11:40 LRN Sportscast April 12

Fresh off of LSU’s first SEC road sweep in nearly five years, head coach Jay Johnson had plenty of good things to say about his Tigers, starting with a pitching staff that seems to be coming together…

Cut 16 (20) “…a great job.”

LSU travels to Fayetteville to face Arkansas this weekend in a critical three-game series.

Former LSU men’s basketball guard Brandon Murray has found his landing spot. He will join former Tigers assistant coach Kevin Nickelberry in the nation’s capital at Georgetown next season. Murray averaged 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists last season.

The NBA Play-in tournament starts tonight with Brooklyn hosting Cleveland in the East, and the Clippers visiting the Timberwolves out West. The Pelicans host San Antonio tomorrow night.

A pair of LSU women’s basketball players were taken in Monday’s WNBA Draft. Guard Khayla Pointer was taken with the thirteenth pick by the Las Vegas Aces. Pointer’s aunt, and former coach at LSU, Nikki Fargas is the team’s president. Her teammate with the Tigers, Faustine Aifuwa, was also taken by the Aces in the third round. Kentucky’s Rhyne Howard was the first overall selection, chosen by the Atlanta Dream.

The woman many call the greatest player in LSU women’s basketball history will be honored as such…Monday afternoon the university announced that Seimone Augustus will become the first female athlete to have a statue placed outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. While at LSU, Augustus led the Tigers to three consecutive Final Four appearances and was a two-time National Player of the Year. She finished her career second all-time on the school’s scoring list with more than 2700 points and won 121 games. In 2010, Augustus became the first female athlete in school history to have her jersey retired. Augustus went on to win four WNBA championships and three Olympic gold medals before retiring from basketball last year.

LRN AM Newscall April 12

A nearly one billion dollar investment in clean fuel is being made in central Louisiana. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

____________________________________

Bills to allow you to conceal carry a handgun in Louisiana without a permit are scheduled to be heard in committees today, despite being vetoed last year. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________________

A new UNO survey shows Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval numbers have taken a nosedive. More from Kevin Gallagher….:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

____________________________________

Monday, Cleco announced the company will invest nearly one billion dollars to reduce carbon emissions at the largest of its nine electric generation units here in Louisiana. CEO Bill Fontenot says the work done at the Brame Energy Center in Lena will be an economic catalyst, creating 30 to 40 direct jobs and an average of 1100 construction-related positions over a three-year period.

Cut 4 (12)  “…economic development.”

Fontenot says Cleco has already secured $9-million in federal monies to help pay for the project and says there are multiple streams of revenue that will be tapped to keep it moving forward, meaning consumers won’t see rate changes.

Cut 5 (13) “…sequestering carbon.”

Governor John Bel Edwards touted the announcement as another milestone as Louisiana looks to develop and attract more clean energy options. Fontenot says Cleco’s commitment to reducing emissions isn’t new, and this project could actually accelerate its own timelines.

Cut 6 (12)  “…by 2050.”

_______________________________________

Two bills to allow you to conceal carry a gun without a permit in Louisiana will be heard in legislative committees today. Last year Governor Edwards vetoed the legislation citing public safety concerns because the bill did not call for gun training. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says he’s not giving up on constitutional carry in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11) “…amendment rights.”

McCormick’s bill, House Bill 37, says anyone who is 18 or older and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under any federal or state law, can carry a concealed firearm. McCormick says having to take a gun course and then pay the state a fee for a permit is unfair.

Cut 8 (11)  “…be a problem.”

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris’ legislation, Senate Bill 143, requires an online hour course on gun safety, McCormick’s legislation removes the requirement that a person must possess a permit issued by the state.  McCormick says he trusts citizens of the state and their right to bear arms.

Cut 9 (10)  “…those rights.”

McCormick’s bill will be heard in House Criminal Justice and Morris’ bill in Senate Judiciary C Tuesday.

_______________________________________

A new University of New Orleans research poll shows falling approval numbers for Governor John Bel Edwards. UNO political science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak says fewer than 40-percent of persons surveyed said they approve of the job Governor Edwards is doing…:

Cut 10 (12) “…the death of Ronald Greene.”

The governor’s approval is split along racial lines; with 55-percent of blacks ranking him favorably, compared to 31-percent of whites. Chervenak says there is also a divide on Edwards based on age…:

Cut  11 (13)  “…towards the governor.”  

