6:45 LRN Sportscast March 30

The Pelicans won for the fourth time in five games last night as New Orleans defeated Boston 115 to 109 at TD Garden. The Celtics made this game interesting at the end as they went on a 15-0 run before Brandon Ingram hit a big shot with 33 seconds left. But Coach Stan Van Gundy still wants to see his team finish games better…
cut 25 (16) “…kind of lead”
Ingram had 25 points and nine assists while Zion Williamson scored 28 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

The Saints announced the signing of tight end Nick Vannett to a three-year contract and the team has also signed defensive Tanoh Kpassagnon (pass-EN-yo). He’s been with the Chiefs since 2017 and has seven sacks in 61 career games.

The LSU baseball team is one and five in the SEC, which is matches their worst league start since 2011. That was a year the Tigers didn’t make the NCAA Tournament. LSU hosts South Alabama tonight and then number one ranked Vanderbilt for a three-game series that begins Thursday. Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s not ready to give up on the season…
cut 17 (19) “…not going to do that”
LSU is ranked in only one major college baseball poll. The USA Today Coaches Poll has the Tigers ranked 25th. Louisiana Tech is ranked 19th in that poll. The Bulldogs took three of four from Conference USA rival Southern Miss.

The Ragin Cajuns allowed just one hit yesterday to beat Coastal Carolina seven to nothing as they take three of four in that series. Carson Roccaforte had four hits and drove in three runs.

6:30 LRN Newscast March 30

Governor Edwards holds a press briefing at 2:30 to discuss the state’s response to COVID-19. The governor’s Phase 3 coronavirus health order expires tomorrow and we’ll see if restrictions will be loosened or tightened. The White House and the C-D-C are concerned we’ll see another surge in cases.

Women pay more annually for car insurance in Louisiana compared to men, that’s according to The Zebra, the nation’s leading insurance comparison site…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

St. Tammany Parish coroner Doctor Charles Preston is urging parents not to have their young children sleep in the same bed as them. He’s making this plea after his office investigated five infant deaths last year as a result of unsafe sleeping conditions. Preston says relatives tell parents it’s okay to have infant children sleeping with adults…
cut 7 (11) “….infant’s life”
Preston says a baby should sleep alone, on its back, and in a crib free of clutter.

A couple is facing arson charges after they allegedly set multiple fires near their home in Leesville on land owned by others in what was supposedly an effort to drive away snakes. 34-year-old Laura Ashley has been arrested and 34-year-old Robert Ramirez is on the run. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says what Ashley and Ramirez did is incredibly dangerous…
Cut 13 (09) “…vegetation.”
Ashley has been charged with simple arson and investigators learned that Ramirez had also set multiple fires in the area last year.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

After getting swept by Tennessee, LSU has fallen out of every major college baseball poll except one. The Tigers are ranked 25th in the USA Today Coaches Poll, dropping nine spots from last week. Sunday was a very frustrating day for LSU as they dropped a pair of games in extra innings. Coach Paul Mainieri…
cut 17 (17) “…South Alabama”
LSU is 1-and-5 in the SEC. It’s the Tigers’ worst start in league play since 1969.

19th ranked Louisiana Tech is off to a 3-and-1 start in Conference USA Play after taking three of four from Southern Miss. And U-L Lafayette has started 3-and-1 in Sun Belt play after beating Coastal Carolina seven to nothing today. Jack Burk gets the win, striking out eight over five innings.

The Pelicans are in Boston tonight to take on the Celtics. Zion Williamson is coming off a 38-point performance in a win over Dallas on Saturday.

The Saints have signed former Chiefs defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon to a two year contract. Kansas City drafted Kpassgnon, who is six-foot-seven in the second round in 2017. He has seven sacks in 61 career regular-season games.

Marrero Senator Patrick Connick has filed a bill for the upcoming session that would allow college athletes to make money off their name, image, and likeness. Taylor Sharp has the story.
Voicer 2 (27) “…I’m Taylor Sharp.”

LRN PM Newscall March 29

A new poll shows 68 percent of Louisianans believe using or possessing marijuana should not be illegal. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

_______________________________________

Ochsner Health’s 24-hour Vaccine Fest in Jefferson Parish is underway providing convenience and a festival-like atmosphere. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (32) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

________________________________________

68 percent of Louisianans support decriminalizing marijuana use and possession according to a new poll, a nine percent increase from last year. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says support for legalization cuts across all partisan, racial, and gender lines.

Cut 3 (09)  “…legalization”  

The only demographic group that consistently opposes legalization is those over the age of 65.

Couvillon says one good reason why support jumped so drastically this year likely has to do with the state’s legalization of medicinal marijuana.

Cut 4 (08) “…there” 

Another reason? Couvillon says the Regan era “Just Say No” campaign has faded from memory.

Couvillon says this widespread support for decriminalization and legalization hasn’t translated into successful legislation.

Cut 5  (11)  “…believe”

The poll features responses from 1,160 individuals with a margin of error of 2.9 percent.

