5:30 LRN Newscast February 21

The New Orleans Police Department is investigating the mysterious death of a UNO student who died hours after getting into an Uber after spending Friday night attending parades in Metairie. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A shooting at a club rental in Alexandria kills a 17-year-old male and injures two others. Alexandria Police spokesperson Lt. Lane Windham says they were called to Club 318 just before midnight Saturday after shots were fired inside the building. Police are also investigating why so many people were in attendance at the club that night.

Cut 5 (09) “…that many.”

In just six weeks the NCAA men’s Final Four returns to New Orleans. The Superdome has hosted more Final Fours than any other venue, but this is the first since 2012. Today, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and Governor John Bel Edwards started the unofficial countdown to the championship and touted the impact of the return of one of the nation’s biggest sporting events.

Cut 6 (11) “…for our economy.”

The Final Four is expected to bring more than 75-thousand visitors to The Crescent City, generating an economic impact of $170 million.

Authorities say no fatalities or major injuries are reported after an explosion at the Marathon Refinery plant in Garyville this morning.  St. John Parish President Jaclyn Hotard says it happened shortly after 9 am and they’ve received several calls from those in the community that heard the explosion of the unit at the refinery.

Cut 10 (07) “…our residents.”

Hotard says Marathon is monitoring air quality in the area.

4:45 LRN Sportscast February 21

The LSU women’s basketball team continues to roll. The Tigers beat number 17 Florida on Sunday, 66-61. With the victory, LSU claims sole possession of second place in the SEC standings and climbs to number eight in the A-P rankings. It’s the highest the Tigers have been since the 2007-08 season when they reached the Final Four. Before beating back the Gators, Kim Mulkey told her team to enjoy the moment.

Cut 21 (16) “…at their school.”

Alexis Morris scored a game-high 20 points for LSU.

After a three-game sweep of Maine where LSU scored a program-record 51 runs, it should come as no surprise that one of the Tigers has earned the first SEC Player of the Week award of the new season. Sophomore infielder Cade Doughty was selected for the honor after batting .571 with three doubles, two home runs, seven runs scored, and 12 driven in over 14 at-bats.

The U-L Cajuns took two of three from 14th-ranked Cal-Irvine, the defending Big West Conference Champions, over the weekend. UNO won three games over three different opponents at the Andre Dawson Classic, while UL-M dropped two of three against Southern Illinois. Louisiana Tech swept its three-game set with Wichita State, with reliever Kyle Crigger earning Conference USA Pitcher of the Week honors after picking up a win and a save in two scoreless appearances.

Dennis Allen continues to fill out his staff, as University of Tennessee receivers coach Kodi Burns has been hired for the same role with the New Orleans Saints, according to a report by ESPN. The Saints have struggled to find consistent production at the wideout position over the last two seasons with Michael Thomas missing 26 of the 33 games in that time. Last season, Marquez Callaway led the team with 698 yards, the lowest total for a Saints top receiver since Eric Martin’s 675 in 1986.

Back in Baton Rouge, LSU’s new receivers coach and passing game coordinator, Cortez Hankton, will remain with the team after interviewing with the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams for their vacant offensive coordinator position. Hankton joined Brian Kelly’s staff last month after four seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs.

4:30 LRN Newscast February 21

Authorities say no fatalities or major injuries are reported at an explosion at the Marathon Refinery plant in Garyville this morning.  St. John Parish President Jaclyn Hotard says it happened shortly after 9 a.m….:

CUT 09(07)      “…local facility.”

Hotard says Marathon is monitoring air-quality in the area.

The State Fire Marshal’s office says a six-year-old child rescued from a burning mobile home in New Iberia has died. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says two adults and six children were inside the home on Sunday afternoon when the blaze started and the six-year-old was the only one that didn’t get out safely..:

CUT 11(11)      “…later died.”

The boy is the 23rd person to die by house fire so far this year.

 

A shooting at a club rental in Alexandria kills a 17-year-old male and injures two others. Alexandria Police spokesperson Lt. Lane Windham says they were called to Club 318 just before midnight Saturday. He says two others – an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old were shot and wounded. Windham says they are looking into the nature of the event that was held…:

CUT 04(10)      “…were safe.”

