LRN AM Newscall July 31

Starting today the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin is officially designated as a highway safety corridor. Jeff Palermo on what that means….

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Entergy Louisiana says they’re not “gouging” ratepayers, and wish to set the record straight. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Looking to save money on back-to-school shopping? Research says putting down that coffee could help you save a buck. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

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Starting today, speeding fines are doubled on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge if motorists are caught going above the 60 mile per hour speed limit for vehicles and 55 miles per hour for commercial trucks. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says in 2023 speed cameras will be installed to track drivers…

Cut 4 (10)  “…third time.”

In June Governor John Bel Edwards signed a law that designates the 18-mile Atchafalaya Basin as a highway safety corridor. Wilson says the legislation also calls for signage restricting trucks to the right lane and eight sets of speed limit signs…

Cut 5 (12) “…80 miles per hour”

There were over 200 crashes that resulted in two deaths and nearly 100 injuries on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge last year. Senate President Page Cortez says that’s double the number than 20 years ago as distracted driving and speeding become more common. Wilson says the goal of the beefed up enforcement and higher fines is get people to slow down…

Cut 6 (05)  “…driver behavior.”

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Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May wants to clear up some of what he calls “misconceptions” about high energy bills, and what the utility is doing to help. May says the cost of producing electricity has risen sharply as record-high inflation grips the country…:

Cut 7 (10) “…from our customers.”

May says those high costs are coupled with high customer usage in the summer heat. He says Entergy understands how burdensome it can be for some folks to afford their utility bill…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…who need assistance.”

May says electricity costs have risen sharply all over the U.S., and Entergy is not “gouging” its customers. Still, many customers are angry with storm assessments Entergy has added to their bills. He says they have little choice, if they hope to recoup their storm-related losses…:

Cut 9 (14)  “…present our bills.”

May says storm assessments for Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008 will come off customer bills starting today.

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A new study conducted by the LSU Department of Marketing along with researchers from other Universities has found that caffeine could lead to greater consumer spending. Associate Professor Courtney Szocs says drinks like espressos, coffee and tea impacted not only the degree of spending but also the types of products…

Cut 10 (09) “…products”

These high hedonic products include buttery, salty popcorn; chocolate candy; luxury vacations along with any other items that induce a state of extreme excitement and energy. Szocs says that one should be mindful of what time they consume that caffeinated beverage in order to avoid making that unnecessary purchase…

Cut  11 (12)  “…trying to say” 

Research shows that about 85% of American consumers have at least one caffeinated beverage a day making the chances of purchasing high hedonic relatively common. Szocs says that if one is trying to save a buck on back-to-school shopping this year they ought to put down that coffee and pick up some water…

Cut 12 (13) “…don’t probably need” 

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A number of new laws passed in the 2022 Legislature go into effect today. One will require all law enforcement officers in the state to be trained in how to recognize signs of human trafficking. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell brought the bill, and says it’s apparent the training is needed, and it will now be required for all LEO’s employed a year or more…:

Cut 13 (08) “…to recognize it.”

Law enforcement has known for some time the I-10/I-12 corridor is a pipeline for human sex trafficking. Mizell says it can easily go unnoticed, especially in places or events with large crowds, but the problem is also very bad in Louisiana’s small towns as well. She says it coincides with the illegal drug trade…:

Cut 14 (12)  “…dirty, dirty thing.”

The new law will mandate training for officers in how to spot the telltale signs that a person is a victim of trafficking, so they can take appropriate action. Mizell says the law also requires state and local law enforcement agencies to regularly report on training compliance and progress…:

Cut 15 (11)  “…the numbers on that.”

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The pads come on for the first time today at Saints training camp. Through the first four days of camp, the defense has performed better than the offense. Saints wide receiver Jarvis Landry says the defense is competing at a high level

Cut 16 (18)  “….our DNA”.

Landry says the defensive secondary has a lot of depth and they are versatile…

Cut 17 (15) “…make plays” 

Saints running back Mark Ingram is competing in his 12th NFL training camp. At the age of 32 he’s the NFL’s second oldest running back…

Cut 18 (21) “   …anytime soon”

4:45 LRN Sportscast July 29

Saints coach Dennis Allen says tight end Taysom Hill has injured his ribs and will be out for a little bit. Hill missed the spring workouts to recover from surgery on his left foot.

Much of the media attention at Saints training camp is on the offense, who now has a healthy Jameis Winston and Michael Thomas, plus the additions of receivers Chris Olave and Jarvis Landry. But Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan says the defense will take this team where it wants to go…
Cut 18 (23) “ …championship defense”
Saturday’s training camp practice is open to the public. For fans wanting to attend a practice check out the Saints website.

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson announces the signings of five Division one transfers. Right-handed pitcher Christian Little of Vanderbilt, North Carolina state third baseman Tommy White, Vandy shortstop Carter Young, UCLA Pitcher Thatcher Hurd and Air Force pitcher and utility player Paul Skenes, who earned first team All-American honors last season. Also Young was a 17th round draft choice by the Orioles, but decided to play at LSU instead.

