14:30 LRN Newscast March 21st

The Louisiana Housing Corporation launches the Housing Heroes initiative to get flood victims into affordable rental housing. Michelle Southern has more…
voicer 2 (29) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

Former Louisiana Congressman John Fleming has found a job within the Trump Administration. Fleming has been hired as deputy assistant secretary for health technology within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Fleming will seek ways to improve how doctors can use technology to practice medicine.

It’s agriculture day in Louisiana. Agriculture is a 13-billion dollar industry in this state with 60-percent of Louisiana’s ag income generated by crops and another 40-percent is produced by livestock and livestock products. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says farmers do important work to keep our families healthy and productive, especially when that work is most challenging…
cut 14 (10) “…bountiful harvest”

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s office says two armed robbery suspects were shot by a homeowner in Breaux Bridge early this morning. Major Ginny Higgins says it appears at this time to be justified shooting…
cut 8 (08) “…short time later”
Higgins says both suspects, who were also wanted in Baton Rouge for an armed robbery, are hospitalized in critical condition.

11:40 LRN Sportscast March 21st

Will Wade is the new men’s basketball coach at LSU. He’s 34-years-old and the last two seasons he led VCU to the NCAA Tournament. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Wade will bring some much needed energy to the program…
cut 3 (11) “…get a kid”
Wade has been a head coach for four years. His first two years were at Chatanooga and the last two seasons were at VCU and he’s compiled a 67-percent winning percentage,

The Saints have reportedly signed linebacker Mati Te’o. He had a stellar career at Notre Dame, but he’s battled injuries in the NFL. The 26-year-old only played three games last season with the Chargers because of a torn Achilles.

Southern football coach Dawson Odums has received a contract extension that keeps him on the Jaguars sideline through 2019 season.

Sterlington football coach Jason Thompson has stepped down after leading the Panthers to the Class Two-A state championship. Thompson is leaving football to take an administrative role at the school.

Former LSU quarterback Brandon Harris is still looking for a school to play at next season. The University of Texas has emerged as a possible candidate. Head Coach Tom Herman has confirmed that they are recruiting Harris, but there’s no word when he’ll visit the school. North Carolina and Arizona are other potential landing spots for the former Tigers starting QB.

In college baseball today…the 15th ranked Cajuns host a red hot Houston team. The Cougars have won five in a row, while Louisiana went 2-and-2 last week. ULM hosts Grambling, McNeese State, which has won nine of its last ten is at Tulane and Louisiana Tech looks to snap a three-game losing streak as they visit Stephen F Austin.

And in basketball…LSU-Alexandria lost in the NAIA semifinals 65-63 to Life University and the Pelicans host Memphis tonight.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 21st

For the third time, Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey is bringing a bill to the legislature that would allow non-felons and those over the age of 21 to conceal carry a firearm without a permit. Opponents say the bill would eliminate certain safeguards, but Ivey argues gun owners should always be responsible, no matter how they possess a firearm…
cut 11 (11) “…proper training”

A state audit has not been able to determine what happened to 22-thousand dollars that were supposed to be used so students at West Ridge Middle in West Monroe could go to Disney World. Ouachita Parish Superintendent Doctor Don Coker….
cut 16 (07) “…parties are responsible”
The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating the incident.

State law will prevent Governor Edwards from going outside of Louisiana to find the next permanent leader of State Police. Edwards has to appoint someone that’s a commissioned State Police officer who graduated from the L-S-P academy. President of the Metropolitan Crime Coaltion Rafael Goyeneche says because of the recent travel scandal, L-S-P could really use a fresh face to change the department’s culture…
cut 6 (10) “….organiziation”

Will Wade is the new men’s basketball coach at LSU. He’s 34-years-old and the last two seasons he led VCU to the NCAA Tournament. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Wade will bring some much needed energy to the program…
cut 3 (11) “…get a kid”
It’s been reported Wade has agreed to a six-year deal.

