LRN AM Newscall August 6

With the November elections just three months away, the campaigns of those on the ballot are doing their best to find funding. Kevin Barnhart talks with LA-Politics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford.

Cut 1 (28)  “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says 2017′s criminal justice reforms are starting to show great results, despite criticism from DA’s that the program is leading to dangerous criminals being released too soon.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Senior tight end Foster Moreau will wear jersey number 18 this season. Kevin Barnhart has more on his reaction of joining the one-eight club…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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With the November elections just three months away, the campaigns of those on the ballot are doing their best to find funding.  LA-Politics.com  Publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s still early for many of the campaigns, but adds the six congressional districts have seen a solid collection so far.

Cut 4 (11) “…congressional district 1.”

House GOP Whip Steve Scalise has seen the most money raised for his District 1 race.

Elsewhere, Alford says the third district race is worth keeping an eye on.  He says he feels confident in the ability for Clay Higgins to retain his position, but says if the people of his district vote on someone else, he sees another Republican taking the gig.

Cut 5 (09) “…point to a Republican.”

Alford says Julie Stokes has the lead in fund with the Secretary of State’s race.  However, she’s not been showing the traditional Republican outlook on new taxes

Cut 6 (11) “…of her base.”

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Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says, head on out to the stands and enjoy the fruits of your local farmers and craftsmen’s labor during National Farmers Market Week. It’s a national week of recognition for the local markets, and Strain says that means it’s time to go check out one of the state’s 75 farmers markets and over 100 roadside stands.

Cut 7 (07) “social event”

Strain mentioned if it’s a farmers market, then it’s likely made in Louisiana. He says this week farmers are rolling out their best, and you’re likely to see some of the best fruits and veggies in the state on display, and available for purchase.

Cut 8 (12)  “flat squash”

And Strain says its not just a great place to buy food, it’s an event…

Cut 9(09)  “candles”

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Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says one year into the program, it’s clear that the criminal justice reforms are showing great results. That’s in response to comments from Louisiana District Attorney’s Association President Ricky Babin who expressed concerns about the program’s results. LeBlanc says the parole reforms have led to a noticeable drop in caseloads to under 135 per officer.

Cut 10 (10)   “manageable”

The prison system is at a 20 year low for inmate population, and saw a seven thousand person drop in the number of people in the parole program.

LeBlanc says the savings from a reduced prison population and lower parole numbers are mostly being reinvested into programs to help offenders reintegrate with society. A PEW Charitable Trusts projection of the state’s progress says at the current pace, the state will see 12 percent fewer parolees, but LeBlanc says he’s confident they’ll do even better than that.

Cut 11 (10) “doing” 

The prison reforms are estimated to save the state 262 million over the next ten years.

Babin says the prison reforms are leading to more dangerous criminals getting out of prison, saying the program has led to the release of five men who’ve been rearrested for homicides since getting out, but LeBlanc says the reforms need time to get established. He says the overhaul is leading to investment in programs that will curb recidivism, and lead to fewer cases like those in the future.

Cut 12 (11) “gotta change”

The reforms use savings from lower prison populations to reinvest in prison programs.

LeBlanc says if the DAs are upset about potentially violent prisoners getting out too early, then the justice system should focus on giving them proper sentences to start with.

Cut 13 (11) “is it political” 

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For LSU’s offense to become a consistent scoring machine, they’ll need good play from their young group of wide receivers. Texas Tech transfer Johnathan Giles says during the first few days of August camp, there’s been a lot of work on technique with passing game coordinator Jerry Sullivan..

Cut 14 (17) “footwork”

Freshman Ja’Marr Chase has already turned some heads during the first couple of practices with his athletic ability and body strength at six-foot-one, 203 pounds. Giles says Chase is also always listening to the coaches and older players

Cut 15 (13) “good guy”

Giles says calls new graduate transfer quarterback Joe Burrow a leader, with an accurate arm and a big voice in the huddle. He says the other Q-Bs on the roster have been stepped up their game…

Cut 16 (14) “to there game”

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Saints rookie running back Boston Scott says he’s looking to make the team anyway possible through offense or special teams, possibly as a returner. The former Louisiana Tech standout has been compared to Darren Sproles and Scott says that’s a humbling comparison….