_______________________________________

With all Louisianans 16 and older now eligible for the COVID vaccine, newly elected Congresswoman Julia Letlow is encouraging residents to be vaccinated. Letlow lost her 41-year-old husband Luke Letlow to COVID in December, just days before he was to be sworn-in to congress.

Cut 6 (08) “…get the vaccine.”

Luke Letlow was diagnosed with COVID in December shortly after he was elected to the 5th Congressional District and then died from complications of the virus on December 29th. His wife Julia Letlow who was then elected to the congressional seat says as someone who’s been personally affected by COVID loss she’s an advocate for the vaccine.

Cut 7 (07) “…proponent of the vaccine.”

Julia Letlow will be sworn-in after her election is certified by the state.

_______________________________________________________

If you miss live music and need to be vaccinated, then Ochsner Health has the event for you. Vaccine Fest is underway until 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Shrine on Airline in Jefferson Parish. Ochsner Health Medical Director of Infection Prevention Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says they have plenty of entertainment for the 24-hour event.

Cut 8 (08) “…more.”

They will be administering the Moderna for ages 18 and older.

Baumgarten says they will be administering 6,500 doses and they have plenty of appointments available. You can visit MyOchsner.org to schedule a time or…

Cut 9 (10) “…appointment.”

They are also encouraging participants to share their vaccine experience on social media and use the hashtag #VaxFest. Baumgarten says they chose to hold a 24-hour event to allow essential workers the opportunity to be vaccinated.

Cut 10 (07) “…vaccine” 

Participants will be scheduled for their second dose of the Moderna vaccine on Wednesday, April 28th from 6 a.m. until midnight.

_____________________________________________

Police are searching for the driver of a Ram pickup truck who struck a bicyclist in St. Landry Parish Sunday morning and fled the scene.

That hit and run led to a series of events resulting in the death of 24-year-old Ryan Fontenot of Breaux Bridge. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says Fontenot was struck initially as he was turning into Acadian Medical Center…

Cut 11 (08) “vehicle”

That second impact was ultimately fatal to Fontenot. That driver did remain at the scene.

Gossen urges anyone with information about this crash to contact their local authorities.

Cut 12 (09)“ area” 

Gossen says Fontenot likely would still be alive today had the driver of the first vehicle not fled the scene.

Cut 13 (04)“this”

9:30 LRN Newscast March 29

Beginning today everyone 16 and older is eligible to be vaccinated. Brooke Thorington has more on what you should bring to your appointment
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

During an appearance on C-B-S’s “Face the Nation,” Congresswoman-elect Julia Letlow urged everyone including, fellow Republicans to get the vaccine. Her husband, Luke Letlow, died from the virus in December at the age of 41. Letlow says she wants to be an advocate and a voice for everyone.

Several female lawmakers remain upset with LSU over its handling of previous sexual misconduct cases at LSU. During another marathon hearing on Friday, Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson ripped into school officials for not informing the public and students that former football coach Les Miles was told he can not be alone with female students…
cut 5 (11) “…right”
Jackson also noted that Miles was issued a state-purchased cell phone so that his communications could be monitored in case he attempted to contact more students.

Last month’s sub-freezing freezing temperatures have helped in the state’s fight against nuisance aquatic vegetation in the state’s lakes and bayous. LDWF Inland Fisheries Operations Manager Alex Perrett says the weather has curbed the growth of plants like the Giant Salvinia and water hyacinth.
Cut 13 (11) “…manage it.”

8:30 LRN Newscast March 29

Louisiana opens COVID vaccine eligibility to anyone 16 and older today. Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association President Randall Johnson says when you show up at your appointment, have your I-D and insurance card with you, so your info can be entered into the vaccine registry…
cut 12 (10) “…keeping”

The mishandling of previous sexual misconduct cases at LSU has some lawmakers questioning whether Coach Ed Orgeron tried to cover up an incident involving former running back Derius Guice. An elderly security guard says Guice harassed her in December 2017 and then spoke with Orgeron about the incident. Orgeron denies having direct contact with the alleged victim, which prompted this exchange between New Orleans lawmaker Karen Carter Peterson and LSU general counsel Winston DeCuir…
Cut 4 (03)“..coach O”
It’s possible the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children will ask Orgeron to testify at their next meeting.

A bill filed by Marrero Senator Patrick Connick would allow college athletes in Louisiana to make money off their name, image, and likeness…
Cut 7 (08) “…their name.”
When Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow was at LSU, he said the school was selling his jersey but he never saw any compensation.

The state department of wildlife and fisheries says the sub-freezing temperatures last month helped kill off invasive aquatic weeds as giant Salvinia and hyacinth on the state’s lakes and bayous. LDWF Inland Fisheries Operations Manager Alex Perrett says there are certain areas where they have chronic problems with both plants, so they know to start early clearing those waterways…
cut 15 (08) “…advantage”

7:30 LRN Newscast March 29

Beginning today everyone 16 and older is eligible to be vaccinated for COVID in Louisiana. Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association President Randall Johnson says they’ve received numerous inquiries to book appointments.
Cut 10 (09) “…loved ones.”
State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says the vaccination is our ticket towards herd immunity against the virus.

