12:30 PM LRN Newscast September 13

Baton Rouge attorney Ron Haley has filed a lawsuit on behalf of one of the more than 800 nursing home residents that were evacuated to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish during hurricane Ida. The suit names nursing homeowner Bob Dean and the Louisiana Department of Health as defendants. Haley says nursing homes in southern parts of the state are required to file an evacuation plan with the state.

Cut 9 (12) “…blows over.” 

State police are investigating a weekend officer-involved shooting.  It occurred Saturday night involving a Shreveport police office at a West 70th Street address inside the city limits. He had responded to a call for service at a convenience store and wound up chasing 30-year-old Desmond Lewis who fled on foot. After catching up with Lewis, he and the officer got into an altercation, Lewis pulling out a weapon and the officer responding by fatally shooting Lewis.  The officer escaped injury.

 

Southwest Louisiana is under a Flash Flood Watch as Tropical Storm Nicholas heads up the southeast Texas coast.  Donovan Landreneau with the National Weather Service says the amount of rain the Bayou State could see could climb as high as 20 inches.  Landreneau says rain bands will likely tell the story of how much rain areas of the state will receive from Nicholas.

Cut 4  (08) “…even 20 inches.” 

 

The Saints started the 2021 season with an impressive 38-3 victory over the Green Bay Packers in a game held in Jacksonville, Florida, because of the devastation in southeast Louisiana from Hurricane Ida. Quarterback Jameis Winston threw five touchdown passes and dedicates the victory to New Orleans

Cut 12 (12) “resilience”  

 

Linebacker Demario Davis hopes their statement win over one of the top teams in the NFC revives hope for those suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida…

11:30 LRN Newscast Sept 13

Most of Southwest Louisiana is under a Flash Flood Watch as Tropical Storm Nicholas heads up the southeast Texas coast.  Donovan Landreneau with the National Weather Service says the amount of rain the Bayou State could see could climb as high as 20 inches and storm surge could be an additional problem.

Cut 3 (11) “..feet above normal.”

In Tangipahoa Parish, a Loranger man is charged with aggravated assault of a utility worker after branding a gun and threatening a lineman. TPSO Chief Jimmy Travis says it happened Friday evening on Highway 445 after 35-year-old Kendrick James refused to yield to a utility crew restoring power.

Cut 6 (12) “…of a utility worker.” 

More than two weeks after Hurricane Ida tore up southeast Louisiana, for the most part, the lights still aren’t back on for homes and businesses in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.  Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May, the repairs will be slow going for the time being.

Cut 13 (11) “…get back on.”

According to the Louisiana Public Service Commission as of this morning, 119-thousand customers remain without power.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says it looks as if COVID hospitalizations peaked in mid-August during the 4th wave, but he worries progress could be lost due to families having to shelter outside their homes during Ida. Kanter says while the numbers are encouraging, we must remain vigilant with COVID mitigation.

Cut 12 (11) “…future increases.”  

11:40 LRN Sportscast September 13

Despite spending the last couple of weeks displaced from New Orleans, because of Hurricane Ida, the Saints were ready for the start of the regular and it showed in yesterday’s 38 to 3 beat down of the Green Bay Packers. Saints Quarterback Jameis Winston threw five touchdown passes and zero interceptions, while Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers was picked off twice and only threw for 133 yards. Linebacker Demario Davis says they wanted to win this one for Who Dat nation…
cut 18 (23) “…adverse times”
The Saints are at Carolina this Sunday. The Panthers won their regular-season opener as they grounded the New York Jets 19-14.

The LSU Tigers beat McNeese 34-7 on Saturday night, but the Bayou Bengals offense did not look good in the victory. LSU had just 306 yards of total offense and they were just 4-of-16 on third down. Quarterback Max Johnson was also consistently pressured. Coach Ed Orgeron on the offense’s performance
Cut 19 (18) “….better schemes”
Orgeron says he’s a little surprised the offense has struggled through the first two games of the season. The Tigers host Central Michigan this Saturday and then they’ll open SEC play on September 25th at Mississippi State. The league announced today that game will kick-off at 11 AM.

