08:30 LRN Newscast April 16

Before breaking for the Easter weekend, the Louisiana Senate passed legislation that addresses the teacher shortage by allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom without losing their benefits. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

A House Committee has approved a bill allowing citizens over 21, with no felony criminal record, to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. The so-called “Constitutional Carry” bill now goes to the House floor. A similar bill was passed last year, but vetoed by the Governor. A subsequent attempt to override the veto failed.

 

A 60-year-old New Orleans area man is under arrest for negligent homicide, for a February car crash in Jefferson Parish that killed one person and crippled a second. State Police say Manuel Llorens was looking at his cellphone, when he slammed into two stopped cars that had been in a fender bender. Both those drivers were standing outside their vehicles at the time. LSP Trooper Kate Stegall says this is a good lesson about distracted driving…:

CUT 07(11)      “…your eyes closed.”

After two years of COVID pandemic restrictions, many are looking forward to traditional Easter holiday activities … like crawfish boils, picnics and of course church services. LSU’s Chair of Religious studies Dr. Mike Pasquier says this will help get back a sense of normalcy…:

CUT 03(07)      “…two years.”

7:30 LRN Sportscast

I’m Kevin Gallagher and this Louisiana Radio Network Sportscast is brought to you by Tele-leaf-dot-com, Louisiana’s access to medical mairjuana from the comfort of your home.

After starting the season 1-and-12, the Pelicans are in the playoffs for the first time since 2018 as the eighth seed in the Western Conference. Last night, New Orleans built a 16-point lead, only to fall behind by 13 in the fourth quarter before eventually beating the Clippers 105 to 101 in Los Angeles.

Brandon Ingram led the way with 30 points, C-J McCollum chipped in with 19 points. New Orleans also got great contributions off the bench from big man Larry Nance Junior who had 14 points and 16 rebounds, while rookie Trey Murphy had 14 points and made four three-pointers.

New Orleans will stay out west and play the Suns, the top seed in the Western Conference. The best of seven series begins Sunday night in Phoenix.
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The LSU baseball team had just three hits last night and they lost to Arkansas four to nothing. The Razorbacks scored three runs in the third inning off of losing pitcher Blake Money. The Hogs have clinched the series and will go for the sweep today at 2 PM. L-S-U is now 7-and-7 in SEC play.

ULM erupted for five runs in the ninth inning to beat the Ragin Cajuns seven to five. Austin Beech belted a two run home run to give the Warhawks the lead in the ninth inning. It’s the first win for ULM this season when trailing after the sixth inning. The rubber game of the series is today at four PM.

Marshall outscored Louisiana Tech ten to nine to win game one of the series. The Bulldogs are nine and four in Conference USA and trail first place Southern Miss by two and a half games.

Nicholls is in first place in the Southland after the Colonels blanked Northwestern State six to nothing. Tyler Theriot threw eight shutout innings for his fifth win of the season.

This sportscast is brought to you by tele-leaf-dot-com. Louisiana Radio Network Sports.

5:30 LRN Newscast April 15

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says five homeowners’ insurance providers are facing fines of more than three-quarters of a million dollars due to 44 instances of noncompliant practices from the last two hurricane seasons. All five had a common thread of noncompliance.

Cut 13 (12) “…they had suffered.”

State police arrest a 60-year-old man for negligent homicide because he was distracted by his phone and crashed. Trooper Kate Stegall says it happened February 27th at an I-10 exit in Metairie. She says the victims were outside their cars discussing a crash between their vehicles when Manuel Llorens approached.

Cut 6  (08) “…occurred.” 

The full Senate approves a bill to allow certified teachers who retired before July 1, 2020, to return to the classroom without losing their state retirement benefits. Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says he’s trying to alleviate a teacher shortage…

Cut 9 (12) “..department of education”

The state is short about 25-hundred certified public-school teachers.

Two years of COVID restrictions, many folks are happy to get out and enjoy Easter Sunday church services again this year.  LSU Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says the feeling of a return to normalcy is most welcome…:

Cut 5  (11) “…joy to a lot of people.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast April 15

It’s “winner take all” in Los Angeles tonight, as the New Orleans Pelicans face the Clippers. If the Pels win, they go on to Phoenix to take on the Suns in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, a place they haven’t been since the 2017-18 season. New Orleans is 3-1 against LA this season, and today it was announced that forward Paul George will be unavailable for the Clippers due to health and safety protocols after he tested positive for COVID-19. George was likely to see a lot of Pelicans rookie Herb Jones tonight. Jones was huge in shutting down Spurs guard Dejonte Murray on Wednesday. While many rookies might get caught up in the moment, Brandon Ingram says he expects Herb to come up big once again…

Cut 17 (14) “…all year.”

