4:45 LRN Sportscast March 28

A sputtering LSU baseball team begins a three-game set tonight against top ranked Arkansas. Coach Jay Johnson’s team is 2-4 in SEC play and knows his guys need to be on top of their game….
cut 15 (15) “…pitch”
Arkansas is 20-6, 5-1 in the SEC and their pitching staff leads the nation in team ERA at 2.50. Tonight’s starting pitcher for the Hogs, Hagen Smith, is the top pitcher in the country, 4-0 with a 1.24 ERA. First pitch is at 6 PM.

Also, ULM hosts 19th ranked Coastal Carolina. The Cajuns seek their eighth straight win when they visit Texas State. Louisiana Tech is at F-I-U. The Golden Panthers are 4-2 in Conference USA, while the Bulldogs are 3-0.

Receiver Malik Nabers put on a show at LSU’s Pro Day, running a 4.35 in the 40 yard dash in front of NFL teams. Nabers is a lock to be a top ten pick and he could be the first receiver taken in the NFL draft. The Youngsville native is LSU’s all-time leader in receiving yards, but describes himself as a humble person…
cut 18 (20) “….to be made”

In basketball….the Pelicans host the Milwaukee Bucks tonight.

The Ragin Cajuns leading scorer last season, Kobe Julien, has entered the transfer portal. Julien averaged 17 points and averaged 5 boards a contest and was a second team All-Sun Belt selection.

The Lady Tigers left for Albany New York today. They’ll play UCLA on Saturday at noon in the Sweet 16.

LRN PM Newscall

The Louisiana House approves legislation that repeals the three-year rule, which prohibits homeowners insurance companies from dropping policyholders that have been a customer for more than years. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________

After her daughter was tragically killed while trying to save a dog two years ago, her mother is keeping her legacy alive in a unique way. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

The Louisiana House has approved an insurance reform measure that repeals the three-year rule. Louisiana does not allow homeowners insurance companies to drop policyholders who have been customers for at least three years. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says his legislation will allow insurers to better manage their risk..

Cut 3 (10) “…insurance market”  

Firment says repealing the three-year rule will help attract more insurers into the state, which would result in lower premiums.

Critics says there is no guarantee this will help bring more insurers into Louisiana. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says you’re getting rid of a great for consumer protection policy for a hope that it will result in lower premiums…

Cut 4 (06) “…than others.” 

Repealing the three-year rule is part of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s package of bills that he says will result will bring more insurance providers to Louisiana. Temple says more competition is the key to reversing soaring premiums. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says if Temple supports it, he backs it too…

Cut 5 (12)  “…that’s right.”

The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

_____________________________________________________________

After her daughter was tragically killed on a busy highway while trying to save a dog, Kristen Perkins chose to honor her memory by starting “Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue.” (pronounced Leal-dell) The Rapides parish rescue in Glenmora might be small but Perkins’ heart for animals is huge.

Cut 6  (10) “…be thrilled.” 

Perkins says her daughter, whose nickname was Leedle, was on her way home from work at a vet clinic when she stopped on the Monroe highway in Pineville to save an injured dog.

Cut 7 (10) “…out of the highway.”  

Leeleanne “Leedle” was killed on January 11, 2022, just days before her 22nd birthday.

Their six dogs are microchipped, fixed and all deserving of a loving home, but Perkins admits operating a rescue is tough, both emotionally and financially.

Cut 8 (12) “…that choice.” 

You can find a link to the rescue at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

____________________________________________________________________

The Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center in Crowley today at the former Wells Fargo Bank location on Parkerson Avenue. The center provides resources and assistance to small businesses impacted by last year’s extreme drought. Spokesperson Corey Williams says small businesses are eligible for loans to help with financial loss.

Cut 9 (13) “…in revenues” 

Interest rates are at four percent and does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the loan disbursement.

Williams says non-profit organizations are also eligible for loans with a two-point three percent interest rate. The goal is to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses of small businesses.

Cut 10 (13) “…they need. “

Services include assessing business working capital needs and a review of options to help owners evaluate their alternatives.

Williams says services are free of charge, with no appointment necessary. He says this initiative is SBA’s commitment to helping Louisiana small businesses to overcome challenges resulting from natural disasters.

