11:40 LRN Sportscast March 9

The LSU men’s basketball program could soon be hit with NCAA penalties for recruiting violations. Glen Guilbeau with outkick-dot-com says the clock is likely winding down on Wade’s time in Baton Rouge, despite his on-court success. Especially if athletic director Scott Woodward can mitigate the program’s punishment by cutting Wade loose.

Cut 15 (12) “…their penalties”

Louisiana Tech begins play in the Conference USA Tournament tonight after finishing the regular season with a 12-and-6 league record. Bulldogs coach Eric Konkol on what it will take to make a long run in the league tourney.

Cut 16 (17) “…I’ve had.”

The Bulldogs will match up with Marshall today at 6 PM.

After a four-game win streak, the New Orleans Pelicans have lost two in a row. Last night, the Pels took it on the gullet, falling to the Memphis Grizzlies 111-132. The Pelicans were without Brandon Ingram, but he likely wouldn’t have made a difference against the Grizzlies buzz saw. CJ McCollum led New Orleans with 32 points and 11 assists. Memphis had three players score at least 20 points, including MVP-candidate Ja Morant, who had 24 to go along with eight boards and eight assists.

The Pels are back on the court tonight at home against the Orlando Magic to start a critical, four-game homestand.

LSU’s Kim Mulkey has been named as a finalist for Naismith Coach of the Year after leading the greatest turnaround by a first-year coach in SEC history. The Tigers have improved by leaps and bounds in Mulkey’s first season in Baton Rouge, taking their record from 9-13 to 25-5 so far this season, more than doubling their winning percentage, and giving LSU its best regular season since 2007-08 when the Tigers finished 31-6, making it all the way to the Final Four.

They’ll try to play some college baseball today if the weather cooperates. One matchup has been postponed, as UL and UNO have moved their game from tonight in New Orleans to March 30.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast Mar 9

Louisiana set a new record at the pump today with the statewide average of $4.04 for a gallon of regular gas. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says he’s afraid this is just the beginning when it comes to breaking records for prices at the pump.

 Cut 6 (10) “…to climb.” 

Redman says it’s also too soon to predict how the ban on Russian oil will drive prices.

Next week the Special Legislative Committee investigating an alleged coverup after the 2019 death of Ronald Greene, is expected to hear testimony from former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves. There have been reports that phones of those involved were wiped thus removing any texts pertaining to the case.  Committee Chair Representative Tanner Magee says he’s curious about circumstances surrounding the wiping of phones.

Cut  11 (05)  “…as well.”  

If LSU men’s basketball is facing major violations Glen Guilbeau with outkick-dot-com says the clock is likely winding down on Will Wade’s time in Baton Rouge, despite his on-court success. Especially if athletic director Scott Woodward can mitigate the program’s punishment by cutting Wade loose.

Cut 15 (12)  “…their penalties”

LSU is seeking an extra 100-million dollar allocation from the state legislature so the university can enhance its research in the areas of agriculture, cancer, the state’s vanishing coastline, and cybersecurity…

Cut 5 (11) “…cyber soldiers.”
That’s LSU System President William Tate.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The former head of State Police is expected to testify next week in front of a House committee investigating the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Kevin Reeves was in charge when Troopers initially said Greene died from a car accident, but a reexamined autopsy determined a struggle with troopers led to his death.

The LSU men’s basketball program could soon be hit with NCAA penalties…
cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb”

LSU president William Tate is asking the state legislature for an additional $100-million in funding to enhance research in the areas of cancer, agriculture, cybersecurity, energy, and coastal land loss. Cancer research is of special importance to Tate, as the university has partnered with Our Lady of the Lake and LCMC health to build an NCI-designated Cancer Center.
Cut 4 (12) “…designated institution.”

The legislative session begins next week and New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry has a proposal to place term limits on sheriffs. Landry says some sheriffs serve for decades, which she says is concerning…
cut 8 (12) “….in those two hands”
Landry’s legislation needs two-thirds support in the Legislature and voter approval.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 9

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has set a record, surpassing the four-dollar mark for the first time since 2008. Triple-A says the statewide average is $4.04 today, ten cents higher than a week ago and 62-cents more than a month ago.

