11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU will unveil a statue of Pete Maravich tonight next to the statues of other LSU basketball legends, Shaquille O’ Neal and Bob Petit. Pistol Pete is the all-time scoring leader in NCAA Division One College Basketball and LSU’s Chief Brand Officer Cody Worsham says he’s one of the best to ever play the game…
Cut 13 (08) “…we’re excited.”
The unveiling of the statue will be around 6:30 in the plaza of the LSU Basketball Practice facility.

Here’s how it sounded on NBC sports when former LSU pole vaulter and Lafayette native Mondo Duplantis broke his own world record at the world championships in Eugene, Oregon…
cut 30 (10) “….done it'”
Mondo is the Michael Jordan of pole vaulting.

LSU football received its fourth verbal pledge for the 2024 recruiting class as tight end Tayvion Calloway of Ohio announced he plans on playing for the Tigers. He’s a four-star prospect and 24-7 sports ranks Calloway as the fifth-best tight end in the Class of 2024.

LSU linebacker Mike Jones Junior is on the Butkus Award watch list. Devin White won the award in 2018 which goes to the best linebacker in college football.

Tomorrow, the Saints veterans report for training camp. We will hear from general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Dennis Allen tomorrow afternoon. The Saints first preseason game is August 13th in Houston to take on the Texans.

Houston rookie wide receiver John Metchie the Third has been diagnosed with a form of leukemia and it’s unlikely he’ll be able to play this season.

The Sun Belt Conference has announced that commissioner Keith Gill’s contract has been extended through 2030. He’s been on the job since 209 and the league expanded to 14 schools this year.

11:30 LRN Newscast

As high power bills are crippling many residents, District 4 Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis, who’s seeking re-election, says the commission is trying to help consumers.
Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

22-year-old Lane Keenan of Folsom has been charged with vehicular homicide in a fatal boating accident that occurred Saturday night in Lake Pontchartrain. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says 21-year-old Hunter Prevost died when he fell off the front of a 25 foot vessel and got hit by the propeller. LDWF says Folsom was impaired and operating the boat when the accident happened.

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory announces that he has voluntarily checked himself into an in-patient rehabilitation facility for 21 days. Guillory says he never drank before or during working hours but he believes he’s addicted to alcohol and untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. K-L-A-F and K-A-D-N TV news anchor Jeff Horchak…
cut 3 (10) “…back on track”
Guillory is a combat veteran and served as a Platoon Leader in the U-S Cavalry during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005

Tonight, a statue of LSU legend Pete Maravich will be unveiled on LSU’s campus. It’s been a long time coming for the all-time scoring leader in NCAA Division one basketball history. It took awhile because Maravich never graduated from LSU, but LSU’s Chief Brand officer Cody Worsham says Maravich’ s contributions to the game and the university are worth hundreds of statues…
cut 14 (14) “…at LSU”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Although Louisiana District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise has two challengers for the November 8th Congressional primary, he is focused on the future of the House, his party and the country. Scalise believes a number of House Democrats may lose their seats, because what’s important for them is NOT what the American people want…:
Cut 4 (12) “…fed up with it.”
Scalise is challenged for his next term by Democrat Katie Darling, a Covington area business woman and Howard Kearney, an Independent from Mandeville.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves faces two opponents in his re-election bid. Graves says securing federal dollars for a new Mississippi River Bridge is one of his top priorities….
cut 12 (12) “…..political decision”

LSU’s basketball arena is already named after the great Pete Maravich and after tonight there will also be a statue of Pistol Pete next to the PMAC. Michelle southern has more…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

Former LSU pole vaulter and Lafayette’s Mondo Duplantis broke his own world record as the world championships ended in Eugene, Oregon. Duplantis cleared 20-feet, 4.5 inches on his second vault to win the gold at his second world championships.

