LRN PM Newscall August 7

The U.S. Gymnastics Championships begin today at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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NOAA Fisheries has increased the catch limits of red grouper in the Gulf of Mexico. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The U.S. Gymnastics Championships begin today at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says this is gymnastics competition at the highest level in the U.S.

Cut 3 (10) “…Los Angeles in 2028.”

Cicero says many gymnasts who competed in Paris last summer will be competing in New Orleans this weekend.

Cut 4 (11) “…LSU this fall.”

Rivera was the youngest member of the U-S gymnastics team that won the Olympic gold last year in Paris. Simone Biles is not competing.

As for the men, perhaps the biggest name competing is Stephen Nedoroscik, the bespectacled athlete who went viral with his pommel horse routine that won the men the bronze medal in the team competition at the Paris Olympics last year.

Cicero says the return of the U.S. Gymnastics Championships to New Orleans was 30 years in the making.

Cut 5 (09) “…so in 1995.”

Tickets are still available; go to the Smoothie King Center website or the USA Gymnastics website for more information. The competition runs through Sunday.

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Catch limits for red grouper in the Gulf of Mexico are increased, effective immediately. Andy Strelcheck, the regional administrator for NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, says the Gulf Council requested that NOAA Fisheries take this action for the rest of the year.

Cut 6 (11) “…than previously estimated.”

Strelcheck says because of the population increase, NOAA Fisheries has been able to increase the harvest limit for red grouper and to increase the harvest season out to the end of the year.

Cut 7 (14) “…7.45 million pounds.”

Strelcheck says catch limits for individual fishermen each time they go out into the water remain the same.

Cut 8 (13) “…of the year.”

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ULM football coach Bryant Vincent’s workload got heavier this week as he was named interim athletics director following the sudden resignation of John Hartwell. Vincent is entering his second season as head football coach and relishes the opportunity to take on more duties.

Cut 9 (09)  “…if you really care.”

Hartwell’s resignation came as a surprise. During an interview with LRN in June, he was encouraged about the future of ULM athletics, but that all ended on Monday when he abruptly resigned. Vincent doesn’t look at Harwell’s resignation as a setback.

Cut 10 (10) “…come together.”

Vincent is trying to build on ULM”s encouraging five and seven season from a year ago. He’s also the offensive coordinator. Vincent says new ULM president Doctor Carrie Castille reached out to him about running the athletic department on an interim basis.

Cut 11 (11) “…we needed.”

It’s been reported Hartwell resigned because he disagreed with Castille’s proposed budget cuts to the athletic department.

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LSU football fans were sent into a panic on Wednesday after a rumor on social media stated that quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was seriously injured during practice. The rumor on Nussmeier’s status blew up on multiple social media outlets, but Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne says that the fear initiated by the rumors was unnecessary.

Cut 12 (12) “…no veracity.”

Horne spoke with multiple sources close to the program, who immediately shut down the possibility of any season-ending injuries. Horne did confirm that Nussmeier had an accident towards the end of practice, but he says to expect the LSU quarterback to return to practice by the end of the week.

Cut 13 (11)  “…off the field.”

Nussmeier comes back with the Tigers as one of the top returning starters in college football, so it is key to keeping him healthy. Without Nussmeier, the Tigers would not only lose a leader with heavy experience, but Horne says it would also ruin the Tigers’ playoff chances.

Cut 14 (11) “…seriously compromised.”

2:30 PM LRN Newscast

The latest cover of Time Magazine has a familiar face. U.S. Congressman and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson who represents parts of North and Central Louisiana graces the cover of the latest publication that includes an article titled “How Mike Johnson Became Trump’s Speaker.”  The article discusses his ascent to the seat and his role in getting the president’s agenda passed. Speaker Johnson was in District 4 last week to give constituents updates on his activities in D.C.

Some happy fisherman as Red grouper limits in the Gulf of Mexico have increased, effective immediately. Andy Strelcheck, the Southeast regional administrator for NOAA Fisheries says they were able to increase the limit and extend the season to the end of the year because of the increase in the population of the fish.

Cut 7 (14) “…7.45 million pounds.”

Catch limits for each outing remain the same for individual fishermen.

The U.S. Gymnastics Championships begin today at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Former ULM Athletic Director John Hartwell’s resignation came as a surprise. During an interview with LRN in June, he was encouraged about the future of ULM athletics, but Monday he abruptly resigned. ULM football coach Bryant Vincent, now also serving as interim athletic director, doesn’t look at Harwell’s resignation as a setback…

Cut 10 (10) “…come together.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

Catch limits for red grouper in the Gulf of Mexico are increased, effective immediately. Andy Strelcheck, the regional administrator for NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, says the Gulf Council requested that NOAA Fisheries take this action for the rest of the year.

