1:30 LRN Newscast

Tonight’s MegaMillions jackpot is the second largest in the history of the game, at $1.35 Billion, with a cash value of $659.5 million. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says jackpot fever in the Bayou State is as high as the temperatures outside…
Cut 12 (10) “…$3.9 million.”

The Saints all-time sacks leader, Cam Jordan, has signed a two-year contract extension worth 27.5 million dollars. It wil keep him in New Orleans through the 2025 season. The deal nearly assures that the 34-year-old Jordan will retire as a Saint and now he wants to win a Super Bowl…
cut 5 (15) “….the offense”
Saints first preseason game is August 13th against the Super Bowl champs.

More than a dozen chefs from across the country will face off for the crown at the 2023 Great American Seafood Cook-off in the Crescent City tomorrow. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says every year chefs representing their state get to display their incredible talent and showcase their seafood creations…
Cut 6 (11) “…to Louisiana.”
The culinary showdown will be live-streamed with a celebrity panel of judges.

Thursday’s announcement of Taylor Swift returning to New Orleans was a nice way for the Superdome to celebrate their 49th birthday. 2024 is shaping up to be a big year, General Manager of the Caesars Superdome Evan Holmes says it will be their 50th, renovations should be completed, and three nights in a row with Taylor Swift in late October. Holmes says they’ll be ready
Cut 12 (08) “…for us.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

The size of the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico is the sixth smallest in 36 years. LSU Professor Nancy Rabalais says unfortunately it’s not because there’s a decrease in volume of nutrients that robs this part of the gulf of oxygen…

cut 10  (11) “…action plan”

Rabalais says the dead zone is smaller because the Mississippi River is not putting as much fresh water into the Gulf, because dry conditions in the Midwest.

 

A new report on public school teacher salaries shows one reason why teacher pay falls below the Southern Regional Average is that experienced teachers do not make much more than beginning teachers. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says in most cases the difference is only about 10 thousand dollars a year between a first-year teacher and a 20-year vet…

Cut 14 (10)  “…conversation.”

 

Karma is bringing Taylor Swift back around to the Superdome in 2024. Brooke Thorington has all the details.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says a new study shows there are fundamental issues with teacher pay in Louisiana. Erwin says the report shows that starting pay for teachers is the second highest in the South, but the overall statewide average is among the lowest. Erwin says that’s because the state continues to give out across the board pay raises…
cut 15 (08) “…in play”
He says in most cases the difference is only about 10 thousand dollars a year between a first-year teacher and a 20-year veteran.

The state’s Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has approved new limits on the speckled trout. The conservation plan will limit the number of fish that can be caught per day per angler from 25 to 15. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says the public will have the opportunity to comment on the plan …
cut 9 (12) “….wanna go”

Taylor Swift concert tickets was a popular discussion around the dinner table last night. It was announced yesterday that Swift will perform at the Ceasar’s Superdome for three nights in late October in 2024. General Manager of the Dome, Evan Holmes, says if you’re trying to get tickets…
cut 11 (11) “…scalpers”
For ticket information go to Taylor Swift’s website.

Planning is underway to build a one-point-eight billion dollar low-carbon methanol production facility in Pineville. SunGas Renewables CEO Robert Rigdon says they plan to hire over 100 people to produce nearly 400-thousand metric tons of green methanol that large ships will use….
cut 5 (11) “….of choice”
Construction on the facility could begin late next year.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Karma is bringing Taylor Swift back around to the Superdome in 2024. Brooke Thorington has all the details.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Southeastern Louisiana says no personal data or educational records were stolen when the university was hit by a cyber security attack six months ago. Several agencies are investigating the incident that resulted in S-L-U taking its network off line for nearly a month.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves a plan that lowers the catch limit for speckled trout. Under the plan approved, anglers would only be allowed to catch a speckled trout that’s more than 13 inches long. The total catch per angler per day would go from 25 fish to 15. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says this conservation plan is needed…
Cut 8 (07) “…concerned.”
Banks says the public will have the opportunity to comment on the plan and legislators could reject it, but if there are no hold ups, it could go into effect as early as November.

