6:45 LRN Sportscast August 1

After a brief training camp holdout, Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas is expected to be back on the practice field this morning at the team’s training facility in Metairie. Thomas and the Saints agreed to a five-year, 100-million dollar contract, 61-million in guaranteed money. The 26-year-old is the highest-paid receiver in NFL history.

LSU reports for fall camp today and one of the position battles to watch is at tight end. The Tigers need to replace starter Foster Moreau, who is now with the Oakland Raiders. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says a few players will have a chance to fill that void…
cut 12 (11) “…with them”
One player who won’t be at camp, four-star linebacker Donte Starks, because of academic issues. And Orgeron announced two-sport star Maurice Hampton will work out at safety during preseason camp.

Louisiana Tech and ULM also report for preseason camp today. The Warhawks return 14 starters from a team that went 6-and-6 last season. ULM is hoping redshirt freshman running back Isaiah Phillips can be an explosive option out of the backfield for them.

Nicholls senior quarterback Chase Fourcade is one of 25 players on the STATS FCS Walter Payton Award Watch list. The 2018 Southland Player of the Year is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country.

Louisiana High School Athletic Association Executive Director Eddie Bonine says the new Louisiana Select Association has no standing within the LHSAA. Bonine says it’s not on par as other sub-groups like the Louisiana High School Coaches Association. In a statement, Bonine also expressed disappointment with the formation of the L-S-A when schools are being surveyed on their thoughts regarding unification. L-S-A leaders say they needed to organize in order secure venues for their championship games.

6:30 LRN Newscast August 1

A settlement is expected to be announced today in the disciplinary appeal of former Baton Rouge Police officer Blane Salamoni, who was fired for the 2016 fatal shooting of Alton Sterling. Salamoni appealed his termination but never had a hearing. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says there is not much clarity as to what the settlement means.
Cut 13 (11) “…have a hearing.”
Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul has called a 10 AM press conference.

Starting today, individuals under the age of 16 are not allowed to get married in Louisiana. The legislation was approved as a way to combat human trafficking, but Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says there have been cases where a pregnant 15-year-old girl married the father of their child. That’s illegal now…
cut 6 (09) “…trafficking”

The Purple and Gold report for preseason camp today, with fans anxious to see who’s ready to step up after the team saw some big changes in the offseason…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

AM Newscall 08.01.19 **revision** Cut 7 copy update

Today marks the first day of Louisiana having a minimum age for marriage, with that age being set at 16. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart ”

_______________________________

A study shows quality of life improvements for Medicaid expansion enrollees since the Governor announced the expansion three years ago. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30 ) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________________________

The Purple and Gold are suiting up for their first day of camp today, with fans anxious to see who’s ready to step up after the team saw some big changes in the offseason…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

Louisiana now has a minimum age for marriage in the state.  The new law that goes into effect today sets the age at 16.  During discussion by lawmakers, the age limit for marriage received pushback from GOP lawmakers saying it puts a roadblock in front of marriage in the event of teenage pregnancy.  President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills was among those in opposition to an age limit.

Cut 4 (08) “…was too strong.” 

Those in favor of the age limit insisted that the law would be a step toward combatting human trafficking, adding many of those involved with the crime will use marriage to cloak the activity.  Mills does not see the business logic in using marriage in that manner.

Cut 5  (10) “…in this area.” 

Mills says the new law still gets in the way of having a child being born into a proper family setting with the lack of traditional marriage.

Cut 6 (09) “…form of trafficking.”
________________

Tulane releases a report comparing pre and post-expansion quality of life for the Medicaid expansion’s 475,000 enrollees, and the results look positive.

Monthly trips to the ER were down 22 percent. Tulane Health Policy chair Mark Diana says repeat visitors saw a nearly nine percent drop in visits.

Cut 7 (11) “savings”

The study also shows the number of people who report they did not take medication as prescribed due to cost dropped by 66 percent.

