330PM LRN News

US Senator Bill Cassidy tells USA Today’s Greg Hilburn that he’s running for re-election in 2020. LSU poli sci professor Dr. Robert Hogan says Cassidy has spent the last five years building his national conservative bonafides, and becoming a right-wing leader on healthcare. The professor says that should spare him any credible primary threats from his side of the aisle.
Cut 13 (09) “…right.”
The state’s senior Senator was elected to the Upper Chamber after serving in the Legislature, and US House of Representatives.
In this hour details about the brutal triple homicide in Terrytown yesterday are becoming available. Three died, among them one adult female and two children, who Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says were bludgeoned to death in their sleep by 33-year-old Terrance Leonard. Two children survived the ordeal and are in the hospital.
_______________________________
Yahoo Sports reports the FBI intercepted a phone conversation between LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade and recruiting middleman Christian Dawkins, in which Wade is recorded discussing a “deal” about “this Smart thing,” which could be a reference to LSU freshman guard Javonte Smart. Despite the growing scandal, LSU hoops is enjoying its best season in a decade, and Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says the team could snag a high seed in the NCAA tournament.
Cut 5 (12)“…right now”
Two Adidas officials and Dawkins have been sentenced to prison as part of the investigation into college basketball recruiting. Wade has reportedly been subpoenaed for the second college basketball corruption trial next month.
Wade said on Thursday he has not read the FBI wiretap report.

PM Newscall

The Humane Society of Louisiana has found homes for 20 horses used in Mardi Gras parades.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

A Louisiana-based grocery store says they sold over a half-million king cakes during the long carnival season. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________________________

The 10th ranked LSU basketball team can claim at least a share of the SEC regular season title on Saturday with a win over Vanderbilt after beating Florida 79-78 in overtime. Point guard Tremont Waters led LSU in scoring with 19 points, but Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says the big guys also played a large role

Cut 3 (11) “…in that game.”

With last night’s win, LSU finishes league play with an undefeated record in conference road games. Nunez says that’s quite an achievement after winning just two SEC road games last year…

Cut 4 (11) “…tough situations″

LSU will be either a one or two seed in next week’s SEC Tournament. Nunez says there’s a chance the Tigers can be a one seed in the NCAA Tournament…

Cut 5 (12)“…right now”

____________________

Twenty horses used in Mardi Gras parades this year have found new homes following a volunteer effort by the Human Society of Louisiana.  In past years, horses were used for the parades and then sent to auction, where they could be in danger of heading to slaughter.  Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson says this is the third year for the program that has proven to be successful.

Cut 6 (11) “…an auction barn.”

Each horse is photographed and has a bio posted on Facebook.  Dorson says it is landing the horses plenty of attention.

Cut 7 (08) “…have happy endings.”

Dorson says a thorough background check is done on each of the potential owners, in an effort to ensure the horses have a bright future ahead of them.

Cut 8 (09) “…the right home.”

_______________________

 

Fat Tuesday had come and gone and this year presented a longer carnival season.  Plenty of King Cakes were consumed as part of the celebration. Bakery Director for Rouses Markets Michelle Knight says they have seen record sales for the sugary treat.

Cut 9 (08) “…a half million.”

Knight says several flavors stood out as the front runners for being the most popular variations.

Cut 10 (09)“…and Bavarian cream.”

Knight says their King Cakes are baked fresh with no preservatives and only have about a three or four-day shelf life, but those that absolutely must have more King Cake, she says more are coming with an Irish twist in honor of St. Paddy’s Day.

Cut 11 (09)   “…great king cakes.”

_______________________________

US Senator Bill Cassidy tells USA Today’s Greg Hilburn that he’s running for re-election in 2020. The state’s senior Senator was elected to the Upper Chamber after serving in the Legislature, and US House of Representatives. LSU poli sci professor Dr. Robert Hogan says the announcement boxes out any other ambitious Republican looking to make a move.

Cut 12 (07)   “…again.”

Prior to his political career, Cassidy received his doctorate from LSU and worked as a liver specialist at Earl K Long Medical Center.

Hogan says Cassidy has spent the last five years building his national conservative bonafides, and becoming a right-wing leader on healthcare. The professor says that should spare him any credible primary threats from his side of the aisle.

Cut 13 (09) “…right.” 

So if there is a credible challenge, it almost certainly would have to come from the Senators left. But, Hogan says there really aren’t any Louisiana Democrats in a good position to make the effort.

Cut 14 (07)  “…him.” 

