6:45 LRN Sportscast July 9th

Former LSU stars Aaron Nola and Alex Bregman are heading to the Major League Baseball All-Star game for the first time. Nola, who has won 11 games for the Phillies, is a reserve with the National League All-Star team. Bregman is a reserve on the A-L squad and he’s hitting .284 with 17 home runs and 57 RBIs. The All-Star Game is Tuesday July 17th in D-C.

Yesterday in Major League Baseball…Bregman’s 12-game hitting streak came to an end but the Astros defeated the White Sox two to one. While the Rangers blanked the Tigers 3-0. Shin-Soo Choo’s on-base streak is up to 47 games after reaching on an infield single in the ninth inning.

The Pels face the Pistons this afternoon in NBA Summer League Action. New Orleans is 2-0 thanks to the hot shooting of Trevon Bluiett, who had 24 points in a win over the Raptors on Friday and had 26 points in an easy win over the Heat on Saturday. He’s 12 of 18 from three-point territory.

Former Saints defensive back Brandon Browner has been arrested in California on kidnapping, burglary, false imprisonment and a violation of a restraining order charges. Authorities say the ex NFL star broke through a locked window of a home and physically harmed and threatened to kill the victim inside the residence. Police say Browner stole a 20-thousand dollar watch before leaving. Browner apparently has a prior relationship with the person in question. The L-A native won Super Bowls in Seattle and New England, but was unproductive in his one season in New Orleans in 2015.

Lafayette native Daniel Cormier won the UFC Heavyweight title on Saturday night by knocking out Stipe (Steep) Miocic (Me-oh-sich. Cormier also owns the Light Heavyweight Championship as well. Cormier says his next fight will be against Brock Lesnar, which could be a big pay day for the former Olympic wrestler.

World Cup Resumes tomorrow with semi-final action, France faces Beligum and it’s England versus Croatia on Wednesday.

6:30 LRN Newscast July 9th

Billions of dollars in tariffs on products heading to China are now in effect and Louisiana industries are bracing for what could be a rocky ride. A recent Forbes report showed Louisiana as the most at risk state for negative effects. Port of New Orleans VP Robert Landry says the Chinese tariffs on steel will have ripple effects throughout all economies that rely on Mississippi River shipping…
Cut 13 (12) “world marketplace”
Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the state has experience weathering economic storms that are out of its control, but he hopes this trade war ends soon…
Cut 16 (08) “against us”

The LA Wallet app is allowing Louisianans to access their driver’s license on their phones, and comes with a few other perks as well. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 1 (30) I’m Matt Doyle“

LRN AM Newscall July 9

The LA Wallet app is allowing Louisianans to access their driver’s license on their phones, and comes with a few other perks as well. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  I’m Matt Doyle“

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We are 13 months away from qualifying for the 2019 governor’s race.  Kevin Barnhart reports we’ll likely have to wait awhile before we see any Republicans jump into the race.

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Many Louisiana industries are bracing to take a hit from the Chinese tariffs that went into effect Friday. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The LA Wallet app that allows Louisianans to access a digital copy of their driver’s license, is available now on your Iphone or Android app store. The app was developed by a Louisiana company, Envoc, with offices in Baton Rouge and Hammond. Envoc CEO Calvin Fabre says it comes with all kinds of convenient perks.

Cut 4  (09) “expires”

The app is a useable substitute for any state based license checks, like traffic stops, and in the near future could be valid for ID checks in bars, other states, and at the airport. In the event someone totally clears you out, taking your wallet and phone, Fabre says you can still access your license on other devices.

Cut 5  (09)  “your license”

Often states have to look outside their borders for software development, usually to the west coast, but this time a home grown tech company took the lead producing the first digital driver’s license app for a state in the United States. Fabre says this is good indicator of the healthy growth in the Bayou tech sector.

Cut 6 (09) “friendly.”

LA Wallet comes with a $5.99 activation fee.

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Qualifying for next year’s governor’s race is 13 months away, so will we see Republicans who plan to challenge Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards announcing their candidacy soon? Political analyst Clancy Dubos says while names from the Republican party have been thrown around, there is no absolute answer as to when to officially announce a candidacy.

