7:30 LRN Newscast

Another school massacre has brought gun control back into the national spotlight just three months after the Parkland shooting. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Louisiana has lost one of its legends. Billy Cannon, LSU’s only Heisman Trophy winner, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning at his home in St. Francisville. Cannon led LSU to a national championship in 1958, won the Heisman Trophy the next year and also ran the 100-yard dash in less ten seconds. He was 80 years-old.

Funeral services are this morning for Louisaina’s longest serving First Lady. Elaine Edwards was married to former Governor Edwin Edwards for 40 years and with him for three of his terms. The two divorced in 1989 and biographer Leo Honeycutt says Elaine then tried her hand at acting…
cut 12 (07) “…Meryl Streep”
She was 89-years-old.

Tonight in Shreveport, it’s the Miss USA Finals which will be shown on Fox-TV at seven PM. Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau spokesperson Chris Jay says the contestants have enjoyed their time preparing for the big night…
cut 6 (07) “…love it”
The pageant is expected to have a five-million dollar economic impact on the area.

State legislators have today off and then it’s back to work tomorrow as a two-week special session begins, where lawmakers will attempt to pass tax bills to address a 650-million revenue shortfall.

06:45 LRN Sportscast May 21st

LSU is mourning the loss of Billy Cannon, who passed away peacefully at the age of 80. Cannon is the only Heisman Trophy winner in LSU’s history and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008. His magical 89-yard punt return for a touchdown on Halloween night versus Ole Miss is one of the greatest plays in school history. Cannon saw a fall from grace in the 1980s when he was sentenced to five years in prison for leading a counterfeiting scheme. He served two-and-half years and after his release served as the Director of Dentistry at the state prison in Angola.

The LSU baseball team leaves today for the SEC Tournament, where they’ll play Mississippi State tomorrow afternoon in a single elimination game in Hoover, Alabama. The Tigers lost two of three to Auburn this past weekend and they’ll face a Bulldog team that just swept number one ranked Florida.

Grambling State was thumped by Alabama State 18-3 yesterday in the SWAC Tournament Championship game.

The Ragin Cajuns are the number two seed in the Sun Belt Tournament and they’ll play Wednesday night at Russo Park in Lafayette. Louisiana Tech is the number two seed in the Conference USA Touranent and the Bulldogs will play Rice on Wednesday afternoon in Biloxi.

At the Southland Tournament on Wednday, Northwestern State will play McNeese, Southeastern will take on Nicholls.

The LSU softball team advances to the Super Regionals after beating UL Lafayette 3-1 in a winner take all regional championship game.

Ohio State graduate transfer quarterback Joe Burrow has announced he’s LSU bound. Burrow who visited the campus recently made his decision on Friday and he’ll compete with three other quarterbacks to be the starter this fall. Matt Mascona, the host of After Further Review on ESPN Baton Rouge Radio, says Burrow has a skill set the other Q-Bs on LSU’s roster do not have…
cut 16 (17) “…very raw”

6:30 LRN Newscast May 21st

The latest school shooting, this time at Santa Fe High School, has reignited the conversation around gun regulations. In response to the Parkland massacre, several bills were introduced in Louisiana that targeted firearms, but all were struck down. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter, who introduced several gun bills this year, says he hopes the legislature will come around on gun control.
Cut 13 (09) “saving lives”
Thibodaux native and former Baton Rouge resident Cynthia Tisdale was one 10 people killed in the mass shooting.

State Fire Mashal Butch Browning says the summertime brings an increase in door-to-door fraudulent salesmen trying to scam you on a home a security system. Browning says report any suspsicious activity and offered four tips…
cut 9 (09) “…high pressure sale”

LSU legend Billy Cannon died Sunday morning at the age of 80 at his home in St. Francisville. Cannon is the school’s only Heisman Trophy winner. That season was highlighed by a magical 89-yard punt return for a touchdown against Ole Miss. LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva says there may be no other figure in LSU sports more beloved or revered.

Today is the funeral service for former First Lady Elaine Edwards, the onetime US Senator, actress, seamstress, and wife of Edwin Edwards. Elaine married Edwin in 1949, remaining married for 40 years, and three terms of her husband’s governorship. Biographer Leo Honeycut says a life in politics wasn’t exactly what she had in mind.
Cut 10 (12) like it”
She was 89-years-old.