Cut 11 (11) “…extreme drought.”

Williams says there are SBA offices in all 64 parishes. Small businesses can apply online at Lending.SBA.gov.

__________________________________________________

Last year’s historic drought had an impact on several agricultural commodities, including honey. State  Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says in a typical year, Louisiana produces more than three million pounds of honey, but last year it was two-million pounds….

Cut 12 (09) “…wow” 

Strain says a lower supply of honey, means the price has gone up….

Cut 13 (12) “…26-percent”   

Strain felt the reduction in honey production first hand as he’s also a licensed bee keeper…

Cut  14 (07) “…impact”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Malik Nabers has made his case to be the first wide receiver selected in next month’s NFL draft. At LSU pro day, the 20-year-old from Youngsville had a broad jump of nearly eleven feet, a vertical of 42-inches and ran the 40 in a blazing 4.3 seconds…
Cut 16 (16) “…special today.”
Nabers didn’t work out at the NFL combine and there was speculation his 40-time was 4.5. But after running a 4.3 he could be picked ahead of Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Junior.

ULM has announced its season opening football game will be played on Thursday August 29th. The Bryant Vincent era will begin with a game against Jackson State.

ULM women’s basketball has advanced to the Great Eight in the WNIT after beating Southern Miss 84-71 last night. The Warhawks will now wait to play either North Carolina A-and-T or Troy.

A sputtering LSU baseball team begins a three-game set tonight against top ranked Arkansas. Coach Jay Johnson’s team is 2-4 in SEC play and knows his guys need to be on top of their game….
cut 21 (15) “…pitch”
Arkansas is 20-6 overall, 5-1 in the SEC and they will start the best pitcher in college baseball tonight, left-hander Hagan Smith who is 4-0 with 1.24 ERA. First pitch from Fayetteville is at 6 PM.

U-L Lafayette and La Tech are also on the road. The Ragin Cajuns go after their eighth straight victory tonight against Texas State. The Bulldogs have won five in a row and will face F-I-U in Miami. ULM begins a three-game set against 19th ranked Coastal Carolina tonight at Lou St. Amant Field.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Senate Education approves a bill that takes current law prohibiting public school students from using their cell phones on school property a step further. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell believes requiring the devices be turned off and properly stowed away throughout the instructional day will help improve student achievement…
Cut 8 (09) “…the classroom.”
The measure heads to the Senate floor.

Also heading to the Senate floor, is a bill that would prohibit drivers from using a handheld cellphone while driving. Covington Senator Patrick McMath is the author of the bill and he received pushback from former Grant Parish District Attorney Ed Tarpley…
Cut 6 (10) “..seat belt law.”
More debate is expected on the Senate floor.

The National Science Foundation has awarded a 550-thousand dollar grant to LSU researchers so they can come up with a way to develop Nootkatone so it’s more cost effective. Why is nootkatone important? LSU Chemical Engineering Professor Kerry Dooley says notkatone is a compound that’s more effective than DEET in bug sprays…
cut 11 (12) “…Lyme Disease”
The LSU research team hopes to sell their synthesis process to a manufacturing company, who would then produce affordable nootkatone products.

The cost for a dozen eggs this Easter is below three-dollars. Last year it was above four-dollars because of the bird flu. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says keep in mind the farmer’s profit is small….
cut 15 (10) “…packaging”

7:30 LRN Newscast

The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a bill that would prohibit drivers from handling their phone when behind the wheel. AAA’s Angela Nelson told Senators if you want to reduce auto insurance rates, pass a law that makes it illegal to touch your cell phone when driving and crashes will go down…
Cut 4 (05) “…first place.”
The legislation would still allow drivers to talk on a cell phone, but they can’t hold it to their ear, it has to be hands-free. The proposal heads to the Senate floor.

