AM Newscall 02.01.19

The WW2 Museum is sending an expeditionary force to Natchitoches to tell the story of Louisiana’s contributions to the Arsenal of Democracy. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A host of Louisiana’s most powerful politicians and lobbyists are in DC this week for this year’s Washington Mardi Gras. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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There may be a lack of interest in seeing the Rams and the Pats in the Super Bowl throughout Louisiana, but some businesses are still throwing a party and watching the Saints play in the big game… from 2010.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A new WW2 exhibit is opening in Natchitoches today that highlights the struggles and triumphs of 280,000 Louisiana citizens who contributed to the victory over the Axis Powers through military service nearly eight decades ago. The display is produced by the WW2 Museum in New Orleans, one of the finest museums on earth…

Cut 4 (11) “…there.”

That’s Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser who says The Pelican State Goes to War: Louisiana in World War II is a treasure that showcases the lives of Bayou State soldiers, and those on the Homefront who built the engines of war that toppled the Nazis and Japanese…

Cut 5 (08) “…survivors.”

The showcase will delve into the histories of Flying Tiger Commander Claire Chennault, civil rights leader and 761st Tank Battalion member Richard English, and others.

Nungesser hopes the success of the WW2 Museum’s northern expedition to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches will convince locals to take the trip south to see the rest of the institution’s wonders.

Cut 6 (11) “…to see.”

The exhibit will open with a reception from 5 to 8pm this evening, and a performance by the Victory Belles, a vocal trio that sings classics from the 40s.

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Louisiana movers and shakers are temporarily migrating north for the winter for this year’s Washington Mardi Gras. The celebration started Thursday and ends Sunday, and features the governor, congressmen, and a host of lobbyists and industry leaders. DC Mardi Gras King Ray Brandt says it’s a packed schedule.

Cut 7 (09) “…to make.”

The event is hosted by the Louisiana Congressional Delegation.

Brandt says after several days of wining and dining in DC, thousands of party-goers will descend on the Hilton Saturday night for the indoor parade, led by Captain Steve Scalise.

Cut 8 (08) “…tickets sold.

The event has been in action most years since the 40s.

The get-together comes just before a heated gubernatorial race is set to take shape in Louisiana that sees the only democratic governor in the south fighting to keep his seat in a ruby red state. Brandt hopes leaders will use the gathering to find bi-partisan solutions.

Cut 9 (09) “…them out.″

The Mystick Krewe of Louisianians runs the event.

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Until the conclusion of the NFC Championship, many throughout Louisiana had plans of watching the Black and Gold this Sunday compete in the Big Game.  However, some sports bars and restaurants are going to make sure those plans stay intact by throwing a watch party of Super Bowl 44, where the Saints became NFL Champions. Owner of Tracy’s in New Orleans, Jeffrey Carraras says it’ll be a party without this year’s big game.

Cut 10 (13) “…Super Bowl timeframe.”

Carraras says there will be plenty of activities for Who Dats that may not want to watch any football.

Cut 11 (08) “…next season starts.”

Meanwhile in Lafayette, Fast Eddie, host of the Big Morning Show on Big 102.1 says his station has taken over Smitty’s Wings on Congress Street to watch the encounter between the Saints and the Colts from 2010.  Eddie says they are going to treat it like it’s a live game.

Cut 12 (09) “…a lot of people.”

Fast Eddie says the party has gotten plenty of media attention, so they are predicting a packed house.  He adds if you’ve still got frustrations to take out because of the NFL’s handling of the NFC title game, this party has you covered.

Cut 13 (09) “…a good day.”

Even Governor Edwards has chimed in, saying he doesn’t know of anyone in the entire state interested in watching this year’s big game in Atlanta, adding he’ll likely find something on Netflix this Sunday.

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There are probably not many Saints fans watching the Super Bowl, and even fewer rooting for the Rams, but in North Louisiana that might not be the case as former West Monroe football standout Andrew Whitworth is competing in the big game.  Senator Mike Walsworth says he’s known Whitworth a very long time, and the general vibe of his old stomping grounds is that community is rooting for him this weekend.

