8:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation that prohibits the creation of explicit content using an individual’s likeness without their knowledge or approval went into effect this week.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.

Another new law that went into effect this week, increases the penalties for dealing fentanyl. Crowley Representative John Stefanski authored the legislation…
cut 6 (10) “…stop doing it”

The U-S Justice Department is concerned about the living conditions for youth inmates who are housed at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. A recent lawsuit alleges the teen offenders are suffering in hot conditions and spending time in isolation. But the Office of Juvenile Justice says the West Feliciana Center for Youth is air conditioned and the youth at the center are receiving targeted treatment they need.

LSU football players report for preseason camp today with the goal of winning a national championship. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says coach Brian Kelly has tried to tap down on expectations after Kim Mulkey and Jay Johnson won national titles in their second year…
cut 15 (13) “….this year”

7:30 LRN Newscast

If you’re caught dealing fentanyl in Louisiana, you could face up to life in prison. The stiffer penalties went into effect this week and the author of the legislation, Crowley Representative John Stefanski, believes it sends a strong message to drug dealers.
Cut 4 (11) “…fentanyl distribution.”
Individuals convicted of dealing fentanyl face at least seven years for a first offense, ten years for second offense and life in prison for a third offense. If you are caught with over 250 grams of fentanyl that could also lead to life in prison.

Another law that went into effect this week makes it illegal to create and distribute deep fakes. Lake Charles Senator Jeremy Stine says many of these visual deep fakes have children performing sexual acts…
cut 8 (10) “…..in Louisiana”

Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for Governor could help Louisiana’s senior U-S Senator score political points with the Republican Party. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says Cassidy has fallen out of favor with some Republicans and the state G-O-P strongly supports Landry…
Cut 10 (10) “…left behind”
The state GOP censured Cassidy after he voted to certify President Joe Biden’s electoral college victory and then the Baton Rouge Republican voted against former President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial.

The LSU football team reports for fall camp today with high expectations. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the ceiling should be high, considering the playmakers LSU has on offense…
Cut 13 (12) “…in the country.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

It’s reporting day for the LSU football team. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says one of the biggest question marks is with the defensive secondary, which returns just two starters, Major Burns and Greg Brooks…
cut 14 (09) “…..in camp”
Linebacker Harold Perkins and defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo have been named to the watch list for the Bronko Naurski Trophy, which goes to the nation’s most outstanding defensive player.

The Saints have been in camp for a week, so how is the connection between new starting quarterback Derek Carr and wide receiver Michael Thomas? Thomas says everything is good so far…
cut 16 (14) “…job easier”
The Saints practice again today, but they’ve announced they’ll be spending less time outside because of the heat.

Sulphur tight end J-D LaFleur, who is the son of former LSU All-American tight end David LaFleur, has committed to LSU. He’s rated as a three-star prospect for the Class of 2025. The six-foot-six, 220 pounder also received interest from Florida and Texas A-and-M. His father was an All-SEC selection as a senior in 1996.

In college baseball, Calvary Baptist left hander Landon Fontenot has committed to Louisiana Tech. Fontenot was the state championship game MVP when the Cavaliers won the 2022 state title. Last season, he was 5-and-3 with a 1.15 ERA and had 78 strikeouts in 60 innings.

LSU men’s basketball will be in the Bahamas next week and is set to play three exhibition games. Coach Matt McMahon tells the Advocate that senior forward Mwani Wilkinson will be ready. Wilkinson had season-ending shoulder surgery in January.

The Southland Conference has released its conference basketball schedule. League games will be played on Saturday-Monday, instead of Thursday-Saturday.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Drug dealers caught with fentanyl will now face stiffer penalties thanks to a new law that went into effect on August first. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

People in Ville Platte are mourning the death of Deputy Marshal Barry Giglio. He’s the law enforcement officer killed Monday night while serving a search warrant on a known drug house. Giglio is described as a good servant who was always willing to help out. One person inside the home was also fatally shot. State Police is investigating.

The big political news this week is Senator Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for governor. Cassidy irked many Conservatives a couple of years ago when he voted to certify President Biden’s electoral college victory and also voted against former President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial. LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says Cassidy is up for re-election in 2026 and knows he needs the state GOP on his side…
cut 11 (08) “….for re-election”

It’s reporting day for the LSU football team. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says one of the biggest question marks is with the defensive secondary, which returns just two starters, Major Burns and Greg Brooks…
cut 14 (09) “…..in camp”

LRN AM Newscall August 2

Drug dealers caught with fentanyl will now face stiffer penalties thanks to a new law that went into effect on August first. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

Legislation that prohibits the creation of explicit content using an individual’s likeness without their knowledge or approval went into effect on August 1st. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

US Senator Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for governor may help him get back in the good graces of the Republican Party. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

________________________________________________

If you’re caught dealing fentanyl in Louisiana, you could face up to life in prison now. The stiffer penalties went into effect August 1st and bill author Crowley Representative John Stefanski believes it sends a strong message to drug dealers.

