4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints have missed the playoffs the last three years and they are coming off a 9-and-8 season, which was not good enough to win the mediocre NFC South. Linebacker Demario Davis says it’s up to the players to get the team back into postseason…
cut 18 (18) “…can show”
Saints backup quarterback Jake Haener is participating in training camp in southern California even though he’s been diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer. He spoke with reporters with a bandage on his face. Haener hopes to get more answers on his condition when he meets with doctors next Thursday.

Friday was a good day for Derek Carr as he connected on most of his passes during seven on seven drills and he hooked up with Cedric Wilson and Chris Olave in team drills.

31 former and current LSU athletes will compete at the Paris Olympics which get underway today…
Cut 28 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

LSU football is hosting some of the top recruits in the country as part of Bayou Splash. The nation’s number one safety in the Class of 2025 Jonah Williams of Galveston, Texas is in Baton Rouge for the weekend. The top defensive lineman in the Class of 2026. Jahkeem Stewart from St. Aug in New Orleans is also on the guest list.

LRN PM Newscall July 26

Responding to a hostage situation Thursday, a Lafayette SWAT negotiator was killed in the line of duty.  Brooke Thorington

Cut 1 (27) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A candlelight vigil will be held in his memory tonight (Friday July 26th) at Jeanerette City Hall at 7 pm.

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Legislative leaders have announced no special session on tax reform this year, but they want to take a crack at it before their term is up. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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There are new rules for New Orleans Mardi Gras on what you can’t bring to parade routes. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says the devil isn’t just in the details it’s also in enforcement. He says it will be interesting to see how that’s carried out. Among the banned items are…

Cut 3 (10) “…now banned.”

In addition to portable toilets, tents, and canopies on public property; Hardy says grills, BBQ pits, and generators are prohibited.

Cut 4 (07) “…anymore.”

Reptiles and horses are also prohibited within 200 feet of a parade route, except for horses participating in the parade.

Many revelers are used to bringing many of the banned items for decades, so Hardy believes the new rules will be
hard to enforce especially the closer you get to Fat Tuesday when the crowd sizes increase.

Cut 5 (06)  “…buy in.”

Throw guidelines have also changed, among the banned throws are confetti, silly string, and anything with a sharp point.

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There will not be a tax reform special session this year, but House Speaker Phillip DeVillier says the goal for this Legislature is to pass some meaningful reforms in the near future to bring more businesses to the state. DeVillier says he would like to get suggestions from the Louisiana Department of Economic Development

Cut 6 (12) “…and why?”

DeVillier says before legislators hold a special session on tax reform, they would like to get more input from business leaders and state agencies to find out what’s keeping businesses from locating and growing in Louisiana

Cut 7 (11) “…don’t know.”

DeVillier says instead of holding a tax reform special session this year, he’s asked the House Ways and Means and Commerce committees to hold meetings over the next several months to get an idea on what changes need to be made

Cut 8 (11)  “…our state.”

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Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 9 (12) “…this process.”

Obama pledged to support her campaign against the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump. This endorsement follows President Joe Biden’s recent withdrawal from the race and his endorsement of Harris, signaling strong party support for her candidacy.

Cut 10 (08) “…route to doing that.”

The backing from the Obamas is expected to significantly boost Harris’s campaign and solidify her position as the Democratic nominee t o run against Trump.

Lt. Billy Nungesser says if the election were held today Trump would win but Trump could get in his own way if he’s not careful.

Cut 11 (08) ” …trashing the opponent.”

Harris and Trump have yet to agree to debate each other, but it’s possible they could face off in September. Nungesser says Trump’s attacks against a female candidate will be watched closely…

Cut 12 (11) “…he takes it.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

Lafayette Police have identified the officer fatally shot during a SWAT operation in Jeanerette. He is Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette, a husband and a father of five. Jolivette has served on the Lafayette P-D for nearly 11 years. He was part of a group of officers attempting to execute an arrest warrant. The suspect who also wounded three other officers is in custody.

On August 5, 2023, a Lafayette Police Officer was shot in the line of duty and now is sharing her story of her recovery.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

There will not be a tax reform special session this year, but House Speaker Phillip DeVillier says the goal for this Legislature is to pass some meaningful reforms in the near future to bring more businesses to the state. DeVillier says he would like to get suggestions from the Louisiana Department of Economic Development
Cut 6 (12) “…and why?”
DeVillier says before legislators hold a special session on tax reform, they would like to get more input from business leaders and state agencies to find out what’s keeping businesses from locating and growing in Louisiana

The Paris Olympics get underway today and one of the favorites to medal in women’s beach volleyball are former LSU stars Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth. LSU Senior Associate Sports Information Director Kent Lowe says their matches will take place during the middle of the day our time…
cut 10 (08) “…medal rounds”
Nuss and Kloth’s first match is at 3 PM central time tomorrow against a duo from Canada.

8:30 LRN Newscast

The Lafayette Police Department is mourning the death of one of its officers who was fatally shot outside of a home in Jeanerette. Officers were attempting to serve a warrant, when the suspect opened fire. Three other officers were injured and they are in good condition. The suspect is in custody.

