4:45 LRN Sportscast March 7

Sunday evening former Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels announced he was transferring to LSU. In three years with the Sun Devils, he threw for more than six-thousand yards with 32 touchdown passes. Daniels is also a threat with his legs, rushing for nearly 13-hundred yards on the ground with 16 touchdowns. His addition gives the Tigers even more depth in a quarterback room that returns Myles Brennan and Garrett Nussmeier, and welcomes freshman Walker Howard. He is the 14th transfer signed since the hiring of Brian Kelly.

LSU President William Tate says no one at the university knew of any prior sexual misconduct allegations against running backs coach Frank Wilson. Former LSU associate athletic director Sharon Lewis claims Wilson exposed himself to her several years ago. The allegations are part of a federal lawsuit against the school. Tate was asked about them today.

Cut 15 (11) “…LSU officials.”

The UL Ragin Cajuns will play for their first Sun Belt tournament title in seven years when they face Georgia State in the championship final this evening at 6 pm. The eighth-seeded Cajuns are the highest seed to advance to the title game in SBC history. They are 6-2 all-time in championship games, last taking the crown in 2015. UL is 0-2 against GSU this year, including a 58-65 loss to end the regular season.

After their 80-77 overtime victory over Alabama Saturday, the LSU Tigers will take the fifth seed in the upcoming SEC men’s basketball tournament. LSU will face the winner between Missouri and Mississippi on Thursday at 2 pm.

The LSU women dropped to ninth in the AP rankings after their loss to Kentucky in the SEC tournament. Now the Tigers will have to wait until this Sunday to find out if they maintain their position as a top-two seed when the NCAA Women’s Championship bracket is announced.

Arch-rivals Southern and Grambling will face off in the opening round of the SWAC men’s basketball tournament on Thursday at 3 pm.

4:30 LRN Newscast March 7

Gas prices continue to rise, but just how high will they go? David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…David Grubb.”

Shreveport Police are investigating another homicide that happened around 2 this afternoon. Today a 19-year-old man was found shot five or more times in the city’s Anderson Island Park. They ask anyone with any knowledge of the crime to call Shreveport PD or contact Caddo Crimestoppers.

 

The president of LSU says no one in charge had any knowledge of sexual misconduct allegations made against running backs coach Frank Wilson. A former associate athletic director says Wilson exposed himself to her in 2015. William Tate says he’s never talked to Wilson about the allegations because this is the first time his office has known about them…:

CUT 16(10)      “…last year.”

The complaint was made by Sharon Lewis. Her lawyer says she did report the incident to two administrators with LSU sports.

As grocery prices continue to surge some consumers are looking at growing their own food. LSU Extension Agent Heather Kirk-Ballard says – if that is your plan – keep in mind access to pesticides and herbicides for your home garden could be a problem in the near future as they are expected to be scarce…:

CUT 13(07)      “…plants here.”

For gardening tips visit “LSUAGCenter.com”.

3:30 LRN Newscast March 7

A Vidalia man who was wanted for a murder last week in Washington Parish has been arrested in Mississippi after a multi-state, parish, and county crime spree. Washington Parish Chief Deputy Mike Haley says investigators traveled to Harrison County to interview 51-year-old David Rester after he was arrested for a bank robbery in Waveland. Deputy Haley says Rester is accused of killing Marl Smith, and it’s a good thing he’s been captured…:

CUT 11(12)      ….an end.”

As the cost of gasoline continues to rise, we all watch the Russia-Ukraine conflict and hope it will all end soon. LSU Center for Energy Studies director David Dismukes says production is the real problem; both abroad and here at home. He says oil and gas companies could ramp it back up, but the White House and Wall Street are making it difficult…:

CUT 08(08)      “…into the market.”

Gas is approaching $4  all over the state.

 

The 2022 legislative session begins a week from today and nearly 12-hundred bills have been filed. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says there are a wide variety of topics for legislators to debate…:

CUT 03(11)      “…college campuses.”

Alford says lawmakers will also have to approve a budget and decide how to spend two billion dollars in surplus money, much of it coming from the federal government. Expect debate on social issues like critical race theory, transgender athletes, vaccines, abortions and more.

