11:40 LRN sportscast

The Saints next preseason game is Sunday night against the 49ers in San Francisco. It’s another chance for second-year pro Jake Haener to show he should be the primary back-up to Derek Carr. Haener on how he’s improved from last year…
Cut 17 (17) “..you’re accurate.”
And many fans will be keeping an eye on second-year right tackle Trevor Penning to see if he’s shown improvement from the preseason opener.

In other NFL news…free agent Safety Justin Simmons has signed with the Atlanta Falcons after visiting with the Saints.

The upcoming NBA scheduled has been released. New Orleans tips off the season at home by hosting the Bulls on October 23rd. Lebron James and the Lakers will visit the Smoothie King Center November 16th.

Jardin Gilbert and Jordan Allen have been the starting safeties throughout preseason camp for the LSU Tigers. Major Burns has played the Star position, a hybrid linebacker-safety position. Coach Brian Kelly says the on field communication between the group has been good, but the tackling needs to improve…
Cut 18 (18) “…evaluate that.”
The Tigers will have a scrimmage tomorrow.

Louisiana Tech head baseball coach Lane Burroughs has promoted Cooper Fouts to Associate Head Coach. Fouts has been the Bulldogs pitching coach the last three seasons, helping to develop two All-Americans, Ethan Bates and Ryan Harland.

Bleed Tech Blue is reporting Louisiana Tech men’s basketball coach Talvin Hester has agreed to a two-year contract extension.

11:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Department of Health has told residents in Madison Parish not to drink the water if it came from the Walnut Bayou Water District. L-D-H says the Walnut Bayou Water System suffered a water line break resulting in the drinking water being exposed to a toxic herbicide used for weed control. Surgeon General Ralph Abraham Bottle water has been made available…
cut 5 (10) “…up with”
water can be picked up at the Walnut Water Association Office in Tallulah.

New real estate rules go into effect tomorrow that changes the way how an agent gets paid. Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors President-elect Larry Miller says compensation has always been between the client and broker…
cut 9 (11) “….will be”

The state department of transportation has announced preliminary work on a new I-10 Lake Charles Bridge may begin this year and full-on construction operations will begin in 2026 and construction should be completed in 2031. One-point-two billion dollars in state and federal funding will help pay for the bridge’s construction and so will tolls. But Project Manager Paul Vaught says the state will retain about 15-percent of the tolls net profit…
cut 15 (11) “….five-parish area”
Tolls will not be collected on the bridge until its open to traffic.

The Louisiana Lottery says last fiscal year was their second best year on record as lottery ticket sales produced 643-million dollars in revenues and 205-million dollars of that goes to K-through-12 public school education. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says scratch-offs continue to be the top seller in their game portfolio and the lottery tries to keep scratch offs fresh by adding bigger and unique prizes…
cut 12 (10) …our games”

10:30 LRN Newscast

Many Entergy Louisiana customers can expect a small rate increase of about four-dollars a month. But Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis says the increase is half of what Entergy Louisiana wanted and they negotiated the rate down by settling litigation involving allegations that Entergy mismanaged a nuclear power plant in Mississippi….
cut 6 (13) “…investments in infrastructure
Entergy has also agreed to reduce its late fees to one-point-five percent. eliminate connection and reconnection fees and expanding discounts for seniors.

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has issued a “do not use” water advisory for residents in Madison Parish. The advisory warns residents not to use tap water for any purpose. The state’s Surgeon General, Ralph Abraham, says there’s been a significant drop in water pressure in the area, which raises concerns about a paraquat, a toxic herbicide entering the water supply.
Cut 3 (11) “…got into the system”
Residents are urged to use bottle water until the advisory is lifted, which may stay in affect until next week.

Because of a settlement involving the National Realtor’s association, Realtors are facing changes in the way they help homebuyers purchase a home. Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors’ President-Elect, Larry Miller on how the new rules will impact the way homebuyers work with their agents…
Cut 7 (12) “…real estate services.”
Sellers will no longer offer compensation in advance as a marketing incentive.

The Louisiana Lottery Corporation just ended its’ second-best fiscal year ever, reporting 643 million dollars in revenue. Spokesperson Dustin Annison says 205 million dollars of that funds K-through 12 public education…
cut 10 (12) “…education system.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

DOTD has cleared the last financial hurdle in building a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Mel Bridges has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

A police shooting in Morehouse Parish yesterday has left a person in serious condition. The Northwest Louisiana Sheriff’s Investigative Unit says Morehouse Sheriff deputies were executing an order for protective custody when they were met by a man with a gun. Deputies reportedly told the man to drop the weapon but the situation escalated and the person was shot. He was airlifted to a regional hospital.

