7:30 LRN Newscast

LSU and the state’s largest ports announce a partnership that the university says will produce more cybersecurity grads and at the same time protect the states’ ports from cyber threats. LSU President William Tate says a vulnerable port can have major repercussions…
cut 5 (12) “…..United States’ economy”
Tate says the partnership enables LSU and the ports to engage new federal and industry research partners in defense, homeland security and intelligence.

The Alzheimer’s Association says the number of Americans who will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will reach 13-million by 2050. LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center Professor Dr. Owen Carmichael says advances in health care is one reason why…
Cut 7 (09) “…Alzheimer’s disease.”
Carmichael is optimistic about new treatments coming on line that can slow the effects of Alzheimer’s.

District 4 Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis was just re-elected to another six-year term on the P-S-C, but now he’s running for Secretary of State. Francis says he’s been encouraged to run by clerks of court who say their concerns and ideas are not being heard by Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin. Ardoin says that’s just campaign rhetoric…
cut 11 (07) “….there isn’t a rift”
The Heritage Foundation currently ranks Louisiana’s election system sixth out of 50 states for integrity. Francis – who has been a PSC member since 2016 – says if elected Secretary, he’ll listen to everyone and work to further improve that ranking..:
Cut 12 (11) “…elections are done.”
Also running, south Louisiana businessman Brandon Trosclair who pledges to restore public trust in Louisiana’s elections.

6:30 LRN Newscast

District Four Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis enters the race for Louisiana Secretary of State. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The head of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is leaving at the end of the month. Governor Edwards says he regretfully accepted D-E-Q Secretary Chuck Brown’s resignation. Edwards thanked Brown for refocusing the agency on alternative fuels, conservation and recycling. Brown says Louisiana’s air quality has improved since 2016.

LSU and the state’s largest ports have formed an alliance to advance cyber talent and at the same time protect critical infrastructure. LSU President William Tate says the partnership allows students to receive training and research opportunities with six of the state’s largest ports.
Cut 4 (10) “…in real-time.”
Students will also assist ports to find external funding to increase their security and engage in research that’s going to add value to the state.

The Louisiana Economic Development Department has launched an online resource portal to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with resources to help them start and grow their business. L-E-D’s Director of Small Business Services Stephanie Hartman says the website is Louisiana-Biz-Hub-dot-com and its organized regionally….
cut 16 (11) “…resource tool”

AM LRN Newscall March 16

LSU Cybersecurity students and state ports have joined forces to protect critical infrastructure. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The number of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will double by the year 2050 according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Teiko Foxx has the story.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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District Four Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis enters the race for Louisiana Secretary of State. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_____________________________________________

LSU and the state’s largest ports have formed an alliance to advance cyber talent and at the same time protect critical infrastructure. LSU President William Tate says the partnership allows students to receive training and research opportunities with six of the state’s largest ports.

Cut 4 (10)  “…in real-time.”

Students will also assist ports to find external funding to increase their security and engage in research that’s going to add value to the state.

Tate says it’s a historic memorandum of understanding between the school to develop talent and protect the state’s ports from cyber threats.  Tate says a vulnerable port can have major repercussions.

Cut 5 (12) “…United States’s economy.”

In modern warfare, the first thing an enemy does is launch a cyberattack. Tate says then once the infrastructure is under their control next come bombs and missiles.

Cut 6 (10)  “…the ports.” 

LSU’s Cybersecurity Program has the National Security Agency designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations.

_____________________________________________

A new report from the Alzheimer’s Association shows more Americans will be diagnosed with the disease in the near future. LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center Professor, Dr. Owen Carmichael says there are several factors associated with those numbers.

Cut 7 (09) “…Alzheimer’s disease.”

There are approximately 7 million people currently suffering from Alzheimer’s in the country but that number is expected to double by 2050. Carmichael says a new drug treatment could possibly slow those numbers.

Cut 8 (09) “…first place.”

The national cost for caring for people with dementia-related problems rose to $345 billion in 2023, which is up $24 billion from 2022. Carmichael says developments in new treatments should accelerate over the next few years but people who are able to identify cognitive problems should visit their doctor.

Cut 9 (05)  “…you need.”

