06:45 Sportscast, September 5th, 2017

LSU fans are still glowing about the impressive shutout victory over BYU, and today are slated to hear from Head Coach Ed Orgeron who will recap the game during Lunch with Coach O. He’ll also preview The Bayou Bengals upcoming contest against Chattanooga in Death Valley this Saturday night.

It’s reported that Tigers defensive end Rashard Lawrence was absent from practice Monday afternoon. His absence was considered simply “precautionary,” according to a source.

The bad news keeps rolling in for former LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis who is the D-C at Texas A&M. The Aggies blew an 34-point lead in the final 20 minutes of a 45-44 loss to UCLA Sunday night, and now the Aggies starting quarterback Nick Starkel and defensive back Donovan Wilson might be lost for the rest of the season after both underwent surgery Monday.

The New Orleans Saints placed cornerback Delvin Breaux on injured reserve, and brought back offensive tackle Bryce Harris, according to Monday’s NFL Transactions report. The Black and Gold are set to take on Minnesota in Monday Night Football Action on September 11th.

In the Ragin Cajuns season-opening 51-48 win over Southeastern Louisiana, UL-Lafayette sophomore Raymond Calais was named the Sun Belt Special Teams Player of the Week after setting a school record with a pair of kickoff returns for touchdowns. The Cajuns return to action Saturday when the team visits Tulsa.

After earning votes in the Top 25 Coaches and STATS FCS preseason polls, Nicholls State made the jump up to 30th in the coaches poll, and placed 36th in the STATS FCS poll.

The New York Giants are not saying what former LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.’s status will be for the season opener against Dallas. He still wasn’t practicing Monday, and the team said he’s still working with training staff and getting treatment for a sprained ankle he suffered in a preseason game August 21st.

 

06:30 Newscast, September 5th, 2017

Many are asking what they can do to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Halen Doughty has the answer from the Red Cross…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

All eyes are on Cat-4 Hurricane Irma right now which forecasters say should move over portions of the northern Leeward Islands tonight and early Wednesday. They say there are increasing chances that impacts to the US will hit Florida and steer clear of Louisiana due to a cold front moving into our area, but it’s still to early to tell what exactly Irma will do to the US.

A Baton Rouge General Doctor is one of the first physicians in the country to perform a successful new stroke prevention procedure. Dr. Vince Weaver says this reverses the blood flow through the brain to divert clots and plaque away from the brain to prevent blockage and stroke:
Cut 13 (10) “it heals”
Three procedures have already been successful and several more are scheduled.

Louisiana has the fifth highest obesity rate in the country, according to a report from Trust for America’s Health. President and CEO John Auerbach it’s a trend that continues…:
Cut 4 (10) “same level”
Louisiana is one of just five states with an obesity rate over 35 percent.

15:30 Newscast September 4

According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, 12,000 more people are holding down jobs in the state compared to last year. LSU economist Loren Scott attributes the increase to an industrial boom in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge and improvements in the construction sector.

Cut 9 (10) “right now”

Construction employment is at an all-time high in the state.

The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary will help clean up Elmer’s Island on September 16, and they’re looking for volunteers. Spokesperson Alma Robichaux says the event takes place from 10 am until 1 pm, and people can sign up at b-t-n-e-p-dot-org.

Cut 5 (11) “waste drain”

As many families light up the grill this Labor Day, Cattle Producers of Louisiana says there should be plenty of beef to go around, even after a devastating hurricane. CEO Dave Foster says restaurants and grocery stores are ordering way ahead of time, in light of the impact of Hurricane Harvey.

Cut 7 (08) “that stuff”

Johnny’s Pizza House has celebrates the company’s 50th anniversary this month. President and CEO Melvin DeLacerda says Johnny Huntsman not only started a company, he also gave back to the community, which is a tradition that continues today.

Cut 14 (12) “to operate”

Today Johnny’s has 44 locations spanning multiple states.

LRN AM NEWSCALL SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

A report from Trust for America’s Health finds Louisiana has the fifth highest obesity rate in the nation. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Many are asking what they can do to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Halen Doughty has the answer from the Red Cross…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A Baton Rouge doctor is one of the first in the nation to perform a new stroke prevention procedure. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana has the fifth highest obesity rate in the country, according to a report from Trust for America’s Health. President and CEO John Auerbach says that doesn’t come as a big surprise because the Bayou State is more or less where it’s been for the past few years in terms of the obesity rate.

Cut 4  (10) “same level”

Louisiana is one of just five states with an obesity rate over 35 percent. Auerbach says that’s concerning because being overweight is linked to a plethora of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and certain cancers.

