06:45 Sportscast, September 12th, 2016

Two back-ups led the LSU Tigers to a 34-13 win over Jacksonville State for the Bayou Bengals first victory of the season. Quarterback Danny Etling came off the bench for an ineffective Brandon Harris and on his first drive connected with DeSean Smith on a 46-yard touchdown pass. Etling says he was ready for his opportunity…:
Cut 16 (08) “succeed”
Etling ended up throwing for 100 yards, all of it came in the 2nd quarter. He also had a rushing touchdown in the third quarter.

Elsewhere around the state in college football, High scoring game between Tulane and Southern. The Jags fell to the Green Wave 66-21. UL-Lafayette got by McNeese State 30-22. Arizona beats Grambling 31-21. Southern Utah held on for a 28-23 win on Saturday night over Southeastern. Louisiana Tech downs South Carolina State 53-24.

A couple of more state college football scores: ULM fell to the Sooners 59-17. Close good game between Nicholls State and Georgia. The Cowboys barely fell to the Bulldogs 26-24.

The Saints fail to preserve a two-touchdown lead in the 2nd half and lose to the Oakland Raiders 35-34 in the season opener. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees threw for 423 yards and 4 touchdowns, but the defense gave up numerous big plays in the 4th quarter to allow Oakland to score 22 points in the 4th quarter. Brees says it was one of those games that could have gone either way…:
Cut 19 (13) “different”
The Saints travel to face the Giants on Sunday.

 

06:30 Newscast, September 12th, 2016

The push is on for more federal dollars to assist in flood recovery. Governor John Bel Edwards has requested Congress pass a two billion dollar federal aid package. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says party politics could play a factor…:
CUT 7 (11) “for support”

Businesses in Louisiana suffered losses due to the historic floods to the tune of over $2 billion dollars. That’s according to Don Pierson, the Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development. He says overall, the August 2016 disaster caused a total of about $8.7 billion dollars in damage…:
Cut 13 (14) “economic impact”

Kids in Livingston Parish Schools finally return to class today after the flooding. Emelie Gunn has more…:

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The Raising Cane’s mascot, Cane II, has died at the age of 17. The company announced on their Facebook page the news of the beloved dog’s passing.

 

LRN AM Newscall September 12th

Kids in Livingston Parish Schools finally return to class today after the flooding. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana elected leaders are making the push for more federal aid to assist in the flood recovery, but will they be successful? Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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About one-quarter of the estimated $8.7 billion dollars in overall flood damage affected businesses in the state. Michelle Southern reports on the assessment by Louisiana Economic Development…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Students in Livingston Parish finally return to school today after being out for almost a month because of the historic flooding. Parish School Superintendent Rick Wentzel says going back to school gives these kids a sense of normalcy that’s been missing for too long. He says this also helps parents relax a little more knowing their children are safe and back to learning.

cut 4  (10)  “stable”

Six schools in Livingston Parish will not reopen due to flood damage. Wentzel says some schools are platooning, which means students at the home school attend classes in the morning, while kids from a flood damaged school go in the afternoon. He says they are still working to find contractors to begin construction on schools that were completely ruined by the flood waters.

Cut 5  (09)  “kids back”

 Wentzel says the re-opening of schools is a major milestone in the recovery…

Cut 6 (09) “this parish”

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The push is on for more federal dollars to assist in flood recovery. Governor John Bel Edwards has requested Congress pass a two billion dollar federal aid package. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Louisiana’s Congressional delegation will face some difficulty, because three of our members voted against a Superstorm Sandy relief package. Hogan says party politics could also play a factor…

CUT 7 (11)  “for support”

Hogan says House Minority Whip Steve Scalise plays a critical role in Louisiana’s efforts, because of his leadership position. But he says Louisiana’s request could run into some resistance from a Republican-controlled Congress…

Cut 8 (09) “efforts”

Hogan says other areas of the country have also dealt with significant flooding, which could result in Congressional leaders approving a financial aid package that helps multiple states. But he says time is a factor with Congress taking a recess at the end of the month for the November election.