Cut 4 (11)  “…fentanyl distribution.”

Individuals with less than 28 grams of detectable fentanyl face five to 40 years in prison. More than 28 grams for a first offense, seven to 40 years. A second offense is 30 to 40 years.  Stefanski says for a third offense it’s life in prison without parole.

Cut 5 (10)   “…twenty-five years.”

The leading cause of death for 18 to 45-year-olds is fentanyl and Stefanski says to reduce the number of deaths it’s a two-prong approach. Rehabilitation for addicts and putting dealers behind bars. The new law hopes to put dealers out of business.

Cut 6 (10)  “…stop doing it.”

________________________________________________

A new law that makes it illegal to create and distribute deepfakes depicting someone engaging in pornographic acts without their consent, especially minors went into effect Tuesday. Senator Jeremy Stine says this type of material is used for revenge porn or fraud and causes harm to the victims involved…

Cut 7 (09) “…picture of.”

Louisiana has become one of the first states to pass legislation explicitly criminalizing the creation of deep fake child sexual abuse material. Violators will face stiff penalties. Stine says when a violation involves a child…

Cut 8 (10) “…in Louisiana.”

Stine says perpetrators could also be fined no less than ten thousand dollars. He says this is a safeguard against potential abuse of technology

Cut 9 (09)  “…in Louisiana.”

____________________________________________

Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for Governor could help Louisiana’s senior U-S Senator score political points with the Republican Party. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says Cassidy has fallen out of favor with some Republicans and the state G-O-P party strongly supports Landry…

Cut 10 (10) “…left behind”

The state GOP censured Cassidy after he voted to certify President Joe Biden’s electoral college victory and then the Baton Rouge Republican voted against former President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial. Sadow says Cassidy is up for re-election in 2026 and knows he needs the state GOP on his side…

Cut 11 (08)  “…for re-election.”

Current Louisiana Republican Congressman Garret Graves, Mike Johnson, and Clay Higgins have been rumored as potential challengers to Cassidy in 2026. If Landry is elected as governor, Sadow says Cassidy does not want a Republican governor who may oppose his re-election efforts……

Cut 12 (12)   “…same team” 

______________________________________________________

The LSU football team reports for fall camp today with high expectations after winning ten games and an SEC West title last year. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the ceiling should be high, considering the playmakers LSU has on offense…

Cut 13 (12) “…in the country.” 

Horne also returns four starters on the offensive line and the defensive line should also be strong with the return of Maason Smith from injury. He says there are concerns about LSU’s defensive secondary, which returns just two starters, Major Burns and Greg Brooks…

Cut 14 (09)  “…in camp.” 

Many LSU fans believe the Tigers can be national title contenders and follow in the footsteps of Kim Mulkey and Jay Johnson, who won in their second year. Kelly has tried to tap down on expectations, but Horne says the players in the locker room plan on playing for a national championship…

Cut 15 (14)  “…this year.”

__________________________________________________________

The Saints are continuing training camp and all pro wide receiver Michael Thomas is looking to make his return after an injury last year sat him out for most of the season. Thomas will be catching passes from a new face this year, that being former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. Thomas says how he already impacted the offense after a short time with the team.

Cut 16 (14) “…his job easier.”

The Saints offense has made a flurry of roster moves in preparation for the new season including the acquisition of many new offensive players. Thomas says that he has confidence in the new-look group.

Cut 17  (11) tremendous group.” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Aug 1

A Ville Platte Deputy City Marshal was fatally shot last night while attempting to execute a search warrant. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

In Cameron Parish, the new Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Headquarters is scheduled to open in 2024 in Cameron Parish. The coastal facility of 11,000 square feet will cost nine million dollars. The refuge will provide wildlife and fish species along the Gulf of Mexico.

Today is the last day for homeowners who received damage from the 20 and 21 hurricanes to complete a survey for assistance. Director of the Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says more than 33 thousand have completed the survey, but he believes there are other residents who qualify for assistance…

Cut 4 (07)  “…survey yet.” 

Go to restore-dot-la-gov to complete the survey.

Tonight’s Mega Millions Jackpot is more than one-billion dollars. It’s currently the fourth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history. Kim Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says this year multi-state lottery jackpots have set records.

Cut 6 (11)  “…a billion dollars.” 

 

Tickets must be purchased by 9 pm for the drawing at 10 o’clock.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints were back on the field for training camp on Tuesday, and pro bowl wide receiver Michael Thomas has been continuously getting reps in with no playing restrictions. To help his return back into his all-pro form from just a few years ago he credits cornerback and Saints teammate Marshon Lattimore.

