6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints report for training camp tomorrow and New Orleans is expecting a big season out of new starting quarterback Derek Carr. Carr, who spent nine seasons with the Raiders, has had his ups and downs in the NFL. He’s passed for over 4,000 yards 4 times, but has a losing record as a starter and has yet to win a playoff game. Luke Johnson, covers the Black and Gold for the Advocate and NOLA-dot-com and says much of the Saints success will hinge on his performance…
cut 15 (15) “….this year”
One of the biggest position battles at Saints camp will be the number two cornerback spot. Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor are battling for the starter spot opposite of Marshon Lattimore.

LSU has received a commitment from four-star linebacker Tylen Singleton from Many. He’s six-foot-one, as weighs nearly 210 pounds. Singleton’s verbal pledge gives LSU 19 commitments for its 2024 recruiting class. Singleton told 24-7 sports that everybody from Louisiana dreams about playing for LSU.

Former LSU Tiger Dylan Crews has signed with the Washington Nationals and his deal contains a nine million dollar bonus…
cut 27 (29) “….playing”
Crews will start in Class A and there are some analysts that believe he can reach the big leagues next year.

6:30 LRN Newscast

State Police is investigating the profanity laced voicemail left on the phone of Houma Senator Michael Fesi. Authorities have traced the phone call back to LSU grad student Marcus Venable. Fesi says he hopes a lesson is learned…
cut 12 (11) “….to disagree”
Venable was upset with Fesi for voting against the governor’s veto of a bill that prohibits transgender medical procedures for minors.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports the state added 20-thousand jobs from June 2022 to this past June. Chief Economist at the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Emily DiPalma, says if you are looking for work, there are over 12-thousand job openings on their HiRE website…
cut 9 (10) “…as well”

The restoration efforts of three heavily eroded islands along Louisiana’s coast are providing habitat for the state’s brown pelicans. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Biologist Todd Baker says the islands serve as a great nesting ground…
Cut 4 (11) “…more birds.”
The restoration sites are Rabbit Island off of Louisiana’s southwest coast and North Breton and Queen Bess Islands off of Louisiana’s southeast coast. Funds from the BP Settlement were used to complete the island restoration projects.

LRN AM Newscall July 24

The state Office of Motor Vehicles is offering residents free identity theft protection due to the hack that compromised data for anyone with a state-issued driver’s license or ID. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 1 (29)  “Michelle Southern reporting”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state set a record for the number of people who were employed for the month of June. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State Senator Mike Fesi responds to the expletive-filled voicemail left by an LSU grad student over the lawmaker’s vote to ban certain medical procedures for transgender minors. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (29)  “Michelle Southern reporting”

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The restoration efforts of three heavily eroded islands along Louisiana’s coast are providing habitat for the state’s brown pelicans. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Biologist Todd Baker says the islands serve as a nesting ground but attracting more birds was the objective…

Cut 4 (11)  “…more birds.”

The sites of restoration Rabbit Island off the southwest coast and North Breton and Queen Bess Islands off the southeast coast are the sites of the restoration projects. Funds from the BP Settlement were used to complete the island restoration projects. Baker says the North Breton project expanded by nearly 150 acres of new land…

Cut 5 (11)   “…very strongly.”

LDWF Project Manager Katie Freer says the goal is to make the habitat last for 20 years. She says islands have withstood the 2021 and 2022 hurricanes…

Cut 6 (11)  “…recover itself.”

