4:45 LRN Sportscast March 18

In a conference call with reporters, Quarterback Drew Brees says he could have played another season in the NFL, but wants to spend more time with his family…
cut 7 (12) “…it was time”
But Brees will be away from his family on weekends in the fall. He’ll work as a studio analyst for NBC’s Football Night in America on Sunday and on Saturday, he’ll serve as a color commentator for NBC’s broadcasts of Notre Dame football. Brees hopes he can teach something about the game to fans they didn’t know.

New Orleans Defensive back P-J Williams is reportedly returning to the Black and Gold on a one-year deal worth 2.3 million dollars. Former LSU Tiger Patrick Peterson is back in purple and gold as the standout cornerback has signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Jared Cook is headed back to the west coast as the former Raider and Saints tight end has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.

When the LSU men’s basketball team is not practicing for Saturday’s first-round NCAA Tournament game against Saint Bonaventure, they are in their hotel room in Indianapolis. Coach Will Wade says many of his players have turned to video games for entertainment…
cut 17 (18) “…I have not clue”

On Fox Sports New Orleans tonight, the Pelicans will face the Portland Trail Blazers for a second straight game. On Tuesday, the Pels blew a 17-point fourth-quarter lead and lost to the Trail Blazers 125 to 124 on their home floor. Coach Stan Van Gundy has said he wants more of the offense to go through Zion Williamson during the late stages of the game.

Tomorrow night, Louisiana Tech will take on Ole Miss in the first round of the N-I-T. The Bulldogs are 12-and9 all-time in the N-I-T and reached the tournament’s final four in 1986.

2:30 LRN Newscast March 18

Oregon State has placed former LSU president F- King Alexander on probation for his role in the mishandling of sexual misconduct complaints while he was leading the L-S-U system. At LSU, two athletic administrators are still on suspension, but Chairperson of the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children, Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow, says the response so far from these two universities is not good enough…
cut 10 (07) “…response”
There have been calls for LSU athletic administrators Verge Ausberry and Miriam Segar to be fired.

The state reported 558 more COVID-19 cases today and in southwest Louisiana, they are seeing more positive cases connected to the U-K variant than other parts of the state. Southwest Louisiana Regional Health Director Doctor Lacey Cavanaugh says they have a lab in that area that could test for it…
cut 3 (09) “….by us”

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the nation’s ag industry is set to receive 10-billion dollars from the one-point-nine trillion-dollar American Rescue Plan approved by Congress. Strain says the legislation includes 66-million for the Farm Loan Assistance Program for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers…
cut 13 (11) “…for given”

The state reported 558 more COVID-19 cases today and in southwest Louisiana, they are seeing more positive cases connected to the U-K variant than other parts of the state. Southwest Louisiana Regional Health Director Doctor Lacey Cavanaugh says they have a lab in that area that could test for it…
cut 3 (09) “….by us”

LRN PM Newscall March 18

Drew Brees says he’s ready for his next career in football as a football commentator for NBC Sports. Taylor Sharp has more…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Taylor Sharp” 

_______________________________________

The Oregon State Board puts President F. King Alexander on probation for ten weeks for his mishandling of sexual misconduct cases during his time as President of LSU. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

________________________________________

In addition to storm recovery, it also appears that southwest Louisiana is battling two COVID issues, a higher concentration of the UK variant and a lower per capita vaccination rate. Medical Director for the area Lacey Cavanaugh says while they are concerned about the more transmissible variant, they also have a lab to test for it.

Cut 3 (09)  “…by us.”  

Cavanaugh feels storm recovery is a major factor for the issues. An influx of people from all over assisting and many people are having to reside with others in close quarters, both are helping spread the variant. As for the vaccination rate, Cavanaugh believes the numbers are misleading.

Cut 4 (08) “…then” 

Cavanaugh believes more than 8-percent are vaccinated in the region because the current number of residents isn’t reflective of the 2018 census. Cavanaugh says many have left the area after the two hurricanes and for those who are there, getting vaccinated isn’t at the top of their list.

Cut 5  (08)  “…the table” 

Cavanaugh praised the medical community in the region for their efforts with the virus and vaccinations, because they too have had to endure two hurricanes themselves.

_______________________________________

Drew Brees is looking forward to his new career in football as a member of the NBC Sports broadcasting team.  Brees will be a studio analyst for “Football Night in America” on Sunday nights and as a color analyst for Notre Dame football games.  Brees says he hopes fans can learn something about the game from his analysis.

Cut 6 (13) “…game now”

Brees also says he could have played another season in the NFL, but wants to spend more time with his family.

Cut 7 (12) “…it was time.”

Becoming a broadcaster is something Brees has considered for quite some time and says that he’s tried to listen and learn from the greats before him.

Cut 8 (08) “…transition to.”

_______________________________________________________

Former LSU and current Oregon State President F. King Alexander is placed on probation for his alleged mishandling of sexual assault and harassment reports during his time at LSU.

