08:30 Newscast, September 16th, 2016

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been making headlines for refusing to stand during the National Anthem at games, and the ACLU of Louisiana says they are getting reports about schools punishing kids for sitting during the Pledge. ACLU-LA Executive Director Marjorie Esman says nobody can be forced to stand for the Pledge, salute the flag or anything of that nature…:
cut 11 (09) “everybody has”
They sent a letter to schools reminding them about the First Amendment.

Louisiana has the third highest poverty rate in the country. That’s according to new census data which shows almost 20 percent of people in the state are poor, which is a slight decrease over the prior year…:
CUT 8 (09) “the nation”
That’s Demographer Greg Rigamer.

Monroe based CenturyLink reportedly sent a company wide memo indicating that it plans to lay off as much as 8% of its workforce by the end of the year. The letter said the layoffs are related to the decline in revenue due to more and more people choosing not to have a landline. It is not known how the announcement will affect the local workforce. The company currently has about 43,000 employees worldwide.

This week is National Truck Driver Awareness Week and DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson has been traveling the state in a big rig to see what it’s like. He says a lot of drivers like to take advantage of the fact that trucks can’t speed up as quickly in traffic, but that can be dangerous…:
cut 14 (08) “accidents”
Wilson says most of the things we buy are transported by big trucks, and people should all be appreciative of the important job trucks have in moving commerce.

 

07:30 Newscast, September 16th, 2016

Louisiana has the third highest poverty rate in the nation, according to new census data. Don Molino has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas is $2. Don Redman with AAA expects that trend to continue as refineries transition to the less expensive winter-grade gasoline. He says there may be a slight price increase in October though…:
cut 4 (09) “the consumer”

This week is National Truck Driver Awareness Week. Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says there have been several wrecks involving truck drivers around the state recently. He says the most important thing we can do to make the roads safer for everyone is bring attention to the issue…:
Cut 13 (12) “with you”
Wilson says it’s up to everyone on the road to drive safely, not just truckers.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says they’ve recovered the bodies of two men from Bayou Teche in St. Martin Parish. They say 21-year-old Reese Hebert and 20-year-old Timothy Guidry set out to go fishing in a pirogue around 1am Thursday, and authorities were called when they did not return later that afternoon. Agents found the men soon after. The St. Martin Parish Coroner’s Office is investigating cause of death.

 

 

06:45 Sportscast, September 16th, 2016

Two years ago, Haughton native Dak Prescott led Mississippi State to an upset win over the LSU Tigers in Death Valley. The Bulldogs will look to do it again tomorrow night when they visit the Bayou Bengals. Prescott now plays for the Cowboys, but the “Voice of the Tigers” Chris Blair says State brings another talented dual-threat quarterback to Tiger Stadium in Nick Fitzgerald…:
Cut 16 (11) “key on”
Danny Etling is the likely starter at quarterback for LSU.

Elsewhere around the state tomorrow, ULM is at Georgia Southern, UL-Lafayette hosts South Alabama, Nicholls hosts Incarnate Word. Northwestern State is at Central Arkansas. McNeese hosts Stephen F Austin. Grambling is at JAckson State. Alabama State is at Southern and Tulane hosts Navy.

Two weeks ago, Louisiana Tech nearly upset Arkansas, tomorrow they get a chance against another Power 5 school when they visit Texas Tech. Through two games, the Red Raiders are averaging nearly 587 passing yards. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been outstanding…:
Cut 19 (23) “elusive”
The game kicks off at 6pm.

Forecasters say those attending the college football games this weekend in Louisiana should be prepared for rain and possibly lightning. There is at least a 50% chance of showers and storms throughout the state for tailgating and kickoff. They say the day won’t necessarily be a total washout but rounds of rain and storms will inconvenience outdoor plans.

