11:40 LRN Sportscast

Just four days to go before the Saints open their season against the Carolina Panthers at the Superdome. This season could be the last in a Saints uniform for Alvin Kamara, as contract talks between the running back and the ballclub have stalled. Kamara says now that the season is here, his only focus is on the field.

Cut 17 (09) “…after the season.”

Kamara has listed his Belle Chasse home for 2.75-million dollars. But that does not necessarily mean Kamara is on his way out — he has other properties in the city.

Coming off a win over Grambling, UL-Lafayette will look to make it two in a row to start the season as they hit the road to face Kennesaw State. Ragin’ Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux is looking to keep the momentum going.

Cut 25 (17) “…did last year.”

Kickoff in Kennesaw Saturday is at six p-m.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly seems to have calmed down from his table-pounding postgame news conference following the loss to USC. Kelly admitted that he was mad at his team for critical mistakes, including an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Kyren Lacy for making a shooting motion towards the Trojans following a touchdown pass. Kelly says Lacy knows better.

Cut 20 (23) “…I don’t care.”

LSU will try to regroup Saturday against Nicholls in Death Valley. 

And when they do, the live mascot Mike The Tiger will not be present, even though Governor Landry has requested that he be on the field. The school halted the tradition when it adopted the current Mike, citing responsible treatment of exotic animals.

1:30 LRN Newscast Sep. 4

GOHSEP has released an updated version of its “Get A Game Plan” app to improve disaster preparedness for Louisiana residents. This app is a crucial tool for individuals and families to prepare for emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters that frequently impact the state.  GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele reminds Louisiana that September is Emergency Preparedness Month…

Cut 3 (11) “…staying safe.” 

Download the app on the App Store and Google Play store or visit get-a-game-plan-dot-org for more information and resources.

Most of the state is in for heavy rains today with the southern third of Louisiana under a flash flood watch.  LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the heavy rains begin today and are expected to continue through Friday for most of the state then hug the coastline through the weekend…

Cut 7 (11) “…South Louisiana.”

Governor Landry is urging LSU to bring out its live mascot, Mike The Tiger, to football games. Piper Hutchinson broke the story for the Louisiana Illuminator. She says having Mike The Tiger in a cage on the football field was a tradition that was halted in 2017.

Cut 9 (12)  “…him very uncomfortable.”

LSU says it has no plans to alter its game plan with Mike The Tiger.

LSU’s leading rusher in Sunday’s loss to USC reportedly tore his ACL in practice yesterday and is out for the season. John Emery rushed for 61 yards in his first game back since tearing his ACL in his right knee last November. The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander broke the story and says Emery was in position to have a great season…

Cut 12 (08) “…non-traditional.”

This was Emery’s sixth season at LSU. He was on the 2019 national championship team but was academically ineligible in 2021.

 

11:30 PM Newscast Sept 4

An update on a horrific scene in Minden in which a former mayor and his daughter were shot dead, allegedly by a young relative. We get more from Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana Illuminator is reporting that Governor Landry talked to LSU about reviving the pre-football-game tradition of bringing Mike the Tiger back into Tiger Stadium for home games. According to their report, three state officials who are also veterinarians met with LSU Vet School Dean Oliver Garden and discussed Mike VII’s participation in pre-game. LSU says Mike will not be attending games. The last time a live Tiger participated was Mike VI in 2015. He suffered adverse reactions to the stimuli.

LSU Health New Orleans announces the launch of the Louisiana 3.0+ Scholars Pledge, School of Public Health Associate Dean Kari Brisolara says any Louisiana resident who earned their undergraduate degree from a Louisiana university with a G-P-A of 3.0 or higher will automatically be accepted into LSU School of Public Health’s Master program and she emphasized the impressive track record of student employment immediately after graduation from the MPH program.

Cut 12 (11) “…the demand is there.”

Louisiana 3.0+ Scholars Pledge, students will benefit from a streamlined admissions process and immediate entry into a rigorous and supportive academic environment dedicated to advancing public health.

South Louisiana homeowners interested in up to a 10-thousand dollar grant to be used towards a new fortified roof, can register with the Department of Insurance from September 18th to the 20th.  The goal is to reduce damage during storms, lower insurance premiums, and make Louisiana stronger.  Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple

Cut 5 (12) “…South Louisiana.”

