11:40 LRN Sportscast March 6th

The LSU baseball team is back in Baton Rouge after winning won one game, but losing two at the College Classic in Houston. On Friday, LSU lost to top ranked TCU and beat Baylor on Saturday and then completed the weekend with a five to four loss to Texas Tech. Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s not discouraged over the results…
cut 17 (20) “….today”
LSU’s record is 9-3 and they have fallen out of the top five in the latest college baseball polls, but three of the polls have them ranked 6th.

Baseball America has the Ragin Cajuns ranked 15th after taking two of three from Southern Miss this past weekend. 11-and-1 Louisiana Tech is still not ranked.

At the NFL combine, former LSU safety Jamal Adams ran a 4.56 in the 40. Adams who is expected to be a top five pick, told the media covering the combine that he should be the number one pick in the NFL draft.

The Pelicans finally won a game with DeMarcus Cousins on the floor. Cousins had 26 points and 15 rebounds to help New Orleans beat the lowly Los Angeles Lakers 105-97. The Pels are at Utah tonight.

In other NBA news…former Ragin Cajuns star Shawn Long has signed a 10-day contract with the 76ers.

The Boys Basketball state tournament gets underway today in Lake Charles. 48 teams will travel to the Burton Coliseum and 12 championship games will take place on Friday and Saturday. Eric Zartler with the Lake Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau says they are ready for all those extra games….
cut 13 (08) “…ready to roll”

11:30 Newscast, March 6th, 2017

US Representative Cedric Richmond has apologized after making a joke about a viral photo of Kellyanne Conway. Richmond said at the Washington Press Club Foundation dinner that Conway, a White House aid, looked familiar while kneeling on a couch in the Oval Office. President of the National Organization for Women in Baton Rouge Angela Adkins..:
Cut 3 (10) “inappropriate comment”
Adkins says Richmond does a lot of good work for women, and she believes he made a mistake.

A Muslim civil rights group wants the Rapides DA to cancel a law enforcement training seminar in Alexandria on investigating Jihadi operations in the US. They call it a misuse of taxpayer money, and aren’t happy the man offering the sessions is former FBI agent John Guandolo who they say is a known anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist. But the DA says the training is to talk about the potential of terrorism faced by the nation.

Lake Charles is once again hosting the LHSAA boy’s basketball tournament beginning today. There are 48 teams in town as opposed to the previous 28 due to the select/non-select playoff split, and Eric Zartler with the city’s CVB says they are ready for all the games. Other Louisiana cities have made rumblings about wanting to host the tournament, but Zartler says Lake Charles is staying the course..:
Cut 15 (12) “until they leave”
All games are played at Burton Coliseum.

Today Governor John Bel Edwards will is attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the “Comprehensive Water Distribution System Replacement Project” in the Town of St. Joseph. The new system will include the installation of town-wide new water lines, electronic water meters, and new fire hydrants. The town’s water system tested positive for lead back in December prompting Edwards to issue a public health emergency.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast March 6th

The state’s economic development office believes Louisiana is becoming one of the top states for computer science graduates. The Bayou State has invested over 38-million dollars in computer science and engineering departments at universities. L-E-D Secretary Don Pierson says…
cut 5 (10) “…these industries”
Louisiana-job-connection-dot-com is a way to connect graduates with potential jobs in the IT sector.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain will appear at the Baton Rouge Press Club. Strain will speak about his vision for the economic relationship between Louisiana and Cuba. Strain says the United States already has 14 free trade agreements with 20 countries…
cut 9 (08) “…of dollars’
Strain says next Cuba will buy two billion dollars worth of food products from somebody.

College campuses are deteriorating, according to University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson. Halen Doughty has more…
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

New Orleans Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond has issued an apology for the joke he made at a public setting about President Trump’s Counselor, Kellyanne Conway. Richmond said Conway looked kind of familiar in that position in a photo that showed Conway kneeling on an Oval office couch. Richmond says he’s been a champion for women’s issues and he apologizes to anyone who found his comments offensive.

