9:30 LRN Newscast

Updated COVID-19 booster shots have been approved by the FDA. The vaccines will target the XBB 1.5 variant ahead of a potential winter uptick in infections. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Fred  Lopez says cases have increased in recent weeks and urges the public to consider the vaccination.

Cut 9 (12)  “…in particular.”

Pfizer and Moderna will charge up to $130 dollars a shot, compared to $30 last year for the booster. The CDC advisory committee will meet today to recommend how the vaccine should be used.

The START Saving Program through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid allows parents to start saving for their child’s education with a few advantages.  Director of the START Program, Terri Underwood says the savings program offers compound interest on the investment.

Cut 12 (05) “…matching funds.” 

Underwood says while TOPS does not cover all college expenses, the long-term investment of a START Saving Program helps parents meet those additional expenses.

Can music change an animal’s mood? Brooke Thorington has more from an artist in residence at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

Cut 3 (00) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has chosen former Oakland Chief, Anne Kirkpatrick to head the New Orleans Police Department. 63-year-old Kirkpatrick has spent more than 38 years with various law enforcement agencies. The New Orleans City Council still must approve Kirkpatrick’s hiring.

LRN AM NEWSCALL SEPTEMBER 12

The FDA has signed off on new COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna before an increase in seasonal infections begins. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)……I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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If you’re a new parent wondering how to begin saving for your child’s education, among the options is the state’s START Saving Program. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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We know music can affect one’s mood, but can it have the same effect on pets? Brooke Thorington has more from an artist in residence at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Entergy Louisiana has accelerated its usual tree-trimming across the state due to excessive heat and severe drought conditions. VP of Reliability Steven Benyard says one of the leading causes of power outages is vegetation coming in contact with powerlines.

Cut 4 (10) “… our powerlines.”

Louisiana faced record-setting heat along with prolonged periods of below-average rainfall. With some portions of the service area falling two feet below their normal rainfall over the past three months, Benyard says they are doing everything they can to avoid damaged vegetation from causing outages for their customers.

Cut 5 (10) “…our analysis”

The southern portion of the state is more impacted by the drought than the northern part of the state. Benyard urges customers to report trees that may impact powerlines in their community.

Cut 6 (11) “…community thing.”

To report overgrown trees that are touching powerlines, call 1-800-ENTERGY.

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The FDA has approved updated COVID-19 booster shots to target the XBB 1.5 variant ahead of a potential winter uptick in infections. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Fred  Lopez says the vaccine is designed to offer continued protection against serious consequences from COVID-19.

Cut 7 (11) “…COVID-19.”

The shots made by Moderna and Pfizer are approved for people 12 and older and under emergency use for children 6 months through 11 years old. Lopez says it’s yet clear which populations health officials will consider for the shots.

Cut 8 (08) “…the vaccine.”

Over 95 percent of the U.S. population already has some level of COVID immunity according to the CDC. The Lopez says cases have increased in recent weeks and urges the public to consider the vaccination.

Cut 9 (12)  “…in particular.”

Pfizer and Moderna will charge up to $130 dollars a shot, compared to $30 last year for the booster. The CDC advisory committee will meet today to recommend how the vaccine should be used.

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If you’re a new parent, they say it’s never too early to begin saving for your child’s education and the START Saving Program through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid allows you to do so with a few advantages.  Director of the START Program, Terri Underwood says it’s open to residents or beneficiaries who live in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (09) “…on deposits.”

The Louisiana 529 savings plan has been around since 1997.

The initial deposit for the savings program is only $10, and Underwood says after that there’s no minimum required for each month. The maximum a beneficiary can have on deposit with START is $500,000.

Cut 11 (11) “…tax return.”

Or if you’re a single filer you can save up to $2,400 a year by claiming it on your Louisiana return.

In addition to a tax break and matching funds, Underwood says the savings program offers compound interest on the investment.

Cut 12 (05) “…matching funds.” 

Underwood says while TOPS does not cover all college expenses, the long-term investment of a START Saving Program helps parents meet those additional expenses.

There’s also a START K12 Saving Program to help families with tuition-related expenses to eligible Louisiana schools.

For more information visit mylosfa.la.gov

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When Charlie Rauh (rhymes with cow) began his musical career, he never thought it would end up going to the dogs, but that’s exactly what has happened. For the last month, he’s served as composer in residence at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

Cut 13 (10) “…compose music.”

Before it was literature that inspired his music, then Rauh was asked to provide music for animals and clinicians as they performed procedures. He says the experience has been extremely positive…

Cut 14 (07) “…research on it.”

To wrap up his residency, Rauh is holding a concert this evening at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Library at 5:30, and he says his compositions will also be released to the public.

Cut 15 (09) “…own purposes.”

For more information on the artist visit charlieraugh.com that’s R-A-U-H.

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Saints Coach Dennis Allen confirms defensive end Payton Turner will miss some time after injuring his toe in Sunday’s season-opening win over Tennessee. Allen says Turner’s turf toe injury is similar to the injury that kept left tackle Trevor Penning out for three months last year. Allen says it was a bit of a freak injury…

Cut 16 (19) “…unfortunate loss”

Turner is in his third season and he’s only appeared in 14 games because of injuries.

