AM LRN Newscall Sept 1

If all goes well, the Artemis unmanned mission to circle the moon will launch tomorrow. Marsanne Golsby on how some students are fascinated by space travel.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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Sunday’s LSU Tigers season opener with new coach Brian Kelly in the Superdome is expected to be a big boost to tourism in the Crescent City. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Construction is underway on the state’s newest women’s prison in St. Gabriel. Brooke Thorington has more on what features the $149-million facility will have.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Two generations ago, classrooms were glued to televisions watching Apollo moon missions. The last Apollo mission ended about 30 years before today’s generation of students were born. Hannah Populus didn’t see the first moon launches either, but she’s really excited about Artemis. The Baton Rouge teacher has brought that excitement to her students at Parkview Baptist School.

Cut 4 (08)  “…for me”

Populus is an English teacher, but she loves space so much she incorporates the theme into writing exercises. Recently the class pretended they were going to Mars.

Cut 5 (10) “…in reality”

Populus says she thinks the excitement about Artemis makes sense because people, especially students, are innately curious.

Cut 6 (13)  “…atmosphere.”

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Anticipation is high for the LSU Fighting Tigers’ season opener against Florida State Sunday in the Superdome. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says his office made a $1-million sponsorship to assure the event came to New Orleans, and it is paying off…:

Cut 7 (08) “…here in Louisiana.”

Nungesser himself was selected to do the official coin toss for first possession to start the game. South Louisiana singer & Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw will sing the National Anthem. Then, fans will see their first of new head coach Brian Kelly’s LSU Tigers. Nungesser says even fans with no tickets can enjoy a big party outside the Superdome at Champions Square…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…makes Louisiana special.”

Kickoff is Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Nungesser expects this to be a huge weekend for New Orleans, as the Southern Decadence LGBT Festival is also happening in the French Quarter. Nungesser says it’s a great start to a renewed fall football and festivals season all across the state…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…at every university.”

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After six years, construction is finally underway in the Iberville Parish town of St. Gabriel on the state’s newest women’s prison. Corrections Secretary Jimmy Le Blanc says the $149 million state-of-the-art facility will have 938-beds and be located on the west side of the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center facility.

Cut 10 (09) “…go home.”

Since the previous facility flooded in 2016, Le Blanc says the majority of female inmates have been housed at the former Jetson youth facility in Baton Rouge and the new prison should be completed in 28 months.

Cut  11 (11)  “…local level.” 

The new facility will have space for multiple rehabilitative programs, for example, cosmetology, horticulture, welding, and computer programming. Le Blanc says it will also have an area dedicated to inmates who need mental health services.

Cut 12 (10) “…with their children.” 

He says the post-partum section of the women’s will be a first of its kind for Louisiana once construction is completed.

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More than 30 pounds of trash that were headed to the Gulf of Mexico has been intercepted by a device called the Litter Gitter Gulf of Mexico Alliance spokesperson Amanda Nalley says the device was placed on a residential canal in Metairie.

Cut 13 (12) “…stopped from getting there.”

Nalley says when you see trash on the streets if it’s not disposed of properly once it rains it eventually makes it down through our waterways and into the gulf.

Cut 14 (08)  “…thing for the gulf.”

In addition to keeping litter from entering the gulf, Nalley says they were also able to see what kind of trash was intercepted and the majority of the 32 pounds collected in the time span of a month were plastic water bottles.

Cut 15 (09)  “…some of this.”

The Gulf of Mexico Alliance assisted the Pontchartrain Conservancy with acquiring the Litter Gitter that was created by the Osprey Initiative in Mobile, Alabama.

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For just the tenth time in history, LSU and Florida State will face off against each other on the gridiron when they meet in the Superdome Sunday. It’s the season opener for the Tigers, while the Seminoles dominated Duquense 47-7 last week in Tallahassee. FSU has a veteran dual-threat quarterback in Jordan Travis and LSU Coach Brian Kelly says they want to keep Travis in the pocket

Cut 16 (16)  “…makes him predictable.” 

On defense, Kelly says the Seminoles’ defensive tackles have size…

Cut 17 (20) “…their defensive line.” 

The top player on the D-Line is defensive tackle Fabian Lovett, who was an All-ACC honorable mention last season.

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The Ragin Cajuns kick off its season tomorrow with the nation’s longest winning streak at 13 games. They’ll try to make it 14 in a row when they host Southeastern Louisiana at 6 PM. The Lions are the preseason favorite to win it in the Southland, even though they have a new quarterback in Cephus Johnson. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux on the matchup…

Cut  18 (17)“…out of it.”

