7:30 LRN Newscast

Both of Louisiana’s U-S Senators voted against the one-point-nine trillion-dollar COVID relief bill that was approved by the Senate over the weekend. Bill Cassidy says the legislation wastes billions on pet projects. John Kennedy says the so-called coronavirus bill is an orgy of pork. The Louisiana Democratic Party says the legislation helps families, small businesses, schools, and farmers.

Louisiana cattle and poultry producers are still recovering from last month’s winter storms…
cut 2 (29) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is encouraging residents to file a claim if they sustained damage as a result of last month’s winter storms. Slips and falls, roof damage and burst pipes are some of the circumstances that should be covered by your homeowners’ insurance. Donelon says one estimate says last month’s winter storms will cost the insurance industry 18-billion dollars…
cut 15 (07) “….weather”

Baton Rouge newborn Lexa Dennis is the youngest ever to receive Zolgensma (zol·gens·ma.), the most expensive gene-drug therapy in the world at $2.1 million. Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Charlotte Hollman says Lexa has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a debilitating and often fatal disease, was given the life-saving medication at just four days old at Woman’s Hospital.
Cut 10 (06) “…opportunity.”
Lexa receiver a Zolgensma dose last month in the hopes that this will prevent her from every showing symptoms of SMA.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Tough weekend for the eighth-ranked LSU baseball team as they dropped a series to Oral Roberts, who had won just two games heading in the weekend. Yesterday, the Golden Eagles held LSU to six hits in a three-to-one win. Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri…
cut 29 (09) “…move forward”

Runs were not a problem for Louisiana Tech yesterday as the Bulldogs blew out McNeese 14-4 in eight innings to complete the sweep of the Cowboys. Hunter Wells and Manny Garcia combined for nine hits, two home runs and seven RBIs.

Southern swept Grambling, ULM took two of three from Nicholls and the Ragin Cajuns took two of three from Houston Baptist.

The Saints have restructured the contracts of linebacker Demario Davis and Cam Jordan. The two moves reportedly saved the team more than 13-million dollars towards the salary cap. And the Black and Gold have signed running back Ty Montgomery to a one-year deal.

The LSU men’s basketball team will be the three-seed in this week’s SEC Tournament after dribbling past Missouri 86-80 on Saturday. Coach Will Wade says it was nice to win a close game and execute down the stretch…
cut 17 (19) “…tournament time”
LSU will play either Ole Miss or South Carolina on Friday night in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tourney.

The Ragin Cajuns were eliminated from the Sun Belt Tournament last night as Georgia State defeated U-L Lafayette 84-73 in the semis. Meanwhile, the Lady Cajuns advanced to today’s tournament championship game after beating Little Rock 58-48.

Zion Williamson scored ten points in his first NBA All-Star game last night.

6:30 LRN Newscast March 8

The state launches a new program to provide financial assistance to both tenants and landlords experiencing financial hardship from the pandemic. Executive Director of the Louisiana Housing Corporation Keith Cunningham says $161 million has been allocated for 57 parishes.
Cut 4 (09)“…COVID.”
Louisiana’s seven largest parishes will administer their own programs and you can find out more by visiting LA-State-Rent-dot-com.

This week, the LSU Ag Center is expected to come out with an estimate on the economic damage to the state’s agriculture industry from last month’s winter storms. LSU Ag Center regional livestock specialist Jason Holmes says for poultry and cattle producers the damage to their infrastructure is extensive…
cut 9 (12) “….right here”

For the first time in their lives, many Louisians are filing winter storm damage home insurance claims. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

LRN AM Newscall March 8

Funds are now available to help tenants and landlords who’ve experienced financial hardship from the pandemic. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…Brooke Thorington.”

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Cattle and poultry producers in north Louisiana are still recovering from last month’s winter storms. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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For the first time in their lives, many Louisians are filing winter storm damage home insurance claims. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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The state launches a new program to provide financial assistance to both tenants and landlords experiencing financial hardship from the pandemic. Executive Director of Louisiana Housing Corporation Keith Cunningham says $161 million has been allocated for 57 parishes.

Cut 4 (09)“…COVID.”

Parishes with populations over 200,000 will receive funding directly from the US. Treasury for aid, so now both urban and rural areas of the state are covered.