Cut 14 (11) “…probably winding down.”

Walsworth says the Rams NFC Championship win at the Superdome is just the latest victory he’s scored in the venue dating back to winning championships in high school and college.

Cut 15 (08) “…think about it.”

Walsworth says it’s easy to not make Whitworth the target of vitriol because he’s given back plenty to the community, has his own foundation in the area, and most importantly, it wasn’t his fault the Saints are not in the Super Bowl.

Cut 16 (06) “…did something wrong.″

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The 19th ranked LSU Basketball team just completed its first undefeated January in nearly 40 years and now they’ll look to start February off on the right note when they host Arkansas on Saturday. The Tigers already brought down the Hogs earlier this season when they beat them in overtime in Fayetteville. Coach Will Wade on the rematch

 cut 17 (20)   “second half” 

The Tigers have won 10 in a row, Wade says his team has a good away about themselves

Cut 18 (20)  it’s fun” 

After losing four straight SEC games, Arkansas has won its last two. Wade says the Razorbacks are an up and coming team…

Cut 19 (20)   “…better at”

5:30 PM Newscast

The Diocese of Baton Rouge released the names today of 37 clergy members who have been credibly accused of abuse involving children. Bishop Michael Duca says he’s heard some victims share their stories and there are no words to express the depth of their sadness and shame. He imagines today could be a difficult day for victims who never came forward

Cut 12 (12)   “…alone.”
A section of gypsum containment wall in St. James Parish holding back 720 million gallons of acidic and lightly radioactive wastewater is in danger of failing, potentially releasing contaminated water into the nearby Blind River, which feeds Lake Maurepas. The 139 acre, 30-40 foot deep lake of waste is the by-product of a Mosaic fertilizer plant. Department of Environmental Quality Spokesperson Greg Langley.

Cut 8 (07) “that possibility”

Don’t tell Pelicans Coach Alvin Gentry the NBA franchise plays second fiddle to the Saints. A recent report said one reason for Anthony Davis’ trade demands is that the Saints are more of a priority for ownership.  Following Wednesday’s loss to Denver, Gentry stood up for owner Gayle Benson and her late husband, Tom, and what they’ve done for the basketball team…
Cut 6 (11) “…win games”

The loss of excitement in Sunday’s Super Bowl is not just contained to Louisiana.  A national poll shows compared to last year, the number of people intrigued with the big game is down quite significantly.  Pollster Ron Faucheux says the decline in the interest in the NFL has been going on for quite some time on a number of different measurements and says he believes this year’s drop is tied to the NFC Championship mishap.

Cut 4 (05) “…a part in that.″
Half of those polled have zero interest in the game, which is up from 45% last year.

430PM LRN News

The Diocese of Baton Rouge released the names today of 37 clergy members who have been credibly accused of abuse involving children. Bishop Michael Duca says hopes this will help the abuse victims whose lives were violated and a chance for the diocese to re-establish trust

Cut 11 (10) “the victims”

Baton Rouge is the third diocese to reveal the names of clergy who have been credibly accused of abuse. New Orleans and Houma are the other two.

A section of gypsum containment wall in St. James Parish holding back 720 million gallons of acidic and lightly radioactive wastewater is in danger of failing, potentially releasing contaminated water into the nearby Blind River, which feeds Lake Maurepas.  Department of Environmental Quality Spokesperson Greg Langley.

Cut 10 (08) “…right now”.

The loss of excitement in Sunday’s Super Bowl is not just contained to Louisiana.  A national poll shows compared to last year, the number of people intrigued with the big game is down quite significantly.  Pollster Ron Faucheux says last year, 21% of those polled had a high interest in the game, but this year is a different story.

Cut 3 (08) “…year to another.”

A 16-year-old Houma boy is dead after 74-year-old Lawrence Legnon allegedly ran a stop sign yesterday afternoon on LA 311. Authorities do not know if either of the drivers were intoxicated, and charges have yet to be filed. State Police Trooper Jesse LaGrange says drivers need to exercise caution when approaching stop signs, particularly at dusk or night times.