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The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics says the number of seasonally adjusted employed individuals increased by 20 thousand from June 2022 to this past June. Chief Economist at the Louisiana Workforce Commission Emily DiPalma says there were 2,037,445 people working in this state last month…

Cut 7 (10) “…in Louisiana”

DiPalma says the Baton Rouge area has gained the most jobs over the last year, nearly 19-thousand. New Orleans has added 13-thousand jobs, Lafayette almost four-thousand and Shreveport 33-hundred. DiPalma says they are encouraged to see the Lake Charles area has added nearly three-thousand jobs. She says it’s a sign of recovery for southwest Louisiana…

Cut 8 (12) “…slower’”

DiPalma says if you are looking for work, there are over 12-thousand job openings on their HiRE website…

Cut 9 (10)  “…as well”

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State Senator Mike Fesi (Fay-Zee) responds to being cussed out on a threatening voicemail left by an LSU professor enraged the Republican from Houma voted to bring back a ban on gender-altering procedures for minors. Fesi says it’s a shame some people would go to such lengths..:

Cut 10 (09) “for sure”

Police were quickly able to track the call back to Marcus Venable who has now been banned from teaching at LSU. In the profanity-laced message, Venable indicated he can’t wait to see Fesi’s name in an obituary which is why the lawmaker involved law enforcement:

Cut 11 (07)  “if anything”

Fesi said they found posts about Venable on the RateMyProfessor page in which anonymous reviews claimed the teacher pushed his ideology on students and cursed at them in class. As to whether criminal charges would be brought, Fesi says he just hopes a lesson was learned…:

Cut 12 (11)    “to disagree” 

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The NFL season is just around the corner as the Saints begin training camp Tuesday. The last two years have been disappointing for the black and gold as they struggle with coaching and quarterback changes. Nola.com’s Luke Johnson says the Saints have been historically unlucky with injuries, starting a record 58 players in 2021 and 49 last year…

Cut 13 (13) “…win the division” 

With Tom Brady’s retirement, the Saints are the favorites to win the NFC South this year, but with Carolina and Atlanta improving over the offseason it’s no sure thing. One of the many question marks for New Orleans will be its defensive line. With the departure of Marcus Davenport, David Onyemata, and Shy Tuttle, Johnson says New Orleans will rely on contributions from new additions…

Cut 14 (12)  “.marks there” 

New Orleans biggest change this offseason was of course new signal caller Derek Carr. Carr, who spent nine seasons with the Raiders, has had ups and downs in the NFL. He’s passed for over 4,000 yards 4 times, but has a losing record as a starter and has yet to win a playoff game. Johnson says much of the Saints success will hinge on his performance…

Cut 15 (15)  “…this year”

4:45 LRN Sportscast July 21

The media at SEC Media Days picked Alabama to win the SEC West over LSU. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says disagrees with the choice as he believes LSU is the better team and they’ve shown in the past they can win at Alabama…
Cut 13 (09) “…in Tiger Stadium.”
Eleven LSU Tigers are on the preseason All-SEC team, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels who is on the first-team.

One of the storylines for SEC Media Days was Ole Miss Coach Lane Kiffin expressing his concern over the current state of college football, because of loose regulations when it comes to NIL and the transfer portal. Kiffin says the best players are going to schools that have boosters with the deepest pockets….
cut 18 (09) “…their salary”

The media that covers Conference USA predicts Louisiana Tech will finish in fourth place in the nine-team league. Western Kentucky is the preseason favorite, followed by Liberty, Middle Tennessee and then the Bulldogs. Five Tech players are on the preseason watch list, offensive lineman Carson Bruno, defensive lineman Deshon Hall, wide receiver and returner Smoke Harris, defensive back Willie Roberts and offensive lineman Abe Delfin.

The reigning Southland Conference Champion Southeastern Louisiana Lions placed a league-high 17 players on the preseason all conference football teams. The Lions top two quarterbacks on their roster were first and second teams selections. Zachary Clement was a first-team selection as the former Lafayette Christian star has transferred in from Northwestern State. Eli Sawyer was the second team choice.

3:30 LRN Newscast

State Police is investigating a profanity laced voicemail that was left on the phone of Houma Senator Mike Fesi….
cut 5 (10) “….the ground”
That’s the voice of LSU grad student Marcus Venable who is upset Fesi voted to override the governor’s veto of a bill that bans medical procedures on minors that can alter a person’s biological sex. LSU says Venable crossed the line with his angry message and is no longer allowed to teach as a grad assistant.

