11:40 LRN Sportscast August 31st

The Saints have reportedly signed free agent linebacker Paul Kruger, who was recently released by the Cleveland Browns. A big need for New Orleans is a pass rusher and Kruger can help fill that void. Two years ago, he recorded a career-high 11 sacks, but last season the 30-year-old only had 2.5 sacks.

In college football, ULM is coming off a 2-and-11 campaign. The Warhawks defense will have a different look this season under defensive coordinator Mike Collins. Head Coach Matt Viator says there’s a lot of new guys on that side of the ball and he’s interested to see how that group plays…
cut 17 (17) “…this week”
ULM begins its season by hosting Southern on Saturday night at Malone Stadium.

Wisconsin’s leading tackler from a season ago, linebacker TJ Edwards will not play in Saturday’s game against LSU. Edwards broke his foot in June and he’s still not healthty enough to play.

In Lafayette, the Cajuns are getting ready to host Boise State. The Broncos quarterback is Brett Rypien. In the 10 games he played last season, the Broncos averaged 42 points a contest. Cajuns Coach Hudspeth on how they plan to slow down Boise’s offense…
cut 19 (16) “…will be”
Kick-off between the Cajuns-Boise State is at 11 AM.

The LHSAA executive committee meets today where they could punish John Curtis and force them to forfeit victories from the 2013, 2014 and 2015 seasons. It reportedly stems from having one of their former players living with an assistant coach.

11:30 Newscast, August 31st, 2016

State lawmakers grilled a FEMA administrator today in the House Homeland Security Committee meeting, asking why it’s taking so long to get assistance to flood victims. FEMA Coordinating Officer Gerard Stolar says there are 23-hundred FEMA personnel working on this disaster…:
CUT 6 (08) “this disaster”
Stolar says $289 million has been dispersed to flood victims. He says 2-thousand flood survivors are still in hotels, and less than 1-thousand are in shelters. Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder…:
CUT 8 (08) “their homes”
Schexnayder says he doesn’t care how it happens, but the process needs to be expedited.

The state Department of Health is partnering with FEMA to offer free counseling to children and youth struggling with depression and anxiety after the recent floods. They can call the Spirit Crisis Line at 866-310-7977.

Today the Public Service Commission is hearing Entergy’s plan to build a new $869-million natural gas powered plant in St. Charles parish. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The family of the deputy who was critically injured in an ambush on Baton Rouge Police officers say that Nick Tullier is responding to doctors commands. Tullier’s father James told WBRZ that the deputy was moving his toes and thumb when requested by the doctors. Deputy Tullier was shot in an ambush that killed three other officers in July.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast Aug 31

The House Committee on Homeland Security is hoping to get some answers today when they hear from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Preparedness, the Small Business administration and the Department of Children and Family Services. Committee Chairman and Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil says whey want to know what options there are for flood victims.

Cut 7 (10) “flood insurance”

Foil hopes Congress will assist homeowners with additional funding.

Free counseling is available to children who are struggling with depression after the recent flood. Assistant Secretary for the Office of Behavioral Health, Dr. Jim Hussey, says if parents notice changes in their kids’ behavior, they can call the Spirit Crisis Line at 866-310-7977, or go to a private practitioner or a state behavioral health clinic.

Cut 15 (08) “group therapy”

The Public Service Commission will hear from Entergy today on the company’s plan to build a new plant in St. Charles parish. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says Entergy says the new facility would save $1.3 billion in the first 30 years of operation. But he says Entergy customers will foot the bill for construction.

Cut 5 (09) “a month”

Skrmetta says Entergy claims the facility will use natural-gas more efficiently than other plants.

The Salvation Army is trying to replenish their food supplies after their warehouse was robbed. Commanding officer of the Lafayette Salvation Army, Maj. Mel James, says there are no security cameras, and there were no signs of forced entry.