17:30 LRN newscast March 20th

State Police has identified the suspect accused in the shooting death of Sgt. Shawn Anderson with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office. Trooper Bryan Lee says 30-year-old Brandon Wiley is still in critical condition as he was also injured. Lee says Anderson was conducting a rape investigation with another deputy at a hair salon.:
Cut 9 (09) “shots were fired”
The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of the 43-year-old sergeant, who is the second EBR deputy to be killed in the line of duty in the last year. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Casey Hicks…
cut 7 (09) “…for everyone”
Sergeant Anderson is a father of two and served as an EBR deputy for 18 years.

A north Louisiana lawmaker believes he has the solution to preventing midyear budget cuts. Jonesboro Senator Jim Fannin says the Revenue Estimating Conference consistently overestimates how much money the state will bring in, which leads to midyear cuts every year…:
Cut 14 (10) “the reduction”
Fannin plans to propose a bill in the upcoming fiscal session that says the state can only spend 98-percent of what the R-E-C estimates in state revenues.

Today is the first day of Spring and it’s certainly in the air. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the long range forecast calls for above average temperatures and rainfall over the next three months, and the rainy spring weather has already started…:
Cut 4 (06) “to continue”
He says we should be done with freezes until next fall.

16:45 LRN Sportscast March 20th

The LSU Tigers completed a three-game sweep of Georgia with a seven to six win over the Bulldogs yesterday . Gred Deichmann drove in a pair of runs, Eric Walker was the winning pitcher and Caleb Gilbert earned his second save. The Tigers also got two good innings of relief from Matthew Beck. Coach Paul Mainieri likes what he saw from the Alexandria native…
cut 20 (17) “….we can count on”
Sophomore left fielder Antoine Duplantis was named SEC Player of the Week. The Lafayette native drove in 14 runs last week.

McNeese third baseman Matt Gallier is the Southland Hitter of the Week. The Lake Charles native hit three home runs in four games. Southeastern’s Corey Gaconi was the Southland pitcher of the week. The junior from New Orleans tossed a complete game in a victory over Lamar on Saturday.

The NFL’s competition committee will reportedly recommend using full-time refs for the 2017 season. The league will first work on making referees full-time, instead of working other jobs during the week.

ESPN’s Mike Triplett reports a Saints-Patriots trade for cornerback Malcolm Bulter is still in play, but the process of making what would be a complicated could still go either way, acccording to sources. Butler and the Saints have to first work out a long-term contract.

There’s also a report the Saints are close to signing former Notre Dame and San Diego Charger linebacker Manti Te’o, who has had trouble staying healthy during his NFL career.

LSU Football coach Ed Orgeron announces fifth year senior Christian LaCourture will wear number 18 for the Tigers.

KNOE in Monroe reports Sterlington High Football Coach Jason Thompson is stepping down as head coach of the Panthers to take an administrative role at the school. Thompson led the Panthers to the 2A state championship this past season.

16:30 LRN Newscast March 20th

State Police announced today that the suspected shooter in the death of East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff’s deputy Shawn Anderson is 30-year-old Brandon Wiley of Baton Rouge. The shooting took place Saturday night at a barber shop and deputies went there to talk with Wiley, because he is a suspect in the rape of a 15-year-old girl. A struggle ensued between Wiley and Anderson. Both men were shot, Wiley remains in critical condition, while Anderson was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Sheriff’s office spokesperson Casey Hicks says Sergeant Anderson was a true public servant who did whatever needed to be done…
cut 6 (10) “…of the road”
Sergeant Anderson had been with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office for nearly 18 years and had received numerous awards. He leaves behind two children.

The latest U.S. Census report on income finds 44-percent of children under the age of 5 in New Orleans, are living in poverty. Demographer Greg Rigamer says we’ve seen statistics like this for a while…:
Cut 11 (09) “a trend”
He says focusing on improving education could help put an end to young children living in poverty.

Today is the first day of spring and the climate prediction center is calling for above-normal temperatures over the next three months and above-average rainfall. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re probably done with the cold weather…
cut 5 (08) “…has to offer”

And LSU along with the state office of public health will provide all students and faculty with free mumps vaccinations on Wenesday and Thursday. About a dozen LSU students have been diagnosed with the mumps.

