4:45 LRN Sportscast May 16

LSU will try to bounce back from a rough, three-game sweep at the hands of Ole Miss on Tuesday in their home finale, a midweek matchup with Northwestern State. Coach Jay Johnson says the Tigers need to put the Rebels behind them if they want a chance at what’s still ahead.

Cut 22 (6) “…this weekend.

LSU travels to Nashville this weekend to close the SEC regular-season slate with three games against Vanderbilt. The Commodores have taken series on the road at Georgia and Arkansas the last two weekends. Losing the series would give LSU its first below-.500 finish in the SEC since 2011, the last time the Tigers missed the NCAA tournament.

The NCAA softball bracket has LSU going on the road for the first time since 2014. The Tigers will be the second seed in the Tempe Regional where they will open against San Diego State this Friday. U-L is headed to the Clemson Regional and McNeese to the Evanston Regional. The Cajuns face Auburn with the Cowgirls playing Notre Dame.

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees and NBC Sports have mutually parted ways after one season of mixed reviews for the future Hall of Famer in the broadcast booth. Amid speculation as to what Brees might do next, he took to social media, mentioning that a potential return to football is possible. Saints coach Dennis Allen didn’t appear to take Brees’ comments too seriously…

Meanwhile, Sean Payton will join the Fox broadcast team for the 2022 season. His role isn’t certain, but ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio says Payton will likely serve as a fill-in for Jimmie Johnson on Fox’s NFL Sunday studio show when Johnson is out.

The last two days have been very good to LSU on the football recruiting front. The Tigers picked up a commitment from four-star Union Parish running back Trey Holly on Sunday.  Holly is rated as the tenth-best back in the nation and rushed for more than 55-hundred yards and scored 78 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Today, “DBU” announced Daylen Austin, a four-star cornerback out of California, made his verbal commitment. Austin is rated as the number 16 corner in the country.

3:30 LRN Newscast May 16

A single-car crash in Washington Parish claims two lives. Trooper William Huggins says the driver 31-year-old Pamela Brown and 16-year-old Jaquan Brown of Kentwood were both killed when their Hyundai veered off the road shortly after 11 pm Saturday.

Cut 3 (09) “….two trees.”

Huggins says both were pronounced dead on the scene. Three unrestrained juveniles in the back seat of the car were taken to a local hospital. Impairment is suspected.

The House Transportation Committee voted today for Senate-approved legislation that would result in the installation of speed cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Rosepine Representative Charles Owen…

Cut 8 (10) “…crazy bridge” 

 

Dan Wallis takes over as Chief of the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Wallis, who served as Zachery Fire Chief for 28 years has been with Fire Marshal’s Office since 2008. He says he plans to expand on the values already set by his predecessor, Butch Browning.

Cut 12 (10) “…fifty years.”  

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees was let go from his contract with NBC Sports after just one season, setting off a storm of speculation about his future with Brees even alluding to a possible return to football. Coach Dennis Allen doesn’t see a reason to take talk of a comeback seriously.

Cut 9 (07) “…that regard.”

Meanwhile, former Saints head coach Sean Payton has been hired by Fox for the upcoming NFL season.

 

 

2:30 LRN Newscast

Senate-backed Legislation that would result in cameras installed on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge as a way to catch speeders receives approval from the House Transportation Committee. Senate President Page Cortez says the goal of his legislation is not to generate revenue from speeding ticket fines, but to make the bridge safer, which has seen injury-related crashes double over the last decade…
Cut 7 (08) “…going 80.”

A one-vehicle fatal crash in Washington Parish over the weekend killed two people and left three juveniles seriously wounded. Trooper William Huggins says 31-year-old Pamela Brown and 16-year-old Jaquan Brown of Kentwood were buckled up and died, while the children injured were not restrained. He says statistically you are more likely to survive a crash if you are properly restrained…
cut 5 (10) “…..standpoint”

There’s new leadership at the State Fire Marshal’s Office and he brings decades of experience him. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (34) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Saints have announced the signing of former LSU wide receiver Jarvis Landry. A healthy Michael Thomas and Landry should help improve a passing game that ranked last in the NFL last year…
cut 16 “…problem”

LRN PM Newscall

Legislation that would result in cameras to catch speeders on the I-10 Atachalfalya Basin Bridge between Baton Rouge and Lafayette continues to cruise through the legislative process. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________

There’s new leadership at the State Fire Marshal’s Office and he brings decades of experience with him. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

A single-car crash in Washington Parish claims two lives. Trooper William Huggins says the driver 31-year-old Pamela Brown and 16-year-old Jaquan Brown of Kentwood were both killed when a Hyundai veered off the road shortly after 11 pm Saturday.

Cut 3 (09) “….two trees.”

Huggins says both were pronounced dead on the scene. In addition to the two victims, who were wearing their seatbelts, three juveniles in the back seat of the car were not restrained.

Cut 4  (05) “…hospitals.”

Huggins says this crash is one of the few exceptions in regards to seatbelt usage. He says statistically you are more likely to survive a crash if you are properly restrained.

