12:30 LRN Newscast

A legislative committee created to investigate how State Police handled the 2019 death of Black motorist Ronald Greene meets for the first time today. Greene’s family says L-S-P tried to keep quiet the details of Greene’s death who was beaten and tased by arresting troopers. Speaker Pro Tem Tanner Magee is chairing the committee and he wants to know why some leaders for State Police reportedly had their phones cleaned after Greene’s death…
cut 27 (12) “…bottom of it”
The meeting begins at 1:30.

Triple-A says gas prices are up another seven cents in Louisiana today to a statewide average of $3.95 a gallon for regular gasoline, which is six cents shy of a record high set in 2008. The price of gas has risen 75-cents in the last month.

Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc tells the Senate Finance Committee there are more than 300 guard positions currently unfilled at the Angola state penitentiary, a facility that houses over five-thousand inmates.
Cut 6 (08) “…our top challenge.”
LeBlanc says the work environment is difficult for someone working 15-dollars an hour and the state’s prisons are not air-conditioned, something lawmakers say they will look at funding to help with guard retention.

A lucky crawfish was officially pardoned by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser in Baton Rouge this morning. For the last six years on the first Tuesday after Mardi Gras, the state officially pardons one crustacean to celebrate the mudbug season. Nungesser says the pardoned crawfish will enjoy the rest of his days at Tickfaw State Park.
Cut 9 (08) “…good deal.”
This year’s pardoned crawfish is named Arrigeaux, after retiring Visit Baton Rouge President Paul Arrigo.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 8

A legislative committee that will look into how State Police handled the 2019 in-custody death of Black motorist Ronald Greene meets for the first time this afternoon.,
cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

On a lighter note, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser pardons a crawfish today as a way to celebrate the mudbug season. The lucky crawfish will get to live out the rest of his days at Tickfaw State Park in Springfield.

Louisiana has received 600-million dollars for hurricane recovery in southwest Louisiana and Congressman Clay Higgins says he’s sent a letter to House and Senate leaders asking for another 400-million dollars be put into a new ominbus funding bill
cut 11 (13) “…I serve”
Higgins has been criticized for not doing enough to get federal hurricane recovery dollars for his southwest Louisiana district.

Another effort will be made in the upcoming legislative session to get rid of traffic cameras that issue tickets to motorists. Covington Representative Paul Hollis calls the traffic cams a money grab by municipalities…
cut 15 (09) “….big government”
Hollis has proposed a constitutional amendment that would ask voters if traffic cameras should be banned.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 8

Triple-A says gas prices are up another seven cents in Louisiana today to a statewide average of $3.95 a gallon for regular gasoline, which is six cents shy of a record high set in 2008. The price of gas has risen 75-cents in the last month.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says he has a plan to keep the rising cost of gas from sinking the state’s tourism industry.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

A legislative committee created to investigate how State Police handled the 2019 death of Black motorist Ronald Greene meets for the first time today. Greene’s family says L-S-P tried to keep quiet the details of Greene’s death who was beaten and tased by arresting troopers. Speaker Pro Tem Tanner Magee is chairing the committee and he wants to know why some leaders for State Police reportedly had their phones cleaned after Greene’s death…
cut 7 (12) “…bottom of it”

Next week the legislative session begins, And Covington Representative Paul Hollis has authored a constitutional amendment that asks voters if they want the cameras that can issue tickets for speeding and running a red light…
cut 13 (12) “….what does”
Previous legislative attempts to rid the state of traffic cameras have not been successful.

7:30 LRN Newscast March 8

A legislative committee investigating the 2019 death of Ronald Greene while in State Police custody meets this afternoon at the capitol. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

COVID hospitalizations have fallen below 300 statewide to 294. That’s the lowest patient count since December 22nd. The Louisiana Health Department reported yesterday 535 new cases and 31 more COVID deaths.

District Three Congressman Clay Higgins is urging House and Senate Appropriations to provide additional hurricane relief funding to Louisiana. Higgins says the damage done by Hurricanes Laura, Delta & Zeta in 2020 and then Ida in 2021 was massive, and so…:
Cut 10 (08) “…gonna fall short.”
So far the state has received 600-million dollars, but none of that money has been allocated yet. The state needs federal government approval on an action plan on how the money will be distributed.

