LRN Sportscast 6:45 March 29

A struggling LSU baseball team faces one of the top pitchers in college baseball tonight when the Tigers begin a series against SEC West foe Mississippi State. The Bayou Bengals have scored just nine runs in the last four games and Coach Paul Mainieri says the challenge is to break out of their hitting slump by facing left-hander Konnor Pilkington…

Cut 16 (23) “…draft choice”

First pitch is at 7 PM.

Louisiana Tech, who is in first place in Conference USA, begins a three-game series against F-I-U tonight. The Bulldogs are 15-3 in March and their team ERA is the second best in the nation. First pitch is at 6 PM.

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Tight end Benjamin Watson is back with the Saints as he’s agreed to a one-year contract with the Black and Gold. Watson last played for the Saints, when he caught 74 passes. Watson spent the last two years with the Baltimore Ravens.

In other NFL news, if a team wants to trade for former LSU star Odell Beckham Junior, it will reportedly cost that team at least two first round draft picks to make a deal with the New York Giants. Beckham will reportedly not take the field this year without a new contract.

The Pelicans are in Cleveland tonight to face LeBron James and the Cavaliers. King James had 41 points last night in a win over Charlotte. New Orleans is looking to snap a two-game losing streak. The Pels are tied for fifth place in the West heading into tonight’s matchup on ESPN.

Today is opening day in Major League Baseball. Former LSU star Aaron Nola gets the opening day start for the Phlliies against the Atlanta Braves. Nola was 12-and-11 last season with a 3-point-five-four E-R-A. First pitch is at 3:10.

6:30 LRN Newscast March 28

The House Natural Resources Committee approved a bill requested by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to increase the price of hunting licenses to 20 dollars and fishing licenses to $13.50. LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet says the current fees do not pay for what the department needs going forward.
Cut 29 (10) “ground zero”
The bill is projected to generate an additional 10 million dollars annually. Erath Representative Blake Miguez opposed the fee hike. He says people in his district are suffering from a lagging oil industry and don’t want to see costs go up on their favorite hobby…
Cut 11 (10) “or two”
Despite the opposition, the measure heads to the House floor.

A move to install cameras in nursing homes cleared a House panel. If approved, you could check on your loved ones at any time…
Cut 1 (29 “I’m Jim Shannon”

Legislation to give certain autism patients the opportunity to use prescribed medical marijuana received approval from a House committee today. State Representative Rodney Lyons says many families struggle with an autistic patient and medinical pot could be a soultion…
cut 14 (05) “…lot better”
Approved marijuana pharmacies are expected to open later this month.

4:45 LRN Sprotscast March 28

Ben Watson is back with the New Orleans Saints as he’s signed a one-year contract with the Black and Gold. The 37-year-old is coming off a good season with the Baltimore Ravens, where he caught 61 passes for 522 yards and four touchdowns. Watson played for the Saints from 2013-15. In 2015, he caught 74 passes, but tore his achilles tendon the next season.

Coach Sean Payton said at the NFL owners meetings that there biggest needs are an edge rusher, tight end and wide receiver. Could New Orleans be in the market for a back-up quarterback? Payton says he’s impressed with former Heisman winner and Louisville standout Lamar Jackson….
cut 20 (17) “…can lead”

The Pelicans will look to snap a two-game losing streak when they visit Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers tomorrow night. New Orleans lost to Portland 107 to 103 last night, despite 36 points from Anthony Davis. The Pels are 43-32 eason and tied for 5th place in the Western Conference with San Antonio. The Thunder are one game ahead of New Orleans.

The LHSAA has issued a one-time waiver that will allow Lafayette High pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis to compete in the elite division of the Texas Relays on Saturday. There was concern the world junior record-holder would no longer be able to compete in high school events, if he partcipated in this weekend’s event in Texas.

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri says he takes responsibility for how his team is playing. The Tigers lost for a second time this season to the Ragin Cajuns when UL Lafayette upended LSU 3-1 last night in Metairie. LSU also lost a series last weekend to Vanderbilt. Tomorrow they host Mississippi State.

