12:30 Newscast, March 2nd, 2017

A gun rights bill by Congressman Ralph Abraham has been signed into law by President Donald Trump. The Republican from Richland Parish says the measure protects the Second Amendment rights of elderly people after a policy put in place by the Obama Administration put them in jeopardy….:
Cut 10 (11) “mentally incompetent”
He says he’s glad President Trump repealed this regulation he says is a direct threat to the Constitution.

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. A 15-year-old who was walking to school this morning in Denham Springs, died after being hit by a truck as he was trying to cross the road. His family has identified the teen as Bryce Edling. Denham Springs Police Chief Shannon Womack says the student was headed to class…:
cut 4 (03) “high school”
The tragic incident is under investigation.

Women of the Louisiana Republican Party are demanding an apology from Congressman Cedric Richmond to White House adviser Kellyanne Conway over a comment he made they call deeply offensive. In a now-famous photo, Conway is seen kneeling on a couch in the Oval Office. During a fundraiser in D.C., Richmond said Conway “looked familiar in that position.” In a statement, the LA-GOP called the remark sexism at its worst. Richmond later said he only meant it as a joke that she was behaving too comfortably in a room filled with people.

A Baton Rouge man convicted of killing his 5-year-old son will spend the rest of his life behind bars. East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore said 38-year-old Vernell Day’s defense argued during sentencing Wednesday that their client had another child that was never hurt. Moore that doesn’t fly…:
CUT 15 (08) “him on that”
Day was convicted of beating 5-year-old Jay’v’une Bergin to death in 2014.

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast March 2nd

There’s interesting trade news involving the New Orleans Saints today. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports the Titans and Eagles are interested in acquiring wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who last year complained about how he was being used in the Saints offense. The former first-round pick still caught 78 passes for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns. But New Orleans is deep at wide receiver with Michael Thomas and Willie Snead.

The Louisiana Tech baseball team’s 15-game winning steak ended yesterday as 20th ranked Arkansas rallied from a 10-1 deficit to beat the Bulldogs 13-10. Tech will try to start a new winning streak tomorrow when they host Wichita State.

And the LSU men’s basketball team’s 15-game losing streak is over. The Tigers won for the first time since January 4th as they beat Tennessee 92-82 last night on Senior Night. Brandon Sampson led LSU with a career-high 24.

The Pelicans snapped a three-game losing streak by downing Detroit 109-86 last night. Newly acquired all-star center DeMarcus Cousins did not play, because he was serving a one-game suspension from the league for having too many technical fouls over the course of the season. Anthony Davis had 33 points and 14 rebounds for the Pels and Jrue Holiday added 22 points. New Orleans hosts San Antonio tomorrow night.

In college basketball tonight….the Cajuns look for their fifth straight win as they host Texas State. ULM will host U-T Arlington.

In the Southland, first place UNO hosts Southeastern Louisiana. A win over the Lions would give New Orleans at least a share of the conference title. Nicholls is at Lamar. The Colonels currently own the eighth and final spot in the Southland tournament with a couple of games left in the regular season.

If Northwestern State wants to make the Southland tourney, they’ll have to beat Stephen F Austin tonight.

In other action…McNeese is at Sam Houston. Southern visits Prairie View, Grambling hosts Alabama A-and-M and Tulane travels to Memphis.

11:30 Newscast, March 2nd, 2017

A Denham Springs teen has died after being hit by a vehicle on his way to school. Police Chief Shannon Womack says they received a call reporting the incident a little after 7 a.m…:
Cut 3 (06) “pickup truck”
The family has released the name of the teen. Bryce Edling lost his life on his way to Denham Springs Freshman high.

Governor John Bel Edwards says reducing minimum mandatory sentences for some nonviolent offense will be part of his criminal justice reform package in the regular session. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana native Paul Rainwater is one of two candidates to become the new FEMA director, according to sources. US Senator John Kennedy says this would be a perfect choice as Rainwater has vast experience in dealing with disasters in Louisiana.
Cut 12 (09) “for Louisiana”
A final decision on who Trump will nominate to direct FEMA may not be made until April or May.

A Baton Rouge man has been arrested for the murder of his son. Sgt. Don Coppola with Baton Rouge Police says 23-year-old Tyrone Isaac got into a physical altercation with his father, Rico Wilbert..:
Cut 5 (08) “result of that”
Wilbert is booked with second degree murder.

The Calcaiseu Parish Sheriff’s Office says two people are under arrest for allegedly leaving their 2 year old child in a vehicle alone while they went into a casino and gambled. 23-year-old Maureen Cheto and 30-year-old Armstrong Otieno, both of Leesville, were booked with child desertion.

 

10:30 Newscast March 2

Louisiana native Paul Rainwater is a candidate to become the next director of FEMA. But US Senator John Kennedy says there are several other confirmations that have to occur before they get to FEMA, including the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.