The Ragin Cajuns have a short week of preparation after beating Nicholls on Thursday. U-L Lafayette will host Ohio on Thursday night.

LRN News 10:30 am September 13

The executive director of the Bayou Community Foundation says the group is focusing its assistance efforts on hard-hit Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.  Jennifer Armand says the organization has raised several million dollars thus far. In looking back to last week, Armand says gasoline has been one of the significant needs of those in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes. And, then there will be educational needs.

Cut 6 (09) “…in the system.”

 

The second of three planned SWEPCO wind farms is up and running in nearby Oklahoma. The Maverick wind farm is expected to generate 287-megawatts of power for the SWEPCO grid in Louisiana and elsewhere. PSC Commissioner Foster Campbell says the SWEPCO grid will benefit from power generated by the turbines of the two wind farms.

Cut 9 (12) “…in a forward way.”

 

State police are investigating a weekend officer-involved shooting.  It occurred Saturday night involving a Shreveport police office at a West 70th Street address inside the city limits. He had responded to a call for service at a convenience store and wound up chasing 30-year-old Desmond Lewis who fled on foot. After catching up with Lewis, he and the officer got into an altercation, Lewis pulling out a weapon and the officer responding by fatally shooting Lewis.  The unidentified officer escaped injury.

In sports…the Saints kicked off the 2021 season with a 38-3 win over the Green Bay Packers.

Cut 3 (30)  I’m Jeff Palermo” 

 

9:30 LRN Newscast September 13

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says when you look at COVID hospitalizations in the state it appears as if they peaked in mid-August but since a major hurricane has hit the state, he fears things could change.
Cut 10 (11) “…downward trajectory.”
On Friday 1,755 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, down more than 40-percent since the governor issued his latest indoor mask mandate.

The executive director of the Bayou Community Foundation has raised millions of dollars to help residents in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes who need fuel, food and other items following Hurricane Ida. Jennifer Armand says schools in those two parishes suffered significant damage and they are going to figure out how this money can help…
cut 6 (11) “…in the system”

The second of three planned SWEPCO wind farms is up and running in Oklahoma. The Maverick wind farm is expected to generate 287-megawatts of power for the SWEPCO grid in Louisiana and elsewhere. North Louisiana Public Service Commission member Foster Campbell is a proponent of wind energy and the savings it provides for utility customers
Cut 7 (06) “…do for Louisiana.”
Campbell says the new wind farm represents a $1-Billion savings over a 30-year period compared to other energy resources.

Saints fans could not have asked for a better start to the season as the Black and Gold pummeled the Packers 38 to 3 in Jacksonville yesterday. Quarterback Jameis Winston only threw for 148 yards in his first start for the Saints, but he tossed five touchdown passes and he was not intercepted. Linebacker Demario Davis says he’s proud of Winston…
cut 17 (16) “…what they see”
Meanwhile, the Saints defense put the clamps down on the reigning NFL MVP. Aaron Rodgers threw for only 133 yards and he was intercepted twice.

8:30 LRN Newscast September 13

Governor Edwards has declared a state of emergency in advance of Tropical Storm Nicholas which has the potential of bringing heavy rains and flash flooding to Louisiana after it makes landfall in Texas, north of Corpus Christi later today. Southwest Louisiana is under a flash flood watch.

Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes are getting help from an organization that’s among others trying to help Ida storm victims get back on their feet. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen”

The number of COVID patients in the hospital has declined to 1,755 based on the latest data released by the Louisiana Department of Health. That’s a 40-percent decline since the governor reinstituted an indoor statewide mask mandate. The positivity rate has also fallen in recent weeks. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says he’s concerned the downward trend could be short-lived, given the fact many families were forced to shelter with others due to Ida…
cut 11 (09) “…generator”

SWEPCO Is now delivering energy from a second wind farm in Oklahoma to customers in Louisiana. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell likes to see the growth of renewable power…
cut 8 (07) “…in north Caddo parish.

