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”

14:30 LRN Newsast 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 started outside leading Benson to his final resting place.

The House Criminal Justice committee passed the latest legislation designed to fight the wild hog population. It fines individuals up to 900-dollars for the illegal transportation of feral swine. The bill’s author is River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot…
cut 4 (11) “…epidemic”
The measure heads to the full House for more discussion.

Several bills have been filed for the regular session calling for a constitutional convention. Some legislators believe that’s the best way towards accomplishing budget reform and preventing cuts to higher ed and health care during times of budget deficits. Governor John Bel Edwards prefers a study group first, so a consensus can be built on what areas of the constitution should be changed.
Cut 7 (07) “be everything”
LSU Public Policy Lab Director Michael Henderson says there isn’t a clear support for a constitutional rewrite in their latest Louisiana Survey. Henderson says even amongst those who like the idea, once you dig down into the details, support tapers off….
cut 13 (08) “…of those”
Currently, areas of the budget are protected from cuts during tough fiscal times.

1:30 LRN Newscast March 23

Funeral services for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson concluded a short time ago at St. Louis Chathedral in New Orleans. Archbishop Gregory Aymond delivered the eulogy and spoke about Benson’s dedication which led to him becoming one of the most successful businessmen in Louisiana history…
cut 14 (13) “…genoristy”
Aymond joked that the road Tom Benson Way in front of the Saints and Pelicans team headquarters was a one-way street.

Thirty-five hard individuals worked hard over the last 20 weeks and they are now State Police Troopers as Cadet Class number 97 held a graduation ceremony in Baton Rouge. The newly graduated Trooopers will deploy across the state where they will participate in a 10-14 week field training program supervised by a senior Louisiana State Trooper.

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”

Governor John Bel Edwards celebrated the passage of a criminal justice reform package last year and in this legislative session there are attempts to scale some portions of the overhaul back. Edwards is watching those bills closely….
cut 8 (12) “…able to make”
Edwards says the legislation passed last year will lower prison costs, lower the incarceration rate and provide more help to offenders.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Some of the biggest names in sports and key political figures have gathered at St. Louis Cathedral in the New Orleans French Quarter for the funeral of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson. Jay Romig has worked for the Saints for 42 years and he says today is a celebration of a man who was committeed to New Orleans and proud to be a New Orleanian….
cut 30 (08) “….we’re going”
Following the funeral service, there will be a second line leading out of the church.

LSU tight end Foster Moreau gives us his take on what LSU’s three quarterbacks bring to the table as they compete for the starting spot…
cut 19 (13) “….nine route”
In a scrimmage yesterday, Myles Brennan was 12 of 16 for 224 yards and two touchdowns. The Spring Game is April 21.

The Pelicans get a much needed day of rest today after winning three games in three consecutive days a feat that had not been done since 1979. New Orleans beat the Los Angeles Lakers 128 to 125 last night. Anthony Davis had 33 points and nine rebounds, while Rajon Rondo scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter. The Pels are at Houston tomorrow.

The 15th ranked LSU baseball team makes its first true road trip of the season when they begin a three-game series against fifth ranked Vanderbilt tonight. Senior Beau Jordan knows for the freshmen this will be a new experience…
Cut 16 (19) “baseball game”
First pitch is at 8 PM.

11:30 LRN Newscast March 23

Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFleur has a bill in this regular session that would allow 19 and 20-year-olds to purchase alcohol, if they pass a drinking responsbility class and have their parents’ consent. LaFleur says the legal drinking age in most other countries is under 21, so why can’t it be here…
cut 11 (06) “…anywhere else”
LaFleur also believes his legislation can prevent binge drinking behind closed doors by young adults.

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 Senate Education committee was the site of a testy exchange between lawmakers who were discussing a bill that would impose a moratorium on charter schools. New Orleans Representative Joseph Bouie was testifying on the bill, when Metairie Senator Conrad Appel spoke up…
cut 14 (14) “….I said”
The bill never came up for a vote.

A Jonesville teenager was killed and two others moderately injured following a car accident in Catahoula Parish. 18-year-old Delicia (Da-leash-she-a) Ceasor was killed while 18-year-old Shyonna Jones and another 17-year-old juvenile sustained injuries. Master State Police Trooper Scott Moreau says they believe speeding was a factor…
Cut 9 (10) “it’s roof.”
Moreau says Ceasor was not wearing a seat belt.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson will be laid to rest today. Jeff Palermo has more…

Voicer 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

Mr. Benson would be proud of what the Pelicans accomplished this week, winning three straight games in as many nights. That hasn’t been done in the NBA since 1979. New Orleans completed the trifecta with a come from behind 128 to 125 win over the Lakers. The Pels rallied back from a 11-point, fourth quarter deficit to get the victory.

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LSU is seeking its first series victory in Nashville since 2005 as they begin a three-game series against Vanderbilt. Coach Paul Mainieri admits they’ve had trouble beating the Commodores at their park, but overall his teams usually play well from Alex Box Stadium….

Cut 17 (18) “…some success”

Late start tonight as first pitch is at 8 PM.

In other college baseball action, Louisiana Tech looks to stay undefeated in Conference USA play as the Bulldogs visit U-A-B. Tech has won 12 of 14, including a sweep over Rice last weekend.

UL-Lafayette and ULM are both home this weekend. The Cajuns take on Troy and the Warhawks face Arkansas State.

McNeese is at Nicholls, while the 28th ranked Southeastern Louisiana host Houston Baptist.

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 22nd

Funeral services will conclude tomorrow for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, who died a week ago today at the age of 90 from a bout with the flu. Many are wondering what the future holds for the two professional sports franchises. Saints and Pels president Dennis Lauscha says it will be business as usual and that means Gayle Benson attending next week’s NFL owners meeting in Orlando….
cut 19 (11) “…will do”
Lauscha says he can’t imagine an attempt by Gayle to move the teams out of New Orleans.

The Pelicans will try to accomplish a rare feat in the NBA tonight and that is win three games in three consecutive nights. New Orleans beat Dallas on Tuesday and held on to beat Indiana 96-92 last night. Tonight, New Orleans hosts the 31-and-39 Lakers.

The 15th ranked LSU baseball team left for Nashville today where they visit 5th ranked Vanderbilt. Last night, the Tigers rallied back from an early 4-0 deficit to beat Tulane 10-4. It was the Bayou Bengals first win over the Green Wave since 2015. Freshman left fielder Daniel Cabrera produced his first career four-hit night on the college level and Zach Watson had three hits for a third consecutive night.

Louisiana Tech beat ULM 6-1 last night and the Bulldogs face UAB starting tomorrow night for a three-game series. Tech has won 12 of its last 14 games and they are 3-0 in Conference USA Play.

ULM begins a series against Arkansas State at Warhawk Field tomorrow. ULM has lost six of its last seven.

The Ragin Cajuns beat McNeese five to two yesterday. UL Lafayette now gets ready for its Sun Belt opener against Troy. The Cowboys will head to Thibodaux to face Nicholls.