08:30 LRN Newscast September 5th

It’s Labor Day, so what is the actual state of labor in Louisiana? LSU Economist Doctor Loren Scott says depending on where you live, some industries are booming. He says Baton Rouge and Lake Charles are doing very well, but it’s not so good in areas like Houma or Lafayette….
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The Louisiana Workforce Commission says Lafayette has lost 73-hundred jobs over the year.

There’s a big flood relief concert tonight in Baton Rouge that will feature dozen of artists like Aaron Neville, Hunter Hayes and the Rebirth Brass Band. Raycom Media will present the concert and W-A-F-B TV anchor Lauren Westbrook says Randy Jackson and Harry Connick Junior will co-host….
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The concert will air from 7-9 PM.

The US Senate has race not received much attention, but that should change as we are about two months away from election day. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says in-state fundraising could be difficult, because many big-money donors are giving to flood relief efforts instead…
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Dubos says that means national super PACs could have more influence on this race.

For the first time since 2002, the LSU Tigers start the season with an 0-1 record after an embarrassing 16-14 loss to Wisconsin. Tiger Rag Associate editor James Moran says LSU can still play in the college football playoffs this year, but the offense has to get much better…
cut 12 (09) “…are killers’
The Tigers had just 257 yards of total offense on Saturday.

07:30 LRN Newscast September 5th

Labor Day usually marks the start of the political season. In Louisiana, there’s the US Senate race and two Congressional races where the seat is vacant. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says it’s difficult for the 24 candidates in the US Senate race to set themselves apart, so message and visibility will be important before the November eighth election…
cut 13 (10) “….make it”

Tonight there will be a flood relief concert that will be broadcast nationwide featuring big named arists Aaron Neville, Hunter Hayes and Better than Ezra. WAFB-TV Anchor Lauren Westbrook will host alongside Louisiana natives Randy Jackson and Harry Connick Junior…
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The concert airs from 7 to 9 PM tonight and you can find out more at louisiana-rising-flood-relief-dot-com.

Governor John Bel Edwards tells the White House that the flood damage in Louisiana is nearing nine billion dollars as they continue to assess the damage to roads and other public infrastructure. The governor provided that total in a request for Congress to approve two-billion dollars in federal aid that’s needed for housing, economic development and infrastructure. Edwards says it’s a reasonable request.

What is the state of labor in Louisiana on this Labor Day? Don Molino has more…
voicer 2 (29) “…I’m Don Molino”

06:45 LRN Sportscast

For the first time since 2002, the LSU Tigers start the season with an 0-1 record after an embarrassing 16-14 loss to Wisconsin. The Tigers have a winnable game this Saturday at home against F-C-S member Jacksonsville State. But after that it’s a run of games against SEC schools. Tiger Rag Associate editor James Moran says LSU can still play in the college football playoffs this year, but the offense has to get much better…
cut 12 (09) “…are killers”
The Tigers had just 257 yards of total offense on Saturday and ranked 113th in the nation in total yards.

After giving up 584 yards in a 45-10 loss to Boise State, Ragin Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth has fired his defensive coordinator Melvin Smith. Former Southeastern Louisiana head coach Mike Lucas takes over as the Cajuns Defensive coordiantor.

Prayers go out to Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday and his wife, former US soccer star Lauren Holiday. Lauren, who is pregnant. will have surgery after the baby is born to remove a brain tumor. Because of this difficult situation, Jrue Holiday is taking an indefinite leave from the Pelicans and he’ll miss the start of the season. Doctors are optimstic Lauren can give birth to a healthy baby and the expecting mom can live a normal life after her surgery.

Louisiana Tech Athletic Director Tommy McClelland is set to receive a 23-thousand dollar raise as part of a new five year contract. The raise will bump his annual salary to 248-thousand dollars a year. Men’s basketball coach Eric Konkol is also getting a one-year contract extension.

Former Louisiana Tech quarterback Jeff Driskel has signed with the Bengals after he was released by the 49ers. The Saints signed defensive end Bobby Richardson to their practice squad. He started 11 games for New Orleans last season.

06:30 LRN Newscast September 5th

Labor Day is traditionally considered the start of the political season, the big run-up to the November 8th election. It’s been a quite US Senate race, even though there’s 24 candidates on the ballot. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says expect to see the candidates ramp up their get the vote out campaign, which means you’ll start to hear more from them….
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Dubos says the major candidates will rely on fundraising from the national Super PACs, but in state donations maybe down because of all of the flood relief efforts.

On this Labor Day, LSU Economist Doctor Loren Scott says the oil industry continues to take on employment losses, while the job market is strong in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles. Scott says elsehwere in the state, the employment picture remains stagnant….
cut 9 (07) “….Monroe area”

A nationally broadcasted flood relief concert takes place tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center theater. Michelle Southern reports…:
voicer 1 (32) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

The LSU Tigers played horrible and lost to Wisconsin on Saturday to start the season 0-1 for the first time since 2002. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says the 2016 season has already reached a crossroad…
cut 10 (07) “…quickly”
LSU hosts F-C-S member Jacksonville State this Saturday at 6:30.

