07:30 LRN Newscast

The “Max Gruver Act” is set to be heard on the House floor today. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The totals are in on how much the special session cost the state. The dollar figure is 643-thousand dollars. Out of that total, legislators were compensated 324-thousand dollars for the 15-day session that failed to produce any legislation to address a looming one billion dollar budget deficit. Another special session is expected in late May or June.

Former LSU football coach Les Miles is dipping his toes into the film industry, looking to take his distinctive character to the silver screen. Patrick Mulhearn a Senior Director at Louisiana Economic Development says the transition from pigskin to productions should be smooth for the Mad Hatter.
Cut 11 (07) “a play”
Miles has been taking acting classes and he’ll appear as a NASA chief in movie called Angry Men, which will be released in June.

Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith is pushing legislation that would prohibit a public school from denying a student a meal at lunch, even if the child’s parents has unpaid debts to the school. Smith says her bill was inspired by hearbreaking stories…
cut 8 (12) “….from them”
The measure is scheduled for a hearing on the House floor later this week.

06:45 LRN Sportscast April 2nd

After losing 109 to 104 to the Oklahoma City Thunder last night, the Pelicans have fallen to the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings, just one game ahead of Denver. New Orleans committed 21 turnovers and the Thunder were led by Russell Wesbrook who had 27 points, while Paul George had 26. Anthony Davis had 25 for the Pels.

It appears Les Miles coaching career is over as very few schools have shown interest in the Mad Hatter. But a new career for the former LSU coach is developing and that is acting. Patrick Mulhearn, a Senior Director at Louisiana Economic Development, says being a team player will take him far in the business…
cut 12 (06) “…for him”
Miles will appear in a film inspired by the 1986 Challenger explosion called Angry Men and it will be released in June. Miles plays a NASA chief.

After three weekends of SEC play, the LSU Tigers are 5-4 in league play, one game behind SEC West leader Ole Miss. Freshman Ma’Khail Hilliard has been the Tigers best pitcher. He’s 5-1 with a 0.76 ERA. The right-hander from Central says he’s even surprised with how this season has gone…
cut 19 (19) “….for me”
LSU is back in action on Tuesday night as the Tigers host the Colonels.

Louisiana Tech is a top the Conference USA standings as the Bulldogs took two of three from FIU. Tech was 17-and-4 in the month of March and there first game in April is tomorrow versus Grambling.

Grambling State leads the SWAC Western Division as the Tigers topped Texas Southern nine to eight yesterday.

06:30 LRN Newscast April 2nd

State lawmakers return to the capitol today and so do the parents of Max Gruver as they will see if the full House approves a bill to increase the criminal penalties for those convicted of hazing. Max’s mom, Rae Anne, says the family is still struggling with the loss of their 18-year-old son who was found dead with a blood alcohol content of .495 in a suspected hazing death on LSU’s campus last September….
cut 16 (09) “…our lives”
The measure would make the crime of hazing a felony.

Later this week on the House floor is a bill that would prevent schools from not providing a student a meal at lunch, even if their parents have unpaid debts to the school. Louisiana Association of Educators President Debbie Meaux says if students are hungry, they can’t learn….
cut 9 (08) “….do something”

State Police has issued a Level Two Endangered—Missing Child Advisory as authorities are looking for a 10-year-old girl from northeast Louisiana. Her name is Jazzmyne Taylor and she was last seen yesterday afternoon on Second Street in Lake Providence wearing a gray and white stripled short-sleeve shirt and light blue jeans. She is black, with long black hair and she wears her hair in chocheted braids.

And Natchitoches Police are searching for 21-year-old Tyjuan Ardison of Campti. He’s wanted in the murder of Jamel Haskett. Authorities say Ardison fatally shot Haskett multiple time after an argument broke out between the two at a Shop Rite on Keyser Avenue.