 

06:30 Newscast, September 16th, 2016

The ACLU of Louisiana says they are getting reports about students being punished for sitting during the Pledge of Allegiance. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says they sent a letter to the superintendents of all Louisiana public school districts reminding them about the First Amendment:
Cut 10 (10) “stand for the pledge”
She hopes this won’t be an issue moving forward.

New census data finds Louisiana has the third highest poverty rate in the country. Demographer Greg Rigamer says Louisiana’s median household income of about $45-thousand is well below the national average, which is over $55-thousand…:
CUT 7 (07) “poorest states”
The national poverty rate is just under 15%, almost 5% lower than Louisiana.

Department of Transpiration Secretary Shawn Wilson is travelling the state in an 18-wheeler this week for National Truck Driver Awareness Week. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Gov. John Bel Edwards today will participate in a bipartisan meeting at the White House to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Officials of both parties from around the country will participate, including Gov. John Kasich of Ohio.

LRN AM Newscall Sept 15

Louisiana has the third highest poverty rate in the nation, according to new census data. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The ACLU of Louisiana says they are getting reports about students being punished for sitting during the Pledge of Allegiance. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Department of Transpiration Secretary Shawn Wilson is travelling the state in an 18-wheeler this week for National Truck Driver Awareness Week. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The statewide average for a gallon of gas is $2 a gallon. Don Redman with AAA expects that trend to continue as refineries transition to the less expensive winter-grade gasoline. He says there may be a slight price increase in October though.

cut 4  (09)  “the consumer”

Redman says after the October uptick, cheaper gasoline and lower demand should bring gas prices back down. He expects prices to hover around $2 a gallon for the remainder of the year.

Cut 5  (07)  “for gasoline”

Redman says demand will likely go up for the holidays. He says so far every holiday of 2016 has seen record high demand for gas.

Cut 6 (07) “and December”

_______________________________________________

New census data finds Louisiana has the third highest poverty rate in the country. Demographer Greg Rigamer says Louisiana’s median household income of about $45-thousand is well below the national average, which is over $55-thousand.

CUT 7 (07)  “poorest states”

Louisiana has the 6th lowest median household income. The national median income increased by 3.8% from 2014-15, while Louisiana’s only went up by 2.5%. Rigamer says the poverty rate is almost 20-percent in Louisiana, and decreased slightly over the past year.

Cut 8 (09) “the nation”

The national poverty rate is just under 15%, almost 5% lower than the rate in the Pelican State. Rigamer says with an average income that’s 20% less than the nationwide average, it’s not surprising the Louisiana poverty rate is so high.

Cut 9 (09)  “nation either”

________________________________________________________

The ACLU of Louisiana says they are getting reports about students being punished for sitting during the Pledge of Allegiance. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says they sent a letter to the superintendents of all Louisiana public school districts reminding them about the First Amendment:

Cut 10 (10) “stand for the pledge”

Esman believes this may have to do with students becoming more aware of their right because San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is making news right now because he sits during the national anthem. She says nobody can be forced to stand for the Pledge, salute the flag or anything of that nature…:

cut 11 (09) “everybody has”

Esman says they’ve heard that students are at least being threatened with detention if they refuse to stand for the Pledge again. She says they sent the letter to ensure that everyone’s rights are being protected and what this country stands for…:

cut 12 (09) “what makes us free”

_______________________________________________________

This week is National Tuck Driver Awareness Week. Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says there have been several wrecks involving truck drivers around the state recently. He says the most important thing we can do to make the roads safer for everyone is bring attention to the issue.

Cut 13 (12) “with you”

Wilson says he’s been riding in an 18-wheeler around the state all week to see what it’s like to be behind the wheel of a big truck. He says a lot of drivers like to take advantage of the fact that trucks can’t speed up as quickly in traffic, but that can be dangerous.

cut 14 (08)  “accidents”

Wilson says it’s up to everyone on the road to drive safely, not just truckers. He says a crash involving an 18-wheeler is more dangerous and more disruptive than accidents involving smaller vehicles.

