11:40 LRN Sportscast April 28

The NFL draft is tonight as the Saints hold the 12th overall pick. Could the Saints take a quarterback? The team has done its homework on Paxton Lynch from Memphis. General Manager Mickey Loomis says they’ve looked into this quarterback class similarly to previous drafts….
cut 17 (14) “…every year”
Several mock drafts have the Saints selecting defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins of Louisville in the first round.

Former Louisiana Tech star Vernon Butler is expected to be a first round pick as he’s one of the top defensive tackles in the draft. Butler had 50 tackles during his senior.

For a second straight year, LSU might not have a player selected in the first round. But there are a few mock drafts that have Deion Jones getting selected tonight. Jones fast 40 time has many teams looking at the outside linebacker.

In college baseball…the 11th ranked LSU Tigers visit the 13th ranked Ole Miss Rebels tonight for the start of a three-game series in Oxford. The two teams are part of a three-way tie for second place in the SEC West. The Rebels have won six straight conference games on their home field, while LSU has lost three of its last four overall. First pitch is at 6 PM.

Yesterday…Louisiana Tech scored four runs in the seventh and defeated UL Lafayette six to three to complete the season sweep over the Cajuns. Also, Northwestern State blanked Mississippi Valley State 10 to 0.

LSU-Eunice is still ranked number one in the latest junior college division two poll. The Bengals are 43-3 and begin a series with a Tyler Junior College on Friday in Eunice.

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is underway at the TPC Louisiana at Avondale. Brian Stuard is one of your early leaders. He’s at eight-under par. Justin Rose is the defending champ.

11:30 Newscast, April 28th, 2016

Lots of folks are talking about the bill that would require cursive to be taught in public elementary schools, which cleared the full Senate. Bossier City Sen. Ryan Gatti says many historic documents were written in cursive. He says our children need to be able to read and write in script, not just from their iPads or iPhones…:
Cut 10 (05) “to paper”
The vote was unanimous and the measure now heads to the House.

The recreational red snapper season in Gulf federal waters will only last 9 days this year, from June 1 through June 9. US Representative Garret Graves of Baton Rouge says is not happy about NOAA Fisheries’ announcement. But Graves says Louisiana’s control of red snapper fishing has been extended nine miles off the coast, which gives fishermen more opportunity to fish red snapper..:
CUT 3 (04) “this year”
Anglers this year will be limited to two red snapper per person a day, provided they are at least 16 inches.

Two people are dead in an officer involved shooting which occurred in the Calcasieu Parish town of Carlyss. The Sheriff’s Office says a woman was found dead and a man died while exchanging gunfire with deputies, but it is unclear if the male was hit by deputies or if he killed himself. They say a CPSO cop car was hit three times and deputies believe the male was shooting to kill. Authorities are still investigating to find what caused the shooting.

The mother of a young girl with a seizure disorder told lawmakers she moved to Colorado for the only drug that helps, medical marijuana…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

 

10:30 LRN Newscast April 28

Medical marijuana has been a big topic at the Capitol. Michelle Hall of Vernon Parish urged a House committee to make the drug accessible for her daughter, who has epilepsy…
cut 8 (06) “….my family”
Hall says they moved to Colorado so her daughter can use medical cannabis and it’s improved her life. Legislators can’t agree over who should have access to medical marijuana.

The House has approved a proposal to prohibit organiziations that perform abortions from receiving state funding…
voicer 4 (26) “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

Cursive writing would be required to be taught in public schools based on legislation that was unanimously approved by the Louisiana Senate. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says former president Abraham Lincoln didn’t use his iPad or Siri to write the Gettysburg Address, he used a quill pen to write the famous speech…
cut 11 (05) “….quill pen”
The measure heads to the full House for more discussion.