On August 5, 2023, a Lafayette Police Officer was shot in the line of duty and now is sharing her story of recovery….
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The West Feliciana Sheriff’s Office has charged three individuals with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the death of 20-year-old Southern University student Steven Harris. One of the people charged is the mother of their child. Sheriff Brian Spillman says the trio lured Harris to Mississippi as part of a plan to murder him…
cut 14 (09) “….disposed of in Mississippi”
Spillman expects Wilkinson County officials to charge the three individuals. Harris’ family reported him missing on July 17th when he failed to show up for a child custody hearing.

On a much more positive note….the Paris Olympics get underway today and one of the favorites to medal in women’s beach volleyball are former LSU stars Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth. LSU Senior Associate Sports Information Director Kent Lowe says their matches will take place during the middle of the day our time…
cut 10 (08) “…medal rounds”

7:30 LRN Newscast

A Lafayette police officer is dead, fatally shot during a hours long standoff with an armed suspect in Jeanerette. The unidentified officer was with the Lafayette SWAT team, assisting the Jeanerette City Marshals Office with a hostage situation. The suspect had multiple warrants for his arrest and he fired multiple shots, killing a Lafayette officer and injuring three others, who sustained non-life threatening injuries. The suspect is now in police custody.

Three have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to murder after former Southern University student Steven Harris was reported missing when he missed a July 17th child custody hearing.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

It’s been nearly a year since Lafayette Police Officer Hali Bradford was shot while responding to a domestic disturbance call that turned violent, with the suspect shooting multiple rounds killing a 19-month-old. Bradford was shot in the buttocks and it has left her left foot partially paralyzed. Bradford’s rehab is grueling, but she’s striving to return to full duty and resume her active lifestyle…
cut 6 (09) “….in life”
John Mitchell Nicholas of Lafayette is facing a charge of second-degree murder in the death of the 19-month-old and five counts of attempted first-degree murder.

The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association has undergone a name change and the organization is now called Film Louisiana. As a result of the name change, they’ve created a new logo and website which president Jason Waguespack says is more functional for clients and productions choosing to film in the Bayou State.
Cut 8 (08) “…we bring.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints training camp is underway in Irvine, California as Dennis Allen’s squad prepares for the 2024 season. The black and gold defense has been a strength under Allen, but some fans are worried about holes on the d-line and aging veteran stars. 35-year-old linebacker Demario Davis has anchored the unit since 2017, and says last year’s effort was effective but not up to standard…
Cut 16 (18) “…be dominant.”
The Saints ranked 13th in total defense and sixth in points allowed last year.

It’s a big recruiting weekend on the LSU campus as the Tigers are hosting some of the top recruits in the country, including the nation’s number one safety Jonah Williams from Galveston, Texas.

The Summer Olympics get underway today in Paris and there are 35 athletes in the Games that have ties to Louisiana, 31 of them are either current or former LSU athletes. One of those star athletes is former LSU pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis, a big favorite to defend the Gold Medal he won for Sweden in the 2021 Tokyo Games….
cut 11 (12) “….these games”
That’s LSU Senior Associate Sports Information Director Kent Lowe. There are 14 former and current LSU track and field athletes competing for eight different countries. Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson is a favorite to win the 100 meters.

Northwestern State has set game times for their home football games. The home opener on September seventh against Prairie View will kick off at 6 PM, so will the Weber State game on September 21st. Texas A-and-M Commerce and Lamar are two o’ clock kick-offs and McNeese on November 16th is at 1 PM.

6:30 LRN Newscast

A Lafayette police officer was killed and three other officers were wounded yesterday during a standoff at a home in the Iberia Parish town of Jeanerette. The deceased officer was a member of the Lafayette SWAT team that was brought in to help the Jeanerette Marshal’s Office execute an arrest warrant. Authorities says the suspect fired multiple rounds at police, killing the unidentified officer. The three injured officers are in good condition with non-life threatening injuries. The suspect was taken into custody.

Three arrests have been made in the shooting death of 20-year-old Steven Harris, a former Southern University student who was reported missing on July 17th when he didn’t return for a custody hearing for his one-year-old son. His body was found in Mississippi days later. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman says they believe a child custody dispute played a role in his murder.
Cut 13 (09) “…their child.”
The 21-year-old Martin, along with 20-year-old Calajia (Cah-lie-ah) Jack (Female), and 21-year-old Derek Terrell Hollins are also charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder

31 former and current LSU athletes will compete at the Paris Olympics which get underway today…
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association is now Film Louisiana. President Jason Waguespack…
Cut 7 (12) “…in Film Louisiana.”
As a result of the name change, have a new logo and website.

PM LRN Newscall July 25

A US Senate health committee is investigating Steward Health’s financial mismanagement, a committee co-chaired by Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Legislative leaders announce there will not be a special session on tax reform this year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The US Senate Health Committee has voted 16-4 to subpoena the CEO of Steward Health, Dr. Richard de la Torra. Committee Co-Chair Senator Bill Cassidy says they are investigating what led to Steward’s bankruptcy which is severely impacting care at hospitals across the country including West Monroe’s Glenwood Regional Medical Center.

