Labor Day Newscall

This year’s second wave of lovebugs has arrived. Kace Kieschnick has why that may not matter too much to you but could affect your vehicle.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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On this Labor Day, Louisiana Works says the state of labor in the state is very positive. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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If you think you’re seeing more lovebugs than usual, you’re not imagining it. The end of summer is their second mating season of the year. LSU AgCenter entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says it is a normal part of their life cycle, but there are more lovebugs this year than in previous years.

Cut 3 (11) “…their populations.”

Ashbrook says lovebugs are harmless to humans, but their blood can degrade car paint.

Cut 4 (11) “…on the vehicle.”

He recommends getting your car cleaned at a car wash or using dryer sheets to wipe them off.

Ashbrook says lovebugs are more commonly found near areas with more moisture and decaying matter, like  marshes, swamps and forested areas. He says lovebug larvae help break down and recycle organic materials.

Cut 5 (08) “…time of year.”

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On this Labor Day, the state of Labor in Louisiana is looking promising. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SCHAU-in) says more people in Louisiana are working than ever before, with more than 2.01-million people working.

Cut 6 (09) “…our labor force.”

Schowen says the scores of economic development projects happening in Louisiana are driving a lot of the job growth.

Cut 7 (09) “…do with infrastructure.”

Schowen says those projects are putting a lot of people to work.

Cut 8 (13) “…from those projects.”

Schowen says the state is even diversifying its white-collar industries, with significant job growth in sectors like financial services. She says wages have increased more than six-percent over the last year, making Louisiana one of a select number of states where wage growth is outpacing inflation.

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Hyundai is ready to begin construction on a five-point-eight billion dollar steel mill in Ascension Parish. A final air pollution permit is needed from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. The facility is expected to produce 13-hundred permanent jobs and another 41-hundred indirect jobs. Landry says an economic development trip to South Korea in October of 2024 helped bring this steel mill project to Donaldsonville…

Cut 9 (10)  “…the world.”

Landry has secured over 250-billion dollars in new capital investment. The governor says that’s 85-billion more than Texas. Landry says companies like Hyundai are choosing Louisiana because the state has what it takes to make it happen…

Cut 10 (08) “…are people.

The Hyundai-Posco steel plant will produce about two-point-eight million metric tons of ultra-low-carbon automative-grade steel annually. Undersecretary for International Trade in the Department of Commerce, William Kimmitt, says the facility will supply domestic steel to Hyundai Motor Group vehicle assembly operations and other U-S automakers…

Cut 11 (13) “…critical industires.”

The plant is scheduled to open in 2029.

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Saturday is a day LSU fans will not forget as the long-awaited debut of Lane Kiffin delivered a dominating 51-10 victory over the Clemson Tigers. Despite scoring an early field goal, Clemson never had a chance. The 102-thousand in attendance made sure LSU would win. Linebacker Whit Weeks felt the energy…

Cut 12 (14) “…special.”

What happened Saturday night in Tiger Stadium was a complete 180-degree turn from what occurred versus Texas A&M, the second half debacle that led to Brian Kelly’s firing. The LSU fan base was broken, the 2019 season seemed like a distant memory, but Kiffin’s arrival has brought the passion and bravado back…

Cut 13 (13)  “..started there.”

There were thoughts LSU could be distracted by the ongoing drama surrounding the college eligibility of two players, who were on NFL rosters last month. But Kiffin said before the game it would not be a distraction and he was right…

Cut 14 (12) “…by it.”

During his introductory press conference, Kiffin spoke about how difficult it was for an opponent to come into Tiger Stadium and win and how he was looking forward to being on the other side of the sideline where the fans had your back. He said it was great to finally experience it…

Cut 15 (09) “…pretty cool.”

LSU is home again this Saturday as the Tigers host Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs won their season opener over Northwestern State 80 to 6.

11:30 AM LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry believes the SEC is unfairly targeting LSU in the legal battle over athletes seeking a fifth year of college eligibility. In an interview with Fox Business, Landry questioned why the SEC is not taking action against other schools, including Texas, which has offensive lineman Cole Hutson on its roster after he participated in two NFL rookie minicamps.

Cut 3 (10) “…LSU.”

The players in question are not on the roster for today’s season opener, but they could be added at a later date once each player’s history is considered.

While today is gameday, it’s also Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over weekend in Louisiana.  Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman…

Cut 14 (09) “…that simple.”

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Not everyone is rolling out the welcome mat for Hyundai Steel in Ascension Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Two people died yesterday in a mishap at a fish processing plant in Empire.  According to a statement from Westbank Fishing, the two people who died were company employees and were killed during unloading operations at the company’s facility in Empire.  So far, the names of those who died have not been released.  The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff ‘s Office and a  Plaquemines Parish Fire’s HAZMAT team are investigating.

