12:30 LRN Newscast March 21

The House Transportation Committee has approved legislation once again to ban hand-held cell phones while driving. Last year the House passed Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s ban, but it failed to get out of the Senate by just a single vote. CEO of Stop-distractions-dot-org, Jennifer Smith says 24 states plus Washington D-C have a hands-free law…

Cut 4 (12) “…driving crashes.”

You’ll want to make sure you’re able to receive weather alerts as a major system will move into Louisiana later tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says much of the state is already under a flash flood watch with this system that could drop several inches of rain in a short time, so be prepared for a bumpy ride over the next day.

Cut 11 (09) “…heavy rainfall.”

The MJ Foster Promise Program is now online…providing $10.5 million annually for financial support for students to earn credentials that can help them gain employment in high-demand jobs in Louisiana’s growing industry sectors. Ebony Holmes, Director of Public Information for the Office of Student Financial Assistance, says the program provides multiple avenues for training.

Cut 12 (11) “…for that.”

Promise funds can be used over a period of three years to cover tuition and fees at all public two-year postsecondary institutions in Louisiana as well as those licensed by the state Board of Regents. The program officially launches on July 1, but applications are being accepted now.

11:30 LRN Newscast March 21

You’ll want to make sure you’re able to receive weather alerts as a major system will move into Louisiana later tonight and State Climatologist Barry Keim says it has the potential to bring tornados, high winds, hail, and even heavy rainfall.

Cut 9 (12) “…weather aware.”

Much of the state is already under a flash flood watch with this system that could drop several inches of rain in a short time.

The House Transportation Committee approves legislation once again to ban held-held cell phones while driving. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says his legislation is intended to promote safe driving behavior and not for the police to issue a bunch of tickets…

Cut 3 (11) “…pay for it.”

Fifty students from the Southern University Law Center are in DC watching the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, who could be the first Black woman to join the nation’s highest court. Third-year law-student Quiana-Joy (Key-ana) Ochiagha (Oh-chi-aga) sees the potential confirmation as a starting point for greater inclusion moving forward.

Cut  11 (12)  “…my new profession.”  

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center opens a new Bariatric Institute on its Baton Rouge campus. Doctor Philip Schauer says the state-of-the-art facility is important to Louisiana as about 40-percent of its residents are obese costing the state 13-billion dollars annually in direct medical expenses and lost workdays…

Cut 14 (11)  “…effective obesity treatment.”

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast March 21

After a narrow escape of Jackson State in the first round, the LSU women’s basketball team can advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2014 by beating Ohio State tonight in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes are 24-and-6 and as Coach Kim Mulkey points out, O-S-U won a share of the Big 10 regular-season conference championship….

Cut 16 (16) “…so quick.”

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm at the P-MAC.

The search for LSU’s next men’s coach may be heating up with multiple reports indicating that Murray State’s Matt McMahon could be atop Scott Woodward’s list to replace Will Wade. Murray State was eliminated in the second round by tournament darling Saint Peter’s on Saturday and finished the season with a 31-3 record. Over seven seasons, McMahon has a career record of 154-67 and has led Murray State to four Ohio Valley Conference regular-season championships in the past five seasons.

LSU baseball didn’t get off to the best start in SEC play, dropping its first two games to Texas A&M before stealing a 7-6 win on Sunday to avoid a sweep. Discipline at the plate and in the field were big issues, but Coach Jay Johnson liked how his team battled back in the finale…

Cut 20 (17) “…that stuff.”

The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in ninth in the Western Conference standings after picking up a 117-112 road win over the Atlanta Hawks. Jonas Valanciunas led six Pels in double figures with 26 points and 12 rebounds. CJ McCollum added 25 points and eight assists. New Orleans holds the tie-breaker over the Los Angeles Lakers with 11 games remaining in the regular season. Their three-game road trip ends tonight in Charlotte against the Hornets. Charlotte has won four in a row and six of its last eight ball games.

The Pelicans also announced that Zion Williamson will not play this season, and instead will focus on being fully ready for the start of the 2022-23 campaign.

