3:30 LRN Newscast

Certain school support staff might not be getting stipends this year. That’s setting off alarm bells among unions representing those employees. D’Shay Oaks, the president of the Louisiana Association of Educators, says if those staffers are left on the stipend chopping block, they’ll be looking for alternate sources for the stipends.

Cut 20 (09) “…counselors some stipends.”

The scramble to find money for the stipends comes after voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have turned the annual stipends into permanent pay raises.

A federal law that goes into effect on November 12th would outlaw most hemp-derived THC and CBD items, such as gummies, seltzers and deta 8 products. Crescent Canna CEO Joe Gerrity says these are items many people enjoy…

Cut 10 (11) “…the state level”

Gerrity has started a new group called the Louisiana Hemp Beverage Association that’s lobbying Congress to either delay or repeal the law.

 

New research has found that the combination of CBD and THC significantly reduces agitation for people with dementia who are at the end of their lives. Dr. Jeff Keller of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is one of the principal investigators of the clinical trial.

Cut 30 (10) “…to manage agitation.”

Keller says nine out of every ten study participants showed overall improvement in target symptoms from the THC-CBD combination.

Delcambre fisherman Wayne Toups has won free beer for a year after a catching a tagged redfish during the CCA Louisiana Star Tournament. The tournament lasts through Labor Day, and tournament Micah Denesse (den-ESS) says you can still register at CCA-STAR-dot-com for 35-dollars.

Cut 5 (10) “…for the tournament.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

A Vermilion Parish fisherman won free beer for a year after catching a tagged redfish during the C-C-A Louisiana STAR tournament. The statewide tournament tags and releases redfish along the Louisiana coast, with prizes ranging from T-shirts to trucks and boats. Tournament director Micah Denesse (Den-ess) says Delcambre angler Wayne Toups was thrilled when he found out what he’d won.
Cut 3 (13) “…get that beer.”
And there are still more prizes to be won as the tournament continues through Labor Day.

Most hemp-derived THC beverages could soon be banned from Louisiana stores. A federal law takes effect November 12th, but the industry is pushing Congress to delay or repeal the ban. Crescent Canna CEO Joe Gerrity says lawmakers are considering legislation that would do just that.
Cut 11 (12) “…for that.”
THC is estimated to be a 33-million-dollar industry in Louisiana.

 

Saints training camp is underway, and the team is already dealing with a major injury. Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee is believed to be lost for the season with a torn A-C-L. Defensive end Chase Young says the Saints still have the talent to build a strong defensive front.
Cut 8 (09) “…nasty D-Line.”
Former LSU Tiger Davon Godchaux is among the players expected to take on a bigger role.

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is concerned the SEC’s new nine-game conference schedule could cost the league spots in the College Football Playoff. Kiffin says the selection committee has indicated strength of schedule will not be a major factor in choosing and seeding the 12-team field. Speaking to the Baton Rouge Rotary Club, Kiffin jokingly offered his own solution.
Cut 16 (12) “…team is better?”

LRN PM Newscall July 30

A Delcambre (DEL-kum) angler just won free beer for a year. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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As a federal ban on THC products draws nearer, local businesses which deal in the product are working to get it overturned. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A fisherman in Vermilion Parish won free beer for a year after catching a tagged redfish during the CCA Louisiana STAR tournament. The statewide tournament tags and releases redfish along the Louisiana coast with prizes from T-shirts to new trucks and boats. Tournament director Micah Denesse (den-ESS) says Delcambre (DEL-kum) local Wayne Toups was thrilled when he found out what he’d won.

Cut 3 (13) “…get that beer.”

While fishing in Vermillion Bay, Toups reeled in a redfish with a special blue tag for a case of Michelob Ultra every week for a year. Denesse says at first, Toups thought it was just a yellow tag for a free T-shirt.

Cut 4 (09) “…what that is.”

Toups brought the tag to Don’s Boat Landing in Erath, gave Denesse a call and celebrated his catch.

Toups said he is still searching for a red tag to win a new boat. The tournament lasts through Labor Day, and Denesse says it is still not too late to register. You can register at CCA-STAR-dot-com for 35-dollars.

Cut 5 (10) “…for the tournament.”

