6:45 LRN Sportscast August 11

Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson has retired, ending an eleven-year NFL career. Robinson had a chance to start at corner for the Black and Gold, but Coach Sean Payton says Robinson felt deep down inside that this was something he should do. New Orleans is searching for a starting corner opposite Marshawn Lattimore and Payton says it’s still a priority….
cut 27 (07) “…here”
Ken Crawley has worked with the first team and veterans Prince Amukamara, Brian Poole, and rookie Paulson Adebo are also competing for playing time.

According to the Advocate, 19 LSU players were missing during the portion of the practice viewed by the media. Standout cornerbacks Derek Stingley Junior and Eli Ricks were among those not present. Coach Ed Orgeron says running back Tyrion Davis-Price is dealing with a regular camp injury.

LSU is ranked 13th and U-L Lafayette is ranked 23rd in the preseason coaches poll which was released yesterday. Alabama is ranked number one ahead of Clemson, Oklahoma, Ohio State and Georgia.

The LHSAA released a 12-page memo to schools yesterday discussing COVID. Despite the rising number of cases and COVID hospitalizations, even among younger people, the association is confident schools can work with local health officials so the fall season can happen. Also, the memo says if a game is canceled because of COVID, it will go down as a forfeit for the team who does not have enough healthy players.

St. Thomas More Quarterback and LSU commit Walker Howard goes into the season as one of the top quarterbacks in the state. Howard says his focus is on bringing S-T-M a third straight state title…
cut 17 (10) “…championship”

6:30 LRN Newscast August 11

The US Senate passed a mostly bipartisan one trillion-dollar infrastructure bill yesterday yet some Republicans find the spending unwise as the legislation heads to the U-S House. Republican Northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson…
Cut 10 (11) “…opposition to it”
But Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says the legislation contains nearly six billion dollars for Louisiana.

Despite federal unemployment enhancement benefits ending last month, nearly half of small businesses surveyed across the country say they are struggling to fill job openings. National Federation of Independent Business, State Director Dawn McVea says the lack of qualified workers has been an issue for several months
Cut 7 (11) “..year high.”

A landmark climate report shows our region will get a lot hotter if the world doesn’t achieve carbon neutrality in the next few decades. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

LRN AM Newscall August 11

A landmark climate report shows our region will get a lot hotter if the world doesn’t achieve carbon neutrality in the next few decades. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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As the fourth surge of COVID continues, optimism dwindles among small business owners. Matt Doyle has more

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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The U-S Senate has approved a one-trillion dollar infrastructure bill and it heads to the House where Republicans are already raising objections. Erik Piccoli has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…LRN” 

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An International Panel on Climate Change report shows without achieving worldwide carbon neutrally by mid-century average temps in Louisiana’s region will rise six degrees or more. Tulane Marshal-Heape Chair of Earth and Environmental Sciences Cynthia Ebinger says that level of temperature increase would have major impacts on Louisiana’s culture and economy.

Cut 4 (08) “…as well”

Current worldwide policies have the planet on track to see temperatures rise about three and a half degrees from where they are now. Under that projection, we’ll see an average of 15 more days a year with temps over 95, and eight more days a year with temps over 104.

The report also noted with a high level of confidence that the number of extreme precipitation events will jump significantly. Ebinger says being on the Gulf puts us at ground zero…

Cut 5 (13) “…events”

Louisiana’s region is expected to see about four feet of sea-level rise by the end of the century under scenarios where carbon use is not curtailed.

Ebinger says the technology already exists to avoid the worst-case scenarios outlined, but governments need to do a better job of incentivizing its use.

Cut 6 (12) “…capture”

The report was compiled using data from 14,000 studies and approved by 195 countries.

_____________________

Despite federal unemployment enhancement benefits ending last month, nearly half of small businesses surveyed across the country say they are struggling to fill job openings. National Federation of Independent Business, State Director Dawn McVea says the lack of qualified workers has been an issue for several months

Cut 7 (11) “..year high.”

McVea says small business owners are losing confidence in the strength of the economy, which is why optimism fell among owners fell in July…

Cut 8 (08) “…unfortunate.” 

Another ongoing issue for small businesses is a disruption in the supply chain making it difficult for businesses to provide products and services in a timely manner, however…

Cut 9 (09) “…harder.”

McVea says she remains hopeful small businesses will rebound quickly once the 4th surge passes.