Cut 15 (09) “…safety.”

The 16-year-old has been identified as Benjamin Chabert.

330PM LRN New

A survey finds that excitement over this Sunday’s Big Game has dipped.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

A federal judge has denied a request to have the NFC Championship game replayed, a request stemming from a lawsuit filed by a group of New Orleans Saints fans who sued the NFL after the no-call that sent the Rams to the Super Bowl. The suit stemmed from thoughts that an obscure NFL rule could be invoked to replay the game if the contest had been deemed “unfair”.

A section of gypsum containment wall in St. James Parish holding back 720 million gallons of acidic and lightly radioactive wastewater is in danger of failing, potentially releasing contaminated water into the nearby Blind River, which feeds Lake Maurepas. The initial discovery was made by a farmer who grew sugar cane adjacent to the acidic pool of wastewater. A few weeks ago he noted the wall had been creeping outward, and Department of Environmental Quality Spokesperson Greg Langley says further review confirmed that.

Cut 9 (11) “the base″

The 139 acre, 30-40 foot deep lake of waste is the by-product of a Mosaic fertilizer plant.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge released the names today of 37 clergy members who have been credibly accused of abuse involving children. Bishop Michael Duca says the list is not a final piece when it comes to child abuse…

Cut 13 (10) “…from abuse.”

Baton Rouge is the third diocese to reveal the names of those clergy.

4:45 LRN Sportscast January 31

A federal judge in New Orleans has rejected a lawsuit filed by two Saints fans who were seeking Commissioner Roger Goodell to implement a rule that could lead to a do over of the NFC Championship game, because of a missed pass interference call. It was a considered a legal long shot from the beginning and legal analyst Tim Meche explains why….
cut 30 (20) “this happened”
No word on if there will be an appeal.

The Lakers have reportedly offered several different trade options to the Pelicans as they attempt to team Anthony Davis up with LeBron James. Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma are some of the players Magic Johnson is offering up for Davis. The NBA trade deadline is Thursday.

There are reports LSU and football coach Ed Orgeron are working on a contract extension, but it make take a few weeks to get finalized. The LSU Board of Supervisors’ next meeting is in March and they would have to approve a new deal.

The LSU men’s basketball team’s win streak is up to 10 games after a 72-57 victory over Texas A-and-M. Tremont Waters had 36 points as the Tigers completed their first undefeated month of January in nearly 40 years. The 19th ranked Tigers are back at home on Saturday as they host Arkansas.

In college hoops tonight, Louisiana Tech is at Florida Atlantic. The Bulldogs are 5-4 in Conference USA and they’ve played well on the defensive end. Tonight they’ll have to contend with Anthony Adger who is averaging 20 points a game. ULM, who has been struggling on the defensive end lately, is at Coastal Carolina. The Warhawks are 4-3 in league play and so is Coastal.

The Ragin Cajuns are also 4-3 in league play and they are Appalachian State, who is just 1-and-6 in league play.

230PM LRN News

The Diocese of Baton Rouge released the names today of 37 clergy members who have been credibly accused of abuse involving children. Bishop Michael Duca says he’s heard some victims share their stories and there are no words to express the depth of their sadness and shame. He imagines today could be a difficult day for victims who never came forward

Cut 12 (12)   “…alone.”

Baton Rouge is the third diocese to reveal the names of clergy who have been credibly accused of abuse. New Orleans and Houma are the other two.

A 16-year-old Houma boy is dead after 74-year-old Lawrence Legnon allegedly ran a stop sign yesterday afternoon on LA 311. Authorities says they do not know if either of the drivers were intoxicated, and charges have yet to be filed in the incident. State Police Trooper Jesse LaGrange says they do not know why Legnon ran the stop sign shortly before the wreck.

Cut 14 (11) “…vehicle.”

The loss of excitement in Sunday’s Super Bowl is not just contained to Louisiana.  A national poll shows compared to last year, the number of people intrigued with the big game is down quite significantly. Half of those polled have zero interest in the game, which is up from 45% last year. Pollster Ron Faucheux says ultimately, this could be a concern to the league if it becomes a concern to advertisers.

