LRN 4:45 Sportscast March 31

Could the Honey Badger be coming home? This offseason the Saints have lost both starting safeties and former. LSU star Tyrann Mathieu is still a free agent. Mathieu has been in Louisiana this week visiting his alma mater and has given hints on social media that he would be interested in joining his hometown team. Before heading to Baton Rouge, Mathieu played his high school ball at St. Augustine in New Orleans.

CJ McCollum scored a team-high 25 points in his first game back in Portland since joining the Pelicans as New Orleans defeated the Trail Blazers 117-107 last night. The Pels have now won five of their last seven games, and with only six games to play in the regular season, they lead the Los Angeles Lakers by 1.5 games and San Antonio by two games in the race for the 9th spot in the West. That would mean New Orleans would host a play-in tournament game at the Smoothie King Center. They meet up with the Lakers in the final game of their season series on Friday. Both LeBron James and Anthony Davis could be back for LA for that contest.

After dropping four of five, LSU baseball has won three straight in impressive fashion. The Tigers have outscored their opponents 42-10 during the streak. LSU plays game one of a three-game set with Auburn starting tonight at Alex Box Stadium. Both sets of Tigers enter the series 3-3 in the Southeastern Conference part of a four-way tie for second place in the conference standings behind 5-1 Arkansas. All eyes will be on the smoking-hot bat of Brayden Jobert. Over his last three games, he’s batting .500 with five home runs and 16 RBI. Game time is set for 6 pm.


The number of LSU men’s basketball players entering the transfer portal has risen to seven. Freshmen Bradley Ezewiro and Justice Williams are the latest two to explore their options following the termination of Will Wade. Ezewiro played in only seven games last season, with Williams seeing action in 20.

The apex of March Madness is upon us. The women’s Final Four starts tomorrow night in Minneapolis with the men tipping off Saturday in New Orleans. On tonight’s undercard, Xavier faces Texas A&M in the National Invitational Tournament Championship.

1:30 LRN Newscast March 31

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas dropped below $4.00 today but will prices continue to fall? Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Israel Williams of Alexandria is charged with 100 counts of first-degree rape and is being held on a $5.4 million bond at the Rapides Parish Detention Center. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says they hope he remains behind bars until trial.

Cut 5 (09) “…types of charges.”

A federal judge in Baton Rouge has ruled the state’s 2019 truth in labeling law as unconstitutional. The Louisiana Legislature passed the law in an effort to prevent food companies from labeling a veggie burger as a “tofu burger,” because it doesn’t contain meat or “cauliflower rice,” when it’s broccoli, not rice. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain disagrees with the ruling

Cut 6 (07) “…labels are accurate”

Strain says the state plans to appeal.

Following more than three years of work, and at a cost of more than $28-million, the US 11 Bridge, a major connector between Orleans and St. Tammany parishes, reopens to traffic Thursday afternoon. Department of Transportation and Development spokesperson Chris Welty…

Cut 13 (11) “…Lake Pontchartrain.”

Some items still remain to be completed, but Welty says everything will be done to make sure further closures aren’t needed.

11:40 LRN Sportscast March 31

CJ McCollum scored a team-high 25 points in his first game back in Portland since joining the Pelicans as New Orleans defeated the Trail Blazers 117-107. The Pels have now won five of their last seven games, and with only six games to play in the regular season, they lead the Los Angeles Lakers by 1.5 games and San Antonio by two games in the race for the 9th spot in the West. That would mean New Orleans would host a play-in tournament game at the Smoothie King Center. They meet up with the Lakers in the final game of their season series on Friday.

In a surprising move, Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians has decided to step down from his position and step into the Tampa front office. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles has been named as his successor, with a press conference scheduled for today.

Former LSU standout, and graduate of DBU, Patrick Peterson announced that he will be re-signing with the Minnesota Vikings. Notable Tigers still looking for a home include wideout Jarvis Landry and safety Tyrann Mathieu.

After dropping four of five, LSU baseball has won three straight in impressive fashion. The Tigers have outscored their opponents 42-10 during the streak, and junior outfielder Gavin Dugas says when you’re this hot, you’ve just gotta roll with it.

Cut 17 (13) “…can take ‘em.”

LSU plays game one of a three game set with Auburn starting tonight at Alex Box Stadium. Game time is set for 6 pm.