People who are interested in new treatments and approaches for preventing or treating Alzheimer’s should visit www.pbrc.edu.

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District 4 Public Service Commission member Mike Francis says he will run for Secretary of State this fall; challenging incumbent Kyle Ardoin. Francis tells LRN he has spoken with local clerks of court – who handle elections on the local level – and many feel the Secretary doesn’t communicate with them. He says their thoughts on improving elections are tossed aside…:

Cut 10 (08)  “…for the most part.”

But Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says that’s little more than campaign rhetoric…:

Cut 11 (07)  “… there isn’t a rift.”

The Heritage Foundation currently ranks Louisiana’s election system #6 of 50 states for integrity. Francis – who has been a PSC member since 2016 – says if elected Secretary, he’ll listen to everyone and work to further improve that ranking..:

Cut 12 (11)  “…elections are done.”

Ardoin succeeded Tom Schedler in 2016 after the latter resigned amid a scandal. He was re-elected to a full term in 2019. He says he will seek re-election based on his record as Secretary of State…:

Cut 13 (09) “…Heritage Foundation.” 

Also running for Secretary of State is Republican Brandon Trosclair, an Ascension Parish businessman who says Louisiana elections are “tarnished by years of mismanagement and controversy.”

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Louisiana Economic Development launches an online resource portal that allows small business owners to connect with others like them and offers resources to help grow their businesses. Stephanie Hartman with LED says LouisianaBizHub.com offers a searchable-friendly database to find specific resources.

Cut 14 (10)  “…at that time.”

Another valuable feature of the Louisiana Business Hub is the calendar of events. Hartman says the calendar is a one-stop shop that brings together multiple workshops and training from their various partners like small business development centers, the Urban League of Louisiana, and more.

Cut 15 (07)  “…time it is.”

Hartman encourages the business population to visit the hub for valuable resources they can tap into…

Cut  16 (11)  “…resource tool.” 

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The LSU women’s basketball team will begin their NCAA Tournament run this afternoon in the P-MAC. The Lady Tigers earned a three-seed in the tournament this year after a 28-2 season and second-place finish in the SEC. They came up short in the SEC tournament, blowing a 17-point lead to Tennessee, but will hope to bounce back against 14-seeded Hawaii. All-American forward Angel Reese has led the Tigers this season, and Coach Kim Mulkey says she’s elevated her game after the tough loss…

Cut 17 (19) “…right now.” 

LSU hosts a heavy three-point shooting Hawaii team that could provide some offensive mismatches with the size of LSU. The Rainbow Wahine have won their last five games and made the tournament thanks to a thrilling 61-59 comeback win over UC Santa Barbara in the Big West Conference Championship. Mulkey says she got a chance to watch the game live and knows not to underestimate this group…

Cut 18 (19) “…better be ready”

Tip-off is at 4:30

__________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team opens SEC play tonight in College station. The 11th-ranked Aggies are 13-4 on the year and have won their last 8 straight behind the 5th best pitching staff in the SEC. LSU comes into College Station on an 11 game win streak of their own, their longest since the 2017 Tigers won 17 in a row. The Tigers were the preseason favorites to win the SEC this year but Coach Jay Johnson says the league is far and away the toughest in college baseball…

Cut 19 (16) “…tournament teams”

Texas A&M will be the Tigers first ranked opponent of the season and toughest challenge yet. but Johnson is confident in his team’s ability to match up with anyone. Johnson says the margin for error in the SEC is slim, especially on the road, but the Tigers have experience playing in hostile environments…

Cut 20 (18)  “…draw from” 

First pitch is scheduled for 6:00

5:30 LRN Newscast March 16

A Tangipahoa Parish man is sentenced to 35 years for raping a juvenile and will undergo chemical castration. Tangipahoa D.A. Scott Perilloux says 34-year-old Ryan Clark pleaded guilty earlier this month. Clark must serve at least 25 years of his sentence and undergo the procedure if or when he is released. The state law allowing chemical (and in some cases physical) castration has been around since 2008.

Crude oil dropped below $70 a barrel in trading Wednesday, for the first time in more than a year. So, what does that mean for consumers at the pump? AAA fuels analyst Don Redman says soil prices dropped to two bank collapses, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict…:

Cut 7 (10)  “…on politics.” 

