4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU is out of the college baseball polls and the Ragin Cajuns are in. U-L Lafayette has the nation’s longest winning streak at 15 games and they’ve entered the national rankings in several polls for the first time since the 2017 season. D-1 Baseball has the Cajuns ranked 19th.

After dropping another conference series, the LSU baseball team is now 3-and-9 in SEC play. Vanderbilt took two of three from the Tigers and won the series on Saturday with a 13-3 win in eight innings. Coach Jay Johnson on what’s wrong with LSU’s pitching
Cut 19 (09) “…right now”
LSU hosts McNeese tomorrow, who just lost two of three to Lamar.

The LSU Lady Tigers finished sixth in the last A-P poll of the year. And LSU men’s basketball player Jalen Cook has declared for the NBA draft.

Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly no longer faces an attempted murder charge from a shooting in Farmerville on February 15th that injured two people. A Union Parish grand jury rejected that charge. The 19-year-old still faces one felony gun charge. Coach Brian Kelly does not expect the criminal case against Holly to drag on…
Cut 7 (12) “…reinstatement”
Holly said in a social media post on February 17th that he was 100-percent innocent and had been falsely identified, accused and arrested.

Peabody High School Coach Charles Smith has been inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame. That’s the greatest honor a person involved in basketball can receive. Smith has won more than 12-hundred games and nine state championships. But Smith says winning games is not the only reason why he coaches…
cut 5 (12) “…OF WORK”
Induction ceremonies are scheduled for August 17th.

LRN PM Newscall April 8

Legendary Peabody boys basketball coach Charles Smith joins basketball greatest names as he’s an inductee into  the Naismith basketball Hall of Fame. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Three federal judges in Shreveport are hearing a suit filed by Republicans against the most recent congressional map passed by the legislature. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Legendary boys’ basketball Coach Charles Smith of Peabody High School in Alexandria will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Smith is one of a handful of high school coaches to join the ranks. Smith says it is an honor to join the elite group.

Cut 3 (12) “…professional coaches.”  

Smith won 9 state championships with the Warhorses and has coached Peabody since 1979. The Basketball Hall of Famer is Louisiana’s all-time winningest head coach with 1, 208 wins.

Cut 4 (13) “…for me.” 

During his tenure with the Warhorses, Smith has helped facilitate over 70 players in securing scholarships to pursue collegiate basketball opportunities. He says one of the greatest fulfillment in his coaching career…

Cut 5 (12)  “…of work.”

Smith is one of 13 inductees of the 2024 class. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on August 17 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

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LSU running back Trey Holly no longer faces an attempted murder charge as a result of a shooting that occurred in Farmerville on February 15th that injured two people. A Union Parish Grand Jury has rejected the charge. LSU football Coach Brian Kelly says they felt good about Holly’s chances of avoiding serious charges…

Cut 6  (05) “…don’t know” 

The 19-year-old still faces one felony gun charge. His attorney, Michael Small, says Holly intends to plead not guilty to the charge. Kelly does not expect the criminal case against Holly to drag on…

Cut 7 (12) “…reinstatement”  

Holly said in a social media post on February 17th that he was 100-percent innocent and had been falsely identified, accused and arrested. He was suspended from the team when he was arrested. But Kelly says they will look at reinstating him once his case is resolved.

Cut 8 (04) “…welcome him back.” 

Holly appeared in three games as a freshman last season, but is expected to see significant playing time this sophomore season. He’s the all-time leading rusher in Louisiana High School football history at 10,523 yards.

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A federal court in Shreveport is hearing arguments in a suit filed by Republicans over the state’s congressional map which added a second majority-black district. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the plaintiffs claim the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment and the map is racial gerrymandering.

Cut 9 (10) “…only factor.” 

In recent affirmative action decisions, Ciolino says the United States Supreme Court has been critical of states treating race differently. He says if race was the predominant factor for drawing the maps…

Cut 10 (07) “…protection clause. “

Ciolino says the state will argue there was a compelling state interest to satisfy the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in passing the current map. He believes it will be difficult for the state to contend because…

Cut 11 (09) “…only factor.”

A May deadline has been set for a decision so candidates will know the districts they’ll be running for in the November 5th election.

