LRN Sportscast 06:45 August 14

The brand new SEC Network, which promises to air more than 1,000 live events in its first year, officially launches at 5 PM. Michelle Southern has more….
cut 1 (35) “….reporting”

The Saints return to New Orleans today after spending most of the last three weeks in White Sulphur Springs West Virginia. The Black and Gold will host the Tennessee Titans tomorrow night in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The LSU Tigers held their first scrimmage of fall camp yesterday and Coach Les Miles didn’t say much about his quarterback battle. He says Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris are both improving, but have more work to do…
cut 19 (20) “…go easy’
Freshman wide receiver Malachi Dupre and rookie running back Leonard Fournette did not participate in the scrimmage, because of minor injuries.

In Ruston, Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz says the battle for starting quarterback for the Bulldogs has been narrowed down to two players, Iowa transfer Cody Sokol and sophomore Ryan Higgins, who started a handful of games last year.

NBA…the Pelicans will tip-off the 2014-15 season with a home game against the Orlando Magic on October 28th.

LRN Newscast 630 August 14

The state department of health and hospitals issues a warning for travelers, beach goers, and fisherman about two diseases, vibrio vulnificus (vul-nif-ick-us) and the chikungunya (chik-un-gun-yuh) virus. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says vibrio vulnificus is a flesh-eating bacteria found in brackish water or salt water…
cut 10 (12) “put it off”
DHH says the flesh-eating bacteria has infected 8 people in Louisiana this summer. And Guidry says the chikungunya virus is usually transmitted by mosquitoes in the Caribbean.

Authorities say a 47-year-old man was stabbed to death last night in the French Quarter. The victim is believed to be homeless and witnesses say he was involved in a physical fight with another man. The search for the suspect is ongoing.

State Police announce the arrest of the former chief financial officer at the Catahoula Sheriff’s office. Trooper Albert Paxton says a state audit revealed 61-year-old George Tosspon of Jonesville received over 22-thousand dollars in excess wages from August 2009 to November 2013….
cut 14 (09) “….dollars”
Paxton says Tosspon faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on theft and malfeasance charges.

State district Judge Todd Hernandez has decided to let a lawsuit against Governor Jindal over Common Core to proceed. But Hernandez says the plantiffs, which is a group of parents and teachers, will not be allowed to question Jindal under oath. The lawsuit alleges Jimdal violated laws when he suspended state contracts tied to Common Core. A full blown hearing on that issue is scheduled for Monday.

16:45 LRN Sportscast for August 13

The LSU football team held its first scrimmage of fall camp today. Coach Les Miles says quarterbacks Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris spilt time with the first team offense and both guys are improving. He says neither guy made any big mistakes….
cut 30 (06) “…throwing game”
Receivers Travin Dural and Avery Peterson each caught a touchdown pass. No word on who threw those TD passes. Miles says freshman running back Leonard Fournette did not run the ball in live situations, because he’s nursing an undisclosed injury. The head coach says Fournette’s injury is not serious.

In Ruston, Louisiana Tech head Coach Skip Holtz said today their starting quarterback battle has been narrowed down to two players, Iowa transfer Cody Sokol and Ryan Higgins, who started a handful of games for the Bulldogs last season. Holtz says both are really doing a good job of protecting the football.

Today is the final practice for the Saints at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. Quarterback Drew Brees did a little bit more today then what he did yesterday, but Coach Sean Payton says no decision has been made on whether he’ll play in Friday’s preseason game against Tennessee. New Orleans also announced the signing of tight end Travis Beckum. He’s a former New York Giant and has 26 catches in four NFL seasons.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association announced today that Evangel, John Curtis, St. Thomas More and Teurlings Catholic have decided to play up in the sport of football, which means they’ll compete in the Division One playoffs. So they’ll face Catholic High of Baton Rouge and the New Orleans Catholic League schools in the postseason.

Major League Baseball…former LSU star Anthony Ranaudo was the winning pitcher as the Red Sox defeated the Reds five to four. The rookie right-hander allowed four runs in six innings and he’s 2-and-0 after two major league starts.

LRN PM Newscall August 13

Louisiana will hold another tax amnesty period this fall. Jeff Palermo has the details

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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Lafayette Police arrest a 27-year-old mother in connection with the death of her three-year-old child. Jeff Palermo has the story..

