2:30 LRN Newscast

Drug dealers caught with fentanyl will now face stiffer penalties thanks to a new law that went into effect on August first. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

People in Ville Platte are mourning the death of Deputy Marshal Barry Giglio. He’s the law enforcement officer killed Monday night while serving a search warrant on a known drug house. Giglio is described as a good servant who was always willing to help out. One person inside the home was also fatally shot. State Police is investigating.

The state department of education says LEAP scores for third through 12th graders improved for a second straight year as 75-percent of Louisiana school systems improved. State Department of Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says for a state that struggles with literacy, he’s pleased to see the mastery rate for third graders in English Language Arts improved five points over last year to 43….
Cut 4 (07) “…2017-2018”
Brumley says it’s also encouraging to see last year’s third graders showed strong improvement in English Language Arts as fourth graders.

Bass pro Jake Ormond of Sterlington has set a state record for catching the largest longnose gar from a Louisiana waterway. He snagged the big fish in Bayou Bartholomew. Ormond says a quick google search told him the state record was just over 30 pounds, so he knew he was close…
cut 7 (08) “…his thirty-one
Ormond says the official weight at a certified scale in Farmerville was just over 31 pounds and 65.5 inches long.

1:30 LRN Newscast

State education officials say LEAP scores have improved for a second consecutive year. The latest results show a two-point jump from last year in the percentage of students considered proficient. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says that means 33-percent of students are scoring at the mastery rate or above…
Cut 3 (12) “…work to do.”
Brumley says for a state that struggles with literacy, he’s pleased to see the mastery rate for third graders in English Language Arts improve five points over last year.

It’s reporting day for the LSU football team. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says one of the biggest question marks is with the defensive secondary, which returns just two starters, Major Burns and Greg Brooks…
cut 14 (09) “…..in camp”

We are seeing triple digit temperatures across north and central Louisiana once again today. South Louisiana has temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. State Climatologist Barry Keim says when you look at New Orleans weather data for the first six months of 2023, it’s the warmest of any year on record.
Cut 12 (10) “…yesterday.”

Sad story out of Assumption Parish as a three-vehicle crash killed a pregnant woman from Houma and her unborn child. Trooper Ross Brennan says 23-year-old Tia Gorrell was hit head on by a Jeep Wrangler after it sideswiped a pick-up truck pulling a camper trailer. Brennan says 38-year-old Kendall Dollar was the driver of the Jeep….
cut 10 (09) “…this time”
There have been 15 fatal crashes in the Troop C area resulting in 17 fatalities.

12:30 LRN Newscast

A three-vehicle crash in Assumption Parish claims the life of a Houma woman and her unborn child. Trooper Ross Brennan says 23-year-old Tia Gorrell was traveling north on Highway 308 when she was hit by a 2014 Jeep Wrangler…

Cut 9 (09)  “…the Toyota.”

The investigation revealed that 38-year-old Kendall Dollar was the driver of the Jeep Wrangler. Toxicology results for Gorrell and Dollar are pending.

It’s another day of oppressive heat in the Bayou State. We asked State Climatologist Barry Keim what is causing it and if there is any relief in sight. He says a ridge of high pressure continues to hover over the southeast, it moves in and hangs around for a week baking the area with triple-digit temperatures.

Cut 11 (09)  “…things down.”

Keim says the ridge of high pressure eventually moves out but unfortunately, it’s replaced with another one right behind it.

Pro bass angler Jake Ormond of Sterlington set a new state record for the largest longnose gar ever caught. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (34)  “….I’m Kace Kieschnick.”  

11:30 LRN Newscast

Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for Governor could help Louisiana’s senior U-S Senator score political points with the Republican Party. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says Cassidy has fallen out of favor with some Republicans and the state G-O-P strongly supports Landry…
Cut 10 (10) “…left behind”
The state GOP censured Cassidy after he voted to certify President Joe Biden’s electoral college victory and then the Baton Rouge Republican voted against former President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial.