A similar poll conducted in 2020 showed Edwards with 56-percent approval. Chervenak says it’s not uncommon for a governor to see approval numbers wane as the years wear on, however…:

Cut 12 (13) “…magnitude of the drop.”

Chervenak says the governor’s job approval was higher among women than men; with 42-percent of women rating him favorably, to only 34-percent of men surveyed. Nearly a third of all surveyed answered “don’t know” to the approval question.

_______________________________________

A one-vehicle accident in Central involving 11 children results in the driver, Laticia Brothers, who is also the mother of all the children, facing cruelty charges. Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran says when officers arrived on the scene after 10 PM Sunday night along Sullivan Road, they noticed an SUV had flipped several times.

Cut 13 (09) “…by AirMed.”

The remaining children were taken to a local hospital treated and released. The children range in ages from 4 to 16.

Corcoran says because no one was wearing a seatbelt, 34-year-old Brothers of Baton Rouge faces 11 charges of cruelty to a juvenile, 11 counts of child not restrained, driving under suspension, and without insurance.  He says it’s a miracle no one was killed.

Cut 14 (11)  “…back of the vehicle.”

Brothers was issued a summons for her arrest because she went to the hospital after the accident. Corcoran says everyone has been released from the hospital and the injuries were minor considering the severity of the crash. He says when children are in your car it’s your responsibility to keep them as safe as possible.

Cut 15 (05)  “…can happen.”

The Advocate reports that in 2015 the state removed Brother’s nine children from her home after they were found with little food and no beds.

___________________________________________

Fresh off of LSU’s first SEC road sweep in nearly five years, head coach Jay Johnson had plenty of good things to say about his Tigers, starting with a pitching staff that seems to be coming together…

Cut 16 (20)  “…a great job.”

One of LSU’s biggest hurdles this season has been its defense. But the Tigers have been better with the glove as of late, something Johnson has taken notice of as well.

Cut 17 (12) “ …really, really well.” 

Johnson had lots of praise for outfielder Josh Pearson, who was named conference Co-Freshman of the Week after batting nearly .500 with two home runs and a double over four wins. He says the breakthrough week wasn’t a big surprise.

Cut 18 (17) “ …I came here.” 

The Tigers face Lamar on Tuesday night before traveling to Fayetteville for a three-game set with first-place Arkansas beginning on Thursday.

__________________________________________________________

4:45 LRN Sportscast April 11

LSU football is halfway through its spring practices, and the question remains…who will get the start under center when the Tigers host Florida State on September 4? Jayden Daniels and Myles Brennan are battling for the top spot. Daniels says he expects to be Q-B-1 this fall, but if he isn’t he’ll do whatever he can to help LSU win games.

Cut 19 (19) “…national championship.”

The baseball Tigers have moved up in the rankings after completing a weekend sweep of defending NCAA champion Mississippi State. The USA Today Coaches Poll has LSU at 12, with both DI Baseball and Perfect Game slotting the Tigers at 15th.

For his efforts over the weekend, LSU outfielder Josh Pearson was named SEC Co-Freshman of the Week on Monday. Pearson was five-for-11 in the series, with a pair of home runs, six RBI, and two runs scored.

Also earning honors is UL Cajuns pitcher Cooper Rawls. The righty was named to Collegiate Baseball’s National Players of the Week list after going 2-0 in two appearances last week. Rawls posted a zero-point-nine-three earned run average and struck out 14 over nine and two-thirds innings.

UL took three in a row from Arkansas State, with La Tech doing the same against Rice, and UNO swept McNeese this weekend. Tulane won two of three over South Florida, as did Southeastern against Incarnate Word.

In the big leagues former LSU great and current Houston Astros infielder Alex Bregman earned his second career American League Player of the Week Award after batting .429, with two home runs, six RBI, four runs scored, and an .857 slugging percentage.

LSU guard Khayla Pointer should be among those who have their names called at tonight’s WNBA draft. Pointer would be the first LSU player taken since 2018.

And the New Orleans Pelicans are listed as five-point favorites over the San Antonio Spurs ahead of their matchup in the NBA Play-in tournament on Wednesday at the Smoothie King Center. The Pels have to win two games to advance to the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 11

Though the New Orleans Pelicans lost their final two games of the regular season, they did enough to secure the ninth seed in the Western Conference standings, meaning the Pels will play host to the San Antonio Spurs in a Play-in tournament game on Wednesday night. That possibility seemed unimaginable when the Pelicans were 1-12. Coach Willie Green recognized everyone in the organization that stayed the course when things were at their worst.

