8:30 LRN Newscast January 15

Chairman of the House Republican Delegation Blake Miguez is frustrated Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder was elected House Speaker over Albany Representative Sherman Mack. The GOP House delegation publically backed Mack and Miguez says based on last November’s election, the House was set to carry out a conservative agenda…
cut 11 (09) “…policy”

Smoking is not allowed in the Superdome but that didn’t stop several LSU players including quarterback Joe Burrow from lighting up a cigar following the team’s victory over Clemson in the national championship game. A police officer reportedly ordered the stogies to be put out. No players were issued a citation. Baton Rouge defense attorney Franz Borghardt says if they were, charges would have probably been dropped…
cut 9 (12) “….the same thing”

ALS advocate and former Saints special teams standout Steve Gleason will receive the Congressional Gold Medal this afternoon. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Saints quarterback Drew Brees turns 41 today. Locked on Saints podcast host Ross Jackson expects Brees to be back with the Black and Gold in 2020, but he’s not getting any younger…
cut 14 (07) “….to be”
Brees will be a free agent in March.

7:30 LRN Newscast January 15

Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder’s election has Democrats celebrating, and conservative Republicans lamenting what it might mean at the State Capitol for the next four years. Schexnayder defeated Sherman Mack in a 60-45 vote, over half of Schexnayder’s votes came from Democrats. House GOP Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez says it’s disappointing to see a Republican court Democrats for power.
cut 10 (10) “…we have”
68 of the 105 members in the House are Republicans and a majority the House Republican delegation supported Mack.

Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Randall Gaines celebrated the coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats who came together to vote for Schexnayder. He says the other option was too extreme.
Cut 12 (08) “…agenda”

Former Saints special teams standout and ALS advocate Steve Gleason will receive the Congressional Gold Medal this afternoon at the US Capitol. Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and in that time he has helped over 15,000 people deal with the crippling disease through Team Gleason and his no white flags organization…
cut 4 (11) “….all of us”
The distinction is the highest honor Congress can bestow on a civilian and fewer than 200 have been a recipient and Gleason is the first NFL player to get the award.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees turns 41-years-old today. Locked on Saints podcast host Ross Jackson expects New Orleans to sign the soon to be free agent to a new contract, even though Brees’ arm strength is not what it once was and that means Sean Payton might have to run the ball more next year…
cut 15 (09) “….this season”

6:45 LRN Sportscast January 15

LSU hoped to keep passing game coordinator Joe Brady after he helped produce record-breaking results in his one season on the Tigers coaching staff. But that’s not happening. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting Brady has agreed to be the offensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers. At 30-years-old, Brady would be the youngest offensive coordinator in the NFL.

28-year-old Panthers linebacker Luke Keuchly abruptly announced his retirement last night, saying it’s the right thing to do.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees turns 41-years-old today. Locked on Saints podcast host Ross Jackson expects Brees will play for the Black and Gold in 2020, but his physical ability has deteriorated over the past few years…
cut 14 (11) “…to be”
Brees could be an unrestricted free agent in March.

LSU basketball improved to 4-0 last night in the SEC with an 89-85 overtime victory over Texas A-and-M. It’s the Tigers 11th straight road win in league play. Freshman Trendon Watford had a nice game, 19 points and 11 rebounds. Skylar Mays also had 19 points.

Also last night, UCF beat Tulane 74-55. Tonight, Northwestern State is at Nicholls. The Colonels are 5-and-1 and in first place in the Southland.

The Pelicans host the Utah Jazz tomorrow and there are reports rookie Zion Williamson is set to make his NBA debut. The Pels are 15-and-26 at the halfway point of the season, four games back of Memphis for the final playoff spot in the West.

Former Saints special teams standout and ALS advocate Steve Gleason will receive the Congressional Gold Medal this afternoon at the US Capitol. Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and in that time he has helped over 15,000 people deal with the crippling disease through Team Gleason and his no white flags organization.

6:30 LRN Newscast January 15

Clay Schexnayder’s surprising election as House Speaker elicits very different reactions from Democrats and Republicans. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…matt Doyle”

Funeral services for Amite Mayor Milton Buddy Bel will be held Friday. The 74-year-old died Sunday after suffering head trauma from a fall last week. Bel has served as Amite’s mayor since 2012. He’s described as an incredible husband, father, grandfather and brother. He also owned Cabby’s restaurant in Amite for 24 years.