7:30 LRN Newscast September 13

COVID hospitalizations have dropped to their lowest point since July as the last report from the Louisiana Department of Health had 1,755 people hospitalized with the coronavirus. The positivity rate has also dropped from 14 to 11-percent. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says while the numbers are encouraging, he’s asking citizens to remain vigilant with COVID mitigation practices…
cut 12 (11) “….future increases”

The number of customers still without power continues to decline, but a majority of customers are still without power in St. John, St Charles Lafourche, and Terrebonne Parishes. Entergy President Phillip May…
cut 15 (09) “…what we can”

The executive director of the Bayou Community Foundation says the group is focusing its assistance efforts on hard-hit Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Jennifer Armand says the organization has raised several million dollars so far.
Cut 4 (12) “…on the ground.”
Armand says money keeps pouring into the foundation’s fund that has helped pay for fuel, food, and other needs.

North Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is celebrating the start-up of the second of three planned SWEPCO wind farms in Oklahoma. Campbell says the 287-megawatt Maverick wind farm is now providing more clean energy for SWEPCO’s Louisiana customers…
cut 9 (12) “…in a forward way”
The Louisiana Public Service Commission unanimously approved Campbell’s motion to endorse the SWEPC wind project in May 2020.

6:45 LRN Sportscast September 13

Saints fans could not have asked for a better start to the season as the Black and Gold pummeled the Packers 38 to 3 in Jacksonville yesterday. Quarterback Jameis Winston only threw for 148 yards in his first start for the Saints, but he tossed five touchdown passes and he was not intercepted. Linebacker Demario Davis says he’s proud of Winston…
cut 17 (16) “…what they see”
Meanwhile, the Saints defense put the clamps down on the reigning NFL MVP. Aaron Rodgers threw for only 133 yards and he was intercepted twice.

The Saints have reportedly made Marshon Lattimore the second-highest-paid cornerback in the NFL as the two sides agreed to a five-year, 97-million dollar contract extension.

LSU beat McNeese in its home opener, but the offense still has its issues as the Tigers only managed 306 total yards and they were 4-of-16 on third downs. Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s a little surprised the offense has struggled through the first two games of the season…
cut 20 (21) “…change it”
LSU will host Central Michigan this Saturday night. The Chippewas have a sophomore running back by the name of Lew Nichols, who was the MAC Freshman of the Year last season.

The Cajuns will also face a team from the MAC this week. U-L Lafayette will host Ohio on Thursday. The Cajuns defeated Nicholls on Saturday 27-24. Also a close game in Ruston on Saturday as La Tech held off Southeastern Louisiana 45-42. Lions Q-B Cole Kelley nearly threw for 500 yards.

6:30 LRN Newscast September 13

Two weeks after Hurricane Ida and the Louisiana Public Service Commission reports 130-thousand utility customers remain without power. 82-percent of the utility customers in St. Charles Parish does not have electricity, 70-percent in Terrebonne Parish, and around 60-percent are still in the dark in St. John and Lafourche Parishes. Entergy CEO Phillip May…
cut 14 (07) “…light is on”
Entergy has made progress in Tangipahoa and Livingston as less than 20-percent of the customers in those parishes are without power.

The Bayou Community Foundation, which is helping residents in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish says money keeps pouring into its Hurricane Ida relief fund…
cut 5 (09) “…year ahead”
Bayou Community Foundation Director Jennifer Armand says the money is going towards fuel, food, and various other needs in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish.

Statewide COVID hospitalizations appear to have peaked in mid-August, but health officials fear Hurricane Ida could reverse the state’s progress…
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LRN AM Newscall September 13

Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes are getting help from an organization that’s among others trying to help Ida storm victims get back on their feet.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen”

___________________________________

Statewide COVID hospitalizations appear to have peaked in this fourth surged mid-August, but health officials fear Hurricane Ida could reverse the state’s progress. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_________________________________________

The Saints start off the 2021 season with a 38-3 win over the Green Bay Packers. Jeff Palermo has a recap…

Cut 3 (30)  I’m Jeff Palermo” 

___________________________________________

The executive director of the Bayou Community Foundation says the group is focusing its assistance efforts on hard-hit Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.  Jennifer Armand says the organization has raised several million dollars thus far.

Cut 4 (12) “…on the ground.”

