6:30 am LRN News

Yahoo Sports reports there’s an FBI wiretap with LSU basketball coach Will Wade discussing a recruiting offer to a middleman recently convicted for his role in a college basketball recruiting scandal. Jeff Palermo has more.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff palermo.”
Congressman Mike Johnson and a delegation of Republican House members met with President Trump yesterday for an hour and a half meeting to discuss passing additional conservative legislation in the coming session. During the meeting Johnson says the President inquired about the upcoming elections in Louisiana…
Cut 10 (09) “…the idea.”
It’s the first Friday of Lent for the million plus Catholics who call Louisiana home, and for many that means ditching red meat for seafood. Gulf Seafood Institute Chairman Harlon Pearce says we’re on track for a good season, but soft shell crab lovers in particular are in for a real treat this year after closures in recent years.
Cut 7 (12) “…this year.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Thursday, Mar. 7 a worldwide recall on all lots of Life-Line Water. According to the FDA the product was found to be contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a potentially deadly bacteria.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU basketball coach Will Wade is under a microscope as a result of an alleged FBI wiretap that reportedly has Wade telling a recruiting handler that a strong offer has been made to a recruit’s family and the compensation would be more than the rookie minimum.

Yahoo sports was the first to report on the story and media members had a chance to ask Wade about it after a luncheon. But Wade said he had not seen the story and added that they’ll move forward as they need to.

The wire tap is part of a federal investigation into college basketball recruiting, three men have already been sentenced to jail and another trial is coming up next month. Glen Guilbeau of the USA Today Network says it’s hard to say where this will lead for the LSU Tigers…
cut 5 (10) “…worst of it”
LSU can win an SEC title tomorrow with a win over Vanderbilt.

Cedric Russell scored a career-high 34 points as the Ragin Cajuns defeated Arkansas Little Rock 77-72. The win gives UL Lafayette a 9-8 record in the Sun Belt.

ULM fell to 8-and-9 after losing to Arkansas State 73-72.It’s their fourth loss in conference play by one point.

10th ranked LSU baseball begins a weekend series tonight against California. Zack Hess will start on the mound tonight and freshman Cole Henry will start Saturday in the place of Landon Marceaux, who struggled last weekend in Texas. Coach Paul Mainieri believes Henry can handle a weekend start…
Cut 16 (16) “talent”
Sophomore Eric Walker is scheduled to start Sunday.

Also this weekend, La Tech is at Arkansas. ULM hosts McNeese and UNO is at Nicholls

530PM LRN News

Yahoo Sports reports the FBI intercepted a phone conversation between LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade and recruiting middleman Christian Dawkins, in which Wade is recorded discussing a “deal” about “this Smart thing,” which could be a reference to LSU freshman guard Javonte Smart. Two Adidas officials and Dawkins have been sentenced to prison as part of the investigation into college basketball recruiting. Wade has reportedly been subpoenaed for the second college basketball corruption trial next month. LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network, Glen Guilbeau, says as LSU hoops prepare for the Big Dance, this FBI probe is concerning
Cut 6 (08) “…the NCAA”
Wade said on Thursday he has not read the FBI wiretap report, but the program will move forward as they need to. Last year, Wade denied ever doing business with Dawkins.
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A record half million Rouses King Cakes were devoured this year. Bakery Director for Rouses Markets Michelle Knight says says more are coming with an Irish twist…
Cut 11 (09) “…great king cakes.”
If you still have left overs, Knight says know those treats only have a three to four day shelf life.
Twenty horses used in Mardi Gras parades this year have found new homes following a volunteer effort by the Human Society of Louisiana. Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson says the rescued horses are becoming stars.
Cut 7 (08) “…have happy endings.”

The Program began three years ago after Dorson found out some parade horses were potentially being sent to slaughter after Carnival.

AM Newscall 03.08.19

Yahoo Sports reports there’s an FBI wiretap with LSU basketball coach Will Wade discussing a recruiting offer to a middleman recently convicted for his role in a college basketball recruiting scandal. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff palermo.”

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A nasty artic blast may have delayed peak crawfish season, but the Gulf Seafood Institute says there’s plenty of other water raised options for the first day of Lent…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Investigators say it was a hammer that served as the weapon that ended the lives of three in a gruesome scene in a Terrytown home.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

Yahoo Sports reports the FBI intercepted a phone conversation between LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade and recruiting middleman Christian Dawkins, in which Wade is recorded discussing a “deal” about “this Smart thing,” which could be a reference to LSU freshman guard Javonte Smart. LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network, Glen Guilbeau, says LSU officials should be concerned…

Cut 4 (12) “…lot more”

The Yahoo sports report also quotes Wade saying a strong offer has been made in the alleged conversation between the Tigers coach and Dawkins. LSU hoops is enjoying its best season in a decade, but Guilbeau says this FBI investigation could get worse for the Tigers basketball program

Cut 5 (10) “…worst of it.”