Cut 5  (10) “…standpoint.”

Huggins says impairment is suspected in the crash and toxicology samples were collected.

__________________________________________________

The House Transportation Committee voted today for Senate-approved legislation that would result in the installation of speed cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the cameras will track vehicles as they go over the 18-mile bridge and if they get across in less than 18 minutes the driver was likely speeding

Cut 6  (04) “…60-mile per hour limit.” 

Senate President Page Cortez says the goal of his legislation is not to generate revenue from speeding ticket fines, but to make the bridge safer, which has seen injury-related crashes double over the last decade…

Cut 7 (08) “…going 80.” 

Supporters of the legislation say cameras would be a better way to catch speeders than actual police officers because the narrow shoulders on the bridge make it unsafe for officers. Rosepine Representative Charles Owen agrees…

Cut 8 (10) “…crazy bridge” 

____________________________________________________

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees was let go from his contract with NBC Sports after just one season in the broadcast booth, setting off a storm of speculation about his future with Brees even alluding to a possible return to football. Coach Dennis Allen doesn’t see a reason to take talk of a comeback seriously.

Cut 9 (07) “…that regard.”

Brees was asked about a return to the Saints during last season as the team fought to make the playoffs but declined. Dennis Allen seems to be looking towards the future rather than hoping for a boost from the franchise’s greatest signal-caller.

Cut 10 (10) ” …for sure.” 

___________________________________________

A new era at the State Fire Marshal’s Office is underway as Chief Dan Wallis takes the helm and former Chief Butch Browning becomes the next executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshals. Wallis says while it’s an exciting time it’s also bittersweet to say goodbye to his friend Browning of more than thirty years.

Cut 11 (11)  “…forward.” 

Wallis, who served as Zachery Fire Chief for 28 years has been with the State Fire Marshal’s Office since 2008. He’s served as Browning’s righthand man, and he says he plans to expand on the values already set by his predecessor.

Cut 12 (10) “…fifty years.”  

One of the first challenges Wallis plans to address is the growing decline of first responders and how to retain them once they’ve entered the profession.

Cut 13 (12) “…safety family.”

1:30 LRN Newscast May 16

Legislation that would result in cameras to catch speeders on the I-10 Atachalfalya Basin Bridge between Baton Rouge and Lafayette continues to cruise through the legislative process. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

 

The three juveniles who escaped from the Ware Youth Center near Coushatta, with the help of a security guard have been captured. Authorities say 21-year-old Victoria Tune drove the three from the detention facility early Saturday. All four were located Sunday morning at a hotel in Houston.

 

A single-car crash in Washington Parish kills the driver 31-year-old Pamela Brown and passenger 16-year-old Jaquan Brown of Kentwood. Trooper Williams Huggins says the vehicle veered off the road and then hit two trees Saturday. And while they were both wearing seatbelts three juveniles in the back seat were not.

Cut 4  (05) “…hospitals.”

Impairment is suspected and they are awaiting toxicology results.

A new era at the State Fire Marshal’s Office is underway as Chief Daniel Wallis takes the helm and former Chief Butch Browning becomes the next executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshals. Wallis says while it’s an exciting time it’s also bittersweet to say goodbye to his friend Browning of more than thirty years.

Cut 11 (11)  “…forward.” 

Wallis, who served as Zachery Fire Chief for 28 years has been with the State Fire Marshal’s Office since 2008.

 

12:30 LRN Newscast

The state Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Baton Rouge pastor who refused to comply with Governor Edwards’ COVID lockdown. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Shreveport Police have charged 43-year-old Charlene Henderson with murder after her husband was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head this morning inside a home in the Ingleside neighborhood. Police say Henderson told a 9-1-1 dispatcher she shot her husband during an argument.

The House Transportation Committee voted today for Senate-approved legislation that would result in the installation of speed cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the cameras will track vehicles as they go over the 18-mile bridge and if they get across in less than 18 minutes the driver was likely speeding
Cut 6 (04) “…60-mile per hour limit.”
Senate President Page Cortez says the goal of his legislation is not to generate revenue from speeding ticket fines, but to make the bridge safer, which has seen injury-related crashes double over the last decade.

Former Saints Quarterback Drew Brees caused a stir yesterday when he said in a social media post he’s undecided what he’ll do next after it was reported he would not return to NBC as a football analyst. Brees said he may play football again. Saints Coach Dennis Allen was asked about Brees’ tweet today…
cut 10 (10) “…for sure”
Allen says he has not talked to Brees’ about a possible comeback and there are many who say Brees is not serious about reutrning to football.

11:40 LRN Sportscast May 16

For the first time in the history of a series that dates back to 1906, Ole Miss swept the LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge…In a Saturday doubleheader, the Rebels picked up 5-3 and 11-1 victories before closing out the sweep with an 8-5 win on Sunday. The Tigers close the regular season at home versus Northwestern State on Tuesday before heading to Vanderbilt this weekend.

