LRN Sportscast 16:45 July 17

Bill Arnsparger, who guided the LSU Tigers to an SEC title in football in 1986, has passed away at his home in Alabama. Arnsparger was the head coach of the Fightning Tigers from 1984 to 1986, compiling a record of 28-8-and-2. Arnsparger also had a great run as an assistant coach in the NFL as his teams made the Super Bowl six times. He was the defensive coordinator of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins.

Three LSU Tigers have been named to the preseason All-SEC first team. They are sophomore running back Leonard Fournette, offensive lineman Vadal Alexander and defensive back Jalen Mills.

In a poll of the league’s head football coaches, Georgia Southern is picked to repeat as Sun Belt champions. UL Lafayette received three first-place votes and finished second in the voting. ULM was selected seventh in the 11-team preseason poll.

Former LSU all-american Aaron Nola will make his Major League debute on Tuesday as the right-hander will get the start for the Philadelphia Phillies. Philadelphia picked Nola in the first round last year and he’s quickly moved up the Phillies minor league system. He was 10-4 with a 2.39 ERA in 18 starts in Double-A and Triple-A this season.

The SWAC’s head football coaches and sports information directors have picked Grambling State to win the West Division. Southern has been projected to finish in second place. Grambling is the favorite to win the West, even though they don’t have one player, who is first team All-SWAC offense or defense.

Former McNeese State basketball star Edmond Lawrence has passed away at the age of 62. The seven-footer was a four-time All-Southland Conference selection from 1973-76. Lawrence is the school’s all-time leading rebounder and shot blocker and he’s ranked second on McNeese’s all-time scoring list. “Big E” as he was nicknamed went on to play for the Harlem Globetrotters.

LRN PM Newscall for July 17

A recent Fox News poll on the Republican presidential field shows Governor Bobby Jindal polling at less than one-percent. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State lawmakers will not return to Baton Rouge for a veto session. Michelle Southern has the story…:

CUT 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A recent Fox News poll on the Republican presidential field shows Governor Bobby Jindal polling at less than one-percent. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this is obviously not good news for Jindal. Cross says the governor did not see a real boost in his numbers after his official announcement…

CUT 3 (06)  “at this moment”

Cross says it’s too early in the process to take too much stock in any of these surveys. Donald Trump topped the poll with 18-percent of voters, followed by Scott Walker and Jeb Bush with 15- and 14-percent, respectively. Cross says the Jindal campaign has enough money available to get in the game, but these poll numbers could have a serious effect on fundraising efforts going forward…

CUT 4 (09)  “at the polls”

He says it’s also important for the governor to get into the top 10 of Republican hopefuls so he is invited to the upcoming debates. Cross says, at this point, Jindal should keep doing what he’s doing and hope that something sticks with voters…

CUT 5 (10) “to his side”

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According to the National Weather Service, a good portion of north Louisiana is under a heat advisory and a hazardous weather outlook has been issued for south Louisiana due to extreme heat. State climatologist Barry Keim says rain chances remain low this weekend, but there’s the potential for a pop-up severe thunderstorm.

CUT 6 (07)  “temperatures are”

Keim says we’ve dry and hot because of a strong high pressure system. He says we can continue to expect temperatures in Louisiana to be in the mid 90’s and possibly increase into the triple digits next week.

CUT 7 (07) “vengeance”

Keim says it’s been dry across the state for the last week but rain chances are a little higher  today and through the weekend.

CUT 8 (06)  “right now”

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Louisiana once again ranks number one among southern states in the number of major business projects per capita according to Southern Business and Development magazine. This is the sixth year in a row the Bayou State has received this honor. State Economic Development Secretary Steven Grissom says this is a very important ranking for the state…

CUT 9 (06)  “development area”

Louisiana earned 105 points in the rankings, easily outdistancing second-place Kentucky with 63 points. The publication also designated Lake Charles as their Small Market of the Year. Grissom says the magazine bases their ranking on large capital investment projects and large job creation projects…

cut 10 (10) “200 or more” 

Louisiana now ranks among the top 10 states in the US in five national business climate rankings. Grissom says the state has done so well in this ranking because Louisiana offers a strong business climate for companies looking to invest…

cut 11 (09) “choice for them”

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U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and David Vitter introduce the National Disaster Relief Tax Act that would give tax relief to victims of natural disasters that have taken place in recent years. This would include people affected by the recent Red River flooding and Hurricane Issac. Cassidy says the legislation allows victims to use the tax code to fund their own recovery.

cut 12 (11)  “buy in”