Armand says money keeps pouring into the foundation’s fund that has helped pay for fuel, food and the various other needs of residents who remain in recovery mode more than two weeks after Ida slammed the two parishes, including Grand Isle.

Cut 5 (09) “…and year ahead.”

In looking back to last week, Armand says gasoline has been one of the significant needs of those in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.

Cut 6 (09) “…southern Terrebonne parishes.”

The Bayou Recovery Fund for Hurricane Ida Relief was opened two days before the storm wreaked havoc on southeast Louisiana.  If you’d like to donate to the fund you can visit the website bayoucf.org and click on the banner Bayou Recovery Fund.

________________________________________

The second of three planned SWEPCO wind farms is up and running in nearby Oklahoma. The Maverick wind farm is expected to generate 287-megawatts of power for the SWEPCO grid in Louisiana and elsewhere. Shreveport area Public Service Commission member Foster Campbell says he’s a proponent of wind energy…:

Cut 7 (12) “…do for Louisiana.”

The Maverick wind farm joins the already complete Sundance facility with a third, called Traverse, to begin operating in 2022. Campbell says the new wind farm represents a $1-Billion savings over a 30-year period compared to other energy resources. He says the wind farm will be good for northern Louisiana because it stabilized the state’s energy base…:

Cut 8 (07) “…in north Caddo Parish.”

The SWEPCO grid will benefit from power generated by the wind turbines of the two wind farms. Campbell says it’s a step in the right direction…:

Cut 9 (12) “…in a forward way.”

____________________________________________

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says when you look at COVID hospitalizations in the state it appears as if they peaked in mid-August but since a major hurricane has hit the state, he fears things could change.

Cut 10 (11) “…downward trajectory.” 

On Friday 1,755 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, down more than 40-percent since the governor issued his latest statewide mask mandate, and the positivity rate has dropped from 14-percent to 11-percent, which is also encouraging.

Kanter says while he’s grateful for the downward trend in COVID hospitalizations he also understands it could be short-lived given the fact that many families were recently forced to shelter with others outside of their immediate household due to Ida.

Cut 11 (09) “….generator.”

Kanter says the message he wants to send is while the numbers are encouraging, we must remain vigilant with COVID mitigation practices to continue to make progress.

Cut 12 (11) “…future increases.”  

New statewide COVID numbers will be released today at noon.

_______________________

More than two weeks after Hurricane Ida tore up southeast Louisiana, for the most part, the lights still aren’t back on for homes and businesses in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.  Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May, the repairs will be slow going for the time being.

Cut 13 (11) “…get back on.”

May is promising that everyone will eventually get their power back as crews continue to work as fast as possible to do so.

Cut 14 (07)  “…light is on.”

May says the Lafourche and Terrebonne area present a much bigger challenge to get power restored.

Cut 15 (09)  “…what we can.”

_______________________________________

The Saints began the Jameis Winston with a big “W” as New Orleans completely dominated Green Bay 38 to 3. Winston played error free football as he threw for 148 yards and touchdowns. Winston gives credit to the defense for holding Aaron Rodgers to 133 yards passing…

Cut  16 (22) “…football games.”

It was Winston’s first start since 2019, who spent last season learning the Saints offense from Coach Sean Payton and former QB Drew Brees. Linebacker Demario Davis says he’s proud of Winston…

Cut 17 (16) “…what they see.”  

Many are shocked by the Saints dominant performance in Jacksonville. The team has been Fort Worth, Texas, since Hurricane Ida caused massive destruction to New Orleans. Davis says they wanted to win this one for Who Dat nation…

Cut 18 (23)”…adverse times.”

______________________________________________

The LSU Tigers beat McNeese 34-7 on Saturday night, but the Bayou Bengals offense did not look good in the victory. LSU had just 306 yards of total offense and they were just 4-of-16 on third down. Quarterback Max Johnson was also consistently pressured. Coach Ed Orgeron on the offense’s performance

Cut 19 (18)  “….better schemes” 

Orgeron says he’s a little surprised the offense has struggled through the first two games of the season…

Cut 20 (21)  “…change it.”