LRN AM Newscall May 27

Fantasy sports regulation is halfway through the legislative process and advocates are prepping for a fight against video poker interests in the Senate. Conner Ferrill has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

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Louisiana honors Gold Star Families and their fallen loved ones today for Memorial Day. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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House approved Fantasy sports regulation is halfway to final passage as a bill that would tax the activity will soon receive a hearing in a Senate committee.  As it stands the tax rate for fantasy sports is currently at 15 percent, which Fairness for Fantasy Sports spokesperson Ryan Berni says would be the highest in the nation.

Cut 3 (09) “…winnings”

Opponents argue it’s a lower rate than what other gaming activities in the state must pay.

The bill has seen stiff opposition from other gaming interest groups who say fantasy sports should only be accessible from within a casino, or a video poker facility. Berni says so far they’ve held those interests at bay, but…

Cut 4 (11) “… fantasy sports”

Over 60 percent of voters, and 47 parishes approved the activity last fall, and Berni says it would be a tragedy to see the will of those voters overturned by gaming lobbyists in the Senate.

Cut 5 (11) “…this point”

Berni says if the regulatory bill is signed by the Governor this session, fantasy sports could be available by the start of the football season.

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Tomorrow, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority will begin sinking a barge in Bayou Chene in southern Assumption to act as temporary flood gate. It’s needed to prevent backwater flooding after the Morganza spillway is opened. Chairman of the Coastal Protection Restoration Authority Board Chip Kline…

Cut 6 (08) “…backwater flooding.”

Officials say the installation of the barge would begin May 28th and any water flow from the spillway would not arrive in the area until two weeks after it is opened.

Kline says the Morganza’s opening in 2011 was problematic, but this time wildlife and people in the area will have time to adjust to the spillway…

Cut 7 (09) “…livestock.”

Opening the spillway will flood thousands of acres of farmland, but Kline says if the Morganza is not opened it could have devastating effects on the Bayou State…

Cut 8 (10) “…astronomical.”

The U.S Army Corps of Engineers will make the final decision of whether to open the spillway May 28th.

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On this Memorial Day many will consume some beef. CEO of Cattle Producers of Louisiana Dave Foster says turning on the grill should be a priority…

Cut 9 (09) “…your list.″

62,000 pounds of beef were recalled due to a possible E. coli contamination, but Foster says if you go to the store today to buy your meat, don’t worry about recalls…

Cut 10 (09) “…used up.”

Foster says with cheap prices available for steaks, now is the time to stock up on all kinds of cuts of beef…

Cut 11 (11) “…little bit.”

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We observe Memorial Day today, a day set aside for the nation to pay it’s respects to the roughly 1.2 million service members who’ve died in the line of duty. Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland asks the public to be aware of how difficult this day can be for Louisiana families whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Cut 12 (11) “…honor them”

Strickland says on Saturday morning hundreds of current and former military personnel planted 11-thousand flags in front of the State Capitol, one for each serviceman or woman from Louisiana who died in the service. He says if you’re in the Baton Rouge area, you should stop by and pay respects…

Cut 13 (07) “…division”

There will also be ceremonies taking place at all five veteran’s homes across the state and at all four state veteran’s cemeteries.

The Secretary, and Vietnam veteran says If you’re interested in honoring the fallen, but can’t make it to any of today’s ceremonies, there’s a few simple ways you can contribute.

Cut 14 (11) “…sacrifice.”

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10:30AM LRN Newscast May 25

While addressing investors and trade stakeholders in Japan this morning President Trump bragged about his administration’s reduction of regulations and how it has helped paved the way for the U-S to be a leader in energy production. He referred to a recent visit to Louisiana and the LNG plant in Cameron Parish.

Cut 21 (:16)  …being produced.

The President and First lady arrived in Tokyo this morning for a four day visit with Japanese leaders.

At the SEC Baseball Tournament, the 5th Seed LSU Tigers will take on the number 1 seed Vanderbilt Commodores this afternoon.  The Tigers have had a quite a roller-coaster ride at the tournament this year in Hoover, Alabama. They rebounded against Mississippi State last night 12-2 after losing one of the longest games in SEC Tournament and LSU history that ended after 17 innings at 3:03 Thursday morning against the Bulldogs. Today’s semi-final game is expected to start around 3:30.