Two Adidas officials and Dawkins have been sentenced to prison as part of the investigation into college basketball recruiting. Wade has reportedly been subpoenaed for the second college basketball corruption trial next month.  Guilbeau says as LSU hoops prepare for the Big Dance, this FBI probe is concerning

Cut 6 (08) “…the NCAA”

Wade said on Thursday he has not read the FBI wiretap report, but the program will move forward as they need to. Last year, Wade denied ever doing business with Dawkins.

___________________________________________________

It’s the first Friday of Lent for the million plus Catholics who call Louisiana home, and for many that means ditching red meat for seafood. Gulf Seafood Institute Chairman Harlon Pearce says we’re on track for a good season, but soft shell crab lovers in particular are in for a real treat this year after closures in recent years.

Cut 7 (12) “…this year.”

The outlook for regular crab isn’t so hot at the moment, with the recent cold spell delaying the crustacean’s maturation.

For observant Catholics, that means tonight’s dinner is probably going to consist of some kind of fried fish on a plate, and Pearce says the late winter months are certainly the best time to indulge.

Cut 8 (07) “…right now”

For many Louisianans of all religious denominations, the star attraction is crawfish, that recent arctic blast has led to some up and down prices and supply. But Pearce says give it a few weeks and you’ll have all the mudbugs you can eat.

Cut 9 (11) “…you want.″

__________________________

Congressman Mike Johnson and a delegation of Republican House members met with President Trump yesterday for an hour and a half meeting to discuss passing additional conservative legislation in the coming session. During the meeting Johnson says the President inquired about the upcoming elections in Louisiana…

Cut 10 (09) “…the idea.”

Governor John Bel Edwards, the only Democratic governor in an SEC state, is up for re-election, along with Republican Senior Senator Bill Cassidy who announced he was running to keep his seat.

Johnson says Trump was interested to know how his policies were being viewed back in the Bayou State. The Congressman told the President Louisianans were happy with his administration, but unhappy with local leaders.

Cut 11 (07) “…level.”

According to Morning Consult, Louisiana has the fourth highest net approval rating for the President of any state, at 16 points.

Johnson says they talked about a path forward for further reforms like the GOP tax overhaul, despite a major roadblock in the form of a Democratic controlled House.

Cut 12 (09) “…job done”

______________________________

The details of the Jefferson Parish triple homicide that left two children and a mother dead, along with two other severely injured have come to light.  Sheriff Joe Lopinto says the suspect 33-year-old Terrance Leonard admitted to killing the two children and injuring the others with a hammer.

Cut 13 (09) “…presumably for death.”

The suspect led the investigators to the hammer that had been hidden in a garbage can.  Lopinto says the suspect was the boyfriend of the adult victim, 32-year-old Kristina Riley.

Cut 14 (10) “…kill her also.”

Lopinto says Leonard is being held in the Jefferson Parish jail on three first degree murder charges, two attempted murder charges, and obstruction of justice for his attempt to hide the weapon and hastily clean up the scene.  Lopinto says although it is not his call, he is in favor of the death penalty following the gruesome nature of the crime.

Cut 15 (06) “…okay with that”

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10th ranked LSU baseball begins a weekend series tonight against California. Zack Hess will start on the mound tonight and freshman Cole Henry will start Saturday in the place of Landon Marceaux, who struggled last weekend in Texas. Mainieri believes Henry can handle a weekend start…

Cut 16  (16) “talent” 

Sophomore Eric Walker is scheduled to start Sunday.

After missing Wednesday’s win over Holy Cross with a slight strain to his hamstring, Mainieri says starting shortstop Josh Smith is 100-percent and ready to play against the Bears. Smith missed most of last season with a back injury, but Mainieri says this latest injury is not a big deal…

 cut 17 (17)   “the season” 

