11:30 AM LRN Newscast Sept 8

LDH is recommending individuals who are 12 and older and fully vaccinated against COVID, get the newest booster that’s formulated for the Omicron variant. LDH Deputy Director Glennis Gray says it offers protection against the original strain…:

Cut 7 (08) “…and the BA.5.”

The updated booster should be widely available in the coming days.

After his truck failed to stop on LA 103 and ran into Bayou Teche early Wednesday morning, Troopers say 59-year-old Phillip Gilyard survived the crash but believe he fell victim to the water. Trooper Thomas Gossen says Gilyard was wearing a seatbelt and made a call for help when his truck began to go under, Gossen says some assume it’s safer to not wear a seatbelt when it comes to water.

Cut 15 (08)  “…water itself.”

The body was located away from his Ford F150.

When the Saints kick-off the season on Sunday, star receiver Michael Thomas is expected to make his long-awaited return after missing all of last season to recover from an ankle surgery. Thomas says he’s excited…

Cut 6 (13) “…make highlights” 

The Saints are set to visit the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday.

It’s the hottest ticket in town and LSU Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry says it’s sold out for the first historic match-up of Southern at LSU this Saturday. And it’s also proving profitable with Southern getting paid $700,00, with an extra $60,000 going to their athletic foundation fund.

Cut 5 (10) “…institutions out.”

Kick-off is 6:30

10:30 LRN Newscast Sept 8

A new poll on the recall effort against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell shows 55-percent surveyed say she needs to go. University of New Orleans political science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak says it’s just a snapshot of voter feelings and Cantrell could change her behavior before the deadline arrives to collect over 53-thousand recall signatures…:

Cut 12 (08) “…change those perceptions.” 

The Louisiana Department of Health is recommending individuals who are 12 and older and fully vaccinated against COVID, get the newest booster that’s formulated for the Omicron variant. LDH Deputy Director Glennis Gray says Moderna booster is for ages 18 and older and the Pfizer booster is for ages 12 and up.

Cut 8 (12)  “…age guidelines.”

The new booster should be available in the coming days.

LSU announces Saturday night’s historic football game against Southern University is a sell-out. Whitney Thomas has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

A Facebook post by Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson denouncing actor Danny Devito’s newest sitcom reaches millions. Johnson is objecting to the FX animated sitcom “Little Demon” where Devito is the voice of Satan. The show airs on Thursdays at 9pm.

9:30 LRN Newscast Sept 08

New & improved COVID booster shots will soon be available most everywhere, and state health officials urge you to get yours. Department of Health Deputy Director Glennis Gray says the booster gives ongoing protection from the original COVID, plus increased effectiveness against the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants going around now. She says the new booster is especially important if you have recently gotten over COVID…:

CUT 09  (09)        “…your booster.”

Call ahead to assure your health care provider has the new booster shots.

Shreveport Congressman Mike Johnson is up-in-arms over a new animated series on the FX cable channel that depicts the life of Satan and his teen daughter, the Anti-Christ. The show called “Little Demon” is a comedy, but Johnson calls it “pure evil”. Johnson saw a promo while watching last Sunday’s LSU-Florida state game. So far FX and Disney, its parent company, have had no comment.

 

A new poll of New Orleans voters shows over half want to see Mayor LaToya Cantrell removed from office…:

CUT 03(31)      “…Thorington.”

LSU plays Southern University’s football team for the very first time Saturday, and the game is sold out. LSU’s Verge Ausberry says this is the football Tigers’ first time playing a historically Black college…:

CUT 06(08)      “…players went.”

Kickoff is 6:30 Saturday.

8:30 LRN Newscast Sept 08

The state Department of Health is recommending the newest COVID boosters; formulated to offer protection from the Omicron variants…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

The Louisiana National Guard is holding a town hall meeting to discuss the renaming of Camp Beauregard. The name is changing due to its confederate roots. The meeting is tonight at 6 p.m. at the Camp Beauregard Post Theater, and is open to the public.

 

A Leonville man died early Wednesday morning, after his pickup truck careened into Bayou Teche, along state Highway 103. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says 59-year-old Philip Gilyard was able to phone for help, but when first responders arrived he was dead – presumably from drowning. Gossen says a blood sample was collected and the accident is still under investigation…:

CUT 14  (07)        “…after the crash.”

A new poll of New Orleans voters shows more than half feel Mayor LaToya Cantrell needs to be recalled. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak conducted the poll, which he calls a “snapshot” of voter sentiment right now, but…:

CUT 11  (09)        “…circumstances can change.”

The recall effort will need to gather 53-thousand signatures within 6 months. It’s collected over 3000 in under two weeks.

7:30 LRN Newscast Sept 08

This Saturday – for the first time ever – LSU and Southern University football teams will meet on the gridiron…and the game is sold out. More from Whitney Thomas…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Thomas.”

An Ascension Parish grand jury hands down an indictment for Louisiana rapper Mystikal, for rape, domestic abuse and more. He accused of holding woman captive in his home; raping and beating her. The 51-year-old New Orleans-born artist – real name Michael Tyler – spent six years in prison for a 2004 sexual assault in Baton Rouge.

