6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans fought hard last night but came up short and lost to the Lakers 110 to 106. New Orleans will need to beat Sacramento on Friday to keep its season alive. The Pels trailed by 18 points in the third quarter, but Zion Williamson led a big-time comeback, scoring 40 points. But after scoring his 40th point with 3 minutes and 19- seconds left to play, he left the game with an injury and the Lakers outscored New Orleans 15 to 11 the rest of the way. Coach Willie Greene said after the game Williamson had left leg soreness.

The 14th-ranked Cajuns baseball team scored 12 runs in the first three innings and beat Southeastern Louisiana 15 to 7. Trey LaFleur homered and drove in five runs. Same two teams tonight, but in Hammond.

The Tigers doubled up UNO six to three. Jared Jones, Hayden Travinski, and Brady Neal all homered.
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Louisiana Tech baseball got back in the win column last night with a six to two win over ULM. Cole McConnell had a two run homer.

The seventh-ranked LSU softball team defeated 25th-ranked U-L Lafayette four to two. Ciara Briggs’ two-run single in the fourth inning was the difference.

Back to the LSU baseball team, the Tigers are 3-12 in the SEC and they will begin a series at Missouri on Friday. LSU will likely need to go 10-5 in the second half of SEC play in order to make the SEC Tournament. Teddy Cahill with Baseball America says the Tigers are better than their SEC record…
cut 18 (19) “…next five weeks

6:30 am Newscast

Today marks Governor Jeff Landry’s 100th day in office and La-Politics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says politically this milestone signals a new power structure in the executive branch.

Cut 4 (11) “…the legislature.”

Alford says the reason it looks like Landry is off to a fast start is because he campaigned for the position for years.

A bill that would ban the gassing method known as nitrogen hypoxia as a method the state can use in death penalty executions advanced out of a Senate committee yesterday. Senator Katrina Jackson Andrews filed the bill on behalf of the Jewish community.

Cut 7 (12) “…death penalty.”

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State lawmakers have begun discussions on holding a constitutional convention next month. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Officeannounced Tuesday the arrest of a man they say stalked his estranged wife for a year and eventually killed her. 49 year old David Hernandez is facing second degree murder charges in the death of 45 year old Lisa Hernandez who was found unresponsive March 20th. Deputies believe David Hernandez staged a burglary to cover up the crime.

 

LRN AM Newscall April 17

For Governor Jeff Landry’s first 100 days in office, he’s yet to take his foot off the gas…. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A bill that would ban the gassing method known as nitrogen hypoxia for the death penalty passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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State lawmakers have begun discussions on holding a constitutional convention next month. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Today marks Governor Jeff Landry’s 100th day in office and La-Politics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says politically this milestone signals a new power structure in the state’s executive branch…

Cut 4 (11) “…the legislature.”

Alford says he expects Landry’s tenure in office will be extremely transformative, he’s already replaced the entire tax commission and there’s legislation to give him more control over boards and commissions.

Alford says will be at the Louisiana Department of Health and the state tax code.

From a policy perspective, Alford says the governor for the most part has gotten everything he’s asked for…

Cut 5 (09) “…the agenda.” 

Since January Landry has had two special sessions, one that was court-ordered for redrawing the state’s congressional map that also added the party primaries election structure, and another session focusing on crime. His first regular legislative session began last month.

Alford says is now facing his biggest test, trying to convince lawmakers to hold a constitutional convention.

Cut 6 (11) “…as governor.”

Alford says the reason it looks like Landry is off to a fast start is because he campaigned for the position for years.

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A bill that would ban the gassing method known as nitrogen hypoxia as a method the state could use in death penalty executions advanced out of Senate committee Tuesday. Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews filed the bill on behalf of the Jewish community. She says the gassing method is triggering for Jewish people…

Cut 7 (12) “…death penalty.”

Representatives from a coalition of Jewish organizations, Jews Against Gassing, spoke before the committee and held a rally on the Capitol Steps. Holocaust Scholar and Loyola professor, Naomi Yavneh Klos (Nay-oh-me Yav-na-close) says the group holds no opinion on the death penalty but strongly opposes the method used by Nazis…

Cut 8 (09) “…antisemitic regime.” 

Aaron Block with the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans says the coalition’s firm position against execution by gassing is not suggesting a comparison to the atrocities committed by the Nazis but…

Cut 9 (08)  “…that mechanism.”

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a felony gun charge he faces from a shooting that wounded two people in Farmerville on February 15th. Holly’s attorney Mike Small expects the former Union Parish football star to be cleared of criminal charges.

Cut 10 (09) “…about that.”

