07:30 LRN Newscast, July 20th

Governor John Bel Edwards believes pressure from the Louisiana Republican Party led to the override of his veto on a bill to ban procedures on minors that would alter their biological sex. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (35) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana is officially on day 9 of extreme heat advisories. Temperatures once again will reach near 100 degrees today across the state, and heat index values will be between 110-115.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has secured $2.4 million in funding for new equipment to outfit the New Orleans Criminal Justice Crime Lab. Cassidy says the upgrade will be a game changer…:
Cut 4 (10) “our state”
The funding is part of the 2024 annual appropriations bills.

Former LSU Tennis great Neal Skupski and his partner took home the 2023 Wimbledon doubles title. He says it’s been a dream come true…:
Cut 7 (13) “at Wimbledon”
Skupski becomes only the second Tiger to claim a men’s double major title and the second Englishman to win Wimbledon doubles in the “Open” era.

06:45 LRN Sportscast, July 20th

Alabama was one of the schools featured at SEC Media Days yesterday. Coach Nick Saban and his team will look to return to their championship pedigree after missing the College Football Playoffs for the first time since 2019 and just the second time in the CFP era. The first order of business will be replacing Heisman winning quarterback Bryce Young, but Saban says he’s in no hurry…:
Cut 17 (18) “to rush”
He compared the search to waiting for his grandma’s cake to be ready in the oven. Later asked his favorite flavor cake, Saban said carrot cake. LSU will visit Tuscaloosa on November 4th.

Also taking the podium in Nashville at SEC Media Days was Arkansas Head Coach Sam Pittman. In a seemingly off-year for the quarterback position in the SEC, the Razorbacks boast one of the most talented in the conference in returning senior KJ Jefferson. Pittman says Jefferson’s role under new offensive coordinator Dan Enos may change slightly, but he’ll be essential to the Razorbacks’ success…:
Cut 18 (19) “for a reason”
Arkansas will visit Death Valley September 23.

LSU Fighting Tigers Women’s Basketball star Angel Reese is among seven college athletes hand-picked by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to promote Johnson’s energy drink, ZOA.

06:30 LRN Newscast, July 20th

Governor John Bel Edwards is not surprised the legislature overrode his veto of the bill that would ban doctors from performing sex change operations on minors, but he is disappointed…:
CUT 13 (10) “inside families”
He says the measure violates the constitution and expects a legal challenge.

Hollywood South has been silenced due to the ongoing labor strike by the writers and actors. Louisiana Entertainment Media Director Chris Stelly says despite the setbacks, he hopes the Bayou State will be the film industry’s top selection when it ends…:
Cut 10 (10) “is resolved”
He asys it will likely take a while for the matter to be resolved.

Former LSU Tennis great Neal Skupski has claimed the Wimbledon Men’s Doubles title Saturday. Kace Kieschnick has more…:
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

Someone in California is a billionaire. The Powerball jackpot finally hit after last night’s drawing when a ticket there hit all 6 numbers. The prize is the largest in the game’s history.

09:30 LRN Newscast, July 19th

Lawmakers successfully overrode Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of a bill that would ban doctors from performing sex altering procedures on minors. St. Martinville Senator Fred Mills voted no as he believes the Legislature should not get involved in the relationship between a doctor and a child…:
Cut 16 (10) “any of that”
Expect the bill to face a legal challenge.

A woman in Baton Rouge accused of killing her boyfriend and dumping him at a city park is now a suspect in the 2021 murder of her ex-boyfriend. BRPD Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says 42-year-old Janice Frazier indicated domestic violence was a factor…:
Cut 9 (09) “being involved”
Frazier was booked on two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of obstruction of justice.

24 people closely affiliated with a Shreveport gang are indicted on charges related to CARES Act fraud. U.S. Attorney Brandon Brown says the defendants manufactured a variety of artificial businesses in order to fraudulently receive pandemic relief dollars…:
Cut 5 (11) “money that way”
He said they were able to receive anywhere from $20,000 to $200,000. Prosecution is underway for those individuals.

The Louisiana Office of State Parks launched a new recycling pilot project for cans and plastic bottles at four state parks. Pontchartrain Conservancy Executive Director Kristi Trail says collection totals will be recorded on a bi-weekly basis to determine the program’s success:
Cut 12 (08) “…going forever”

08:30 LRN Newscast, July 19th

The Louisiana House and Senate voted Tuesday to override Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of a bill that prohibits doctors from performing a medical procedure that attempts to alter the biological sex of a minor.
New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes agreed with the governor’s veto message that the legislation is unconstitutional..:
Cut 14 (12) “normal children”
Pollok Representative Gabe Firment says 20 other states have passed bills like his…:
Cut 15 (12) “medical experiments”
This is the only veto lawmakers have successfully overridden. The session must end Saturday.

The Mega Millions jackpot did not see a winner in last night’s drawing, so it now grows to $720 million. New Powerball numbers will be picked tonight with the game’s third largest jackpot in history at an estimated $1 billion dollars. Louisiana has still seen big winners with Monday’s Powerball producing at least two $50,000 tickets in the state, and Mega Millions hit a ticket worth $10,000 out of Reserve.