The Louisiana Lottery says last fiscal year was there second best ever, with 643-million dollars in revenue and 205-million dollars of that revenue will go to K-through-12 public education. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says they’ve transferred around five billion dollars since they started in 1991, 35-percent of their total revenue…
cut 11 (10) “….education”

New real estate rules go into effect on Saturday that changes the way how an agent gets paid. Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors President-elect Larry Miller says compensation has always been between the client and broker…
cut 9 (11) “….will be”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Entergy Louisiana customers will see a rate increase in early 2025 but fees will go down. Sean Richardson has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has told residents in Madison Parish not to drink the water if the drinking water comes from the Walnut Bayou Water District. L-D-H says the Walnut Bayou Water System suffered a water line break resulting in the drinking water being exposed a toxic herbicide that’s used for weed control. Bottle water has been made available.

The state department of transportation has announced preliminary work on a new I-10 Lake Charles Bridge may begin this year and full-on construction operations will begin in 2026 and construction should be completed in 2031. One-point-two billion dollars in state and federal funding will help pay for the bridge’s construction and so will tolls. But Project Manager Paul Vaught says the state will retain about 15-percent of the tolls net profit…
cut 15 (11) “….five-parish area”
Tolls will not be collected on the bridge until its open to traffic.

The Louisiana Lottery Corporation just ended its’ second-best fiscal year ever, with around 643 million dollars in revenue. Spokesperson Dustin Annison says the Lottery transferred almost 205 million dollars to the state treasury that will go towards K-through 12 public education…
cut 10 (12) “…education system.”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Many Entergy Louisiana customers will see a rate increase of four-dollars in early 2025 but Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis says the rate hikes could have been worse…
Cut 4 (13) “…eight to ten dollars.”
Lewis says on a positive note, Entergy is reducing its late fees, eliminating connection and reconnection fees and expanding eligibility for low-income senior bill discounts.

The state department of transportation says preliminary construction activities can begin this year on a new two-point-three billion dollar I-10 Lake Charles bridge as DOTD and the developer, Calcasieu Bridge Partners, have reached what is called a financial close, which allows the contractor to proceed. Project manager Paul Vaught says the Landry administration put a financing plan in place earlier this year that received legislative approval…
cut 14 (10) “…were made”
Tolls will help pay for the bridge.

Real estate agent commissions will change starting tomorrow. Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors’ President-elect Larry Miller says buyers who previously didn’t have to pay a commissioner to their realtor who helped them purchase a home will be expected to pay for the service…
cut 8 (10) “..broker directly”
There is a concern this could hurt first-time homebuyers because they are already stretched for cash.

The Louisiana Lottery says last fiscal year was their second best year on record as lottery ticket sales produced 643-million dollars in revenues and 205-million dollars of that will go to K-through-12 public school education. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says scratch-offs continue to be the top seller in the Lottery’s game portfolio and the lottery tries to keep scratch offs fresh by adding more, higher and unique prizes…
cut 12 (10) …our games”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints rookie offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga (Tah-lee-ess-say Foo-ah-gah) left practice Thursday with a back injury. After practice, Coach Dennis Allen said he has yet to receive word about the severity of the injury….
cut 16 (21) “…back tightness.
The Saints next preseason game is Sunday night against the 49ers in San Francisco.

In other NFL news…free agent Safety Justin Simmons has signed with the Atlanta Falcons after visiting with the Saints.

The upcoming NBA scheduled has been released. New Orleans tips off the season at home by hosting the Bulls on October 23rd. Lebron James and the Lakers will visit the Smoothie King Center November 16th.

LSU running back John Emery is back for a sixth season. Emery had his season cut short last year when he tore his ACL in November. He entered the transfer portal following the 2023 campaign, took a long look at UCLA, but decided to stay at LSU. Coach Brian Kelly is glad Emery is still a Tiger…
cut 19 (22) “…he’s back”

Louisiana Tech head baseball coach Lane Burroughs has promoted Cooper Fouts to Associate Head Coach. Fouts has been the Bulldogs pitching coach the last three seasons, helping to develop two All-Americans, Ethan Bates and Ryan Harland.

Bleed Tech Blue is reporting Louisiana Tech men’s basketball coach Talvin Hester has agreed to a two-year contract extension.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Department of Transportation says a major step has been taken in the construction of a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Project Manager Paul Vaught says they’ve officially reached a financial close, which means the developer has sold the bonds needed to complete financing. He says the developer, Calcasieu Bridge Partners, will start final designs immediately…
Cut 13 (09) “…to complete.”
One-point-two billion dollars in state and federal funds will help pay for the two-point-three billion dollar bridge and tolls will also pay for the bridge.

