5:30 LRN Newscast

It’s campaign finance reporting day as declared candidates for governor had to submit to the state ethics board how much they’ve raised and what they’ve spent. Jeff Landry is expected to report nine million dollars in cash on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says if you do not have at least a million dollars on hand by now, you’re probably toast….
cut 10 (13) “….competitive candidates”

LSU is expected to compete for another SEC West title this season as Jayden Daniels returns for his second season as the starting Q-B. Coach Brian Kelly on what he hopes to see from his signal caller in 2023…
cut 14 (11 ) “….tight window throws”
That’s Kelly speaking at SEC Media Days.

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate announced its official launch today. Kace Kieschnick has more…
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

One of the stars of the reality TV show “Cajun Pawn Stars” has passed away. Jimmie DeRamus died in Houston at the age of 71. He was the owner of Silver Dollar Pawn and Jewelry in Alexandria and was known as “Big Daddy” on the show which aired for over a year on the History Channel.

4:30 LRN Newscast

Candidates running for statewide office this fall must submit updated campaign finance reports to the state Ethics Board today. Republican Jeff Landry is expected to report nine million dollars cash on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says that’s a huge number for his opponents to keep up with…
Cut 9 (08) “…for competitiveness.”
There are seven major candidates running for governor and qualifying is set for August 8th through the tenth.

SEC Football Media Days is underway and LSU’s Brian Kelly was the first coach to speak to hundreds of reporters in Nashville. Kelly says there’s still more work to be done in the area of recruiting before they have the same level of talent as two-time national champion Georgia…
cut 13 (09) “…playing field”

The Advocate newspaper started is latest endeavor today. A digital publication that will cover issues impacting the Shreveport-Bossier City area. Publisher Judi Terzotis says they’ve hired seven reporters and plan to hire three more…
cut 4 (12) “….community foundation”

And it’s Rural Road Safety Awareness Week. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says the latest data finds 62 percent of all fatal crashes are on rural highways. He says everyone has a role to play in keeping the highways safe…
cut 8 (11) “….cars and trucks”
Fischer says speeding is a major contributor in fatal car crashes on Louisiana roadways.

3:30 LRN Newscast July 17

Candidates running for governor have to submit updated campaign finance reports to the state ethics board today. Republican front runner Jeff Landry is expected to report nine million dollars in cash on hand. Shawn Wilson is the lone major Democrat in the race and ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Wilson could see a surge in donations over the upcoming months….
cut 11 (07) “….raise money”
Qualifying for the election is August 8th to the 10th, while the primary is October 14th.

Governor John Bel Edwards has proclaimed this week as “Rural Road Safety Awareness Week.” According to the latest statistics, 62-percent of all fatal crashes are on rural roadways. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says this initative attempts to raise awareness about fatal wrecks on rural roads…
cut 7 (12) “…considerable amount”

LSU Coach Brian Kelly likes the direction of his football program as he gets ready to begin his second year as head coach of the Tigers.
Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

One of the stars of the reality TV show “Cajun Pawn Stars” has passed away. Jimmie DeRamus passed away in Houston at the age of 71. He was the owner of Silver Dollar Pawn and Jewelry in Alexandria and was known as “Big Daddy” on the show which aired for over a year on the History Channel.

LRN PM Newscall July 17

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate announced its official launch today. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick” 

______________________________________

LSU Coach Brian Kelly likes the direction of his football program as he gets ready to begin his second year as head coach of the Tigers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

______________________________________

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate announced their official launch today. The digital newsroom will provide in-depth local news for the Shreveport Bossier City area. Publisher Judi Terzotis says this is another step in achieving Chief Executive Officer John Georges’s vision for The Advocate…

Cut 3 (11) “….that mission” 

The launch brings a suite of digital news products for the area powered by a team of local journalists. The team now features seven journalists who have begun coverage earlier than expected following thunderstorms that knocked out electricity in Northwestern Louisiana. Terzotis says the goal is a team of ten journalists located in the heart of Shreveport…

Cut 4 (12)  “…community foundation” 

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate is partnering with the Community Foundation of North Louisiana to help provide a robust news report. With a goal of 1.5 million dollars, the community has already helped contribute over $460,000 in the last four months. Terzotis says this new financial model is proven and will go straight to journalists…

Cut 5 (14)  “…to hire journalists.”

