4:30 LRN Newscast March 26

New Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson spoke for the first time today since her husband’s death. Benson says she doesn’t plan on changing much and is ready for the challenge…
cut 30 (11) “…his legacy”
Benson says there are no plans to sell or re-locate the teams.

State Police a 14-year-old was the driver in a fatal accident in Ascension Parish early this morning…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

Louisiana motorists have seen a seven-cent increase in gasoline prices over the last week. Triple A’s fuel analyst Don Redman says the average price for regular gasoline is $2.39 a gallon. Redman says we usually see prices go up at this time of the year. He says budget accordingly…
Cut 8 (05) “last year.”
Redman says the change over at refineries to a summer grade gasoline and a strong demand have resulted in higher prices.

For the second time in five months, a winning Powerball jackpot ticket was purchased in Louisiana. The 55-million-dollar winning ticket from Saturday’s drawing was sold at Tigers Touch Down 2 in Lafayette. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says Louisiana Powerball players are on a historic hot streak.
Cut 12 (08) “jackpot winners.”

3:30 LRN Newscast March 26

Two people riding a motorcyle are dead after they were hit by a vehicle driven by a 14-year-old juvenile. State Trooper Bryan Lee says the teen was traveling in the wrong direction in the eastbound lane on LA 74 in Ascension Parish. Lee says the investigation is on-going and law enforcement is meeting with legal experts to determine which path to take on this horrific crash.
Cut 4 (:08) “a cause”
Charges are pending against the juvenile driver.

The price at the gasoline pump has increased seven-cents over the last week. That’s according to Triple A’s Don Redman, who says the average price for regular gasoline is $2.39 a gallon, and we’ll see gasoline costs continue to rise as we get closer to the summer driving season…
Cut 7 (07) “a gallon.”
Redman says the change over at refineries to a summer grade gasoline and a strong demand have resulted in the latest price increase.

Data shows Louisiana’s February unemployment rate is 4.5 percent, that’s 1.2-percent over-the-year decline. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie credits an increase in workforce training as one reason unemployment is going south…
cut 10 (08) “….their workforce”
Dejoie says most of the new jobs are coming in the health sector, thanks to Medicaid expansion.

Someone in Louisiana is likely holding a winning 56-million dollar Powerball ticket. A ticket purchased at Tigers Touch Down 2 in Lafayette matched all six numbers in last Saturday’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says they don’t know who the winner is, but they are anxious to find out…
cut 13 (10) “….in order”
The convenience store will get a 25-thousand dollar cash prize as a result of selling the winning ticket.

2:30 LRN Newscast March 26

Louisiana motorists have seen a seven-cent increase in gasoline prices over the last week. Triple A’s fuel analyst Don Redman says the average price for regular gasoline is $2.39 a gallon. Redman says we usually see prices go up at this time of the year, plus supplies are down…
Cut 6 (11) “by OPEC.”
Redman says prices will continue to increase as we get closer to the summer driving season.

A 55-million dollar Powerball lottery ticket was sold in Lafayette, the second Powerball jackpot prize winner in Louisiana in the last five months. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says they are not sure who the winner is, but the lucky ticketholder has a couple of options on how to claim their prize….
cut 14 (10) “…million dollars”
Two people are dead after being hit while riding a motorcycle at two o’clock this morning by 14-year-old driver. State Trooper Bryan Lee says the 14-year-old was driving in the wrong lane on L-A 74 in Ascension Parish….
cut 3 (11) “Dusty Duet”
Lee says they do not know why the teenager was driving.

Louisiana’s unemployment rate for February was 4.5 percent, an over-the-year decline of over one-percent. Jeff Palermo has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

11:40 LRN Sportscast March 26

The NFL owners have voted to simplify the definition of a catch. Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic is covering the meetings in Orlando and he says there’s now three components officials will look at to determine a catch. Control, two feet in bounds and a football move, like when the player reaches with the ball or makes a third step. No more surviving the ground for a catch to take place.

Coming up at the owners meeting today, Saints Owner Gayle Benson will speak publicly for the first time, since her husband’s death.

A former Saintsation has filed a lawsuit against the Saints claiming discrimination, because players are not held accountable to the same rules for cheerleaders. For instance, cheerleaders must leave a restaurant if a Saints player walks in as part of the team’s anti-fraternization policy.

NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport says former LSU standout and Giants receiver Odell Beckham Junior will not set foot on a football field without a new deal. Beckham has indictated he would like to be the highest paid player in the NFL.

Former LSU standout and major league baseball player Albert Belle has been charged in Arizona on two counts of indecent exposure and two counts of D-U-I. According to police records, Belle was arrested during a Diamondbacks spring training game in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The LSU baseball team lost its weekend series to Vanderbilt. The Tigers won the middle game of the three game set by the score of 6-2. The game was halted in the 8th inning on Saturday and completed on Sunday morning. That’s why the series finale was just seven innings and the Tigers lost 1-0, despite a brilliant pitching performance from Ma’khail Hillard who threw six standout innings. The only run scored on a pass ball in the first inning.