Cut 21 (20) “…in that position.”

Game time is set for 8:30 pm in the Smoothie King Center. If the Pelicans win, they will face the loser of Tuesday’s game between the Clippers and Timberwolves. Another win would put the Pelicans in the playoffs for the first time since the 2017-18 season.

The LSU football team is halfway through spring practice and head coach Brian Kelly is still a long way from announcing a starting quarterback. Kelly says the four scholarship quarterbacks on the roster can play at LSU, but only one can start.

Cut 17 (20) “…skill set is.”

Meanwhile, on the diamond, the Tigers completed their first three-game road sweep in almost five years after beating Mississippi State 13-3 in Starkville on Sunday.  Trailing 1-0 after one inning, LSU turned up the offense to dominate the Dogs. Josh Pearson had two of the team’s three home runs and drove in five to pace the Tigers, who have won five out of six. LSU improves to 23-9 overall and 7-5 in the SEC, putting them in second place in the West, one game behind Arkansas.

LRN 4:45 Sportscast April 6

After getting off to a 1-12 start, it was easy to write off the New Orleans Pelicans. However, since then the Pels have gone 33-32. Last night, New Orleans secured a spot in the NBA’s Play-In tournament with a 123-109 win over the Sacramento Kings, giving them an opportunity to reach the postseason for the first time since the 2017-18 season. After the victory, head coach Willie Green talked about the steady progress the Pels have made this year.

Cut 21 (18) “…extended season.”

The Pelicans have three games remaining in the regular season…next up, the Portland Trail Blazers at home Thursday night, before visiting Memphis and hosting Golden State. New Orleans is one game up on San Antonio in the standings.

At LSU’s Pro Day, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. showed why he is considered to be one of the top prospects heading into this month’s NFL Draft, even after playing in just 10 games over the last two seasons. Stingley ran an unofficial 4.37 40-yard dash and had a vertical jump of 38.5 inches. Both numbers would have ranked among the top five at the NFL combine. Stingley also impressed scouts in individual drills, likely cementing a place in the top 10 of the draft.

LSU men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon continues to fill out his staff with the hirings of Cody Toppert, Casey Long, and Ronnie Hamilton as top assistants, and Tim Kaine as chief of staff. Both Long and Kaine served under McMahon at Murray State. Hamilton, known as a top recruiter comes from Ole Miss, and Toppert was previously at Memphis.

The Masters, golf’s first major tournament of the year tees off tomorrow, and betting money is following Tiger Woods as he prepares to make his return to the PGA Tour after missing more than a year due to a near-fatal car crash. Woods has 40-1 odds to win his sixth green jacket. Justin Thomas is the favorite at 12-1.

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 6

It’s official! The New Orleans Pelicans have secured a spot in the NBA’s Play-in Tournament after beating the Sacramento Kings 123-109 last night. Jaxson Hayes had a career night with 23 points and 12 rebounds to lead seven Pels in double figures. Here’s Coach Willie Green after the win…

Cut 21 (20) “…go from there.”

With three games remaining in the regular season, New Orleans is one game up on San Antonio for ninth in the West. If the two teams tie, the Spurs own the tiebreaker, so the Pels need to win at least two of those three to secure a home game. And with the Lakers being eliminated from contention, New Orleans will receive their 2022 lottery pick, currently slated at number eight overall.

After starting the season 1-13, the Pelicans have gone 34-21.

LSU conducts its annual Pro Day for NFL scouts today, and unlike in years past, this year’s workouts don’t have a lot of first-round names participating. There is still one blue-chip prospect looking to impress, says draft analyst Mike Detillier…cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.

Cut 16 (19) “…the Lisfranc injury.”

The baseball Tigers routed Grambling 16-3 last night in seven innings. Grambling jumped out early with two runs in the top of the first, but LSU responded with two in the bottom half of the inning, four in the second, and nine runs in the fourth to blow the game open. Five players drove in at least two runs for LSU.

Louisiana Tech claimed its 20th victory of the season by beating UL-Lafayette, 7-3 at JC Love Field. Southern’s game against UNO was postponed due to weather concerns.

12:30 LRN Newscast April 6

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would prohibit the release of an arrestee’s mug shot before they are convicted. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says the release of a mug shot before a conviction can cause irreversible harm to a person, especially if the criminal charges are dropped…

Cut 5  (07) “…personal life”

The measure passed on a 75-21 vote and heads to the Senate for more discussion.