____________________________________________

Saints Swiss Army Knife Taysom Hill announced he will not be returning to the black and gold in an emotional social media post yesterday. Hill spent nine years in New Orleans and became the only player in the Super Bowl era with over one-thousand yards rushing, receiving and passing. Head coach Kellen Moore says he is one of a kind.

Cut 6 (11) “…in this community.”

Hill said in the post he did not know what his future held. He is a free agent and did not rule out playing somewhere else this season.

2023 first-round defensive tackle Bryan Bresee went down with a devastating knee injury on the first day of training camp. Moore says it looks like a season-ending ACL tear, but the team is waiting on a second opinion.

Cut 7 (09) “…training camp’s about.”

Bresee also tore his ACL at Clemson in 2021, but this injury was to the other knee.

The Saints will rely veteran linemen Davon Godchaux (GOD-chaw) and Nate Shepherd as well as second-year tackle Vernon Broughton and rookie Christen Miller. Defensive end Chase Young says he isn’t worried about the defensive front.

Cut 8 (09) “…nasty D-line.”

Broughton was a 2025 third round pick out of Texas but missed most of last year with a hip injury in his NFL debut.

________________________________________________________

A federal ban on THC products is set to take effect November 12th, after Congress passed legislation late last year as part of the bill that ended the six-week federal government shutdown. Joe Gerrity, the CEO of Crescent Canna and the president of the Louisiana Hemp Beverage Coalition, says unless the ban is repealed before it goes into effect, it would devastate his company, forcing him to lay off his entire staff among other things.

Cut 9 (08)  “…as well.”

Gerrity says if the law goes into effect, it would harm his faith in the federal government, since it would be apparent to him that they do not listen to what the people want.

Cut 10 (11) “…the state level.” 

The Louisiana Hemp Beverage Association is working to get the ban overturned before it goes into effect, and Gerrity says there’s a bill that he supports that would not only accomplish that, but it would also address concerns expressed by the ban’s supporters, who say THC drinks and gummies pose safety risks to children.

Cut 11 (12) “…we’re for that.”

THC is an estimated 33-million-dollar industry in Louisiana.

1:30 LRN Newscast

As a federal ban on THC products draws nearer, local businesses which deal in the product are working to get it overturned. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Several new state laws go into effect on Saturday. One of the new pieces of legislation bans retail and hospitality businesses from adding a surcharge to transactions when customers pay with a debit card. Businesses that violate the law face fines up of up to five-hundred dollars per violation.

 

A fisherman from Delcambre has won free beer for a year as he caught a tagged redfish during the CCA Louisiana Star Tournament. Tournament director Micah Den-ess says at first, Wayne Toups, thought it was just a yellow tag for a free T-shirt…

Cut 4 (09) “…what that is”

Toups brought the tag to Don’s Boat Landing in Erath, gave Denesse a call and celebrated his catch.

Next week, LSU begins preseason practice and Coach Lane Kiffin says the competition for playing time officially begins…

Cut 18 (14) “…day in practice”

Kiffin says starting quarterback Sam Leavitt is healthy and ready to go after taking it slow in spring football as he recovered from foot surgery.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Construction jobs are booming in Louisiana. The Associated General Contractors of America ranks the state first in the nation for year-over-year construction job growth by percentage and third for the number of new jobs created. AGC Louisiana CEO Reldon Owens says major projects, including Meta’s data center and other developments, are fueling the surge.
Cut 4 (11) “…St. Francisville area.”
Every major metro area in Louisiana added construction jobs, helping drive a 22-percent increase statewide.

A federal ban on THC products is scheduled to take effect November 12th after Congress approved the measure in legislation passed late last year. Crescent Canna CEO and Louisiana Hemp Beverage Coalition President Joe Gerrity says the ban would force his company to lay off its entire workforce.
Cut 9 (08) “…as well.”
The coalition is backing legislation that would repeal the ban while adding safeguards supporters say are needed to keep THC products away from children. THC products generate an estimated 33 million dollars a year in Louisiana.

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical say a THC-CBD combination significantly reduced agitation in hospice patients with dementia, with nine out of 10 participants showing improvement. Principal investigator Dr. Jeff Keller says the findings could improve comfort and dignity for patients at the end of life, but more research is needed.
Cut 12 (10) “…all the questions.”