McNeese claimed the top seed in the Southland tournament, followed by Southeastern, UNO, Nicholls, and Northwestern State. U-L fell to fourth in the Sun Belt after dropping three to Texas State, and Southern pulled into a tie for first in the SWAC West with a sweep of Prairie View.

Meanwhile, LSU softball will play on the road in a regional for the first time since 2014. LSU is the two seed in the Tempe Regional and opens play against the third-seeded San Diego State Aztecs this Friday at 7 pm.

LSU football picked up a commitment from four-star Union Parish running back Trey Holly over the weekend.  Holly is rated as the tenth-best back in the nation and rushed for more than 55-hundred yards and scored 78 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees and NBC Sports have mutually parted ways after one season of mixed reviews for the future Hall of Famer in the broadcast booth. Amid speculation as to what Brees might do next, he took to social media, mentioning that a potential return to football is possible. Saints coach Dennis Allen didn’t appear to take Brees’ comments too seriously, saying he believes they were made in jest.

The Saints did make one new addition over the weekend as they announced the signing of former LSU star and five-time Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry to a one-year, $3-million contract. Perhaps no one is happier about the signing of Landry than quarterback Jameis Winston. NOLA-dot-com’s Rod Walker says the Saints have given him plenty of weapons to work with.

Cut 18 (12) “…for success.”

In the NBA, the Mavs demolished Phoenix 123-90. They advance to face Golden State in the Western Finals. The Boston Celtics knocked out the defending champion Bucks, 109-81. Boston will take on Miami for the Eastern Conference crown.

11:30 LRN Newscast May 16

A single-car crash in Washington Parish claims two lives. Trooper William Huggins says the driver 31-year-old Pamela Brown and 16-year-old Jaquan Brown of Kentwood were both killed when a Hyundai veered off the road shortly after 11 pm Saturday.

Cut 3 (09) “….two trees.”

Huggins says both were pronounced dead on the scene. Three unrestrained juveniles in the back seat of the car were taken to a local hospital. Impairment is suspected.

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees was let go from his contract with NBC Sports after just one season, setting off a storm of speculation about his future with Brees even alluding to a possible return to football. Saints coach Dennis Allen doesn’t see a reason to take it seriously.

Cut 9 (07) “…that regard.”

The Senate Finance Committee approved a proposed budget for the next fiscal year that does not match Governor Edwards’ wish list. For example, Edward’s wanted two-thousand dollar pay raises for teachers, and only $15-hundred has been approved. Senate President Page Cortez says a lot of one-time money investments will go toward higher education needs.

Cut  11 (09)  “…expansion”  

The full Senate is expected to vote on the budget Thursday.

A changing of the guard, or more accurately the chiefs is underway as Butch Browning, the state’s longest-serving fire marshal, hands the baton to Daniel Wallis – his former right-hand man – after 14 years of leadership. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue…:

Cut 13 (11) “…state for decades.”

Browning moves on to the position of executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshalls.

10:30 LRN Newscast May 16

The state supreme court rules in favor of a Baton Rouge pastor who refused to stop church services during COVID lockdown orders. So, does the ruling mean future emergency orders might lack enforcement? Does the ruling mean Pastor Spell can now sue the Governor and/or the state for damages? Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino.

Cut 6 (13)  “…First Amendment rights.”

 

There’s been a slight bump in COVID cases, but Governor Edwards says for the most part things are a stable. And as in previous surges, it’s expected that case counts will increase along with the high temperatures.

Cut 9 (10)  “…things happen.”

On Friday the state reported 730 news cases, the total does not included home tests.

 

The Senate Finance Committee approved the Senate’s version of a spending plan for the fiscal year that begins in July. The budget proposal contains a 15-hundred dollar raise for teachers and committee members also heard from parents to make sure eight million dollars is appropriated to install cameras in special ed classrooms…

Cut 12 (11) “…the bill” 

It’s State Fire Marshal Butch Browning’s last day at the helm today. Browning will be the executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshalls. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Browning is excited about the new challenge and opportunity to improve safety on a national scale, as well as the future of the agency he leaves behind.

Cut 15 (13)  “…national impact.”

 

9:30 LRN Newscast

The state Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Baton Rouge pastor who refused to comply with Governor Edwards’ COVID lockdown. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Senate Finance Committee approved the Senate’s version of a spending plan for the fiscal year that begins in July. The budget proposal contains a 15-hundred dollar raise for teachers, 300-million dollars for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge, and 200-million for I-49 South, and another 200-million for a new Lake Charles bridge.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state is seeing an increase in reported COVID cases, but hospitalizations remain low as only 65 people are hospitalized statewide with COVID….
cut 8 (12) “….several weeks”
Edwards says cases could continue to go up as people stay indoors to avoid the hot weather.

There’s a change at the top of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office today as retiring State Fire Marshal Butch Browning is transferring his leadership Dan Wallis. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Wallis has been Browning’s right hand throughout his term and says the two share a similar vision that will continue the growth and development the agency has seen over the years.
Cut 14 (11) “…provide them.”