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The US Senate passed a mostly bi-artisan 1 Trillion dollar infrastructure bill yet some Republicans find the spending unwise as the legislation now heads to the U-S House. Northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson says the Republicans in the House are united against the bill…

Cut 10 (11) “…opposition to it” 

The bill proved divisive amongst Louisiana’s Senators with Cassidy voting to support it while John Kennedy called it an infrastructure, Green New Deal, and welfare bill. Johnson says some senators passed the bill in order to look good back home and look as if they’re doing something meaningful…

Cut 11 (12) “…amongst conservatives”

Of the 50 Republican senators, 19 voted in favor of the bill. Louisiana’s lone Democrat in Congressional delegation is excited the legislation made it out of the Senate. House Representative Troy Carter says the legislation contains opportunities to better America…

Cut 12 (12) “..our families”  

Cassidy has said the legislation contains six billion dollars for Louisiana, a figure Kennedy disputes. But Carter believes there’s enough money in this bill to make some dramatic improvements…

Cut 13 (10) “…the pumps”

No word on when the U-S House will begin debate.

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Insurance companies have crossed the 10 billion dollar mark for claims related to the 2020 Hurricane Season. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the historic season is the second-costliest in state history behind only 2005.

Cut 14 (08) “…for us.”

Three hurricanes and two tropical storms made landfall in the 2020 season.

Donelon says hundreds of thousands of homeowners were impacted, and many are still awaiting a final resolution.

Cut 15 (07)“…payment.”

68 percent of Hurricane Laura claims were closed with payment. 175,000 Hurricane Laura-related claims were filed.

Donelon says because of this, after only seeing one percent yearly rate increases for the past five years…

Cut 16 (07) “…year-end.”

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With the 2021 football season about to get underway the state of Louisiana has a lot of talented quarterbacks including St. Thomas More’s Walker Howard, who is ranked as the number one high school quarterback in the country by 24-7 sports.  Walker says his focus is on bringing his school a third straight state title.

Cut 17 (10) “…championship” 

The 2020 St. Thomas more team was dominant and had a lot of talent, including LSU signee Jack Bech.  Howard says this year’s team will need to play hard if they want to bring home the hardware once again.

Cut 18 (16)”…ready to go.”

Another quarterback that is highly recruited is Arch Manning, the son of Cooper Manning, nephew of Peyton and Eli, and grandson to Archie Manning.  Arch has the ability to run and he says it’s a necessity this day and age.

Cut 19 (15)  “…different” 

Being a Manning means teams have been all over Arch from the time he was a freshman, he says he’s enjoyed the recruiting process because he’s been to a lot of campuses he wasn’t familiar with.

Cut 20 (14)  “….the season” 

4:45 LRN Sportscast August 10

Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson has decided to retire, ending an eleven-year NFL career. New Orleans used a first-round pick on Robinson in 2010 and he played his first five seasons in the NFL with the Saints. He also spent time with the Chargers, Colts and Eagles and returned to New Orleans for the 2018 season. He played in 12 games last year for the Black and Gold and had a chance to start this year but told Coach Sean Payton this morning he’s had enough. Payton admits he was surprised…
cut 15 (15) “…he felt”
Robinson’s retirement opens the door for veterans Ken Crawley and Prince Amukamara to fill the starting cornerback role opposite of Marshon Lattimore. The Saints have also signed kicker Brett Maher, who will fill in for the injured Will Lutz, who is expected to miss at least two months. Maher kicked for the Cowboys in 2018 and 19, making 74-percent of his field goals.

A storyline at LSU’s preseason camp is the number of young wide receivers on the Tigers roster. Chris Hilton Junior, Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas, and Deion Smith. Kayshon Boutte broke out towards the end of his freshman season last year and he’s impressed with this freshmen class of wideouts…
cut 19 (18) “….do it all”
The preseason coaches poll was released today and LSU comes in at number 13. The Ragin Cajuns are ranked 23rd, just ahead of Coastal Carolina who comes in at number 24. U-L Lafayette finished 2020 ranked 16th in the country. Alabama is ranked number one in this preseason poll followed by Clemson, Oklahoma, Ohio State and Georgia.

LRN PM Newscall August 10

Attorney General Jeff Landry is partnering with Alabama’s AG to catalog alleged incidents of censorship by social media companies. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Additional restrictions could be coming as the state approaches three thousand COVID patients in the hospital. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Attorneys’ General offices in both Louisiana and Alabama are now offering a complaint form for people who feel they are being censored on social media. Louisiana AG Jeff Landry says Big Tech social media companies have created a virtual public square that should have 1st Amendment protections.