The number of LSU men’s basketball players entering the transfer portal has risen to seven. Freshmen Bradley Ezewiro and Justice Williams are the latest two to explore their options following the termination of Will Wade. Ezewiro played in only seven games last season, with Williams seeing action in 20.

McNeese State overcame a two-run deficit to defeat Southern 9-7 at Joe Miller Park in Lake Charles. Payton Harden went 2-of-4 with two runs and two RBI for McNeese, and Sean-Michael Brady pitched two innings for the win.

LRN AM Newscall March 31

For the first time since the Buddy Roemer years, the state legislature has overridden a governor’s veto. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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If you are 50 or older or even 12 and older but immunocompromised you are now eligible for a second COVID booster shot. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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There may not be much drama when it comes to this fall’s U-S Senate race based on some recent poll numbers. David Grubb has the details…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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The State legislature voted Wednesday to override Governor John Bel Edwards vetoes of Congressional district maps they passed in a special session last month. At an afternoon press conference, the governor says he is disappointed by the overrides, but not surprised. He says GOP majorities in both chambers chose to ignore simple math…:

Cut 4 (14)  “…easy to undersatand.”

About one-third of Louisiana voters are Black, so many – including Edwards – feel that one-third of the state’s six congressional districts should reflect that. The governor says there is “no function of the legislature more partisan and divisive” than redistricting…:

Cut 5 (10) “,…and what is fair.” 

The House passed their override by a 72-31 vote; the Senate’s passed 27-11. Slidell Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt says that second district wasn’t as simple as applying the simple math. She says federal law dictates that Black population needed to be contiguous and compact…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…as a minority district.”

Hewitt says lawmakers did the best that they could, but…:

Cut 7 (11) “…as minority districts.”

The override is the first one done since Buddy Roemer was governor. The congressional maps will be submitted for federal approval now. It’s very likely they will eventually be decided in federal court.

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The first case of the fungus which causes White-nose syndrome in bats has been detected in Louisiana. While it’s not contagious to humans or other animals Disease biologist Nikki Anderson with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the fungus can cause White-nose syndrome which has killed more than six-million bats nationwide.

Cut 8 (09)  “…disease negative.”

Oher southern states who’ve detected the fungus in bats, White-nose syndrome usually develops within three to five years. Anderson says when bats begin to show a white fuzz on their body that’s when the disease has set in.

Anderson says bats are vital to the ecosystem, they help pollinate areas that are deforested and save the US $3.7 billion annually in pest control.

Cut 9 (12)  “…Mayflies.”

Unfortunately, there’s no treatment for White-nose syndrome in bats so when they are spotted it’s better to know as early as possible to protect habitats.  Anderson describes what to look for to spot a diseased bat.

Cut 10 (09) “…call me.”

You can call LDWF at 1-800-256-2749.

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The FDA and CDC expand eligibility for a second COVID booster shot for older adults and those who are immunocompromised. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter a second booster should be given at least four months after the first booster for those 50 and older and to those ages 12 and older who are immunocompromised.

Cut  11 (12)  “…worked properly.”  

And while Kanter admits there presently is a lull in COVID cases in Louisiana, nationally cases have increased about 1.2-percent in the last week, and they are watching the new subvariant Omicron BA.2.

Cut 12 (12) “…does happen.”

Kanter says they are also paying attention to cases overseas that are on the uptick. Typically, what’s happening abroad is then reflected here in the US about three to four weeks later.

Kanter says it’s best for those who are eligible for a second booster shot, to do so sooner than later and stay ahead of surges. You can visit any existing vaccine provider for the second booster.

Cut 13 (07) “…this booster.”

For more information call 1-855-453-0774.

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The race for U-S Senate still has time to heat up, but right now John Kennedy is a clear favorite to retain his seat. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvilllon says Kennedy may not even see a runoff.

Cut 14 (12)  “…settled in September.”

Baton Rouge Democrat Gary Chambers leads the opposition with 14 percent, with fellow Democrat Luke Mixon getting the endorsement of seven percent of likely voters.

Cut 15 (09)  “…than Mixon does.”

Even though 23 percent of those polled are still undecided, Couvillon says Kennedy has everything he needs to coast into re-election.

Cut 16 (07)  “…midterm year.”