Cut 17 (13)  “Boston Scott”

Scott says as a way to get ready for his NFL career, he spent a week with Drew Brees and his trainer in San Diego…

Cut 18 (13) “…ball around.” 

The 39-year-old Brees admitted over the weekend he’s spoken with his wife about retiring. But Brees says the entire family supports his effort to win another Super Bowl, plus his kids like coming out to practice

Cut 19 (21) ”…moments too.” 

10:30 am LRN Newscast Aug. 4, 2018

The Department of Corrections expects to save 262 million dollars over the next decade due to the criminal justice reforms that took place a year ago. Those changes saved the state 12.2 million in just one year’s time and the total supervised parole population statewide has fallen by 7,000 people.

However Outgoing President of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association Ricky Babin says just because someone is labeled non-violent by the system, doesn’t mean they aren’t potentially dangerous.

Cut 4 (06) “last conviction”

The Department notes that 120 of those released on November 1st, 2017 are back in custody. Babin says five of those released as a result of the reforms were arrested for homicide.

The Superdome is marking it’s 43rd birthday on Friday. The world famous venue arrived on August 3rd 1975 but was approximately 100 million dollars over budget. The Superdome’s completion was almost three years later than expected. However in its four plus decades of existence the Superdome hosted events featuring the Pope, massive concerts, and of course, plenty of Saints football games.

Louisiana’s ‘Back to School’ state tax holiday is on recess for the next seven years. Traditionally, this would have been the weekend shoppers could save money on many school supplies for students. However, the Louisiana Department of Revenue estimates that particular state tax holiday removed over five million dollars from the state.

So, the ‘back to school’ state tax holiday did not survive the legislative’s need to wrestle the state budget back from a fiscal cliff. Another state tax holiday that were suspended was the Second Amendment Sales Tax holiday that used to be in September.

But shoppers should take note that nothing would prevent lawmakers from bring back the state sales tax holidays before next year’s regular session.

And a DeRidder gymnast will represent the United States in November when she competes in the World Age Group Gymnastics Competition in St. Petersburg, Russia. Lynlee Taylor is the 11 year old daughter of Wesley and Amber Taylor.

The Taylors adopted Lynlee from Korea. The girl started in gymnastics at 4 years of age and began competing at the age of 6.

9:30 am LRN Newscast Aug. 4, 2018

It was NOT Indiana Jones blowing the dust off of an ancient discovery but rather it was Louisiana’s Lt. Governor announcing the opening up of 105 year old time capsule that was un-earthed below a recently removed confederate monument. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

LSU hits the practice field today to begin Fall football camp and there are new names on LSU offensive player jerseys to see. Coach Ed Orgeron is excited to see them in action

Cut 12 (10) “yet.”

Support for Foster kids in Louisiana used end when the youth turned 18 years old but legislative approval is now allowing the Department of Children and Family Services extend to program up to the age of 21.

The extension will likely cost about one million dollars a year, but the state will get to get access to three million dollars in additional federal funding to help cover the costs.

DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says she’s glad the state prioritized the foster care system in the midst of some difficult fiscal cliff negotiations.

Cut 10 (07) “turmoil”

In the past, the previous age limit of 18 sometimes resulted in foster families losing funding before the Foster kid had even finished high school.

The 18 year old Louisiana Tech student who is currently attempting to become the youngest pilot to fly all the way around the world just set another record along the way.

Mason William Andrews is now the youngest person to have piloted to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean aboard “The Spirit of Louisiana” Piper plane. Andrews took flight on July 22nd from the Monroe Regional Airport and made it to Paris in nine days.

The young pilot undertook the flight to encourage donations to the Med Camps of Louisiana that sends kids to camp.

8:30 am LRN Newscast Aug. 4, 2018

The Department of Corrections is touting the results of its first year under 2017′s criminal justice reforms, but some worry about possible results from the changes. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana began its effort to extend foster care services for kids in the system up to age 21, from the current age limit of 18. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the age extension will end up changing a lot of kids’ lives for the better.

Cut 9 (11) “the state.”