09:30 Newscast, March 6th, 2017

 

UL-System President Jim Henderson says college campuses are falling apart due to lack of funding, and deferred maintenance costs are around $365 million dollars. In the upcoming session, he hopes lawmakers will consider the fact that Louisiana is the 16th lowest funded state for higher ed out of the 16 southern region states…:
Cut 12 (10) “one of them”
He says these issues can’t continue to be ignored or there will soon be a much bigger problem to deal with.

Louisiana is on track to become one of the top states for computer science graduates. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says as a result of this, Louisiana is attracting major businesses in the IT industry and that’s why it’s so important to embrace this field of work…:
Cut 6 (11) “are graduating”
Louisiana-job-connection-dot-com connects graduates with potential jobs in the IT sector.

US Representative Cedric Richmond issued a statement Sunday apologizing for his comments earlier in the week about Kellyanne Conway, aid to President Donald Trump. While in the Oval Office, Conway was photographed kneeling on a sofa in a dress in front of presidents of historically black colleges and universities. Richmond said the position look familiar, but has since apologized amid calls for him to do so.

Lake Charles is hosting 20 more teams than usual for the 2017 LHSAA boys’ state basketball tournament that begins today. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

08:30 Newscast, March 6th, 2017

We’re on our way to being one of the top states in the country when it comes to computer science graduate production. Emelie Gunn has more on what this means…:
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Today Governor John Bel Edwards will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the “Comprehensive Water Distribution System Replacement Project” in the Town of St. Joseph. The new system will include the installation of town-wide new water lines, electronic water meters, and new fire hydrants.

University leaders say their college campuses are crumbling due to lack of funding for proper repair. That’s according to University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson who says deferred maintenance costs have reached about $365 million dollars. He says what would be a small issue today can become a major problem down the road if you don’t address it…:
Cut 11 (09) “energy efficient”
He says Louisiana is the 16th lowest funded state for higher ed out of the 16 southern region states.

48 teams will compete in the LHSAA boy’s basketball tournament in Lake Charles starting today. It’s 20 more teams than in the past since the select/non-select split was implemented for playoffs. Eric Zartler with the Lake Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau is hoping for a good turnout for all the extra games…
Cut 14 (09) “their team”
12 state titles are up for grabs now compared to the previous 7.

 

07:30 Newscast, March 6th, 2017

We’re on track to become one of the top states for computer science graduates. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says by using a digital media incentive, Louisiana was able to attract major players in the IT business…:
Cut 4 (12) “bossier area”
Louisiana-job-connection-dot-com is a way to connect graduates with potential jobs in the IT sector.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain will continue his push for trade with Cuba today before the Baton Rouge Press Club. He says the stock market is going up, but not commodity prices, and leaders need to realize the importance of rural economies..:
CUT 8 (09) “industries”
He says Louisiana agriculture stands to benefit about half a billion dollars in trade with Cuba.

College campuses in Louisiana are deteriorating, according to University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating an officer involved shooting in Marrero. They say a deputy got into a struggle with Deshawn Hovis after the suspect refused to stop his vehicle, and the deputy fell partially under the car. Deputy Justine Campora then shot Hovis in the cheek, according to authorities. Hovis will be charged with one count of attempted first degree murder when he is released from the hospital.

 

06:45 Sportscast, March 6th, 2017

The 2nd ranked LSU baseball team won one and lost two at the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic in Houston. The Tigers finished the weekend with a hard fought 5-4 defeat to 10th ranked Texas Tech. Senior pitcher Hunter Newman suffered the loss when he deflected the game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth inning. Coach Paul Mainieri…:
Cut 16 (20) “for us”
On Friday, LSU lost to top ranked TCU and beat Baylor on Saturday.

UL-Lafayette fell in extra innings Sunday to Southern Miss 15-11 and the Ragin Cajuns failed to complete the weekend sweep. Louisiana Tech rallied to sweep Wichita State following a 12-10 win on Sunday. The Bulldogs are now 11-1 on the season. ULM fell to Alabama on the road, 10-3 in the series finale.

