LRN Newscast 6:30 Sept 8

A year from today, candidates seeking to become Louisiana’s next governor will have a chance to qualify for that race. Republicans, Lt Governor Jay Dardenne and US Senator David Vitter, are planning to run and so far the only announced democrat is state representative John Bel Edwards. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says if the Amite lawmaker gets a lot of support, it would put him in a runoff with Vitter…
cut 8 (10) “….decides to run”
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s name has also been mentioned as a candidate.

Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin has until noon today to report to federal prison and begin serving a ten-year sentence on corruption charges. Loyola University Criminal Justice Professor Robert English….
cut 4 (08) “….at Texarkana”

Suppporters of gay marriage in Louisiana have filed an appeal with the US Fifth Circuit of Appeals regarding the ruling last week by federal judge Martin Feldman who upheld Louisiana’s ban on same sex marriages. But Tulane constitutional law professor Keith Werhan says the US Supreme Court will likely rule on this issue, before the federal appeals court in New Orleans has a chance……
cut 10 (10) “…term in October”
Werhan says when the nation’s high court makes a ruling, it will put to rest the argument over whether states have the right to define what constitutes a marriage.

LRN AM Newscall Sept 8

Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin begins serving his 10-year prison sentence today at the Texarkana Federal Correctional Institution. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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One year from today candidates will officially be able to qualify for the 2015 Governor’s Race. Jeff Palermo sees where things stand now…:

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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The California Legislature approved a bill that would more than triple funding for California’s film and TV tax credit program. What impact will this have on “Hollywood South”? Eric Gill reports…

Cut 3 (35) “reporting”

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Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin begins his prison sentence today. Nagin was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his conviction on bribery and money laundering charges. Loyola University Criminal Justice Professor and former Bureau of Prisons official, Robert English…

Cut 4  (08)  “at Texarkana”

He says Nagin will report to the Texarkana Federal Correctional Institution to serve his time. The judge in this case recommended Nagin serve his time at the Oakdale Federal Correctional Institution, but the final decision rests with the Bureau of Prisons. English says he is not surprised about the location change…

Cut 5  (09)  “administratively possible”

The BOP does this to make it easier for the family to come visit the inmate. The Texarkana facility is closer to Nagin’s current home in the Dallas suburb of Frisco. English says Nagin will be going to a minimum security facility and there’s virtually no difference between Texarkana and Oakdale…

Cut 6 (10)  “to the next”

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One year from today candidates will officially be able to qualify for the 2015 Governor’s Race. So far, Republicans Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and US Senator David Vitter have declared candidacy. Other potentials Republicans include State Treasurer John Kennedy and PCS Commissioner Scott Angelle. UL-Lafayette Political Science professor Pearson Cross says Vitter is a solid favorite, however…:

CUT 7 (11) “as more moderate”

The only announced democrat so far is state representative John Bel Edwards. Cross says if the Amite lawmaker gets a lot of support, it would put him in the runoff with Vitter…:

CUT 8 (10)   “decides to run”

Cross says even though Edwards is not well known throughout the state, there are plenty of Louisianians who will pull the lever for the “D” no matter what…:

(Democratic New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is a rumored candidate.)

CUT 9 (12) “statewide election”  

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Suppporters of gay marriage in Louisiana have filed an appeal with the US Fifth Circuit of Appeals regarding the ruling last week by federal judge Martin Feldman who upheld Louisiana’s ban on same sex marriages. But Tulane constitutional law professor Keith Werhan says the US Supreme Court will likely rule on this issue, before the federal appeals court in New Orleans has a chance…

cut 10 (10)  “term in october”

Werhan says the US Supreme Court is set to begin a new session in October and ruling on same sex marriages will likely come in 2015

cut 11 (08)  “ends in June” 

Werhan says when the nation’s high court makes a ruling, it will put to rest the argument over whether states have the right to define what constitutes a marriage…

cut 12 (07) “same sex marriage”

