14:30 LRN Newscast April 3rd

After declaring a state of emergency, Governor John Bel Edwards is touring the damage that was left behind by a viscous storm system that killed two people in St. Martin Parish. Edwards first stop was in Alexandria, where hundreds of people are without power and crews have been working to clear roads from tree and debris from the strong winds. Captain Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office, says they are thankful no one was hurt in the Alexandria area…
cut 10 (08) “….that’s for sure”
Just west of Alexandria, three people had to be rescued by Vernon Parish Sheriff deputies because of rising water. Vernon Office of Emergency Preparedness Director Kenneth Moore….
cut 6 (10) “…life jackets”
The two fatalities took place in Breaux Bridge as a mother and her three-year-old daughter were killed when twister flipped over their mobile home.

There will be an attempt in the upcoming legislative session to increase the minimum Grade Point Average for high school seniors to qualify for the TOPS scholarship. Minden Representative Gene Reynolds is the author of one of those bills…
cut 12 (04) “…more dedication”
Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil is also sponsoring a bill to raise the GPA requirement.

The bids to produce medical marijuana are in with the LSU Ag Center, but how much longer do patients have to wait? Michelle Southern reports…:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

11:40 LRN sportscast April 3rd

It was a tough weekend for the LSU baseball team as they dropped two of three to Texas A&M. The Tigers lost the series finale on Saturday 4-3 as they blew a three-nothing lead in the 9th inning as the Aggies scored four runs in that frame to shock LSU. Coach Paul Mainieri on what he told his team after the loss…
cut 17 (13) “….can do”
The defeat drops LSU’s record in the SEC to 5-4 and they are in the middle of the pack in the West Division.

UL Lafayette is tied for first in the Sun Belt West division after beating South Alabama 10 to 2 yesterday. Centerfielder Ishmael Edwards had a big game as he went 3-for-5 with a home run and a career-high 4 RBIs and three runs scored. ULM is 4-5 in the Sun Belt.

Southeastern Louisiana took two of three from McNeese to knock the Cowboys out of first place in the Southland. Sam Houston is the new conference leader.

Louisiana Tech is tied for last in Conference USA after dropping another series, this time to UTSA. But the Bulldogs did get a great pitching performance from Nate Harris on Saturday night. In his first career start, he went the distance in a 6-0 shutout of the Roadrummers.

The Pelcians could be eliminated from playoff contention if Portland beats Minnesota tonight. New Orleans lost last night as the surging Chicago Bulls defeated the Pels 117 to 110. DeMarcus Cousins had 26 points and 18 rebounds and Atnhony Davis had 30 points and 11 rebounds.

Lafayette Christian’s Greg Williams has been named the Class 1A boys basketball player of the year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. Williams led L-C-A to a state championship this past season.

11:30 LRN Newscast April 3rd

Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency after severe weather killed two people and produced damage over much of the state yesterday and early this morning. The two fatalities were in St. Martin Parish, when a trailer flipped over killing two people, including a three-year-old girl. St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson, Major Ginny Higgins, says a little boy left the trailer to go next door just moments before the twister struck…
cut 4 (09) “….a home”
We’re getting reports of major damage from central and north Louisiana. In Franklin Parish, Sheriff Kevin Cobb says limbs ripped from trees and flying debris downed power lines and injured one person…
cut 5 (10) “….hospital there”
Governor Edwards will survey storm damage today in Rapides and St. Martin Parishes.

A state lawmaker wants the public to decide whether speed enforcement cameras should be legal. Halen Doughty has more…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

There’s also a couple of bills filed for the regular session that raises the mininum GPA to receive the TOPS scholarship to 3.0. Currently, high school students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 to be eligible for the state funded scholarship program. These bills will be discussed in the legislative session that begins next week.

10:30 LRN Newscast April 3rd

Severe weather across the state resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries, as well as road closures and downed power lines. Maj. Ginny Higgins with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office says two people were killed when an EF1 tornado touched down in a rural area of the parish.
Cut 3 (09) “flipped over”
One of the victims was a three-year-old.