It’s Desormeaux’s first season as head coach of the Cajuns. He says they’ve had a good preseason camp and now it’s showtime…

Cut 19 (14) “…wanna see”

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Northwestern State heads to Missoula, Montana for its opening game as the Demons visit the second-ranked team in the F-C-S, the Montana Grizzlies. It’s the Demon’s first visit to Washington-Grizzly Stadium since 2004 and only one player on Northwestern’s team has ever visited the state of Montana. Coach Braid Laird says it’s a challenging place to play…

Cut 20 (13) “ …playoff atmosphere” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Sept 1

5:30 (17) 8:30 (20)

A 17-year-old has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a 15-year-old who was killed last night after Lafayette Police say was a drug-deal gone bad. LPD’s Sgt Robin Green

Cut 12 (08) “…drug transaction”  

She says there were a number of witnesses, and they hope the arrest will bring about justice for the victim’s family.

WestRock has broken ground on a 97-million-dollar expansion at its paper mill in Hodge. The paper mill has been a major employer in Jackson Parish for 90 years as it’s responsible for 450 direct jobs. State Representative Jack McFarland says the facility is also a driver of economic activity for surrounding parishes…:

Cut 3 (11) “…wood chip community” 

Construction is expected to continue into 2024.

The first week of the college football season kicks off tonight and two new sports betting parlors open today in Louisiana. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says there’s the Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans and the DraftKings sportsbook at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles. He says the L’Auberge Casino in Baton Rouge is expected to open its Barstool sportsbook soon.

Cut 10 (10) “..their market” 

The Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City kicks off today. Carrie Stansbury, Executive Director of the Cajun Coast Visitor’s Bureau says the annual event includes continuous music, plenty of seafood, along with arts and crafts. She says Sunday however is their traditional day.

Cut 7 (07) “…fireworks at night.” 

It’s the oldest charted harvest festival in the state.

4:45 LRN Sportsast

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office says they arrested Saints safety Marcus Maye this morning in a road rage incident in which he allegedly brandished a pistol at a carload of juvenile girls. He faces multiple counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. Maye’s attorney says his client “vehemently denies the allegation” and “looks forward to defending himself when all the facts come out.” Saints Coach Dennis Allen…
cut 29 (09) “…more information”

The LSU Tigers are putting their finishing touches on their game plan for Sunday’s season opener against Florida State in the Superdome. Coach Brian Kelly…
cut 16 (17) “…is there”
Kick-off Sunday is at 6:30.

Week one of the college football season begins tonight and there are several games on the schedule including Louisiana Tech at Missouri. It’s the start of the Sonny Cumbie era in Ruston as he looks to turn around a program that went three and nine last season. Despite that losing record, the Bulldogs had one of the best pass defenses in Conference USA. Cumbie is expecting a big season from safety BeeJay Williamson…
cut 17 (15) “….fall camp”
Tech returns eight starters on defense. Kick-off is at 7 PM.

Multiple reports say the College Football Playoff Board of Managers will meet tomorrow and vote on a 12-team playoff bracket that could begin as soon as the 2024 season. And the possibility of a 16-team postseason is also under consideration.

4:30 LRN Newscast Sept 01

Paper products company WestRock breaks ground on a $97-million expansion of its paper mill in Hodge, in Jackson Parish. The governor’s office says the company is expected to utilize the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program, and the initial start-up of the new portion is scheduled for a year from now. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland thanks WestRock for securing jobs and supporting contractors who rely on the mill..:

CUT 05(11)      “…as well.”

WestRock has been in Hodge for around 90 years.

Lafayette Police say a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed last night in a drug deal gone bad. LPD’s Sgt. Robin Green says concerned citizens are helping them…:

CUT 13(07)      “…right now.”

This just in: LPD has arrested a 17-year-old suspect for that crime.

 

Morgan City’s Shrimp and Petroleum Festival begins today, and organizers are excited it’s back after a two-year absence…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

Just before the NFL regular season begins, New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye has been arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at a car full of young girls in a road rage incident. He face several counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. Maye’s lawyer says Maye denies it all, and looks forward to clearing his name. Maye was booked and released on $30-thousand bond.

3:30 LRN Newscast Sept 01

Police in Lafayette say drug-related violence led to the shooting death of a juvenile last night. Lafayette PD’s Sgt. Robin Green says the victim was only 15…:

CUT 12(08)      “…drug transaction.”

