7:30 LRN Newscast Feb 27

Let’s start with the 2023 Governor’s race. So far 8 candidates are announced; 5 republicans, 1 democrat and 2 independents. District 6 Congressman Garret Graves admits he is “feeling pressure” to run, but has not made any such announcement yet, despite speculation that he will. “LaPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says all that Graves talk certainly keeps his name and brand “out there”, and the strategy could work brilliantly for him if he’s a last-minute entry…:

CUT 08  (09)        “…he can do that.”

Alford admits that a little bit of “political theatre” in the race makes it more fun.

A New Orleans City Council member says Mayor LaToya Cantrell should pay back taxpayers over $50-thousand for a mailer that a legal analyst says was purely political. The mailer lists her accomplishments, just as a petition to recall Cantrell was circulating. Postage cost $32,623 and printing cost $18,323. Experts say that should have come from her campaign funds, not city coffers.

 

Police in Baton Rouge report a teen girl was shot and killed as she drove along Interstate 110 Saturday night. 17-year-old Nykobia Keller was able to pull over and call for help, but died at a local hospital. BRPD says the shooting was not random. Baton Rouge and New Orleans have had a string of shootings on the expressways in recent weeks.

Pineville Police have added a state-of-the-art drone, with multiple capabilities, to their force. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 03(32)      “…Thorington.”

06:45 LRN Sportscast

After suffering their first loss of the season on Saturday, the top-ranked LSU baseball team responded on Sunday with a 16-4 win over Sam Houston State to win the Round Rock Classic in Texas. Dylan Crews was named tournament MVP as he went five for six at the plate yesterday with three doubles, four runs scored and four runs drivin in. Brayden Joubert also launched two, two-run home runs and Garret Edwards was the winning pitcher. LSU is at Texas tomorrow night.

Angel Reese put together another monster game as the fifth-ranked Lady Tigers finished off the regular season with a 74-59 win over Mississippi State yesterday. Reese had 23 points and 26 rebounds. Alexis Morris also had 23 points. LSU is 27-and-1 heading into the SEC Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina. The 27-and-1 record matches the best regular season record in program history. Also, 15,721 people watched the game yesterday. That’s a PMAC record.

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Nicholls held Louisiana Tech to four hits yesterday and the Colonels blanked Bulldogs eight to nothing. Jacob Mayers struck out eleven over five innings for his second win of the season. Nicholls is 4-and-4 on the year, while Tech is 4-and-3.

S-I-U Edwardsville upended ULM eight to five, UT Arlington topped McNeese 12 to six. Southeastern Louisiana lost its first game of the season as it fell to Samford nine to three. Stephen F Austin edged Northwestern State five to four.

On the softball diamond…LSU defeated U-L Lafayette four to one after the Lady Cajuns rallied to beat the Tigers in Baton Rouge on Saturday.

College basketball…LSU lost again on Saturday night, falling to Ole Miss 82-69.

The Ragin Cajuns are the two seed in the Sun Belt Tournament and they’ll play Saturday against the winner of Thursday’s game between Georgia Southern and ULM.

The Pelicans will try to end a three-game losing streak tonight as New Orleans hosts Orlando. The Pels lost to the Knicks 128 to 106 on Saturday.

6:30 LRN Newscast Feb 27

Baton Rouge Police are seeking the person responsible for the shooting death of 17-year-old Nykobia Keller. She was shot while driving down I-110 near Hollywood Saturday night. She was able to pull over and call for medical help, but died later at a local hospital. BRPD believes this was a targeted attack. They ask anyone with information to contact them.

The Governor’s proposed executive budget has been out for about a week, and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry shares their feelings about it…:

CUT 02  (31)        “…Foxx.”

 

The latest AARP COVID dashboard indicates the early wave of coronavirus cases in nursing homes appears to have peaked. Louisiana AARP Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says that’s good news, especially for this most vulnerable age group…:

CUT 04(09)      “…activities.”

Which historically will lead to an uptick in cases days later.

Baton Rouge area Congressman Garret Graves says he is “feeling pressure” to run for governor, but will not commit one way or the other. So, will he run or not? “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford has watched many political campaigns unfold and says Graves is employing a pretty smart strategy by playing coy on the race…:

CUT 07(12)      “…theatrics here.”

Graves can run for Governor this fall, and simply return to Congress should he not win.