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The California Legislature approved a bill that would more than triple the funding for California’s film and TV tax credit program. What impact will this have on “Hollywood South”? Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, Chris Stelly, doesn’t think it will have much impact…

Cut 13 (08)  “and nations”

The measure would boost funding for California’s film incentives to $330 million a year for five years. California Governor Jerry Brown is expected to sign that legislation into law. Stelly says California’s move speaks highly of what Louisiana has done over the last several years…

Cut 14 (07)  “within Louisiana”

The legislation hopes to make California more competitive in the TV and film industry with rival states like Louisiana. Stelly says Louisiana has built a great infrastructure for television and film production over the past 10 years. He says it’s more than just tax incentives that make “Hollywood South” attractive to the industry…

Cut 15  (05)   “bottom line”

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One of the bigger upsets this past weekend in college football happened in Lafayette as Louisiana Tech trounced the Ragin Cajuns 48-20. The Bulldogs had 533 total yards and they were led by quarterback Cody Sokol, who threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns. Sokul says it was a great performance in a rivalry game

Cut 16  (10)   “our guys”

Tech running back Kenneth Dixon also had a big game as he rushed for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Dixon started the scoring with a 99-yard touchdown run and Sokol says that run allowed them to seize the momentum…

Cut 17  (09)   “of confidence”

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LSU had no trouble beating Sam Houston State 56-0 on Saturday as several true freshmen got into the scoring act. Malachi Dupre, Darrel Williams, Brandon Harris and Leonard Fournette also scored their first touchdowns of their LSU career. Fournette struck the Heisman pose after his score, something head coach Les Miles didn’t like….

Cut 18 (16)  “that run”

It was solid performance from starting quarterback Anthony Jennings, who threw for 188 yards and three touchdowns, all of them went to his favorite target Travin Dural. Here’s Jennings after the game…

cut 19 (11)  “balls off”

The lopsided score allowed for backup Brandon Harris to get plenty of playing time. Harris threw for 62 yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for 53 yards. Jennings says the team has confidence in both quarterbacks to do the job…

Cut 20 (14) ” great chance to win”

16:45 LRN Sportscast Sept 5

LSU fans will walk into a newly expanded stadium on Saturday as the Fighting Tigers host Sam Houston State at 6:30. Capacity inside Death Valley is now over 102-thousand and Sports Information Director Michael Bonette says they’ve also done things to improve the fan experience inside the stadium…
cut 28 (08) “…people away”
Bonnette says they will also use contraflow on Nicholson Road heading south to help alleviate traffic congestion after the game.

Tulane University will play its first football game on Saturday in its brand new campus stadium. The Greenies will host Georgia Tech. In Hammond, Southeastern Louisiana will host Southern Utah at 7 P-M. Sun Belt play begins for ULM as the Warhawks will host Idaho at six P-M. The Vandals were one-and-11 in 2013 and it’s unclear who they will start at quarterback.

Louisiana Tech and U-L Lafayette will resume their rivalry in football on Saturday when the two teams meet in Cajun Field. It’s first time they’ve played since 2004 and U-L-L Coach Mark Hudspeth wants a win over their in-state foe….
cut 30 (19) “…these guys”
Kick-off is at six P-M.

And the Saints will begin the 2014 season on Sunday against their most heated rival, the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints beat the Falcons twice last season. The Black and Gold defense sacked Atlanta Quarterback Matt Ryan eight times in the two games. New Orleans outside linebacker Junior Galette hopes they can duplicate that success….
cut 11 (05) “…sky’s the limit”

11:40 Sportscast Sept 5

With LSU’s first home football game tomorrow, the school is trying to get the word out that there will be 23-hundred more parking spots available for LSU fans this year. Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette….
cut 7 (06) “….more parking”
And once fans get inside Death Valley. Bonnette says the stadium has been enhanced with new HD video and LED message boards, which should provide for a better fan experience.

A big crowd is expected for the match-up between the Ragin Cajuns and Louisiana Tech. U-L Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth…
cut 30 (14) “…Louisiana”
Kick-off is at six o’ clock.