The Speaker Pro Tem of the Louisiana House has decided not to run for re-election, ending his legislative career after eight years. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says Washington D-C type partisan attacks have filtered into Baton Rouge…
Cut 15 (07) “really changed”
Magee says he looks forward to raising his 14-year-old triplets.

It’s been one year since the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline changed its number to 9-8-8 and the Louisiana Department of Health says call volume has increased by 11 percent. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Teiko Foxx”

The federal government has announced the first ever offshore wind energy lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico will take place place on August 29th. Energy companies will bid on 300-thousand acres of federal waters near Lake Charles and Galveston, Texas. The feds say this has the potential to generate clean, renewable energy for nearly 1-point-three million homes.

LRN PM Newscall July 21

A state senator receives a profanity laced voicemail after voting to override the governor’s veto on a bill to ban sex altering medical procedures on minors. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 1 (36)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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It’s been one year since the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline changed its number to 9-8-8 and the Louisiana Department of Health says call volume has increased by 11 percent. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx”  

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State Police is investigating a profanity laced voicemail left on the phone of Houma Senator Michael Fesi. Fesi voted in favor of the override of the governor’s veto of a bill that bans sex altering medical procedures on minors. Authorities say the man who left the voice mail is LSU grad student Marcus Venable

Cut 3 (10) “…already suffering” 

Fesi said on the Senate floor prior to Tuesday’s override vote that there are adults who regret having undergone sex altering procedures as minors. But Venable said in his angry message to Fesi that he doesn’t have his facts straight…

Cut 4 (12)  “…get this care” 

Venable ended his nearly one minute long verbal tirade by wishing that Fesi has an awful day and an untimely death…

Cut 5 (10)  “…the ground.”

Venable also taught a class at LSU as a grad assistant. The university says Venable crossed the line with his voicemail and will no longer be able to teach at the university, but can continue his studies.

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Mental health officials are celebrating the one anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. State Suicide Prevention Coordinator Dr. Robyn Thomas says since launching 9-8-8, call volume has increased by 11 percent and they’ve increased the number of counselors from Louisiana

Cut 6 (11)  “Louisianans face.” 

The in-state answer rate rose from 64 percent in June 2022 to 91 percent over the last year. Thomas says the previous seven-digit number was shortened to easy-to-remember 988.

Cut 7 (11)  “…for them” 

OBH launched an awareness campaign in May that included a 988 dashboard. The lifeline offers specialized support to veterans and their families, Spanish speakers, LGBTQ+ youth, and deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Thomas encourages anyone who is experiencing a crisis to call the 988 lifeline.

Cut 8 (11)  “…crisis worker.” 

Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to receive support during a crisis.

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The price of gas has increased by about 5 cents since just last week to a statewide average of $3.18 a gallon for regular gasoline. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says demand for gasoline has decreased about 10% since the Fourth of July, but prices are rising despite the fall…

Cut 9 (12)  “…on production.”

Oil prices saw a recent jump as models hinted at the possibility of a tropical development in the gulf. As peak hurricane season approaches, Redman warned how developments in the tropics can cause oil prices to rise…

Cut 10 (08)  “…to increase.”

Redman says prices at the pump will typically stay down before a storm as companies absorb the price increase, but they can stay high for extended time after a storm as stations look to recoup their losses. He advises Louisiana residents to remain prepared for emergency situations…

Cut 11 (10)  “…evacuation.”

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The media at SEC Media Days has picked Alabama to win the SEC West in a close vote over LSU, who is picked to finish second. But Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne believes the Tigers should be the preseason favorites to win the West…

Cut 12 (08) “…none of that.” 

LSU will travel to Tuscaloosa this season to take on the Crimson Tide on November 4th. Horne says LSU has shown they can win at Alabama…

Cut 13 (09) “…in Tiger Stadium.”

LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels is a first team All SEC selection. Horne says he can’t argue against that selection…

Cut  14 (09)  “.Jayden Daniels”

2:30 LRN Newscast

Houma Senator Mike Fesi received a profanity laced, angry voice mail from LSU grad student Marcus Venable. Venable is upset Fesi voted with his Republican colleagues to overturn the governor’s veto of a bill that bans medical procedures that can alter a child’s biological sex…
cut 4 (12) “….get this care”
Venable taught classes at LSU as a grad assistant, but the school says he crossed the line with his profanity in the message and will no longer be allowed to teach at LSU.