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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The US Coast Guard says they are investigating a multi-vessel collision that happened on the Mississippi River near Gretna last night which caused some oil to be spilled into the water. Spokesman Jonathan Lally says a ship carrying grains lost power and control and crashed into another vessel and barge that was fueling up…:

CUT 3 (08) “into the river”

Lally says fuel was being transferred from the barge when it broke free causing some oil to be discharged into the water from the transfer hose…:

CUT 4 (09) “that was spilled”

Lally says no injuries were reported in the incident. He says about 588 gallons of marine grade fuel was spilled into the river and the Gretna water intake was shut off as a safety precation…:

CUT 5 (12) “the sheen went”

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

New research provided to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shows Louisiana Black Bear populations are making great strides toward recovery. Large Carnivore Program Manager, Maria Davidson, says they don’t have an official count on how many black bears are in the state, but they’ve learned there are at least 250 female bears, which is a good number…

CUT 6 (09)  “hear from them”

The hope is to have the Louisiana Black Bear removed from the endangered species list. The US Fish and Wildlife Service will make that determination. Davidson says the future of the black bear is looking good…

CUT 7 (07) “a hundred years”

LDWF has worked many years to rebuild the population of the Louisiana Black Bear. In the 1950s, there were only 100 black bears in the state. Davidson says it appears that female black bears are beginning to breed on a more regular basis…

CUT 8 (13) “for the bears”

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The Louisiana Department of Revenue says the state will hold another tax amnesty period from October 15th to November 14th.  Revenue Secretary Tim Barfield says new to this amnesty program is the option that delinquent taxpayers can pay their debt owed to the state through payments

CUT 9 (08) “amount due”

Barfield says the state held an amnesty program last year and Louisiana collected 452-million dollars in back taxes, but the goal this year is only 100-million

CUT 10 (09) “as much”

During the tax amnesty period all penalties will be waived and the taxpayer only owes 50-percent of the interest that’s due. Barfield says a payment plan is new to the amnesty program and that will allow a noncompliant taxpayer to pay their overdue taxes over a six month period…

CUT 11 (10) “back taxes

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A Lafayette mother is facing negligent homicide charges in the death of her three-year-old child. Lafayette Police corporal Paul Mouton says 27-year-old Sara Leblanc told investigators the child was sick for a couple of days, and their investigation revealed the child went 25 hours without food or fluids during her illness

CUT 12 (07) “dehydration”

Mouton says on the day the child died, the little girl went to sleep at around six A-M. Leblanc allegedly did not check on her until seven that night and also left the home during that time to get some fast food

CUT 13 (09) “negligent homicide”

An autopsy report has determined the cause of death can be attributed to hypothermia and dehydration. Leblanc was charged with negligent homicide. Mouton says the investigation remains ongoing

cut 14 (11) “investigation”

 

LRN Sportscast

Today is the Saints final full practice day at the Greenbrier in West Virginia. Coach Sean Payton says their time away from New Orleans has been productive and they’ve enjoyed their stay in White Sulphur Springs…
cut 30 (20) “….cooperated”
Payton says they’ll definitely be back to the Greenbrier the next two years and probably longer than.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees participated in individual drills, but did not take any snaps during the full-team drills. Payton says they haven’t decided if Brees will play Friday against the Titans.

The LSU football team holds its first scrimmage of preseason camp today. Depending on what Coach Les Miles says after the scrimmage, we could get a better idea on who is leading the race for starting quarterback. Q-B Anthony Jennings says he embraces the competition with Brandon Harris…
cut 29 (12) “….get better’

In Ruston, protecting the football has been an emphasis during Louisiana Tech’s preseason camp. Last year, the Bulldogs had 29 turnovers and Coach Skip Holtz says they are doing a much better job when it comes to limiting turnovers in practice.

Former LSU pitcher Anthony Ranaudo is on the mound for the Boston Red Sox. The world champs are hosting the Reds. This is Ranaudo’s second major league start, he one his first over the Yankees.