8:30 LRN Newscast

As high power bills are crippling many residents, District 4 Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis, who’s seeking re-election, says the commission is trying to help consumers.
Cut 2 (33) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

22-year-old Lane Keenan of Folsom has been charged with vehicular homicide in a fatal boating accident that occurred Saturday night in Lake Pontchartrain. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says 21-year-old Hunter Prevost died when he fell off the front of a 25 foot vessel and got hit by the propeller. LDWF says Folsom was impaired and operating the boat when the accident happened.

District One Congressman Steve Scalise has qualified for re-election and is expected to win easily over his two challengers. The Minority Whip could rise to Majority Leader if the Republicans regain control of the House. Scalise says House Republicans will soon release their Commitment to America agenda…
cut 6 (10) “….struggling right now”
District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson has been re-elected as no one signed up to oppose the Bossier Parish Republican.

Meanwhile Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves is facing two challengers. One of them is Brian Belzer of Prairieville who says he’s pro-life…
cut 11 (12) “….incest”
Libertarian Rufus Craig Junior of Baton Rouge is also running against Graves.

7:30 LRN Newscast July 25

Though he has two challengers for his next term in office, District 1 Congressman and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise says he’s focused on what comes AFTER Election Day…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

No one signed up to run against Fourth District Congressman Mike Johnson. So the Republican from Bossier Parish has been elected to a fourth term in the United States House of Representatives. Johnson is the vice chairman of the Republican caucus and also serves on the House Armed Services Committee. Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John Weimer was also re-elected as no one signed up to challenge him.

Republican Congressman Garret Graves will face two challengers in his bid for re-election for the 6th Congressional District. Graves believes the GOP is poised to gain control of Congress in the mid-terms, and he’s been asked by House leadership to lead the Republican’s policy on Energy, Climate, and Conservation.
Cut 10 (11) “…facing today.”
Graves is facing two challengers, Republican Brian Belzer and Libertarian Rufus Craig Junior.

One of the major stories this summer has been higher than normal energy bills. Mike Francis who is seeking re-election as District Four Public Service Commissioner says the PSC can only do so much when it comes to regulating private energy companies that also have to pay stockholders dividends.
Cut 8 (13) “…those shares.”
District Three Commissioner Lambert Boissiere is also seeking re-election.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU will unveil a statue of Pete Maravich tonight that will stand next to the statutes of two former Tiger legends, Shaquille O’ Neal and Bob Petit. The unveiling of the statue will take place at 6:30 in the plaza of the LSU Basketball Practice facility which is connected to the PMAC. LSU’s Chief Brand Officer Cody Worsham says members of Maravich’s family will be on hand along with some of the great players of LSU’s basketball past…
Cut 15 (13) “… of that program”

Former LSU pole vaulter and Lafayette’s Antoine Duplantis broke his own world record as the world championships ended in Eugene, Oregon. Duplantis cleared 20-feet, 4.5 inches on his second attempt to win the gold at his second world championships.

LSU football received its fourth verbal pledge for the 2024 recruiting class as tight end Tayvion Calloway of Ohio announced he plans on playing for the Tigers. He’s a four-star prospect and 24-7 sports ranks Calloway as the fifth-best tight end in the Class of 2024. Calloway stands at six-foot-six, 230-pounds.

Tomorrow, the Saints veterans report for training camp. We will hear from general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Dennis Allen tomorrow afternoon. The Saints first preseason game is August 13th in Houston to take on the Texans.

Houston rookie wide receiver John Metchie the Third has been diagnosed with a form of leukemia and it’s unlikely he’ll be able to play this season. Metchie said in a statement that he has A-P-L, which he says is the most curable form of Leukemia. The former Alabama star is a second round draft choice.

In college baseball news….Tulane outfielder Ethan Goff announced he’s transferring to Ole Miss. Goff hit .404 with nine home runs before a fractured his thumb ended his season in late April.