 

A new poll on the recall effort against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell shows over half of those surveyed say she needs to go. University of New Orleans political science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak conducted to poll. He says the results were mostly similar regardless of gender, party affiliation, or race…:

CUT 10(11)      “…direction of the city.”

Cantrell is under fire for rising crime, a police shortage, poor city services and living a “high-on-the-hog” lifestyle at taxpayer expense.

A St. Landry Parish man died Wednesday morning, when his pickup went into Bayou Teche, after running a stop sign. State Trooper Tom Gossen says 59-year-old Philip Gilyard survived for a short time in the water, because he was able to phone for help…:

CUT 13  (06)        “…the water.”

His body was found near the vehicle.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints season opening game against the Falcons in Atlanta features the top two quarterback selected in the 2015 NFL draft. New Orleans quarterback Jameis Winston was the top pick and Atlanta’s Q-B Marcus Mariota was the second pick that year and he’s getting a new chance to start after it didn’t work out in Tennessee. Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu on facing Mariota and the Dirty Birds offense…
cut 18 (20) “….for us”
Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas participated in practice yesterday as he continues to work through a hamstring injury. Thomas said in the locker room that the goal is for him to play on Sunday. Kick-off against the Falcons is at noon.

The LSU-Southern football game on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium has been ruled a sell-out. LSU Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry says not only is it the first football game between the two Baton Rouge schools, it’s the first time the Tigers have played a Historically Black University in football…
cut 6 (08) “…went”
Kick-off is at 6:30 PM.

In north Louisiana, ULM will welcome Nicholls to Malone Stadium for a 7 PM kick-off. Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden says even though they are hosting an F-C-S school, his guys will have to play well to win…
cut 20 (19) “….best improvement”

 

6:30 LRN Newscast Sept 08

A new poll of New Orleans voters shows over half want to see Mayor LaToya Cantrell removed from office. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 03(31)      “…Thorington.”

Despite setbacks from the pandemic, Bossier parish schools report 66 students achieved perfect scores on at least one section of this year’s LEAP test. One student scored perfectly on all three sections of the test. School leaders credit the teachers and the students for their hard work.

 

The Louisiana Department of Health is recommending individuals who are 12 and older and fully vaccinated against COVID, get the newest booster that’s formulated for the Omicron variant. LDH Deputy Director Glennis Gray says this booster offers prolonged protection against the original strain of COVID…:

CUT 07(08)      “…and the BA.5.”

The updated booster should be widely available in the coming days.

LSU has announced Saturday night’s historic match-up against Southern University is a sell-out. LSU Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry says tickets for this first-ever football match-up between the two Baton Rouge schools are more in demand than the Alabama game in November…:

CUT 04(06)      “…it’d be good.”

Kickoff is 6:30 Saturday in Tiger Stadium.

##Updated LRN AM Newscall on September 8

LSU announces Saturday night’s historic football game against Southern University is a sell-out. Whitney Thomas has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

 _______________________________________________

LDH is recommending the newest COVID boosters that are formulated to offer protection from the Omicron variants. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

________________________________________________

A new poll of New Orleans voters shows over half want to see Mayor LaToya Cantrell removed from office. More from Brooke Thorington…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

________________________________________________

LSU has announced Saturday night’s historic match-up against Southern University is a sell-out. LSU Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry says tickets for this first-ever match-up between the two Baton Rouge schools are more in demand than the Alabama game in November.

Cut 4 (06)  “…it’d be good.”

Ausberry says bringing both communities together, and also allowing institutions in the state of Louisiana to benefit financially was an important aspect of this game. Southern was paid $700,00, with an extra $60,000 going to their athletic foundation fund.

Cut 5 (10) “…institutions out.”

Not only is this the first time LSU has played Southern in football, but it’s also the first time the Tigers have faced a historically black university in football…

Cut 6 (08)  “…went” 

Kick-off is set for 6:30 pm

_________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health is recommending individuals who are 12 and older and fully vaccinated against COVID, get the newest booster that’s formulated for the Omicron variant. LDH Deputy Director Glennis Gray says this booster offers prolonged protection against the original strain of COVID…

Cut 7 (08) “…and the BA.5.”

The updated booster should be widely available in the coming days. Gray says you can have the new booster as soon as two months after your last vaccine dose. The Moderna booster is for ages 18 and older and the Pfizer booster is for ages 12 and up.

Cut 8 (12)  “…age guidelines.”

Health officials say there’s supporting data that the booster provides additional protection against the current circulating variant and Gray says if you’ve recently recovered from COVID you should also have the updated booster.

Cut 9 (09)  “…your booster.”

The CDC and the FDA are also recommending the use of the updated booster. Be sure to call ahead to make sure your healthcare provider has the newest booster in stock.

_______________________________________________

A new poll on the recall effort against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell shows over half of those surveyed say she needs to go. University of New Orleans political science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak conducted to poll. He says the results were mostly similar regardless of gender, party affiliation, or race…:

Cut 10 (11) “…direction of the city.”

