LRN AM Newscall March 26

Tourism officials are hailing Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport’s Master Plan. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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New Research out of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center finds that improving heart health might not be enough to protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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There is a serious possibility that Will Wade could return to Baton Rouge as LSU’s basketball coach. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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City and regional leaders unveil the 20-year Master Plan for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. They include the construction of a second terminal facility, as many as 15 additional gates, an additional parking garage and an improved roadway system. Walt Leger, the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says all this is to improve connectivity to other cities in the country and the world, which will have wide-ranging benefits.

Cut 4 (11) “…and retention standpoint.”

Leger says it’s very important that they tackle this expansion now instead of waiting until it’s too late.

Cut 5 (10) “…of the trends.”

Leger says even though New Orleans International Airport is actually in Kenner, its location actually works to its advantage.

Cut 6 (08) “…by bus.”

The Master Plan also includes the redevelopment of the airport’s south campus.

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Studies have shown regular physical activity can slow down or prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but new research from a leading expert at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has found that is not the case. Dr. Jeffrey Keller says their study found that exercise and aggressive cardiovascular risk reduction successfully improved heart health, but did NOT produce measurable cognitive benefits in older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s.

Cut 7 (04) “…on out there.”

The study involved 480 participants between the ages of 60 and 85. The participants had hypertension and a family history of dementia and subjective cognitive decline. Keller says they spent 24 months seeing if exercise and-or blood pressure medicine could improve cognitive function, and they found out it did not.

Cut 8 (14) “…therapy and socialization.”

Keller believes exercise is beneficial for anyone; but this study illustrates that to prevent dementia, exercise needs to be combined with medicine, cognitive behavior therapy and social interaction.

Cut 9 (12)  “…or two things.”

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One of Secretary of State Nancy Landry’s election integrity bills advances to the next step. House Bill 691, which provides for the investigation of non-citizens found to be on the state’s voter rolls, advances out of the House Governmental Affairs Committee on a party-line 9-to-7 vote and moves to the full House. Landry says a recent check of the state’s voter rolls through a federal database found hundreds of ineligible voters.

Cut 10 (13) “…many for me.”

Lake Charles Democrat Wilford Carter accuses Landry of working to deny people the right to vote by sending the voter rolls to the federal government for a citizenship check. He says there’s a more practical solution, especially given the very small number of ineligible voters found.

Cut 11 (14) “…right to vote.”

Debate got a little tense between Shreveport Democrat Joy Walters and the Committee Chairman, New Iberia Republican Beau Beaullieu.

Cut 12 (27) “…a political firestorm.”

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Speculation that Will Wade could return as the Tigers’ men’s basketball coach has gained steam after multiple reports say LSU is working to hire McNeese AD Heath Schroyer as a senior administrator. Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau says that Wade’s familiarity with LSU President Wade Rousse, new LSU board chair Lee Mallett, and Schroyer — who all have ties to the Lake Charles area — could factor into a potential return to Baton Rouge.

Cut 13 (09)  “…sweetening the pot.”

Schroyer hired Wade at McNeese in 2023. Tiger Rag Magazine had this story back on March 13th.

Guilbeau says Wade’s interest in returning to Baton Rouge stems from the opportunity to coach the state’s premier program.

Cut 14 (14) “…the Final Four.”

But Guilbeau notes that there likely won’t be any official moves until later next week.

Cut 15 (08) “…to three-million.”

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The second-seeded LSU Lady Tigers are preparing for a Sweet 16 rematch against third-seeded Duke. In LSU’s 93-77 win over the Blue Devils in December, LSU allowed Duke to shoot 50-percent from the field. LSU assistant coach Joe Schwartz says that despite the team’s recent offensive production, the Tigers must continue to set the tone on defense.

Cut 16 (16) “…the defensive end.”

Duke jumped out to an early 14-to-nothing lead against LSU in the opening minutes of their December matchup in Durham. Schwartz says the Tigers need to get off to a better start in Sacramento this time around.

Cut 17 (17)  “…you away early.”

Since Duke lost to LSU, it has won 21 of its last 23 games. The Blue Devils have also improved on the defensive end, allowing only 55.7 points per game since giving up 93 to the Tigers. Schwartz says the Tigers will have to do several things to advance to the Elite Eight on Sunday.

Cut 18 (13)  “…to be aggressive.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast/Legislative Report

Legislation that would allow the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to ban those who harass collegiate athletes from placing bets in the state advances to the full Senate. Leesville Senator Mike Reese says a recent ESPN report found that one in three high profile college athletes receive abusive messages from bettors.

Cut 3 (08) “…those tournaments.”

Reese is the author of the legislation, and he noted that female athletes are harassed more than male athletes. He says Ohio and West Virginia have already passed this law and the NCAA is encouraging more states to do the same.