Cut 5  (11)  “associated with that”

Perhaps even more troubling is the finding that Louisiana ranks fourth in the country for childhood obesity of 10- to 17-year-olds, at 21 percent. Auerbach says that growing rate can be addressed with policy changes in schools, like providing healthy lunch options and limiting access to junk food.

Cut 6 (10) “empty calories”

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Relief efforts are ongoing amid the devastation left by Hurricane Harvey, and many are asking how they can help those affected. Chairman of the Board for the Greater Baton Rouge Red Cross, Desiree Lemoine says donating money is the easiest way to give because the Red Cross can buy in bulk.

Cut 7 (11)  “them monetarily”

Some have questioned how they will know what efforts their dollars will support. Lemoine says Red Cross always honors the donor’s intent. She says those who wish to donate can specify what they want their donation to go towards.

Cut 8 (09) “to Harvey relief”

Lemoine says the Red Cross delivers 91 cents of every dollar donated to the charity. She says another way to give back is to become a Red Cross volunteer. She says they have a skilled team of volunteers from all over the country.

Cut 9 (09)  “who volunteer”

To donate or volunteer, go online to RedCross.org.

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A Monroe-native is launching a new streaming TV network next month. Ro Wright says CONGO TV launches online on October 1. He says the network will be available through a variety of streaming options, which he calls the future of broadcast because so many people are turning away from cable.

Cut 10 (09) “streaming devices”

Wright says he hopes to help local actors showcase their talent in feature films. He says the network will also feature local program based on where users log in, as well as original films and reality shows. He says they’re already racking up submissions.

Cut 11 (09) “our network”

Wright says one show in the works is set to be filmed in Louisiana. He says the show will follow a group of black students who have decided not to attend HBCUs because they don’t see the importance of them in this day and age.

Cut 12 (11) “our own state”

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A Baton Rouge General Doctor is one of the first physicians in the country to perform a successful new stoke prevention procedure. Dr. Vince Weaver says this is a minimally invasive procedure that reverses the blood flow through the brain to divert blood clots and plaque away from the brain to prevent blockage and stroke.

Cut 13 (10) “it heals”

Three procedures have already been successful and several more are scheduled. Weaver says the previous procedure for high risk patients involved open surgery, which increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. He says this treatment option is significantly safer…

Cut 14 (11) “dislodged”

Weaver says the surgery is an hour long and patients are released the next day. He says certain criteria must be met before the procedure can be done…

Cut 15 (09) “both sides”

14:30 Newscast September 4

Grilling is a favorite Labor Day pastime for Louisiana families, and Cattle Producers of Louisiana says there should be plenty of beef to go around. CEO Dave Foster says the industry views the holiday as the last big high demand season until Christmas.

Cut 6 (09) “to December”

The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary is seeking volunteers to clean up the 2.5 mile stretch of beach on Elmer’s Island later this month. Spokesperson Alma Robichaux says the event is in coordination with the international coastal cleanup that happens every September.

Cut 3 (10) “Saturday the 16”

To sign up, visit b-t-n-e-p.dot-org.

The National Hurricane Center says there’s an increasing chance Hurricane Irma will affect the US. Forecasters say the category 3 storm is strengthening as it moves towards the Caribbean. It’s still unclear if the storm would make landfall in the US, as forecasters say it could happen somewhere between Alabama and North Carolina.

West Monroe-based Johnny’s Pizza House celebrates 50 years in business this month. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

13:30 Newscast September 4

It’s Labor Day, so what is the stat of employment in Louisiana? Jeff Palermo spoke with LSU economist Loren Scott…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A weekend boating incident in Cameron Parish took the life of a little boy. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents say 11-year-old Griffin LeBlanc and another 11-year-old boy were jumping off a boat on Lake Calcasieu when they jumped into the path of an oncoming vessel. LeBlanc’s body was recovered, and the other boy was taken to a hospital in serious condition.

Louisiana’s favorite pizza franchise Johnny’s Pizza House celebrates 50 years in business this month. President and CEO Melvin DeLacerda says when Johnny Huntsman opened his first location in Monroe, no one in the area knew what pizza was. He says that’s why Huntsman resorted to some business gimmicks to stay in business.

Cut 13 (09) “popular spot”

DeLacerda says Johnny’s even had to serve hamburgers and spaghetti until the region fell in love with pizza.

It’s Labor Day, which means lots of families are firing up the grill for a barbecue. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says beef suppliers stocked up in case of potential shortfalls. But he hopes the marketplace doesn’t take advantage of that.

Cut 8 (09) “what happens”

 

12:30 Newscast, September 4th, 2017

Based on the latest data from the Louisiana Workforce Commission, one-point-nine million people are holding down a job in this state. They say 155-thousand people work in construction, which is an all-time high for Louisiana. But LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott anticipates a lag in employment next year…:
Cut 10 (09) “coming back again”
He says the biggest job gains are in the Lake Charles and Baton Rouge areas.