Louisiana Tech is in first place in Conference USA after yesterday’s 9-4 win over UAB in 12 innings.

After losing 31-7 on Saturday to Arkansas State, the Warhawks came back on Sunday to shut out the Red Wolves four to nothing. ULM won it with a walk-off grand slam by catcher Spencer Hemphill in the 9th inning.

06:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU baseball team is back from Nashville after losing a series to Vanderbilt. The Tigers won the middle game of the three game set by the final score 6-2. Antoine Duplantis had three hits in that game, while Beau Jordan and Daniel Cabrera each had two hits. The game was halted in the 8th inning on Saturday and it was completed on Sunday morning. That’s why the series finale was just seven innings and the Tigers lost 1-0, despite a brilliant pitching performance from Ma’khail Hillard who threw six standout innings. The only run scored came on a pass ball in the first inning. The Tigers will face the Cajuns on Tuesday night in Metairie in the Wally Pontiff Classic.

 

The Ragin Cajuns celebrated a walk-off win over Troy yesterday as UL Lafayette beat the Trojans four to three. Zach Lafleur had the game winning hit in the bottom of the 9th.

 

After losing 31-7 on Saturday to Arkansas State, the Warhawks came back on Sunday to shut out the Red Wolves four to nothing. ULM won it with a grand slam by catcher Spencer Hemphill in the 9th inning.

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Louisiana Tech is in first place in Conference USA after yesterday’s 9-4 win over UAB in 12 innings. The Bulldogs improved to 5-1 in league play. Sophomore Kyle Griffen was the winning pitcher as he tossed 6.2 innings out of the bullpen. At one point he retired 18 consecutive batters. Mason Mallard had the go-ahead hit in the 12th inning.

In the Southland, Sam Houston State is in first place with a 6-0 record, but Southeastern Louisiana is not far behind at 7-2. The Lions beat Houston Baptist 8-2 yesterday to win the series. Kyle Schimpf and Trenon Trosclair each drove in two runs.

McNeese snapped a three-game losing streak by scoring four runs in the 9th inning to beat Nicholls 5-4. Shane Selman had the bit hit, a two-out two run double. The Cowboys are 6-3 in league play, while the Colonels are 4-5. Northwestern is 3-3 in the Southland after losing a series to A-and-M Corpus Christi.

LRN AM Newscall March 26

New Orleans is now home to the state’s first ever milk bank, and only the 24th milk bank nationwide. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A memorial service was held Saturday for the slaves whose burial plots were discovered on Shell property in Ascension Parish. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Eight Louisiana communities are officially Louisiana Retirement Certified Areas. Kelley Ray has more on what that means.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Oschner Baptist in New Orleans is now home to Mother’s Milk Bank, the state’s first ever such facility. The bank allows mothers to donate milk that will be used to help premature babies grow through a turbulent first period of their life. Neonatal Intensive Care Director Harley Ginsberg says premature babies especially need the vital nutrients that you just can’t find in formula.

Cut 4  (10) “baby.” 

The process for opening the facility took three and a half years to complete.

Just because the milk bank is located in New Orleans, doesn’t mean it won’t benefit the rest of the state. Ginsberg says the milk is collected, pasteurized, and stored until it’s needed.

Cut 5  (12)  “frozen milk”

Ginsberg says donors will be questioned, much like blood donors, to make sure only clean, healthy milk makes it into the storage. Once you’re clear, he says the process should take about 12 minutes to complete.

Cut 6 (11) “human milk.”

The Mother’s Milk Bank is a non-for-profit initiative.

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Eight Louisiana communities are officially Louisiana Retirement Certified Areas. Lafayette, Lake Charles, Natchitoches, Ruston, Toledo Bend, Shreveport-Bossier City, Homua and Thibodaux are included. Lincoln, Sabine and Terrebonne Parishes are also listed. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the communities were selected for their quality of life for retiring seniors…

Cut 7 (11)  “and festivals.”

Nungesser says there are about 76 million baby boomers that are nearing retirement and competition is tough. Nungesser says our state’s mild weather, makes it the perfect place to link more communities with bike trails…

Cut 8 (12)  “retirement communities.”

Nungesser says he is intending to file a bill in which a specific scratch off lottery ticket would be used to raise money to be used toward retirees and the improvement of communities…

Cut 9 (11)  “those people.”

More information about these retirement communities can be found at LouisianaTravel-dot-com.

