12:30 LRN Newscast March 31

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has filed some nutty legislation for the upcoming session. Because Louisiana harvests an average of 17.7 million pounds of pecans annually and ranks top five among pecan-producing states he wants it to be honored as the state nut.

Cut 4 (11)  “…that designation” 

 

And another favorite delicacy in the Bayou State is crawfish. This weekend expect to pay an average of $2.64 a pound for live mudbugs or about four dollars for boiled. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says even though there’s been a consistent drop in prices weekly that’s about to change as we approach Easter.

Cut 7 (10)  “…quarter a pound.” 

The LSU women’s basketball team will appear in its 6th Final Four tonight and its first since 2008 when it faces Virginia Tech in Dallas. The Lady Tigers are seeking their first National championship. Senior Alexis Morris says the team that’s the toughest mentally will advance to Sunday’s championship game…

Cut 17 (13) “…these moments.” 

Tip-off tonight is at 6 o’clock.

And it was a memorable baseball game at the Box last night with 13-thousand fans witnessing the Tigers pull off a five-to-two victory over ninth-ranked Tennessee. Game two of the series is also at 6 tonight.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

A memorable game at Alex Box Stadium last night as a record 13-thousand fans saw the Tigers pull out a five to two victory over ninth ranked Tennessee. Paul Skenes and Garrett Edwards were great on the mound, Gavin Dugas hit a two-run home run and Jordan Thompson cleared the bases with a three-run double to give LSU the lead for good. Coach Jay Johnson says Thompson has that clutch gene…
cut 19 (11) “…as anybody”
Game two of the series is tonight at 6 PM.

The Ragin Cajuns who are tied for first place in the Sun Belt with a five and one league record will begin a three-game series tonight against Appalachian State. The Mountaineers are four and two in league play. ULM looks for its first Sun Belt win of the season tonight as they host Marshall. Louisiana Tech takes on Dallas Baptist for three starting tonight in Ruston.

The LSU women’s basketball team will appear in its 6th Final Four tonight and its first since 2008 when it faces Virginia Tech in Dallas. The Lady Tigers are searching for their first National championship. Second-year head coach Kim Mulkey won three national titles at Baylor and led the Lady Bears to the Final Four four times. This is Virginia Tech’s first appearance in the Final Four, but Mulkey says the Hokies have been playing together longer…
Cut 18 (18) “…course of the game.”
Tip-off is at 6 PM.

The Pelicans moved into a tie for seventh place in the Western Conference with a 107 to 88 win at Denver last night. Brandon Ingram had a triple double as he led the way with 31 points. New Orleans has won six of its last seven and the Pels host the Clippers on Saturday.

11:30 LRN Newscast March 31

A 19-year-old student at Southwood High School is facing charges after a school resource officer allegedly found a fully loaded gun in his backpack. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator says Officer Calvin Williams confronted Caleb Morris after he allegedly threatened to kill a coach at the school…

Cut 12 (08)  “…being shot.”
Morris faces several charges including terrorizing and possession of a weapon in a gun free zone.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has filed legislation some nutty legislation he wants – the pecan to be the official state nut. In a quest to identify the state nut Harris realized there wasn’t one and a constituent requested he propose one.

Cut 3 (12) “…state nut”

The legislative session begins on April 10th.

Congressman Steve Scalise’s comprehensive energy bill that would bolster oil and gas production in the United States received approval from the U-S House. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

If you’re looking for the best price for crawfish this weekend, according to the Crawfish App you can expect to pay $2.64 a pound or $70 to $80 a sack for live mudbugs and $4.83 a pound for boiled crawfish. Prices are down an average of 15-cents this weekend.

10:30 LRN Newscast

During his first seven years in office, Governor John Bel Edwards did not provide a strong opinion on the death penalty. But in an interview on KNOE-TV in Monroe, Edwards said his Catholic beliefs and pro-life stance are reasons why he opposes capital punishment…
cut 8 (10) “….death penalty”
There is a bill filed for the upcoming regular session to end the death penalty in Louisiana.

