6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints made a whole bunch of moves yesterday as they had to get their roster down to 53 players by 3 PM. New Orleans traded kicker Wil Lutz to the Broncos, waived punter Blake Gillikin and released cornerback Bradley Roby and linebacker Jaylon Smith. Coach Dennis Allen says even though they are at 53 players right now, the roster is far from set…
cut 15 (15) “…throughout the league”
Linebacker Jaylon Smith could be one guy that does return to the team.

New Orleans will go with Blake Grupe as its field goal kicker. Lutz will re-join Sean Payton in Denver after missing a career-high eight field goals last season. Also, Lou Hedley will handle punting duties. Both Grupe and Hedley are undrafted rookie free agents.

Special teams was a problem for LSU last season as they struggled handling punts and kicks. The Tigers had two blocked kicks last year against Florida State. But Coach Brian Kelly says they should be better this season with Aaron Anderson returning punts and Anderson and Kaleb Jackson returning kicks…
Cut 18 (24) “…influence games”

The Southland Conference has announced Lake Charles will continue to host the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments through 2029. The games will be played at McNeese’s Legacy Center. Southeastern Louisiana will host the Southland baseball and softball tournaments in 2024.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards says there are still several people who are not following the statewide burn ban. Edwards spent yesterday in southwest Louisiana, which has the state’s largest wildfire, the Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish. The governor says the people that are not following the ban are not far away from this fire…
Cut 4 (11) “…not do that.”
Edwards says about 600 wildfires have burned in Louisiana this month, that’s close to what they see in a year.

Congressman Steve Scalise announced Tuesday he’s been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which is a cancer of plasma cells found in blood marrow. LSU Health New Orleans Oncologist Dr. Suki Subbiah (Sah-by-ah) says plasma cells are normal cells that are part of our immune system…
Cut 7 (06) “…cancerous.”
Scalise says it’s a treatable cancer and plans to keep working while he undergoes treatments.

The state health department has released a new dashboard that provides information on the number of heat-related illness deaths, which is now up to 28 since June. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says oppressive temperatures have been responsible for more than 4,700 emergency room visits for heat-related illnesses.
Cut 13 (06) “…hot season.”
Highs will be in the mid to upper 90s for the rest of the week.

State Police says a three-year-old boy lost his life in a wreck when the vehicle he was traveling in crashed into a truck towing a grain trailer…..
cut 11 (08) “….moderate injuries”
The wreck happened at an intersection. State Police trooper Ryan Davis says three-year Tavorious Hopkins of Lake Providence was not properly restrained and died at an area hospital.

Updated LRN AM Newscall August 30

Governor John Bel Edwards expects a lengthy battle against the multiple wildfires that remain burning in the state. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Congressman Steve Scalise has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Brooke Thorington has more on this type of blood cancer.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The Saints have finalized their 53-man roster for the 2023 NFL season, and some big names did not make the list. Pierson Luscy has more.

Cut 3 (31) …I’m Pierson Luscy.”

________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says there are still several people who are not following the statewide burn ban. Edwards spent yesterday in southwest Louisiana, which has the state’s largest wildfire, the Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish. The governor says the people that are not following the ban are not far away from this fire…

Cut 4 (11) “…not do that.”

Edwards says 60-thousand acres have been burned in Louisiana and the conditions over the next few days will keep these fires going…

Cut 5 (13) “…raging again.”

This is the first time Louisiana has been impacted by wildfires to this level, but the governor fears as a result of climate change, we could see it happen in future summers…

Cut 6 (14) “…adequately respond.”

________________________________________________

Congressman Steve Scalise announced Tuesday he’s been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which is a cancer of plasma cells found in blood marrow. LSU Health New Orleans Oncologist Dr. Suki Subbiah (Sah-by-ah) says plasma cells are normal cells that are part of our immune system…

Cut 7 (06) “…cancerous.”

Fortunately, today’s treatment includes a combination of three anti-cancer medications. Twenty years ago, Subbiah says a Multiple Myeloma was essentially a death sentence, with a very limited prognosis and life expectancy.

Cut 8 (11) “…undetectable.”

Once in remission, Subbiah says patients can receive a stem cell transplant of their own cells and then receive maintenance therapy which is a lower dose of an anti-cancer medication. And because it’s not curable, the cancer could come back.