Cut 3 (09) “…censorship” 

The form includes categories for de-platforming, suppression of posts, the altering or deleting of content, suspensions or banning of accounts, the attachment of editorial messages, and the obscuring of your posts.

Landry says this censorship deprives Americans of access to important information. He cited the censorship of posts about the Wuhan lab’s alleged involvement with the virus.

Cut 4 (12) “…citizens” 

There is still widespread agreement amongst experts that the virus was not man-made, but there have been recent reports suggesting it may have escaped contained from a coronavirus lab in Wuhan, China.

Landry asks that you leave as detailed a response as possible on the submission form, including pictures if available. Once enough data is compiled he may initiate litigation, but…

Cut 5 (03) “…stop”

You can fill out a survey at agjefflandry.com/survey/socialmedia

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State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says more mitigation rules may be needed if the state doesn’t slow down the spread of COVID-19. Kanter is worried about the growing number of COVID patients in the hospital statewide and how to care for them if the surge of patients doesn’t stop

Cut 6 (10) “…sustain that.”

Last week Governor John Bel Edwards brought back an indoor face mask mandate that’s in effect until at least September 1st. At this time there are no capacity restrictions on businesses like restaurants or bars. But Kanter says the daily number of new cases is shocking…

Cut 7 (09) “…time frame” 

Kanter made the comments while giving a COVID-19 update to the Board of Regents. Another 139 COVID patients have been hospitalized since Monday raising the statewide total to 2,859. Kanter says if the fourth surge of cases doesn’t peak in the next week or two it will be catastrophic for hospitals

Cut 8 (07) “…corner yet”

Not only are hospitalizations rising, but so are the deaths, the state reported 93 COVID fatalities on Tuesday, the highest single day increase since January 8th.

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As children begin to return to the classroom, State Police are reminding motorists to be mindful of school zones. LSP even released a video about what you can and cannot do driving-wise in a school zone on social media. LSP spokesperson, Trooper Johnathan Odom…

Cut 9 (07) “…or biking”

Odom says all traffic must stop no less than 30 feet from a school bus when its stop signals are in use.

Cut 10 (12) “…the bus.”

LSP also reminds motorists to allow for extra driving time if they need to drive through a school zone, so you won’t be delayed to your destination. According to state law, Odom says you also need to keep your hands off your phone and on the wheel when driving through a school zone.

Cut  11 (08) “…school zones”  

And be sure to observe speed limit signs in school zones and also be aware of children in carpool lines also.

________________________________________________

The U.S. Senate approved the 1.2 trillion-dollar infrastructure package today. Senator Bill Cassidy, who helped negotiate and craft the bipartisan bill says it’s a big win for the country and Bayou State.

Cut 12 (11) “…other things” 

Cassidy says the legislation is called the Infrastructure Investments Jobs Act and in addition to jobs, it will assist Louisianans with better commutes, coastal restoration and help close the digital divide.

Cut 13 (12) “…nation.”

Louisiana’s Senior Senator says broadband construction will also create jobs which will help the state’s economy in addition to areas of the state that currently lack connectivity….

Cut 14 (08) “…infrastructure.”

While Cassidy touts the legislation, fellow Republican Senator John Kennedy opposes it. The bill now heads to the House.

9:30 LRN Newscast August 10

A vote is expected this morning in the U-S Senate on a one-point-two trillion-dollar infrastructure bill. Senator John Kennedy calls the legislation an unfunded inflation bomb, but fellow Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says the projected 250-billion dollars in deficits will be offset by long-term economic growth…
cut 6 (11) “….taxes”
If the legislation passes the Senate, it will still need House approval.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry believes BESE should set the policy regarding face masks in schools. But Governor Edwards says during a public health emergency he can issue certain directives…
cut 10 (10) “….coastal parishes” (2x)”
BESE is expected to discuss masks in schools next week.

Physicians are starting to see a possible link between COVID and ED in men. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state health department says over 27-hundred individuals are in the hospital suffering from symptoms brought on by COVID-19. While speaking to the Board of Regents this morning, Kanter says if the fourth surge of COVID cases doesn’t reach a peak within a week or two, it will be a catastrophic situation for hospitals.