Cut 4 (09) “…place bets.”

Reese says many of these threats are related to prop bets, which Louisiana has already prohibited on college contests.

One of Secretary of State Nancy Landry’s election integrity bills advances to the next step. House Bill 691, which provides for the investigation of non-citizens found to be on the state’s voter rolls, advances out of the House Governmental Affairs Committee on a party-line 9-to-7 vote and moves to the full House. Landry says a recent check of the state’s voter rolls through a federal database found hundreds of ineligible voters.

Cut 10 (13) “…many for me.”

Lake Charles Democrat Wilford Carter accuses Landry of working to deny people the right to vote by sending the voter rolls to the federal government for a citizenship check.

Cut 11 (14) “…right to vote.”

4:30 LRN Newscast

Senator John Kennedy says he feels everyone’s pain when it comes to soaring gasoline prices. The spike started at the beginning of this month in the wake of the U.S. military action in Iran, which choked off the Strait of Hormuz in response. Kennedy says by closing that waterway, Iran is only hurting itself in the long run. 

Cut 6 (10) “…them the most.”

Lawmakers advance a bill that would allow the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to establish a rule banning those who harass college athletes from placing sports bets in the state. Leesville Senator Mike Reese presented evidence to a Senate committee that female athletes are harassed more than their male counterparts.

Cut 5 (07) “…other sports.”

Reese says Ohio and West Virginia have already passed this law and the NCAA is encouraging more states to do the same.

Senator Bill Cassidy says no to an invitation to debate his two biggest challengers during Moon Griffon’s statewide radio talk show. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Saints owner Gayle Benson and New Orleans Archbishop James Checchio were at the Vatican this week meeting with Pope Leo the 14th. Among other things, they discussed the historic St. Louis Cathedral during their 35-minute conversation, gaining his permission to name the rectory after him and his family.

2:30 LRN Newscast

Bill Cassidy says no to a radio debate with Julia Letlow and John Fleming moderated by Moon Griffon. When Cassidy was elected to his second Senate term in 2020, he refused to debate Democrat and at that time Shreveport mayor Adrian Perkins. In an interview on KEEL Radio in Shreveport, Cassidy said the circumstances were different back then.

Cut 10 (08) “…different elections.”

Legislation that would allow the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to ban those who harass collegiate athletes from placing bets in the state advances to the full Senate. Leesville Senator Mike Reese says a recent ESPN report found that one in three high profile college athletes receive abusive messages from bettors.

Cut 3 (08) “…those tournaments.”

Reese says evidence shows that female athletes are harassed more than male athletes.

Senator John Kennedy says he understands the frustration behind the soaring gas prices in the wake of the U.S.-led war in Iran. He says when those prices will start to come down from the stratosphere and return to normal is anyone’s guess.

Cut 8 (09) “…back to normal.”

Regular unleaded is currently averaging $3.59 a gallon in Louisiana.

And if gas prices don’t make you feel miserable, oak pollen certainly will. That’s because this is the time of year when it’s most prevalent, leading to much suffering among allergy sufferers. Ochsner Health Immunologist Dr. John Carlson says treatments are as close as your local CVS or Walgreens.

Cut 12 (10) “…will work great.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

Senator John Kennedy says the price of gasoline will gradually get back to normal once the U.S.-led war in Iran comes to an end. Kennedy says everyone knew that a spike in gasoline prices would result from the military action.

Cut 7 (10) “…their only play (2x).”

Regular unleaded is currently averaging $3.59 a gallon in Louisiana. The average price of diesel? $5.01 a gallon!

The Senate advances a bill that would allow the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to ban those who harass collegiate athletes from placing sports bets in the state. Leesville Senator Mike Reese says Ohio and West Virginia have already passed this law, and the NCAA is encouraging more states to do the same.

Cut 4 (09) “…place bets.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says no to an invitation to debate his two biggest challengers during Moon Griffon’s statewide radio talk show. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Saints add another quarterback to their roster. The Saints sign free agent Zach Wilson. Wilson spent last season with the Dolphins as that team’s backup quarterback; he had previously been with the Jets for three seasons. Wilson joins starter Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Cassidy says no. Senator Bill Cassidy has declined talk show host Moon Griffon’s invitation to participate in a debate involving his two most formidable challengers to his re-election chances. Cassidy says it would be better for voters if the debates were on television.

Cut 9 (05)  “…primetime.”

John Fleming and Julia Letlow plan on attending the April 28th debate from 9 to 11 AM on Griffon’s statewide radio show.

Senator John Kennedy says he feels everyone’s pain when it comes to soaring gasoline prices. The spike started at the beginning of this month in the wake of the U.S. military action in Iran, which choked off the Strait of Hormuz in response. Kennedy says by closing that waterway, Iran is only hurting itself in the long run. 

