4:45 LRN Sportscast April 14

In front of a raucous, sold-out crowd at the Smoothie King Center last night, the New Orleans Pelicans beat the San Antonio Spurs to advance in the NBA’s play-in tournament for the 8th and final playoff spot in the West. First-year head coach Willie Green has been the one constant for the Pelicans this season as the team climbed out of the cellar and back into contention. Green says the team showed how much it’s grown with last night’s performance.

Cut 14 (12) “…for our program.”

The Pelicans face the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night on the road, with the winner taking on top-seeded Phoenix in the Western Conference Playoffs.

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey adds a familiar name to her staff. Bob Starkey spent last season with Auburn but has two decades of experience on the sidelines in Baton Rouge. Starkey was on staff for all five of LSU’s Final Four appearances, including as interim coach in 2007.

LSU baseball begins a three-game series with Arkansas in Fayetteville tonight. The Tigers have won four in a row and are in a three-way tie with Auburn and Alabama for second place in the SEC West. Coach Jay Johnson says offensively, his team is becoming more than just the long ball, and that’s going to pay off down the road.

Cut 21 (15) “…we wanna be.”

First pitch tonight is set for 6:30, with righty Ma’Khail Hilliard taking the hill for the Tigers.

Tigers basketball coach Matt McMahon continues to fill out his roster with some new and some old faces. Yesterday, forward Mwani Wilkinson withdrew his name from the transfer portal and today guard Justice Williams announced he will do the same. LSU also adds another guard in North Carolina State transfer Cam Hayes. Hayes averaged seven points and two assists per game for the Wolfpack this past season.

4:30 LRN Newscast April 14

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Lafayette Wednesday night. Spokesman Trooper Tom Gossen says Lafayette PD were seeking to arrest 18-year-old Travon Bonner for the shooting of a 13-year-old girl earlier that evening. When he fired upon them, they returned fire; killing him. Gossen says LSP is going over testimony and body cam footage of the incident…:

CUT 05  (08)        “…into the home.”

Bonner’s alleged victim is in critical condition in a Lafayette hospital.

A bill that would double speeding fines along the 18-mile I-10 Atchafalya Basin Bridge clears the Senate Transportation committee. The measure also allows using cameras to catch speeders. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson is in support…:

CUT 10  (09)        “…it slows you down.”

The bill moves the Senate floor.

 

Legislation to increase awareness and require screenings of postpartum depression passes in the Louisiana House. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says at least three tornados impacted Bossier & Caddo parishes during fierce storms last night; all within 4 miles of one another. So far no one is reported seriously hurt, but SWEPCO says the storms killed power for tens of thousands of homes and businesses. It could be as late as Friday night before electricity is restored for all affected.

3:30 LRN Newscast April 14

At the State Capitol today, a proposal to double speeding fines on the 18-mile I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge received Senate committee approval today. Jeff Palermo reports cameras could be used to catch speeders…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says three tornados impacted Caddo & Bossier parishes during storms that blew through last night. SWEPCO says tens of thousands of homes and businesses lost power. They say it could take until late Friday night to restore power to everyone in the area.

 

A Lafayette teen is in critical condition and fighting for her life after being shot last night, and the suspected trigger man has – himself – been shot and killed by police. Lafayette PD spokesperson Sgt. Robin Green says a neighbor of the 13-year-old victim heard the gunshots…:

CUT 03(06)      “…called 9-1-1”

Police went to arrest 18-year-old Trevon Bonner for the crime, but he fired at them. They returned fire; killing him. State Police investigate all officer-involved shootings, and are doing so now.

The state House unanimously passes a bill requiring healthcare providers to offer postnatal care and screen women for post-partum depression. In support, Caddo Parish Representative Larry Bagley, who lost his own wife to post-partum depression…:

CUT 08(08)      “…that existence is.”

The bill moves over the Senate now, for committee review.

LRN PM Newscall April 14

Legislation to increase awareness and require screenings of postpartum depression passes in the Louisiana House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A proposal to double speeding fines on the 18-mile Atchafalaya Basin Bridge received Senate committee approval today. Jeff Palermo reports cameras could be used to catch speeders…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

______________________________________

In Lafayette, a 13-year-old female is fighting for her life after being shot last night and authorities say the suspect, 18-year-old Trevon Bonner, was killed hours later after an exchange of gunfire with police at his home. Lafayette Police Sgt. Robin Green says a neighbor of the female victim heard the original gunshots.

Cut 3 (06) “…called 911.”

She is listed in critical condition at a local hospital and State Police are investigating the officer-involved shooting of the suspect Bonner.

State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says when Lafayette Police tried to serve a high-risk arrest warrant for attempted second-degree murder on the suspect, Bonner remained inside his residence and officers tried to negotiate with him to surrender.

Cut 4  (07) “…his injuries.”

As to what motived the original shooting that remains under investigation.

Gossen says state police are overseeing the investigation of the use of force and reviewing body camera footage involving the SWAT team and the exchange of gunfire with Bonner.

Cut 5  (08) “…into the home.”

