LRN AM Newscall March 1

If you want to experience a Mardi Gras like no other, then you might want to spend it in Eunice chasing poultry, but in costume of course. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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President Biden’s State of the Union address is tonight, with many speculating what he may tell American and the world. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Six months since Hurricane Ida, Terrebonne Parish is still in recovery mode. David Grubb has the latest on the progress after the storm.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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One of the most unique Mardi Gras customs in the state takes place in Eunice, where instead of beads and doubloons you’ll see revelers on horseback in pursuit of live chickens. Administrative assistant to the mayor, Courtney Elkins says it’s a time-honored tradition to chase chickens in the small St. Landy Parish town.

Cut 4 (11)  “…in the gumbo.”

Elkins says they kicked off their celebration Friday with one of the largest turnouts they’ve ever had with live bands and parades. And to keep the chicken chasing tradition going, she says they limit the number of participants.

Cut 5 (06) “…and runners.”

If the act of chasing a chicken isn’t enough to get your attention, Elkins says the traditional costumes worn by riders and runners are also a sight to see.

Cut 6 (12)  “…entire face.”

Elkins says Fat Tuesday events start at 9 in the morning and continue into the night.

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Tonight President Joe Biden will address the U.S. and the world in his State of the Union speech. What may the President tell us, after what has been a fairly bad first year in office? U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says Mr. Biden needs a win right now…:

Cut 7 (15) “…humanitarian crisis.”

Under Biden’s leadership, the U.S. has seen skyrocketing fuel prices and runaway inflation, a disastrous pull-out from Afghanistan, an unsecured southern border and now the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Stockley says the President would be wise to use tonight’s speech as an opportunity for some course correction…:

Cut 8 (15)  “…foreign policy perspective.”

Members of the U.S. House and Senate will be there tonight, along with other dignitaries and invited guests, to hear what Biden has to say. Dr. Stockley says he cannot predict what the president may say, but he really needs tonight’s address to “move the needle” with American and the world…:

Cut 9 (14)  “…are historically low.”

Recent polls have Biden’s approval rating in the low 40’s.

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State Police arrest three people in a suspected drunk driving crash that killed 14-year-old Zashawn Dawson of Baton Rouge early Monday morning on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says the SUV Dawson was traveling in, was attempting to merge back onto the interstate after pulling off to the side and was struck by a truck driven by 24-year-old Emanual Ruiz of Pride.

Cut 10 (09) “…westbound vehicle.”

Scrantz says initially one of the passengers in Ruiz’s truck, 22-year old Tyler Melancon of Greenwell Springs told officers he was driving the truck.

Cut  11 (09)  “…the driver.”  

Investigators say Ruiz was impaired and faces vehicular homicide charges. Melancon was also arrested for obstruction of justice.

Troopers arrested a third person after taking inventory of the vehicles involved finding a stolen gun. Scrantz says 18-year old Cartara Johnson of Baton Rouge who was in the SUV with the 14-year-old who died was arrested.

Cut 12 (10) “…firearms.”

The driver of the third vehicle that struck the victim after he was ejected, was properly restrained not injured. Toxicology reports are pending.

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It’s been six months since Hurricane Ida tore its path through Louisiana. Terrebonne Parish saw catastrophic damage, as utilities were knocked offline and roads were covered with debris. But today, Parish President Gordon Dove says Terrebonne has stepped out of the rubble and moved into recovery.

Cut 13 (11) “…going along fine.”

While much work has begun, dealing with insurance providers has been a consistent issue for residents. Something not unexpected, but certainly an inconvenience with people anxious to rebuild says Dove.

Cut 14 (09)  “…don’t agree with.”

Even with three thousand residents still in FEMA trailers, there are a lot of encouraging signs in Terrebonne, Dove says. Businesses have returned, people are working both on and off shore, and dollars are starting to flow back into the parish. It’s a pace of progress that would have been hard to predict six months ago.

Cut 15 (11)  “…right now.”