Cut 9 (04)  “legislative process”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has closed several oyster harvesting areas and delayed the season because the industry is struggling. John Tesvich is a fourth generation oyster grower and also sits on the Oyster Task Force. He says planting usually opens after Labor Day, but this year was more of a partial opening.

Cut 10 (08) “harvesting”

Tesvich says the industry is still recovering from the BP oil spill that happened over 6 years ago, and then there was a mass die off this summer because of dead zones in the water. He says high water levels in the rivers are bringing more nutrient rich water into the harvesting areas and killing the oysters.

cut 11 (09) “of oxygen”

Tesvich says sacking usually begins on October 15, but LDWF delayed it until November 15 in the hopes of helping the oysters grow more. He says most of the Louisiana oysters on the market are coming from private harvesting areas, not public reef.

cut 12 (08) “normal production”

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Businesses in Louisiana suffered losses due to the historic floods to the tune of over $2 billion dollars. That’s according to Don Pierson, the Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development. He says overall, the August 2016 disaster caused a total of about $8.7 billion dollars in damage…:

Cut 13 (14) “economic impact”

More than 6,000 businesses flooded in the 22 affected parishes. Pierson says it’s vital that employers take advantage of the assistance being provided by the Small Business Administration, and get their case in prior to October 13th. He says so far, FEMA has surpassed $1 billion dollars in total federal assistance to Louisiana disaster survivors…:

cut 14 (12)  “so far”

LED is providing a complete resource guide for flood assistance at OpportunityLouisiana.com. Pierson says the good news is that most of Louisiana’s major industries remained open and today are continuing operations successfully. He says what’s been majorly impacted is the workforce…:

Cut 15 (11) “get our workforce back”

(LED’s assessment found that Louisiana shouldered labor and value-added production losses that affected 6 percent of our economic activity statewide.)

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Two back-ups led the LSU Tigers to a 34-13 win over Jacksonville State for the Bayou Bengals first victory of the season. Quarterback Danny Etling came off the bench for an ineffective Brandon Harris and on his first drive connected with DeSean Smith on a 46-yard touchdown pass. Etling says he was ready for his opportunity…

Cut 16  (08)  “succeed”

Etling ended up throwing for 100 yards, all of it came in the 2nd quarter. He also had a rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Etling arrived on LSU’s campus last year after transferring in from Purdue. He came to LSU after losing his starting job at the Big Ten School and understands the demands of the quarterback position…

Cut 17 (17)  “keep rolling “

When Etling came on the field for the first time in the 2nd quarter, the energy level picked up in Tiger Stadium. Derrius Guice, who filled in for the injured Leonard Fournette and rushed for 155 yards and a touchdown, noticed that LSU played better with Etling at the controls…

Cut 18 (16) “it together”

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The Saints fail to preserve a two-touchdown lead in the 2nd half and lose to the Oakland Raiders 35-34 in the season opener. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees threw for 423 yards and touchdowns, but the defense gave up numerous big plays in the 4th quarter to allow Oakland to score 22 points in the 4th quarter. Brees says it was one of those games that could have gone either way…

Cut 19 (13) “different”

Payton says he was disappointed with his defense, but the offense also takes some of the blame in this loss…

Cut 20 (17) “played today”

10:30 Newscast, September 10th, 2016

Leaders in Louisiana whose communities were devastated by historic flooding spoke before members of Congress Friday. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss FEMA’s response to this disaster. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the speed at which aid is getting to people is far too slow:
CUT 3 (09) “more resilient”
A representative from FEMA was present and gave updates on the number of flood victims they have assisted.

State Police say a man from Gonzales died after being ejected in an Ascension Parish crash. They say, for unknown reasons, 43-year-old Robert Edwards struck a vehicle that was traveling in front of him and the impact caused his vehicle to overturn multiple times on US 61 around 9pm last night. Edwards, who was not restrained, was ejected and sustained fatal injuries.

State Police say an arrest has been made in the case of a fatal crash in Rapides Parish that claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl several months ago. They 24-year-old Micah Baden lost control of his vehicle on May 17th, and crashed into a parked semi-traler. 16-year-old Chloe James was in the front seat and died. Baden was charged Friday with vehicular homicide.