In just six weeks the NCAA men’s Final Four returns to New Orleans. The Superdome has hosted more Final Fours than any other venue, but this is the first since 2012. Governor John Bel Edwards says the event is expected to bring more than 75-thousand visitors to The Crescent City, generating an economic impact of $170-million…:

CUT 07(10)      “…of the pandemic.”

3:30 LRN Newscast February 21

In just six weeks the NCAA men’s Final Four returns to New Orleans. The Superdome has hosted more Final Fours than any other venue, but this one may be the most important yet. David Grubb has the story…:

CUT 01(34)      “…David Grubb.”

The state Department of Health reports COVID numbers continuing to decline. Today’s LDH COVID dashboard shows 2029 new cases, with just 731 in the hospital statewide.

 

A shooting at a rentable private club in Alexandria kills a 17-year-old male and injures two others. Alexandria Police spokesman Lt. Lane Windham says they were called to Club 318 just before midnight Saturday after shots were fired inside the building…:

CUT 03(07)      “…more than that.”

A 16-year-old male was also shot, he has been treated and released from the hospital and the 19-year-old victim is expected to be released soon.

A six-year-old boy in New Iberia becomes the state’s 23rd person to die in a house fire so far in 2022. The fire happened Sunday. Ashley Rodrigue, with State Fire Marshal Butch Browning’s office…:

CUT 13(12)      “…need to be.”

The fire is under investigation. Remember to check YOUR smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

LRN PM Newscall February 21

In just six weeks the NCAA men’s Final Four returns to New Orleans. The Superdome has hosted more Final Fours than any other venue, but this one may be the most important yet. David Grubb has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

______________________________________

The New Orleans Police Department is investigating the mysterious death of a UNO student who died hours after getting into a Uber after spending Friday night attending parades in Metairie. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

______________________________________

A shooting at a club rental in Alexandria kills a 17-year-old male and injures two others. Alexandria Police spokesperson Lt. Lane Windham says they were called to Club 318 just before midnight Saturday after shots were fired inside the building.

Cut 3 (07) “…more than that.”

A 16-year-old male was also shot, he has been treated and released from the hospital and the 19-year-old victim is expected to be released soon with non-life-threatening injuries.

Windham says they are looking into the nature of the event that was held.

Cut 4 (10) “…were safe.”

As for security, Windham says at least one person spoke with investigators that he was hired for the event.

Windham says they are also investigating why several hundred people were in attendance Saturday evening at the club in the 2100 block of Lee Street.

Cut 5 (09) “…that many.”

Police are asking for anyone with information about the shooting to contact them.

_______________________________________

In just six weeks the NCAA men’s Final Four returns to New Orleans. The Superdome has hosted more Final Fours than any other venue, but this is the first since 2012. Today, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and Governor John Bel Edwards started the unofficial countdown to the championship and touted the impact of the return of one of the nation’s biggest sporting events.

 Cut 6 (11) “…for our economy.” 

The timing of the Final Four’s return couldn’t be better for a city and state that rely on tourism. Two years of COVID and severe weather have taken a major bite out of the industry. However, the Final Four is expected to bring more than 75-thousand visitors to The Crescent City, generating an economic impact of $170 million.

Cut 7 (10) “…of the pandemic.” 

With Mardi Gras already in full swing, and Festival season following right behind, Mayor Cantrell is excited to see the city reopening itself to the world. She said that New Orleans has done its part by reducing COVID rates in the city after 2020 and rallying its civic and business partners.

Cut 8 (12) “…spirit of this community.”  

The National Semifinals will be held on April 2nd with the Championship game played on Monday, April 4th.

______________________________________________

Authorities say no fatalities or major injuries are reported at an explosion at the Marathon Refinery plant in Garyville this morning.  St. John Parish President Jaclyn Hotard says it happened shortly after 9 am.

Cut 9 (07) “…local facility.”