5:30 LRN Newscast February 28

For the first time, the Board of Regents is requesting level-funding for the 22-23 fiscal year, that’s because TOPS enrollment is down. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A two-vehicle crash last night in Acadia Parish has claimed the lives of two men.  20-year-olds Derrick Ceasar Jr. and Tywon Thorn, both of Crowley, were pronounced dead at the scene. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says their Buick Century crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a Ford Expedition…

Cut 6 (08) “…on the shoulder.”

Mardi Gras has been a welcome boost to the state, especially in the metro-New Orleans area but also in the Hub City, where President of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, Ben Berthelot says they’ve seen an influx of tourists, and hotel occupancy is up.

Cut 3 (11) “…Mardi Gras back.”

On Fat Tuesday, Berthelot says they’ll have three parades rolling with things kicking off at 10 am with King Gabriel and culminating with the Independent parade.

As the Russia-Ukraine crisis continues, so does the steady rise in fuel prices. According to Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for gasbuddy.com, concerns about overseas oil production and increasing demand should keep prices up for a while.

Cut 12 (10) “…a gallon.”

With this conflict coming on the heels of the pandemic, the pace of production has not been able to keep up with demand as countries try to get back to normal. Louisiana currently averages $3.35 per gallon, up 97 cents from a year ago.

4:45 LRN Sportscast February 28

LSU’s women’s basketball team beat Tennessee in Knoxville for just the fourth time in program history, topping the Lady Vols, 57-54 Sunday, and clinched the second-seed in this week’s SEC tournament. The Tigers, now ranked fifth nationally, have won eight in a row and 10 of their last 11 ball games. Kim Mulkey says all credit goes to the players.

Cut 22 (9) “…find ways to win.”

LSU’s men collected their 20th win of the season on Saturday with a 75-55 romp over Missouri at the P-MAC. The Tigers close the season with a visit to 18th-ranked Arkansas on Wednesday, before the regular-season finale against number 24 Alabama on Saturday. It hasn’t been the smoothest path to 20 wins, but Will Wade isn’t complaining.

Cut 19 (18) “…taken it.”

The New Orleans Pelicans have won two in a row coming out of the All-Star break. After beating the Western Conference-leading Suns on Friday, the Pels beat the Lakers by 28 on Sunday night. CJ McCollum led six players in double figures with 22 points, with Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas adding 19 each. Ingram said the key to the Pelicans’ success has started with its defense, which has been best in the league over these last two games.

Cut 22 (14) “…to carry over.”

New Orleans hosts Sacramento on Wednesday night at the Smoothie King Center.

The NFL has announced that the New Orleans Saints will be playing a game across the pond during the 2022-23 season. The date and opponent have yet to be announced, but the Saints will be playing in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It will be the third time the Black & Gold travels to the UK for a game. They are 2-0 in England all-time, beating the Chargers in 2008 and the Dolphins in 2017.

LSU climbed one spot to seventh in the D-1 baseball rankings after winning four straight this past weekend. Louisiana Tech lost 2 of 3 to Tulane, and the UL Ragin Cajuns dropped three in a row at the Round Rock Classic.

4:30 LRN Newscast February 28

A two-vehicle crash last night in Acadia Parish has claimed the lives of two men.  20-year-old Derrick Caesar Jr. and 20-year-old Tywon Thorn, both of Crowley were pronounced dead at the scene, after their sedan crossed the center line and hit an SUV head-on. Neither were wearing a seatbelt, nor was the driver of the other vehicle (who sustained moderate injuries). State Police Trooper Tom Gossen says the SUV had too many people aboard and most of them – including children – weren’t restrained…:

CUT 08(09)      “..results are pending.”

This is the fourth fatal crash, with a total of six deaths, investigated by Troop I since the start of 2022.

A fatal crash early this morning in Ascension Parish closed Interstate 10 West down for several hours. State Police in Troop A say a pickup lost control and flipped over near the Highway 22 Sorrento exit. The driver was killed. The crash is under investigation.

