06:30 LRN Newscast September 5th

Labor Day is traditionally considered the start of the political season, the big run-up to the November 8th election. It’s been a quite US Senate race, even though there’s 24 candidates on the ballot. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says expect to see the candidates ramp up their get the vote out campaign, which means you’ll start to hear more from them….
cut 15 (04) “….process”
Dubos says the major candidates will rely on fundraising from the national Super PACs, but in state donations maybe down because of all of the flood relief efforts.

On this Labor Day, LSU Economist Doctor Loren Scott says the oil industry continues to take on employment losses, while the job market is strong in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles. Scott says elsehwere in the state, the employment picture remains stagnant….
cut 9 (07) “….Monroe area”

A nationally broadcasted flood relief concert takes place tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center theater. Michelle Southern reports…:
voicer 1 (32) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

The LSU Tigers played horrible and lost to Wisconsin on Saturday to start the season 0-1 for the first time since 2002. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says the 2016 season has already reached a crossroad…
cut 10 (07) “…quickly”
LSU hosts F-C-S member Jacksonville State this Saturday at 6:30.

LRN AM Newscall September 5th

A nationally broadcasted flood relief concert takes place tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center theater. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

What is the state of labor in Louisiana on this Labor Day? Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The US Senate race in Louisiana should start to heat up, as Labor Day is known to kick off the election season. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

A nationally broadcasted flood relief concert is taking place tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center theater. “Louisiana Rising” will feature several big named artists like Aaron Neville, Hunter Hayes, Better Than Ezra, Rebirth Brass Band and more. WAFB Baton Rouge anchor Lauren Westbrook will be hosting alongside Randy Jackson and Harry Connick Jr…:

cut 4  (10)  “vehicles”

The concert will air from 7-9pm and you can find out what station in your area at louisiana-rising-flood-relief-dot-com. Westbrook says the goal is to raise awareness and money through the Red Cross for the thousands of flood victims who need help. She says it’s exciting Jackson and Connick Jr agreed to host the show…:

Cut 5  (10)  “American Idol”

Westbrook says the concert will allow the rest of the country to see what a terrible and devastating event this continues to be, and how they can help. She says tickets are not on sale to the general public, but instead the audience will be filled with people who were on the front lines…:

Cut 6 (09) “in some cases”

_______________________________________________

Many are out enjoying the Labor Day Holiday today, but what is the actual state of labor in Louisiana? LSU Economist Loren Scott says depending on where you live, some industries are booming. He says Baton Rouge and Lake Charles are doing very well when it comes to employment, but it’s not so good in areas like Houma or Lafayette.

CUT 7 (10)  “than that”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says Baton Rouge gained 95-hundred jobs over the last year and Lake Charles gained 31-hundred. Scott says these numbers are from a big boom in construction employment. But he says the oil industry continues to be a drag on the state’s labor market.

Cut 8 (10) “lease sale” 

Scott says the Shreveport area has taken a little bit of a hit, because of the downturn in the energy industry, while the employment picture remains stagnant in central Louisiana…..

Cut 9 (07)  “Monroe area”

___________________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers return to the practice field today after an embarrassing season opening loss to the Wisconsin Badgers. It’s the first time the Tigers have lost the first game of the year during the Les Miles era. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran witnessed the game in Lambeau Field and the says the 2016 season has already reached a crossroad…

Cut 10 (07) “quickly”

Despite hope of an improved offense, LSU scored just one offensive touchdown against Wisconsin. Moran says if quarterback Brandon Harris doesn’t get better, Coach Les Miles will be forced to use back-up Danny Etling…

cut 11 (10) “making a change” 

LSU has a very winnable game this Saturday in Tiger Stadium against F-C-S member Jacksonsville State. But after that it’s a run of games against SEC schools. Moran says the Tigers can still play in the college football playoffs this year, but the offense has to get much better…

cut 12 (09) “are killers”

_______________________________________________________

Labor Day marks the beginning of fall and football season, but it’s also the kick-off to the election season. In Louisiana, the big statewide race is for US Senate, where there are 24 names on the ballot. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says it’s difficult for the candidates to set themselves apart, so message and visibility will be important before the November 8th election day.

Cut 13 (10) “make it”

Dubos says fundraising will likely pick up soon as well, particularly from national super PACs. He says in state donations will likely not be as high because of the recent flooding.

cut 14 (10)  “hurting right now”

Dubos says expect to see the candidates ramp up their get the vote out campaign, which means you’ll start to hear more from them.

Cut 15 (04) “process”

_______________________________________________________

10:30 LRN Newscast September 3rd

A new report from Trust for America’s Health finds Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate in the country, at 36-percent. Bob Johannessen with LDH says studies dating back to 2008 have shown Louisiana as one of the heaviest states in the nation…:
CUT 3 (09) “on this”
Johannessen says they recommend that everyone eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day and eliminate sugary drinks from their diet.

According to the governor’s office, work has started in 15 homes as part of the Shelter at Home Program, which pays up to 15-thousand dollars to make a home livable, while other repairs continue. Workers were at Patricia Lee’s home and she’s thankful for the program…
cut 12 (08) “….and everything”
15-thousand flood victims have registered for the program.