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A memorial service was held over the weekend near Donaldsonville for the 1,000 slaves whose unmarked graves were discovered on Shell property in 2013. Cofounder of the River Road African American Museum Darryl Hambrick says the ceremony paid respects to those whose freedom to choose their final rights was stolen.

Cut 10 (10) “was done”

The graves date back into the 1800s, but had gone undiscovered for hundreds of years until Shell surveyed the land as part of a planned expansion, and found two mass burial sites. Hambrick says the location was forgotten over time, and eventually built over.

Cut 11 (09) “for years”

Hambrick says he wants people to think about what these graves represent, and about the lives of those who were forced to work one of the nearly 100 plantations that were in operation around Ascension Parish.

Cut 12 (08) “are today”

More information can be found about this event and others at sfricanamericanmuseum.org

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The Governor’s Office is touting that the state has the second largest monthly unemployment decline in the country for February, but is it really good news? The unemployment rate was 4.5-percent, over a full percent lower than February 2017. But LSU economist Loren Scott says the numbers aren’t as rosy in towns where construction has slowed…

Cut 13 (06)  “like 6600.”

Scott says the state’s economy is based largely on gas and oil. He says the New Orleans job market is being severely affected right now, citing one oil contractor…

Cut 14 (09) “right now.”

Baton Rouge lost 1,500 jobs last year, Lafayette saw 2,100 jobs go away and 1,400 jobs in New Orleans are not around that were last year. Scott says some on unemployment are discouraged by the lack of jobs and give up, resulting in a false reality of the unemployment rate…

Cut 15 (10) “in Louisiana.”

07:30 LRN Sportscast

The LSU baseball team got off to a quick start last night by scoring two runs in the 1st inning off of Vanderbilt starting pitcher Drake Fellows, but it was all Vanderbilt after that. The Commodores hit two, two-run home runs off LSU starting pitcher Zack Hess and beat the Bayou Bengals 4-2. Game two is tonight at 7:30.

Elsewhere, U-A-B blanked Louisiana Tech 3-0 as the Bulldogs were held to four hits.

ULM shutout Arkansas State 2-0. Senior Chase Beal struck out six over 5.2 innings for the victory. The Ragin Cajuns committed two errors and had just five hits in a 6-2 loss to Troy.

Southeastern Louisiana downed Houston Baptist 4-1, Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi knocked off Northwestern State six to one, Nicholls shutout McNeese 1-0. A throwing error resulted in the only run of the night.

And Kennesaw State clobbered Grambling 26-7.

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It was quite the send off for a New Orleans as hundreds were in attendance for the funeral of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson. Archbishop Gregory Aymond says Benson will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him…

Cut 16 (10) “…alive”

Following, the service inside St. Louis Cathedral and a second line through the French Quarterback brought Benson to his final resting place.

The Pelicans take a four-game winning streak to Houston to face the Rockets, who have won an NBA best seven straight games. New Orleans is battling for home court advantage in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. They are currently in fifth place in the West, a half-game back of Oklahoma City, who beat the Heat 105-99.

And tonight the second ranked LSU gymnastics attempts to go after back-to-back SEC Titles when they compete at the SEC championships in St. Louis at 6 PM on ESPN Two.

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 23

The funeral service for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson concluded a short time ago in New Orleans. It was officiated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond…
cut 15 (12) “….go marching in”
Following the Mass, a second line went through the French Quarter leading Benson to his final resting place.

LSU baseball begins a three-game series tonight Vanderbilt. The Tigers took two of three from Missouri to open up SEC play, while Vandry swept Texas A-and-M. Coach Paul Mainieri says this weekend will be a good test for his team…
cut 18 (10) “…anybody’s attention”
First pitch is at 8 PM.

According to statistics provided by LSU, sophomore quarterback Myles Brennan completed 12 of 16 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns in a scrimmage last night. Justin McMillan was 7-of-15 for 169 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore Lowell Narcisse threw for just 38 yards on six-of-14 attempts. Heading into the scrimmage, tight end Foster Moreau says the competition to be the starter at Q-B was dead even…
cut 20 (12) “…competition”
In last night’s scrimmage, sophomore Racey McMath led all receivers, six catches for 169 yards and a touchdown.

In NFL news, the Jets have reportedly emerged as a favorite to land free agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The former Dolphin and Lion visited with the Saints, Rams and Titans over the last week.

15:30 LRN Newscast

Current and former athletes, along with Saints and Pelican staff members poured into St. Louis Cathedral this afternoon in New Orleans for the invitation only funeral of Tom Benson. Former Governor Bobby Jindal and current Governor John Bel Edwards were also on hand. Archbishop Gregory Aymond says Benson will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him.
cut 16 (10) “…alive”

An unrestrained Jonesville teenager was killed and two other teens moderately injured in a single vehicle wreck in Catahoula Parish. Master State Police Trooper Scott Moreau says investigators believe the car 18-year-old Delicia (Da-leash-she-a) Ceasor was riding in was traveling at a high rate of speed…
Cut 9 (10) “it’s roof.”
Authorities are not sure who was driving.

