6:30 LRN Newscast

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline rose by another nickel today to $3.87. That’s 50-cents more than this time last week. Diesel is up to 4.41 a gallon. The record for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is 4.01, set in 2008.

A Baton Rouge lawmaker’s proposed bill would mandate pre-kindergarten classes for all public schools. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

When lawmakers convene for the 2022 regular session next week, medical marijuana will be heavily discussed. Desoto Parish Republican Larry Bagley has a bill that would double the number of licensed pharmacies from 10 to 20. Bagley lives in Stonewall and he says residents in his hometown have to drive at least 90-minutes to the nearest medical marijuana pharmacy…
cut 14 (12) “….transportation”

Governor Edwards has proclaimed March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month and March is also known as March madness the biggest month of the year for college basketball, giving fans plenty of games to bet on. Robert Henson with the Louisiana Department of Health has these tips for bettors to keep them out of danger…
cut 12 (11) “….walk away”

LRN AM Newscall March 7

A new bill seeks to keep Louisiana college athletics competitive in the world of Name Image and Likeness. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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A Baton Rouge lawmaker’s proposed bill would mandate pre-kindergarten classes for all public schools statewide. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley is proposing legislation to make legalize cannabis more accessible for those who need it. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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From the moment collegiate athletes were allowed to capitalize off of their names, images, and likenesses, or NIL, there have been questions raised about how it could impact a program’s ability to remain competitive. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick would like Louisiana to have a plan in place to do just that, which is why he’s filed Senate Bill 250.

Cut 4 (09)  “…NIL thing.”

Connick’s bill would allow universities and their employees to compensate players for their NIL rights, as well as facilitate deals for them. It would also give athletic boosters broader freedoms when it comes to paying prospective recruits

Cut 5 (11) “…to benefit both.”

When Louisiana passed its NIL legislation last season, it did so not knowing what the NCAA would or would not allow. The NCAA stepped back and now that he’s seen how other states have utilized NIL, Connick says this bill would put Louisiana back in the forefront of the still-evolving landscape.

Cut 6 (12)  “…to correct that.”

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A Baton Rouge lawmaker’s bill would mandate all public schools offer children learning BEFORE kindergarten. Pre-K teaching has been around Louisiana for several years but has been a state-funded option for local districts. Senator Cleo Fields (D) says his Senate Bill 47 would make pre-K classes a requirement. He says it’s a logical step in moving Louisiana education forward…:

Cut 7 (10) “…a centerpiece.”

A state law mandating schools to offer kindergarten was passed only last June. Until then, it too was an option. Fields’ bill would require local school districts to provide full-day pre-kindergarten; even in charter schools. How much would his proposed law cost taxpayers? Senator Fields says that information will be available soon…:

Cut 8 (11)  “…jails and prisons.”

Fields’ bill would also assure that all pre-K students are counted for the purpose of the state’s Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) for funding public schools. The bill raises some questions about assuring there are enough educators to staff pre-K classes statewide. Fields says he’s also working on a solution there…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…a national problem.”

The regular legislative session begins a week from today.

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With greater accessibility to gaming through online services, there could be a rise in gambling addiction issues. With that in mind, the Louisiana Department of Health is looking to be proactive. Governor John Bel Edwards has proclaimed March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and DOH is spreading the word about warning signs says program Manager Robert Henson.

Cut 10 (12) “…of the signs.”

A 2016 study reported that as many as 280-thousand adults in the state were dealing with some form of problem gambling, and that number has likely grown along with the number of outlets available for wagering. Hanson says Louisianans are particularly susceptible.

Cut  11 (12)  “…national average.”  

NCAA tournament time is on the horizon and March Madness is entering full swing, meaning tens of millions of dollars in bets will be made over the next few weeks. Henson has some tips for bettors to help keep them out of danger.

Cut 12 (11) “…walk away.”

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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, who serves as Chair of House Health and Welfare says the whole purpose for legalizing medical cannabis is 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.

