4:30 LRN Newscast February 24

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is worried about rising prices as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Strain says Ukraine has some of the most fertile soil in the world and is a major exporter of wheat and grain and now the supply for these bread-making ingredients is tightening…:

CUT 13 (08)     “…very significant”

Strain says Russia is a major exporter of natural gas, which is needed to produce fertilizer, and the cost of that is already sky high.

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee says they’ve been receiving intelligence for some time the Russian invasion of Ukraine was a real possibility…:

CUT 07(13)      “…real threat.”

 

The director of the LSU’s Center for Energy Studies says Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not good for our wallet. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Leesville Police are investigating the death of a 13-year-old boy who went missing last week. James Foraker’s remains were found Wednesday during a search of some local woods where he liked to hang out. Police say the boy’s death appears to be a suicide, but they are conducting a full investigation.

4:45 LRN Sportscast February 24

LSU football Coach Brian Kelly introduced Matt House as his new defensive coordinator. He spent the past three seasons as linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. House says he hasn’t decided if LSU will be a four-three defense or a three-four, but Kelly emphasized that he wants the Tigers to give opponents multiple looks this season.

Cut 17 (18) “…as possible.”

The U-L Cajuns won their third game in a row to pull to .500 on the season, with an 82-69 road win over Georgia Southern. Theo Akwuba posted 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for his fifth double-double. They play their regular-season finale tomorrow at Georgia State.

A pair of ranked teams will square off on the softball diamond tonight when second-ranked Alabama visits Lamson Park to tangle with the number fifteen Ragin’ Cajuns. U-L is off to a 6-0 start and batting .453 this season while allowing just two runs.

Hosting the Tigers for the first time since 1998, number 15 Louisiana Tech defeated 8th-ranked LSU 11-6 last night in an early statement game by the Bulldogs, who are off to a 4-0 start. After dominating one of the top teams in the country, Tech broadcaster Dave Nitz likes the potential in Ruston but says there isn’t much time to celebrate this win with some big games ahead.

Cut 10 (12) “…next week.”

The LSU men continued their late-season slide on the hardwood with a 66-71 loss at number six Kentucky. Xavier Pinson had game-highs with 26 points and eight assists but the Tigers couldn’t hold on to an eight-point halftime lead, getting outscored 48-35 in the second half. LSU falls to seventh in the SEC with three games to play, including season-ending matchups with number 18 Arkansas and 24th-ranked Alabama.

LSU’s women will try to extend their win streak to seven games and tighten their grip on second place in the SEC tonight when they host the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tigers have 23 wins already this season, their highest since 2011-12 and their 11 conference wins are the most in 13 years.

3:30 LRN Newscast February 24

The Russian invasion of Ukraine spurs more concerns from Louisiana’s Congressional delegates. Shreveport Congressman Mike Johnson says the Biden White House needs to hit Vladimir Putin with harsh sanctions as quickly as possible…:

CUT 09(09)      “…since World War II”

Johnson says the U.S. doesn’t have what’s needed to put boots on the ground to defend Ukraine right now, but bipartisan action from Congress and Biden will do a lot to deter Russia.

The principal of West St. Mary High School, in Baldwin, is arrested for theft. St. Mary Sheriff’s deputies say 41-year-old Donald Sanders III allegedly took somewhere between 1-thousand and 5-thousand dollars from the school. His bail has not yet been set.

 

The invasion of Ukraine has given already high inflation a boost. Gasoline prices are already spiking. LSU energy policy expert David Dismukes says the statewide average cost is $3.31, and it could hit $4.00 if high demand for gas continues…:

CUT 04(11)      “…prices go.”

Meanwhile the state’s Public Service Commission asks companies who provide power, water, cable TV and internet to be on guard against cyber-attack, as Russia’s aggression may not be limited to airstrikes and troops. New Orleans PSC Member Lambert Boissiere says instability like this is prime time for cyber criminals seeking to disrupt business…:

CUT 06(09)      “…power flowing.”

A St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputy is fired and arrested on dozens of counts of child pornography and sexual abuse involving animals. Corporal Chris Cassidy had been a deputy since 2006.

LRN PM Newscall February 24

The director of the LSU’s Center for Energy Studies says Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not good for our wallet. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Now that Russia has begun its invasion of Ukraine, Congressman Mike Johnson says U-S action must be swift. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington,”  

______________________________________

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sparked oil prices to soar past 100-dollars this morning for the first time since July 2014. Executive director at the Center for Energy Studies at LSU, David Dismukes, says inflation is already high and the Russia-Ukraine will only push prices higher

Cut 3 (10) “…even worse”

Gasoline prices are also expected to rise. According to Louisiana Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.31. That’s the highest they’ve been in eight years. Dismukes says gasoline prices could exceed four dollars a gallon if demand remains high…

Cut 4 (11) “…prices go.”

