LRN PM Newscall July 23

State Police charge an 18-year-old Baton Rouge teenager for intentionally causing a crash that killed 51-year-old Stephanie Payne of Greenwell Springs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Republican Eddie Rispone has launched his first statewide governor’s race ads, and his message to the voters is pretty straight forward…

cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A Baton Rouge teen faces second-degree murder after he allegedly admitted to intentionally causing a crash that killed 51-year-old Stephanie Payne of Greenwell Springs last night. State Trooper Taylor Scrantz says Jack Jordan hit the gas and plowed into the back of Payne as she waited at a Baton Rouge intersection…

Cut 3 (11) “…resting.”

Impairment is not suspected to be a factor. The arrest warrant says Jordan told investigators that God instructed him to kill himself. Scrantz says they continue to investigate why Jordan hit Payne’s Nissan Rogue at an estimated 90-miles per hour

Cut 4 (05) “…happened”

Scrantz says Jordan told Troopers he intentionally caused the crash. The L-S-P spokesperson says that admission led to a second-degree murder charge…

Cut 5 (11) “…Mr, Jordan.”

Jordan has also been charged with reckless operation and simple escape.

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Methanex announces plans to spend $1.3 billion to construct a third methanol plant in Ascension Parish and the three plants combined in Geismar would make it one of the world’s largest methanol complexes. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the plant will create 62 new direct jobs with competitive wages.

Cut 6 (08) “…next three years.”

Methanex is based in Canada. Pierson says the state is very attractive to the needs of the company.

Cut 7 (08) “…this product globally.”

Pierson says with the wide variety of uses, methanol is a product critical to all economies.

Cut 8 (12) “…the global economy.”

The operation is expected to begin in 2022.

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Gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone has released his first statewide TV ad of the campaign, the content of which heavily leans on Rispone’s historical support for President Trump. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the ad targets a crucial part of the Republican voting base.

Cut 9 (10) “…Donald Trmp.”

Pinsonat says Trump is one of the highest polling political figures in recent Louisiana history.

The political analyst expects the Trump focused ads to run for about three weeks before Rispone tells voters more about his background as a businessman…

Cut 10 (07) “…Donald Trump.”

Pinsonat says the strategy is also similar to successful gubernatorial efforts from Bobby Jindal and Mike Foster.

The light polling we do have available indicates Rispone has a lot of work to do to catch Republican frontrunner Congressman Ralph Abraham, but Pinsonat says Rispone’s self-funding gives him a huge financial advantage that he can put to work building support in south Louisiana.

Cut 11 (10) “…known”

Rispone has a war chest of over ten million dollars, most of which comes from his own wealth. Abraham has just over a million dollars, all through fundraising.

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LSU has a brand new football operations center, and while it was paid for with private dollars, several other portions of the campus, as well as college campuses around the state, remain in need of repairs.  LSU Professor of Mass Communication Bob Mann says many feel that the state and the public should put the same emphasis on academics that go into athletics.

Cut 12 (11) “…percent.”

Mann says says various buildings need to be renovated as some are around 70 to 100 years old.  Among the buildings most in need of attention is the library.

Cut 13 (10) “…being pumped out.”

Mann says in order to see a change, there needs to be a paradigm shift in the way the state’s leaders and residents look at education.

Cut 14 (11) “…side of campus.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Not everyone is elated with the 28-million dollars in renovations done to LSU’s football operations building. The money from private donations has resulted in a new locker room that includes pods so a player can take a nap in their locker space, a first-class nutrition center, players lounge and much more. On social media, several people including one LSU professor pointed out that the library on campus is in need of repairs, but a building that opened in 2005 has already received an extensive renovation.

The Saints report for training camp on Thursday. Will Pro Bowl wide receiver Michael Thomas have a deal done by then. Yahoo Sports reports the Saints are offering a contract that will pay Thomas 18 to 19 million dollars a year, while Thomas is reportedly looking for 20-million a year.

And former LSU star Odell Beckham Junior told G-Q magazine that he felt disrespected when the Giants traded the star wide receiver to the Browns.

It’s year two of the Billy Napier era at U-L Lafayette. Napier led his team to a Sun Belt Western Division championship last year and at Sun Belt Media Day in New Orleans he discussed what needs to happen for the program to take the next step…
cut 30 (22) “…specialists”
ULM coach Matt Viator discussed finishing strong after ending last season with back to back losses…
cut 19 (19) “…care of itself”

9:30 LRN Newscast July 23rd

Two Gretna cops have been fired over a politically charged Facebook post that suggested a New York Congresswoman should be shot …
Voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

A rare July cold front will push our high temperatures into the mid to upper 80s today through Thursday and morning lows will be delightful. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 5 (10) “…closer to 70”
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible today for cenLa and south Louisiana.

