AM Newscall March 15

As we enter spring and more people are being vaccinated, they are also taking to the roads, and prices at the pump are on the rise. Brooke Thorington has more.

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As COVID hospitalizations continue to decline in Louisiana and vaccinations on the rise, state health officials are hopeful the pandemic is making a positive turn. Brooke Thorington has more…

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Drew Brees is hanging up his cleats as the future hall of famer announces he’s retiring after 20 seasons. Jeff Palermof has the story

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Gas prices continue to increase at the pumps. According to Gas Buddy’s Senior Petroleum Analyst, Patrick DeHaan says demand for gasoline has reached its highest poting since the pandemic started. DeHaan says as states pull back on restrictions more people are traveling

Cut 4 (07)“…get out.”

DeHaan says as the pandemic appears to be ramping down, gas prices have increased to the highest level in a year. The problem is that U-S production of crude oil is far below what it was a year ago and…

Cut 5 (09)“…2019.”

As for the summer months when gas prices typically increase DeHaan says it looks like they will continue to rise but living in the Bayou State does have its perks.

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The number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital is below 500 for the first time since the early days of the pandemic. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the continuing decline in hospitalizations is proof that vaccines work.

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The state began receiving vaccine doses last December and they were first given to those working directly with COVID patients and then to residents 70 and older because seniors are more at risk of serious illness or death.

Kanter says more people have been vaccinated now than reported cases of COVID in the state.

Cut 8 (07) “…is it.”

The state will receive 5,200 doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine this week after not receiving any J & J shots the last two weeks due to manufacturing issues. Kanter says they hope we will soon see weekly allotments closer to 38,000.

Cut 9 (10) “…of March.”

Kanter says when the state begins receiving more of the J & J vaccine they will begin mass vaccination events again.

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Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is among a group of Republican U-S House members who are in Texas today to assess the increase of unauthorized crossing attempts from Mexico. Higgins says what was a manageable situation during the Trump administration has turned into a crisis

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The number of migrant children reportedly detained at the border has tripled. The White House admits it’s a challenge but they are working on improving an immigration system gutted by the previous President. But Higgins says the Biden administration has put out signals that the border is open, which has led to an increase in illegal drugs coming into the U-S…

Cut 11 (10) “..well funded.”

Last week Congress approved a massive COVID relief package and there’s talk they would begin work on passing a large infrastructure spending bill. But Higgins says what’s happening at the U-S Mexico border needs to be addressed soon…

Cut 12 (07) “…our nation ”

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On the 15-year anniversary of the Saints signing Drew Brees as a free agent, the future Hall of Fame quarterback announced his retirement from professional football yesterday, ending a stellar 20-year career. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Brees helped turned a losing franchise into a Super Bowl champion

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Brees played 20 seasons, setting 13 NFL records, winning seven NFC South Championships, led New Orleans to three conference championship games, and winning a Super Bowl to complete a magical 2009 season. Detillier says Brees’ relationship with Coach Sean Payton helped produce a winning atmosphere

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Brees leaves the NFL as the league’s all-time leader in passing yards and is second in touchdown passes with 571. Detillier says it was an amazing career, and it almost ended when he suffered a major injury in his last season in San Diego…

Cut 15 (10)“….to ever play.”

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Despite nearly winning the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament, LSU is an eight-seed in the NCAA Tourney and will play 16-and-4 St. Bonaventure on Saturday. Coach Will Wade says it will be a challenge to beat the Bonnies who won both the Atlantic Ten regular season and conference titles

Cut 16 (16) “…small-ball four.”

LSU gets an invite to the Big Dance after compiling an 18-9 record. They’ve won four of their last five and lost by one point to sixth-ranked Alabama in the SEC Tournament Championship game. Wade says the lack of a quality non-conference win hurt them in the seeding and what they did past weekend didn’t help

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LSU played yesterday in Nashville and today they’ll head to Indiana where the entire NCAA Tournament will be held. Wade says it will be a bubble-like atmosphere in the Hoosier State…

Cut  18 (21) “…on Saturday.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards declares tomorrow a Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Louisianans who died from COVID-19 as Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of the state’s first confirmed coronavirus-related death. Over nine-thousand flags have been placed on the front lawn of the State Capitol. Communications director for the governor’s office, Shauna Sanford says each flag represents a Louisiana life lost due to COVID-19.
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The COVID-19 death toll in Louisiana has reached 9,861.

The number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital is below 500 for the first time since the early days of the pandemic. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the continuing decline in hospitalizations is proof that vaccines work.
Cut 7 (11) “…working.”

LSU is facing calls for additional punishments for those involved in the mishandling of sexual misconduct cases. Don Molino has more…
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The LSU Tigers won their first SEC Tournament basketball game since 2016 last night by beating Ole Miss 76-73. Trendon Watford led the way with 24 points. The Tigers face Arkansas in the semi-finals at around 2:30. And If Nicholls beats Abilene Christian tonight, the Colonels will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tourney.