Senator John Kennedy says in an effort to combat crime in New Orleans police officers in that city should have the ability to stop and frisk potential crime suspects. Kennedy says it’s an effective and legal crime fighting tool…
Cut 14 (12) “…Supreme Court.”
But WWL-TV in New Orleans reports the NOPD already conducts these stops, they call them “Terry Stops”

The actions of a Southwood High school resource officer prevented a possible school shooting in Caddo Parish. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

According to new U-S Census Bureau data, Louisiana has four parishes ranked in the top ten for largest declines in population among counties in the United States. Saint John’s population declined five percent from 2021 to 2022, Terrebonne lost four-percent of its population, while Plaquemines and St. Charles lost three percent. Hurricane Ida could be a factor.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The controversial legislation to end capital punishment received public approval from Governor John Bel Edwards. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The LSU Tigers women’s basketball team will play in its 6th final four and first since 2008 today against Virginia Tech in Dallas. The Tigers will be in a search of their first National Championship with second-season Coach Kim Mulkey. In order to reach the National Championship, LSU will need to go through Virginia Tech who is the No. 1 seed from the Seattle 3 region.

Good news for energy consumers. The U-S House approved Majority Leader and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise’s ‘Lower Energy Costs Act’. The bill restores the country’s energy independence and lower energy costs for families. Scalise says the legislation will reverse what he calls the Biden Administration’s anti-energy policies.

Cut 5 (12) “…from China”

The GOP Energy Bill passed on a 225-204 vote

A 19-year-old student in Caddo Parish was arrested for threatening to kill a coach yesterday. Sheriff Steve Prator says a Southwood High School coach told Caleb Morris to stop vaping, Morris responded with a death threat and left the gym. A school resource officer stopped Morris as he walked back toward the school.

Cut 11 (04)  “…in his backpack.”

Prator says once the investigation is complete, the District Attorney’s office will take over.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards has publicly come out against the death penalty – after remaining neutral on the controversial issue during his tenure. Edwards told KNOE TV in Monroe he is concerned about executing an innocent person.
Cut 7 (07) “…actual executions.”
There is a bill filed by Marrero Representative Kyle Green that would end the death penalty in Louisiana. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross doesn’t expect the governor’s support of the legislation will lead to legislative passage…..
cut 9 (06) “….both chambers”
The state has carried out only one execution since 2010.

A record crowd of 13-thousand fans at Alex Box Stadium saw top ranked LSU beat ninth ranked Tennessee five to two last night. The same two teams tonight at 6 PM.

A 19-year-old student at Southwood High School is facing charges after a school resource officer allegedly found a fully loaded gun in his backpack. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator says Officer Calvin Williams confronted Caleb Morris after he allegedly threatened to kill a coach at the school…
cut 12 (08) “…being shot”
Morris faces several charges including terrorizing and possession of a weapon in a gun free zone.

Benjamin Riggs is the new executive director of Real Reform Louisiana, which pushes for pro consumer insurance related legislation at the state capitol. There’s a bill that will be heard in the next few weeks that would prohibit the use of gender when factoring auto insurance rates. Riggs supports the proposal…
cut 21 (12) “…gender’
According to Zebra-dot-com, Louisiana is one of 25 states where women on average pay a higher annual car insurance premium than men.

7:30 LRN Newscast

On a 225-204 vote the U-S House approved House Majority Leader and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise’s Lower Energy Costs Act which he says will increase oil and gas production in the United States, instead of begging other countries to produce more oil…
cut 6 (10) “….in America”
But Democrats oppose the legislation, they call it the polluters over people act. The legislation is not expected to pass the Democratic controlled Senate.

Senator John Kennedy spent 30 minutes this week on the Senate floor discussing New Orleans crime problem and calling on the N-O-P-D to institute a stop and frisk policy. He says many other police departments use it…
cut 15 (09) “…will help”
Opponents to stop and frisk say it leads to racial profiling.