10:30 LRN Newscast Mar 21

House Transportation is considering legislation to ban the handheld use of a cellphone when driving. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval is bringing the bill again this year after it failed final passage by a very slim margin last year…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…we’ve addressed it.”

Vice President Kamala Harris is in Sunset today touting the importance of broadband access for rural areas. Congressman Troy Carter is accompanying Harris on her trip and says on the flight he used the time to also discuss Louisiana needs like resources to help small businesses and restaurants recover from the pandemic and natural disasters…

Cut 9 (08)  “…previous storms.”

The new Metamor institute at the LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center to treat obesity and diabetes is now open. Director Dr. Philip Schauer says the institute provides counseling, surgery, and medication…

Cut 13 (10) “…that is obesity.”
The institute will also conduct studies and research for a better understanding of obesity and provide better treatments.

50 students from Southern University Law Center are in DC for the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. Student Christopher Jordan is honored to be able to lend his support in any way that he can, even if it is from a distance.

Cut 12 (11) “…enough for me.”

New Orleans lifts its COVID-19 vaccine-or-test mandate for entrance into bars, restaurants, gyms and other public spaces

9:30 LRN Newscast March 21

At the Capitol today, the House Transportation Committee meets at 9:30 to consider a bill to ban using a handheld cell phone while driving. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

 

Louisiana could experience a substantial severe weather event tomorrow to include tornadoes, damaging winds, heavy rainfall and possible hail. You’ll want to remain weather alert.

Vice President Kamala Harris is on her way to Sunset, Louisiana to highlight the allocation of federal dollars to expand rural broadband access. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter who also worked on legislation to expand broadband access in the state, says now as a Congressman, says he’s very excited about how the infrastructure bill will impact even more individuals.

Cut 8 (12)  “…state of Louisiana.”

Harris is announcing $30 million grant in Acadiana for broadband.

Fifty students from the Southern University Law Center are in DC to watch the Senate Confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. Jackson would be the first Black woman to join the nation’s highest court, and third-year law-student Quiana-Joy (Key-ana) Ochiagha (Oh-chi-aga) is ready to witness history.

Cut 10 (12) “…Jackson.”

 

8:30 LRN Newscast March 21

The Southern University Law Center has 50 of its best and brightest in the nation’s capital to witness history. David Grubb has more…
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

A worker at Cat’s Meow Karaoke Bar on Bourbon Street was fatally shot early Sunday morning. New Orleans Police say the victim was hit by a stray bullet. Authorities have arrested the suspected shooter, 24-year-old Daphney Jackson and he’s been charged with manslaughter.

Vice President Kamala Harris is expected in the Bayou State today to highlight the allocation of federal dollars to expand rural broadband access. Harris will be in Sunset announcing a $30-million grant for high-speed internet in Acadiana. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says limited access to broadband discourages business investors…
Cut 7 (11) “…a necessity.”
Governor Edwards is expected to be in Sunset today for the Vice President’s press conference.

Edwards was at the ribbon-cutting for the new Bariatric Institute that’s opened on the Pennington Biomedical Research Center campus in Baton Rouge. Doctor Philip Schauer says they are already treating over six-thousand patients from the Baton Rouge area for obesity…
cut 15 (12) “…obesity treatment”

7:30 LRN Newscast March 21

Confirmation hearings begin today for President Biden’s Supreme Court Justice nominee Kentanji Brown Jackson and 50 students from the Southern University Law Center are in Washington D-C to witness history. Black women make up less than two percent of federal judges in U-S history and Southern third-year law student Quiana Joy Ochiagha (Key-ana Oh-chi-aga) sees Jackson’s potential confirmation as a starting point for greater inclusion going forward…
cut 11 (12) “….my new profession”

At the State Capitol in Baton Rouge, the House Transportation Committee will consider legislation that would prohibit the use of a handheld cell phone while driving. The bill’s sponsor, Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says the legislation is designed to encourage drivers to use Bluetooth technology…
cut 5 (05) “….a lot easier and safer
The House Transportation Committee meets at 9:30.