A House committee investigating the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Green, who died in State Police custody compiles a list of people they plan to question. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A New Orleans representative has proposed legislation that would impose term limits on sheriffs and tax assessors. Democrat Mandie Landry says the Governor, state legislators, and many local officials are subject to term limits, but sheriffs seem to be immune and entrenched…
Cut 7 (12) “…a really long time.”
Landry will also push a term limit bill for assessors in the legislative session that begins next week.

The LSU men’s basketball program could soon be hit with NCAA penalties for recruiting violations. Multiple media outlets report LSU has received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA.
cut 13 (10) “…of penalties’
Glenn Guilbeau with OutKick.com says we don’t know the exact allegations yet, but in 2017 Coach Will Wade was allegedly caught on an FBI wiretap discussing payments for then-recruit Javonte Smart.

7:30 LRN Newscast March 9

The former leader of State Police, Kevin Reeves, will testify before a House committee investigating the 2019 fatal arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene and the alleged cover-up. Reeves was in charge when Greene died after he was beaten and tased following a police chase that ended in Union Parish. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes is one of the lawmakers on this panel…
cut 12 (12) “…his death”
The committee plans to meet again on Tuesday.

LSU System President William Tate is seeking an additional 100-million dollars in state funding to enhance research in several areas, including coastal land loss…
cut 6 (12) “….evidence-based approach”
The funding would also help build a cancer center and educate more cybersecurity soldiers.

The statewide average price for a regular gallon of gasoline has broken a record that was nearly 14 years old. The statewide average is now $4.04 according to Triple-A. The price at the pump has jumped about 60-cents in the last week.

Should Louisiana sheriffs be subject to term limits? One state lawmaker says “yes.” Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU may finally face penalties for recruiting violations within its men’s basketball program. David Grubb explains…
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

The Pelicans were without Brandon Ingram last night and Memphis went on to score 44 points in the first quarter to beat New Orleans 132 to 111. The Pels are now 2-and-13 when Ingram doesn’t play. He missed last night’s game with right hamstring soreness.

1991 was the last time the Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team made the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs will have to win four games over the next four days to get an automatic bid to this year’s tournament. Tech will face Marshall tonight in the Conference USA Tournament. The Bulldogs are led by six-foot-seven forward Kenneth Lofton Junior, who is averaging 16 points per game. Coach Eric Konkol says teams have tried a variety of ways to slow him down…
cut 17 (20) “….the season”
Tech and the Thundering Herd face off at 6:30.

In the Southland Tournament, McNeese meets Northwestern State at 7:30.

And at the Boys Basketball Tournament, The Calvin Cougars out of Winnfield will play in their first state championship in boys basketball since 1939 after beating Simpson 57-42 in the Class C semifinals yesterday.

6:30 LRN Newscast March 9

A House committee investigating the fatal arrest of black motorist Ronald Greene will hear from Kevin Reeves who was in charge of State Police when Greene died after he was beaten and tased by State Troopers. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says Greene will testify on Tuesday…
Cut 10 (09) “…in charge.”
Magee also expects Governor John Bel Edwards will appear at a future committee meeting and the lawmaker says this is not a witch hunt, they are only seeking the truth.

LSU is seeking an extra 100-million dollar allocation from the state legislature so the university can enhance its research in the areas of agriculture, cancer, the state’s vanishing coastline, and cybersecurity…
cut 5 (11) “….cyber soldiers”
That’s LSU System President William Tate.

Louisiana motorists have never paid this much for gas. According to Triple-A, the statewide average set a new record high this morning for regular gasoline at $4.04 a gallon, a ten-cent increase from yesterday.

A New Orleans representative would like to place term limits on sheriffs and tax assessors. Democrat Mandie Landry has proposed a constitutional amendment that would limit sheriffs to three four-year terms and assessors to three four-year terms as well…
cut 9 (12) “….a little worrisome”
Landry’s legislation will need two-thirds support from the Legislature and the support of voters.

