10:30 LRN Newscast March 17

Tom Benson’s will has been filed in Orleans Parish Civil Court and the billionaire made it clear that his daughter and grandchildren will not get a penny from him. The document was signed in July 2015, shortly after a judge found him mentally competent to handle his own affirs. Meanwhile, the Saints and Pelicans say ownership of the teams will be a smooth transition to Mr. Benson’s wife Gayle.

A report from America’s Health Ranking says the rates of maternal mortality and teen suicide have risen over the last two years in Louisiana, UnitedHealthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Peters says we are one of the worst states when it comes to taking care of expecting mothers.
Cut 4 (12) “other states.”
The good news is that the uninsured rate for women 18-40 was down 34 percent.

A bill that would prevent businesses from requiring employees to sign agreements blocking them from going to court over sexual harassment claims passed the House Labor Committee. Representative Robert Johnson says victims must be guaranteed a chance in civil court.
Cut 12 (11) “be brought”
The measure now heads to the House floor.

Rodney Arbuckle has retired as sheriff of DeSoto Parish. Arbuckle says he’s looking forward to being around his granddaugthers and spending time outdoors…
cut 10 (12) “…turkey hunt”
Arbuckle has served as sheriff for 17 years. Chief Deputy Jayson Richardson has been appointed as the new sheriff.

09:30 LRN Newscast March 17

Details of Tom Benson’s last will are coming out. According to the Advocate newspaper, Benson made it clear in 2015 that his daughter or grandchildren would never receive another penny from him. Mr. Benson has also left all of his property to a trust and he also made it clear that he wanted his wife, Gayle, to run both the Pelicans and the Saints.

West Baton Rouge elementary school teacher Melissa Blank will not face charges after she was accused of roughing up a female student who was misbehaving and then prevented the rest of the class from leaving her classroom. Assistant District Attorney Tony Clayton says after investigating what happened on February seventh, it didn’t rise to criminal misconduct. Her attorneys Beau Brock and Yigal Bander say their client is pleased with the D-A’s decision.

The Storm Predicition Center says there’s a slight chance for severe weather across north Louisiana tomorrow. There’s a marginal risk for severe weather for northwest Louisiana today.

Forty-six percent of LSU Health of New Orleans graduating medical students have chosen to remain in Louisaina to complete their medical training. Kelley Ray tells us the number of grads deciding to stay continues to fall
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

There was no winner in last night’s 345-million dollar Mega Millions drawing. Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is 455 million dollars.

The LSU baseball team opened SEC play last night with a 4-2 win over Missouri.

08:30 LRN Newscast March 17

Louisiana is once again ranked 48th in the America’s Health Rankings Report for women and children. Matt Doyle has more.
Voicer 1 (24) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit filed by the family of Victor White against Iberia Sheriff Louis Ackal and a deputy. White was fatally shot when handcuffed inside a patrol car in 2014. The coroner ruled it a suicide, White’s family disagreed. Terms of the settlement are not known.

LSU baseball won its SEC opener last night as the Tigers defeated Missouri four to two. They go for the series victory tonight at 6 PM.
Public visitation for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson will take place Wednesday and Thursday at Notre Dame Seminary on Carrollton Avenue. A private funeral will be held Friday at St. Louis Cathedral. Saints all-time leading rusher, Duece McAllister, remembers Benson as a guy that would talk to anyone at anytime…
cut 7 (09) as a person”
It remains unclear if Benson’s estranged former heirs will challenge in court transition of ownership to Tom Benson’s wife, Gayle Benson.

A bill that would prevent businesses from requiring employees to sign agreements blocking them from going to court over sexual harassment claims is heading to the House floor. Representative Robert Johnson’s proposal is backed by Attorney Generals across the country. Johnson says businesses shouldn’t have the ability to dictate how victims respond to abuse.
Cut 11 (09) “be safe.”

07:30 LRN Sportscast March 17

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis told W-W-L Radio the ownership transition from Tom Benson to Gayle Benson will be a smooth one and the organiziation will remain stable. Loomis says Mrs. Benson has been involved pretty much from the day she and Mr. Benson got marrried.

Gayle Benson has released a statement saying she’s heartbroken over the passing of her husband. She says the Saints and Pelicans organiziations will move forward successfully together.

Details of Mr. Benson’s will have become public. It makes it clear that his wife shall run the professional sports franchsies. And that his daugther and her grandchildren do not get a single penny from him. It’s still unclear if a legal challenge is coming. His estranged former heirs argued Mr. Benson was not mentally fit to make these type of decisions late in his life.

The Pelicans play their first home game tonight since the passing away of Mr. Benson. They take on the Houston Rockets in the first game of a stretch of five games in six days.

