11:40 LRN Sportscast September 16

No confirmation from Coach Sean Payton, but reports indicate running back Mark Ingram will be out at least four weeks with a hand injury. Ingram is averaging six yards a carry this season and has scored three touchdowns. Saints radio color analyst Hokie Gajan says it’s ashame because Payton said prior to the season that Ingram was finally healthy after dealing with various injuries his first three seasons in the NFL…
cut 14 (09) “…long time”
The Saints seek their first win of the season this Sunday against the Vikings. Payton says mental errors are the reason why the Black and Gold are off to an 0-and-2 start.

Former Saints running back Darren Sproles looked good last night as he helped the Eagles come from behind to beat the Colts 30 to 27. Sproles had seven catches for 152 yards and a 19-yard touchdown run.

The intensity should be up a notch or two this week at practice as the LSU Tigers dive into SEC play this Saturday against Mississippi State. Coach Les Miles on Saturday’s match-up….
cut 30 (19) “…play better”
Miles says linebackers Kwon Alexander and Lamar Louis will start against the Bulldogs after sitting out the ULM game with injuries.

In Ruston, Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz says junior defensive lineman Malcolm Pichon has been suspended indefinitely and defensive end Vontarrius Dora will miss Saturday’s game against Northwestern State because of a foot injury.

Demons quarterback Zach Adkins has been named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Offensive Player of the week. Adkins completed a school-record 19 straight passes in Saturday’s win over Southern.

PM Newscall Sept 15

Louisiana ranks 12th in the country for having the rudest drivers in the nation. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

===================

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals announce testing confirms that the brain-eating ameba, Naegleria Fowleri, has been found in a water system in Sabine Parish. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

===================

State Police say a south Louisiana man was killed yesterday when a tree limb came crashing down on him while on his Harley Davidson. Trooper Jared Sandifer says 53-year-old Travis Lessard of Gonzales and his brother were riding their motorcycles on Highway 22 in Livingston Parish when the fatal crash occurred…

CUT 3 (08) “the other”

Sandifer says they are not sure what caused the tree limb to fall, killing one person and seriously injuring another….

CUT 4 (09)  “this happening”

Sandifer says Lessard and his 52-year-old brother, Joseph Lessard of Maurepas, were transported to local hospitals after they were hit by the tree limb…

CUT 5 (07) “serious injuries”

=====================

PayScale-dot-com ranks Louisiana Tech number one in the state in early- and mid-career salaries for graduates. The report says Tech graduates, early in their career, earn an average of over $49,000 per year. University spokesman Dave Guerin says they are proud of this recognition…

CUT 6 (11)  “our institution”

Louisiana Tech also ranked number one for median mid-career salaries, with graduates who have at least 10 years of experience in their field, averaging over $86,000 a year. Guerin feels this ranking is a real testiment of the faculty at Tech…

CUT 7 (09) “they work for”

Overall, Tech ranks number 59 in the nation in median mid-career salaries for graduates among public universities. Guerin says PayScale-dot-com also ranks LA Tech tops in the state as it relates to return on investment…

CUT 8 (12) “southeastern United States”

=============================================

Two Shreveport police officers have been put on routine paid administrative leave after they were involved in a shooting of an armed robbery suspect. Corporal Marcus Hines the incident happened Saturday night and the person who was shot has been identified as 26-year-old Anthony Thomas of Shreveport…

CUT 9 (06)  “right wrist”

Hines says Thomas gunshot wound is considered non-life threatening, but he faces numerous criminal charges…

CUT 10 (11) “his person”

Hines says officers came in contact with Thomas after receiving reports he and at least two other male suspects used a handgun to rob a man at an ATM machine. He says when the officers responded to the scene a struggle ensued with Thomas and he was shot in the right wrist by one of the officers…

CUT 11 (09) “sprained fingers

___________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals announce testing confirms that the brain-eating ameba, Naegleria Fowleri, has been found in a water system in Sabine Parish. The ameba was also discovered in St. John the Baptist Parish last month. Office of Public Health Medical Director, Takiesha Davis, says while the ameba is potentially dangerous, it doesn’t make the water unusable…

CUT 12 (08) “a person’s nose”

She says, to limit infection, avoid getting water up one’s nose. The ameba has to get directly into the brain to cause problems. Davis says the department’s new ameba sampling program is in its third stage and they are finding this ameba now because they are looking for it…

CUT 13 (10) “normally tested for”

She says, so far, no one has been infected with the ameba as a result of the recent discoveries. Davis says a chlorine burn of the water supply in Sabine Parish has been ordered…

cut 14 (07) “in controlling it”

16:45 LRN Sportscast Sept 15

The Saints are 0-and-2 and now it looks like their leading rusher will miss the next four weeks of the season, because of a broken hand. ESPN is reporting running back Mark Ingram hurt his hand in yesterday’s 26-24 loss against Cleveland. When asked about it today, Coach Sean Payton said he nothing to report now on the injury. Ingram rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown against the Browns.