SunGas Renewables CEO Robert Rigdon says building a $1.8 billion renewable low-carbon methanol site in Pineville will make a meaningful impact in producing clean energy. Rigdon says after inspecting several sites, this was the best location.
Cut 4 (11) “…be outstanding.”
The plan is to produce nearly 400-thousand tons of green methanol that would allow big container ships to sail on clean energy.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU Head football coach Brian Kelly addressed the media after their first fall practice on Thursday. Kelly is entering his second year with the team and is expecting to build off of last year’s success.
Cut 16 (09) “…to build upon.”
One of the position battles to watch is at center. Charles Turner is back for his fifth season, but Kelly says he’s being pushed by Marlon Martinez….
cut 21 (29) “….vigilante”
LSU running back John Emery joins the team today. He missed practice yesterday as he was finishing up an internship.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves a plan that lowers the catch limit for speckled trout. Under the plan approved, anglers would only be allowed to catch a speckled trout that’s more than 13 inches long. The maximum size allowed is 20 inches and only two fish above that limit are allowed. Also, the total catch per angler per day would go from 25 fish to 15. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says this conservation plan is needed…
Cut 8 (07) “…concerned.”
Banks says the public will have the opportunity to comment on the plan and legislators could reject it, but if there are no hold ups, it could go into effect as early as November.

In recruiting, Sterlington offensive tackle Mitch Hodnett has committed to TCU. He’s a three-star prospect, listed as the 39th overall prospect per 247 sports.

LRN Newscast 6:30

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves new catch limits for the speckled trout because there’s been a decline in the overall size of the popular recreational fish. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says he’s pleased to see the commission pass a measure…
Cut 7 (06) “…very, very close.”
Under the plan approved, anglers would only be allowed to catch a speckled trout that’s more than 13 inches long. The maximum size allowed is 20 inches and only two fish above that limit are allowed.

A recent study on teacher salaries finds starting pay for Louisiana teachers is among the highest in the South, but yet overall pay for teachers is among the lowest. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin public school teacher salaries do not grow very much over time…
Cut 13 (12) “…to stay.”
Erwin says the data shows the average salary growth potential for teachers in Louisiana is the second lowest in the region, ahead of only Alabama.

Sungas Renewables officials say their proposed one-point-eight billion dollar plant they plan to build will produce a renewable low-carbon methanol that will help the shipping industry. Teiko Foxx has more
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Updated LRN AM Newscall August 4

Sungas Renewables officials say their proposed one-point-eight billion dollar plant they plan to build in Pineville will produce  a renewable low-carbon methanol that will help the shipping industry. Teiko Foxx has more

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Karma is bringing Taylor Swift back around to the Superdome in 2024. Brooke Thorington has all the details.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

For years, teacher pay in Louisiana has lagged behind most of the other Southern states, but starting pay for a teacher in the Bayou State is among the highest in the South. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

________________________________________________

SunGas Renewables CEO Robert Rigdon says building a $1.8 billion renewable low-carbon methanol site in Pineville at its Beaver Lake Renewable Energy facility will make a meaningful impact in producing clean energy. Rigdon says after inspecting several sites, this was the best location.

Cut 4 (11)  “…be outstanding.”

The project will produce nearly 400 thousand tons of green methanol every year. Green methanol is a low-carbon fuel that is made from carbon dioxide and wither biomass or renewable electricity. Rigdon says the low-carbon energy solution will help fuel a better world.

Cut 5 (11)   “…of choice.”

The state has prepared competitive incentives that includes a $6 million performance-based grant for infrastructure improvements. Rigdon says there are currently in phase two of the project and hope to be in the final phase by the fourth quarter before full construction.

Cut 6 (13)  “…that process.”

The company expects to make a final investment decision in August 2024.

________________________________________________

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves new catch limits for the speckled trout because there’s been a decline in the overall size of the popular recreational fish. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says he’s pleased the commission approved a measure…

Cut 7 (06) “…very, very close.”

Under the plan approved, anglers would only be allowed to catch a speckled trout that’s more than 13 inches long. The maximum size allowed is 20 inches and only two fish above that limit are allowed. Also, the total catch per angler per day would go from 25 fish to 15. Banks says this conservation plan is needed…

Cut 8 (07) “…concerned.”

