4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football continued its hot streak today of receiving verbal pledges from high school prospects. Liberty Magnet High running back Kaleb Jackson of Baton Rouge announced his commitment to the Tigers today. He’s a four-star recruit and continues the string of high profile verbal pledges LSU has received since the start of July. Tiger-details-dot-com staff writer Jerit Roser says LSU’s 2023 recruiting class is now ranked in the Top 10….
cut 5 (12) “…coast to coast”

The Saints announced today that training camp practices will begin on July 27th. The first one open to the public will be on July 30th at the team’s training facility in Metairie. To register for tickets go to the Saints website. The team will also hold a practice inside the Superdome on August 21st that will be open to the public.

After beating Atlanta 101 to 73 in Summer League Action last night, the Pelicans are one and one, but will probably play the rest of their games this Summer without their top two draft picks. First round pick Dyson Daniels is out after spraining his ankle on Saturday and then last night, second round pick E-J Liddell went down with a knee injury. No word on the M-R-I results.

The Sun Belt has released its conference basketball schedule. The Ragin Cajuns tip-off league play on December 29th at Coastal Carolina. They will host Sun Belt Tournament champion Georgia State on January seventh. ULM also opens conference play on the road as the Warhawks will visit Texas State on December 29th. They’ll host Georgia State January fifth and the Ragin Cajuns on January 12th.

In baseball, former LSU Tiger Josh Smith hit his first major league home run last night to help the Rangers outscore the As 10 to 8. It was an inside the park home run.

LRN PM Newscall July 12

New campaign fundraising figures show incumbent Senator John Kennedy leads the field, far and away. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Senate voted against holding an override veto session which cancels the session that was scheduled to start on Saturday. Jeff Palermo has more….

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

______________________________________

LSU football continued its hot streak today of receiving verbal pledges from high school prospects. Liberty Magnet High running back Kaleb Jackson of Baton Rouge announced his commitment to the Tigers today. Jerit Roser of Tiger-details-dot-com says Jackson is five-foot-eleven, 215 pounds

Cut 3 (12) “…so well”

LSU’s 2023 recruiting class now features two talented running backs from Louisiana. Trey Holly from Union Parish is another four-star back. Roser says the two ball carriers should complement each other well…

Cut 4  (10) “…and company”

Since the start of July, LSU has received a series of verbal commitments. Roser says the Tigers 2023 recruiting class is now ranked in the Top Ten…

Cut 5  (12) “…coast to coast.”

____________________________________________

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the death of former four-term governor Edwin Edwards. The silver fox passed away at the age of 94 from respiratory complications. Trina Edwards was Edwards’ third wife and married to him at the time of his death. She explained to Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana what attracted her to one of the state’s most colorful politicians

Cut 6 (10) ” …all the time.” 

Trina Edwards and Edwin Edwards had a child together as Eli is set to turn nine-years-old on August 1st. Trina told Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana that Edwin’s last spoken words were to him…

Cut 7 (09) “…recording it” 

The 43-year-old Trina Edwards has a new love of her life as she’s been dating former Louisiana House Speaker and Senate President John Alario, and told Jim Engster of Talk Louisiana she would marry him if the 78-year-old asked her.

Cut 8 (11) “…call in.”

The two have been dating for the last six months.

________________________________________________

With qualifying for fall federal mid-term elections starting next week, incumbent Senator John Kennedy easily leads in fundraising. Kennedy reports raising another $5.6-million in the 2nd Quarter, and has almost $16-million cash-on-hand for his campaign. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says this comes as no surprise…:

Cut 9 (14) “..that expectation.”

Stockley says a lot can happen between now and November, but he Kennedy has a distinct advantage. So far, Democrat challengers are Baton Rouge activist and blogger Gary Chambers, Rapides Parish airline pilot Luke Mixon and New Orleans area non-profit director Syrita Steib (pronounce: ser-EET-uh stEYEb). They have raised only a little over $2-million between the three. Stockley says fundraising is tough when running against a popular incumbent like Kennedy…:

Cut 10 (10) “…to these individuals.” 

So far, Kennedy has raised a total of over $28-million for his re-election; with about $16-million cash-on-hand.

One possible challenger to Kennedy from within his party would be Baton Rouge area Reverend Tony Spell, the man who flouted the Governor’s orders to stop church services during the pandemic, was arrested and jailed for it and eventually exonerated of any wrongdoing. Stockley says he doubts Spell poses a threat to Kennedy’s hopes for another term…:

Cut 11 (07)  “..Senator Kennedy.” 

______________________________________________________________

There will not be an override veto session as a majority of state senators voted to cancel the session, which was scheduled to begin on Saturday. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland pushed for a veto session. He says many of the 27 bills the governor vetoed received super majority support by the Legislature…

Cut 12 (12) “…try it again”  

McFarland says he’s most disappointed with the governor’s vetoes over the Education Savings Accounts bills that set up a way to provide more school options for disabled and special education students

Cut 13 (08) “…quality education.”