Tip-off is at 9 pm

LSU baseball’s four-game win streak came to a halt after a five to four loss to Arkansas in the opener of their SEC series last night. Game 2 starts tonight at 5 pm.

Northwestern State will try to even its series with Nicholls tonight, while McNeese goes for two in a row against Incarnate Word and UL looks to do the same against UL-Monroe. UNO and Southeastern square off again with first place in the Sun Belt on the line. Tulane looks to bounce back against Houston in the American Conference and Southern is at Prairie View with the top spot in the SWAC up for grabs.

LSU football picked up another commitment in Ryan Yaites, a four-star safety from Texas. He’s the fourth player in LSU’s 2023 class and is ranked as the seventh-best safety in the country. The Tigers’ 2023 class is currently ranked 24th nationally and sixth in the Southeastern Conference.

And today is the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking MLB’s longstanding barrier for Black players. Robinson took the field on April 15, 1947, starting at first base and went hitless in a win over the Boston Braves.

4:30 LRN Newscast April 15

The Louisiana Senate has passed legislation that addresses the teacher shortage by allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom without losing their benefits. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

This is our first Easter weekend without social restrictions since the pandemic started in 2020. LSU Chair of Religious studies Dr. Mike Pasquier…:

CUT 03  (07)        “…two years.”

 

State Police arrest a 60-year-old man for a terrible February crash on I-10 in Metairie that killed one and seriously injured another. Trooper Kate Stegall says Manuel Llorens was looking at his cellphone when he slammed into two vehicles already stopped due to a fender bender. Trooper Stegall says we should avoid using phones or ANY distractions while driving – even eating…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…the roadway.”

The crash took the life of 49-year-old Chad James of Thibodaux.

Look out for some possibly rough weather over the Easter weekend. Chances for showers and thunderstorms Saturday and Sunday are pretty good, so be prepared.

And speaking of prepared, have you prepared your 2021 federal income taxes? Because today is a Good Friday, the April 15th deadline is pushed back to Monday, the 18th, at midnight.

3:30 LRN Newscast April 15

New Orleans Police say a carjacker is recovering from a gunshot, after his intended victim shot HIM in the neck. The 48-year-old man says, when the armed suspects approached him last night & demanded his car, he threw his keys, took cover and drew his own gun; firing one shot. The other suspect fled on foot.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon cracks down on negligent providers following 2020 hurricanes. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(35)      “…David Grubb.”

 

The full Senate passes a bill that would allow certified-but-retired teachers to return to the classroom without losing their state retirement benefits. Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says he’s trying to alleviate a teacher shortage. Bossier City Republican Senator Barrow Peacock successfully amended the bill so that colleges can also re-hire retired nursing instructors with at least 30 years of service…:

CUT 11(09)      “…health care too.”

After being restricted by the COVID pandemic for two straight years, many folks are happy to get out and enjoy Easter Sunday church services again this year.  LSU Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says the feeling of a return to normalcy is most welcome…:

CUT 05(11)      “…to a lot of people.”

2:30 LRN Newscast April 15

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces five homeowner’s insurance providers now face fines of more than three-quarters of a million dollars, based on their business practices in the aftermath of hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta…:

CUT 12(08)      “…improper activities.”

Donelon says the five companies so badly slow-walked claims that many customers had to hire a lawyer to get satisfaction. They are Union Property & Casualty, GeoVera, FedNat, Maison and Allied Trust.

A Jefferson Parish man is arrested for a February crash on I-10 in Metairie that killed one person and badly hurt another. State Police Trooper Kate Stegall says Manuel Llorens was fiddling with his phone at the time of the wreck, and is charged with negligent homicide. She says don’t ever do what he did…:

CUT 07(11)      “…your eyes closed.”

 

As churches prepare for Easter services this Sunday, large crowds are anticipated as this will be the first Easter since pandemic restrictions have been relaxed. LSU Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says he hopes the collection plate will be heavier than in years past, with more people in the pews…:

CUT 04(11)      “…and donations.”

The past two Easters saw cancelled services, virtual services and generally fewer people taking part, due to the pandemic.

LSU and NBA great Shaquille O’Neal says he will pay for funeral expenses for the 3-year-old Baton Rouge child who was killed this week, when stray gunfire in the street penetrated his house. Little Devin Page Jr. was shot in the head. BRPD is investigating and asking for info from the public.

LRN PM Newscall April 15

The Louisiana Senate has passed legislation that addresses the teacher shortage by allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom without losing their benefits. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon cracks down on negligent providers following 2020 hurricanes. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (35)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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As churches prepare for Easter services this Sunday, large crowds are anticipated as this will be the first Easter since pandemic restrictions have been relaxed. LSU Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says parishioners could experience a sense of normalcy this Easter.