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April 30th is the deadline for those still in travel trailers as part of the Ida Sheltering program. Jacques Thibodeaux, who became director of GOSHEP in January says the deadline for those living in about 540 units, has been extended numerous times by FEMA and the state, but with a state fiscal cliff looming…

Cut 12 (12) “…the state.” 

Thibodeaux says those still in the program have been notified of the deadline and are working with their caseworkers on future housing options. He says GOSHEP is also awaiting a State Attorney General’s opinion on donating travel trailers.

Among the reasons those still in the program have been unable to rebuild, Thibodeaux says is the ongoing insurance crisis that has forced many to lose or drop coverage.

Cut 13 (10) “…piece of it.”

Thibodeaux says among the options are for the affected parishes to apply for federal assistance and continue the sheltering program which he says none have yet or impacted individuals can apply for a rapid house voucher which would move them into an apartment.

Cut  14 (09) “…in that.” 

The deadline for the Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta sheltering programs, Thibodeaux says is set to expire in August.

2:30 LRN Newscast

The Great American Eclipse is almost over in Louisiana for many it was a non-event because of cloud cover. But for some areas in the state, there was enough of a break in the clouds to see the moon cover most of the sun. If you missed it, the next one in North America is not until 2044.

Three federal judges in Shreveport are hearing a suit filed by Republicans against the most recent congressional map passed by the legislature. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

There’s a chance suspended LSU running back Trey Holly could return to the team soon. The attempted murder charge he was facing has been dropped after a grand jury in Union Parish rejected the charge. Holly still faces a felony gun charge, but Kelly is optimistic the case could resolved soon…
cut 8 (04)”…him back”
Holly was adamant on social media he was not involved in a shooting that injured two people in Farmerville on February 15th.

The Hurricane Ida sheltering program will come to an end on April 30th. This federally funded program that the state operated provided sheltering for more than 15-thousand people after the 2021 Category Four storm. There are still people living in about 600 travel trailers and GOHSEP director Jacques Thibodeaux says high insurance rates are keeping many from not being able to find permanent housing…
cut 13 (10) “…piece of it”

12:30 LRN Newscast

The solar eclipse has begun and it will reach near totality at around 1:45. Much of the state will not get a good view of it because of the clouds, but it will still get dark. LSU Planetary Astrophysicist Doctor Natalie Hinkle says crickets have been known to emerge because they think it’s nighttime and livestock can show signs of anxiety….
cut 20 (07) “….of thing”
The eclipse is set to end around 3 PM.

A federal court in Shreveport is hearing arguments in a suit filed by Republicans over the state’s congressional map which added a second majority-black district. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the plaintiffs claim the map is racial gerrymandering.
Cut 9 (10) “…only factor.”
The hearing is set to end on Wednesday.

The state has announced the Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program will end on April 30th so those still living in the 500 or so travel trailers will have to find a new home. GOHSEP director Jacques Thibodeaux says it’s a challenge to find these individuals still in travel trailers a place to live…
cut 14 (09) “….interested in that”
The sheltering program at its peak involved nearly 54-hundred units and more than 15-thousand people.

Legendary high school basketball coach Charles Smith has been inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. That’s the highest honor someone in basketball can receive. Smith has won nine state championships as the head coach at Peabody High School in Alexandria and he’s won more than 12-hundred games…
cut 4 (12) “…for me”
Smith will be enshrined in August.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU has dropped out of the D-1 baseball poll, while the Ragin Cajuns are in it. The Tigers have fallen out of the Top 25 after losing their fourth consecutive SEC series. They dropped two out of three to Vanderbilt. But U-L Lafayette has now won 15 in a row after sweeping ULM and they are ranked 19th in the poll.

Legendary boys’ basketball Coach Charles Smith of Peabody High School in Alexandria will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Smith is one of a handful of high school coaches to join the ranks. Smith says it is an honor to join the elite group.
Cut 3 (12) “…professional coaches.”
Smith won 9 state championships with the Warhorses and has coached Peabody since 1979. The Hall of Famer is Louisiana’s all-time winningest head coach with 1, 208 wins.