The NBA Schedule will be released at five P-M today.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 August 12

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees was in full pads today as training camp rolls on for the black and Gold at the Greenbrier in West Virginia. Brees has been limited because of an oblique injury and Coach Sean Payton says it appears Brees is progressing well…
cut 30 (13) “….sets him back”
Brees did not participate in any team drills today, so there’s still a strong chance that he will not play in Friday’s preseason game against the Titans.

In other NFL news…Arizona Coach Bruce Arians said today it’s possible former LSU star and Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu could be removed from the physically unable to perform list next week. Mathieu is rehabbing back from a torn ACL.

LSU’s battle for starting quarterback remains the main story line during preseason camp for the Tigers. Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron says he’s been impressed with the quick development he’s seen from Brandon Harris and Anthony Jennings…
cut 18 (16) “….under here everyday’
The first scrimmage of fall camp takes place tomorrow.

A time has been set for LSU’s game against West Virgina in men’s basketball. The contest is part of the SEC-Big 12 Challenge and it will tip-off at six o’ clock on ESPN 2 on December fourth.

The full McNeese State men’s basketball schedule was released today. The Cowboys will have 16 home games, including one against the Ragin Cajuns on December sixth.

Tomorrow the NBA schedule is released at 5 PM.

LRN PM Newscall for August 12

Jefferson Parish President John Young announces he’s joining the 2015 race for Lt. Governor. Michelle Southern has that..:

CUT 1 (33) “reporting”

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Oyster production has been on a downward spiral since the 2010 BP oil spill. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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Jefferson Parish President John Young announces he’s running for Lt. Governor in 2015. Young joins already announced candidates Baton Rouge Mayor President Kip Holden and Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser. The seat is being left open by Jay Dardenne who intends to run for Governor next year. Young says the Office of Tourism is a major growth industry for Louisiana…:

CUT 3 (09) “in the world”

Young says, if elected, a major focus would also be on economic development and creating jobs and opportunity for our children and grandchildren. He says a top priority as Lt. Governor is making sure funds are secure to continue to market Louisiana…:

CUT 4 (09) “the entire state”

Young says he wants to be an ambassador for economic development and the film industry…:

CUT 5 (07) “in Louisiana”

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Since the BP spill, oyster production along Louisiana’s coast has reached lows that have not been seen in decades. That’s according to Louisiana Oyster Task Force Chairman John Tesvich, who says it’s a challenging time for the industry

CUT 6 (06)  “haven’t come back”

Prior to the BP spill, Louisiana public reefs would produce three to seven million pounds of oyster meat a year. Last year, just under a million pounds was produced and Tesvich says early numbers for 2014 are only slightly better than last year…

CUT 7 (08) “speak of”

A statement from BP says government studies indicate conditions other than the oil spill have led to the decline in oyster populations. Tesvich says recent hurricanes and an influx of fresh water are other possible factors. He says in the meantime, oystermen can only hope conditions get better

CUT 8 (10) “it yet”

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So in addition to the big super-moon we’ve got in the sky right now, the most explosive meteor shower of the year is underway. Lee Sawyer is the director of chemistry and physics at Louisiana Tech. He says the peak of the every-August Perseid meteor shower will happen early tomorrow morning…:

CUT 9 (09) “season”

Sawyer says if you’d like to see some beautiful shooting stars, early tomorrow morning when it’s still dark out would be the best time…:

CUT 10 (07) “couple of seconds or so”

Sawyer says sometimes the meteors will look like little fireballs. He says the annual Persei meteor shower lasts for several days…:

CUT 11 (11) “really the peak

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The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s office says a teenage girl is under arrest for allegedly stealing the pizza delivery guy’s car. Spokesman Glenn Springfield says the accused is 17-year-old Shaquillea Hunter of Monroe. He says they got a report of the stolen vehicle and they easily spotted the car with the Pizza Hut sign on top…:

CUT 12 (11) “and handcuff em”

Springfield says once they got Hunter in custody, they got the Pizza Hut employee to come make an identification and give a statement…:

CUT 13 (08) “he called us”

Springfield said when Hunter was questioned about the incident, she told the deputy to just take her to jail. He says she was booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center…:

cut 14 (03) “and resisting an officer”

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast August 12

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees and defensive back Champ Bailey were in pads at training camp today, which is a sign they are getting closer to full health. Brees and Bailey did not participate in any live team drills, but they were seen at practice moving around.