Bagley says for example where he lives in Stonewall, if he or one of his constituents needs medical cannabis, they would have to make a 90-minute trip legally access it.

Cut 14 (12)  “…transportation.”

The Republican lawmaker is a big believer in medical cannabis, in addition to helping with legislation to allow all even more physicians to recommend its use Bagely also has a relative who’s been able to walk now by using marijuana after back pain left her immobile.

Cut 15 (10)  “…doing a mile.”

Bagley says he’s also presenting complementary legislation to add more legalized growers of marijuana in the state.

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The LSU men’s basketball team is the fifth seed in this week’s SEC Tournament and will play Thursday afternoon against the winner of Wednesday night’s game between Missouri and Ole Miss. Coach Will Wade’s team beat Alabama in overtime on Saturday to finish with 21-10 record, 9-9 in the SEC….

Cut 16 (16)  “…particularly defense”

Five of LSU’s nine SEC losses have been by five points or less. Wade says it was good to win a close game in the regular season finale…

Cut 17 (17) “ …21 times” 

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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 Colonels are the number one seed in this week’s Southland Tournament and will play on Friday in Katy, Texas, needing two wins to get an invite to the NCAA Tournament. Claunch says it’s tremendous to win back-to-back titles…

Cut 19 (15)_“..you are” 

10:30 LRN Newscast March 5

The rising price for gasoline will mean higher prices at the grocery store. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

A two -year was tragically killed Friday afternoon in Webster Parish after she entered the road. Authorities say Gracie Dean of Shongaloo was running on private property and entered into the roadway before 1 pm Friday. A 2014 Chevrolet struck the toddler as a family member tried to stop her before entering into traffic. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard files a bill for the next session to remove both Robert E. Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day as legal holidays. Willard says he has other bills that focus on innovation, workforce development, and business recruitment, but this was something he could not ignore.

Cut 11 (11) “…economic development.”

A Marrero lawmaker files a bill to do away with plastic shopping bags. Senator Patrick Connick wants to impose fines of $100 to $500 for using them. He says we should use reusable bags instead. Connick says other states have done this successfully and it’s time for Louisiana to follow suit…:

CUT 14(08)      “…this litter.”

Connick’s bill is one of hundreds lawmakers will consider when the legislature convenes its regular session, starting March 14th.

 

9:30 LRN Newscast Mar 5

Shreveport Police have charged 18-year-old Shamichael Pearson with second-degree murder in connection to the shooting death of 17-year-old Huntington High Student Devin Meyers. Sgt. Angie Willhite says investigators talked with witnesses and obtained surveillance footage quickly after the Thursday shooting. As for a motive, Willhite says investigators say the two had an ongoing dispute.

Cut 7 (11) “…fleeing.” 

Meyers was known as a star athlete at Huntington and a starter for the boys’ basketball team who one last night to enter semifinal play.

Triple-A reports another large jump in gas prices as the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline shot up a dime to $3.73. State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says not only is the price at the pump skyrocketing so is the cost of fertilizer because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Cut 4 (09) “…challenging times”

New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard was shocked to find out the state still had two officially recognized holidays honoring the Confederacy on the books. So he has introduced a bill for the next session to remove both Robert E. Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day as legal holidays.

Cut 9 (11) “…to remove those.”

If Marrero Senator Patrick Connick has his way, single-use plastic bags at retailers will no longer be allowed in Louisiana in an effort to reduce the ever-growing trash problem. Connick says he’s tired of seeing plastic bags on the side of roads and he’s introduced legislation.

Cut 12 (10) “…if possible”  

Senate Bill 155 would impose a $100 penalty for the first violation, $200 for the second, and $500 for the third and any subsequent violations

8:30 LRN Newscast March 5

Triple-A reports another large jump in gas prices as the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline shot up a dime overnight $3.73 a gallon. The price for a gallon of diesel gasoline has surpassed four dollars. State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the rising price for fuel will head to higher prices for groceries…

Cut 3 (08) “..from now”

Strain says not only is the price at the pump skyrocketing so is the cost of fertilizer because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Shreveport Police have charged 18-year-old Shamichael Pearson with second-degree murder in connection to the shooting death of 17-year-old Huntington High Student Devin Meyers. Sgt. Angie Willhite says investigators talked with witnesses and obtained surveillance footage quickly after the Thursday shooting.