The cost of a dozen eggs is much cheaper than last Easter. Last year a dozen eggs cost more than four-dollars because of the deadly avian influenza outbreak. This year you can find find them less than three-dollars. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says the effects of the Bird flu still linger…
cut 14 (11) “….two years ago”

LSU has been awarded a 550-thousand dollar grant from the National Science Foundation, to see if they can mass produce an organic compound that could lead to better bug spray. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A FedEx driver that police say was drunk and high crashed into a home in Houma. There were people inside the house, but thankfully no one was injured. Houma police say 31-year-old Michael Smith failed a sobriety test. Authorities say an open alcoholic beverage was found in the truck, along with marijuana and prescription drugs. Fedex says Smith has been fired.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU faces its biggest test of the college baseball season tonight as they begin a three-game series at top ranked Arkansas. The Razorbacks will throw left-hander Hagen Smith. He’s this year’s version of Paul Skenes. Smith is 4-0 with a 1.24 ERA. LSU coach Jay Johnson has announced Luke Holman will start tomorrow and has not announced a starter for tonight.

The Ragin Cajuns seek their eighth win in a row and they are at Texas State starting tonight. The Cajuns are 5-1 in the Sun Belt, while the Bobcats are 4-2. ULM hosts 19th ranked Coastal Carolina. The Warhawks are 2-4 in the Sun Belt, Coastal is 3-and3.

Louisiana Tech has won five in a row and they are at FIU. Also, McNeese opens Southland play by visiting Northwestern State. The Demons dropped two of three to Southeastern last weekend. The Lions host Houston Christian.

ULM defeated Southern Miss in the W-N-I-T 84-71 and will play either North Carolina A-and-T or Troy.

Wide receiver Malik Nabers woke up at 5 AM yesterday morning and ran a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash at LSU’s pro day. An impressive time that helps his case to be the first receiver taken in next month’s NFL draft. Nabers on what he’s telling NFL teams during his interviews…
cut 17 (20) “….make plays”
Heisman Trophy quarterback Jayden Daniels also participated at LSU pro day. Daniels could be the number two overall pick. He’s anxious for his name to be called on draft night…
Cut 19 (15) “…as a player.”

6:30 LRN Newscast

The Senate Transportation Committee approves legislation that would prohibit using a handheld cellphone while driving. Colleen Crain has more…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Senate Education approves a measure that students must have their cell phones off and stowed away during instructional time. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says it’s not difficult to ask kids to put the phones away…
cut 9 (07) “…..that simple”

LSU researchers have secured a $550,000 grant to work on creating an insect repellent that could reduce cases of malaria, Lyme disease, and West Nile. Chemical Engineering Professor Kerry Dooley says the project involves the use of nootkatone, a natural deterrent for many insects, but it’s costly to buy to in its pure form, so can they figure out a way to bring the costs down…
Cut 10 (11) “…and sprays.”
Nootkatone is an FDA-approved organic compound found in grapefruit skin and Alaska yellow cedar trees.

Egg-cellence news if you’re dying Easter eggs this year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says the southern average for a dozen eggs was $4.17, but this year it’s $2.71.
Cut 13 (12) “…right now.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

At LSU pro day today, Malik Nabers made a case in front of NFL teams that he should be the first receiver selected in next month’s draft. Nabers ran a 4.35 in the 40 and also showed off a 42-inch vertical. LSU’s all-time leading receiver knew he would put up impressive numbers…
cut 19 (05) “…going to be special”
Quarterback Jayden Daniels also had a good day showing off his throwing skills. Daniels could be the number two overall pick if the Washington Commanders decide that he’s the guy to be their franchise quarterback. Daniels was asked what he thought about the Commanders…
cut 30 (18) “…whoever they take”
Daniels says he’ll also meet with the New England Patriots, who have the third overall pick. The Pats are also looking for a franchise quarterback.

Saints Coach Dennis Allen says the team is confident defensive end Chase Young will be 100-percent once he goes through the rehabilitation process following surgery on his neck last week. Allen says everyone was aware of the procedure when he signed a one-year 13-million dollar contract
Cut 18 (20) “…as possible.”

Former LSU Tiger Tre’Davious White has signed a one-year, ten million dollar contract with the Los Angeles Rams. The Shreveport native is a former All-Pro cornerback for the Buffalo Bills.

Former Washington Badgers defensive lineman Gio Paez has committed to LSU. He made six starts last season and recorded 23 tackles and two quarterback hurries.