Cassidy says this legislation extends tax benefits which are commonly used for other natural disasters, and allows it to cover natural disasters which occurred from 2012 to 2015. He says the proposed legislation has bipartisan support in the House and Senate.

cut 13 (06)  “Sandy”

Cassidy says the legislation would give disaster victims a break on their taxes and they can use that money to help in their recovery . He says this will greatly help those affected by the Red River flooding, because the President did not approval individual assistance for those victims…

cut 14 (11) “own needs”

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Federal authorities announce a bust of a huge illegal computer hacking forum which resulted in the arrest of 70 alleged cyber-criminals including a man from Louisiana. 28-year-old Rory Stephen Guidry of Opelousas is charged with a count of computer fraud. Andrew Ludlum is the FBI’s Assistant Special agent in charge of the New Orleans field office:

cut 15 (13) “from businesses”

Investigators say this exclusive group was the largest known English faction in the world which manufactured malicious computer software until the FBI got a court order to shut it down. Ludlum says “Operation Shrouded Horizon” has taken away hackers ability to sell identity information they were stealing from personal electronic devices…:

cut 16 (07) “different servers”

Guidry’s arrest record indicates the accused hacker operated and sold access to a botnet in which security breached computers are controlled by a malicious third party. Ludlum says officials will eventually catch up to these clever cyber criminals…:

cut 17 (07) “criminal enterprise”

11:40 LRN Sportscast July 17

Three LSU Tigers have been named to the preseason All-SEC First team and they are running back Leonard Fournette, offensive lineman Vadal Alexander and defensive back Jalen Mills. Fournette was also on the second team as an all-purpose player and a third teamer as a return specialist.

UL Lafayette running back Elijah McGuire is one of 50 oplayers on the 2015 Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch list. The junior from Houma rushed for 12-hundred yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

The SWAC is having its football media day today. Grambling State has been picked to win the Western Division, while the Southern Jaguars are expected to finish in second place.

And Conference USA needs to find a new commissioner. Current commish, Britton Banokwsky is leaving the league to become the executive director fo the College Football Playoff Foundation, which is the organization’s charitable arm.

Former LSU pitcher Aaron Nola has received the call to the big leagues. The Phillies plan to start their former first round pick on Tuesday when Philadephia hosts Tampa Bay at Citizens Bank Park. Nola is 10-and-4 with a 2.39 ERA in 18 starts between stops on the Double-A and Triple-A minor league levels.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association announces it has finalized a four-year agreement with the officials association, which means high school sporting events will go on as scheduled this fall. LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine says this is an agreement that needed to be done and he’s happy they were able to take the final step.
cut 13 (08) “of fall sports”
The LHSAA says the agreement results in raises for officials in seven sports, including football. The deal still needs to be approved by state principals during their January meeting.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 July 16

In a poll of media members, the LSU football team was picked to finish third in the highly competitive SEC West. For the Tigers to win the toughest division in football, they need better play out of the quarterback position. Coach Les Miles thinks they’ll get that…
cut 11 (09) “…more evident”
Last year’s starter, Anthony Jennings, is one of three players who is suspended from the team. But Miles is optimistic they’ll be able to return. The mad hatter is also counting on a big season from running back Leonard Fournette…
cut 9 (13) “…in the weight room”
And Miles says freshman running back Derrius Guice is OK, after passing out while preparing for the upcoming season. Miles expects some tests will be done on Guice.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association announces it has finalized a four-year agreement with the officials association, which will prevent a work stoppage by referees. The LHSAA says the agreement results in raises for officials in seven sports, including football.

Camping World is the new title sponsor of the Independence Bowl. The Hammond based company is the nation’s number one retailer of RV’s, RV accessories, and RV-related services. Independence Bowl Chairman Kyle McInnis says they are excited that the game is being sponsored by a large national company…
cut 15 (09) “….great partnership”
McInnis says the sponsorship will last through the 2019 game. This year’s game will be played on December 26th in Shreveport.

And the Pelicans have announced the signing of former Alabama star Alonzo Gee. The free agent guard played for Denver and Portland last season, averaging 4.5 points a game.

LRN Newscast 17:30 July 15

Governor Bobby Jindal’s campaign announces they’ve raised about $579,000 in his first week as a Republican presidential candidate. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Jindal will spend much of his money in Iowa, South Carolina, and New Hampshire…:
CUT 10 (08) “the nomination”
The Washington Examiner reports that Jindal also has almost $9 million in his corner thanks to supportive outside groups.