Many Entergy Louisiana customers will see their rates go up by about four dollars early next year, but Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis says Entergy has agreed to expand low-income senior discounts, eliminate connection and reconnection fees, and they are reducing late fees…
cut 5 (06) “….one and a half percent”

A settlement involving the National Realtor’s association is bringing changes to the way Realtors help homebuyers purchase a home.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has released his preliminary investigative report into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Higgins says it was a local SWAT operator that shot Matthew Crooks’ rifle stock and fragged his face, neck and shoulder, which stopped Crooks’ from shooting and then a Secret Service sniper fatally shot him. Higgins says he found it disturbing that Crooks’ body was released for cremation ten days after the shooting, but the FBI says they followed proper protocols.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Former Rummel Raider Ashton Stamps has had a strong camp for the LSU Tigers. Coach Brian Kelly says the sophomore leads the team in PBUs during camp and he’s certainly taken a step forward in his development…
cut 17 (20) “….every day”
One of the more tighter position battles is at punter. Redshirt junior Peyton Todd is competing with Louisiana Tech transfer Blake Ochsendorf. Kelly says both guys lack consistency.

The Pelicans schedule came out today and New Orleans will open the season on October 23rd against the Chicago Bulls. They’ll host the NBA champion Boston Celtics on January 31st, Lebron James and the Lakers make their only visit to Smoothie King Center on November 16th.

Saints rookie offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga (Tah-lee-ess-say Foo-ah-gah) left practice today with a back injury. After practice, Coach Dennis Allen said he has yet to receive word about the severity of the injury. Fuaga is set to start at left tackle for the Black and Gold and yesterday Allen was asked about his progress…
cut 19 (19) “….for him”
Third year lineman Landon Young replaced Fuaga when he left practice because of the back injury.

The Falcons have been busy adding to their roster as they’ve made a trade with New England to acquire edge rusher Matthew Judon from the Patriots and the Dirty Birds are also reportedly signing All-Pro Safety Justin Simmons.

LRN PM Newscall August 15

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers founder Todd Graves donated $100,000 to fund the creation of a 3D-printed artificial reef off the coast near Grand Isle. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (29) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A sad story out of Jennings: a 10-month-old baby girl has died after being left in a hot car on Tuesday. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

____________________________________

26-year-old Trystan McMillon, from Hammond, was arrested on charges of second-degree murder after allegedly selling fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron reported that McMillon sold the potent synthetic opioid to 27-year-old Nicholas Platt who later died from an overdose.

Cut 3 (11) “…everything we can to stop that”

The Fentanyl Overdose Response (FOR) Team has seized 8 pounds of fentanyl since January as the deadly drug has contributed to a surge in overdose deaths in Louisiana. Bergeron stresses that those who sell drugs that result in death can face severe charges, including murder.

Cut 4 (05) “…members of our community.”

Platt’s father, Jay Platt says he hopes this will lead to more fentanyl-related arrests and spare other families from losing a child or other loved ones.

Cut 5 (10)  “…Thank You .”

McMillon was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail and will soon be presented to a Tangipahoa Parish grand jury. Bergeron believes this type of case has never been prosecuted in the 21st Judicial District.

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Todd Graves, the founder of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, donated $100,000 to fund the creation of a 3D-printed artificial reef off the coast of Grand Isle. The reef will replace an old, decommissioned oil platform, contributing to marine conservation efforts in the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 6 (08) “…for the community.”

The donation supports the efforts of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Louisiana, which is collaborating with researchers and environmentalists to design and deploy the artificial reef. LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan says this is a huge opportunity to show what a public-private partnership can do in Louisiana…

Cut 7 (08) “…anglers across the state.”

Graves expressed his commitment to preserving Louisiana’s natural resources with plans to build four more artificial reefs in the Gulf.

Cut 8 (07)  “…great fishing again.”

The artificial reef project is seen as a significant step in restoring and protecting the Gulf’s delicate ecosystem, providing a sustainable solution that benefits both the environment and the local economy.

__________________________________________________________

A 10-month-old baby girl has died after being left in a hot car Tuesday in Jennings. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes (Simms) says the girl’s mother was unexpectedly called into work at a local restaurant and accidentally left the child in the car during her hour-and-a-half long shift.

Cut 9 (12) “…emergency room.”

This is the second child to pass after being left in a hot car in the state this year. Semmes says this investigation is ongoing, but the mother maintains she left her child in the hot car by accident and took the baby to the hospital as soon as she realized.

Cut 10 (11) “…we all are.”

Temperatures were in the mid-90s across Acadiana on Tuesday, with head indexes over 105 degrees. With temperatures that high, Semmes says it’s a miracle hospital workers were able to establish a pulse on the baby, though she ended up passing away Wednesday night.

Cut 11 (11) ” …one hundred and twenty.”

According to Kids and Car Safety, the ten-month old from Jennings is the 23rd child who has died this year after being left in a hot car. It’s the second one in Louisiana. An infant died in East Baton Rouge Parish last month after the parent “forgot” the child was in the car and was at work.

Kids and Car Safety say since 1995 at least 46 children have died in hot cars in Louisiana, making Louisiana the sixth worst state in the country when it comes to child hot car deaths.