12:30 LRN Newscast

Expect overnight lane closures on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge beginning Monday as Phase 2 of the Basin Bridge Safety Corridor begins. Colleen Crain has more…
Cut 29 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

And gas prices are on the way up…AAA’s Don Redman says the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up 16-cents to $3.07 a gallon and the price at the pump will only continue go up…
cut 8 (07) “…$3.75 a gallon”

Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow is authoring a bill that requires schools to print the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 9-8-8 number on every student’s I-D card. During discussion in Senate Education, Barrow quoted concerning suicide statistics from 2021…
cut 11 (12) “….to me”
The proposal is heading to the Senate floor.

The McNeese Men’s basketball team is heading to the NCAA Tournament after beating Nicholls 92 to 76 in the Southland Tournament Championship Game. Cowboys Coach Will Wade led LSU to three NCAA Tournament appearances in five seasons in Baton Rouge and in his first season at McNeese he turned around a losing program…
cut 4 (12) “…to me”
McNeese will find out on Sunday who they will play in the NCAA Tournament.

11:30 LRN Newscast March 14

Legislation related to mental health on school campuses advance from Senate Education. Lake Charles Senator Mark Abraham’s bill allows public schools to employ or allow a volunteer chaplain to provide support services for students and teachers. He says in the two states that do allow chaplains…

Cut 9 (07) “…are zero.” 

Abraham says fifteen other states are currently considering such laws, and it’s not just students who benefit.

The state department of transportation announces they will begin installing speed cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge starting on Monday. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says the speed limit is also changing for trucks going from 55 miles per hour to 60, which is the same speed for cars…
cut 14 (10) “…speed limit”
The speed cameras will not issue tickets, but the plan is for that to happen in the future.

The McNeese Cowboys advance to the NCAA men’s Basketball Tournament by defeating Nicholls 92-76 in the Southland Tournament Championship game. Shahada Wells earned most valuable player honors for the tournament as he had 27 points and six assists in the win over the Colonels. Wells is excited to lead McNeese to its third ever NCAA Tournament appearance

Cut 5 (08)  “…make a run.”

The Bayou Bandits will learn of their NCAA Tournament destination on Selection Sunday at 5 PM.

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has jumped 16 cents since last month. Today’s statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.07. Triple-A Fuel analyst Don Redman says higher crude oil prices is raising the price at the pump…

Cut 6  (09) “…a barrel.” 

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The McNeese men’s basketball team is headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002 after beating Nicholls 92-76 yesterday in the Southland Tournament Title game. In his first season in Lake Charles, head coach Will Wade has led the Bayou Bandits to an impressive 30-3 record…
cut 18 (12) “…showed up today”
McNeese will find out who they will play in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday.

The second ranked LSU baseball team is heading to Starkville where they’ll play Mississippi State to begin SEC Play this weekend. The Tigers blanked North Dakota State seven to zip yesterday and Mac Bingham moved up to the leadoff spot and got on base three times, including his second home run of the year.

Duncan Pastore had three hits as the Ragin Cajuns defeated Louisiana Tech nine to five.

LSU men’s basketball begins play today as an eight-seed in the SEC Tournament. Coach Matt McMahon’s team will face Mississippi State at noon…
Cut 16 (16) “…five games.”
All SEC Selection Josh Hubbard is averaging 17 points to lead State. He scored 32 against the Tigers earlier this season and hit six three-pointers in a 20-point win over LSU.

Louisiana Tech beat Middle Tennessee twice in the regular season, but were upset by the Blue Raiders last night in the quarterfinals of the Conference USA Tournament. Disappointing end to the Bulldogs season that saw them go 22-10 this season.

And the Pelicans lost to the Cavaliers 116 to 95 despite 33 points from Zion Williamson.

10:30 LRN Newscast

At the state capitol, there is an effort to repeal the state’s motorcycle helmet law. Hornbeck Representative Rodney Shamerhorn wants to give motorcycle riders 21 and above the option to wear a helmet…
cut 5 (12) “….a choice”
The House Transportation Committee approved a bill that repeals the state’s motorcycle helmet law. It goes to the full House for more discussion.

