7:30 LRN Newscast

It’s been one year since Hurricane Ida made landfall – devastating Lafourche Parish. Kevin Gallagher reports on the parish’s recovery…:
Cut 2 (29) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The tropics are showing signs of heating up. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring four areas for possible development, but none of them pose a real threat to Louisiana. Tropical Storm Danielle has a good chance of developing later in the week in the central Atlantic, however at this time the broad area of low pressure is not a threat to land.

It was 17 years ago today, Hurricane Katrina brought devastating flooding that left New Orleans mostly under water. And while the city has rebuilt, filmmaker Edward Buckles says the emotional well-being of the children who lived Katrina and lost their homes, sense of community, and security, for many, remains adrift. Buckles believes much of the crime happening in New Orleans can be traced back to Katrina…
Cut 5 (08) “…that film.”
Buckles was 13 years old during Katrina and he says for himself and others in the film, it was therapeutic to finally talk about their experience.

LSU Ag Center Entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says the consistent rainfall this summer has led a bigger Love Bug population. Love Bugs can damage the paint on your vehicle if you drive through a large swarm, but they are an important part of the food chain…
cut 15 (07) “…I think”
Ashbrook says love bugs will mate for 12 hours and the female can lay an egg mass that has 100 to 350 larvae.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

We are now less than a week away from Brian Kelly making his debut as the head coach of the Fighting Tigers. Kelly has brought in dozens of new players. One of those guys is cornerback Mekhi Garner, who transferred in from U-L Lafayette…

Cut 16 (16) “..this staff.”
Kelly meets with the media at noon today and we’ll see if he announces a starting quarterback for Sunday’s season opener against Florida State in the Superdome.

The Cajuns are getting ready to take on Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday. The Lions are the favorites to win the Southland and they have a new quarterback this year. Cephus Johnson the Third replaces two-time All-American Cole Kelley. Lions offensive coordinator Greg Stevens says Johnson’s athleticism provides them with an added dimension to their offense.

The preseason schedule is over and now the Saints need to get their roster down to 53 by three o’ clock on Tuesday. Coach Dennis Allen believes after the cuts are made, he’ll have a very solid group…
Cut 19 (19) “…got that”
The Saints released six players yesterday to get the roster down to 74. Running back Abram Smith was one of the players waived. The undrafted rookie out of Baylor had a team-high 29 carries in the preseason, but only rushed for 90 yards. Smith’s departure leaves the Saints with four running backs, Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram, Tony Jones and Dwayne Washington. Kirk Merritt is a wide receiver, who has also worked at running back during training camp.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Today marks one year since the landfall of Category 4 Hurricane Ida. Lafourche Parish was among those hit hardest by the storm’s winds and storm surge. A year later, Parish President Archie Chaisson says (and he uses the term loosely) “we’re getting back to normal”
Cut 7 (10) “…recovery process.”
Chaisson says about 25-hundred households in Lafourche still live in temporary housing.

It was 17 years ago today Hurricane Katrina came ashore and changed southeast Louisiana forever. There’s a documentary called Katrina Babies streaming on HBO-Max and filmmaker and New Orleans native Edward Buckles looks at how the storm impacted people who were children at the time. Buckles hopes it’s an example of how children often hide and bury their trauma and if not addressed it can manifest itself later.
Cut 6 (07) “…single day.”

New research from LSU shows that climate change had a big impact on flooding from Hurricane Harvey, which caused massive flooding in Houston in 2017. LSU sociology professor Kevin Smiley is the study’s lead author.
Cut 10 (09) “…from climate change.”
Smiley says for the first time scientists have found that climate change-fueled flooding hit low-income Hispanic neighborhoods the hardest.

In case you haven’t noticed, there’s an explosion of love in the air. Love bugs. LSU AgCenter entomologist Aaron Ashbrook says love bugs are prolific procreators.
Cut 13 (07) “..larvae in there.”
Ashbrook says the summer’s heavy rains make welcome environments for Love Bugs, which is why their population is higher than normal this year.