3:30 LRN Newscast March 28

A move to install cameras in nursing homes cleared a House panel this morning. If approved by the entire legislature, you could check on your loved ones at any time. Jim Shannon has more.
Cut 1 (29 “I’m Jim Shannon”

Turkey Creek Police Chief Robert Glenn Leggett is in serious condition after he was stabbed in the face while attempting to make an arrest in Evangeline Parish. The sheriff’s office says 24-year-old Zackery Deville stabbed Chief Legett with a knife during a struggle. Deville has been charged with attempted first-degree murder.

Harvey Representative Rodney Lyons legislation to give certain autism patients the opportunity to take prescribed medical marijuana received approval from a House committee today. The Democrat from the New Orleans area says there are a lot of families struggling with an autism patient and medical marijuana could be their answer to a better life…
cut 14 (05) “…lot better”
Approved marijuana pharmacies are expected to open later this month. Under current law, only patients with cancer, AIDS, seizure disorders, Chron’s disease, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis can be prescribed medical marijuana.

A large portion of the state is under a tornado watch until 9 PM tonight and there’s also a flash flood watch in effect until tomorrow morning for central and north Louisiana. Matthew Duplantis is a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Shreveport….
cut 4 (08) “…to form”

LRN Newscast 2:30 PM March 28

On a 9-4 vote, a House committee approved legislation to allow Autism patients with certain conditions to have the ability to use prescribed medical marijuana. The Louisiana Chapter of American Academy Pediatrics opposes the legislation. President and Doctor John Vanchiere says more testing needs to be done to see if medical marijuana is safe for children to use…
cut 13 (09) “…other medications”
Despite the oppostion, the measure heads to the House floor.

There was also opposition in House Natural Resources to a bill that would make it more expensive to purchase recreational hunting and fishing licenses. Erath Representative Blake Miguez…
cut 11 (10) “…year or two”
But the bill advances to the House Floor on a 12-3 vote.

A bill to give families the option to put a surveillance camera inside a room at a nursing home is heading to the House floor. Lucy Titus testified in favor. She says her 92 year old mother mysteriously had a black eye when she went to visit her. She says had a camera been in the room, she would have known what happened.
Cut 8 (11) “in pain”
Nursing home operators oppose the legislation, but they did not speak in committee on the issue.

A large section of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 9 PM tonight. The watch box extends from Lake Charles to Monroe, covering up a large portion of central Louisiana. Matthew Duplantis with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says stay alert…
cut 5 (10) “…and evening”
A good portion of the state is also under a flash flood watch until tomorrow morning.

LRN Newscall PM March 28

A move to install camera’s in nursing homes cleared a House panel this morning. If approved by the entire legislature, you could check on your loved ones at any time. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (29 “I’m Jim Shannon”

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A House Committee has approved a bill that would increase fees for hunting and fishing licenses. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A tornado watch has been issued for much of north and central Louisiana until nine o’ clock tonight. A flash flood watch has also been issued for much of north and central Louisiana until tomorrow morning.  Shreveport National Weather Service forecaster Davyon Hill says several inches of rainfall are expected to fall…

Cut 3 (07) “Shreveport area.”

Forecaster Matthew Duplantis says there is a moderate risk of a severe weather outbreak…

Cut 4 (07) “to form.”

Duplantis says those living in areas where storms begin firing need to be alert…

Cut 5  (10) “and evening.”

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Despite opposition from nursing home owners, a proposal that would allow for surveillance cameras in nursing home rooms has cleared a House committee. New Orleans representative Helena Moreno says her bill would allow an extra set of eyes on a loved one who is in a nursing home….

Cut 6 (09)  “back home”

None of the nursing home owners spoke against the bill, but they put in “red cards” to announce their opposition. Moreno says the resident and if there’s a roommate would have to sign a waiver, before the cameras can be installed. She says the family would be responsible for the costs.