LHC in partnership with the Louisiana Office of Community Development will administer the program.

Cunningham says the primary focus is to pay rental arrears.

Cut 5 (09)“…April.”

The program also then gives eligible tenants up to three months for future rental assistance.

Cunningham says the eviction moratorium was necessary during the pandemic, but it transferred the financial burden to landlords and this program offers them relief.

Priority is given to households where at least one member has been unemployed for more than 90 days due to COVID…

Cut 6 (10) “…considered.”

For more information visit LA State Rent-dot com

www.LAStateRent.com

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The state’s cattle and poultry industries took a beating from last month’s historic winter storms.

LSU AgCenter regional livestock specialist Jason Holmes says thousands of chickens were lost when several poultry facilities collapsed due to snow and ice buildup.

Cut 7 (11)  “…work through.”

Feed mill operations were also backed up during the storms due to iced-over roads and snow.

Holmes estimates many cattle farmers lost at least a couple head, mostly calves, due to the stress of the event and the frigid temperatures. He says it came at a rough time…

Cut 8 (07) “…the ground”

Holmes says more so than lost livestock the industries really took a hit to their often expensive infrastructure, but that damage may be covered…

Cut 9 (12) “…right here”

A full accounting of the total cost to these two industries is expected to be released soon.

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Baton Rouge newborn Lexa Dennis is the youngest ever to receive Zolgensma (zol·gens·ma.), the most expensive gene-drug therapy in the world at $2.1 million. Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Charlotte Hollman says Lexa has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a debilitating and often fatal disease, was given the life-saving medication at just four days old at Woman’s Hospital.

Cut 10 (06) “…opportunity.”

Hollman says it was a team effort getting her approved for the medication and her older brother Axel, who also has SMA, received the medication just before his second birthday.

Mother of both Lexa and Alex, Andrea James…

Cut 11 (10) “…to do.”

SMA is the most common cause of death in the first year of life and the drug was approved for use in the United States in 2019. James says until there’s a cure for SMA…

Cut 12 (09) “…born. ”

Eleven days after Lexa received Zolgensma she was able to go home from the hospital.

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Thousands of Louisianans suffered some very unusual types of home damage during last month’s winter storms and now wonder if their insurance will cover it. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says if you sustained any damage from the storms do not hesitate to at least file a claim with your insurer.

Cut 13 (06) “…claim.”

Donelon also suggests filling a claim if you or anyone on your property hurt themselves in a slip and fall incident due to the weather.

Donelon says, unlike hurricane coverage…

Cut 14 (07) “…another.” 

One thing is universal: you still have a responsibility to do your best to mitigate the damage from the event, such as unfreezing pipes safely or covering holes in your roof.

Donelon says overall last month’s winter storms will cost the insurance industry 18 billion dollars.

Cut 15 (07)“….weather.”

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The LSU men’s basketball team outscored Missouri 19-12 in the final six minutes on Saturday and went on to beat Mizzou 86-80 to claim the three seed in this week’s SEC tournament in Nashville. Coach Will Wade was pleased with getting this victory on the road

Cut 16 (16) “…good start.”

Wade says it was nice to win a close game and execute down the stretch…

Cut 17 (19) “…tournament time”.

LSU will have a double-bye in the SEC Tournament and they’ll play the late game on Friday night. Wade wants to make a run in the tournament…

Cut  18 (15) “…for us.”

07:30 LRN Sportscast

Two high-ranking LSU athletic officials have been suspended as a result of an extensive report that looked at how the school failed to properly handle sexual assault complaints…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo

The Husch Blackwell report also revealed that former LSU athletic director Joe Alleva attempted to fire then football coach Les Miles for inappropriate behavior with female student workers, including an accusation he kissed a female student twice. Kansas has put Miles on administrative leave to review the material in the report.

The eighth ranked LSU baseball team suffered its worst loss since 2007 in a 22-7 defeat to Oral Roberts yesterday. Jaden Hill allowed eight runs in the first inning. Louisiana Tech trounced McNeese 11-0 in the first game with fans at the new J-C Love Park.