The distance an expansion patient had to travel to get care dropped by up to four miles. Diana says for the Medicaid population it can be the difference between seeing and not seeing a doctor.

Cut 8 (08) “circumstances.”

That decrease may be linked to the 12 percent increase in the number of providers who accepted at least 10 Medicaid patients a year after the expansion. The largest declines were in gynecology and obstetrics.

Providers who accept Medicaid saw a 35 percent increase in Medicaid patients post-expansion. Diana says that’s resulted in a substantial increase in the use of nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Cut 9 (10) “…sense”

The report came out yesterday, which was the three year anniversary of the Governor’s executive order permitting the expansion.

_______________________

LSU Football kicks off camp today with the team rolling into Baton Rouge with more hype and expectations than they’ve had in over half a decade.

Fans are buzzing about the addition of former Saints assistant Joe Brady, who’s been tasked with dragging the offense into the 21st century. Tiger Rag assistant editor Tyler Nunez.

Cut 10 (09) “…offense.”

Brady was brought on as passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach.

Nunez says while some fans might be obsessing over the Xs and Os of Joe Brady’s offense, most fans will have their eyes on…

Cut 11 (10) “…replace that.”

LSU ended the 2019 recruiting season with the 5th ranked class.

Linebacker isn’t the only position the team lost a major veteran presence at. Former tight end Foster Moreau got drafted by the Raiders, and Nunez says fans are interested to see who steps up to fill the void.

Cut 12 (11) “…with them.”

One player who won’t be at camp, 2019 four star linebacker Donte Starks, who reportedly is facing some academic issues that are preventing him from attending.

_____________________________

A settlement is being announced today by Baton Rouge Police involving Blane Salamoni, the officer who fatally shot Alton Sterling.  Salamoni appealed his termination, but has yet to have a hearing on that appeal.  Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says leading up to the announcement, there is not much clarity as to what that settlement means.

Cut 13 (11) “…have a hearing.”

Borghardt says the settlement could mean monetary compensation, a reinstatement, or a combination of several things as there are more questions leading up to the announcement than answers.

Cut 14 (07) “…of monetary settlement.”

Borghardt says the settlement could set a precedent on how future cases similar to that of Salamoni are addressed.

Cut 15 (12) “…be a deterrent.”

AM Newscall 08.01.19

Today marks the first day of Louisiana having a minimum age for marriage, with that age being set at 16. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart ”

_______________________________

A study shows quality of life improvements for Medicaid expansion enrollees since the Governor announced the expansion three years ago. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30 ) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________________________

The Purple and Gold are suiting up for their first day of camp today, with fans anxious to see who’s ready to step up after the team saw some big changes in the offseason…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

Louisiana now has a minimum age for marriage in the state.  The new law that goes into effect today sets the age at 16.  During discussion by lawmakers, the age limit for marriage received pushback from GOP lawmakers saying it puts a roadblock in front of marriage in the event of teenage pregnancy.  President of the Louisiana Family Forum Gene Mills was among those in opposition to an age limit.

Cut 4 (08) “…was too strong.” 

Those in favor of the age limit insisted that the law would be a step toward combatting human trafficking, adding many of those involved with the crime will use marriage to cloak the activity.  Mills does not see the business logic in using marriage in that manner.

Cut 5  (10) “…in this area.” 

Mills says the new law still gets in the way of having a child being born into a proper family setting with the lack of traditional marriage.

Cut 6 (09) “…form of trafficking.”
________________

Tulane releases a report comparing pre and post-expansion quality of life for the expansion’s 475,000 enrollees, and the results look positive.

Monthly trips to the ER were down 22 percent. Tulane Health Policy chair Mark Diana says repeat visitors saw a nearly nine percent drop in visits.

Cut 7 (11) “savings”

The study also shows the number of people who report they did not take medication as prescribed due to cost dropped by 66 percent.