The Northwestern State Demons men’s basketball team signed this week Florida prep hoops star Hansel Enmanuel. His stats make him a standout, yes…but also amazing is he has only one arm. Coach Corey Gipson…
cut 5 (08) “…is related”
Enmanuel is six-foot-four and during his senior season, he averaged 26 points, eleven rebounds, seven assists and three blocks a game.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Saints Coach Dennis Allen says he’s been impressed with quarterback Jameis Winston’s leadership during the first few days of training camp. Winston has better receivers to throw to this season with free agent addition Jarvis Landry and the selecting of Chris Olave in the draft. There’s also the return of Michael Thomas. Thomas has caught over 500 passes in his career and in the last season he was healthy, he was named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year. Winston is looking forward to working with Can’t Guard Mike…
Cut 17 (14) “…gonna happen”

Over in Tampa Bay, Buccaneers pro bowl center Ryan Jensen went down with a knee injury and the fear is that he tore his ACL and will miss the upcoming season. The 31-year-old center agreed to a three-year 39-million dollar contract in March.

An All-American at Air Force announces he’s transferring to LSU to play baseball for the Tigers. Right-hander Paul Skenes was the Mountain West Conference Co-Pitcher of the Year with a 10-3 record and 2.73 ERA in 15 starts as a sophomore. He can also slug. At the plate Skenes hit .314 with 13 homers and 38 RBIs.

Northwestern State men’s basketball has signed Hansel Emmanuel, who is featured in a Gatorade Commercial, dunking, even though his left arm was amputated when he was six years old. Demons Coach Corey Gipson says it’s clear that life challenges have made the three-star recruit even more determined…:
CUT 4 (08) “that guy”
Enmanuel is 6’4″ and in his senior season he averaged 26 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 block a game.

10:30 LRN Newscast July 29

Starting Monday, August 1st, military veterans will have the right to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
Cut 2 (28) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Governor’s Office of Community Programs will host four back-to-school fairs where they’ll provide free school supplies. The first fair is tormorrow in Natchitoches from 10 AM to noon at City Park and director Katina Semien Smothers says the remaining fairs are in August…
cut 15 (10) “….the 20th”

LSU’s Mike the Tiger will be featured in a movie that will be produced called the Mascot. Writer/director Matthew Perkins says it’s a heartfelt-sports comedy about a quarterback who loses his scholership to LSU and reinvents himself as the school’s mascot. Perkins says it’s more of a parable about identity, and how we all wear masks metaphorically, especially in our formative years in college.
Cut 5 (04) “…really is.”
Casey Cott has been cast as the lead character and with NIL, LSU football players will also be in the film.
Northwestern State men’s basketball is excited about the addition of
Hansel Enmanuel to its 2022 recruiting class. You may have seen him in a Gatorade commercial. The Florida prep star dominated the hard wood in high school with one arm. Demons Coach Corey Gipson says it doesn’t even dawn on him that Enmanuel has a disability…:
CUT 3 (11) “University”
Enmanuel is from the Dominican Republic and he had his left arm amputated at the age of 6 after a wall collapsed on it

9:30 LRN Newscast

Several new laws will go into effect on Monday. Beginning August 1st, veterans and active-duty military can conceal carry without needing a permit. Some object to permitless concealed carry because the current system requires handgun training. But Monroe Senator Jay Morris says anyone who’s served in the military has already had such training…:
cut 8 (11) “…getting a permit”
A vet who encounters police while carrying without a permit might want to also carry some proof of military service.

A new law goes into effect Monday that makes stealing a catalytic converter a crime. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says his legislation makes it easier to prosecute thieves who swipe a catalytic converter from a vehicle and the punishment is severe…
cut 6 (10) “…50-grand”
Talbot says some criminals are stealing dozens of catalytic converters and selling them in bulk. SUVs and pick-up trucks are the biggest victims of this crime.

The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office has dropped criminal charges against Aaron Bowman. He’s a black man that was seen on video receiving a beating from a state trooper in 2019. Former state trooper Jacob Brown allegedly used a flashlight and faces a trial next March. Bowman was charged that night for a traffic violation and resisting an officer.

Mike the Tiger could soon be coming to a theatre near you. Brooke Thorington has more about the feature film that’s in the works.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

8:30 LRN Newscast July 29

Starting Monday, veterans and active duty members can legally conceal carry a gun without a permit. There’s a push against expanding gun laws in light of the recent mass shootings, but Monroe Senator Jay Morris says veterans and active-duty military are well versed in weapons training and responsible…
cut 9 (08) “…protect themselves”
The state Department of Veterans Affairs says there are about 300-thousand vets and active-duty troops in this state.

Production is underway on a movie featuring LSU’s Mike the Tiger. The movie is called the Mascot and it’s about quarterback who loses his scholarship at LSU and decides to become the school’s mascot. Writer and director Matthew Perkins says you’ll see a film crew on the sidelines during the football season…
cut 6 (11) “….sports movie”
Casey Cott who’s known for his role in Riverdale has been cast as the lead character in The Mascot.

