Author Archives: LRN News

05.12.22
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11:40 LRN Sportscast May 12

The national rankings are all over the place when it comes to LSU, but D1-Baseball-dot-com has the Tigers projected as an 11-seed and hosting a regional in the upcoming NCAA tournament. Pitching remains the biggest question mark for the Tigers, as it has been since the start of the season. Though Ma’Khail Hilliard has delivered, LSU doesn’t have a consistent number two. Editor Kendall Rogers says there are ways to work around that.

Cut 18 (20) “…it pans out.”

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Former Tiger Kramer Robertson collected his first at-bat and RBI in the big leagues Wednesday night. Pinch-hitting in the bottom of the eighth for the Cardinals, Kramer drove Brendan Donovan home from third with a groundout as part of a 10-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

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College baseball series starting tonight include McNeese trying to hold on to first place in the Southland with a road doubleheader at Houston Baptist while Southeastern tries to do the same against Nicholls. UNO and Northwestern State are among four teams tied for second in the standings, and they face off in Natchitoches to jockey for position.

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In the Southland Softball tournament, Northwestern State and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi are underway. That one will be followed by top-seeded McNeese taking on two-seed Southeastern at 1:30 pm. The winner of that game advances to Friday’s championship.

UL-Lafayette topped Coastal Carolina 4-2 yesterday, and the Ragin Cajuns are currently in action against Troy in the Sun Belt tournament. Southern is still alive in the SWAC tourney, with the Jags facing Bethune-Cookman this afternoon.

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Details of the Saints’ 2022 schedule are out. New Orleans opens with three straight NFC South matchups; at Atlanta in Week 1, home against Tampa in Week 2, and then on the road for two straight weeks with games at Carolina and in London against Minnesota. Joe Burrow and the Bengals visit New Orleans Oct. 16 and the Super Bowl champion Rams are in the dome Nov. 20.

05.11.22
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LRN AM Newscall May 12

The full House is set to debate a bill that would consider an abortion an act of murder and send mothers who have one to prison. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Due to a nationwide shortage of infant formula, the Louisiana Department of Health issues advice for parents. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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LDH takes a major step forward in addressing the state’s opioid crisis with expanded treatment services. David Grubb has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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A bill that would consider an abortion an act of murder is scheduled for debate today on the House floor. House Bill 813 would punish women who have the procedures, and doctors who perform them, with prison time. Oil City Republican Rep. Danny McCormick says his bill seeks to put abortion on the same level as infanticide…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…that’s my goal.”

McCormick’s bill is scheduled for full House debate today. He says his bill is not about putting doctors and mothers in jail…:

Cut 5 (07) “…protection of the child.”

Speaking Wednesday to the Baton Rouge Rotary Club, Governor John Bel Edwards said he doesn’t often come out on a bill before lawmakers have had their votes, but he worries HB813 won’t survive any possible legal challenge…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…with that bill.”

The governor indicates he’d use the veto pen, should McCormick’s bill reach final passage.

Cut 7 (07) “…off my desk.”

McCormick’s HB813 is scheduled for House floor debate today.

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The nationwide shortage of infant formula has parents of newborns looking for options and guidance. Director of Nutrition Services at the Louisiana Department of Health Jennifer Nicklas is advising families to shop at different stores if they are having difficulty finding formula.

Cut 8 (09)  “…give up.”

A recall of formula made by Abbott at their Michigan plant along with supply chain issues has only exacerbated the formula shortage. Nicklas also suggests asking friends and family to help you search for formula and for WIC clients the list of approved formula substitutions has been expanded.

Cut 9 (08)  “…substitutions.”

For a list of substitutions and other retailers who accept SNAP benefits the Louisiana Department of Health’s website.

Nicklas acknowledges it’s a frustrating situation for parents. She says switching to another formula could cause discomfort for an infant’s digestive system for several days. Nicklas says however do not water down formula in an attempt to make it last longer. Do not attempt to make your own formula, and never…

Cut 10 (08) “…breast milk.”

