LRN AM Newscall March 14

Today is the start of the 2022 legislative session. Don Molino looks at the issues that legislators will discuss over the next three months…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Don Molino”

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An emotional weekend for the LSU men’s basketball program concludes with the Tigers getting an invite to the NCAA tournament. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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A package of property insurance bills filed for the legislative session that starts today aim to benefit those affected by big storms. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The 2022 Legislative regular session begins today and even though it’s not a fiscal session, money will dominate the discussion over the next three months. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says lawmakers have two-point-eight billion dollars in one-time revenue to spend

Cut 4 (08)  “…highways.”

The extra cash on hand is the result of federal pandemic aid and leftover money from previous state budgets.

Last year the governor vetoed an anti-transgender bill that would have prevented biological males from competing on female sports teams. Pinsonat says Republican legislators are determined to pass this bill and the governor may not veto it this year

Cut 5 (10) “…doing that.”

There are also several bills to expand the state’s medical-marijuana program. But Pinsonat says many conservative voters are still leary that this expansion is moving the state closer to the approval of recreational marijuana use…

Cut 6 (10)  “…marijuana legislation.”

The legislative session must end on June 6th.

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LSU is a six-seed in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, but head coach Will Wade will not bring them to the Big Dance. Wade was fired on Saturday for allegedly committing major recruiting violations that finally became public after a lengthy NCAA investigation. Assistant coach Kevin Nickelberry is serving as interim head coach…

Cut 7 (12) “…be here.”

The Tigers are 20-12 and they’ll play 11th seeded Iowa State on Friday night in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Nickelberry says the players were heartbroken when they learned of Wade’s firing, but they’ll be ready to play in the NCAA Tournament…

Cut 8 (11)  “…with character.”

Nickelberry says it’s a unique situation, but a special opportunity…

Cut 9 (10)  “…Iowa State team.”

LSU has now advanced to three straight NCAA Tournaments, but the future of the program is cloudy as it could face severe NCAA sanctions and the team needs a new head coach.

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon and House & Senate insurance committee leaders announce a package of bills aimed at benefiting homeowners affected by major storms, like Hurricane Ida last summer. Senate Bill 134 clarifies that policyholders can collect additional living expense benefits when they have to evacuate; even if an official evacuation order has not yet been announced…:

Cut 10 (12) “…additional living expenses.”

Another bill would require insurance companies to increase their available cash-on-hand for paying claims; from $3-million now, to $5-million by 2027 and $10-million by 2031. Yet another is dubbed the Three-Adjuster Rule. Senate Insurance Committee chairman Kirk Talbot says it would require companies – after a third adjuster is assigned to a case – to have a summary of the observations, activities and claim status by the previous two…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…the process from scratch.”  

Talbot has also filed a bill to help protect policyholders from sudden cancellation or non-renewal after a claim from a named storm. It would require a full 90 days written notice of such cancellation. A House bill would create incentives for those who retrofit their homes to be more hurricane-resistant, and others offer more consumer protection for the insured. Commissioner Donelon says the package of bills will improve the overall insurance picture for all involved…:

Cut 12 (12) “…yet insurer-friendly.”

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State Police Lt. Johnny Brown told the State Police Oversight committee that he recommended one of the troopers involved in the Ronald Greene case should be fired, but his immediate supervisor did not follow his advice. Brown made that revelation as he was questioned by Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson…

Cut 13 (07) “…Greene incident.”

Greene died in 2019 in State Police custody, after he was beaten and tased. Greene’s family was told he died in a car crash, but an autopsy and police body camera footage contradicted those findings. Jackson asked Brown if has ever investigated a case in which officers didn’t immediately turn over body camera footage.

Cut 14 (04)  “…be investigated.”

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields thanked Brown for appearing before the committee and was upset when he was reminded he could only ask hypothetical questions regarding LSP procedure due to the federal investigation of Greene’s death. Fields also voiced his frustration that others like Brown who’ve shared information with the committee face consequences for doing so.

Cut 15 (13)  “…agitates me.”

During the meeting, State Police Superintendent Colonel Lamar Davis says LSP has hired an outside consulting firm to conduct a $1.5 million review of the agency. Davis says they are owning it and fixing it as the agency has been plagued with numerous scandals and is under federal investigation for Greene’s death.