Work is underway on an 18-million dollar construction project on I-10 in St. Martin and Iberville Parishes as crews will be cleaning, painting and repairing concrete and metal bridge structures. Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says if there are any lane closures, they will happen at night….
cut 6 (09) “…those notices”

LRN AM Newscall April 2nd

Work is underway on the elevated portion of Interstate 10 just west of Baton Rouge. Matt Doyle talked to DOTD for more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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A bill that would prevent schools from taking school lunches away from students with unpaid lunch debt is moving to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The “Max Gruver Act” is set to be heard on the House floor today. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Work has begun on a major road and bridge renovation project on Interstate 10 from LA 347, the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge to LA 77 in Grosse Tete west of Baton Rouge. Construction will run day and night to have the project finished by June 2019. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says a lot of work needs to be done.

Cut 4  (11) “deck area.” 

The project will cost 18 million dollars. Mallet says years of wear and tear, as well as recent wrecks have damaged crucial pieces of the route.

Cut 5  (09)  “some rehab”

The most disruptive periods will occur at night, and some lane closures are expected later in the process. Mallet says you can sign up for closure updates online.

Cut 6 (09) “those notices”

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Baton Rouge Representative Pat Smith’s legislation that would prevent schools from taking lunches away from students with unpaid school debts is moving to the House floor. Smith says her legislation would prevent schools from publicly rejecting lunches for students, and stop them from “shaming” kids whose parents are either negligent or unable to afford the meals.

Cut 7 (08)  “a bill.”

Smith says the bill was inspired by heartbreaking stories from her constituent’s children.

Cut 8 (12)  “from them.”

Louisiana Association of Educators President Debbie Meaux came out in support of the bill. She says if students are hungry, they can’t learn.

Cut 9 (08)  “do something.”

But there are some concerns about the bill being an unfunded mandate for school districts that would require them to feed hungry children without a guarantee of repayment. Louisiana School Board Association Executive Director Scott Richard…

Cut 10 (10) “is free”

The bill was passed 7-4 and has a floor hearing set for Wednesday.

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Former LSU football head coach Les Miles is dipping his toes into the Louisiana film industry, looking to take his distinctive character to the silver screen. Patrick Mulhearn a Senior Director at Louisiana Economic Development says the transition from pigskin to productions should be smooth for the Mad Hatter.

Cut 11 (07) “a play”

Miles says he’s been enamored with films and TV since he was a child, and loves spending time on set. Mulhearn says being a team player will take him far in the business.

Cut 12 (06) “for him”

Miles will appear in a film inspired about the 1986 Challenger explosion called Angry Men. Mulhearn says he’s looking forward to coach’s portrayal of a NASA chief.

Cut 13 (07)  “of NASA”

Mulhearn notes that it’s further proof that anyone including former LSU coaches can stay in Louisiana and pursue their dreams in the film industry.

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The parents of Maxwell Gruver, who died last year in an alleged hazing incident at LSU, are expected back at the state capitol to show support for a bill that would stiffen criminal penalties for those found guilty of hazing. The “Max Gruver Act” passed through committee without objection and is set to be heard today on the House floor. Gruver’s father Steve says this is the bill will save lives.

Cut 14 (09) “of them”

The bill would make hazing a felony, carrying with it a 1,000 dollar fine and up to six months in jail in cases involving a hazing death. Gruver says the only way to stop hazing is to send a strong message, backed up with tough penalties.

Cut 15 (08) “real deterent”

Max’s mom Rae Anne says the family is still struggling with the loss of their 18-year-old son who was found dead with a blood alcohol content of .495.

Cut 16 (09) “our lives”

The bill is sponsored by Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry.

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After three weekends of SEC play, the LSU Tigers are 5-4 in league play, one game behind SEC West leader Ole Miss. In the Tigers last game, freshman Ma’Khail Hilliard delivered another sensational performance in 4-0 win over Mississippi State. Coach Paul Mainieri says Hilliard’s ability to pitch out of trouble has been impressive…

Cut 17 (16) “another level”

Hilliard was in a jam in the first inning thanks to walk and a fielding error by second baseman Austin Bain. The right-hander from Central says he doesn’t let mistakes in the field bother him…

Cut 18 (19)  “that ball”

Hilliard has been a huge surprise this season. He has a record of 5-1 with a 0.76 ERA. The freshman says he’s even surprised with how this season has gone…

 

Cut 19 (19) “for me” 

07:30 LRN Sportscast March 31

After scoring 10 runs on Thursday, LSU was held to just four hits in a four to one loss to Mississippi State last night. Bulldogs left-hander Ethan Small struck out nine over eight innings and the Tigers allowed a couple of unearned runs to score. Rubber contest of the three-game series is today at 2 PM.

