16:30 LRN Newscast March 23rd

Burl Cain, the former warden at Angola, spoke today about the investigation that eventually disproved the allegations he was a corrupt warden. Michelle Southern has more…
voicer 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

Saints Coach Sean Payton says the team has given him a new five year contract extension. ESPN reports Payton’s new deal worth more than $45 million dollars. Payton has guided the Saints to five playoff appearances, but they are coming off back-to-back losing seasons.

A proposed bill to prohibit school boards from requiring uniforms does not get out of the House Education Committee. Houma Rep. Beryl Amadee says she remembers a time where kids would get beat up at school for wearing name brand tennis shoes or expensive clothing…:
CUT 7 (09) “uniforms”
Representative Chris Broadwater came up with the legislation after an exercise with elementary students and he plans to talk more with them about it.

The State Department of Health and Hospitals advises residents of Donaldsonville not to drink the water until further notice, because the system has been treating its drinking water with elevated levels of chlorine dioxide. State Health officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says this chemical is an EPA-approved water treatment disinfectant, however…:
CUT 4 (12) “impact health”
The water system serves about 10-thousand customers.

16:45 LRN Sportscast March 23

Saints coach Sean Payton says the franchise wants him to stick around 5 more years, and that he couldn’t see himself anywhere else. The Saints say Payton agreed to the extension. Payton said at the owners meeting this morning that the proposal means a lot…:
cut 9 (10) “….five years”
Payton has led the Saints to five playoff appearances, but they’ve finished 7-9 the last two years.

Legislation seeking to end the public-private school playoff split that’s expanding in the LHSAA was approved by the House education committee today. Metairie Park Country Day boys basketball coach Mike McGuire says the split will double the number of state champions in basketball and that’s a bad thing…
cut 15 (08) “….apart”
The measure heads to the House floor for more consideation.

All 32 NFL teams were there for Louisiana Tech’s pro day. Quarterback Jeff Driskel was one of several Bulldogs who worked out for scouts. Draft analyst Mike Detillier says because of Driskel’s successful one season in Ruston, he’ll likely be a late round draft pick…
cut 18 (11) “…for Tech”
Detillier says Tech defensive tackle Vernon Butler could be selected in the first round, while running back Kenneth Dixon could be selected in the second or third rounds.

Yahoo’s Pat Forde says he spoke with LSU athletic director Joe Alleva today and Alleva said Johnny Jones will return as men’s basketball coach next year.

And tonight at the Cajundome, the Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team will host Big West Conference opponent UC Irvine in the quarterfinals of the College Insider-dot-com Tournament.

14:30 LRN Newscast March 23

Former Angola Warden Burl Cain spoke today, one day after a multi-agency investigation cleared him of wrongdoing in allegations that he violated state policies. Cain says he is “vindicated” and hopes the accusations do not tarnish his reputation…
cut 13 (09) “….Catholic Church”
Cain’s last day as warden was December 31st after holding the post for more than 20 years.

Saints Coach Sean Payton also spoke today about a new five-year contract extension that he expects to sign. Payton says it feels good to know he’s working for a franchise that is confident about the future…
cut 10 (07) “….through 2020”
Payton will reportedly make 8.5 million dollars under the new deal.

A proposal that called for the end of school uniforms in public schools died in the House Education committee. Gonzales Representative Ed Price, served on the Ascension Parish School board, when they institued a school uniform policy…
cut 8 (09) “….than anything”
Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater brought the legislation up for debate as part of a fourth-grade school project.

The state department of health and hospitals has told residents in Donaldsonville to not drink or cook with the water that comes out of their faucet, because of high levels of chlorine dioxide. State Health officer Doctor Jimmy Guidry says the alert will remain in effect until further notice…
cut 5 (09) “…I’m pregnant”
The water system impacted serves about 10-thousand customers.

LRN PM Newscall March 23

Burl Cain, the former warden at Angola, spoke at a press conference today about the investigation that eventually disproved the allegations he was a corrupt warden. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Legislation that seeks to put an end to the LHSAA’s split playoff format won approval from the House Education Committee. Jeff Palermo has the story….

CUT 2 (3)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Residents of Donaldsonville have been advised not to drink the water until further notice, because the Peoples Water System has been treating its drinking water with elevated levels of chlorine dioxide. State health officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says they will conduct an on-site inspection of the system, including testing the water.

CUT 3 (09)  “take samples”

Chlorine dioxide was found in the water treatment system at levels four to five times the EPA standard for the chemical. Guidry says this chemical is an EPA-approved water treatment disinfectant.

CUT 4 (12)  “impact health”

Guidry says they have notified the water company that it must immediately change how it treats its water. He says the health risks are minimal for most people, but it could be dangerous for pregnant women and children.

CUT 5 (09)  “I’m pregnant”

Exposure to chlorine dioxide can cause serious health effects to the nervous systems of infants, young children and to the fetuses of pregnant women. The water system serves about 10-thousand customers. The “do not drink” alert will remain in effect until further notice.

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A proposed bill to prohibit school boards from requiring uniforms does NOT get out of the House Education Committee. Author of the legislation, Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater, filed the bill after working with a group for fourth graders, who came up with the idea to get rid of uniforms. New Orleans Representative Joe Bouie opposed the legislation…

CUT 6 (10) “have it”

Houma Rep. Beryl Amadee says she supports uniforms in public schools because she remembers a time where kids would get beat up at school for wearing name brand tennis shoes or expensive clothing.