10:30 AM Newscast

South Louisiana homeowners interested in a grant of up to 10-thousand dollars for a fortified roof can register with the Department of Insurance later this month. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says they will randomly select 300 participants from the pool of eligible registrants.

Cut 4 (12) “…FORTIFIED roof.”

Temple cautions that the grant might not pay for the entire cost of the roof, in which case the homeowner would be responsible for the difference.

LSU Health New Orleans announces the launch of the Louisiana 3.0+ Scholars Pledge. School of Public Health Associate Dean Kari Brisolara says they want to do everything possible to keep students here and to nurture and retain talent in the state.

Cut 11 (08) “…gonna qualify.”

The investigation continues into the deadly shooting of a former mayor of Minden and his daughter by a young family member. 82-year-old Joe Cornelius and his 31-year-old daughter, Keisha Miles, were shot to death inside their home Sunday morning. Police Chief Jared McIver says investigators quickly zeroed in on one of two juveniles who were home at the time.

Cut 13 (14)  “…11 years of age.” 

The boy is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, and his bond is set at 500-thousand dollars.

An 18-year-old Caldwell Parish man is arrested for allegedly strangling a spotted fawn. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says investigators were looking into an unrelated incident when they discovered the video of Taryn Varnell taking the deer and choking it to death. Senior Agent Michael Thacker says the video was graphic.

Cut 8 (05) “…aggressive manner.”

9:30 AM Newscast

The investigation continues into the deadly shooting of a former mayor of Minden and his daughter by an 11-year-old relative. 82-year-old Joe Cornelius and his 31-year-old daughter, Keisha Miles, were shot to death inside their home Sunday morning. Minden Police Chief Jared McIver says determining why will take a while.

Cut 15 (12) “…piece by piece.”

The boy is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. His bond is set at a total of 500-thousand dollars.

South Louisiana homeowners can register with the Department of Insurance later this month to secure a grant of up to 10-thousand dollars for a fortified roof.  Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the grant might not cover the entire cost of the fortified roof.

Cut 6 (06) …difference there.”

Whereas the prior grant program was on a first-come, first-served basis, this one will use a lottery system, in which 300 applicants will be chosen.

A Caldwell Parish man is facing charges of animal cruelty after allegedly choking a fawn. Colleen Crain has the story

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

In the wake of calling for LSU athletes to be present for the playing of the national anthem, Governor Landry is now calling on the school to bring out their live mascot, Mike The Tiger, to football games. The school halted the tradition when it adopted the current Mike, citing responsible treatment of exotic animals. Just like the national anthem, LSU says it will not change current protocol.

8:30 am Newscast

South Louisiana homeowners can register for a grant of up to 10-thousand dollars to help pay for a fortified roof.  Sean Richardson reports registration will run from September 18th to the 20th and then three-hundred homeowners will be chosen.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

 

The National Weather Service reports that rainfall is expected to increase across South Louisiana beginning today and excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. A flood watch is in effect through Friday.

——————–

More news from the tragic story out of Minden where a former mayor and his daughter were shot dead, allegedly by a young relative. 82-year-old Joe Cornelieus and his 31 year old daughter Keisha Miles were shot to death Sunday morning.  Police Chief Jared McIver says the shooter is an 11 year old family member, but as for motive…

Cut 14 (06) “…know that yet.”

18-year-old Tarum Varnell of Grayson is facing a charge of aggravated cruelty to animals after Wildlife and Fisheries agents discovered video of him choking a spotted fawn to death. Senior Agent Michael Thacker on the arrest

Cut 9 (05)  “…into jail.”

If convicted Varnell could face fines of up to 25-thousand dollars and up to ten years in prison.

7:30 am Newscast

The investigation continues into the deadly shooting of a former mayor of Minden and his daughter by a young family member. 82-year-old Joe Cornelius and his 31-year-old daughter, Keisha Miles, were shot to death inside their home Sunday morning. Police Chief Jared McIver says investigators quickly zeroed in on one of two juveniles who were home at the time.

Cut 13 (14)  “…11 years of age.”

An 18-year-old Grayson man is arrested for allegedly strangling a spotted fawn in Caldwell Parish. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the investigation began in July as investigators were looking into an unrelated incident when they discovered the video of Taryn Varnell taking the deer and choking it to death. Senior Agent Michael Thacker…

Cut 7 (04) “…for sure.”

