6:45 LRN Sportscast

Over the past two days, LSU baseball has been teeing off on Central Connecticut State pitching. The ten and one Tigers blanked the Blue Devils 13 to nothing yesterday after beating them 26 to 4 on Saturday. Both games lasted just seven innings. Cade Beloso hit a two run homer yesterday and Dylan Crews had a two-run double. Tonight, the Tigers host Butler who they beat 12 to 2 on Friday.

Louisiana Tech trailed the Northwestern Wildcats nine to three in the second inning yesterday and came back to win 16 to 9 to complete a three-game sweep. Phillip Matulaia had four hits and drove in four runs.

In other action yesterday, the Ragin Cajuns doubled up Campbell 14 to 7 to salvage one game from the series. ULM was swept by U-I-W. Nicholls defeated Memphis nine to two, Northwestern State fell to U-T Arlington five to two, McNeese over George Washington seven to six and Jacksonville upended Southeastern six to four.

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team will play for a Sun Belt Tournament Championship tonight and an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. Second-seeded U-L Lafayette defeated 11th seeded Texas State 64-58 last night as Jordan Brown scored 18 points. The Cajuns will play eighth seeded South Alabama tonight. The Jaguars defeated James Madison 75-66.

The Southland Conference Tournament tipped off last night in Lake Charles with an upset as eighth seeded McNeese defeated fifth seeded Texas A-and-M Commerce 79-78. The Cowboys will play Nicholls today at 5 PM. Also last night, seventh seeded UNO advanced to the quarterfinals with a 90-69 win over Houston Christian. Jordan Johnson hit five three-pointers and scored 29 points for the Privateers.

Tonight, the Pelicans close out a three-game road trip by visiting the Sacramento Kings. The Pels are in ninth place in the Western Conference with a 31-33 record. The Kings are in third place at 37 and 26.

6:30 LRN Newscast

After leaving his job as state Transportation Secretary last week, Democrat Shawn Wilson announces he’s running for Governor today. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
cut 3 (27) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher”

We are waiting for more information from State Police about a fatal police shooting that took place on Saturday in Bossier City. Authorities say an armed subject who exchanged gunfire with police was shot and pronounced dead. No officers were injured. It all started with a high-speed chase that began in Haughton. The chase involved multiple police agencies including Bossier City police and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Entergy Louisiana has filed a request with the Public Service Commission to add nearly 225 megawatts of solar power to its generation mix. A facility in Iberville Parish and another in Ouachita Parish will supply the solar power. The demand for renewable energy and clean power is growing. Entergy Louisiana Resource Planning Director Laura Beauchamp says customers and the economy will benefit under this proposal.
Cut 5 (08) “…solar resources.”
Entergy Louisiana currently has about 280 megawatts of renewable resources.

There is a shortage of the diabetes management drug Ozempic because it helps some people lose weight. Director of Bariatric Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Catherine Hudson says many patients take the medication for diabetes and others for weight loss.
Cut 7 (09) “…for both.”
Hudson says Ozempic and similar medications target gut hormones and since she’s been treating obesity, these new medications are real game changers.

AM LRN Newscall March 6th

The so-called miracle drug for diabetes that also helps with weight loss is in short supply. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards continues to invest in the future of Louisianians in a recent trip. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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After leaving his job as Secretary of DOTD last week, will Dr. Shawn Wilson announce he’s running for Governor soon? More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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A request to add nearly 225 megawatts of solar power to its generation mix was filed by Entergy Louisiana with Louisiana Public Service Commission.  The approval includes the purchase, construction, and operation of new solar power resources. Entergy Louisiana Resource Planning Director, Laura Beauchamp says two projects to supplement solar energy have been selected.

Cut 4 (08)  “…Ouachita Parish.”

The demand for renewable energy and clean power is growing. Beauchamp says customers and the economy will benefit under this proposal.

Cut 5 (08) “…solar resources.”

Entergy Louisiana currently has approximately 280 megawatts of renewable resources. Beauchamp is optimistic PSC will move in the right direction.

Cut 6 (08)  “…these resources.” 

PSC is scheduled to meet on March 15th.