Today is a big day for A-L-S advocate and former Saints special teams standout Steve Gleason as he will receive the Congressional Gold Medal. It’s the highest honor Congress can bestow on an individual. Cassidy says A-L-S takes away a person’s ability to walk and talk, but Gleason has spearheaded research that allows A-L-S patients to communicate…
cut 6 (13) “….those with A-L-S”
The ceremony begins at 2 PM central time.

A lasting image from LSU’s national championship victory over Clemson will be quarterback Joe Burrow smoking a cigar while sitting on a couch. Cigar afficionado Franz Borghardt says the imagery will result in a spike in cigar sales…
cut 8 (11) “….it’s that moment”
A police officer reportedly threatened to arrest Burrow and other players, because they were breaking the law by smoking inside a public building.

AM Newscall 01/15/2020

ALS advocate and Former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason will receive the Congressional Gold Medal this afternoon at the US Capitol. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________________

It may be unlawful to smoke in a state-owned building, but social media posts from the locker room show that didn’t stop Joe Burrow and several other plays from partaking in a post-game cigar on Monday night. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________________________

Clay Schexnayder’s surprising Speakership election has elicited very different reactions from Democrats and Republicans. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…matt Doyle” 

____________________________________________

Former New Orleans Saints player and ALS advocate Steve Gleason will receive the Congressional Gold Medal this afternoon at the US Capitol.  Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in January 2011 and in the time since has helped over 15,000 people also dealing with the crippling disease with Team Gleason.  Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 4 (11) “…all of us.”

Cassidy worked on the honor on the Senate side will Cedric Richmond and Steve Scalise made the push on the House side.  The distinction is the highest honor Congress can bestow on a civilian and fewer than 200 have been a recipient.

Cut 5 (11) “…sort of person.”

Gleason’s efforts have helped establish a database for thousands of ALS patients worldwide for researchers to access in an effort to combat the disease.  Cassidy says Gleason has also worked with Microsoft to create communication tools.

Cut 6 (13) “…those with ALS”

_____________________________

The image of Joe Burrow’s victory stogie in the locker room is one that will forever be attached to LSU’s championship celebration.  Baton Rouge defense attorney and cigar enthusiast Franz Borghardt says he couldn’t help but wonder how many of the guys who were partaking were under 21, which is a violation of federal law.

Cut 7 (11) “…on football performance.”

Smoking is also prohibited in the Superdome as it is a state-owned building.

Borghardt believes the imagery will likely result in a spike for cigar sales in Louisiana.  Borghardt says the moment was emblematic of everything he loves about cigars and says they are a wonderful means of celebrating life’s triumphs.

Cut 8 (11) “…it’s that moment.”

Despite the unlawful behavior, Borghardt does not believe any law enforcement officer or prosecutor in their right mind would actually try to pursue any real ramifications against the players.

Cut 9 (12) “…the same thing”

____________________

Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder’s election has Democrats celebrating, and conservative Republicans lamenting what it might mean for Legislation over the next four years.

Schexnayder won 60-45, with over half of his votes coming from Democrats. House GOP Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez says it’s disappointing to see a Republican court Democrats for power.

Cut 10 (10) “…we have”

The Republicans who broke rank are considered to be more moderate than the rest of the caucus.

The election is thought to give Governor Edwards a surprising amount of Legislative influence despite a recent election where Republicans cleared out many former Democratic strongholds.

Cut 11 (09) “policy”

Miguez says we will get a preview of the Governor’s influence on the new Speaker today when the Revenue Estimating Conference meets to vote on adopting this year’s forecast.

Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Randall Gaines celebrated the coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats who voted in Schexnayder. He says the other option, Sherman Mack, was too extreme.

Cut 12 (08) “…agenda”

And Gaines says Schexnayder agreed to give Democrats access to certain Legislative positions that Mack would have likely frozen them out of.

Cut 13 (09) “…committees.”

_____________________________________

Saints QB Drew Brees turns 41 today, and coming off a disappointing end to the season there’s questions as to what his age means for the team going forward.

Locked on Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says he fully expects Brees will be back in Black and Gold, but it’s obvious that his physical ability has deteriorated quickly over the past few years.