 

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, gasoline and diesel prices keep going upward. GasBuddy.com senior fuel analyst Patrick DeHaan warns us to be prepared for some tough months ahead, as the U.S. enters conditions that could push gasoline prices up by anywhere from 25-to-75 cents by Memorial Day. Louisiana currently averages $3.35 per gallon; up 97 cents from a year ago…:

CUT 14(07)      “…in recent years.”

The state Department of Health reports just 668 new cases of the coronavirus; the Omicron variant. Statewide, there are 586 people in the hospital with the virus. Of those, about 68-percent are not fully vaxxed. LDH also reports 25 more deaths of persons with the virus; bringing the statewide total for the whole pandemic to just over 16,600.

3:30 LRN Newscast February 28

As the Russia-Ukraine crisis continues, so does the steady rise in fuel prices. With this conflict coming on the heels of the pandemic, the pace of production has not been able to keep up with demand as countries try to get back to normal. GasBuddy.com senior fuel analyst Patrick DeHaan says it’s only made a bad situation worse…:’

CUT 13  (12)        “…anytime soon.”

DeHaan says we could see gas go up another 25-to-75 cents by Memorial Day.

Lafayette is happy to see Mardi Gras return, after the pandemic cancelled everything last year. Convention & Visitors Commission head Ben Berthelot says it’s a great place for more family-oriented Mardi Gras…:

CUT 04  (08)        “…of Mardi Gras tomorrow.”

 

For the first time, the Board of Regents is requesting level-funding for the 22-23 fiscal year, that’s because TOPS enrollment is down. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

The New Orleans Saints will journey across The Pond this season to play in the NFL’s annual series of international games. This season will mark the Saints’ third trip to London. Their opponent team has not yet been determined. Other NFL games will be played in Munich and in Mexico City.

LRN PM Newscall February 28

For the first time, the Board of Regents is requesting level-funding for the 22-23 fiscal year, that’s TOPS enrollment is down. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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We’re entering a perfect storm for high prices at the pump. David Grubb has more.

Cut 2 (33)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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Mardi Gras has been a welcome boost to the state, especially in the metro-New Orleans area but also in the Hub City, where President of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, Ben Berthelot says they’ve seen an influx of tourists, and hotel occupancy is up.

Cut 3 (11) “…Mardi Gras back.”

Berthelot says in addition to the regular Krewes that roll in Lafayette they also held a COVID heroes parade honoring those who helped them get through the pandemic.

As for Fat Tuesday, Berthelot says they’ll have three parades rolling and things kick off at 10 am with King Gabriel and culminates with the Independent parade.

Cut 4 (08) “…tomorrow.”

Like other areas of the state, Berthelot says the pandemic has severely hurt the hospitality industry and he’s hopeful now that carnival season has been such a boost to the industry that it’s just the beginning for 2022.

Cut 5 (11) “…back strong.”

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A two-vehicle crash last night in Acadia Parish has claimed the lives of two men.  20-year-old Derrick Ceasar Jr. and 20-year-old Tywon Thorn, both of Crowley were pronounced dead at the scene. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says their Buick Century crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a Ford Expedition…

 Cut 6 (08) “…on the shoulder.” 

Neither Ceasar nor Thorn were wearing restraints at the time of the accident, nor was the driver of the Expedition. She and several passengers were transported to the hospital with reports of minor to moderate injuries. Gossen says it is unknown alcohol played a factor…

Cut 7 (08) “…remains to be seen.” 

The driver of the Expedition could face charges as well as the crash remains under investigation. Gossen said the vehicle had exceeded its occupancy limit and questions remain about seat belt and child restraint usage.

Cut 8 (09) “…results are pending.” 

This is the fourth fatal crash, with a total of six deaths, investigated by Troop I since the start of 2022.