More in college baseball, UNO finished sweeping Alcorn State yesterday as the PRivateers pick up a 7-6 victory. Tulane got hammered by West Virginia 18-5 but clinched the series with wins Friday and Saturday. Southeastern got the sweep of Troy after a 5-4 win Sunday.

Beginning today, 48 teams vying for 12 state titles are in southwest Louisiana for the 2017 LHSAA boys’ state basketball tournament. Before the split playoffs between select and non-select schools, 28 teams competed for 7 titles. Eric Zartler with the Lake Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau says they are ready for all those extra games..:
Cut 13 (08) “ready to roll”
Zartler says with 20 extra teams this year, everyone is excited for Marsh Madness.

In the NBA, the Pelicans got the win over the Lakers on Sunday, 105-97. It was the first win in five games for DeMarcus Cousins with the Pels and he had 26 points before fouling out. Anthony Davis added 31 points.

 

06:30 Newscast, March 6th, 2017

Congressman Cedric Richmond has issued an apology to White House aid Kellyanne Conway over a comment he made about a photo of her kneeling on a sofa. Some felt the statement about the position looking familiar was sexist. The New Orleans US Representative said he’s been a champion for women’s issues and, in a statement, apologized to Conway and those who found the comment offensive.

College campuses in Louisiana are falling apart because of continued budget cuts to higher education. That’s according to University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson, who says deferred maintenance at campuses has reached about $365 million, and that number keeps growing annually…:
Cut 10 (10) “short term decision”
He says these problems will become big ones if they aren’t addressed soon.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain will speak before the Baton Rouge Press Club today and continue his push for resuming trade with Cuba. Strain spoke at the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction and said next year the island nation is going to buy two billion dollars worth of food products from somebody…:
Cut 7 (10) “500 million dollars”
He says rural economies are important and hopes leaders recognize that.

Beginning today, 48 teams vying for 12 state titles are in southwest Louisiana for the 2017 LHSAA boys’ state basketball tournament. Before the split playoffs between select and non-select schools, 28 teams competed for 7 titles. Eric Zartler with the Lake Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau says they are ready for all those extra games..:
Cut 13 (08) “ready to roll”

 

LRN AM Newscasll March 6th

Louisiana is on its way to being one of the top states in the country when it comes to computer science graduate production. Emelie Gunn has more on what this means…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Emelie Gunn” 

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Lake Charles is hosting 20 more teams than usual for the 2017 LHSAA boys’ state basketball tournament that begins today. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

College campuses in Louisiana are deteriorating, according to University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Louisiana is on track to become one of the top states for computer science graduates. State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says by using a digital media incentive, Louisiana was able to attract major players in the IT business to the state. He says all corners of the Bayou State are seeing growth in this department.

Cut 4  (12) “bossier area”

Louisiana has invested over 38 million dollars in the computer science and engineering departments at universities. Pierson says the major companies are foundational players that allow graduates in computer science to easily get jobs in the IT sector. He says the next step is to encourage students to go into this prosperous industry…

Cut 5  (10)  “these industries”

Louisiana-job-connection-dot-com (louisianajobconnection.com) is a way to connect graduates with potential jobs in the IT sector. Pierson says it’s important to embrace these jobs in technology that will dominate in years to come.

Cut 6 (11) “are graduating”

______________________________________

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain will speak before the Baton Rouge Press Club today and continue his push for resuming trade with Cuba. Strain spoke at the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction and said next year the island nation is going to buy two billion dollars worth of food products from somebody…:

Cut 7 (10)  “500 million dollars”

Strain says one in three acres of America’s agricultural production is sold offshore, and in Louisiana over $8.3 billion in ag production is sold to a foreign country. He says the stock market has been shooting up, but not commodity prices – and lawmakers need to know the importance of protecting rural economies…:

Cut 8 (09) “industries”

Strain says Cuban leaders have expressed a desire to develop more agriculture on the island, lessening its reliance on some types of imports. He says the United States has 14 free trade agreements with 20 countries…:

Cut 9 (08)  “of dollars”

_________________________________________________________

College campuses in Louisiana are falling apart because of continued budget cuts to higher education. That’s according to University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson, who says deferred maintenance at UL system campuses has reached about $365 million, and that number keeps growing annually.