Cut 7 (10)  “…time before that.”

US Senator John Kennedy, Congressman Ralph Abraham, Attorney General Jeff Landry and state senator Sharon Hewitt have been mentioned as possible candidates. Dubos doesn’t foresee any announcements until next year.

Cut 8 (10)  “..late in the game.”

Dubos says he anticipates declarations of office runs will be held off until 2019, but says anything could happen.

Cut 9 (09)  “…declare at anytime.”

Earlier this year, Edwards reported having more than five-million dollars in his campaign war chest. Dubos expects the governor to keep raising money for a tough re-election bid.


Louisiana ranks second in the South for strongest economic development results for 2017 according to Southern Business & Development magazine. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says last year they announced DXC Technology is coming to New Orleans, plus an 800-million dollar LNG production and export facility in Lafourche Parish and LNG and chemical production continues to grow in Lake Charles thanks to…

Cut 10 (06)   “…state right now”

Lake Charles was titled Small Market of the Year for the eighth year in a row as they continue to secure capital investment projects. Pierson says the infrastructure in place it should keep growing…

Cut 11 (10) “…as well”

The success is spilling over into the major cities of Louisiana with Baton Rouge earning an Honorable Mention for Major Market of the Year. Pierson says the state’s economy looks to be getting stronger…

Cut 12 (08) “…in Lousisiana”

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Billions in Chinese tariffs went into effect Friday, and Louisiana industries are bracing for what could be a rocky ride. A recent Forbes report showed Louisiana as the most at risk state for negative effects from tariffs due to its export and shipping based economy. Port of New Orleans VP Robert Landry says the Chinese tariffs on steel will have ripple effects throughout all economies that rely on Mississippi river shipping.

Cut 13 (12)  “world marketplace” 

Landry says right off the bat, he expects hours to be cut back at the port for the men who load and transfer goods from international shipping barges

Cut 14 (10) “who do.”

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson also expressed concern about the tariff’s impact on the state’s economy. He highlighted the damage that could be inflicted on Louisiana’s agriculture industry that ships massive qualities of goods overseas.

But Pierson cautioned against any knee jerk reactions. The secretary says the state has experience weathering economic storms that are out of its control, and says they’re prepared to deal with the economic impact, but he says he does hope it wraps up soon.

16:45 LRN Sportscast July 6th

The LSU football program has received a verbal commitment from four-star linebacker Donte Starks out of John Ehret High School in New Orleans. Starks also had offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and other SEC schools. He’s ranked as one of the top inside linebackers in the country and LSU now has 19 commitments for 2019 and the class is ranked third nationally behind Alabama and Texas A-and-M.

Prized LSU signee Brice Turang has signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. The shortstop from California was taken in the first round by the Brewers and he reportedly receives a three-point-four million dollar signing bonus. It was always considered a long shot for Turang to end up on campus.

The Pelicans are reportedly brining back point guard Ian Clark as he’s signing a one-year, veteran’s minimum cntract. Clark was one of the team’s top guards off the bench last season as he averaged seven points and two assists in 74 games. His role grew on the team after DeMarcus Cousins went down with a torn Achilles tendon in January.

Five-time World Champion Brazil was defeated on Friday in Russia as Beligum advances to the semi-finals with a two-to-one victory. Beligum will make its second semi-final appearance in World Cup history. Earlier in the day, France scored an early goal and defeated Uruguay two to one.

In quarterfinal action on Saturday, Sweden takes on England, while Russia faces Croatia.

Back to the NBA….Tony Parker is reportedly leaving San Antonio after 17 years as he’s signing a two-year contract with the Charlotte Hornets. Parker played in just 55 games last season, averaging eight points and four assists a game. Parker is the Spurs all-time leader in assists with 6.829. He’s also only the third player to play at least 17 seasons with one team before playing with another. Karl Malone and Hakeem Olajuwon are the other two.

And it appears Carmelo Anthony’s time in Oklahoma city is coming to an end. There’s a report the Thunder are looking to trade Anthony or buy out the rest of his contract. He’s owed nearly 28-million dollars next season. Houston is reportedly interested in the 34-year-old, who averaged a career low 16 points a game last season.