Banks says the public will have the opportunity to comment on the plan and legislators could prevent it from going into effect.

Cut 9 (12)  “…wanna go”

Banks says if there are no hold-ups, it could take effect as early as November and they’ll look at it again in 2028.

____________________________________________

Taylor Swift fans can’t seem to calm down after the announcement she’s adding a stop in New Orleans on The Eras Tour 2024. When her 2023 dates were announced New Orleans was noticeably missing.  General Manager of the Caesars Superdome Evan Holmes says construction was the problem that kept her from appearing this year, but when another leg was added…

Cut 10 (06) “…real excited.”

It was 2018 when she last performed in New Orleans, but karma is bringing her back around and she’ll play not one, not two, but three nights in Crescent City the weekend before Halloween. Holmes says if you’re trying to get tickets…

Cut 11 (11)  “…scalpers.”

2024 is shaping up to be a big year for the Superdome, it will be The Dome’s 50th birthday, renovations should be completed, and with Taylor Swift appearing three nights in a row, Homles says they’ll be ready for it.

Cut 12 (08)   “…for us.” 

You can find a link to pre-register for tickets at Louisiana-Radio-Network-dot-com.

______________________________________________________

A recent study on teacher salaries finds starting pay for Louisiana teachers is among the highest in the South, but yet overall pay for teachers is among the lowest. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says public school teacher salaries do not grow very much over time…

Cut 13 (12) “…to stay.” 

Erwin says the data shows that the average salary growth potential for teachers in Louisiana is the second lowest in the region, ahead of only Alabama. He says in most cases the difference is only about 10 thousand dollars a year between a first-year teacher and a 20-year veteran…

Cut 14 (10)  “…conversation.” 

Erwin says salary hikes on a percentage basis instead of across-the-board pay raises is one way to address this situation…

Cut 15 (08)  “…in play.”

Erwin says local school systems also need to offer differential pay mechanisms to address hard-to-fill positions and reward high-performing teachers.

__________________________________________________________

Head football coach Brian Kelly addressed the media after their first fall practice on Thursday. Kelly is entering his second year with the team and is expecting to build off last year’s success.

Cut 16 (09) “…to build upon.”

The team heard some unfortunate news recently that defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey. Lindsey has stepped away from the team due to a health issue and a timetable on his return is unknown.

Cut 17  (15) “…the immediate here.”

Kelly recently changed the team’s injury update protocol to limit the questions from the media on the status of players. Kelly does not think this results in a competitive disadvantage even though he is putting out more information on players’ health than most teams.

Cut 18 (10) “…what you expect.”

LRN PM Newscall August 3

A federal jury finds a white state police trooper not guilty of depriving Aaron Bowman, a black man, of his civil rights during a violent arrest in 2019. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

The Republican Party of Louisiana endorses Liz Murrill in the Attorney General’s Race. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

State Police have charged 23-year-old Vonteeko Anderson with first degree murder in the shooting death of Ville Platte City Marshal Barry Giglio. Giglio and other law enforcement officers were executing a search warrant on a known drug house in Ville Platte on Monday night when gun fire rang out. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says Anderson was taken into custody that night and booked on drug and weapon charges

Cut 3 (05) “…yesterday” 

There were four people inside the Beauregard Street home when officers arrived with a search warrant. Gossen says their investigation has determined Anderson shot at the police…

Cut 4 (04)  “…city marshal” 

Two women were also inside the home. One of them was shot and at last report was in the hospital. An 18-year-old woman was also at the home, but was not shot. She was in custody after the shooting, but was released as L-S-P did not bring charges against her.

________________________________________________

Minden city officials say the citywide power outage to repair the Entergy Gilark substation damaged by a fire over the weekend is set for 10 pm tonight. Mayor Nick Cox says the plan includes setting up a temporary bypass to allow Entergy crews to make the repairs.

Cut 5 (12)  “…with power.”

Cox says Entergy has been working on a plan to reduce the length of the outage to lessen the inconvenience for residents and businesses with the heat. He says the outage is expected to last up to six hours.

Cut 6 (11)  “…the past.” 