Things continue to look troubling for LSU Coach Les Miles. A day before the Tigers are set to take on Jacksonville State in Death Valley, the LSU Board of Supervisors decided to table a proposal that would give the Mad Hatter a bonus if the team made it to the playoffs. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham was at the meeting and says the board doesn’t appear to be ready to discuss any part of Miles contract following the embarrassing loss to Wisconsin…:
CUT 16 (11) “surprising”
Miles’ current contract calls for him to get a 100-thousand dollar boost in pay if LSU reaches the C-F-P.

09:30 Newscast, September 10th, 2016

FEMA was bashed by members of Congress over the South Louisiana flood response. Jeff Palermo reports…:
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Louisiana Department of Health says there have been 10 more cases of West Nile and two more confirmed cases of Zika in the state. The additions means there are now a total of 24 cases of West Nile virus in Louisiana. State health officials say the total number of Zika cases in Louisiana now stands at 28. All are travel-related.

It’s hard to believe, but tomorrow marks 15 years since the horrifying attack on New York’s World Trade Centers. Nearly 3,000 people died, including a man from Sulphur. Mayor of the Calcasieu Parish town, Chris Duncan, says Leo Russell Keene III died while saving people from an elevator. He says a bust in honor of Keene is being unveiled this morning:
CUT 12 (08) “a hero”
He says this bust will help Keene’s story to be told for generations to come.

Two new polls have been released on the state’s U.S. Senate race, and one shows Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy with a comfortable lead. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the other survey is quite different…:
CUT 9 (09) “number”
The Anzalone poll finds Kennedy leads with 18-percent and Democrat Caroline Fayard and Republican Congressman Charles Boustany are tied at 13-percent.

 

08:30 Newscast, September 10th, 2016

The Federal Emergency Management Agency was criticized by members of Congress Friday over the pace that they were able to send aid to communities devastated by historic flooding in South Louisiana. Congressman John Mica of Florida, who chairs the Subcommittee on Transportation and Public Assets, toured the affected communities. He said the manufactured housing units FEMA brought in to help are pathetic…:
CUT 10 (10) “any measure”
FEMA says the scope of the disaster was above and beyond the resources they had available to do more than they are.

A player from St. Michael High School was injured during a Friday night football game against Loranger High. The player was taken off the field, causing an hour long delay in the game Friday, Sept. 9. The extent of the player’s injuries is currently unknown.

Two new polls have been released on the U.S. Senate race in Louisiana. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The LSU Board of Supervisors elects not to take up a proposal to give football coach Les Miles an additional 100-thousand dollars if the Tigers make it to the college football playoff. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham the proposal was quickly deferred to be considered at a future meeting:
cut 15 (11) “table it”

 

18:30 LRN Newscast Sept 9

FEMA was bashed by members of Congress over the South Louisiana flood response. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Forecasters are monitoring three tropical waves in the Atlantic basin. The first is about 1200 miles east of the Lesser Antilles, and forecasters say could become a tropical depression by this weekend or early next week. The other two systems are not favorable for additional development.

Two new polls on the upcoming U.S. Senate race put Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy in the lead. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says after looking at the poll by the Remington Research Group, it’s likely a democrat and republican will make the runoff, but both polls have Republican Charles Boustany looking good.

Cut 11 (08) “Kennedy” 

A Hineston man was killed in a crash after ignoring construction zone warnings. State Trooper Scott Moreau says 61-year-old Kenneth Keele was driving a Jeep Liberty down the middle of Highway 461 in Rapides Parish when a flagman in the northbound lane attempted to have him slow down.

CUT 7 (12) “excavator”

 

17:30 LRN Newscast Sept 9

Governor John Bel Edwards testified before Congress today and said federal help isn’t coming fast enough for people who have lost their homes and have nowhere to go. Congressman Cedric Richmond says many of the FEMA agents on the ground are brand new to the job and the process of getting aid to victims has been extremely confusing…:

CUT 5 (08)  “in red tape”

A representative from FEMA was present and gave updates on the number of flood victims they have assisted.