Cut 15 (10) “clean up”

Wilson says most of the things we buy are transported by big trucks, and people should all be appreciative of the important job trucks have in moving commerce.

_______________________________________________________

Two years ago, Haughton native Dak Prescott led Mississippi State to an upset win over the LSU Tigers in Death Valley. The Bulldogs will look to do it again tomorrow night when they visit the Bayou Bengals. Prescott now plays for the Cowboys, but the “Voice of the Tigers” Chris Blair says State brings another talented dual-threat quarterback to Tiger Stadium in Nick Fitzgerald

Cut 16  (11)  “key on”

Danny Etling is the likely starter at quarterback for LSU. Etling will face a Bulldogs defense that allowed 285 yards through the air in a season-opening loss to South Alabama. Blair says 3 of the 4 starting defensive backs for the Bulldogs are first-time starters

Cut 17 (10)  “the secondary”

Etling had immediate success when he came off the bench last week against Jacksonville State. But Blair says the transfer from Purdue faces a much bigger challenge in his first start in Tiger Stadium…

Cut 18 (20) “thus far”

______________________________________________________

Two weeks ago, Louisiana Tech nearly upset Arkansas, tomorrow they get a chance against another Power 5 school when they visit Texas Tech. Through two games, the Red Raiders are averaging nearly 587 passing yards. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been outstanding…

Cut 19 (23) “elusive”

Senior Ryan Higgins will make his second start of the year after throwing for 409 yards in a win over South Carolina State last week. Higgins was also intercepted twice and Holtz wants his Q-B to make smarter decisions…

Cut 20 (17) “down the field”

18:30 LRN Newscast Sept 15

During today’s Senate Small Business Committee meeting, US Senator David Vitter says many flood victims are having an extremely hard time cutting through the red tape to get federal aid. He says today’s hearing is an important step to getting more assistance and helping his colleagues understand the level of devastation from this flood.

Cut 11 (10) “the way”

According to the Governor’s Office, construction is underway in 357 homes in the Shelter at Home program. Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor’s Office, Julie Baxter Payer, 850 homes are in the process of getting work orders and 4 are complete. She says once construction begins, the homeowners can get back in their homes soon after.

Cut 5 (07) “these days”
Payer says more than 2-thousand home inspections are scheduled.

An arrest has been made in connection with the murders of an elderly couple found in a barn in Avoyelles Parish. Chief Deputy Steven Martel says the grandson of the victims, 28-year-old Michael Mayeaux, has been charged with two counts of first degree murder. He says Mayeaux does have a record but no previous violent crimes.

Cut 7 (08) “of violations”

Martel says there is a known motive, but they are not releasing it publicly.

Congressman Charles Boustany says allegations that he was involved with prostitutes who were killed in Jefferson Davis Parish are false. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says when it comes to the politics of all this, it’s really up to voters to decide who to believe and what to believe.

Cut 13 (10) “on this”
The allegations were made in a new book about the murders.

17:30 LRN Newscast Sept 15

Congressman and US Senate candidate Charles Boustany denies allegations that he was involved with prostitutes who were killed in Jefferson Davis parish. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says no real evidence supports the claims that were published in a new book.

Cut 12 (10) “out there”

The author of the book stands by what he wrote.

Only four of the 18-thousand homes in the Shelter At Home Program have been repaired. Deputy Chief of Staff with the Governor’s Office, Julie Baxter Payer, says it’s taken them a while to get a team put together for the brand new program. She says they started with just five contractors.

Cut 4 (10) “the homeowners”

Payer says construction is underway in 357 homes.

 

Flood victims testified at a meeting of the Senate Small Business Committee this morning to voice their concerns about the federal flood response. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The ACLU of Louisiana says they are getting reports of students being punished for sitting during the Pledge of Allegiance. Executive Director Marjorie Esman they sent a letter to the superintendents of all Louisiana public school districts saying nobody can be forced to stand for the Pledge, salute the flag or anything of that nature.