Nicklas says also never purchase expired formula or products that have been punctured or damaged.

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As part of the ongoing effort to fight the nation’s opioid epidemic, the Louisiana Department of Health Office of Behavioral Health is offering extended hours and treatment services in the Northwest and Northshore regions of the state. Traci Perry, the opioid treatment authority at OBH says the goal is to get services to the areas where they’re needed most.

Cut  11 (12)  “…life-saving services.”  

Access is one of the largest barriers for people trying to break the cycle of addiction. The OBH clinics will provide comprehensive services on a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week basis. Perry says it takes a combination of medication and evidence-based treatment to keep patients on the right track.

Cut 12 (11) “…stay in recovery.” 

Services are already available at Behavioral Health Group in Shreveport and are expected to be up and running at BayMark Programs North Shore in Hammond in June. Perry says those two regions were chosen based on data collected by the state’s prescription monitoring program, though OBH expects to expand the program in the future.

Cut 13 (11) “…be empowered.”

The program is funded by the federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and through the Louisiana State Opioid Response 2.0 Grant.

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A Senate bill requiring public schools to adopt policies by the end of the year regarding cameras to be installed in Louisiana special education classrooms advances from House Education.  Sandra Guichard, a mother of two special needs children says she placed a recorder on her daughter when she suspected she was being abused at school.

Cut 14 (10)  “…her face.”

The bill requires policies to be in place by December 31, 2022, for about 9,000 once funds are available. The cameras will cost an estimated $6-million.

Jennifer Carignan, President of Louisiana Save Our Schools says she’s talked with several parents of special needs children and heard horror stories of abuse in the classroom. She begged lawmakers to find funding and to hold schools accountable for installing cameras in the classroom.

Cut 15 (08)  “…to help them.”

Jody Rollins, whose son is nonverbal with severe autism, implored lawmakers to remove any obstacles school districts have to install cameras. She says it’s as if education is lawless and they are not forced to follow policies set forth by lawmakers.

Cut 16 (11)  “…good feeling.”

The bill advances to the House floor for final passage.

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The national rankings are all over the place when it comes to LSU, but D1-Baseball-dot-com has the Tigers projected as an 11-seed and hosting a regional in the upcoming NCAA tournament. Editor Kendall Rogers says though LSU is flawed he still likes the Tigers’ chances in the postseason.

Cut 17 (20) “ …stock on that.” 

Pitching remains the biggest question mark for the Tigers, as it has been since the start of the season. Though Ma’Khail Hilliard has delivered, LSU doesn’t have a consistent number two. Rogers says there are ways to work around that.

Cut 18 (20) “ …it pans out.” 

Rogers believes that one of LSU’s biggest advantages isn’t on the field. He says Coach Jay Johnson brings one of the best offensive minds in the game into the dugout every night, and he could be a difference in the postseason.

Cut 19 (19) _“…in-game adjustments.”    ___________________________________________

05.11.22
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4:45 LRN Sportscast May 11

They’re still surveying for damages after the LSU baseball team had an explosion on offense, beating Southeastern Louisiana 17-3 in seven innings last night; a score that looked like it belonged on the board in Death Valley instead of at The Box. Tre Morgan drove in five runs for the Tigers, including two in a nine run fourth inning that effectively put the game out of reach. Sam Dutton pitched three innings and allowed just one run to earn his first win of the season. LSU will host Ole Miss this weekend in their final SEC home series and Southeastern moves on for a critical three-game set with Nicholls as the Lions and Colonels are separated by just one game in the Southland standings.

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The latest projections from D1 baseball-dot-com have the Tigers hosting a regional as an 11 seed, joined by McNeese State. D1 places Louisiana Tech as a three seed in the Fayetteville Regional with Arkansas and UL as a three seed as well, with the Ragin Cajuns heading to College Station.

On the diamond tonight, UNO is at South Alabama.

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Details of Tyrann Mathieu’s contract with the Saint are out…The first two years of his three-year deal are fully guaranteed. The Honey Badger’s deal guarantees him 18.5 million and has a cash value of 28.3 million dollars according to the Times-Picayune.