8:30 LRN Newscast August 10

Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry has issued a legal opinion that says the governor’s mask mandate does not extend to public schools. Landry believes the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education should decide if masks should be required in schools…
cut 8 (09) “…voice”
And BESE is expected to discuss masks in schools at their meeting next week. Governor Edwards disagrees with Landry’s legal opinion.

Tropical Storm Fred is expected to form southeast of Puerto Rico today, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says the disturbance will have a hard time strengthing as it moves over Hispaniola’s mountain range…
cut 15 (12) “…development”
The National Hurricane Center has this system as a tropical storm south of Florida on Saturday morning.

Senator Bill Cassidy is optimistic the Senate will approve today a 1.2 trillion dollar bipartisan infrastructure package he helped craft. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The 4th surge in COVID cases has prompted the cancellation of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. New Orleans and Company Spokesperson, Kelly Schulz says the cancellation of Jazz Fest is an economic blow the state shouldn’t have to take.
Cut 27 (10) “…this situation”

7:30 LRN Newscast August 10

Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry and Governor Edwards disagree over whether the governor has the authority to implement mask mandates in public schools. Matt Doyle has the story…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The state continues to break records for the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. That number is up 2,720 and the state health department says 91-percent of the COVID patients are not vaccinated. 38-percent of the state’s population is vaccinated.

Research out of the University of Miami has found COVID-19 can cause erectile dysfunction in men. LSU Health New Orleans Urologist Doctor Matthew Mutter says men with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, heart disease and pulmonary issues seem to be more susceptible to E-D once they are infected by the virus…
cut 12 (08) “….function”
Meanwhile, research is showing the vaccine does NOT cause sexual dysfunction.

The U-S Senate is expected to vote on a one trillion dollar infrastructure bill this morning. Senator Bill Cassidy says the legislation contains six billion dollars for Louisiana to rebuild and improve roads and bridges. Cassidy says the proposal also includes 65 billion dollars in grid hardening.
Cut 5 (11) “…money”
Senator John Kennedy is expected to vote against the bill. He told Fox News the legislation is full of stupid stuff.

6:45 LRN Sportscast August 10

Saints kicker Will Lutz will reportedly miss the next eight weeks because he needs surgery to fix a core muscle injury. Coach Sean Payton says it’s an injury that got worse last week, so they decided surgery was the proper way to go…
cut 30 (10) “….little different”
After trying out some kickers, the Saints have reportedly signed former Cowboys kicker Brett Maher. In 2019, he was just eight of 13 on attempts from 40 yards and beyond.

After a report that said Saints receiver Michael Thomas ignored calls from the Saints during the offseason to see how his injured ankle was doing, Thomas posted this message on his Twitter account. “They tried to damage your reputation, you saved theirs by not telling your side of the story.” Payton had no comment when asked about the social media post.

For LSU to have a big season, the Tigers defense must be much better than it was last year when it allowed 35 points a game. Senior linebacker Damone Clark says the new coaches on the defensive staff, including defensive coordinator Daronte Jones and linebackers coach Blake Baker, are good at instilling confidence in you…
cut 18 (17) “….different”
And LSU wide receiver Kayson Boutte has a message for fans as new COVID cases and hospitalizations continue to rise in Louisiana and the Tigers home opener is a month away…
cut 20 (06) “…for everybody”

6:30 LRN Newscast August 10

Senator Bill Cassidy expects the Senate will vote today on a 1.2 trillion dollar bipartisan infrastructure package that he helped craft. Cassidy says the plan is a big win for Louisiana…
Cut 4 (12) “…highways.”
Cassidy’s colleague Senator John Kennedy opposes the bill and disputes the six billion dollar figure, arguing instead it is closer to 1.2 billion dollars.

In addition to the loss of smell and reduced breathing capacity, another side effect of COVID for some is erectile dysfunction. LSU Health New Orleans Urologist Dr. Matthew Mutter says when a man is fighting COVID it causes a systemic inflammatory response throughout the body.
Cut 11 (10) “…the penis.”
Mutter says it’s too early to tell if ED is a permanent or temporary side effect of COVID,

Attorney General Jeff Landry argues Governor Edwards does not have the authority to mandate masks in K-through-12 public schools. Landry says this policy is solely the jurisdiction of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and local school boards.…
Cut 7 (09) “..system.”
Edwards calls Landry’s opinion completely wrong and accused him of undermining public confidence in mitigation measures.
Cut 9 (07) “…emergencies.”
BESE meets next week and masks in the classroom is expected to be discussed.