10:30 LRN Newscast March 11

So, what happens next now that Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the U.S. House district map passed by the Legislature. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Option One for lawmakers, drawing up a new map – is unlikely, because the matter is about voter numbers AND where they reside…:

Cut 5 (14) “…as an alternative.”

Option two is to override the veto.

Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue files legislation to set up the legal framework for offshore wind farms, and he says we already have a skilled workforce, offshore wind energy development makes just makes sense for Louisiana.

Cut 8 (10)  “…to do that.”

A new survey by Triple-A says since we’ve reached the tipping point with gas prices, and motorists are prepared to make some changes. Triple -A spokesman Don Redman says the trend of carpooling will return and if that isn’t an option, there are ways to get the most for your gallon.

Cut  11 (12)  “…fuel efficiency.”  

And while prices are up at the pump the temps will take a significant dip after rain moves through Louisiana. State climatologist Barry Keim says highs today will be in the low 60s in northern parishes and in the upper 70s as you move south and tonight the mercury will take a dip.

Cut 15 (11)  “…afternoon.”

 

Northwest and North central parishes could see up to an inch of snow today with the cold front.

9:30 LRN Newscast March 11

The statewide average price for regular gasoline is up another two cents from yesterday to $4.15 a gallon. That daily increase is not as big as we’ve seen over the last couple of weeks. Triple-A says the statewide average for a gallon of diesel is now five dollars.

A new survey by Triple-A finds that 59-percent of Americans will make lifestyle changes with gas prices at a record high. David Grubb has more:
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Temperatures are in the low 50s across north Louisiana this morning, but there’s the chance for a light snowfall later today across the state’s northern parishes. National Weather Service Meteorologist Armani Cassel says up to an inch of snow is possible…
cut 16 (10) “….the threat”
The rest of the state will see rain today and colder temperatures after the front moves through.

Will lawmakers attempt to override the veto by Governor John Bel Edwards of their Congressional District map, which has one majority-minority district? La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Senate Governmental Affairs Chairwoman Sharon Hewitt is pushing for one…
cut 6 (12) “….in the Senate”
It will take a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate in order to override the governor’s veto.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 11

With gas prices over 4-dollars a gallon, 59-percent of Americans say they will make lifestyle changes. That’s according to Triple-A. Spokesperson Don Redman …
cut 10 (08) “…carpooling”
Redman says 18 to 34 year-olds are almost three times as likely as those 35 and over to consider carpooling. Those 35 and older are more likely to reduce shopping or dining out.

After beating Missouri 76-68 in the SEC Tournament yesterday, Coach Will Wade was asked about the Notice of Allegations the school has received involving the men’s basketball program. Wade says they are focused on playing basketball…
cut 18 (14) “…with the investigation”
LSU faces Arkansas at 1:30 in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tourney.

Now that Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the U.S. House district map passed by the Legislature, what is the next step for lawmakers? Especially the Republican majority? “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says House & Senate members have two options: draw up a new map or override the Governor…:
Cut 4 (12) “…veto override vote.”
If a majority of both chambers vote for a veto override session, the regular session which starts on, Monday would likely be suspended in order to hold an override session.

A strong cold front moves through the state today bringing the state much-needed rain and the possibility of light snow in the northern parishes. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 14 (08) “…folks”
High temperatures tomorrow will be in the 50s, morning lows on Sunday will get below freezing.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has jumped up another two cents from yesterday to $4.15. That’s according to Triple-A. Fuel analyst Don Redman advises drivers not to let the gas light come on, so fill up before you get below a quarter of a tank…
cut 12 (12) “…tank time”
Redman says AAA’s latest survey has found that 59-percent of Americans will make lifestyle changes now that gas prices are above four dollars a gallon.

A bill filed for the legislative session that starts Monday would set up the legal framework to allow offshore wind leasing in state waters. The author of House Bill 165, Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue says wind energy in the Gulf of Mexico could have its advantages.
Cut 7 (10) “…to work.”
Zeringue sees wind energy in the gulf as a compliment to the oil and gas industry.