Saints training camp is underway, but the Black and Gold have already suffered a major setback. Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee appears to have torn his ACL during a non-contact drill. Coach Kellen Moore says the team is awaiting a second opinion.
Cut 7 (09) “…training camp’s about.”
Bresee tore the ACL in his other knee while at Clemson in 2021.

6:45 LRN Sportscast July 30

Tough news after the first day of training camp. One of the Saints top defensive linemen is reportedly done for the season. Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (Bruh-zee) reportedly tore his ACL during a non-contact drill. The former first round pick was healthy during his first three seasons in the NFL, and racked up 86 tackles and 14 and a half sacks.

The Saints swiss army knife on offense for the last nine years will not play for the Black and Gold this season. Taysom Hill said in an emotional post on social media it’s not in the cards. The 35-year-old said nothing about retiring.

Saints fans are hoping first round pick Jordyn Tyson will be the next big offensive star. Quarterback Tyler Shough says he’s looking forward to building chemistry with Tyson…

Cut 26 (12) “….never satisfied”

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin worries the SEC’s new nine-game conference schedule could cost the league spots in the College Football Playoff. Kiffin says the selection committee has signaled it will not put a lot of emphasis on strength of schedule when choosing and seeding the 12-team field. Speaking to the Baton Rouge Rotary Club, he jokingly suggested a better way to determine the college football playoff bracket.

Cut 16 (12) “…team is better?”\

Preseason camp begins next week for the Tigers. Kiffin says quarterback Sam Leavitt is ready to go after recovering during spring football from a foot surgery.

Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports reports the Protect College Sports Act is in dire position. The SEC and Big 10 continue to oppose the federal legislation, despite lengthy negotiations with legislators.

LRN PM Newscall

Ole Miss filed lawsuits against two LSU football players for nearly one-million-dollars. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

A large clinical trial led in part by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has shown that specialized treatments for kids and teens with obesity can be delivered at their primary care doctor’s office. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Ole Miss is suing LSU players Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper for nearly one-million-dollars. Ole Miss says the former Rebels have not paid the buyout clause of the revenue-sharing agreement they signed with the school before leaving for LSU. Sam Hutchens with the Clarion-Ledger broke the news and says Ole Miss AD Keith Carter told him the Rebels have paid similar buyouts for transfers.

Cut 3 (14) “…behalf of the player.”

Hutchens notes he does not know how much those previous Ole Miss buyouts were. Umanmielen’s is 550-thousand-dollars and Harper’s buyout is 400-thousand-dollars.

LSU has declined to comment, but Hutchens says, according to an Ole Miss timeline, the university declined to make the payment on the player’s behalf in March, arguing LSU is not party to the contract.

Cut 4 (13) “…this whole thing.”

If LSU were to pay the buyout for its players, it would count against its 21.3-million-dollar revenue-share cap. Hutchens says despite any reluctance from the university or players, it’s hard to imagine someone wearing purple and gold does not fork over the money.

Cut 5 (11) “…deal with all this.”

Both lawsuits were filed in Lafayette County in Mississippi with different judges presiding. Judge John Kelly Luther attended Ole Miss for both his undergrad and law school. Judge Kent E. Smith received his undergrad degree from Northeast Louisiana and his J.D. from LSU.

____________________________________________

A large clinical trial led by researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and others has shown that specialized treatments for kids and teens with obesity can be delivered at their primary care doctor’s office. Dr. Amanda Staiano, the director of the pediatric obesity and health behavior laboratory at Pennington, says the findings are from a study involving more than 700 children across four states and 41 primary care practices.

Cut 6 (08) “…quality of life.”

The program involves teaching kids and parents how to cook healthy meals, helping with grocery shopping, devising physical activity strategies and managing stress. Dr. Staiano says it’s a short program that has long-lasting impacts.

Cut 7 (12) “…the program’s over.”

Staiano says the program sets kids and teens up for healthy lives as they get older.

Cut 8 (09) “…of their lives.”

The findings were published in the July 27th issue of JAMA Pediatrics.

________________________________________________________

The Saints hit the field for the first practice of training camp today. Defensive end Cameron Jordan returned to finish his career in New Orleans after testing free agency for the first time this offseason. He says the team feels more optimistic than it has in recent years.

Cut 9 (12)  “…put the pads on.”