3:30 LRN Newscast

A Senate committee has approved a bill that would give Louisiana police officers the ability to arrest a person living in Louisiana that’s an undocumented migrant. Susan Weishar, from the Jesuit Social Research Institute, warned this proposed law could lead to the deportation of hundreds migrant laborers, who would be separated from their children..
Cut 7 (07) “…get over it”
But supporters say illegal migrants are contributing to Louisiana’s crime problems.

Accuweather published its long range hurricane forecast today and they are calling for 20 to 25 named storms, 8 to 12 hurricanes and 4-to-7 major hurricanes. That’s well above normal. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says warm sea surface temperatures should lead to a very active season…
cut 11 (08) “…right there”

Video of a cargo ship crashing into the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore resulting in the collapse of the structure is scary to watch. Brooke Thorington looks at how Louisiana bridges are protected from ships hitting them…
cut 1 (34) “…..I’m Brooke Thorington”

A Mega Millions ticket sold in New Jersey is worth one-point-one billion dollars. The person who bought the ticket in Neptune, New Jersey, won last night’s drawing. Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is 865 million dollars.

LRN PM Newscall March 27

Because Louisiana has multiple bridges and major ports, many worry that what happened in Baltimore could happen here. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

A Senate committee has given approval to a bill that would give Louisiana police officers the ability to arrest people living in Louisiana that are not legal citizens. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

After the horrific collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore Tuesday, many in Louisiana are concerned if it could happen in the Bayou State. State Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallet says bridges that have large vessel traffic the support beams are protected by a fender system.

Cut 3 (09) “…head-on.”  

And while not every bridge has a fender system in Louisiana, Mallet says for those waterways where cargo ships and other large vessels travel, a fender system is in place.

Cut 4 (12) “…the pier.” 

Mallet also points out that because the Mississippi River is winding, barge traffic tends to go slower, and comparing what happened in Baltimore is an apples-to-oranges scenario right now.

And until the investigation of the bridge collapse in Baltimore is completed Mallet says it’s hard to answer if exactly what happened there could happen here. But Mallet points out that the new Mississippi River Bridge, that’s been there since the 60s…

Cut 5 (09)  “…occurence.”

Mallet also says if a bridge is open in Louisiana, it’s safe to drive over. DOTD is required to inspect all bridges every two years, but Mallet says those with high-traffic, are inspected every six months.

_____________________________________________________________

A Senate committee approves legislation that gives Louisiana police officers the power to arrest people who are in the United States illegally. Denham Springs Senator Valarie Hodges says the federal government is doing a poor job of keeping migrants from coming over the southern border, the U-S constitution gives states the ability to protect themselves…

Cut 6  (13) “…an invasion.” 

Susan Weishar, from the Jesuit Social Research Institute, warned this proposed law could lead to the deportation of hundreds migrant laborers, who would be separated from their children..

Cut 7 (07) “…get over it”  

Huey Fischer Garcia, a staff attorney at the Southern Poverty Law Center,  says this law would clog up the state’s legal system as state judges are not up to speed on immigration law

Cut 8 (07) “…that system.” 

Port Allen Senator Caleb Kleinpeter is the co-author legislation and didn’t want to hear the argument that this legislation will cost the state more dollars to prosecute cases…

Cut 9 (10) “…this state” 

Weishar says their are students that show the crime rates for undocumented individuals are lower than U.S. Citizens.

____________________________________________________________________

AccuWeather has released their early forecast for the 2024 hurricane season and to sum it up, climatologist Barry Keim says it’s not good. They are forecasting between 20 and 25 named storms; they expect 8-12 of them to become hurricanes and of those 4 to 7 to be major hurricanes.

Cut 10 (10) “…around that. “

In 2020 there were 30 named storms and Keim says the forecast is in line with what we’ve seen in recent years, even though Louisiana had a reprieve last year.

Keim says there are two driving factors for the grim forecast, well-average sea surface temperatures and we’re expected to trend to a La Nina during the height of hurricane season.

Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, what Keim refers to as the main development region in the Atlantic Ocean…

Cut 11 (08) “…right there.”

As the weather pattern transitions to a La Nina, Keim says that means more rain and less wind shear to shred and diminish the threat of hurricanes.

Cut 12 (11) “…form in.” 

As for where the more than anticipated storms will make landfall, Keim says remains to be seen.