The spring game is this Saturday at Tiger Stadium. LSU Coach Brian Kelly says they’ve worked hard at improving the running game. Kelly has also been impressed with the development of receiver Kyren Lacy and likes what he is seeing from defensive back Major Burns, who is playing at nickel back
Cut 18 (18) “…really really good”
And there’s a chance suspended LSU running back Trey Holly could return to the team soon. The attempted murder charge he was facing has been dropped after a grand jury in Union Parish rejected the charge. Holly still faces a felony gun charge, but Kelly is optimistic the case could resolved soon…
cut 8 (04)”…him back”
Holly was adamant on social media he was not involved in a shooting that injured two people in Farmerville on February 15th.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Ragin Cajuns won their 15th straight game yesterday, a nine-two win over in-state foe ULM. Carson Fluno and five relievers combined on a five-hitter. Caleb Stelly had four hits and drove in four runs during the weekend.

The Cajuns will continue their homestand by hosting Prairie View A-and-M tomorrow and then Louisiana Tech on Wednesday.

Tech dropped its first home game yesterday, a nine-to-five loss to Middle Tennessee.

The LSU baseball team is now 3-9 in the SEC after losing another conference series, this time dropping two of three to Vanderbilt. Outside of Griffin Herring, most of LSU’s relievers have struggled and Coach Jay Johnson didn’t expect that…
cut 20 (12) ‘….about that”

Also, Nicholls swept Southeastern this weekend.

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Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly no longer faces an attempted second-degree murder charge. A Union Parish Grand jury didn’t find enough evidence to indict him on attempted murder for a shooting in Farmerville on February 15th. Holly still faces a charge of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentality. Coach Brian Kelly says the case could be resolved soon.
Cut 17 (16) “…welcome back”

The second-ranked LSU gymnastics squad won a regional championship Saturday night in Fayetteville. Haleigh Bryant scored a perfect ten on both the vault and bars. The Tigers are one of eight teams in the NCAA Championships starting April 18th in Fort Worth, Texas.

LRN AM Newscall April 8

Cloudy conditions will make it difficult to see the solar eclipse today. Meteorologist Ryan Gallagher has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…development”

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It’s eclipse day, and in Louisiana, the moon will begin to eclipse the sun around 12:30, be at its maximum close to 1:45, and end at three.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Improving the state’s insurance market and providing school choice are the main themes of this 2024 regular session. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Jeanne Burns” 

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Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ campaign finance report shows he’s raised more than 600 thousand dollars since he announced in January he would run the newly created 6th congressional district seat, which now stretches from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Fields is off to a good start with finances…

Cut 4 (11) “…of money.”

Fields is planning to challenge Congressman Garret Graves in November. The Baton Rouge Republican reported $3.8 million in cash on hand at the end of 2023. Hogan says Graves might be able to out-fund raise Fields, but the sixth district is now a majority-minority district..

Cut 5 (11) “…Cleo Fields.” 

Hogans says the campaign finance report shows that out of the 601-thousand dollars raised, 564-thousand came from individuals…

Cut 6 (13) “…opposes him.”

A federal court hearing is scheduled for today and tomorrow to hear arguments on the legality of the new Congressional map. Graves believes the map will be tossed out because state lawmakers solely considered race when drawing the map

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Today’s the big day for the highly anticipated total solar eclipse that will be visible in North America. Even though cloudy weather is expected to decrease the view in Louisiana, LSU Planetary Astrophysicist Dr. Natalie Hinkel says it’s definitely worth stepping outside to see how the moon blocking the sun affects the Earth.

 Cut 7 (13) “…you are.”

Animals even react to a total solar eclipse. Hinkel says crickets have been known to emerge because they think it’s nighttime and livestock often show signs of anxiety.

Cut 8 (07) “…of thing.” 

And it’s not just animals that react to a total solar eclipse, Hinkel says the weather is also impacted.

Cut 9 (10)  “…on the earth.”

Ophthalmologists remind you to never look directly at the eclipse, even a partial view of one without proper eclipse glasses. Doing so can cause permanent eye damage.

You can also safely view the eclipse by visiting science.nasa.gov.

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The probability of viewing the eclipse isn’t ideal in Louisiana thanks to cloud cover. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says conditions are very unstable right now, with a front to our north and west…

Cut 10 (11) “…the state.”

Keim says hopefully when the eclipse gets as close to totality, around 1:45, there will be a little break in the clouds.

Cut 11 (04) “…be surprised.”

The northwest corner of the state is under a flash flood watch from Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning as multiple rounds of heavy rainfall is expected. Keim says there’s the potential for five inches of rain or more

Cut 12 (09) “…systems.” 