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A decrease in enrollment and TOPS participation among Louisiana public colleges and universities raises concerns among Board of Regents members. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says for the first time ever they’re not asking for more TOPS funding this year. As for why enrollment is down, Reed believes it’s multifaceted.

Cut 9 (11) “…challenges.”

TOPS recipients can delay enrollment for up to one year and Reed says they want to find out as to what’s keeping students from enrolling or even possibly postponing their higher education.

Cut 10 (09)  “…off track.” 

A survey indicates a decrease of almost 3-percent in fall 2021 undergraduate enrollment and 3-percent fewer TOPS-eligible recipients were paid for fall 2021 enrollment.

Reed says this isn’t necessarily a Louisiana problem and the National Clearing House estimates a million fewer college students in the nation right now.

Cut 11 (09)   “…floods, etc.”  

The Regents and Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance will continue to monitor the issues and LOSFA plants to hold focus groups among high school and college students to better understand their challenges.

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As the Russia-Ukraine crisis continues, so does the steady rise in fuel prices. According to Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for gasbuddy.com, concerns about overseas oil production and increasing demand should keep prices up for a while.

Cut 12 (10) “…a gallon.”  

With this conflict coming on the heels of the pandemic, the pace of production has not been able to keep up with demand as countries try to get back to normal. DeHaan says it’s only made a bad situation worse.

cut 13 (12) “…anytime soon.”

DeHaan warns drivers to be prepared for some tough months ahead as the U-S enters a perfect storm that could push gasoline prices up by anywhere from 25 to 75 cents by Memorial Day. Louisiana currently averages $3.35 per gallon, up 97 cents from a year ago.

Cut 14 (7)  “…in recent years.”

2:30 LRN Newscast February 28

We’re entering a perfect storm for high prices at the pump. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “….David Grubb.”

Police in the Iberville Parish town of Plaquemine say an unattended 3-year-old, left in a parked car, somehow managed to get it in gear and drive through the front of a Dollar General store. No one was hurt. Mom initially said the car did that by itself and the kid was with her, but surveillance video reveal that was lie. She was cited for improper supervision of a minor.

 

The Tangipahoa Sheriff’s office arrests two men for the murder of a local teen last summer. Elijah Washington and Travon Washington – both 20 – are charged with killing 14-year-old Taysia Folse, and leaving her body in a grassy area near Ponchatoula last June. Deputies say Crimestoppers tips led to the men’s arrests.

A decrease in enrollment and TOPS participation among Louisiana public colleges and universities raises concerns among Board of Regents members. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says for the first time ever they’re not asking for more TOPS funding this year. Dr. Reed says this isn’t necessarily a Louisiana problem and the National Clearing House estimates a million fewer college students in the nation right now…:

CUT 11(09)      “…floods, et cetera.”

Looks like Mardi Gras Day will be a nice one. Sunshine is expected with highs statewide ranging in the mid-60’s to near 70 degrees.

1:30 LRN Newscast February 28

Mardi Gras has been a welcome boost to the state, especially in the metro-New Orleans area but also in the Hub City, where President of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, Ben Berthelot says they’ve seen an influx of tourists, and hotel occupancy is up.

Cut 3 (11) “…Mardi Gras back.”

Like other areas of the state, Berthelot says the pandemic has severely hurt the hospitality industry and he’s hopeful now that carnival season has been such a boost to the industry that it’s just the beginning for 2022.

A two-vehicle crash last night in Acadia Parish has claimed the lives of two men.  20-year-old Derrick Ceasar Jr. and 20-year-old Tywon Thorn, both of Crowley were pronounced dead at the scene. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says their Buick Century crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a Ford Expedition. It is unknown at this time whether either or both of the drivers were impaired at the time, and toxicology reports are pending.

Cut 7 (08) “…remains to be seen.”

A decrease in enrollment and TOPS participation among Louisiana public colleges and universities raises concerns among Board of Regents members. Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed says for the first time ever they’re not asking for more TOPS funding this year. TOPS recipients can delay enrollment for up to one year and Reed says they want to find out as to what’s keeping students from enrolling or even possibly postponing their higher education.