Cut 12 (10) “the place”

James says monetary donations can be sent to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 3504, Lafayette

09:30 Newscast, August 31st, 2016

The state Department of Health is partnering with FEMA to offer free counseling to children and youth struggling with depression and anxiety after the recent floods. Assistant Secretary for the Office of Behavioral Health, Dr. Jim Hussey, says parents should be aware of strange behaviors their children may be exhibiting after this traumatic flood…:
Cut 13 (11) “about this”
Hussey says if parents notice these changes in their kids, they can call the Spirit Crisis Line at 866-310-7977.

It’s reported that the state of Louisiana is spending more than $50 million dollars in the aftermath of the historic flooding. That figure, which continues to grow, includes the cost of rescue operations, shelters and more. About three quarters of the expenses would be covered by the federal government, but state leaders are asking that the feds increase their share to 90%.

The Salvation Army warehouse in Lafayette was burglarized, and donations are needed so they can continue to assist flood victims. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Today the Public Service Commission will discuss Entergy’s plan to build a new natural gas powered facility in St. Charles parish. The utility company says that the new St. Charles plant would save about $1.3 billion during the first 30 years of the facility’s operation. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says Entergy customers will foot part of the bill for construction…:
Cut 5 (09) “a month”

 

08:30 Newscast, August 31st, 2016

Free counseling is available to children struggling with depression after the recent floods. FEMA and the state Department of Health have teamed up in the effort. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Tropical Depression 9 is continuing its path toward the Florida Gulf Coast and is expected to strengthen. The National Hurricane Center has issued watches and warnings saying the storm could be near hurricane strength when it makes landfall probably Thursday afternoon. As of 7am, it was moving north at 2 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 miles per hour.

How much aid will I get if I lost everything and don’t have flood insurance. That’s what lawmakers are going to try to find out today from state and federal agencies during a House Committee on Homeland Security meeting. Chairman Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil..:
CUT 9 (08) “the flooding”
They are slated to hear from FEMA, GOHSEP, The Small Business Administration and the Department of Children and Family Services.

Sad news out of the Salvation Army in Lafayette. The center was robbed and during a time when the charity is trying to collect items for flood victims in the area. Commanding Officer of the Lafayette Salvation Army, Maj. Mel James, says the loss of food is the biggest problem. But he says they are still trying to bring hot meals to people…:
CUT 11 (09) “these folks”
He says monetary donations would really help the Salvation Army of Lafayette right now.

 

 

07:30 Newscast, August 31st, 2016

The state Department of Health is partnering with FEMA to offer free counseling to children and youth struggling with depression and anxiety after the recent floods. Assistant Secretary for the Office of Behavioral Health, Dr. Jim Hussey, says it’s important to give these kids a sense of normalcy as much as possible, and parents should model good behavior…:
cut 14 (08) “they’re safe”
Hussey says if parents notice changes in their kids, they can call the Spirit Crisis Line at 866-310-7977.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is demanding answers about the man who was driving the bus reported to be at fault in a St. John Parish crash that claimed the lives of two people including a fire cheif. State Police say 37-year-old Denis Yasmir Amaya Rodriguez is in the US illegally. Lawmakers say one of the things they want to know is how many times law enforcement encountered Amaya Rodriguez in the past and how was he able to rent a bus with no license.

Today the Public Service Commission will hear Entergy’s plan to build a new $869-million natural gas powered plant in St. Charles parish. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

House leaders will meet today to hear from federal and state agencies about the options available for flood victims when it comes to aid. House Committee on Homeland Security chairman Franklin Foil says hopes they can get some answers for homeowners…:
Cut 8 (09) “members”

 

06:45 Sportscast, August 31st, 2016

After a disappointing 2015 season, the Ragin Cajuns look to start 2016 with a big win over Boise State on Saturday afternoon at Cajun Field. Running back Elijah McGuire is back for UL Lafayette and he’s the only player in the nation with three-thousand yards rushing and one-thousand receiving yards during his career. Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says they are expecting more big things from their senior…:
Cut 18 (16) “our team”
The Cajuns-Boise state game will kick-off at 11 AM.