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A month into the regular session and legislation seeking to improve the state’s insurance market and giving parents more options to educate their children are moving through the process with few hiccups. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Governor Jeff Landry and GOP lawmakers ran on these issues in the fall…

Cut 13 (11)  “…Education Savings Accounts”

The full House is scheduled to vote on the E-S-A bill today. It would provide thousands of dollars to families regardless of their income the ability to tap into state dollars to send their children to private school. Pinsonat says there’s opposition to doing this…

 

Cut 14 (10)  “…public education.”

Pinsonat says when it comes to insurance reform, Republican lawmakers are seeking to make changes to reduce the number of lawsuits. Opponents say it will just pad the profits of insurance companies. He says tort reform and ESAs are on the front burner of this session

Cut 15 (11)  “…their voters”

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The LSU women’s basketball team has taken heat for not being on the court for the national anthem, but the football team has not been present for the anthem in decades. AD Scott Woodward says they’ll review their processes. Governor Landry is calling for college teams to be present for the anthem. Tigers football coach Brian Kelly says they will do whatever the administration wants…

Cut 16 (18)  “…national anthem” 

Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly no longer faces an attempted second-degree murder charge. A Union Parish Grand jury didn’t find enough evidence to indict him on attempted murder for a shooting in Farmerville on February 15th. Holly still faces a charge of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentality. Kelly says the case could be resolved soon.

Cut 17 (16) “…welcome back” 

The spring game is this Saturday at Tiger Stadium. Kelly says they’ve worked hard at improving the running game. Kelly has also been impressed with the development of receiver Kyren Lacy and likes what he is seeing from defensive back Major Burns, who is playing at nickel back

Cut 18 (18)  “…really really good”  

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After dropping another conference series, the LSU baseball team is now 3-and-9 in SEC play. Vanderbilt took two of three from the Tigers and won the series on Saturday with a 13-3 win in eight innings. Coach Jay Johnson on what’s wrong with LSU’s pitching

Cut 19 (09) “…right now”   

LSU’s bullpen has struggled. Griffin Herring has shown to be the lone pitcher out of the pen that’s been really effective. Johnson had to use Herring on Thursday to make sure Vanderbilt didn’t come back from a nine-to-nothing deficit. Johnson didn’t expect LSU to struggle as much as they have with pitching…

Cut 20 (12) “…about that”

7:30 LRN Sportscast

Despite two home runs from Tommy White, the LSU baseball team lost to Vanderbilt eight to six. The Tigers led six to five with two outs in the top of eighth when Nate Ackenhausen gave up a two-run homer. Coach Jay Johnson’s team has now lost its last five games decided by three runs or less…
cut 27 (12) “…past that hump”
The Tigers will try to win the rubber game at two pm today.

The Ragin Cajuns extended their win streak to 13 in a row with a four to one win over ULM. Caleb Stelly drove in a couple of runs as the Warhawks were limited to five hits.

Louisiana Tech scored two runs in the eighth inning to snap a three-three tie and went on to beat Middle Tennessee five to three. Ethan Bates homered in the eighth inning and in the ninth inning closed the game out for his ninth save. The nine saves leads the country.

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Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly no longer faces a charge of attempted second degree murder after a Union Parish Grand jury didn’t find enough evidence to indict him on that charge for a shooting that happened in Farmerville on February 15th. The grand jury has indicted Holly on a charge of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentality against Holly. His attorney Mike Small is confident Holly will be found not guilty.

Mike Collins has been named the new head football coach at Neville High School. Collins replaces Jeff Tannehill who resigned earlier this week. Collins has been the team’s defensive coordinator the last two seasons and has 40 years of coaching experience at the high school and college levels.

Tough loss for the Pelicans last night as they lost to one of the NBA’s worst teams, San Antonio 111 to 109. New Orleans led by 15, but the Spurs hit 17 three-pointers as the Pels were without Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Jose Alvarado. New Orleans is in seventh place in the West.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson’s no-phone policy in the locker room worked for one game. The 18th ranked Tigers defeated sixth ranked Vanderbilt ten to six last night to snap a four-game losing streak. Tiger first baseman Jared Jones…
cut 28 (18) “…in the lockeroom”
LSU faces Vanderbilt at 7 PM.

Also tonight…ULM visits the Ragin Cajuns who have won 12 in a row. La Tech hosts Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders have lost six straight.