Anyone caught creating and distributing pornographic deepfake images that show false events could face up to twenty years in prison now. The new law went into effect Tuesday. Lake Charles Senator Jeremy Stine says this type of material causes harm to individuals.
Cut 7 (09) “…picture of.”

Bass pro Jake Ormond set a state record for the largest longnose gar which he caught on Bayou Bartholomew. The Sterlington native was giving a young student a lesson when he spotted the big gar on the surface of the water. After switching rods, it took Ormond three casts to hook the big fish…
Cut 6 (09) “…too long.”
The Longnose gar weighed 31 points a new state record certified by LDWF.

LSU football players report for preseason camp today with the goal of winning a national championship. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says coach Brian Kelly has tried to tap down on expectations after Kim Mulkey and Jay Johnson won national titles in their second year…
cut 15 (13) “….this year”

10:30 LRN Newscast

Anyone caught dealing fentanyl in Louisiana could face up to life in prison under a new law that took effect Tuesday. The law’s author, Crowley Representative John Stefanski believes it sends a strong message to drug dealers.

Cut 4 (11)  “…fentanyl distribution.”

Individuals with less than 28 grams of detectable fentanyl face five to 40 years in prison. More than 28 grams for a first offense, seven to 40 years.

A new Louisiana law that makes it illegal to create and distribute pornographic deepfake images that use someone’s likeness onto another person’s body especially minors went into effect this week. Perpetrators could face up to twenty years in prison and also fined no less than ten thousand dollars. Lake Charles Senator Jeremy Stine says this is a safeguard against potential abuse of technology…

Cut 9 (09)  “…in Louisiana.

US Senator Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for governor may help him get back in the good graces of the Republican Party. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Sulphur tight end J-D LaFleur, who is the son of former LSU All-American tight end David LaFleur, has committed to LSU. He’s rated as a three-star prospect for the Class of 2025. The six-foot-six, 220-pounder also received interest from Florida and Texas A-and-M. His father was an All-SEC selection as a senior in 1996.

11:40 LRN Sportscast Aug 2

The LSU football team reported for camp today ahead of a season with high expectations following an SEC West title last year. The Tigers were picked to finish second in the division and many fans are hoping second-year head coach Brian Kelly can follow Kim Mulkey and Jay Johnson’s lead who both won national championships in their second season in Baton Rouge. Kelly has tried to taper expectations but Tiger Rag editor Todd Horne says the sentiment isn’t the same inside the locker room…

Cut 15 (14)  “…this year.”

Saints running back Alvin Kamara will meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in New York today. Kamara faces a possible suspension under the leagues conduct policy after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor charge of breach of peace. Kamara faced felony assault charges after his involvement in a fight outside a Las Vegas night club in 2022, and would like to share his side of the story with Goodell before the NFL passes down a ruling on his suspension.

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas will hope to make his return this year after playing just 10 games in the last three years after his record setting 2019 season. Thomas has been a full participant in training camp thus far and has established a good connection with new quarterback Derek Carr who says Thomas was part of the reason he came to New Orleans, but even the former All-Pro wide receiver knows he can’t just come back like he never left…

Cut 18 (25) “…chase perfection.”

The Saints announced a revised practice schedule for the remaining Open Practices on the training camp schedule due to excessive heat warnings for the New Orleans area. The outdoor portion of practice will be reduced to one hour starting at 10:00 and the earlier portion of practice will take place inside. Gates will open at 9:15

9:30 LRN Newscast

A new law in Louisiana that increases harsher penalties of up to life in prison for fentanyl possession took effect this week. Bill author Crowley Representative John Stefanski hopes tougher sentencing will help curb the war on drugs…

Cut 5 (10)   “…twenty-five years.”

A second offense is 30 to 40 years.

Anyone caught creating and distributing pornographic deepfake images that show false events could face up to twenty years in prison now. The new law went into effect Tuesday. Senator Jeremy Stine says this type of material causes harm to individuals.

Cut 7 (09) “…picture of.”