LRN AM Newscall May 21

Former Senator and First Lady Elaine Edwards will be laid to rest today. Jeff Palermo takes a look at her fascinating history.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo “

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Summertime means more door to door sales, and that means more predatory home security sales practices. Don Molino has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Don Molino”

__________________________________.

Another school massacre has brought gun control back into the national spotlight just three months after the Parkland shooting. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________________________

The Miss USA finals are tonight in Shreveport. It’s an event that not only brings glamour to northwest Louisiana, but the pageant is also expected to produce a five-million-dollar economic impact. Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau spokesperson Chris Jay says the contestants have enjoyed their time preparing for the big night

Cut 4  (10) “our community” 

Fox Television will broadcast the 67th Miss USA pageant at 7 PM and it will be shown around the world in 60 countries. A winner will be crown inside the Hirsch Coliseum and Jay says the Miss Universe Organization will shine a bright light on the Shreveport area tonight…

Cut 5  (05)  “Madison Square Garden”

The contestants have been in town for over a week and Jay says it seems they’ve enjoyed their time in the Bayou State

Cut 6 (07) “love it”

Officials hope the press surrounding the event may lead to more tourism not only in Shreveport but throughout Louisiana.

_______________________________________________________

Summertime is the most active season for door-to-door sales, and State Fire Marshal Butch Browning reminds everyone to be wary of home security sales fraud. Dale Meredith of Cottonport recounted his story of how a salesman saw the ADT sign outside his house and proceeded to impersonate an ADT official who claimed to be there to replace his panel. After coming in to take a look around the house…

Cut 7 (11)  “of nothing”

Better Business Bureau Southwest Louisiana President Carmen Million says home security installation and sales ranks among one of the most problematic and reported industries in the country.

Cut 8 (10)  “of complaints”

Browning says report any suspicious sales activity and offered four tips to avoid door to door sales fraud.

Cut 9 (09)  “resume there”

Browning says the state receives 25 complaints a month about door to door sales fraud.

____________________________________________________

Today is the funeral service for former First Lady Elaine Edwards, the onetime US Senator, actress, seamstress, and wife of Edwin Edwards. Elaine married Edwin in 1949, remaining married for 40 years, and three terms of her husband’s governorship. Biographer Leo Honeycut says a life in politics wasn’t exactly what she had in mind.

Cut 10 (11) “is law”

As one of her husband’s political machinations, Elaine was appointed a US Senator following Allen Ellender’s death in 1972, where she served for three months. She’s been quoted as saying “Let’s have no misgivings, I am not a United States Senator.” But Honeycut says she picked up on the great responsibility remarkably quickly.

Cut 11 (08) “priority”

After Edwin’s third term began in 1983, Elaine did not return to the mansion. Instead, she became a seamstress specializing in exclusive dresses for Mardi Gras balls. The two divorced in 1989, which lead to Elaine trying her hand at acting in the Big Apple.

Cut 12 (12) “some revenue”

____________________________________________

The latest school shooting, this time at Santa Fe High School, has reignited the conversation around gun regulations. In response to the Parkland massacre, several bills were introduced in Louisiana that targeted firearms, but all were struck down. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter, who introduced several gun bills this year, says he hopes the legislature will come around on gun control.

Cut 13 (09)  “saving lives” 

Carter introduced three gun control bills. One that would restrict assault rifle sales to those over the age of 21, another that would track ammo sales, and a final bill that banned bump stocks. He says despite a lack of support in the capital this year, he’ll be reintroducing them next year.

Cut 14 (10) “gun measures”

The New Orleans Democrat says for any gun control legislation to gain traction, one organization in particular is going to have to get behind it.

Cut 15 (11) “lives”

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Ohio State graduate transfer quarterback Joe Burrow has announced he’s LSU bound. Burrow who visited the campus recently made his decision on Friday and he’ll compete with three other quarterbacks to be the starter this fall. Matt Mascona, the host of After Further Review on ESPN Baton Rouge Radio, says Burrow has a skill set the other Q-Bs on LSU’s roster do not have…

Cut 16 (17) “very raw”

But is Burrow the answer to LSU’s problems at quarterback. Moscona says Head Coach Ed Orgeron is taking a calculated risk with Burrow…

Cut 17 (16)  “at quarterback”

Burrow spent the past three seasons at Ohio State as a back-up. He graduated, which allows him to play this fall, with two years of eligibility left. Mascona says history shows LSU has had some success with transfer quarterbacks, Zach Mettenberger and Danny Etling, are two examples…

Cut 18 (20)  “against Miami” 

10:30 LRN Newscast May 19th

Shortly after the end of regular session last night, Governor John Bel Edwards announced he’s vetoed the budget approved by lawmakers, because of the cuts across state government in funding…
cut 27 (11) “…starting July 1st”
So lawmakers will return for a special session on Tuesday. They’ll be asked to raise at least 648-million dollars in revenue to make up for the loss in one-point-four billion dollars in temporary taxes that expire on June 30th.

