Kevin Barnhart spoke with an economist about the state of labor in Louisiana on Labor Day…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

After 26-hours the Coast Guard called off the extensive search for a 26-year-old missing man late Sunday who was last seen swimming near Venice Saturday afternoon. The guard searched 216 square miles of open water around the state’s most southeastern tip, and utilized a coast guard helicopter, two coast guard boats, and a marine unit from the Plaquemine Parish Sherriff.

LSU’s new spread offense gives fans everything they could want and more in a 55-3 dismantling of a Georgia Southern team that grabbed ten wins last season. Quarterback Joe Burrow tied a school record with five touchdown passes and 278 yards through the air…

Cut 10 (07) “…to be had”

LSU takes on number 10 Texas next Saturday.

Eight bridges will be getting some support work done as part of the state’s 76.2 million dollar federal transportation allocation. Those eight bridges include the Bayou Boeuf Bridge in Avoyelles Parish, Creek Bridge in Red River, three bridges on LA 1042 in St. Helena, LA 532 over I-20 in Webster and the Amite River Bridge near French Settlement…

Cut 7 (06)“…economy”

That’s DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson who says the funds will also go towards an expansion project on I-12 in St. Tammany.

You couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the LSU season than the Tiger’s 55-3 dismantling of Georgia Southern. For nearly a decade fans have watched the Purple and Gold’s stone age offense try to keep pace with 21^st century concepts like using three or more wide receivers. That all changed Saturday as the team debuted it’s Joe Brady crafted spread attack spearheaded by a school record tying five TD performance by QB Joe Burrow…

Cut 10 (07) “…to be had”

LSU’s defense held Georgia Southern’s triple-option attack to just 98 total yards. Defensive end Rashard Lawrence.

Cut 11 (11) “…one dimensional” 

The Tigers face a much bigger test in week two when they visit 10th ranked Texas on Saturday. Texas smashed LA Tech 45-14 over the weekend.

The Saints’ linebackers are looking stronger as the team completes a trade with Miami that nets the Black and Gold a former defensive rookie of the year. Kiko Alonso will join New Orleans. In return, Miami will receive special teams linebacker Vince Biegel.

The Saints also secure their practice squad players. Tight end Dan Arnold, and receivers Emmanuel Butler and Lil’Jordan Humphrey headline the class, along with Derrick Kelly II, TJ Green, John Leglue, Michtel Loewen, Alize Mack, and Terrell Williams.

In other college action this weekend the Ragin Cajuns fell 38-28 to Mississippi State, ULM took down Grambling 31-9 in only the fourth ever matchup between the two, Nicholls lost 49-14 against Kansas State, and McNeese beat Southern 34-28 at a packed Cowboy stadium.

Saturday’s season opener for the 6th ranked LSU Tigers could not have gone any better as the Bayou Bengals were clicking from the state and easily defeated Georgia Southern 55-3. The spread offense we heard about all offseason was as good as advertised as the Tigers scored on their first five possessions. Head Coach Ed Orgeron liked what he saw.

Cut 9 (10) “…pleased with.”

Quarterback Joe Burrow tied a school record with five touchdown passes.

DOTD plans on using this year’s 76.2-million-dollar federal allocation to continue to improve I-12 in St. Tammany and to address eight bridges throughout the state. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says its slightly lower than last year’s allocation, and below the 100 million anticipated, but…

Cut 6 (11) “…of that”

Its Labor Day and the job market in the state is getting lots of attention in the governor’s race with the Edwards administration touting full employment, but the Republican challengers say the state is the only one to have lost jobs over the last year. LSU Economist Loren Scott says the economy is not growing at a rapid pace.

Cut 12 (10) “…half a percent.”

Ascension Parish Public Schools implements lightning detection units in an effort to protect student-athletes from severe weather dangers.  Owner of Perry Weather, the company behind the technology, Colin Perry says when strikes are detected within an eight-mile radius, the devices will alert everyone to seek shelter.

Cut 3 (10) “…to resume activity.”

At that point, there will be three intermittent blasts to let everyone know activities can resume.

LSU had a flawless performance in its season-opening win over Georgia Southern on Saturday, but the Tigers say there is room for improvement. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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On this Labor Day, what is the state of Louisiana’s labor market? Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Ascension Parish Public Schools implements lightning detection units in an effort to protect student-athletes from severe weather dangers.  Owner of Perry Weather, the company behind the technology, Colin Perry says when strikes are detected within an eight-mile radius, the devices will alert everyone to seek shelter.

Cut 3 (10) “…to resume activity.”

At that point, there will be three intermittent blasts to let everyone know activities can resume.

Perry says the devices are solar power and connected via cellular data to a national lightning detection network.

Cut 4 (09) “…99% detection efficiency.”

Perry says the units will also link to a web tool enabling the public to check on the status of outdoor activities.

Cut 5 (11) “…be the case.”