She says some individuals will show symptoms like fatigue, decreased appetite, weight loss, bone pain, repeat infections, and numbness in the hands and feet. But others show no symptoms and it’s found in routine bloodwork. Subbiah says there are some risk factors for the disease such as…

Cut 9 (09)  “…individual patient.”

Scalise issued a statement that he’s begun treatment that will go on for several months and plans to continue working while being treated.

____________________________________________

A 3 year old toddler was fatally injured after not being properly restrained in a two-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 877 in East Carroll Parish on Tuesday. Trooper Ryan Davis says Tavorious Hopkins was improperly restrained.

Cut 10 (12) “…a seatbelt.”

Davis says a Dodge Caravan driven by 55-year-old John Vaughn Jr. traveling south failed to come to a stop at the stop sign. The Caravan was struck by a Freightliner towing a grain trailer headed east.

Cut 11 (08) “…moderate injuries.”

Although impairment is not suspected, toxicology samples were submitted. The investigation is ongoing.

__________________________________________

Since the beginning of June, there have been 28 heat-related deaths in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says heat exhaustion and heat stroke can sneak up on you very quickly…

Cut 12 (11) “…eight ball on it.”

And the oppressive temperatures have been responsible for more than 4,700 emergency room visits for heat-related illnesses.

Cut 13 (06) “…hot season.”

Kanter says when you have heat exhaustion you sweat profusely and become exhausted. When you advance to heat stroke your body shows signs you are no longer able to cope, you stop sweating, have confusion, and need immediate medical attention. Kanter says heat stroke can be fatal.

______________________________________

The Saints made their roster moves to get down to 53 active players. New Orleans will go with kicker Blake Grupe over veteran Wil Lutz, who was traded to the Denver Broncos for a seventh round pick. Coach Dennis Allen says it was not an easy decision.

Cut 14 (15) “…challenging situations.”

Even though there was a flurry of moves to go from a maximum of 90 players to 53 players, Allen says the roster is not done changing.

Cut 15  (15) “…the league.”

Tight end Jimmy Graham made the team after taking a year off from the league and despite being a fan favorite when he came back to New Orleans, his roster spot was in jeopardy until the very end.

Cut 16 (13) “…this team.”

________________________________________________

LSU is preparing to play Florida State without star defensive tackle Maason Smith, who is serving a one game suspension. Kelly says he wishes Smith can play, but he’s got other guys who can get the job done.

Cut 17 (20) “…the surprises.”

Special teams was a problem for LSU last season as they struggled handling punts and kicks. The Tigers had two blocked kicks last year against Florida State. But Kelly says they should be better off this season with Aaron Anderson returning punts and Anderson and Kaleb Jackson returning kicks…

Cut 18 (24) “…influence games”

5:30 LRN Newscast Aug 29

Smoke from wildfires is impacting the air quality in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter…

Cut 4 (09) “…health effects.”

But for those with respiratory illnesses, he advises they stay indoors as much as possible.

Louisiana sugarcane producers set a record by producing more than two million tons of raw sugar last year, but this year’s number will be less due to the dry weather. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”  

House Majority leader and southeast Louisiana congressman, Representative Steve Scalise announces he has multiple myeloma. This type of blood cancer can be treated but it’s not curable. Scalise says he’s undergoing treatment which is expected to continue for the next several months. The Republican had blood work done last week after he said he wasn’t feeling well.

The Saints will have a new field goal kicker this year. New Orleans has reportedly traded Will Lutz to the Denver Broncos for a 2024 7th-round pick. The Black and Gold have decided to go with undrafted free-agent kicker Blake Grupe instead. Host of the Locked-on Saints podcast Ross Jackson says the trade should not come as a surprise.

Cut 9 (12) “…young leg.”

Today is cut down day in the NFL as teams have to trim their roster down to 53 players.

4:45 Sportscast

The Saints 53 man roster for 2023 has been finalized. They Saints had several tough moves to make its way down to only 53 players, but the most notable was the conversation at kicker. The team has traded Wil Lutz to the Denver Broncos for a 2024 7th-round pick, and the team will go with undrafted free agent kicker Blake Grupe instead. Host of the Locked on Saints podcast Ross Jackson says the trade should not come as a surprise.