ULM has its first Sun Belt Conference game of the season as they welcome the Idaho Vandals to Malone Stadium. McNeese is at Nebraska and Nicholls visits Arkansas.

LRN Sportscast 16:45 September 3rd

Saints Coach Sean Payton announced the team has re-signed kicker Shayne Graham and veteran wide receiver Robert Meachem. Both players were released on Saturday. In other Saints news…outside linebacker Junior Galette has signed a four-year contract extension that’s worth 41-million dollars. Galette will reportedly receive 23-million dollars in guarantee money. He started 16 games last season and recoreded a career-high 12 sacks.

A study out of Vanderbilt University, says money spent on college football coaches is of greater value to universities than CEO are to the corporations they work for. Vandy business and law professor, Randall Thomas, says when it comes to coach pay versus CEO pay, it’s much easier to justify a coach’s salary….
cut 30 (12) “…much murkier”
LSU’s Les Miles is paid four-point-three million dollars and he’s the seventh highest paid coach in the country.

The 12th ranked Fighting Tigers of LSU open up their home schedule on Saturday against Sam Houston State. The Bearkats play in a lower tier of college football than LSU, but they’ve been a dominate FCS program. Coach Les Miles says there’s a lot of talent on the Sam Houston State team….
cut 18 (18) “…very very quickly”
The Bearkats have played two games this season and so far they’re averaging 614 yards and 43 points a game.

The Ragin Cajuns scored 45 points last Saturday against Southern. This Saturday they’ll face in-state rival Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs are coming off a 48 to 16 loss to fourth ranked Oklahoma. But Tech Coach Skip Holtz was pleased with how quarterback Cody Sokol performed in the second-half.

LRN Sportscast 4:45 Sept 2

LSU is ranked 12th in this week’s Associated Press and Coaches Top 25 poll, which came out today. The Tigers rallied to beat Wisconsin on Saturday night. Senior linebacker DJ Welter says Saturday’s win was a good learning experience as they get ready for their next opponent, Sam Houston State….
cut 18 (14) “…..on track”
Coach Les Miles said today that wide receiver Malachi Dupre, who missed the Wisconsin game because of an injury, is back at practice. and Miles says the four players who were suspended for the season opener have also returned to the team.

A statue to honor Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson was unveiled today on the steps leading into the Mercedes Benz Superdome. The statue has Benson holding the Lombardi Trophy above his head.

The Saints are back at practice tomorrow as they will get ready for Sunday’s season opener at Atlanta. Still no word on who will be kicking field goals for the Black and Gold. Veteran Shayne Graham and rookie Derek Dimke were with the kickers for the Saints during training camp, but both were cut last Saturday.

There are reports former SEC Defensive Player of the Year Michael Sam will be added the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. Sam, who is the NFL’s first openly gay player to be drafted, was cut by the Rams over the weekend and has been looking for a team since then.

LRN sportscast 11:40 Sept 2

LSU running back Kenny Hilliard was one of the offensive stars in the Tigers come from behind win over Wisconsin on Saturday night. Hilliard rushed for 110 yards and one touchdown and the senior from Patterson says if he continues to take care of his body, he’ll have more games like that…
cut 17 (10) “…for his team”
Wisconsin Head Coach Gary Andersen says his star running back Melvin Gordon had a hip flexor and that’s why he saw limited carries against LSU.

There’s a chance some Saints fans in New Orleans will not be able to watch Sunday’s season opener against the Falcons. That’s because the Fox Affiliate in New Orleans is currently dark on DirectTV. The two sides are in negoitations for the channel to return to Direct TV, but for right now agreement has been reached.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s college football schedule, there’s an interesting in-state match-up. Louisiana Tech will travel to down to Lafayette to play the Ragin Cajuns. Expect to see freshman Gabe Fuselier to see more playing time after catching a couple of passes in UL Lafayette’ win over Southern. Meanwhile, Bulldogs head coach Skip Holtz wants to see better play from his defense after they allowed Oklahoma to jump out to a 31-to-nothing lead last Saturday. The Sooners went on to win 48-16.