After blowing a late lead on Thursday, Louisiana Tech held on for a seven to six win over F-I-U. Tanner Huddleston hit two home runs and drove in six runs.

Richard Ortiz hit a grand slam as Grambling clobbered Texas Southern 10-5.

UT Arlington shutout ULM 5-0 to win the series and Arkansas State has claimed its series with the Cajuns as the Red Wolves walloped UL Lafayette 14-2. Tulane was also on the wrong end of a blowout as they fell to South Florida 14-3.

McNeese beat Southeastern 5-2, while Central Arkansas blanked Northwestern 3-0 and UNO topped Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi 2-0.

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The Pelicans losing streak is up to three after losing to the Cavaliers 107 to 102. Anthony Davis had just 16 points and recorded a plus-minus of negative 20. Jrue Holiday led New Orleans with 25 points on 12 of 18 shooting. Nikola Mirotic had 20 points and drained four 3-pointers. But LeBron James nearly had a triple-double, 27 points, 11 assists and 9 rebounds. New Orleans will host the Thunder on Sunday.

Lafayette High School is receiving financial assistance from Shaquille O’ Neal to help renovate their weight room. The school is looking to raise 42-thousand dollars and head football coach Rob Pool says Shaq has come forward and has pledged to help attain that goal with a financial contribution….

cut 8 (08) “…great day”
O’ Neal’s donation will come during a South Louisiana Giving Day Event, which is May 10th.

17:30 LRN Newscast March 30

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul has announced that officer Blane Salamoni has been fired, while Howie Lake has been suspended for three days after an internal review into the shooting of Alton Sterling. Paul says Salamoni violated the use of force policy and displayed poor temperment. Graphic body camera video has been released and it shows a violent struggle before Salamoni fired six gun shots into the body of Sterling.

Shaquille O’Neil is offering a helping hand to the Lafayette High athletics program after the school reached out to him for fundraising help. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

After a slow start, the crawfish supply is ready to match the Easter weekend demand. Freezing temperatures in January temporarily halted production, but LSU Crawfish expert Doctor Greg Lutz says the mudbugs have bounced back….
cut 3 (07) “…started to eat”
Lutz says not only is the crawfish plentiful, the quality is good too.

And if you plan on decorating hard boiled eggs or eating devil eggs for Easter, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says prices are up slightly from last year….
cut 11 (09) “…..good value”
Strain says use F-D-A approved dye for decorating hard boiled eggs.

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 30

LSU and Mississippi State resume their SEC West baseball series tonight at 7 PM at Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers scored seven runs in the seventh inning last night in a 10-1 romp over the Bulldogs, who fell to 1-6 in SEC play. LSU is 4-3 in SEC action and they’ll send Caleb Gilbert to the hill tonight.

In the Sun Belt, ULM is at Texas-Arlington. The Warhawks are looking to even up their series with the Mavericks. The Cajuns are trying to do the same after losing a heart breaker at Arkansas State last night. The Red Wolves rallied back from a three-run deficit in the bottom of the ninth to win 8-7 in 12 innings.

Grambling State hosts Texas Southern as those two teams battle for first place in the SWAC West division.

And in nearby Ruston, Louisiana Tech hosts F-I-U. The Bulldogs fell out of first place in Conference USA after losing to the Panthers nine to seven.

The Pelicans can sweep the season series versus the Cavaliers with a win tonight over Cleveland. New Orleans beat the Cavs back on October 28th, but both teams look much different now. The Pels no longer have DeMarcus Cousins and Cleveland’s roster was completely overhauled at the trade deadline.

Nicholls has named Austin Claunch as its new head men’s basketball coach. Claunch has served as an assistant the last two years.