Cut 5 (05) “…audience is there.”

Don’t tell Pelicans Coach Alvin Gentry the NBA franchise plays second fiddle to the Saints. A recent report said one reason for Anthony Davis’ trade demands is that the Saints are more of a priority for ownership. Gentry points to the world-class practice facility the Bensons built for the team. He says it really upsets him that people would think the Pelicans are treated like second class citizens…

Cut 7 (08) “…but supportive”

Gentry made the remarks following Wednesday’s loss to Denver.

LRN PM Newscall January 31

A survey finds that excitement over this Sunday’s Big Game has dipped.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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 A wastewater containment wall in St. James Parish is in danger of failing, and could potentially release into the Blind River….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The loss of excitement in Sunday’s Super Bowl is not just contained to Louisiana.  A national poll shows compared to last year, the number of people intrigued with the big game is down quite significantly.  Pollster Ron Faucheux says last year, 21% of those polled had a high interest in the game, but this year is a different story.

Cut 3 (08) “…year to another.”

Faucheux says the decline in the interest in the NFL has been going on for quite some time on a number of different measurements, and says he believes this year’s drop is tied to the NFC Championship mishap.

Cut 4 (05) “…a part in that.″

Half of those polled have zero interest in the game, which is up from 45% last year.  Faucheux says ultimately, this could be a concern to the league if it becomes a concern to advertisers.

Cut 5 (05) “…audience is there.”

_________________________________________________

Don’t tell Pelicans Coach Alvin Gentry the NBA franchise plays second fiddle to the Saints. A recent report said one reason for Anthony Davis’ trade demands is that the Saints are more of a priority for ownership. Following Wednesday’s loss to Denver, Gentry stood up for owner Gayle Benson and her late husband, Tom, and what they’ve done for the basketball team…

Cut 6 (11) “…win games”

Gentry points to the world-class practice facility the Bensons built for the team. He says it really upsets him that people would think the Pelicans are treated like second class citizens…

Cut 7 (08) “…but supportive” (2x)

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A section of gypsum containment wall in St. James Parish holding back 720 million gallons of acidic and lightly radioactive wastewater is in danger of failing, potentially releasing contaminated water into the nearby Blind River, which feeds Lake Maurepas. The 139 acre, 30-40 foot deep lake of waste is the by-product of a Mosaic fertilizer plant. Department of Environmental Quality Spokesperson Greg Langley.

Cut 8 (07) “that possibility”

The Mississippi River is also visible from the wastewater lake.

The initial discovery was made by a farmer who grew sugar cane adjacent to the acidic pool of wastewater. A few weeks ago he noted the wall had been creeping outward, and Langley says further review confirmed that.

Cut 9 (11) “the base″

Langley says they’ve begun trying to sure up the gypsum wall with additional dirt, and are moving nearly 10 million gallons a day to other containment areas on the property to lower the pressure on the wall.

Cut 10 (08) “…right now”.

_______________________________

The Diocese of Baton Rouge released the names today of 37 clergy members who have been credibly accused of abuse involving children. Bishop Michael Duca says hopes this will help the abuse victims whose lives were violated and a chance for the diocese to re-establish trust

Cut 11 (10) “the victims”

Duca says he’s heard some victims share their stories and there are no words to express the depth of their sadness and shame. He imagines today could be a difficult day for victims who never came forward

Cut 12 (12)   “…alone.”

Duca says the list is not a final piece when it comes to child abuse, but rather a foundational change in how the Church responds to future allegations…

Cut 13 (10) “…from abuse.”

Baton Rouge is the third diocese to reveal the names of clergy who have been credibly accused of abuse. New Orleans and Houma are the other two.

______________________________________________

A 16-year-old Houma boy is dead after 74-year-old Lawrence Legnon allegedly ran a stop sign yesterday afternoon on LA 311. Authorities do not know if either of the drivers were intoxicated, and charges have yet to be filed. State Police Trooper Jesse LaGrange says they do not know why Legnon ran the stop sign shortly before the wreck.