The Pelicans try to snap a three-game losing streak tonight when they host San Antonio. New Orleans is in seventh place in the West. They need to be in the top six to avoid the play in tournament.

There is a little over a week to go in spring football and first year defensive coordinator Blake Baker likes the development he’s seen from his defensive secondary. He likes how the D-Bs have attacked the football…
cut 19 (25) “….as a unit”

LSU athletics director Scott Woodward responded today to Governor Jeff Landry’s push for college athletic teams to be present for the national anthem or risk losing their scholarship. Woodward said they’ll review their processes. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne doesn’t see LSU making many changes…
cut 8 (11) “….about nothing”

LRN PM Newscall April 5

LSU athletics director Scott Woodward and Governor Jeff Landry exchanged statements on Friday over the national anthem controversy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Forecasters say the highly anticipated Great American Eclipse that starts around 12:30 on Monday in Louisiana could be eclipsed by clouds. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

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The Powerball Jackpot has reached $1.23 billion, that’s a billion with a B. The cash value for Saturday night’s drawing is $595 million. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says the current jackpot has been rolling over since January 3rd.

Cut 3 (11) “…out of it.”  

(4th largest Powerball Jackpot, and 8th largest jackpot in US Lottery history)

Annison says the Bayou State is overdue for a Powerball Jackpot winner and this would be one heck of a prize. Since Louisiana joined the multi-state lottery game in 1995…

Cut 4 (08) “…next one.” 

The odds of winning this Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million, but Annison says while you might not win the 4th largest jackpot in Powerball history, there are eight ways total to win and those odds are 1 in 25.

Cut 5 (10)  “…the jackpot.”

The drawing is Saturday night, and the Louisiana Lottery reminds you to play responsibly and that it only takes one ticket to win.

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LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward has responded to Governor Landry’s call for college athletic teams to be present for the national anthem. Woodward says LSU will always be dedicated to the flag, the anthem and the country. Woodward says LSU will look at their processes. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne doesn’t see LSU changing its pregame activities, unless…

Cut 6  (11) “…do things” 

Horne says he’s attended hundreds of LSU football games since 1970 and the team has never been present when the marching band plays the national anthem.

Landry has called on the state’s higher education boards to develop a policy for college athletic teams to be on the field or court when the national anthem is played and if not, they could lose their scholarship. Horne says it would be difficult to fit the football team on the field when the Golden Band from Tigerland plays the “Star Spangled Banner…

Cut 7 (12) “…is threatened.”  

Horne believes this anthem controversy has been blown out of proportion…

Cut 8 (11) “…about nothing.” 

Landry is also calling on the NCAA to mandate that student athletes are present for the national anthem.

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Millions are excited for Monday’s total solar eclipse but mother nature may have other plans. Gary Chatelain (Shat-ta-lane) with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says they’re expecting cloudy skies on Monday before strong storms arrive.

Cut 9 (13) “…the day.” 

Chatelain says it will be mostly cloudy during the peak hours early Monday afternoon, but there is still a chance to see the moon block the sun.

Cut 10 (12) “…pretty limited. “

If you plan to travel to view the total eclipse, a storm system will push through north Louisiana by Monday afternoon. Chatelain says unfortunately Louisianans won’t get the full effect of the Great American Eclipse.

Cut 11 (10) “…by clouds.”

The total eclipse begins around 12:30 and ends by 3:10 in the Bayou State.

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The Louisiana Political Hall of Fame will induct its 2024 class with a ceremony in Baton Rouge tomorrow (Saturday) night highlighted by two term Governor John Bel Edwards. Louisiana Political Museum director Shonna Moss says Edwards is being honored for his dedication of political service.

Cut 12 (13) “…justice reform.” 

This year’s Hall of Fame includes seven new members. Louisiana Radio Network President Jim Engster is one of the inductees. Moss says Engster has been a talk show host since 1998.

Cut 13 (13) “..Rag Magazine.”

The 2024 class also consists of former state representative Joe Delpit, former state senator Louis Lambert,  former newspaper reporter Ed Anderson who passed away in 2015, former Board of Regents chair Richard Lipsey, and former Louisiana Chemical Association president Dan Borne’.

The Louisiana Political Hall of Fame is located in Winnfield and has 243 members with the latest inductees.