4:45 LRN Sportscast

Today was the first day NFL teams can talk with free agents and two former defensive linemen for the Black and Gold have found new homes. David Onyemata has reportedly signed a three-year deal with Atlanta. Shy Tuttle has reportedly agreed to a three year deal with Carolina.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter says the Saints are reworking pro bowl defensive end Cam Jordan’s contract will save ten-million dollars against this year’s salary cap.

The Saints have announced they’ve agreed with tight end Juwan Johnson on a two-year contract extension. Johnson has caught 59 passes in three seasons in New Orleans.

Meanwhile, new Saints Quarterback Derek Carr says he’s excited to be teammates with wide receiver Michael Thomas…
cut 18 (21) “…for sure”

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team will head to Orlando to face Tennessee in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night. U-L Lafayette is in the Big Dance for the first time since 2014. Coach Bob Marlin says there are a couple of players on his team that have experienced March Madness…
cut 16 (22) “…score the ball”

Today, former LSU coach Will Wade was introduced as the new head coach of the McNeese men’s basketball team. Wade is looking to bring excitement to McNeese basketball and they’ll do it in a way that southwest Louisiana can be proud of…
Cut 11 (12) “…we do”
McNeese State A-D Heath Schroyer believes Wade is the best man to fix Cowboys basketball.

LRN PM Newscall March 13

Former president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Stephen Waguespack is the fifth Republican to join the governor’s race. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Former LSU basketball coach Will Wade is back in coaching as he’s the new head coach at McNeese. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Republican and former president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Stephen Waguespack is also running for governor. As the fifth Republican to join the race, Waguespack says he wants to make changes so more residents will choose to stay and thrive in Louisiana versus moving out of state.

Cut 3 (10) “…why I’m running.” 

49-year-old Waguespack, who also served as a top aide for former Governor Bobby Jindal, says he wants to stop the brain drain. He says his knowledge and experience with business and industry will be a top priority for the governor’s office to provide better-paying jobs for residents.

Cut 4 (10)  “…in Louisiana.” 

The father of three says another key to keeping residents is to reduce crime. He says if Louisianans feel safe and have better-paying jobs they’ll stay, and the better quality of life will attract more to the state. Even though the field is crowded with Republicans Waguespack says it’s not an issue for his candidacy.

Cut 5 (10) “…lead like that.”

Qualifying for the October 14th primary election is Aug. 8th through the 10th.

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A 24-year-old female was arrested in Metairie after stealing a state trooper’s vehicle over the weekend. Louisiana State Police along with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office pursued and apprehended Bethany Holmes of Marksville. State Trooper Kate Stegall says Holmes stole the vehicle while a trooper was investigating a traffic accident.

Cut 6 (06)  “…parking lot.” 

The police unit was stolen near the intersection of  Veterans Boulevard and Clearview Parkway. Stegall says Holmes hit several vehicles during the police pursuit.

Cut 7 (07)  “…a crash.” 

Holmes was charged with two counts of hit and run and single counts of aggravated flight from an officer, theft of a motor vehicle, simple criminal damage to property, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, theft of a firearm, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and aggravated battery, and driving without wearing a seatbelt.

Cut 8 (08)  “… was injured.” 

The investigation is ongoing.

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Former LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade was introduced today as the new head coach of the McNeese Cowboys. LSU fired Wade a year ago after the NCAA alleged he helped supply impressible cash payments to recruits and their families. Wade is excited for the chance to turn around a program in an area of the state still in hurricane recovery…

Cut 9 (08) “…needs a rebirth”

Wade takes over a program that went 11-and-23 this past season. The 23 losses were the most ever for a McNeese basketball team. Wade is predicting at least 23 wins next season…

Cut 10 (10) “…ready to roll” 

Wade re-energized a dormant LSU men’s basketball program team when he was hired in 2017. In five seasons in Baton Rouge, held the Tigers to an SEC regular season championship and LSU made three trips to the NCAA Tournament. Wade is looking to bring excitement to McNeese basketball and they’ll do it in a way that southwest Louisiana can be proud of…

Cut 11 (12)  “…we do”

McNeese State A-D Heath Schroyer believes Wade is the best man to fix Cowboys basketball. Schroyer and Wade used to be college coaches at different schools in Tennessee and have known each other for several years.

