6:45 LRN Sportscast

Lonzo Ball returned to the court last night after missing the last seven games and hit a career-high eight three-pointers as New Orleans defeated Houston 122 to 115. Ball had 27 points on the night to lead the short-handed Pels. The team’s top two scorers, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram did not play because of injuries.

The LSU baseball team is 1-8 in the SEC after getting swept by number one ranked Vanderbilt. It’s the first time since 2010 that the Tigers have been swept in back-to-back conference series. Left fielder Gavin Dugas believes they can turn the season around…
Cut 18 (21) “…going to do.”
Should find out about the status of starting pitcher Jaden Hill today. He left Friday’s game with an elbow injury.

17th ranked Louisiana Tech won its 20th game on Saturday with a six-to-nothing win over UAB. Sophomore left fielder Adarius Mays says they want to prove they are one of the best teams in the country…
cut 17 (26) “….bottom”
The Bulldogs are in first place in the Conference USA west standings with a six and two league mark.

The Ragin Cajuns are in first place in the Sun Belt West after sweeping ULM, who has lost six in a row.

Southeastern Louisana leads the Southland Conference after splitting a four-game series with McNeese.

Grambling leads the SWAC’s western division after sweeping Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Tigers have won nine of their last eleven.

6:30 LRN Newscast April 5

LSU’s 2021 Louisiana Survey found that 56-percent of parents of school-age children think their child learned less over the past year than they would have if not for the pandemic. But LSU Public Policy Research Lab director, Doctor Michael Henderson, says 77-percent of the respondents are not blaming the school system…
cut 8 (07) “…data”
21-percent of parents are dissatisfied with the instruction their child’s school provided.

There will be a bill heard in the upcoming legislative session that seeks to increase the state’s gasoline tax in an effort to improve the state’s roads and bridges. Baton Rouge Barbara Freiberg is proposing to increase the state’s gasoline tax by ten cents and then it would increase by two pennies every other year until 2033. Freiberg says electric and hybrid vehicle owners would also pay annual fees…
cut 15 (06) “…the cost”
The bill is expected to face stiff opposition when the legislative session begins next week.

A West Monroe Senator files legislation calling for Louisiana to become the nation’s 19th “Constitutional Carry” state. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

KSLA-TV is reporting that a woman was fatally shot in Shreveport last night when a fight between two women escalated. According to the report, a boyfriend of one of the women pulled out a gun and killed the victim. No arrests have been made.

LRN AM Newscall April 5 ###sports cuts added###

Most parents in Louisiana believe their child didn’t learn as much as they usually do this past year, but they aren’t holding schools responsible.  Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A West Monroe Senator files legislation calling for Louisiana to become the nation’s 19th “Constitutional Carry” state. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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 A Baton Rouge Representative files legislation to ease the state’s backlog of transportation infrastructure. Brooke Thorington explains how the bill will finance the projects

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves calls for a portion of the state’s billions in American Rescue Act aid to be used to build a new Mississippi River Bridge in the Capital Region.

Governor John Bel Edwards says that’s not going to be his first priority. Instead, he will prioritize replenishing the state’s now empty unemployment trust fund.

Cut 4 (07)“…fund.”

Edwards says if we don’t replenish the fund by September the automatic employer tax increases will hamper our economic recovery.

Cut 5 (08)“…year ago.”

Edwards also says despite the region needing a new bridge it’s not clear that ARA money could be used for that type of infrastructure project.

Cut 6 (09) “…broadband.”

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More than half of the parents of school-age children think their child learned less over the past year according to the 2021 Louisiana Survey. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says 56-percent believe their child’s education was hindered by the pandemic.

Cut 7 (08)  “…as much.”

Despite more than half of parents saying their child didn’t learn as much this past year, Henderson says 77-percent are not blaming the school system.

Cut 8 (07) “…data.”

Henderson says responses in Louisiana mirrored national data that while most parents believe their child learned less, they are not faulting schools.

Cut 9 (09) “…for that.”

The Louisiana Survey polled 781 adults in the state from January 4th to March 1st.

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Legislation has been filed that would allow anyone 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun on their person without needing a permit.