Governor Edwards is voicing his opposition to the death penalty over concerns of executing a person that may actually be innocent and because of his Catholic beliefs. There is a bill in the upcoming legislative session to end the death penalty, but ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says with a new governor coming in next year, conservative lawmakers would rather pass this issue on to the next governor…
cut 10 (07) “….new governor”

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator says a school resource officer at Southwood High School arrested a 19-year-old student after a fully loaded gun was found in his backpack…
cut 13 (09) “…follow-up investigation”
Prator says the officer searched the student’s backpack after he threatened to kill a coach who told him to stop vaping in the school.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The top ten matchup between LSU and Tennessee lived up to the hype last night as the Fighting Tigers pulled out a five to two victory over the Volunteers in front of a record 13-thousand fans at Alex Box. Jordan Thompson’s three-run double with two outs in the eighth inning snapped a two-two tie. Garrett Edwards was the winning pitcher, getting the final five outs and Paul Skenes struck out 12 in seven innings.

Louisiana Tech welcomes Conference USA newbie Dallas Baptist to J-C Love Field tonight for the start of a weekend series against the Patriots. D-B-U is 4-2 in league play, while the Bulldogs are 3-3, even though they rank last in the conference in hitting and third to last in pitching. Coach Lane Burroughs says his experienced team is figuring out how to win
Cut 19 (12) “…3-and-3.”

The LSU Tigers make their first appearance in the Final Four tonight since 2008 when they take on Virginia Tech in a national semifinal game. LSU is led by the SEC single-season double-double record holder and All-American Angel Reese…
Cut 16 (18) “…all year.”

6:30 LRN Newscast

The U-S House has approved Majority Leader and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise’s energy bill. Scalise says the Lower Energy Costs Act will increase American oil and gas production and lower energy costs for families…
Cut 4 (06) “…household electricity.”
The GOP Energy Bill passed on a 225-204 vote. The bill is not expected to pass the Democratic-controlled Senate. The White House prefers legislation that supports green energy initiatives.

A Caddo Parish school resource officer is credited with thwarting a school shooting after a 19-year-old threatened to kill a coach. Sheriff Steve Prator says when Southwood High student Caleb Morris was told to stop vaping Thursday morning, he responded with a death threat as he left the gym. A school resource officer was called and stopped Morris as he walked back toward the school.
Cut 11 (04) “…in his backpack.”
Morris faces several charges including Terrorizing and Possession of a Weapon in a Gun Free Zone charges.

Senator John Kennedy says in an effort to combat crime in New Orleans police officers in that city should have the ability to stop and frisk potential crime suspects. It’s a policy not allowed in New Orleans, but Kennedy says it’s an effective and legal crime fighting tool…
Cut 14 (12) “…Supreme Court.”
During a speech on the Senate floor, Kennedy said there were 280 murders in New Orleans last year, the highest murder rate in the country and twice the murder rate of Atlanta.

LRN AM Newscall March 31

Congressman Steve Scalise’s comprehensive energy bill that would bolster oil and gas production in the United States received approval from the U-S House. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_______________________________________________

Legislation that would put an end to the death penalty in Louisiana has garnered support from Governor John Bel Edwards. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The actions of a Southwood High school resource officer prevented a possible school shooting in Caddo Parish. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________________________

The U-S House has approved Majority Leader and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise’s energy bill. Scalise says the Lower Energy Costs Act will increase American oil and gas production and lower energy costs for families…

Cut 4 (06)  “…household electricity.”

Scalise says the legislation will also reform the permitting process to speed the construction of pipelines, it will streamline energy exports and imports, boost the mining of critical minerals and reverse what he calls the Biden Administration’s anti-energy policies…

Cut 5 (12) “…from China”

Scalise claims the President would rather import oil from hostile countries like Russia instead of taking steps to make America energy independent…

Cut 6 (10)  “…in America.”