The LSU men’s basketball team wraps up the regular season today with a game at Missouri. It could be the final regular season game for several Tigers, including junior guard Javonte (Juh-von-tey) Smart. Coach Will Wade says Smart is having his best year at LSU….
cut 17 (15) “”….in the league’
Tip off is at 2 PM.

In the Sun Belt Tournament, South Alabama eliminated ULM. The Jaguars will face the Ragin Cajuns today at 5 PM.

In college football, Northwestern hosts Nicholls, Southeastern is at McNeese and Grambling hosts Jackson State.

LRN PM Newscall March 5

Phase Three allows live music to return but with numerous strings attached, some say it’s hitting all the wrong notes. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke. Thorington”  

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Two high-ranking LSU athletic officials have been suspended as a result of a nearly 150-report that looked at how the school failed to properly handle sexual assault complaints. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Phase Three allows live music to return indoors but under strict rules. Like a strong HVAC system and plexiglass between the stage and audience. Louisiana native and country music artist David St. Romain says it will be difficult for most venues to meet the requirements.

Cut 3 (11)  “…outdoor.”  

St. Romain says for example when you look at a venue like The Texas Club in Baton Rouge, where capacity is 1,200 it’s not the best fiscal decision to bring back music.

Cut 4 (11) “…600 people.” 

St. Romain says the new normal for him and other musicians have been to play online and try to reach as many as possible. He says even when venues can open to full capacity he will continue to play online as well.

Cut 5  (11)  “…facilities.” 

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Early voting in the 2nd Congressional District special election begins Saturday and the race appears to be shaping up around three candidates.

Political analyst Clancy DuBos says there are two clear frontrunners at the moment, New Orleans lawmakers Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter. Of the two…

Cut 6 (09) “Richmond.”

Carter also boasts the endorsement of prominent Baton Rouge lawmaker Cleo Fields. Peterson’s endorsements are headlined by Emily’s List and Stacy Abrams.

DuBos expects this race to head to an April runoff due to the 15 candidates on the ballot, most notably the presence of Baton Rouge social justice activist Gary Chambers.

Cut 7 (08) “…here”

Over 70 percent of the voters in the 2nd are based in Metro New Orleans, with the rest coming from the River Parishes and north Baton Rouge.

No third parties have polled the race so far and DuBos says internal campaign polling shows there’s still a lot of undecideds left…

Cut 8 (11) “…window.”

Voting in the 5th Congressional District special election also begins Saturday.

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LSU suspends two high-ranking athletic officials without pay as a result of a report on how the school mishandled allegations of sexual and domestic assault. Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry received a 30-day suspension, while senior associate A-D Miriam Segar received 21 days. LSU interim president Thomas Galligan

Cut 9 (09) “…go unaddressed”

Ausberry and Segar will be required to go through training on sexual misconduct, domestic violence and more.

Husch Blackwell delivered what Galligan called a brutally honest and objective evaluation. Husch Blackwell Partner Scott Schneider says their report found that LSU’s Title Nine office was woefully understaffed and one victim described how complicated it was for a case to get investigated…

Cut 10 (11) “…warned down.” 

The report gives 18 recommendations on improving LSU’s Title 9 practices and Galligan says the school plans to act on all recommendations and that includes beefing up the Title 9 Office…

Cut 11 (08) “…any longer”

There is criticism over the severity of the punishment handed down to Ausberry and Seger. Galligan says Ausbery and Seger acknowledge they made mistakes but there was no clear path on how to report sexual assaults…

Cut 12 (12) “ …appropriate resources” 

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A mass vaccination event will be held Saturday at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City, for those who are eligible, bring a photo ID and insurance card.  LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Infectious Disease Johnny Vanchiere says it will be from 9 to 4.

Cut 13 (08)“…community”

Teachers will also need to bring proof of employment, vaccines for instructors will be from 2 to 4 pm.

The Johnsons and Johnson one dose vaccine will be administered. Vanchiere says if possible, they would like to you preregister at lsuhs dot edu.

Cut 14 (06) “…vaccinated” 

The Brookshire Grocery Arena is the former CenturyTel Center in Bossier City located at 2400 Century Link Center Drive.