25,000 acres of farmland could be destroyed if the Morganza Spillway is opened in Point Coupee Parish. Conner Ferrill has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

The Army Corps of Engineers is expected to make a decision on the spillway Tuesday.

A young bald eagle found soaked and dazed along a neighborhood street in Metairie where it hatched will be released Tuesday. The bird’s parents have nested in the neighborhood for few of years in a tall live oak.

A neighborhood resident brought the young eaglet to the Wildlife Hospital at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine on May 11th . The eagle will be released in same neighborhood where is was found.

9:30AM LRN Newscast May 25

The President is Japan this weekend promoting trade with the U-S. In a speech during his state visit to Japan early this morning, President Trump touted his recent visit to the state.

Cut 20 (:16) … 20 years right.

The liquefied natural gas facility In Cameron Parish was a highlight of the President’s trip to the state last week.

An estimated 25,000 acres of farmland is expected to be destroyed if the decision is made to open the Morganza Spillway. LSU Ag Center county agent Mike Carriere (Carry-aye) says from the Mississippi along the levees has already brought standing water to fields…

Cut 7 (07) “…this year.”

 

The Army Corps of Engineers is expected to make a decision on the spillway Tuesday.

It’s Memorial Day Weekend and with a record numbers of cars expected to be on the road, State Police Spokesperson Taylor Scrantz is asking all motorists to drive with an abundance of caution, particularly in construction zones…

Cut 14 (11) “…Iberville Parish” 

At the legislature lawmakers are looking to ease routine traffic in near the state’s capitol. A proposal to add an HOV lane to a heavily traveled stretch of I-12 between Walker and the I-10/12 split in Baton Rouge heads to the Governor’s desk. Livingston Senator Dale Erdey (Err-dee) says this should shave time off the commute of everyone driving in and out of Baton Rouge from the east.

Cut 9 (10) “…right now”

Before any work can begin a study must be completed, and project approval by the feds, but Erdey says expect work to begin sometime in the fall.

 

 

 

 

8:30 LRN Newscast May 25

In a speech during his state visit to Japan early this morning, President Trump touted his recent visit to Louisiana. Trump bragged about the advancements the state has made at the Cameron LNG export facility in Cameron Parish. The $10 Billion liquefied natural gas facility was a highlight of the President’s trip to the state last week. He encouraged leaders in Japan to make an investment in the Sempra project. The President and First Lady are in Japan as he negotiates a new bilateral trade agreement with Tokyo.

Its Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer. Your BBQ grill is not the only thing heating up this weekend. Temperatures across the state are expected to reach into the 90s. State Climatologist Barry Keim says not only has the summer heat returned, but we’ve hit a dry weather pattern

Cut 5 (10) “…next Thursday”

Keim also says we can also say goodbye for the time being to low temperatures in the low to mid-60s.

An estimated 25,000 acres of farmland is expected to be destroyed if the decision is made to open the Morganza Spillway in Pointe Coupee Parish. LSU Ag Center county agent Mike Carriere (Carry-aye) says it’s not welcome news that the Morganza could possibly open because it comes on the heels of a difficult planting season, because of wet conditions.…

Cut 8 (08) “…spillway”

 

Two Texas men are dead after trying to jump a compact car across the gap on a raised drawbridge in Louisiana

State Police say it happened shortly after 2 a.m. Friday at the Black Bayou Bridge about 6 miles south of Lake Charles. Investigators say the bridge was closed to traffic to allow a boat to pass through on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Witnesses say the car’s passenger pushed the gate arm up and they drove their car up to the raised section. They backed up, then accelerated forward, trying to jump to the other side. The vehicle landed in the water and sank. Both men were pronounced dead on the scene.

LRN Sportscast 7:30 May 25

LSU’s remarkable run in the SEC Tournament continues after pounding the Mississippi State 12-2 last night. The game ended after seven innings because of the tournament run rule. The Tigers had two big innings, five runs in the third inning and seven in the fourth inning.