Cut 11 (11) “him fishing”

The FEMA confirmation may not be made until April or May.

Lowering mandatory minimum sentences for some nonviolent offences will be one aspect of Governor John Bel Edwards’ criminal justice reform package in the regular session. Edwards says the state is looking at proven strategies that have lowered prison populations in other states.

Cut 7 (08) “offenses”

Edwards says the state can’t afford to keep spending $600 million on the Department of Corrections.

The Department of Corrections and the Louisiana Department of Health are teaming up to help inmates enroll in Medicaid, so they have healthcare when they are released. DOC Medical Director Dr. Raman Singh says the program has been implemented in 7 DOC run facilities, and it will go to local prisons next before being put in place throughout the department.

Cut 6 (10) “electronically”

He says 230 offenders have already been linked to a healthcare plan, which gives them access to primary care physicians instead of emergency rooms.

Governor John Bel Edwards has a busy day in Alexandria today. The governor will speak at a Pineville High School assembly this afternoon, before heading to a roundtable discussion with ministers and community leaders. Later today, Edwards will meet with local elected officials to discuss issues affecting the area.

09:30 Newscast, March 2nd, 2017

The Department of Corrections has activated a database that enrolls prisoners in Medicaid on the day they are released from 7 state owned facilities. DOC Medical Director Dr. Raman Singh says this new program gives former offenders access to primary care physicians, instead of emergency rooms…:
Cut 5 (11) “cost efficient care”
He says this is good for taxpayers because proper care could reduce the recidivism rate.

A 15-year-old on his way to school this morning in Denham Springs died after he was hit by a truck, according to police. They believe the student was crossing the road when headed to Denham Springs Freshman High, and was struck.

The Baton Rouge Police Department arrests a man in the shooting death of his son. They say the suspect, 48-year-old Rico Wilbert, had been in an altercation with the victim, 23-year-old Tyrone Issac. Wilbert is booked with second degree murder.

A Baton Rouge man convicted of killing his 5-year-old son will spend the rest of his life behind bars. East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore said 38-year-old Vernell Day’s defense argued during sentencing Wednesday that their client had another child that was never hurt. Moore that doesn’t fly…:
CUT 15 (08) “him on that”
Day was convicted of beating 5-year-old Jay’v’une Bergin to death in 2015.

Governor John Bel Edwards plans to present a criminal justice reform plan to lawmakers that looks at reducing minimum sentences for some nonviolent offenses. He says the reforms will reduce state spending, incarcerate fewer people, and have a lower crime rate and less recidivism without jeopardizing public safety…:
Cut 9 (09) “a gamble”
Edwards says the state is looking at proven strategies that have worked to reduce the prison population in other southern conservative states.

 

08:30 Newscast, March 2nd, 2017

Louisiana native Paul Rainwater is one of two candidates to become the new FEMA director, according to sources. US Senator John Kennedy says this would be a perfect choice as Rainwater has vast experience in dealing with disasters in Louisiana.
Cut 12 (09) “for Louisiana”
A final decision on who Trump will nominate to direct FEMA may not be made until April or May.

Governor John Bel Edwards plans to present a criminal justice reform plan to lawmakers that looks at reducing minimum sentences for some nonviolent offenses. But he says opposition is coming from many DAs.
CUT 8 (07) “overall approach”
Edwards says we have to find a way to lower the state’s incarceration rate, because Louisiana spends $600 million a year on the Department of Corrections.

A former choir director from Neville High School is under arrest by the Monroe Police Department on charges including four counts of each of prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student, and distribution of a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance. The suspect is identified as 25-year-old Jamaal Amos.

Newly released inmates are getting access to healthcare thanks to a partnership between the Louisiana Department of Health and the Department of Corrections. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

 

07:30 Newscast, March 2nd, 2017

Governor Edwards says reducing minimum mandatory sentences for some nonviolent offense will be part of his criminal justice reform package in the regular session….”
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Sources say Louisiana native Paul Rainwater is one of two candidates to become the next director of FEMA. U.S Senator John Kennedy supports former Governor Bobby Jindal’s Chief of Staff…:
Cut 10 (11) “any better”

The Department of Corrections and the Louisiana Department of Health are teaming up to get health coverage for newly released inmates. DOC Medical Director Dr. Raman Singh says they are helping incarcerated inmates enroll in Medicaid so that once they are released, they can continue to receive the care they need…:
Cut 4 (10) “disorder issues”
Singh says the first phase of the program is being implemented in 7 DOC state facilities, with 230 offenders already linked to a health plan.