After a week of warm temps and sunny skies, prepare for a drastic change. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Also, don’t forget to change your clock when you go to bed on Saturday night. Daylight Saving Time Starts at 2 AM Sunday morning.

Sunday is also Selection Sunday, one of the biggest days of the year for college basketball. LSU men’s and women’s basketball will be in the NCAA Tournament, trying to join them, Louisiana Tech, UNO, Southeastern, Nicholls and Grambling.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU men’s basketball team will face Arkansas for a third time this season at 1:30 today in a quarterfinal matchup of the SEC Tournament. The Tigers took down Missouri yesterday 76-68 as Tari Eason had 19 points. It was LSU’s first game since we learned the program has received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA. Coach Will Wade says it has not been a distraction to his team…
cut 18 (14) “…with the investigation”
But Wade says he looks forward to commenting on the NCAA allegations in the future.

Louisiana Tech overcome a season-high 20 turnovers to beat Western Kentucky 59-57 last night to advance to the semifinals of the Conference USA Tournament. Kenneth Lofton Junior registered his 17th double-double, 15 points and 12 rebounds.

In the Southland, UNO eliminated McNeese 82-78 and in the SWAC Grambling edged Southern 60-58.

Because of the threat of rain tonight, the sixth-ranked LSU baseball team will begin its three-game series against Bethune Cookman at noon today. The Wildcats are 5-and-7 this season after not playing last year because of COVID. They were in a Regional in 2017. Tigers Coach Jay Johnson says Bethune Cookman has only hit three home runs, but they can score in other ways…
cut 20 (12) “….good opponent”
Blake Money will start on the mound today. Johnson has yet to name a starter for tomorrow and Sunday.

In other action today, the Cajuns host Houston for a 4 PM first pitch. U-L-M is at Nicholls, and Louisiana Tech hosts Houston Baptist.

Three state championship trophies will be handed out in Lake Charles at the boys high school basketball tournament. The Class B title game is tonight as Simsboro takes on Zwolle.

6:30 LRN Newscast March 11

The statewide average price for regular gasoline is up another two cents from yesterday to $4.15 a gallon. That daily increase is not as big as we’ve seen over the last couple of weeks. Triple-A says the statewide average for a gallon of diesel is now five dollars.

Now that Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the U.S. House district map passed by the Legislature, what’s next for lawmakers? Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The legislative session begins on Monday and Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue has a bill that would set up the legal framework for the establishment of offshore wind farms in state waters off the coast of Louisiana. Zeringue says he’s a supporter of the oil and gas industry, but wind energy can serve as a compliment…
cut 29 (09) “….workforce”
But Zeringue says we are still several years away before turbines are spinning in the Gulf of Mexico.

There’s a possibility of snow north of I-20 today…
cut 13 (08) “….by midnight”
That’s National Weather Service Meteorologist Armani Cassel who says there’s a winter weather advisory in effect until midnight for the northern parishes. A strong cold front hits the state today that will bring colder temperatures for the weekend.

LRN AM Newscall March 10

Now that Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the U.S. House district map passed by the Legislature, what’s next for lawmakers? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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A new survey by Triple-A gives a look into what Americans might do if gas prices keep climbing. David Grubb has more:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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After a week of warm temps and sunny skies, things are about to make a drastic change weatherwise. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Now that Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the U.S. House district map passed by the Legislature, what is the next step for lawmakers? Especially the Republican majority? “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says House & Senate members have two options: draw up a new map or override the Governor…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…veto override vote.”

Because Blacks make up over 30-percent of all Louisiana voters, many feel there should be 2 majority Black districts, to reflect that percentage. Alford says Option One for lawmakers – drawing up a new map – is unlikely, because the matter is about voter numbers AND where they reside…:

Cut 5 (14) “…as an alternative.”

As for Option Two – overriding the veto – Alford says it’s possible the GOP House majority, with some powerful Democrats in support, could bring in the two-thirds vote to block the Governor. In the Senate, he says GOP Senate & Governmental affairs chair Sharon Hewitt will help muster a lot of votes to override..:

Cut 6 (12)  “…in the Senate.”

An override vote on a special session bill CAN take place while the regular session is underway, but legislators must agree to suspend regular session business while it is done.

