3:30 LRN Newscast

New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes continues to beat the drum for the resignation of Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters. and a foster parent accused of raping a child placed in his care by DCFS are the two most notable incidents involving the agency. Hughes says Walters has blamed the previous administration on several occasions for the difficulties she faces, he says that’s understandable for the first six months…
Cut 10 (11) “…within DCFS.”
The agency’s failure to investigate multiple drug overdoses of a Baton Rouge toddler who finally died as a result has brought criticism to DCFS.

The Saints kick-off the season on Sunday and receiver Michael Thomas is expected to return to the field after missing all of last season after undergoing ankle surgery. Thomas says he’s put in countless hours to get back…
cut 7 (10) “…no one is looking”

The heavy rainfall in August has caused problems for the state’s soybean crop. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says a barge carrying beans was already rejected for international export because of the poor quality of the beans. He says the low prices means it may be better for farmers who can afford to hold onto them to do that.
Cut 4 (07) “…market shifts.”

The Apprenticeship Louisiana Conference was held today in Baton Rouge as the state looks to boost opportunities through the Registered Apprenticeship grant program. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore says the apprenticeship program has benefited many,,,
cut 13 (12) “…growth”
For more information go to apprentice-ship-la-dot-com.

LRN PM Newscall

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the financial losses to soybean farmers are so bad they will need special help from the federal government. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (27)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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One of the harshest critics of DCFS continues to call for the resignation of Secretary Marketa Garner Walters. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) I’m  Brooke Thorington”  

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Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says excessive rainfall in August has damaged soybean crops. He says the beans are so wet that they are hard to harvest. Leaving farmers in a bind.

Cut 3 (:08) “…huge issue.” 

Strain says one barge load of beans was already rejected for international export because of the poor quality of the beans. He says the low prices mean it may be better for farmers who can afford to hold onto them to do that.

Cut 4  (07) “…market shifts.”

Strain is using every avenue that is available now to get quick financial help. He says a federal appropriation may be necessary. He says he’s been promised help from Congresswoman Julia Letlow, who is on the federal Appropriations committee.

Cut 5  (12) “…is harvested.”

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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 ankle surgery. Thomas says he’s excited…

Cut 6 (13) “…make highlights” 

Thomas says he’s put in countless hours to get back.

Cut 7 (:10) “… no one is looking.” 

The 29-year-old Thomas set a record with 149 receptions in 2019. But he injured his ankle in the first game of 2020 and only played in six more games that season and missed all of the 2021 campaign. Thomas believes he can top is record setting performance in 2019…

Cut 8 (10) “…like my chances.”

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

______________________________________________

As the Department of Children and Family Services is under fire for child welfare concerns, New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes remains a harsh critic of DCFS and head of the agency Secretary Marketa Garner Walters. Hughes says he has yet to hear Walters accept any responsibility.

Cut 9 (09)  “…not leadership.”

The agency’s failure to investigate multiple drug overdoses of a Baton Rouge toddler who finally died as a result and a foster parent accused of raping a child placed in his care by DCFS are the two most notable incidents involving the agency.

Hughes says Walters has blamed the previous administration on several occasions for the difficulties she faces, he says that’s understandable for the first six months…

Cut 10 (11) “…within DCFS.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards supports his appointment of  Walters and fellow democrat Hughes says she should resign. Hughes says he has yet to speak with Edwards about Walters.

Cut 11 (08)  “…not backing down.”

On Twitter Hughes says he will begin to release emails and letters sounding the alarm on issues at DCFS since 2020.

2:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards remains confident in Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters despite calls for her resignation. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes believes a new leader is needed for the child protection agency because of low morale within the state agency….
cut 11 (08) “…not backing down”
DCFS is facing criticism for its handling of child welfare cases, in one incident a two-year-old died from a drug overdose.

Saints receiver Michael Thomas is expected to make his return to the field on Sunday after missing all of last season because of an ankle injury he first sustained in 2020. In 2019, Thomas set an NFL record for most receptions in a season. Thomas believes he can top his record of 149 catches…
cut 8 (10) “….like my chances”
New Orleans is at Atlanta on Sunday.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the financial losses to soybean farmers are so bad they will need special help from the federal government. Marsanne Golsby has more…
cut 1 (27) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby”

Across the pond, Queen Elizabeth the Second has passed away at the age of 96 after serving 70 years on the throne. In a statement Congressman Steve Scalise from Jefferson parish said the Queen shepherded her kingdom through economic turbulence, war and personal loss. Scalise says during her reign, she always put the people of the United Kingdom first.

1:30 LRN Newscast

One of the harshest critics of DCFS continues to call for the resignation of Secretary Marketa Garner Walters. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (32) I’m Brooke Thorington”

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 game. So far FX and Disney, its parent company, have had no comment.

The state’s farming community is concerned about the loss of soybean crops due to excessive rainfall in August. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain we will not know the full effect until the beans are harvested, but federal assistance is likely. He says Congresswoman Julie Letlow’s role on the Appropriations Committee will be an asset…
cut 5 (12) “…is harvested”

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 used his phone to call for help…:
CUT 13 (06) “…the water.”
His body was found near the vehicle.

12:30 LRN Newscast

As the Department of Children and Family Services is under fire for child welfare concerns, New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes remains a harsh critic of DCFS and head of the agency Secretary Marketa Garner Walters. Hughes says he has yet to hear Walters accept any responsibility.
Cut 9 (09) “…not leadership.”
During a legislative hearing this week, a former case worker testified about the toxic environment within DCFS because supervisors are not addressing employee complaints.

Louisiana Agriculture Secretary Mike Strain says excessive rainfall in August has damaged soybean crops. He says the beans are so wet that they are hard to harvest. Leaving farmers in a bind.
Cut 3 (:08) “…huge issue.”
Strain says a federal disaster declaration will be necessary, but that will not come until after harvest.

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 taxpayer funded trips.

The Saints kick-off the season on Sunday and receiver Michael Thomas is expected to return to the field after missing all of last season after undergoing ankle surgery. Thomas says he’s put in countless hours to get back…
cut 7 (10) “…no one is looking”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

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 ankle surgery. Thomas says he’s excited…
Cut 6 (13) “…make highlights”
The Saints are set to visit the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday. Thomas says he feels great and it’s his goal to play Sunday. Quarterback Jameis Winston did not have Thomas to throw the football too in his first season as a starter and he’s excited to have the chance this year…
Cut 16 (14) “…the elite.”

The Rams were elite last season and they open the N-F-L season tonight by hosting the Bills. Many people are picking Buffalo to go to the Super Bowl this season.

LSU football coach Brian Kelly says sophomore wide receiver Malik Nabers will remain the team’s punt returner for Saturday’s game against Southern. Nabers muffed two punts in the season opening loss to Florida State and Kelly says they are working on Nabers to field the ball cleanly…
cut 30 (13) “…properly”
Kelly says Nabers had no issues catching punts in camp.

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.