06:45 Sportscast, March 23rd, 2016

The Pelicans still put on a good showing Tuesday night against the Heat even without star Anthony Davis, and injured leading scorer Ryan Anderson, but New Orleans ended up falling to Miami late in the game, 113-99. Jrue Holiday scored 24 for the Pels, but didn’t make 16 of 23 shots. The Pelicans, who have the league’s 6th worst record, take on the Pacers on the road tomorrow.

In college baseball, No. 10 LSU got the 8-5 win over UL-Lafayette in the 13th annual Wally Pontiff Jr Classic last night at Zephyr Field in Metairie. The Tigers improve to 15-5 on the year, while the Ragin Cajuns dropped to 12-9. LSU takes on Texas A&M on the road in a three game series this weekend. UL-Lafayette hosts Georgia State.

In other in-state rival action Tuesday, Louisiana Tech powered past ULM in a 7-1 victory.

Elsewhere UNO gets South Alabama 8-2, and Tulane beat Southern Miss 12-7.

All 32 NFL teams were in attendance for Louisiana Tech’s Pro Day. A lot of attention was paid to defensive tackle Vernon Butler, who could be selected in the first round. Draft analyst Mike Detillier says NFL general mangers and coaches like that Butler is more than just a pass-rush specialist…:
Cut 16 (18) “everybody’s eye”
Detillier says a lot of NFL teams are also interested in running back Kenneth Dixon.

The Chicago Tribune is reporting the Bears have signed Saints tight end Josh Hill to an offer sheet, and now New Orleans has five days to match the offer. Sources say the deal is for 3 years.

In Havana Cuba, LSU head football coach Les Miles attended the Tampa Rays’ 4-1 victory over the Cuban national team Tuesday, in a historic game also attended by President Barack Obama.

 

06:30 Newscast, March 23rd, 2016

North Louisiana is still hurting from the massive downpour that dumped upwards of two feet of rain in some areas. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth is concerned how parish governments will pay for the damage, even if they are eligible for federal assistance and only have to pay a quarter of the cost for a road that was washed away by the floods…:
Cut 13 (07) “25-percent”
Some areas of Ouachita Parish are still flooded and the process of recovery has barely begun for several home owners and renters.

Animal shelters are bracing again for an influx of bunnies given as gifts to children for Easter, because families soon find out they are unable to care for them. Alicia Haefele (HAY-flee), with the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says parents should educate themselves before getting a bunny…:
Cut 10 (09) “a bunny”

A bill set to be reviewed by the House Natural Resources Committee today proposes to add “blaze pink” as an approved color for hunters…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Donaldsonville residents in Ascension Parish should not drink or cook with water until further notice, according to the state Department of Health and Hospitals.

 

LRN AM Newscall March 23, 2016

A bill to be reviewed by the House Natural Resources Committee today proposes to add “blaze pink” as another option to the hunter orange requirement. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

A bill will be heard today in the House Education Committee to prohibit public school boards from requiring students to wear uniforms. Emelie Gunn has more on the origin of the bill…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

A multi-agency investigation finds that former Louisiana State Penitentiary Warden Burl Cain did not  participate in any illegal activity. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A proposed bill seeks to add “blaze pink” as an alternative for the hunter orange requirements. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says the House Natural Resources Committee is expected to hear this proposed legislation today. She says this would give female hunters more options, without detracting from the safety aspect.

cut 4  (09)  “are hunters”

White says the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is in support of the blaize pink proposal and other states have passed similar bills. She hopes this measure would inspire more girls to participate in outdoor activities.

Cut 5  (07)  “the outdoors”

White says this bill demonstrates that women can participate in the Sportsman’s Paradise as well.

Cut 6 (06)  “in Louisiana” _________________________________________________________

A bill to be heard in front of the House Education Committee today would prohibit public school boards from requiring school uniforms. Author of the legislation, Hammond Rep. Chris Broadwater, says this came after he conducted a project with Hammond fourth graders to come up with different bills. He says he invited the children to the capitol to vote on their proposed legislation.

CUT 7 (11)  “fourth graders”

Broadwater says he made a commitment to the students that whatever bill idea turned out to be the best, he would file in the regular legislative session. He says the students argued that some students may not be able to afford more than one school uniform.

Cut 8  (10)  “Friday “

Broadwater says although the students made a good point, maybe banning school uniforms isn’t the right way to keep kids in school. He says this topic is getting a lot of positive and negative attention.