LRN AM Newscall February 27

District 6 Congressman Garret Graves is feeling pressure to announce whether he will or will not run for Governor this fall. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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LABI reacts to Governor John Bel Edwards’ proposed budget. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Pineville Police have added a state-of-the-art drone to their force. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The latest AARP COVID dashboard indicates the early wave of coronavirus cases in nursing homes appears to have peaked. Louisiana AARP Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says that’s good news, especially for this most vulnerable age group.

Cut 4 (09)  “…activities.”

Which historically will lead to an uptick in cases days later.

Muhl says because of the anticipated post-Mardi Gras community spread if you have loved ones in long-term care facilities it’s important that you stay up to date on your vaccinations. He says it’s also important to ask the facility what their COVID protocols are and do they have enough PPE.

Cut 5 (07) “…several months.”

The most recent dashboard which covered the four-week period ending on January 22, also showed a spike in nursing home staff COVID cases. Muhl says staff cases rose from 533 to 847.

Cut 6 (10)  “…antionawide.” 

Resident cases during the same period in Louisiana went from 1,007 to 1,355. COVID deaths among residents increased from 13 to 19.

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Baton Rouge area Congressman Garret Graves says he is “feeling pressure” to run for governor, but will not commit one way or the other. So, will he run or not? “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford has watched many political campaigns unfold and says Graves is employing a pretty smart strategy by playing coy on the race…:

Cut 7 (12) “…bit of theatrics here”

By not immediately jumping into the governor’s race and keeping everyone guessing, Graves is also keeping his name out in front of political discussions and speculations. Alford says this could work brilliantly for Graves…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…he can do that.”

Alford says Graves could jump in late and still be able to raise enough money to compete with deep-pocketed competition like Jeff Landry, who seems assured of a victory. Alford says a recent chat he had with Senator John Kennedy during DC Mardi Gras indicates that may not be so…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…about Garret Graves.”

Graves can run for Governor this fall, and simply return to Congress should he not win. Alford says the suspense is helping Graves’ “brand” and a little “political theatre” in the race is kind of fun.

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LABI reacts to the 2023-24 budget proposed by Governor John Bel Edwards. The total cost of the budget is around $45.7 billion. The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President and CEO, Stephen Waguespack says it’s imperative to have a fiscal balance.

Cut 10 (07)  “…two years.”

Edwards is asking lawmakers to approve a $2,000 raise for certified teachers and $1,000 raise for staff. The governor also proposed- firefighters, police, and deputy sheriffs receive an additional $100 a month in supplemental pay. Waguespack says…

Cut 11 (07)  “…over time.”

A one-cent sales tax was implemented in 2016 to help fund the $2 billion deficit the state was facing. Waguespack says…

Cut 12 (11) “…time dollars.”

The regular legislative session begins on April 10.

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Pineville Police are taking to the skies in an effort to curb crime. Chief Darrell Basco says their newest drone won’t require an operator to be called in when needed and it’s accessible for the patrol division 24/7. And it’s not your average drone, he says it allows them to see things in real-time.

Cut 13 (09) “…consumer drone.” 

The newest member of the force also has infrared and thermal capabilities and can arrive at the scene before officers allowing them to assess a situation before they respond.

Basco says the drone will increase their coverage when a patient goes missing from either the Pinecrest Developmental Center or Central State Hospital. Before the drone, Basco says they would have to send up to four cars to grid and block a search area.

Cut 14 (08)  “…piece of equipment.”

The drone can be used to assist in searches for missing children as well.

Basco says they want to use as much technology that’s available to law enforcement to help them solve crimes quicker…

Cut 15 (03)  “…it occurs.”

The drone is valued at $12,000

10:30 LRN Newscast, February 25th

Baton Rouge area Congressman Garret Graves says he is “feeling pressure” to run for governor but will not commit one way or the other. So, will he run or not? “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford has watched many political campaigns unfold and says Graves is employing a pretty smart strategy by playing coy on the race…:
Cut 7 (12) “bit of theatrics here”
Graves can run for Governor this fall, and simply return to Congress should he not win.