The LSU baseball team won its SEC opener last night as the Tigers defeated Missouri four to two. Zack Hess got the win to run his record to 3-2. He struck out eight and allowed just two runs on three hits. But he walked five, including three in a row in the seventh. Austin Bain earned the save and Beau Jordan homered, while Zach Watson drove in two runs.

Louisiana Tech trounced Rice 8-2 and the two teams will play a doubleheader today. Georgia Southern doubled up the Ragin Cajuns six to three. Grambling outslugged Southern 10-6. Nicholls won in extra innings 5-4 over Houston Baptist, Southeastern Louisiana defeated Lamar 6-4, McNeese beat Stephen F- Austin seven to five. Tulane and UNO both lost.

Former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu has signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans. The Saints have agreed to a five-year contract extension with punter Thomas Morstead. And the Black and Gold have reportedly reupped with pass rusher Alex Okafor for two more years.

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 16

Visitation and funeral details for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson have been announced. A public visitation will take place Wednesday and Thursday at Notre Dame Seminary on Carrollton Avenue. A private funeral will be held Friday at St. Louis Cathedral.

Saints all-time leading rusher, Duece McAllister, remembers Benson as a guy that would talk to anyone at anytime…
cut 7 (09) as a person”
Mr. B’s widow, Gayle Benson, is the new owner of the Saints and Pelicans. She released a statement saying she’s heartbroken but thankful for the fans devotion to their teams and city. She also said she’s surrounded by wonderful leadership and they’ll move forward successfully together.

The Saints have signed pass rusher Alex Okafor to a two-year, 10-million dollar contract. He recorded 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, before injuring his achilles in week 11 and missing the rest of the season.

SEC play begins tonight weather permitting for the 16th ranked LSU Tigers who host Missouri. Zack Hess will start on the mound for the Bayou Bengals, while Missouri will counter with six-foot-seven right-hander Bryce Montes De Oca. Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s one of the best pitchers in college baseball…
cut 17 (12) “….together”
First pitch is at 6:30.

Also today, ULM is at South Alabama. Grambling hosts Southern, Louisiana Tech faces Rice at 6 PM. And the Ragin Cajuns travel to Georgia Southern.

In the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Arkansas becomes the first SEC team to be eliminated. The seventh seeded Razorbacks lost to Butler 77-62. Seventh-seeded Texas a-and-M advanced with an 73-69 win over Providence. Former North Caddo star Robert Williams had 13 points and 14 rebounds for the Aggies.

15:30 LRN Newscast March 16

Visitation and funeral details for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson has been announced. A public visitation will take place Wednesday and Thursday at Notre Dame Seminary on Carrollton Avenue. A private funeral will be held Friday at St. Louis Cathedral.

Saints all-time leading rusher, Duece McAllister, remembers Benson as a guy that would talk to anyone at anytime…
cut 7 (09) as a person”

A federal appeals court rules construction can resume on the Bayou Bridge pipeline in the Atchafayala Basin. Environmental groups were successful in getting a federal judge to issue a preliminary injunction. Rising water in the swamp could lead to another work stoppage.

A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit filed by the family of Victor White against Iberia Sheriff Louis Ackal and a deputy. White was fatally shot when handcuffed inside a patrol car in 2014. The coroner ruled it a suicide, White’s family disagreed. Terms of the settlement are not known.

There are bunch of bills regarding sexual harassment in the workplace in this legislative session. One of them is heading to the House floor. It prohibits businesses from requiring employees to sign an agreement blocking them from going to court over sexual harassment claims. That means an arbitrator would make a ruling. But Marksville Democrat Robert Johnson says when human dignity is on the line, a judge needs to be called…
cut 13 (05) “….not appropriate”

Today is Rodney Arbuckle’s last day as sheriff of DeSoto Parish. Arbuckle is looking forward to being around his granddaugthers and spending time outdoors…
cut 10 (12) “…turkey hunt”
Arbuckle has served as sheriff for 17 years. He’ll be replaced by Chief Deputy Jayson Richardson.

The Saints have signed pass rusher Alex Okafor to a two-year, 10-million dollar contract.

LRN PM Newscall March 16

State Representative Robert Johnson’s bill bolstering the rights of victims of sexual harassment passed committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Well wishers continue to remember Saints owner Tom Benson one day after his death. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

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Some Louisiana lottery players could get rich if they hit it big this weekend. The jackpots for the multi-state games are some of the largest seen in recent weeks. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says there will hopefully be some big winners…

Cut 3 (08) “Powerball jackpot.”

He says even if you are buried deep in NCAA “March Madness”, these jackpots could make you a lot richer than your office pool bracket challenges…

Cut 4  (06) “Monday morning.”

Louisiana Lottery asks that you play responsibility, it only takes one ticket to win. Mega Millions jackpot for tonight is 345-million dollars, Powerball is 455-million.