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At the Southland Conference Softball Tournament, top-seeded McNeese scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to rally past Northwestern State, 6-5. Tied at four entering the final inning, the Lady Demons pushed across the go-ahead run on Bailie Ragsdale’s RBI single. However in the bottom of the eighth, NSU committed a pair of errors to put McNeese runners in scoring position. Singles by Kendall Talley and Crislyne Moreno brought in the winning runs. McNeese will face the winner of this afternoon’s game between Houston Baptist and Southeastern while the Lady Demons will take on either Texas A&M Corpus Christi or Nicholls State on Thursday in an elimination game.

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LSU softball will have to wait to find out where it will play in the NCAA tournament after the Tigers were eliminated in the opening round of the SEC tournament. LSU fell to 11th-seeded Mississippi State 7-4 in extra innings. The Tigers were down 4-2 in the bottom of the seventh but tied things up after doubles by Danieca Coffey and Ciara Briggs. In the ninth, LSU couldn’t keep up the momentum as they surrendered three quick runs. Coach Beth Torina has never won the SEC tournament and her teams have been knocked out in the first round six times in 10 seasons.

05.11.22
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12:30 LRN Newscast May 11

A bill that attempts to deter juvenile crime and foster more parental involvement is closer to final legislative passage. Senate Bill 370 passed unanimously in the Senate and is awaiting a House vote after it advanced from the House Criminal Justice Committee. Chalmette Representative Ray Garafalo says the bill is a way to decrease the recent growth of juvenile crime.

Cut 4 (11) “…trying to do.”

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The House Committee investigating the death of Ronald Greene voted to hold former State Police leader Colonel Kevin Reeves in contempt for refusing to turn over journals while he was superintendent. Reeves’ attorney, Lewis Unglesby, says a lot of the information contained in the journals does not have anything to do with the Greene case and investigation. But Kenner Representative Debbie Villio says it’s best they can get all of the journals without redaction

Cut 7 (11) “…should be produced”

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Over the past 15 years, Louisiana’s oyster industry has taken some major hits. Changes in the concentration of salt in oyster beds have caused larger and larger percentages of the annual crop to never make it to table. UL-Lafayette is working to change that through a $14-million research partnership to develop more resilient oysters. Dr. Beth Stauffer says the goal isn’t to create a new kind of oyster, it’s to ensure the health of an industry that provides thousands of jobs and has an annual value of nearly $70 million.

Cut 12 (08) “…100 years.”

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05.11.22
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast May 11

They’re still surveying for damages after the LSU baseball team had an explosion on offense, beating Southeastern Louisiana 17-3 in seven innings last night; a score that looked like it belonged on the board in Death Valley instead of at The Box. Tre Morgan drove in five runs for the Tigers, including two in a nine-run fourth inning that effectively put the game out of reach. Sam Dutton pitched three innings and allowed just one run to earn his first win of the season. LSU will host Ole Miss this weekend in their final SEC home series and Southeastern moves on for a critical three-game set with Nicholls as the Lions and Colonels are separated by just one game in the Southland standings.

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Former Tiger Kramer Robertson made his big league debut last night for the St. Louis Cardinals. With his mom Kim Mulkey, former coach Paul Manieri, and LSU great Ben McDonald all watching, Kramer didn’t see much action but did enter the game in the ninth a pinch-runner.

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LSU softball is in action in the opening round of the SEC tournament. The sixth-seeded Tigers are facing number 11 Mississippi State. LSU takes on the Bulldogs for the fourth straight game, having taken 2 of 3 from State last weekend.

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Southern fell hard to Lamar, taking a 10-1 road loss Tuesday and ending the Jags’ three-game win streak. They host first place Prairie View this weekend, trailing the Panthers by three games in the standings with six left to play.

The Ragin Cajuns have won nine of their last 10 after cooking Rice, 7-3 in Houston. Connor Kimple, Carson Roccaforte, and Heath Hood drove in two runs each for U-L. They take on the Owls again tonight before starting a weekend road series against 15th-ranked Texas State.