If convicted on the felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals, Varnell could face up to $25 thousand dollars in fines and up to ten years in jail.

———————-

South Louisiana homeowners interested in up to a 10-thousand dollar grant that can be used towards a new fortified roof, can register with the Department of Insurance from September 18 to September 20.  The goal is to reduce damage during storms, lower insurance premiums, and make Louisiana stronger.  Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple

Cut 5 (12) “…South Louisiana.”

LSU Health New Orleans announces the launch of the Louisiana 3.0+ Scholars Pledge, a School of Public Health program designed to recognize and retain the brightest minds in Louisiana. School of Public Health Associate Dean Kari Brisolara says any student who is a Louisiana resident or earned their undergraduate degree from a Louisiana university with a G-P-A of 3.0 or higher will automatically be accepted into the Master’s Program.

Cut 10 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU wanted to run the ball on Sunday to control the game against USC, but outside of a 39-yard run by John Emery, the Tigers struggled to establish a ground game. Josh Williams rushed for just 33 yards and Kaleb Jackson had 14 yards on five carries. Coach Brian Kelly says they’ll keep rotating their running backs…

Cut 18 (22)  “…one of these backs.”

Kelly was asked specifically about Kaleb Jackson’s playing weight fo 235 pounds. The coach says they were concerned about it in the spring, but during preseason camp he maintained his conditioning and his speed.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara is entering his eighth season in the NFL and has two years left on his contract with New Orleans. Kamara was seeking a contract extension, but now that the season is starting, he’s focusing on the games not his contract…

Cut 17 (09) “…after the season”

Kamara and the Saints host Carolina this Sunday.

The first high school football polls are out…Ruston, Opelousas, University High, Calvary Baptist and Southern Lab are ranked number one in their respective classes.

Former Ragin Cajuns ace Spencer Arrighetti has been named the American League Rookie Pitcher of the Month. Arrighetti has been outstanding for the Astros.

Paul Skenes picked up his ninth win of the season last night as the Pirates blanked the Cubs five to nothing. Skenes recorded six strikeouts in five innings to give him 142 on the season, which ties a franchise record for strikeouts by a rookie since 1900.

6:30 am Newscast

South Louisiana homeowners interested in up to a 10-thousand dollar grant that can be used towards a new fortified roof, can register with the Department of Insurance from September 18 to September 20.  Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says once the lottery registration period closes, they will randomly select 300 participants from the pool of eligible registrants.

Cut 4 (12) “…FORTIFIED roof.”

18-year-old Steven Varnell of Grayson has been arrested for allegedly strangling a spotted fawn in Caldwell Parish. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Senior Agent Michael Thacker says the video was graphic…

Cut 8 (05) “…aggressive manner.”

Varnell is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, which is a felony with fines of up to $25,000 and up to ten years in prison.

—————————

An update on a horrific scene in Minden in which a former mayor and his daughter were shot dead, allegedly by a young relative. We get more from Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Governor Jeff Landry is petitioning LSU to bring back the tradition of having its live tiger mascot inside the stadium for home football games.  That’s according to a report from the Louisiana Illuminator.  Mike VII, has never attended a football game and according to the report he won’t attend any this season.

Updated LRN AM Newscall September 4

South Louisiana homeowners can register for a grant of up to 10-thousand dollars to help pay for a fortified roof.  Sean Richardson reports registration will run from September 18th to the 20th and then 300 homeowners will be chosen.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_______________________________________________

A Grayson man is facing charges of animal cruelty after allegedly choking a fawn in Caldwell Parish. Colleen Crain has the story

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain” 

____________________________________________

An update on a horrific scene in Minden in which a former mayor and his daughter were shot dead, allegedly by a young relative. We get more from Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

South Louisiana homeowners interested in up to a 10-thousand dollar grant that can be used towards a new fortified roof, can register with the Department of Insurance from September 18 to September 20.  Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says once the lottery registration period closes, they will randomly select 300 participants from the pool of eligible registrants.

Cut 4 (12) “…FORTIFIED roof.”

These upgrades aim to reduce damage during storms, lower insurance premiums, and increase the strength of communities across Louisiana.

Cut 5 (12) “…South Louisiana.”

