12:30 LRN Newscast

Minden Representative Wayne McMahan has filed legislation that would allow pet owners to have their pets’ cremated remains buried with them. And the bill clearly outlines that the cremated pet must have died before the person who wishes to have the remains buried with them.
Cut 12 (12) “…the burial.”
The practice is illegal in the state but McMahan says he’s optimistic that will change.

The state’s first Safety Corridor continues to phase in measures to reduce speeding and accidents on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says the first phase of Act 426 called for increased signage along the 18-mile-long bridge.
Cut 6 (09) “…feedback cameras.”
A speed feedback camera is a digital sign that tells drivers how fast they are driving.

The East Baton Rouge Coroner says fentanyl was involved in the death of Nathan Millard and sadly too many others. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The top ranked LSU baseball team had another dominating performance last night as they defeated Grambling 17 to five. Dylan Crews picked up two more hits to raise his season average to .542. The Tigers begin a series against Tennessee tomorrow at Alex Box Stadium.

Louisiana Tech run-ruled Sacramento State 14 to 4 in eight innings. Jorge Corona hit two home runs and drove in four runs. McNeese over Southern 12 to five.

ULM and Louisiana Tech announced they will play each other in football in 2030 and 2031. The northeast Louisiana schools have not faced each other since the 2000 season.

Saints coach Dennis Allen provided an update on wide receiver Michael Thomas who had surgery last year on his troublesome ankle…
cut 28 (10) “…100-percent”
The Saints will begin training camp in late July.

A rough second half at Golden State ended the Pelicans five-game winning streak last night. The Warriros outscored New Orleans 74 to 46 in the second half and went on to win 120 to 109. There are six games left in the regular season and New Orleans currently occupies the eighth seed in the Western Conference. The Pels are at Denver tomorrow night.

The LSU Lady Tigers are in Dallas preparing for their national semi-final game against Virginia Tech on Friday. Many fans are wondering what coach Kim Mulkey will wear. Mulkey she hopes her fashion sense sells the game of women’s basketball…
cut 18 (18) “…for us”

11:30 LRN Newscast March 29

The autopsy is in for the Georgia businessman who went missing in Baton Rouge and was located almost two weeks later. East Baton Rouge Coroner Dr. Beau Clark says Nathan Millard died from a combination of cocaine, alcohol, and fentanyl. Dr. Clark says fentanyl is lucrative to drug dealers even though it’s responsible for the majority of overdoses…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…addiction disorders.”

He says there is a high possibility that any illicit drugs on the streets are dangerously laced with fentanyl.

A measure to decide whether to ban the death penalty in Louisiana will be heard in the upcoming legislative session. Marrero Representative Kyle Green says the legislation is based on morality, not to mention it’s extremely costly to house prisoners on death row…:
Cut 14 (11)  “…of legislation.”

The proposal is not retroactive.

The state department of transportation says there are now just three proposed locations for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge – all connecting the East and West Banks of Iberville Parish. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the $1.5 billion dollar project has received $300 million in state funding, which is a good starting point:

Cut 8 (11) “…gets built.”
He says they hope to narrow down the location of the new bridge when environmental evaluations are completed in the summer of 2024.

Minden Representative Wayne McMahan is once again trying to make it legal for pet owners to have the cremated remains of their pet buried with them. He says the measure still allows a cemetery to decide if they’ll allow it…:

Cut 11 (05)  “…to do.”
He says this would just make it legal. The regular session begins April 10th.

10:30 LRN Newscast

The autopsy for Georgia executive Nathan Millard, who went missing in Baton Rouge and found wrapped in a rug, shows he died from a lethal combination of cocaine, alcohol, and fentanyl.  East Baton Rouge Coroner Dr. Beau Clark says fentanyl is driving a rise in deaths in the country.

Cut 4 (12)  “…person’s system.”

Clark says these days illicit drugs are laced with fentanyl and there are major consequences.

Louisiana transportation officials have narrowed the prospects down to three for a new Mississippi River Bridge in an effort to decrease traffic congestion.  The $1.5 billion dollar project has received $300 million in state funding but will need additional funding. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says all locations will have to go through the environmental phase to determine the most effective route before a final selection is made.

Cut 9 (11)  “…approved route.”