New Orleans will look for win number one on the season this Sunday against Minnesota. The Vikings said today that running back Adrian Peterson will play. Peterson sat out Minnesota’s loss to New England yesterday after he was charged with child abuse. Peterson released a statement today saying that without a doubt, he’s not a child abuser. Peterson admits to injuring his child, but that was not his intention when he disciplined his son.

In the latest AP Top 25 poll, the LSU Tigers are ranked eighth. Florida State is number one, followed by Alabama at three, Auburn at five and Texas A-and-M at six.

LSU’s offense got off to a slow start on Saturday in the Tigers 31-to-0 win over over ULM, but still ended up rushing for 219 yards. Sophomore wide receiver Travin Dural caught six passes, but the former Breaux Bridge standout says the offense has a long way to go…
cut 18 (15) “….looking the same”
Coach Les Miles said today that Ellliot Porter will start at center again this Saturday, even though Ethan Pocic, who started the first two games of the season at center, is healthy enough to play.

The Ragin Cajuns top wide receiver, Jamal Robinson, will reportedly miss the next four weeks of the season because of a lower leg injury. Robinson also missed Saturday’s blowout loss to Ole Miss.

And Nicholls State head coach Charlie Stubbs has resigned, citing health issues. The Colonels have lost nine straight games, dating back to last year.

LRN newscast 09:30 September 15

Senator Mary Landrieu says her campaign office has reimbursed the Federal Treasury after a review of her flight records found that 33-thousand dollars in flights were improperly charged to her Senate office. Landrieu says she takes full responsiblity and a system has been put in place to make sure this doesn’t happen again. But Louisiana republican party executive director Jason Dore believes there’s more information in the report and the issue is not dead…
cut 12 (05) “…taxpayer dollars”

The state department of revenue announces the arrest of a tax preparer from Tallulah who was allegedly involved in a 60-thousand dollar tax fraud scheme. Officials say Chetoria Tyler filed tax returns that contained false claims for state child care tax credits. Tyler faces multiple charges of computer fraud, filing false public records and tax evasion.

Attorneys for the state Department of Corrections are asking a federal appellate court to reverse a judge’s ruling that said conditions on death row at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola are unconstitutional during the summer time. Judge Brian Jackson says the state must install a cooling system that will keep heat indexes from going over 88 degrees.

Saints fans are frustrated today after a 26 to 24 loss to Cleveland yesterday. Some blame the loss on former first round pick and cornerback Patrick Robinson, who was guilty of a couple of penalties and was beat on Cleveland’s first touchdown of the game. But Coach Sean payton says it’s not fair to blame one player…
cut 20 (14) “…one player”
New Orleans will host Minnesota this Sunday.

LRN Newscast 08:30 Sept 15

US Senator Mary Landrieu has admitted to over 33-thousand dollars in flights that were improperly charged to her Senate office, when the money for the flights should have been paid by her campaign. Landrieu says she takes full responsibility and these errors are the result of sloppy bookkeeping. But executive director of the Louisiana republican party, Jason Dore, says bookkeeping mistakes are no excuse…
cut 11 (06) “….up in jail”

Former police officers in the Municipal Police Employees Retirement System will receive its first cost of living adjustment since 2002. Ben Huxen, chief advisor to the commissioner of Administration, says after more than 12 years, this increase is very important….
cut 14 (06) “….as well”
Huxen says the adjustment will help about 45-hundred people in the system.

State police say a tree limb is the cause of a fatal motorcycle accident. Troopers say 53-year-old Travis Lessard of Gonzales was riding a Harley Davidson on L-A 22 in Livingston Parish when a tree limb fell and struck him and his 52-year-old brother who was riding his motorcycle next to him. Lessard died at a local hospital, while his brother Joseph Lessard suffered serious injuries.

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne plans on making stops in Shreveport, Lafayette and Monroe in coming weeks to discuss how to grow tourism in those areas. Dardenne says there are two sites in Monroe that can help attract more visitors to northeast Louisiana…
cut 9 (14) “….World Heritage Site”
Dardenne will be in Shreveport tomorrow. He says the history of the Louisiana Hayride is one thing they can capitalize more on in that area of the state.

LRN Newscast 07:30 September 15

Senator Mary Landrieu has completed a report on the use of flights for campaign events and has admitted to over 33-thousand dollars in improperly charged flights. Eric Gill has more…
cut 2 (28) “…reporting”

Who Dat nation is asking what’s wrong with the Saints after the Black and Gold fell to 0-and-2 on the season with a 26 to 24 loss to Cleveland. Coach Sean Payton says they’ll correct the mistakes…
cut 19 (13) “…we’ll do that”
The Saints host Minnesota this Sunday.