Fox Sports college football analyst Stewart Mandel predicts LSU and Alabama will play twice this season. His playoff final four includes Florida State, Alabama, LSU and TCU — with Alabama and LSU facing off in Fiesta Bowl. The Tigers open the season against Wisconsin Saturday.

The Matt Viator era at ULM kicks off Saturday night at Malone Stadium in Monroe as the Warhawks host the Southern Jaguars. The Jags were 6-5 in 2015 and Viator says they provide a good challenge for his team..:
Cut 16 (20) “go along”
The ULM/Southern game will kick-off at 6pm.

Saints coach Sean Payton says you can expect to see quarterback Drew Brees on the field when the Black and Gold kicks off against Baltimore in tomorrow night’s preseason finale. He says all of the starters will play.

In the MLB, in this Major League debut, former LSU standout JaCoby Jones had two hits and two RBIs in the Detroit Tigers 8-4 win over the White Sox.

The Major League Baseball Players Association announced they are getting together to contribute $250,000 to assist flood victims in South Louisiana.

06:30 Newscast, August 31st, 2016

The House Committee on Homeland Security meets today and will hear from FEMA, GOHSEP, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Children and Family Services. Committee Chairman, Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil, says people want information on what options are available for flood victims…:
CUT 7 (10) “flood insurance”
He hopes Congress will assist homeowners with additional funding, because what we have in place right now isn’t enough.

Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for portions of the Gulf Coast of Florida as TD9 is expected to make a turn to the northeast in the Gulf of Mexico. The system has still not been upgraded to a Tropical Storm. Maximum sustained winds were at 35 mph and it was moving north at only 2 mph. The storm is virtually no threat to Louisiana according to forecasters.

The Salvation Army in Lafayette was robbed, and the charity organization is trying to restock their supplies as they continue to assist flood victims in the area. Commanding Officer of the Lafayette Salvation Army, Maj. Mel James, says the thieves stole a variety of things from the warehouse…:
Cut 10 (09) “of food” 2x
He says the loss of food is the biggest problem.

Today the Public Service Commission will discuss Entergy’s plan to build a new natural gas powered facility in St. Charles parish. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says the company is seeking to build an 869-million state of the art generator, so they can retire several older plants…:
cut 4 (08) “more efficient”

 

LRN AM Newscall Aug 31

Today the Public Service Commission will hear Entergy’s plan to build a new $869-million natural gas powered plant in St. Charles parish. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Salvation Army warehouse in Lafayette was burglarized, and donations are needed so they can continue to assist flood victims. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Free counseling is available to children and youth struggling with depression after the recent floods, thanks to a partnership between FEMA and the state Department of Health. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Today the Public Service Commission will discuss Entergy’s plan to build a new natural gas powered facility in St. Charles parish. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says Entergy is seeking to build an 869-million state of the art generator, so they can retire several older plants.

cut 4  (08)  “more efficient”

Skrmetta says Entergy claims their proposed facility will use natural gas more efficiently than other plants. The utility company says that the new St. Charles plant would save about $1.3 billion during the first 30 years of the facility’s operation. But he says Entergy customers will foot part of the bill for construction.

Cut 5  (09)  “a month”

Skrmetta says even with the new facility, there will be gaps in the demand for electricity in a few years. He says there is opposition to Entergy’s proposal from those who believe there may be other ways to produce power to meet customers’ demand without building an $869-million plant.

Cut 6 (09) “go in”

_______________________________________________

The House Committee on Homeland Security meets today and will hear from FEMA, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, The Small Business Administration and the Department of Children and Family Services. Committee Chairman and Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil says people want information on what options are available for flood victims.

CUT 7 (10)  “flood insurance”

The maximum disaster aid amount flood victims can receive from FEMA is 33-thousand dollars, but US Rep. Garret Graves says the highest he’s heard of is 8-thousand dollars. Foil hopes they can provide answers, so homeowners can start to see what their options are.