A new poll finds State Treasurer John Kennedy is leading the US Senate race with 18-percent and Democrat Caroline Fayard and Republican Congressman Charles Boustany are tied at 13-percent. UL-Lafayette Political Science professor Pearson Cross says Anzalone poll was paid for by a group that supports Fayard.

cut 10 (10)  “of campaigning”

The LSU Board of Supervisors elects not to take up a proposal to give football coach Les Miles an additional 100-thousand dollars if the Tigers make it to the national championship game. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham was there when the item agenda came up for a vote and it was quickly deferred to be considered at a future meeting

cut 15 (11) “table it”

Miles’ current contract calls for him to get a 100-thousand dollar boost in pay if LSU reaches the CFP. The proposal that was on today’s agenda would’ve increased that incentive to 200-thousand dollars. 

The National Hurricane Center says it’s monitoring three weather systems across the Atlantic basin. The first is about 1200 miles east of the Lesser Antilles, and forecasters say it’s forecast to be favorable for a tropical depression to form this weekend or early next week. The other two systems are not favorable for additional development.

16:30 LRN Newscast Sept 9

Leaders in Louisiana whose communities were devastated by historic flooding spoke before members of Congress Friday. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss FEMA’s response to this disaster. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the speed at which aid is getting to people is far too slow:

CUT 3 (09)  “more resilient”

At today’s meeting, the LSU Board of Supervisors decided not to discuss the possibility of LSU coach Les Miles getting a 100-thousand bonus if the Tigers make it to the national championship game. Tiger Rag editor Cody Worsham says it appears the board is not ready to discuss any aspects of his contract after the disappointing loss to Wisconsin.

cut 16 (11) “surprising”

Two new polls on the state’s U.S. Senate race tell very different stories. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the poll by Remington Research Group and The Hayride has Republican Treasurer John Kennedy with a comfortable lead, but the other survey is quite different…

CUT 9 (09) “number.”

The Anzalone poll finds Kennedy leads by just 5-percent.

A Sulphur man killed in 9/11 will have a bust made in his honor unveiled at a memorial service tomorrow. Sulphur mayor Chris Duncan says the service includes a community march, where they hand out American flags and march from City Hall down to Heritage Square.

Cut 13 (12)  “in 9/11″

Leo Russell Keene III was working at the World Trade Center during the attack.

16:45 LRN Sportscast September 9th

The LSU Board of Supervisors defers a proposal that would give Football Coach Les Miles an additional 100-thousand dollars if the Tigers reach the national championship game. Miles is taking a lot of criticism for how LSU played in the season opening loss to Wisconsin and Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says it appears the LSU Board is not ready to discuss any aspects of his contract…
cut 16 (09) “….those changes”
In other board action, they approved a contract extension and raise for baseball coach Paul Mainieri, giving him a salary of over one-million dollars.

It’s a game time decision on whether running back Leonard Fournette will play in tomorrow night’s home opener against Jacksonville State. That’s what Miles said in a video that’s been posted on the school’s website. Miles said earlier this week Fournette suffered a contusion on his lower leg in the Wisconsin game.

The Saints head into Sunday’s season opener against Oakland a relatively healthy team. Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe is the the only player who has been ruled out with a hip injury. And he won’t admit, but this is a big game for Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. He was the head coach of the Raiders from 2012 to 2014.

Ryan Higgins will start at quarterback for Louisiana Tech when the Bulldogs host South Carolina state tomorrow night. Higgins did not play in the season opener, because he was suspended for the start of the game for a DWI arrest. It will be Higgins first start since 2013.

ULM hits the road for the first time this season as they visit Oklahoma.

In the Southland Conference…McNeese State faces its I-10 rival U-L Lafayette. In the last meeting between these two teams, the Cowboys beat the Cajuns in 2007. Nicholls kicks off its season at ninth ranked Georgia and Southeastern Louisiana is at Southern Utah.

In the SWAC…Grambling has a tough test as they are at Arizona, while Southern visits Tulane.