LSU athletics director Scott Woodward is expected to testify the next time the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children meet to discuss the school’s mishandling of previous sexual misconduct cases. There was another long hearing on the scandal again on Friday and LSU general counsel Winston DeCuir says the school is putting into place policies that would make sure sexual misconduct claims are fully investigated…
cut 6 (08) “…would happen”

When former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy, he did not have the opportunity while in school to make any money off of his name, image and likeness. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick has filed legislation that would give all student-athletes that opportunity…
cut 9 (14) “…his image”
Congress is also looking to pass similar legislation with cooperation from the NCAA.

The state department of wildlife and fisheries says the sub-freezing temperatures in February helped kill off invasive aquatic weeds like giant salvinia and water hyacinth. LDWF is tasked with controlling these plants so boaters can have better access and Inland Fisheries Operations Manager Alex Perrett thanks Mother Nature for helping them out…
cut 14 (11) “…plant”

6:45 LRN Sportscast March 29

Tough weekend for the LSU baseball team in Tennessee as they were swept by the Volunteers. The Fighting Tigers lost two games yesterday in extra innings. The first game was a nine to eight defeat in the resumption of a game that started Saturday. LSU was one strike away from winning that contest in nine innings, but Tennessee’s Drew Gilbert delivered an RBI single to tie the game. Coach Paul Mainieri says he now wishes he walked Gilbert…
cut 16 (15) “…put him on”
LSU lost the final game of the series three to two in eight innings on a walk-off home run.

The Pelcians are in Boston tonight to take on the Celtics. New Orleans is coming off a win over Dallas on Saturday.

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball ended its season with a 76-74 win over Colorado State in the consolation game of the NIT. Freshman Kenneth Lofton had a career-high 27 points and scored the winning basket with point-three seconds left.

21st ranked La Tech baseball took three of four from Southern Miss including an eight to seven victory yesterday. The Ragin Cajuns won their opening Sun Belt Conference series. ULM lost two of three from Texas State. Southeastern Louisiana swept Lamar in a four-game series to move into first place in the Southland, while McNeese was swept by Stephen F Austin.

The NFL is expected to announce this week that the regular season will be expanded to 17 games. Saints running back Alvin Kamara voiced his displeasure on social media by saying it’s a dumb move.

A bill filed by Louisiana Senator Patrick Connick would allow college athletes in Louisiana to make money off their name image and likeness. Connick says it is not a pay-for-play bill, but rather a way for athletes to be compensated for their hard work.
Cut 7 (08) “…their name.”
California and Florida have already passed similiar legislation.

6:30 LRN newscast March 29

Starting today everyone 16 and older is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association President Randall Johnson says for 16 and 17-year-olds, they will have to take the Pfizer vaccine as that’s the only one that’s been approved for that age group…
cut 11 (06) “….vaccine”
Johnson says bring your ID and insurance card, if you have one, to your appointment. Ochsner Health is hosting a vaccine fest from 10 AM today until 10 AM tomorrow at the Shrine on Airline in Jefferson Parish and appointments are still available.

Marrero Senator Patrick Connick has filed legislation that would allow college athletes to make money off their name, image, and likeness. Connick says California and Florida have already passed a similar law…
cut 8 (10) “…unified system”
If passed, the law would take effect on January 1, 2023.

LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron has been accused of lying to investigators about contacting an alleged sexual harassment victim of former running back Derrius Guice, an allegation the coach denies. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football is concluding the second week of spring practice. Quarterback Max Johnson on what new offensive coordinator Jake Peetz is installing…
cut 20 (10) “…points”
In recruiting, four-star defensive tackle Tygee Hill has announced his commitment to LSU. The Edna Karr star is the first defensive lineman in LSU’s 2022 recruiting class. He also has offers from Alabama and Florida.

In basketball…starting guard Lonzo Ball is staying, but the Pelicans have dealt three point specialist J-J Redick before the NBA trade deadline. Redick and Nicolo Meli were shipped to Dallas in exchange for six-foot-seven forward James Johnson, reserve guard Wesley Iwundu and a second round pick. New Orleans hosts the Denver Nuggets tonight.

_____________________________________________________________________

Junior right-hander Landon Marceaux (Mar-so) is the Tigers new Friday night starter as LSU opens a three-game series tonight at ninth-ranked Tennessee. Marceaux has been the team’s Saturday starter while Jaden Hill has been on the mound every Friday night. Coach Paul Mainieri says he moved Marceaux to Friday, because he’s been the team’s best pitcher.
Cut 16 (13) “…Friday night starter.”
Marceaux has not allowed an earned run in 31 consecutive innings.

21st ranked Louisiana Tech takes a six-game winning streak to Hattiesburg where they’ll face Southern Miss for a four game series starting tonight. The Ragin Cajuns begin Sun Belt play by hosting Coastal Carolina, while ULM is at Texas State.

And in the NIT…La Tech advanced to the semifinals with a 72-65 win over Western Kentucky. The Bulldogs will play Mississippi State on Saturday,