In a Union Parish courtroom, Holly plead not guilty to the charge of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentality. He was facing attempted second-degree murder, but a Union Parish Grand Jury rejected that charge.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly expressed optimism earlier this month that Holly’s legal issues could be wrapped up soon. But Holly’s next court date is not until July 3rd.

Small says he might be able to speed up the court proceedings based on the prosecution’s evidence…

Cut 11 (09) “…the prosecution.”

Small has requested to see the evidence the prosecution has against his client. He expects to get that information in two to four weeks and at that time he could provide more details on why he believes Holly is not guilty

Cut 12 (12) “…this case.” 

Holly posted on social media days after the shooting that he was not involved in the incident at all and he’s 100% innocent.

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In a House committee hearing, state lawmakers laid out their concerns over holding a constitutional convention on May 20th, two weeks before the regular session is scheduled to end. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham is worried his bills int he regular session will not receive final passage.

Cut 13 (10)  “…out of time.”

Bayham’s comments came during a legislative hearing on the bill that calls for the constitutional convention. Supporters of the convention want to remove items from the constitution and put them into state law to give legislators more financial flexibility.

Former state lawmaker Neil Abramson told legislators during budget deficits, health care, and higher education take the deep cuts

Cut 14 (13)  “…those decisions.”

New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd is unclear on what changes to the constitution could be made…

Cut 15 (09)  “…coming from.”

Supporters of a revised constitution want voters to vote in November on the changes made during the convention. More discussion is expected today on the constitutional convention.

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The LSU Tigers are struggling to find their way through this baseball season. The team has found themselves at 3 and 12 in SEC play halfway through the season and with a hard road to make the postseason tournament. Baseball America analyst Teddy Cahill says that the Tigers have two options ahead of them if they want to make the field for the NCAA tournament.

Cut 16 (11)  “…crazy in Hoover.”  

LSU has struggled to produce both at the plate and mound in a timely manner this season and Cahill says that neither the offense nor the defense deserves all the blame for the Tigers struggles.

Cut 17 (14) “…number of things.”

Cahill says that LSU’s 3 and 12 SEC record is not reflective of this year’s team, but he says that the multitude of struggles the Tigers have faced is the cause of the Tigers struggle in SEC play. He predicts that the Tigers will play much better over the next five weeks and that their play will reflect a more accurate representation of what this team is capable of doing.

Cut 18 (19)  “… next five weeks.” 

LSU will try to start its second half of the SEC season off on the right foot when they take on Missouri this weekend.

5:30 LRN Newscast April 16 and Legislative Report

Wednesday marks Governor Jeff Landry’s 100th day in office and La-Politics.com Published Jeremy Alford says politically this milestone signals a new power structure in the state’s executive branch…

Cut 4 (11) “…the legislature.”

A bill to ban gassing, also known as nitrogen hypoxia as a method to carry out the death penalty advances out of Senate Judiciary C. Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews filed the bill on behalf of the Jewish community because it’s triggering for Jewish people…

Cut 7 (12) “…death penalty.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

State lawmakers laid out their concerns over holding a constitutional convention on May 20th, two weeks before the regular legislative session is scheduled to end. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham is worried the bills that he has going through the process during the regular session will not receive final passage.

Cut 13 (10)  “..out of time”

Supporters of the convention want to remove items out of the constitution and put them into state law to give legislators more financial flexibility.

Former state lawmaker Neil Abramson told legislators during budget deficits, health care and higher education take the deep cuts.

Cut 14 (14)  “…those decisions.”

More discussion is expected Wednesday in House Governmental Affairs.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The New Orleans Pelicans will face the Los Angeles Lakers tonight in the first NBA postseason play-in game. The Pelicans ended the regular season in a 124 to 108 loss at home on Sunday to this same Lakers team, despite the return of Small Forward Brandon Ingram from a knee injury. Pelicans Head Coach Willie Green expects Ingram to play a major role in the playoffs.

Cut 17 (17) “… up to speed.”

The Pelicans will host the Lakers tonight with tip off at 6:30.

LSU’s Angel Reese was drafted by the Chicago Sky with the seventh overall pick in last night’s WNBA draft. As the WNBA season kicks off next month, Reese says that she can’t wait to be in Chicago.

Cut 05 (05) “… Chi-town girl.”

The Chicago Sky will take on the Minnesota Lynx in their first preseason game on May 4th.

LSU baseball will try to bounce back from getting swept by Tennessee over the weekend when they face UNO tonight at 6:30 pm. The Privateers are hitting .298 as a team and post a 5.83 team ERA.

The UL-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns baseball team is now ranked 14th by D-1 baseball after sweeping Marshall over the weekend and increasing their SunBelt win streak to 14 games. UL-Lafayette head coach Matt Deggs says that his guys play the game the right way.