Cut 7 (08)  “nursing home”

Lucy Titus testified in favor of the legislation. She says her 92 year old mother mysteriously had a black eye when she went to visit her. She says had a camera been in the room, she would have known what happened.

Cut 8 (11) “in pain”

The bill now moves to the full house.

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The House Natural Resources Committee approved a bill requested by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to increase the price of hunting licenses to 20 dollars and fishing licenses to $13.50. LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet says the current fees do not pay for what the department needs going forward.

Cut 9 (10) “ground zero”

The bill is projected to generate an additional 10 million dollars annually.

LDWF is also looking to consolidate the total number of licenses from 117 to 30. Montoucet says this will streamline the process for sportsmen looking to take on the outdoors.

Cut 10 (08) “our constituents”

Erath Representative Blake Miguez opposed the price hike portion of the bill. He says people in his district are suffering from a lagging oil industry and don’t want to see prices go up on their favorite hobby. He proposed revisiting the legislation at a later date.

Cut 11 (10) “or two”

The bill passed 12-3, and moves to the House floor.

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Legislation cleared the House Health and Welfare committee that would allow certain autism patients to have the ability to receive a prescription for medical marijuana once it comes available in Louisiana.  Louisiana Mothers Advocating for Medical Marijuana spokesperson Katelyn Castleberry says some of the current drugs on the market are unsafe for autism patients

Cut 12 (12)   “children alive”

The bill was approved on a 9-4 vote. The Louisiana Chapter of American Academy Pediatrics opposes the legislation. President and Doctor John Vanchiere says more testing needs to be done to see if medical marijuana is safe for children to use…

Cut 13 (09) “other medications”

The author of the bill is Harvey Representative Rodney Lyons. The Democrat from the New Orleans area says there are a lot of families struggling with an autism patient and medical marijuana could be their answer to a better life…

Cut 14 (05)   lot better”

Approved marijuana pharmacies are expected to open later this month. Under current law, only patients with cancer, AIDS, seizure disorders, Chron’s disease, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis can be prescribed medical marijuana.

13:30 LRN Newscast March 28

Nursing home owners opposed it, but a bill that would allow families to install surveillance cameras inside a nursing home room was approved by a House committee today. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno says the resident and if there’s a roommate would have to sign a waiver, before the cameras can be installed…
Cut 7 (08) “nursing home”
Moreno says her legislation provides an extra set of eyes on a loved one who is in a nursing home.

The House Natural Resources Committee approved a bill requested by the the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to increase the cost of a hunting license to 20 dollars and fishing licenses to $13.50. LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet says the current fee just doesn’t pay for what the department needs going forward.
Cut 9 (10) “ground zero”
The measure now moves to the House floor.
Legislation cleared the House Health and Welfare committee that would allow certain autism patients to have the ability to receive a prescription for medical marijuana once it comes available in Louisiana. Louisiana Mothers Advocating for Medical Marijuana spokesperson Katelyn Castleberry says some of the current drugs on the market are unsafe for autism patients…
cut 12 (12) “…children alive”

Eightteen parishes from southwest Louisiana to central and north Louisiana are under a tornado watch until nine o’ clock tonight. The watch area covers Lake Charles, Alexandria and Monroe. Matthew Duplantis with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says the entire state needs to be on the alert for servere weather for the next 12 hours…
cut 5 (06) “…the area”
There’s also a flash flood watch for a good portion of the state until tomorrow morning.

11:40 LRN Sportscast March 28

LSU had 10 hits but scored just one run in a three to one defeat to UL Lafayette in the Wally Pontiff Classic in Metairie last night. For the first time since 2002, the Cajuns have swept the season series against the Tigers. The winning pitcher was Hogan Harris, who started for the first time in a month and pitched four innings and did not allow an earned run.