Cut 3 (11) “…West Monroe.”

Due to limited resources at Glenwood, the state forced the facility to operate at one-third of its capacity, which has put a strain on hospitals across the river in Monroe. Cassidy says Steward’s financial mismanagement has had deadly consequences.

Cut 4 (06) “…to treat.”

What happened at Glenwood is not unique. Cassidy says at a Steward-owned hospital in Massachusetts, a woman died after giving birth…

Cut 5 (11)  “…Steward’s hospitals”

In June the committee asked de la Torre to testify, but he refused, didn’t offer another date, or have another Steward Health representative appear. Cassidy says this has forced the committee to subpoena him.

Glenwood is one of 31 Steward hospitals across the country.

A hearing is set for July 31st for Steward’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and American Healthcare Systems’ bid to be the new owner of Glenwood.

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Talk of a special session next month so that lawmakers can vote to hold a constitutional convention…is dead. Lapolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says legislative leaders announced today there are no plans to reconvene in Baton Rouge anytime soon.

Cut 6 (12) “…this fall.”

Alford says Senate leaders have shown no interest in holding a constitutional convention this year.

Governor Jeff Landry pushed for a constitutional convention this year. Landry says the convention could lead to positive tax reform that would give state lawmakers more flexibility during tough financial times. But Alford says making major changes to a state constitution is a huge endeavor.

Cut 7 (10) “…a constitution.”

The state will see a reduction of 600-million dollars in state revenue starting next fiscal year when a temporary state sales tax expires on July 1st, 2025. Alford says changes to the constitution could be needed to respond to this potential budget deficit, but legislative leaders are not ready to hold a constitutional convention…

Cut 8 (06)  “…could see that.”

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Phase 2 of the state’s SUN Bucks program begins this week. It’s a program that provides a one-time payment of 120-dollars to low-income families who can use the money to help pay for groceries when children are out of school for the summer months. DCFS Economic Stability Director Timothy Jenkins says EBT cards will be sent in waves over the next few weeks…

Cut 9 (07) “…students.”

Phase 2 recipients include children who have Medicaid insurance, or are part of the FITAP or Kinship Care Subsidy Program.

Cut 10 (07) “…Phase 2 benefits.”

75-thousand EBT cards will go out each week and children will receive a one-time payment of $120. Jenkins says the clock starts as soon as the SUN Bucks are issued…

Cut 11 (05) ” …expunged.”

Phase 2 of SUN Bucks will issue close to $38 million in benefits to more than 320 thousand children around the state.

Phase 3 application period for children not automatically certified in Phases 1 and 2 will open in late August.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Legislative leaders announced today that they will not hold a special session this year, which also means no constitutional convention in 2024. Governor Jeff Landry along with GOP megadonor Lane Grigsby says changes are needed to the constitution to give lawmakers more budget flexibility. But Jeremy Alford of Lapolitics-dot-com says the legislative will is not there…
cut 7 (10) “…a constitution”
Alford says legislators might attempt to address tax reform next year with a package of constitutional amendments.

Phase Two of the Sun Bucks program begins issuing benefits this week. This is federal money that goes to low income residents to help pay for increased food costs, because kids are out of school for the summer. DCFS Economic Stability Director Timothy Jenkins says 75-thousand EBT cards will go out each week and the cards have a one-time payment of 120-dollars on them…
cut 11 (05) “….expunged”
For more information go to DCFS’s website.

A US Senate health committee is investigating Steward Health’s financial mismanagement, a committee co-chaired by Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (34) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Starting last December, law enforcement began enforcing a ban on big rigs on the Interstate 20 construction zone in Bossier City. Louisiana Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Buchanan says during that time 35-hundred citations have been handed out to truck drivers who continue to drive through that work zone. DOTD recommends truck drivers use I-220, which will add only 15 minutes to their drive time.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Saints running back Alvin Kamara is seeking a new contract, but does not plan on holding out during training camp. Kamara is signed through the 2025 season, but next year’s money is not guaranteed. The Saints could wait to see how Kamara performs this year after averaging less than four yards a carry last season.
Cut 19 (11) “…four or five more years”
Kamara turns 29 today.

It will be a big recruiting weekend on the LSU campus as the Tigers are hosting some of the top recruits in the country. Several of them are already committed to LSU, including running back Harlem Berry, cornerback D-J Pickett and receiver Derek Meadows. The uncommitted visitors include the nation’s number one safety Jonah Williams and the state’s second ranked cornerback Aidan Anding from Ruston High School.

U-L Lafayette’s Michael Desormeaux is set to begin his third season as the head coach of the Ragin Cajuns. U-L is coming off back-to-back six and seven campaigns and Desormeaux wants to get back to having a powerful rushing attack…
Cut 15 (17) “…those games.”
ULM Coach Bryant Vincent takes over a program that won just two games this year and like most new coaches has a honeymoon period. But Vincent expects to win right away in Monroe…
Cut 18 (16) “…year one.”
The Warhawks are picked to finish last in the Sun Belt West this year.