11:30 Newscast, March 21st, 2017

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey is once again bringing back his proposal to the legislature that would allow non-felons over the age of 21 to carry a concealed gun without a permit. He says the Constitution guarantees our right to carry guns, and it doesn’t dictate how they should be carried…:
Cut 10 (10) “to choose”
Opponents say the bill would eliminate certain safeguards such as having to take a safety course before you receive a permit.

Two suspects are in critical condition in the case of an apparent robbery in which a St. Martinville homeowner shot the men as they were trying to enter the residence armed with a gun. Major Ginny Higgins, with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, says one of the suspect’s rang the doorbell of the resident’s home around 3am this morning…:
CUT 6 (08) “both suspects”
She says the two suspects were also wanted in connection with an armed robbery and shooting in Baton Rouge Monday.

Democrats in Congress are pushing back against President Donald Trump’s nominee for Supreme Court Justice because of his conservative stance on social issues. But Louisiana’s US Senator John Kennedy says Judge Neil Gorsuch genuinely cares about each case he tries and the individuals involved….:
Cut 25 (10) “like that”
Day two of Gorsuch’s confirmation hearing is under way.

LSU has hired a new men’s basketball coach. Athletics Director Joe Alleva said he wanted to hire a leader that was a proven winner. After a search that lasted a week and a half, Alleva has determined that VCU’s Will Wade is that man. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says this is a solid hire:
CUT 4 (12) “land him”
It’s been reported Wade agreed to a six-year deal.

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast March 21st

Will Wade is the new men’s basketball coach at LSU. He’s 34-years-old and the last two seasons he led VCU to the NCAA Tournament. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Wade will bring some much needed energy to the program…
cut 3 (11) “…get a kid”
Wade has been a head coach for four years. His first two years were at Chatanooga and the last two seasons were at VCU and he’s compiled a 67-percent winning percentage,

The Saints have reportedly signed linebacker Mati Te’o. He had a stellar career at Notre Dame, but he’s battled injuries in the NFL. The 26-year-old only played three games last season with the Chargers because of a torn Achilles.

Southern football coach Dawson Odums has received a contract extension that keeps him on the Jaguars sideline through 2019 season.

Sterlington football coach Jason Thompson has stepped down after leading the Panthers to the Class Two-A state championship. Thompson is leaving football to take an administrative role at the school.

Former LSU quarterback Brandon Harris is still looking for a school to play at next season. The University of Texas has emerged as a possible candidate. Head Coach Tom Herman has confirmed that they are recruiting Harris, but there’s no word when he’ll visit the school. North Carolina and Arizona are other potential landing spots for the former Tigers starting QB.

In college baseball today…the 15th ranked Cajuns host a red hot Houston team. The Cougars have won five in a row, while Louisiana went 2-and-2 last week. ULM hosts Grambling, McNeese State, which has won nine of its last ten is at Tulane and Louisiana Tech looks to snap a three-game losing streak as they visit Stephen F Austin.

And in basketball…LSU-Alexandria lost in the NAIA semifinals 65-63 to Life University and the Pelicans host Memphis tonight.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 21st

For the third time, Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey is bringing a bill to the legislature that would allow non-felons and those over the age of 21 to conceal carry a firearm without a permit. Opponents say the bill would eliminate certain safeguards, but Ivey argues gun owners should always be responsible, no matter how they possess a firearm…
cut 11 (11) “…proper training”

A state audit has not been able to determine what happened to 22-thousand dollars that were supposed to be used so students at West Ridge Middle in West Monroe could go to Disney World. Ouachita Parish Superintendent Doctor Don Coker….
cut 16 (07) “…parties are responsible”
The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating the incident.

State law will prevent Governor Edwards from going outside of Louisiana to find the next permanent leader of State Police. Edwards has to appoint someone that’s a commissioned State Police officer who graduated from the L-S-P academy. President of the Metropolitan Crime Coaltion Rafael Goyeneche says because of the recent travel scandal, L-S-P could really use a fresh face to change the department’s culture…
cut 6 (10) “….organiziation”

Will Wade is the new men’s basketball coach at LSU. He’s 34-years-old and the last two seasons he led VCU to the NCAA Tournament. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Wade will bring some much needed energy to the program…
cut 3 (11) “…get a kid”
It’s been reported Wade has agreed to a six-year deal.