16:30 LRN Newscast Sept 15

Four homes in the Shelter At Home program have been repaired so far. Deputy Chief of Staff with the Governor’s Office, Julie Baxter Payer, says with so many households registered for the program, it’s taking a while to get to everyone.

Cut 3 (08) “as possible”

Payer says 357 homes are under construction right now.

Flood victims expressed their concerns about the federal flood response at a meeting of the Senate Small Business Committee this morning. State Representative Clay Schexnayder says spoke at the hearing and says lack of communication from FEMA has been a big problem.

Cut 9 (13) “right now”

Schexnayder says some people are living in tents or just repairing their homes on their own.

The grandson of the elderly couple who was found dead in Avoyelles parish has been arrested for the murder. Avoyelles Parish Chief Deputy Steven Martel says 28-year-old Michael Mayeaux faces two counts of first degree murder. He says this crime was shocking to everyone in the small town of Bordelonville.

Cut 8 (10) “the family”

Martel says Hillman and Eloise Mayeaux were found in a barn near their property.

Congressman Charles Boustany says the allegations that he was involved with prostitutes who were killed in Jefferson Davis parish are completely false. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says voters will likely wait to see if more information comes out and how Boustany handles it.

Cut 14 (10) “they wanted”

The allegations were released in a new book about the murders.

16:45 LRN Sportscast September 15

LSU kicks off SEC play on Saturday by hosting the Mississippi State Bulldogs and all signs point to Danny Etling getting the start at quarterback for the Tigers. Senior tight end Colin Jeter says Etling gave them a spark against Jacksonville State that was definitely needed at the time…
cut 19 (15) “…the game”
Teammates have described Etling as cool, calm and collected in the huddle.

The Ragin Cajuns and Mississippi State have agreed to a two-game series in football starting in 2018 and one of the games will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. UL Lafayette will travel to Starkville on November 3rd, 2018 and the Bulldogs and Cajuns will play each other the following year on Labor Day weekend in New Orleans.

Teams that start 0-2 in the NFL, usually don’t make the playoffs. That’s why this Sunday’s game against the Giants is a big one for the Saints, who lost their season opener against Oakland. Quarterback Drew Brees says there’s a sense of urgency to get in the win column…
cut 17 (13) “…it happen”
Brees threw for an NFL record-tying seven touchdowns and 511 yards in last year’s 52-49 win over the Giants in the Dome.

In other NFL news…former LSU Tiger Michael Brockers has received a three-year contract extension from the Los Angeles Rams. The defensive tackle has made 61 starts since he was selected in the first round in 2012.

And another former LSU Tiger, Kevin Gausman, pitched eight scoreless innings to help the Orioles blank the New York Yankees one to nothing last night.

15:30 Newscast, September 15th, 2016

US Senator David Vitter led a meeting of the Senate Small Business Committee this morning to address concerns of Louisiana flood victims. President and CEO of the Central Chamber of Commerce, Ron Erickson Sr., raised concerns about flood victims possibly having to elevate their homes:
cut 10 (09) “thousand dollars”
Vitter says this meeting is an important step to expediting this process.

An arrest has been made in the case of the elderly couple found murdered in a barn near their Avoyelles parish home….
cut 6 (08) “…be determined”
That’s Chief Deputy Steven Martel with the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office, who says the couple’s grandson, 28-year-old Michael Mayeaux, has been charged with two counts of first degree murder. No word on motive at this time.

Four of the 18-thousand homes that have registered for the Shelter At Home program have been repaired. Jeff Palermo has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A teenage student in Baton Rouge is under arrest on attempted murder charges for allegedly shooting someone that was trying to make him go to school. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office says 17-year-old D’Vonte Green was allegedly arguing with someone in front of a house, when he took out a gun and began shooting. Green apparently told cops he shot the victim because he didn’t want to go to school. The victim is at a hospital. Green is in jail pending $60,000 bond.