Green says the suspect fled the scene in an unknown vehicle prior to the officers’ arrival. She says they hope to make an arrest soon, as citizens are helping police in the investigation.

Officials broke ground on a $97-million expansion of the WestRock paper mill in the Jackson parish town of Hodge today. Jonesboro state Representative Jack McFarland says the dollars will increase the footprint and modernize the containers plant…:

CUT 04(05)      “…decade or two.”

The mill has been in operation since 1928.

 

Baton Rouge Police arrested two of their own today, after an investigation turned up evidence they were sharing sensitive information with a drug dealer. Officers Richard Barrow and Wade Hill were taken into custody this morning. Barrow had recently quit his job because of the allegations.

The first week of the college football season kicks off tonight and two new sports betting parlors open today in Louisiana. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says there’s the Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans and last night he toured the DraftKings sportsbook at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles…:

CUT 09(10)      “…it’s huge.”

Johns says the L’Auberge Casino in Baton Rouge is expected to open its Barstool sportsbook soon and the Caesars Sportsbook opened at Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City last night. In all, 17 sportbook license have been granted in Louisiana. Three of those have yet to open or announce an opening date.

2:30 LRN Newscast Sept 01

WestRock has broken ground on a 97-million dollar expansion at its paper mill in Hodge. The paper mill has been a major employer in Jackson Parish for 90 years as it’s responsible for 450 direct jobs. State Representative Jack McFarland says the facility is also a driver of economic activity for surrounding parishes…:

CUT 03(11)      “…wood chip community.”

Construction is expected to continue into 2024.

With the NFL regular season starting just over a week from now, New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye has been arrested; accused of a road rage incident in which he allegedly brandished a pistol at a carload of young girls. He faces multiple counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. Maye’s attorney says Maye (quote) “vehemently denies the allegation” and “looks forward to defending himself when all the facts come out.”

 

Morgan City’s Shrimp and Petroleum Festival begins today, and organizers are excited it’s back after a two-year absence…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

We have this year’s “D Storm”, but it poses no threat to the Gulf Coast. Tropical Storm Danielle is in the mid-Atlantic; several hundred miles off the East Coast. Our weekend looks to be rainy, but hurricane-free.

LRN PM Newscall September 1

There’s big economic news to report for a rural part of north Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story,…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Morgan City’s Shrimp and Petroleum Festival begins today, and organizers are excited it’s back after a two-year absence. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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WestRock has broken ground on a 97-million dollar expansion at its paper mill in Hodge. The paper mill has been a major employer in Jackson Parish for 90 years as it’s responsible for 450 direct jobs. State Representative Jack McFarland says the facility is also a driver of economic activity for surrounding parishes

Cut 3 (11) “…wood chip community” 

McFarland says the 97-million dollars will expand and modernize the facility which produces high-quality container board used in manufacturing containers…

Cut 4  (05) “…decade or two.”

The mill began operations in 1928.

The governor’s office says the company is expected to utilize the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program and the initial start-up of the new wood processing equipment is scheduled for a year from now. McFarland thanks WestRock for securing jobs and supporting contractors who rely on the mill

Cut 5  (11) “…as well”

Construction is expected to continue into 2024, with a final completion date to be determined.

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Morgan City is gearing up for the first Shrimp and Petroleum Festival since 2019. The festival was canceled the last two years due to the pandemic and Ida. Carrie Stansbury, Executive Director of the Cajun Coast Visitor’s Bureau says the annual event celebrates two of the state’s largest industries.

Cut 6 (07) “…culture of our community.” 

The festival includes continuous music, plenty of seafood, along with arts and crafts. Stansbury says Sunday however is their traditional day.

Cut 7 (07) “…fireworks at night.” 

Stansbury says the oldest charted harvest festival in the state began as an event to pay homage to shrimpers with the blessing of their boats and has grown to also honor the oil & gas industry.

Cut 8 (06) “…gas industry.”

The 87th annual festival kicks off today and wraps up on Labor Day.

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The first week of the college football season kicks off tonight and two new sports betting parlors open today in Louisiana. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says there’s the Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans and last night he toured the DraftKings sportsbook at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles…

Cut 9 (10))  “..it’s huge.”

Johns says the L’Auberge Casino in Baton Rouge is expected to open its Barstool sportsbook soon and the Caesars Sportsbook opened at Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City last night…

Cut 10 (10) “..their market” 

Johns says they’ve issued 17 sportsbook licenses and they expect three more to come on line over the next year or so.