Residents are worried about the environmental impact of one site that threatens Cypress Forest in Iberville Parish.

Minden Representative Wayne McMahan has filed legislation that would allow pet owners to have their pets’ cremated remains buried with them. The retired veterinarian says this bill should be considered because pets are like a part of the family. And the bill clearly outlines that the cremated pet must have passed before the person who wishes to have the remains buried with them.

Cut 12 (12)  “…the burial.”

The practice is illegal in the state but McMahan says he’s optimistic that will change.

Marrero Representative Kyle Green has filed a bill that would eliminate the death penalty in Louisiana. The proposed legislation says anyone found guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree rape, or treason would serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Green proposed the same bill in 2020 and 2022 but believes it is worth another debate.

Cut 13 (11) “..get it right.” 

The legislation would not apply to individuals already on death row.

09:30 LRN Newscast, March 29th

A measure to decide whether to ban the death penalty in Louisiana will be heard in the upcoming legislative session. Marrero Representative Kyle Green says the legislation is based on morality, not to mention it’s extremely costly to house prisoners on death row…:
Cut 14 (11) “of legislation”
The proposal would not apply to individuals already on death row.

The autopsy is in for the Georgia businessman who went missing in Baton Rouge and was located almost two weeks later. East Baton Rouge Coroner Dr. Beau Clark says Nathan Millard, like so many others, overdosed from cocaine, alcohol, and fentanyl. He says lacing drugs with fentanyl is lucrative for dealers…:
CUT 5 (11) “powerfully addictive”
He says most street drugs out there right now are laced with fentanyl.

A north Louisiana lawmaker is trying to make it legal for your pet’s remains to be buried with you if you wish. Brooke Thorington has more:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Governor John Bel Edwards has released a statement on the mass shooting at a school in Nashville which claimed the lives of three children and three adults — two of whom were Louisiana natives. Mr. Edwards said nobody should ever have to worry about whether a teacher or student will come home from school alive, and he’s asking the entire state to pray for the families of the victims.

08:30 LRN Newscast, March 29th

The toxicology results for Nathan Millard have been released. The Georgia Businessman who went missing in Baton Rouge and was found a couple weeks later died from an overdose of cocaine, alcohol and fentanyl. That’s according to East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner Beau Clark who says fentanyl is responsible for so many overdose deaths…:
Cut 4 (12) “person’s system”
He says there is a lot of evidence showing most street drugs are laced with fentanyl these days.

A bill that would allow people to be buried with the cremated remains of their pets has been filed for the session beginning April 10th. Minden Representative Wayne McMahan on how the law stands now…:
CUT 10 (12) “just human”
He suspects this law is broken often.

Lawmakers will debate a bill to eliminate the death penalty during the upcoming legislative session. Teiko Foxx has more…:
Cut 3 (35) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

DOTD says there are 3 final proposed location choices for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge all in Iberville Parish. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says there are numerous factors to be considered in the planning of locations..:
Cut 7 (09) “the communities”

07:30 LRN Newscast, March 29th

A bill that would eliminate the death penalty in Louisiana has once again been filed for the upcoming legislative session. The measure by Marrero Representative Kyle Green would put a max life sentence for first degree murder and rape convictions. He proposed the same bill in 2020 and 2022 but believes they need to take another look…:
CUT 13 (11) “get it right”

As the LSU Women’s Basketball team heads to the Final 4 to face Virginia Tech on Friday, Coach Kim Mulkey comments on her flashy courtside fashion which she says is in no way meant to take away from the team:
CUT 17 (18) “game for us”
The game Friday tips at 6.

The East Baton Rouge Coroner says fentanyl was involved in the death of Nathan Millard, like so many others.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Minden Representative Wayne McMahan is once again trying to make it legal for pet owners to have the cremated remains of their pet buried with them. He says the measure still allows a cemetery to decide if they’ll allow it…:
CUT 11 (05) “to do”
He says this would just make it legal. The regular session begins April 10th.

06:45 LRN Sportscast, March 29th

The No. 1 LSU Baseball team had an easy time versus Grambling Tuesday as the Tigers exploded for a 17-5 victory in 7 innings. It’s the 8th run-rule win of the season for the Bayou Bengals. Designated hitter Cade Beloso launched a three-run homer and collected four RBI, and Dylan Crews, who leads the nation in hitting, had two hits pushing his hitting streak to 23 games. LSU will take on No. 10 Tennessee in a highly anticipated SEC series beginning Thursday.