Cut 18 (16) “… and compete.”

UL-Lafayette will take on Southeastern tonight at 6 pm.

LSU football will look to boost its defensive line through adding defensive tackles in the spring transfer portal that opened today. The Tigers also received a commitment from Alexandria Senior High running back J-T Lindsey.

And LSU softball will host UL-Lafayette in a battle of top 25 teams tonight with first pitch at 6 pm.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast April 16

A bizarre break-in at Jennings High School, on Monday caused classes to be cancelled. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says 37-year-old Dillion Champagne is in custody, but Semmes says he can’t imagine the fear that the two employees experienced when Champagne confronted them with a gun and stole the keys to one of the employees’ cars.

Cut 7 (09) “…the best.”  

A recall petition has been officially filed to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape on the grounds he’s unfit for office. Dillard University Political Science Professor Robert Collins says obtaining enough voter signatures, in this case it’s 35,000, is an expensive undertaking and challenging.

Cut 10 (08) “…her job.”

Tape was charged with six counts of child sexual assault in New Mexico but was never tried on a technicality.

LSU star Angel Reese is now a member of the Chicago Sky. Chicago selected Reese as the seventh overall pick in the WNBA draft. Reese led LSU to its first national championship in women’s basketball in 2023 and this past season she was named the SEC Player of the Year. The All-American could have returned to LSU for one more season, but Reese says she’s ready for a new challenge…
Cut 4 (12) “…be a sponge”
The W-N-B-A begins its season next month.

And former ULLM head football coach Terry Bowden is headed to Delhi Charter School. He’s accepted an assistant coach and teacher position. 67-year-old Bowden was let go from ULM in November after three seasons and a 10-26 overall record.

3:30 PM Newscast April 16

A recall petition has been filed to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape who was charged with six counts of child sexual assault in New Mexico but never tried on a technicality. Dillard University Political Science Professor Robert Collins says recalls are extremely difficult and rarely successful. He says the most efficient way to obtain enough signatures, in this case, at least 35,000, is to mail voters affidavits, have them sign them, and return them in a postage-paid envelope.
Cut 11 (11) “…the challenge”

The House Governmental Affairs Committee began discussion today on holding a constitutional convention. Supporters of a constitutional convention say they want to move items to state law so legislators can have more flexibility during difficult budget times. Covington Representative Mark Wright believes holding a convention is a great idea. Any changes to the constitution would need voter approval in November…
Cut 13 (11) “…doesn’t change.”

The committee is planning to discuss the idea more tomorrow.
LSU star player Angel Reese is heading to Chicago to play for the Sky. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A bizarre break-in at Jennings High School Monday. Police say 37-year-old Dillion Champagne stole two vehicles, and held two employees at gunpoint, fortunately, no one was hurt. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says After a 12-hour multi-law enforcement manhunt, Champagne was located thanks to a tip that he was seen on Highway 97 about a mile from the school.
Cut 8 (12) “…to another.”

LRN PM Newscall April 16

LSU star player Angel Reese is heading to Chicago to play for the Sky. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A petition to recall the embattled St. Tammany Parish Coroner has been filed with the Secretary of State’s office. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (36)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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An Angel is heading to the Sky. The Chicago Sky selected LSU women’s basketball star Angel with the seventh overall pick in last night’s WNBA draft. Reese says she had a feeling Chicago would select her after positive conversations with Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon…

Cut 3 (12) “…the table.” 

Weatherspoon played for LSU coach Kim Mulkey when she was an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech.

Reese led LSU to its first national championship in women’s basketball in 2023 and this past season she was named the SEC Player of the Year. The All-American could have returned to LSU for one more season, but Reese says she’s ready for a new challenge…

Cut 4 (12) “…be a sponge” 

The W-N-B-A begins its season next month. Reese says she’s looking forward to spending her summers in Chicago…

Cut 5 (05)  “…Chi-town girl.”

Reese is the first LSU women’s basketball player selected in the first round of the WNBA draft since 2012 when Washington took LaSondra Barrett.

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After a bizarre break-in at Jennings High School, before classes began on Monday, police have 37-year-old Dillion Champagne in custody. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says Champagne stole two vehicles, followed a custodian in the school, and held two employees at gunpoint, fortunately, no one was hurt.

Cut 6  (10) “…Dillion Champagne.” 

Semmes says he can’t imagine the fear that the two employees experienced when Champagne confronted them with a gun and stole the keys to one of the employees’ cars.

Cut 7 (09) “…the best.”  