Hotard says they’ve received several calls from those in the community that heard the explosion of the unit at the refinery.

Cut 10 (07)  “…our residents.” 

Hotard says Marathon is monitoring air-quality in the area.

_________________________________________

The State Fire Marshal’s office says a six-year-old child rescued from a burning mobile home in New Iberia has died. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says two adults and six children were inside the home on Sunday afternoon when the blaze started and the six-year-old was the only one that didn’t get out safely

Cut 11 (11)   “…later died”  

Rodrigue says based on statements made by individuals in the home, the blaze started in the six-year old’s room

Cut 12 (11) “…Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office.”  

Rodrigue says this latest fatal fire in New Iberia brings the number of fatal fires in Louisiana to 19 this year, resulting in 23 deaths

cut 13 (12) “…need to be.”

2:30 LRN Newscast February 21

New Orleans Police are investigating the mysterious death of a UNO student who died hours after getting into an Uber, after spending Friday night attending parades in Metairie. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A suspected drunk driver ran into parade revelers at Lafayette’s Rio parade Saturday. Police say the vehicle hit barricades and struck two people, who were seriously hurt. 31-year-old Jessica Richard is charged with 2nd offense DUI & vehicular negligent injuring.

 

New Iberia mourns the death of a six-year-old child, who died from injuries in a house fire Sunday. State Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the youngster was the only one that didn’t get out safely. Firefighters got the boy out, but he died later at the hospital. Rodrigue says family members said the kid was at ground zero…:

CUT 12  (11)        “…Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office.”

This is the 23rd death by fire in the state so far this year.  – COPY CORRECTED.

Authorities say no fatalities or major injuries are reported at an explosion at the Marathon Refinery plant in Garyville this morning.  St. John Parish President Jaclyn Hotard says it happened shortly after 9 a.m. She says they’ve received several calls from those in the community that heard the explosion of the unit at the refinery…:

CUT 10(07)      “…our residents.”

Hotard says Marathon is monitoring air-quality in the area.

1:30 LRN Newscast February 21

A shooting at a club rental in Alexandria kills a 17-year-old male and injures two others. Alexandria Police spokesperson Lt. Lane Windham says they were called to Club 318 just before midnight Saturday after shots were fired inside the building. Windham says they are also investigating why several hundred people were in attendance at the club in the 2100 block of Lee Street.

Cut 5 (09) “…that many.”

Police are asking for anyone with information about the shooting to contact them.

The State Fire Marshal’s office says a six-year-old child rescued from a burning mobile home in New Iberia has died. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says two adults and six children were inside the home on Sunday afternoon when the fire started and the six-year-old was the only one that didn’t get out safely.

Cut 11 (11)   “…later died.”

Rodrigue says the exact cause of the fire is not yet known.

In just six weeks the NCAA men’s Final Four returns to New Orleans. Today, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and Governor John Bel Edwards started the unofficial countdown to the championship. With Mardi Gras already in full swing, and Festival season following right behind, Mayor Cantrell is excited to see the city reopening itself to the world. She said that New Orleans has done its part by reducing COVID rates in the city after 2020 and rallying its civic and business partners.

Cut 8 (12) “…spirit of this community.”

Authorities say no fatalities or major injuries are reported at an explosion at the Marathon Refinery plant in Garyville this morning.  St. John Parish President Jaclyn Hotard says it happened shortly after 9 am, and they’ve received several calls from those in the community that heard the explosion of the unit at the refinery.

Cut 10 (07) “…our residents.”

Hotard says Marathon is monitoring air quality in the area.

12:30 LRN Newscast Feb 21

Authorities say no fatalities or major injuries are reported after an explosion at the Marathon Refinery plant in Garyville this morning. St. John Parish President Jaclyn Hotard says it happened shortly after 9 am.

Cut 9 (07) “…local facility.”  

Hotard says there are also no reported off-site impacts from the explosion and air quality is being monitored.

A shooting at a club rental in Alexandria kills a 17-year-old male and injures two others. Alexandria Police spokesperson Lt. Lane Windham says they were called to Club 318 just before midnight Saturday after shots were fired inside the building and they are looking into the nature of the event that was held.