Readers can find local news at ShreveportBossierAdvocate.com

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This week is Rural Road Safety Awareness Week, and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reminds motorists to drive carefully, even in remote areas. Spokesperson Gregory Fischer says nearly 62 percent of all fatal crashes in the state in 2021 were on rural roadways.

Cut 6 (12)  “…data for.” 

In 2021, there were over one thousand alcohol-related crashes that injured at least one person and nearly two hundred fatal crashes involving alcohol on Louisiana’s rural roads, according to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety. Fischer says this initiative brings attention to topics that will save lives…

Cut 7 (13)  “…about awareness.” 

Fisher encourages motorists to do their part in promoting safe driving habits. He says everyone has a role to play in keeping the highways safe….

Cut 8 (11)  “…cars and trucks.” 

Rural Safety Awareness Week is a part of the “What’s SPEED got to do with it” campaign that’s scheduled for July 17th to the 21st.

_______________________________________________

Candidates running for statewide office this fall must submit updated campaign finance reports to the state Ethics Board today. Republican Jeff Landry is expected to report nine million dollars cash on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says that’s a huge number for his opponents to try and keep up with…

Cut 9 (08)  “…for competitiveness.”

There are seven major candidates running for governor. Slidell Gubernatorial candidates, State Senator Sharon Hewitt and Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson reported less than $1 million during first quarter campaign reports. Stockley says this is an important benchmark for all the candidates…

Cut 10 (13)  “… competitive candidates.”

Stockley says former transportation secretary and lone Democrat Shawn Wilson reported less than $1 million dollars but could see a surge in donations over the upcoming months.

Cut 11 (07)  “…raise money.”

Qualifying for the governor’s race is from August 8th to the 10th. The primary is set for October 14th.

__________________________________________________

LSU football Coach Brian Kelly is in Nashville today as SEC Football Media Days is underway. Kelly says after watching women’s basketball and baseball win national championships, he knows what’s expected from his team as he enters his second year as  head coach…

Cut 12 (09) “…court now” 

LSU won the SEC West last season, but were blown out in the SEC Championship game by Georgia, who went on to win its second consecutive national championship. Kelly says there’s still more work to be done in the area of recruiting before they have the same level of talent as Georgia…

Cut 13 (09) “…playing field.”

LSU ended last season with a 63-7 win over Purdue in the Citrus Bowl. Kelly liked what he saw from his starting quarterback Jayden Daniels on that day and wants to see more of it in 2023…

Cut  14 (11)  “..tight window throw”

2:30 LRN Newscast

It’s campaign finance reporting day for the candidates running for governor as they must submit to the state ethics board on how much they’ve raised and what they’ve spent. Jeff Landry is expected to report nine million dollars in cash on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says if you do not have at least a million dollars on hand by now, you’re probably toast….
cut 10 (13) “….competitive candidates”

LSU is expected to compete for another SEC West title this season as Jayden Daniels returns for his second season as the starting Q-B. Coach Brian Kelly on what he hopes to see from his signal caller in 2023…
cut 14 (08) “….game against Florida State”
That’s Kelly speaking at SEC Media Days, which got underway today in Nashville.

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate announced its official launch today. Kace Kieschnick has more…
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

The big story in north Louisiana today is power outages as a strong storm system knocked out power for thousands of customers yesterday. SWEPCO is still reporting 11-thousand customers are without power in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. Entergy Louisiana is reporting another five-thousand outages.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Candidates running for statewide office this fall must submit updated campaign finance reports to the state Ethics Board today. Republican Jeff Landry is expected to report nine million dollars cash on hand. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says that’s a huge number for his opponents to try and keep up with…
Cut 9 (08) “…for competitiveness.”
There are seven major candidates running for governor and qualifying is set for August 8th through the tenth.

LSU football Coach Brian Kelly is in Nashville today as SEC Football Media Days is underway. Kelly says after watching women’s basketball and baseball win national championships, he knows what’s expected from his team as he enters his second year as head coach…
cut 12 (09) “….court now”
LSU kicks off the season September third versus Florida State.