UNO is one of four teams tied for second in the Southland…the Privateers travel to South Alabama tonight before they visit Northwestern State, also in second place, for a big series for both teams.

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In the Southland softball tourney, Northwestern State edged out a 4-3 win over Incarnate Word. Today the Demons square off with top seeded-McNeese. Two-seed Southeastern beat Nicholls 10-2, so they’ll face Texas A&M-Corpus Christi this afternoon, while Nicholls hopes to stave off elimination against Houston Baptist at 4 pm.

UL is the top seed in the Sun Belt as they take on Coastal Carolina this morning. CC eliminated eighth-seeded UL-Monroe, 5-0 on Tuesday.

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05.10.22
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4:45 LRN Sportscast May 10

17th-ranked LSU hosts Southeastern Louisiana tonight at The Box as the Tigers try to work their way closer to hosting an NCAA Regional.  Sitting at 32-15 overall, LSU has won eight of its last 11 and has the reigning Co-SEC Player of the Week in Dylan Crews. Southeastern enters the games 22-25, but is tied with McNeese for first place in the Southland Conference standings at 12-9. The Lions also have wins over Louisiana Tech, Arkansas, and Ole Miss this season. First pitch is set for 6:30.

In other midweek action, Southern is on the road at Lamar, Tulane welcomes South Alabama, and U-L travels to Houston to face Rice.

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Former LSU baseball star and son of current Tigers women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey, Kramer Robertson is headed to “The Show.” Robertson was called up from Triple-A Memphis to the St. Louis Cardinals earlier today. Robertson will get an opportunity as backup shortstop for the Cards. He hit .225 with three home runs for Memphis this season.

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The Southland Conference Softball Tournament is underway in Hammond. Fourth-seeded Northwestern State led 4-0 over Incarnate Word after five innings, but gave up three runs in the sixth and had to hold on for the narrow 4-3 victory. Kat Marshall went 2-for-3, including a three-run home run, for the Demons, who will take on top-seeded McNeese Wednesday at 11 am.

Number 2 Southeastern and seventh-seeded Nicholls close day one’s action.

In Conference-USA, Louisiana Tech’s Josh Taylor was named Coach of the Year and Sierra Sacco earned Freshman of the Year for the Bulldogs, who will start play in the conference tournament Thursday as the league’s top seed.

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After leading Loyola to its first national championship in any sport in over 75 years, men’s basketball coach Stacy Hollowell is stepping down. The Loyola athletic department announced on Tuesday that Hollowell has accepted a position as assistant athletic director for men’s basketball at the University of Mississippi. In eight seasons he led the Wolfpack to a 166-78 record, including 37-1 this past season as they claimed the NAIA title and leaves the program second in all-time victories.

05.10.22
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12:30 LRN Newscast May 10

Today marks the three-year anniversary of Ronald Greene’s death. Still no charges against the State Troopers who were seen on body camera video beating Greene before he died. Kevin Gallagher has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The Louisiana House backs a proposal that will phase out a temporary sales tax that’s set to expire in 2025. Democrats are concerned the legislation will result in budget cuts. Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins believes the Legislature should wait until next year’s fiscal session to discuss this temporary sales tax.

Cut 4 (09) “…be cut”

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Gas prices are up, and with temperatures on the rise, utility bills will be soaring throughout the summer months. To help provide some relief, CLECO is spreading the word about its Cleco Alternative Rate for Electricity discount program for eligible low-income families. Here’s spokesperson Fran Phoenix…

Cut 6 (11) “…assistance program.”

If eligible, the discount is applied to the customer’s bills for July, August, and September. To find out if you qualify visit lhc-dot-la-dot-gov.

05.10.22
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11:40 LRN Sportscast May 10

The 17th-ranked LSU baseball team is back home tonight to host Southeastern Louisiana. The Tigers are coming off a series victory over Alabama as Dylan Crews had seven hits and drove in seven runs and was named co-SEC Player of the Week. The Lions are coming off a sweep of Houston Baptist. Fifth-year senior Preston Faulkner drove in 10 runs and was named Southland Conference Hitter of the Week.

