year will do so again, and linebacker Harold Perkins is the other number seven for the Tigers.

In baseball…the SEC has announced the conference baseball tournament will continue to be played in Hoover, Alabama through 2028. It will be a single elimination tournament next year with all 16 teams getting in.

And LSU leads the nation with nine players listed among the Baseball America Top 100 transfers for the 2025 season.

Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo returned to practice this week after missing a couple of weeks with a groin injury. Marshon Lattimore remains out with a hip flexer. Saints Analyst for WWL radio Mike Detillier says if healthy, this one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL…
cut 17 (20) “…stand out”
The Saints final preseason game is Sunday at home against the Titans.

Former LSU star Paul Skenes returned to his dominant form last night as he struck out nine and allowed just two hits as his Pirates blanked the Reds seven to zip. Skenes is now 8-and-2 and has 110 strikeouts in 92 innings.

Former Ragin Cajun Sepncer Arrighetti threw six shutout innings last night as the Astros blanked Baltimore six to nothing. Houston leads the A-L West by 5.5 games now.

6:30 LRN Newscast

This week, Governor Jeff Landry said for Louisiana to experience generational change it needs to reform its tax code by eliminating tax breaks for special interest groups. What does he mean by special interest groups? Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says that’s the oil and gas industry, petrochemical and farming industries….
Cut 4 (10) “…if at all.”
There has been talk of a tax reform special session in early 2025

The Department of Children and Family Services says the Phase 3 Sun Bucks application period is open. Sun Bucks provides eligible families with a one-time benefit of 120 dollars to help pay for meals during the summer when kids are not in school. DCFS’s Tim Jenkins says families can apply at Louisiana-dot-summer-e-b-t-app-dot-com and for additional info…
cut 9 (10) “…8:30 to 2:30”

AccuWeather is predicting 6 to 10 named storms during what it calls “Supercharged September.” Mel Bridges has the details.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The college football season actually gets underway tomorrow with Week Zero games. McNeese will play Tarleton State tomorrow afternoon.

LSU football has announced they will have two players wearing the coveted number 18 jersey, running back Josh Williams and linebacker Greg Penn. Preseason All-Americans Harold Perkins and Will Campbell will also share the number seven jersey.

Updated LRN AM Newscall for August 23

In two different speeches in north Louisiana this week, Governor Jeff Landry talked about the need for tax reform. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

_______________________________________________

AccuWeather is predicting 6 to 10 named storms during what it calls “Supercharged September.” Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

____________________________________________

State and federal transportation officials meet in Baton Rouge today to discuss proposed changes to the I-20 Tarbutton exit interchange and service road to accommodate the construction of a Buc-ee’s. Sean Richardson has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

______________________________________________

This week, Governor Jeff Landry said for Louisiana to experience generational change it needs to reform its tax code by eliminating tax breaks for special interest groups. What does he mean by special interest groups? Lapolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says that’s the oil and gas industry, petrochemical and farming industries….

Cut 4 (10) “…if at all.”

There has been talk of a tax reform special session in early 2025 and an interest to lower the state’s personal income tax. The elimination of certain tax breaks could offset the loss of revenue from a lower personal income tax. Alford says we’ll have to wait on the details

Cut 5 (12) “…that direction.”

Tax reform has been a buzz word at the state capitol for decades. Alford says Landry is not the first governor to propose a major change to the state’s tax code that would include the elimination of certain tax breaks…

Cut 6 (06) “…very issue.”

_________________________________________________________

Louisiana’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has opened the application process for Phase 3 of SUN Bucks. This program is designed to provide financial assistance of a one-time benefit of $120 dollars to families with children who would have received free or reduced-price meals if schools were open. Eligible families can receive benefits for the summer of 2024, aimed at helping cover the cost of meals during school closures. DCFS Economic Stability Director Tim Jenkins says they have received over two thousand applications so far…

Cut 7 (06) “…September 20th.”

Phase 3 applications are open for households with children who attended CEP schools that receive free school meals without having to complete a form. Each eligible child receives the one-time payment on a EBT card, which can be used to purchase food at stores that accept SNAP benefits. Jenkins says the child will have 122 days to use the funds…

Cut 8 (07) “…the account.”

DCFS has made the application process straightforward, accessible online, and urges those in need to take advantage of this opportunity to ease the financial burden of feeding their children during the summer months. Jenkins says parents can reach out with any questions or to check the status of their application…

Cut 9 (10)  “…8:30 till 2:30.”

To apply, families need to provide basic information such as the child’s name, school attended, and household income. Go to louisiana-dot-summer-ebt-app.com.

_____________________________________________________________________

After a quiet August, AccuWeather is predicting 6 to 10 named storms during what it calls “Supercharged September.” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter says we didn’t see many named storms in August due to the Saharan Air Layer and favorable wind shear…

Cut 10 (10) “…persistent problem.”

With mitigating factors clearing up, Porter says we can expect storms to start appearing as early as Tuesday. He says the Gulf’s record-high water temperatures create the perfect environment to make storms worse…

Cut 11 (10) “…other concerns.”

Besides wind and coastal flooding, Porter says hurricanes can cause tornadoes and inland flooding days after the storm blows through. Porter recommends you start preparing for hurricanes now so you’re not caught unaware if one threatens Louisiana…

Cut 12 (11) “…September 10th.”

AccuWeather is also predicting an abnormally long Atlantic hurricane season that could end as late as December.

_______________________________________________________________________

Buc-ee’s, the popular Texas-based chain of travel centers, has cleared a significant hurdle in its plan to open a new store in Ruston. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says a critical meeting scheduled today in Baton Rouge to discuss the I-20 Tarbutton interchange design to accommodate the project.