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says passing this legislation would make Louisiana the 19th state to adopt a “Constitutional Carry” law.

Cut 10 (09) “…dangerous.”

The legislation does not apply to convicted felons, and those who are legally intoxicated would still be barred from carrying a concealed weapon.

The bill is similar to one filed in the House by Oil City Representative Danny McCormick, the big difference being McCormick’s bill sets the age limit at 18 instead of 21.

Cut 11 (09) “…passed.”

Opponents say a concealed carry permit classes teach gun owners vital safety lessons and weed out bad actors. Morris says forcing people to pay a fee to exercise their rights is a liberty issue.

Cut 12 (12) “…consitution.”

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Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiberg files legislation to raise funds via a gas tax to fund the state’s $14 billion backlog of repairs needed for roads and bridges and up to $13 billion needed for capacity projects. The tax would stretch over a ten-year period.

Cut 13 (09) “…added.”

Freiberg says her bill is the best return on investment with the ability to receive federal matching.

Cut 14 (10) “…infrastructure.”

In addition to a gas tax Freiberg says the bill also taxes drivers of electric and hybrid vehicles with the institution of annual fees.

Cut 15 (06)“…the cost.”

Frieberg says she knows she’ll have opposition as lawmakers argue recent CARES Act and American Rescue Plan funds negates the need to raise taxes but says her bill addresses long-term funding for projects.

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Louisiana Tech is off to a six and two start in Conference USA play after taking three of four from UAB. The Bulldogs won the series by blanking the Bulldogs six to nothing on Saturday. Tech Coach Lane Burroughs says winning on Saturday was big to make sure they stayed in first place…

Cut 16 (15) “…good shape.”

Saturday’s win was the 20th of the season for the 17th ranked Bulldogs. Sophomore left fielder Adarius Myers says they want to prove they are one of the best teams in the country…

Cut 17 (26) “…bottom”

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The LSU baseball team is 1-8 in the SEC after getting swept by number one ranked Vanderbilt. It’s the first time since 2010 that the Tigers have been swept in back-to-back conference series. Left fielder Gavin Dugas believes they can turn the season around…

Cut  18 (21)  “…going to do.”

AJ Labas gave LSU a chance to win on Saturday, but Garrett Edwards gave up a two-run home run in the seventh and the Commodores held on for a five to four win. Labas on the team’s mindset…

Cut 19 (14) “…thinking positive” 

LSU is hoping to get some positive news today on starting pitcher Jaden Hill. He left the game on Friday with an elbow injury and there’s concern he could need season ending elbow surgery. Coach Paul Mainieri says they’ll find out more today…

Cut 20 (22) “…the tests” 

7:30 LRN Sportscast

For the second straight night, top-ranked Vanderbilt took it to the LSU Tigers as the Commodores crushed LSU 11 to 2. Tigers starting pitcher Jaden Hill left in the second inning with an injury to contribute to the tough night for LSU. Tiger hitters struck out 16 times.

17th ranked Louisiana Tech split a doubleheader with U-A-B. Manny Garcia hit a three-run homer to help the Bulldogs beat the Blazers six to four in game one. In Game two, Tech gave up eight runs in the fourth inning and lost nine to three. Cade Gibson suffered the loss as he gave up seven runs.

The Ragin Cajuns clinched their series with ULM by beating the Warhawks five to two. Connor Cooke struck out nine over five innings for his third win.

McNeese and Southeastern Louisiana split doubleheader and so did Northwestern State and Abilene Christian.
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The Pelicans were short-handed last night and lost to the Atlanta Hawks 126-to-103. Starters Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Steven Adams didn’t play because of injuries. And New Orleans has also lost guard Josh Hart after tore the U-C-L in his right thumb in Thursday night’s loss to Orlando. The team says Hart will be out indefinitely.

The Senate Select Committee on Women and Children have asked LSU athletic director Scott Woodward, football coach Ed Orgeron, executive deputy AD Verge Ausberry, Senior Associate AD Miriam Segar and some current and former Board of Supervisors members to their meeting on Thursday to discuss the previous mishandling of sexual misconduct cases. Woodward has said he’ll testify, but no word if Coach O will show up.

