14:30 LRN Newscast September 8

State economic development secretary Don Pierson says Louisiana will likely make a bid to land a new headquarters for Amazon. The online retailer says they need another location, to go along with their Seattle headquarters. Pierson says the Bayou State has a lot to offer, an international airport and major interstates…
cut 5 (11) “…for commerce”

LSU fans from around the state will be in Baton Rouge tomorrow for the home opener against Chattanooga. The Tigers are a heavy favorite, but Head Coach Ed Orgeron says they have a great deal of respect for the Mocs…
cut 15 (08) “…but a battle”
Kick-off is at 6:30.

North America is bidding to the host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and New Orleans will bid to be one of the host sites for the international soccer matches. The games must be played on natural grass, but CEO and President of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, Jay Cicero, says that can be accomplished in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome…
cut 7 (10) “….it out”

The state department of transportation says there’s an increase in accidents on I-10 in Acadiana as work is underway to widen the interstate from Lafayette to the Atchafalaya Basin. DOTD spokesperson Deidra Druilhet says they’ve placed speed trailers along the highway to clock drivers as they pass….
cut 10 (11) “…construction zone”
Durilhet says they’re also putting a solid line through the construction zone to deter drivers from changing lanes.

LRN PM Newscall September 8

Louisiana could be a contender for Amazon’s new corporate headquarters as the online retail giant plans to spend five billion dollars on a second headquarters. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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If North America wins the bid host the 2026 FIFA World Cup in soccer, New Orleans would like to host a few matches. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Amazon seeks a location for new corporate headquarters, as the online mega retailer plans to open a second corporate location. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says Louisiana has a lot of strengths to offer should we throw our hat in the ring, and its likely we will…

Cut 3 (10) “office space”

Amazon is reportedly looking for a metropolitan area with more than a million people near an international airport with access to mass transit. New Orleans could be a perfect fit. Pierson says the number one rated LED Fast Start program can also offer skilled employees.

Cut 4  (08) “in Louisiana”

Pierson has said a prime location could be between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. He says the Bayou State has a lot of unique features to offer, like plenty of transportation infrastructure with two major interstates and particularly the I-10 corridor.

Cut 5  (11)  “for commerce”

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North America is bidding against Morocco to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and New Orleans wants to get in on the action. Jay Cicero, CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says the Crescent City has already hosted 10 Superbowls, six men’s Final Fours and the World Cup would be a perfect addition. But he says the competition is fierce.

Cut 6 (10)”put forth”

U.S. Soccer plans to announce in the fall a list of potential 25 host cities in America. Cicero says if selected, they would add natural grass to the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

Cut 7 (10)  “it out”

The Superdome currently has 72-thousand seats. Cicero says to be considered for an opening or final match, the stadium must hold 80-thousand people and that could happen after the next rounds of renovations. He says the Big Easy has so much to offer.

Cut 8 (10) “to Louisiana”

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The state department of transportation is raising awareness about construction zone safety. DOTD reports a shocking uptick in accidents along I-10 in Acadiana, where crews are working to widen the interstate in each direction. Deidra Druilhet with DOTD says work zones come with different driving conditions.

Cut 9 (10)  “those areas”

Druilhet says signs are in place indicating reduced speed limits from I-49 to the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. She says speed trailers are in place displaying speed limits and clocking drivers as they pass, as well as a queue detection system and message boards indicating delay times.

Cut 10 (11) “construction zone”

Druilhet says they’re also putting a solid line through the construction zone to deter motorists from changing lanes. She encourages motorists to stay alert, minimize distractions, be patient, and heed all warnings and speed zones.

Cut 11 (09) “that’s there”

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Louisiana utility crews are heading to Georgia to help with any potential power outages as Hurricane Irma tracks north towards the US. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says crews are meeting at the St. Tammany Service Center Monday to make the trip to Macon, Georgia.

Cut 12 (11) “Hurricane Irma”

Cahill says Cleco is a member of the mutual assistance program called the Southeastern Electric Exchange. She says members offer restoration support after major outage events. Cleco assisted Georgia Power after Hurricane Matthew.

Cut 13 (08) “electrical systems”

Georgia Power services about 2.5 million customers in Georgia. Cahill says Cleco crews will be on hand as needed to make sure those residents have their power restored right away.