6:30 LRN Newscast July 25

Louisiana’s District One Congressman and House Republican Whip Steve Scalise is confident the Republican Party will regain control of the House after the mid-term elections. Scalise says President Biden’s sinking approval rating, even among his own party should worry House Democrats seeking re-election against formidable Reublican challengers…
cut 5 (09) “…far left agenda”
Scalise himself is facing two challengers, Democrat Katie Darling and Independent Howard Kearney, but Scalise is expected to easily win re-election.

LSU will unveil a statue of Pete Maravich tonight next to the statues of other basketball legends, Shaquille O’ Neal and Bob Petit. Pistol Pete is the all-time scoring leader in NCAA Division One College Basketball History and LSU’s Chief Brand Officer Cody Worsham says he’s one of the best to ever play the game…
Cut 13 (08) “…we’re excited.”

As many Louisianans are plagued with high energy bills District 4 Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis will face two opponents in his bid for a second six-year term. Francis says he’s often asked what he can do to help lower power bills and hurricane restoration charges.
Cut 7 (12) “…reasonable.”
Francis says the PSC can only do so much when it comes to regulating private energy companies that also have to pay stockholders dividends.

Governor John Bel Edwards is in northeast Louisiana today. His office says Edwards will be in Lake Providence for a major broadband announcement at 10:30 and then he’ll travel to Bastrop for a broadband groundbreaking ceremony at 1 PM.

LRN AM Newscall July 25

Though he has two challengers for his next term in office, District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise says he’s focused on what comes AFTER Election Day…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________

 As high power bills are crippling many residents, District 4 Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis, who’s seeking re-election, says the commission is trying to help consumers.

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

________________________________________________

LSU’s basketball arena is already named after the great Pete Maravich and after tonight there will also be a statue of Pistol Pete next to the PMAC. Michelle southern has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’mMichelle Southern.”

___________________________________________________

Although Louisiana District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise has two challengers for the November 8th Congressional primary, he is focused on the future of the House, his party and the country. At qualifying for the election, Scalise said he feels a number of House Democrats may lose their seats, because what’s important for them is NOT what the American people want…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…fed up with it.”

Scalise is challenged for his next term by Democrat Katie Darling, a Covington area business woman and Howard Kearney, an Independent from Mandeville. Scalise says there’s a good chance the GOP could retake majority in the U.S House; largely because of the poor performance of the current leadership and President Biden’s sinking approval rating – even among his own party…:

Cut 5 (09) “…far left agenda.”

Scalise says, if Republican regain majority, he’ll work to ensure parents’ rights in the kids’ education, a return to law & order and a sensible “all of the above” approach to energy production. He says a GOP majority House will work to make life less difficult for taxpayers…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…struggling right now.”

Political analysts mostly agree that Scalise is very likely to win another term in November, or a possible December runoff.

_______________________________________________

As many Louisianans are plagued with high energy bills District 4 Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis will face two opponents in his bid for a second six-year term. Francis says he’s often asked what he can do to help lower power bills and hurricane restoration charges.

Cut 7 (12) “…reasonable.”

Francis says the PSC can only do so much when it comes to regulating private energy companies that also have to pay stockholders dividends.

Cut 8 (13)  “…those shares.”

Entergy says 2020 hurricane restoration efforts in Louisiana totaled $4.1 billion and that cost will be paid for by customers over a 15-year period. Francis says the commission has asked the utility provider to pay for even a portion of those charges.

Cut 9 (08)  “…like that.”

Francis will face Keith C. Bodin of Ragley who is running as an independent and Republican Shalon Latour of Iowa in November.

________________________________________________

Republican Congressman Garret Graves will face two challengers in his bid for re-election for the 6th Congressional District. Graves believes the GOP is poised to gain control of Congress in the mid-terms, and he’s been asked by House leadership to lead the Republican’s policy on Energy, Climate, and Conservation.

Cut 10 (11) “…facing today.”

And In his first venture into politics, Brian Belzer of Prairieville says he’s fed up with what’s going on in DC and wants to help common-sense legislation that’s being ignored. When the Republican diesel mechanic was asked about his views on abortion, he says he’s pro-life…

Cut  11 (12)  “…incest.” 