The latest campaign finance reports shows US Representative Charles Boustany raised more money than any other candidate in Louisiana’s US Senate race during the first quarter of this year. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says having a seat on the Ways and Means Committee gives Boustany an advantage…
cut 6 (10) “….candidates don’t”

09:30 LRN Newscast April 28

Since passing a law last year that legalizes the dispensing of medical marijuana, there’s been little progress in making the drug available to Louisiana residents. Michele Hall of Vernon Parish told lawmakers she has moved to Colorado so her daughter, who suffers from epilepsy, can get medical canabis from a dispensary called Hailey’s Hope…
cut 9 (10) “…Hailey’s Hope”
Lawmakers are in a disagreement over who should have access to medical marijuana.

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that’s been labeled as a bill to defund Planned Parenthood. The measure would prohibit Medicaid dollars from going to Planned Parenthood, if its New Orleans clinic starts performing abortions. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman…
cut 14 (08) “…future”
Hoffman’s bill is heading to the Senate, but there’s concerns that his proposed legislation violates the Constitution.

Legislation to require curvise to be taught in public schools passed in the full Senate. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 2 (28) “….I’m Emelie Gunn”

Campaign finance totals from the first quarter of 2016 finds US Representative Charles Boustany raised over three million dollars as he runs for US Senate, while one of his opponents, Congressman John Fleming collected two-point-six million dollars during the cycle. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross…
cut 4 (09) “….left out”

08:30 LRN Newscast April 28

A Louisiana woman, who moved to Colorado so her daughter can receive medical marijuana to treat her epilepsy, tells legislators her child is doing much better since starting her cannabis medication. Michelle Hall of Vernon Parish says by no means does her daughter get “high” off the medication…
cut 7 (05) “….pissed off”
Lawmakers are conflicted over how many different illnesses should be allowed to use medical marijuana once it becomes available in Louisiana.

Today is a big day in the Will Smith homicide case. The man accused of fatally shooting the former Saints star, Cardale Hayes, has a preliminary hearing scheduled at 10 AM. But the hearing may not take place, if the district attorney can get a grand jury to indict Hayes. If no indictment, then the hearing will determine if there’s enough evidence to keep Hayes behind bars until a trial.

Latest campaign finance numbers regarding Louisiana’s US Senate race shows Republican candidates Charles Boustany, John Fleming and John Kennedy out raising the major the democrats in the race, Foster Campbell and Caroline Fayard. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the Democrats will continue to lag behind….
cut 5 (05) “….statewide”
Cross says US Representative Charles Boustany is in the best position to raise a lot of dough, because he’s a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

The Louisiana Senate has passed a bill that would require public schools to teach cursive. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti supports the measure, because important documents like the US Consitution and the Magna Carter were written in cursive…
cut 12 (07) “…says cursive”
The measure is heading to the House for more discussion.

07:30 LRN Newscast April 28

Cursive writing would be required to be taught in public schools based on legislation that was unanimously approved by the Louisiana Senate. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says former president Abraham Lincoln didn’t use his iPad or Siri to write the Gettysburg Address, he used a quill pen to write out the famous speech…
cut 11 (05) “….quill pen”
The measure heads to the full House for more discussion.

The Louisiana House voted 85-7 in favor of a bill that would prohibit any organization that performs abortions from receiving state dollars. There’s a concern over whether the proposal is constitutional. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle went back and forth with the bill’s author, Frank Hoffman…
cut 15 (11) “…you guess not”
The legislation heads to the Senate and it has the support of Governor Edwards.

A Louisiana mother of a young girl with epilepsy urges legislators to expand medical marijuana access so she can move back. Halen Doughty reports the family currently lives in Colorado….
voicer 1 (31) “….I’m Halen Doughty”

The man accused of killing former Saints defensive end Will Smith has a hearing scheduled at 10 AM this morning. The hearing could be cancelled if the District Attorney gets a grand jury to indict Cardell Hayes. If the hearing goes on, then witnesses to the shooting will testify to see if there’s evidence for probable cause to keep Hayes in jail. .

06:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints hold the 12th overall pick in round one of tonight’s NFL draft. Barring any trades, New Orleans will make five more selections on Friday and Saturday. When asked about his team’s draftboard based on the depth of certain positions in this draft class, Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis says it varies,…
cut 16 (18) “….for every team”
The Saints are expected to select more defensive players, because the team finished 31st in total yards given up in the NFL last season.