230PM LRN News

US Senator Bill Cassidy tells USA Today’s Greg Hilburn that he’s running for re-election in 2020. The state’s senior Senator was elected to the Upper Chamber after serving in the Legislature, and US House of Representatives. LSU poli sci professor Dr. Robert Hogan says the announcement boxes out any other ambitious Republican looking to make a move.
Cut 12, 8 seconds, run again
Prior to his political career, Cassidy worked as a doctor.
The 10th ranked LSU basketball team can claim at least a share of the SEC regular season title on Saturday with a win over Vanderbilt after beating Florida 79-78 in overtime. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says the big guys carried the load.
Cut 3 (11) “…in that game.”
__________________________________
A Louisiana-based grocery store says they sold over a half-million king cakes during the long carnival season. Jeff Palermo has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
A shooting on the Grambling campus has one person in the hospital and another behind bars. Early reports indicate the incident involved one student, and another non-student. The victim reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and after law enforcement cleared the area and investigated the manner, the campus was declared safe. Classes have resumed and no further interruptions in the schedule due to the shooting are planed as of this time.

1:30 LRN Newscast March 7

John Bel Edwards re-election team says radio ads that attack the governor for his funding of early childhood education are blatantly false. Victory 2019 spokesperson Eric Holl says Edwards has done what he can to provide funding for pre-K education during tough budget times and if re-elected, he’ll increase funding for early childhood education…
cut 17 (11) “second term”
Truth in Politics produced the ad and they say Edwards doesn’t like someone calling him out on his failed record.

We’re still waiting for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s office to provide more details on yesterday’s triple murder at a home in Terrytown. Jail records indicate 33-year-old Terrance Leonard has been booked on three counts of first degree murder and two counts of attempted first degree murder. Sheriff Joe Lopinto said last night that their suspect has confessed to the murders. Early indication is that the victims died from blunt force trauma.

The Humane Society of Louisiana has found homes for 20 horses used in Mardi Gras parades…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

LSU hoops is one win away from at least a share of the SEC regular season title after beating Florida last night. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor Tyler Nunez says the Tigers could be a number one seed in the NCAA Tourney…
cut 5 (12) “….right now”
But a new Yahoo Sports report has quotes from Wade taken during an FBI wire tap where the LSU coach is discussing an offer for a potential recruit.

1230PM LRN News

The 10th ranked LSU basketball team can claim at least a share of the SEC regular season title on Saturday with a win over Vanderbilt after beating Florida 79-78 in overtime. With last night’s win, LSU finishes league play with an undefeated record in conference road games. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez that wasn’t the case last year.

Cut 4 (11) “…tough situations″
LSU won just two SEC road games last year.
Twenty horses used in Mardi Gras parades this year have found new homes following a volunteer effort by the Human Society of Louisiana. In past years, horses were used for the parades and then sent to auction, where they could be in danger of heading to slaughter. Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson says this is the third year for the program that has proven to be successful.
Cut 6 (11) “…an auction barn.”
____________________________________
New research out of Denmark indicates the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine does not raise the risk of autism. That same study shows the vaccine does not trigger autism in kids who are in risk of it. Louisiana Department of Health Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says this is the 17th study to debunk the myth of a connection between autism and vaccination and what separates this is one is the size of the study group.
Cut 11 (11) “…the MMR vaccine.”
Welch says the vaccination-autism myth originated from a study in England involving a group of less than 12 autistic children.

11:40 LRN Sportscast March 7

The 10th ranked LSU basketball team can claim at least a share of the SEC regular season title on Saturday with a win over Vanderbilt after beating Florida 79-78 in overtime. Point guard Tremont Waters led LSU in scoring with 19 points, but Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says the big guys also played a large role
Cut 3 (11) “…in that game.”
With last night’s win, LSU finishes league play with an undefeated record in conference road games.

Louisiana Tech won its first conference road game last as the Bulldogs defeated Florida Atlantic 72-69.

The Ragin Cajuns are at Little Rock tonight, while ULM visits Arkansas State. The Warhawks Daishon Smith and A-S-U’s Ty Cockfield lead the Sun Belt in scoring as they both average around 22 points a game.

LSU spring football gets underway today and it’s the first time cornerback Derek Stingley Junior, the nation’s top recruit in the 2019 recruiting class gets to practice with his Tiger teammates. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says Stingley is one of the biggest storylines heading into the 2019 season…
cut 20 (11) “…talent level”
Stingley could be the Tigers punt returner next season. LSU also needs to find a place kicker to replace the reliable Cole Tracy. Cade York, Connor Cuulp and Jack Gonsoulin are the candidates.

The Pelicans three-game winning streak ended last night with a 114-104 loss to the Jazz.

LSU baseball’s three-game losing streak is over after a nine to two win over Holy Cross. The Ragin Cajuns have won four in a row after outscoring McNeese 16-10. Brennan Breaux drove in five runs and belted a three-run homer. ULM had just one hit in a 7-1 loss to Southeastern Louisiana.