At the U-S Capitol, the House has approved a bill that could result in the popular video app being banned in America. Host of the Tech Gumbo podcast, Haggai Davis says Congress is trying to force ByteDance to sell Tik Tok to either a U.S.-based or a non-Chinese company to alleviate concerns that China could be misusing data against Americans.
Cut 11 (10) “…in the United States.”
But Davis says if this legislation becomes law, he expects lawsuits.

Expect overnight lane closures on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge beginning Monday as Phase 2 of the Basin Bridge Safety Corridor begins. Colleen Crain has more…
Cut 29 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A 34-year-old Ruston woman is facing manslaughter charges in the death of her boyfriend. Authorities say Willie Watson was on the hood of Brictiney Robinson’s car when she slammed on her brakes causing him to roll off and Watson later died from head injuries. Robinson faces up to 40 years in prison.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The House Transportation Committee has approved a bill that will repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law. Hornbeck Representative Rodney Shamerhorn believes motorcycle riders should have the choice to go helmetless, even if it results in a few more traffic deaths. Monroe Representative Pat Moore voted against the measure…
cut 6 (09) “….of it”
The bill heads to the full House for more debate.

The McNeese Cowboys are going dancing as they are headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002. The Bayou Bandits received an invite to the Big Dance by beating Nicholls 92-76 in the Southland Tournament Championship game. A happy Coach Will Wade spoke after his team cut down the nets at the Legacy Center…
cut 3 (07) “…for everybody”
Wade turned around a losing program in just one season. Yesterday’s win over the Colonels improved McNeese’s record to 30-3. They’ll find out their NCAA Tournament destination on Sunday.

Starting Monday, state Department of Transportation work crews will begin installing new speed cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge to inform motorists of their speed. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the cameras will not issue tickets, but they hope informing motorists of the speed will stop dangerous weaving through traffic…
cut 15 (12) “….to fatalities”
Also, the speed limit for trucks will go from 55 to 60-miles per hour to match the same speed limit for cars. Trucks will remain restricted to the right lane.

Covington Senator Patrick McMath wants to rename a portion of the Highway 11 Bridge in St. Tammany after Jimmy Buffet and call a section of that highway the Jimmy Buffet Changes in Lattitude Memorial Crossing. McMath says the musician loved Louisiana
cut 8 (06) “…New Orleans”
Buffet passed away last September.

8:30 LRN Newscast

At the state capitol, there is an effort to repeal the state’s motorcycle helmet law. Hornbeck Representative Rodney Shamerhorn wants to give motorcycle riders 21 and above the option to wear a helmet…
cut 5 (12) “….a choice”
The House Transportation Committee approved a bill that repeals the state’s motorcycle helmet law. It goes to the full House for more discussion.

The U-S House has approved legislation that could result in TikTok being banned in America. Federal lawmakers are trying to force ByteDance to sell the popular video app, because of concerns they can share users’ data with the Chinese government. Host of the Tech Gumbo podcast, Haggai Davis, says if this legislation becomes law, he doesn’t anticipate TikTok being banned anytime soon…
cut 12 (09) “…180 days’

Covington Senator Patrick McMath is proposing to rename a portion of the Highway 11 bridge in St Tammany Parish as the Jimmy Buffett Changes in Latitude Memorial Crossing. McMath says it was a road Buffett knew well as a young adult traveling to New Orleans…
cut 7 (10) “…so dearly”
The Senate Transportation Committee has endorsed the proposal and it heads to the Senate floor.

The second phase of the state’s effort to make the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge safer begins next week. Starting Monday crews will begin replacing speed limit signs and installing speed cameras that inform motorists’ of their speed. Louisiana Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the work will require lane closures…
Cut 13 (11) “…Sunday night”
And starting Monday, the speed limit for trucks will go up to 60-miles per hour to match the same speed limit as cars.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The House Transportation Committee passed legislation yesterday to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law that’s been in place since 2004. The bill passed on a 10-3 vote. Hornbeck Representative Rodney Shamerhorn says wearing a helmet should be a personal choice.
Cut 4 (09) “…vegetable state.”
Critics of the legislation are concerned that repealing the state’s motorcycle helmet law will result in more traffic fatalities.