He says the budget for gas at around $3.00 through the spring.

If you were told one of only 150 dental robots in the world was in Louisiana, the city of Pineville most likely wouldn’t be your first guess. Dr. Jonas Gauthier of Today’s Dental says since January they’ve performed dozens of dental implant surgeries with the Yomi Robotic Dental System, and it drastically reduces recovery time.

Cut 12 (12) “…for the patients”. 

And he says the robot helps them avoid, nerves, blood vessel and sinuses during surgery.

Northern Louisiana could get some rough weather this evening. Rain, thunderstorms and even hail. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says all that will shift tomorrow to Southeast Louisiana…:

Cut 10 (09) “…Friday evening” 

And cooler temps will follow.

4:30 LRN Newscast


A Shreveport businessman was found murdered in his home Tuesday evening. Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives identified the victim as 71-year-old, Mark Hailey, owner of Fat Daddy’s Crawfish. Captain Tony Moran says the following day Hailey’s vehicle was spotted.

Cut 4 (08)  “…near Natchitoches.” 

The investigation is ongoing.

A cold front is expected for north Louisiana placing the area under a slight risk for severe weather this afternoon and this evening. L-R-N Meteorologist John Wetherbee says there’s a possibility for rain, tornadoes and hail…

Cut 9 (07) “…through the state.”

Heavy rain and severe weather are expected to shift to southeast Louisiana tomorrow.

Oil prices made a steep decline to below $70 a barrel after trading Wednesday – settling at the lowest levels in more than a year. Triple A analyst Don Redman says a drop in oil prices is not typical during this time of year.

Cut 6 (09)  “…fall accordingly.” 

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.09.

Pineville is the only city in Louisiana to receive new cutting-edge technology in dentistry – a dental robot.Dr. Jonas Gauthier of Today’s Dental says the Yomi Robotic Dental System reduces recovery time and there’s no increase in cost for the patient.

Cut 14 (11)  “…Yomi robot.”

FDA approved the first dentistry robot in 2017.

3:30 LRN Newscast March 16

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives are investigating a home invasion that killed a local business owner Tuesday night. 71-year-old, Mark Hailey, owner of Fat Daddy’s Crawfish in Shreveport was found unresponsive in his home on Jim Bell Road north of Campti. Captain Tony Moran says Hailey’s body was initially discovered by a relative who went to do a wellness check…:

CUT 03(09)      “…the residence.”

Hailey was apparently beaten and stabbed to death. Moran says tips on the crime are most welcome.

Northern Louisiana is at some risk for rough weather this evening, with cooler temperatures coming in behind. That trend will shift southward for Friday, and LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says all the rain will be gone by Saturday, but you’ll need a jacket…:

CUT 11(06)      “…festivities.”

 

Crude oil has dropped below $70-a-barrel for the first time in over a year. What does that mean for you and I at the gas pump? AAA fuel guy Don Redman says a bit of a break, keep budgeting about $3.00 a gallon for gas for the near future. He says typically, prices go up in spring, but this year isn’t typical…:

Cut 08  (11)      “…uptick in demand.”

The statewide average price of regular gas today is $3.09. It can be found for $2.75 in many cities.

There are only 150 dental robots in the country and the ONLY one in Louisiana is found in Pineville. That’s right. Pineville, where Dr. Jonas Gauthier (with Today’s Dental) says the cutting edge technology helps dentists avoid nerves, sinuses, and blood vessels during procedures…:

CUT 13(09)      “…some challenges.”

Dental robots have only been a thing since 2017.

2:30 LRN Newscast March 16

A Tangipahoa Parish man is sentenced to 35 years for raping a juvenile and will undergo chemical castration. Tangipahoa D.A. Scott Perrilloux says 34-year-old Ryan Clark pleaded guilty earlier this month. Clark must serve at least 25 years of his sentence and undergo the procedure if or when he is released. The state law allowing chemical (and in some cases physical) castration has been around since 2008.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives are investigating a home invasion that killed a local business owner. Sheriff’s Captain Tony Moran says 71-year-old Mark Hailey – who owns a popular Shreveport crawfish shop – was discovered Tuesday night. The coroner says his death was due to blunt and sharp force trauma. Moran says detectives are working to identify the person or persons responsible for this senseless act of violence…:

CUT 05(08)      “…three zero.”