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

Hyundai is ready to begin construction on a five-point-eight billion dollar steel mill in Ascension Parish. A final air pollution permit is needed from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. But the facility, which broke ground on Friday, is expected to produce 13-hundred permanent jobs and another 41-hundred indirect jobs. Governor Jeff Landry says an economic development trip to South Korea in October of 2024 helped bring this steel mill project to Donaldsonville…

Cut 9 (10)  “…the world.”    (AM)

Not everyone is happy with the arrival of the Hyundai Steel plant in Ascension Parish in 2029. Ann Rolfes (RAWL-fis), the director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, says by putting up the plant, the state is prioritizing a company from the other side of the world over local companies.

Cut 9 (11)  “…our own home.”

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Governor Jeff Landry believes the SEC is unfairly targeting LSU with the lawsuit it filed against the university in an effort to prevent the Tigers from rostering players who spent time with NFL teams during training camp, saying that doesn’t make them former NFL players. Landry says the controversy could have been avoided if the NCAA had granted this entire class of athletes a blanket waiver for a fifth season of eligibility when the it implemented its new five-for-five rule.

Cut 4 (14) “…changed the rule”

The players in question for LSU are not on the Tigers’ gameday roster for tonight’s season opener, but an attorney for the plaintiffs says the move preserves a path for the players to be added later and lower the temperature on this subject and look at the facts.

 

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

Heading into the Labor Day weekend, the state of Labor in Louisiana is looking promising. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen (SCHAU-in) says more people in Louisiana are working than ever before, with more than 2.01-million people working.

Cut 6 (09) “…our labor force.”

This Labor Day weekend is a Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over weekend. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has made extra funds available to help local law enforcement agencies identify, stop and arrest drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Frank Besson says last year alcohol or drugs contributed to 34-percent of the state’s fatal crashes.

Cut 12 (09) “…right decisions.”

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Dozens of athletes received a fifth season of eligibility in a Baton Rouge court late Thursday, and Governor Jeff Landry told Fox Business that he thinks the SEC is unfairly targeting LSU in the legal battle. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Dae’Quan Wright  and Zxavian Harris were left off LSU’s official roster for today’s season opener. An attorney for the plaintiffs says the move preserves a path for the players to be added later and allows space to lower the temperature on the subject and look at the facts.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry believes the SEC is unfairly targeting LSU in the legal battle over athletes seeking a fifth year of college eligibility. In an interview with Fox Business, Landry questioned why the SEC is not taking action against other schools, including Texas, which has offensive lineman Cole Hutson on its roster after he participated in two NFL rookie minicamps.

Cut 3 (10) “…LSU.”

Despite Thursday’s ruling, according to reports, LSU has not added two players who were granted a fifth year of college eligibility to their gameday roster against Clemson.

While today is gameday, it’s also Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over weekend in Louisiana.  Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman…

Cut 14 (09) “…that simple.”

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Not everyone is rolling out the welcome mat for Hyundai Steel in Ascension Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Two people died yesterday in a mishap at a fish processing plant in Empire.  According to a statement from Westbank Fishing, the two people who died were company employees and were killed during unloading operations at the company’s facility in Empire.  So far, the names of those who died have not been released.

7:30 LRN Sportscast

Gameday has finally arrived as Lane Kiffin makes his highly anticipated debut as the head coach of the LSU Tigers tonight. Tonight also marks the debut of quarterback Sam Leavitt in an LSU uniform. Kiffin says Leavitt has been great…

Cut 21 (14) “…been great.”

The big story has been the drama over the eligibility of athletes in the Class of 2022 who believe they deserve a fifth season. A Baton Rouge judge has said they can play and that includes two football players that are now with LSU after spending time last month in NFL training camps.

But when LSU submitted its official roster last night, tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris where not on it. Playing them would be against SEC rules according to Commissioner Greg Sankey.

It’s still possible they can be added to the roster later in the season.

 

Louisiana Tech opens the season at home against Northwestern State at 6:30 tonight. Demons head coach Blain McCorkle says he hopes his team can bounce back from a disappointing opener against Louisiana Christian in another regional rivalry game.

Cut 20 (13) “…game of it.”

UL Lafayette kicks off the season against Lamar at 7. Lamar opened its season with a 21-14 win over Abilene Christian last week. Cajuns head coach Michael Desormeaux says a strong offensive start is important against a veteran team that likes to run the ball.

Cut 19 (10) “…you want.”

ULM and Tulane both kick off the year with difficult road matchups. The Warhawks visit Mississippi State at 6:30, and the Green Wave faces Duke at 2:30.

At 6:00, Southeastern Louisiana visits South Alabama, Nicholls heads to Kansas State and McNeese hosts Texas Wesleyan.