The 76-year-old Huey P. Long Medical Center in Pineville is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields says it’s a worthy designation for a building that’s meant a lot to the people of central Louisiana…:
CUT 12 (05) “the register”
He says this increases the chances that the building will be refurbished.

Gas prices in Louisiana are slowly continuing to drop. Emelie Gunn has more…
cut 2 (28) “…reporting”

Governor Bobby Jindal is now asking the Inspector General to get involved in an investigation into allegations that Planned Parenthood is selling body parts from aborted fetuses. Jindal has made a request to I-G Stephen Street’s office to investigate whether Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, which is currently building an abortion clinic in New Orleans, is involved in the illegal harvesting and trafficking of human body parts.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 July 15

LSU’s SEC opener is September 12th at Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are once again led by Louisiana native Dak Prescott, who led the Bulldogs to a 34-29 win over the Tigers last season. State head coach Dan Mullen says Prescott has improved in getting rid of the football…
cut 18 (22) “…the chains”
While Prescott is back, the Bulldogs have to replace seven starters on offense and eight on defense.

LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says defensive tackle Travonte Valentine is no longer on the football team. Valentine didn’t play at LSU last season, because of eligibility issues.

Louisiana Tech has been picked to repeat as West Division champs in a preseason vote conducted by a panel of media members that cover Conference USA schools. After winning the West last year, Tech brings back running back Kenneth Dixon, safety Xavier Woods, cornerback Adarius Barnes and safety Kentrell Brice, while also adding former Florida quarterback Jeff Driskell. Rice is picked to finish in second place in the West, and UTEP in third place. Western Kentucky is favorite in the East.

The Biletnikoff Award Watch list came out today. LSU’s Travin Dural from Breaux Bridge is on that list. So is Louisiana Tech receiver Trent Taylor, who had nine touchdowns last season. ULM wide receivers Rashon Ceaser and Ajalen Holley are both on the list.

And it’s been announced that the SEC Storied Documentary on former LSU football coach Bo Rein will air on the SEC Network on September 15th. Rein was hired in December 1979, but never coached a game, as he died in a plane crash a few weeks later.

LRN PM Newscall July 15

According to financial reports, Governor Bobby Jindal raised about $579,000 in his first week as a Republican presidential candidate. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Gas prices in Louisiana are slowly continuing to drop. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State Police announce the arrest of nine people for filing fraudulent insurance claims and keeping the money received. Sgt. James Anderson says the Kemper Home Service Group contacted them concerned that some of their employees in the Lake Charles area were filing false claims…

CUT 3 (07)  “of that investigation”

A majority of the fake claims were for lightning damage losses to electrical appliances. The fraudulent claims totaled over $55,000. Anderson says the nine arrested face various charges…

CUT 4 (07)  “after the fact”

He says charges of the accused range from insurance fraud, theft, to accessory after the fact. Anderson says LSP takes insurance fraud cases seriously and their Insurance Fraud Unit will continue to work these kind of cases…

CUT 5 (09)  “all pay for it” 2X

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Gas prices are slowly falling in Louisiana as the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.53. That’s according to the American Automobile Association. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says this is about a nickel cheaper than last month.

CUT 6 (05)  “to drop”

Redman says this is not a nationwide trend and the West Coast is currently seeing prices go up by about 20 cents a gallon due to refinery and market issues. He says the Gulf Coast won’t be affected by this increase.

CUT 7 (08) “a gallon”

Redman says the slowing of the economy in Europe strengthens the U.S. dollar which greatly affects the cost of oil. He says he’s seen a drop in the price of crude from 60 to 50 dollars.

CUT 8 (09)  “the summer”

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According to financial reports filed Wednesday by federal regulators, Governor Bobby Jindal raised about $579,000 in his first week as a Republican presidential candidate. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this is not a very strong first step for the governor…

CUT 9 (06)  “presidential field”

He says $579,000 puts Jindal near the bottom of the Republican field. However, the Washington Examiner reports that Jindal also has almost $9 million in his corner thanks to supportive outside groups like the Believe Again Super PAC and America Next. Stockley says Jindal’s short term fundraising goal is to be able to adequately campaign in Iowa, South Carolina, and New Hampshire…

cut 10 (08) “the nomination” 

Stockley says Jindal needs to kick up fund raising efforts so he has enough cash for general advertising to improve his position in the polls, so he’s invited to participate in the upcoming debates…

cut 11 (07) “additional momentum”

