11:30 LRN Newscast Aug 4

According to researchers, this year’s ‘Dead Zone’ in the northern Gulf of Mexico is the sixth smallest in 36 years. The decrease is due to water temperatures and low water flow on the Mississippi River. LSU Professor Nancy Rabalais says the waterway is moving less water and carrying fewer nutrients.

Cut 9 (10)  “…not stratified.”

Researchers say the region has shrunk nearly 3,000 square miles since July,

Eight-time pro bowler and three-time all-pro Cameron Jordan has agreed to a 2 year 27.5 million dollar extension with the New Orleans Saints.

Cut 3 (8) “…been here.”

Jordan says he has one thing he wants before he ends his career a second Super Bowl ring.

SunGas Renewables CEO Robert Rigdon says building a $1.8 billion renewable low-carbon methanol site in Pineville at its Beaver Lake Renewable Energy facility will make a meaningful impact in producing clean energy. Rigdon says after inspecting several sites, this was the best location.

Cut 4 (11)  “…be outstanding.” (pull from AM)

The project will produce nearly 400 thousand tons of green methanol yearly.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves a plan to lower the catch limit for speckled trout. Under the plan approved, anglers would only be allowed to catch a speckled trout that’s more than 13 inches long. The total catch per angler per day would go from 25 fish to 15. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks…

Cut 8 (07) “…concerned.”
 

 

10:30 LRN Newscast Aug 4

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves new catch limits for the speckled trout because there’s been a decline in the overall size of the popular recreational fish. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says he’s pleased to see the commission pass a measure…
Cut 7 (06) “…very, very close.”

Thursday’s announcement of Taylor Swift returning to New Orleans was a nice way for the Superdome to celebrate their 49th birthday. 2024 is shaping up to be a big year, General Manager of the Caesars Superdome Evan Holmes says it will be their 50th, renovations should be completed, and three nights in a row with Taylor Swift. Homles says they’ll be ready for it.

Cut 12 (08)   “…for us.” 

SunGas Renewables officials say their proposed one-point-eight-billion-dollar plant they plan to build will produce a renewable low-carbon methanol that will help the shipping industry. Teiko Foxx has more

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Southeastern Louisiana says no personal data or educational records were stolen when the university was hit by a cyber security attack six months ago. Several agencies are investigating the incident that resulted in S-L-U taking its network offline for nearly a month.

9:30 LRN Newscast

For years, teacher pay in Louisiana has lagged behind most of the other Southern states, but starting pay for a teacher in the Bayou State is among the highest in the South. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Saints all-time sacks leader cam Jordan has agreed to a two-year 27.5 million dollar extension that will allow him to retire with the Saints. Jordan is one of the best defensive players in franchise history with 115.5 sacks and he is started 191 games in his 12-year career.

Taylor Swift is extending The Eras Tour and she’s adding a three-night stop in the Crescent City for what will likely be a sold-out show. General Manager of the Caesars Superdome Evan Holmes says construction prevented Swift from appearing in 2023, but when added another leg to the tour…

Cut 10 (06) “…real excited.”

Swift’s last performance in New Orleans was in 2018. Fans will have to register to buy tickets to the show.

Sungas Renewables officials say their proposed one-point-eight billion dollar plant they plan to build in Pineville will produce a renewable low-carbon methanol that will help the shipping industry. CEO Robert Rigdon says there are currently in phase two of the project and hope to be in the final phase by the fourth quarter before full construction.

Cut 6 (13)  “…that process.”

The company expects to make a final investment decision in August 2024.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says a new study shows there are fundamental issues with teacher pay in Louisiana. Erwin says the report shows that starting pay for teachers is the second highest in the South, but the overall statewide average is among the lowest. Erwin says that’s because the state continues to give out across the board pay raises…
cut 15 (08) “…in play”
He says in most cases the difference is only about 10 thousand dollars a year between a first-year teacher and a 20-year veteran.

The state’s Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has approved new limits on the speckled trout. The conservation plan will limit the number of fish that can be caught per day per angler from 25 to 15. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says the public will have the opportunity to comment on the plan …
cut 9 (12) “….wanna go”

Taylor Swift concert tickets was a popular discussion around the dinner table last night. It was announced yesterday that Swift will perform at the Ceasar’s Superdome for three nights in late October in 2024. General Manager of the Dome, Evan Holmes, says if you’re trying to get tickets…
cut 11 (11) “…scalpers”
For ticket information go to Taylor Swift’s website.