New Orleans’ next game is a Monday night contest at Carolina. Allen is looking for improved play from his offensive line…

Cut 17 (20) “…the game”

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LSU’s defense had trouble stopping Grambling early on in Saturday night’s blowout win. G-S-U scored ten points in the first quarter and hit on a couple of pass plays, including a 34-yarder for their first completion of the game. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says it will take time to develop the secondary…

Cut 18 (21) “…entire season”

LSU’s opens SEC play with a trip to Starkville on Saturday to take on Mississippi State. The Bulldogs no longer run an air raid offense. Kelly says  State prefers to set up the pass with a strong running game…

Cut 19 (19) “…the field”

Freshman right tackle Zalance Heard saw his first playing time in Saturday’s win over Grambling. Kelly liked what he saw…

Cut 20 (29) “…rotation there”

4:30 LRN Newscast

Saints Veterans linebacker Demario Davis led players with 10 tackles in New Orleans 16-15 win over Tennesse at the Ceasars Superdome on Sunday. Davis says he knew the game would be okay after his prayers were answered as his four-year-old daughter was rushed to the hospital on Friday with the worst seizure attack ever on Friday but was doing much better on Saturday…

Cut 3 (10) “…sharper than before”

The Saints next game is a week from tonight against Carolina.

The five gubernatorial candidates who participated in the televised debate last week were asked how they felt about raising the state’s minimum wage to $7.25. Democrat and former state transportation secretary Shawn Wilson said its necessary for the people of Louisiana.

Cut 8 (03) “…seven-twenty-five.”

Republican front-leader Jeff Landry, who didn’t participate in the debate, stated on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster in June he’s against raising the minimum wage

In addition to the insurance crisis plaguing Louisiana, there’s a movement among insurers to drop natural disaster coverage in areas across the country. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thoringotn.”  

Todd Garvin is no longer the head coach at West Monroe High School as he’s been fired.  He was suspended last week after at least four players had to go to the hospital because of heat-related illnesses since he was named head coach in May. Kevin Davis will serve as interim head coach this season

11:30 LRN Newscast

After a 16-15 win over Tennessee Sunday, veteran linebacker Demario Davis says his three year old daughter’s recovery from a serious seizure Friday was his sign that things would go well. He says people who suffer from epilepsy usually need a few days to get back to normal after a seizure, but he says thanks to the power of prayer his daughter was playing with her friends on Saturday…

Cut 4 (09) “…care of itself”

Davis had ten tackles on Sunday as New Orleans’ defense kept Tennessee out of the end zone.

LSU’s offense dominated over Grambling State Tigers resulting in a 72-10 win Saturday night. It’s the first time they scored 70 in regulation time of a game since a 70-14 win over Arkansas State in 1991. Coach Brian Kelly is pleased with what he saw on offense.

Cut 14 (14) “…very often.”

The Saints will return to action for Week 2 at the Carolina Panthers under the lights for Monday Night Football, Sept. 18.

We’ve made it to the statistical peak of the hurricane season. Jeanne Burns has an update on what’s going on with the tropics…

Cut 1 (31)  “….I’m Jeanne Burns”

An 84-year-old man was fatally injured after being hit by a car while driving an all-terrain vehicle near the intersection of LA Hwy 1126 and Nelson Road in Jefferson Davis Parish on Friday. Authorities say Robert Montie was killed when a Nissan Altima traveling at a faster speed hit him from behind, causing Robert R. Montie to be thrown from the 4-wheeler. The investigation is ongoing.

10:30 LRN Newscast

LSU’s offense nearly had a perfect performance on Saturday night in a 72-10 win over Grambling State.  But the defense struggled early on. Kelly’s defense gave up 320 total yards for the night.

Cut 15 (15) “… too many tackles”

It’s the first time they scored 70 in regulation time of a game since a 70-14 win over Arkansas State in 1991.

 

The statistical peak of the 2023 hurricane season was Sunday. State climatologist Barry Keim says the warm sea surface temperatures are winning out over the shear that an El Nino can create…

Cut 4 (10) “… busy season.”

Keim says El Nino’s intensity is expected to pick up, which should help suppress tropical activity…

New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis helped lead a dominant performance by the defense in a 16-15 season-opening victory over Tennessee. Davis says he knew Sunday would go well after his prayers were answered as his four-year-old daughter was hospitalized on Friday with a serious seizure. Davis says she was better than ever on Saturday…

Cut 3 (10) “…sharper than before”

Davis says this was his daughter’s third epileptic seizure, but this was the worst one. She stopped breathing twice on the way to the hospital.

Today kicks off The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana’s Second Annual Rural Economic Development Summit along with Southern University Law Center in Marksville at Paragon Casino. Chief of Staff Megan Guillot…

Cut 7 (12) “…funding resources.”