LRN AM Newscall August 29

An HBO documentary looks at Katrina but from the perspective of children who lived through it. Brooke Thorington has more from the filmmaker of Katrina Babies.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

________________________________________________

It’s been one year since Hurricane Ida made landfall – devastating Lafourche Parish. Kevin Gallagher reports on the parish’s recovery…:

Cut 2 (29) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

________________________________________________

The annual late summer swarms of love bugs are showing up in Louisiana. Marsanne Golsby says there’s no escape.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

________________________________________________

It was 17 years ago today when Hurricane Katrina made landfall, and filmmaker Edwards Buckels’ documentary “Katrina Babies,” tells a story many haven’t heard, it’s from the perspective of children who lived through it. Buckles says he found a common theme when he interviewed others like himself.

Cut 4 (08)  “…of New Orleans.”

And while the city has rebuilt, Buckels says the emotional well-being of the children who lived Katrina and lost their homes, sense of community, and security, for many, remains adrift. Buckles says it was when he asked himself why the city is so overrun with crime, that it inspired his documentary.

Cut 5 (08) “…that film.”

For himself and others in the film, Buckels says it’s been therapeutic to finally talk about their experience. He hopes it’s an example going forward to recognize that children often hide and bury their trauma and if not addressed it can manifest itself later.

Cut 6 (07)  “…single day.”

“Katrina Babies” is now streaming on HBO/Max.

________________________________________________

Today marks one year since the landfall of Category 4 Hurricane Ida. Lafourche Parish was among those hit hardest by the storm’s winds and storm surge. A year later, Parish President Archie Chaisson says (and he uses the term loosely) “we’re getting back to normal”

Cut 7 (10) “…recovery process.”

Chaisson says about 25-hundred households in Lafourche still live in temporary housing. He says areas that looked like a war zone in Ida’s aftermath, are starting to look more normal again.

Cut 8 (10)  “…recreational activities.”

Chaisson says many homeowners are still struggling with their insurance companies to get their homes rebuilt. Others are finding new coverage, after having been dropped by one of the many companies to exit Louisiana. He says Lafourche just received a $50-million Community Development Block Grant to help with rebuilding

Cut 9 (11)  “…like that.”

_______________________________________________

New research from LSU shows that climate change had a big impact on flooding from Hurricane Harvey, which caused massive flooding in Houston in 2017.  LSU sociology professor Kevin Smiley is the study’s lead author.

Cut 10 (09) “…from climate change.”

But Smiley says the study goes even further. For the first time, scientists have found that climate change-fueled flooding hit low-income Hispanic neighborhoods the hardest.

Cut  11 (09)  “…Latino residence” 

Smiley says low-income neighborhoods grew up along Houston’s waterways and petrochemical corridor. Smiley says the study points researchers in the direction of future studies to see if similar impacts occur in other cities.

Cut 12 (10) “…damage from flooding.” 

Smiley says there’s a clear climate and environmental justice story about the location of poor neighborhoods.

________________________________________________

In case you haven’t noticed, there’s an explosion of love in the air. Love bugs. LSU etymologist Aaron Ashbrook says love bugs are prolific procreators.

Cut 13 (07) “..larvae in there.”

That’s 100 to 350 larvae. From one mating. Ashbrook says the summer’s heavy rains make welcome environments for the baby bugs.

Cut 14 (03)  “…much better”.

He says we have a lot of large swarms this year because of moist leaves and other organic matter. And he adds as much as they are a nuisance, they aren’t a threat to humans. In fact, they’re an important part of the food chain.

Cut 15 (07)  “…I think.”

Ashbrook says they mate for twelve hours, but after they detach the female lays eggs and then they die.

________________________________________________

We are now less than a week away from Brian Kelly making his debut as the head coach of the Fighting Tigers. Kelly has brought in dozens of new players. One of those guys is cornerback Mekhi Garner, who transferred in from U-L Lafayette…

Cut 16 (16)  “..this staff.”

Cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse is also a new edition. The Shreveport native transferred in from Oklahoma State and he can’t wait to wear the Purple and Gold in New Orleans….

Cut 17 (07) “..ready to go” 

LSU’s biggest strength is its defensive line and linebacker Greg Penn the Third says it’s an impressive group, especially at defensive tackle…

Cut  18 (13)“…playing good”

_____________________________________________________________    

The preseason schedule is over and now the Saints need to get their roster from 83 to 53-player by three o’ clcok on Tuesday. Coach Dennis Allen believes after the cuts are made, he’ll have a very solid group…

Cut 19 (19) “…got that”

The Saints concluded the preseason with a 27-10 win over the Chargers on Friday. Jameis Winston returned to the field for the first time since tearing his ACL last October. Allen says Winston looked sharp as he led the team down the field on a touchdown drive…

Cut 20 (22) “ …together” 

10:30 AM Newscast

For LRN I’m Erik Piccoli

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources announces a 25-million-dollar grant from the federal government that will go towards cleaning up abandoned wells. D-N-R spokesperson Patrick Courreges says the federal funding comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and the federal government has indicated states will receive additional funding in the coming months….