__________________________________________________

The Public Service Commission is urging Louisiana utilities, electric, gas, and water to step up their vigilance on cyber security as a result of the unrest caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. PSC member Lambert Boissiere says Russia’s aggression may not be limited to military airstrikes on Ukraine

Cut 5 (08) “…computers these days.”

Several utility companies have already been victims of cyberattacks in recent years and there have been reports that US utilities’ are extremely vulnerable to future attacks. Most cyber-attacks are financially motivated, but Boissiere says attackers are also looking to disrupt businesses..

 Cut 6 (09) “…power flowing.” 

_______________________________________

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee says they’ve been receiving intelligence for some time the Russian invasion of Ukraine was a real possibility.

Cut 7 (13) “…real threat.” 

The Republican Congressman says the threat goes even beyond Ukraine but to other nations, like the US, and not just from an economic standpoint, Johnson worries the invasion could prompt other dictators to attack other countries.

Johnson says even with the Biden Administration announcing a new set of sanctions aimed at Russian banks and technology firms he feels it’s too little too late.

Cut 8 (10) “…in the US.” 

As U-S for boots on the ground in Ukraine, Johnson says we don’t have the capability of doing that right now and that’s why the Biden Administration needs to evoke strict sanctions as soon as possible.

Cut 9 (09) “…since WWII.”

Johnson is also hopeful that both parties in Congress agree on decisive action and he encourages the White House to do the same.

______________________________________________

Hosting the Tigers for the first time since 1998, number 15 Louisiana Tech defeated 8th-ranked LSU 11-6 last night in an early statement game by the Bulldogs, who are off to a 4-0 start. After dominating one of the top teams in the country, Tech broadcaster Dave Nitz likes the potential in Ruston but says there isn’t much time to celebrate this win with some big games ahead.

Cut 10 (12)  “..next week.” 

On a night when temperatures dropped into the 40s, an evening so cold that Coach Lane Burroughs said he might not have sat through if he didn’t have to, the crowd showed up early and was there to support the Bulldogs throughout the ballgame. Nitz says it was an electric atmosphere and a sign of things to come.

Cut 11 (12)   “…at Louisiana Tech.”  

While the victory on the field was very important, Nitz says the biggest impact of this win may not come until the end of the season for the Bulldogs, when the NCAA selection committee is putting together its postseason tournament brackets.

Cut 12 (12) “…end of the year.”  

_____________________________________________

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is worried about rising prices as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Strain says Ukraine has some of the most fertile soil in the world and is a major exporter of wheat and grain and now the supply for these bread-making ingredients is tightening…

cut 13 (08) “…very significant”

Strain says Russia is a major exporter of natural gas, which is needed to produce fertilizer. He says the cost of fertilizer is already high…

Cut 14 (10)  “…at the grocery” 

2:30 LRN Newscast February 24

Shreveport-Bossier Congressman Mike Johnson says U.S. action to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine must be swift. Brooke Thorington has more….:

CUT 02(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

LSU energy policy expert David Dismukes says the Russian invasion is certain to aggravate inflation…:

CUT 03(10)      “…even worse.”

 

The Public Service Commission is urging Louisiana utilities, electric, gas, and water to step up their vigilance against cyber attack, amid the instability in Ukraine. New Orleans area PSC member Lambert Boissiere says Russia’s aggression may not be limited to only military actions…:

CUT 05(08)      “…computers these days.”

New COVID numbers from the Department of Health show fewer than 1000 new cases of the virus, with just over 600 people statewide in the hospital. About 70-percent of those are not fully vaxxed.

The LSU baseball team lost one to Louisiana Tech last night; the first time that’s happened since 1998. The #15 ranked Bulldogs beat the 8th-ranked Tigers 11-6, giving Tech a 4-and-0 start. Tech broadcaster Dave Nitz says more big games are ahead for Tech, so celebrations will have to wait…:

CUT 10(12)      “…next week.”

1:30 LRN Newscast Feb 24

The director of the LSU’s Center for Energy Studies says Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not good for our wallet. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to travel to Louisiana tomorrow to highlight the millions of dollars Louisiana will receive to improve high-speed internet in rural areas. Harris will hold a press event in the small St. Landry Parish town of Sunset. The Infrastructure Act contains 65-million dollars to expand broadband access in underserved communities.

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee says even with the Biden Administration is announcing a new set of sanctions aimed at Russian banks and technology firms and possibly new export controls also but feels it’s too little too late.

Cut 8 (10) “…in the US.” 

As U-S for boots on the ground in Ukraine, Johnson says we don’t have the capability of doing that right now.