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A 28-year-old woman and her two daughters, one seven and the other eight drowned Sunday afternoon in Cameron Parish in the Gulf off Long Beach Road. Sheriff Ron Johnson says they received a call from campers in the area who saw a three-year-old boy wandering alone.

Cut 12 (09) “…called 911″ 

The victim’s nine-year-old son was pulled from the water and is listed in stable condition. Johnson says the water was extremely rough Sunday afternoon and rocks in the area made conditions even more dangerous.

Cut 13 (12) “…to help them.” 

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Coast Guard, local fire department, and ambulance district all assisted in recovery efforts.

Johnson reminds families to be extremely cautious when swimming in moving waters because conditions can change quickly and even trained swimmers can find themselves in a perilous situation. He says it’s not the first time it’s happened.

Cut 14 (09)  “…heartbreaker for us.”

He says the family was originally from Mississippi but moved to Beaumont, Texas for the father’s job. Their identities have not been released.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

New Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr says he chose New Orleans because of the interest the team showed him as he searched for a new home after nine seasons with the Raiders. Carr says he was also overwhelmed with southern hospitality his family received
Cut 16 (15) “…my questions.”
Carr also spoke with the Manning family before signing a four-year deal with the Black and Gold.

Will Wade is the new head coach of the McNeese men’s basketball team. Wade was fired a year ago at LSU after the NCAA alleged Wade arranged impermissible cash payments to at least eleven recruits. After leading Northwestern State to a 13-win turnaround coach Corey Gipson has left the Demons to be the new head coach at Austin Peay.

The LSU women’s basketball team is a three-seed in the NCAA Tournament and they’ll play Hawaii late Friday afternoon in the Maravich Center. A win for LSU and Sunday they’ll play the winner of the game between Michigan and UNLV. Indiana and Utah are the top two seeds in their regional.

In the first two years of the Kim Mulkey era, LSU received a high enough seed in the NCAA Tournament to host the first two rounds. Some fans are disappointed with the three-seed, but Mulkey reminds everyone this program has come a long way in a short time…
Cut 20 (22) “…of schedule”
And the Ragin Cajuns are a 14-seed in the Men’s Basketball Tournament and they’ll take on Tennessee on Thursday night in Orlando.

8:30 LRN Newscast

LSU President William Tate boarded a purple and gold bus this morning that will take him around the state this week. Several stops are planned on the Scholarship First bus tour. Tate says it’s a listening tour and awareness campaign all rolled into one…
cut 6 (11) “…right direction”
The tour includes stops in Natchitoches, Shreveport, Monroe, Crowley and New Iberia.

The FDA approves a nasal spray that can treat migraines. The nasal spray is called Zavegepant (zav-gee-pant) and in trials, 24 percent of patients reported they were pain-free in two hours and 40 percent were free of sensitivities, to things like light, sound and even nausea. Ochsner Health Neurologist Doctor Jose Posas (poe-sauce) says this nasal spray is ideal for those with heart conditions…
cut 11 (09) “…suffering”

The final piece of funding to fully fund the construction of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project is in place. Kevin Gallagher has more…
cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher

The Field of Dreams Park in Bossier City is back open this morning after it was shutdown for two days after an alligator was spotted in the park. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents captured the alligator that was about six feet long. The park re-opens just in time for spring break.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority says they have the final funding piece for the construction of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, the St. Bernard and Plaquemine Parish councils, oystermen, and fishermen oppose the coastal restoration project. They say it threatens fishing, dolphins, and their economies. But CPRA executive director Bren Haase says the diversion will improve the Barataria’s estuary…
Cut 15 (09) “…grandfathers did”

LSU President William Tate begins a bus tour around the state today. Tate says the goal is to learn more about some of the state’s key industries to ensure alignment with LSUs’ priorities, which includes developing coastal restoration research and producing grads who can help with cybersecurity…
cut 5 (08) “…cyber side”
The bus will head to LSU’s original campus in Pineville this morning to unveil the school’s Economic Impact on Louisiana.