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The 76-year-old Huey P. Long Medical  Center in Pineville is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields says its a worthy designation for a building that’s meant a lot to the people of central Louisiana

cut 12 (05)  “The Register”

The Huey P. Long Medical Center has been unoccupied since last summer when the hospital closed. Fields hopes this will encourage private investors to take a look at the facility and develop plans to re-purpose the building.

cut 13 (10)  “downtown area”

Fields says from health care perspective, the services provided at the facility meant so much to Pineville residents. He says losing the hospital was upsetting, but he hopes it can be fixed up and used again.

cut 14 (06) “building”

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11:40 LRN Sportscast July 15

LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette has confirmed reports that Tigers defensive tackle Travonte Valentine is no longer on the football team. The blue-chip recruit is reportedly taking his talents to Arizona Western Community College. Valentine didn’t play last season because of eligibility issues and he spent the spring on academic suspension.

LSU’s former defensive coordinator John Chavis will return to Baton Rouge on November 28th, when LSU hosts A&M. Aggies Coach Kevin Sumlin says Chavis leaving Baton Rouge for College Station is just another chapter in a spicy rivalry between the two schools…
cut 17 (17) “…the field”
Sumlin believes the hiring of Chavis will make them a tougher team physicall and mentally.

Louisiana Tech has been picked to repeat as West Division champs in a preseason vote conducted by a panel of media members that cover Conference USA schools. After winning the West last year, Tech brings back running back Kenneth Dixon, safety Xavier Woods, cornerback Adarius Barnes and safety Kentrell Brice, while also adding former Florida quarterback Jeff Driskell. Western Kentucky is favored to win the East Division, while last year’s CUSA champ, Marshall, is picked to finish second in the East.

The Biletnikoff Award Watch list came out today. LSU’s Travin Dural from Breaux Bridge is on that list. So is Louisiana Tech receiver Trent Taylor, who had nine touchdowns last season. ULM wide receivers Rashon Ceaser and Ajalen Holley are both on the list.

At the Major League Baseball All-Star game last night, former LSU Tiger DJ LeMahieu went 0-for-2 at the plate as the National League lost to the American League six to three in the midsummer classic.

LRN Newscast 17:30 July 14

Louisiana’s Republican Congressional delegation does not support the Iran nuclear deal President Obama has agreed to. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

Sixty-one-percent of state House members and 77-percent of the senate received “F” grades from the powerful lobbying group, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. LABI says these legislators received “F” grades for voting on bills that raised taxes on businesses.

The release of Harper Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman,” which is a sequel to “To Kill a Mockingbird” is creating some controversy. Because prominent character Atticus Finch is portrayed as a racist in this latest book. Jessica Lacher-Feldman, head of LSU’s Libraries’ Special Collections division, says each reader needs to form their own opinion…:
CUT 13 (11) “racism”

Louisiana’s most popular summer-blooming tree, the crepe myrtle, is blooming later and less than normal this year. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings says we’re seeing a decrease flower development because of weather conditions this past spring…:
CUT 3 (08) “this summer”
Owing says there’s nothing that can be done, at this point, to improve the bloom of crepe myrtles for this year.

LRN sportscast 16:45 July 14

Former LSU Tiger star DJ LeMahieu will start at second base for the National League All-Star team in tonight’s midsummer classic. LeMahieu will bat ninth. On the season, he’s hitting .311 with four home runs and 35 RBIs.

At the SEC football Media Days, the newest coach in the league, Florida Jim McElwain met with reporters. He’ll bring his Gators to LSU on October 17th. McElwain takes over for the fired Will Muschamp, who struggled to put together a quality offense in Gainesville. McElwain says there’s talent on his roster to win games…
cut 18 (19) “….help us develop”
McElwain has to yet settle on a starting quarterback, the battle is between Will Grier and Treon Harris.

Former Dutchtown standout wide receiver Shelby Christy has announced on twitter he’s transferring to U-L Lafayette. Christy signed with Mississippi State out of high school, but didn’t play in 2013 or 2014 because of injuries. He will not be able to play this season because of NCAA transfer rules.

The Sun Belt has announced that UL Lafayette led all football teams in that conference with a 2.81 GPA.

Tulane and H-L Bourgeois High School is mourning the loss of one of their star football players. JaJuan Dawson’s body was recovered from a Dallas-area lake last night in an apparent drowning. He was 37-years-old. Dawson was a three-time All-Conference USA selection in the late 1990s.

Louisiana Tech places four players on the preseason All-Conference USA Team, they are Vernon Butler, Kenneth Dixon, Trent Taylor and Xavier Woods.