Cut 14 (10) “electrical systems”

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13:30 LRN Newscast September 8

Louisiana could be a contender for Amazon’s new corporate headquarters as the online retail giant plans to spend five billion dollars on a second headquarters. Don Molino has more…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

The state department of transportation has seen an increase in accidents on I-10 in Acadiana as work is underway to widen the interstate. DOTD spokesperson Deidra Druilhet….
cut 9 (10) “….those areas”

Louisiana utility crews are heading to Georgia to help with any potential power outages as Hurricane Irma tracks north towards the US. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says crews are meeting at the St. Tammany Service Center Monday to make the trip to Macon, Georgia.
Cut 12 (11) “Hurricane Irma”
Cahill says Cleco also assisted Georgia Power following Hurricane Matthew.

New Orleans plans to make a bid to host World Cup soccer games if North America is named as a host site for one of the biggest sporting events in the world in 2026. President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, Jay Cicero, says the Big Easy has so much to offer to international sports fans….
cut 8 (10) “….to Louisiana”
US Soccer plans to announce in the fall a list of potential 25 host cities in America.

12:30 Newscast September 8,2017

Amazon is looking for a new location for their corporate headquarters, as the huge online retailer has plans to open a second corporate location. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says New Orleans could be a perfect fit. He says the number one rated LED Fast Start program can also offer skilled employees.
Cut 4 (08) “in Louisiana”

North America is bidding against Morocco to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and New Orleans wants to get in on the action. Jay Cicero, CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says the Crescent City has already hosted 10 Superbowls, six men’s Final Fours and the World Cup would be a perfect addition. But he says the competition is fierce.
Cut 6 (10)”put forth”

 

CSRA in Bossier City is setting up a call center to connect Harvey victims to recovery resources. Don Molino has more…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

Cleco has moblized crews to Georgia and Florida to help restore potential power outages due to Hurricane Irma. Now here’s a look at commodities.

11:40 LRN Sportscast September 8

There’s been a stunning development with the Saints. 37-year-old long snapper Jon Dornbos needs to have immediate open-heart surgery after he was diagnosed with an aortic (A-or-tic) aneurysm. He was recently traded to the Saints from Philadelphia for a seventh round draft pick in 2019. Coach Sean Payton says a phsical conducted by Dr. John Amoss saved Dorenbos’ life. New Orleans is bringing in long snappers today and expect to sign one before Monday night’s season opener against Minnesota.

No ULM game on Saturday versus Florida State in Tallahassee as that game has been cancelled because of Hurricane Irma.

The weather is perfect for high school football tonight. Ruston who upset Neville last week will travel to Lafayette to face Acadiana. St. Charles Catholic takes on Destrehan and in northeast Louisiana, Ouchita Christian battles Sterlington.

LSU looked really good in the Tigers shutout win over BYU in the season opener, LSU allowed just 97 total yards and held BYU to negative five rushing yards. Tomorrow night they host Chattanooga, linebacker Devin White led the team in tackles that night and expects more dominate performances…
Cut 16 (14) “need to be”

11:30 LRN Newscast September 8

Amazon seeks a location for a new corporate headquarters, as the online mega retailer plans to open a second corporate location. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says Louisiana has a lot of strengths to offer should we throw our hat in the ring, and its likely we will.
Cut 3 (10) “office space”
Amazon says they are looking to spend five-billion dollars to build another headquarters in North America.

It’s a big weekend of college football and Louisiana Tech will host Mississippi State in Ruston. Both teams won their season openers. State shutout Charleston Southern 49-0. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz is very impressed with how State won its season opener…
cut 14 (11) “…college football”

The Governor’s Office is holding a statewide blood drive today amid a supply shortage following Hurricane Harvey. Tina Martinez with LifeShare Blood Centers says because of the hurricane’s destruction, many communities have not been able to donate blood to support the medical needs of local patients:
Cut 27 (07) “donations daily”
Blood drive locations have been set up in all the major Louisiana cities, and donors can also go by any LifeShare location to contribute.

Congress has approved a 15-billion dollar disaster aid package to help victims of Hurricane Harvey. Both of Louisiana’s U-S Senators voted for the bill. Republican John Kennedy has a message for those struggling to find hope….
cut 11 (10) “…think you won’t”

10:30 Newscast September 8

US Senator John Kennedy was one of 80 senators to support $15 billion in FEMA funding for Harvey relief efforts. Kennedy says FEMA is doing a good job lately with Administrator Brock Long at the helm. He says how the funding is spent will be up to them.

Cut 12 (08) “different”

The funding bill heads to the US House for final approval.