The 2017 season is off to a good start for the LSU Tigers. The Bayou Bengals blanked BYU 27-0 as the Tigers outgained the Cougars 479-to-97. It’s the first time the Tigers have shutout an opponent since 2014 and first opening game shutout since the 2007 national championship team. Coach O was a happy guy…:
Cut 16 (14) “fantastic”

Volunteers are being sought to help clean up Elmer’s Island, an effort organized by the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, or BTNEP. Spokeswoman Alma Robichaux says it’s September 16th and you can visit btnep.org if you’d like to join…”
Cut 5 (11) “waste drain”

Johnny’s Pizza House celebrates 50 years in business this month. President and CEO Melvin DeLacerda says the company is in great shape, and he’s looking forward to another 50 years. He looks back and says not only did Johnny Huntsman start a pizza restaurant, he also gave back to the community…:
Cut 14 (12) “continue to operate”
Johnny passed away in June after a battle with Alzheimer’s.

 

08:30 Newscast, September 4th, 2017

On this Labor Day, we’re looking at the state of labor in Louisiana with LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott. The Louisiana Workforce Commission says one-point-nine million people are holding down a job here right now, and Scott says huge gains are being seen in two main areas of the state..:
Cut 11 (10) “of the state”
Scott says the employment situation has improved in the oil and gas industry areas like Lafayette and Houma, but job losses are still continuing.

Volunteers are being sought to help clean up Elmer’s Island, an effort organized by the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, or BTNEP. Spokeswoman Alma Robichaux says they’re holding an event in tandem with the
international coastal cleanup that happens every year in September…:
Cut 3 (10) “Saturday the 16”
Visit btnep.org for more details.

West Monroe-based Johnny’s Pizza House is celebrating 50 years in business this month…:
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

I-10 is now open in both directions at the Texas state line, according to State Police. But some other roads remain closed due to flooding, and you can check 511la.org for an up-to-date map of closures around the state.

A very nice start to the season for the LSU Tigers as they easily beat BYU 27-0. The offense was efficient as Derrius Guice rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns.

07:30 Newscast, September 4th, 2017

It’s Labor Day, so what is the state of employment in Louisiana? Jeff Palermo spoke with LSU economist Loren Scott…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The National Hurricane Center says Irma is expected to affect the northeastern Leeward Islands within a couple of days as a major hurricane. The NHC says it is still too early to determine what direct impacts Hurricane Irma might have on the continental US. Regardless, everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place, as we are now near the peak of the season.

Johnny’s Pizza House celebrates 50 years in business this month. President and CEO Melvin DeLacerda says the company is in great shape, and he’s looking forward to another 50 years. He says Johnny Huntsman founded the company in Monroe after discovering his love for pizza while attending college in Iowa:
Cut 12 (10) “in this area”
Huntsman passed away in June after a battle with Alzheimer’s.

Many people are grilling out on this Labor Day. CEO of the Cattle Producers of Louisiana Dave Foster says when it comes to the impact on the beef industry from Hurricane Harvey, they’re seeing many restaurants and grocery stores placing orders for meat way ahead of the time they normally do…:
Cut 7 (08) “that stuff”
He says there shouldn’t be any surprises at the grocery store when it comes to what you’ll pay for meat today.

 

06:45 Sportscast, September 4th, 2017

The 2017 season is off to a good start for the LSU Tigers. The Bayou Bengals blanked BYU 27-0 as the Tigers outgained the Cougars 479-to-97. Derrius Guice rushed for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns. Quarterback Danny Etling was 14-of-17 for 173 yards. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says offensive coordinator Matt Canada did a fantastic job calling plays..:
Cut 15 (17) “offensive staff”
LSU comes to Tiger Stadium this weekend to take on Chattanooga.

Elsewhere around the state, Louisiana Tech had a convincing 52-24 victory over Northwestern State Saturday night. Senior Jarred Craft scored three touchdowns, including a pair of fourth quarter scores. Tulane hammered Grambling State 44-14.

Not much defense was played Saturday in Lafayette as the Ragin Cajuns outlasted Southeastern Louisiana 51-48. The Lions rushed for 343 yards. UL Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth says they were over pursuing on defense…:
Cut 17 (17) “next week”
The Ragin’ Cajuns host Sacred Heart this Saturday.

The Saints have set their 53 man roster that will open the season in one week against the Vikings. There weren’t many surprises. Adrian Peterson played for Minnesota his entire career, and now the New Orleans running back told the Star-Tribune he looks forward to sticking it to the Vikings during the Monday Night football game. The Saints announced Willie Snead will be suspended 3 games for a DWI arrest in June.