McFarland says he’s also disappointed with the vetoes on bills pertaining to criminal justice reform and religious freedom.

Twenty-five of the state’s 38 senators voted against an override session, which was the majority vote needed to cancel the session. Some state senators called it a waste of taxpayer dollars.  McFarland says he heard from other senators who had other plans…

Cut 14 (11)  “.the country” 

2:30 LRN newscast

There will not be a veto overrise session as a majority of Senators voted to cancel the session which was set to begin Saturday. House Conservative Caucus Chairman Jack McFarland says there was not a strong desire in the Senate to override any of the governor’s 27 vetoes, plus there are scheduling conflicts…
cut 14 (11) “….the country”

LSU received a commitment from one of the top running backs in the country today as Kaleb Jackson from Liberty Magnet High School in Baton Rouge announced he plans to play for the Tigers. Tiger-details-dot-com staff writer Jerit Roser says Jackson is a big back at five-foot-eleven, 215 pounds…
cut 3 (12) “…so well”
Roser says the Tigers 2023 recruiting class is now ranked in the Top Ten.

New campaign fundraising figures show incumbent Senator John Kennedy leads the field, far and away. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

During a candid interivew on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, Trina Edwards, the widow of former governor Edwin Edwards, talked about her new love and that is 78-year-old John Alario, a longtime former Louisiana lawmaker…
cut 3 (12) “…so well”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU received a commitment today from a four-star running back out of Baton Rouge. Kaleb Jackson who is getting ready for his senior season at Liberty Magnet, also considered Alabama, but he’s staying home. Jackson’s commitment means LSU has the top two running backs in the state in its 2024 class. Trey Holly of Union Parish is also heading to LSU.

Next week is SEC Media Days and LSU’s Brian Kelly and three players will meet with hundreds of reporters on Monday. The Athletic’s Brody Miller reports LSU’s student-athlete representatives will be wide receiver Jack Bech, linebacker Mike Jones Junior and edge rusher B-J Ojulari.

The Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame announces its inducting former Saints wide receiver Marques Colston into his hall of fame class of 2022. Colston was a seventh round draft pick for New Orleans and after ten seasons he ended up as the franchise’s all-time leading receiver and 72 touchdowns is the most in Saints history.

The Pelicans Summer League team defeated the Atlanta Hawks 101-73 last night as last year’s first round pick, Trey Murphy, scored 30 points. But this year’s second round pick, E-J Liddell went down with a knee injury and will undergo an MRI. The team has already announced that first round pick Dyson Daniels will miss the rest of the Summer League with an ankle injury.

Lamar University has decided to return to the Southland Conference a year earlier than scheduled as the school in Beaumont says it will compete as a member of the Southland after spending last season in the WAC. This gives the Southland eight football-playing schools and ten overall as the league has bounced back after losing five teams including the Cardinals last year.

Former Grambling State volleyball coach Chelsey Lucas told 24-7 sports an effort from previous athletes she coached and current members of the Grambling volleyball team got together to get her fired. Lucas was terminated last week after she allegedly released all of the players on the team, a claim she denies in that 24-7 sports report.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Forecasters continue to watch an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the northern Gulf of Mexico. LRN meteorologist John Weatherbee has an update on the system…
Cut 2 (26) “….Danielle.”

There will not an override veto session as a majority of state senators voted to cancel the session, which was scheduled to begin on Saturday. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland pushed for a veto session. He says many of the 27 bills that the governor vetoed received super majority support by the Legislature…
cut 12 (12) “…try it again’

Construction of a $110 million lumber production facility in Bossier Parish is now underway. LED Secretary Don Pierson says the Canadian-based Teal Jones Group chose the Plain Dealing site in December. He says their investment ripples through the economy because you have to harvest timber…
Cut 10 (10) “…like this.”
The project is expected to create 125 new direct jobs with an annual average salary of $47-thousand dollars plus benefits.

Legislation approved in the last regular legislative session urges the Public Service Commission to set a clear rate for the sale of electricity for Electric vehicle charging. Charge Ahead Partnership director Jay Smith says the legislation opens the door for grocery stores and gas stations to get involved. Smith says that’s important because the 73-million dollars in federal money for electric vehicle infrastructure is not enough…
cut 9 (09) “….on the road”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Lafayette-based Waitr has begun the transition from just a food-delivery service to a company that will deliver many other products, including alcohol, clothing, sporting goods, and auto parts. Waitr is also changing its name to ASAP, but company spokesperson Dean Turcol says customers who count on Waitr for food deliveries will not have to do anything different…
cut 6 (08) “….transition”

Louisiana has emerged as a nationwide leader in encouraging private investment in electric vehicle charging stations as a result of legislation approved in the regular session. That’s according to a group called Charge Ahead Partnership. Executive Director Jay Smith says the measure allows grocery stores and even gas stations to invest in a electric vehicle charging network…
Cut 7 (09) “….the driver.”