9:30 LRN Newscast March 13

The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office has identified the 77-year-old caretaker that authorities say was killed by her special needs client. 77-year-old Barbara Bridges of Harvey was found dead in a Terrytown home yesterday morning. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says the special needs woman is non-verbal and he believes a fight led to Bridges’ death…
cut 13 (10) “…why”
The suspect is being held in the psychiatric ward at University Medical Center in New Orleans.

It was eight days ago today the Husch Blackwell report came out, which detailed how LSU has mishandled sexual misconduct cases. LSU interim president Thomas Galligan says they are implementing the report’s 18 recommendations, which includes beefing up the Title Nine Office…
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Today is the last day for early voting as two special Congressional elections need to be decided. In the predominantly New Orleans-based 2nd Congressional District, JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon predicts a runoff between Democratic state lawmakers Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson, or social justice advocate Gary Chambers or possibly…
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There’s also the fifth district congressional race. Election day is next Saturday.

There were two more boating fatalities in the past couple of weeks bringing the total to seven before we hit the spring and summer boating season. At this time last year, the state reported only two boating fatalities. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Lieutenant Dean Aucoin says boaters need to be aware of their surroundings.
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Aucoin is also asking boaters to please wear a life jacket.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 13

Early voting for the March 20th election for two Louisiana congressional seats in the 2nd and 5th districts ends today. Taylor Sharp has a look at how the races are shaping up…
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President Biden wants COVID vaccine eligibility expanded to all adults by May. A spokesperson for Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s possible Louisiana will exceed that goal as long as the state continues to get the number of doses promised by the federal government.

LSU heard a lot of criticism this week from sexual assault victims, students, and state lawmakers that the Husch Blackwell report didn’t lead to firings within the athletic department for its mishandling sexual abuse cases. LSU interim President Thomas Galligan suspended two high-ranking athletic department officials and will continue to listen to what others have to say…
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Galligan says LSU is working to implement the 18 recommendations found in the Husch Blackwell report.

The state department of wildlife and fisheries says seven people have died this year in boating fatalities. At this time last year, there were only two. Lieutenant Dean Aucoin is asking boaters to wear a life jacket…
cut 7 (11) “…concerning to us”

7:30 LRN Sportscast

The LSU men’s basketball team won its first SEC Tournament game since 2016 last night as the Tigers topped Ole Miss 76-73 to advance to the semi-finals. Trendon Watford played one of his best games of the season, scoring 24 points. Darius Days scored 20 points and finished with 12 rebounds. LSU will face Arkansas at 2:30 today.

Louisiana Tech was ousted from the Conference USA Tournament yesterday falling to North Texas 54-48. The Bulldogs shot just 32-percent from the field. 1991 was the last time Tech made it to the NCAA Tournament and that streak will continue.

Grambling lost in the SWAC Tournament last night to Prairie View A-and-M 75-63.

Nicholls advanced to tonight’s Southland Tournament Championship game as the Colonels knocked off Northwestern State 88-76. Nicholls will face Abilene Christian at 8:30. The winner gets an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

Jaden Hill returned to form and the LSU baseball team defeated Texas-San Antonio 3-1 last night. Hill recorded just one out last week, but against the Roadrunners, he threw 6.2 innings of shutout baseball. The Tigers scored two runs in the eighth inning to win. Gavin Dugas beat out what could have been a double-play ground out and two runs scored on the play.

Louisiana Tech nearly upset top-ranked Arkansas but the Bulldogs fell to the Hogs 9-7 in ten innings. Razorbacks shortstop Jalen Battles hit a two-run homer in the tenth inning to make sure Arkansas remained undefeated. Parker Bates and Ben Brantley each drove in two runs for the Bulldogs.

Elsewhere, the Cajuns gave up eight runs in the second inning and lost to Southern Miss 13-4. Fourth-ranked Ole Miss crushed ULM 10-1. McNeese, Southeastern Louisiana, UNO, Nicholls, and Northwestern State were all winners in Southland action.

The Pelicans crushed the Cavaliers 116 to 82 as Brandon Ingram had 28 points.

5:30 LRN Newscast Mar 12

LSU is facing calls for additional punishments for those involved in the mishandling of sexual misconduct cases. Don Molino has more…

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On Friday, the state department of health reported COVID hospitalizations under 500. Another milestone for a week that is the one-year anniversary of the first reported case and death from the pandemic in Louisiana. More people in the state have now completed their vaccinations than the number of reported positive cases in the state since the pandemic began.

Early voting ends Saturday for the two special congressional races for the second and fifth districts. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says the second district race is likely headed to a run-off, but the fifth district could be won outright when the election is held on March 20th. He says Republican Julia Letlow is the favorite…

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Early voting will end Saturday at 6 PM.