The LSU Women’s Basketball Team had a huge fan send-off to the Final 4 Tuesday. The Tigers will face No. 1 seeded Virginia Tech Friday. When Coach Kim Mulkey was at Baylor she faced The Hokies in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Baylor won 90-48 but Mulkey says she could see budding talent:
Cut 16 (16) “only players”
The game in Dallas Friday tips at 6.

Steph Curry led Golden State to a 120-109 comeback victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. The Pels led by 17 at the half, but Curry exploded for the Warriors finishing with 39 points.

The Saints have signed former Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards. Edwards was drafted by the Raiders in the third round in 2020 and had his best season with new Saints quarterback Derek Carr in 2021. New Orleans Saints Coach Dennis Allen said they saw Edwards’ talent coming out of the draft and liked his chemistry with Carr…:
Cut 19 (17) “to help us”
At the NFL owners meetings on Tuesday, Allen shared an update on wide receiver Michael Thomas and his recovery from toe surgery. He said Thomas is making progress but is not 100%, but the team feels good about how things are going.

06:30 LRN Newscast, March 29th

The autopsy is in for the Georgia businessman who went missing in Baton Rouge and was located almost two weeks later. East Baton Rouge Coroner Dr. Beau Clark says Nathan Millard died from a combination of cocaine, alcohol, and fentanyl. Dr. Clark says fentanyl is lucrative to drug dealers even though it’s responsible for the majority of overdoses…:
CUT 6 (08) “addiction disorders”
He says there is a high possibility that any illicit drugs on the streets are dangerously laced with fentanyl.

Marrero Representative Kyle Green files a bill that would eliminate the death penalty in Louisiana. He says the legislation is based on morality not to mention it’s extremely difficult to carry out a death sentence:
Cut 15 (09) “with that”
The legislation says anyone who commits first-degree murder, first-degree rape, and treason would receive a maximum life sentence.

The state department of transportation says there are now just three proposed locations for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge – all connecting the East and West Banks of Iberville Parish. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the $1.5 billion dollar project has received $300 million in state funding, which is a good starting point:
Cut 8 (11) “gets built”
He says they hope to narrow down the location of the new bridge when environmental evaluations are completed in the summer of 2024.

The two Baton Rouge Police Officers who died in a helicopter crash, Sgt. David Poirrier and Cpl. Scotty Canezaro, will be honored with a special procession today from the West Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office to BRPD Headquarters. It’s slated to begin around 10:30am.

Updated LRN AM Newscall ##copy updated on the death penalty story###

The East Baton Rouge Coroner says fentanyl was involved in the death of Nathan Millard and sadly too many others. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

A north Louisiana lawmaker is trying to make it legal for your pet’s remains to be buried with you if you wish. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

_______________________________________________

Lawmakers will debate whether to approve a bill to eliminate the death penalty during the upcoming legislative session. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

_____________________________________________

The autopsy for Nathan Millard, the Georgia businessman who went missing in Baton Rouge and was located almost two weeks later, indicates he died from a combination of cocaine, alcohol, and fentanyl.  East Baton Rouge Coroner Dr. Beau Clark says fentanyl is the predominant cause of overdose deaths these days.

Cut 4 (12)  “…person’s system.”

A synergistic effect is when the effects of at least two substances make a more significant impact than they would have by themselves.

Clark says almost any illicit drug these days there’s an extremely high possibility that it is adulterated with fentanyl and often the consequences are fatal.

As to why a drug dealer would add fentanyl to their product, for example, cocaine, Clark says it gives the user a heightened sensation and most likely they’ll continue to buy from the same dealer to experience the identical high. Clark says it increases the chances of repeat business for the dealer.

Cut 5 (11) “…powerfully addictive.”

Fentanyl is practically undetectable to the naked eye and can be added to a variety of illicit drugs like counterfeit Xanax, counterfeit Adderall, and others.

Clark says fentanyl proves to be lucrative to dealers even though it’s responsible for the majority of overdoses.