Meanwhile, the recovery continues from the deadly floods last August. An online donation website called Crowdrelief is trying to provide financial assistance and they asking flood victims to register at their website, so they can recieve much needed resources. Rob Gaudet says this campaign will change the lives of all involved…
cut 12 (08) “….they are”
To donate or apply for assistance, visit Crowd-relief-dot-net.

A state lawmaker is proposing a constiutional amendment that would ask voters if they want speed cameras in Louisiana. The measure would need two-thirds legislative approval and Covington Representative Paul Hollis says if he’s able to get his proposal through the legislature, he thinks voters will approve it…
cut 6 (08) “…uncomfortable”

Another bill up for discussion in the regular session is a measure that requires more training for police officers to help de-escalate encounters with the public. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James’ bill also has a provision to revoke an officer’s training certification after certain disciplinary actions…
cut 15 (08) “….certain incidents”
These measures will be debated in the legislative session that begins next week.

LRN AM Newscall April 3rd ***Updated with sports cuts***

A state lawmaker wants the public to decide whether speed enforcement cameras should be legal. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The rising popularity of essential oils for massaging, air fresheners and medicinal purposes is posing a greater risk to children. Emelie Gunn has more on why…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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You can now donate household items to flood victims through the new online donation campaign CrowdRelief. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Speed enforcement cameras would be taken down around the state, under a proposal to be discussed in the regular session. Covington Representative Paul Hollis says these cameras deny people their constitutional right to confront their accuser. He says he’s uncomfortable turning the duties of police over to robots and cameras.

Cut 4  (11) “your mailbox”

Hollis says only a few cities in the state even allow these devices, which means a majority of municipalities have decided against these money grabs. But he says Louisianans are travelers, so many will be subject to tickets if they pass through a city that uses the cameras.

Cut 5  (09)  “the constitution”

Hollis says many times drivers aren’t even aware the cameras are there, they just get a ticket in the mail. The proposed constitutional amendment will need a two-thirds vote approval by the legislature and then go on the ballot for the public to decide. He’s confident that if given the chance, voters will reject using speed enforcement cameras.

Cut 6 (08) “uncomfortable”

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The popularity of essential oils are on the rise for massages and air fresheners, but they also poses a greater risk to children. Louisiana Poison Center Managing Director Dr. Mark Ryan says more and more children are accidentally ingesting these oils which can lead to seizures or liver damage. He says it’s easy for kids to get into air fresheners.

Cut 7 (11)  “their mouth”

Poison control centers saw an uptick in calls reporting children ingesting essential oils. Ryan says the majority of cases reported were very minor. He reminds parents to be mindful of where they place these oils.

Cut 8 (06) “and away”

Ryan advises parents to call the poison control system if they suspect their child has gotten into essential oils. He says the symptoms of ingestion of many oils are the same…

Cut 9 (10)  “nasty outcome”

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The online donation campaign CrowdRelief is working to replace items families lost in the floods. Founder Rob Gaudet says all the household items that were piled up on the side of the road after the flood need to be replaced. He says flood victims can fill out a survey online, and then a CrowdRelief volunteer will meet with them to hear their story and take pictures of their rebuilding.

Cut 10 (09) “their help”

Once approved, the site lists specific items that flood victims need replaced next to the story of the family seeking help. Gaudet says donors can visit the site and find a family they connect with. He says they can then donate specific items they need.

Cut 11 (10) “disaster recovery”

Gaudet says over 120 flood victims have already completed the initial surveys, and they’ve raised over $1,500 for the first two families who are on the website. He says the call center based in Lafayette, and the whole organization, is operated by volunteers. He says the campaign is changing the lives of both flood victims and volunteers.

Cut 12 (08) “they are”

To donate or apply for assistance, visit CrowdRelief.net.

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A measure in the Governor’s proposed criminal justice package for the regular session seeks to improve police training. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James authors a bill that strengthens requirements for the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training, or POST. James says this bill requires all officers to complete 400 hours of this training, with an additional 20 hours annually.

Cut 13 (10) “developmental disabilities”

James says after the fatal police shooting of Alton Sterling last summer, lawmakers have worked with police to discuss how everyone can do better. He says this is all about making sure police officers go home, and the people they encounter go home, which is why de-escalation tactics are a key part of the training.