Cut 9 (09)  “concept”

______________________________________

Every year animal shelters see an influx of bunnies after Easter, because parents bought rabbits for their children, but were unprepared to care for them. Alicia Haefele (HAY-flee), with the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says parents might be putting too many eggs in their basket by getting these bunnies.

Cut 10 (09) “a bunny”

Haefele says rabbits require as much care as a dog or cat, plus they like to chew electrical chords, rugs and even furniture. She says many of these Easter bunnies end up in rabbit rescue facilities after the holiday.

cut 11 (07) “after Easter”

Haefele advises people to get plush or chocolate bunnies instead. She says if parents are set on getting a rabbit, they should do their homework first.

cut 12 (08) “a rabbit”_________________________________________________________

North Louisiana is still hurting from the massive downpour that dumped upwards of two feet of rain in some areas. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth is concerned how parish governments will pay for the damage, even if they are eligible for federal assistance and only have to pay a quarter of the cost for a road that was washed away by the floods….

Cut 13 (07)  “25-percent”

Walsworth is also concerned about the agriculture industry. He says hundreds of acres of crops are still underwater.

Cut 14 (08)  “crops back” 

Walsworth says many business owners are seeking assistance. But he says the Small Business Administration’s “low-interest loans” do not seem to offer such low rates for all businesses.

Cut 15 (12) “bad credit”

  _____________________________________

All 32 NFL teams were in attendance for Louisiana Tech’s Pro Day. A lot of attention was paid to defensive tackle Vernon Butler, who could be selected in the first round. Draft analyst Mike Detillier says NFL general mangers and coaches like that Butler is more than just a pass-rush specialist

Cut 16  (18)  “everybody’s eye”

Detillier says a lot of NFL teams are also interested in running back Kenneth Dixon. He says it’s because of his ability to catch passes out of the backfield…

Cut 17 (20) “round three”

Detillier says because of quarterback Jeff Driskel’s successful one season in Ruston, he’ll likely be a late round draft pick…

Cut 18 (11) “for Tech”

 

18:30 LRN Newscast March 22, 2016

A multi-agency investigation finds that former Louisiana State Penitentiary Warden Burl Cain did not participate in any illegal activity. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Former NFL Saints player Darren Sharper has plead guilty again to charges of drugging and raping women in four states. This time he’ll leave the length of his sentence up to a federal judge. His plea deal resulting in a 9-year sentence was rejected, and he now faces 15to 20 years.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is encouraging emergency personnel to learn CPR for animals.  Professor Dr. Kirk Ryan says dogs are susceptible to smoke inhalation, so in the event of a house fire, EMS or firefighters should know how to help an animal. He says giving CPR to pets is different than humans.

Cut 4 (10) “CPR”

Ryan says they’re hosting multiple events to train first responders because they often come across animals that need help.

State Police rescue two abducted North Carolina teens that were traveling with their uncle on Interstate 10. Sgt. Nick Manale says authorities in Winston-Salem called LSP to report 40-year-old Jose Melchor was likely traveling west through New Orleans, possibly on his way to Mexico. He says both the 15-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl were found unharmed. Manale says Melchor was booked into the St. James Parish Jail and is awaiting extradition back to North Carolina.

Cut 13 (04)  “abduction”

17:30 LRN Newscast March 22nd

Legislation is heading to the Senate floor that would allow Louisiana to comply with the security measures of the federal REAL ID act. The bill is similar to one that former Governor Bobby Jindal vetoed over privacy concerns in 2014. But Governor John Bel Edwards supports this legislation that would allow Louisiana residents to decide if they want REAL-ID compliant licenses. Supporters say refusal to comply with the REAL ID law could result in residents needing a passport to fly domestically next year.

Also heading to the Senate floor, is a bill that would allow any Louisiana voter to vote by mail. State law only allows an absentee vote if that person has a reason they can’t vote in person. The Secretary of State’s office did not speak in opposition to the legislation, but said the new law would increase the cost of a ballot by over a dollar. Despite cost concerns, the Senate Government Affairs committee approved the legislation.

The House education committee is expected to debate tomorrow legislation that would prohibit school boards from requiring school uniforms. The bill’s author, Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater, says he’s heard a lot of postive and negative feedback about the proposal…
cut 29 (09) “….supportive concept”
Broadwater says the bill was the result of an exercise he did with fourth graders, who approved this legislation during a field trip to the state capitol.