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Among the bills filed for Monday’s upcoming session is a bill that would set up the legal framework allowing offshore wind leasing in state waters. The author of House Bill 165, Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue says wind energy in the Gulf of Mexico has its advantages.

Cut 7 (10) “…to work.”

Zeringue says he sees wind energy in the gulf as a compliment to the oil and gas industry, not a competitor. He says we already have a skilled workforce and offshore wind energy development makes just makes sense for Louisiana.

Cut 8 (10)  “…to do that.”

Zeringue says there’s currently no turbine or wind farm that won’t require either a lease to the landowner…

Cut 9 (09)  “…the windfarms”

State waters extend about three miles from the coast and Zeringue says he sees wind farms being established within the next two years.

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A new survey by Triple-A says that we’ve reached the tipping point with gas prices, and drivers are ready to make some changes. Don Redman, spokesman for AAA says we’ve learned a thing or two since 2008, the last time we crossed the $4 threshold.

Cut 10 (12) “…this time around.”

If carpooling isn’t an option, Redman says there are other tips to keep in mind when you’re on the road that can stretch your fuel dollar.

Cut  11 (12)  “…fuel efficiency.”  

Redman also advises drivers not to let the gas light come on…so fill up that before you get below a quarter of a tank.

Cut 12 (12) “…tank is time.”

Triple-A says that early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fill up, especially during the summer months.

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You’ll want to have your winter coat handy, you’ll need it tonight and into the weekend as a cold front enters the state, and portions of north-central and northwest Louisiana might even see snow. Shreveport National Weather Service Meteorologist Armani Cassel says rain is expected to change into frozen precipitation later today.

Cut 13 (08) “…by midnight.”

A winter weather advisory is in effect until midnight Friday in North Louisiana with less than an inch of accumulation.

The rest of the Bayou State will dodge raindrops today but with the ongoing drought, state climatologist Barry Keim says it won’t be enough to make a dent in the rain gauge.

Cut 14 (08)  “…yet folks.”

Keim says highs today will be in the low 60s in northern parishes and in the upper 70s as you move south and tonight the mercury takes a dip.

Cut 15 (11)  “…afternoon.”

After enjoying almost early summer-like temperatures for the last few days Cassel the wintery mix of weather shouldn’t present too many driving hazards.

Cut 16 (10)  “…the threat.”

On Sunday the cold temps continue with the 30s in the morning with highs only reaching into the 60s.

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Following LSU’s 76-68 victory in the SEC tournament, Tigers head coach Will Wade was asked about the notice of allegations regarding violations in his program…Wade gave a strong “no comment.” Sort of.

Cut 17 (20) “ …on our team.” 

Wade says his team is focused on winning basketball games and nothing other than that.

Cut 18 (14) “ ..with the investigation.” 

LSU faces 15th ranked Arkansas at 1 pm in the tournament quarterfinals. The Tigers lost a one-point heartbreaker to the Razorbacks in the final week of the regular season.

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The 16th ranked LSU baseball team begins a three-game series against Bethune Cookman, their final weekend series before SEC play starts. Coach Jay Johnson’s team is 10-and-3 and they are tied for third in hitting with a team batting average of .321…

Cut 19 (16)_“..do that” 

Bethune Cookman brings a 5-and-7 record to the Box. The Wildcats were in a Regional in 2017 but didn’t play last season because of COVID. Johnson says as a team they’ve only hit three home runs, but like to score runs in other ways…

Cut 20 (12) “ ..good opponent.” 

5:30 LRN Newscast March 10

Talk Louisiana host, Jim Engster spoke with former LSU basketball player and Ukraine native Roman Rubchenko (roob-CHENK-oh), who says he’s now back at his country home outside of the capital of Kyiv. Rubchenko says he’s able to view media reports from all over about the invasion, and while the media in Russia is controlled by the government, he also points out that Ukrainian reports are not necessarily accurate with the number of civilian deaths.

Cut 4 (10) “…war effort.”