The Ragin Cajuns will spend the week in Texas. They begin a two-game series tonight in Houston against Rice and then they head to San Marcos to face Texas State. U-L Lafayette has won eight of its last nine.

In the SWAC, Southern is at Lamar and Grambling visits Stephen F Austin.

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The Southland Conference Softball Tournament gets underway today in Hammond. Southeastern Louisiana is the second seed and hosts Nicholls at 5 PM. At noon, fourth-seeded Northwestern State faces 5th seeded UIW.

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The slow leak of the NFL schedule continues as the league announced the Rams will play the Broncos on Christmas Day as part of a tripleheader. The full schedule will be released Thursday.

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Four hoopers with Louisiana ties will get the opportunity to see if they’re ready for the next level. Darius Days and Shareef O’Neal of LSU, Louisiana Tech’s Kenny Lofton Jr., and New Orleans native Brison Gresham from Texas Southern have been invited to attend the NBA G League Elite Camp being held next week in Chicago. They are among 44 players invited. Select players from the camp will earn invitations to the NBA draft combine camp as well.

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Which is more powerful? The NCAA or NIL? That’s the question as the NCAA says it has a new plan that will directly target boosters amid concerns that NIL has become pay-for-play. It’s difficult to tell just how much sway the NCAA has since it took a very small role in establishing the initial NIL guidelines after losing its antitrust case last year that essentially ended its definition of “amateurism.” States have been left to put their own policies in place and then adapt those to compete with other states. NCAA rules prohibit boosters from giving athletes payment as an inducement.

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05.09.22
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LRN AM Newscall May 10

The state Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments over pre-2019 non-unanimous jury verdicts, and whether retrials for all those convicted are required. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Today marks the three-year anniversary of Ronald Greene’s death. Still no charges against the State Troopers who were seen on body camera video beating Greene before he died. Kevin Gallagher has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The bird flu is migrating across the country, but so far Louisiana has a clean bill of health. David Grubb has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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The state Supreme Court will hear arguments today about whether those who were convicted by non-unanimous jury verdict deserve a new trial. In 2018, voters passed a Constitutional Amendment ending conviction with as many as two jurors voting no. In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that convictions must be unanimous, but did not call for new trials. Loyola University Law professor Dane Ciolino explains what the High court was thinking…:

Cut 4 (13)  “…from decades ago.”

The federal court’s action basically left it up to Louisiana to decide whether all those non-unanimous conviction must be retried. Ciolino says the state Supreme Court will take up the case of Reginald Reddick; convicted in 1997 – by a 10-2 jury – of a murder in Plaquemines Parish and sente4nced to life with no parole. Ciolino says what the court decides will set a huge precedent…:

Cut 5 (08) “…requiring unanimity.”

State Attorney General Jeff Landry wants the court to rule against Riddick’s right to retrial; concerned it will open a flood gate of suits seeking the same and jam up state courts. Ciolino says others feel non-unanimous verdicts were never fair or correct, and the state Supreme Court’s decision will be eagerly anticipated…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…criminal procedure.”

Ciolino says, if the court rules FOR retrials, the justice system will likely plea out most of the cases, and find a way to handle the caseload for those who want another “day in court.”

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The Governor’s Office has some ideas on how to best spend revenue surpluses revealed Monday by the state’s Revenue Estimating Conference. The REC found an additional $350-million for the current fiscal year, and another $100-million for the fiscal year that starts July 1st. Commissioner of Administration jay Dardenne says there are a lot of good uses for that extra money…:

Cut 7 (12) “…bridge in Baton Rouge…”

Dardenne says some of that money should also go toward a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles and completing I-49 south to New Orleans. The new revenue estimates roughly $11-billion in General Fund dollars to spend on priorities, and Dardenne says one of those should also be paying the state’s teachers more…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…a thousand dollars.”