The Advocate which provides news to readers in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette, officially expanded to northwest Louisiana today as Georges Media Group launched the Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate. Publisher Judi Terzotis says they are partnering with the Community Foundation of North Louisiana to help pay for quality journalists…
cut 5 (14) “…hire journalists”
Terzotis says they already have seven reporters working at the Shreveport-Bossier bureau and plan to hire three more.

And global technology company, SLB, plans to hire 600 people as it converts the former General Motors Plant in Shreveport into a digital infrastructure manufacturing facility. SLB Vice President of Industry Affairs of North America Bruce Miller says renovations are underway….
cut 16 (10) “….early 2024″
Production is estimated to reach full capacity at the end of 2026.

10:30 LRN Newscast

The veto override session begins tomorrow, and lawmakers could potentially overturn the governor’s rejection of 25 bills. The driving force of the session is the veto of a measure that bans gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Chair of the House Republican Delegation and Erath Representative Blake Miguez….
Cut 10 (12) “…duck governor.”
Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins will fight to prevent the Republican controlled legislature from overturning the vetoes. He believes a ban on gender affirming care restricts parental rights…
cut 13 (10) “…people’s identity”
The override veto session must end on Saturday.
The Screen Actors Guild is on strike and, along with the already striking Screenwriters Guild, and you can expect big delays before you see any new TV or movies. Jason Bayle is an actor, based in Baton Rouge, who says SAG’s strike is about helping those in the industry who cannot demand multi-million salary deals…:
Cut 7 (10) “…work in entertainment.”
Bayle expects a lengthy work stoppage for actors.

But 600 jobs are coming to Shreveport as global technology company, SLB, announces plans to invest 18.5 million dollars to convert the former General Motors Plant in Shreveport into a digital infrastructure manfuacturing facility. SLB Vice President of Industry Affairs of North America Bruce Miller says renovations are underway….
cut 16 (10) “….early 2024”
Production is estimated to reach full capacity at the end of 2026.

LRN AM Newscall July 16

A Louisiana actor says the walk-out by Hollywood entertainment workers will soon be felt by all of us. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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For the third straight year, lawmakers are returning for a veto override session tomorrow. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

With its $18.5 million investment to set up a manufacturing facility, SLB is bringing hundreds of jobs to the old General Motors Plant in Shreveport. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (33)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Starting today, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has increased the daily limit for red snapper from three to four for private recreational and state-charter boat fishermen. LDWF fisheries biologist Jason Adriance says the increase is the result of a lower-than-expected harvest rate…

Cut 4 (10)  “…on weekends.”

Adriance says the new daily creel limit of four red snappers also applies to federal waters off Louisiana, except for federally permitted charter boats…

Cut 5 (11)   “…federal waters.”

Adriance says L-D-W-F is happy to relax the regulations and give fishing opportunities back to the public…

Cut 6 (09)  “…the freezer.”

________________________________________________

The Screen Actors Guild has gone on strike and, along with the already striking Screenwriters Guild, you can expect big delays before you see any new TV or movies. Jason Bayle is an actor, based in Baton Rouge, who says SAG’s strike is about helping those in the industry who cannot demand multi-million salary deals…:

Cut 7 (10) “…work in entertainment.”

Bayle says a major issue among SAG members is compensation for work shown on streaming services like Hulu, Prime, or Netflix. He says movies and conventional TV can track ratings, which are used as a basis for pay and residuals. He says streamers treat viewing information as data and generally do not share the info with actors or their agents…:

Cut 8 (12) “…any money in the business.’”

Bayle says streaming technology is just one potential problem for actors and creative people in being fairly paid. He says artificial intelligence (AI) will further erode performers’ rights to proper compensation, and needs to be headed off in strike negotiations. Bayle says, as fall arrives, the effects of the writers’ AND actors’ strikes will soon be felt…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…start to notice it.”

Bayle and others feel the strike and negotiations to resolve it, will take quite some time.

____________________________________________

The veto override session begins tomorrow, and lawmakers could potentially overturn the governor’s rejection of 25 bills. The driving force of the session is the veto of a measure that bans gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Chair of the House Republican Delegation and Erath Representative Blake Miguez….