Cox asks residents for their patience and understanding…

Cut 7 (09)  “…no doubt.” 

_______________________________________________

Office of State Parks unveils new attractions and upgrades to Bogue Chitto State Park with a ribbon cutting in Franklinton. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says you have to think regionally so you can compete globally to attract visitors.

Cut 8 (12)  “…state park.” 

In addition to upgrades, the 2,000-acre site also added kids’ pump tracks, a bike repair area, and a new restroom. Nungesser says there’s also an award-winning mountain bike trail to cater to bike enthusiasts…

Cut 9 (10)  “…the country.”

Nungesser hopes the upgrades showcase the site and bring people across the nation and abroad to the Bayou State.

Cut 10 (10)  “…all interests.”

________________________________________________________________

The peak of the hurricane season arrives in a couple of the weeks and today Colorado State University hurricane forecast team updated its forecast for the rest of the season. Researcher Angelie Nieves-Jimenez says they are still calling for 18 named storms, which means an active season, despite an El Nino…

Cut 11 (08)  “…it would be”

An El Nino weather condition can help suppress hurricane activity.  But Nieves-Jimenez says warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures can neutralize the effects of an El Nino and result in an above-average season…

Cut 12 (05) “…the moment” 

18 named storms includes the five named storms that have already formed, including the unnamed storm in January. C-S-U is also predicting nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes and Nieves-Jimenez says how strong the El Nino will be, will play a big role with these projections…

Cut 13 (09) “…late August”

8:30 LRN Newscast

The state Office of Public Health has launched Operation Immunization in northeast Louisiana. Regional 8 Medical Director Tonya Hunter says Operation Immunization aims to address the downward trend in vaccinations among children entering kindergarten since 2020…
Cut 7 (12) “…to school.”
Nine of the 12 northeast Louisiana parishes have lower vaccination rates than the statewide average for the common childhood vaccine series at age two.

A federal jury acquits State Trooper Jacob Brown of depriving Aaron Bowman’s civil rights during an arrest in Monroe in 2019. Brown, a white officer, was seen on body-camera video, repeatedly hitting Aaron Bowman, a black man, with a flashlight.

The city of Minden will be without power at 10 PM tonight so repairs can be made to an Entergy substation that caught on fire over the weekend.

Acadian Ambulance is targeting young people as they face EMT and paramedic shortages. Director of Louisiana and Mississippi operations, Porter Taylor, says Acadian has several training sites across south Louisiana and Alexandria and the training can be applied to college coursework to earn an associate’s degree…
cut 12 (11) “….EMT class”
For more information go to become-a-medic-dot-com.

Eight-year-old Alli Glass has been labeled a hero after helping her great grandfather survive a four-wheeler accident. The two were thrown off the four-wheeler while riding at night and the 83-year-old man was pinned underneath. Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin Cobb says Alli maneuvered her great grandpa and the four-wheeler so he can breathe and then ran more than a half a mile to get help. Cobb says everyone is okay after the traumatic experience.
cut 5 (06) “…..type tears”

7:30 LRN Newscast

The state health department launches a new campaign to encourage Louisianans to get up to date on their vaccinations, especially in northeast Louisiana. Teiko Foxx has more…
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

Governor John Bel Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards are mourning the death of Father Mark Beard, the pastor at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, the home parish of the Edwards. Beard died in a car crash yesterday just over the state line in Mississippi. He was known as a dynamic priest. Father Beard was 62.

An eight-year-old girl in Franklin Parish is being called a hero after she helped her 83-year-old great grandfather survive after they were both thrown from a four-wheeler. The elderly man was pinned underneath and Alli Glass helped position him to make sure he could breath. Sheriff Kevin Cobb says the eight year old than ran over a half a mile to go get help…
cut 6 (09) “….him help”
Cobb has made Alli an honorary sheriff’s deputy in Franklin Parish.

A new study co-authored by a Tulane researcher has found one beer a day is enough to increase blood pressure. But what if you are a wine drinker? Doctor Paul Whelton says when it comes to alcohol…
cut 15 (09) “….spirits etc”
Whelton says this study suggests that people battling high blood pressure may benefit the most from low to no alcohol consumption.