Cut 14 (09) “last year”

James is optimistic this modernized training can help ease tensions and build trust between law enforcement and the public. He says there’s also a provision to revoke an officer’s training certification after certain disciplinary actions. He says this will prevent those officers from moving to other agencies.

Cut 15 (08) “certain agencies”

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A cruel April Fool’s joke was played on the LSU baseball team on Saturday. Up 3-0 in the 9th inning,  pitcher Caleb Gilbert and the Tigers gave up 4 runs and ended up losing to Texas A&M 4-3 and lose the series to the Aggies. Coach Paul Mainieri says the defeat was a hard punch to the stomach…

Cut 16 (11) “good team”

Mainieri on what he told the team after the loss…

Cut 17 (13)  “can do”

The loss drops LSU’s record to 5-4 in the SEC. Senior shortstop Kramer Robertson described the loss as shocking…

Cut 18 (19)      hurts a lot“

07:30 LRN Sportscast

LSU got a much needed win over Texas A&M last night as the Tigers topped the Aggies 7-4. LSU busted out of its offensive slump with a three-run third. Kramer Robertson had a two-run single . Robertson also homered for the second time this season. Jared Poche did the rest on the mound. The senior left-hander tossed seven strong innings to improve to 6-1

The Ragin Cajuns started a big Sun Belt Series with South Alabama by thumping the Jaguars 11-1. UL Lafayette busted the game open with a five-run fifth inning. Joe Robbins homered and Gunner Leger pitched six innings for the win.

Georgia Southern downed ULM 9-3. Texas-San Antonio doubled up Louisiana Tech six to three. The Bulldogs had 12 hits, but only scored the three runs. Tulane scored five runs in the seventh to beat South Florida 6-4.

Southeastern Louisiana handed McNeese its first Southland Conference loss as the Lions pummeled the Cowboys 10-2. Senior Ryan Byers drove in four runs and homered.

Also last night in the Southland, UNO topped Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi 10-3, Northwestern State nipped Central Arkansas three to two. Freshman Austin Townsend had a big two-run homer in the contest. Nicholls edged Texas Southern two to one. Cole Stapler pitched eight innings for the win.

And Grambling defeated Prairie View six to one, while Southern beat Arkansas Pine Bluff 3-2.

In the NBA, DeMarcus Cousins had 37 points and 13 rebounds in his first game against his old team as New Orleans easily crowned the Sacramento Kings 117-89. New Orleans has won eight of its last 11.

And Saints Quarterback Drew Brees says a possible contract extension can wait until after the 2017. New Orleans also announced signing of back-up QB Chase Daniel to a one-year contract.

18:30 LRN Newscast March 31st

Former deputy marshal Derrick Stafford will spend the next 40 years in prison for fatally shooting a six-year-old boy and injuring his father. That was the sentence handed down on Friday by a state judge in Marksville. The shooting happened in November 2015 and there’s still another deputy marshal facing trial in the shooting death of Jeremy Mardis. Norris Greenhouse Junior’s trial is set for June 12th.

A Baton Rouge lawmaker believes the time has come in Louisiana to stop sentencing convicted murderers and rapists to the death penalty. Republican Senator Dan Claitor expects to receive a lot of support for this bill, because of the costs surrounding the prosecution of such cases…
cut 11 (09) “…any results”
Claitor’s proposal will be debated in the upcoming legislative session. 2010 was the last execution in Louisiana.

Students from Lee Magnet High School in Baton Rouge were not able to complete their field trip to New Orleans on Friday, because of an accident involving two charter buses on I-10 in LaPlace. State Police Trooper Melissa Matey says a bus driver who hit the other bus from behind faces charges….
cut 13 (03) “….careless operation”
Over two dozen kids were sent to area hospials with minor to moderate injuries.