LRN AM Newscall March 9

LSU may finally be facing penalties for violations within its men’s basketball program. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

_____________________________________

Should Louisiana’s sheriffs be subject to term limits? One state lawmaker says “yes.” Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_____________________________________

After an Associated Press article implying Governor John Bel Edwards knew of Ronald Greene’s arrest within hours of his death, a special legislative committee was assembled. Brooke Thorington has more on their first meeting.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________

Appearing in front of the Baton Rouge Press Club, LSU president William Tate called for $100-million in state funding to focus on five key areas of research: cancer, agriculture, cybersecurity, energy, and coastal science. Cancer research is of special importance to Tate, who said the establishment of the state’s first NCI-designated Cancer Center is his primary goal.

Cut 4 (12)  “…designated institution.”

Tate says that with hostile nations utilizing technology to attack our nation’s businesses, utilities, and political institutions, LSU can be a leader in building a workforce capable of countering digital threats in the future.

Cut 5 (11) “…cyber soldiers.”

Louisiana has a coastal master plan in place to help combat and reverse erosion. Tate believes that LSU should play a major part in those efforts and that an investment in elite faculty and state-of-the-art equipment could generate solutions that serve as models for nations across the globe.

Cut 6 (12)  “…evidence-based approach.”

_______________________________________

A New Orleans representative has proposed legislation that would impose term limits on sheriffs and tax assessors. Democrat Mandie Landry says the Governor, state legislators and many local elected officials are subject to term limits, but sheriffs seem to be immune and entrenched; particularly in rural parishes…

Cut 7 (12) “…a really long time.”

It’s not unusual for sheriffs to be in office for thirty years or more if voters keep re-electing them. Landry’s bill is a proposed Constitutional Amendment and would need two-thirds majority votes in both House & Senate in order to go to voters this fall. Landry says it would limit sheriffs to three four-year terms in office…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…in those hands.”

Landry’s other bill (also a proposed Constitutional Amendment) would impose limits of three four-year terms for tax assessors. She says this is another local office that would benefit from restricting how long one can be in office…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…a little worrisome.”

Landry says she’d like to eventually see term limits imposed on ALL elected officials, at all levels of government.

____________________________________________

The Special Legislative Committee investigating an alleged coverup after the 2019 death of black motorist Ronald Greene held their first meeting at the capitol Tuesday.  Members discussed who they’d like to testify and Committee Chairman, Representative Tanner Magee says the attorney of former Louisiana State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves says he’s willing to appear.

Cut 10 (09) “…in charge.”

Reeves was superintendent of LSP when Greene was killed in police custody.

There have been reports that phones of those involved with the Greene investigation were wiped thus removing any texts pertaining to the case.  Magee says he’s curious about circumstances surrounding the wiping of phones.

Cut  11 (05)  “…as well.”  

The committee was created by House Speaker Clay Schexnayder after an Associated Press report implied that Governor John Bel Edwards knew of Greene’s death within hours after he was beaten by troopers.

New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says while he supports law enforcement, he does want to ensure that there’s a thorough investigation of what happened during and after Greene’s death.

Cut 12 (12) “…his death.”

The committee also plans to seek testimony from Former LSP Sgt Albert Paxton, Lt. Scott Brown, Sgt. Scott Davis, and Tech Support Supervisor Randy Hidalgo.

The legislative session begins on Monday and Magee says a resolution will be presented giving the committee the ability to subpoena witnesses and evidence. The committee will meet again next Tuesday.

____________________________________________

Tuesday afternoon Sports Illustrated reported that LSU has received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA regarding violations within the men’s basketball program. Glenn Guilbeau, SEC columnist for OutKick.com, says that the contents of that NOA mean LSU will face some punishment, but what it’s for and what it will be remain in question.

Cut 13 (15) “…kind of penalty.”

At the center of the storm is head coach Will Wade. In 2017, Wade was caught on tape allegedly discussing payments for then-recruit Javonte Smart. In 2019 LSU suspended Wade and amended his contract, and now Guilbeau says those amendments could come into play.

Cut 14 (20)  “…right now.”