430PM LRN News

Yahoo Sports reports the FBI intercepted a phone conversation between LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade and recruiting middleman Christian Dawkins, in which Wade is recorded discussing a “deal” about “this Smart thing,” which could be a reference to LSU freshman guard Javonte Smart. LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network, Glen Guilbeau, says LSU officials should be concerned…
Cut 4 (12) “…lot more”
Wade said on Thursday he has not read the FBI wiretap report.
Fat Tuesday had come and gone and this year presented a longer carnival season. Plenty of King Cakes were consumed as part of the celebration. Bakery Director for Rouses Markets Michelle Knight says several flavors stood out as the front runners for being the most popular variations.
Cut 10 (09)“…and Bavarian cream.”
__________________________________
US Senator Bill Cassidy tells USA Today’s Greg Hilburn that he’s running for re-election in 2020. LSU poli sci professor Dr. Robert Hogan says Cassidy’s right-wing bonafides will prevent a creditable Republican primary challenge, and there really isn’t much of a threat to his job from the left either…
Cut 14 (07) “…him.”
Twenty horses used in Mardi Gras parades this year have found new homes following a volunteer effort by the Human Society of Louisiana. Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson says a thorough background check is done on each of the potential owners, in an effort to ensure the horses have a bright future ahead of them.
Cut 8 (09) “…the right home.”
In past years, horses were used for the parades and then sent to auction, where they could be in danger of heading to slaughter.

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 7

Yahoo Sports and ESPN reports the FBI intercepted telephone calls between LSU Coach Will Wade and recruiting middleman Christian Dawkins, in which Wade expressed frustation that he had yet to receive a commitment from a recruit, despite a strong offer that was made. The FBI wire taps are from 2017 and it’s believed Wade is not happy with a handler of current LSU guard Javonte Smart. Wade reportedly says its hell of an offer for a kid who will be at LSU for two or three years. Wade spoke today at a luncheon and told reporters afterwards that he had not seen the report, but they’ll move forward as they need to.

Meanwhile on the court, Wade and the Tigers are one win away from clinching at least a share of the Southeastern Conference title when they host Vanderbilt on Saturday. LSU played in its seventh overtime game of the season last night and beat Florida 79-78. The victory caps off an undefeated run in SEC road games for this season.

Spring football begins today for the LSU Tigers, one of the big position battles to watch is at running back. LSU’s leading rusher last season, Nick Brossette, has moved on, so the Tigers will look to fill the void he leaves behind. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is the team’s returning leading rusher, but Assistant Tiger Rag Editor Tyler Nunez says an incoming freshman who will arrive in the summer, John Emery, might be the Tigers top back next season…
cut 19 (13) “…recruited him”
And LSU announced that safety Grant Delpit will wear number seven next season.

The Ragin Cajuns are at Little Rock tonight, while ULM visits Arkansas State. The Warhawks Daishon Smith and A-S-U’s Ty Cockfield lead the Sun Belt in scoring. Both UL-Lafayette and ULM need to finish strong to avoid playing in a play in game for the Sun Belt Tournament. They are currently in a three-way tie for fifth place, the top six seeds avoid the play-in game.

330PM LRN News

US Senator Bill Cassidy tells USA Today’s Greg Hilburn that he’s running for re-election in 2020. LSU poli sci professor Dr. Robert Hogan says Cassidy has spent the last five years building his national conservative bonafides, and becoming a right-wing leader on healthcare. The professor says that should spare him any credible primary threats from his side of the aisle.
Cut 13 (09) “…right.”
The state’s senior Senator was elected to the Upper Chamber after serving in the Legislature, and US House of Representatives.
In this hour details about the brutal triple homicide in Terrytown yesterday are becoming available. Three died, among them one adult female and two children, who Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says were bludgeoned to death in their sleep by 33-year-old Terrance Leonard. Two children survived the ordeal and are in the hospital.
_______________________________
Yahoo Sports reports the FBI intercepted a phone conversation between LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade and recruiting middleman Christian Dawkins, in which Wade is recorded discussing a “deal” about “this Smart thing,” which could be a reference to LSU freshman guard Javonte Smart. Despite the growing scandal, LSU hoops is enjoying its best season in a decade, and Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says the team could snag a high seed in the NCAA tournament.
Cut 5 (12)“…right now”
Two Adidas officials and Dawkins have been sentenced to prison as part of the investigation into college basketball recruiting. Wade has reportedly been subpoenaed for the second college basketball corruption trial next month.
Wade said on Thursday he has not read the FBI wiretap report.

PM Newscall

The Humane Society of Louisiana has found homes for 20 horses used in Mardi Gras parades.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A Louisiana-based grocery store says they sold over a half-million king cakes during the long carnival season. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The 10th ranked LSU basketball team can claim at least a share of the SEC regular season title on Saturday with a win over Vanderbilt after beating Florida 79-78 in overtime. Point guard Tremont Waters led LSU in scoring with 19 points, but Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says the big guys also played a large role

Cut 3 (11) “…in that game.”