Participants in the grant program will be financially responsible for having the home evaluated by a FORTIFIED-certified Evaluator as well as the cost for the roof upgrade including permits, inspection, and construction costs beyond the amount of the grant, which is up to ten-thousand-dollars Temple says…

Cut 6 (06) …difference there.”

Given the limited registration period and potential benefits, interested homeowners are encouraged to apply quickly.  Temple says changing to a lottery system creates a fairer experience for everyone interested in applying.

__________________________________________________

An 18-year-old Grayson man is arrested for allegedly strangling a spotted fawn in Caldwell Parish. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the investigation began in July as investigators were looking into an unrelated incident when they discovered the video of Taryn Varnell taking the deer and choking it to death. Senior Agent Michael Thacker…

Cut 7 (04) “…for sure.”

Varnell is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, which is a felony with fines of up to $25,000 and up to ten years in prison.

Thacker says the video was graphic.

Cut 8 (05) “…aggressive manner.”

Investigators identified Varnell as the suspect; and on August 21, they found him at his home. Thacker says Varnell confessed.

Cut 9 (05)  “…into jail.”

In addition to charges of aggravated cruelty to animals Varnell also faces charges of taking a spotted fawn. Thacker says there is no legal season for a spotted fawn. The punishment for that crime is 15-30 days in jail and a fine of between $500 and $750.

_____________________________________________________

LSU Health New Orleans announces the launch of the Louisiana 3.0+ Scholars Pledge, a program of the School of Public Health designed to recognize and retain the brightest minds in Louisiana. School of Public Health Associate Dean Kari Brisolara says any student who is a Louisiana resident or earned their undergraduate degree from a Louisiana university with a G-P-A of 3.0 or higher will automatically be accepted into LSU School of Public Health’s Master program.

Cut 10 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

Brisolara says they want to do everything possible to keep students here and to nurture and retain talent in the state…

Cut 11 (08) “…gonna qualify.”

Brisolara emphasized the impressive track record of student employment immediately after graduation from the MPH program.

Cut 12 (11) “…the demand is there.”

Louisiana 3.0+ Scholars Pledge, students will benefit from a streamlined admissions process and immediate entry into a rigorous and supportive academic environment dedicated to advancing public health.

_____________________________________________________

The investigation continues into the deadly shooting of a former mayor of Minden and his daughter by a young family member. 82-year-old Joe Cornelius and his 31-year-old daughter, Keisha Miles, were shot to death inside their home Sunday morning. Police Chief Jared McIver says investigators quickly zeroed in on one of two juveniles who were home at the time.

Cut 13 (14) “…11 years of age.” 

Chief McIver says due to juvenile justice laws, they are only saying that the 11-year-old boy is a family member without getting more specific. As for a motive, that is still unknown.

Cut  14 (06) “…know that yet.”

McIver says it will take a long time to determine what led the boy to shoot the two victims dead.

Cut 15 (10) “…piece by piece.”

The boy is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. His bond is set at a total of 500-thousand dollars.

____________________________________________________

Just four days to go before the Saints open their season against the Carolina Panthers at the Superdome. Saints star running back Alvin Kamara says Week 1 will set the tone for the season.

Cut  16 (08)   “…work to do?

This season could be Kamara’s last in a Saints uniform. Contract extension talks between the running back and the ballclub have stalled. Kamara says now that the season is here, his only focus is on the field.

Cut 17 (09) “…after the season.”

Kamara has listed his Belle Chasse home for 2.75-million dollars. But that does not necessarily mean Kamara is on his way out — he has other properties in the city.

________________________________________________________

LSU wanted to run the ball on Sunday to control the game against USC, but outside of a 39-yard run by John Emery, the Tigers struggled to establish a ground game. Josh Williams rushed for just 33 yards and Kaleb Jackson had 14 yards on five carries. Coach Brian Kelly says they’ll keep rotating their running backs…

Cut 18 (22)  “…one of these backs.”

Kelly has received heat for saying USC quarterback Miller Moss outplayed LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier. Kelly says Nussmeier played well, but Moss made more plays at the end…

Cut 19 (14) “…”308 yards

Kelly admitted in the postgame he was mad at his team for making mistakes at critcal times. There were two 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalties against his team. Safety Major Burns took his helmet off on the field after a fourth down stop and Kyren Lacy made a shooting motion towards the Trojans following a touchdown pass. Kelly says Lacy knows better

Cut 20 (23) “…I don’t care.”