The National Lightning Detection Network ranked Louisiana second in the nation for highest density of lightning, reporting 1.1 million bolts statewide in 2017.
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DOTD plans on using this year’s 76.2-million-dollar federal allocation to continue to improve I-12 in St. Tammany and to address eight bridges throughout the state.

DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says its slightly lower than last year’s allocation, and below the 100 million anticipated, but it comes after years of record levels of funding.

Cut 6 (11) “…of that”

It also marks 19 straight years that the state has put up enough money to draw down the federal matching transportation dollars.

Those eight bridges include the Bayou Boeuf Bridge in Avoyelles Parish, Creek Bridge in Red River, three bridges on LA 1042 in St. Helena, LA 532 over I-20 in Webster and the Amite River Bridge near French Settlement.

Cut 7 (06)“…economy”

The deaths of four people in 2018 on I-12 in St. Tammany sparked calls to speed up expansion work between LA 21 and US 190. Wilson says these funds will help cover a portion of it.

Cut 8 (09) “project”

St. Tammany put up eight million dollars to help secure the federal funds for the project.

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Saturday’s season opener for the 6th ranked LSU Tigers could not have gone any better as the Bayou Bengals were clicking from the start and easily defeated Georgia Southern 55-3. The spread offense we heard about all offseason was as good as advertised as the Tigers scored on their first five possessions. Head Coach Ed Orgeron liked what he saw.

Cut 9 (10) “…pleased with.”

Quarterback Joe Burrow tied a school record with five touchdown passes. They all came in the first half. Three of them went to sophomore wide receiver Terrace Marshall. Burrow finished with 278 yards passing and expected a strong start to the season

Cut 10 (07) “…to be had”

LSU’s defense had no trouble stopping Georgia Southern’s triple-option offensive attack. The Eagles had just 98 total yards. Defensive end Rashard Lawrence says they were coached up well

Cut 11 (11) “…one dimensional” 

The Tigers face a much bigger test in week two when they visit 10th ranked Texas on Saturday. The Longhorns easily handled Louisiana Tech 45-14.

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Its Labor Day and the job market in the state is getting lots of attention in the governor’s race with the Edwards administration touting full employment, but the Republican challengers say the state is the only one to have lost jobs over the last year. LSU Economist Loren Scott says the economy is not growing at a rapid pace.

Cut 12 (10) “…half a percent.”

Scott says two factors contribute to the slowed growth.

Cut 13 (13) “…Lake Charles area.”

Escalating trade tensions with China has some concerned about the possibility of a recession. Scott says of the forecasts he looks at, that doesn’t appear to be in the cards.

Cut 14 (08) “…us into recession.” 

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Cut 15 (10) “…before you enter that intersection.”

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Cut 16  (18) “…on Sunday”   

cut 17 (13) “…they will” 

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Cut 18 (13) “…football team” 

 cut 19 (13)   “a unit”  

cut 20 (20) “Offense” 

The forecast for Hurricane Dorian appears that it will skirt the Florida coast line and make landfall along the Georgia and South Carolina boarder. That’s according to the update from the National Hurricane center this morning. Dorian is a Category 4 storm now with sustained winds at 145 miles per hour nearing a Category 5.. Predictions have the storm taking a sharp right turn and possible landfall along the Carolina coastline late Wednesday.

In Morgan City the 84^th the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is cooking up plenty for the historic event. Executive Director Darby Radcliffe says people come from all over for the food and shrimp lovers will have a hard time running out of options…

Cut 8 (09) “…you can think of.”

Food is not the only draw of the festival there’s live music and carnival rides.

Traveling this weekend is a bit lighter on the wallet compared to last Labor Day Weekend with gas prices down 40 cents a gallon this year and down 16 cents in just the last month. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says last Labor Day weekend we were paying about 2.60 a gallon. But for Gulf South states those low numbers aren’t necessarily comforting.

Cut 12 (11) “…companies”

Louisiana’s current statewide average is 2.19, while the national average is 2.58 a gallon.

College football is in full swing across the state. UL Lafayette and Mississippi State are in the Dome today. LSU kicks off tonight at home against Georgia Southern, ULM and Grambling play in Monroe tonight and Southern plays McNeese State in Lake Charles. La Tech is in Texas playing the Longhorns tonight.

A longshot candidate for governor is under fire for using a racist phrase on talk radio. Gary Landrieu, was on WGSO radio in New Orleans and while being asked about names used against him when he was a child, a racially offensive term used against people who support African-Americans was made. A Gary Landrieu spokeswoman said he was just bluntly explaining his childhood experiences.  As a nephew of former Mayor Moon Landrieu, who had championed civil rights Gary Landrieu’s stances are drastically different from those of his famous relatives.

The Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is underway in Morgan City. The oldest chartered harvest festival in the Bayou State offers carnival rides, live music, and a ton of food but Executive Director Darby Radcliffe says make sure you catch the Sunday parade honoring a historic catch…

Cut 6 (09) “…first catch.”