Military service members will get their biggest raise in a decade with the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act this week. The Senate vote 87 to 10 that included ‘yes’ votes from Louisiana Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy.

In addition to the pay raise for U.S. military service members, the legislation also funds improvements at military installations. This opens up the possibility of funding going toward projects at military installations in Louisiana such as Barksdale Air Force Base, Fort Polk, and the Belle Chasse Naval Air Station among others.

The House gave a ‘thumbs up’ to the legislation last month and the President is expected to sign the 717 billion dollar bill into law.

The Louisiana State Museum opened up a time capsule that had been buried over 100 years ago in New Orleans underneath confederate monument statues that were removed. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the contents of the old copper box could potentially be worth big bucks today.

Cut 7 (09) “…to be restored.”

630PM LRN Newscast July 3

The Department of Corrections is celebrating the one year anniversary of the 2017 criminal justice reforms that saw Louisiana lose its title as the incarceration capital of the world. The department says the total prison population is at a 20 year low. The new parole system has seen the total supervised population fall by 7,000 people due to reforms that allow offenders to work towards goals that will reduce their time in the system. Outgoing President of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association Ricky Babin says he’s not exactly happy about the shortened parole periods.

Cut 5 (09)  “the best” 

Curators with the Louisiana State Musuem opened a time capsule today found underneath a recently removed confederate monument in New Orleans. The contents of the copper box revealed Confederate money, flags, a US medal and other items.  Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says it’s amazing that people of that time period had the foresight to preserve these items for people of today.

Cut 6 (10) “…is pretty incredible”.

Louisiana has begun its effort to extend foster care services for kids in the system up to age 21, from the current age limit of 18. The program got legislative approval and funding during the legislative season with widespread support. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the extension costs the state about one million dollars a year, which allows it to get access to three million dollars in additional federal funding to help cover the costs. Walters says she’s glad the state prioritized the foster care system in the midst of some difficult fiscal cliff negotiations.

Cut 10 (07) “turmoil”

LSU hits the practice field on Saturday to begin fall camp and there’s plenty of new faces on offense. True freshmen Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall could be LSU’s best receivers since Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Junior. Orgeron says Marshall looks healthy after suffering a knee injury last season, while Chase has added muscle…

Cut 13 (10) “ready to go” 

5:30 PM Newscast

The Department of Corrections is celebrating the one year anniversary of the 2017 criminal justice reforms that saw Louisiana lose its title as the incarceration capital of the world. The department says the total prison population is at a 20 year low. But Outgoing President of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association Ricky Babin says he’s not exactly happy about the shortened parole periods.

Cut 5 (09)  “the best” 

LSU hits the practice field on Saturday to begin fall camp and there’s plenty of new faces on offense. Ohio State graduate transfer Joe Burrow takes his first snaps in Purple and Gold and there’s new running backs on campus, Tae Provens and Chris Curry. Coach Ed Orgeron is excited to see them in action…

Cut 12 (10)   “yet.”

 

Curators with the Louisiana State Musuem opened a time capsule today found underneath a recently removed confederate monument in New Orleans. The contents of the copper box revealed Confederate money, flags, a US medal and other items.  Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says the discussion has already begun of starting a new time capsule to showcase what life is like in 2018.

Cut 8 (10) “…any other year before.”

Louisiana has begun its effort to extend foster care services for kids in the system up to age 21, from the current age limit of 18. The program got legislative approval and funding during the legislative season with widespread support. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the age extension will end up changing a lot of kids lives for the better.

Cut 9 (11)  “the state.”

16:45 LRN Sportscast August 3rd

The LSU football team hits the practice field for the first time on Saturday, but a projected starter on the offensive line will not be out there. Coach Ed Orgeron has announced right guard Ed Ingram has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of a team policy. Coach O doesn’t know how long the suspension will last. The coach says junior college transfer Damien Lewis will move to right guard at the start of camp.

There are plenty of new faces on offense. Ohio State graduate transfer Joe Burrow takes his first snaps in Purple and Gold and there’s new running backs on campus, Tae Provens and Chris Curry. Orgeron is excited to see them in action…
Cut 12 (10) “yet.”
Orgeron says each Q-B will have an equal opportunity to win the job.