Cut 4 (10) “…were safe.”

Two other males a 16-year-old and 19-year old were also shot and had non-life-threatening injuries.

In six weeks, the NCAA men’s Final Four returns to New Orleans. The Superdome has hosted more Final Fours than any other venue, but this is the first since 2012. Governor John Bel Edwards started the unofficial countdown to the championship and touted the impact of the return of one of the nation’s biggest sporting events.

 Cut 6 (11) “…for our economy.” 

The semifinals will be held on April 2nd with the Championship game on Monday, April 4th.

Louisiana Tech is renaming its biomedical engineering building after former long-time president Dr. Dan Reneau, who in 1972 started a biomedical engineering program. University spokesperson Tonya Oaks Smith says Dr. Reneau established the groundwork for future success…

Cut 14 (12)  “…through engineering.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast February 21

With four games left in the regular season, the LSU men’s basketball team is 7-and-7 in the SEC tied with three other teams for fifth place. The Tigers let one get away on Saturday as they fell to South Carolina 77-75. Tari Eason had 21 points to lead the way for the Tigers, but he also had six turnovers, including a critical one with 1:43 left that led to a South Carolina dunk and a three-point Gamecocks lead…

Cut 18 (20) “…fought hard.”

The LSU women, however, continue to roll. The 11th-ranked Tigers beat number 17 Florida on Sunday, 66-61. With the victory, LSU moves into sole possession of second place in the SEC standings with just two games to play. More than 13 thousand were on hand to watch the Tigers, the fourth-largest crowd in program history. Alexis Morris scored a game-high 20 points for LSU.

After shooting 34-percent from the field in a loss Thursday to UTEP, Louisiana Tech rebounded to shoot 53-percent Saturday in a 95-71 win over UTSA. Bulldogs coach Eric Konkol says his team responded well to Thursday’s loss…

Cut 19 (20) _“… playing with confidence”

On the diamond, Bulldogs baseball took three from Wichita State. In Lafayette, the Ragin Cajuns won their series with 14th-ranked Cal-Irvine and UNO won three straight as hosts of the Andre Dawson Classic.

The Jay Johnson-era of LSU baseball is off to a swinging start. The Tigers opened the season with a three-game sweep of Maine and in doing so, scored a program-record 51 runs topping the previous record of 45 set against Western Kentucky in 1996. LSU batters combined to hit .388 with 45 hits, including seven home runs and 49 RBI.

11:30 LRN Newscast February 21

Governor Edwards says he’s carefully examing the Congressional, legislative, PSC, and BESE maps the state Legislature approved. Edwards is concerned none of the maps reflect a growth in the African American population by adding more majority-minority districts. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the governor can veto these maps…
Cut 7 (09) “…or not.”
Edwards has 20 days once he receives the legislation to decide whether he’ll veto the legislation approved in the redistricting session.

A shooting at a club rental in Alexandria kills a 17-year-old male and injures two others. Alexandria Police spokesperson Lt. Lane Windham says they were called to Club 318 just before midnight Saturday after shots were fired inside the building.
Cut 3 (07) “…more than that.”
A 16-year-old male was also shot, he has been treated and released from the hospital and the 19-year-old victim is expected to be released soon with non-life-threatening injuries.

U-S officials say Russia invading Ukraine seems more likely and according to energy industry experts this will lead to an increase in gas and oil prices. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Eric Smith says the price spikes will also make it harder to get needed materials like heavy solid crude…
cut 5 (10) “..pretty picture”
According to Triple-A, the statewide average price for a regular gallon of gasoline is $3.30, 24-cents more than a month ago.

June 4th has been set as the date to implode Kirby Smith Hall on LSU’s campus, a place where thousands of college students lived and two governors, John Bel Edwards and Bobby Jindal held their transitional offices at. The building opened in 1967 and Executive Director of Residential Life Pete Trentacoste says once the rubble is cleaned up, the area will be made into green space…
cut 12 (07) “….happen to it”