Cantrell said the recall is a “right-wing conspiracy” to get rid of her, but the numbers don’t seem to bear that out.

The recall petition was filed with the Secretary of State’s office after Mayor Cantrell appeared in court in support of a teen carjacker; offering little comfort to the victims. She is also under fire for lavish travel arrangements for business trips at taxpayer expense. Chervenak says respondents to this poll favor recalling her now, but…:

Cut  11 (09)  “…circumstances can change.” 

The poll surveyed just over 400 registered Orleans parish voters and showed 55-percent want her recalled. Over 64-percent say the city is headed in a bad direction. Chervenak says the poll is just a “snapshot” of how voters feel right now, and Cantrell could change those feelings before the deadline arrives to collect over 53-thousand recall signatures…:

Cut 12 (08) “…change those perceptions.” 

Recall efforts in large voter areas (including statewide) have historically met little success in Louisiana.

______________________________________________

A Leonville man dies after the truck he was driving ended up fully submerged in St. Landry Parish. Trooper Thomas Gossen says 59-year-old Phillip Gilyard was driving a Ford F150 north on LA 103 ran a stop sign ended up in Bayou Teche. Gossen says they know he survived the crash because he was able to call for help.

Cut 13 (06) “…the water.”

A search and rescue team located Gilyard’s body away from his vehicle. Gossen says a blood sample was collected and the accident remains under investigation.

Cut 14 (07)  “…after the crash.”

Gossen says often people assume it’s safer to not wear a seatbelt when you’re dealing with water.

Cut 15 (08)  “…water itself.”

________________________________________________

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas says he feels great and it’s his goal to play in Sunday’s season opener at Atlanta. Quarterback Jameis Winston did not have Thomas to throw the football too in his first season and he’s excited to have the chance this year…

Cut 16 (14)  “…the elite.” 

Instead of Sean Payton calling plays, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael will call the plays and he’s done it before, including the 2012 season when Payton served a year-long suspension as a result of bounty gate. Winston says the offense will not change much with Carmichael as the play caller…

Cut 17 (20) “…Saints history.” 

Winston was the number one pick in the 2015 NFL draft. Marcus Mariota was the second pick that year and he’s getting a new chance to start in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu on facing Mariota and the Dirty Birds offense

Cut  18 (20)“…for us.”

_________________________________________________

After getting beat 52-10 at Texas, ULM hosts Nicholls on Saturday in its home opener. Warhawks coach Terry Bowden says they could have played better in Austin, but the Longhorns were the better team

Cut 19 (15) “…good team.”

But this Saturday, ULM is the favorite to win, while the Colonels are the team looking to pull off the upset. Bowden says his guys will have to play well to win…

Cut 20 (19) “ …best improvement.” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Sept 7

A former caseworker at the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services calls the environment within the state agency toxic. Stacey McPherson left her job as a Rapides foster care worker in July. She says supervisors failed to address repeated complaints and concerns…:

Cut 10 (11) “…from us” 

DCFS told state lawmakers more money and more employees will help but offered no real plan of action to improve child safety.

After a St. Martinville woman was killed when a cigarette ignited her oxygen tank, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents not to have an open flame near oxygen tanks. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says tanks should be kept at least five feet away from anything flammable and not just cigarettes.

Cut 7 (08) “… a fuel.” 

The new 988 suicide crisis call in line in Louisiana received more than 14-hundred calls in its first month and the majority of calls were answered in-state. Dr. Robyn Thomas, Suicide Prevention Coordinator says it’s important the crisis line has certified local counselors because they understand the state’s culture and unique stressful events like hurricanes.

Cut 5  (10) “…as possible.”

ASAP, the Louisiana-based delivery app formerly known as Waitr, has a new NIL deal for all of LSU’s student-athletes. ASAP’S Kevin Burke declined to say how much the student-athletes would make but says it gives fans the chance to help them earn extra money.

Cut 14 (10)  “…student-athletes.” 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU’s offense, defense and special teams had its issues in the season opening loss to Florida State. Coach Brian Kelly is concerned about the missed tackles. F-S-C converted 11 times on 17 third down opportunities. Kelly says Jordan Travis broke many of those tackles…
cut 17 (20) “….no question”
Kelly says Malik Nabers will remain the team’s punt returner despite two muffed punts on Sunday night.

When asked by reporters today about wide receiver Michael Thomas playing in Sunday’s season opener at Atlanta, Saints Coach Dennis Allen said we’ll see and added that Thomas is progressing.

A couple of Louisiana schools are getting ready for their home opener on Saturday. Louisiana Tech will host Stephen F Austin after losing at Missouri last week. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says they need better play from the quarterback position after Matthew Downing threw three interceptions and was sacked three times in the loss to Mizzou…
cut 20 (15) “….do it”
Cumbie says Downing will start again this Saturday in the home opener against Stephen F Austin.

ULM also has its home opener this Saturday as the Warhawks will take on the Nicholls Colonels.

LSU men’s basketball released its schedule today. The Tigers tip off the season at home on November ninth against Missouri-Kansas City. The SEC opener is at home against Arkansas on December 28th and the first conference road game is at Kentucky on January 3rd.