If LSU is facing major violations Guilbeau says the clock is likely winding down on Wade’s time in Baton Rouge, despite his on-court success. Especially if athletic director Scott Woodward can mitigate the program’s punishment by cutting Wade loose.

Cut 15 (19)  “…losing his job.”

LSU did not acknowledge receipt of the NOA as of yesterday and representatives for Will Wade were unavailable for comment.

_____________________________________________

Louisiana Tech begins play in the Conference USA Tournament tonight after finishing the regular season with a 12-and-6 league record. Bulldogs coach Eric Konkol on what it will take to make a long run in the league tourney…

Cut 16 (17)  “…I’ve had.”

Tech is led by six-foot-seven forward Kenneth Lofton Junior, who is averaging 16 points a game. Konkol says teams have tried a variety of ways to slow him down…

Cut 17 (20) “ …the season.” 

 

5:30 LRN Newscast March 8

Renee Amar, Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association says prices at the pump are also forcing those who depend on the trucking industry to reevaluate their business plan. Amar says the trucking industry is extremely sophisticated logistics-wise and already incorporates measures to optimize fuel utilization.

Cut 4 (10) “…properly.”

The state’s most well-known, or notorious, prison is dealing with a staffing crisis. A starting salary of just over $15 an hour for guards is just one of the obstacles in attracting employees to Angola, says Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc. Extreme heat, aging buildings, policy and procedural issues, and the prison’s location in rural West Feliciana are all factors.

Cut 7 (14) “…help recruit people.”

A lucky crawfish was officially pardoned by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser in Baton Rouge this morning. For the last six years on the first Tuesday after Mardi Gras, the state officially pardons one crustacean to celebrate the mudbug season. Nungesser says the pardoned crawfish will enjoy the rest of his days at Tickfaw State Park.

Cut 9 (08) “…good deal.”

This year’s most fortunate crawfish was chosen by Barry Toups, the owner of Crawfish Haven and Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast in Kaplan.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s time to get U.S. oil & gas production rolling again, and he’s about to propose new energy policy to do that. The Baton Rouge senator says this is the best way to send Russia a message; by competing with them for energy exports. He says Republicans on Capitol Hill are working on that; not just for Americans’ benefit, but to shop out to other countries.

Cut 12 (12) “…that benefits Louisiana.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 8

Saints fans hoping for a big name under center in 2022 will just have to keep hoping after the two biggest potential prizes have been taken off the table. Earlier Tuesday, the Green Bay Packers reportedly reached agreement with Aaron Rodgers on a four-year deal worth $200 million that would make the four-time MVP the highest-paid player in NFL history. Then, this afternoon the Seahawks and Broncos came together on a trade that will send Russell Wilson to Denver for a bevy of draft picks.

LSU has found another quarterback for its roster in Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniels. Daniels threw for more than 6000 yards for the Sun Devils, and Brody Miller, who covers LSU for The Athletic, says Daniels brings explosive running talent to the position to bolster the Tigers’ talented offensive attack.

Cut 17 (21) “…in the pocket.”

Cloudy skies are forcing the postponement of a number of college baseball games around the state. Northwestern State and UL-Monroe will have their mid-week battle pushed back for the third time with tonight’s 6 pm start moved to Wednesday in Monroe. It’s the same for LSU and McNeese, who will play tomorrow at 6:30 at The Box. Tonight’s game between Louisiana Tech and UL-Lafayette has been moved to April 6.

The battery case against Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been continued until late April while defense attorneys await records from the prosecution relating to the incident. In February Kamara, along with three other men, was arrested for allegedly beating and stomping a man, resulting in a fractured eye socket for the victim. If found guilty, Kamara could face a sentence of one to five years in prison with a mandatory $10-thousand fine.

In Memphis, the New Orleans Pelicans will be looking to bounce back from Sunday’s overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets. It won’t be easy picking up a win against MVP candidate Ja Morant and the team with the NBA’s second-best record. The Pels have been pretty successful against the Grizzlies, winning seven of 10 overall and two of their last three road meetings. New Orleans sits 10th in the Western Conference, one game behind the Lakers in the standings.