Cut 8 (09) “members” 

Foil hopes Congress will assist homeowners with additional funding, because what we have in place right now isn’t enough.

Cut 9 (08)  “the flooding”

___________________________________________________________

The Salvation Army in Lafayette was robbed, and the charity organization is trying to restock their supplies as they continue to assist flood victims in the area. Commanding Officer of the Lafayette Salvation Army, Maj. Mel James, says the thieves stole a variety of things from the warehouse.

Cut 10 (09) “of food” 2x

James says the items taken can be replaced, but the loss of food is the biggest problem. He says despite the crime, they are still trying to bring hot meals to flood victims in the Lafayette area.

cut 11 (09) “these folks”

James says monetary donations can be sent to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 3504, Lafayette, and items can be dropped off at their location at 212 6th Street in Lafayette. He says there are no security cameras in the building, but there were no signs of forced entry.

cut 12 (10) “the place”

_______________________________________________________

The state Department of Health is partnering with FEMA to offer free counseling to children and youth struggling with depression and anxiety after the recent floods. Assistant Secretary for the Office of Behavioral Health, Dr. Jim Hussey, says parents should be aware of strange behaviors their children may be exhibiting after this traumatic flood.

Cut 13 (11) “about this”

Hussey says children may appear aggressive, withdrawn, or hyperactive. He says it’s important to give these kids a sense of normalcy as much as possible, and parents should also model good behavior.

cut 14 (08)  “they’re safe”

Hussey says if parents notice these changes in their kids, they can call the Spirit Crisis Line at 866-310-7977. He says they can also take their children to a private practitioner or a state behavioral health clinic.

Cut 15 (08) “group therapy”

_______________________________________________________

Matt Viator era at ULM kicks off Saturday night at Malone Stadium in Monroe as the Warhawks hows the Southern Jaguars. The Jags were 6-5 in 2015 and Viator says they provide a good challenge for his team

Cut 16  (20)  “go along”

ULM is coming off a 2-and-11 campaign. The Warhawks defense will have a different look this season under defensive coordinator Mike Collins. Viator says there’s a lot of new guys on that side of the ball and he’s interested to see how that group plays

Cut 17 (17)  “this week”

___________________________________________________

After a disappointing 2015 season, the Ragin Cajuns look to start 2016 with a big win over Boise State on Saturday afternoon at Cajun Field. Running back Elijah McGuire is back for UL Lafayette and he’s the only player in the naion with three-thousand yards rushing and one-thousand receiving yards during his career. Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says they are expecting more big things from their senior…

Cut 18 (16) “our team”

Boise State’s quarterback is Brett Rypien. In the 10 games he played last season, the Broncos averaged 42 points a game. Hudspeth on how they plan to slow down Boise’s offense…

Cut 19 (16) “will be”

The Cajuns-Boise state game will kick-off at 11 AM. Hudspeth says it will be interesting to see how the Broncos can perform in the south Louisiana heat…

Cut 20 (18) “than anything”

18:30 LRN Newscast Aug 30

63-hundred people applied for the Shelter At Home Program on the first day of registration, according to the Governor’s Office. Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor, Julie Baxter Payer, says the program will not completely repair someone’s home, but it will make it livable while repairs continue.

Cut 4 (08) “your rebuilding”

Payer says people can apply at ShelterAtHome.la.gov.

The state Department of Health has confirmed 14 cases of West Nile virus in Louisiana this year. Louisiana Medical Director for the Center for Community Preparedness, Dr. Frank Welch, says none of the cases are flood related.

Cut 9 (08) “recent flooding”

Welch says we could see more West Nile cases soon, as mosquito populations will increase because of all the standing water from the flood.

Two plane crash victims have been pulled from Lake Pontchartrain along with the aircraft’s wreckage. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

WBRZ reports Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy Nick Tullier, who was injured in the police ambush, is responding to doctor’s commands. Tullier reportedly responded to doctor’s requests to move his thumb and his toes. Tullier is the only surviving officer still in the hospital following the ambush.