The House Criminal Justice Committee has approved a bill that would result in a fine of up to 900-dollars if you illegally transport wild hogs. State Veterinarian Jim LaCour says the feral hogs have infested every parish and by stopping the transportation of the hogs, it will slow the reproduction rates.
Cut 5 (13) “those properties”.
The bill’s author, Kirk Talbot, says people are trapping wild hogs, keeping them alive and then releasing them in a different location.

The St. Martin Sheriff’s office is seeking information on who was responsible for the fatal shooting of four Labrador retrievers at a camp located in Stephensville. Investigators believe the dogs were shot, because they were trying to prevent a burglary. The canines were found by the owner in a bayou next to the camp. The incident happened between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning.

LRN PM Newscall March 23

You could be fined up to 900-dollars if you illegally transport feral swine. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Malino”

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The second LSU Manship School Public Policy Lab report is out, showing light consensus on how to fix the fiscal cliff. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The legislature is looking at a way to spank the wild swine in the state. Feral hogs are a menace for landowners in all 64 parishes and a House committee has moved legislation to fine people up to 900-dollars who illegally transport the hogs. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot explained why this legislation is needed..

Cut 3 (11) “so quickly”

Talbot says the wild pig population has reached over 700-thousand and they are very destructive.

Cut 4 (11) “become epidemic”

State Veterinarian Jim LaCour says the feral hogs have infested every parish and by stopping the transportation of the hogs, it will slow the reproduction rates.

Cut 5  (13) “those properties”.

The state allows hunting feral hogs year round. Talbot, says people are trapping wild hogs, keeping them alive and then releasing them in a different location.

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he does not like the idea of arming teachers in the classroom. Edwards says he’s speaking with the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association and State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves on a comprehensive school safety program…

Cut 6 (09)  “properly trained”

There are several bills filed by Republican lawmakers seeking to allow teachers and other school officials carry concealed handguns.There are also many proposals in this regular session that call for a constitutional convention. Edwards prefers a study group be formed first, so a consensus can be built on what areas of the constitution should be changed.

Cut 7 (07)  “be everything”

There are also bills filed in this regular session that seek to change the criminal justice reform package approved last year. The governor says he’s fine with small changes, but not a large overhaul on the legislation designed to lower the state’s incarceration rate and put more money towards offender rehabilitation programs

Cut 8 (12) “able to make”

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An unrestrained Jonesville teenager was killed and two other teens moderately injured in a single vehicle wreck in Catahoula Parish. Master State Police Trooper Scott Moreau says investigators believe the car 18-year-old Delicia (Da-leash-she-a) Ceasor was riding in was traveling at a high rate of speed…

Cut 9 (10) “it’s roof.”

Ceasor was pronounced dead. Moreau says they are not sure if she was the driver…

Cut 10 (06) “and ongoing.”

This is the sixth fatality in Troop E in 2018.

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The second report from the Louisiana Survey finds that most state residents believe state spending can be cut without reducing services. The questions were focused on how to address the billion dollar budget gap the state will face come July. But LSU Public Policy Lab Director Michael Henderson says like many legislators, the public isn’t exactly sure where those cuts should come from.

Cut 11 (11) “think so.”

The only slam dunk in the survey? 87 percent of Louisianans agree, we do in fact have a budget problem.

There was some consensus on tax issues. The results show voters are not fans of raising, or even maintaining the current state sales tax rate of 5 percent, but Henderson says they are willing to entertain the idea of income tax reforms.

Cut 12 (09)   “deductions”

There’s a few constitutional convention bills floating around the legislature, but Henderson says there isn’t clear support for a constitutional rewrite that would remove spending protections for certain agencies and programs. Even amongst those who like the idea, once you dig down into the details, support tapers off.

Cut 13 (08) “of those”

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Funeral services for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, who died last week at the age of 90, occurred today with hundreds of people in attendance at a St. Louis Cathedral  in the French Quarter. Archbishop Gregory Aymond officiated the Mass and spoke about how Benson grew up poor but worked hard to become a very successful businessman

Cut 14 (13) “generoristy”

Aymond joked that the road Tom Benson Way in front of the Saints and Pelicans team headquarters was a one-way street. Many credit Benson for keeping pro football in New Orleans when he bought the Saints in 1985. Aymond says Benson was a New Orleans Saint on earth and deserves similar status in heaven…

Cut 15 (12) “go marching in”

Members of the Saints and Pelicans were in attendance and so were the league commissioners of those two sports. Former Governor Bobby Jindal and current Governor John Bel Edwards were also on hand. Aymond says Benson will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him…

Cut 16  (10)  “alive”