Cut 10 (12) “…duck governor.”

Miguez believes the Republican super-majority will overturn the governor’s vetoes and predicts the vote will not be down party lines. It will take 70 votes in the House and 26 in the Senate to override a governor’s veto.

Shreveport Representative and Chair of the House Democratic Caucus Sam Jenkins says he’s not surprised about the session, and he believes the governor’s reasoning of why rejected more than two dozen bills is fair. Jenkins says many of the bills are government overreach…

Cut 11 (11)  “…these laws.”

Two other bills that some have deemed as anti-LGBTQ, including a don’t say gay bill have also been vetoed by Governor Edwards. Miguez goes a bit further in referring to the bill banning medical procedures on minors.

Cut 12 (06)    “…of children.” 

Jenkins says the bill to prohibit classroom discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation places an extra burden on teachers, and the other two bills restrict parental rights.

Cut 13 (10) “…people’s identity.” 

Lawmakers could also overturn three-line-item vetoes in state budget bills and legislation to phase out the state’s corporate income tax.

_______________________________________________

Global technology company, SLB announces it will invest $18.5 million to convert the former General Motors Plant in Shreveport into a digital infrastructure manufacturing facility. Louisiana Economic Development says the company will create nearly 600 direct jobs over the next three years. Governor John Bel Edwards says this is a historic milestone for economic growth…

Cut 14 (12)  “…long time.”

The company plans to hire 200 people by the end of the year. According to Louisiana Economic Development, the project will result in an additional 700 indirect jobs. SLB Vice President of Industry Affairs of North America Bruce Miller says the company will participate in a solution-based workforce training program to meet employment targets…

Cut 15 (10)  “…we hire.”

Miller says the infrastructure is in place and upgrades are underway to complete the company’s needs. 

Cut 16 (12) “..happening now.”

SLB expects renovations of the facility to be completed by early next year. Production is estimated to reach full capacity by the end of 2026.

_____________________________________________________

SEC Football Media Days begin today in Nashville. The LSU Tigers are one of three schools that will be featured today as Coach Brian Kelly and players Jayden Daniels, Josh Williams and Mekhi Wingo will speak with hundreds of reporters. Host of the Locked on LSU podcast, Caroline Fenton, says the expectations for the Tigers are much higher heading into the second year of the Brian Kelly era…

Cut 17 (26) “…this year”

LSU exceeded expectations last season, winning the SEC west, playing in the conference title game and winning ten games. So the expectation among fans is to win the SEC championship this year and play for a national title. Fenton says if LSU falls short of those goals, it doesn’t mean the program is taking a step back

Cut 18 (20) “…strides forward” 

Even Kelly said in an interview with the USA Today that with another year of recruiting, 2024 is a more realistic goal to win a national title.

Texas A-and-M and Missouri are the other two schools that will take the podium today. Fenton says the Aggies are an interesting team as Jimbo Fisher enters his sixth season as the head coach of the Aggies…

Cut 19 (24) “…look like” 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

SEC Football Media Days begin next week in Nashville. The LSU Tigers are one of three schools that will be featured Monday as Coach Brian Kelly and players Jayden Daniels, Josh Williams and Mekhi Wingo will speak with hundreds of reporters. Host of the Locked on LSU podcast, Caroline Fenton, says the expectations for the Tigers are much higher heading into the second year of the Brian Kelly era…
Cut 17 (26) “…this year”
The SEC Media poll could select LSU as the favorite to win the SEC West over Alabama.

LSU baseball has landed an All Pac-12 outfielder out of the transfer portal. Mac Bingham will be a fifth year player next season after hitting 10 home runs and hitting .319 for the Arizona Wildcats last season. Bingham played two seasons for Coach Jay Johnson, before Johnson left the Wildcats for LSU.

Good news for Louisiana Sportsmen as the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has increased the red snapper daily creel limit from three to four fish, starting on Monday. LDWF fisheries biologist Jason Adriance says the new daily creel limit of four red snappers also applies to federal waters off of Louisiana, except for federally permitted charter boats…
Cut 28 (11) “…federal waters.”
Adriance says the increase is the result of a lower than expected harvest rate.