It was a big night for La Tech Wednesday as they knocked off the 8th ranked LSU Tigers on the diamond. Bulldog announcer David Nitz says the crowd showed up early and it was an electric atmosphere and a sign of things to come.

Cut 11 (16)   “…at Louisiana Tech.”  

The score was 11-6.

12:30 LRN Newscast February 24

The Public Service Commission is urging Louisiana utilities, electric, gas, and water to step up their vigilance on cyber security as a result of the unrest caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Most cyber-attacks are financially motivated, but PSC member Lambert Boissiere says attackers are also looking to disrupt businesses.

Cut 6 (09) “…power flowing.”

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee says they’ve been receiving intelligence for some time that a Russian invasion of Ukraine was looming.

Cut 7 (13) “… a real threat.”

If you have a SNAP EBT card you can now purchase groceries online. Brooke Thorington has more on the big announcement.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast February 24

LSU football Coach Brian Kelly introduced Matt House as his new defensive coordinator. He spent the past three seasons as linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. House hasn’t decided on the Tigers’ defensive alignment, saying he’s still learning personnel before he develops a scheme…

Cut 18 (19) “…we can become.”

The New Orleans Saints have named Ryan Nielsen and Kris Richard as co-defensive coordinators. Saints analyst Bobby Hebert says he expects the Saints defense to remain dominant under the pair…

Cut 20 (22) “…ten wins.”

Louisiana Tech travels to Texas in search of their 20th win of the season, as the Bulldogs take on Rice tonight. Tech is tied for second in the Conference USA standings and has won four straight over the Owls. Coach Erick Konkol says a fifth win won’t come easily, with Rice sitting at 9-4 at home this year.

Cut 29 (18) “…in their building.”

LSU continued its late-season slide with a 66-71 loss at number six Kentucky. Xavier Pinson had game-highs with 26 points and eight assists but the Tigers couldn’t hold on to an eight-point halftime lead, getting outscored 48-35 in the second half.

In other men’s games, LSU-Shreveport topped 11th-ranked LSU-Alexandria in NAIA action. The Ragin Cajuns have won three in a row after beating Georgia Southern, and Tulane fell to number 14 Houston.

For the women, LSU-S knocked off LSU-A as well, and Tulane won its 20th game of the season and 8th in a row after beating SMU.

11:30 LRN Newscast February 24

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent the price of a barrel of crude oil above 100-dollars for the first time since 2014. Gasoline prices are also expected to rise. According to Louisiana Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.31. Executive Director for the Center for Energy Studies at LSU, David Dismukes says gasoline prices could exceed four dollars a gallon, if demand remains high…
cut 4 (11) “…prices go”
The Public Service Commission is urging Louisiana utilities, electric, gas, and water to step up their vigilance on cyber security as a result of the unrest caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. PSC member Lambert Boissiere
Cut 5 (08) “…computers these days.”

Louisiana households currently receiving SNAP benefits, also known as Food Stamps, can now order groceries online at Walmart stores, and the state Department of Children and Family Servies expects the program to rapidly spread to other retailers. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says for some EBT cardholders shopping remotely could be life-changing…
cut 13 (06) “….to do it”
There are 419-thousand Louisiana households receiving SNAP benefits.

As sports betting continues to evolve, Louisiana remains at the forefront. After the successful launch of mobile wagering in January, the state will welcome sports wager trading next year. Sporttrade operates much like Robinhood or Coinbase, except with sports instead of stocks. CEO Alex Kane says that brings a completely new dimension to the betting landscape.
Cut 10 (13) “…a sports outcome.”
The Gaming Control Board still needs to approve the sporttrade platform.

10:30 LRN Newscast Feb 24

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sparked oil prices to soar past 100-dollars this morning for the first time since July 2014. Executive director at the Center for Energy Studies, David Dismukes, says inflation is already high and the invasion will only push prices higher

Cut 3 (10) “…even worse”

EBT cardholders in Louisiana can now purchase groceries online at Walmart. Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Marketa Garner Walters says in addition to being convenient it’s life-changing for those who have limited transportation, however, EBT funds cannot be used to pay delivery fees.

Cut 15 (11)  “…pay for that.”

New Orleans Representative Candice Newell’s (New-elle) wants to lay the groundwork for more for cannabis facilities to operate in Louisiana if recreational marijuana is legalized. During the pandemic when so many Louisiana staples were halted, states with legalized cannabis still collected revenue from the industry.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the state.”

She’s introducing such legislation in March.

After a year off due to COVID, Mardi Gras – and its economic impact on Louisiana is back. LSU economics professor Dr. Dek Terrell says all indications are that visitors from all over the world will flock to the Crescent City between now and Fat Tuesday. He says Louisiana’s other cities also get a big fiscal boost from Mardi Gras…:

Cut 5 (13) “…was $22-million.”