Thousands of people will buy lottery tickets for tonight’s Mega Millions drawing which has a grand prize of one-point-one billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says it’s one of the largest jackpots in U-S lottery history
Cut 10 (08) “…lottery jackpot.”
Annison says they ask individuals to play responsibly and if you go in with a large group, decide beforehand how you would split up the winnings.

The Governor’s Office of Community Programs is hosting several back-to-school community fairs, beginning tomorrow. Director, Katina Semien-Smothers says with inflation, it’s difficult for some families to purchase school supplies.
Cut 13 (08) “…the state.”
The first of four back-to-school community fairs is at City Park in Natchitoches from 10 until noon. There’s another one on Wednesday in Houma at the Terrebonne Parish Library System from 5 to 7 PM.

7:30 LRN Newscast July 29

Beginning Monday, military veterans will have the right to carry a concealed weapon without obtaining a permit. The new law was authored by Monroe Senator Jay Morris, who says he was happy to pass legislation to aid those who’ve served their country…:
Cut 7 (07) “…and their property.”
Under the new law, military veterans may carry a hidden gun without getting a permit; provided they are over 21 and have no criminal felony record.

Did you get your Mega Millions ticket for tonight. The jackpot is one-point-one billion dollars and Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says lottery players love big jackpots, including individuals who only buy a lottery ticket once or twice a year…
cut 11 (12) “….Mega Million sales”
The drawing is at 10 PM tonight and ticket sales stop at 9 PM.

The Governor’s Office of Community Programs will distribute school supplies across the state, beginning this weekend. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Lafourche Parish sheriff deputies have arrested 41-year-old Dontrell Williams Senior of Golden Meadow after his child ingested heroin that belonged to Williams. A Las Vegas woman is accused of stabbing a St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Deputy during a Wednesday morning traffic stop. The deputy was treated and released at a hospital. Shreveport police are searching suspects who are responsible for nine carjackings over the last three days.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Jameis Winston is getting ready for his second season as the starting quarterback for the Saints. Winston recognizes he has more weapons around him this season
Cut 16 (15) “….beautiful thing“.
Still no Tyrann Mathieu at Saints training camp as he’s been excused by the team to deal with a personal matter. Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport remains on the physically unable to perform list, but has been seen trying to get himself back in shape after offseason shoulder surgery.

According to league sources Zion Williamson contract extension with the Pelicans contains a weight clause. His weight and body fat percentage must reportedly stay below 295 or his guaranteed money is reduced. The Pelicans have listed Williamson’s weight at 284 pounds.

An All-American at Air Force announces he’s transferring to LSU to play baseball for the Tigers. Right-hander Paul Skenes was the Mountain West Conference Co-Pitcher of the Year with a 10-3 record and 2.73 ERA in 15 starts as a sophomore. He can also slug. At the plate Skenes hit .314 with 13 homers and 38 RBIs.

Mike the Tiger could soon be coming to a theatre near you. Brooke Thorington has more about the feature film that’s in the works.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

6:30 LRN Newscast July 29

Starting Monday, August 1st, military veterans will have the right to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (28) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

In other news around the state, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams was found not guilty of ten felony tax fraud charges. Authorities are still searching for the gunman who fatally shot popular Bogalusa rapper JayDaYoungan, whose real name is Javorious Scott. And tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot is one-point-one billion dollars.

The Governor’s Office of Community Programs will host several back-to-school community fairs and the first one is tomorrow in Natchitoches at their city park from 10 AM to noon. Katina Semien-Smothers is one of the organizers of the fairs…
cut 14 (09) “…the community”
The other back-to-school community fairs will take place in Houma on Wednesday, Lake Providence next Saturday and Lake Charles August 20th.

A feature film is in the works starring LSU’s beloved mascot Mike the Tiger. It’s titled The Mascot and is loosely based on writer/director Matthew Perkins’ life when he donned the Uga costume at the University of Georgia. He approached his alma mater about the film first but their loss is now LSU’s gain.
Cut 4 (09) “…Tiger movie.”
Perkins says it’s a heartfelt sports comedy about a quarterback who loses his scholarship to LSU, and then reinvents himself as the mascot.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints have their star wide receiver Michael Thomas back. The NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 is practicing earlier than expected this training camp after missing all of last season with an ankle injury. Thomas says he’s ready to win some games for new head coach Dennis Allen….
cut 17 (16) “….front of me”
Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan says a healthy Thomas brings endless potential to the offense.
cut 30 (22) “…even more”

At Sun Belt Media Days, second-year ULM Coach Terry Bowden says he’s expecting to go to a bowl game. The Warhawks are coming off a four and eight season, but Bowden says he has a more mature football team this year and a better idea who will start against Texas in the season opener…
cut 19 (16) “….and defensively”
ULM opens Sun Belt play on September 24th against the Ragin Cajuns, who are picked to win the league’s western division. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux told the Daily Advertiser he hopes to name a starting quarterback by August 22nd. Sophomore Chandler Fields and Junior Ben Woolridge are battling to replace three-year starter Levi Lewis.

Outfielder Gavin Dugas says he’s coming back to LSU for a fifth season. The Houma native suffered a thumb injury last season and hit .306 in 39 games.