Cut 14 (11) “…vehicle.”

Toxicology tests on both drivers are pending.

LeGrange says drivers need to exercise caution when approaching stop signs, particularly at dusk or night times.

1:30 PM Newscast

The Diocese of Baton Rouge released the names today of 37 clergy members who have been credibly accused of abuse involving children. Bishop Michael Duca says hopes this will help the abuse victims whose lives were violated and a chance for the diocese to re-establish trust

Cut 11 (10) “the victims”
A wastewater containment wall in St. James Parish is in danger of failing, and could potentially release  into the Blind River….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

Don’t tell Pelicans  Coach Alvin Gentry the NBA franchise plays second fiddle to the Saints. A recent report said one reason for Anthony Davis’ trade demands is that the Saints are more of a priority for ownership.  Following Wednesday’s loss to Denver, Gentry stood up for owner Gayle Benson and her late husband, Tom, and what they’ve done for the basketball team…
Cut 6 (11) “…win games”

The loss of excitement in Sunday’s Super Bowl is not just contained to Louisiana.  A national poll shows compared to last year, the number of people intrigued with the big game is down quite significantly.  Pollster Ron Faucheux says the decline in the interest in the NFL has been going on for quite some time on a number of different measurements and says he believes this year’s drop is tied to the NFC Championship mishap.

Cut 4 (05) “…a part in that.″
Half of those polled have zero interest in the game, which is up from 45% last year.

1230PM LRN News

The Baton Rouge Archdiocese has released a list of priests who they feel have been linked to credible allegations of abuse. The 39 names are available on their website, along with the location they served at.

A section of gypsum containment wall in Convent holding back 720 million gallons of acidic and lightly radioactive wastewater is in danger of failing, potentially releasing contaminated water into the nearby Blind River, which feeds Lake Mauraspas. The 139 acre, 30-40 foot deep lake of waste is the by-product of a Mosaic fertilizer plant. Department of Environmental Quality Spokesperson Greg Langley.

Cut 8, 7 seconds, that possibility

The Mississippi River is also visible from the wastewater lake in St. James Parish. The initial discovery was made by a farmer who grew sugar cane adjacent to the acidic pool of wastewater. A few weeks ago he noted the wall had been creeping outward.

It’s not just who-dats who’ve lost interest in the Rams-Pats Super Bowl showdown, excitement over this Sunday’s Big Game has dipped.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast Jan 31

LSU guard Tremont Waters scored a season-high 36 points last night as the Tigers won their 10th straight game with a 72-57 win over Texas A-and-M. The Bayou Bengals and Tennessee are the two SEC teams still undefeated in league play.

Sam Houston State improved to 8-0 in the Southland with a 62-52 win over Southeastern Louisiana. Nicholls fell to Lamar 90-69, while UNO beat Northwestern State 72-64 in a game that featured 17 lead changes.

The Pelicans lost last night to Denver 105-99. Anthony Davis did not play because of an injured finger and there’s a report he may never play for New Orleans again, since his agent went public with his trade demands. Davis was taken out of the team’s introduction video, but there also reports the Pelicans are not in a hurry to trade A-D and General Manager Dell Demps is not returning calls from Los Angeles Lakers’. Davis is expected to talk with reporters tomorrow.

Don’t tell Pelicans Head Coach Alvin Gentry the NBA franchise plays second fiddle to the Saints. A recent report said one reason for Anthony Davis’ trade demands is because that Saints are more of a priority for ownership. Following Wednesday night’s loss to Denver, Gentry stood up for owner Gayle Benson and her late husband, Tom, and what they’ve done for the basketball team…
cut 6 (11) “…win games”
Gentry points to the world-class practice facility the Bensons built for the team.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the league understands the frustration of fans over the no call pass interference in the NFC Championship game. Goodell says he’s talked to Coach Sean Payton, the team and players. But Saints players have gone on Social media saying they haven’t heard a word from Goodell.