Cut 6 (10) “…them the most.”

Lawmakers advance a bill that would allow the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to establish a rule banning those who harass college athletes from placing sports bets in the state. Leesville Senator Mike Reese presented evidence to a Senate committee that female athletes are harassed more than their male counterparts.

Cut 5 (07) “…other sports.”

Reese says Ohio and West Virginia have already passed this law and the NCAA is encouraging more states to do the same.

Being able to legally carry guns on college campuses will have to wait at least another year. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick has withdrawn his bill that would have allowed anyone 18 or older to carry a gun on a public or private college or university campus. McCormick says he pulled his bill because those slated to testify in favor of it couldn’t.

Cut 13 (07)  “…to make it.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

Rapides Parish investigators are trying to figure out what led to the tragic hit and run death of former longtime sheriff William Earl Hilton. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

And now, we’re getting word on funeral arrangements for Sheriff Hilton. There are two visitations scheduled – the first is tomorrow from four to eight p-m, and the second one is Friday from nine to noon. That’s immediately followed by the funeral service at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria.

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick has withdrawn his bill to allow people over the age of 18 to carry guns on college campuses, both public and private. McCormick says he pulled the bill because the college students who were slated to testify in support of it had scheduling conflicts and couldn’t do so. McCormick says he’s willing to file the bill again next year – as long as a student is willing to speak in favor of it.

Cut 15 (12) “…at all times.”

This is the time of year when allergy sufferers feel at their very worst. The main culprit is oak pollen, which is made worse in windy conditions. Ochsner Health Immunologist Dr. John Carlson says if you suffer from seasonal allergies, there are treatments available at your local drug store to help control your symptoms.

Cut 12 (10) “…will work great.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Shock in Rapides Parish over the tragic death of former longtime sheriff William Earl Hilton, who was killed in what investigators are calling a hit-and-run. Current Sheriff Mark Wood says the 80-year-old deserved to live several more years.

Cut 6 (08) “…is just unspeakable.”

Visitation is tomorrow from four to eight p-m and Friday from nine to noon, with the funeral to immediately follow at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria.

This is the time of year that allergy sufferers feel their very worst. Ochsner Health Immunologist Dr. John Carlson says the culprit is oak pollen, and windy conditions make it even worse.

Cut 11 (07) “…wind right now.”

The tree pollen will die down towards the end of spring; but then, the grass pollen will take hold, providing no relief to allergy sufferers.

Judges that the Louisiana Legislature deems as incompetent can be removed under a proposal heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Police in Lafayette are investigating the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy. Travis Griffin, who was a student at Northside High School, was found shot to death in the middle of a roadway Monday night. Investigators say while the circumstances are still being investigated, they believe there may have been a verbal argument prior to the shooting.

LRN AM Newscall March 25

Rapides Parish investigators are trying to figure out what led to the tragic hit and run death of former longtime sheriff William Earl Hilton. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Judges that the Louisiana Legislature deems as incompetent can be removed under a proposal heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you’ve been sneezing your head off lately, you’re in good company. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Rapides Parish remains in shock over the tragic death of former longtime sheriff William Earl Hilton, who was killed in what investigators are calling a hit-and-run. Current Sheriff Mark Wood says 53-year-old Ladonna Delrie of Pollock ran over Hilton after the former sheriff returned home to find Delrie exiting his residence.

Cut 4 (05) “…it’s horrendous.”

Delrie faces several charges, including first-degree murder. Her bond has been set at 5.3-million dollars. Sheriff Wood says they’re trying to determine if Delrie and Hilton knew each other previously.

Hilton started in law enforcement in 1970. He also served in the Louisiana National Guard. Hilton was elected sheriff in 1992 and retired in 2008. He came out of retirement and served eight more years from 2012 to 2020.

Sheriff Wood is devasted over the death of the 80-year-old Hilton.

Cut 5 (09) “…without this man.”

Sheriff Wood says Hilton deserved to live several more years.

Cut 6 (08) “…is just unspeakable.”

Hilton’s body was transported to Lafayette for an autopsy. RPSO Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline asks you to keep Hilton’s family and the sheriff’s department in your prayers.

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A Senate committee approves legislation that gives lawmakers the ability to remove judges for malfeasance, gross misconduct or incompetence. Monroe Senator Jay Morris says there have been too many instances, particularly in Orleans Parish, where repeat offenders are committing violent crimes.

Cut 7 (12) “…decisions they make.”

This is a proposed constitutional amendment. It will need voter approval next April, if two-thirds of the Legislature approves it. Sarah Whittington of the ACLU of Louisiana opposes the legislation. Whittington says the state constitution already allows for the legislature to impeach a judge, but lawmakers have not tried…

Cut 8 (09) “…a case brought.”