With last night’s win, LSU finishes league play with an undefeated record in conference road games. Nunez says that’s quite an achievement after winning just two SEC road games last year…

Cut 4 (11) “…tough situations″

LSU will be either a one or two seed in next week’s SEC Tournament. Nunez says there’s a chance the Tigers can be a one seed in the NCAA Tournament…

Cut 5 (12)“…right now”

____________________

Twenty horses used in Mardi Gras parades this year have found new homes following a volunteer effort by the Human Society of Louisiana.  In past years, horses were used for the parades and then sent to auction, where they could be in danger of heading to slaughter.  Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson says this is the third year for the program that has proven to be successful.

Cut 6 (11) “…an auction barn.”

Each horse is photographed and has a bio posted on Facebook.  Dorson says it is landing the horses plenty of attention.

Cut 7 (08) “…have happy endings.”

Dorson says a thorough background check is done on each of the potential owners, in an effort to ensure the horses have a bright future ahead of them.

Cut 8 (09) “…the right home.”

_______________________

 

Fat Tuesday had come and gone and this year presented a longer carnival season.  Plenty of King Cakes were consumed as part of the celebration. Bakery Director for Rouses Markets Michelle Knight says they have seen record sales for the sugary treat.

Cut 9 (08) “…a half million.”

Knight says several flavors stood out as the front runners for being the most popular variations.

Cut 10 (09)“…and Bavarian cream.”

Knight says their King Cakes are baked fresh with no preservatives and only have about a three or four-day shelf life, but those that absolutely must have more King Cake, she says more are coming with an Irish twist in honor of St. Paddy’s Day.

Cut 11 (09)   “…great king cakes.”

_______________________________

US Senator Bill Cassidy tells USA Today’s Greg Hilburn that he’s running for re-election in 2020. The state’s senior Senator was elected to the Upper Chamber after serving in the Legislature, and US House of Representatives. LSU poli sci professor Dr. Robert Hogan says the announcement boxes out any other ambitious Republican looking to make a move.

Cut 12 (07)   “…again.”

Prior to his political career, Cassidy received his doctorate from LSU and worked as a liver specialist at Earl K Long Medical Center.

Hogan says Cassidy has spent the last five years building his national conservative bonafides, and becoming a right-wing leader on healthcare. The professor says that should spare him any credible primary threats from his side of the aisle.

Cut 13 (09) “…right.” 

So if there is a credible challenge, it almost certainly would have to come from the Senators left. But, Hogan says there really aren’t any Louisiana Democrats in a good position to make the effort.

Cut 14 (07)  “…him.” 

230PM LRN News

US Senator Bill Cassidy tells USA Today’s Greg Hilburn that he’s running for re-election in 2020. The state’s senior Senator was elected to the Upper Chamber after serving in the Legislature, and US House of Representatives. LSU poli sci professor Dr. Robert Hogan says the announcement boxes out any other ambitious Republican looking to make a move.
Cut 12, 8 seconds, run again
Prior to his political career, Cassidy worked as a doctor.
The 10th ranked LSU basketball team can claim at least a share of the SEC regular season title on Saturday with a win over Vanderbilt after beating Florida 79-78 in overtime. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says the big guys carried the load.
Cut 3 (11) “…in that game.”
__________________________________
A Louisiana-based grocery store says they sold over a half-million king cakes during the long carnival season. Jeff Palermo has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
A shooting on the Grambling campus has one person in the hospital and another behind bars. Early reports indicate the incident involved one student, and another non-student. The victim reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and after law enforcement cleared the area and investigated the manner, the campus was declared safe. Classes have resumed and no further interruptions in the schedule due to the shooting are planed as of this time.

1:30 LRN Newscast March 7

John Bel Edwards re-election team says radio ads that attack the governor for his funding of early childhood education are blatantly false. Victory 2019 spokesperson Eric Holl says Edwards has done what he can to provide funding for pre-K education during tough budget times and if re-elected, he’ll increase funding for early childhood education…
cut 17 (11) “second term”
Truth in Politics produced the ad and they say Edwards doesn’t like someone calling him out on his failed record.

We’re still waiting for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s office to provide more details on yesterday’s triple murder at a home in Terrytown. Jail records indicate 33-year-old Terrance Leonard has been booked on three counts of first degree murder and two counts of attempted first degree murder. Sheriff Joe Lopinto said last night that their suspect has confessed to the murders. Early indication is that the victims died from blunt force trauma.

The Humane Society of Louisiana has found homes for 20 horses used in Mardi Gras parades…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

LSU hoops is one win away from at least a share of the SEC regular season title after beating Florida last night. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor Tyler Nunez says the Tigers could be a number one seed in the NCAA Tourney…
cut 5 (12) “….right now”
But a new Yahoo Sports report has quotes from Wade taken during an FBI wire tap where the LSU coach is discussing an offer for a potential recruit.