The U.S. Department of Education announces it will give over $200-million to six Louisiana Historically Black Universities. The money will be divided up between Southern University, Grambling State, Southern in New Orleans, Xavier University, Dillard and Southern in Shreveport. The money is part of the president’s American Rescue Plan.

2:30 LRN Newscast March 7

Gas prices continue to rise, but just how high will they go? David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…David Grubb.”

The president of the Lincoln Parish School Board seems about to be fired after his arrest Friday for obscenity and drug charges. Ruston Police say David Gullatt was cited for possession of meth and performing obscene acts in an I-10 Service Road parking lot. As of yesterday, his name was removed from the school board’s website. We expect a press release later today.

 

LSU President William Tate says no one at the university knew of any prior sexual misconduct allegations against running backs coach Frank Wilson. Former LSU associate athletic director Sharon Lewis claims Wilson exposed himself to her several years ago. The allegations are part of a federal lawsuit against the school. Tate was asked about the allegation today…:

CUT 15(11)      “…LSU officials.”

According to a court filing made by Lewis’ attorney last week, Wilson exposed himself to Lewis in 2015 and she reported the incident to LSU athletic administrators Miriam Segar and Verge Ausberry.

As grocery prices continue to surge some consumers are looking at growing their own food and LSU Extension Agent Heather Kirk-Ballard says there’s now a plant shortage since the pandemic inspired many to take up gardening as they sheltered in place…:

CUT 12(09)      “…right now.”

For gardening tips visit “LSUAGCenter.com”.

LRN PM Newscall March 7

Nearly 12-hundred bills have been filed for the 2022 legislative session that begins next week. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Gas prices continue to rise, but just how high will they go? David Grubb has more.

Cut 2 (33)…I’m David Grubb.”  

______________________________________

The 2022 legislative session begins a week from today and nearly 12-hundred bills have been filed. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are a wide variety of topics for legislators to debate…

Cut 3 (11) “..college campuses”

Alford says lawmakers will also have to approve a budget and decide how to spend two billion dollars in surplus money, much of it coming from the federal government. He says there will also be a debate on social issues like critical race theory, transgender athletes, vaccines, and abortions…

Cut 4 (09) “..for sure”

Lawmakers were at the Capitol last month for a redistricting session. Alford says political maps will be discussed again as Black lawmakers continue to push for additional majority-minority districts…

Cut 5 (10) “..governor does”

The regular session must end on June 6th.

__________________________________________________

The national average for a gallon of gas has surpassed $4 per gallon for the first time since 2008 as the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. David Dismukes, executive director for the LSU Center for Energy Studies says that while prices may not go down soon, the costs can’t get much higher.

 Cut 6 (11) “…self-correcting.” 

According to AAA, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline increased by another nickel $3.87. That’s a 50-cent increase in a week. Dismukes says the Russia-Ukraine conflict isn’t the only thing driving prices up.

Cut 7 (13) “…production targets.” 

Production is a problem here at home as well. Dismukes says the U-S is producing roughly 2 million fewer barrels of oil per day since prior to the start of the pandemic. He said oil and gas companies could start pumping, but the White House and Wall Street are making it difficult.

 Cut 8 (08) “…into the market.” 

_______________________________________________________

51-year old David Rester, Jr. of Vidalia, who’s wanted in connection with the March 3rd murder of Marl Wayne Smith in Washington Parish has been arrested in Mississippi after a multi-state, parish, and county crime spree. Washington Parish Chief Deputy Mike Haley says investigators traveled to Harrison County to interview him after he was arrested for a bank robbery in Waveland.

Cut 9 (12) “…Pearl River.”

Rester is also wanted in St. Tammany Parish for the February 27th physical and sexual assault of a convenience store clerk that took place during a robbery. Haley says prior to these most recent crimes, Rester did not have a criminal record.

Cut 10 (07)  “…that yet.”

Authorities finally arrested Rester after a highspeed chase of up to 120 miles per hour in Harrison County, Mississippi. Haley says they plan to seek the death penalty in Washington Parish and they are grateful he’s been apprehended.