 Cut 6 (11) “…at $350-thousand.” 

The Huntington High basketball team, where Meyers was a star player, won and go on semifinal play.

New Orleans lawmaker Matthew Willard wants Louisiana to address its past to improve its future.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m David Grubb.”  

A single-vehicle crash in Webster Parish killed a two-year-old, after authorities say the child, Gracie Dean of Shongaloo was running on private property and entered into the roadway before 1 pm Friday. A 2014 Chevrolet struck the toddler as a family member tried to stop her before running into traffic. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

07:30 LRN Sportscast March 5

Sensational win for the seventh ranked LSU baseball team last night as the Tigers rallied back from a three-run deficit to beat Oklahoma five to four in eleven innings at Houston’s Minute Maid Park. Cade Doughty hit a two run homer in the eighth to tie the game at three. Doughty had an RBI double in the 10th to tie it at four and Jordan Thompson hit a walk-off homer to win it in the eleventh. The Tigers face top ranked Texas at 7 PM.

The big upset on Friday occurred in Fayetteville, as Southeastern Louisiana shocked third ranked Arkansas seven to three. S-L-U scored all of its runs in the sixth inning.

Elsewhere, UNO upended ULM eight to two, the Cajuns scored four runs in the fifth to beat Southern Miss five to three. Tommy Ray was the winning pitcher and Brian Talley earned his first save. La Tech ended a four-game losing streak by trouncing McNeese 21-5. Cole McConnell drove in five runs.
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The Pelicans continue to play terffic basketball as New Orleans silenced the Utah Jazz 124 to 90 last night for its fourth straight win. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum continue to be a dynamic duo as Ingram had 29 points and McCollum added 24. New Orleans is at Denver on Sunday night.

The LSU women’s basketball team’s stay in Nashville was a short one as the Lady Tigers were eliminated last night by a red hot Kentucky team. The Lady Cats led by 12 points after the first quarter and went on to win 78-63.

In men’s action today, LSU closes out the regular season as they host 25th ranked Alabama at 11:30 in the P-MAC. The Tigers are trying to finish with a nine and nine SEC record.

Also at 11:30, the Cajuns are looking to upset top-seeded Texas State in the Sun Belt Tournament. Louisiana Tech ends the regular season at U-A-B.

Nicholls hosts UNO, the winner is the Southland Regular season champion.

5:30 LRN Newscast March 4

We’re all painfully aware of the rise in prices at the pump. Now get ready for bigger bills at the grocery store too. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Shreveport Police have charged 18-year-old Shamichael Pearson with second-degree murder in connection to the shooting death of 17-year-old Huntington High Student and basketball star Devin Meyers. Sgt. Angie Willhite says the two had an ongoing dispute that tragically ended in violence. She credits the public for their assistance in helping them to make a quick arrest.

Cut 8 (07) “…unspeakable.”

New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard has introduced a bill for the next session to remove both Robert E. Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day as legal holidays. With all of the major financial, educational, and environmental issues facing the state, why should legislators focus on holidays? Willard believes the Legislature can deal with both. He says he has other bills that focus on innovation, workforce development, and business recruitment, but this was something he could not ignore.

Cut 11 (11) “…economic development.”

If Marrero Senator Patrick Connick has his way, single-use plastic bags at retailers will no longer be allowed in Louisiana in an effort to reduce the ever-growing trash problem. Connick says he’s tired of seeing plastic bags on the side of roads and he’s introduced legislation.

Cut 12 (10) “…if possible”

The upcoming legislative session begins on March 14th.