After the Department of Veterans Affairs recommended the closure of the Alexandria VA Medical Center in Pineville last month, Congresswoman Julia Letlow reached out to VA Secretary Denis McDonough. Letlow says she’s encouraged by the open dialogue she’s established with Secretary McDonough about the VA facility in the 5th Congressional District.

Cut 7 (06) “…heroes.”

Letlow says she will continue to meet with McDonough in an effort to keep the Pineville facility open.

Nicholls State will be the first college campus in Louisiana to have a pet-friendly residence hall in the fall, Brooke Thorington has more on how the school will allow Fido and Fluffy to bunk with select students.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast April 5

The New Orleans Pelicans will take their second shot at securing a spot in the NBA’s Play-in tournament when they visit the Sacramento Kings to close out a four-game road trip. The Pels opened with wins over Portland and the Lakers before falling to the Clippers on Sunday. New Orleans is 1-2 against Sacramento this season and remains in ninth place in the West with four games left to play.

Zion Williamson will not play, but his stepfather, Lee Anderson is ready to talk. Appearing on “The Jordy Culotta Show,” Anderson said he believes Williamson could play this season, which seems unlikely considering just how little time there is left in the regular season for games or practice.  Anderson also said Zion has been frustrated with losing but his relationship with the Pelicans’ front office is solid. He had great praise for Coach Willie Green, calling his hiring a “walk-off home run.”

In Saints news, the team welcomed safety Tyrann Mathieu into the facility today, though no agreement appears on the near horizon to sign the nine-year veteran. New Orleans is looking to replace both starting safeties from last season with the losses of Marcus Williams and Malcolm Jenkins. Mathieu has been a playmaker throughout his career, with 26 interceptions, 10 sacks, and 41 tackles for loss. And backup quarterback Blake Bortles has asked for his release, which he should get.

After dropping two of three to Auburn this past weekend, LSU baseball will try to get back on track tonight when they host Grambling. The Tigers are 10-0 all-time against GSU. In other games around the state, UNO will visit Southern, while UL heads to Ruston to take on Louisiana Tech. Southeastern is on the road at South Alabama.

Kansas held off North Carolina, 72-69 to claim its fourth men’s basketball national championship last night, and the second for Coach Bill Self. The Jayhawks trailed by 15 points at the half but opened the second with a 31-9 run to take the lead. Kansas All-American Ochai Agbaji was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player after scoring 33 points over two games. David McCormack led the Jayhawks with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Before last night, North Carolina had never lost a Final Four game in New Orleans, and Kansas had been 0-2 in championship games played in the Crescent City. The only other time the teams met for the championship was in 1957. Carolina, led by Lennie Rosenbluth beat Wilt Chamberlain and the Jayhawks, 54-53 in overtime.

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 5

Kansas held off North Carolina, 72-69 to claim its fourth men’s basketball national championship last night, and the second for coach Bill Self. The Jayhawks trailed by 15 points at the half, but opened the second with a 31-9 run to take the lead. Kansas All-American Ochai Agbaji was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player after scoring 33 points over two games. David McCormack led the Jayhawks with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Before last night, North Carolina had never lost a Final Four game in New Orleans, and Kansas had been 0-2 in championship games played in the Crescent City.

The New Orleans Pelicans will take their second shot at securing a spot in the NBA’s Play-in tournament when they visit the Sacramento Kings to close out a four-game road trip. The Pels opened with wins over Portland and the Lakers before falling to the Clippers on Sunday. New Orleans is 1-2 against Sacramento this season and remains in ninth place in the West with four games left to play.

On the diamond, UNO visits Southern, UL is at Louisiana Tech, Southeastern takes on South Alabama, and LSU hosts Grambling.

The New Orleans Saints have shaken up the NFL Draft by making a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles that gives the Saints two picks in the first round and four in the top 100 selections. Locked on Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says whether this is the first or the last move the team makes, it’s a good deal for the Black and Gold.

Cut 15 (16) “…this year’s draft.”

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees was in New Orleans Monday to help bring awareness to pediatric cancer. The future Hall of Famer also gave his thoughts on Jameis Winston, Dennis Allen, and expectations for the Saints in year 2 A.D., After Drew.

Cut 18 (19) “…built this culture.”