LRN AM Newscall September 5th

A nationally broadcasted flood relief concert takes place tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center theater. Michelle Southern reports…:

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What is the state of labor in Louisiana on this Labor Day? Don Molino has more…

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The US Senate race in Louisiana should start to heat up, as Labor Day is known to kick off the election season. Halen Doughty has more…

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A nationally broadcasted flood relief concert is taking place tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center theater. “Louisiana Rising” will feature several big named artists like Aaron Neville, Hunter Hayes, Better Than Ezra, Rebirth Brass Band and more. WAFB Baton Rouge anchor Lauren Westbrook will be hosting alongside Randy Jackson and Harry Connick Jr…:

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The concert will air from 7-9pm and you can find out what station in your area at louisiana-rising-flood-relief-dot-com. Westbrook says the goal is to raise awareness and money through the Red Cross for the thousands of flood victims who need help. She says it’s exciting Jackson and Connick Jr agreed to host the show…:

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Westbrook says the concert will allow the rest of the country to see what a terrible and devastating event this continues to be, and how they can help. She says tickets are not on sale to the general public, but instead the audience will be filled with people who were on the front lines…:

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Many are out enjoying the Labor Day Holiday today, but what is the actual state of labor in Louisiana? LSU Economist Loren Scott says depending on where you live, some industries are booming. He says Baton Rouge and Lake Charles are doing very well when it comes to employment, but it’s not so good in areas like Houma or Lafayette.

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission says Baton Rouge gained 95-hundred jobs over the last year and Lake Charles gained 31-hundred. Scott says these numbers are from a big boom in construction employment. But he says the oil industry continues to be a drag on the state’s labor market.

Cut 8 (10) “lease sale” 

Scott says the Shreveport area has taken a little bit of a hit, because of the downturn in the energy industry, while the employment picture remains stagnant in central Louisiana…..

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The LSU Tigers return to the practice field today after an embarrassing season opening loss to the Wisconsin Badgers. It’s the first time the Tigers have lost the first game of the year during the Les Miles era. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran witnessed the game in Lambeau Field and the says the 2016 season has already reached a crossroad…

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Despite hope of an improved offense, LSU scored just one offensive touchdown against Wisconsin. Moran says if quarterback Brandon Harris doesn’t get better, Coach Les Miles will be forced to use back-up Danny Etling…

cut 11 (10) “making a change” 

LSU has a very winnable game this Saturday in Tiger Stadium against F-C-S member Jacksonsville State. But after that it’s a run of games against SEC schools. Moran says the Tigers can still play in the college football playoffs this year, but the offense has to get much better…

cut 12 (09) “are killers”

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Labor Day marks the beginning of fall and football season, but it’s also the kick-off to the election season. In Louisiana, the big statewide race is for US Senate, where there are 24 names on the ballot. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says it’s difficult for the candidates to set themselves apart, so message and visibility will be important before the November 8th election day.

Cut 13 (10) “make it”

Dubos says fundraising will likely pick up soon as well, particularly from national super PACs. He says in state donations will likely not be as high because of the recent flooding.

cut 14 (10)  “hurting right now”

Dubos says expect to see the candidates ramp up their get the vote out campaign, which means you’ll start to hear more from them.

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10:30 LRN Newscast September 3rd

A new report from Trust for America’s Health finds Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate in the country, at 36-percent. Bob Johannessen with LDH says studies dating back to 2008 have shown Louisiana as one of the heaviest states in the nation…:
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Johannessen says they recommend that everyone eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day and eliminate sugary drinks from their diet.

According to the governor’s office, work has started in 15 homes as part of the Shelter at Home Program, which pays up to 15-thousand dollars to make a home livable, while other repairs continue. Workers were at Patricia Lee’s home and she’s thankful for the program…
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15-thousand flood victims have registered for the program.

Disaster unemployment benefits are available for flood victims. Director of the Unemployment Insurance Program, Renita Ward Williams, says anyone whose employment was interrupted by the disaster can apply through October 14.
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Visit LaWorks.Net to register.

What could be a very memorable football season in the history of LSU kicks off today as the 5th ranked Fighting Tigers face the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Junior defensive tackle Davon Godchaux believes LSU could have the best defense in the country…:
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Kick-off is at 2:30.

09:30 LRN Newscast September 3rd

Crews with the Shelter at Home Program have started construction on 15 homes that were damaged by flood waters. Patricia Lee’s home was one of thousands destroyed by the historic rain event. Lee says the workers are fixing a bedroom and a bathroom, so she can live in the home while the rebuilding process continues…:
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To register for the program visit shelter-at-home-dot-la-dot-gov.