1130AM LRN News

33-year-old Terrance Leonard, the reported suspect in a brutal triple homicide in Terrytown yesterday, has allegedly confessed to the crime after being booked on first degree murder charges. One adult woman and two children were among the dead, and two other children survived the shooting and were rushed to the hospital.
New research indicates the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine does not raise the risk of autism. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
__________________________________
The 10th ranked LSU basketball team can claim at least a share of the SEC regular season title on Saturday with a win over Vanderbilt after beating Florida 79-78 in overtime. Point guard Tremont Waters led LSU in scoring with 19 points, but Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says the big guys also played a large role
Cut 3 (11) “…in that game.”
The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction takes place tonight in Baton Rouge, recognizing those that have made significant contributions to the state’s ag industry. This year four will be inducted, and LRN Farm Broadcaster Don Molino says Korean War veteran Jack Hamilton of Lake Providence is receiving a posthumous induction.
Cut 8 (13) “…across the state.”

10:30 LRN Newscast March 7

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says a suspect is in custody in the murder of a woman and two children at a home in Terrytown. Lopinto says it appears the victims died from blunt force trauma in an attack that also seriously injured a teenager and another child. Lopinto says the suspect has confessed to the crimes.

There’s a radio ad airing mainly on urban stations critizing Governor John Bel Edwards for the amount of funding he’s provided for early childhood education. Edwards re-election campaign says the ads are blatantly false and asked for the commercial to be pulled down. A group called Truth in Politics produced the spot and spokesperson Jay Connaughton says the ads are still running and they stand by their message…
Cut 15 (08) “…intimidate us”
The Edwards re-election campaign says if re-elected, the governor plans to boost funding for pre-K now that the state no longer faces large budget deficits.

Researchers in Denmark have concluded that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine does not raise the risk of autism. The study involved over 650-thousand children. Louisiana Department of Health Immunization Director, Doctor Frank Welch, says this is another study that debunks the myth that vaccines can lead to autism…
cut 13 (10) “….using reliable sources”
Welch says it was a small study out of England that first concluded autistic symptoms after their vaccinations.

Four farmers will be inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction tonight at a ceremony in Baton Rouge. LRN Farm Director Don Molino says one of the inductees is Doctor Grady Coburn of Cheneyville, one of the state’s earliest crop consultants…
cut 9 (12) “…group as president”

9:30 LRN Newscast March 7

An autopsy is scheduled for today on the two children and one adult killed inside a home in Terrytown on Wednesday. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says they have a preliminary cause of death…
cut 30 (06) “…the scene itself”
Jail records show 33-year-old Terrance Leonard has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder.

A study involving over 650-thousand children in Denmark found that the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella does not cause autism. Louisiana Department of Health Immunization Director, Doctor Frank Welch, says the vaccination-autism myth originated from a study in England involving a group of less than 12 autistic children, where the researcher concluded that many of their autistic symptoms happened after their vaccinations.
Cut 12 (07) “…are vaccinating children.”

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana has a launched a new prescription drug cost tool which will help 637-thousand members price drugs and manage their prescription drugs to save money. Spokesperson Teresa Day says the tool can be accessed via desktop or mobile app and it has been in development for over a year…
cut 6 (13) “….for our members”
The Prescription Savings Solutions tool alerts members about savings opportunities with text messages or emails.

Tonight, the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction in Baton Rouge inducts four new members. LRN Farm Broadcaster Don Molino says one of the inductees is George LaCourt Junior of Morganza is respected worldwide for his experience with sustainability and conservation in the cotton industry…
cut 10 (09) “….cotton producers association”
The other three inductees are Linda Zaunbrecher, Grady Coburn and Jack Hamilton receives a posthumous induction.

8:30 LRN March 7

An autopsy report is expected today on the three victims that were murdered in Terrytown. Nola.com has identified 32-year old Christine Riley as the adult victim in the case, two children were also murdered.

Their bodies were found Wednesday morning according to Jefferson Parish Sherriff Office.

Two other juveniles remain in critical condition.

Jefferson Parish Sherriff Office says they have one suspect in custody who has confessed to the crime.

New research indicates the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine does not raise the risk of autism. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

 

John Bel Edwards re-election team says radio ads that attack the governor for his funding of early childhood education are blatantly false. Victory 2019 spokesperson Eric Holl says Edwards has done what he can to provide funding for pre-K education during tough budget times and if re-elected, he’ll increase funding for early childhood education…

 cut 17 (11)   “second term” 

 

Truth in Politics produced the ad and they say Edwards doesn’t like someone calling him out on his failed record.

 

Four farmers are inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction tonight during a ceremony in Baton Rouge. LRN Farm Broadcaster Don Molino says this year’s class features a woman, Linda Zaunbrecher of Gueydan.

Cut 7 (11) “…in southwest Louisiana.”