Round one of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans gets underway this morning at TPC Louisiana in Avondale. The 156-man field features three of the world’s top 10 players, Jason Day, Rickie Fowler and Justin Rose.

The LSU baseball Tigers begin a three-game series against Ole Miss at Swayze Field in Oxford. Before leaving for Ole Miss, Coach Paul Mainieri addressed the comments he made following last Saturday’s loss, where he blamed first baseman Greg Deichmann, because he didn’t keep his foot on the bag on a putout. The coach says he was transparent about his disappointment, but it wasn’t meant to signal out Deichmann…
cut 19 (21) “….of baseball”
Manieri says Deichmann might not start at first base tonight, because he’s mired in a 1-for-16 hitting slump.

Last night, Louisiana Tech doubled up UL Lafayette six to three. The win gives the Bulldogs a sweep in the season series over the Cajuns. And Northwestern State blanked Mississippi Valley State 10-0.

LRN Newscast 06:30 April 28

The Louisiana House approves a bill to prohibit organizations that perform abortions, like Planned Parenthood, from receiving public funding. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman is author of the legislation….
cut 13 (10) “….other purposes”
The measure heads to the Senate after it passed on an 85-7 vote, despite concerns this legislation is not constitutional.

A bill that would require cursive to be taught in public schools was unanimously approved by the Louisiana Senate. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti spoke in favor of the measure, because many historic documents were written in cursive. He says our children need to be able to read and write in script, not just from their iPads or iPhones…
cut 10 (05) “…to paper”
The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

Access to medical marijuana has been a big topic in this legislative session. Michelle Hall of Vernon Parish urged a House committee to make the drug accessible for her daughter, who has epilepsy…
cut 8 (06) “….my family”
Hall says they’ve moved to Colorado so her daughter can use medical cannabis and it’s improved her life. It’s unclear if the Louisiana House will go along with a proposal that would make medical marijuana available for more illnesses.

A preliminary court hearing takes place today for Cardell Hayes, the accused killer of former Saints defensive captain Will Smith. The hearing will determine if there’s enough evidence to hold a defendant until a trial. A grand jury has reportedly met on the case, if they indict Hayes, than today’s hearing will be cancelled.

LRN AM Newscall April 28, 2016

The mother of a young girl with a seizure disorder spoke to legislators about how the medical marijuana she moved to Colorado to get is the only drug that has worked for her daughter. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 Legislation to require cursive to be taught in public schools passed in the full Senate.  Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A proposal to prohibit organizations that perform abortions from receiving state funding has been approved by the House. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Latest campaign finance numbers show Republican Senate candidates Charles Boustany and John Fleming each have around two-million dollars in their campaign war chest. GOP state Treasurer John Kennedy has about 700-thousand. UL-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says the November 1stprimary is about six months away and these numbers reflect that this will be an expensive race.

cut 4  (09)  “left out”

Other republican candidates include Rob Maness, who has 213-thousand dollars on hand, while former Congressman Joseph Cao reported raising zero dollars during the first quarter.  Democrats Caroline Fayard and Foster Campbell each have about $250-thousand dollars as of March 31st. Cross expects Democrats will continue to lag behind the Republican favorites…

Cut 5  (05)  “statewide”

Cross says the candidate who is in the best position for fundraising is Boustany, who sits on the House Ways and Means Committee and that gives him better connections…

Cut 6 (10)  “candidates don’t”

___________________________________________________

A woman from Louisiana, who moved to Colorado to get medical marijuana her daughter needs for her seizure condition, tells her story to state legislators. Lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow people with a wider variety of disorders to get the marijuana treatment. Michelle Hall of Vernon Parish says her daughter, Ella, is doing much better since starting her cannabis medication. She says when her daughter takes the marijuana-derived medication, she is by no means “high.”

CUT 7 (05)  “pissed off” 

Hall says the medical marijuana works better for Ella than any other medication they have tried in the past four years. She pleaded with lawmakers to approve the legislation so she can bring her children home.