Southeastern Louisiana remains ranked number three in the latest FCS polls. The Lions opened the season on Saturday with an easy 44 to 3 win over Jacksonville. The Lions are back in action this Saturday as they host Southern Utah in a match-up of two teams who were in the FCS playoffs last season.

McNeese State is ranked sixth and seventh in the FCS polls. The Cowboys will kick-off their season on Saturday at nationally ranked Nebraska.

The first Louisiana Sports Writers Association high school football polls are out. Acadiana is ranked number one in 5A.

September 1 LRN Am Newscall

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the job outlook in Sportsman’s Paradise is giving us a lot to celebrate on this Labor Day. Jeff Palermo reports on the state of labor…:

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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If you are planning a Labor Day cookout, don’t expect to find any real bargains on burgers or steak this holiday. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the job outlook in Sportsman’s Paradise is giving us a lot to celebrate on this Labor Day. According to LWC Executive Director Curt Eysink, the labor force in Louisiana is stronger now than ever before…:

Cut 3 (09) “really bright future”

Eysink says it’s great that we’ve got government agencies, education leaders on every level and business and industry at the table to figure out how to make Louisiana’s workforce better into the future. He says wages have been growing as fast as the economy here…:

Cut 4  (05)  “than it’s ever been”

Eysink says private sector job growth in Louisiana has increased every month for about the last four years. He says more than 2 million Louisianians are working today which is an all time high…:

Cut 5  (11)  “of our labor markets”

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As we approach the halfway point in this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season, there have been only three named storms, none of which have threatened the Gulf Coast. State Climatologist Barry Keim says historically the number of hurricanes from this point forward in the season is about six…

Cut 6 (07)  “below normal overall”

Keim says there is a high probability we’ll see less than that this year. He says the reasons for the reduction are sea surface temperatures being below normal and wind shear is running pretty high…

CUT 7 (11) “are also reduced”

Keim thinks four, maybe five, storms may form during the remainder of this season. He says this is no reason to let your guard down because it only takes one hurricane to, potentially, turn your life upside down…

CUT 8 (11)   “Hurricane Andrew”

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If you are planning a Labor Day cookout, don’t expect to find any real bargains on burgers or steak this holiday. Increased beef prices are due to a shortage of cows in the country. LSU AgCenter Extension Economist Ross Pruitt says consumers won’t get much of a break in beef prices…

CUT 9 (10)  “month of July”

He says beef production continues to fall in the United States. He says production is almost six-percent lower than this time last year. Pruitt says more price increases are on the horizon…

cut 10 (11)  “just yet”

Pruitt says consumer beef prices will continue to rise through the rest of this year. He says you shouldn’t be afraid to shop around to find the best deal…

cut 11 (12)  “grocery level” 

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The 2014 college football season is off to a thrilling start for the LSU Tigers. The Bayou Bengals rallied back from a 17-point third quarter deficit to beat Wisconsin 28-24. Associate Head Coach and running backs coach Frank Wilson says it was a great character win…

cut 12 (11) “times than not”

LSU’s offense didn’t do much in the first half, but by the end of the third quarter they were unstoppable. Wilson says some blocking adjustments on the the offensive line helped…

Cut 13 (10)  “frequently”

As expected Anthony Jennings started at quarterback and played most of the game. He had a couple of shaky moments, but ended up throwing for 239 yards and two touchdowns. Wilson says the coaching staff is pleased with how the sophomore played..

Cut 14 (11)  “the ball”

Friday LRN Sportscast 16:45

There are reports two potential starters on the LSU football team will not play in tomorrow night’s game against Wisconsin. Cornerback Rashard Robinson has reportedly been suspended, while wide receiver Malachi Dupree has an injured ankle and did not make the trip to Houston. LSU says they won’t comment on the reports.