LRN PM Newscall July 6th

A pioneer in cardiovascular health, New Orleans surgeon John Ochsner, has passed away at the age of 91. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Essence Festival has started in New Orleans, bringing three days of entertainment some of the biggest names in music, comedy, and culture. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle” 

The man who performed the first heart transplant in the Gulf South has passed away in New Orleans. Doctor John Ochsner conducted over 12-thousand surgeries during a 57 year career. He passed away at the age of 91. President of the Ochsner Health System, Warner Thomas, calls Doctor Ochnser an icon in the industry

cut 9 (10)  “…as well”

Thomas says Doctor Ochsner pioneered valve and coronary surgery and received the prestigous Michael E DeBakey Surgical Award in 2000. He says Doctor Ochsner’s patients had the utmost respect for him

Cut 10 (09) “…amazing outcomes.”

Doctor Ochsner’s father, Alton Ochsner, helped found the Ochsner health care system. Doctor John Ochsner stopped performing surgeries at 75-years-old, but was still involved with the clinic on a daily basis…

Cut 11 (11) “…do better.”

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Essence Fest has kicked off today in New Orleans, taking over the city for three days as some of the biggest names in entertainment take the town. Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Snoop Dog headline the show tonight, and New Orleans Convention and Visitor’s bureau Spokesperson Kristian Sonnier says that’s not all.

Cut 12 (10)   “and more”

Temperatures will be in the upper 80s all weekend in the Crescent City, with decent chances for afternoon showers throughout the event. Sonnier says that shouldn’t scare you away, because Essence Fest is indoor fun.

Cut 13 (09) “air conditioning” 

Most of the festival takes place in Morial Convention Center by day, where speakers and workshops for personal development will be offered, and by night for concerts at the Super Dome. Sonnier says if you get hungry, there’s great options right nearby.

Cut 14 (11) “around there.”

14:30 LRN Newscast July 6th

Renowned New Orleans heart surgeon Doctor John Ochsner has passed away at the age of 91. President of the Ochsner Health System, Warner Thomas, says Doctor Ochsner performed the first heart transplant in the Gulf South and conducted over 12-thousand surgeries during a 57-year career. He received the utmost respect from his patients…
cut 10 (09) “…amazing outcomes”
His father co-founded the Ochsner Health System.

Hurricane Beyrl is the first hurricane of the season after forming in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Forecaster with the National Hurricane Center Robbie Berg says its a small storm…
Cut 6 (09) “…5 miles wide”
Beyrl is not a threat to the Gulf of Mexico at this time.

State Police are looking for the driver that hit a bicyclist in Slidell last night and then fled the scene. Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says 42-year-old Sandra Royer took proper safety precautions for a night ride…
cut 4 (10) “…type of collision”
Dwight says be on the lookout for an SUV with damage to the front end and passenger side.

The Essence Music Festival is underway in New Orleans. It’s known as the country’s largest celebration of black women and black culture. Influential voices in business, politics and entertainment are speaking throughout the day and then there’s big concerts at night. New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesperson Kristian Sonnier says it’s the coolest event in town….
cut 13 (09)_ “….air conditioning”

1:30 LRN Newscast July 6th

A recent escape from Swanson Center for Youth in Monroe marks at least the fifth of the year for the juvenile detention facility. Kevin Barnhart has the details on the issues with the facility.
Cut 1 (29) I’m Kevin Barnhart“

We have our first hurricane of the 2018 season. Hurricane Beryl is way out in the Atlantic Ocean. Robbie Berg with the National Hurricane Center says it’s not unusual to see a hurricane form this early in the season…
cut 8 (07) “….every year”
Beryl has a chance to become a Category Two storm, but not a threat to the Gulf of Mexico at this time.

The man who performed the first heart transplant in the Gulf South has passed away in New Orleans. Doctor John Ochsner conducted over 12-thousand surgeries during a 57 year career. He passed away at the age of 91. President of the Ochsner Health System, Warner Thomas, calls Doctor Ochnser an icon in the industry
cut 9 (10) “…as well”
Doctor Ochsner’s father, Alton Ochsner, helped found the Ochsner health care system.