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The diabetes medication Ozempic has been making headlines recently, some say it’s a miracle drug for weight loss and it’s on the FDA medication list of shortages. Director of Bariatric Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Catherine Hudson says many patients take the medication for diabetes and others for weight loss.

Cut 7 (09) “…for both.”

Hudson says Ozempic and similar medications target gut hormones and since she’s been treating obesity, these new medications are real game changers. As for shortages of Ozempic and others like it, Hudson says it’s a supply chain issue…

Cut 8 (09) “…this medication.”

She says physicians should only prescribe Ozempic and medications that are FDA approved for patients that truly need it to treat obesity and or diabetes. Hudson says some refuse to see and treat obesity as a disease and another hurdle is insurance providers refusing coverage for the medications.

Cut 9 (11)  “…for weight loss.”

The medications are not ideal for those who’ve had pancreatitis or been diagnosed with or family history of thyroid cancer.

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Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards is in Asia this week to reinforce economic development and trade ties. Edwards is accompanied by LA Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson, LED’s Office of International Commerce, as well as members of the governor’s staff. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Eric Holl, says this trip is essential for the state’s economic growth.

Cut 10 (09)  “…in Louisiana.”

The total value of goods imported into Louisiana from Japan last year was nearly $524 million.

Cut 11 (09)  “…four-thousand jobs.”

Edwards will engage in meetings with major companies currently invested in the state and future partners.

Cut 12 (05) “…paying jobs.”

Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to return this weekend.

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After officially leaving his job at the state Department of Transportation Saturday, speculation is building that Secretary Shawn Wilson will announce he is running for Governor this fall – perhaps as early as today. Wilson’s entry would make him the only widely-known Democrat candidate in the race thus far. UL-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says Wilson’s greatest obstacle at this point is statewide name recognition…:

Cut 13 (12) “…running for governor.” 

Still, Stockley feels Wilson’s possible entry will definitely impact the dynamics of the race, as his running will mean less chance that another Republican candidate will make a November runoff. Stockley says, if Wilson does officially enter the race for governor, he is committing to a lot of hard work ahead…:

Cut 14 (10)  “…fundraising.”

Wilson stepped down from his job as head of DOTD last week. Political insiders say an announcement on the fall election could come as early as today. Seen as the frontrunner, Attorney General Jeff Landry has over $5-million in campaign money, and a political action committee with almost $2-million to put behind him. Stockley says Wilson’s entry will shake things up, but his success depends on how he campaigns..:

Cut 15 (12)  “…rest of the field.”

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Cut  16 (11)  “…that really need it.” 

 

Cut 17 (15) “…match that.” 

 

Cut 18 (19) “…for us.”

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Cut 19 (20) “…that building.”

 

Cut 20 (18)  “…this tournament.” 

 

10:30 LRN Newscast March 4

Lawyers for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell are expected to take legal action after the number of signatures needed to trigger a recall election of the mayor has been decreased. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reached an agreement with the NoLaToya campaign on a number of signatures after it was determined there are about 25-thousand inactive voters on the Orleans Parish voter rolls. Cantrell says recall effort is now an attempt to disenfranchise Black voters. Ardoin says that is not true…:

CUT 04(12)      “…be changed.”

The recall now needs only about 45-thousand confirmed signatures to go to the Governor. Organizers says they have over 49-thousand.

Governor John Bel Edwards is overseas for a weeklong series of meetings with business leader and policymaker to assist with foreign trade investments. Edwards departed Friday and it’s Louisiana’s first trade mission to Asia.

Crawfish season is here, and prices are starting to look favorable for the delicious mudbugs.  Crawfish app co-founder Laney King says you can use the free app to find the best prices on crawfish…:

CUT 07(08)      “…ten friends.”

More than 16 hundred vendors across the state are listed on the Crawfish App, and it’s a free download.

State Police have opened up an area of their website and social media presence to make it easy for you to give them feedback. Complaints, compliments or concerns. Trooper Melissa Matey says there are several positive interactions that troopers have with the public and this new link gives them the ability to share those stories with their supervisors and the department.

Cut 15 (06) “…contact us.”

You can find the link on LSP.org or their Twitter and Facebook pages.