Cut 9 (12) “…young leg.”

Cornerback Bradley Roby was waived by the Saints today, and is expected to be replaced by second year corner Alontae Taylor at the slot corner position. Taylor and Paulson Adebo have been competing for the second press corner position, but now both will be on the field for the Saints, and it cost Roby his spot on the roster.

Cut 11 (08) “…like that.”

LSU football is only a few days away from their game against eighth-ranked Florida State in Orlando. The Seminoles held on for a 24-23 victory last year in the Superdome, and this year’s game will feature two of the best defensive players in the country. LSU linebacker Harold Perkins and Florida State defensive end Jared Verse are the two players to watch for on the field. Perkins had 7.5 sacks last season while Verse had nine. Coach Brian Kelly says that they plan to line Perkin up all over the field.

Cut 18 (23) “…as well.

The Southland conference has extended its basketball championships to stay in Lake Charles through 2029. The baseball and softball championships will be played in Hammond for the 2024 season.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards was in the air today to survey the wildfires in southwest Louisiana. During a press conference in DeRidder, Edwards says hundreds of firefighters are working to contain the wildfires and that includes help from the federal government

Cut  14 (14)  “…1,000 people”

The wildfires have destroyed about 60-thousand acres and the recent rainfall the state has seen was not enough to end the drought

In addition to the destruction the wildfires are doing, they also present a health hazard. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says smoke trails can be carried a great distance

Cut 3 (08) “…quite far.”

With the statewide burn ban still in effect, Kanter implores residents not to burn anything outdoors and that includes lighting up the grill for Labor Day weekend.

Louisiana sugarcane producers set a record of producing more than two million tons of raw sugar last year but this year’s number will be less due to the dry weather. Sugarcane Specialist Kenneth Gravois says while many farmers will have to wait for more rain for soil moisture to go up, some cane are seeing pretty good yields.

Cut 8 (12) “…some rain.”

Today was NFL cut-down day and Cornerback Bradley Roby was waived by the Saints. Second-year corner Alontae Taylor will be placed at the slot corner position. Host of the Locked on Saints podcast Ross Jackson says Taylor and Paulson Adebo have been competing for the second press corner position, but now both will be on the field for the Saints, and it cost Roby his spot on the roster.

Cut 11 (08) “…like that.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards was in southwest Louisiana today to get an update on the fight against multiple wildfires. During a press conference in DeRidder, Edwards says the wildfires have destroyed about 60-thousand acres and the recent rainfall the state has seen was not enough to end the drought…
Cut 12 (08) “…from it.”
The smoke from the wildfires is causing air quality issues for some parts of the state. State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter advises residents to minimize their time outdoors especially if they have a respiratory illness, such a asthma, C-O-P-D, emphysema or even heart disease…
cut 5 (09) “….as possible’
With the statewide burn ban still in effect, Kanter implores residents not to burn anything outdoors and that includes lighting up the grill.

Louisiana sugarcane producers set a record by producing more than two million tons of raw sugar last year but this year’s number will be less due to the dry weather
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Today marks the 18th anniversary of when Hurricane Katrina slammed into Southeast Louisiana. The Lower Ninth Ward has never returned to what it was, but Greater New Orleans Inc, President Michael Hecht, says the Northshore area has seen great growth and the Arabi-Chalmette area of St. Bernard Parish has also rebounded…
Cut 29 (08) “…the country.”

LRN PM Newscall August 29

Smoke from wildfires is impacting air quality in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

Louisiana sugarcane producers set a record by producing more than two million tons of raw sugar last year but this year’s number will be less due to the dry weather. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”  

______________________________________

In addition to the destruction the wildfires are doing, they also present a health hazard. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says where the fires are and the smoke is, are not always the one in the same.

Cut 3 (08) “…quite far.”

For comparison, Kanter says smoke from Canadian wildfires decreased air quality in areas as far away as the northeastern U.S. Smoke trails can be carried a great distance and most of Louisiana is experiencing a decrease in air quality as a result of the wildfires. Kanter says it’s a good idea to pay attention to local air quality reports.

Cut 4 (09) “…health effects.”

Kanter advises residents to minimize their time outdoors especially if they have a respiratory illness, such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, or even heart disease.

Cut 5 (09) “ ..as possible.” 

