08:30 LRN Newscast, July 28th

Louisiana U.S. Senator John Kennedy rails on record-high energy costs and the White House policies that he says got us there. Kennedy says there has been a drastic turnaround in America’s energy sector and the economy in general under the current administration in Washington D.C….:
Cut 10 (13) “have that again”

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy remarks about the infrastructure dollars making their way to Louisiana. He says the Baton Rouge Airport will receive $5.2-million and the Lake Charles Airport will receive $2.5 million from the American Rescue Plan…:
Cut 8 (08) “year 2022”
The state’s senior senator was among the group of bipartisan lawmakers who guided the infrastructure bill through Congress last year.

LSU head football Brian Kelly says he is adjusting rather well to life in the south. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who in 2015 organized a plan to kill her mother, is reportedly now married to a man from Lake Charles though she’s still in prison. The murder of Dee Dee Blanchard was the subject of a Hulu series “The Act” — showing how the mother manipulated Gypsy into believing she was wheelchair bound. Gypsy married Ryan Scott Anderson of Lake Charles in June.

07:30 LRN Newscast, July 28th

FEMA says by the end of the decade an estimated million Americans will be unable to afford flood insurance under its new risk rating, which US Senator Bill Cassidy says Congress plans to address…:
CUT 2 (28) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Public Service Commission on Wednesday grilled Entergy leaders over its high electricity bills. Members scolded the utility for relying mostly on natural gas, and also questioned its president’s $17 million dollar salary. This week Entergy announced it would take measures to reduce bills like waiving credit card and late fees.

Louisiana District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins sets the record straight on criticism of his work to help southwest Louisiana’s ongoing hurricane recovery. Higgins’ district was hit by Hurricane Laura on August 24th, 2020…then took another hit from Hurricane Delta just three weeks later. Higgins says coming back from that – even over two years – is no easy task…:
Cut 4 (11) “takes time”
Some of Higgins’ seven challengers in the fall election have attacked what they call his inactivity in responding to his district’s storm response.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly Spoke at the Baton Rouge Rotary Club Wednesday and said he can’t wait for his first night in Death Valley. He says his purpose is to develop 18 to 21 one-year-olds on a day-to-day basis…:
Cut 14 (12) “(laughter)”

06:45 LRN Sportscast, July 28th

The Saints do not have to worry about wide receiver Michael Thomas being on the physically unable to perform list as he was on the practice field for the first day of training camp. Thomas, who missed all of last season, says it was great to be out on the field with his teammates…:
Cut 16 (16) “D-A win some games”

LSU Head Football Coach Brian Kelly addressed the Baton Rouge Rotary Club Wednesday. He said he knows there are high expectations of him from such a passionate fan base, and he plans to use his tried and true method in coaching the Tigers…:
CUT 15 (12) “laughter”

At Sun Belt Media Days, First year Ragin Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux is excited about the quarterback battle that will play out during preseason camp. Desormeaux says Chandler Fields and Ben Woolridge are looking to replace Levi Lewis…:
Cut 18 (20) “want to compete”

At Conference USA Media Days, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie is looking to get the program back on track again after a three and nine campaign last season…:
Cut 20 (16) “ practice one”

06:30 LRN Newscast, July 28th

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy announces infrastructure dollars are making their way to Louisiana….:
Cut 7 (13) “months ahead”
The state’s senior senator was among the group of ten bipartisan lawmakers who guided the infrastructure bill through congress last year.

LSU head football coach Brian Kelly was able to show a bit of his personality when he addressed the Baton Rouge Rotary Club Wednesday. The Massachusetts native who’s spent the majority of his 32 years as a head coach in the Midwest says it’s been an easy adjustment for him and his family in the south…:
Cut 13 (11) “down here”
Kelly also praised LSU’s facilities and says he’s looking forward to his first Saturday Night in Death Valley.

Louisiana District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins sets the record straight on criticism of his work to help southwest Louisiana’s ongoing hurricane recovery:
Cut 1 (34) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Checking on gas prices — there’s more good news. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $3.88, down another 2 cents over yesterday.

09:30 LRN Newscast, July 26th

Have you bought your tickets yet? Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot sits at an estimated $810 million dollars with a $470 million-dollar lump sum payout. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison has good advice for anyone who plays the Lottery; no matter which game…:
Cut 6 (09) “you can claim it”
If there is NO winner in tonight’s drawing, the Mega Million jackpot could easily grow to over a billion dollars.

The Louisiana Economic Development’s LED FastStart program, which helps businesses coming to or expanding in the state, is number one in the nation according to Business Facilities magazine. Director of LED FastStart, Paul Helton says FastStart also works with educational partners like the Louisiana Community and Technical College System…:
Cut 9 (03) “is needing”
In 2021, the program reported 6,000+ hours of training for 32 firms in the state.

The New Orleans City council’s Utility, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology Committee today will discuss placing a moratorium on power shutoffs by Entergy New Orleans until November 1st for delinquent customers struggling to pay skyrocketing summer bills. Residents throughout the state report having trouble paying their electricity bills this summer because they are so high.

Louisiana voters are starting too look at who they might be voting for governor with the race a little over a year away. Attorney General Jeff Landry, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and State Treasurer John Schroder have all voiced plans to run for governor. As for US Senator Bill Cassidy, his wife Dr. Laura Cassidy says her husband is focused on the job he has at the moment…:
CUT 13 (11) “big things right now”
The comments were made on Jim Engster’s radio show, Talk Louisiana.