9:30 LRN Newscast March 4

Lawyers for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell are expected to take legal action after the number of signatures needed to trigger a recall election of the mayor has been decreased. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reached an agreement with the NoLaToya campaign after it was determined there are about 25-thousand inactive voters on the Orleans Parish voter rolls.

Cut 3 (10) “…we did that 

The number of verified signatures needed is now just 45 thousand, it was more than 49-thousand. If verified by March 22 a recall election would be held in October.

As the search for Nathan Millard, the Georgia man who’s been missing over a week now, continues, now the United Cajun Navy is also assisting. TexasEquuSearch is also retracing the 42-year-old contractors steps looking for clues in his disappearance. BRPD is still treating it as a missing persons case but say they haven’t ruled out foul play.

Tax reforms were on the lips of the four Republican candidates for governor at Thursday’s Louisiana Association of Business & Industry event. A.G. Jeff Landry says the state’s tax code is hurting more than helping, and surrounding states have either eliminated, don’t have, or have reduced their state income tax…:

CUT 11(10)      “…about that.”

Another GOP candidate, Slidell state Senator Sharon Hewitt says the state has complicated structures in the tax code, and to level the playing field there are lots of exemptions and credits…:

CUT 12(11)      “…to be successful.”

Also at that meeting Mandeville state Representative Richard Nelson and State Treasurer John Schroder. All agree tax reform is needed.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 4

The process of certifying signatures collected in the effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is underway. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

 

The United Cajun Navy is conducting and search this morning for the Georgia man who went missing in Baton Rouge last week. They are holding an outreach and downtown cleanup event until Four this afternoon searching for Nathan Millard. Volunteers are meeting at the Watermark Hotel. Police are still treating this as a missing persons case, and say they haven’t ruled out foul play.

State Police launch a new feature on their website that lets you interact directly, with complaints, praise, feedback, or concerns. Trooper Melissa Matey says go online to “LSP.org” and look for the Compliments/Complaints tab. You can also get there via social media…:

Cut 14  (10)      “…internal affairs personnel.”

 

Crawfish season is here, and prices are starting to look favorable for those delicious mudbugs. The crawfish industry is seeing a solid supply of good-sized crawfish. Co-Founder of The Crawfish App, Laney King

Cut 6 (09)  “…last year” 

As supply increases, prices are expected to continue to come down over the next few months.

07:30 LRN Sportscast

The top ranked LSU baseball team cruised to a 12-to-2 victory over the Butler Bulldogs last night as starting pitcher Paul Skenes (skeens) struck a career-high 13 hitters for his third win of the season. The 13 strikeouts are the most for an LSU pitcher since 2018. Dylan Crews hit his second home run and drove in three runs. The Tigers face Central Connecticut State at 1:30 today.

Louisiana Tech trounced the Northwestern Wildcats 14 to 5 as the Bulldogs hit four home runs. Ethan Bates had one of those home runs and drove in four runs.

The Ragin Cajuns lost at home to Campbell five to two. Cajun hitters struck out 15 times in the game. ULM lost in 13 innings to Incarnate Word five to four. The Warhawks had a four-to-one lead but only had five hits on the night.

Memphis edged Nicholls three to two, UT Arlington over Northwestern State five to four and McNeese blanked George Washington two to nothing.
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The Pelicans led by 14 points after the first quarter, but lost to the Golden State Warriors 108 to 99 last night. Klay Thompson had 27 points for Golden State, while New Orleans was led by C-J McCollum who had 25 points. Brandon Ingram was held to 17 points.

The LSU Lady Tigers defeated Georgia 83-69 in the SEC Tournament as the Lady Tigers hit 11 three-pointers, which ties a season high. Alexis Morris made five three-pointers and had 28 points, Flau-jae (Flaw-jay) Johnson also hit five-three-pointers and finished with 21. LSU faces Tennessee tonight.

LSU men’s basketball concludes its regular season by visiting Florida today at 5 PM, while the Ragin Cajuns take on Georgia Southern tonight in a Sun Belt Tournament quarterfinal game.