Cut 4  (11) “…dealing with.”

 

A preliminary settlement has been reached in the class-action lawsuit against Bob Dean over the evacuation of more than 800 nursing home patients to a warehouse last year during Hurricane Ida. The class-action lawsuit is seeking restitution for the 843 nursing home residents who experienced deplorable conditions at the Tangipahoa warehouse after the category 4 storm made landfall a year ago Monday. Blair Constant, one of the attorneys representing patients, says reaching a settlement in such a short time frame is rare.

Cut 7 (08) “…from now.” 

 

LRN

+++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Attorney Ben Crump is calling on the state Legislature to hold a special session to address the state’s abortion ban law. Crump represents Nancy Davis who was denied an abortion in Louisiana despite being told her baby had Acrania, a lethal condition for the fetus in which the skull does not fully form. Crump says this is the type of medical exemption in which an abortion should be allowed in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (11)  “…actually clear.”

 

The governor’s office has not said if Governor Edwards is considering calling a special session to clarify the law.

 

And a petition to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been filed with the Secretary of State’s Office, as she faces criticism for a taxpayer-funded trip to France.  Also, Cantrell showed up in court in support of a 14-year-old convicted carjacker and his family. Stephanie Uddo was one of his victims, and says Cantrell’s appearance was an unpleasant surprise…:

Cut 12 (09) “….for us.”  

 

The recall effort must garner signatures from 20% of people eligible to vote in Orleans Parish within 6 months to get on a ballot.

9:30 AM Newscast

For LRN I’m Erik Piccoli

The attorney for a woman who was refused an abortion in Louisiana even though her fetus has an unformed skull is calling on the legislature to hold a special session and clarify the law. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”  

 

And the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources announces a 25-million dollar grant from the federal government that will go towards cleaning up abandoned wells. D-N-R spokesperson Patrick Courreges says they can begin spending the money on October 1st

Cut 3 (10) “…really well” 

 

DNR is seeking qualified contractors to plug, cap, and reclaim these orphaned wells.

LRN

+++++++++++++++

A preliminary settlement has been reached in the class-action lawsuit against Bob Dean over the evacuation of more than 800 nursing home patients to a warehouse last year during Hurricane Ida. Blair Constant, one of the attorneys representing patients, says a trial date of October 3rd has been set.

Cut 6 (09) “…the court.” 

 

This would equate to approximately $17- thousand for each patient.

And while in the midst of a petition recall to recall her following a taxpayer-funded trip to France, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell showed up in court in support of a 14-year-old convicted carjacker and his family. The mayor says she “didn’t take sides”, but victim Stephanie Uddo disagrees. Uddo says Cantrell reached out to the perpetrator and his family, but never her. The mayor’s office says she didn’t know how. Uddo says Cantrell apparently didn’t want to

Cut 14 (13)  “..poor explanation.” 

 

Uddo and the other victims would like an apology from Cantrell.

LRN

8:30 AM Newscast

For the LRN I’m Erik Piccoli

A preliminary settlement in the class-action lawsuit against Bob Dean and the botched nursing home evacuation during Hurricane Ida has been reached. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

And the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources announces a 25-million dollar grant from the federal government that will go towards cleaning up abandoned wells. Most of the orphaned wells are in north Louisiana with 31 hundred of the 45-hundred current abandoned well sites in the Shreveport and Monroe areas. D-N-R spokesperson Patrick Courreges says these wells become an environmental hazard over time…

Cut 5  (09) “..methane.”

 

LRN

++++++++++++

Attorney Ben Crump is calling on the state Legislature to hold a special session to address the state’s abortion ban law. Louisiana law imposes harsh penalties on doctors who perform newly-illegal abortions. Doctors can face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Crump says the Legislature needs to act as soon as possible because of other women in similar situations who will suffer if the law isn’t changed.