08:30 LRN Newscast, July 26th

Have you seen the size of the jackpot for tonight’s Mega Millions drawing? Kevin Gallagher reports someone could be a multi-millionaire tomorrow morning…:
Cut 1 (34) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Gas prices are staying in reverse. AAA says lower demand and lower oil prices keep sliding the price at the pump as the current statewide average stands at $3.92 which is down two cents overnight. We’re paying 52 cents less than this time last month.

With the next election for a Louisiana governor a little over a year away, many ask will U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy enter the race? Appearing on Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana radio program, Cassidy’s wife, Dr. Laura Cassidy, says the senator’s work in Congress is his top priority…:
Cut 14 (07) “end of the year”
Attorney General Jeff Landry, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and State Treasurer John Schroder have all voiced plans to run for governor.

Louisiana is getting $130 million to expand internet access for folks across the state, and now there is a program to improve digital literacy. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed…:
Cut 12 (07) “successfully”
She says they hope to increase the digital literacy rate by 50 percent in five years.

07:30 LRN Newscast, July 26th

Louisiana’s FastStart program at the Louisiana Economic Development office is the best in the nation according to the magazine Business Facilities. Executive Director of LED FastStart, Paul Helton…:
Cut 7 (05) “in the list”
LED FastStart assists businesses moving into or expanding in Louisiana.

Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot stands at a whopping $810 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says when winnings grow this high, there is always a big spike in ticket sales…:
Cut 5 (09) “three-point-five-million”
Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves has reportedly bought 50,000 Mega Million’s tickets on behalf of his employees and plays to divvy up the money if he hits the jackpot.

In addition to providing broadband access to rural areas of the state, there’s now a pilot program to teach individuals how to best use the internet…:
Cut 3 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The state Department of Children and Family Services announces Pandemic EBT benefits will be issued from late summer into fall for eligible children in K-12 schools. DCFS received approval to expand the P-EBT program with each eligible child receiving $391 for June and July.

 

06:45 LRN Sportscast, July 26th

LSU finally unveiled a statue Monday evening of Pete Maravich, arguably one of the greatest to play the game and all time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history. Pistol Pete joins Shaquille O’Neal and Bob Pettit as the only three players to have a statue outside of the PMAC. Maravich scored 3,667 points in three seasons at LSU.

Cincinnati Bengals President Mike Brown said Monday to reporters ahead of training camp that they are already preparing structuring finances for a contract extension with Joe Burrow when the former LSU star’s current deal is eligible after this season. Joe Brrr will likely seek a long-term deal in the $40-$50 million dollar range based on what other top NFL quarterbacks get paid.

The Northwestern State Demons have announced a 10th signee to its men’s basketball class of 2022 — and it’s a young man who has perhaps one of the best stories in sports. Hansel Enmanuel is a basketball star who reached that status despite having just one arm, and he chose Northwestern State over offers three other schools. He was rated the No. 22 overall prospect in Florida after a senior season in which he averaged 25.9 points per game.

The Saints veterans report for training camp today and one of the big issues surrounding the team is health. New Orleans went through a rash of injuries last season including a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Jameis Winston. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says the team also suffered through numerous injuries on the offensive and defensive lines…:
Cut 16 (13) “incurred”
A dark cloud hanging over the team is a potential suspension for running back Alvin Kamara, who is facing a felony battery charge in Las Vegas. Kamara’s next court hearing is August 1st and Detillier says NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t hand down discipline until a legal judgment is made…:
Cut 17 (12) “2023”
Pre-Season at Houston begins August 13th.

Former Saints Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams is set to return to the XFL when the football league relaunches in February 2023.

06:30 LRN Newscast, July 26th

Not only will Louisiana be receiving $130 million dollars from the America Rescue Plan to bring more affordable and accessible internet, the state is also piloting a program to improve the state’s digital literacy rate. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says they want to help people use the internet safely and successfully..:
CUT 10 (08) “forward in Louisiana”
She says it’s estimated 462,000 Louisianans lack basic digital literacy skills.

Holy Mega Millions Jackpot. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says tonight’s drawing is the 3rd largest jackpot, and the 4th largest in U.S. lottery history…:
Cut 4 (07) “that kind of money”
The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 303 million.

The FastStart incentive program at Louisiana Economic Development takes top honors for the 13th time. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

With today’s check on gas prices, AAA reports the statewide average for a gallon of regular fell another two cents overnight to $3.92. That’s down 14 cents over last week.

09:30 LRN Newscast, July 21st

A Calcasieu Parish jury gives convicted cop killer Kevin Daigle a death sentence. Daigle shot and killed State Police Trooper Steven Vincent in August of 2015. He was found guilty in 2019. Calcasieu D.A. Stephen Dwight says Daigle was cold and unrepentant, and the death penalty is appropriate…:
Cut 4 (07) “justice was served”
In Louisiana, a death sentence means an automatic appeal.

The Humane Society of Louisiana blames inflation and Covid-era adoptions as the reason they are seeing an overwhelming number of pets being surrendered. Spokesman Jeff Dorson says as people returned to work full time, they realized they couldn’t care for a pet. To relieve the situation…:
Cut 15 (08) “…shelters.”
To assist an animal in need you can donate at humaneLA.org.

Lafayette prosecutor Holden Hoggatt says he’s the first well-funded Republican to challenge Congressman Clay Higgins….:
Cut 3 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The children of the late former Governor Edwin Edwards have issued a plea to his widow Trina to release the ashes of their father. Anna, Stephen and Victoria Edwards would like to see the ashes, which are currently at Trina’s home, buried next to their mother Elaine. Their public plea through the press is, “Trina set our father free.”