After a 12-hour multi-law enforcement manhunt, Champagne was located thanks to a tip that he was seen on State Highway 97 about a mile from the school near the Jaenke Bridge.

Cut 8 (12) “…to another.” 

Champagne faces 18 charges ranging from criminal damage to property to attempted armed robbery and is being held in the Jefferson Davis Parish Jail.

Classes at Jennings High School were canceled Monday but have resumed today.

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A recall petition has been officially filed to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape on the grounds he’s unfit for office. Tape was charged with six counts of child sexual assault in New Mexico but was never tried on a technicality. Dillard University Political Science Professor Robert Collins says recalls are extremely difficult and rarely successful.

Cut 9 (10) “…recall elections.” 

Tape ran unopposed for the coroner, and it was an investigative reporter who brought his questionable background to light.

Dillard says that obtaining enough voter signatures is an expensive undertaking and challenging.

Cut 10 (08) “…her job.”

Dillard says the most efficient way to obtain enough signatures, in this case, the threshold is 35,000 signatures, is to mail voters affidavits, have them sign them, and return them in a postage-paid envelope.

Cut 11 (11) “…the challenge”

A recent recall effort to remove New Orleans Mayor LaTonya was unsuccessful.

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee began discussion today on holding a constitutional convention. The bill’s author, New Iberia Representative, Beau Beaullieu, says the goal is to streamline the state constitution, which is one of the longest in the nation…

Cut 12 (10) “…in statue.” 

Supporters of a constitutional convention say they want to move items to state law so legislators can have more flexibility during difficult budget times. The committee is planning to discuss the idea more tomorrow.

The constitutional convention will comprise of all 144 state lawmakers, plus 27 delegates chosen by the governor. The convention would begin May 20th and end June 3rd, but it could be as extended as late as July 15th.

Covington Representative Mark Wright believes holding a convention is a great idea and any changes to the constitution would need voter approval in November…

Cut 13 (11) “..doesn’t change.”

The state’s last constitutional convention was in 1992, but it was unsuccessful. The current constitution was written in 1973. Several lawmakers have questions on how the constitutional convention would work. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says starting the constitutional convention on May 20th when the regular session is scheduled to end June 3rd can cause issues…

Cut  14 (14) “…this convention.” 

More discussion on the constitutional convention will take place tomorrow in House Governmental Affairs.

2:30 PM Newscast April 16

Lawmakers began their discussions on holding a constitutional convention today in the House Governmental Affairs Committee. Several have questions on how the convention would work. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says starting the constitutional convention on May 20th when the regular session is scheduled to end June 3rd can cause issues…

Cut  14 (14) “…this convention.” 

After a bizarre break-in at Jennings High School, before classes began on Monday, police have 37-year-old Dillion Champagne in custody. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says Champagne stole two vehicles, followed a custodian in the school, and held two employees at gunpoint, fortunately, no one was hurt.

Cut 6  (10) “…Dillion Champagne.” 

A petition to recall the embattled St. Tammany Parish Coroner has been filed with the Secretary of State’s office. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (36)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Chicago Sky selected LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese with the seventh overall pick in last night’s WNBA draft. Reese led LSU to its first national championship in women’s basketball in 2023 and this past season she was named the SEC Player of the Year. The All-American could have returned to LSU for one more season, but Reese says she’s ready for a new challenge…

Cut 4 (06) “…be a sponge” 

1:30 PM Newscast April 16

A recall petition has been officially filed to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape because he’s unfit for office. Tape was charged with six counts of child sexual assault in New Mexico but was never tried on a technicality. Dillard University Political Science Professor Robert Collins says recalls are extremely difficult and rarely successful.

Cut 9 (10) “…recall elections.” 

 

A bizarre break-in at Jennings High School, Monday caused classes to be cancelled. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says 37-year-old Dillion Champagne is in custody, but Semmes says he can’t imagine the fear that the two employees experienced when Champagne confronted them with a gun and stole the keys to one of the employees’ cars.

Cut 7 (09) “…the best.”  

 

The House Governmental Affairs Committee began discussion today on holding a constitutional convention. The bill’s author, New Iberia Representative, Beau Beaullieu, says the goal is to streamline the state constitution, which is one of the longest in the nation…

Cut 12 (10) “…in statue.” 

 

Angel Reese is the first LSU women’s basketball player selected in the first round of the WNBA draft since 2012 when Washington took LaSondra Barrett. The Chicago Sky chose Reese with the 7th overall pick and Reese says she’s looking forward to spending her summers in Chicago…

Cut 5 (05)  “…Chi-town girl.”

 

Reese led LSU to its first national championship in 2023 and this year was named SEC Player of the Year. The W-N-B-A begins its season next month.