LRN AM Newscall September 30

Senator Bill Cassidy may be sounding a little nervous about Republicans’ chances of keeping control of Congress. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Starting this Saturday and running through October 11th, Louisiana hunters are able to harvest black-bellied whistling ducks. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieshnick.”

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Based on polling, most Americans do not support the U.S. military conflict with Iran. But Jeff Palermo reports Senator John Kennedy is fully behind the military action.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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“Republicans have a problem.” Those are the words of Senator Bill Cassidy now that we’re inside five weeks to go before the midterm elections. Cassidy says President Trump’s words of motivation for his fellow Republicans may end up backfiring.

Cut 4 (09) “…voting for Republicans.”

Based on opinion polls nationwide, Democrats are widely expected to win back control of the House, despite Republican efforts to redraw district lines in their favor; and Democrats have a decent chance of winning a majority in the Senate. But of the Senate seats to flip to the Democrats, Cassidy does not expect Louisiana to be among them.

Cut 5 (10) “…we know that.”

There have been only two publicly-released Senate polls in Louisiana, both commissioned by the Jamie Davis campaign, and both show Davis within four points of Julia Letlow. Cassidy says there are other quality Republican incumbents on the November ballot who could help the GOP keep control of Congress’ upper house.

Cut 6 (15) “…with great integrity.”

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This Saturday, a special black-bellied whistling duck season begins. It will run through October 11th. Wildlife and Fisheries Assistant Secretary Tommy Tuma says Louisiana is the first state to have a black bellied whistling duck season, and it’s because there is an overabundance of them.

Cut 7 (07) “…in the season.”

The black-bellied whistling ducks have grown into a significant agriculture and residential nuisance. Tuma says they damage rice fields, their persistent loud whistling noises is not pleasant to listen to, and they compete with native wood ducks for nesting places.

Cut 8 (08) “…some crop depredation.”

The daily bag limit for the season with be four, with a possession limit of 12. Tuma says all hunters participating in the season will be required to have a free, black-bellied whistling duck hunting permit from LDWF.

Cut 9 (09)  “…whistling duck permit.”

Shooting hours will be sunrise to sunset, and hunters are required to report effort and harvest within 15 days of the black-bellied whistling duck season closure.

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Public opinion polls show that most Americans do not support the United States’ military conflict against Iran.  But Louisiana U.S. Senator John Kennedy says President Trump’s decision to use military force against Iran will result in a much safer world.

Cut 10 (13) “…Mad Max 4.”

Kennedy says the U.S., with the help of Israel, has weakened Iran’s military, including its naval fleet and the country no longer has an air defense system. Louisiana’s Republican Senator also says Iran no longer has nuclear weapons program.

Cut 11 (14) “…of your B-S.”

Kennedy says he knows the war in Iran has raised the price of gas and increased inflation, but he’s proud America has weakened Iran’s military capability.

Cut 12 (09) “…weapons-producing facilities.”

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Louisiana Tech University president Jim Henderson announced he will be retiring at the end of December after a career in Louisiana higher education that has lasted over two decades. Henderson previously served as the Northwestern State University president and UL system president. He says going back to the university level has been energizing and rewarding for him and his wife.

Cut 13 (12)  “…joy for us.”

In his three years at Louisiana Tech, Henderson helped welcome record-breaking freshman classes and guided the university to the highest retention rate in the UL system. He says health concerns are the reason for his retirement.

Cut 14 (08) “…decide what’s next.”

Henderson said in an email to staff that there has been a noticeable decline in his health but no immediate threats to his mortality. He plans to go spend time with his family in Florida as he focuses on his health.

Cut 15 (08) “…be in January.”

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With Whit Weeks out for the foreseeable future, LSU junior linebacker Davhon (DAY-von) Keys is expected to replace Weeks in the starting lineup. Keys has plenty of experience, as he started five games his freshman year and filled in for Weeks when he was injured last year. Keys says Weeks brought a lot of energy to the defense, and he needs to do the same.

Cut 16 (11) “…and speak up.”

This Saturday, LSU hosts the McNeese Cowboys, an FCS team that the Tigers should be able to handle rather easily. But Keys says they are keeping the same mindset that they had last week when they faced Texas A&M.

Cut 17 (12) “…make a difference.”

LSU is ranked 3rd in the nation in total defense, as they’re getting great contributions from older players and freshman like defensive tackle Deuce Geralds. Geralds is second on the team in sacks with four. Keys says Geralds has been an impressive kid to watch as soon as he stepped foot on campus.

Cut 18 (15) “…the big screen.”

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After falling to FAU 53-17 over the weekend, ULM has now lost 12 games in a row going back to last season. Despite the loss, head coach Bryant Vincent says there were still some positives to take away, like the play of senior quarterback Aidan Armenta.

Cut 19 (16) “…to make plays.”

Armenta was the starter coming into the season but was benched for Austin Carlisle, who missed Saturday’s game with an injury. Vincent says he would like to be able to play both quarterbacks.

The Warhawks open Sun Belt play at South Alabama this Saturday. The Jaguars hung around with Kentucky in a 45-21 loss last week. Vincent says the team needs to clean up its mistakes as a new season kicks off.

Cut 20 (12) “…South Alabama team.”

Kickoff is at 6:00.