Cut 10 (10) “short term decision”

Henderson says lawmakers have to find a way to invest in these state owned facilities on college campuses before it’s too late. He says what would be a small issue today can become a major problem down the road if you don’t address it.

Cut 11 (09) “energy efficient”

Henderson says all these things take a back seat when you have to make payroll, teach classes, and keep up with everything else that happens on university campuses. He says Louisiana is the 16th lowest funded state for higher ed out of the 16 southern region states.

Cut 12 (10) “one of them”

_________________________________________________________

Beginning today, 48 teams vying for 12 state titles are in southwest Louisiana for the 2017 LHSAA boys’ state basketball tournament. Before the split playoffs between select and non-select schools, 28 teams competed for 7 titles. Eric Zartler with the Lake Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau says they are ready for all those extra games.

Cut 13 (08) “ready to roll”

All games are played at Burton Coliseum. Zartler says at this point, they have no idea how many people to expect. He says even with all the flooding and bad weather last year, they still saw a good turnout. He’s hoping blue skies will encourage even more fans to come out.

Cut 14 (09) “their team”

Zartler says with 20 extra teams this year, everyone is excited for Marsh Madness. There have been rumblings that other cities like Alexandria and Lafayette are hoping to host future tournaments. But Zartler says they can’t worry about what other cities are bidding. He says they can only control their own destiny.

Cut 15 (12) “until they leave”

______________________________________________________

The 2nd ranked LSU baseball team won one, lost two at the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic in Houston. The Tigers finished the weekend with a hard fought loss 5-4 defeat to 10th ranked Texas Tech. Senior pitcher Hunter Newman suffered the loss when he deflected the game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth inning. Coach Paul Mainieri…

Cut 16 (20) “for us”

On Friday, LSU lost to top ranked TCU and beat Baylor on Saturday. Mainieri says he’s not discouraged over the results of the weekend…

Cut 17 (20)  “today”

Despite the loss on Sunday, freshman Eric Walker pitched very well. The Texas native allowed one run on six hits in six innings. The right-hander says he’s starting to feel more comfortable pitching to college hitters…

Cut 18 (15) “next Sunday”

10:30 Newscast March 4

A ceremony in New Orleans today will honor the nearly 300 airmen in the Louisiana National Guard deploying to Europe. Maj. Jesse Hasenkampf says they’re sending 270 airmen and 12 F-15 fighter jets to the European Command.

Cut 9 (12) “in Europe”

The airmen will participate in critical training exercises during the 90 day deployment.

Archers from 45 Louisiana schools are competing for a 20-thousand dollar scholarship today in Shreveport at the 2017 Archery in Louisiana Schools State Tournament. Jan McGovern with LDWF says the scholarship is for any post-secondary education.

Cut 6 (08) “as needed”

The winner of the competition will move on to the national championship.

More sexual misconduct charges have been filed against the former Neville High School choir director. 25-year-old Christian Amos of Monroe was arrested for allegedly giving pot to students at his apartment and soliciting sexual favors from them. BESE Representative Gary Jones says if convicted, Amos will likely never teach again.

Cut 3 (09) “suspended”

Amos resigned from Neville High School in January without explanation.

Warmer winter weather has led to a spike in the mosquito population in Louisiana. LSU Entomology Professor Kristen Healy says temperature plays into mosquito development. She says the insects are more active when the weather is warmer, but rain is also factor.

Cut 12 (06) “for them”

Healy says this means there is also an increased risk for contracting mosquito borne illnesses.