According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.13. Gas prices have increased by 90-cents over the last month. Professor Pierre Conner director of the Tulane Energy Institute says high oil prices are producing large profits for energy companies. Conner expects oil companies will use the extra dollars to try and increase production…

Cut 8 (10) “…bit more.”

Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the congressional redistricting map approved by the state legislature, saying it failed to include a district that would allow a second Black candidate the opportunity to serve as a member of Louisiana’s congressional delegation. Capitol bureau editor of The Advocate, Mark Ballard says the map offers little change to the status quo.

Cut 9 (11) “…the way it was.”

Crude oil prices over 100-dollars a barrel mean more money for the state’s general fund as Louisiana benefits from higher than expected revenues from severance taxes and royalties. But State Treasurer John Schroder says any increase in revenue from oil and gas production could be offset in a loss of sales tax revenues.

Cut 12 (10) “…tied in.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 10

It is tournament time for basketball…in the LHSAA Boys Nonselect tournament, the field has narrowed as we approach the championships on Friday and Saturday at McNeese’s Burton Coliseum.

In Class 4A, Carver crushed Huntington, 84-35 to advance to the title game for the second consecutive season. Jaylon Hicks had a game-high 20 points to lead the Rams who will face McMain, the defending state champs in the final. The Mustangs defeated second-seeded Edna Karr, 52-41, paced by Alex Hammond’s 15 points.

Zachary will be making its second-straight appearance in the 5A title game after knocking off Ouachita, 75-60. Jordan DeCuir led the Broncos with 24 points. They will face the surprising Northshore Panthers, who will be making their first bid for a state crown after beating Walker 68-54 in the semis. James Bridges posted a double-double with 25 points and 10 boards for Northshore in the win.

Today’s semifinals will set up the championships for divisions 2A and 3A. Madison Prep advanced to the 3A championship game with a win over Donaldsonville. They will face Wossman on Saturday after the Wildcats got past Bossier. In the 2A semis, Amite takes on Lakeview and Rayville plays Port Allen.

Moving from Marsh Madness to March Madness…Grambling is just 12-20 this season, but three of those wins have come over Southern, including today’s 60-58 upset of the Jags in the SWAC basketball tournament. Tra’Michael Moton nearly had a triple-double for the Tigers with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Grambling advances to face Texas Southern in the semifinals on Friday.

LSU moves on to the SEC tournament quarterfinals after topping Missouri 76-68. Tari Eason led the Tigers with 19 points with Darius Days adding 16 more. They will face Arkansas Friday afternoon at 2 pm. McNeese faces UNO in the Southland tournament this evening, with top-seeded Nicholls and number two Southeastern off until tomorrow’s semifinals.

The second-longest work stoppage in baseball’s history has finally come to an end. Major League Baseball and the Players Association have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement after the owners locked out the players for 99-days. According to reports, spring training camps will open on Sunday, with teams able to sign free agents and make trades once again. Aside from the financial pieces of the negotiations, there are some on-field changes coming as well, including the adoption of the DH by the National League, a 12-team postseason, and advertising on jerseys and batting helmets.

4:30 LRN Newscast March 10

Top story: the price you pay at the pump for gas. The statewide average cost of regular is now at $4.13 and climbing as crude oil rises further above $100-a-barrel. Tulane Energy Institute director Pierre Conner says every ten dollar increase in crude translates into 25-cents in the pump price. He says crude is likely to start falling soon, but if demand remains high, retails prices will keep going up…:

CUT 07(12)      “…to 9 months.”

On another hand, the high oil & gas prices means increased money for Louisiana, by way of severance taxes and royalties. State Treasurer John Schroder says that’s good, because higher gas prices for consumers will mean declining sales tax revenues, as household tighten their belts…:

CUT 13(09)      “…in others.”

 

Former LSU basketballer and Ukraine native Roman Rubchenko (roob-CHENK-oh) gives an update on conditions in his country amid the Russian invasion. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(35)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Economic development in Jeff Davis Parish. The Governor’s Office says Washington-based Greenberry Industrial will convert a shipyard plant near Jennings to make heavy industrial modules for a number of industries. The plant should employ around 100 people by summer, and create about 150 indirect jobs.