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After a 25-5 season, the LSU Lady Tigers are the three seed in the Spokane Region of the Women’s Basketball Tournament and will play Jackson State on Saturday in the PMAC. Kim Mulkey and the team watched the unveiling of the bracket in the PMAC with hundreds of fans…

Cut 16 (18)  “…the game.”

When Mulkey was the head coach at Baylor last season, her Lady Bears beat Jackson State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, so she’s familiar with them…

Cut 17 (19) “ ..with the score” 

Baylor won that game 101-52. Mulkey has led LSU to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018 and it’s the first time since 2014 that the Lady Tigers hosted first and second-round games…

Cut 18 (23) “ .for the players” 

10:30 LRN Newscast

The 2022 legislative session begins Monday and it’s expected to provide a lot of spirited debate. Last year the governor vetoed an anti-transgender bill that would have prevented biological males from competing on female sports teams. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Republican legislators are determined to pass this bill and the governor may not veto it this year
Cut 5 (10) “…doing that.”
Also back for the 2022 session is the bill that would have allowed the carrying of concealed handguns without needing a permit, safety training, and background check. The governor vetoed this legislation last year.

Even though there are no more statewide COVID restrictions in place, Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says legislation has been filed to restrict future governors from imposing similar restrictions…
cut 14 (09) “…politically charged session”
The session must end on June 6th.

Louisiana staple Tony Chachere’s has spiced up meals for 50 years now. Brooke Thorington has more on how they’re celebrating the milestone.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A light dusting of snow blanketed North Louisiana this morning, but it will not last long as temperatures are slowly warming. Be prepared for a windy day today and below-freezing temperatures for much of the state tomorrow morning. There’s a slight risk for severe weather for northwest Louisiana Monday afternoon and night.

9:30 LRN Newscast March 12

State Police Lt. Johnny Brown told the State Police Oversight committee that he recommended one of the troopers involved in the Ronald Greene case should be fired, but his immediate supervisor did not follow his advice. Brown made that revelation as he was questioned by Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson…
Cut 13 (07) “…Greene incident.”
Greene died in 2019 in State Police custody. Body camera video shows he was beaten and tased before his death. A federal investigation is ongoing, but no charges have been handed down.

Tomorrow morning Daylight Saving Time begins and studies show setting your clock forward and potentially losing an hour of sleep can impact your heart health. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Cardiology Dr. Frank Smart says once DayLight Saving Time begins it takes two days to get adjusted
Cut 5 (10) “…time frame.”
Smart says going to bed an hour earlier tonight can help and also laying off the alcohol.

The state legislature starts its yearly regular session Monday. Kevin Gallagher looks at some of what’s to come…:
Cut 2 (34)…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Governor John Bel Edwards will deliver his State of the State speech at 1 PM inside the House chambers. The governor’s office says Edwards will tell lawmakers about the historic opportunity in front of them as the state has two-point-eight billion dollars in one-time revenue to spend. Insurance reform, teacher and first responder pay, raising the minimum wage will be other topics the governor is expected to address.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 12

North Louisiana residents woke up to a light dusting of snow this morning and now get ready for a cold and windy Saturday. Gusts of 35 to 40 miles per hour are possible today. The high-temperature today will be in the low 50s and there’s a chance we can break some record lows tomorrow as temperatures will get down to the mid to upper 20s.

Also Sunday morning, Daylight Saving Time begins. Brooke Thorington reports moving the clocks forward one hour can impact your health…
cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Before passing a $1.5-trillion government funding bill this week, the U.S. Senate rejected an amendment adding over $2-billion for further recovery from Louisiana’s hurricanes in 2020 and ’21. It was brought by our two senators, John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy. Cassidy says despite federal help already sent, there’s still a big need. He says he’ll keep doing whatever he can to help with the recovery…:
CUT 08 (11) “…less well off.”

Congressman Garret Graves introduces a bill to create a special postage stamp that will help raise money to combat Louisiana’s invasive species – like the nutria, the Asian Carp and more. He says his bill has bipartisan support in the U.S. House…:
CUT 11 (07) “…would be great.”
Nutria are known to damage coastal marshes and feed on young cypress trees – weakening the marsh ecosystem.