Another FDA-approved migraine medication will soon hit the market and it’s a nasal spray. Brooke Thorington has more….:
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State Police arrested a Marskville woman after they say she stole a trooper’s vehicle on Saturday night in Metairie. Authorities say 24-year-old Bethany Holmes hopped into the LSP vehicle while a trooper was speaking with people involved in a traffic accident in the parking lot of Clearview Mall. Holmes smashed the marked police unit into several vehicles before she was stopped and arrested.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU Lady Tigers are a three-seed in the NCAA Tournament and they’ll host Hawaii on Friday in Baton Rouge. If LSU wins, they’ll play the winner of the Michigan and UNLV matchup on Sunday at the Maravich Center. Last season, LSU lost at home in the second round and Coach Kim Mulkey hopes they can go a little farther this year…
Cut 19 (17) “…the year”
Southern will play Sacred Heart in a First Four game on Wednesday night in Palo Alto, California. Southeastern heads to the Midwest to play second-seeded Iowa.

The Ragin Cajuns are in the Men’s Basketball Tournament. U-L Lafayette will take on Tennessee on Thursday night in Orlando. Will Wade gets introduce today as the new head coach at McNeese, Corey Gipson is leaving Northwestern State for Austin Peay.

New Saints starting Quarterback Derek Carr says he’s ready to get to work. During his introductory press conference with the New Orleans media, the 31-year-old says he has a chip on his shoulder after the Raiders decided to go in a different direction after nine seasons with the franchise…
cut 17 (20) “…I can do”
Teams can begin signing free agents on Wednesday and legal tampering with free agents begins today at 11 AM.

Pelicans second-year forward Trey Murphy scored a career-high 41 points on nine 3-pointers as New Orleans topped the Trail Blazers 127 to 110.

The top ranked LSU baseball team won by mercy-rule yesterday, 13 to 1, to complete a three game sweep of Samford. Tommy White hit a grand slam and Thatcher Hurd allowed no earned runs and struck out seven in five innings for the win.

6:30 LRN Newscast

A Purple and Gold bus will leave Baton Rouge today as the leader of LSU will share the school’s mission and message around the state. Teiko Foxx reports…:
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

The LSU Lady Tigers received a three-seed in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and will host Hawaii on Friday in the first round. The Ragin Cajuns are headed to Orlando to take on Tennessee in the men’s NCAA Tournament. And McNeese will introduce former LSU Coach Will Wade as its new head coach today.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will put 660-million dollars towards the construction of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion. The funding represents the final increment needed to fully fund the coastal restoration project. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Director Bren Haase says construction is expected to begin this summer to reconnect the Mississippi River to Louisiana’s Barataria Basin estuary…
cut 14 (10) “….estuary”
Construction is expected to take five years to complete.

March is Sleep Awareness month and we’re even more aware of our lacking slumber thanks to the time change. United Healthcare Louisiana chief medical officer Dr. Kevin Stephens says sleep is a learned behavior…
Cut 7 (10) “.. rigid regimen.”

LRN AM Newscall March 13

LSU President William Tate will get a taste of Louisiana during his inaugural “Scholarship First” bus tour; kicking off today.  Teiko Foxx reports…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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There’s another FDA-approved migraine medication about to be on the market and it’s a nasal spray. Brooke Thorington has more….:

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The final piece of funding that fully funds the construction of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project. Kevin Gallagher has the story…:

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher” 

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LSU President William Tate will get a taste of Louisiana on his inaugural Scholarship First bus tour that kicks off today. The tour, powered by RoyOMartin, the first stop will be at LSU’s original campus in Pineville. Tate says this is a listening tour and an awareness campaign all rolled into one.