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Well wishers for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson continue the day after 90-year-old New Orleans native passed. Benson bought the Saints in 1985 and was instrumental in getting local quarterback Bobby Hebert to play in his home state…

Cut 5  (13) ” New Orleans saints”.

The Saints all-time leading rusher Deuce McAllister says Mr. Benson took a chance on him when the team was already flush with running backs.

Cut 6 (13)  ” in itself”

McAllister remembers Benson as a guy that would talk to anyone at anytime.

Cut 7 (09)  “as a person”

Visitation will take lace Wednesday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Thursday 8 AM through 1 Pm at Notre Dame Seminary. A private funeral will take place Friday March 23rd, from noon until 1 PM at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.

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After 17 years, DeSoto Parish Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle retires today. He is in his fifth term, elected back in 2000. Arbuckle says there are several personal issues he’s having to attend to and this is a good time to step aside…

Cut 8 (12) “go home.”

Arbuckle will be replaced by Chief Deputy Jayson Richardson, who has served the citizens of DeSoto Parish for the last 14 years. Arbuckle says he’s accomplished much in his tenure as sheriff. He started with only 75 employees and about a half million dollar surplus…

Cut 9 (11) “dollar surplus.”

Arbuckle is looking forward to spending his free time with his granddaughters and get caught up on the outdoor recreation…

Cut 10 (12) “turkey hunt.”

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A bill that would prevent businesses from requiring employees to sign agreements blocking them from going to court over sexual harassment claims passed the House Labor Committee. The proposal by Representative Robert Johnson is part of a nationwide effort, backed by Attorney Generals, to protect victims of workplace misconduct. Johnson says businesses shouldn’t have the ability to dictate how victims respond to abuse.

Cut 11 (09) “be safe.”

The legislation would allow accusers to choose whether they would like settle claims in arbitration, an independent alternative to the court, or take their claim before a civil court. Criminal cases of sexual harassment would be heard in criminal court.

Due the nature of sexual harassment, Johnson says victims must be guaranteed a chance to bring their case to a civil court judge.

Cut 12 (11) “be brought”

Johnson says victims stand a better chance to reach a favorable conclusion if they seek litigation for sexual harassment claims instead of potentially more company friendly options. He says when human dignity is on the line, a judge needs to be called.

Cut 13 (05) “not appropriate”

11:40 LRN Sportscast March 16

Louisiana is mourning the death of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, who passed away at the age of 90. Benson was admitted into a hospital three weeks ago, because of the flu. He bought the Saints in 1985 and former quarterback Bobby Hebert says if it wasn’t for Mr. B, he would have never played professionally in his home state…
cut 5 (13) “…New Orleans Saints”
The Saints and Pelicans say there will be a streamless transition in ownership from Mr. Benson to his widow, Gayle Benson.

The Saints have re-signed pass rusher Alex Okafor to a two-year deal worth 10-million dollars according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Okafor was having a good season with the Black and Gold when he injured his Achilles in Week 11. Okafor also reportedly visited with the Bucs.

The LSU baseball team begins SEC play tonight as they host the Missouri Tigers. The Bayou Bengals enter league play with a 12-6 record. Coach Paul Mainieri says he feels good about his pitching after a rough start…
cut 18 (20) “…really respectable”
The SEC is expanding replay for conference games. Coaches will now have the opportunity to challenge force or tag outs, hit by pitch, placement of runners on a boundary call and runner interference on double plays.

Louisiana Tech opens Conference USA play by hosting Rice. Game one is tonight at 6 PM and the two teams will play a doubleheader tomorrow starting at one o’ clock because the threat of inclement weather on Sunday.

The Pelicans tried to rally back from 15 points down but New Orleans lost to San Antonio 98-93.

06:45 LRN Sportscast March 16

Many are remembering the remarkable life of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, who passed away at the age of 90 years old after battling flu complications the last three weeks. Governor John Bel Edwards credits Benson for bringing New Orleans back to life after Hurricane Katrina….

Cut 12 (12) “…in Louisiana”

Shortly after Katrina, Benson hired Sean Payton as the Saints head coach and two months later the team inked future hall of famer Drew Brees which led to the franchise’s lone Super Bowl in the 2009 season. A couple years later, Benson purchased at that time the New Orleans Hornets. Mr. Benson’s wife, Gayle Benson, will run both professional franchises. But Mr. Benson’s disowned daughter and two grand children could possibly fight to gain control of both organizations.

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Tough night for the Pelicans in San Antonio last night as New Orleans fell to the Spurs 98-93. Anthony Davis had 21 points and 14 rebounds, but he fouled out after 36 minutes. New Orleans remains in fifth place in the Western Conference.

ULM’s season ended last night as they fell to Austin Peay in the C-I-T 80-66.