24 individuals associated with a Shreveport street gang have been indicted for a CARES Act fraud scheme. Kace Kieschnick has the story:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kace Kieschnick”

07:30 LRN Newscast, July 19th

The Republican controlled Louisiana Legislature overrides the governor’s veto of a ban on doctors from performing medical procedures on children designed to change their biological sex. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (43) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A woman in Baton Rouge accused of killing her boyfriend and dumping him at a city park is now a suspect in the 2021 murder of her ex-boyfriend. BRPD Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says 42-year-old Janice Frazier confessed to killing 34-year-old Christopher Holden last week, then admitted to murdering Emanie Anderson 2 years ago….:
Cut 7 (04) “degree murder”
McKneely cites domestic violence as motive.

U.S. Attorney Brandon Brown says 24 people closely associated with a Shreveport street gang are facing charges related to a CARES Act fraud scheme. Brown says the defendants took advantage of small business pandemic relief loans to fund criminal activity…:
Cut 4 (12) “vulnerable state”
All 24 defendants face counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and varying charges or wire fraud.

 

06:45 LRN Sportscast, July 19th

After an All-American season where he helped guide LSU baseball to the NCAA Championship, it’s no surprise that pitcher Paul Skenes has inked a massive rookie contract. The No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft signed a record contract with the Pittsburg Pirates, a $9.2 million dollar signing bonus.

From film study to Moneyball, sports analysis is always changing, and LSU Coach Brian Kelly says AI could be the next step in LSU’s recruiting process. Kace Kieschnick has more…:
Cut 21 (33) “….I’m Kace Kieschnick”

After hearing from LSU Monday at SEC Media Days, New Auburn Head Coach Hugh Freeze spoke yesterday. He says he’s hoping to rebuild the Auburn program after two losing seasons, but it starts with one position…:
CUT 17 (20) “that spot”

Mississippi State’s new Head Coach Zach Arnett also took the podium Tuesday. The Bulldog’s former defensive coordinator has the tall task of replacing the late Mike Leach who was known for his iconic Air Raid offense. Arnett says new coordinator Kevin Barbay brings a different approach…:
Cut 19 (21) “what they do”

06:30 LRN Newscast, July 19th

Louisiana lawmakers have succeeded in overriding the governor’s veto of a bill that bans doctors from performing a medical procedure that attempts to alter the biological sex of a minor. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment has called the bill the “Stop Harming Our Kids Act”:
Cut 13 (13) “gender dysphoria”
Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statement saying this is just the 2nd time he’s had a veto overridden and the first time the courts threw out the law, and he expects the same thing will happen with this bill.

The Office of State Parks has kicked off a new pilot recycling program. Bins will be placed at various parks to collect cans and plastic bottles. Pontchartrain Conservancy Executive Director Kristi Trail:
Cut 10 (09) “better use”

After arresting 42-year-old Janice Frazier in the shooting death of her boyfriend, Baton Rouge Police tell Teiko Foxx the suspect is connected to another unsolved murder of the woman’s ex…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

The Powerball drawing tonight is worth an estimated $1 Billion Dollars which is the third largest jackpot in history.

09:30 LRN Newscast, July 18th

Lawmakers will return to the Capitol today at noon for a veto override session. The hot button measure Governor John Bel Edwards rejected would ban certain medical procedures for transgender youths. 25 bills in total were vetoed including parts of three budget proposals. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says not to count Edwards out because he’s a lame duck governor because he still has control over spending:
CUT 12 (12) “put together”
It will take 70 votes in the 105-member House and 26 votes in the 39-member Senate to override a governor’s veto.

The entire state is under yet another heat advisory today. Forecasters say we could see record high temperatures hit this afternoon at near 100 degrees, with a heat index back at over 110 degrees. This is the forecast for the remainder of the week with better chances for rain coming in for the weekend.

The recently fired gunman who killed two former co-workers at a Harvey shipyard Monday before being shot to death by deputies has been identified by the Jefferson Parish Coroner as 31-year-old Willis Thomas Jr. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says after the murders deputies tracked Thomas down at an apartment complex…:
CUT 13 (10) “pronounced dead”
Officials believe Thomas targeted the two victims.

Eligible low-income Cleco customers who want to save money on power bills could receive assistance through the utility’s energy efficiency program. Spokeswoman Marianne Addy encourages all of their customers to apply because everyone is at least eligible for home weatherization:
Cut 6 (06) “benefit you”
Apply at Cleco.com.

08:30 LRN Newscast, July 18th

The veto override session begins a noon today in Baton Rouge, where lawmakers will look at the bills Governor John Bel Edwards rejected. One of the measures driving the session would ban doctors from performing medical procedures to alter the sex of a child. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a vote to overturn that veto could happen today…:
Cut 11 (12) “be done”
The session must end Saturday.

Candidates running for statewide office this fall had to submit updated campaign finance reports to the state Ethics Board on Monday. In the Governor’s race, Republican Jeff Landry reported $9.1 million dollars in cash on hand. State Treasurer John Schroeder reported $2.2 million in ready funds, with attorney Hunter Lundy showing $2.1 million. And Stephen Waguespack reports 1.9 million.

The Legislative Auditor releases a report showing labor shortages and higher pay demands are causing staffing issues for state parks. Teiko Foxx has more…:
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels is one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, but at SEC Media Days Monday the senior said he’s more focused on winning games…:
Cut 17 (14) “…with it”