The state department of transportation announces they will begin installing speed cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge starting on Monday. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says the speed limit is also changing for trucks going from 55 miles per hour to 60, which is the same speed for cars…
cut 14 (10) “…speed limit”
The speed cameras will not issue tickets, but the plan is for that to happen in the future.

Congress is trying to force TikTok to either sell to a U.S.-based company or ban the app. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

One year to the day that coach Will Wade promised conference championships at McNeese, his Cowboys teams beat Nicholls to win the Southland Tournament Championship. The victory gives the Bayou Bandits an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

And heartbreak for Louisiana Tech, they were upset by Middle Tennessee in the Conference USA Tournament.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The McNeese Cowboys are going dancing as they are headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002. The Bayou Bandits received an invite to the Dance by beating Nicholls 92-76 in the Southland Tournament Championship game…
cut 22 (09) “…for everybody”
That’s Coach Will Wade who turned around a losing program in just one season. Yesterday’s win over the Colonels improved McNeese’s record to 30-3. They’ll find out their NCAA Tournament destination on Sunday.

Louisiana Tech’s season came to an abrupt halt last night as the Bulldogs were upset by Middle Tennessee in the Conference USA Tournament 70-67. Tech shot just 34 percent from the field in the second half.

Grambling won its quarterfinal contest in the SWAC Tournament with a 56-50 win over Alabama State. The Tigers will play either Southern or Bethune Cookman in the semifinals.

The Saints and receiver Michael Thomas have officially ended their relationship. New Orleans waived Thomas making him a post-June 1st transaction, which means they must carry his 12-million dollar salary cap hit until June 2nd. After winning the NFL offensive player of the year in 2019, Thomas couldn’t stay healthy.

The Saints have restructured Ryan Ramczyk’s contract which will result in a pay cut for the offensive tackle. The move cleared about 14-million dollars in cap space.

The LSU men’s basketball team will face Mississippi State at noon today in the SEC Tournament. Tigers Coach Matt McMahon says the Bulldogs do a good job of holding their opponents to less than 70 points a game…
cut 17 (15) “…physicality”

6:30 LRN Newscast

The House Transportation Committee passed a bill that would give motorcycle riders the option to hit the highway without a helmet. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Gas prices are on the rise. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.07, up three cents from yesterday and up 16-cents from a month ago. Demand is on the rise as the weather warms up around the country and the days are getting longer.

A proposed U.S. law targeting the social media app TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese based company ByteDance, could force the company to sell its controlling stake or be blocked in the U.S. Host of the podcast Tech Gumbo Haggai Davis says federal lawmakers are concerned China can access data from the users of TikTok…
Cut 10 (07) “…a problem.”
Davis says the bill forces the company to be sold to either a U.S.-based or a non-Chinese company to alleviate security concerns. The U-S House approved the bill, it awaits debate in the Senate.

The Louisiana Senate Transportation Committee has approved a proposal to rename a portion of the Highway 11 bridge in St. Tammany Parish the Jimmy Buffet Changes in Latitude Memorial Crossing. The bill’s author is Covington Senator Patrick McMath who looks forward to discussion on the Senate floor…
cut 9 (06) “…know yet”

AM Newscall March 14

The House Transportation Committee passed a bill that would give motorcycle riders the option to hit the highway without a helmet. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Congress is trying to force the sell TikTok to either sell to a U.S.-based company or ban the app. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________________

Expect overnight lane closures on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge beginning Monday as Phase 2 of the Basin Bridge Safety Corridor begins. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

The House Transportation Committee passed legislation on Wednesday to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law which has been in place since 2004. The bill passed on a 10-3 vote. Hornbeck Representative Rodney Shamerhorn says wearing a helmet should be a personal choice.