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to be in south Louisiana later today to discuss federal dollars that will be used to expand broadband internet in rural areas. Harris will hold a press conference in the St. Landry Parish town of Sunset. Congressman Troy Carter will be there and also plans to talk to the V-P about providing more resources to help small businesses recover from the pandemic and natural disasters…
cut 9 (08) “…previous storms”
Details of Vice President Harris’ trip have yet to be released.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has opened a new Bariatric Institute on its Baton Rouge campus. Doctor Philip Schauer says the new state-of-the-art facility is important to Louisiana as about 40-percent of its residents are obese costing the state 13-billion dollars annually in direct medical expenses and lost workdays…
cut 14 (11) “…even cancer”

6:45 LRN Sportscast March 21

The LSU baseball team rallied back from a 6-2 deficit in the 5th inning to beat Texas A-and-M seven to six yesterday to salvage the final game of the first SEC series of the year. After Ma’Khail Hilliard gave up five runs in four innings, the Tigers got great work from their bullpen and Dylan Crews drove in the game-winning run in the eighth inning. Coach Jay Johnson on his first SEC win…
cut 19 (19) “…better today”

In other action, Louisiana Tech took two of three from UTSA, the Ragin Cajuns were swept by Troy and ULM went 1-1-and-1 against Coastal Carolina as yesterday’s game finished in a 17-17 tie.

The third-seeded LSU women’s basketball team seeks a spot in the Sweet 16 tonight when they face Ohio State in the PMAC. Coach Kim Mulkey says defending the three is a key for tonight…
cut 18 (18) “….March madness”
The tip-off is at 7 PM.

43-year-old Matt McMahon has reportedly emerged as the front runner to be the next men’s basketball head coach at LSU. McMahon has been the head coach at Murray State for seven seasons and he’s led the Racers to the NCAA Tournament three times.

The Pelicans defeated Atlanta 117 to 112 last night to move into a ninth place tie with the Lakers in the Western Conference standings. New Orleans is at Charlotte tonight.

Former LSU golfer Sam Burns won the Valspar Championship in Florida and is now ranked as the tenth best golfer in the world.

6:30 LRN Newscast March 21

Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting Sunset today, promoting the $30-million grant for high-speed internet in Acadiana. Brooke Thorington hare more
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana could experience a substantial severe weather event tomorrow that would include tornadoes, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall. Hammond, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and areas east of Alexandria are under a moderate risk for severe weather.

Louisiana lawmakers will once again consider a bill to enact a ban on using a handheld cellphone while behind the wheel. Breaux Bridge Republican Representative Mike Huval is the sponsor and says it would apply to making HANDHELD calls only…:
Cut 4 (12) “…the car system.”
Huval’s measure will be heard by the House Transportation Committee today.

The new Metamor institute at the LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center that will treat obesity and diabetes is now open. Director of Metamor Dr. Philip Schauer says the institute provides counseling, surgery, and medication…
Cut 13 (10) “…that is obesity.”
The institute will also conduct studies and research to further the understanding of obesity and provide better treatments.

LRN AM Newscall March 21

At the Capitol today, the House Transportation Committee will consider a bill to ban using a handheld cell phone while driving. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

____________________________________

Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting Sunset today, promoting the $30-million grant for high-speed internet in Acadiana. Brooke Thorington hare more

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________________

The Southern University Law Center has 50 of its best and brightest in the nation’s capital to witness history. David Grubb has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

____________________________________

A House committee, will once again this year, consider a bill to enact a complete ban on using a handheld cellphone while behind the wheel. Breaux Bridge Republican Representative Mike Huval is the sponsor, and says it would apply to making HANDHELD calls only…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…the car system.”

Huval’s bill expands on the existing ban on using a handheld cellphone in a school zone to include ANY public highway. Fines would bet set at $100 maximum for a first offense; $300 for a second. Offenders could opt for community service. Further offenses could mean license suspension. Huval says all that can be avoided by just learning to use Bluetooth technology…:

Cut 5 (05) “…a lot easier and safer.”