In addition to rallying for conservation efforts in DC, Graves says the construction of a new Mississippi River bridge in his home district of Baton Rouge is long overdue.

Cut 12 (12) “…political decision.” 

The third candidate for the 6th Congressional District is Libertarian Rufus Craig, Jr. of Baton Rouge.

_________________________________________________

LSU will unveil a statue of Pete Maravich tonight next to the statues of other LSU basketball legends, Shaquille O’ Neal and Bob Petit. Pistol Pete is the all-time scoring leader in NCAA Division One College Basketball and LSU’s Chief Brand Officer Cody Worsham says he’s one of the best to ever play the game…

Cut 13 (08) “…we’re excited.”

LSU Board of Supervisors voted in 2016 to erect a statue of Maravich and in 2019 the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee changed a rule to allow for non-graduates to have a statue. Worsham says Maravich’s contributions to the game and the university are worth hundreds of statues…

Cut 14 (14)  “…at LSU”

There will be a ceremony inside the LSU practice facility at 6 PM and then the unveiling of the statue after 6:30 in the plaza of the LSU Basketball Practice facility which is connected to the PMAC. Worsham says members of Maravich’s family will be on hand along with some of the great players of LSU’s basketball past…

Cut 15 (13)  “… of that program”

4:45 LRN Sportscast July 22

The media picks LSU to finish fifth in the SEC West, considered the toughest division in all of college football. Tiger Rag Editor Tim Buckley says LSU’s ranking is the result of not having an established starter at quarterback, the offensive line is inexperienced, unproven running backs and only one established player at wide receiver Kayshon Boutte…..
Cut 10 (08) “…preseason teams”
Alabama is the media’s pick to win the SEC West. Then it’s Texas A-and-M, Arkansas, Ole Miss and then LSU. Over in the East, Georiga is the preseason favorite, then Kentucky, followed by Tennessee.

An NCAA notice of allegations finds Tennessee committed 18 Level one violations under former head coach Jeremy Pruitt. The Knoxville News Sentinel says players and families received 60-thousand dollars in cash and gifts from Pruitt, his wife and members of the coaching staff. Pruitt was fired for caause in January of 2021 and since the university self-reported the violations and cooperated with the investigation, Tennessee might not be punished.

SWAC coaches and sports information directors pick Southern to win the league’s west division. Southern has two all preseason SWAC performers on the defensive line, Jordan Lewis and Jason Dumas. Lewis was the SWAC defensive MVP last season and Dumas is a transfer from Prairie View. Southern defensive defensive tackle Cameron Peterson is excited about the addition of Dumas…
Cut 17 (20) “…very fortunate.”
Grambling is picked to finish fourth in the SWAC West Division. Grambling offensive lineman Tyler Thomas says the Tigers are ready to surprise some folks this year…
Cut 18 (12) “ …be seen”
Jackson State is the favorite in the East Division.

3:30 LRN Newscast

This week Governor John Bel Edwards announced a plan to move juvenille inmates from the Bridge City Center for the Youth in Jefferson Parish to the Angola state prison in West Feliciana Parish. The plan is receiving criticism. Loyola University professor of law Hector Linares suggests moving the least violent detainees to lower-security facilities…
cut 5 (10) “…higher needs youth”
The Bridge City Center for Youth has been hampered by jail breaks and fights involving inmates.

The media pick LSU to finish fifth in the SEC West, considered the toughest division in all of college football. Tiger Rag Editor Tim Buckley says LSU’s ranking is the result of not having an established starter at quarterback, the offensive line is inexperienced, unproven running backs and only one established player at wide receiver…..
Cut 10 (08) “…preseason teams”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow will face opposition in November as she seeks re-election to her second term in the 5th Congressional District. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana ranks number one for highest sales taxes in the country. The average combined state and local sales tax rate is 9.55-percent. The Tax Foundation’s Janelle Fritts says when sales taxes are high, they are burdensome…:
CUT 29 (06) “…state lines.”