15:30 LRN Newscast March 20th

Midyear budget cuts have become the norm in Louisiana, which is why state senator Jim Fannin plans to file a bill that calls on the state only spending 98-percent of the revenue that’s been forecasted by the Revenue Estimating Conference. Fannin believes this strategy can reduce the need for midyear cuts…
cut 15 (08) “…with excess”
Governor Edwards has signaled his support for this legislation.

The latest U.S. Census report on income finds 44-percent of children under the age of five in New Orleans are living in poverty. Demographer Greg Rigamer says the median income for a household in Orleans Parish is very low, in the upper 30-thousands. He says focusing on improving education could help put an end to young children living in poverty….
cut 13 (10) “…good jobs”

The man accused in the shooting death of an East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputy was wanted questioning in the rape of a teen….
voicer 1 (28) “….I’m Michelle Southern”

Meanwhile, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office is dealing once again with a deputy who was killed in the line of duty. The second time it’s happened in the last eight months. EBR sheriff’s office spokesperson Casey Hicks…
cut 8 (10) “….get throw this”
Sergeant Anderson was with the department for nearly 20 years.

LRN PM Newscall March 20th

The man accused in the shooting death of an East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputy was wanted for questioning in the rape of a teen. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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As of 5:29 this morning, spring has officially sprung in the Bayou State. Jeff Palermo has more on the spring forecast…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Spring is officially in the air, as the season kicked off at 5:29 this morning with the onset of the vernal equinox. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Climate Prediction Center forecasts a hot and wet spring for Louisiana. He says that’s because of neutral conditions in the Pacific Ocean.

Cut 3 (10) “three months”

Keim says this means the chances of another freeze in the Bayou State are very low, and we can expect an early start to the growing season. He says we’ve been in warm conditions throughout the winter, and the wet spring weather has already started.

Cut 4  (06) “to continue”

Keim says it’s not unprecedented for Louisiana to see a cold front in April or even May. But he says it likely won’t bring the same freezing temperatures we saw last month. He doesn’t expect the cold fronts to get that cold.

Cut 5  (08)  “has to offer”

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Authorities say the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy killed in the line of duty was the epitome of public service. Police say 43-year-old Sgt. Shawn Anderson was fatally shot Saturday night after he encountered a rape suspect at a barber shop. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Casey Hicks says Sgt. Anderson exemplified everything a law enforcement officer should be. She says he was a true public servant who did whatever needed to be done.

Cut 6 (10) “of the road”

Hicks says the loss of Sgt. Anderson is devastating, only 8 months after Deputy Brad Garafola was killed and Deputy Nick Tullier was injured in an ambush last July. She says before that, it’d been 30 years since an East Baton Rouge deputy was killed in the line of duty in such a manner.

Cut 7 (09)  “for everyone”

Hicks says the outpouring of support from the public and law enforcement has been incredible. She says making sure the family of Sgt. Anderson has what they need is their top priority right now. She says Sheriff Sid Gautreaux was at the hospital with the family throughout the night.

Cut 8 (10) “get through this”

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State Police has identified the suspect accused in the shooting death of Sgt. Shawn Anderson with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s office. Trooper Bryan Lee says 30-year-old Brandon Wiley is still in critical condition as he was also injured in the incident. Lee says Anderson was conducting a rape investigation with another deputy at a hair salon.:

Cut 9 (09)  “shots were fired”

According to authorities, Wiley was wanted for questioning in regards to the rape allegations made by a 15-year-old girl. He was remotely booked by EBRSO on the initial charges: first-degree rape, resisting an officer and with tattooing and body piercing of minors. Lee says Wiley has not been arrested yet in connection with the murder of Anderson…:

Cut 10 (09) “from there”

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The latest U.S. Censes report on income finds 44-percet of children under the age of 5 in New Orleans, are living in poverty. Demographer Greg Rigamer says that’s a very concerning number. He says we’ve seen statistics like this for a while.