Cut 4 (09) “…vegetable state.”

Under the current law, both riders and passengers are required to wear safety helmets regardless of age.

Shamerhorn wants to change it to people who are over 21 do not have to wear helmet if they can prove they have health insurance. He believes Louisiana has missed out tourism dollars from nearby states because of the helmet law. And noted many activities require safety gear to be available, its not mandatory.

Cut 5 (13) “…a choice.” 

Louisiana is one of 17 states that require full time helmets while riding a motorcycle.

Monroe Representative Pat Moore, who worked for an insurance company for 27 years, opposes the bill. She says riding a motorcycle without a helmet is like playing Russian Roulette. And questions the effect it will have on the state’s already skyrocketing insurance crisis.

Cut 6 (09) “…of it.”

The bill heads to the full House for more debate. 

__________________________________________

Covington Senator and self-proclaimed Parrothead Patrick McMath wants to designate a portion of U.S. Route 11 in St. Tammany Parish to honor Jimmy Buffett.  McMath says when the Margaritaville singer was just starting his musical career he traveled that very highway back and forth to play gigs.

Cut 7 (10) “…so dearly.”

If passed it would be designated as the “Jimmy Buffett ‘Changes in Latitude’ Memorial Crossing.”

McMath says he considers Buffett’s music the soundtrack of his life along with countless other fans. Even though Buffett was born in Mississippi and grew up in Alabama, McMath says the musician had a deep affinity for the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (06) “…New Orleans.” 

The bill advances from Senate Transportation and when McMath offers Senate Bill 44 to the upper chamber floor, he says he plans to dress accordingly.

Cut 9 (06)  “…know yet.”

Buffet passed away on September 1st at the age of 76. The Coral Reefer Band along with special guests will perform a tribute to the late singer at Jazz Fest this year.

________________________________________________________

A proposed U.S. law targeting the social media app TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese base company ByteDance, could force the company to sell its controlling stake or be blocked in the U.S. Host of the podcast Tech Gumbo Host Haggai Davis says the issue is over the user data it collects and that it’s being sold within the communist country.

Cut 10 (07) “…a problem.”

Davis says the bill forces the company to be sold to either a U.S.-based or a non-Chinese company to alleviate security concerns that a communist country could be misusing data against Americans.

Cut 11 (10) “…in the United States.” 

Like other social media apps and search engines, Davis says when you sign on to any of them you automatically allow them to track your online activity which then gives advertisers insight of your personality traits.

He says the issue with TikTok is that the ownership is based in a Communist Country.

If you use the popular app, to promote your brand or business, Davis says he doesn’t anticipate it being banned anytime soon.

Cut 12 (11) “…180 days.” 

On Wednesday the U.S. House approved the bill, which now heads to the Senate.

_______________________________________________________

Phase 2 of the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Safety Corridor begins Monday. Crews will be replacing speed limit signs and installing informative speed cameras that measure motorists’ speeds by radar. Rodney Mallett with the Louisiana Department of Transportation says there will be lane closures…

Cut 13 (11)  “…Sunday night”

For years, cars have had a 60 mile per hour speed limit while trucks were limited to 55 miles per hour. Mallet says in phase two, there will be one limit for all vehicles…

Cut 14 (10) “…speed limit.”

Mallett says, the informative cameras that show motorists their speeds will eventually be replaced by enforcement cameras that will photograph license plates of speed violators. He says speeding motorists dangerously weave through traffic around other drivers…

Cut 15 (12) “…to fatalities”

____________________________________________________________________

The LSU men’s basketball team begins play today as an eight-seed in the SEC Tournament. Coach Matt McMahon’s team will face Mississippi State at noon…

Cut 16 (16) “…five games.” 

All SEC Selection Josh Hubbard is averaging 17 points to lead State. He scored 32 points against the Tigers earlier this season and hit six three-pointers in a 20-point win over LSU. McMahon days the Bulldogs defense does a good job of holding its opponents to less than 70 points a game…

Cut 17 (15) “…physicality.”