A grand jury in West Baton Rouge Parish indicts an Addis police officer for a New Year’s Eve crash that happened during a high-speed chase. Officer David Cauthron was chasing a car theft suspect, when he ran a red light on Highway 1 in Brusly and hit a car carrying three teens. Two teen girls were killed, and a teen boy passenger was critically injured. The grand jury indicted Cauthron for manslaughter, negligent injuring, reckless operation and malfeasance in office.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Mardi Gras was a big success for New Orleans, despite being marred by acts of violence and crime. The official numbers are still being tallied, but Nungesser says there were huge crowds in Metairie and New Orleans on Fat Tuesday….:
Cut 12 (12) “prior to COVID”
However, Nungesser says cities (especially New Orleans) must be allowed to get a handle on rising crime or crowds will DWINDLE.

A Netflix original movie filmed in Ascension Parish hit the streaming platform no Friday. “We Have a Ghost” is the story of a family who moves into a fixer-upper and becomes a viral sensation when they reveal a ghost in their home. Aquiles Montalvo (Achilles Mon-tal-vo) an assistant location manager on the film says you’ll recognize Donaldsonville in a car chase scene…:
Cut 6 (07) “for a treat”

09:30 LRN Newscast, February 25th

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy involved shooting at a gas station that left a suspect dead. They say they responded to a call around 4am at a Terrytown convenience store, where a man was behaving erratically before becoming combative towards deputies then fired at least one shot. One of the deputies fired their service weapon at the suspect striking and killing him.

A West Baton Rouge Parish grand jury indicts a former Addis cop for his role in a New Year’s Eve high-speed chase and car crash that killed two teenage girls. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Lent is underway which marks the official beginning of Crawfish season in Louisiana. The Crawfish App compares local prices for mudbugs and co-founder Laney King says not only is this weekend perfect weather-wise for a boil, it’s also promising for the season itself…:
Cut 4 (07) “excited about”
She says prices are back to normal compared to previous seasons and will keep dropping as we get closer to Easter.

LSU Health Shreveport has been chosen as a site for a nationwide study on Parkinson’s Disease in African Americans. LSUHS Center for Brain Health Director Elizabeth Disbrow says information gathered on Black and African American connections to Parkinson’s Disease is only one piece of a larger global effort to enhance knowledge of genetic information and treatment..”
Cut 11 (09) “clear diagnosis”

08:30 LRN Newscast, February 25th

A grand jury in West Baton Rouge has indicted the Addis police officer involved in a high-speed chase that left two teenagers dead and one seriously injured on New Year’s Eve. 42-year-old David Cauthron is now formally charged with 2 counts of manslaughter, aggravated obstruction of a highway, negligent injury, malfeasance in office and reckless operation.

Congressman Garret Graves is feeling pressure to announce whether or not he’ll run for Governor. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
CUT 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s an embarrassment that gun charges were dropped by the Orleans Parish DA’s Office against 16 men arrested over Mardi Gras in The Big Easy. He says the system must do better as the crime issue in New Orleans is going to deter big conventions from coming here…:
Cut 14 (06) “the streets safer”
He’s calling for the dismissal of the assistant district attorney who made the decision.

Lent marks the official kickoff to crawfish season in Louisiana, so what’s it going to set you back this year? The Crawfish App compares the price of mudbugs in your local area, and co-founder Laney King says prices are down 5 percent over last year…:
CUT 3 (11) “$125 a sack”
You can check the prices near you by searching for The Crawfish App on your phone.

 

07:30 LRN Sportscast, February 25th

The LSU Baseball team gets a win Friday afternoon in Game One of the Round Rock Classic knocking off Kansas State 7-3. Paul Skenes struck out 11 of the 22 batters he faced through 6 innings, despite the Wildcat’s offensive start. The Tigers improved to 5-0 overall and will next face Iowa at noon today on Dell Diamond. The Hawkeyes are starting Brody Brecht, one of the best pitchers in college baseball with a fastball that’s registered at 100mph.

The Ragin Cajuns walked off BYU 2-1 in the third game of the four-game set in Lafayette. The final game of the series is scheduled for 1pm with The Cajuns sending right-hander Jackson Nezuh to the mound.

The New Orleans Pelicans, who are 7th in the Western Conference, will travel to face the Knicks this evening at 6:30. New Orleans is 30-and-30 on the year and are coming off a 115 to 110 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Elsewhere in college baseball action Friday, Northwestern State beats Seton Hall 6-1. Nicholls fell to Louisiana Tech 11-1. ULM fell to SIU Edwardsville 7-4. Southeastern edged Samford 6-5. McNeese got the victory over UT-Arlington 10-4. Grambling lost 10-4 to Alabama State in New Orleans.