There’s a couple of college football games in the state today, Southeastern Louisiana hosts Lamar, while 13th ranked Nicholls is at McNeese. The Colonels are looking for their first win in Lake Charles since 2008.

06:45 LRN Sportscast April 2

It was complete domination last night at Alex Box Stadium as the number one ranked Vanderbilt Commodores crushed the LSU Tigers 13-1 to open a three-game series. The Bayou Bengals were held to four hits, while LSU starting pitcher Landon Marceaux (Mar-so) allowed nine runs.

There was also a blow out in Ruston as 17th ranked Louisiana Tech trounced U-A-B 16 to one in seven innings. The Bulldogs scored nine runs in the second inning. Tech hit three home runs in that inning, Kyle Hasler, Hunter Wells and Manny Garcia.

The Ragin Cajuns jumped out to a six-nothing lead and defeated ULM nine to five. Spencer Arrighetti threw six shutout innings for his fifth win. The Warhawks have lost four in a row.

McNeese scored two in the ninth to beat Southeastern Louisiana six to four, Nicholls topped Tennessee-Martin two to one in eleven innings and Northwestern State beat Abilene Christian eight to two in 12 innings.
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The Pelicans played without Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball, because they are injured, and New Orleans lost to Orlando 115 to 110 in overtime last night.

In college football last night, Northwestern State fell to fifth ranked Sam Houston 24-16. The Demons are 0-5 during the spring season. Tomorrow, Southeastern hosts Lamar and Nicholls visits McNeese at noon.

LSU right tackle Austin Deculus (Deck-you-luss) is back for his fifth season and says the goal of offensive coordinator Jake Peetz is to get the ball to the playmakers in space, which is good for the offensive line…
Cut 18 (23) “…offensive line.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast April 1

A struggling LSU baseball team begins a three-game series against top-ranked Vanderbilt tonight. The Commodores are 20-3, 5-and-1 in conference play and they lead the SEC in team ERA and batting average. The Tigers are one and five in league play and will face two terrific starting pitchers during the series in Kumar Rocker and Jake Leiter. Rocker pitches tonight against LSU’s Landon Marceaux. First pitch is at 6:30.

After winning three of four from Coastal Carolina, the Ragin Cajuns will face in-state rival U-L-M in Monroe for a three-game series starting tonight. The Warhawks are looking to snap a three-game losing streak.

McNeese looks to end a four-game losing streak as they are at Southeastern Louisiana. 17th ranked Louisiana Tech will host UAB for a four-game series starting tonight.

One of the top players in the Southland Conference has transferred to La Tech to play basketball. Six-foot-three guard Keaston Willis is now a Bulldog after averaging 19 points a game for Incarnate Word last season.

Former Tigers wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase returned to LSU’s indoor practice facility and ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash on pro day. Chase opted out before the start of the COVID-shortened 2020 season and said it wasn’t easy to watch LSU go 5-and-5 on the season…
Cut 16 (11) “…out this year.”
Defensive back Kary Vincent also opted out in 2020 and returned to run the fastest 40-time at 4.33.

In college football tonight. Northwestern State hosts fifth-ranked Sam Houston at Turpin Stadium. The Demons are winless in the spring at 0-4, while the Bearkats are 3-0.

The Pelicans could be without three starters tonight as they host Orlando. Zion Williamson has been ruled out with a thumb injury, Lonzo Ball will miss his sixth straight game with a hip injury and Brandon Ingram is listed as doubtful with a foot injury.

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 1

A struggling LSU baseball team begins a three-game series against top-ranked Vanderbilt tonight. The Commodores are 20-3, 5-and-1 in conference play and they lead the SEC in team ERA and batting average. The Tigers are one and five in league play and will face two terrific starting pitchers during the series in Kumar Rocker and Jake Leiter. Rocker pitches tonight against LSU’s Landon Marceaux. First pitch is at 6:30.

After winning three of four from Coastal Carolina, the Ragin Cajuns will face in-state rival U-L-M in Monroe for a three-game series starting tonight. The Warhawks are looking to snap a three-game losing streak.