Cut 6 (11) “…than previously estimated.”

Storm activity is starting to ramp up in the Atlantic; but so far, Louisiana has nothing to worry about. The National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on two potential disturbances in the Atlantic. Dr. Phil Klotzbach says the Colorado State University hurricane forecast team predicts a dozen more named storms, eight of which will strengthen into hurricanes.

Cut 13 (12)  “…three major hurricanes.”

The U.S. Gymnastics Championships begin today at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says the return of the event to the Big Easy was 30 years in the making.

Cut 5 (09) “…so in 1995.”

Tickets are still available; go to the Smoothie King Center website or the USA Gymnastics website for more information. The competition runs through Sunday.

ULM football coach Bryant Vincent’s workload got heavier this week as he was named interim athletic director following the sudden resignation of John Hartwell. Vincent is entering his second season as head football coach and relishes the opportunity to take on more duties.

Cut 9 (09)  “…if you really care.”

It’s been reported Hartwell resigned because he disagreed with new president Dr. Carrie Castille’s proposed budget cuts to the athletic department.

12:30 LRN Newscast

The state is expanding a program that puts money back on a SNAP recipients EBT card when they buy fresh produce. Tim Jenkins with the Department of Children and Family Services says the program started in Louisiana last April is open to all Louisiana SNAP recipients who shop at a Walmart in eleven parishes.

Cut 12 (09) “…incentive.”

For more information go to D-C-F-S’s website.

ULM football coach Bryant Vincent’s workload got heavier this week as he was named interim athletics director following the sudden resignation of John Hartwell. Vincent is entering his second season as head football coach and relishes the opportunity to take on more duties…

Cut 9 (09)  “…if you really care.”

Hartwell’s resignation came as a surprise. During an interview with LRN in June, he was encouraged about the future of ULM athletics,

 

We’ve only seen four named storms, and no hurricanes this season, but the Colorado State University hurricane forecast team is still calling for an above average season. Dr. Phil Klotzbach says we’re nearing the peak of hurricane season and could see at least eight actual hurricanes because…

Cut 15 (07) “…well above average.”

The U-S Gymnastics Championships get underway today in New Orleans and will continue through Sunday with 136 athletes vying for a spot on the U-S National team that will compete at the 2025 World Championships in October. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero says the competition will feature five Olympic medalists, including one that will compete at LSU next year…

Cut 4 (11) “…this fall”

Rivera was the youngest member of the U-S gymnastics team that won the Olympic gold last year in Paris. Simone Biles is not competing.

11:30 LRN Newscast

The U.S. Gymnastics Championships begin today at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says this is gymnastics competition at the highest level in the U.S.

Cut 3 (10) “…Los Angeles in 2028.”

Tickets are still available; go to the Smoothie King Center website or the USA Gymnastics website for more information.

Statistics show that the birth rate in Louisiana is on the decline. Just over 52-thousand babies were born in Louisiana last year, down from more than 63-thousand in 2013. Allison Plyer, the chief demographer at The Data Center in New Orleans, says with fewer women of child-bearing age living in Louisiana, there will naturally be fewer babies born in the state.

Cut 8 (08) “…child-bearing age population.”

Schools are opening around the state as early as today; and as such, you should especially be on the lookout for kids making their way to school. Andre Champagne (SHOM-pine) reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Getting sticker shock over your electric bill? Join the crowd. The Louisiana Illuminator reports electric bills last month reached levels not seen in three years. Utility companies say soaring natural gas prices are the biggest culprit behind the price spike, with those costs passed on to customers as “fuel adjustment” charges.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is fine. That’s the word out of LSU after a rumor spread on the internet that Nussmeier suffered a serious injury towards the end of yesterday’s practice. LSU confirms Nussmeier did tweak his lower leg and but was only held out of practice as a precaution.

LSU brought in several new defensive linemen to contribute to defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s disruptive scheme. Coach Brian Kelly says the coaching staff has a lot of options.

Cut 17 (20)  “…pass rush now.”

The Saints offense looks to put out a dangerous product on the field with new head coach Kellen Moore. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (EE-lair) says Moore’s new system allows him to be the shifty back he knows he can be.

Cut 19 (19) “…is endless.”