Planning is underway to build a one-point-eight billion dollar low-carbon methanol production facility in Pineville. SunGas Renewables CEO Robert Rigdon says they plan to hire over 100 people to produce nearly 400-thousand metric tons of green methanol that large ships will use….
cut 5 (11) “….of choice”
Construction on the facility could begin late next year.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Karma is bringing Taylor Swift back around to the Superdome in 2024. Brooke Thorington has all the details.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Southeastern Louisiana says no personal data or educational records were stolen when the university was hit by a cyber security attack six months ago. Several agencies are investigating the incident that resulted in S-L-U taking its network off line for nearly a month.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves a plan that lowers the catch limit for speckled trout. Under the plan approved, anglers would only be allowed to catch a speckled trout that’s more than 13 inches long. The total catch per angler per day would go from 25 fish to 15. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says this conservation plan is needed…
Cut 8 (07) “…concerned.”
Banks says the public will have the opportunity to comment on the plan and legislators could reject it, but if there are no hold ups, it could go into effect as early as November.

SunGas Renewables CEO Robert Rigdon says building a $1.8 billion renewable low-carbon methanol site in Pineville will make a meaningful impact in producing clean energy. Rigdon says after inspecting several sites, this was the best location.
Cut 4 (11) “…be outstanding.”
The plan is to produce nearly 400-thousand tons of green methanol that would allow big container ships to sail on clean energy.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU Head football coach Brian Kelly addressed the media after their first fall practice on Thursday. Kelly is entering his second year with the team and is expecting to build off of last year’s success.
Cut 16 (09) “…to build upon.”
One of the position battles to watch is at center. Charles Turner is back for his fifth season, but Kelly says he’s being pushed by Marlon Martinez….
cut 21 (29) “….vigilante”
LSU running back John Emery joins the team today. He missed practice yesterday as he was finishing up an internship.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves a plan that lowers the catch limit for speckled trout. Under the plan approved, anglers would only be allowed to catch a speckled trout that’s more than 13 inches long. The maximum size allowed is 20 inches and only two fish above that limit are allowed. Also, the total catch per angler per day would go from 25 fish to 15. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says this conservation plan is needed…
Cut 8 (07) “…concerned.”
Banks says the public will have the opportunity to comment on the plan and legislators could reject it, but if there are no hold ups, it could go into effect as early as November.

In recruiting, Sterlington offensive tackle Mitch Hodnett has committed to TCU. He’s a three-star prospect, listed as the 39th overall prospect per 247 sports.

LRN Newscast 6:30

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves new catch limits for the speckled trout because there’s been a decline in the overall size of the popular recreational fish. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says he’s pleased to see the commission pass a measure…
Cut 7 (06) “…very, very close.”
Under the plan approved, anglers would only be allowed to catch a speckled trout that’s more than 13 inches long. The maximum size allowed is 20 inches and only two fish above that limit are allowed.

A recent study on teacher salaries finds starting pay for Louisiana teachers is among the highest in the South, but yet overall pay for teachers is among the lowest. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin public school teacher salaries do not grow very much over time…
Cut 13 (12) “…to stay.”
Erwin says the data shows the average salary growth potential for teachers in Louisiana is the second lowest in the region, ahead of only Alabama.

Sungas Renewables officials say their proposed one-point-eight billion dollar plant they plan to build will produce a renewable low-carbon methanol that will help the shipping industry. Teiko Foxx has more
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Updated LRN AM Newscall August 4

Sungas Renewables officials say their proposed one-point-eight billion dollar plant they plan to build in Pineville will produce  a renewable low-carbon methanol that will help the shipping industry. Teiko Foxx has more

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Karma is bringing Taylor Swift back around to the Superdome in 2024. Brooke Thorington has all the details.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

For years, teacher pay in Louisiana has lagged behind most of the other Southern states, but starting pay for a teacher in the Bayou State is among the highest in the South. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

________________________________________________

SunGas Renewables CEO Robert Rigdon says building a $1.8 billion renewable low-carbon methanol site in Pineville at its Beaver Lake Renewable Energy facility will make a meaningful impact in producing clean energy. Rigdon says after inspecting several sites, this was the best location.

Cut 4 (11)  “…be outstanding.”

The project will produce nearly 400 thousand tons of green methanol every year. Green methanol is a low-carbon fuel that is made from carbon dioxide and wither biomass or renewable electricity. Rigdon says the low-carbon energy solution will help fuel a better world.

Cut 5 (11)   “…of choice.”

The state has prepared competitive incentives that includes a $6 million performance-based grant for infrastructure improvements. Rigdon says there are currently in phase two of the project and hope to be in the final phase by the fourth quarter before full construction.

Cut 6 (13)  “…that process.”

The company expects to make a final investment decision in August 2024.

________________________________________________

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves new catch limits for the speckled trout because there’s been a decline in the overall size of the popular recreational fish. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says he’s pleased the commission approved a measure…

Cut 7 (06) “…very, very close.”

Under the plan approved, anglers would only be allowed to catch a speckled trout that’s more than 13 inches long. The maximum size allowed is 20 inches and only two fish above that limit are allowed. Also, the total catch per angler per day would go from 25 fish to 15. Banks says this conservation plan is needed…

Cut 8 (07) “…concerned.”

Banks says the public will have the opportunity to comment on the plan and legislators could prevent it from going into effect.

Cut 9 (12)  “…wanna go”

Banks says if there are no hold-ups, it could take effect as early as November and they’ll look at it again in 2028.