Morris says the state constitution is unclear on whether the legislature can impeach a judge. He says under his proposal, an incompetent judge can be removed by a simple majority vote in the House and a two-thirds vote in the Senate. The governor would then certify the removal of that judge. Evangeline Parish Senator Heather Cloud likes this approach.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and communities safe.”

Morris’ measure originally allowed the governor to recommend the removal of a judge. That language has been removed and the proposal heads to the Senate floor for more debate.

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If you’ve found yourself sneezing non-stop throughout the day to the point that your co-worker in the cubicle next to you is on the verge of calling HR, you’re actually in good company. Ochsner Health Immunologist Dr. John Carlson says we’re in the height of allergy season, and the actual culprit may surprise you.

Cut 10 (12) “…are the problem.”

Dr. Carlson says especially on windy days, the oak pollen will make people very miserable.

Cut 11 (07) “…wind right now.”

Carlson says if you suffer from seasonal allergies, there are treatments available at your local drug store to help control your symptoms – and keep you on good terms with your co-workers.

Cut 12 (10) “…will work great.”

The tree pollen will die down towards the end of spring; but then, the grass pollen will take hold, providing no relief to allergy sufferers.

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Being able to legally carry guns on college campuses will have to wait at least another year. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick has withdrawn his bill that would have allowed anyone 18 or older to carry a gun on a public or private college or university campus. McCormick says he pulled his bill because those slated to testify in favor of it couldn’t.

Cut 13 (07)  “…to make it.”

McCormick says this move in no way alters his stance on the issue.

Cut 14 (05) “…a college campus.”

McCormick says as such, he’s willing to file the bill again next year – as long as a student is willing to speak in favor of it.

Cut 15 (12) “…at all times.”

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Spring football is officially underway in Baton Rouge, and coach Lane Kiffin has plenty of work ahead with a revamped roster. The Tigers’ quarterback room is brand new, and Kiffin says he’s challenging all three to quickly adapt to the team’s high-tempo system to maximize offensive efficiency.

Cut 16 (14) “…a long time.”

Sam Leavitt participated in individual throwing drills, but he will not participate in team drills as he continues to rehab from his Lisfranc foot injury.

One of the early standouts has been offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, who was ranked as the nation’s top offensive lineman in the transfer portal. When Seaton arrived in Baton Rouge, he weighed 330 pounds and has since trimmed down to 307. Kiffin says the transformation is a result of the extensive hard work he’s put in.

Cut 17 (11)  “…becomes the norm.”

Another player that has jumped out to Kiffin is rising junior tight end Trey’Dez Green. Kiffin knows that the 6-7 mismatch has all the athletic ability in the world, but believes his ultra-elite mindset is what separates him from many.

Cut 18 (18)  “…unique that way.”

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Spring football has also officially started in Ruston, as Louisiana Tech is planning to play its first season in the Sun Belt Conference. With quarterback Blake Baker still recovering from a torn ACL, senior Trey Kukuk (Q-kuhk) is taking the starting reps. Coach Sonny Cumbie is very confident in the veteran Q-B.

Cut 19 (14) “…our football team.”

One of the biggest questions for the team heading into spring is the running back room. With Clay Thevenin’s departure to Rutgers, there will be a competition for playing time among Jayden Miller, Dylen Brooks, and Kenny Thomas. Cumbie says he’s looking for multiple players to separate themselves, with consistency being the most important factor.

Cut 20 (14) “…ball the distance.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast/Legislative Report

A Senate committee approves legislation that gives lawmakers the ability to remove judges for malfeasance, gross misconduct or incompetence. Monroe Senator Jay Morris says there have been too many instances, particularly in Orleans Parish, where repeat offenders are committing violent crimes.

Cut 7 (11) “…decisions they make.”

This is a proposed constitutional amendment, so it will need voter approval next April, if it receives two-thirds approval in both houses of the legislature. Sarah Whittington of the ACLU of Louisiana opposed the legislation, saying the state constitution already allows for the legislature to impeach a judge, but lawmakers have made no effort to do so.

Cut 8 (09) “…a case brought.”

Legislation continues to move through the state capitol that would allow for the Louisiana Wildlife Commission to establish rules and regulations for a recreational alligator hunting season. The Louisiana Senate unanimously approved the bill by Franklin Senator Robert Allain, who says the alligator population has become too large.

Cut 6 (07) “…of the road.”

Being able to legally carry guns on college campuses will have to wait at least another year. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick has withdrawn his bill that would have allowed anyone 18 or older to carry a gun on a public or private college or university campus. McCormick says he pulled his bill because those slated to testify in favor of it couldn’t.

Cut 13 (07)  “…to make it.”

McCormick says he’s willing to file the bill again next year – as long as a student is willing to speak in favor of it.