Cut 10 (09) “…off track.”

As the Russia-Ukraine crisis continues, so does the steady rise in fuel prices. According to Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for gasbuddy.com, concerns about overseas oil production and increasing demand should keep prices up for a while.

Cut 12 (10) “…a gallon.”

DeHaan warns drivers to be prepared for some tough months ahead as the U-S enters a perfect storm that could push gasoline prices up by anywhere from 25 to 75 cents by Memorial Day. Louisiana currently averages $3.35 per gallon, up 97 cents from a year ago.

12:30 LRN Newscast February 28

A decrease in enrollment and TOPS participation among Louisiana public colleges and universities raises concerns among Board of Regents members. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says for the first time ever they’re not asking for more TOPS funding this year. As for why enrollment is down, Reed believes it’s multifaceted.
Cut 9 (12) “…challenges.”
Reed says the decline in enrollment needs to be further studied.

A noted political analyst says Senator Bill Cassidy would be a most formidable candidate for Governor IF he should decide to run. Ron Faucheux says – should Cassidy decide to run – he would do so as a moderate…
Cut 10 (07) “…as a Republican.”
For his part, Senator Cassidy has NOT declared any intention to run for Governor in 2023. Cassidy said recently he’s quite engaged in being a United States Senator.

A two-vehicle crash last night in Acadia Parish killed two men from Crowley. 20-year-old Derrick Ceasar Jr. and 20-year-old Tywon Thorn were pronounced dead at the scene. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says a Buick Century crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a Ford Expedition…
Cut 6 (08) “…on the shoulder.”
Gossen says the deceased individuals were not buckled up, and several people inside the Expedition suffered minor to moderate injuries.

The beads were flying this past weekend as Louisiana residents and visitors are enjoying the return of Mardi Gras. Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission President Ben Berthelot hopes this is just the beginning of a great 2022 for the hospitality industry…
cut 5 (11) “…back strong”
There are Lundi Gras parades across south Louisiana tonight and then tomorrow it’s the Big Fat Tuesday celebration.

11:40 LRN Sportscast February 28

8th-ranked LSU defeated number 16 Tennessee 57-54 on Sunday to close out Kim Mulkey’s spectacularly successful first regular season as coach of the Tigers. Both Jailin Cherry and Khayla Pointer posted double-doubles as LSU won its eighth game in a row and 25th of the season. The Tigers will hold the second seed in the SEC women’s basketball tournament, where they will play either Kentucky or Mississippi State this Friday in Nashville.

LSU men’s basketball started the second half on Saturday night on 15-0 run and went on to beat Missouri 75-55 at the PMAC. The Tigers are 8-8 in the SEC and in a four-way tie for sixth in the standings. LSU closes out the regular season at 18th-ranked Arkansas on Wednesday with the home finale Saturday versus 24th ranked Alabama. Will Wade is hoping his team can get hot again as the calendar flips to March.

Cut 20 (21) “…pop us”

Lots of action on the diamond this weekend. Louisiana Tech dropped 2 of 3 in its series against Tulane. UNO improved to 5-1 with a pair of wins over Kansas. Southeastern and UL-Monroe, took tough losses at home, and Nicholls evened its record at 4-4 with a win over Mississippi Valley. LSU outscored Towson and Southern 26-1 while taking two at the Box.

After spending nine seasons at Louisiana Tech, Joe Sloan is the new LSU quarterbacks coach. Sloan says he has spent his few weeks in Baton Rouge getting to know his Q-Bs…

Cut 17 (22) “…can be”

The New Orleans Pelicans have won two in a row since the All-Star break. Last night they lapped the Lakers 123-95. CJ McCollum scored 22 points, Brandon Ingram added 19, and Jonas Valanciunas finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds

The New Orleans Saints will play a game in London this season. The date is yet to be announced.