Disaster unemployment benefits are available for flood victims. Director of the Unemployment Insurance Program, Renita Ward Williams, says anyone whose employment was interrupted by the disaster can apply through October 14.
Cut 14 (10) “to apply”
Visit LaWorks.Net to register.

What could be a very memorable football season in the history of LSU kicks off today as the 5th ranked Fighting Tigers face the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Junior defensive tackle Davon Godchaux believes LSU could have the best defense in the country…:
Cut 18 (13) “special”
Kick-off is at 2:30.

09:30 LRN Newscast September 3rd

Crews with the Shelter at Home Program have started construction on 15 homes that were damaged by flood waters. Patricia Lee’s home was one of thousands destroyed by the historic rain event. Lee says the workers are fixing a bedroom and a bathroom, so she can live in the home while the rebuilding process continues…:
Cut 11 (08) “and everything”
To register for the program visit shelter-at-home-dot-la-dot-gov.

If you lost your job or income as a result of last month’s flooding, you can apply for disaster unemployment benefts at L-A-works-dot-net through October 14th. Director of the Unemployment Insurance Program, Renita Ward Williams…
cut 15 (11) person’s income”
Williams says over 57-hundred people have already applied.

Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate in the country, according to a new report from Trust for America’s Health. Don Molino has more…
voicer 1 (28) “…I’m Don Molino”

The LSU Tigers finally return to the football field as they battle the Wisconsin Badgers this afternoon at 2:30 at historic Lambeau Field. Also today, the Ragin Cajuns host Boise State, Louisiana Tech is at Arkansas and ULM hosts Southern. It’s the first game as Warhawks Head Coach for Matt Viator.

08:30 LRN Newscast September 3rd

The 2016 season kicks-off today for the 5th ranked Fighting Tigers. LSU’s defense will face a quarterback that will make his first collegiate start. Wisconsin’s Bart Houston is a fifth-year senior and LSU safety Jamal Adams anticipates Houston will play well…
cut 19 (09) “…a challenge’
Kick-off is at 2:30 today.

State Police say they are on the lookout for drunk drivers this Labor Day weekend. Trooper Dustin Dwight says they will also not tolerate motorists who are speeding, driving recklessly, or distracted. He says if you plan on driving a long distance, use the 511 app on your phone to get the latest on traffic conditions.
Cut 7 (09) “location”
Dwight says there will be extra police on the roads this weekend.

A study from Trust for America’s health finds Louisiana has the worst adult obesity rate in the nation at 36-percent. State Department of Health spokesperson Bob Johannessen says to change this trend, it has to start at a young age. He encourages parents to limit TV watching for kids to two hours a day or less and more than one hour of physical activity…
cut 5 (10) “….young people”
Johannessen says eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and eliminating sugary drinks are other ways to live a healthy lifestyle.

New charges have been handed down against the illegal immigrant who was behind the wheel of a bus that hit a stopped fire truck and killed three people last week, including a fire chief. 37-year-old Denis Yasmir Amaya Rodrigquez faces three negligent homicide counts, 41 counts of negligent injuring and many other charges. State Trooper Melissa Matey says the feds are investigating the bus company….
cut 10 (08) “….that crash”
Bond for the Honduras native is over one million dollars.

07:30 LRN Sportscast September 3rd

The 5th ranked LSU Tigers are a solid 10.5 point favorite to beat Wisconsin this afternoon as the two teams kick-off the 2016. The Tigers get the edge in this one, because they have the quarterback who has more game experience, a defense that’s led by one of the best defensive coordinators in the country and LSU has Heisman hopeful Leonard Fournette. But Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says it’s college football and anything can happen in week 1….
cut 30 (17) “…for the Tigers”
Kick-off is at 2:30.

Louisiana Tech and U-L Lafayette are hoping to pull off big upsets today. The Bulldogs visit Arkansas. And it’s an 11 AM kick-off as the Ragin Cajuns host Boise State.

ULM has a chance to start the Matt Viator era with a victory as the Warhawks host the Southern Jaguars at Malone Stadium tonight. The Jaguars return eight starters on offense, including quarterback Austin Howard and running back Lenard Tillery. ULM will have seven new starters on defense.

Elsewhere….Grambling hosts Virginia-Lynchburg. McNeese State hosts Division Two member Tarleton State. Southeastern Louisiana is at 21st ranked Oklahoma State. The Lions have been outscored 162-17 in three previous meetings against Big 12 schools.

Last night…Baylor beat up Northwestern State 55-7 as the Demons had just three total yards at halftime.

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri is set to receive a raise that will bump his annual salary over one-million dollars. The LSU Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on Mainieri’s contract extension on Friday.

The Saints have to cut their roster to 53 players by 3 PM today.

18:30 LRN Newscast Sept 2

Construction has begun on 15 homes covered by the Shelter at Home Program. Emelie Gunn spoke with one of those homeowners…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

During Saturday’s big game between LSU and Wisconsin, American Family Insurance is partnering with Wisconsin Athletics to raise money for the American Red Cross’ flood relief efforts in Louisiana. Fans at home and at the game can donate $10 by texting “LAFLOOD” to 90999.