The House Natural Resources panel is scheduled to hear a bill tomorrow that would add “blaize pink” as an alternative for the hunter oranger requirements. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says this would give female hunters more options, without taking away from safety…
cut 24 (09) “…hunters”
White says the legislation has the support of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

16:45 LRN Sporscast March 22nd

LSU Football Coach Les Miles is in Cuba of all places. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says this is Miles’ spring break trip…:
CUT 9 (08) “to Cuba”
Bonnette says Miles plans on visiting some schools in Cuba and handing out soccer balls and maybe even a few footballs.

Just outside of New Orleans tonight, the 13th ranked LSU takes on UL Lafayette at the Wally Pontiff Junior Classic at Zephyr Field in New Orleans. Freshman right-hander Cole McKay will make his first start of the season, while the Cajuns will send Evan Guillory to the hill. The sophomore right-hander is 1-2 with a 2.95 ERA.

In other action tonight…Southeastern Louisiana looks for its ninth straight win as they visit Jackson State, while Louisiana Tech is at ULM.

The NFL owners have approved seven rule changes at their meetings in Florida. They’ve made the extra point from the 15-yard line permanent, they’ve also outlawed all chop blocks, the horse collar-rule has been expanded, and coaches in the coaches booth can now communicate plays to players on the field.

The Bears have signed Saints restricted free agent Josh Hill to a three-year offer sheet. New Orleans has five days to match.

Pelicans star Anthony Davis will be off the basketball court for the next four to five months as he rehabs from surgeries to his knee and shoulder. Davis says the hardest thing is that he’ll miss representing his country in the Summer Olympics….
cut 18 (16) “…the floor”
The Pelicans host the Miami Heat tonight.

16:30 LRN Newscast March 22, 2016

Two of the top 10 fattest metro areas in the country are in Louisiana, according to a study from WalletHub. Shreveport ranked second and New Orleans came in at number five. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says the study looked at obesity in children and teens as well, and she says Louisiana did not perform well in that category either.

CUT 8 (08) “very closely”

The fattest metro area is Memphis, Tennessee, and the thinnest is Honolulu, Hawaii.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine wants emergency personnel to learn animal CPR. Professor Dr. Kirk Ryan says they’re hosting multiple events to train first responders because they often come across animals that need help. He says cats and dogs can’t receive the same method of CPR as humans.

CUT 3 (10)  “compressions”

State Police rescued two abducted North Carolina teens that were traveling with their uncle on Interstate 10. Sgt. Nick Manale says authorities in Winston-Salem called LSP to report 40-year-old Jose Melchor was likely traveling west through New Orleans, possibly on his way to Mexico. He says both the 15-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl were found unharmed.

cut 12 (06) “their family”

Manale says everyone is happy to see this incident come to a safe resolution.

The president isn’t the only one making a trip to Cuba this week as LSU coach Les Miles is also in the country. Former Tiger baseball star Mikie Mahtook, who currently plays for Tampa Bay, tweeted that Miles would watch the Rays play the Cuban National Team. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says this is Miles’ spring break trip…:

CUT 9 (08) “to Cuba”

Bonnette says Miles planned on visiting several schools during his trip.

 

15:30 Newscast March 22,2016

A new study from WalletHub finds two Louisiana cities came in the top 10 fattest metro areas in the country. Halen Doughty has more…
CUT 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Former NFL star and member of the Saints Super Bowl team, Darren Sharper, has reportedly plead guilty again to charges of drugging and raping women in four states. This time he’ll leave the length of his sentence up to a federal judge. Last month, US District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, rejected a nine-year sentence for Sharper and said his sentence should range from 15 to 20 years.

 

State Police have rescued two North Carolina teens that were abducted by their uncle. Sgt. Nick Manale says authorities in Winston-Salem called LSP to report 40-year-old Jose Melchor was possibly driving through New Orleans, likely headed to Mexico. He says Melchor was booked into the St. James Parish Jail and is awaiting extradition back to North Carolina.

Cut 13 (04) “abduction”

Manale says the investigation is still ongoing to determine why Melchor took the children.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine wants first responders to learn animal CPR. Professor Dr. Kirk Ryan says previously, in different veterinary schools there were different methods of CPR for pets. He says they want to standardize a method to get all emergency personnel on the same page.

CUT 5 (10) “not helpful”

Ryan says dogs are susceptible to smoke inhalation, so in the event of a house fire it’s important EMS or firefighters know how to help an animal.