In girls’ basketball yesterday…Oak Hill and Oakdale won their first state titles, while Northwood-Lena won its second straight. And Hathaway beat Fairview 64-54 to win the Division Five non-select title.

5:30 LRN Newscast March 03

The four republican candidates for governor spoke of tax reforms during a forum at the annual meeting the Louisiana Association of Business & Industry in Baton Rouge this week. State Treasurer John Schroder says the state needs to compete with others who’ve lowered or eliminated state income taxes…:

CUT 09  (08)        “…18 years.”

Another candidate, Mandeville state Rep. Richard Nelson, says ending state income tax will help stem the outmigration of people and businesses…:

CUT 10  (11)        “…they’re successful.”

Slidell state Senator Sharon Hewitt and Attorney General Jeff Landry were also there. They too agree that tax reforms are sorely needed. The state’s open primary election comes up October 14th.

 

A St. Gabriel cop is under arrest; accused of shooting and killing his estranged wife’s new man. Deputies in East Baton Rouge Parish say 27-year-old Andre Reddit broke into the woman’s home, where he found the victim, 26-year-old Dylan Martin. That’s where the trouble began. When officers arrived they found Martin dying from multiple gunshots. Reddit is now charged with second-degree murder, stalking and obstruction of justice. His Bond is set at $275-thousand.

Have you tried downloading the Crawfish app, to get the latest and lowest prices for mudbugs? That’s what it’s called; simply “the Crawfish App.” Co-founder Laney King says the season is shaping up for a solid supply of good-sized crawfish, and prices are starting to stabilize…:

CUT 08  (06)        “…great news.”

Over 1650 vendors across the state are listed on the Crawfish App, and it’s a free download.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The top ranked LSU baseball team returns to Alex Box Stadium tonight to face the Butler Bulldogs. It’s the first ever meeting between the two schools on the baseball diamond. LSU will also play Butler on Monday and host Central Connecticut on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Coach Jay Johnson says this weekend should be a good test for his team…
cut 18 (19) “…..for us”
First pitch is at 6:30.

Speaking of Campbell, they are in Lafayette to face the Cajuns this weekend. The Fighting Camels are six and one and last season participated in the Knoxville Regional. Louisiana Tech hosts Northwestern out of the Big 10, while ULM is at Incarnate Word.

The Pelicans are at Golden State tonight. New Orleans is a game ahead of the Lakers for the final spot in the play-in tournament.

The LSU Lady Tigers begin play in the SEC Tournament at 5 PM today in Greenville, South Carolina. LSU is the two-seed and they’ll play Georgia, who they beat in overtime in Baton Rouge a month ago.

The ULM men’s basketball team’s season is over after losing to Georgia Southern 66-57 in the Sun Belt Tournament. The Eagles will play the Ragin Cajuns in Pensacola, Florida on Saturday night. Cajuns Coach Bob Marlin likes his chances, because he believes he has the best player in the Sun Belt in Jordan Brown….
cut 20 (18) “…this tournament”
The Cajuns and Georgia Southern meet Saturday night at 7:30.

4:30 LRN Newscast March 03

Lawyers for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell are expected to take legal action after the number of signatures needed to trigger a recall election of the mayor has been decreased. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reached an agreement with the NoLaToya campaign on a number of signatures after it was determined there are about 25-thousand inactive voters on the Orleans Parish voter rolls. Ardoin explains why keeping an accurate voter count is tough in Orleans…:

CUT 05(09)      “…after them.”

The NoLaToya campaign is not saying how many signatures they collected. They now need about 45-thousand. Ardoin believes the verification count will be very close.

State Police open up their website and social media to public comment, complain, praise…general input. Trooper Melissa Matey says you can find that link at “LSP.org”…:

CUT 13(09)      “…those concerns.”

You can also interact on their Facebook or Instagram.

 

A Livingston Parish contractor has been convicted of fraud for taking money from multiple victims of Hurricane Ida, but not completing the agreed-upon work. 30-year-old Jeffry Dale Hebert was sentenced to 20 years in prison for taking tens of thousands of dollars from numerous victims.

Crawfish season is starting to heat up. What can you expect by way of size, price and availability? Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Foxx.”