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne will begin a series of town hall meetings in Shreveport tomorrow to discuss with local leaders ways to increase tourism. Dardenne says one resource he wants to tap into is the history of the Louisiana Hayride…
cut 7 (08)_ “….Elvis was on”
Dardenne says he’ll have similar meetings in Lafayette and Monroe next month.

The LSU AgCenter is asking gardeners to look for a small insect called a chilli thrips which can feed on the young, tender parts of many plants. The pest damages new growth and they’re most obvious and prolific on roses. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Ownings says to see if a plant is infected, place a white piece of paper under the plant, shake it, and see what falls on the paper…
cut 6 (08) “….hard to identify”
Owings says there are insecticides that can effectively deal with chilli thrips.

LRN Sportscast 06:45 September 15

Saints fans thought this was the year for the Black and Gold to return to the Super Bowl. But New Orleans is 0-and-2 after suffering a heart breaking 26-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns yesterday. For the second straight game, New Orleans couldn’t preserve a late lead. Coach Sean Payton says all they could do at this point is work on becoming a better team
cut 19 (13) “we’ll do that”
Payton was spotted arguing with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, but in his post-game press conference, Payton downplayed the exchange.

Elsewhere in the NFC South, Carolina improved to 2-and-0 with a 24 to 7 win over Detroit, Cincinnati clobbered Atlanta 24 to 10. Former LSU Tiger Jeremy Hill had a touchdown run for the Bengals and Tampa Bay is 0-and-2 after losing at home to St. Louis 19 to 17.

The LSU Tigers are 3-and-0 heading into Saturday’s SEC opener against Mississippi State. The Tigers blanked ULM on Saturday 31 to 0. Coach Les Miles says his team is ready to play an SEC West opponent
Cut 16 (18) “kinda fun”
The LSU Tigers are up to number eight in both the A-P and coaches college football polls. Five of the top ten teams in each ranking are from the SEC West. The Tigers host Mississippi State this Saturday at six P-M.

Nicholls State lost their ninth straight game on Saturday dating back to last year and on Sunday head coach Charlie Stubbs announced he’s stepping down and cited health reasons for his decision. Chuck Hepola will serve as interim coach.

LRN Newscast 0:60 Sept 15

The Louisiana Republican Party continues to make Senator Mary Landrieu’s chartered flights a campaign issue. Landrieu has completed a report on the use of flights for campaign events and has admitted to over $33,000 in improperly charged flights. Executive Director Jason Dore says he’s surprised by that amount…
cut 10 (10) “….just an apology”
Landrieu says she takes full responsbility and these mistakes are a result of sloppy bookkeeping.

The Municipal Police Employees Retirement System announces the first permanent cost of living adjustment for retirees in more than a decade. Ben Huxen, Chief Advisor to the Commissioner of Administration, says the increase will begin November 1st…
cut 13 (07) “….interest earnings”
The last permanent cost of living adjustment was made in January 2002.

Starting this week, Lt Governor Jay Dardenne will host town hall meetings at three locations he’d like to see tapped for more tourism growth. Michelle Southern has more…
cut 1 (32) “….reporting”

AM LRN Newscall September 15

Starting this week, Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne will host town hall meetings at three locations in Louisiana he’d like to see tapped for tourism growth. Michelle Southern reports…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

Senator Mary Landrieu has completed a report on the use of flights for campaign events and has admitted to over $33,000 in improperly charged flights.  Eric Gill has more…

Cut 2 (28) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Saints went into the season with huge expectations, but they are off to an 0-and-2 start. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

There is a new insect that Louisiana homeowners should be aware of, especially if you have ornamental plants growing outside.  The pest is called a chilli thrip and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings says they feed on about 250 different species of ornamental plants…

Cut 4  (07)  “feed upon”

He says the chilli thrip feeds on the foliage of these plants instead of the flowers, like other thrip species.  Owings says if a plant is infected with chilli thrips, you’ll have some malformation or deformed new growth after a growth flush is initiated…

Cut 5  (06)  “on the foliage”

Owings says there are insecticides that can effectively deal with chilli thrips.  He says the best way to determine if a plant is infected is to place a white piece of paper under the plant and shake the plant and see what falls on the paper…

Cut 6 (08)  “hard to identify”

______________________________________

Starting this week, Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne will host town hall meetings at three locations in Louisiana he’d like to see tapped for tourism growth. Dardenne says they’ll be in Shreveport tomorrow to get input from the community about opportunities there like the Louisiana Hayride…:

CUT 7 (08) “Elvis was on”

The meeting in Shreveport will be held at the newly renovated Municipal Auditorium which Dardenne says is a great potential marketplace for the state. He says they’ll be in Lafayette on October 15th at Vermilionville…:

CUT 8 (10)   “next several years”

Dardenne says they’ll be in Monroe on October 28th at the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum to talk about the unprecedented attention that northeast Louisiana has been getting thanks to things like Duck Dynasty..:

CUT 9 (14) “World Heritage Site”  

______________________________________

The Louisiana Republican Party continues to make Senator Mary Landrieu’s chartered flights a campaign issue.  Landrieu has completed a report on the use of flights for campaign events and has admitted to over $33,000 in improperly charged flights.  Executive Director Jason Dore says he’s surprised by that amount…

cut 10 (10)  “just an apology”

Landrieu says she takes full responsibility and that these mistakes are a result of sloppy bookkeeping.  She says safeguards have been put in place to make sure this never happens again.  Dore says bookkeeping errors are no excuse…

cut 11 (06)  “up in jail” 

The report states that Senator Landrieu’s campaign has already reimbursed the Federal Treasury for these mistakes.  Dore thinks there is more information in the report and the issue is not dead…

cut 12 (05)  “taxpayer dollars”

______________________________________

The Municipal Police Employees Retirement System announces the first permanent cost of living adjustment for retirees in more than a decade. Ben Huxen, Chief Advisor to the Commissioner of Administration, says the increase will begin November 1st…

Cut 13 (07)  “interest earnings”

The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the three percent increase at its monthly meeting. The last permanent cost of living adjustment was made in January 2002. Huxen says after more than twelve years, this increase is very important…

Cut 14 (06)  “as well”

Huxen says they don’t have any definitive numbers yet, but he estimates the adjustment will help 44- to 45-hundred recipients in the system. Eligible members will recieve a minimum increase of $20 per month. Huxen says the increase will definitely be welcome by all…

Cut 15  (06)   “counts for them”

__________________________________

The LSU Tigers are 3-and-0 heading into Saturday’s SEC opener against Mississippi State. The Tigers blanked ULM on Saturday 31 to 0. Coach Les Miles says his team is ready to play an SEC West opponent

Cut 16  (18)   “kinda fun”

LSU’s defense has been outstanding this season. They’ve shutout their opponents in the last two games, first time that’s been at LSU since 1985. They held ULM to 93 total yards. Linebacker Duke Riley had a team-high eight tackles in Saturday’s win

Cut 17  (13)   “beat us”

LSU’s offense got off to a slow start on Saturday, but still ended up rushing for 219 yards. Sophomore wide receiver Travin Dural caught six passes, but the former Breaux Bridge standout says the offense has a long way to go…

Cut 18 (15)  “looking the same”

___________________________________________________

Many Saints fans thought this was the year for the Black and Gold to get back to the Super Bowl. But New Orleans is 0-and-2 after suffering a heart breaking 26-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns. For the second straight game, New Orleans couldn’t preserve a late lead. Coach Sean Payton says all they could do at this point is work on trying to become a better team

cut 19 (13)  “we’ll do that”

The Saints offense started slow, but they got it going as Drew Brees threw two touchdown passes to Jimmy Graham. Running back Mark Ingram rushed for 83 yards and a TD. But the defense allowed the Browns to move the football 85 yards for a game-winning field goal. Many fans are taking their frustration out on cornerback Patrick Robinson, but Payton says it’s not fair to blame one player

Cut 20 (14) ” one player”

 

16:45 Sportscast LRN

LSU and ULM will face each other Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. Both teams are 2-and-0 and this will be the third meeting between the schools on the football field. They last played in 2010 and the Tigers won 51-to-0. Warhawks Coach Todd Berry says LSU’s offense has a different look to it now, because of second-year offensive coordinator Cam Cameron…
cut 17 (21) “…once was”
Kick-off is at 6 P-M. There’s also a couple of other in-state match-ups on the schedule for Saturday. Northwestern State visits Southern and Southeastern Louisiana is at Tulane. Kick-off for that one is at 7 PM.

Ater a tough loss last Saturday against Louisiana Tech. The Ragin Cajuns look to pull off an upset on Saturday afternoon against 14th ranked Ole Miss. Senior offensive lineman Terry Johnson is confident they’ll be able to put some points on the scoreboard…
cut 30 (16) “….can’t stop us”
Kick-off is at 3 PM. Also on Saturday…Grambling is at Bethune-Cookman, Nicholls State hosts Henderson State and McNeese State will play its first home game of the year against Prairie View.

The Saints are at Cleveland on Sunday. Both teams lost their season openers and New Orleans is looking to avoid its second 0-and-2 start in the last three seasons.

And the LSU Board of Supervisors has extended athletic director Joe Alleva’s contract, which will keep him as the school’s A-D through June 2019. Alleva says he’s fortunate to work at a great university and it’s his gola to retire here.