The festival wraps up on Labor Day.

Gas prices are down 40 cents a gallon compared Labor Day Weekend last year.There’s already gas stations in Louisiana, particularly in the Capital City Region seeing prices under two dollars a gallon. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says it may not be long before that’s the norm.

Cut 13 (08) “a gallon.”

Right now the statewide average is 2.19 a gallon.

The Eastbank Little League world-champions are being honored with a parade this morning in Jefferson Parish.  They are the first Louisiana team to ever win the Little League World Series title. The Little Leaguers are hot commodities on parade route they’ve also been chosen to ride in the Krewe of Bacchus Parade. The Eastbank All-Stars and the girls’ Eastbank World Series finalists will ride in a special float February 23^rd in New Orleans.

Labor Day Weekend gas prices are down 40 cents a gallon from where they were this time last year, and down 16 cents in just the last month alone. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says last Labor Day weekend we were paying about 2.60 a gallon. He notes for Gulf South states those low numbers aren’t necessarily comforting.

Cut 12 (11) “…companies”

Louisiana’s current statewide average is 2.19, while the national average is 2.58 a gallon.

ULM sold out its new Grove tailgating area ahead of their season opener against Grambling State today.  ULM Athletic Director Scott McDonald says the new area on the east end of Malone Stadium has electricity, water, and room for RVs on game day.

Cut 3 (11) “…and hook up.”

That game starts at 7pm.

The oldest chartered harvest festival in the Bayou State is underway in St. Mary Parish. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “..I’m Connor Ferrill”

The Festival wraps up Labor Day.

Hurricane Dorian is a Category 4 storm now and the Saturday morning forecast from the National Hurricane Center has the storm taking a sharp right so the center of the storm doesn’t make Florida landfall and the path now has the storm headed for landfall near the South Carolina and Georgia border.

Hurricane Dorian is forecast to make landfall as a Category 4 storm on the Atlantic coast of South Florida late Monday or early Tuesday, but it’s not a storm to dismiss in Louisiana just yet.

cut  2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

A Jefferson Parish Deputy had a near miss after a standoff with a suspect ends in the suspect firing a round at the officer that was deflected off his gun belt. That suspect was ultimately shot and wounded, and even bitten by a police dog. The standoff began when authorities were called to the scene to assist with a person who was struggling with mental health issues.

Drop by Morgan City this weekend as the 84^th Shrimp and Petroleum Festival ramps up and gives a little something for everybody over the Labor Day weekend. Visitors will be treated to a number of fun rides, good eats, and some unexpected events…

Cut 7 (11) “…wrestling match going on.”

That’s Executive Director Darby Radcliffe who says make sure you don’t miss the Sunday parade celebrating the legendary jumbo shrimp catch that sparked the celebration.

ULM sells out its new Grove tailgating area ahead of their season opener against Grambling State on Saturday.  ULM Athletic Director Scott McDonald says the new area on the east end of Malone Stadium will have electricity, water, and room for RVs on game day.

Cut 3 (11) “…and hook up.”

It’s only the 4th time the team’s have gone at it.

The oldest chartered harvest festival in the Bayou State kicks off tonight in St. Mary Parish.

Cut 1 (32) “..I’m Connor Ferrill”

Louisiana is not out of the woods when it comes to Hurricane Dorian. Currently, the storm is expected to make landfall as a Cat 4 on the Atlantic coast of South Florida. While the chances are low for an impact on Louisiana, State Climatologist Barry Keim says history indicates it is a possibility.

Cut 9 (10) “…Gulf of Mexico.”

Labor Day Weekend gas prices are down 40 cents a gallon from where they were this time last year, and down 16 cents in just the last month alone. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman predicts prices will continue to slip in the long term, but the huge dip we’ve seen recently may freeze in place while the industry keeps tabs on a storm that could enter the Gulf.

Cut 14 (10) “…passes”

Louisiana’s current statewide average is 2.19, while the national average is 2.58 a gallon.

ULM sells out its new Grove tailgating area ahead of their hugely anticipated season opener against Grambling State on Saturday. ULM Athletic Director Scott McDonald says the changes come due to ongoing construction on the campus taking place where people used to set up for tailgating.

Cut 4 (10) “…whole tailgating experience..”

The game marks only the 4^th time the two north Louisiana powers have gone at it.

The sixth ranked LSU Tigers are expected to show off a new offense on Saturday night when they kick off the 2019 season by hosting Georgia Southern. The Bayou Bengals have installed a spread offense during the offseason and quarterback Joe Burrow says they’l spread the ball around to a variety of wide receivers and some passes are expected to go to the running backs too. 

On the other side of the fooball Sterlin Gilbert will make his coaching debut for the Cowboys. Kick-off in Lake Charles is at 6:00 as the game is expected to draw the lawrgest crowd in Cowboy Stadium in nearly 20 years.