The distance an expansion patient had to travel to get care dropped by up to four miles. Diana says for the Medicaid population it can be the difference between seeing and not seeing a doctor.

Cut 8 (08) “circumstances.”

That decrease may be linked to the 12 percent increase in the number of providers who accepted at least 10 Medicaid patients a year after the expansion. The largest declines were in gynecology and obstetrics.

Providers who accept Medicaid saw a 35 percent increase in Medicaid patients post-expansion. Diana says that’s resulted in a substantial increase in the use of nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Cut 9 (10) “…sense”

The report came out yesterday, which was the three year anniversary of the Governor’s executive order permitting the expansion.

_______________________

LSU Football kicks off camp today with the team rolling into Baton Rouge with more hype and expectations than they’ve had in over half a decade.

Fans are buzzing about the addition of former Saints assistant Joe Brady, who’s been tasked with dragging the offense into the 21st century. Tiger Rag assistant editor Tyler Nunez.

Cut 10 (09) “…offense.”

Brady was brought on as passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach.

Nunez says while some fans might be obsessing over the Xs and Os of Joe Brady’s offense, most fans will have their eyes on…

Cut 11 (10) “…replace that.”

LSU ended the 2019 recruiting season with the 5th ranked class.

Linebacker isn’t the only position the team lost a major veteran presence at. Former tight end Foster Moreau got drafted by the Raiders, and Nunez says fans are interested to see who steps up to fill the void.

Cut 12 (11) “…with them.”

One player who won’t be at camp, 2019 four star linebacker Donte Starks, who reportedly is facing some academic issues that are preventing him from attending.

_____________________________

A settlement is being announced today by Baton Rouge Police involving Blane Salamoni, the officer who fatally shot Alton Sterling.  Salamoni appealed his termination, but has yet to have a hearing on that appeal.  Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says leading up to the announcement, there is not much clarity as to what that settlement means.

Cut 13 (11) “…have a hearing.”

Borghardt says the settlement could mean monetary compensation, a reinstatement, or a combination of several things as there are more questions leading up to the announcement than answers.

Cut 14 (07) “…of monetary settlement.”

Borghardt says the settlement could set a precedent on how future cases similar to that of Salamoni are addressed.

Cut 15 (12) “…be a deterrent.”

5:30 PM Newscast

An emotional press conference took place today outside of the West Baton Rouge courthouse as family members are seeking justice in a fatal police shooting that happened last week. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut  2 (31) I’m Matt Doyle”  

The LSU football team reports for preseason camp tomorrow with expectations as high as they’ve been in several years. Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s told his team not to listen to the hype

Cut 12 (11) “…that’s it.”

 

 

 

 

 

The Saints and Michael Thomas agree to a contract that makes the wide out the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Sources say the deal is worth 100-million dollars over five years. The Voice of the Saints, Zach Streif, says it’s a huge contract, but it should not prevent the team from re-signing some of its other young stars

Cut 3 (12) “…each era”

Thomas led the NFL with 125 catches last season.

Delhi Senator Francis Thompson is term-limited in the Senate but will attempt to continue his four-decade tenure in the legislature with his announcement that he’s running for the House. There are some concerns that the chamber flipping is against the spirit of the state’s term limit law, but Thompson says the Capitol is at it’s best when it has a few people who know all the ins and outs.

Cut 7 (11) “…was”

Thompson previously served in the Louisiana House from 1975 to 2007.

4:30 PM Newscast

The Saints and Michael Thomas agree to a contract that makes the wide out the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Sources say the deal is worth 100-million dollars over five years. The Voice of the Saints, Zach Streif says it’s obvious Thomas outperformed his rookie deal and a new massive contract was justified…

Cut 5 (11) “…of it”

The Saints are off from training camp today but expect to see Thomas back on the practice field tomorrow with his teammates.