Cut 4 (11)  “…they need.”

The goal of the tour is to learn more about some of the state’s key industries to ensure alignment with LSU’s priorities. Tate says the agenda prioritizes agriculture, biomedical, energy, defenses, and coastal resilience.

Cut 5 (08) “…cyber side.”

The 1,000-mile road trip will travel across Louisiana – making stops in Monroe, Alexandria, Jeanerette, Natchitoches, Crowley, Chopin, New Orleans, and Lake Charles. Tate says information gathered during the tour will help to put the finishing touches on its master plan.

Cut 6 (09)  “…on clinical trials.” 

The tour ends in Convent on March 16.

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March is Sleep Awareness month and we’re even more aware of our lacking slumber thanks to the time change. United Healthcare Louisiana chief medical officer Dr, Kevin Stephens says sleep is a learned behavior and just like we are trained as children to sleep certain hours we need to re-train as adults sometimes.

Cut 7 (10) “.. rigid regimen.”

Stephens admits it’s difficult to cut everything off, like our TVs, phones, and tablets. He says these distractions often make time fly by and you realize it’s way past your bedtime. Stephens recommends turning off those distractions and preparing for bedtime. He suggests reading a book, turning off the lights, and even meditation, and…

Cut 8 (07) “…go to sleep.”

Lack of sleep he says can contribute to weight gain, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Stephens says we should strive for seven to eight hours a night. And there are sleeping disorders, for example, insomnia, that Stephens says could be caused by an underlying health condition.

Cut 9 (10)  “…a sleep study.”

Other sleep disorders like narcolepsy, and sleep apnea should be monitored by a physician at a sleep lab.

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The FDA has approved a nasal spray for the treatment of migraines.  Ochsner Health Neurologist Dr. Jose Posas (poe-sauce) says this is welcome news because there are more options than ever to give migraine sufferers relief.

Cut 10 (08)  “…a professional.”

The nasal spray is called Zavegepant (zav-gee-pant) and in trials, 24 percent of patients reported they are pain-free in two hours and 40 percent were free of sensitivities, to things like light, sound and even nausea.  Posas says the nasal spray is also ideal for heart patients who had to avoid other migraine meds that often tighten blood vessels.

Cut 11 (09)  “… suffering.”

In addition to cardiac patients who can benefit from the nasal spray, Posas says patients who use preventative oral medications or even Botox to decrease the frequency of their migraine attacks.

Cut 12 (12) “…for them.”

He says Zavegepant should begin rolling out to pharmacies in the near future.

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The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority says the final funding piece is in place for the construction of the Mid-Barataria Sediment, a massive coastal restoration project expected to create over 20 square miles of wetlands in the Barataria Basin over the next 50 years. C-P-R-A Director Bren Haase says the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is investing 660 million dollars in the project…

Cut 13 (08) “… Mid-Barataria Basin” 

The overall cost of the project is over two-billion dollars. Haase says construction is expected to begin this summer to reconnect the Mississippi River to Louisiana’s Barataria Basin estuary…

Cut 14 (08)  “….estuary”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, the St. Bernard and Plaquemine Parish councils, oystermen, and fishermen oppose the coastal restoration plan. They say it threatens fishing, dolphins, and their economies and culture. But Haase says the diversion will be a positive for the estuary…

Cut 15 (09)  “…grandfathers did”

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New Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr says he chose New Orleans of the interest the team showed him as he searched for a new team after nine seasons with the Raiders. Carr says he was also overwhelmed with the southern hospitality this his family has received

Cut  16 (15)  “…my questions.” 

Carr says he spoke with former Saints quarterback Drew Brees and the Manning family as he was considering his options. The 31-year-old also says he has a chip on his shoulder after the Raiders decided to go in a different direction…

Cut 17 (20) “…I can do.” 

Carr believes the Saints’ offense can be explosive and he’s already connected with wide receiver Michael Thomas…

Cut 18 (21) “…for sure.”