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After dropping four of five, the LSU baseball has won three straight in impressive fashion. The Tigers have outscored their opponents 42-10 during the streak, and junior outfielder Gavin Dugas says when you’re this hot, you’ve just gotta roll with it.

Cut 17 (13) “ …can take ’em.” 

LSU opens a three-game series with Auburn tonight. Auburn comes in 17-8 and is also 3-3 in conference play, same as the Bayou Bengals. Dugas says every SEC team is a challenge and the Tigers are no different.

Cut 18 (12) “ …ready to go.” 

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4:45 LRN Sportscast March 30

After 13 NFL seasons, including seven with the New Orleans Saints, safety Malcolm Jenkins has announced his retirement. Jenkins was the last remaining player from the 2009 Super Bowl champions. You can expect to see his number 27 in the Saints Ring of Honor sooner rather than later.

One player who isn’t going anywhere is wide receiver Michael Thomas, though he has missed 26 of the Saints’ last 33 games with injury. Head coach Dennis Allen says he visited the All-Pro in California where he continues to rehab.

Cut 18 (20) “…just personally.”

And…Former LSU defensive lineman and Evangel football coach Byron Dawson has been named head coach of the Centenary College Gents. Centenary will add football in the fall of 2024 after 50 years without a team.

Conference USA has released its revised 2022 football schedule, after reaching separation agreements with Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss, who are leaving to join the Sun Belt conference. That means changes for Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs’ non-conference slate remains the same with the season-opener at Missouri, followed by games against Stephen F. Austin, Clemson, and South Alabama. The conference home schedule starts on Oct. 8 with UTEP and includes Rice, Middle Tennessee, and UAB. On the road, Tech faces North Texas, Florida International, UTSA, and Charlotte.

The New Orleans Pelicans are on the road tonight, visiting the Portland Trail Blazers and looking for their third win in their last four games. Outside of the Pels postseason push, the big story tonight is the return of CJ McCollum to the Rose City. McCollum was traded to New Orleans after spending nine-plus seasons with the Blazers. He says walking into the Moda Center as a visitor felt…different.
Cut 21 (11) “…that was unique.”

Portland visits the Smoothie King Center next Thursday.

1:30 LRN Newscast March 30

Senator Bill Cassidy tells Politico he’s considering a run for governor in 2023. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana House has voted to override Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of a Republican-drawn Congressional map that has one majority Black District. 70 votes were needed in the 105 member House.  Speaker Clay Schexnayder reads the final vote…

Cut 12 (06) “…(applause).”

As a line of severe thunderstorms moves slowly through the state, National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Duplantis says Southeast Louisiana should stay on alert.

Cut 9 (11) “…later on today.”

Tornado warnings are already in effect for West Monroe and Sterlington until 1:45 pm.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has issued an open burning safety warning as four people have died this year from burn piles, three in the last week. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says that if you are in an area that permits open burns, be sure that it is at least 75 feet away from any structure including your neighbors. Also, set a five-foot wet control line around the burn area.

Cut 8 (11) “… five-foot line.”

Rodrigue says never use flammable liquids to ignite the burn, have a water source handy and never leave it unattended.

11:40 Sportscast March 30

After 13 NFL seasons, including seven with the New Orleans Saints, safety Malcolm Jenkins has announced his retirement. Jenkins was the last remaining player from the 2009 Super Bowl champions. He appeared in 199 games in his career, with three Pro Bowl selections, and won a second Super Bowl ring with the Eagles in 2018. He also collected numerous awards for community service efforts and co-founded the Players Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving social justice and racial equality. He’ll definitely find his number 27 in the Saints Ring of Honor.

Saints coach Dennis Allen spoke with the media at the NFL owners’ meetings. Allen was asked about his handling of the Jameis Winston situation, with the team flirting with Deshaun Watson before reaching an agreement with Winston to be the team’s unchallenged starter.

Cut 16 (19) “…to improve on.”

The roster reshaping of the LSU men’s basketball team continues. Matt McMahon will be joined by one of his former Murray State Racers, guard Justice Hill. Hill averaged 13 points and five assists per game and was named first team All-Ohio Valley Conference last season. Guard Adam Miller and center Jerrell Colbert both announced that they were entering the NCAA transfer portal. LSU currently has eight scholarship players on the roster and no commitments prior to the spring signing period.