CSRA will open a call center in Bossier City next week to connect Harvey victims to available resources. Spokesperson Mimi Hedgcock says this facility will be vital to affected families trying to put their lives back together.

Cut 6 (09) “as possible”

A $95 million FEMA grant will fund the call center.

A statewide blood drive is being held today in the hopes of replenishing a short supply following Hurricane Harvey. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor Edwards will be on hand for the blood drive in Alexandria, after he meets with business leaders in another round table to discuss the looming fiscal cliff. Edwards held a similar meeting yesterday in Houma and says the discussion was productive as local officials suggest the best methods for closing a billion dollar budget gap.

 

09:30 Newscast, September 8th, 2017

Today Governor John Bel Edwards will travel to Alexandria for continued meetings with local elected officials and business leaders to address the budget challenges facing Louisiana. While there, he will take part in a statewide blood drive his office has organized. Tina Martinez with LifeShare Blood Centers says, due to Hurricane Harvey, there is a major need for blood:
CUT 9 (11) “the process”
Harvey victims will no doubt need help navigating the red tape of getting federal aid, and CSRA in Bossier City is setting up a call center to help. . Spokesperson Mimi Hedgcock says they  held a job fair for full and part-time positions..:
Cut 5 (10) “Louisiana”

Both of Louisiana’s US Senators voted to appropriate 15-billion dollars in disaster aid for victims of Harvey. Junior Senator John Kennedy says although it hasn’t always been the case, FEMA is doing a good job lately, especially with Administrator Brock Long at the helm. Kennedy says the rest will be up to them, since his job ends with providing the funds…:
Cut 12 (08) “different”
The vote was 80-17 in the Senate and now heads to the House for their approval.

Hurricane Irma is now a Category 4 storm, as it moves towards Cuba. Maximum sustained winds were 150 miles per hour, and it was moving west-northwest. A further turn toward the northwest is expected by late Saturday, and on the track — Irma should move near the Florida Keys and southern Florida Peninsula Sunday morning.

No. 10 Florida State has canceled its home game Saturday against ULM because of impending Hurricane Irma. Florida Governor Rick Scott ordered all colleges in the state closed through Monday.

 

08:30 Newscast, September 8th, 2017

Both of Louisiana’s US Senators are on board with getting victims of Hurricane Harvey federal disaster aid as soon as possible. Junior Senator John Kennedy has a message for those struggling to find hope…:
Cut 11 (10) “think you won’t”
The vote to appropriate 15-billion dollars was 80-17 and now heads to the House.

The Governor’s Office is holding a statewide blood drive today amid a supply shortage following Hurricane Harvey. Tina Martinez with LifeShare Blood Centers says this is a great way for people to help those affected by the storm, and it doesn’t cost a thing…:
Cut 8 (11) “to someone”

CSRA in Bossier City is setting up a call center to connect Harvey victims to recovery resources. Don Molino has more…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

12th ranked LSU is coming off a dominating performance over BYU and will host Chattanooga in the home opener for the Tigers tomorrow night. LSU is a heavy favorite to beat the FCS School, but Head Coach Ed Orgeron says they have a great deal of respect for the Mocs..:
Cut 15 (08) “but a battle”
Kickoff is at 6:30.

07:30 Newscast, September 8th, 2017

The Governor’s Office is holding a statewide blood drive today amid a supply shortage following Hurricane Harvey. Tina Martinez with LifeShare Blood Centers says because of the hurricane’s destruction, many communities have not been able to donate blood to support the medical needs of local patients:
Cut 7 (07) “donations daily”
Blood drive locations have been set up in all the major Louisiana cities, and donors can also go by any LifeShare location to contribute.

As of the latest update, now-Cat 4 Hurricane Irma is forecast to move between the Central Bahamas and the North Coast of Cuba today. A turn toward the northwest is expected by late Saturday, and on the track — Irma should move near the Florida Keys and southern Florida Peninsula Sunday morning. Maximum sustained winds are near 150 mph.

Meanwhile, the forecast in Louisiana looks absolutely perfect through much of next week. Humidity is down and morning lows are in the mid-upper 50s, while afternoon highs will only reach the low to mid 80s.

Louisiana’s two US senators were among the 80 who voted to support federal funding for Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

No. 10 Florida State has canceled its home game Saturday against ULM because of impending Hurricane Irma. Florida Governor Rick Scott ordered all colleges in the state closed through Monday.

For the first time since Hurricane Harvey, gas prices did not go up overnight. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $2.40, which is 13 cents higher than the prior week.