GOHSEP, the Louisiana National Guard and other key state agencies are taking part in an Emergency Response Exercise on Saturday. Michelle Southern reports…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

17:30 LRN Newscast March 31st

The former Marksville officer who fatally shot a 6-year-old boy was sentenced today to 40 years behind bars. Derrick Stafford testified he didn’t know the little boy was in the vehicle when he fired his weapon during a chase. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says it’s a lengthy sentence for a terrible mistake.
Cut 17 (08) “particular reason”
Stafford must serve 20 years before he’s eligible for parole.

A large scale training exercise will take place tomorrow giving multiple state agencies a chance to prepare for the next major flood event or hurricane. The start of hurricane season is two months away and the governor’s office of homeland security and emergency preparedness also wants you to get ready as well. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele…
cut 5 (09) “…period of time”

A bill that will be debated in the upcoming legislative session calls for the elimination of the death penalty in Louisiana. Emelie Gunn has more….
Voicer 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office has arrested two 17-year-olds for burglarizing and vandalizing Tioga High School and Tioga Junior High on two separate occassions. Cody Balekeny of Otis and Shane Johnson of Pineville were booked on five counts of Burglary and five counts of criminal damage. Authorities say the duo was arrested by another local agency earlier this year on similiar charges.

16:45 LRN Sportscast

The slumping LSU baseball team tries to get back in the win column tonight when they host Texas A&M. The Aggies blanked the Bayou Bengals four to nothing last night as LSU was held to just four hits and it took until the 9th inning for a Tiger base runner to get into scoring position. Jared Poche is on the hill tonight for LSU. It’s an 8:00 first pitch at the Box.

A big series gets underway today in Hammond as Southeastern Louisiana hosts McNeese. The Cowboys are 9-0 in league play, while the Lions are 5-4. The first game of the series is tonight and then the two teams will play a doubleheader tomorrow at 4 PM.

Another series to watch this weekend is in Lafayette as the Ragin Cajuns host South Alabama. The Jaguars lead the Eastern Division of the Sun Belt with a 5-1 record. UL-Lafayette is 4-2 in league play. Coach Tony Robichaux is looking for better production from the Cajun hittters. They are only hitting .262 this season.

The Pelicans host the Sacramento Kings tonight. It’s the first time the two teams have played each other since that blockbuster trade in February that sent All-Star Center DeMarcus Cousins to New Orleans. Cousins says he doesn’t want this game to be about him…
cut 30 (14) “…get better”
Even though the Pels have been playing better lately, their playoff chances are on life support.

Pelicans Owner Tom Benson announced today they are getting the ball rolling on having their own D-League affiliate and it will begin play with the 2018-19 season. The Pelicans are one of eight teams in the NBA that didn’t have its own D-League team this year. In a press release, the Pels says they are looking at eleven different cities, seven of them in Louisiana to place the new club.

The Saints announced the signing of quarterback Chase Daniel to a one-year deal.

16:30 LRN Newscast March 31st

Former Marksville City Marshal, Derrick Stafford, who fatally shot a six-year-old autistic boy during a chase has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. Stafford was convicted of manslaughter. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino…
Cut 15 (09) “possible sentences”
Stafford also received a 15-year prison sentence for wounding the boy’s father, but he’ll serve that concurrently with the 40-year sentence.

Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor has filed legislation that seeks to end the use of the death penalty in Louisiana. Claitor says locking up offenders for the rest of their life is a better punishment than the death penalty. He says if signed into law, this bill would not affect current death row inmates….
cut 10 (06) “….the governor”
2010 was the last execution in Louisiana.

Over two dozen students from Lee Magnet High School in Baton Rouge were transported to hospitals after the charter buses they were traveling in were involved in a rear end collision on Interstate 10 in LaPlace. State Police Trooper Melissa Matey explains what happened…
cut 12 (07) “…rear ended”
Matey says the driver of the bus that hit the other one, has been charged with careless operation. The injuries to the students were described as minor to moderate.

Seven companies have submitted bids with the LSU Ag Center to produce medical marijuana that would one day be used for patients, who suffer from specific diseases. The estimated cost is 10-million dollars. LSU is expected to select a contractor by June, who will pay for the production costs. The facility will be located off of LSU’s campus and the first crop should be ready by the end of 2017.