Huval is bringing the bill again this year after it failed final passage by a very slim margin last year…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…we’ve addressed it.”

Huval’s bill is before the state House Transportation Committee today.

_______________________________________

Vice President Kamala Harris is expected in the Bayou State today to highlight the allocation of federal dollars to expand rural broadband access. Harris will be in Sunset announcing a $30-million grant for high-speed internet in Acadiana. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says limited access to broadband discourages business investors…

Cut 7 (11) “…a necessity.”

Carter who also served the state legislature worked on legislation to expand broadband access in the state, and now as a Congressman, says he’s very excited about how the infrastructure bill will impact even more individuals.

Cut 8 (12)  “…state of Louisiana.”

Carter will accompany VP Harris on her flight to south Louisiana today. Carter says he’ll use the time to discuss resources to help small businesses and restaurants recover from the pandemic and natural disasters…

Cut 9 (08)  “…previous storms.”

____________________________________________

Fifty students from the Southern University Law Center made the trip to Washington DC to watch the start of Senate Confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. Jackson would be the first Black woman to join the nation’s highest court, and third-year law-student Quiana-Joy (Key-ana) Ochiagha (Oh-chi-aga) is ready to witness history.

Cut 10 (12) “…Justice Brown Jackson.”

Ochiagha, who will graduate this May, believes a needed perspective has been missing from the justice system for too long, with Black women making up less than two percent of federal judges in U-S history. She sees Jackson’s potential confirmation as a starting point for greater inclusion moving forward.

Cut  11 (12)  “…my new profession.”  

The students made the trip knowing they might not have the opportunity to meet Judge Jackson, but Christopher Jordan is honored to be able to lend his support in any way that he can, even if it is from a distance.

Cut 12 (11) “…enough for me.”

____________________________________________

The new Metamor institute at the LSU Pennington Biomedical which seeks to treat obesity and diabetes is now open. Director of Metamor Dr. Philip Schauer says the institute provides counseling, surgery, and medication to help solve one of the nation’s biggest health crises…

Cut 13 (10) “…that is obesity.”

The institute will also conduct studies and research on the Pennington campus in order to further the understanding of obesity and provide better treatments. 9% of the United States population are considered severely obese and Schauer says that if this were to go untreated it would result in further medical complications…

Cut 14 (11)  “…effective obesity treatment.”

While patients usually get into the center through referrals from physicians they can also get there directly. Schauer says one of the major challenges is insurance coverage…

Cut 15 (12)  “…with the win.”

More information about the types and services can be found at metamorinstitute.org

______________________________________________

The LSU women’s basketball team can earn its first trip to the Sweet 16 with a win tonight versus Ohio State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes are 24-and-6 and as Coach Kim Mulkey points out, O-S-U won a share of the Big 10 regular season conference championship….

Cut 16 (16)  “…so quick.”

Jacy Sheldon is Ohio State’s leading scorer. The five-foot-ten junior guard is averaging 20 points a game and had 25 points in Saturday’s win over Missouri State. LSU guard Ryann Payne on defending Sheldon…

Cut 17 (19) “ …three balls too.” 

Mulkey says defending the three is a key for tonight…

Cut 18 (18) “ ..March madness.” 

_______________________________________________

The LSU baseball team rallied back from a 6-2 deficit in the 5th inning to beat Texas A-and-M seven to six yesterday to salvage the final game of the first SEC series of the year. After Ma’Khail Hilliard gave up five runs in four innings, the Tigers got great work from their bullpen and Dylan Crews drove in the game-winning run in the eighth inning. Coach Jay Johnson on his first SEC win…

Cut 19 (19)_“…better today” 

LSU dropped the first two games of the series. They lost the SEC opener six to four and were defeated 11 to 7 on Saturday in a game which the Tigers struck out 15 times. LSU also committed two errors in each of the three games. But Johnson liked how his team battled back Sunday…

Cut 20 (17) “ ..that stuff.”