7:30 LRN Newscast March 9

The former leader of State Police, Kevin Reeves, will testify before a House committee investigating the 2019 fatal arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene and the alleged cover-up. Reeves was in charge when Greene died after he was beaten and tased following a police chase that ended in Union Parish. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes is one of the lawmakers on this panel…
cut 12 (12) “…his death”
The committee plans to meet again on Tuesday.

LSU System President William Tate is seeking an additional 100-million dollars in state funding to enhance research in several areas, including coastal land loss…
cut 6 (12) “….evidence-based approach”
The funding would also help build a cancer center and educate more cybersecurity soldiers.

The statewide average price for a regular gallon of gasoline has broken a record that was nearly 14 years old. The statewide average is now $4.04 according to Triple-A. The price at the pump has jumped about 60-cents in the last week.

Should Louisiana sheriffs be subject to term limits? One state lawmaker says “yes.” Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU may finally face penalties for recruiting violations within its men’s basketball program. David Grubb explains…
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

The Pelicans were without Brandon Ingram last night and Memphis went on to score 44 points in the first quarter to beat New Orleans 132 to 111. The Pels are now 2-and-13 when Ingram doesn’t play. He missed last night’s game with right hamstring soreness.

1991 was the last time the Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team made the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs will have to win four games over the next four days to get an automatic bid to this year’s tournament. Tech will face Marshall tonight in the Conference USA Tournament. The Bulldogs are led by six-foot-seven forward Kenneth Lofton Junior, who is averaging 16 points per game. Coach Eric Konkol says teams have tried a variety of ways to slow him down…
cut 17 (20) “….the season”
Tech and the Thundering Herd face off at 6:30.

In the Southland Tournament, McNeese meets Northwestern State at 7:30.

And at the Boys Basketball Tournament, The Calvin Cougars out of Winnfield will play in their first state championship in boys basketball since 1939 after beating Simpson 57-42 in the Class C semifinals yesterday.

6:30 LRN Newscast March 9

A House committee investigating the fatal arrest of black motorist Ronald Greene will hear from Kevin Reeves who was in charge of State Police when Greene died after he was beaten and tased by State Troopers. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says Greene will testify on Tuesday…
Cut 10 (09) “…in charge.”
Magee also expects Governor John Bel Edwards will appear at a future committee meeting and the lawmaker says this is not a witch hunt, they are only seeking the truth.

LSU is seeking an extra 100-million dollar allocation from the state legislature so the university can enhance its research in the areas of agriculture, cancer, the state’s vanishing coastline, and cybersecurity…
cut 5 (11) “….cyber soldiers”
That’s LSU System President William Tate.

Louisiana motorists have never paid this much for gas. According to Triple-A, the statewide average set a new record high this morning for regular gasoline at $4.04 a gallon, a ten-cent increase from yesterday.

A New Orleans representative would like to place term limits on sheriffs and tax assessors. Democrat Mandie Landry has proposed a constitutional amendment that would limit sheriffs to three four-year terms and assessors to three four-year terms as well…
cut 9 (12) “….a little worrisome”
Landry’s legislation will need two-thirds support from the Legislature and the support of voters.

LRN AM Newscall March 9

LSU may finally be facing penalties for violations within its men’s basketball program. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

_____________________________________

Should Louisiana’s sheriffs be subject to term limits? One state lawmaker says “yes.” Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_____________________________________

After an Associated Press article implying Governor John Bel Edwards knew of Ronald Greene’s arrest within hours of his death, a special legislative committee was assembled. Brooke Thorington has more on their first meeting.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________

Appearing in front of the Baton Rouge Press Club, LSU president William Tate called for $100-million in state funding to focus on five key areas of research: cancer, agriculture, cybersecurity, energy, and coastal science. Cancer research is of special importance to Tate, who said the establishment of the state’s first NCI-designated Cancer Center is his primary goal.

Cut 4 (12)  “…designated institution.”

Tate says that with hostile nations utilizing technology to attack our nation’s businesses, utilities, and political institutions, LSU can be a leader in building a workforce capable of countering digital threats in the future.

Cut 5 (11) “…cyber soldiers.”

Louisiana has a coastal master plan in place to help combat and reverse erosion. Tate believes that LSU should play a major part in those efforts and that an investment in elite faculty and state-of-the-art equipment could generate solutions that serve as models for nations across the globe.

Cut 6 (12)  “…evidence-based approach.”

_______________________________________

A New Orleans representative has proposed legislation that would impose term limits on sheriffs and tax assessors. Democrat Mandie Landry says the Governor, state legislators and many local elected officials are subject to term limits, but sheriffs seem to be immune and entrenched; particularly in rural parishes…

Cut 7 (12) “…a really long time.”