14:30 LRN Newscast March 22nd

President Obama is in Cuba today and so is LSU football coach Les Miles. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says Miles decided to take advantage of Spring Break by visiting a country with a unique culture and making several rounds while here’s there…
cut 10 (08) “….with him”
Miles is also expected to attend today’s historic exhibition baseball game between the Cuban national team and the Tampa Bay Rays.

Two cities rank in the Top 5 in Wallethub’s report on the fattest metro areas in the country. Shreveport comes in at number two, while New Orleans is number five. Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzles says Louisianans unhealthy lifestyles contribute to the high obesity numbers…
cut 7 (09) “….physicall inactive”
Gonzales says Americans spend 316-billion dollars a year on obestity-related medical treatment.

State Police say they rescued two teenagers from North Carolina that were abducted by their uncle. Troopers apprehended 40-year-old Jose Melchor, with a 15-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl in the vehicle on Interstate 10 in St. James Parish. State Police Sergeant Nick Manage says this is great example of how law enforcement work together and he urges the public to come forward with any information that maybe suspicious…
cut 14 (07) “….they are”
Melchor is awaiting extradition back to North Carolina.

The LSU vet school is planning on holding seminars so first responders can learn animal CPR. Professor Kirk Ryan says CPR for pets is a little different than humans…
cut 4 (10) “…CPR”
Ryan says they want to train first responders, because they often come across pets in distress.

LRN PM Newscall March 22nd

The LSU Vet School is hosting seminars to teach first responders how to perform CPR on animals. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

================

Two Louisiana cities came in the top 10 fattest metro areas in the country, according to a new study from WalletHub. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

===================

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine wants emergency personnel to learn animal CPR. Professor Dr. Kirk Ryan says they’re hosting multiple events to train first responders because often times they come across animals in need of assistance. He says cats and dogs usually can’t receive the same method of CPR as humans.

CUT 3 (10)  “compressions”

Ryan says dogs are susceptible to smoke inhalation, so in the event of a house fire it’s important EMS or firefighters know how to help an animal.  He says giving CPR to pets is a little different than humans…

CUT 4 (10)  “CPR”

Ryan says previously, in different veterinary schools there were different methods of animal CPR. He says they want to hold these seminars to standardize a method and get all emergency personnel on the same page.

CUT 5 (10)  “not helpful”

============================

Shreveport and New Orleans rank in the top 10 fattest metro areas in the country, according to a new study from WalletHub. Shreveport ranked second and New Orleans came in at number five. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says the study analyzed fat prevalence, weight-related medical problems, and a healthy environment. Gonzales says health problems caused by obesity can lead to financial problems later.

CUT 6 (12) “obesity treatment”

Gonzales says Americans spends 316-billion dollars a year on obesity-related medical treatment. She says Louisianans unhealthy lifestyles contribute to the high obesity numbers.

CUT 7 (09) “physically inactive”

Lafayette also ranked high on the list, coming in at number 17. Gonzales says the study looked at obesity in children and teens as well, and she says Louisiana did not perform well in that category either.

CUT 8 (08) “very closely”

The fattest metro area is Memphis, Tennessee, and the thinnest is Honolulu, Hawaii.

=========================================================

The president isn’t the only one making a trip to Cuba this week as LSU coach Les Miles is also in the Pearl of the Antilles. Former Tiger baseball star Mikie Mahtook, who currently plays for Tampa Bay, tweeted that The Mad Hatter would be on hand to watch the Rays play the Cuban National Team. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says this is Miles’ spring break trip…:

CUT 9 (08) “to Cuba”

Bonnette says Miles wanted to take advantage of the time off to experience such a unique culture, and make several rounds while he’s there…:

cut 10 (08)  “with him”

President Obama is also expected to attend the game during this groundbreaking trip. Bonnette says Miles will meet with the media next week and share his experience…:

Cut 11 (04) “stay tuned”

========================================================

State Police rescue two abducted North Carolina teens that were traveling with their uncle on Interstate 10. Sgt. Nick Manale says authorities in Winston-Salem called LSP to report 40-year-old Jose Melchor was likely traveling west through New Orleans, possibly on his way to Mexico. He says both the 15-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl were found unharmed.

cut 12 (06) “their family”

Manale says everyone is happy to see this incident come to a safe resolution. He says Melchor was booked into the St. James Parish Jail and is awaiting extradition back to North Carolina.

Cut 13 (04)  “abduction”

Manale says the investigation is still ongoing to determine why Melchor took the children. He says everyday law enforcement around the country work together to resolve cases like this and urges the public to come forward with any information.

cut 14 (07)  “they are”

===========================================================