Cut 15 (05) “…arena” 

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU suspends two high ranking athletic officials without pay as a result of a report on how the school mishandled allegations of sexual and domestic assault. Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry received a 30-day suspesion, while senior associate A-D Miriam Segar received 21 days. LSU interim president Thomas Galligan…
cut 9 (09) “…go unaddressed”
Ausberry and Segar will be required to go through training on sexual misconduct, domestic violence and more.

There’s more spring college football on the schedule Saturday. Northwestern kicks off its six-game spring season by hosting seventh-ranked Nicholls at six PM tomorrow. Also, Southeastern hosts McNeese. Grambling will host Deion Sanders and the Jackson State Tigers at noon tomorrow.

The Saints have released 12-year veteran Thomas Morstead the franchise’s best punter. Morstead was more than steady since New Orleans drafted him in the fifth round of the 2009 draft. But he did not have a good year by his standards in 2020 and New Orleans needs to free up money to get underneath the salary cap. Morstead thanked the fans during an emotional zoom call with reporters
Cut 18 (17) “…different ways.”
Morstead was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2012 and his average net punt is the second-best in the NFL since the statistic first was recorded in 1976.

Nicholls men’s basketball has won its second Southland Conference championship in four years after beating rival in-state rival McNeese 80-67 last night.

10:30 LRN newscast March 5

At this hour, the LSU Board of Supervisors is hearing a report from the firm Husch Blackwell about how LSU has handled allegations of sexual and domestic assault in years past. USA Today LSU beat reporter Glen Guilbeau tempers any expectations the report will be a bombshell…
cut 13 (10) “…that out”
LSU interim president Thomas Galligan says Husch Blackwell has delivered a brutally honest and objective evaluation of their culture.

Early voting for special elections to elect U-S Representatives in districts two and five will begin tomorrow. In the fifth district, Congressman-elect Luke Letlow’s widow, Julia Letlow, appears to be the favorite to win. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley…
cut 9 (09) “…well”

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they’ve received 37 letters of interest from firms who are interested in teaming up with the state to build a new I-10 Calcasieu Parish bridge. Wilson says a private-public partnership is a revenue risk project, so tolls could be used to help finance construction…
cut 12 (08) “….formula”
Wilson says they expect the cost of a new bridge in the billion-dollar range.

The state health department is holding more mass COVID-19 vaccination events today and tomorrow. State Health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says if you are on the fence about getting vaccinated, seek out reputable sources….
cut 6 (12) “…with them”

9:30 LRN Newscast March 5

Dr. Julia Letlow remains the prohibitive favorite in the 5th Congressional District special election as early voters head to the polls Saturday. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “…Matt Doyle.”

The other special congressional election is District two. 15 candidates have signed up to replace Cedric Richmond, who now works with the Biden administration. State senators Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter have been the most active on the campaign trail, along with Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers.

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says there is significant interest from private firms who are interested in partnering with the state in building a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Wilson says he’s encouraged after receiving 37 letters of interest.
Cut 10 (08) “…industry.”
Wilson says they expect the cost of the project to be in the billion-dollar range, but they are searching for partners to bring about innovative cost-effective ways to build and maintain the bridge over time.

Based on data from the state health department, 60-percent of the people who have received at least one-shot of the two-shot COVID-19 vaccines are women. State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter…
cut 5 (10) “…opportunity”
Kanter says with teachers eligible he doesn’t see that percentage changing soon.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 5

A report by a private firm hired by LSU to investigate the school’s handling of past sexual misconduct cases will be unveiled today at a Board of Supervisors meeting. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

USA Today reports that after a 2013 investigation former LSU head football coach Les Miles was barred from one-on-one contact with any female student. Miles was accused of texting female students, taking them to his condo alone, and on one occasion kissed a student. Miles denies he kissed a student.

Early voting in the 5th Congressional District special election to replace Luke Letlow, who died last year of COVID, begins Saturday. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Letlow’s wife Julia, a Republican, remains the prohibitive favorite.
Cut 7 (09) “….side.”
There’s only one Democrat in the race, Candy Christophe. Early voting will also begin in the second district race, two state senators, Karen Carter Peterson, and Troy Carter are the main candidates in that race.

The state department of transportation says they’ve heard from 37 firms who are interested in a public-private partnership to build a new I-10 bridge in Calcasieu Parish. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they will invite those who have shown interest to a meeting…
cut 11 (10) “…teams”