Cut 8  (06)  “my family” 

Hall told the House Health and Welfare Committee that the medication is not a drug that gets her child high. She says it’s just a medication that actually works. Hall says there are other families from Louisiana that use the same dispensary, Hailey’s Hope, in Colorado.

Cut 9 (10)  “Hailey’s Hope”

So far lawmakers are in a disagreement over who should have access to medical marijuana.

___________________________________________________

A bill to require cursive to be taught in public elementary schools passes through the full Senate. Bossier City Sen. Ryan Gatti spoke in favor of the legislation and says many historic documents were written in cursive. He says our children need to be able to read and write in script, not just from their iPads or iPhones.

Cut 10 (05) “to paper”

Gatti says Abraham Lincoln didn’t use his iPad or Siri, he took out his quill pen and wrote the Gettysburg Address on a train.

cut 11 (05) “quill pen”

 Gatti says men and women chose to write the Articles of Confederate, the Constitution and the Louisiana Purchase in cursive not print or any other method.

cut 12 (07) “says cursive”

______________________________________________________

The full House approves a bill to prohibit organizations that perform abortions, like Planned Parenthood, to receive public funding. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says the purpose of the bill is not to shut any of these facilities down.

Cut 13 (10)  “other purposes”

Planned Parenthood has a new clinic under construction in New Orleans, where they plan to perform abortions. Hoffman says he hopes this bill would prevent that from happening.

cut 14 (08)  “the future”

A federal judge has blocked previous attempts to cut off funding for Planned Parenthood clinics. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle went back and forth with Hoffman about whether or not the state dictates what other organizations can and cannot do.

Cut 15 (11) “you guess not?”

The measure passed on an 85-7 vote and moves to the Senate.

________________________________________________

The 2016 NFL Draft begins tonight in Chicago at 7 P.M. on ESPN and NFL Network. The New Orleans Saints are expected to draft defensive players early and often as the team finished 31st in total yards given up in the NFL.
When asked about his team’s draftboard based on the depth of certain positions on this draft class, Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis says it varies.

Cut 16  (18)  “for every team”

In addition to defensive help, the Saints are also looking at options on the other side of the ball. Loomis says the team has looked into this quarterback class similarly to previous drafts.

Cut 17 (14) “….every year”

_______________________________

The LSU baseball Tigers begin a three game series at Ole Miss tonight. The Bayou Bengals are 27-14 overall, 10-8 in the SEC and coming off a disappointing loss to Tulane. In fact the Tigers have lost three of their last four games, but Coach Paul Mainieri is still optimistic about his team’s potential…

Cut 18 (15) “great baseball”

Before leaving for Ole Miss, Mainieri addressed the comments he made following Saturday’s loss,  where he blamed first baseman Greg Deichmann, because he didn’t keep his foot on the bag on a putout. The coach he was transparent about his disappointment, but it wasn’t meant to signal out Deichmann…

Cut 19 (21) “of baseball”

18:30 LRN Newscast April 27

A bill to extend the waiting period for an abortion from 24 to 72 hours has been approved by a senate committee. Amy Irvin of the New Orleans Abortion Fund also spoke in opposition. She says women can take as much time as they need after the consultation before having the procedure, regardless of the mandated waiting period.

cut 12 (09) “the clinic”

Despite opposition, the measure now heads to the Senate floor.

A horrifying display of animal abuse is breaking hearts across the state. A small dog was brutally beaten and thrown into a fire in New Orleans’ City Park. That’s according to Jeff Dorson, Executive Director of the Louisiana Humane Society, who says the Humane Society is asking people to be vigilant for signs of animal abuse and to keep the memory of the City Park Dog in their hearts.

CUT 5 (07)  “short life”

The FBI is reopening the 15-year-old case of a little boy who went missing from his front porch in Clinton. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (26)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A missing child from Mamou has been found in Jackson, Mississippi. State police say the child’s non-custodial mother, Elaine Freeman, took 12-year-old Jalon Bradley out of school shortly after 3pm on Tuesday. Authorities issued an endangered missing child advisory because there was concern Jalon could be in danger. Freeman is now in police custody.