The five runs in the third came off T-J Ginn, who was a first round draft pick last year.

LSU had a dozen hits on the night, Josh Smith, Antoine Duplantis (Doo-plan-tis), Daniel Cabrera, Chris Reid and Saul Garza each had two hits. Zach Watson, Chris Reid and Drew Bianco each drove in two runs.

Aaron George was the winning pitcher as he did not allow a run in nearly three innings of work out of the bullpen.

So LSU will play today at around 3:30 this afternoon in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament in Hoover.  The Tigers will face top seeded Vanderbilt. The other semi-final match up will be Ole Miss versus Georgia. The Rebels rallied to beat Arkansas 3-to-2 yesterday.

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ULM will play Coastal Carolina at 11:30 central in the semifinals of the Sun Belt Tournament. After winning their first three games in the tournament, the Warhawks had a day off in Conway South Carolina. Meanwhile, Coastal had to beat UT Arlington 14-13 for a chance to play ULM.

McNeese is just one win away from reaching the NCAA Tournament after the Cowboys beating U-I-W 5-3 last night in the Southland Conference Tournament. The Cowboys scored  three runs in the eighth inning to take the lead. Jake Dickerson’s two-run double snapped a three-three tie. McNeese will face either Southeastern Louisiana or Central Arkansas in the Southland Championship game tonight. The Lions and Bears will meet today at 1 PM in Sugar Land, Texas. S-L-U beat U-C-A nine to three yesterday.

LSU softball dropped game one of its super regional against Minnesota. The Golden Gophers rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Tigers five to three. GAme two is 5 PM today in Minneapolis.

6:30AM LRN Newscast May 25

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority will begin installing a temporary barge flood gate on Bayou Chene Tuesday. Once the spillway is opened the water that flows down the Atchafalaya River will naturally flood Morgan City. But Chairman of the Coastal Protection Restoration Authority Board Chip Kline says by sinking the barge in Bayou Chene…

Cut 6 (08) “…backwater flooding.”

Officials say the installation of the barge would begin May 28th and any water flow from the spillway would not arrive in the area until two weeks after it is opened.

It’s Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it took a little later this year, but hot and humid conditions have arrived for the holiday weekend

Cut 3 (11) “…the summer.”

Keim says we can also say goodbye for the time being to low temperatures in the low to mid-60s

A State Police trooper working an I-10 construction zone in East Baton Rouge is recovering from injuries after an alleged drunk driver slammed into the back of his vehicle. State Police spokesperson Taylor Scrantz says drivers need to respect trooper and worker safety if they see blue lights in a construction zone…

cut 12(12)   “…workers””

 

The Legislature passes a proposal to add an HOV lane to a 15 mile stretch of I12 between Walker and the 10/12 split in Baton Rouge. Matt Doyle talked to the bill’s author…

cut 2 (29) I’m Matt Doyle”  

5:30 PM LRN News May 24

An estimated 25,000 acres of farmland is expected to be destroyed if the decision is made to open the Morganza Spillway in Pointe Coupee Parish. LSU Ag Center county agent Mike Carriere (Carry-aye) says seepage from the Mississippi along the levees has already brought standing water to fields…

Cut 7 (07) “…this year.”

A State Police trooper working an I-10 construction zone in East Baton Rouge is recovering from injuries after an alleged drunk driver slammed into the back of his vehicle. With record numbers of cars expected to be on the road for the Memorial Day weekend, L-S-P spokesperson Taylor Scrantz is asking all motorists to drive with an abundance of caution, particularly in construction zones…

Cut 14 (11) “…Iberville Parish”

31-year-old Volha Tryshyna was charged with a DWI, Vehicular Negligent Injuring, and Careless Operation.

It’s Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it took a little later this year, but hot and humid conditions have arrived for the holiday weekend

Cut 3 (11) “…the summer.”