It’s not unusual for sheriffs to be in office for thirty years or more if voters keep re-electing them. Landry’s bill is a proposed Constitutional Amendment and would need two-thirds majority votes in both House & Senate in order to go to voters this fall. Landry says it would limit sheriffs to three four-year terms in office…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…in those hands.”

Landry’s other bill (also a proposed Constitutional Amendment) would impose limits of three four-year terms for tax assessors. She says this is another local office that would benefit from restricting how long one can be in office…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…a little worrisome.”

Landry says she’d like to eventually see term limits imposed on ALL elected officials, at all levels of government.

____________________________________________

The Special Legislative Committee investigating an alleged coverup after the 2019 death of black motorist Ronald Greene held their first meeting at the capitol Tuesday.  Members discussed who they’d like to testify and Committee Chairman, Representative Tanner Magee says the attorney of former Louisiana State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves says he’s willing to appear.

Cut 10 (09) “…in charge.”

Reeves was superintendent of LSP when Greene was killed in police custody.

There have been reports that phones of those involved with the Greene investigation were wiped thus removing any texts pertaining to the case.  Magee says he’s curious about circumstances surrounding the wiping of phones.

Cut  11 (05)  “…as well.”  

The committee was created by House Speaker Clay Schexnayder after an Associated Press report implied that Governor John Bel Edwards knew of Greene’s death within hours after he was beaten by troopers.

New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says while he supports law enforcement, he does want to ensure that there’s a thorough investigation of what happened during and after Greene’s death.

Cut 12 (12) “…his death.”

The committee also plans to seek testimony from Former LSP Sgt Albert Paxton, Lt. Scott Brown, Sgt. Scott Davis, and Tech Support Supervisor Randy Hidalgo.

The legislative session begins on Monday and Magee says a resolution will be presented giving the committee the ability to subpoena witnesses and evidence. The committee will meet again next Tuesday.

____________________________________________

Tuesday afternoon Sports Illustrated reported that LSU has received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA regarding violations within the men’s basketball program. Glenn Guilbeau, SEC columnist for OutKick.com, says that the contents of that NOA mean LSU will face some punishment, but what it’s for and what it will be remain in question.

Cut 13 (15) “…kind of penalty.”

At the center of the storm is head coach Will Wade. In 2017, Wade was caught on tape allegedly discussing payments for then-recruit Javonte Smart. In 2019 LSU suspended Wade and amended his contract, and now Guilbeau says those amendments could come into play.

Cut 14 (20)  “…right now.”

If LSU is facing major violations Guilbeau says the clock is likely winding down on Wade’s time in Baton Rouge, despite his on-court success. Especially if athletic director Scott Woodward can mitigate the program’s punishment by cutting Wade loose.

Cut 15 (19)  “…losing his job.”

LSU did not acknowledge receipt of the NOA as of yesterday and representatives for Will Wade were unavailable for comment.

_____________________________________________

Louisiana Tech begins play in the Conference USA Tournament tonight after finishing the regular season with a 12-and-6 league record. Bulldogs coach Eric Konkol on what it will take to make a long run in the league tourney…

Cut 16 (17)  “…I’ve had.”

Tech is led by six-foot-seven forward Kenneth Lofton Junior, who is averaging 16 points a game. Konkol says teams have tried a variety of ways to slow him down…

Cut 17 (20) “ …the season.” 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast March 8

Renee Amar, Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association says prices at the pump are also forcing those who depend on the trucking industry to reevaluate their business plan. Amar says the trucking industry is extremely sophisticated logistics-wise and already incorporates measures to optimize fuel utilization.

Cut 4 (10) “…properly.”

The state’s most well-known, or notorious, prison is dealing with a staffing crisis. A starting salary of just over $15 an hour for guards is just one of the obstacles in attracting employees to Angola, says Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc. Extreme heat, aging buildings, policy and procedural issues, and the prison’s location in rural West Feliciana are all factors.

Cut 7 (14) “…help recruit people.”

A lucky crawfish was officially pardoned by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser in Baton Rouge this morning. For the last six years on the first Tuesday after Mardi Gras, the state officially pardons one crustacean to celebrate the mudbug season. Nungesser says the pardoned crawfish will enjoy the rest of his days at Tickfaw State Park.

Cut 9 (08) “…good deal.”

This year’s most fortunate crawfish was chosen by Barry Toups, the owner of Crawfish Haven and Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast in Kaplan.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s time to get U.S. oil & gas production rolling again, and he’s about to propose new energy policy to do that. The Baton Rouge senator says this is the best way to send Russia a message; by competing with them for energy exports. He says Republicans on Capitol Hill are working on that; not just for Americans’ benefit, but to shop out to other countries.