5:30 LRN Newscast

Dozens of athletes received a fifth season of eligibility in a Baton Rouge court Thursday night, and Governor Landry told Fox Business that he thinks the SEC is unfairly targeting LSU in the legal battle. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

This comes as LSU gets set to take on Clemson, which has reportedly notified LSU via email that playing former pros may breach the contract between the two schools.

Not everyone is welcoming Hyundai Steel to Ascension Parish with open arms. Ann Rolfes (RAWL-fis), the director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, says by putting up the plant, Louisiana is prioritizing a company from the other side of the world over local companies.

Cut 9 (11)  “…our own home.”

The plant had its ceremonial groundbreaking Friday afternoon. The plant is slated to open in 2029.

This is a Labor Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over weekend. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has made extra funds available to help local law enforcement agencies arrest drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. State Police Superintendent Colonel Frank Besson says last year, alcohol or drugs contributed to 34-percent of the state’s fatal crashes.

Cut 12 (09) “…right decisions.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

It’s almost time for LSU to kick off its season against Clemson. It will be Lane Kiffin’s first game leading the Tigers roster loaded with transfer talent. Quarterback Sam Leavitt will also play his first game in Tiger Stadium, and Kiffin says the number-one-rated transfer has lived up to the billing.

Cut 21 (14) “…been great.”

Kickoff is at 6:30 tomorrow.

Southern coach Marshall Faulk will also be making his first appearance in front of the home crowd when the Jaguars host Kentucky State. The first-year head coach says he doesn’t feel any added pressure to win at home.

Cut 22 (10) “…to do it.”

Grambling plays its second home game against Central State. Both games kick off at 6:00 tomorrow night

College football around the state is fully underway tomorrow.

Louisiana Tech opens the season at home against Northwestern State at 6:30. Demons head coach Blain McCorkle says he hopes his team can bounce back from a disappointing opener against Louisiana Christian in another regional rivalry game.

Cut 20 (13) “…game of it.”

UL Lafayette kicks off the season against Lamar at 7. Lamar opened its season with a 21-14 win over Abilene Christian last week. Cajuns head coach Michael Desormeaux says a strong offensive start is important against a veteran team that likes to run the ball.

Cut 19 (10) “…you want.”

ULM and Tulane both kick off the year with difficult road matchups. The Warhawks visit Mississippi State at 6:30, and the Green Wave faces Duke at 2:30.

At 6:00, Southeastern Louisiana visits South Alabama, Nicholls heads to Kansas State and McNeese hosts Texas Wesleyan.

4:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry believes the SEC is unfairly targeting LSU in the legal battle over athletes seeking a fifth year of college eligibility. In an interview with Fox Business, Landry questioned why the SEC is not taking action against other schools, including Texas, which has offensive lineman Cole Hutson on its roster after he participated in two NFL rookie minicamps.

Cut 3 (10) “…LSU.”

All this comes as college football’s top-rated pregame show, “ESPN College GameDay” gets set to kick off its 40th season live from the LSU Campus. It also happens to be its 500th show on the road. Saturday night’s season opening matchup against Clemson is one of the most anticipated games in Tiger Stadium in several years, and LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette is expecting a big crowd for the show.

Cut 7 (03) “…to be like.”

Not everyone is happy with the arrival of the Hyundai Steel plant in Ascension Parish in 2029. Among other things, the Louisiana Bucket Brigade is concerned about the environmental impact, even though the company plans on reducing carbon emissions by 70-percent by using electricity instead of burning coal to produce the steel. Director Anne Rolfes says Hyundai is not being honest in its air permit application.

Cut 11 (10) “…from New Orleans.”

It’s Labor Day weekend, and that means another Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over weekend. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman reminds you that driving while impaired is a crime.

Cut 14 (09) “…that simple.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has made extra funds available to help local law enforcement agencies arrest drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

3:30 LRN Newscast

A Baton Rouge judge has granted a fifth-year of college eligibility to a group of athletes that graduated high school in 2022 and missed out on getting a fifth year of college eligibility despite the NCAA’s new rules that gives college athletes a fifth year. Tight end Dae’Quan Wright is one of the plaintiffs. Wright was cut by two NFL teams earlier this summer and after his release from the Cleveland Browns he committed to LSU. Wright says he’s relieved to receive a fifth year of college eligibility.

Cut 5 (09) “…appreciate that”

It remains to be seen if Wright will play tomorrow night’s season opener against Clemson. Coach Lane Kiffin says the most important thing is always winning, but show time is a real thing. He says it’s important to create a product people want to see.

Cut 18 (14) “…into the stadium.”

 

 

Not everyone is rolling out the welcome mat for the five-billion-dollar Hyundai Steel mill in Ascension Parish, which held a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony this afternoon. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

This is the first big weekend of football in the Bayou State. Great high school games tonight and not only do you have LSU-Clemson in Death Valley, but there’s also Louisiana Tech hosting Northwestern State and the Ragin Cajuns hosts Lamar.