07:30 LRN Sportscast March 12

For the third time this season, the LSU men’s basketball team lost to the Arkansas Razorbacks as the Hogs eliminated the Tigers from the SEC Tournament with a 79-67 win in Tampa. The Razorbacks went on a 19-0 during the middle of this game to put the Tigers away, who will now wait to receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. They will be either a five or six seed.

The Louisiana Tech men’s and women’s basketball teams are in the Conference USA Tournament finals today playing for an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The men’s squad scored just 42 points but still beat North Texas 42-36 yesterday. They will play a tired UAB team tonight in the championship game. The Blazers beat Middle Tennessee in three overtimes yesterday. The title game is tonight at 7:30.

The Lady Techsters will face Charlotte at 4:30 today in their first Conference USA finals appearance. The Lady Techsters rallied from 13 points down to defeat Middle Tennessee 80-72. La Tech has won a season-high six straight games.

The Nicholls Colonels won the Southland Conference regular-season title, but they were bounced last night in the semi-finals of the league’s conference tournament. Nicholls was just six of 20 from three-point territory and shot 36-percent from the field in a 71-64 loss to Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi.

The Islanders will face Southeastern Louisiana in tonight’s conference tournament championship game. The Lions dribbled past U-N-O 74 to 65 as Joe Kasperzyk came off the bench to score 19 points.

Grambling’s season ended yesterday with a 73-54 loss to Texas Southern.

The Pelicans lost their fourth straight last night as they were stung by the Charlotte Hornets 142 to 120. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum did not play, but Zion Williamson watched from the team’s bench.

Baseball. LSU beat Bethune Cookman eight to seven, Louisiana Tech trounced Houston Baptist 22 to 2. ULM outlasted Nicholls 10 to 8 in ten innings and Houston and the Cajuns were suspended at five a piece in the eighth inning yesterday.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

For a third time this season, the LSU Tigers lost to the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Hogs scored 50 points in the second half and the Bayou bengals couldn’t keep up and lost 79-67. Darius Days had a double-double 14 points and 10 rebounds. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has the Tigers as a five seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Louisiana Tech is one win away from an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament as the Bulldogs won an ugly game over North Texas. The final score was 42-36. Tech shot just 29-percent from the field, but the Mean Green shot 24-percent. Two players finished in double figures for the Dunkin Dogs, Keaston Willis and Cobe Williams each had 12 points. The Conference USA Championship game is tomorrow night at 7:30.

In the Southland Tournament, top seeded Nicholls faces Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi, while UNO faces Southeastern Louisinana. The championship game is tomorrow.

In the SWAC Tournament, Grambling lost to Texas Southern today 73-54.

The Saints have reportedly restructured the contract of running back Alvin Kamara, saving the team eight million dollars in salary cap space. The team converted ten million dollars of Kamar’s salary into a signing bonuys.

And former Saints linebacker Craig Robertson has announced his retirement. Robertson played for New Orleans from 2016 to 2020. He did not play last season.

The LSU baseball team took game one of its three game series with Bethune Cookman eight to seven today. The Tigers trailed 6-2 in the fifth inning, but rallied back. Jacob Berry hit a two run homer run, Dylan Crews hit a solo shot and Brayden Jobert had the game winning hit in the seventh inning. Dylan Fontenot earned the win with 2.1 innings of shutout baseball.

The Pelicans face the Charlotte Hornets tonight, but CJ McCollum will not play as he’s in COVID protcol. Brandon Ingram is also out with a hamstring injury.

9:30 LRN Newscast March 11

The statewide average price for regular gasoline is up another two cents from yesterday to $4.15 a gallon. That daily increase is not as big as we’ve seen over the last couple of weeks. Triple-A says the statewide average for a gallon of diesel is now five dollars.

A new survey by Triple-A finds that 59-percent of Americans will make lifestyle changes with gas prices at a record high. David Grubb has more:
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Temperatures are in the low 50s across north Louisiana this morning, but there’s the chance for a light snowfall later today across the state’s northern parishes. National Weather Service Meteorologist Armani Cassel says up to an inch of snow is possible…
cut 16 (10) “….the threat”
The rest of the state will see rain today and colder temperatures after the front moves through.