A big crowd is expected at the newly refurbished Cajun field for Saturday night’s game between UL Lafayette and the Southern Jaguars. Ragin Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says the Jags return a lot of key pieces from a team that won the SWAC last year….
cut 15 (10) “…best shot”
Also in Louisiana tomorrow night…the defending Southland champs, Southeastern Louisiana, will host Jacksonville at Strawberry Stadium. Nicholls State is at Air Force and Grambling travels to Lamar.

The Saints have until 3 o’ clock Saturday to reduce their roster to 53 players. That means 22 players who participated in Thursday night’s preseason finale will be cut. Coach Sean Payton says it’s a difficult situation for everyone involved…
cut 20 (28) “…difficult time”
Backup quarterback and kicker are two position battles that will be decided before the three o’ clock deadline.

ULM has started the college football season with a victory. The Warhawks rallied from a ten to nothing deficit on Thursday night to beat Wake Forest 17 to 10. The Warhawks are home again on September sixth, taking on Idaho.

PM LRN Newscall on August 29

According to GasBuddy.com, domestic oil production is keeping the nation’s gas prices down to 2010 Labor Day weekend levels. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (33) “reporting”

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State officials say a data breach involving JP Morgan Chase may have exposed Louisiana citizens to identity theft or fraud. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Based on contracts approved by the division of administration, Governor Jindal could pay outside lawyers as much as 275-thousand dollars in state money to represent his office in lawsuits over Common Core. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Common Core supporters will look at this as wasted money

CUT 3 (05) “too much”

Governor Jindal filed a lawsuit earlier this week against the Obama administration over Common Core. Jindal accuses the federal government of trying to nationalize the curriculum in local schools. Cross says Jindal’s anti-Common Core stance could be tied to his presidential aspirations

CUT 4 (05)  “republican circles”

A Jindal spokesperson says outside counsel is needed when the individual has special expertise in certain areas of the law. Cross says there is a vocal group of anti-Common Core supporters, but there are also many who support the education standards and wish Jindal would spend the state’s money elsewhere

CUT 5 (10) “Senator Vitter”

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Many Louisianians are reflecting today on what was going on in their lives 9 years ago when Hurricane Katrina began it’s destructive path across our state. LSU Media Professor Bob Mann was the Communications Director for Governor Kathleen Blanco on August 29th, 2005…:

CUT 6 (13)  “what was going on”

Governor Jindal issued a statement today saying Louisianians can take comfort in knowing that we are resilient and will continue to grow and prosper. Mann says we’re much better prepared today in every way to handle another storm like that should it happen again:

CUT 7 (09) “do this now”

Mann says Louisiana is so schooled in how to prepare for a devastating storm, that we could teach the world how to do it…:

CUT 8 (16) “some of those lessons”

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Those who have outdoor plans Saturday could be dealing with a lot of rain. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the forecast does not look good…

CUT 9 (14)  “series of systems”

He says two to three inches of rain is predicted in South Louisiana, with localized areas getting more.  Keim says thunderstorm activity is exptected from New Orleans, through south Louisiana, even into Houston…

CUT 10 (07) “widespread activity”

Keim says this system definitely has a tropical component to it as it is coming from the Gulf of Mexico. He says  says there’s a good chance for rain on Sunday, too….

CUT 11 (08) “still very high

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According to GasBuddy.com, domestic oil production is keeping the nation’s gas prices down to 2010 Labor Day weekend levels. Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says prices on average in Louisiana are about 20 cents lower today than they were a year ago…:

CUT 12 (12) “Lafayette $3.01”

DeHaan says the lack of hurricanes is allowing for oil production to go on without any disruption and that’s lowering the price of gas. He says the United States is about to eclipse Saudi Arabia in monthly oil production…:

CUT 13 (08) “all summer”

DeHaan says the low price at the pump is boosting consumer confidence and as a result more people are hitting the road for an end of summer vacation. He says the good news doesn’t end there as demand for gasoline drops after this weekend..:

cut 14 (11) “throughout the fall months”

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