In college baseball action, LSU won its third straight game, thumping UL-Monroe 15-4. Braden Jobert went deep twice for the Tigers and drove in seven RBI. UL came back from three-down early to hand Southeastern its eighth straight loss, 6-4. Louisiana Tech fell 7-4 to Dallas Baptist, and UNO scored a season-high 14 runs in its win over rival Tulane.

Tonight, Southern visits McNeese…but UL’s matchup with UNO has been postponed due to weather concerns.


The New Orleans Pelicans start a pivotal four-game road trip tonight at Portland. The Pels are a full game up on both San Antonio and Los Angeles for ninth in the West.

LRN AM Newscall March 30

After Hurricane Ida, many tenants were evicted in a matter of days. House Bill 160 would give lessees at 30 days before they’d be forced to leave. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Marijuana has been a burning topic during the session, and Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel takes the discussion to the state’s roadways. David Grubb has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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The state legislature starts a Veto Override session today, to resolve congressional district maps rejected last month by Governor Edwards. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Another round of severe weather is set to hit the state today. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says northeast Louisiana, much of central Louisiana, the Northshore, and the Baton Rouge area are at the greatest risk for severe weather…

Cut 4 (11)  “…state of Louisiana.”

Wetherbee says Lafayette, Natchitoches and Ruston are under an enhanced risk for severe weather and there’s a slight risk for the Shreveport area…

Cut 5 (09) “,…mid-afternoon on” 

A deadly tornado ripped through St. Bernard Parish in southeast Louisiana last week. Wetherbee says a tornado threat south of I-10 exits for this weather system too…

Cut 6 (12)  “..pay attention too.”

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After Hurricane Ida, many tenants were evicted in a matter of days and given few options. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry’s bill will give lessees at least a month, after a Federally declared disaster, before property owners can file legal proceedings.  Ben Toups says he was sent a barrage of emails telling him to leave his Houma apartment.

Cut 7 (11) “…your space.”

Toups says he was given just seven days to leave the apartment, and his options were limited due to widespread damages and the limited supply of rentals was out of his price range. He says it was one of the worst experiences of his life.

Cut 8 (12)  “…consequences.”

Houma Representative Tanner Magee says some landlords sent eviction notices to tenants before their property was even inspected making the housing situation even worse. Toups says he was one of those residents who was involuntarily displaced that shouldn’t have been.

Cut 9 (07)  “…the law.”

The bill received full passage in House Civil Law and Procedure and heads to the House.

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Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel has introduced legislation that would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in motor vehicles, both for drivers and passengers. Schlegel says the bill is not intended to target anyone, but to ensure safety on the road.

Cut 10 (08) “…in a car.”

House Bill 234, if passed, would make smoking or vaping marijuana in a moving vehicle a nonmoving violation punishable by a 100-dollar fine. The bill does not provide guidelines for enforcement, but Schlegel says it does send a message.

Cut  11 (11)  “…in a car.”  

Captain Robert Burns of the Louisiana State Police said enforcement is the biggest problem with the bill, particularly if it relies on officers and troopers to make a visual determination of what is being smoked.

Cut 12 (10) “…in the vehicle.”

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State lawmakers put their regular session on hold for a few days to convene today’s Veto Override effort. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed congressional maps passed by both the House and the Senate last month. He said they failed to create a second majority-minority congressional voting district. Political analyst & Capitol-watcher Bernie Pinsonat says he’s not sensing much “buzz” among lawmakers about it…:

Cut 13 (12) “…this is life and death.”

Last year lawmakers held a failed override session, to overturn Governor’s Edwards vetoes of a transgender athletes ban and a bill to end concealed carry permits. Pinsonat says the prospect of this override session lacks the enthusiasm of last year…:

Cut 14 (15)  “..almost like a sleeper.”

Overriding the governor’s veto will require 70 of 105 votes in the House and 26 of 39 votes in the Senate. Pinsonat says whether they’ll be able to muster those votes is anyone’s guess…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…the governor’s veto.”

The Veto Override session starts today and should end by Sunday. If lawmakers overturn the vetoes, the maps they passed will be submitted to the feds, but will likely need to be decided in court.