The weather looks great for boating this weekend. Lieutenant Dean Aucoin, with the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Department, says before going on the water, make sure your safety equipment is in good shape…
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There is a marginal risk for severe weather in northeast Louisiana on Sunday.

4;45 LRN Sportscast March 12

The Saints took a couple more steps towards getting under the salary cap. The Black and Gold reportedly restructured the contract of star wide receiver Michael Thomas, saving them a reported nine million dollars in cap space. And the team has reportedly released defensive tackle Malcolm Brown. By cutting Brown, the Saints save nearly five million dollars in cap space.

March Madness begins for the LSU men’s basketball team tonight as they face Ole Miss in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament. Because of the pandemic, sophomore forward Trendon Watford missed out on this experience last season…
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This is a big game for the Rebels too. A win for Ole Miss and they could receive an invite to the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off will be around 8:30.

Grambling will look to advance to the SWAC Tournament championship game tonight when they face Prairie View A-and-M. The Panthers are 13-0 in SWAC play this season.

Nicholls and Northwestern State meet in the semifinals of the Southland Tournament. The Colonels went 14-2 in conference play and they have four players in double figures in scoring led by Ty Gordon, who is averaging 15 points a game. Nicholls Coach Austin Claunch says they’ve won games this year by playing team basketball…
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In the NBA, the Pelicans look to bounce back tonight against Cleveland after an awful loss to Minnesota last night.

In baseball, LSU hosts Texas-Arlington while Louisiana Tech takes on top ranked Arkansas in Ruston.

4:30 LRN Newscast Mar 12

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the homicide of a 77-year old caretaker and the suspect is the special needs woman she cared for. Sheriff Joseph Lopinto says the incident happened around 10 a.m Friday at a home in Terrytown.
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Lopinto says the suspect, who is nonverbal, has been taken to a psychiatric ward.

Saturday is the last day for early voting and in the predominantly New Orleans Democratic-based 2nd Congressional District, JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon predicts a runoff for Troy Carter and most likely Karen Carter Peterson, or possibly with Gary Chambers or…

Cut 10 (09) “…party.” 

There’s also a Congressional race in the 5th district, election day is March 20th.

It was a week ago that the Husch Blackwell report on LSU’s mishandlings of sexual assault cases was released.  During a legislative hearing this week attended by victims and students, state lawmakers were furious the report didn’t result in any firings. LSU interim President Thomas Galligan says he welcomes their scrutiny.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and fisheries is urging boaters to practice safe boating after already seeing seven boating fatalities in 2021.  At this time in last year, we only saw two boating fatalities.  Lieutenant Dean Aucoin says boaters need to be aware of their surroundings.

Cut 6 (12) “..everybody else safe”

3:30 LRN Newscast Mar 12

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the homicide of a 77-year-old caretaker and the suspect is the 32-year old special needs woman she cared for. Sheriff Joseph Lopinto says it happened around 10 this morning in Terrytown and the suspect, who is nonverbal, has been taken to a psychiatric ward.

Cut 13 (10)“…why.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and fisheries is urging boaters to practice safe boating after already seeing seven boating fatalities in 2021.  Lieutenant Dean Aucoin says anyone 16 years of age or under must wear an approved life jacket, and it could have made a difference in the number of fatalities so far this year.

Cut 7 (11) “…concerning to us”

Baton Rouge TV stations are reporting a State Trooper Jacob Brown has resigned from L-S-P. Brown is accused of beating a Monroe man during an arrest in 2019. Brown was charged in December with second-degree battery and malfeasance in office.

Early voting for the March 20th elections for two congressional seats in the 2nd and 5th districts ends Saturday and projected turnout is 15 to 20 percent. Taylor Sharp has more.

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2:30 LRN Newscast

LSU is facing calls for additional punishments for those involved in the mishandling of sexual misconduct cases. Don Molino has more…
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Baton Rouge TV stations are reporting a State Trooper accused of beating a Monroe man during an arrest in 2019 has resigned from the L-S-P. Jacob Brown was charged in December with second-degree battery and malfeasance in office. Aaron Bowman says he was hit with a flashlight every time he spoke during the alleged attack following a traffic stop.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto says a special needs woman allegedly killed her 77-year-old caretaker at a home in Terrytown today. Investigators believe the two women had an argument which then led to a physical altercation. Lopinto says they believe the cause of death is blunt force trauma…
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Lopinto says a family member of the suspect discovered the body.

Saturday is the last day for early voting for the March 20th election that includes the special congressional elections for the 2nd and 5th districts. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon projects a turnout of 15-20-percent but he’s observed an increase in the percentage of mail-in ballots
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15 candidates are seeking to replace Cedric Richmond in the 2nd district and eleven candidates are seeking to represent the fifth district, which covers northeast and central Louisiana and parts of the Florida parishes.