Dardenne says he hopes lawmakers will give the administration’s proposal serious consideration before they finalize the state budget for the fiscal year that starts in July…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…dollars are available.”

He says the spending proposal represents “critical moves” in moving Louisiana forward.

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Today marks the three-year anniversary of Ronald Greene’s death. The 49-year-old Black man died following a lengthy high-speed chase that ended in Union Parish. Two years later body camera video was released, showing Troopers stunning and punching Greene as he apologized. Paramedic Cindy Ott recently described when she arrived on the scene

Cut 10 (09) “…his head”

At this time none of the troopers involved have been charged and Master Trooper Chris Hollingsworth has since died in a one-vehicle wreck. There’s a recording of Hollingsworth admitting he beat Greene with a flashlight.

Federal prosecutors have been looking into whether civil rights violations occurred and local district attorney John Belton says he plans to convene a grand jury once he receives the U-S Attorney’s Office investigative files. Belton told a legislative committee last month that he believes troopers involved committed criminal acts

Cut  11 (14)  “…of Louisiana”  

Belton says he’ll provide an update on the case to the Greene family at 1 PM today.

Meanwhile, State Police remains under the microscope for its handling of Greene’s death and whether they tried to cover up details of how he died. A high-ranking state trooper, Lt. Colonel Kenny VanBuren, has said he believes there is a cover-up. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says they are still trying to get to the bottom of it…

Cut 12 (13) “…questions” 

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The CDC reports that the recent outbreak of bird flu seen in wild birds in 34 states, including Texas and Alabama, has not been detected in Louisiana. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries State Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour…

Cut 13 (11) “…it in Louisiana.”

At this time L-D-W-F says there is no reason for anyone to change or limit their outdoor or bird-related activities. Dr. LaCour says there are some basic measures you can take when dealing with our fine, feathered friends…

Cut 14 (12)  “…waterers occasionally.”

There has only been one case nationally where a human was infected, a poultry industry worker experienced mild symptoms after being highly exposed on the job. The CDC says the risk of contracting avian flu is very low, and Dr. LaCour says that L-D-W-F will continue to monitor the situation statewide.

Cut 15 (08)  “…in that case.”

05.09.22
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The New Orleans Saints continue to look for players to improve the team’s offense after a miserable 2021 season. With Alvin Kamara facing a potential suspension for his alleged role in a Las Vegas fight during Pro Bowl weekend, New Orleans has reached out to free agent back Sony Michel. The 27-year-old was with the Rams last season, rushing for 845 yards, and has averaged nearly 800 yards per season since joining the league in 2018. The Saints have also had talks with former LSU and Cleveland Browns wideout Jarvis Landry. Landry has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL over the past eight seasons, with 688 catches for more than 75-hundred yards and 37 touchdowns.

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The USFL’s New Orleans Breakers are now 3-1 after a 23-16 victory over the Houston Gamblers. Tied at 16 with 16 seconds remaining, Kyle Sloter found Jonathan Adams for a 29-yard touchdown pass. Adams finished the day with six receptions for 101 yards and the game-winning TD. New Orleans held Houston to just 155 yards of total offense.

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LSU baseball has now won three straight SEC series after taking two of three at Alabama over the weekend. LSU is 14-10 in the SEC, tied for second in the West with Texas A&M. The Tigers host Southeastern tomorrow night before welcoming Ole Miss this weekend in their final home series of the regular season. Sophomore outfielder Dylan Crews was named SEC co-player of the week after batting .636, with one double, three home runs, seven RBI, and five runs scored against the Tide. He leads LSU with 16 homers and 52 RBI this season.

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Southeastern dominated Houston Baptist for three wins, while McNeese dropped two of three at home versus Northwestern State in the Southland Conference. Nicholls saw its losing streak grow to five games after being swept by Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The Ragin Cajuns won their seventh straight Sun Belt series, sweeping UT-Arlington this weekend. UL-Monroe was not as fortunate as they felt the broom from 15th-ranked Texas State. In the SWAC, Southern swept Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Grambling took two of three on the road at Prairie View.

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