Cut 12 (12) “…that benefits Louisiana.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 8

Saints fans hoping for a big name under center in 2022 will just have to keep hoping after the two biggest potential prizes have been taken off the table. Earlier Tuesday, the Green Bay Packers reportedly reached agreement with Aaron Rodgers on a four-year deal worth $200 million that would make the four-time MVP the highest-paid player in NFL history. Then, this afternoon the Seahawks and Broncos came together on a trade that will send Russell Wilson to Denver for a bevy of draft picks.

LSU has found another quarterback for its roster in Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniels. Daniels threw for more than 6000 yards for the Sun Devils, and Brody Miller, who covers LSU for The Athletic, says Daniels brings explosive running talent to the position to bolster the Tigers’ talented offensive attack.

Cut 17 (21) “…in the pocket.”

Cloudy skies are forcing the postponement of a number of college baseball games around the state. Northwestern State and UL-Monroe will have their mid-week battle pushed back for the third time with tonight’s 6 pm start moved to Wednesday in Monroe. It’s the same for LSU and McNeese, who will play tomorrow at 6:30 at The Box. Tonight’s game between Louisiana Tech and UL-Lafayette has been moved to April 6.

The battery case against Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been continued until late April while defense attorneys await records from the prosecution relating to the incident. In February Kamara, along with three other men, was arrested for allegedly beating and stomping a man, resulting in a fractured eye socket for the victim. If found guilty, Kamara could face a sentence of one to five years in prison with a mandatory $10-thousand fine.

In Memphis, the New Orleans Pelicans will be looking to bounce back from Sunday’s overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets. It won’t be easy picking up a win against MVP candidate Ja Morant and the team with the NBA’s second-best record. The Pels have been pretty successful against the Grizzlies, winning seven of 10 overall and two of their last three road meetings. New Orleans sits 10th in the Western Conference, one game behind the Lakers in the standings.

4:30 LRN Newscast March 8

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s time to get U.S. oil & gas production rolling again, and he’s about to propose new energy policy to do that. Regular gas is at a statewide average of $3.95-a-gallon. The year-long price run-up spiked sharply with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Cassidy says Russia has the majority of oil & gas exports to European nations, and losing a piece of that business would make a strong point. He says there is bipartisan support for restarting U.S. oil & gas production to send the message, and what the U.S. HAS been doing isn’t working…:

CUT 14(08)      “…allies in Europe.”

Cassidy says his domestic energy policy proposals will be revealed Wednesday.

The new Mississippi River cruise ship being built for Viking was floated out Monday at Edison Chouest shipyard in Houma. The 450-foot ship will carry up to 386 passengers on cruises between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minnesota. Its maiden voyage is set for late June.

 

The state’s most well-known, or notorious, prison is dealing with a staffing crisis that has shown no signs of ending. Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says there are more than 300 guard positions currently unfilled at Angola State Penitentiary, which houses more than 5-thousand inmates. He says low salaries are the biggest problem in attracting new hires. DOC is asking lawmakers for $2-million to transfer about 600 prisoners from Angola to Allen Correctional Center, and to add stuff like A/C to parts of Angola…:

CUT 08(06)      “…next year.”

Two people are dead following a hit-and-run crash involving a big rig last night on I-10 in Lake Charles. State Police say a westbound 18-wheeler sideswiped a pickup, causing it to cross the median and hit another vehicle head-on. Both drivers were killed. The big rig drove on without stopping. Troopers are seeking a yellow colored semi cab, pulling a refrigerated trailer.

3:30 LRN Newscast March 8

The head of the state Department of Corrections tells the Senate Finance Committee staffing prisons is their top challenge. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The Italian owners of Swiss-based Kopter Group are pulling out of a deal made a few years back to manufacture helicopters in Lafayette. Kopter says it will make them instead at its plant in Pennsylvania. Louisiana Economic Development is looking for another tenant for the former Bell helicopter facility in Lafayette.

 

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s time to get U.S. oil & gas production rolling again, and he’s about to propose new energy policy to do that. The Baton Rouge senator says this is the best way to send Russia a message; by competing with them for energy exports. He says that will also benefit Louisiana in terms of revenues and jobs…:

CUT 13(05)      “…LNG export terminals.”

Tomorrow Cassidy will propose new policies to help cut red tape with permitting of domestic & foreign exports and explorations, and more.

Along with gasoline, DIESEL fuel is rapidly rising; now at a statewide average of $4.56-a-gallon. Louisiana Motor Transport Association executive director Renee Amar says that translates to about a dollar-per-mile for truckers, so get ready to pay more for goods due to the rising cost of getting them to you…:

CUT 05(11)      “…charge today.”

LRN PM Newscall March 8

The head of the state Department of Corrections tells the Senate Finance Committee staffing prisons is their top challenge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

For the sixth consecutive year, a Crawfish is pardoned to celebrate the mudbug eating season. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

The average price for a gallon of diesel in Louisiana today is $4.56 and Renee Amar, Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association says prices at the pump are also forcing those who depend on the trucking industry to reevaluate their business plan. Amar says typically fuel costs are just behind labor.