Because of rising gas prices, money is becoming tight for many families, which could hurt tourism in Louisiana. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser hopes Louisiana residents consider traveling within the state and his office will also have to adjust its marketing plans…
cut 6 (12) “…here in Louisiana”

6:45 LRN Sportscast March 8

The Ragin Cajuns impressive run through the Sun Belt Tournament as an eight-seed ended last night in the title game as U-L Lafayette fell to Georgia State 80-71. Jordan Brown had 24 points in a losing effort and Greg Williams Junior added 15 points. Coach Bob Marlin’s team beat top-seeded Texas State and fourth-seeded Troy to reach the championship game…
cut 20 (20) “…get home”

Nicholls State Senior Guard Ty Gordon has been named the Southland Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Year. The Mississippi native averages 22 points per game and ranks seventh in the nation in three-pointers made per game.

Tonight the Pelicans visit the Memphis Grizzlies.

LSU has brought in a quarterback that Coach Brian Kelly calls a playmaker with a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his feet. Jayden Daniels was a three-year starter at Arizona State who threw for over six-thousand yards and 32 touchdowns in 30 games for the Sun Devils. He also rushed for nearly 13-hundred yards and 16 touchdowns. Daniels will compete with Myles Brennan for the starting quarterback duties. The Athletic’s Brody Miller says if Brennan loses out of the starting job, he could look to transfer again…
cut 18 (18) “…on table”

After losing two of three in Houston, LSU baseball has fallen in the latest college baseball polls. The Tigers fell five sports in the D-1 baseball rankings to number 12 and dropped eight spots in the Baseball America poll to 16. The Tigers host McNeese tonight. The Cajuns visit La Tech and ULM hosts Northwestern State.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Triple-A says the statewide average gas price rose another eight cents in the last 24 hours to $3.95 a gallon for regular gasoline. Louisiana is set to enter a busy time for tourism with more than 400 fairs and festivals about to kick off. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says targeted marketing will be key…
cut 5 (10) “…these successful”
Nungesser is encouraging Louisiana residents to consider staycations.

A special legislative committee looking into the State Police custody death of Ronald Greene meets for the first time today. Greene’s family believes there was a massive cover-up involving Governor Edwards and L-S-P. Houma Representative Tanner Magee is heading up the panel…
cut 9 (08) “…troubling”
The committee meets at 1:30 today.

Louisiana District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins is frustrated with hurricane recovery funding for southwest Louisiana, and he’s asking for federal assistance…again. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

LRN PM Newscall March 7

Nearly 12-hundred bills have been filed for the 2022 legislative session that begins next week. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Gas prices continue to rise, but just how high will they go? David Grubb has more.

Cut 2 (33)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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The 2022 legislative session begins a week from today and nearly 12-hundred bills have been filed. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are a wide variety of topics for legislators to debate…

Cut 3 (11) “..college campuses”

Alford says lawmakers will also have to approve a budget and decide how to spend two billion dollars in surplus money, much of it coming from the federal government. He says there will also be a debate on social issues like critical race theory, transgender athletes, vaccines, and abortions…

Cut 4 (09) “..for sure”

Lawmakers were at the Capitol last month for a redistricting session. Alford says political maps will be discussed again as Black lawmakers continue to push for additional majority-minority districts…

Cut 5 (10) “..governor does”

The regular session must end on June 6th.

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The national average for a gallon of gas has surpassed $4 per gallon for the first time since 2008 as the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. David Dismukes, executive director for the LSU Center for Energy Studies says that while prices may not go down soon, the costs can’t get much higher.

 Cut 6 (11) “…self-correcting.” 

According to AAA, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline increased by another nickel $3.87. That’s a 50-cent increase in a week. Dismukes says the Russia-Ukraine conflict isn’t the only thing driving prices up.

Cut 7 (13) “…production targets.” 

Production is a problem here at home as well. Dismukes says the U-S is producing roughly 2 million fewer barrels of oil per day since prior to the start of the pandemic. He said oil and gas companies could start pumping, but the White House and Wall Street are making it difficult.

 Cut 8 (08) “…into the market.” 

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51-year old David Rester, Jr. of Vidalia, who’s wanted in connection with the March 3rd murder of Marl Wayne Smith in Washington Parish has been arrested in Mississippi after a multi-state, parish, and county crime spree. Washington Parish Chief Deputy Mike Haley says investigators traveled to Harrison County to interview him after he was arrested for a bank robbery in Waveland.

Cut 9 (12) “…Pearl River.”

Rester is also wanted in St. Tammany Parish for the February 27th physical and sexual assault of a convenience store clerk that took place during a robbery. Haley says prior to these most recent crimes, Rester did not have a criminal record.

Cut 10 (07)  “…that yet.”

Authorities finally arrested Rester after a highspeed chase of up to 120 miles per hour in Harrison County, Mississippi. Haley says they plan to seek the death penalty in Washington Parish and they are grateful he’s been apprehended.

Cut 11 (12)  “…an end.”  

Haley says numerous agencies are involved in the investigation and it took a combined effort to put Rester behind bars.