Speaker Pro Tem of the Louisiana House, Houma Republican Tanner Magee, says he will not run for re-election. Magee says special interest groups have too much control…
Cut 16 (11) “..just a game”
Magee says he’s looking forward to raising his 14-year-old triplets.

The state office of Behavioral Health says calls to their Suicide and Crisis Lifeline have increased by 11-percent since the number was changed to 9-8-8 last July. State Suicide Prevention Coordinator Doctor Robyn Thomas encourages anyone experiencing mental distress to call or text 9-8-8. She says they have specialized support for veterans, Spanish speakers, LGBTQ-plus youth and deaf people…
cut 8 (11) “….crisis worker”

The media at SEC Media Days has picked LSU to finish in second place in the SEC west behind Alabama. But the media selected Tigers quarterback Jaiden Daniels on the all-sec preseason first team. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says Daniels deserves that recognition…
cut 14 (09) “….Jayden Daniels”

12:30 LRN Newscast

State Police is investigating a profanity laced voicemail left on the phone of Houma Senator Michael Fesi. Fesi voted in favor of the override of the governor’s veto of a bill that bans sex altering medical procedures on minors. Authorities say the man who left the voice mail is LSU grad student Marcus Venable
Cut 3 (10) “…already suffering”
Venable also taught a class at LSU as a grad assistant. The university says Venable will no longer teach at LSU, but can still be a student.

The statewide average price for a gallon of gasoline has increased five cents over the last week. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says it’s the result of a cutback in production by OPEC countries. Redman is hopeful we do not see a big increase, but that changes if a storm threatens the Gulf Coast….
cut 10 (10) “….increase”
Right now the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.18.

The media at SEC Media Days has picked Alabama to win the SEC West in a close vote over LSU, who is picked to finish second. But Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne believes the Tigers should be the preseason favorites to win the West…
cut 12 (08) “….Alabama has none of that”
LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels is a first team All SEC selection.

Mental health officials are celebrating the one anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. State Suicide Prevention Coordinator Dr. Robyn Thomas says since shortening the previous seven-digit number to 988, call volume has increased by 11 percent and they’ve increased the number of counselors from Louisiana who can take these calls…
Cut 6 (11) “Louisianans face.”
The Lifeline also offers specialized support for veterans, Spanish speakers and LGBTQ-plus youth.

LRN AM Newscall July 21

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says progress is being made in reducing the number of policyholders who have to rely on Citizens for their homeowners insurance. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The federal government has issued a notice that up to 300 thousand acres will be auctioned in the first-ever offshore wind lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico on August 29th. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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State Representative Tanner Magee is not running for re-election. He says the toxic stew at the capitol is a major reason why he’s getting out. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces companies that took advantage of the newly funded Insure Louisiana Incentive Program have written over 17 thousand homeowner insurance policies as of May 31st.  Donelon says the program is working to reduce the number of Citizens policyholders, which is much more expensive than private insurance.

Cut 4 (08)  “…in need.”

The top five parishes for new policies are Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany, Terrebonne, and St. Charles. Donelon says SafePoint Insurance has been approved to take nearly 20 thousand policies out of Louisiana Citizens during the upcoming round of depopulation.

Cut 5 (11)   “…first year.”

Donelon says getting policyholders out of Citizens is vital to the state’s economic recovery. He urges all Citizens policyholders to contact their agents to be notified if they have an opportunity to leave Citizens…

Cut 6 (11)  “…of Citizens.”

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The federal government announces the first ever Gulf of Mexico offshore wind lease sale, opening sites off the coasts of Lake Charles and Galveston, Texas. About 300-thousand acres will be auctioned off on August 29th. Director of Future Energy at Greater New Orleans Inc. Lacey McManus says this moment has been eagerly anticipated and officially makes the state a hub for offshore wind activity.