Cut 3 (05) “…their business.”

As for increasing methods on how to best utilize fuel, Amar says the trucking industry is extremely sophisticated logistics-wise and already incorporates such measures.

Cut 4 (10) “..properly.”

Amar says during the pandemic when more individuals stayed home, there were high demands on the trucking industry, and she doesn’t see that changing anytime soon. And Amar says get ready to pay more for goods due to the rising cost of getting them to you.

Cut 5 (11) “…charge today.”

The cost of diesel typically runs 25 to 50 cents higher a gallon than regular gas prices.

__________________________________________________

The state’s most well-known, or notorious, prison is dealing with a staffing crisis that has shown no signs of ending. Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says there are more than 300 guard positions currently unfilled at Angola state penitentiary, a facility that houses more than 5000 inmates.

 Cut 6 (08) “…our top challenge.” 

A starting salary of just over $15 an hour for guards is just one of the obstacles in attracting employees says LeBlanc. Extreme heat, aging buildings, policy and procedural issues, and the prison’s location in rural West Feliciana are all factors.

Cut 7 (14) “…help recruit people.” 

The Department of Corrections is asking the legislature for $2 million in order to help with the transfer of 600 prisoners to the Allen Correctional Center and with ongoing capital improvements to Angola, including adding air conditioning to a number of the prisons aging buildings.

 Cut 8 (06) “…next year.” 

_______________________________________________________

A lucky crawfish was officially pardoned by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser in Baton Rouge this morning. For the last six years on the first Tuesday after Mardi Gras, the state officially pardons one crustacean to celebrate the mudbug season. Nungesser says the pardoned crawfish will enjoy the rest of his days at Tickfaw State Park.

Cut 9 (08) “…good deal.”

The Annual Pardoning of a Crawfish also puts Louisiana in the national spotlight and highlights the industry’s importance to the state. Nungesser fondly remembers attending a campaign event in which former Vice President Mike Pence bragged about the ability to pardon a turkey for Thanksgiving.

Cut 10 (12)  “…pardoning a turkey.”

This year’s pardoned crawfish is named Arrigeaux in honor of retiring Visit Baton Rouge President Paul Arrigo, (Aay-reego). Nungesser says Arrigo and his team have done so much to help the tourism industry and he hopes Arrigo can enjoy his retirement and plenty of crawfish in the near future.

Cut 11 (09)  “…going to go.”  

This year’s most fortunate crawfish was chosen by Barry Toups, the owner of Crawfish Haven and Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast in Kaplan.

__________________________________________

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s time to get U.S. oil & gas production rolling again, and he’s about to propose a new energy policy. Cassidy says this is the best way to send Russia a message; by competing with them for energy exports. He says Republicans on Capitol Hill are working on that; not just for Americans’ benefit, but to shop out to other countries…:

Cut 12 (12) “…that benefits Louisiana.”  

Tomorrow Cassidy will propose new policies to help cut red tape with permitting of domestic & foreign exports and explorations, and more. He  says ramping up energy production,  refining and exports will be beneficial to Louisiana in terms of revenue and jobs…:

Cut 13 (05) “…LNG export terminals.”

Regular gas is at a statewide average of $3.95-a-gallon. The price run-up had been slow over the past year, but spiked sharply with the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Cassidy says Russia has the majority of oil & gas exports to European nations, and losing a piece of that business would make a strong point. He says there is bipartisan support for restarting U.S. oil & gas production to send the message, and what the U.S. HAS been doing isn’t working…:

Cut 14 (08)  “…allies in Europe.”  

2:30 LRN Newscast March 8

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s time to get U.S. oil & gas production rolling again, and he’s about to introduce new proposed energy policy to do that. The Baton Rouge senator says this is the best way to send Russian a message; by competing with them for energy exports. He says there is bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for doing that; not just for Americans’ benefit, but to shop out to other countries…:

CUT 12  (12)        “…benefits Louisiana.”

Regular gas is at a statewide average of $3.95-a-gallon.

The average price for a gallon of DIESEL in Louisiana today is $4.56 and Louisiana Motor Transport Association director Renee Amar says that’s translates to about a dollar per mile for big rigs. She says member truckers are doing everything they can to conserve…:

CUT 04(10)      “…properly.”

 

For the sixth consecutive year, a Crawfish is pardoned to celebrate the mudbug eating season. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

A St. Tammany Parish lawmaker’s bill for the regular legislative session would ban speed & traffic light cameras statewide. Representative Paul Hollis’ bill is a proposed Constitutional Amendment; meaning he’ll need to pass it with two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate before it would go to voters to decide. The legislature gets started next Monday.