In other college hoop news, Richie Riley has left Nicholls for South Alabama. And McNeese named BYU Associate Coach Heath Schroyer as its new head coach.

LSU opens SEC play tonight at Alex Box Stadium as the Fighting Tigers host Missouri. Coach Paul Mainieri says the SEC is once again loaded with great teams…

Cut 16 (12) “maybe it does”

Zack Hess starts on the mound for the Tigers tonight who are 12-6 on the season. First pitch is at 7 PM.

LRN AM Newscall March 16 2018

A french bulldog died last Monday on a United flight from Houston to New York. The incident has spurred action from one Louisiana Senator. Don Malino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Malino.”

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Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is being remembered fondly today. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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An East Baton Rouge grand jury has indicted four young men who were allegedly involved in the suspected hazing death of an LSU fraternity pledge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Senator John Kennedy has co-sponsored the WOOFF act which stands for welfare of our furry friends act.  He’s aiming to curtail the death’s of animals on airlines like the one last Monday on a United flight.

Cut 4  (13) “Dog Died.” 

Kennedy says he expects to get some answers from the airline that was responsible for the dog’s death.

Cut 5  (10)  “animal cruelity.”

But Lamar White,publisher of bayou brief says Kennedy is looking for some cheap publicity.

Cut 6 (08) “into action.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation says there were 24 documented animal deaths on airlines in 2017.

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Shreveport Senator John Milkovich’s legislation that would give teachers more freedom to decide how to handle bullies in public schools passed through the Senate Education Committee. The bill gives teachers a wide leniency to “take all steps deemed necessary” to stop bullying, including involving the police, and personally restraining offending students. Milkovich says it would cut down on the red tape involved in stopping bullies.

Cut 7 (10)  “the police”

Milkovich says the bill was inspired by a meeting he had, arranged by a local pastor, with two parents whose daughters had committed suicide after being bullied.

Cut 8 (11) “their bedrooms.”

The Senator says the parents reported the bullying several times to the school, but after months, nothing had been done.

Currently, teachers are limited in how they can handle bullying in schools. Milkovich says his legislation would provide educators with new avenues for dealing with classroom abusers.

Cut 9 (11)  “in need.”

The bill faces opposition from the governor’s office, who says the bill is “overly regulatory” and “that school officials have a lot of tools right now” for dealing with bullying.

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Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson has passed away at the age of 90. Benson bought the Saints in 1985 after building a car dealership and real estate empire that started in San Antonio, and expanded to his hometown of New Orleans. When the team went up for sale in 1984, then governor Edwin Edwards says he had one priority: finding a buyer who would keep the team in town, and he found that man in Benson.

Cut 10 (11) “the state.”

Edwards considered Benson a friend, and the two worked together to make the team a staple of Louisiana culture. The governor says if you worked with Benson, you better be a straight shooter.

Cut 11 (10) “gunna do”

The team had a nearly immediate run of success after Benson’s purchase, grabbing at the time a franchise best 12-4 record just two years into his ownership.

The city, and franchise hit its most precarious patch in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated the gulf south. Rumors were abound that the team would end up permanently moving to another city, but Benson kept his word and the Black and Gold committed to staying home. Governor John Bel Edwards says that act helped bring the city back to life.

Cut 12 (12) “and Louisiana”

Benson leaves the team in good shape, hoping to keep momentum from a highly successful 2017 season rolling right into a 2019 Super Bowl in Atlanta.

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Ten people were arrested in the alleged hazing death of LSU student Maxwell Gruver, but only four of the young men were indicted by an East Baton Rouge grand jury. At the time of the arrests, Matthew Naquin was the only one charged with negligent homicide, and the grand jury found enough evidence to indict him on that charge. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino….

Cut 13 (12)  “several months”

Three other people were indicted on a charge of hazing. The East Baton Rouge District Attorney decided not to pursue a hazing charge against one of the fraternity members. Ciolino says since grand jury proceedings are not public, it’s unclear why the other five were not indicted…

Cut 14 (13) “defendants.”

According to documents from the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s office, the grand jury heard evidence related to the five people not indicted, but the grand jury was pretermitted on whether they committed hazing or obstruction of justice charges. Ciolino says it’s likely these five individuals are in the clear…

Cut 15 (07) “to be charged”

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LSU opens SEC play tonight at Alex Box Stadium as the Fighting Tigers host Missouri. Coach Paul Mainieri says the SEC is once again loaded with great teams…

Cut 16 (12) “maybe it does”

Zack Hess will get the start on the mound for the Tigers, Missouri will counter with junior right-hander Bryce Montes. Mainieri says Montes is one of the best pitchers in college baseball

Cut 17 (12) “together”

LSU enters league play with a 12-6 record. Mainieri says he feels good about his pitching after a rough start….

Cut 18 (20)  “really respectable”