LRN AM Newscall April 5

A Lake Charles lawmaker says the only thing in the way of a new Calcasieu River Bridge is a few hundred million dollars. David Grubb has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

____________________________________

Vice President Kamala Harris and federal agencies launch a big grant program; aimed at making schools and school buses cleaner and safer for kids. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_____________________________________

A bill to allow your pet’s remains to be buried alongside you will be heard in House Commerce today. Brooke Thorington has more on this unique piece of legislation.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________

As millions of dollars are being allocated for infrastructure projects throughout the state, Lake Charles Representative Eric Tarver wants to make sure the Calcasieu River Bridge project isn’t forgotten. Tuesday at the Capitol, House Transportation will consider HB 761, which would set aside state money for the project over the next six years.

Cut 4 (11)  “…for the bridge.”

Tarver says the total price tag for construction of the bridge will likely exceed $1 billion but notes that the state has already allocated hundreds of millions to begin work.

Cut 5 (11) “,..a down payment.” 

The Calcasieu River Bridge is one of four major projects, including the new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge, seeking funding. Tarver says that unlike some of the others, the research has been done, plans are in place, and it’s nearly ready to get started.

Cut 6 (12)  “…of preparation.”

_______________________________________

The White House, Vice President Kamala Harris, the federal Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency launch a $500-million grant program aimed at making schools and school busses cleaner for kids and the environment. EPA Administrator Michael Regan (REE-gun) says the money comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed last year…:

Cut 7 (08) “…improve air quality.”

The grant money will be available to update old, worn-out school heating and A/C systems so that students breathe cleaner air while in class. Studies have shown the poor air quality in classrooms affects student concentration, performance and attendance. Regan says applying for the grants will be up to the individual school districts…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…for these grants.”

The grants would help schools become more energy-efficient, improve air quality, and access resources to make that happen. Another big part of the Biden-Harris Action Plan for Building Better School Infrastructure is money to invest in alternate fuels school busses. Regan says other studies have linked breathing in diesel fumes while riding in busses as a legitimate health threat…:

Cut 9 (05)  “…later this spring.”

________________________________________

A bill to allow for your pet’s remains to be buried with you will be heard in House Commerce Tuesday. Minden Representative Wayne McMahen, who is a retired veterinarian says the nexus of his bill is to make it not illegal to bury a pet in a human cemetery.

Cut 10 (10) “…buried yourself.”

Present law defines a cemetery as a place for the burial of human remains.

After serving as a veterinarian for 40 years, McMahen says pets are considered one of the family now and many individuals find comfort having like have their four-legged best friend rest beside them.

Cut  11 (11)  “…or afterwards.”  

For example, the cemetery could possibly add an urn of the pet’s remains added to the plot.

Of all of the bills McMahen has presented for legislation he says he’s received the most feedback on HB 833  and it’s been overwhelmingly positive. He says even a stranger approached him at the capitol about the legislation.

Cut 12 (06) “…way overdue.”

The bill would also allow for pet remains to be buried prior, during, or after the commitment of human remains and they must be placed in a grave, vault, crypt, or niche.

___________________________________

Tragic news out of Caddo Parish after the death of a two-year-old. Bia Roland with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office says they received a call just before ten Monday morning that a toddler was found in the Black Bayou Lake, just behind a neighbor’s home on Gator Hole Freeway in Hosston.

Cut 13 (11) “…they arrived”

Roland says Youth Services detectives and crime scene investigators are all working together to determine exactly what happened.

Cut 14 (09)  “…for there.”

______________________________________________

The New Orleans Saints have shaken up the NFL Draft by making a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles that gives the Saints two picks in the first round and four in the top 100 selections. Locked on Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says whether this is the first or the last move the team makes, it’s a good deal for the Black and Gold.

Cut 15 (16)  “…this year’s draft.”

Do the Saints have a specific player or players that they’re targeting with the picks? Jackson says it’s too early to say for sure, but some names have been circulating.

Cut 16 (15)  “…or second round.”

______________________________________________

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees was in New Orleans Monday to help bring awareness to pediatric cancer. While he spoke with the media, Brees was asked if he missed Sundays in the Superdome.

Cut 17 (19) “ …juices flowing still.” 

The future Hall of Famer also gave his thoughts on Jameis Winston, Dennis Allen, and expectations for the Saints in year 2 A.D., After Drew.

Cut 18 (19) “ …built this culture.” 

________________________________________________