09:30 Newscast, March 21st, 2017

President Donald Trump’s nominee for the vacancy on the Supreme Court has the support of Louisiana’s US Senator John Kennedy. Neil Gorsuch began his Senate confirmation hearings on Monday. Kennedy says Judge Gorsuch has shown a desire to rule fairly…:
Cut 9 (07) “that person”
Democrats are pushing back against Gorsuch because of his conservative stance on social issues.

As Governor John Bel Edwards looks for the next superintendent of State Police with Col Mike Edmonson retiring Friday, his options are limited under state law. The next chief has to be chosen from State Police officers who graduated from the academy. But President of the Metropolitan Crime Coalition Rafael Goyeneche says the department needs a fresh face as Edmonson retires amid controversy….:
CUT 6 (10) “organization”

Governor John Bel Edwards has proclaimed today Agriculture Day in Louisiana. He says he hopes this will demonstrate how Louisiana appreciates the important work being done by farmers to keep families healthy and productive, especially when it’s challenging. Given the two historic floods in March and August, 2016 was a difficult year on many farms.

A teacher and a bookkeeper at a West Monroe school are coming under fire over missing Disney World money from 8th graders to the tune of about $22,000. Roger Harris with the Legislative auditor’s office says the only person in charge of collecting money was Jodie Dean of West Ridge Middle, but Stacey Rogers, was responsible for making deposits and keeping records of the funds…:
CUT 14 (10) “took place”
The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation and so far they have not commented on the report by the auditor.

 

08:30 Newscast, March 21st, 2017

A state law limits the search for the new State Police superintendent, as Col. Mike Edmonson is set to retire on Friday. Jeff Palermo has more on the restriction…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A measure that would let non-felons over 21 carry a concealed gun without a permit will get a third try in the upcoming session. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey says other states already have similar laws on the books…:
Cut 12 (10) “constitutional carry states”

This morning, Governor John Bel Edwards is slated to announce the new Louisiana Housing Heroes Initiative. His office says this is aimed at pairing hundreds of flood victims who are still displaced with affordable housing options.

A state audit examining a missing 22-thousand dollars in student activity funds from West Ridge Middle School in West Monroe has been turned over to law enforcement. Roger Harris with the Legislative Auditor’s Office says over 11-thousand dollars was collected from eighth graders between 2013 and 2014 for a trip to Disney World. He says there was one teacher in charge of collecting the money for the trip, Jodie Dean…:
Cut 13 (09) “that regard”
Ouachita Parish School Board Superintendent Dr. Don Coker says this is concerning as these are taxpayer dollars…:
Cut 15 (10) “has gone on”
Dean has reportedly been placed on administrative leave.

 

07:30 Newscast, March 21st, 2017

US Senator John Kennedy supports President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court Justice nominee, Neil Gorsuch as confirmation hearings are underway. Kenndy says he’s impressed by what he’s read of Gorsuch’s work…:
Cut 7 (12) “the law”
Democrats are pushing back against Gorsuch because of his conservative stance on social issues.

State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson will retire on Friday, and under Louisiana law, a new colonel must have graduated from the LSP academy. But President of the Metropolitan Crime Coalition Rafael Goyeneche hopes a measure could be filed for the upcoming legislative session to give the governor permission to seek someone outside of the state…:
Cut 5 (11) “state police”
Governor Edwards is expected to announce the interim head of LSP this week.

Louisiana residents would be able to concealed carry a firearm without a permit, under a proposal by Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

LSU has hired a new men’s basketball coach. Athletics Director Joe Alleva said he wanted to hire a leader that was a proven winner. After a search that lasted a week and a half, Alleva has determined that VCU’s Will Wade is that man. He’ll take over a program that was 10-21 during the 2016-17 campaign and has struggled to put together consistent winning seasons in conference play since the Dale Brown era. Even though Wade is a Clemson grad, he’s reportedly called LSU his dream job.

 

 

 

06:45 Sportscast, March 21st, 2017

LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva announces former Virginia Commonwealth University head basketball coach Will Wade will lead the men’s hoops program. This is the third head coaching stop for the 34-year-old from Nashville. His winning percentage after four seasons as a head coach is .669, and the past two seasons he led VCU to the NCAA Tournament. Even though Wade is a Clemson grad, he’s reportedly called LSU his dream job.