A Baton Rouge father who beat his 5-year-old son to death will spend his life behind bars. 39-year-old Vernell Day was sentenced Wednesday. East Baton Rouge DA Hillar more says jail is only place the man who killed 5-year-old Jay’v’une Bergin belongs..:
CUT 14 (09) “different positions”
Police say Bergin was taken to the hospital in August of 2014, and died two days later.

 

06:45 Sportscast, March 2nd, 2017

The Pelicans did it without newly acquired All-Star Demarcus Cousins last night, picking up a 109-86 win over the Pistons at the Smoothie King Center. Cousins had to serve a one game suspension for posting his 18th technical foul on Sunday, but point guard Tim Frazier had the impact on this game. He frustrated Pistons center Andre Drummond into a flagrant two-foul, an automatic ejection. The Pels couldn’t be stopped from there.

They finally won. For the first time in 8 weeks, the LSU men’s basketball team got a victory and it was over Tennessee by a score of 92-82. The Tigers improve to 10-19 on the season, and 2-15 in the SEC. With the victory, the team avoided having their worst SEC record in school history. LSU closes out the regular season Saturday at Mississippi State.

The ULM men’s basketball team opens the final home weekend of the regular season tonight against Sun Belt leader UT Arlington. Also today, Northwestern St. is at Stephen F Austin. Nicholls State is at Lamar. McNeese State is at Sam Houston. Lafayette hosts Texas State. Grambling hosts Alabama A&M. Southeastern is at UNO. Tulane is at Memphis.

The NFL has set its 2017 salary cap at $167 million dollars, according to the players association. The Saints carried over $5.7 million dollars in space from 2016, and currently have about 27.4 which will likely change before free agency as they reportedly plan to release free safety Jairus Byrd which would mean as much as $7.8 million freed up.

Louisiana Tech had their first loss of the season on Wednesday. The Bulldogs fell to No. 20 Arkansas in Ruston, 13-10. The loss snaps a 15-game home winning streak for Tech.

The ULM baseball team got three runs in the top of the 5th inning to take a three run lead, but how bout McNeese. The Cowboys responded with six runs in the bottom of the 5th to retake control on the way to a 14-5 in Lake Charles.

Southeastern couldn’t hold off No. 10 Vanderbilt and the Lions fell 4-2 in Nashville. Tulane dropped a 2-1 contest to Southern Miss on the road.

Today the LSU and Baylor Baseball teams will visit the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Houston. This visit is part of the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic taking place this weekend at Minute Maid Park.

 

06:30 Newscast, March 2nd, 2017

Governor John Bel Edwards plans to present a criminal justice reform plan to lawmakers that looks at reducing minimum sentences for some nonviolent offenses. Edwards says the state is looking at other states’ proven strategies that have worked to reduce the number of inmates behind bars…:
Cut 7 (08) “offenses”
Edwards says Louisiana spends a whopping $600 million a year on the Department of Corrections.

Louisiana native Paul Rainwater is a finalist to become the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Emelie Gunn has more..:
Cut 3 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A Baton Rouge man convicted of killing his 5-year-old son will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Last month 38-year-old Vernell Day, Jr. was found guilty of second degree murder for beating his son Jay’v’une Bergin to death in 2014. District Attorney Hillar Moore says with that conviction, there was only one way the sentencing could go.:
Cut 13 (10) “life imprisonment”
Police say Jay’v’une was taken to the hospital in August of 2014 after suffering multiple blows, and the child died two days later.

FEMA has denied federal aid for several parishes impacted by tornadoes in February. Governor John Bel Edwards’ request was approved for Livingston and Orleans, but FEMA will not provide assistance to Ascension, St. James and St. Tammany parishes. The governor intends to appeal this decision.

18:30 Newscast March 1

Louisiana Republicans are encouraged after hearing President Donald Trump’s address to Congress last night. Baton Rouge Congressman Garrett Graves says the speech was a homerun and very patriotic.

Cut 8 (09) “America first”

But Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party Stephen Handwerk remains skeptical and says actions speak louder than words.

Grambling President Rick Gallot is back from his trip to Washington where he met with President Trump on making historically black colleges and universities a priority. Gallot says, from a funding standpoint, it makes a huge difference when the White House has promised to be involved.

Cut 14 (09) “we’re encouraged”

HBCU Presidents are calling for a $25 billion investment.

A man is dead following an officer involved shooting in Houma on Tuesday night. State Trooper Jesse Lagrange says the Houma Police Department was involved in an incident with a barricaded subject when the shooting occurred.

Cut 10 (07) “the shooting”

Lagrange says they are not releasing the any details about the deceased man or what led to the incident at this time.

An escaped work release inmate is once again behind bars after a high speed chase in Webster Parish that ended with a vehicle going airborne. Webster Sheriff Gary Sexton says deputies set up a roadblock to catch 18-year-old Kevonte Austin.

Cut 3 (12) “in the car”

Sexton says the woman was not hurt, and Austin was apprehended.