____________________________________________

Taylor Swift fans can’t seem to calm down after the announcement she’s adding a stop in New Orleans on The Eras Tour 2024. When her 2023 dates were announced New Orleans was noticeably missing.  General Manager of the Caesars Superdome Evan Holmes says construction was the problem that kept her from appearing this year, but when another leg was added…

Cut 10 (06) “…real excited.”

It was 2018 when she last performed in New Orleans, but karma is bringing her back around and she’ll play not one, not two, but three nights in Crescent City the weekend before Halloween. Holmes says if you’re trying to get tickets…

Cut 11 (11)  “…scalpers.”

2024 is shaping up to be a big year for the Superdome, it will be The Dome’s 50th birthday, renovations should be completed, and with Taylor Swift appearing three nights in a row, Homles says they’ll be ready for it.

Cut 12 (08)   “…for us.” 

You can find a link to pre-register for tickets at Louisiana-Radio-Network-dot-com.

______________________________________________________

A recent study on teacher salaries finds starting pay for Louisiana teachers is among the highest in the South, but yet overall pay for teachers is among the lowest. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says public school teacher salaries do not grow very much over time…

Cut 13 (12) “…to stay.” 

Erwin says the data shows that the average salary growth potential for teachers in Louisiana is the second lowest in the region, ahead of only Alabama. He says in most cases the difference is only about 10 thousand dollars a year between a first-year teacher and a 20-year veteran…

Cut 14 (10)  “…conversation.” 

Erwin says salary hikes on a percentage basis instead of across-the-board pay raises is one way to address this situation…

Cut 15 (08)  “…in play.”

Erwin says local school systems also need to offer differential pay mechanisms to address hard-to-fill positions and reward high-performing teachers.

__________________________________________________________

Head football coach Brian Kelly addressed the media after their first fall practice on Thursday. Kelly is entering his second year with the team and is expecting to build off last year’s success.

Cut 16 (09) “…to build upon.”

The team heard some unfortunate news recently that defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey. Lindsey has stepped away from the team due to a health issue and a timetable on his return is unknown.

Cut 17  (15) “…the immediate here.”

Kelly recently changed the team’s injury update protocol to limit the questions from the media on the status of players. Kelly does not think this results in a competitive disadvantage even though he is putting out more information on players’ health than most teams.

Cut 18 (10) “…what you expect.”

5:30 LRN Newscast Aug 3

City of Minden officials say the citywide power outage is set for 10 tonight. The blackout is to repair the Entergy substation damaged by a fire over the weekend.  Entergy has been working on a plan to reduce the length of the outage to lessen the inconvenience for residents, especially with the excessive heat. Mayor Nick Cox asks residents for their patience and understanding…

Cut 7 (09)  “…no doubt.” 

 

The peak of the hurricane season arrives in a couple of weeks and today the Colorado State University hurricane forecast team updated its forecast for the rest of the season with 18 named storms Researcher Angelie Nieves-Jimenez (cut 24) says how strong the El Nino will be, will play a big role with these projections…

Cut 13 (09) “…late August”

Five storms have already formed this year.

Office of State Parks unveils new attractions and upgrades to Bogue Chitto State Park.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser hopes the upgrades showcase the site and bring people across the nation and abroad to the Bayou State.

Cut 10 (10)  “…all interests.”

Among the upgrades are new RV sites, an equestrian station, an award winning mountain bike trail and new bathrooms.

Pop icon Taylor Swift is bringing the “Eras Tour” to New Orleans with three shows in October of 2024. Tickets go on sale next week. Swift’s last performance in New Orleans was in 2018. Fans will have to register to buy tickets to the show. Tickets go on sale August 10th for the three back-to-back performances the weekend before Halloween. Today’s announcement falls on the Superdome’s 49th birthday.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast Aug 3

State Police have charged 23-year-old Vonteeko Anderson with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Ville Platte City Marshal Barry Giglio. Giglio and other law enforcement officers were executing a search warrant on a known drug house Monday in Ville Platte when gunfire rang out. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says four people were inside the house and their investigation found Anderson fired at officers…

Cut 4 (04)  “…City Marshal” 

Anderson was taken into custody Monday night on other charges and was rebooked with murder charges.

In Minden, a citywide power outage to repair an Entergy substation is set for 10 o’clock tonight. Mayor Nick Cox says Entergy has been working on a plan to reduce the duration of the outage to lessen the inconvenience for residents due to the excessive heat. He says the outage is expected to last up to six hours.

Cut 6 (09)  “…storm.” 

A federal jury finds a white state police trooper not guilty of depriving Aaron Bowman, a black man, of his civil rights during a violent 2019 arrest. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A train derailment in Lincoln Parish has forced DOTD to close a shoulder along US 80 for one mile. The closure is four miles west of LA 151. DOTD is asking motorists to drive with caution and to be aware of work crews and equipment in the area. The train accident happened Thursday afternoon.