Cut 14 (11) “…to be”

With that in mind, Jackson says it’s highly likely you will see Sean Payton’s offense build even more around a run game, ball control offense that takes fewer big shots than it used to…

Cut 15 (09) “…this season”

Coach Payton says he expects Drew will be back, which likely means backup Teddy Bridgewater will leave in free agency. Jackson says if a good, long term offer to start shows up, Teddy will take it.

Cut 16  (10)  …situation” 

Bridgewater was a perfect 5-0 last season when he filled in for an injured Brees. He threw for 1,384 yards with nine TDS and two picks.

530PM LRN News

Are the 2019-2020 Tigers the greatest college team of all time? Coach O says that’s one for fans and the media to decide, he’s just proud of his team’s effort in the 42-25 clobbering of Clemson in last night’s CFP Championship Game. That being said safety Grant Delpit already knows what most Louisianan’s opinion is on that question…

Cut 13 (12) “yes sir”

While most Louisianans were decked out in Purple and Gold, many in the town of Jennings were conflicted as Jennings High star running back Travis Etienne lined up in Orange and Purple. The back put up 114 total yards and a TD, and said he was disappointed to lose, but happy to be back home…

Cut 6 (08) “home crowd”

And the LSU offense may look a lot different next season as passing game coordinator Joe Brady will reportedly take the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator gig at the request of new coach Matt Rhule.

While many throughout the state may be showing love for Coach Ed Orgeron, no one is more excited about his success than those in the area where he grew up.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says there is now a grassroots effort in place to get Orgeron to be a grand marshal in one of the parish’s Mardi Gras parades this year.

Cut 5 (12) “…that’s the hope.”

Tigers fans lined the streets outside the LSU Football Operations building to greet their heroes returning home from their triumphant win over Clemson last night in the Dome. The event was packed with families decked out in purple and gold. This little Tiger had been waiting to see the team for quite some time.

Cut 11 (10) “…LSU”

 

A parade is set for Saturday.

4:30 PM Newscast

LSU’s undefeated national championship season puts them in the debate as the greatest college football team ever. Coach Ed Orgeron, who was part of national championship teams as an assistant at Miami and USC, says it’s for the media to decide if the Tigers are the best team

Cut 12 (10) “…next year.”

Orgeron says he’s looking forward to a big recruiting weekend.

Tigers fans lined the streets outside the LSU Football Operations building to greet their heroes returning home from their triumphant 42-25 win over Clemson last night in the Dome. Here’s the moment those first sirens announcing the team’s arrival could be heard by the roughly 300 fans who showed up to cheer on the returning team.

Cut 9 (11) “*sirens*”

Many fans lined up hours ahead of time to get a good view of the team as they made their way back to the Capital from the Crescent City.

The Bayou Bengals are getting a parade. Baton Rouge and LSU are working on the details of a parade for the national champion Tigers that will begin at LSU’s school of music on Saturday.

While many throughout the state may be showing love for Coach Ed Orgeron, no one is more excited about his success than those in the Larose area where he grew up.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says the area already bleeds purple and gold…

Cut 3 (10)  “…that national title.” 

Clemson may have had a rough game as a whole, but Jennings native, running back Travis Etienne played well with 114 total yards and a touchdown on five yards a carry. Etienne is NFL draft-eligible after completing his third season in college. This could be his last hurrah in college, but he’s not ready to start reminiscing just yet.

Cut 8 (08) “…college”

He’s ranked as the top running back prospect, and a lock for the 1st round in the 2020 draft, if he decides to declare.

4:45 LRN Sportscast January 14

LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow cemented his legendary status with another spectacular performance in the Tigers 42-25 victory over Clemson in the C-F-P national championship game. Burrow threw for 463 yards and five touchdowns in his final game in an LSU uniform. He finishes the season with an NCAA Record 65 total touchdowns, 60 of them through the air…..
cut 16 (11) “….more special”
And today there was a welcome home celebration for the Tigers as their chartered buses returned to the team’s football operations building in Baton Rouge. This little fan was excited to see her heroes…
cut 11 (10) “…LSU”
LSU is holding a championship parade on Saturday.

There’s a viral video that shows former LSU standout Odell Beckham Junior handing out cash to an LSU player following the victory over Clemson in the national title game. Jeff Palermo has LSU’s response.
cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Louisiana Tech has promoted Joe Sloan to offensive coordinator. Sloan has been with the Bulldog football program since 2013 and this past season was a co-offensive coordinator.