Cut 7 (08) “…into place.”

More than 102 thousand acres offshore from Lake Charles and two areas of about 100 thousand acres each near Galveston are under consideration. McManus says some of the world’s largest wind energy developers have already expressed interest.

Cut 8 (11) “…the country.’”

Several stipulations have been added on potential holders including agreeing to support workforce training programs. McManus says building wind farms may be a way off but Louisiana workers are ready.

Cut 9 (09)  “…do this.”

The areas could turn wind energy into nearly 4 gigawatts of electricity each year. A sale notice can be found in the Federal Register.

____________________________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landry has issued a legal opinion that advises the Louisiana Pardon Board not to hear the clemency applications sent in by 56 death row inmates. Landry says the pardon board has 440 applications to examine before they get to the death row inmates who are hoping Governor Edwards reduces their punishment to life in prison

Cut 10 (06) “…are pending.”

Landry says the Pardon Board’s own rules say that a clemency application should be filed within their last appeal was denied. He says there are emergency circumstances like an execution date, but that doesn’t apply in this situation…

Cut 11 (11)  “…follow the rules.”

But executive director of the Capital Appeals Project, Cecelia Kappel, says Landry’s legal opinion has no binding force on the board and there’s also a major conflict of interest….

Cut 12 (12)    “…clemency requests” 

Kappel says the pardon board can also waive its rules, including the rule that requests need to be filed within one year after last denied appeal. She says that rule has been waived before in death penalty cases…

Cut 13 (13) “…direct appeal” 

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The Speaker Pro Tem of the Louisiana House has decided not to run for re-election, ending his legislative career after eight years. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says he has 14-year-old triplets, plus he calls the political atmosphere at the capitol toxic….

Cut 14 (09)  “..process” 

The 42-year-old Magee says Washington D-C partisan attacks have become too much…

Cut 15 (07)  “…really change”

Magee says he’s proud to help secure funds for rural roads and flood control projects in his district. But he says special interest groups have gained too much control…

Cut 16 (11) “..just a game”

______________________________________________________________________

Ole Miss Coach Lane Kiffin did not hold back at SEC Media Days when discussing the problems NIL and the transfer portal have created for college football. He called it a disaster. He says there needs to be more restrictions when it comes to the two transfer portal windows. He says no other sport allows its athletes to opt into free agency every year…

Cut 17 (20) “…issues”

Kiffin says he has no problems with players getting paid and he’s benefited from the transfer portal as he signed LSU transfer and former St. Thomas More Quarterback Walker Howard. But he’s concerned the best players are going to schools that have boosters with the deepest pockets

Cut 18 (09) “…their salary.” 

Kiffin says he knew it would turn into a disaster when NIL and the portal became a major part of college athletics. He says it legalized cheating…

Cut 19 (16) “…pay for play” 

5:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s disappointed but not surprised the Republican led Legislature overturned his veto of a bill that bans doctors from performing medical procedures on children that could alter their biological sex. He believes politics played a role…:
CUT 15 (09) “two thirds vote”
Edwards says the legislation harms a very small population of vulnerable children, their families and health care professionals. But the bill’s author, Pollock Representative Gabe Firment, says his legislation protects kids who might be temporarily confused about their biological sex…
Cut 14 (11) “…not health care”
Firment’s law goes into effect January 1st, but will likely face a legal challenge.

All but one Louisiana death row inmate is seeking clemency from the governor, but Attorney General Jeff Landry says if the Pardon Board hears these cases, they would violate their own rules by allowing the hearings to take place one year after their last appeal was denied. Louisiana District Attorney Association director Loren Lampert…
cut 10 (10) “…an emergency’
The Capital Appeals Project says Landry’s opinion has no binding force.

On his monthly radio show, Governor Edwards was asked about a recent poll that showed 55-percent of Louisiana residents believe the state is heading in the wrong direction. Edwards believes strides have been made during his eight years in office, but wishes more could be done…
cut 8 (11) “…positive change”