The started in 2019 but was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last day of the summit is tomorrow.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Among the topics discussed last week in the first televised debate, gubernatorial candidates were asked if they believe in a ballot initiative to allow voters to decide if abortion should be legalized or not. Republican Treasurer John Schroder agrees the legislature’s abortion ban is reflective of what voters in the state want and he’s against a ballot initiative.

Cut 11 (10) “…and Senate.”

Democrat Shawn Wilson is the only candidate who supports a ballot initiative on abortion…

Cut 13 (14) “…in jeopardy.”

When Roe v Wade was overturned, the state’s trigger laws banning abortion in most cases went into effect. Early voting for the October 14th primary begins Saturday, September 30th.

Saturday marked the peak of the 2023 hurricane season and state climatologist Barry Keim says El Nino’s intensity is expected to pick up, which should help suppress tropical activity…

Cut 5 (12) “…of the season”

Early projections for the 2023 hurricane season were for a below normal season, because of an El Nino.

The Saints started the 2023 season with a 16-15 victory over the Tennessee Titans yesterday. Coach Dennis Allen is pleased with the win…

Cut 17 (16) “…divisional opponent”

The Saints will play the Carolina Panthers next Monday night.

11:30 am Newscast

A federal judge has told the state it must remove the 15 juvenile offenders that are housed at the State Penitentiary in Angola by September 15th. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A one-point-eight million dollar Louisiana Lottery ticket was sold in New Orleans for the August 30th drawing, but so far no one has claimed the prize. The Louisiana Lottery says players won 11.7 million dollars in August from lottery drawings and scratch-off winners claimed 16 million dollars.

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LSU Coach Kim Mulkey’s ten-year, 36 million-dollar contract has been approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors. Mulkey will make 3.15 million dollars in the upcoming season. Board member Remy Starns was happy to vote for it and believes LSU has the best women’s college basketball coach in the country…

Cut  16 (09)   “…program”

The only board member who voted against it was Jay Blossman.

Grambling State and LSU will face off for the first time tomorrow night in Tiger Stadium. GSU President Rick Gallot says this is a great opportunity for the school and football team.

Cut 6 (11) “…football too.”

Gallot says GramFam will make their presence known. Kick-off is set for 6:30 p.m.

10:30 am Newscast

Among the topics in the first statewide televised debate with five of the seven major gubernatorial candidates, was the state’s property insurance crisis. Four of the candidates say they would call for a special session immediately after taking oath. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says how the state regulates the industry needs to be changed.

Cut 9 (14) “…portfolio.” 

Former Louisiana Business and Industry president, Stephen Waguespack…

Cut 10 (14) “…should be.”

Frontrunner Republican Jeff Landry did not participate in the debate. LRN

Grambling will battle LSU for the first time ever on the football field Saturday night in Tiger Stadium.  Teiko Foxx spoke with the University’s President about what this means.
Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”  

The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved a new ten-year, 36-million dollar contract for Lady Tigers basketball coach Kim Mulkey. Mulkey will make 3.15 million dollars in the upcoming season. It’s richest contract in women’s college basketball LRN.

9:30 am Newscast

A federal judge has told the state it must remove the 15 juvenile offenders that are housed at the State Penitentiary in Angola by September 15th. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A one-point-eight million dollar Louisiana Lottery ticket was sold in New Orleans for the August 30th drawing, but so far no one has claimed the prize. The Louisiana Lottery says players won 11.7 million dollars in August from lottery drawings and scratch-off winners claimed 16 million dollars.

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LSU Coach Kim Mulkey’s ten-year, 36 million-dollar contract has been approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors. Mulkey will make 3.15 million dollars in the upcoming season. Board member Remy Starns was happy to vote for it and believes LSU has the best women’s college basketball coach in the country…

Cut  16 (09)   “…program”

The only board member who voted against it was Jay Blossman.

Grambling State and LSU will face off for the first time tomorrow night in Tiger Stadium. GSU President Rick Gallot says this is a great opportunity for the school and football team.

Cut 6 (11) “…football too.”

Gallot says GramFam will make their presence known. Kick-off is set for 6:30 p.m.

8:30 Newscast

Several of the candidates running for governor say they would call a special session in their first few weeks in office to address the insurance property crisis. Democrat Shawn Wilson said he’s for legislation that requires insurers to make payments in a certain time period, so policyholders receive the coverage they paid for.

Cut 12 (12) “…things done”

Independent Hunter Lundy says multiple hurricanes and the court system being shut down due to COVID only exacerbated the problem and there was little legal recourse.

Cut 11 (11) “…homeowner’s program.”

Republican John Schroder says he would call a summit that would bring all of the stakeholders together.—LRN

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A federal judge has ruled that 15 youth offenders staying at the Louisiana State Penitentiary must be removed by September 15th. Judge Shelley Dick says the state broke several promises when it came to how the youths would be treated. Plaintiffs attorney David Utter…

Cut 5 (12) “ … happen” 

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice says it will appeal.

It’s tigers versus tigers tonight as Grambling State faces LSU on the football field for the first time. tG-S-U President Rick Gallot says Grambling fans know this is a great opportunity…and they’ll be showing up in force.

Cut 8 (12) “…death valley.”

Kickoff is set for 6:30