LSU basketball is at Texas A-and-M tonight and Zion Williamson will reportedly make his NBA debut Thursday night at home against Utah.

2:30 LRN Newscast January 14

About 300 LSU fans were at the LSU Football Operations Building to welcome home the national champion Tigers. Their charter buses rolled back into town around lunchtime. This little fan was happy to see them,,,
cut 11 (10) “….LSU”
Star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is happy to deliver a national championship to the Purple and Gold nation…
cut 14 (08) “….the state”
LSU is preparing for a much larger celebration to take place Saturday as a parade is set to role through LSU’s campus beginning at 11 AM. A national championship celebration will begin at noon outside the west side of Tiger Stadium.

Lafourche Parish residents are beaming with pride after hometown hero Ed Orgeron leads LSU to a national championship. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

There is some in the Jefferson Davis Parish town of Jennings who are a bit sad that hometown hero Travis Etienne and the Clemson Tigers didn’t win. Etienne says he’s disappointed he did not win a second championship ring, but he had a blast playing in his home state…
cut 6 (08) “…home crowd”
Etienne will have to decide soon if he’ll return to Clemson for his senior season.

LRN PM Newscall January 14

Lafourche Parish residents are beaming with pride after hometown hero Ed Orgeron leads LSU to a national championship. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

_____________________

There’s a viral video that shows former LSU standout Odell Beckham Junior handing out cash to an LSU player following the victory over Clemson in the national title game. Jeff Palermo has LSU’s response.

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

___________________________

While many throughout the state may be showing love for Coach Ed Orgeron, no one is more excited about his success than those in the area where he grew up.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says the area already bleeds purple and gold…

Cut 3 (10)  “…that national title.” 

Matherne says the majority of the parish has supported Coach O, even when he was working with other football programs outside of the state.

Cut 4 (11) “…out of everyone.”

Matherne says there is now a grassroots effort in place to get Orgeron to be a grand marshal in one of the parish’s Mardi Gras parades this year.

Cut 5 (12) “…that’s the hope.”

_______________________

Clemson may have had a rough game as a whole, but Jennings native, running back Travis Etienne played well with 114 total yards and a touchdown on five yards a carry.

While he was heartbroken to miss out on a chance to get his second championship ring, he was excited to be back playing ball in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (08) “home crowd”

Etienne ended the season with 1,614 yards rushing on 7.8 yards a carry, 432 yards through the air, and 23 total touchdowns.

Despite personally performing well the Jennings High star wasn’t happy about the way the game turned out. He says few players have a chance to win multiple championships in a career.

Cut 7 (11) “hurts”

Etienne is NFL draft-eligible after completing his third season in college. This could be his last hurrah in college, but he’s not ready to start reminiscing just yet.

Cut 8 (08) “…college”

He’s ranked as the top running back prospect, and a lock for the 1st round in the 2020 draft, if he decides to declare.

_________________________________

Tigers fans lined the streets outside the LSU Football Operations building to greet their heroes returning home from their triumphant win over Clemson last night in the Dome.

Here’s the moment those first sirens announcing the team’s arrival could be heard by the roughly 300 fans who showed up to cheer on the returning team.

Cut 9 (11) “*sirens*”

Many fans lined up hours ahead of time to get a good view of the team as they made their way back to the Capital from the Crescent City. This mom says her son just couldn’t wait to get out there…

Cut 10 (10) “…about it”

The event was packed with families decked out in purple and gold. This little Tiger had been waiting to see the team for quite some time.

Cut 11 (10) “…LSU”

The team arrived, waived at the fans, and headed into the facility without taking interviews.
______________________

LSU’s undefeated national championship season puts them in the debate as the greatest college football team ever. Coach Ed Orgeron, who was part of national championship teams as an assistant at Miami and USC, says it’s for the media to decide if the Tigers are the best team

Cut 12 (10) “…next year.”

Orgeron says he’s looking forward to a big recruiting weekend.

Junior Safety Grant Delpit says he knows people in Louisiana will be talking about this team for years to come

Cut 13 (12) “yes sir”

LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase set a College Football Playoff championship record with 221 yards receiving on nine catches. The former Rummel High standout says it’s extra special to win in New Orleans

Cut 14 (08) “…the state”