A new study from Trust for America’s Health finds Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate in the country. Bob Johannessen with LDH says there is a lack of sidewalks in Louisiana, and in some cases limited outdoor activity options. He says there is also less access to physical activity in school.

Cut 4 (08) “might expect”
The study finds Louisiana’s adult obesity rate is 36-percent.

Additional criminal charges have been filed against the driver of the bus who crashed into emergency vehicles in St. John Parish, causing the death of three people including the fire chief. The third victim succumbed to injuries on Thursday. Melissa Matey says Denis Yasmir Amaya Rodriguez, an illegal alien, faces multiple charges.

Cut 8 (10) “can do”

Rodriguez reportedly claimed his breaks went out when he slammed into the vehicles.

17:30 LRN Newscast September 2nd

State Police say new charges have been handed down against the illegal immigrant who was behind the wheel of a bus that hit a stopped fire truck and killed three people last week, including a fire chief. 37-year-old Denis Yasmir Amaya Rodrigquez faces three negligent homicide counts, 41 counts of negligent injuring and many other charges. Trooper Melissa Matey says the feds are investigating the bus company….
cut 10 (08) “….that crash”
Bond for the Honduras native is over one million dollars.

It’s Labor Day weekend, which means it’s time for fun with friends and family, but State Police warn drivers not to drink and drive. Trooper Dustin Dwight…:
CUT 6 (10) “weekend”
He says there will be checkpoints and extra police out on the roadways to protect the motoring public.

A study from Trust for America’s health finds Louisiana has the worst adult obesity rate at 36-percent. State Department of Health spokesperson Bob Johannessen says to change this trend, it has to start at a young age. He encourages parents to limit TV watching for kids to two hours a day or less and more than one hour of physical activity…
cut 5 (10) “….young people”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says individuals who are out of work or lost pay as a result of the flood can sign up for unemployment benefts through October 14th. Director of the Unemployment Insurance Program, Renita Ward Williams, says the assistance can help fill some of the income gaps…
cut 16 (09) “….of life”
To apply go to La-Works-dot-net.

16:45 LRN Sportscast September 2nd

The 5th ranked LSU Tigers have arrived in Green Bay along with thousands of fans wearing purple and gold. The Bayou Bengals will kick-off the 2016 season by facing an unranked Wisconsin squad that won 10 games a season ago. Tomorrow, Bart Houston will start at quarterback for the Badgers. It will be his first collegiate start and a big question is whether Wisconsin’s defense can slow down running back Leonard Fournette. Kick-off is at 2:30.

LSU baseball Coach Paul Mainieri is set to receive a four-year contract extension and a raise that will give him a salary over one-million dollars a year. His new deal, which will likely be approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors next week, will give him an annual salary of one-point-one million dollars and keeps him at LSU through 2024. Following the 2016 season, Mainieri spoke with Texas about their head coaching vacancy, but decided to stay after meeting with athletic director Joe Alleva.

Louisiana Tech heads into Saturday’s game against Arkansas as a 26-point underdog. Senior wide receiver Trent Taylor says the Bulldog players look forward to the opportunity to knock off a team from the SEC…
cut 17 (08) “…make it happen”
Taylor could have a big game against the Hogs. Last season, Arkansas ranked 116th in pass defense.

UL Lafayette’s pass defense will be tested when they host Boise State tomorrow at 11 AM. Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien has thrown for 33-hundred yards and 20 touchdowns in his 11 games in college football.

Other games of note…ULM hosts Southern, Southeastern Louisiana is at Oklahoma State, McNeese hosts Tarleton State, Grambling versus Lynchberg and tonight Northwestern State visits Baylor.

It’s the first Friday night of the high school football season. Oak Grove at Mangham, Many versus Winnfield and Plaquemine at Brother Martin are the big games on the schedule.

16:30 LRN Newscast Sept 2

Construction began today on 15 homes in the Shelter At Home Program. The program pays up to $15-thousand for basic home repairs to make the house livable. Patricia Lee says she applied for the program on Monday, and workers are already fixing her home.

Cut 13 (10) “the insulation”

To register for the program, go to ShelterAtHome.La.Gov.

Disaster unemployment benefits are available for flood victims. Director of the Unemployment Insurance Program, Renita Ward Williams, says anyone whose employment was interrupted by the disaster can apply through October 14.

Cut 14 (10) “to apply”

Visit LaWorks.Net to register.

Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate in the country, according to a new report from Trust for America’s Health. Bob Johannessen with the Department of Health says this isn’t surprising because there are studies dating back to 2008 that show Louisiana as one of the heaviest states.

Cut 3 (09) “on this”

It’s Labor Day weekend, which means people will be enjoying time with friends and family, and State Police will be on the lookout for drunk drivers. Trooper Dustin Dwight says they’ll also be looking for motorists who are speeding, driving recklessly, and distracted drivers. He advises people to use the 511 app this holiday weekend.

Cut 7 (09) “location”

Dwight says there will be checkpoints and extra police on the roads this weekend.