Elsewhere, ULM outscored Jackson State 10-7. Louisiana Tech won its 20th game of the season last night as the Bulldogs scored six runs in the 9th inning to defeat McNeese nine to two. Nicholls beat Mississippi State seven to four in Thibodaux. It’s the first time in program history the Colonels defeated State. Seniors Lee Clark and Kyle Knauth each drove in two runs.

Northwestern State upended Lamar seven to two, Grambling outscored Texas College 11-3. And Southeastern Louisiana defeated Tulane nine to three. It’s S-L-U’s sixth straight win over the Wave.

The Pelicans couldn’t hold on to an 11-point third quarter lead last night and lost to Portland 107-103. Anthony Davis had 36 points and 14 rebounds in a losing effort. The difference in this game was the 27 second chance points by the Trail Blazers. The Pels are in Cleveland on Friday.

Saints Coach Sean Payton says the team is still looking to add an edge rusher, wide receiver and tight end in either free agency or the draft. General Manager Mickey Loomis says they did well in last year’s draft, but they don’t have as many high picks as they did in 2017….
cut 19 (17) “….the same”
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, veteran tight end Ben Watson is returning to the Saints. The 37-year-old led the Ravens with 61 catches last season.

11:30 LRN Newscast March 28

Legislation that would have raised the minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $8.00 in 2019 and $8.50 an hour by 2020 died on the Senate floor last night. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter tried to make the case that raising the minimum wage would reward those who chose to work instead of living off of government assistance…
cut 16 (12) “…living wage’
The wage hike was defeated 21-17.

A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for much of north and central Louisiana until tomorrow morning. Shreveport National Weather Service forecaster Davyon Hill says several inches of rainfall are expected to fall in the next 24 hours…
Cut 3 (07) “Shreveport area.”
Hill says the good news is that once this rain moves out of our state, we’ll see great weather for our Easter weekend.

A bill that would make the TOPS scholarship a flat four-thousand dollar award amount, but provide additional stipends for students who achieve higher G-P-As and ACT scores was voted down by the Senate education committee. LSU students voiced their opposition, including Student Government President Stuart Locket…
cut 12 (07) “…at LSU”
LSU tuition is over seven-thousand dollars, so some TOPS students would have to pay over three-thousand dollars in tuition costs under the legislation that was defeated.

A bill advancing to the House floor would reduce the wait time from 72 to 24 hours for those couples who want to get married after getting their marriage license. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says Louisaina’s long wait time is a rarity in state marriage laws…
cut 9 (10) “…effect Louisiana”

6:45 LRN Sportscast March 28

The Ragin Cajuns baseball team has had a tough season, with a losing record, but they own two victories in a season over the 19th ranked LSU Tigers since 2002. UL-Lafayette completed the season series sweep of the Tigers with a 3-1 win last night at the Wally Pontiff Junior Classic. The difference was a two-run first inning for the Cajuns and LSU left 11 runners on base, including the tying run on second inning in the 9th inning.

In other baseball action, Louisiana Tech thumped McNeese 9-2. The Bulldogs scored six runs in the 9th inning. Dalton Skelton and Mason Robinson each had two run triples.

Nicholls knocked off Mississippi State seven to four. Lee Clark hit his first home run of the season. Southeastern Louisiana hammered Tulane nine to three for its sixth straight win over the Green Wave. And Northwestern State defeated Lamar 7-2. The Demons started fast with four runs in the first inning.

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Anthony Davis had 36 points and 14 rebounds, but Portland’s Damian Lillard had 41 points as the Blazers defeated the Pelicans 107-103. Lillard was fantastic in the 4th quarter as he scored 20 points in the final 12 minutes to help Portland rally back from an 11-point deficit. New Orleans will look to avoid a third straight loss when they visit the Cavaliers and LeBron James on Friday night.

The Saints were interested in Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, but he ended up signing with the Rams. New Orleans General Manager Mickey Loomis says the Saints didn’t lowball the defensive wrecking ball, but the Rams valued him differently….

Cut 18 (16) “….at that”

Coach Sean Payton says looking ahead to the draft, edge rusher is a must.