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 4

The LSU Tigers have started play at the Shriners College Classic in Houston’s Minute Maid Park, taking on the Oklahoma Sooners in the first of three games this weekend. The Tigers will also face top-ranked Texas and Baylor, providing LSU with its biggest tests of the young season. Blake Money took the hill against Oklahoma. He’s 2-0 so far, with a 0-point-0 ERA and 17 strikeouts in only 14 innings. All three games air on the MLB Network.

In Nashville, LSU women’s basketball opens play in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament. The second-seeded Tigers tip-off against Kentucky at 6pm. Both teams are riding lengthy win streaks, with LSU coming in as winners of eight straight, and the Wildcats have taken their last seven in a row. The Tigers beat Kentucky 78-69 back on January 30 at the P-MAC. LSU last won the conference tournament championship in 2003.

LSU’s men will wrap up the regular season Saturday with a home matinee against 25th-ranked Alabama. The Tigers are eighth in the conference standings, tied with Texas A&M and Mississippi State, so a loss could drop them as low as tenth. Tip-off is at 11 am.

The New Orleans Pelicans have been the NBA’s hottest team since returning from the All-Star break. New Orleans has won three in a row, over the Suns, Lakers, and Kings, and have done so in convincing fashion, winning by an average of better than 24 points per game. The Pels will try to tie their season’s best by picking up win number four against the Utah Jazz tonight at the Smoothie King Center. Willie Green says defense has been the key to their success.

Cut 21 (12) “…looked very good.”

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis spoke to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday. Loomis says that finding a quarterback is something the team looks at with a sense of urgency and expressed his interest in re-signing free agent Jameis Winston. Winston led the Saints to a 5-2 start with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions before his season ended with a torn ACL. Loomis also said the Saints need to add depth at receiver, even with the expected return of All-Pro Michael Thomas.

4:30 LRN Newscast March 4

Shreveport Police make an arrest in the shooting death of 17-year-old Devin Myers, a basketball standout at the city’s Huntington High School. Myers was gunned down this week right in his own front yard. SPD spokesperson Sgt. Angie Wilhite says investigators talked with witnesses and obtained surveillance footage quickly after the Thursday shooting….:

CUT 06(11)      “…$350-thousand.”

Gasoline prices have jumped another 15-cents a gallon from yesterday; bringing the statewide average price of regular gas to $3.63-a-gallon. Diesel surpassed $4 many days ago, and state Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says that will certainly lead to higher grocery costs too…:

CUT 03(08)      “…from now.”

 

New Orleans lawmaker Matthew Willard wants Louisiana to address its past to improve its future. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(34)      “…David Grubb.”

Another New Orleans area legislator wants to ban single-use plastic shopping bags, like we are given at almost everywhere we shop. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says they’re a huge part of our statewide litter problem. His bill would forbid them and place fines on retailers using them.

3:30 LRN Newscast March 4

The rising price for gasoline will mean higher prices at the grocery store. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Today’s COVID numbers from the state Department of Health; just 332 new cases of coronavirus are reported by LDH today. 368 people are in the hospital with virus symptoms. Over 75-percent of them are not fully vaxxed. LDH also reports 48 new virus-related deaths.

 

Shreveport Police have charged 18-year-old Shamichael Pearson in connection with the shooting death of 17-year-old Huntington High basketball standout Devin Meyers. Myers was found shot to death in his own front yard. SPD spokesperson Sgt. Angie Wilhite says the public was very helpful in them making a fast arrest…:

CUT 08(07)      “…unspeakable.”

Pearson faces 2nd-degree murder charges and is in the city jail.

A Marrero lawmaker files a bill to do away with plastic shopping bags. Senator Patrick Connick wants to impose fines of $100 to $500 for using them. He says we should use reusable bags instead. Connick says other states have done this successfully and it’s time for Louisiana to follow suit…:

CUT 14(08)      “…this litter.”

Connicks’s bill is one of hundreds lawmakers will consider when the legislature convenes its regular session, starting March 14th.