Will lawmakers attempt to override the veto by Governor John Bel Edwards of their Congressional District map, which has one majority-minority district? La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Senate Governmental Affairs Chairwoman Sharon Hewitt is pushing for one…
cut 6 (12) “….in the Senate”
It will take a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate in order to override the governor’s veto.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 11

With gas prices over 4-dollars a gallon, 59-percent of Americans say they will make lifestyle changes. That’s according to Triple-A. Spokesperson Don Redman …
cut 10 (08) “…carpooling”
Redman says 18 to 34 year-olds are almost three times as likely as those 35 and over to consider carpooling. Those 35 and older are more likely to reduce shopping or dining out.

After beating Missouri 76-68 in the SEC Tournament yesterday, Coach Will Wade was asked about the Notice of Allegations the school has received involving the men’s basketball program. Wade says they are focused on playing basketball…
cut 18 (14) “…with the investigation”
LSU faces Arkansas at 1:30 in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tourney.

Now that Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the U.S. House district map passed by the Legislature, what is the next step for lawmakers? Especially the Republican majority? “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says House & Senate members have two options: draw up a new map or override the Governor…:
Cut 4 (12) “…veto override vote.”
If a majority of both chambers vote for a veto override session, the regular session which starts on, Monday would likely be suspended in order to hold an override session.

A strong cold front moves through the state today bringing the state much-needed rain and the possibility of light snow in the northern parishes. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 14 (08) “…folks”
High temperatures tomorrow will be in the 50s, morning lows on Sunday will get below freezing.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has jumped up another two cents from yesterday to $4.15. That’s according to Triple-A. Fuel analyst Don Redman advises drivers not to let the gas light come on, so fill up before you get below a quarter of a tank…
cut 12 (12) “…tank time”
Redman says AAA’s latest survey has found that 59-percent of Americans will make lifestyle changes now that gas prices are above four dollars a gallon.

A bill filed for the legislative session that starts Monday would set up the legal framework to allow offshore wind leasing in state waters. The author of House Bill 165, Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue says wind energy in the Gulf of Mexico could have its advantages.
Cut 7 (10) “…to work.”
Zeringue sees wind energy in the gulf as a compliment to the oil and gas industry.

After a week of warm temps and sunny skies, prepare for a drastic change. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Also, don’t forget to change your clock when you go to bed on Saturday night. Daylight Saving Time Starts at 2 AM Sunday morning.

Sunday is also Selection Sunday, one of the biggest days of the year for college basketball. LSU men’s and women’s basketball will be in the NCAA Tournament, trying to join them, Louisiana Tech, UNO, Southeastern, Nicholls and Grambling.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU men’s basketball team will face Arkansas for a third time this season at 1:30 today in a quarterfinal matchup of the SEC Tournament. The Tigers took down Missouri yesterday 76-68 as Tari Eason had 19 points. It was LSU’s first game since we learned the program has received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA. Coach Will Wade says it has not been a distraction to his team…
cut 18 (14) “…with the investigation”
But Wade says he looks forward to commenting on the NCAA allegations in the future.

Louisiana Tech overcome a season-high 20 turnovers to beat Western Kentucky 59-57 last night to advance to the semifinals of the Conference USA Tournament. Kenneth Lofton Junior registered his 17th double-double, 15 points and 12 rebounds.

In the Southland, UNO eliminated McNeese 82-78 and in the SWAC Grambling edged Southern 60-58.

Because of the threat of rain tonight, the sixth-ranked LSU baseball team will begin its three-game series against Bethune Cookman at noon today. The Wildcats are 5-and-7 this season after not playing last year because of COVID. They were in a Regional in 2017. Tigers Coach Jay Johnson says Bethune Cookman has only hit three home runs, but they can score in other ways…
cut 20 (12) “….good opponent”
Blake Money will start on the mound today. Johnson has yet to name a starter for tomorrow and Sunday.

In other action today, the Cajuns host Houston for a 4 PM first pitch. U-L-M is at Nicholls, and Louisiana Tech hosts Houston Baptist.

Three state championship trophies will be handed out in Lake Charles at the boys high school basketball tournament. The Class B title game is tonight as Simsboro takes on Zwolle.