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The LSU Lady Tigers are a three-seed in the NCAA Tournament and they’ll host Hawaii on Friday in Baton Rouge. If LSU wins, they’ll play the winner of the Michigan and UNLV matchup on Sunday at the Maravich Center. Last season, LSU lost at home in the second round and Coach Kim Mulkey hopes they can go a little farther this year…

Cut 19 (17) “…the year”

In the first two years of the Mulkey era, LSU received a high enough seed in the NCAA Tournament to host the first two rounds. Some fans are disappointed with the three-seed, but Mulkey reminds everyone this program has come a long way in a short time…

Cut 20 (22)  “…of schedule” 

7:30 LRN Sportscast

The top-ranked LSU baseball team had another run-rule victory last night as the Tigrs trounced Samford eleven to one. Right-hander Paul Skenes (Skeens) struck out 12 and first baseman Jared Jones launched two home runs. Game two of the series is at 6:30.

Louisiana Tech got behind five to nothing and lost to third-ranked Arkansas seven to four. Jonathan Fincher gave up five runs in four innings and suffered the loss.

The Cajuns held off High Point eight to six. Kyle DeBarge hit a couple of two-run home runs. Nicholls blanked ULM eight to nothing. Tyler Theriot tossed six shutout innings. McNeese blanked Prairie View nine to nothing, Auburn over Southeastern Louisiana seven to one, Northwestern State knocked off Alabama A-and-M seven to zip and Little Rock over Grambling nine to five.

The Pelicans host Oklahoma City tonight at 7:30. Brandon Ingram is questionable with an ankle injury.
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At LSU spring practice, Coach Brian Kelly was asked about the possibility of moving to a nine-game SEC schedule. Kelly says he’s all in favor of playing an extra conference game…
cut 18 (15) “….good thing”

In NFL news, the Carolina Panthers now have the first overall pick after making a trade with Chicago that sends wide receiver D-J Moore to the Bears.

The Saints have offered a restructured contract to quarterback Jameis Winston. Reports say if he doesn’t take it, he’ll be released.

There are reports McNeese is closing in on hiring former LSU basketball coach Will Wade. Wade was fired from LSU last year for alleged NCAA Violations that involved inappropriate payments to players.

And LSU gymnast Haleigh Bryant recorded three perfect tens during last night’s meet against West Virginia. She becomes the first LSU gymnast to accomplish that feat.

3:30 LRN Newscast

State Police investigators have arrested the parents of an infant female found inside a garbage bag in Picayune, Mississippi back in 1992. Inga Johansen Carriere was arrested in Avondale, LA and Andrew Carriere was arrested in Galliano, LA. State Trooper Kate Stegall says the two were booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center on first-degree murder…
Cut 9 (05) “…in Mississippi.”
Picayune Police and Detectives at the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations reopened the investigation in 2021. Stegall says the breakthrough in the case is a testament to the advancements in forensic technology.

Legislation has been filed for the upcoming session that would give prosecutors 60 days instead of 30 to determine if a minor accused of a violent crime should be charged as an adult or a juvenile. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says her bill is in response to adult charges being dismissed against a 17-year-old who shot a man in during a carjacking…
cut 5 (09) “….as an adult”

There’s been another drop in crawfish prices as we head into the second weekend of March. Laney King, co-founder of the Crawfish App says crawfish prices across the board dropped another 50-cents this week and Louisiana consumers can expect to pay on average $2.84 a pound for live crawfish. That’s 29-percent lower than the same time last year. Laney says south Louisiana will see prices even lower…
cut 8 (04) “….are farmed”
If you’re looking to purchase boiled crawfish you can expect to pay $5.22 a pound for medium-large-sized mudbugs.

When you set your clocks ahead this weekend, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding the public to change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in their home. Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it only takes a couple of minutes to make life-saving changes…:
CUT 30 (10) “…it’s working.”
To register for a free smoke alarm, visit lasfm.org.