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New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen spoke with the media while attending the NFL owner’s meetings in Palm Beach, Florida. Allen was asked about his handling of the Jameis Winston situation, with the team flirting with Deshaun Watson before reaching an agreement with Winston to be the team’s unchallenged starter at quarterback.

Cut 16 (19)  “…to improve on.”

Last season’s other quarterback, Taysom Hill, will concentrate on playing tight end this year says Allen. He believes that keeping Hill’s playmaking ability and nose for the end zone on the field catching passes is more valuable to the team than having him on the sidelines as a backup signal-caller.

Cut 17 (13) “ …on the sideline.” 

Allen also discussed another major piece of the offense, revealing that he visited All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas in California while he continues to rehab from surgery. Thomas has missed 26 of 33 games over the last two seasons.

Cut 18 (20) “ …just personally.” 

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4:45 LRN Sportscast March 29

Talvin Hester was introduced as Louisiana Tech’s new head men’s basketball coach today. Prior to joining the staff at Texas Tech, where he helped the Red Raiders reach the Sweet 16 of this year’s NCAA tournament, Hester spent three seasons as an assistant in Ruston under Eric Konkol. Now, he will be calling the shots for the Dunkin’ Dogs. Hester says the Bulldogs will play tough, and they will play fast.

Cut 21 (20) “…do that.”

The LSU men’s basketball team loses one player and gains another. Forward Shareef O’Neal has decided to enter the transfer portal. O’Neal played in 14 games for the Tigers. Coming in…former Northwestern State center Kendal Coleman, who becomes the first transfer signee for new coach Matt McMahon. The 6-8 junior averaged 15.4 point6s and 10.1 boards in 30 games and was one of only 15 players in the country to average a double-double last season.

The New Orleans Saints secured their starter in Jameis Winston last week and Tuesday they found their backup. The Saints have reached agreement on a reported one-year $3 million deal with 11-year veteran Andy Dalton. Dalton spent last season with the Chicago Bears, going 3-3 as a starter. General manager Mickey Loomis spoke about the deal while attending the NFL owners’ meetings in Palm Beach, Florida.

Cut 22 (12) “…games with him.”

The NFL announced that it has approved a tweaking to its overtime format next season. But, it only applies to the playoffs. The Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles proposed a mandatory possession for both teams in all games, regular season and playoffs, but competition committee chairman Rich McKay said there was not enough support among owners to pass the rule unless it was amended to the postseason only. It passed by a vote of 29-3.

Three games on the college baseball diamond tonight as the UL Ragin’ Cajuns visit Southeastern to take on the Lions. Tulane and UNO square off in a matchup of crosstown rivals, and UL-Monroe heads to The Box to battle 13th-ranked LSU.

1:30 LRN Newscast March 29

The Louisiana House approves a bill that gives an adoptee access to their birth certificate once they reach the age of 24. The bill faces opposition from anti-abortion groups and the bill’s author, Rosepine Representative Charles Owen, was questioned if other states who have similar access have seen an increase in their abortion rate. He says he’s seen just the opposite in states similar to Louisiana.

Cut 4 (10) “…in place.”

Owens says in Alabama they’ve had a similar law for 22 years.

There’s another threat of severe weather tomorrow from a cold front that will sweep across Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says everyone should be weather aware tomorrow.

Cut 6 (10) “…approaches.”

The Storm Prediction Center puts Monroe, Alexandria, the Delta Parishes, Baton Rouge, and Hammond under a four out of five risk for severe weather. That means there’s the potential for tornadoes and damaging straight-line winds.

The House has postponed a vote on a bill proposed by Breaux Bridge Republican Representative Mike Huval that would create a new set of fines for holding a phone while driving, even if the driver is not texting. Huval faced some strong questions from Amite representative Robby Carter, who opposes the bill.

Cut 9 (13) “…to the judge.”

Huval proposed a similar bill last year. The House passed it, but the Senate rejected it, concerned that it could hurt minorities. Huval has decided to edit the bill and present it to the House again later.

The U-S Food and Drug Administration has authorized another COVID-19 booster for those 50 and older, in order to offer extra protection for those most vulnerable to the virus, should there be another surge. The fourth dose would be open to those at least four months after their previous booster. The CDC is monitoring an omicron variant that has already created a jump in infections in Europe and is starting to show up here at home. Roughly two-thirds of Americans are fully vaccinated, but just half of those eligible for a booster have gotten one.