Alexander is accused of being aware of allegations against former coach Les Miles, but failing to act. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says probation is a surprisingly light sentence.

Cut 9 (12) “…LSU”

OSU students and the OSU staff union say Alexander’s tenure at LSU proves he’s more concerned with athletics than student safety. Alexander apologized and says he accepts ultimate responsibility, but also says budget cuts hampered Title Nine compliance.

Alexander’s probation and multi-week suspensions to two LSU athletic administrators have been the only punishments meted out as a result of the report. Barrow says that’s not good enough.

Cut 10 (07) “…response” 

Alexander left LSU to join Oregon State nine months ago after running LSU during the period covered by a report that detailed widespread administrative mishandling of sexual misconduct. The over 10 week-long probation sentence was ordered by the Oregon State Board of Trustees.

Barrow says the reoccurring message that the mishandling of these situations was the result of a lack of written policy won’t deter lawmakers from calling for more punitive action.

Cut 11 (07) ”  accountable”

Barrow is a member of the Louisiana Select Committee on Women and Children, a legislative committee spearheading hearings seeking more information about the LSU scandal. They will meet again next Friday.

_____________________________________________

The American Rescue Plan includes an estimated $10.4 billion for Agriculture designed to strengthen the industry and food supply chain. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the plan covers a variety of things.

Cut 12 (10) “ …agriculture.” 

Strain says the legislation includes $66-million for the Farm Loan Assistance Program for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

Cut 13 (11)“…forgiven.”

There’s also funding for research institutions, Strain says to provide outreach and extension to farmers in poor and rural areas and assist them with better production.

Cut 14 (11) “…in agriculture.” 

1:30 LRN Newscast March 18

According to the latest vaccination numbers from the state health department, nearly one million people in Louisiana have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. The lowest vaccination rate is in southwest Louisiana at eight-percent. Southwest Louisiana Regional Health Director Doctor Lacey Cavanaugh has a theory on why that is…
cut 5 (08) “…table”

The American Rescue Plan includes an estimated $10.4 billion for Agriculture designed to strengthen the industry and food supply chain. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the plan covers a variety of things.
Cut 12 (10) “ …agriculture.”
Strain says the plan includes $66-million for the Farm Loan Assistance Program for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

The Oregon State Board of Trustees places OSU President F. King Alexander on probation for ten weeks for his mishandling of sexual misconduct cases during his time as LSU’s President. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”

Drew Brees hopes his new role as an analyst with NBC Sports will help in his transition from playing football for most of his life. Brees will be a color commentator on Notre Dame broadcasts and a studio analyst for NBC on Sunday nights during the NFL season. Brees believes he could have played another season, but he wants to spend more time with his family.

11:40 LRN Sportscast March 18

The LSU men’s basketball team is out of NCAA quarantine in Indianapolis and after multiple negative COVID-19 tests, they can now practice for Saturday’s first-round NCAA Tournament game. Coach Will Wade says it’s a different NCAA experience, but he rather be living in a hotel room in Indianapolis than in Baton Rouge preparing for next season…
cut 18 (11) “…to be here”
The Tigers will play Saturday afternoon against Saint Bonaventure in Bloomington at Indiana University’s Alumni Hall. The Bonnies won the A-10 regular-season and tournament championships and rank fifth in the nation in defense, allowing 60 points a game.

The Pelicans get another shot at Portland tonight. On Tuesday night, New Orleans blew a 17-point lead and lost by one point to the Trail Blazers. Tip-off is at nine PM.

Drew Brees says he’s ready for his next career in football. Brees will work as a studio analyst for NBC Sports on their Football Night in America show and as a color commentator during NBC’s broadcasts of Notre Dame home football games. Brees says he’s been preparing for his new role…
cut 8 (12) “…transition too”
Brees says he feels like he could play another season in the NFL, but says it’s more important for him to be around his family more.

Former LSU standout Patrick Peterson has found a new team as the perennial Pro Bowl cornerback has signed a one-year, 10-million dollar contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Peterson is 30-years-old and has 28 interceptions in his career.

LSU says it will allow tailgating with limitations at spring outdoor athletic events starting tomorrow with Tigers hosting Mississippi State in a big SEC baseball series.

9:30 LRN Newscast March 18

Governor Edwards will provide a COVID-19 briefing today at 2:30 PM. Yesterday during his monthly Ask the Governor’s show, Edwards said he has no plans to remove the statewide mask mandate, despite improving COVID numbers. The governor says while the vaccination campaign is going well, they need more people vaccinated…
cut 8 (09) “….transmission”
Over 900,000 Louisianans have received at least one dose of a vaccine and over half a million have completed their series.