He says in the first half of this year one-point-four billion dollars in legal sports bets were made, which has generated 16.5 million dollars in tax revenue for the state.

Cut 11 (12)  “…that goal.”

Johns says most sports bets are made on a person’s phone or computer, with mobile sports betting accounting for 80-percent of the sports betting business.

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There was a fatal shooting last night in Lafayette. Lafayette PD Sgt. Robin Green says the victim was only fifteen.

Cut 12 (08) “…drug transaction”  

Green says the suspect fled the scene in an unknown vehicle prior to the officers’ arrival. She says they hope to make an arrest soon. She also says detectives are having better luck than usual with getting help with the case.

Cut 13 (07) “right now” 

1:30 LRN Newscast Sept 1

WestRock has broken ground on a 97-million-dollar expansion in Jackson Parish. The governor’s office says the company is expected to utilize the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program. State Representative Jack McFarland thanks WestRock for securing jobs and supporting contractors who rely on the paper mill.

Cut 5  (11) “…as well”

Morgan City’s Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is back and Carrie Stansbury, Executive Director of the Cajun Coast Visitor’s Bureau says the oldest charted harvest festival in the state began as an event to pay homage to shrimpers with the blessing of their boats and has grown to also honor the oil & gas industry.

Cut 8 (06) “…gas industry.”

There’s also plenty of music, food, arts and crafts, and fireworks.

The first week of college football kicks off tonight and that also means a boon to sports betting in Louisiana. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says in the first half of this year one-point-four billion dollars in legal sports bets were made, which has generated 16.5 million dollars in tax revenue for the state.

Cut 11 (12)  “…that goal.”

Johns says most sports bets are made on a person’s phone or computer, with mobile sports betting accounting for 80 percent of the sports betting business.

And Tropical Storm Danielle has formed in the Atlantic and it’s expected to strengthen into the first hurricane of the 2022 Atlantic season. It’s not expected to impact Louisiana whatsoever and poses no immediate threat to land. Last month was the first August without a named storm in the Atlantic since 1997.

12:30 LRN Newscast Sept 1

The first week of the college football season kicks off tonight and two new sports betting parlors open today in Louisiana. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says there’s the Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans and the DraftKings sportsbook at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles. He says the L’Auberge Casino in Baton Rouge is expected to open its Barstool sportsbook soon.

Cut 10 (10) “..their market” 

The Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City kicks off today. Carrie Stansbury, Executive Director of the Cajun Coast Visitor’s Bureau says the annual event includes continuous music, plenty of seafood, along with arts and crafts. She says Sunday however is their traditional day.

Cut 7 (07) “…fireworks at night.” 

It’s the oldest charted harvest festival in the state.

There’s big economic news to report for a rural part of north Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Sonny Cumbie era begins tonight as Louisiana Tech visits Missouri for a game that will be televised on ESPN-U. Tech returns eight starters on defense headlined by two-time All-Conference USA linebacker Tyler Grubbs. Cumbie feels good about his defense heading into the season…
Cut 18 (16)“…production standpoint.”
Missouri is a 20-point favorite tonight as the Tigers have whole new team basically, with 50 new players from last season. Kick-off is at 7 PM.

Just three days away from the season opener between LSU and Florida State. FSU rushed for 406 yards in its season-opening 47-7 win over Duquense. Senior defensive end Ali Gaye doesn’t expect the Seminoles to have much success on Sunday…
Cut 20 (08) “ …will stop that team.”
Many believe the Tigers have one of the top defensive lines in the country.

Multipe reports say the College Football Playoff Board of Managers will meet tomorrow and vote on a 12-team playoff bracket that could begin as soon as the 2024 season. The Board of Managers is eleven members representing each FBS conference and Notre Dame and the vote needs to be unanimous.

Saints coach Dennis Allen says cornerback Paulson Adebo has been dealing with an ankle injury. Adebo told reporters he expects to play in the regular season opener. Meanwhile, the Saints practice squad is set. It includes former Nicholls receiver Dai-Jean Dixon, former Cajuns defensive tackle Christian Ringo and former Destrehan standout Kirk Merritt.

And according to Baseball America, LSU’s 2022 transfer class is ranked number one in the nation. The class features North Carolina State transfer Tommy White, who hit a freshman record 27 home runs last season and two way standout Paul Skenes, who was an all-American at Air Force last season.