The family of a black man killed last week during an encounter with a West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy is demanding justice. An autopsy shows 38-year-old Josef Richardson was fatally shot in the back of the neck. Authorities say deputies were serving a warrant at a motel near Port Allen when Richardson was shot. Richardson’s daughter says she does not want her dad’s death to go down as an unsolved crime…

Cut 10 (09) “…no peace”  (2x)

Delhi Senator Francis Thompson is term-limited in the Senate but will attempt to continue his four-decade tenure in the legislature with his announcement that he’s running for the House. He’s one of north Louisiana’s more prominent lawmakers, and the 77-year-old says he’s still got plenty of gas left in the tank to maintain his stay in the Legislature.

Cut 8 (07) “…to go.”

Thompson previously served in the Louisiana House from 1975 to 2007.

The LSU football team reports for preseason camp tomorrow with expectations as high as they’ve been in several years. LSU has been plagued by inconsistent play on offense, but Orgeron believes in starting quarterback Joe Burrow and the Tigers return their leading receiver from last season, Justin Jefferson

Cut 13 (12) “…Trey Palmer”

The media has picked LSU to finish second in the SEC West.

4:45 LRN Sportscast July 31

The Saints and Michael Thomas have reportedly agreed to a new contract that makes him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history….
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The LSU football team reports for preseason camp tomorrow with expectations as high as they’ve been in several years. Coach Ed Orgeron has told his team not to have a big head…
Cut 12 (11) “…that’s it.”

Now that the LSU football program has a renovated 28-million dollar football operations building, basketball coach Will Wade is looking for donors to step up again, to help pay for a 15-million dollar renovation to the school’s basketball practice facility. Wade says the basketball team needs its own weight room and an improved locker room…
cut 18 (23) “…pulling away”
Wade says so far they’ve been able to raise a quarter of what is needed.

In a statement released to the media, LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine says it’s unfortunate that the Lousiaina Select Association organiziation has formed as his office has been directed by the LHSAA executive committee to try and return the association to a resemblance of itself prior to the split of public and private schools. The L-S-A was organized to help select schools secure sites for championship events.

3:30 PM Newscast

The family of a black man killed last week during an encounter with a West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy is demanding justice. An autopsy shows 38-year-old Josef Richardson was fatally shot in the back of the neck. Richardson was in a motel room with his girlfriend, who is facing drug charges. Investigators have not released any information on why the deputy fired his weapon. Richardson’s nephew says Josef was not a violent person…
Cut 11 (07) “…what happened.”
The identity of the deputy involved in the shooting has not been released.
Delhi Senator Francis Thompson is term-limited in the Senate but will attempt to continue his four-decade tenure in the legislature with his announcement that he’s running for the House. Thompson says if elected he’s looking forward to returning to the more fiscally focused lower chamber, where he can use his decades of experience to help taxpayers get the most bang for their buck.

Cut 6 (11) “…is”

The Saints and Michael Thomas have reportedly agreed to a new contract that makes him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The LSU football team reports for preseason camp tomorrow with expectations as high as they’ve been in several years. Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s told his team not to listen to the hype

Cut 12 (11) “…that’s it.”

LRN PM Newscall July 31

The Saints and Michael Thomas have reportedly agreed to a new contract that makes him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

_________________________

An emotional press conference took place today outside of the West Baton Rouge courthouse as family members are seeking justice in a fatal police shooting that happened last week. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut  2 (31) I’m Matt Doyle”  

________________________________________

The Saints and Michael Thomas agree to a contract that makes the wide out the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Sources say the deal is worth 100-million dollars over five years. The Voice of the Saints, Zach Streif, says it’s a huge contract, but it should not prevent the team from re-signing some of its other young stars

Cut 3 (12) “…each era”

Thomas led the NFL with 125 catches last season and no player in NFL history has caught more passes in his first three seasons in the NFL than Thomas. Streif says the contract numbers are eye-popping, but its the cost of doing business in the NFL

Cut 4 (08) “…in the city”

Thomas has been a training camp holdout. He’s been pushing for a new contract as he was set to make just over one-million dollars this year. Streif says it’s obvious Thomas outperformed his rookie deal and a new massive contract was justified…

Cut 5 (11) “…of it”

The Saints are off from training camp today but expect to see Thomas back on the practice field tomorrow with his teammates.