The Saints continue to get ready for the upcoming season with a couple more training camp practices. First round pick Marcus Davenport has a chance to up against offensive tackle Terron Armstead and Coach Sean Payton says Davenport is learning a lot from an established vet…
cut 30 (17) “….outstanding”
The Saints will get a change of scenery on Sunday when they hold a practice at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium. There will be a fan festival on campus, that will include, music, food and cold beverages.

Former Texas A-and-M running back Kendall Bussey has transferred to Nicholls State. The New Orleans native is eligible to play this season and has two years of eligibility left. He rushed for 237 yards last season after a standout high school career at Newman in New Orleans.

4:30 PM Newscast

The Department of Corrections is celebrating the one year anniversary of the 2017 criminal justice reforms that saw Louisiana lose its title as the incarceration capital of the world. The department says the total prison population is at a 20 year low. But Outgoing President of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association Ricky Babin says just because someone is labeled nonviolent by the system, doesn’t mean they aren’t potentially dangerous.

Cut 4 (06) “last conviction”

Curators with the Louisiana State Musuem opened a time capsule today found underneath a recently removed confederate monument in New Orleans. The contents of the copper box revealed Confederate money, flags, a US medal and other items.  Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says the contents of the box could potentially be worth big bucks today.

Cut 7 (09) “…to be restored.”

Louisiana has begun its effort to extend foster care services for kids in the system up to age 21, from the current age limit of 18. The program got legislative approval and funding during the legislative season with widespread support. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says raising the age limit will help kids stay in school and establish themselves, so they don’t hit the same pit falls that many other participants have had in the past.

Cut 11 (12) “the system. ”

LSU hits the practice field on Saturday to begin fall camp.  Coach Ed Orgeron is entering his second season as the head coach. The former D-Line coach says he’ll spend this camp helping assistant Dennis Johnson coach up the defensive line…

Cut 14 (11) “head coach.”

330PM LRN Newscast

The Department of Corrections is touting the results of the first year under 2017′s criminal justice reforms, but detractors say: not so fast. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Curators with the Louisiana State Museum opened a time capsule today found underneath a recently removed confederate monument in New Orleans. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says it’s a special moment.

Cut 6 (10) “…is pretty incredible”.

Louisiana has begun its effort to extend foster care services for kids in the system up to age 21, from the current age limit of 18. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says The extension costs the state about one million dollars a year, which allows it to get access to three million dollars in additional federal funding to help cover the costs. Walters says she’s glad the state prioritized the foster care system in the midst of some difficult fiscal cliff negotiations.

Cut 10 (07) “turmoil”

The program will allow some 175 teens to stay in the system this year.

LSU hits the practice field on Saturday to begin fall camp and there’s plenty of new faces on offense. A strength of this offense could be at the wide receiver position. True freshmen Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall could be LSU’s best receivers since Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Junior. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says they’re looking good.

Cut 13 (10) “ready to go” 

2:30 PM Newscast

A time capsule has been uncovered in New Orleans as the result of the removal of a pedestal that once carried a statue of P.G.T. Beauregard.  The contents of the copper box revealed money, flags, and various other items.  Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says the discussion has already begun of starting a new time capsule to showcase what life is like in 2018.

Cut 8 (10) “…any other year before.”

The Department of Corrections is celebrating the one year anniversary of the 2017 criminal justice reforms that saw Louisiana lose its title as the incarceration capital of the world. The department says the total prison population is at a 20 year low. But Outgoing President of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association Ricky Babin says he has some concerns about who’s been let out.

Cut 3 (07) “various crimes”

LSU hits the practice field on Saturday to begin fall camp and there’s plenty of new faces on offense. Ohio State graduate transfer Joe Burrow takes his first snaps in Purple and Gold and there’s new running backs on campus, Tae Provens and Chris Curry. Coach Ed Orgeron is excited to see them in action…

Cut 12 (10)   “yet.”

Louisiana has begun its effort to extend foster care services for kids in the system up to age 21, from the current age limit of 18. The program got legislative approval and funding during the legislative season with widespread support. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the age extension will end up changing a lot of kids lives for the better.

Cut 9 (11)  “the state.”