The LSU men’s basketball team will look to build on its first win in 56 days as they travel to face Ole Miss tonight at 7:30. Both teams are 2 and 13 in SEC play and the Rebels announced the firing of coach Kermit Davis on Friday. According to Jeff Goodman of Stadium, former LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade has emerged as a candidate for the gig in Oxford.

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team is now 3rd in the Sun Belt following a 74-64 Friday night victory over South Alabama to close out the regular season. ULM fell to Arkansas State 64-61 to close out the regular season for the Warhawks.

Northwestern State men’s basketball will play for a Southland Conference regular season championship today as the Demons visit Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Both teams are 12 and 4 in league play.

5:30 LRN Newscast Feb 24

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Mardi Gras was a big success for New Orleans, despite being marred by acts of violence and crime. The official numbers are still being tallied, but Nungesser says he saw huge crowds in Metairie and New Orleans on Fat Tuesday. He says Mother Nature helped put it over the top…:

Cut 12 (12) “…prior to COVID.”

However, Nungesser says cities (especially New Orleans) must be allowed to get a handle on rising crime or crowds will DWINDLE.

A nationwide study on Parkinson’s Disease among Black people has chosen LSU Health Shreveport. The Director of the Center for Brain Health and Professor of Neurology at LSU Health Shreveport, Elizabeth Disbrow (dis-bro) says the African American population is medically underserved.

Cut 10 (06) “…of it.” 

For more information visit Louisiana Radio Network-dot-com

The first weekend of Lent kickoffs of Crawfish Season here in the Bayou State. And crawfish prices are holding steady, that’s according to Crawfish App co-founder Laney King. King says if you’re planning to have crawfish at your favorite eatery this weekend…

Cut 3 (11) “…$125 a sack.” 

King says prices are back to normal compared to previous seasons.

A comedy, filmed in Donaldsonville, premieres on Netflix today, it’s called “We Have a Ghost.” It’s the story of a family who moves into a fixer-upper and becomes a viral sensation when they reveal a ghost who haunts their home. Aquiles Montalvo (Achilles Mon-tal-vo) an assistant location manager on the film says residents will recognize the Ascension Parish city in a car chase scene.

Cut 6 (07)  “…for a treat.” 

Filming began in July of 2021 and was interrupted by Hurricane Ida and filming resumed in October.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Tyrann Mathieu is the latest player to restructure his contract to help the Saints get back below the salary cap. Mathieu’s restructured deal reduces the hit on the salary cap by 4.6 million dollars. He’s one of five players that have restructured the deal as New Orleans tries to get below the salary cap before the start of the new league year which is March 15th. The Saints still have more work to do and could restructure the contracts of Marshon Lattimore and Cam Jordan.

The Pelicans fell to eighth place in the Western Conference Standings last night as they lost to the Toronto Raptors 115 to 110 despite 36 points from Brandon Ingram. New Orleans is 30-and-30 on the year and they will visit the Knicks tomorrow.

In college basketball tonight, the Cajuns close out the regular season by hosting South Alabama on ESPN Two at 8 PM. ULM will try to snap a six-game losing streak as they host Arkansas State.

Plenty of college baseball to take in this weekend. LSU is playing in the Round Rock Classic. They will face Iowa tomorrow. Hawkeyes pitcher Brody Brecht can throw 100 miles per hour.

The Ragin Cajuns continue their series with BYU tonight. U-L Lafayette has won the first two games, four to three and 11 to 0. Louisiana Tech hosts Nicholls. Northwestern State hosts Seton Hall, Southeastern Louisiana hosts Samford. McNeese is at UT Arlington. ULM hosts S-I-U Edwardsville and Grambling faces Alabama State in Atlanta tonight.

Northwestern State men’s basketball will play for a Southland Conference regular season championship tomorrow as the Demons visit Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi. Both teams are 12-and-4 in league play. Northwestern lost to the Islanders by six on New Year’s Eve.

Also, LSU men’s basketball looks for its second straight win as they visit Ole Miss. The Rebels made a coaching change today as Kermit Davis is out after five seasons. Both teams are 2-and-13 in SEC play.