Cut 3 (07) “…two years.”

Pandemic restrictions and a general reluctance for some to attend large gatherings during the pandemic have decreased attendance at some churches along with tithings. Pasquier expects this Sunday the offering plate could be heavier than in years past with more people in the pews.

Cut 4  (11) “…and donations.”

Pasquier feels this Easter will be a memorable one as churchgoers are able to enjoy how the religious holiday was traditionally celebrated once again.

Cut 5  (11) “…joy to a lot of people.”

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State police arrest a 60-year-old man for negligent homicide because he was distracted by his phone and crashed, claiming one life and injuring another. Trooper Kate Stegall says it happened February 27th along the Clearview Parkway exit on I-10 in Metairie. She says the victims were outside their cars discussing a crash between their vehicles when Manuel Llorens approached.

Cut 6  (08) “…occurred.” 

Stegall says they are seeing more and more drivers distracted by their cellphones and causing serious crashes. She says it takes an average of four and a half seconds to read and respond to a message on your phone.

Cut 7 (11) “…eyes closed.” 

Stegall implores drivers to place their phone where it’s inaccessible or silence the phone when driving so they aren’t tempted to respond. She says even eating while driving can be distracting.

Cut 8 (10) “…the roadway.” 

49-year-old Chad James of Thibodaux was killed in the February crash.

_________________________________________

The full Senate has approved a bill that would allow certified teachers who retired before July 1, 2020, to return to the classroom without losing their state retirement benefits. Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says he’s trying to alleviate a teacher shortage…

Cut 9 (12) “..department of education”

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the state is short about 25-hundred certified public school teachers. Fields says under his bill a retired teacher would have to wait 12 months before returning and local school districts would have to identify a critical shortage…

Cut 10 (10)  “…special education”

Bossier City Senator Barrow Peacock successfully amended the bill so that colleges can also re-hire retired nursing instructors over the age of 62 and with at least 30 years of service…

Cut 11 (09)  “…health care too”  

_____________________________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announced today that five homeowners insurance providers are facing fines of more than three-quarters of a million dollars based on their business practices in the aftermath of hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta.

Cut 12 (08) “…improper activities.” 

The companies; United Property & Casualty, GeoVera, FedNat, Maison, and Allied Trust, were found to have 44 instances of practices noncompliant with state code, with one common thread for all five.

Cut 13 (12) “…they had suffered.”

Donelon says LDI takes its responsibility to protect consumers very seriously and is seeking additional oversight of insurance providers to ensure that homeowners are getting the protection they pay for.

Cut 14 (12)  “…for our program.”

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about your provider, go online to ldi.la.gov or call 800-259-5300.

1:30 LRN Newscast April 15

The Louisiana Senate has passed legislation that addresses the teacher shortage by allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom without losing their benefits. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

According to a report by WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, NBA Hall of Famer and LSU basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal will provide for the funeral expenses of Devin Page Jr. The three-year-old was killed by a stray bullet while sleeping in bed on Tuesday, April 12.

As churches prepare for Easter services this Sunday, large crowds are anticipated as this will be the first Easter since pandemic restrictions have been relaxed. LSU Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says parishioners could experience a sense of normalcy this Easter.

Cut 3 (07) “…two years.”

State police arrest a 60-year-old man for negligent homicide because he was distracted by his phone and crashed, claiming one life and injuring another. Trooper Kate Stegall says it happened February 27th along the Clearview Parkway exit on I-10 in Metairie. She says the victims were outside their cars discussing a crash between their vehicles when Manuel Llorens approached.

Cut 6 (08) “…occurred.”

Stegall says they are seeing more and more drivers distracted by their cellphones and causing serious crashes. She says it takes an average of four and a half seconds to read and respond to a message on your phone.

12:30 LRN Newscast

A bill that would double speeding fines along the 18-mile I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge clears the Senate Transportation committee. The measure also allows using cameras to catch speeders. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson is in support…:
CUT 30 (09) “…it slows you down.”
The legislation also calls for an increase in speed limit signs on the bridge

A bill that’s been approved by the full Senate would allow teachers who have been retired for more than a year to return to the classroom to help address a shortage of teachers. Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says local school districts would have to identify a critical shortage before making that hire…
cut 10 (10) “…special education”
The bill heads to the House.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon cracks down on negligent providers following the 2020 hurricanes. David Grubb has more…
Cut 2 (35)…I’m David Grubb.”

It’s Good Friday, the start of an Easter weekend filled with crawfish boils. LSU AgCenter aquaculture professor Doctor Greg Lutz…
cut 7 (12) “….and prettier”