Lafayette Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

_________________________________________

A bill to require healthcare providers to offer postnatal care and to screen patients for signs of postpartum depression passes unanimously in the Louisiana House. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis’ says House Bill 784 was written with input from a task force studying maternal mental health.

Cut 6  (10) “…our children.” 

Robin Gruenfeld with the New Orleans March of Dimes says the bill is about preventing infant and maternal mortality, and that postpartum depression is more common than you think.

Cut 7 (10) “…both parents.” 

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley shared with lawmakers how postpartum depression impacted his wife and that it eventually led to her suicide. He says postpartum depression impacts women from all walks of life.

Cut 8 (08) “…existence is.” 

The bill now advances to Senate Health and Welfare.

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The Senate Transportation Committee approves a bill that would double the fine for a speeding ticket on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, which means the penalty would be 350-dollars. Senate President Page Cortez says speeding is a major issue on the bridge that connects Lafayette and Baton Rouge

Cut 9 (12) “…standing still”

The legislation would also double the fine for truckers who use the left lane to travel, instead of using it as a passing lane.

The measure also gives the state the ability to issue speeding tickets with the use of cameras. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson…

Cut 10 (09)  “…you down.”

The proposal also calls for more signage, informing motorists of the speed limit and limited use of the left-hand lane by truckers. Cortez says driver behavior needs to change wrecks, injuries, and deaths on the bridge have more than doubled during the past decade…

Cut 11 (06)  “…correct lane.”  

Under the proposed law, drivers would receive a couple of warnings before they are issued a speeding ticket.

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A 1-12 start. No Zion Williamson all season long. And still, the New Orleans Pelicans are just one win from making the playoffs after beating the San Antonio Spurs last night, 113-103. Brandon Ingram was riding high after the win…

Cut 12 (10) “…it’s a blessing.” 

CJ McCollum did his part, scoring a game-high 32 points for the Pelicans. Since his arrival, he has embraced his role as a veteran leader and has embraced the city of New Orleans. He told fans last night that this is just the beginning.

Cut 13 (12) “…in our future.”

First-year head coach Willie Green has been the one constant for the Pelicans this season as the team climbed out of the cellar and back into contention. Green says the team showed how much it’s grown with last night’s performance.

Cut 14 (12)  “…for our program.”

The Pelicans face the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night with the winner taking on top-seeded Phoenix in the Western Conference Playoffs.

2:30 LRN Newscast April 14

A 13-year-old Lafayette girl is clinging to life, after she was shot last night. State Police Trooper Tom Gossen says they are investigating because the suspect in the case was shot dead by LPD officers just hours after the crime. Gossen says cops went to 18-year-old Trevon Bonner’s home to arrest him, but he fired on them…:

CUT 04  (07)        “…his injuries.”

At the Capitol, the Senate Transportation Committee approves a bill that would double the fine for a speeding ticket on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, which means the penalty would be 350-dollars. Senate President Page Cortez says speeding is a major issue on the bridge that connects Lafayette and Baton Rouge..:

CUT 09(12)      “…standing still.”

The legislation would also double the fine for those who “camp out” in the left lane. It now goes to the House floor.

 

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says three tornados impacted Caddo & Bossier parishes during storms that blew through last night. On the opposite corner of the state, in St. Tammany Parish, the heavy storms and high winds caused the roof of a Covington restaurant to cave in. No one is reported seriously hurt.

Legislation to increase awareness and require screenings of postpartum depression passes in the Louisiana House. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

1:30 LRN Newscast April 14

In Lafayette, a 13-year-old female is fighting for her life after being shot last night and authorities say the suspect, 18-year-old Trevon Bonner was killed after an exchange of gunfire with police. Lafayette Police Sgt. Robin Green says Bonner barricaded himself inside his residence. Green says a neighbor of a female victim heard the original gunshots.

Cut 3 (06) “…called 911.”
She is listed in critical condition and State Police are investigating the officer-involved shooting of the suspect Bonner.

A bill to require healthcare providers to offer postnatal care and to screen patients for signs of postpartum depression passes unanimously in the Louisiana House. Robin Gruenfeld with the New Orleans March of Dimes says House Bill 784 is about preventing infant and maternal mortality, and that postpartum depression is more common than you think.

Cut 7 (05) “…in five (x2).” 

It now heads to Senate Health and Welfare.

Two bills to ensure the safety of nursing home patients during natural disasters pass unanimously in Senate Health and Welfare. Senate Bill 33 requires all long-term care facilities to have adequate generator power. Mark Berger, Executive Director of the Louisiana Nursing Home Association says while most facilities have generators large enough to support their heating and cooling systems…

Cut 10 (07) “…their peers.”

Senate Bill 167 tasks the State Fire Marshal’s Office with the inspection of nursing home evacuation plans.

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey, Jr. wants to make the Gulf Fritillary (frit-ah-lar-ee) the official state butterfly.

Cut 16 (11)  “…first for me.”
Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt along with other members of Senate Governmental Affairs approved the bill and it flutters to the Senate floor.