As I mentioned earlier, the regular session ended last night. Lawmakers failed to pass legislation that would extend the state’s operating license for Harrah’s New Orleans casino. Legislators were concerned over whether the state was getting a fair deal.

A bill to rescrict cell phone use while driving also failed to legislative approval.

The U-S Labor Department figures show there are more people employed in Louisiana than ever before. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says education and health services added 78-hundred jobs for the year, while leisure and hospitalitity gained 67-hundred jobs…
cut 13 (08) “…economic development”
Monroe was the only metro area to report a jobs loss over the last month.

Ohio State grad transfer quarterback Joe Burrow has made the decision to continue his college career at LSU. Is Burrow the answer to LSU’s problems at quarterback. Matt Mascon with ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, says Coach Ed Orgeron is taking a calculated risk with Burrow…
cut 17 (16) “…at quarterback”
Burrow has spent the past three seasons at Ohio State as a back-up. He graduated, which allows him to play this fall and he has two years of eligibility left.

9:30 LRN Newscast may 19

Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed a budget the state legislature sent to him and it’s his hope lawmakers can use a special session to pass tax bills that can generate revenue to avoid deep cuts across the state government…
cut 29 (17) “….do better”
The special session begins on Tuesday.

The regular session ended last night. One of the more significant pieces of legislation to pass, still needs voter approval in November. That’s the constitutional amendment that would require unanimous jury verdicts in criminal cases. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s success will hinge on who shows up to the ballot box…
cut 7 (08) “…it would fail”

Summertime means more door to door sales, and that means more predatory home security sales practices. Don Molino has more.
Voicer 2 (30) I’m Don Molino”

In college baseball last night, LSU evened its series with Auburn with a six to two victory. Freshman Ma’Khail Hilliard pitched 7.1 innings for his ninth win of the year. Final game of the regular season is today at 1 PM.

And Louisiana Tech won its 20th game in conference play last night, which is a program record and UL Lafayette clinched the Sun Belt Western Division Championship with a 9-6 victory over ULM.

08:30 LRN Newscast May 19th

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the budget state legislators approved in the final week of the regular session, because it called for deep cuts across state government….
cut 28 (13) “…people of Louisiana”
Edwards has called for a two week special session to begin on Tuesday. He’s optimistic legislators will approve legislation that will raise revenue so the state can fully fund TOPS, pay for social services, public safety and make sure public colleges do not see a reduction in state funding.

Ohio State graduate transfer quarterback Joe Burrow announced last night he’s heading to LSU to finish out his collegiate career. Burrow will be eligible to play this fall and has two years of eligibility left. He could be the starting quarterback, if he beats out three other Q-Bs on the LSU roster.

Latest job numbers show that more Louisiana residents are employed than ever before. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, just over two-million people were employed last month, an increase of 47-thousand from the previous April. Executive Director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Ava Dejoie, says certain sectors of Louisiana’s economy continue to do well
Cut 12 (05) “as well”
Dejoie says education and health services added 78-hundred jobs for the year, while leisure and hospitality gained 67-hundred jobs.

Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta purchased Lake Charles-based Waitr and the founder of the online restaurant delivery service, Chris Meaux, believes the extra capital will lead to an enhanced customer service experience….
cut 11 (11) “…accurately”

07:30 LRN Sportscast May 19th

Big night for LSU athletics last night as the football program successfully convinced quarterback Joe Burrow to transfer from Ohio State to Tiger Town. Burrow, who is eligible to play this season, gives the Tigers four quarterbacks to compete to be the starter. But Burrows arrival could mean either Myles Brennan, Lowell Narcisse or Justin McMillan will transfer. Burrow also visited Cincinnati before making his decision to come to LSU.

And the LSU Baseball team won a big game last night versus Auburn six to two as freshman Ma’Khail Hilliard outpitched Auburn’s ace Casey Mize. Mize, who could be the number one pick in next month’s Major League Baseball Draft, gave up four runs in the sixth inning to suffer his fourth loss on the year. Meanwhile, Hilliard gave up two runs over 7.1 innings to improve his record to 9-4. Zach Watson started the four-run rally with a one-out double and had three hits on the night. The regular season concludes today at one PM.