CUT 7 (09) “uniforms”

Gonzales Rep. Ed Price was a member of the Ascension Parish School Board when they were the first parish to switch to uniforms. He says students do better in school when they wear uniforms.

CUT 8 (09) “than anything”

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Saints coach Sean Payton today told reporters that the franchise wants him to stick around 5 more years, and that he couldn’t see himself anywhere else. The Saints say Payton agreed to the extension. Payton said at the owners meeting this morning that the proposal means a lot…:

CUT 9 (10) “another 5 years”

Payton came to New Orleans in 2006 and coached the team to it’s first NFC Championship that year. He went on to bring the Saints their first Super Bowl appearance and victory in the 2009 – 2010 season. Payton says it feels good to know he’s working for an organization that is confident about the future…:

cut 10 (07)  “through 2020”

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Former Angola Warden Burl Cain spoke briefly this morning about the investigation into allegations that he was a corrupt prison leader during his 20 year tenure. The investigation eventually cleared him, as the Inspector General said there was no evidence to support these accusations. Cain says these false claims ruined his life.

Cut 11 (10) “and so forth”

Cain stepped down January first. He says he does not feel any animosity towards Governor John Bel Edwards, who asked him to step down, because Edwards was just doing his job. He says so far he is enjoying retirement, and he’s just ready for all this to be over.

cut 12 (06) “in corrections”

Cain condemned investigative reporters for not checking the facts, because he says their sources could have been inmates who had axes to grind with him. He says he is pleased with his accomplishments at Angola, and hopes the investigation doesn’t tarnish his legacy.

Cut 13 (09)  “Catholic church”

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Legislation seeking to end the public-versus-private school split impacting the LHSAA scored a victory in the House education committee. The panel approved the measure after hearing from two highly successful coaches at select schools. John Curtis Head Football Coach JT Curtis called on the legislature to help bring the association back together

cut 14 (08)  “right page”

Three years ago, member principals of the LHSAA voted to split the playoffs in football and the split will be expanded to other sports next school year. Metairie Park Country Day boys basketball coach Mike McGuire says the split will double the number of state champions in basketball and that’s a bad thing…

cut 15 (08) ” apart” 

The measure now heads to the House floor. There were several members of the committee who opposed the bill. Gonzales Representative Ed Price says the LHSAA is a private organization and should handle its own business like any other group not owned by the state…

cut 16 (11) “his team”

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11:40 LRN Sportscast March 23

Saints coach Sean Payton tells reporters at the NFL owners meetings that he’s agreed on a new five-year contract with the Black and Gold. Payton is 87-and-59 in his nine seasons in New Orleans and has led the Saints to five playoff appearances. There are also reports that the Saints are working on a four-year contract extension with Quarterback Drew Brees. And the Saints do not have to worry about Hard Knocks as the Los Angeles Rams will appear on the popular HBO series.

At Louisiana Tech’s Pro Day, NFL teams kept a close eye on Bulldogs running back Kenneth Dixon’s workout. Draft analyst Mike Detillier says teams like Dixon’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield…
cut 17 (20) “….round three”

In a battle of I-10 rivals, the LSU Tigers knocked off UL Lafayette 8-5 at the Wally Pontiff Junior Classic at Zephyr Field in Metairie. Cole Freeman and Jake Fraley each drove in two runs, as the Tigers as a team were 6 of 12 with runners in scoring position. Steven Stensley blasted a three-run homer, but the Cajuns lost their third in a row.

In a I-20 match-up…Louisiana Tech topped ULM seven to one. Chase Lunceford and Cody Daigle hit home runs for the Bulldogs, while the Warhawks were held to just two hits.

Elsewhere…UNO upended South Alabama eight to two, Tulane topped Southern Miss 12 to seven and Southeastern Louisiana outscored Jackson State 12-8 for the Lions ninth straight win.

The SEC Network will televise LSU’s Spring game on Saturday April 16th. Kick-off for the contest is at 3 PM.

And tonight at the Cajundome, the Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team will host Big West Conference opponent UC Irvine in the quarterfinals of the College Insider-dot-com Tournament.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 23

The House education committee is hearing 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 9 (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.

Female hunters would be allowed to legally wear blaze pink as opposed to bright orange when they hunt under a bill set to be heard in the House Natural Resources Committee today. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White says she wants to make a point that women actively participate in Sportsman’s Paradise…:
CUT 6 (06) “in Louisiana”
White says the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is in support of the hot pink proposal.

The state department of health and hospitals has told the residents of Donaldsonville in Ascension Parish not to drink or cook with the water that comes out of their faucets. State Health officer Doctor Jimmy Guidry says it’s because of elevated chlorine levels in the water…
cut 3 (09) “…take samples”
The “do not drink” alert will remain in effect until further notice.

During a legislative hearing, West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth expressed concern about financial aid for businesses impacted by the flooding. Walsworth 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”
The Louisiana Department of Revenue announces that taxpayers in areas affected by the flooding will not have to file their taxes until June 15th, instead of May 16th.

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.

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”

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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”

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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”

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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.

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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”

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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”

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