Cut 11 (12)  “…an end.”  

Haley says numerous agencies are involved in the investigation and it took a combined effort to put Rester behind bars.

__________________________________________

As grocery prices continue to surge some consumers are looking at growing their own food and LSU Extension Agent Heather Kirk-Ballard says there’s now a plant shortage since the pandemic inspired many to take up gardening as they sheltered in place.

Cut 12 (09) “…right now.”  

Kirk-Ballard says while it takes time initially to set up your garden it can be feasible to grow your own food, but she also points out that access to pesticides and herbicides for your home garden could be a problem in the near future as they are expected to be scarce.

Cut 13 (07) “…plants here.”

Kirk-Ballard says the most successful gardeners are ones who maintain their vegetables not the ones that plant them in the ground and walk away. She says gardening is also good for your mental health.

Cut 14 (10)  “…piddle around.”  

For gardening tips visit LSUAGCenter.com for more information.

_____________________________________________

LSU President William Tate says no one at the university knew of any prior sexual misconduct allegations against running backs coach Frank Wilson. Former LSU associate athletic director Sharon Lewis claims Wilson exposed himself to her several years ago. The allegations are part of a federal lawsuit against the school. Tate was asked about the allegation today…

Cut 15 (11) “…LSU officials.” 

According to a court filing made by Lewis’ attorney last week, Wilson exposed himself to Lewis in 2015 and she reported the incident to LSU athletic administrators Miriam Segar and Verge Ausberry.

Wilson was recently re-hired by LSU and Tate says he’s never talked to Wilson about the allegations because this is the first time his office has known about them,…

Cut  16 (10) “…last year.”

 

1:30 LRN Newscast March 7

Nearly 12-hundred bills have been filed for the 2022 legislative session that begins a week from today. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Louisiana Department of Health reported that coronavirus cases increased by 535 over the weekend. COVID-related deaths also increased by 31. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been more than 1.2 million reported cases in Louisiana with 16,785 people ultimately losing their battle with the virus. LDH also reports that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated residents accounted for 61 percent of new cases and 56 percent of all death from Feb. 17 to Feb. 23.

Since last week the average cost per gallon of regular gasoline has risen by 40 cents and there’s a possibility that the U-S could break the record of $4.11 set in July of 2008. David Dismukes, executive director for the LSU Center for Energy Studies says the Russian/Ukrainian conflict isn’t the only thing driving up prices.

Cut 7 (13) “…production targets.”

Louisiana currently averages $3.72 per gallon for regular gasoline.

David Rester, Jr. of Vidalia, who’s wanted in connection with the March 3rd murder of Marl Wayne Smith in Washington Parish has been arrested after a multi-state, parish, and county crime spree. Rester is also wanted in St. Tammany for the physical and sexual assault of a convenience store clerk that took place during a robbery. Washington Parish Chief Deputy Mike Haley says prior to this rampage, Rester did not have a criminal record.

Cut 10 (07) “…that yet.”

12:30 LRN Newscast Mar 7

12:30

The national average for a gallon of gas has surpassed $4 per gallon for the first time in more than a decade as the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. David Dismukes, executive director for the LSU Center for Energy Studies says while prices may not go down soon, the costs can’t get much higher.

 Cut 6 (11) “…self-correcting.” 

 

51-year old David Rester, Jr. who’s wanted in connection with the March 3rd murder of Marl Wayne Smith in Washington Parish has been arrested in Mississippi after a multi-state, parish, and county crime spree. Washington Parish Chief Deputy Mike Haley says investigators traveled to Harrison County to interview him after he was arrested for a bank robbery in Waveland.

Cut 9 (12) “…Pearl River.”

A week from today, lawmakers return to the state Capitol for the regular legislative session. Just last month they were in Baton Rouge for the redistricting session. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says political maps will be discussed again as Black lawmakers continue to push for additional majority-minority districts…

Cut 5 (10) “..governor does”

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley wants to allow for more access to medical marijuana by increasing the number of licensed pharmacies that distribute cannabis from 10 to 20 in Louisiana.  Bagley says for example where he lives if he or one of his constituents needs medical cannabis, they would have to make a 90-minute trip legally to access it.