Cut 26 (06) “…going against him”

Lattimore has been performing exceptionally well head coach Dennis Allen says, and he anticipates that his success will translate to the regular season from having a good training camp.

Cut 17 (18) “…good to see.”

Starting left guard Andrus Peat was absent today due to an injury suffered on Monday. Despite missing practice Peat is expected to be okay.

 

Major League Baseball’s trade deadline is today at 5 pm CT, and the Houston Astros were buyers for pitcher Justin Verlander yet again.

The Astros have agreed to a trade with the New York Mets that will send the 3 time Cy Young winner back to Houston. Verlander won two World Series’ with the Astros including in 2022, and will be reuniting with former LSU infielder Alex Bregman along with many of the same faces that helped him earn those two titles.

LSU football’s 2023 fall practice schedule has been released with practice beginning on August 3rd and will take place until the 19th. LSU is set to play their first game of the season In Orlando against Florida State on Sunday September 3rd.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is being sued by nine schools, six from Rapides Parish and five from Monroe. The schools are claiming that the LHSAA does not have the authority to alter the select/no select playoff format. The lawsuit says that the schools are seeking an injunction on this motion before the start of football season.

4:30 LRN Newscast Aug 1

Today’s the last day homeowners affected by 20 and 21 hurricanes and the May 21 severe storms can fill out Restore Louisiana’s survey to be eligible for assistance.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

In Minden, there’s no scheduled power outage yet. A fire at a substation damaged an Entergy transformer early Sunday morning. The utility provider will have to cut off power for residents in order to repair the transformer. For up-to-date information on the planned outage follow the City of Minden’s Facebook page.

A shooting in Evangeline Parish last night claims the life of a Ville Platte Deputy City Marshal and another man. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says the sheriff’s office was attempting to execute a search and once they entered a home gunfire erupted. Gossen says the officer has been identified as Barry Giglio.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the shooting.”

Gossen says this is an active investigation…

Tonight’s Mega Millions Jackpot is more than one-billion dollars. Kim Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says the state has yet to have a Mega Millions jackpot winner, but the Bayou State can claim 14 winners of one million. And since large jackpots tend to entice those who don’t regularly play…

Cut 7 (08)  “…a prize.” 

Tickets must be purchased by 9 pm

 

 

 

3:30 LRN Newscast

A Ville Platte Deputy City marshal and another man were killed in a shooting in Evangeline Parish last night. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says the sheriff’s office was serving a search warrant at a residence for suspected drug activity…

Cut 8 (08)  “…at the scene.” 

The deceased officer has been identified as Barry Giglio. Gossen says anyone with information, video, or pictures is urged to share them with State Police.

DOTD is conducting a public meeting at 5 pm tonight to discuss the widening of the I-20 project in Monroe. The project will add an additional lane in both directions of I-20 from US 165 to the east of Garrett Road. D-O-T-D Spokesperson Erin Buchannen says the goal is to get the community involved in the development process.

Cut 13 (12) “…on fire.”

The meeting will be held at the Monroe Public Safety Center located at 1810 Martin Luther King Junior Drive.

Today is the deadline for homeowners who received damage from the 2020 and 2021 hurricanes to complete the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance program survey. Office of Community and Development Director Pat Forbes says there are a lot of folks who could get money who still haven’t completed the survey…

Cut 3 (11) “…to help you.” 

Homeowners can complete the Survey online at restore.la.gov.

Are you feeling lucky? The jackpot for tonight’s Mega Millions drawing is an estimated 1.10 billion dollars. It’s currently the fourth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history. Kim Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says this year multi-state lottery jackpots have set records.

Cut 6 (11)  “…a billion dollars.” 

The lump sum cash option for tonight’s drawing is over $550 million.

2:30 LRN Newscast Aug 1

A Ville Platte Deputy City Marshal was fatally shot last night while attempting to execute a search warrant. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

 

In Minden, a date and time of when the city will be without power has yet to be determined. Entergy says they need to make repairs to a substation that caught on fire Sunday morning. Follow the City of Miden’s Facebook page for updates.

Today is the last day to complete a survey if you received damage from the 20 and 21 hurricanes.  Director of the Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says visit restore-dot-la-dot-gov and you could possibly receive funds for repairs.

Cut 5 (14)  “…from the storm,.”

That’s restore-dot-la-dot-gov

The Department of Transportation is holding a meeting at five o’clock tonight in Monroe to discuss the widening of I-20. D-O-T-D Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the project is still in its early stages…  

Cut 12 (11) “…toward that.” 

The meeting will be held at the Monroe Public Safety Center.