 

12:30 LRN Newscast April 14

The New Orleans Pelicans are just one win from making the playoffs after beating the San Antonio Spurs last night, 113-103. CJ McCollum did his part, scoring a game-high 32 points for the Pels. Since his arrival, he has embraced his role as a veteran leader and has embraced the city of New Orleans. He told fans last night that this is just the beginning.

Cut 13 (12) “…in our future.”

The Pelicans travel to LA to face the Clippers on Friday, with the winner advancing to the Western Conference playoffs.

Rob Nelson, CEO of Ponchatoula-based candy maker Elmer says due to some supply challenges, the company worked overtime to make and distribute its delicious wares. Even if the supply is a little light this Easter season, the demand has remained high.

Cut 8 (09)  “…our area here.”

A bill to require healthcare providers to offer postnatal care and to screen patients for signs of postpartum depression passes unanimously in the Louisiana House. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says House Bill 784 was written with input from a task force studying maternal mental health.

Cut 6 (10) “…our children.”

The bill now advances to Senate Health and Welfare.

In Lafayette, a 13-year-old female is fighting for her life after being shot last night and authorities say the suspect, 18-year-old Trevon Bonner, was killed hours later after an exchange of gunfire with police at his home. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says LSP is overseeing the investigation of the use of force and reviewing body camera footage involving the SWAT team and the exchange of gunfire with Bonner.

Cut 5 (08) “…into the home.”

Lafayette Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 14

CJ McCollum scored 27 of his game-high 32 points in the first half, Brandon Ingram added 27 of his own, and Jonas Valanciunas finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds as the Pelicans moved closer to an NBA playoff berth with a 113-103 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in front of a sold-out crowd at the Smoothie King Center last night. After the game Ingram reflected on the journey from 1-12 to last night’s electric scene.

Cut 21 (17) “…keep our focus.”

Next up, the Pelicans will travel to Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Friday night. The winner of that game will earn the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs and take on the Phoenix Suns in the first round. New Orleans is 3-1 against LA this season.

A big part of changing the fortunes in Death Valley will be fixing the LSU offense. Coach Brian Kelly has always been demanding of his quarterbacks, and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said that for this group learning the new system has been like drinking from a fire hose at times, though he sees the traits he’s looking for from the next leader of the LSU attack.

Cut 18 (18) “…all looking for.”

Over on the diamond, LSU is on the road taking on first-place Arkansas in a big weekend series. The UL Cajuns look to extend their dominance over UL-Monroe in the Sun Belt. Tulane and UNO try to move closer to claiming conference titles against Houston and Southeastern respectively. Southern hosts Prairie View, Northwestern State visits Nicholls, and McNeese welcomes Incarnate Word.

11:30 LRN Newscast April 14

State Police are now investigating an officer-involved shooting death of a suspect who hours earlier was allegedly involved in the attempted murder of a 13-year-old female in Lafayette. Trooper Thomas Gossen says when Lafayette Police were trying to serve a high-risk arrest warrant to suspect 18-year-old Trevon Bonner, he barricaded himself inside his home.

Cut 4  (08) “…his injuries.”

The female victim is listed in critical condition at a local hospital.

After a 1-12 start and no Zion Williamson this season yet still, the New Orleans Pelicans are just one win from making the playoffs after beating the Spurs last night, 113-103. Brandon Ingram was riding high after the win…

Cut 12 (10) “…it’s a blessing.” 

The Pels play Friday in Los Angeles.

Be on the lookout for new political ads urging public support for getting a new Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge under construction.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Ponchatoula-based candy maker Elmer has been producing sweets for almost two centuries, but this year has presented some challenges while they ramped up for Easter, says CEO Rob Nelson.

Cut 7 (11) “…pecan egg supply.”

 

10:30 LRN Newscast

In Lafayette, a 13-year-old female is fighting for her life after being shot last night and authorities say the suspect, 18-year-old Trevon Bonner was killed after an exchange of gunfire with police. Lafayette Police Sgt. Robin Green says Bonner barricaded himself inside his residence. Green says a neighbor of a female victim heard the original gunshots.
Cut 3 (06) “…called 911.”
She is listed in critical condition and State Police are investigating the officer-involved shooting of the suspect Bonner.

Senate Health and Welfare has approved a bill that addresses what happened in Tangipahoa Parish when hundreds of nursing home residents were sent to a warehouse during Hurricane Ida. Covington Senator Patrick McMath on a measure that would require the State Fire Marshal to approve nursing home evacuation plans…
cut 12 (10) “…State Fire Marshal”
The bill is heading to the Senate floor.

There are many Easter baskets filled with Elmer’s Chocolate which is made in Ponchatoula. CEO Rob Nelson says a corn starch shortage limited production of the Heavenly Hash Eggs and there were also fewer pecans, so that affect their Pecan Eggs. Nelson says supply is a little light this year, but demand is high as the confectionary business has done well during the COVID pandemic….
cut 8 (09) “…our area here”

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey Junior has a bill to make the Gulf Fritillary (frit-ah-lar-ee) the state butterfly….
cut 15 (06) “….studies butterflies”
Cathey says the Gulf Fritillary is the state’s only indigenous butterfly and filed the bill at the request of a constituent. The legislation is heading to the Senate floor.