State Police are looking for an S-U-V that fatally struck 42-year-old Sandra Royer of Slidell. Troopers say at around 9:30 last night on Brownswitch Road, Royer was riding her bike and wearing an orange safety vest, when she was struck from behind by a dark colored S-U-V. Senior Trooper Dustin Dwight says it’s important drivers give cyclists a three-foot gap when passing them and he has this advice for cyclists…
cut 5 (07) “…off the roadway”

9:30 LRN Newscast July 6th

The Louisiana Department of Revenue believes they will be able to collect sales taxes on all online purchases starting in January. L-D-R Secretary Kimberly Robinson says its not a simple process. There are widely different tax rates from parish to parish. Robinson says they’re working on software that will make it easy for retailers to make sure they’re charging the right local rate.
Cut 12 (10) “come up.”

Louisiana will receive one-point-four billion dollars in federal money for several different flood and hurricane protection projects. Senator Bill Cassidy says 760-million dollars will go to an 18-mile hurricane levee project in St John the Baptist Parish….
cut 8 (10) “…those river parishes”
This allocation will also fully fund the Comite River Diversion Canal, which will reduce flood damage for homes in East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Ascension Parishes.

A recent escape from Swanson Center for Youth in Monroe marks at least the fifth of the year for the juvenile detention facility. Kevin Barnhart has the details on the issues with the facility.
Cut 1 (29) I’m Kevin Barnhart“

State Police are looking for an S-U-V that fatally struck 42-year-old Sandra Royer of Slidell. Troopers say at around 9:30 last night on Brownswitch Road, Royer was riding a Huffy mountain style bicycle and wearing an orange safety vest and was struck from behind by a dark colored S-U-V. Royer was pronounced dead at local hospital.

8:30 LRN Newscast July 6th

The long-delayed Comite River Diversion Canal in East Baton Rouge Parish is now fully funded. Connor Ferrill has more on the money the state will receive for flood mitigation projects…
Voicer 2 (30) ”I’m Connor Ferrill”

The first hurricane of the season has formed. Hurricane Beryle is way out in the Atlantic and forecasters say it’s not a threat to the Gulf of Mexico. Expect a hot and humid day today and rain chances are high for this weekend.

The state office of Juvenile Justice says changes have been made to the perimeter at the Swanson Center for the Youth in Monroe to prevent another escape attempt. There have been at least five of them this year. Deputy Secretary for the O-J-J, Doctor James Bueche…
cut 6 (12) “….difficult to do’

The criminal justice reform legislation approved in 2017 means Neilson Rizzuto could be released from prison later this month. He’s the drunk driver that plowed into a crowd at a 2017 New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade and injured 32 people. He was sentenced to five years in prison in January, but Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says new sentencing laws allow the release of well-behaved, non-violent inmates after 35-percent of their sentence is served….
cut 15 (10) “…cost of incarceration”

7:30 LRN Newscast July 6th

Louisiana could see an influx of money soon as the state revenue department plans to start collecting sales taxes from all online retailers starting next year..
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

US tarriffs totaling 34-billion dollars on Chinese goods went into effect at midnight, which provoked China to retalitate and place 34-billion dollars on US exports. Data from Louisiana Economic Development says Louisiana exports seven-point-nine billion dollars worth of products to China.

A recent escape from Swanson Center for Youth in Monroe marks at least the fifth of the year for the juvenile detention facility. While attention can be turned to staffing issues, Deputy Secretary for the Office of Juvenile Justice, Dr. James Bueche, says the dated facility is partially to blame.
Cut 4 (09) “…in that function”
Bueche says they are making a series of security enhancements to Swanson’s perimeter.

One-point-four billion dollars is coming to Louisiana to pay for flood mitigation projects. 343-million dollars will fully fund the Comite River Diversion Canal, a major flood protection project for East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes. US Representative Garret Graves says receiving this money allows the state to focus on other issues…
cut 10 (12) “….in our region”
There’s also 760-million dollars for a flood protection project in the River Parishes.