A proposal to add an HOV lane to a heavily trafficked stretch of I-12 between Walker and the I-10/12 split in Baton Rouge heads to the Governor’s desk. Livingston Senator Dale Erdey (Err-dee) says I-12′s large shoulder lanes will be used to create the new lane, signage will be put up along the 15-mile stretch, and heat sensing cameras will be installed to prevent drivers from skirting the law by putting a dummy in the passenger seat…

Cut 11 (10)“ driver”

16:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU fans are still buzzing about yesterday’s wild victory over Auburn. The Tigers scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to win four to three. The first run came in on a wild pitch and the winning run scored on a throwing error, all happening in a matter of seconds. Giovanni Digiacomo scored the tying run and here’s what he saw…
cut 18 (22) “…was in there”
The win keeps LSU alive in the SEC Tournament. The Tigers will get another shot at Mississippi State after losing to the Bulldogs in 17 innings on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. LSU is thin on pitching, so seldomly used senior Clay Moffit is expected to pitch for the Tigers. First pitch right around 6:30.

ULM is in the Sun Belt tournament semifinals for the first since 2012 as the Warhawks have won three games this week. Last night they trounced UT Arlington 18-5 as Trent Tingelstad drove in seven runs, three of them came on a home run. ULM has the day off in Conway, South Carolina. Tomorrow, they’ll play either UTA or Coastal Carolina at 11:30 AM.

In the Southland, McNeese is two wins away from winning that conference tournament. The Cowboys defeated Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi seven to two yesterday and they’ll play in the semi finals tonight against either U-I-W or Corpus Christi. Southeastern Louisiana edged Stephen F Austin four to three earlier today and they’ll play Central Arkansas at 5 PM.

Former LSU star Travin Dural is back on the practice field for the Saints. He missed all of last season after breaking his humerus in July. Coach Sean Payton on what he’s seeing from the Breaux Bridge native…
cut 30 (09) “..with him”

 

430PM LRN News

25,000 acres of farmland could be destroyed if the Morganza Spillway is opened in Point Coupee Parish…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

Governor Edwards also revealed today that the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority will begin the process of installing a temporary barge flood gate on Bayou Chene next Tuesday. The installation of that barge will reduce the amount of backwater system flooding as a result of the opening of the Morganza. The barge will be installed before the Morganza opens, and the waters from the Morganza opening may not hit the barge for another two weeks.

A proposal to add an HOV lane to a heavily trafficked stretch of I-12 between Walker and the I-10/12 split in Baton Rouge heads to the Governor’s desk. Livingston Senator Dale Erdey (Err-dee) says this should shave time off the commute of everyone driving in and out of Baton Rouge from the east.

Cut 9 (10) “…right now”

Before any work can begin a study must be completed, and the project OK’d by the feds, but Erdey says expect work to begin sometime in the fall.

A State Police trooper working an I-10 construction zone in East Baton Rouge is recovering from injuries after an alleged drunk driver slammed into the back of his vehicle. L-S-P spokesperson Taylor Scrantz says despite the nasty wreck, a full recovery is expected.

Cut 13 (08) “…in time”

31-year-old Volha Tryshyna was charged.

3:30 PM LRN News May 24

Early this morning two Texas men, 23 and 32 years old, died after attempting to jump an open drawbridge in Calcasieu Parish. The pontoon bridge was closed to traffic to allow a boat to pass through. According to a witness the passenger got out of the car and pushed the gate arm up. The two then reversed the car, accelerated toward the ramp to jump the Black Bayou Bridge and became airborne. They landed in the water sank to the bottom and were both pronounced dead at the scene.

The Legislature passes a proposal to add an HOV lane to a 15 mile stretch of I12 between Walker and the 10/12 split in Baton Rouge. Matt Doyle talked to the bill’s author…

Cut 2 (29) I’m Matt Doyle”

An estimated 25,000 acres of farmland is expected to be destroyed if the decision is made to open the Morganza Spillway in Pointe Coupee Parish. LSU Ag Center county agent Mike Carriere (Carry-aye) says news that the Morganza could possibly open soon comes on the heels of a difficult planting season, because of wet conditions…

Cut 8 (08) “…spillway”

It’s Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we can also say goodbye for the time being to low temperatures in the low to mid-60s.

Cut 4 (12) “…to stay”