Running back Alvin Kamara also returned after the Saints signed free agent Travis Etienne. Kamara says he always planned to be back and is looking forward to sharing the backfield with Etienne.

Cut 10 (12) “…last year.” 

Quarterback Tyler Shough’s development will be the focal point of the preseason. He says he stepped up as a leader on the team this offseason and is looking forward to building chemistry with eighth overall pick Jordyn Tyson, a receiver from Arizona State.

Cut 11 (12) “…never satisfied.

Fourth-year defensive tackle Bryan Bresee left practice early with a knee injury feared to be a season-ending torn ACL. It’s a heavy blow for a budding star on the interior of the Saints defensive front.

2:30 LRN Newscast

The University of Mississippi has sued former Rebels Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper, claiming the two players owe nearly $1 million after transferring to LSU. Ole Miss says both signed revenue-sharing agreements requiring them to repay the school if they left before fulfilling their commitment. Days later, they transferred to LSU. Sam Hutchens of the Clarion Ledger says Ole Miss also sought payment from LSU, but the Tigers say they’re not a party to those agreements.

Cut 4 (13) “…whole thing.”

LSU has declined to comment.

 

Saints training camp is underway, and running back Alvin Kamara is preparing for his tenth NFL season. Despite offseason speculation about his future in New Orleans, Kamara says his approach hasn’t changed.

Cut 10 (12) “…last year.”

 

A major clinical trial involving LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has found specialized obesity treatment for children and teens can be successfully provided through primary care doctors.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana has a new “I Voted” sticker for this fall’s elections. The design by New Orleans artist Terrence Osborne features a trumpet decorated with magnolia blossoms and Mardi Gras beads.

Cut 13 (09) “…of the horn.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

The University of Mississippi has filed a lawsuit against two of its former football players who followed Lane Kiffin to LSU. They claim edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen and offensive lineman Devin Harper signed a revenue sharing agreement with Ole Miss and they are in breach of that contract because the agreement called for them to pay a buyout to Ole Miss if they broke that contract. Sam Hutchens with the Clarion Ledger expects this case will be settled out of court…

Cut 5 (11) “…deal with all this”

Households that suffered financial losses from Tropical Storm Arthur can apply for Disaster SNAP benefits this week. Tim Jenkins, who oversees the SNAP program for the Louisiana Department of Health, says applicants must live in designated disaster areas of Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne parishes….

`Cut 29 (09) “…census block ratio.”

 

A large clinical trial led by researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and others has shown that specialized treatments for kids and teens with obesity can be delivered at their primary care doctor’s office. Dr. Amanda Staiano, the director of the pediatric obesity and health behavior laboratory at Pennington, says the findings are from a study involving more than 700 children across four states.

Cut 6 (08) “…quality of life.”

The program involves teaching kids and parents how to cook healthy meals, helping with grocery shopping, devising physical activity strategies and managing stress.

 

Training camp is underway for the Saints. Head Coach Kellen Moore is expecting big seasons out second-year quarterback Tyler Shough and All-Pro receiver Chris Olave…

Cut 17 (16) “…continuing to grow”

11:30 LRN Newscast

The University of Mississippi has sued former Rebels Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper, claiming the two players owe nearly $1 million after transferring to LSU. Ole Miss says both signed revenue-sharing agreements in January that required them to repay the school if they left before fulfilling their commitment. Days later, they entered the transfer portal and enrolled at LSU. Sam Hutchens of the Clarion Ledger says Ole Miss also sought payment from LSU, but the Tigers responded they are not a party to those agreements.

Cut 4 (13) “…whole thing.”

LSU has declined to comment.

Households in Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne parishes that suffered losses from Tropical Storm Arthur can apply for Disaster SNAP benefits this week. Louisiana SNAP Director Tim Jenkins says anyone seeking more information should call 1-888-524-3578.

cut 9 (12) “…participating in that.”

Qualifying for Louisiana’s congressional races begins one week from today. Congressman Cleo Fields has already announced he will not seek another term in the 6th District and instead will run for the state Senate. Meanwhile, New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez has yet to announce his plans. President Trump endorsed Miguez for the 5th Congressional District under the old map, but the newly redrawn 6th District is closer to his primary residence.

Louisiana voters will also see a new “I Voted” sticker in the November and December elections. Andrew Greenstein has more…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”