Cut 11 (09) “a trend”

Rigamer says living in extreme poverty makes it difficult for these children to get ahead in life. He says this is a daunting problem everyone tries to address but more can be done.

Cut 12 (08) “educational facilities”

Rigamer says the median income for a household in Orleans Parish is very low, in the upper 30-thousands. He says focusing on improving education could help put an end to young children living in poverty.

Cut 13 (10) “good jobs”

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A north Louisiana lawmaker believes he has the solution to Louisiana’s ongoing midyear budget cuts. Jonesboro Senator Jim Fannin says the Revenue Estimating Conference consistently overestimates how much money the state will bring in, which leads to midyear cuts every year.

Cut 14 (10) “the reduction”

Fannin says he plans to propose a bill in the upcoming fiscal session to limit the amount of money the state budgets each year. He says the plan would limit lawmakers to using only 98-percent of the revenue forecast by the REC. He says that way if they come up short, midyear cuts wouldn’t be necessary.

Cut 15 (08) “with excess”

Fannin says if the state reaches the estimate three years in a row, they could go back to budgeting 100-percent of the funds. He says he proposed a similar idea under former-Governor Bobby Jindal, but it didn’t gain much traction. He says Governor John Bel Edwards supports the plan. But he doesn’t expect everyone in the legislature to back the bill.

Cut 16  (10)  “discussion about it”

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11:40 LRN Sportscast March 20th

In the D-1 baseball rankings, LSU has moved up two spots to number five after sweeping Georgia. Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri says anytime you can sweep a team in the SEC, you have to be happy…
cut 19 (19) “…scoring”
LSU scored 34 runs during the three game series. This week, LSU hosts Southeastern Louisiana on Wednesday and visits Florida this weekend. The Gators dropped to 11th in the D-1 poll as they were swept by Auburn.

Speaking of getting swept, Louisiana Tech had a tough series against Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles took all three games, winning yesterday’s series finale by the final score of eight to five.

McNeese is now 6-0 in the Southland after the Cowboys swept Stephen F Austin. Yesterday, the Cowboys won 11-1 as Ricky Ramirez drove in four runs. Nicholls and Southeastern Louisiana are 5-1 in league play. The Colonels edged Houston Baptist three to two yesterday, while the Lions lost to Lamar 13-5.

In the Sun Belt, the Cajuns took two of three from Appalachian State, while ULM lost its series over Arkansas State.

Tiger Rag dot com reports Will Wade and LSU are in discussions as the Tigers search for a new men’s basketball coach. Wade is 34-years-old, a native of Nahsville. He’s led VCU to the NCAA Tournament the last two seasons and was 40-25 at Chattanooga.

In football…The Saints are reportedly talking with Chase Daniel about returning to the Black and Gold. Daniel spent his first four seasons in the NFL in New Orleans, before leaving for Kansas City in 2013. He was recently released by the Eagles.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 20th

Opening arguments have concluded in Marksville in the Derrick Stafford trial. The former deputy marshal faces murder and attempted murder charges after he and another officer allegedly shot at a vehicle killing a 6-year-old boy and injuring his father. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the main issue is whether the shooting was justified..:
Cut 7 (05) “deadly force”
Governor John Bel Edwards is seeking to give the Louisiana tax system a facelift during the upcoming legislative session. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward supports the effort to repeal many business tax exemptions, so that large companies are paying taxes to the state, instead of getting a big refund.
Cut 14 (10) “pay something”
The idea will be discussed during the legislative session that begins three weeks from today.

U.S. Representative Garret Graves is frustrated over the length of time it’s taking when it comes to allocating federal flood relief dollars to homeowners who sustained damage. Graves says his anger is not about politics….
cut 13 (09) “…people are in”
A spokesperson for the governor’s office says they are still waiting for the federal government to release the flood aid to the state that was appropriated by Congress.

Spring is officially in the air, as the season kicked off at 5:29 this morning with the onset of the vernal equinox. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Climate Prediction Center forecasts a hot and wet spring for Louisiana. He says that’s because of neutral conditions in the Pacific Ocean.
Cut 3 (10) “three months”