Cut 6 (08)  “…addiction disorders.”

Most drug dealers are not trained chemists which means even a slight mistake in adding fentanyl can prove fatal.

_____________________________________________

The state department of transportation says the final proposed location choices for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge have been reduced to three, all connecting the east and west banks of Iberville Parish. An exact location could be announced next spring.  DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says there are numerous factors to be considered in the planning of locations.

Cut 7 (09) “…the communities.”

The $1.5 billion dollar project has received $300 million in state funding. Mallett says that’s a huge starting point but it’s not enough to complete the project, so tolls will be needed…

Cut 8 (11) “…gets built.”

The tolls are expected to generate nearly $250-300 million dollars. The locations have to go through an extensive environmental phase to determine the safest and most effective route before being narrowed down to the preferred alternative.

Cut 9 (11)  “…approved route.”

Residents of Iberville Parish are concerned about the environmental impact of one of the sites that could put Cypress Forest at risk.

_______________________________________________

Minden Representative Wayne McMahan is once again trying to make it legal for pet owners to have the cremated remains of their pet buried with them. McMahan, who’s also a retired veterinarian, says in the past three decades, pets have become part of the family. As the law stands now…

Cut 10 (12)  “…just human.”

Last year McMahan says the Cemetery Association opposed the bill and said it’s too expensive for a pet’s remains to be buried with their owners. The bill allows for a cemetery to decide if they will permit it or not, the bill just makes it legal to do so.

Cut 11 (05)  “…to do.”

And the bill clearly outlines that the cremated pet must have passed before the person who wishes to have the remains buried with them.

Cut 12 (12)  “…the burial.”

McMahan says while the practice is currently illegal, he suspects the law is broken routinely.

______________________________________________

Marrero Representative Kyle Green has filed a bill that would eliminate the death penalty in Louisiana. The proposed legislation says anyone found guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree rape, or treason would serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Green proposed the same bill in 2020 and 2022 but believes it is worth another debate.

Cut 13 (11) “..get it right.” 

Green says the legislation is based on morality and it’s extremely costly to house prisoners on death row.

Cut 14 (11)  “…of legislation.”

The legislation says anyone who commits first-degree murder, first-degree rape, and treason would receive a maximum life sentence. Green says it is also extremely difficult to carry out a death sentence.

Cut 15 (09)  “…with that.”

Green’s bill will be heard in the legislative session that begins April 10th. Governor John Bel Edwards said in a recent interview that he also opposes the death penalty.

The legislation would not apply to individuals already on death row.

____________________________________________________

The LSU women’s basketball team will face one-seeded Virginia Tech in the Final Four Friday. The Hokies are led by senior center Elizabeth Kitley who’s averaging 18 points and 11 boards a game and junior guard Georgia Amoore with 16 points a game. Lady Tigers Head Coach Kim Mulkey faced Virginia Tech in the 2021 NCAA Tournament with Baylor. The Bears won 90-48 but Mulkey says she could see the talent of the budding stars…

Cut  16 (16)  “…only players.” 

Mulkey has received a lot of attention for her flamboyant courtside fashion. While she’s happy to get more eyes on the sport, she says she doesn’t want to take away from the work she and her team have put in on the court and hopes those who come for her style stay for the game of basketball…

Cut 17 (18) “…game for us.” 

Mulkey has been to the Final Four six times as a player and coach, but it will be the first visit for LSU since 2008. In just her second season with the program, Mulkey says she and her team have helped to revitalize the program, and they’ve made exceeding expectations a habit…

Cut 18 (21) “…this quickly.”

_______________________________________________________

The Saints signed former Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards. Edwards was drafted by the Raiders in the third round of the 2020 draft and had his best season with new Saints quarterback Derek Carr in 2021. He was traded and appeared in seven games for the Falcons last year. Saints Coach Dennis Allen said they saw his talent coming out of the draft and liked his chemistry with Carr…

Cut 19 (17) “…to help us.”

Edwards is the newest member of a New Orleans free agent class that has provided some much-needed help to the defensive line, secondary, and offensive weapons. He joins Abrams as the second former Raider to join their quarterback. Allen says Carr has been able to help recruit and rejuvenate the franchise…

Cut 20 (20)  “…that regard.”