Cut 14 (12)  “…transportation.”

The regular session must end on June 6th.

11:30 LRN Newscast

State lawmakers return to the capitol a week from today to begin a three-month-long legislative session. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says passing a budget and spending two-point-eight billion dollars in federal Covid relief dollars and surplus money will be a major priority. But legislators will also debate social issues like critical race theory, transgender athletes, vaccines, and abortions…
cut 4 (09) “…for sure”
Last year, Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields passed a bill that mandated kindergarten. Fields has legislation this year that would require public school systems to provide pre-K education. But are there enough teachers???
cut 9 (08) “…national problem”

A new bill seeks to keep Louisiana college athletics competitive in the world of Name Image and Likeness. David Grubb has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”

LSU football has signed a quarterback out of the transfer portal. Former Arizona State Quarterback Jayden Daniels is coming to Baton Rouge after starting for three seasons with the Sun Devils. He’ll provide some major competition to Myles Brennan for starting Q-B next season.

11:40 LRN Sportscast March 7

After their 80-77 overtime victory over Alabama Saturday, the LSU Tigers will take the fifth seed in the upcoming SEC men’s basketball tournament. LSU will face the winner between Missouri and Mississippi on Thursday at 2pm.  The Tigers finished fifth in the SEC at 9-9 in conference play, with five of those losses by five points or less. Coach Will Wade says it was good to close the regular season with a win in the clutch.

Cut 17 (17) “…21 times.”

LSU Baseball had a rough weekend, dropping two of three in Houston at the Shriners Classic. The Tigers bats, which had been talking loudly before the trip to Texas, scored just 11 runs in the series. After topping Oklahoma 5-4 in the opener, they were drubbed by the Longhorns 1-6 and committed five errors in a 6-9 loss to Baylor. LSU will host McNeese tomorrow night to cleanse the palette before a weekend series against Bethune-Cookman.

The Nicholls men’s basketball team won its second straight Southland Conference regular-season championship on Saturday with 92-85 win over U-N-0. Senior Ty Gordon scored a career-high 36 points and Colonels Coach Austin Claunch says Gordon gets his vote for Southland Player of the Year…

Cut 18 (10) “…special talent.”

The UL Ragin Cajuns will play for their first Sun Belt tournament title in seven years when they face Georgia State in the championship final this evening at 6 pm. The eighth-seeded Cajuns are the highest seed to advance to the title game in SBC history. They are 6-2 all-time in championship games, last taking the crown in 2015. UL is 0-2 against GSU this year, including a 58-65 loss to end the regular season.

The Pelicans saw their four-game win streak come to an end in Denver last night with a 130-138 overtime loss to the Nuggets. Brandon Ingram led New Orleans with 38 points and nine assists. Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic went off for 30 points in the fourth quarter and OT on his way to a 46 point, 12 rebound, 11 assist triple-double. The Pels visit Memphis on Wednesday night.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 7

The 2022 legislative session begins a week from today and nearly 12-hundred bills have been filed. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says there are a wide variety of topics for legislators to debate…
cut 3 (11) “…college campuses”

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley has a bill that would allow for more access to medical marijuana by increasing the number of licensed pharmacies that distribute cannabis from 10 to 20 in Louisiana. Bagley says a main reason for legalizing medical cannabis was to reduce opioid addiction.
Cut 13 (10) “…need it.”
Currently, only 9 pharmacies are licensed, and the 10th license is not in use. Bagley wants that to be addressed also.

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields was successful in his legislation last year mandating kindergarten, this year Fields has a bill that would require public school systems to offer full-day pre-kindergarten, even in charter schools. Fields says he’s waiting on a cost estimate…
cut 8 (11) “…jails and prisons”
Having enough qualified pre-K teachers could be another stumbling block.

Marrero Senator Patrick Connick authored the legislation last year that gave student-athletes the ability to profit off of their name, image and likeness. Connick has another N-I-L bill this year that would give athletic boosters broader freedoms when it comes to paying student-athletes and it would also allow university employees to arrange N-I-L deals…
cut 5 (11) “….to benefit both”