McNeese looks to end a four-game losing streak as they are at Southeastern Louisiana. 17th ranked Louisiana Tech will host UAB for four-game starting tonight.

Today is opening day in the Major Leagues and there are eight former LSU Tigers on M-L-B rosters. Alex Bregman and the Astros are at the As tonight to begin what should be a competitive race in the A-L West.

Defensive back Kary Vincent ran the fastest 40-time at LSU’s pro day yesterday at 4.33. Vincent didn’t play in the 2020 season as he decided to opt-out. He says he tested positive for COVID and developed some symptoms that had him concerned…
cut 19 (24) “….around here”

In the NBA, the Pelicans host the Orlando Magic tonight. Zion Williamson is questionable with a sprained right thumb, while guard Lonzo Ball is also questionable with a hip injury that’s forced him to miss the last five games. After not getting traded before the deadline. Ball told the media he wants to play in New Orleans. He will be a restricted free agent this summer.

9:30 LRN Newscast April 1

More Louisianians can get financial assistance to buy healthcare plans through the Affordable Care Act today. Matt Doyle reports a special enrollment period on healthcare-dot-gov is open through August 15th…
cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

A minor earthquake was felt overnight in Caddo Parish. The United States Geological Survey says it reported a 3.0 quake just west of the town of Blanchard and it was felt in Bossier City which is 13 miles from the epicenter.

Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves is upset the state only received 12-million dollars out of the 255-million dollars available in CARES Act Funding. Graves says it makes no sense when Louisiana is one of the top fishing states…
cut 14 (07) “…anything else”
Graves says Florida was allocated $19 million even though Louisiana has a 50 percent greater fisheries value.

Louisiana is the second most stressed state in the nation. That’s according to the personal-finance website WalletHub. Analyst Jill Gonzales says that’s because the state ranks in the top five for average hours worked per week, crime rate, divorce rate, and percentage of adults in poor health…
cut 5 (08) “…sleep”

8:30 LRN Newscast April 1

A New Orleans lawmaker introduces legislation that would decriminalize the possession of marijuana. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

After being put on pause because of the coronavirus pandemic, courts can start holding in-person jury trials starting today. There’s obviously a backlog in cases and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Weimer is asking citizens to answer the call to serve as jurors. Weimer says safety precautions will be taken to ensure the health and safety of jurors.

More Louisianians are eligible to get financial assistance to purchase a health care insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act and its website health-care-dot-gov. Blue Cross Blue Shield Chief Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut says previously individual plans were only available for those earning about 50-thousand dollars or less…
cut 8 (11) “….premium”
Bertaut says that means a person making 100-thousand dollars a year could possibly get financial aid for a plan purchased at health-care-dot-gov.

The personal financial website Wallethub says Louisiana is the second most stressed state in the country. So what is driving up the state’s stress level. Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzales says the large percentage of the population living in poverty, the crime rate and the state has the fourth-highest divorce rate in the nation…
cut 6 (10) “…categories”

7:30 LRN Newscast April 1

A major insurance provider says the most recent stimulus bill makes it easier to purchase health care through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Blue Cross Blue Shield Chief Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut says lower monthly premiums and expanded income eligibility for financial assistance go into effect today…
cut 7 (08) “….first”
Bertaut says a person making 100-thousand dollars a year could also be eligible for federal assistance to pay for healthcare coverage. Shop for plans at health-care-dot-gov.

A new JMC Analytics poll for the Louisiana Association for Therapeutic Alternatives found that about two-thirds of the respondents favor the legalization of marijuana. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell has filed a bill that would decriminalize marijuana possession and she expects opposition from local governments…
cut 12 (08) “….property”
The debate will begin after April 12th. That’s the date when the legislative session begins.

Louisiana will receive only five percent of the CARES Act Fisheries Funding despite being one of the top fishing states in the country. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (26) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Some residents in Caddo Parish woke up to the room shaking during the middle of the night. That’s because the U-S Geological Survey registered a three-point-0 earthquake just west of the town of Blanchard at about 2:30 this morning. No injuries or damage has been reported from the weak quake. Blanchard is just northwest of Shreveport and the quake was felt as far east as Bossier City.