The Saints are reportedly near making a deal with free-agent linebacker Mantei Te’o who could sign today, according to ESPN. The 26 year old is best known for being the victim of a “catfishing” hoax than for football; but has 222 tackles, 2 interceptions and 1.5 sacks in 38 career games, however does have trouble staying healthy.

In the NBA, the Pelicans return home to face the Memphis Grizzlies at 7pm. The Pels enter tonight’s contest 4 games behind the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference with 12 more to go.

College hoops, LSU-Alexandria took the court Monday in the semifinals of the NAIA Tournament, and saw their perfect season come to an end dropping a stunner to Life University by a score of 65-63. The top-seeded Generals, who finish 34-1, were hoping to become just the third unbeaten team in history to win an NAIA Tournament. Three time champion Life will try to become the second school to win four titles.

Today in college baseball, 15th-ranked UL-Lafayette will host Houston at 6 p.m. The Ragin’ Cajuns are coming off of their fourth series win of the year taking two of three games from Appalachian State. Tulane will then travel to the new M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field at Russo Park tomorrow. The Green Wave takes on McNeese State tonight in New Orleans.

ULM hosts regional foe Grambling tonight. The Warhawks are 1-2 in the Sun Belt. The Tigers lost all three games at Dallas Baptist over the weekend.

Louisiana Tech’s Diamond Dogs travel to face Stephen F. Austin tonight. Tech dropped three close games to Southern Miss over the weekend to start C-USA play.

On UNO’s first road swing of the season, The Privateers take on Missouri State today, then Arkansas tomorrow.

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron announces Senior defensive end Christian LaCouture has been awarded the NO. 18 jersey for the upcoming season.

 

06:30 Newscast, March 21st, 2017

State Police Col Mike Edmonson retires this week, and there is a state law that says the next superintendent must be a State Police officer who graduated from the LSP academy. But President of the Metropolitan Crime Coalition Rafael Goyeneche says a nationwide search should be conducted..:
Cut 4 (10) “in Louisiana”
Governor Edwards is expected to announce the interim head of LSP this week as Edmonson is set to retire on Friday.

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey is once again bringing back his proposal to the legislature that would allow non-felons over the age of 21 to carry a concealed gun without a permit. He says the Constitution guarantees our right to carry guns, and it doesn’t dictate how they should be carried…:
Cut 10 (10) “to choose”
Opponents say the bill would eliminate certain safeguards such as having to take a safety course before you receive a permit.

The confirmation hearings for President Trump’s Supreme Court Justice nomination are underway in the nation’s capital and he has the support of U.S. Senator John Kennedy. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

At the start of the murder trial for one of two Marksville City Marshal’s accused in the death of a 6-year-old boy, prosecutors argued that the men were in no danger when they opened fire at the vehicle Jeremy Mardis and his father were in. But Derrick Stafford’s attorney said Christopher Few was “the author of his child’s fate”; for leading his client and the other suspect, Norris Greehouse Jr, on a dangerous high speed chase.

 

18:30 Newscast March 20

The man accused in the shooting death of an East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputy was wanted for questioning in the rape of a teen. Michelle Southern reports…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

On the first day of the murder trial for former-Marksville police officer Derrick Stafford, jurors watched the 14 minute long body cam video of the encounter that resulted in the death of a 6-year-old autistic boy. Several jurors were reportedly seen wiping away tears, as the footage showed the shooting that killed the boy ad critically wounded his father after a car chase in 2015. Stafford is one of two officers accused in the death of Jeremy Mardis.

After years of midyear budget cuts, Jonesboro Senator Jim Fannin has filed a bill for the regular session that seeks to limit the amount of money lawmakers can spend each year.The proposal would limit the budget to only 98-percent of the revenue forecast for that year. Fannin says he expects some opposition.

Cut 16 (10) “discussion about it”

Fannin says Governor Edwards supports the plan.

Forty-four percent of children under 5 in New Orleans are living in poverty, according to the latest census data. Demographer Greg Rigamer says that’s because the median household income is very low. He says improving education could help solve this problem.

Cut 13 (10) “good jobs”

Rigamer says living in extreme poverty makes it hard for these children to get ahead in life.