If you lost your job or income as a result of last month’s flooding, you can apply for disaster unemployment benefts at L-A-works-dot-net through October 14th. Director of the Unemployment Insurance Program, Renita Ward Williams…
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Williams says over 57-hundred people have already applied.

Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate in the country, according to a new report from Trust for America’s Health. Don Molino has more…
voicer 1 (28) “…I’m Don Molino”

The LSU Tigers finally return to the football field as they battle the Wisconsin Badgers this afternoon at 2:30 at historic Lambeau Field. Also today, the Ragin Cajuns host Boise State, Louisiana Tech is at Arkansas and ULM hosts Southern. It’s the first game as Warhawks Head Coach for Matt Viator.

08:30 LRN Newscast September 3rd

The 2016 season kicks-off today for the 5th ranked Fighting Tigers. LSU’s defense will face a quarterback that will make his first collegiate start. Wisconsin’s Bart Houston is a fifth-year senior and LSU safety Jamal Adams anticipates Houston will play well…
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Kick-off is at 2:30 today.

State Police say they are on the lookout for drunk drivers this Labor Day weekend. Trooper Dustin Dwight says they will also not tolerate motorists who are speeding, driving recklessly, or distracted. He says if you plan on driving a long distance, use the 511 app on your phone to get the latest on traffic conditions.
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Dwight says there will be extra police on the roads this weekend.

A study from Trust for America’s health finds Louisiana has the worst adult obesity rate in the nation at 36-percent. State Department of Health spokesperson Bob Johannessen says to change this trend, it has to start at a young age. He encourages parents to limit TV watching for kids to two hours a day or less and more than one hour of physical activity…
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Johannessen says eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and eliminating sugary drinks are other ways to live a healthy lifestyle.

New charges have been handed down against the illegal immigrant who was behind the wheel of a bus that hit a stopped fire truck and killed three people last week, including a fire chief. 37-year-old Denis Yasmir Amaya Rodrigquez faces three negligent homicide counts, 41 counts of negligent injuring and many other charges. State Trooper Melissa Matey says the feds are investigating the bus company….
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Bond for the Honduras native is over one million dollars.

07:30 LRN Sportscast September 3rd

The 5th ranked LSU Tigers are a solid 10.5 point favorite to beat Wisconsin this afternoon as the two teams kick-off the 2016. The Tigers get the edge in this one, because they have the quarterback who has more game experience, a defense that’s led by one of the best defensive coordinators in the country and LSU has Heisman hopeful Leonard Fournette. But Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says it’s college football and anything can happen in week 1….
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Kick-off is at 2:30.

Louisiana Tech and U-L Lafayette are hoping to pull off big upsets today. The Bulldogs visit Arkansas. And it’s an 11 AM kick-off as the Ragin Cajuns host Boise State.

ULM has a chance to start the Matt Viator era with a victory as the Warhawks host the Southern Jaguars at Malone Stadium tonight. The Jaguars return eight starters on offense, including quarterback Austin Howard and running back Lenard Tillery. ULM will have seven new starters on defense.

Elsewhere….Grambling hosts Virginia-Lynchburg. McNeese State hosts Division Two member Tarleton State. Southeastern Louisiana is at 21st ranked Oklahoma State. The Lions have been outscored 162-17 in three previous meetings against Big 12 schools.

Last night…Baylor beat up Northwestern State 55-7 as the Demons had just three total yards at halftime.

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri is set to receive a raise that will bump his annual salary over one-million dollars. The LSU Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on Mainieri’s contract extension on Friday.

The Saints have to cut their roster to 53 players by 3 PM today.

18:30 LRN Newscast Sept 2

Construction has begun on 15 homes covered by the Shelter at Home Program. Emelie Gunn spoke with one of those homeowners…

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During Saturday’s big game between LSU and Wisconsin, American Family Insurance is partnering with Wisconsin Athletics to raise money for the American Red Cross’ flood relief efforts in Louisiana. Fans at home and at the game can donate $10 by texting “LAFLOOD” to 90999.

A new study from Trust for America’s Health finds Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate in the country. Bob Johannessen with LDH says there is a lack of sidewalks in Louisiana, and in some cases limited outdoor activity options. He says there is also less access to physical activity in school.

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The study finds Louisiana’s adult obesity rate is 36-percent.

Additional criminal charges have been filed against the driver of the bus who crashed into emergency vehicles in St. John Parish, causing the death of three people including the fire chief. The third victim succumbed to injuries on Thursday. Melissa Matey says Denis Yasmir Amaya Rodriguez, an illegal alien, faces multiple charges.

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Rodriguez reportedly claimed his breaks went out when he slammed into the vehicles.