State Police have charged 18-year-old Jack Jordan of Baton Rouge with second-degree murder after he allegedly admitted to causing a crash that killed 51-year-old Stephanie Payne of Greenwell Springs. Troopers say Payne was stopped at a red light last night when Jordan stepped on the gas and plowed into Payne’s Nissan Rogue from behind. The Rogue became engulfed in flames and she suffered fatal injuries as a result. No word on why Jordan intentionally caused the crash. Impairment is not suspected.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says during the summer months, alligators are more active and officials are encouraging the public to not feed the giant reptilians. LDWF fur and alligator program manager Jeb Linscombe says feeding gators may result in someone getting bit when a gator approaches another human looking for a snack.
Cut 10 (10) “…very very bad thing.”
You can find a list of gator “do’s and don’t’s” at LAGatorProgram.com

8:30 LRN Newscast July 23

Two Gretna Police officers had to turn in their badges after one of the cops created a Facebook post calling Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez a vile idiot and suggesting she should be shot. The other officer terminated, liked the post. Police Chief Arthur Lawson believes the officers never intended to physically hurt the U-S Representative, but the threat is still unacceptable…
cut 9 (11) “…too late”

High waters mean alligator sightings in areas that don’t normally see them are on the rise. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries fur and alligator program manager Jeb Linscombe is putting out this reminder again, don’t feed the alligators…
cut 12 (11) “…part of equation”
You can find a list of gator “do’s and don’t’s” at LAGatorProgram.com

A rare July cold front moves through Louisiana today, it will increase rain and thunderstorm chances for central and south Louisiana, but it will also put high temperatures in the mid-80s for a couple of days. Kevin Barnhart has more…
voicer 1 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The National Hurricane Center is once again keeping its eye on the northern Gulf of Mexico for possible tropical activity. Forecasters say an area of low pressure could form late tomorrow or Thursday and there’s a 20-percent chance of development into a tropical depression over the next five days as it moves slowly towards the northeast.

7:30 LRN Newscast July 23

Two Gretna police officers are out of a job for a politically charged Facebook post that suggests violence against Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. One of the officers wrote the post, the other liked it. Police Chief Arthur Lawson says the officers were receiving training on racial bias and social media and even offered examples that occurred with other departments…
cut 8 (11) “…disturbing”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has issued its annual warning that asks residents not to feed alligators. L-D-W-F fur and alligator program manager Jeb Linscombe says there are instances where people are feeding alligators and they don’t even realize they are doing so…
cut 11 (11) “…feeding them”

The Discovery Channel airs a two-hour documentary tonight on the Cajun Navy. The film profiles various men and women volunteers who make up the Cajun Navy like farmer and drilling technician Allen Lenard who hopes viewers will feel good about our country after watching…
cut 15 (12) “…burning”
The program airs at 9 PM tonight.

It’s uncommon to see the sun and high temperatures in the mid-80s in late July in Louisiana, but a cold front moving through the state today, will give us a taste of October. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 6 (09) “…do so”
Keim says central and south Louisiana will dodge raindrops today, but Wednesday and Thursday look nice.

6:30 LRN Newscast July 23

Two Gretna cops have been fired after one posted a threatening comment on Facebook about New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the other liked it. The post by Charlie Rispoli reads “This vile idiot needs a round, and I don’t mean the kind she used to serve”. Gretna Police Chief Arthur Lawson…
Cut 7 (10) “…tolerate that”
Lawson says the two officers cooperated with their investigation.

A rare midsummer cold front moves through Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it will bring some more rain for south Louisiana, but it will drop high temperatures to the low to mid-80s the next couple of days…
cut 4 (10) “…embrace”
High temperatures will not get back into the 90s until Friday.

A two-hour documentary on the Cajun Navy airs tonight on the Discovery Channel, as the show follows volunteer members as they rescue folks from rising waters during Hurricanes Harvey and Florence…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The unveiling of LSU’s renovated football operations and performance nutrition center has created a feisty debate on social media, with several current and former players defending the 28-million dollar private investment. The players new lockers feature pods that can fold out, so an athlete can get a little shut eye. But many are questioning the need for an improved facility while the school’s library continues to fall apart.

Yahoo’s Charles Robinson reports the Saints have offered Michael Thomas a new deal that would pay him 18 to 19-million dollars a year. But Thomas wants to be the first receiver in the NFL to earn an average of 20-million dollars per year. The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his contract that will pay him just one-point-two million dollars.

Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson will not attend the USA Basketball training camp in Las Vegas next month. Williamson was expected to part of a 10-member team to compete with others who are looking to make the USA Team that will compete in the FIBA World Cup.

At Sun Belt Media Days, U-L Lafayette Coach Billy Napier says Levi Lewis begins the season at the top of the depth chart at quarterback…
cut 28 (22) “…on people”
As a passer last season, Lewis was 37 of 59 for 585 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.

In Monroe, the Warhawks finished 6-and-6 last season, but did not receive a bowl bid. ULM Coach Matt Viator says the two losses at the end of the season are providing motivation…
cut 29 (21) “…enough plays”

4:45 LRN Sportscast July 22

LSU believes it has set the standard with its renovated football operations building that includes a new training room, players lounge, cafeteria and locker room. Equipment manager Greg Stringfellow says each player’s locker features a pod as a chair that folds out into a bed, allowing a player to take a nap
Cut 3 (11) “…resting.”
Stringfellow says no other college football program in the country has a locker room where you can actually lay down and get some rest. He says to have that and a first-class nutrition center should help maximize a player’s efficiency
Cut 5 (11) “…perform.”
The renovations cost 23-million dollars and were paid for by private donations through the Tiger Athletic Foundation.

LSU announces it will retire the jersey of men’s basketball all-American Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. The jersey will be retired during a game in the upcoming season. The Gulfport, Mississippi, native was named a first-team All-American in 1989 and 1990 and he’s the only freshman in college basketball history to average over 30 points per game.

Former major leaguer Lee Smith is now in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. The Bienville Parish native came from the small town of Castor, which has about four-hundred people in it. He finished with 478 saves. Two of his best seasons were in the early 1990s with the Cardinals, where he saved 47 and 43 games in back-to-back seasons.

At Sun Belt Media Day in New Orleans, Ragin Cajuns coach Billy Napier announced that starting center Cole Prudhomme underwent surgery after tearing his A-C-L late in spring practice. Napier says they’ll make a determination in September on whether Prudhomme will play this season or red shirt. Third-year sophomore Shane Vallot is a top candidate to replace Prudhomme.

2:30 LRN Newscast July 22nd

A study shows 34 percent of Louisiana high schoolers drink and 8 percent use injectable drugs, the highest rates in the nation. Matt Doyle has more…
voicer 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

The US Army Corps of Engineers has started closing the Bonnet Carre Spillway. This is the first year the spillway has been opened twice, due to high Mississippi River levels, but Corps spokesperson Matt Roe says the river is finally starting to go down.
Cut 6 (06) “…of the workers.”
The opening has resulted in mass toxic algae blooms.

Based on social media posts, LSU players can not get over their new lockers at the renovated football operations center. Each one has a pod that folds out, so players can take a power nap. Equipment manager Greg Stringfellow says the facility also contains a nutrition center and the Tyrann Mathieu players lounge…
cut 4 (12) “…and recline”
LSU has invited the media to see the new facility Wednesday

LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says Hurricane Barry did minimal damage, which means the state’s sugarcane crop is on its way towards another successful harvest. Gravois says good prices are drawing more people into the sugarcane business and production this year is expected to be around a record high…
cut 11 (09) “…that’s very attainable”
He expects mills to open for processing around September 17th.

1:30 LRN Newscast July 22nd

The governor’s office says the state has now saved over 12-million dollars from the 2017 criminal justice reform package approved by the state legislature. Louisiana Corrections Secretary James LeBlanc says the savings are being reinvested into programs to reduce recidivism…
cut 15 (07) “….these reform efforts”
Louisiana’s prison population continues to decline, from a peak just shy of 40-thousand at the end of 2012 to 32-thousand inmates at the end of 2018.

The U-S Army Corps of Engineers began the long process today of closing the Bonnet Carre Spillway. Once closed, it would stop redirecting Mississippi River water into Lake Pontchartrain. Corps spokesman Matt Roe says they will close 10 of the 168 bys currently open and hope to have all of them completed by the first week in August…
cut 8 (03) “…everything’s good.
A recent study by Project Know finds that nearly 29-percent of Louisiana high school students admitted to using illegal drugs on school grounds. American Addiction Centers Researcher Ruchi Dhani says…
Cut 14 (11) “…percent”
The study looked at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from 2017.

LSU Ag Center sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says sugarcane farmers dodged a bullet from Hurricane Barry. Gravois says the storm produced three to 14 inches of rain across the sugarcane belt, but there were only pockets flooding and storm surge tha needed attention…
cut 10 (06) “…worst of it”
Gravois says they are still on pace to haul in a near-record sugarcane harvest this fall.