The Saints practice this afternoon and tomorrow in Irvine, California as they continue preparations for their preseason opener against the Chargers in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The Southland Conference and ESPN have announced an extension of its media rights deal through 2031. The agreement guarantees five annual events on ESPN linear networks, including men’s basketball championship game, women’s basketball championship game, one men’s basketball tournament semifinal, one regular season men’s basketball game and at least one additional football, basketball, softball or baseball event.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Statistics show a significant drop in the birth rate in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The St. James Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating the murder of a 16-year-old. Deputies say the male teenager was found with multiple gunshot wounds in Paulina last night. No arrests have been made.

The state is expanding a program that puts money back on a SNAP recipients EBT card when they buy fresh produce. Tim Jenkins with the Department of Children and Family Services says SNAP recipients can now receive a 30-cent bonus for purchasing fruits and vegetables at Walmart stores in Calcasieu, Jackson, Lafayette, Rapides and Terrebonne parishes.

Cut 10 (09) “…eat healthy.”

Jenkins says these five parishes join Ascension, LaSalle, Sabine, Tangipahoa, Webster and West Carroll parishes already taking part in the Electronic Healthy Incentives Project.

Colorado State University’s hurricane forecast team continues to call for a slightly above-average 2025 hurricane season. There have been four named storms so far this year, and experts predict another dozen named storms, eight of which will strengthen into hurricanes. Dr. Phil Klotzbach says the peak of hurricane season is just two weeks away.

Cut 14 (10) “…couple of weeks.”

9:30 AM Newscast

Schools are opening as early as today across Louisiana, so State Police are urging you to take all precautions necessary to keep kids safe as they go back to school. Trooper Eddie Thomas says it’s important to obey crossing guards, and always use caution when approaching a school bus stop.

Cut 6 (10) “…the bus safely.”

The latest numbers are out and it appears the birthrate in Louisiana has dropped significantly…from 63-thousand babies born in 2013 to just over 52-thousand last year. Allison Plyer, the chief demographer at The Data Center in New Orleans, says the trend in birth rates and population goes hand-in-hand.

Cut 7 (12) “…lot fewer babies.”

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The state is expanding a program that puts money back on a SNAP recipients EBT card when they buy fresh produce. Tim Jenkins with the Department of Children and Family Services says the program started in Louisiana last April is open to all Louisiana SNAP recipients who shop at a Walmart in eleven parishes.

Cut 12 (09) “…incentive.”

The 30-cent bonus is automatically added to EBT cards at checkout and can be used as soon as the next purchase.

The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team continues to call for a slightly above-average 2025 hurricane season. There have been four named storms so far this year, but none of them have grown to hurricane strength. Dr. Phil Klotzbach says they predict a dozen more named storms, eight of which will strengthen into hurricanes.

Cut 13 (12)  “…three major hurricanes.”

8:30 AM Newscast

We’ve only seen four named storms, and no hurricanes this season, but the Colorado State University hurricane forecast team is still calling for an above average season. Dr. Phil Klotzbach says we’re nearing the peak of hurricane season and could see at least eight actual hurricanes because…

Cut 15 (07) “…well above average.”

Schools are opening as early as today throughout the state, so Louisiana State Police are urging you to take all precautions necessary to keep your kids safe as they go back to school. Trooper Eddie Thomas says when a crossing guard tells you to do something, you do it.

Cut 4 (13) “…for everyone’s safety.”

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Statistics show a significant drop in the birth rate in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana is expanding a program that puts money back on a SNAP recipients EBT card when they buy fresh produce. Tim Jenkins with the Department of Children and Family Services says people in 11 parishes using SNAP benefits can now get a 30-cent bonus for buying fruits and vegetables at Walmart stores in Calcasieu, Jackson, Lafayette, Rapides and Terrebonne parishes.

Cut 10 (09) “…eat healthy.”

7:30 AM Newscast

It’s back to school time across much of Louisiana, so drivers need to watch out for the kids and busses on the roadways. Andre Champagne (SHOM-pine) reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Louisiana’s birthrate is on the decline. According to recent statistics 52-thousand babies were born in Louisiana last year. That’s down from more than 63-thousand in 2013. And Allison Plyer, the chief demographer at The Data Center in New Orleans, says declining birth rates have a ripple effect.

Cut 9 (08)  “…across the state.”

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Colorado State University’s hurricane forecast team continues to call for a slightly above-average 2025 hurricane season. There have been four named storms so far this year, and experts predict another dozen named storms, eight of which will strengthen into hurricanes. Dr. Phil Klotzbach says the peak of hurricane season is just two weeks away.

Cut 14 (10) “…couple of weeks.”

The state is expanding a program that puts money back on a SNAP recipients EBT card when they buy fresh produce. Tim Jenkins with the Department of Children and Family Services says the program started in Louisiana last April and they are already seeing SNAP shoppers take advantage of it.

Cut 11 (08) “…been earned.”