The Ragin Cajuns won the Sun Belt Western Division last night with a nine to six win over ULM. Hogan Harris was the winning pitcher, Chad Bell drove in three runs in a losing effort.

Louisiana Tech won its 20th conference game for the first time in program history last night with an 11-8 series clinching win over Old Dominion. Freshman Steele Netterville continues to swing a hot bat as he went 4-for-5 at the plate and for the second straight night finished a cycle away from hitting for a triple. Parker Bates scored three runs.

Southeastern Louisiana finished its regular season last night with a 5-4 win over 20th ranked Houston. The Lions scored four runs in the eighth inning.

Nicholls kept its postseason hopes alive by blanking Central Arkansas four to nothing. Alex Ernestine threw a five-hit shutout. The Colonels are competing with UNO for the final playoff spot in the Southland Tournament.

UNO and Northwestern State will play a doubleheader today at noon at Maestri Field.

4:45 LRN Sportscast May 18th

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports Joe Burrow, a graduate transfer quarterback from Ohio State, has chosen to continue his college career at LSU. Burrow will be eligible to play this season and he’ll have two years of eligibility left. That gives LSU four players who will compete to be the starting quarterback in the fall, unless one of them decides to transfer out.

DeMacus Cousins tells the Undefeated he’s open to going back to New Orleans, but in the end he’ll do what’s best for him. Cousins is rebhabbing from a torn Achilles tendon and he becomes an unrestricted free-agent in July. The four-time NBA All-Star believes he’ll be ready by the time NBA training camps open in September.

LSU baseball has a difficult test tonight as they’ll face Auburn pitcher Casey Mize, who could be the top overall pick in next month’s Major League Baseball Draft. Freshman Ma’Khail Hilliard gets the start for the Tigers, who are now 14-and-14 in the SEC after losing 11-4 to the War Eagles last night. First pitch tonight is at 6 PM.

Louisiana Tech continues its series with Old Dominion tonight as the Bulldogs will send right-hander Matt Miller to the mound. The Bulldogs won easily last night, 11-3 over the Monrachs. David Leal threw seven strong innings and freshman Steele Netterville finished a triple away from hitting for the cycle.

The Cajuns Hayden Cantrelle hit a walk-off homer last night as UL Lafayette beat ULM for the 23rd straight time on the baseball diamond, beating the Warhawks 4-3 in 10 innings. The Cajuns are now a game and a half ahead of Little Rock for first place in the Sun Belt West Division.

Nicholls State scored three runs in the ninth inning last night to beat Central Arkansas 5-4. UNO lost to Northwestern State six to three, so the Colonels are now just one game back of the Privateers for the eighth and final qualifying spot in the Southland Tournament.

At the SWAC Tournament….Grambling State will play tonight. A win for the Tigers and they advance into Sunday’s championship game.

3:30 LRN Newscast May 18th

The U-S Labor Department figures show there are more people employed in Louisiana than ever before. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Direcotr Ava Dejoie says education and health services added 78-hundred jobs for the year, while leisure and hospitalitity gained 67-hundred jobs…
cut 13 (08) “…economic development”
New Orleans gained 29-hundred jobs over the past month, while Monroe was the only metro area to report a jobs loss over the last month.

Legislation allowing riverboat casinos to move their gaming operations on land was one of the biggest bills to pass in the 2018 regular session. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the chances of any further gaming legislation making headway next year, like sports betting, is slim…
cut 6 (09) “….the plauge”

Lake Charles-based Waiter believes their online restaurant delivery service will only get better as a result of the 308-million dollar acquisition by a Texas billionaire. Chris Meaux is the company’s founder and will continue as chairman of the board of directors…
cut 10 (07) “…in Lousiaina”
Waitr is available in over 30 metro areas from Texas to South Carolina. They also have offices in Lafayette and Baton Rouge.

The founder of the Cajun Navy 2016, Jon Bridgers of Walker, has been arrested on contractor fraud accusations. His lawyer Philip House says Bridgers insists it’s a contractual dispute wrought with miscommunication with a homeowner…
Cut 3 (10) “other issues”
According to the arrest report, Bridgers agreed to repair a home in East Baton Rouge Parish for 47-thousand dollars, but never finished the work.