A pregnant woman died in a three-vehicle crash in Assumption Parish Tuesday. 23-year-old Tia Gorell of Houma was killed when her 2016 Toyota Corolla was hit by a RAM pulling a camper that was sideswiped by a Jeep. The accident occurred on Highway 308 just south of highway 1011. The other two occupants driving the RAM and Jeep were not seriously injured. The investigation is ongoing.

Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for Governor could help Louisiana’s senior U-S Senator score political points with the Republican Party. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says Cassidy does not want a Republican governor who may oppose his re-election efforts……

Cut 12 (12)   “…same team” 

8:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation that prohibits the creation of explicit content using an individual’s likeness without their knowledge or approval went into effect this week.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.

Another new law that went into effect this week, increases the penalties for dealing fentanyl. Crowley Representative John Stefanski authored the legislation…
cut 6 (10) “…stop doing it”

The U-S Justice Department is concerned about the living conditions for youth inmates who are housed at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. A recent lawsuit alleges the teen offenders are suffering in hot conditions and spending time in isolation. But the Office of Juvenile Justice says the West Feliciana Center for Youth is air conditioned and the youth at the center are receiving targeted treatment they need.

LSU football players report for preseason camp today with the goal of winning a national championship. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says coach Brian Kelly has tried to tap down on expectations after Kim Mulkey and Jay Johnson won national titles in their second year…
cut 15 (13) “….this year”

7:30 LRN Newscast

If you’re caught dealing fentanyl in Louisiana, you could face up to life in prison. The stiffer penalties went into effect this week and the author of the legislation, Crowley Representative John Stefanski, believes it sends a strong message to drug dealers.
Cut 4 (11) “…fentanyl distribution.”
Individuals convicted of dealing fentanyl face at least seven years for a first offense, ten years for second offense and life in prison for a third offense. If you are caught with over 250 grams of fentanyl that could also lead to life in prison.

Another law that went into effect this week makes it illegal to create and distribute deep fakes. Lake Charles Senator Jeremy Stine says many of these visual deep fakes have children performing sexual acts…
cut 8 (10) “…..in Louisiana”

Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for Governor could help Louisiana’s senior U-S Senator score political points with the Republican Party. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says Cassidy has fallen out of favor with some Republicans and the state G-O-P strongly supports Landry…
Cut 10 (10) “…left behind”
The state GOP censured Cassidy after he voted to certify President Joe Biden’s electoral college victory and then the Baton Rouge Republican voted against former President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial.

The LSU football team reports for fall camp today with high expectations. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the ceiling should be high, considering the playmakers LSU has on offense…
Cut 13 (12) “…in the country.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

It’s reporting day for the LSU football team. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says one of the biggest question marks is with the defensive secondary, which returns just two starters, Major Burns and Greg Brooks…
cut 14 (09) “…..in camp”
Linebacker Harold Perkins and defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo have been named to the watch list for the Bronko Naurski Trophy, which goes to the nation’s most outstanding defensive player.

The Saints have been in camp for a week, so how is the connection between new starting quarterback Derek Carr and wide receiver Michael Thomas? Thomas says everything is good so far…
cut 16 (14) “…job easier”
The Saints practice again today, but they’ve announced they’ll be spending less time outside because of the heat.

Sulphur tight end J-D LaFleur, who is the son of former LSU All-American tight end David LaFleur, has committed to LSU. He’s rated as a three-star prospect for the Class of 2025. The six-foot-six, 220 pounder also received interest from Florida and Texas A-and-M. His father was an All-SEC selection as a senior in 1996.

In college baseball, Calvary Baptist left hander Landon Fontenot has committed to Louisiana Tech. Fontenot was the state championship game MVP when the Cavaliers won the 2022 state title. Last season, he was 5-and-3 with a 1.15 ERA and had 78 strikeouts in 60 innings.

LSU men’s basketball will be in the Bahamas next week and is set to play three exhibition games. Coach Matt McMahon tells the Advocate that senior forward Mwani Wilkinson will be ready. Wilkinson had season-ending shoulder surgery in January.

The Southland Conference has released its conference basketball schedule. League games will be played on Saturday-Monday, instead of Thursday-Saturday.