AM Newscall March 21,2017

A state law limits the search for the new State Police superintendent, as Col. Mike Edmonson is set to retire on Friday. Jeff Palermo has more on the restriction…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The confirmation hearings for President Trump’s Supreme Court Justice nomination are underway in the nation’s capital and he has the support of U.S. Senator John Kennedy. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Louisiana residents would be able to concealed carry a firearm without a permit, under a proposal by Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The head of State Police, Col. Mike Edmonson retires this week, but a state law narrows the search for his permanent replacement. A statute requires the next superintendent to be a commissioned State Police officer who graduated from the LSP academy. But President of the Metropolitan Crime Coalition Rafael Goyeneche says a nationwide search should be conducted.

Cut 4  (10) “in Louisiana”

Governor Edwards is expected to announce the interim head of LSP this week as Edmonson is set to retire on Friday. Once an interim replacement is named, Edwards is expected to begin the process of finding a full time leader. Goyeneche hopes a measure could be filed for the upcoming legislative session to give the governor permission to seek someone outside of Louisiana.

Cut 5  (11)  “state police”

Edmonson announced his retirement last week as the agency is facing multiple investigations looking into a travel scandal. Goyeneche says the LSP could really use a fresh voice and a fresh face to change the culture.

Cut 6 (10) “organization”

______________________________________

Confirmation hearings are underway for President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court Justice nominee, Neil Gorsuch. U.S. Senator John Kennedy supports the president’s pick and says Gorsuch is especially qualified to be a justice. He says he’s read a number of Gorsuch’s opinions on cases he’s ruled on as a federal appeals judge, and it’s apparent he is extremely intelligent.

Cut 7 (12)  “the law”

Democrats are pushing back against Gorsuch because of his conservative stance on social issues. But Kennedy says Gorsuch genuinely cares about each case he tries and the individuals involved.

Cut 8 (10) “like that”

Kennedy says Gorsuch supports the separation of power and understands the role of this position as a check on the legislative and executive branches. He says Judge Gorsuch has shown a desire to rule fairly and fight for his view of justice.

Cut 9 (07)  “that person”

_________________________________________________________

Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey is once again bringing back his proposal to the legislature that would allow non-felons over the age of 21 to carry a concealed gun without a permit. He says the Constitution guarantees our right to carry guns, and it doesn’t dictate how they should be carried.

Cut 10 (10) “to choose”

This is the third time Ivey has proposed similar legislation. Opponents say the bill would eliminate certain safeguards. For instance, to receive a permit to carry a concealed firearm, a resident must take a safety course. But Ivy argues gun owners should always be responsible, no matter how they possess a firearm.

Cut 11 (11) “proper training”

Ivey adds that prohibited persons like convicted felons would still be barred from carrying under his proposal. He says this bill is part of a larger national movement towards constitutional carrying, and other states already have similar laws on the books.

Cut 12 (10) “constitutional carry states”

_________________________________________________________

A state audit examining a missing 22-thousand dollars in student activity funds from West Ridge Middle School in West Monroe has been turned over to law enforcement. Roger Harris with the Legislative Auditor’s Office says over 11-thousand dollars was collected from eighth graders between 2013 and 2014 for a trip to Disney World. He says there was one teacher in charge of collecting the money for the trip, Jodie Dean.

Cut 13 (09) “that regard”

Harris says there’s also another 10-thousand dollars in unaccounted money that never made it to the bank. The school’s bookkeeper, Stacey Rogers, was responsible for making deposits and keeping records of the funds. He says they’re still trying to piece together what may have happened to the money.

Cut 14 (10) “took place”

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation into whether criminal charges are warranted. Ouachita Parish School Board Superintendent Dr. Don Coker says it’s always concerning if there’s a misappropriation of money at a school because these are taxpayer dollars.

Cut 15 (10) “has gone on”

Coker says this incident occurred several years ago, and they’ve taken steps to ensure the school’s spending has been monitored. He says the school board holds its employees to a very high standard, and they’re trying to do what’s right.

Cut 16 (07) “are responsible”

Reportedly, Dean has been placed on administrative leave, and Rogers has since retired. OPSO did not issue a comment on the audit, but a spokesperson says their investigation is ongoing.