Coach Sean Payton was also more pleased with today’s practice after expressing his frustrations with yesterdays’ workout, which he called flat and sloppy.

One guy that continues to impress during training camp is rookie wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The Oregon State product says he’s coming to practice every day looking to get better…
cut 30 (14) “…the season”
The Saints next preseason game is Friday at home against the Tennessee Titans.

The quarterback battle at LSU continues as the Tigers move into the second week of fall practice. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron expects either Brandon Harris or Anthony Jennings will eventually grab hold of the starter’s role…
cut 17 (11) “…be his quarterback’
LSU holds its first scrimmage tomorrow.

In college baseball…the schedule is set when the Tigers compete in the Houston College Classic at Minute Maid Park from March sixth to the eighth. The three teams they’ll play are Baylor, Houston and Nebraska.

Former Nicholls State player Walter Jones has been hired as an assistant coach under Colonels head coach Seth Thibodeaux.

The McNeese State men’s basketball schedule came out today. The Cowboys have 16 home games, including a match-up with the Ragin Cajuns on December sixth at the Burton Colsieum. McNeese also travels to LSU, Baylor and Mississippi State.

16:45 Sportscast from LRN

Saints Coach Sean Payton was not happy with today’s training camp practice at the Greenbrier in West Virginia. Payton says the ball was on the ground too much and the team seemed flat as they worked out in rainy conditions. But the head coach says they are going to play games in weather like this….
cut 30 (11) “…just function”
Quarterback Drew Brees, cornerback Champ Bailey and wide receiver Kenny Stills did not participate in team activities and running back Pierre Thomas was involved in walk throughs.

In high school football news today….John Curtis and Evangel Christian Academy have reportedly decided to play up in the state playoffs this season. That means they’ll be in the Division One bracket, which will feature schools from the New Orleans Catholic League.

For the LSU football team to have another ten plus win season, the freshmen will have to come through. One of those players is wide receiver Malachi Dupre, who is a five-star recruit from John Curtis. Dupre says offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has them believing they can have a good season, despite the youth at the skill positions….
cut 19 (14) “….of his past”
Dupre could be in the starting line-up when the Tigers play Wisconsin in Houston on August 30th.

Tulane Coach Curtis Johnson says former Jesuit standout Tanner Lee will likely be his starting quarterback when the Green Wave begin the season at Tulsa on August 28th.

ULM Coach Todd Berry has released a depth chart and it has former North Carolina State quarterback Pete Thomas as the starter. Thomas is listed ahead of Brayle Brown and Earnest Carrington.

11:40 LRN Sportscast August 11

LSU freshman running back Leonard Fournette has some lofty goals heading into the season. He told reporters at media day that he would like to rush for 1,000 yards, earn All-American Honors and be a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Fournette was available to speak with reporters yesterday for the first time since preseason camp began and he was the star of the show. Fournette says the media attention he’s receiving both locally and nationally is not bothering him…
cut 18 (14) “….right now”
In another bit of news out of LSU, Friday it was reported that defensive tackle Quentin Thomas would miss the season with a biceps injury, but apparently the injury is not as bad as feared and Coach Les Miles indicated they hope Thomas will return soon, maybe by the first game.

Saints Coach Sean Payton was not pleased with today’s practice as training camp has resumed at the Greenbrier in West Virginia. Payton says there were too many balls on the ground and it was one of their most flat practices. Quarterback Drew Brees is still not participating in team drills, the same can be said about wide receiver Kenny Stills and cornerback Champ Bailey. But running back Pierre Thomas was back in full pads.

ULM Football Coach Todd Berry has released a three-team depth chart and six-foot-five senior Pete Thomas is lsited as the starting quarterback. Thomas is a transfer from North Carolina State. In 2013, he made six starts for the Wolfpack, completing 60-percent of his passes for 1,667 yards and four touchdowns.

Former players and coaches who knew Matt Derenbecker shocked over his death. The two-time Louisiana Gatorade Prep Player of the Year was found dead in a pool on sunday in Ponchatoula. He was only 22 years-old. He played one season at LSU and a half-season at UNO. He was one of the nation’s top recruits coming out of Country Day.