With the statewide burn ban still in effect, Kanter implores residents not to burn anything outdoors and that includes lighting up the grill for Labor Day weekend.

______________________________________

Last year the state set a record, producing more than two million tons of raw sugar last year but growers will not beat that number this year.  Sugarcane Specialist Kenneth Gravois says the heat from June through August will result in a smaller harvest

Cut 6 (12) “…the belt”

Most cane farmers put their plant cane in the ground during late July and early August. Harvest generally begins in September. Gravois says farmers on the western side of the cane belt are severely impacted.

Cut 7 (12) “…cultivate them.” 

While many farmers will have to wait for more rain for soil moisture to go up, Gravois says some cane farmers are seeing pretty good yields.

Cut 8 (12) “…some rain.”

______________________________________

The Saints will have a new field goal kicker this year. New Orleans has reportedly traded Wil Lutz to the Denver Broncos for a 2024 7th-round pick. The Black and Gold have decided to go with undrafted free agent kicker Blake Grupe instead. Host of the Locked on Saints podcast Ross Jackson says the trade should not come as a surprise.

Cut 9 (12) “…young leg.”

Lutz has been with the team since 2016, but Grupe was brought in as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame. Lutz was expected to be the kicker going into the offseason, but Grupe’s success was hard to pass up.

Cut 10 (07) “…preseason game.”

Cornerback Bradley Roby was waived by the Saints today, and is expected to be replaced by second year corner Alontae Taylor at the slot corner position. Taylor and Paulson Adebo have been competing for the second press corner position, but now both will be on the field for the Saints, and it cost Roby his spot on the roster.

Cut 11 (08) “…like that.”

____________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is in southwest Louisiana to get an update on the fight against multiple wildfires. During a press conference in DeRidder, Edwards says the wildfires have destroyed about 60-thousand acres and the recent rainfall the state has seen was not enough to end the drought…

Cut 12 (08) “…from it.”

A front moving through the state has sparked some scattered thunderstorms and showers, but Edwards says behind the front is drier air, higher winds and sunny conditions…

Cut 13 (12) “…they were”

Edwards says hundreds of people are involved in this fight against the wildfires and that includes help from the federal government

Cut  14 (14)  “.. .1,000 people”

2:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards conducted flyovers over parts of southwest Louisiana today as wildfires continue to burn. Edwards says about 60-thousand acres have been destroyed from the fires and there’s no end in sight, especially with dry air moving in behind a front passing through Louisiana…
cut 13 (12) “…they were”
Edwards says hundreds of people are involved in this fight against the wildfires including 400 Louisiana National Guardsmen.

Louisiana Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise announced today he’s been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a treatable blood cancer. Scalise says he’s begun treatment and that will continue for several months. He expects to continue his work in Congress during this time.

Smoke from wildfires is impacting air quality in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Saints are making a change at field goal kicker, trading Wil Lutz to the Broncos and keeping undrafted rookie Blake Grupe. Ross Jackson hosts the Locked on Saints Podcast and says Grupe made an impression with his performance in the final preseason game…
cut 10 (07) “…preseason game”

1:30 LRN Newscast Aug 29

Smoke from wildfires is impacting the air quality in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says it’s a good idea to pay attention to local air quality reports.

Cut 4 (09) “…health effects.”

But for those with respiratory illnesses, he advises they stay indoors as much as possible.

Last year the state set a record, producing more than two million tons of raw sugar last year but growers will not beat that number this year.  Sugarcane Specialist Kenneth Gravois says the full impact of the heat from June through August has yielded fewer crops in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (12) “…the belt”

House Majority leader and southeast Louisiana congressman, Representative Steve Scalise announces he has multiple myeloma. The blood cancer can be treated but it’s not curable. Scalise says he’s undergoing treatment which is expected to continue for the next several months. The Republican had blood work done last week after he said he wasn’t feeling well.

The Saints will have a new field goal kicker this year. New Orleans has reportedly traded Will Lutz to the Denver Broncos for a 2024 7th-round pick. The Black and Gold have decided to go with undrafted free-agent kicker Blake Grupe instead. Host of the Locked-on Saints podcast Ross Jackson says the trade should not come as a surprise.

Cut 9 (12) “…young leg.”

Today is cut down day in the NFL as teams have to trim their roster down to 53 players.