The GOP Energy Bill passed on a 225-204 vote. The bill is not expected to pass the Democratic-controlled Senate. The White House prefers legislation that support green energy initiatives. The President and Democrats claim this bill would increase pollution.

_____________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards has publicly come out against the death penalty  – after remaining neutral on the controversial issue during his tenure. Under the proposed legislation, individuals would receive a life sentence without parole for offenses of first-degree murder, rape, and treason. Edwards told KNOE TV in Monroe he is concerned about executing an innocent person.

Cut 7 (07) “…actual executions.”

A shortage of lethal injection drugs has paused executions in the state for the past 13 years. Edwards support of the death penalty is based on morality and believes lawmakers should remain consistent in their views.

Cut 8 (10) “…death penalty.”

The current bill authored by Marrero Representative Kyle Green was proposed in 2020 and 2022 but failed on the House floor. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says there’s no sure way of knowing how far the bill will advance with the Governor’s approval.

Cut 9 (06)  “…both chambers.”

The state has carried out only one execution since 2010. Cross says with a new governor coming in next year Conservative lawmakers would rather pass this issue to the next governor.

Cut 10 (07)  “…new governor.”

Governor Edwards has been termed out of office. The upcoming legislative session begins in less than two weeks.

_______________________________________________

A Caddo Parish school resource officer is credited with thwarting a school shooting after a 19-year-old threatened to kill a coach. Sheriff Steve Prator says when Southwood High student Caleb Morris was told to stop vaping Thursday morning, he responded with a death threat as he left the gym. A school resource officer was called and stopped Morris as he walked back toward the school.

Cut 11 (04)  “…in his backpack.”

Morris faces Terrorizing, Aggravated Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon in a Gun Free Zone charges.

Prator says had deputy Calvin Williams not acted as he did as a school resource officer the outcome could have been much different.

Cut 12 (08)  “…being shot.”

Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage of the incident and Prator says they don’t know if Morris retrieved the gun and went back to the school or if he already had the gun on his person.

Cut 13 (09) “…folllow-up investigation.” 

Once the investigation is completed Prator says it will be turned over to the District Attorney’s office.

____________________________________________________

Senator John Kennedy says in an effort to combat crime in New Orleans police officers in that city should have the ability to stop and frisk potential crime suspects. It’s a policy not allowed in New Orleans, but Kennedy says cops all over America stop and frisk suspects and they’ve done it for the last 50 years…

Cut 14 (12)  “…Supreme Court.”

During a speech on the Senate floor, Kennedy said there were 280 murders in New Orleans last year, the highest murder rate in the country and twice the murder rate of Atlanta. Kennedy says NOPD officials have tried several other crime fighting techniques…

Cut 15 (12)  “…will help”

____________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers make their first appearance in the Final Four tonight since 2008 when they take on Virginia Tech in a national semifinal game. LSU is led by the SEC single-season double-double record holder and All-American Angel Reese…

Cut  16 (18)  “…all year.” 

Senior Alexis Morris says the team that’s more mentally tough will advance to Sunday’s national championship game…

Cut 17 (13) “…these moments.” 

LSU women’s basketball is making its sixth trip to the final four in program history. Second-year head coach Kim Mulkey won three national titles at Baylor and led the Lady Bears to the Final Four four times. This is Virginia Tech’s first appearance in the Final Four, but Mulkey says the Hokies have been playing together longer…

Cut 18 (18) “…course of the game.”

Tip-off is at 6 PM.

_______________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech welcomes Conference USA newbie Dallas Baptist J-C Love Field tonight for the start of a weekend series against the Patriots. Dallas Baptist is 4-2 in league play, while the Bulldogs are 3-3, even though they rank last in the conference in hitting and third to last in pitching. Coach Lane Burroughs says his experienced team is figuring out how to win games…

Cut 19 (12) “…3-and-3.”

The Bulldogs are coming off a dominating win over Sacramento State on Tuesday and they’ve won three of their last four. Burroughs believes Tech’s best baseball is ahead of them….

Cut 20 (07)  “…dugout”