Cut 13 (09)  “…will be about.”

The proposed Ruston store will be located near the I-20 corridor. The store is expected to boost the local economy by creating ja minimum of 200 jobs and increasing sales tax revenue. Walker says they plan to break ground on the site soon, with construction anticipated to take 12-15 months.

Cut 14 (12)  “…other places.”

Local officials and residents have largely welcomed Buc-ee’, viewing it as a significant development for Ruston. The store is expected to draw visitors from across the region, enhancing Ruston’s reputation as a travel destination. With this latest approval, Buc-ee’s is one step closer to making its Louisiana debut.

Cut 15 (07)  “…entire state.”

There are also plans to build a Buc-ee’s off of I-10 in Lafayette.

____________________________________________________________

The Saints conclude the preseason on Sunday by hosting the Tennessee Titans. With roster cuts just around the corner, Dennis Allen and the coaching staff will look for players to stand out. With 11 wideouts on the roster, Saints analyst Mike Detillier says one of they’re one of the most competitive battles…

Cut 16 (17) “…to play.” 

The Saints defense is expected to be a strength again this year with the success of free agent edge rusher Chase Young and progression of defensive tackle Brian Bresee. The starting safety spot alongside Tyrann Mathieu is still up for grabs but Detillier says this secondary is one of the most talented he’s seen

Cut 17 (20) “…stand out.”

The ongoing backup quarterback battle between Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler will headline the game, but Detillier has bigger offensive concerns…

Cut 18 (17)  “…question mark today.”

Trevor Penning and Oli Udoh have been splitting reps at right tackle while veteran Lucas Patrick has taken over starting reps at left guard with Nick Saldiveri sidelined. Patrick left practice with cramps Wednesday, and undrafted rookie Kyle Hergel has climbed the depth chart.

___________________________________________________________________

McNeese will be one of the first college football teams to take the field this year as they kick off their season tomorrow against Tarleton State. The Cowboys are led by redshirt senior quarterback Cliffton McDowell. McDowell won Big Sky Newcomer of the Year last season as he led Montana to the FCS National Championship game. McNeese Head Coach Gary Goff says he brings experience to a young squad

Cut 19 (17) “…what he’s doing.”

The Cowboys finished winless in the regular season last year and were picked to finish 6th in the nine-team Southland Conference this season. The Texans hope to build on an 8-and-3 season last year. Goff says the week zero game against Tarleton State is a great opportunity to bring attention to the program, but he won’t let pressure get to his players…

Cut 20 (19) “…hard work in.”

530 LRN Newscast Aug 22

Grambling State University made state history by opening Louisiana’s first digital library building earlier today. The digital library has no physical material. Instead, it provides access to more than one-point-six million digital books and pieces of research material. Dean of the Digital Library and Learning Commons Adrienne Webber says this ensures students are prepared not only for research in higher education, but also for the tech-forward workforce.

Cut 4 (09) “…this information.”

The seventeen-million-dollar facility is also the only one of its kind at an HBCU.

Baton Rouge Police have seized approximately 181 pounds of fentanyl as part of an investigation into the alleged drug trafficking operations involving 42-year-old Cendy Keophimanh (sen-dee kee-oh-fe-men). Keophimanh was arrested last week following another large drug seizure including around 150 pounds of methamphetamine. Detectives conducted another search warrant at a house on Vermillion Drive connected to the suspect. Lt. L’JeanMcKneely says Baton Rouge was being used as a midpoint distribution center…

Cut 7 (08) “…and then distributed.”

The power in a premium office building in downtown Shreveport is set to be shut off Monday afternoon because the owners haven’t paid the electric bill for months. Regions Tower is over 90 days overdue on a building-wide electricity bill totaling around half a million dollars. SWEPCO says they’ve been in contact with the California-based company that owns the building to keep the lights on, and Campbell says the tenants are also trying to make a deal…

Cut 10 (12) “…out in California.”

32-year-old Precious Hicks of Virginia was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being found guilty of drug trafficking charges in Louisiana. Hicks’s boyfriend pleaded guilty prior to the trial and without a criminal history, received a probation sentence. St. Tammany Parish Assistant District Attorney Tiffany Dover says the judge considered Hicks’s criminal history of firearm, assault, larceny, fraud, forgery, drug, ad prostitution convictions when passing down the 35-year sentence…

Cut  14 (10) “…state of Florida.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU has eight players on the preseason All-SEC Coaches team. Offensive tackle Will Campbell, linebacker Harold Perkins and receiver Zavion Thomas are first-team selections. Thomas made the team as an all-purpose performer. Receiver Kyren Lacy, offensive tackle Emery Jones and defensive back Major Burns are second-team selections. Third-team selections are long snapper Slade Roy and tight end Mason Taylor.

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was left off the teams. Nussmeier has a reputation of being reckless with the football as a back-up, but Coach Brian Kelly says his mindset has changed now that he’s the starter…
cut 18 (21) “…team’s hands”
The Tigers will take on USC Trojans on September first in Las Vegas.

Saints defensive end Payton Turner missed practice today as Coach Dennis Allen said the same toe that he had surgery on last year had a flare up.

The Cleveland Browns traded former LSU kicker Cade York to Washington for a conditional seventh round pick today

A week from tonight ULM will be hosting Jackson State to kick off the 2024 season. It will mark the start of Bryant Vincent era as the Warhawks new head coach tries to turn around a program that won just two games last season. Vincent is calling on Warhawk nation to get behind his program…
cut 28 (28) “…six o’ clock”
ULM and Jackson State also faced off in 2021 and the Warhawks won 12 to 7.