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As grocery prices continue to surge some consumers are looking at growing their own food and LSU Extension Agent Heather Kirk-Ballard says there’s now a plant shortage since the pandemic inspired many to take up gardening as they sheltered in place.

Cut 12 (09) “…right now.”  

Kirk-Ballard says while it takes time initially to set up your garden it can be feasible to grow your own food, but she also points out that access to pesticides and herbicides for your home garden could be a problem in the near future as they are expected to be scarce.

Cut 13 (07) “…plants here.”

Kirk-Ballard says the most successful gardeners are ones who maintain their vegetables not the ones that plant them in the ground and walk away. She says gardening is also good for your mental health.

Cut 14 (10)  “…piddle around.”  

For gardening tips visit LSUAGCenter.com for more information.

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LSU President William Tate says no one at the university knew of any prior sexual misconduct allegations against running backs coach Frank Wilson. Former LSU associate athletic director Sharon Lewis claims Wilson exposed himself to her several years ago. The allegations are part of a federal lawsuit against the school. Tate was asked about the allegation today…

Cut 15 (11) “…LSU officials.” 

According to a court filing made by Lewis’ attorney last week, Wilson exposed himself to Lewis in 2015 and she reported the incident to LSU athletic administrators Miriam Segar and Verge Ausberry.

Wilson was recently re-hired by LSU and Tate says he’s never talked to Wilson about the allegations because this is the first time his office has known about them,…

Cut  16 (10) “…last year.”

 

11:30 LRN Newscast

State lawmakers return to the capitol a week from today to begin a three-month-long legislative session. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says passing a budget and spending two-point-eight billion dollars in federal Covid relief dollars and surplus money will be a major priority. But legislators will also debate social issues like critical race theory, transgender athletes, vaccines, and abortions…
cut 4 (09) “…for sure”
Last year, Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields passed a bill that mandated kindergarten. Fields has legislation this year that would require public school systems to provide pre-K education. But are there enough teachers???
cut 9 (08) “…national problem”

A new bill seeks to keep Louisiana college athletics competitive in the world of Name Image and Likeness. David Grubb has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”

LSU football has signed a quarterback out of the transfer portal. Former Arizona State Quarterback Jayden Daniels is coming to Baton Rouge after starting for three seasons with the Sun Devils. He’ll provide some major competition to Myles Brennan for starting Q-B next season.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 7

The 2022 legislative session begins a week from today and nearly 12-hundred bills have been filed. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are a wide variety of topics for legislators to debate…
cut 3 (11) “…college campuses”

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley has a bill that would allow for more access to medical marijuana by increasing the number of licensed pharmacies that distribute cannabis from 10 to 20 in Louisiana. Bagley says a main reason for legalizing medical cannabis was to reduce opioid addiction.
Cut 13 (10) “…need it.”
Currently, only 9 pharmacies are licensed, and the 10th license is not in use. Bagley wants that to be addressed also.

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields was successful in his legislation last year mandating kindergarten, this year Fields has a bill that would require public school systems to offer full-day pre-kindergarten, even in charter schools. Fields says he’s waiting on a cost estimate…
cut 8 (11) “…jails and prisons”
Having enough qualified pre-K teachers could be another stumbling block.

Marrero Senator Patrick Connick authored the legislation last year that gave student-athletes the ability to profit off of their name, image and likeness. Connick has another N-I-L bill this year that would give athletic boosters broader freedoms when it comes to paying student-athletes and it would also allow university employees to arrange N-I-L deals…
cut 5 (11) “….to benefit both”

9:30 LRN Newscast March 7

72-year-old David Gullat of Ruston is no longer listed as a Lincoln Parish School Board member following his arrest on Friday on drug and obscenity charges. Ruston Police says they apprehended Gullatt after receiving a complaint about a nude man performing a lewd act in the parking lot of a shopping center. Gullat is also a former dean of the college of education at La Tech.

A Baton Rouge lawmaker has filed a bill that would require public elementary schools to offer pre-k education…
cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Name, image, and likeness is changing college athletics and Marrero Senator Patrick Connick has filed a bill for the upcoming session that would make Louisiana more competitive with other SEC states…
Cut 4 (09) “…NIL thing.”
Marrero’s measure would end the ban on boosters using an NIL deal to entice an athlete to attend a specific school, also college and university employees can arrange NIL deals.

Governor John Bel Edwards has proclaimed March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Louisiana Department of Health Manager Robert Henson is spreading the word about warning signs…
cut 10 (12) “….of the signs”
Henson says now that sports wagering and mobile sports betting are easily available in Louisiana, L-D-H is concerned about a rise in problem gamblers.