 

Robotic surgery is revolutionizing medicine, and did you know the state’s only dental robot is in Pineville…?

CUT 02(30)      “…Thorington.”

Northern Louisiana could get some rough weather this evening. Rain, thunderstorms and even hail. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says all that will shift tomorrow to Southeast Louisiana…:

CUT 10(09)      “…Friday evening.”

Pretty cool weather is coming in behind.

1:30 LRN Newscast March 16

The owner of Fat Daddy’s Crawfish in Shreveport was killed in what authorities are calling a home invasion at his Natchitoches Parish residence…:
CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”
Most of the northern half of the state is under a slight risk for severe weather this afternoon and tonight as a result of strong cold front that will kick up spring storms. L-R-N Meteorologist John Wetherbee says watch for hail…:

CUT 09(07)      “…through the state.”

 

Crude oil dropped below $70 a barrel in trading Wednesday, for the first time in more than a year. So, what does that mean for consumers at the pump? AAA fuels analyst Don Redman says demand for crude is down, due to two bank collapses, the ongoing Ukraine conflict…:

CUT 07(10)      “…on politics.”

He says budget for gas at around $3.00 through the spring.

If you were told one of only 150 dental robots in the world was in Louisiana, the city of Pineville most likely wouldn’t be your first guess. Dr. Jonas Gauthier of Today’s Dental says since January they’ve performed dozens of dental implant surgeries with the Yomi Robotic Dental System and it drastically reduces recovery time…:

CUT 12(12)      “…for the patients.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

A Shreveport business owner was found dead Tuesday evening. The owner of Fat Daddy’s Crawfish, 71-year-old, Mark Hailey was discovered in his residence on Jim Bell Road near Campti. Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Captain Tony Moran says Hailey’s truck was missing but they received a lead in the case on Wednesday.

Cut 4 (08)  “…near Natchitoches.” 

Crude oil dropped below $70 a barrel in trading Wednesday, for the first time in more than a year. So, what does that mean for consumers at the pump? Triple A analyst Don Redman says a drop in prices goes against what we typically see in the Spring when fuel costs increase due to demand and the transition to summer-grade gasoline.

Cut 6 (09)  “…fall accordingly.” 

Redman believes the drop in crude oil prices is reflective of the markets after the collapse of a couple of banks.

27-year-old, Dillion James, convicted in the December 2021 attack on a newspaper delivery driver in Rosepine was sentenced to eight years in prison  – the maximum sentence for his second-degree battery conviction. Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright.

Cut 13 (09) “…the wrong.” 

His brother Douglas James received a similar sentence in October.

Congressman Garret Graves introduces a bill to streamline federal disaster recovery assistance for storms and hurricanes. Graves says the current federal disaster recovery processes take years to get the necessary funding to local governments trying to assist communities and businesses in need.

Cut 10 (10)  “…or spend the dollars.”

The Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act would create block grants under FEMA for “unmet needs.”

11:30 LRN Newscast March 16

On his monthly radio call-in show, Governor Edwards talked about minimum wage and a gubernatorial candidate who’s fought against it. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis announces his candidacy for Secretary of State. Francis tells The Advocate he’s met with several clerks of court who’ve asked him to run. The Republican will challenge fellow party member and incumbent Kyle Ardion.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives are investigating a home invasion that killed a local business owner Tuesday night. 71-year-old, Mark L. Hailey, owner of Fat Daddy’s Crawfish in Shreveport was found unresponsive in his home. Natchitoches Police Captain Tony Moran says Hailey’s body was discovered by a relative who went to do a wellness check.

Cut 3 (09) “…the residence.” 

Preliminary autopsy results point to blunt force trauma as the cause of death.

24-year-old Dillon James has been sentenced to eight years in prison, one of the years has been suspended, for beating up a 67-year-old newspaper delivery person at his grandfather’s home in Rosepine. His brother, Douglas Paul James of DeRidder received a similar sentence last October. Vernon Parish D-A Terry Lambright…

Cut 15 (10)  “…of crime.”