The family of Tommie McGlothen, a black man who died after he was beaten and tased by four Shreveport police officers last April has filed a federal lawsuit against Shreveport, its police chief, and the officers involved in the altercation. Attorney Larry Carter says the family is seeking justice through the judicial system.
Cut 12 (08) “…life.”
Carter says he offered the city a settlement of $25-million in October.

The World Meteorological Organization has made some big changes to tropical storm naming. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Drew Brees hopes his new role as an analyst with NBC Sports will help in his transition from playing football for most of his life. Brees will be a color commentator on Notre Dame broadcasts and a studio analyst for NBC on Sunday nights during the NFL season. Brees believes he could have played another season, but he wants to spend more time with his family.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 18

COVID numbers are way down but Governor Edwards says the mask mandate is here to stay for a while longer. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Oregon State has placed former LSU president F- King Alexander on probation for his role in the mishandling of sexual misconduct complaints while he was leading the L-S-U system. The Oregon State University Board of Trustees is calling on Alexander to come up with an action plan on how he will rebuild the trust with the O-S-U campus.

Good news for utility customers who are facing high power bills as a result of turning their thermostats way up when the temperatures were below freezing in February. The Public Service Commission has ordered utility companies to spread out the costs of those bills over several months…
cut 6 (05) “….can be”
That’s P-S-C member Foster Campbell.

Tropical storms will no longer be named after the Greek Alphabet. The World Meteorological Organization says naming storms after the Greek Alphabet distracted from the actual impacts of the storm, there was confusion with some Greek alphabet names when translated to different languages and the pronunciation of several Greek letters are similar. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a new overflow list will be used instead…
cut 15 (08) “…the line”

7:30 LRN Newscast March 18

The Louisiana Public Service Commission has ordered utility companies to spread winter heating costs out over several months. When temperatures went below freezing in February for an extended period of time, utilities had to purchase more energy to meet customer demand. North Louisana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says that has led to higher than normal power bills for many customers…
cut 5 (06) “…for it”
Campbell says as a result of P-S-C’s order, customers will be given six to 12 months to pay those high winter bills.

The Greek Alphabet will no longer be used to name tropical storms after the season surpasses 21 named storms. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the World Meteorological Organization’s Hurricane Committee ditched the Greek alphabet for several reasons, the names are a distraction, the alphabet’s poor translation into other languages, and…
Cut 14 (03) “…letters.”

A federal lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the family of Tommie McGlothen, Jr, a black man who died after an altercation with Shreveport Police.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Will the Superdome and college football stadiums be filled next fall as they would be pre-pandemic? Governor John Bel Edwards believes so…
cut 9 (08) “…it can”
Edwards says for full stadiums to return, people need to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

6:45 LRN Sportscast March 18

The LSU basketball team is staying at a hotel in Indianapolis as they get ready to take on St. Bonaventure on Saturday afternoon in a first-round NCAA Tournament game. Head Coach Will Wade says his team arrived on Monday and had to quarantine for two days and they have been confined to their hotel.
Cut 16 (11) “…for practice today.”
Bloomington, Indiana is where LSU will play its first-round NCAA Tournament game on Saturday against St. Bonaventure. The game will take place at Indiana University’s Assembly Hall.

The bracket for LSU legend Shaquille O’ Neal has the Tigers winning the NCAA Tournament. But they have to get past the Bonnies first. St. Bonaventure won the A-10 regular-season and tournament championships and rank fifth in the nation in defense, allowing 60 points a game.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees hopes his new role as an analyst with NBC Sports will help the transition from playing on Sundays in the fall for the last 20 years. Brees will be a color commentator on Notre Dame broadcasts and a studio analyst for NBC on Sunday nights. Brees believes he could have played another season, but he wants to spend more time with his family.

Former LSU standout Patrick Peterson has found a new team as the perennial Pro Bowl cornerback has signed a one-year, 10-million dollar contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Peterson is 30-years-old and has 28 interceptions in his career.

Will the Superdome and college football stadiums be filled next fall as they would be pre-pandemic? Governor John Bel Edwards believes so…
cut 9 (08) “…it can”
Edwards says for full stadiums to return, people need to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

6:30 LRN Newscast March 18

Louisiana utility customers will receive extra time to pay off their high winter power bills from last month’s historic winter weather that produced a huge demand for heat. Public Service Commission Chairman Craig Greene says they’ve ordered utility companies to spread their costs out over several months…
Cut 4 (08)“…for people.”
Residents in Texas have received utility bills in the thousands instead of the hundreds, but here in Louisiana, the P-S-C has the ability to regulate utility costs.

Texas and Mississippi have done away with their mask mandates and instead are recommending to their citizens to wear masks when necessary. But Governor John Bel Edwards says that approach doesn’t work…
cut 7 (08) “….part”
Edwards says masks are still necessary as not enough people are vaccinated yet.

The World Meteorological Organization has made some big changes to naming tropical storms. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

After a stormy Wednesday, today’s forecast looks much better, sunny skies with high temperatures in the low to mid-60s.