LRN PM Newscall

As expected, state lawmakers are coming back for a veto override session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

A machete attack of a priest in St. Landry Parish last night leaves a small town in shock. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

Lawmakers will return to the State Capitol  next Tuesday for a veto override session. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says Governor Edwards vetoed 25 bills and specific items in three different budget bills…

Cut 3 (12) “….vote as well” 

Lawmakers had until midnight Thursday to cancel the veto session, but the votes fell short of a majority vote needed in either the House or Senate.

Schexnayder says the governor’s veto of a bill to ban gender affirming care of transgender minors has motivated Conservative lawmakers to hold a veto session for a third consecutive year…

Cut 4 (07)  “…canvassing bill” 

Representative Les Farnum’s bill would move voters to an inactive list if they have not voted in ten years and they would then be purged from the voter rolls if they do not correspond with the Secretary of State’s Office or fail to vote in two federal elections.

Twelve members in the Senate and 31 members in the House voted to cancel the veto override session. The Legislature will meet at noon on Tuesday and Schexnayder says it will take a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate to override any of the governor’s vetoes…

Cut 5 (11)  “…will get there.”

The veto override session is scheduled to take five days. The Legislature successfully overrode the governor’s veto of a new Congressional district map last year, but in 2021 legislators failed to override a veto of a bill that banned transgender athletes from playing girls sports.

__________________________________________________

The small town of Melville in St. Landry Parish is in shock after a man used a machete to attack a priest. Police Chief Phillip Lucas says 58-year-old Johnny Neely of Melville is in custody after the alleged attack on a St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church priest Thursday night.

Cut 6 (12)  “…machete knife.” 

Lucas says the witness who was with Neely fled the scene and called 9-1-1. The priest is listed in critical condition following the attack and Neely faces second-degree attempted murder charges. Lucas says he could also be charged with a hate crime.

Cut 7 (07)  “…head today.” 

Lucas says Neely had been walking around town looking for work and that he has a history of being in and out of jail. Lucas says the investigation is ongoing and the machete attack has shaken the community.

Cut 8 (09)  “…in custody.” 

The priest is being treated for lacerations to his head and body. Neely is also charged with home invasion.

_______________________________________________

Cancer patient advocates are thrilled that Governor Edwards has signed four bills into law aimed at getting folks facing cancer the treatments they need. Former state Rep. Julie Stokes is now with the Louisiana Oncology Society and the Survivors Cancer Action Network. She says the bills help assure care without un-needed exclusions and help keep covered treatments in pace with developing medical technologies…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…from last year.”

Biomarker testing allows doctors to gather more and better genetic information with which to formulate cancer treatments.

Stokes says another important bill signed into law by the Governor assures a patient’s right to speedy review and coverage…:

Cut 10 (10)  “…involves cancer.”

The new law also requires insurance to approve whatever oncologists prescribe as treatment.

Another new law taking effect January 1st will offer you the choice to list yourself as a bone marrow donor on your driver’s license; which Stokes says is a now-painless procedure. And the last of the package of bills signed by Governor Edwards provides that health insurance must cover fertility preservation procedures for persons undergoing cancer treatment. Stokes says it’s an advancement for women and for prospective dads…:

Cut 11 (10)  “…and retrieve them.”

__________________________________________________

The police chief in Grand Coteau has been arrested after authorities received a tip that Jeffrey Guilbeau was involved in the use and distribution of illegal drugs. St Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says they began surveillance and verified the information.

Cut 12 (05) “…been doing.” 

Guilbeau is charged with distribution, theft, obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office.

The investigation revealed the drugs involved in the case had been previously seized by police in Grand Coteau. Guidroz says it’s bad enough that the small community has drug dealers…

Cut 13 (09) “…disheartening.”

The investigation is ongoing and Guidroz says other individuals along with more charges could be filed in the case. As for who’s leading the Grand Coteau Police in the meantime…

Cut  14 (11)  “…assistant chief.”

According to KATC-TV in Lafayette, last week Guilbeau turned in his resignation and the following day he withdrew it.