_____________________________

Delhi Senator Francis Thompson is term-limited in the Senate but will attempt to continue his four-decade tenure in the legislature with his announcement that he’s running for the House.

Thompson says if elected he’s looking forward to returning to the more fiscally focused lower chamber, where he can use his decades of experience to help taxpayers get the most bang for their buck.

Cut 6 (11) “…is”

The Democrat could potentially be the longest actively serving member now that Senate President John Alario has decided not to attempt to return to the Legislature.

There are some concerns that the chamber flipping is against the spirit of the state’s term limit law, but Thompson says the Capitol is at it’s best when it has a few people who know all the ins and outs.

Cut 7 (11) “…was”

Thompson voted for the term limit law back in the 90s.

He’s one of north Louisiana’s more prominent lawmakers, and the 77-year-old says he’s still got plenty of gas left in the tank to maintain his stay in the Legislature.

Cut 8 (07) “…to go.”

Thompson previously served in the Louisiana House from 1975 to 2007.

_________________________________________________

The family of a black man killed last week during an encounter with a West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy is demanding justice. An autopsy shows 38-year-old Josef Richardson was fatally shot in the back of the neck. Authorities say deputies were serving a warrant at a motel near Port Allen when Richardson was shot. Richardson’s daughter says her dad didn’t deserve to die

Cut 9 (09) “…not right”

State Police says they are conducting a thorough and impartial investigation. Neither L-S-P or the West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department has released the identity of the deputy involved in the shooting. Richardson’s daughter says she does not want her dad’s death to go down as an unsolved crime…

Cut 10 (09) “…no peace”  (2x)

Richardson was in the motel room with his girlfriend, who is facing drug charges. But investigators have not released any information on why the deputy fired his weapon. Richardson’s nephew says Josef was not a violent person…

Cut 11 (07) “…what happened.”

___________________________________________________

The LSU football team reports for preseason camp tomorrow with expectations as high as they’ve been in several years. The media has picked LSU to finish second in the SEC West and the Tigers are expected to be ranked in the Top 10 in the preseason polls. Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s told his team not to listen to the hype

Cut 12 (11) “…that’s it.”

LSU has been plagued by inconsistent play on offense, but Orgeron believes in starting quarterback Joe Burrow and the Tigers return their leading receiver from last season, Justin Jefferson

Cut 13 (12) “…Trey Palmer”

2:30 LRN Newscast July 31

An emotional press conference took place today outside of the West Baton Rouge courthouse as family members are seeking justice in a fatal police shooting that happened last week.
cut 2 (31) I’m Matt Doyle”

The Saints and wide receiver Michael Thomas have agreed to a record-breaking five-year, 100-million dollar contract. The voice of the Saints, Zach Streif, says it’s money well spent for a super star player…
cut 4 (08) “…in the city”
After a brief hold out, Thomas is expected to return to the practice field tomorrow.

77-year-old Delhi Democrat Francis Thompson wants to continue to be a state legislator, even though term limits will prevent him from running for re-election in the Senate. Thompson plans to run for a seat in the House and he believes it’s a good thing to have a few veteran lawmakers at the Capitol, who know the ins and outs…
cut 7 (11) “….was”
Thompson started his state legislative career in the House in 1975.

Tomorrow begins the start of preseason camp for the LSU Tigers. Coach Ed Orgeron spoke at the Baton Rouge Rotary Club today and says the combination of quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Justin Jefferson will lead a strong passing attack…
cut 13 (12) “…Trey Palmer”
Palmer is a freshman from Kentwood.