The University of Louisiana at Monroe will soon begin research and testing of legal medical cannabis and hemp grown in Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Senator John Kennedy’s re-election campaign announces the Republican from Madisonville has raised more than 29-million dollars, including five-point-six million dollars in the second quarter of 2022. His three Democratic challengers have only raised a combined two-point-two million dollars.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Waitr has been in the food delivery service since 2013 when it started operations in Lake Charles and now the Louisiana-based company will begin to deliver other products as well…
cut 5 (09) “….like that”
Waitr spokesperson Dean Turcol says they are also changing the company’s name to ASAP with the vision to deliver anything to consumers, same day, from any type of business.

State lawmakers have approved ULM to research hemp and marijuana. Currently, LSU and Southern University Ag Centers grow medical marijuana and West Monroe Representative Mike Echols says getting ULM involved in the cannabis industry should be good for patients who use medical marijuana…
cut 14 (07) “….places in the state”
KNOE TV in Monroe reports the research could mean additional jobs at ULM, plus over a million dollars in revenue.

Forecasters continue to watch an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the northern Gulf of Mexico. LRN meteorologist John Weatherbee has an update on the system…
Cut 2 (26) “….Danielle.”

The Teal Jones Group has broken ground on a 110-million dollar sawmill in Bossier Parish. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the project in Plain Dealing is expected to create 125 new jobs and once the facility is completed in 2023, the mill we cut timber efficiently….
cut 12 (10) “…our economy”

7:30 LRN Newscast July 12

A Louisiana-based company known for its food delivery service is expanding their business model and they hope that transition happens “as soon as possible.” Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans Police say a 13-month-old boy died after he was bitten by a dog last night in the Gentilly Woods. NOPD has released very few details, so it’s unknown if the dog belonged to the boy’s family and we do not know the breed of the dog. No arrests have been announced.

The University of Louisiana at Monroe College of Pharmacy will begin testing and researching hemp and cannabis for quality, purity and further health applications. West Monroe State Representative Mike Echols says he worked to amend current medical marijuana law to allow ULM to get involved…
cut 13 (12) “…in that space”

Hundreds of new jobs could be coming to northwest Louisiana as the Teal Jones Group has broken ground on the construction of a 110-million dollar sawmill in Bossier Parish. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says construction on the 235-acre facility in Plain Dealing is expected to be completed next year and the facility will produce a wide range of dimensional and specialty lumber products…
cut 11 (09) “….or whatever”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football received another commitment last night. This one from a 2024 prospect. Jo-Jo Stone from Georgia is rated as the 107th best player in the 2024 recruiting class according to 24-7 sports. Stone is listed as an athlete.

Today, Liberty Running back Kaleb Jackson announces his commitment at 10-30 AM. The four star prospect from Baton Rouge is considering LSU, Texas A-and-M, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. He’s ranked as the sixth best running back in the Class of 2023 according to 24-7 sports.

The Pelicans Summer League team defeated the Atlanta Hawks 101-73 last night as las year’s first round pick, Trey Murphy, scored 30 points. But this year’s second round pick, E-J Liddell went down with a knee injury and will undergo an MRI. The team has already announced that first round pick Dyson Daniels will miss the rest of the Summer League with an ankle injury.

Lamar University has decided to return to the Southland Conference a year earlier than scheduled as the school in Beaumont says it will compete as a member of the Southland after spending last season in the WAC. This gives the Southland eight football-playing schools and ten overall as the league has bounced back after losing five teams including the Cardinals last year.

Former Grambling State volleyball coach Chelsey Lucas told 24-7 sports an effort from previous athletes she coached and current members of the Grambling volleyball team got together to get her fired. Lucas was terminated last week after she allegedly released all of the players on the team, a claim she denies in that 24-7 sports report.

In baseball, former LSU Tiger Josh Smith hit his first major league home run last night to help the Rangers outscore the As 10 to 8. It was an inside the park home run as hit in the sixth inning got past Oakland’s center fielder. Also former LSU Tiger Aaron Nola gave up five runs in seven innings as the Cardinals defeated the Phillies six to one.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Lafayette-based Waitr announces its transitioning to a new name… A-SAP. Spokesperson Dean Turcol says it’s reflective of their new business model – same day delivery of any type of goods, not just food, and you ‘ll receive it “as soon as possible.”
Cut 4 (09) “…products.”
Turcol says those products will include alcohol, clothing, sporting goods and auto parts.

Legislation signed by the governor urges the Louisiana Public Service Commission to create a compeitive market for electric vehicle stations…
cut 8 (09) “…E-V charging business”
Jay Smith, executive director of Charge Ahead Partnership, says instead of just relying on power companies to build E-V stations around the state, grocery stores and fuel stations can also enter the market.

The University of Louisiana at Monroe will soon begin research and testing of legal medical cannabis and hemp grown in Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Lawyers for a now Shreveport abortion clinic have filed a request for a Baton Rouge judge to block the state’s abortion ban. A New Orleans judge punted the matter to a Baton Rouge court. Judge Don Johnson will hear the case and he has scheduled a hearing for Monday.