Former NBA and LSU star Shaquille O’ Neal has committed to donating cash to help Lafayette High School build a new weight room. The school is looking to raise 42-thousand dollars and Mighty Lions head football coach Rob Pool says the donation will go a long ways towards fixing a crucial part of the athletics program….
cut 7 (10) “….for it”
Shaq will make his donation on South Louisiana Giving Day on May 10th.

4:30 LRN Newscast March 30

The crawfish supply is ready to match the Easter weekend demand. Freezing temps in January temporarily halted production, but LSU Crawfish expert Doctor Greg Lutz says the mudbugs are roaring back with help from this warm spring weather. He says the higher temperatures encourages the delicacies to stuff their faces, which leads to big, plump crawfish tails….
Cut 5 (06) “out there”

Lafayette High School is receiving financial assistance from Shaquille O’ Neal to help renovate their weight room. The school is looking to raise 42-thousand dollars and head football coach Rob Pool says Shaq has come forward and has pledged to help attain that goal with a financial contribution….
cut 8 (08) “…great day”
O’ Neal’s donation will come during a South Lousiiana Giving Day Event, which is May 10th.

The Alzheimer’s Association of Louisiana was at the state capitol this week to urge state legislators to approve funding to help families who have loved ones suffering from this horrible disease. Jim Shannon has more…
Cut 1 (26) “I’m Jim Shannon”

Eggs are very popular during the Easter weekend. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says make sure eggs you plan on eating are not out of the fridge too long.
Cut 10 (12) “food poisoning.”

3:30 LRN Newscast March 30

A settlement has been reached in the civil lawsuit against two law enforcement officers that have been convicted criminally in the death of a six-year-old autistic boy during a traffic stop in Marksville in 2015. An attorney for the family of Jeremy Mardis says he can’t disclose the terms. Derrick Stafford was sentenced to 40 years, while Norris Greenhouse is serving 7-and-a-half years behind bars.

Unfortunately there are thousands of Louisiana families who have a loved one suffering with Alzheimer’s disease this Easter weekend. Adrienne Mullens, with the Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter, says they estimate there are 232-thousand people in Louisiana who care for someone with Alzheimer’s….
cut 13 (11) “…this disease”
Mullens says they are calling on the state legislature to provide assistance for those families who miss hours at work to care for Alzheimer patient.

Shaquille O’Neil is offering a helping hand to the Lafayette High athletics program after the school reached out to him for fundraising help. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

There will be plenty of Easter egg hunts this weekend. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s important to use the correct dyes when coloring your eggs…
Cut 9 (09) “human consumption.”
Strain says a dozen eggs should cost you anywhere from $2.30 to $2.50.

2:30 LRN Newscast March 30

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul will hold a press conference at 5 PM today where he will announce the results of a discplinary hearing for the two officers involved in the 2016 fatal shooting of Alton Sterling. The attorney for officer Blane Salamoni said he expected that his client will be fired.

Former NBA and LSU star Shaquille O’ Neal has committed to donating cash to help Lafayette High School build a new weight room. The school is looking to raise 42-thousand dollars and Mighty Lions head football coach Rob Pool says the donation will go a long ways towards fixing a crucial part of the athletics program….
cut 7 (10) “….for it”
Shaq will make his donation on South Louisiana Giving Day which will take place in May. Pool says the original idea was for the Hall of Famer to promote the event, instead he’s pledged to make a donation.
Easter weekend is the peak demand for crawfish eating. LSU Ag Center aquaculture specialist Dr. Greg Lutz believes there’s enough mudbugs to go around…
cut 4 (09) “…we had”
Lutz says crawfish like to eat when the weather is warm, so the size of the mudbugs are excellent too.

And if you plan on decorating hard boiled eggs or eating devil eggs for Easter, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says prices are up slightly from last year….
cut 11 (09) “…..good value”
Strain says also make sure you use F-D-A approved dye if you plan on decorating hard boiled eggs.

There will be perfect weather for the Easter weekend, after some stormy weather earlier this week. The National Weather Service has determined four tornadoes hit northeast Louisiana on Wednesday. One of the twisters injured four people in Franklin Parish.