Cut 11 (10)  “.beautiful mother”

 

A petition to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been filed with the Secretary of State’s Office, as she faces criticism for a taxpayer-funded trip to France. Wednesday afternoon, Cantrell addressed growing anger about her choice. Cantrell had also shown up in court in support of a 14-year-old convicted carjacker and his family, per their request. Of the victims, Cantrell said, “I did say God bless you, that means something to me, maybe not to you, but that means something to me.” Stephanie Uddo was one of the victims and said Cantrells presence made her feel victimized all over again…:

Cut 13 (10) “as a weapon.” 
LRN

07:30 LRN Sportscast

The Saints looked ready for the regular season last night with a 27-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. L-A didn’t play its starters, which certainly helped New Orleans, who went with its first team to start the game. Jameis Winston was four for for with 59 yards passing in his first game back since suffering a season-ending knee injury last October. Back-up Andy Dalton was five for five for 73 yards. Mark Ingram got nine carries and rushed for 34 yards and two touchdowns.

But on Ingram’s first touchdown, rookie left tackle Trevor Penning suffered an injury and was carted off the field. Penning got the start, because veteran James Hurst has been out with an unknown injury. After the game. Coach Dennis Allen said Penning suffered a toe injury and Hurst will be back sooner than later.

The first regular season game is Sunday, September 11th as the Saints visit the Falcons.
________________________________________________________________
LSU is scheduled to practice in Tiger Stadium this morning as they are eight days away from the season opener against Florida State. The Seminoles will kick-off their season today when they host Duquense. Coach Brian Kelly meets with the media again on Monday and we’ll find out then if he’s ready to announce a starting quarterback.

Louisiana Tech is less than a week away from its season opener as the Bulldogs will visit Missouri on Thursday night. Tech is a 19-point underdog.

A week from today, the Ragin Cajuns will host Southeastern Louisiana, ULM will be at Texas. Grambling is at Arkansas State as the Tigers begin the Hue Jackson era.

Also next Saturday, Northwestern State will make a long road trip to Montana. McNeese visits Montana State and Nicholls will be at South Alabama.

Tulane will open the season on Saturday by hosting U-Mass. The Green Wave is 16 and 24 versus F-B-s teams since opening their new on-campus stadium.

5:30 LRN Newscast Aug 26

The attorney for a woman who was refused an abortion in Louisiana even though her fetus has an unformed skull is calling on the legislature to hold a special session and clarify the law.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”  

There’s been another reported kidnapping incident on LSU’s campus, the second one during the first week of class. LSU police is calling it an attempted kidnapping near Acadian Hall and it’s unrelated to a reported kidnapping earlier this week, which is also still under investigation.

A petition to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been filed with the Secretary of State’s Office, as she faces criticism for a taxpayer-funded trip to France. Also, Cantrell showed up in court in support of a 14-year-old convicted carjacker. Stephanie Uddo was one of his victims, and says Cantrell’s appearance was an unpleasant surprise…:

Cut 12 (09) “….for us.”  
The recall petition claims that Cantrell has shown a “failure to put New Orleans first and execute the responsibilities of the position.”

A preliminary settlement has been reached in the class-action lawsuit against Bob Dean over the evacuation of nursing home patients to a warehouse during Hurricane Ida. Blair Constant, one of the attorneys representing patients, says it equates to about $17-thousand for each patient, and reaching a settlement in such a short time frame is rare.

Cut 7 (08) “…from now.” 

 

4:30 LRN Newscast

A preliminary settlement in the class-action lawsuit against Bob Dean and the botched nursing home evacuation during Hurricane Ida has been reached. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Inflation and gas prices appear to be also impacting the state’s gaming industry. Louisiana’s 13 riverboat casinos, four racinos and Harrah’s land-based casino brought in 204-million dollars in July, an eight percent decrease from July 2021.

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources announces a 25-million dollar grant from the federal government that will go towards cleaning up abandoned wells. D-N-R spokesperson Patrick Courregas says they can begin spending the money on October 1st….
cut 3 (10) “…really well”
Courregas says Louisiana’s orphaned well count is around 45-hundred.

A recall petition against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been filed with the Secretary of State’s Office. Residents are upset with her recent taxpayer funded trip to France and her appearance in a juvenile court showing support for a teen carjacker. A victim of that carjacking, Stephanie Uddo says the mayor also should have reached out to her, but the mayor says she wasn’t able to find contact information…
cut 14 (13) “…poor explanation”