LRN Sportscast 11:40

Saints owner Gayle Benson says its undeniable that her team and Who Dat fans were unfairly deprived of the NFC championship by the no call on a pass interference that happened in the final two minutes of regulation. But New Orleans Cornerback PJ Williams says they can’t blame the result entirely on the officials…
cut 17 (18) “..better so”
Last year, the Saints were eliminated in the playoffs on a last second touchdown pass. Linebacker Craig Robertson says this team knows how to bounce back…
cut 18 (11) “…even more”

With no Anthony Davis in the line-up yesterday because of an injured finger, someone had to step up. Veteran Jahlil Okafor was that guy as he scored a season high 20 points and also had 10 rebounds as New Orleans defeated Memphis 105-85. Jrue Holiday and Nikola Mirotic also added 21 points. New Orleans is back home tomorrow night against Detroit.

The LSU men’s basketball team is back in the AP Top 25 after a two month absence. The Tigers are ranked 25th after beating South Carolina and then 18th ranked Ole Miss. LSU is 4-0 in the SEC, one of two teams still undefeated in league play. Number one Tennessee is the other.

Last night, Prairie View defeated Grambling 83-66. The Tigers turned it over 26 times and committed 29 fouls. Southern won for only the third time this season as the Jaguars defeated Mississippi Valley 80-56.

LSU is ranked number two in the Baseball America preseason poll. Vanderbilt is the preseason number one. Florida is ranked fourth, Mississippi State ninth. The Tigers begin preseason workouts on Friday.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards officially kicked off his re-election campaign today with a message to voters that hits on his accomplishments over the last three years. He says there are more people working in Louisiana than ever before…
cut 4 (10) “…new jobs”

Former Republican Louisiana congressman John Fleming is considering running for governor…
Voicer 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Saints fans are still heartbroken over the missed pass interference call in the NFC Championship game, but for businesses that sell team merchandise, the refs’ mistake is hitting them more than just the heart. Black and Gold Shop owner Pam Randazzo says the blown call is costing them money, as they were gearing up to sell Super Bowl items.
Cut 9 (13) “a lot″

To help Saints fans get over the heartbreaking loss, Haydel’s Bakery is making what they call “no ref” cookies. David Haydel….
cut 15 (09) “…cookies”
The head official in Sunday’s NFC Championship game, Bill Vinovich, is featured on the front of the no ref cookie.

10:30 LRN Newscast January 22

Governor John Bel Edwards officially launched his re-election campaign with a video message to voters. The main theme is that he says Louisiana is better than it was when he took office in 2016, when he inherited a two-billion dollar plus budget deficit…
cut 3 (11) “…600-million dollars”
Edwards is facing two announced Republican challengers, Congressman Ralph Abraham and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone.

Three people are dead, including a two-year-old child after a pickup truck ran off the road into Bayou Lafourche in Golden Meadow. State Police Senior Trooper Jesse LaGrange says it happened shortly after midnight last night on LA 308 and the driver, 37-year-old Michael Barthelemy of Galliano overcorrected…
cut 6 (06) “…escape it”
Two-year-old Trisha Barthelemy of Galliano and 17-year-old Zackary Cheramie of Golden Meadow also died in the crash.

The man who was elected mayor of the Town of Ball last fall, and then disqualified from serving due to his criminal conviction when a new constitutional amendment was also approved, is challenging that decision in appellate court. Roy Hebron, who was convicted for FEMA Fraud in 2011, unseated the incumbent. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says even though he ran before the amendment went into effect…
Cut 7 (09) “…public office.”

If you are still frustrated with the refs in the NFC Championship game, Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans has created a cookie called the no-ref cookie. Head ref Bill Vinovich’s face is displayed prominently on the front of the confection, and Haydel says taking that first bite might make you feel a bit better about the Burglary on the Bayou…
Cut 14 (07) “…vengeance there”

9:30 LRN Newscast January 22nd

Pecan growers say they are having another difficult growing season. Ouachita Parish farmer Abraham Fowler says the problem this time is too much rain….
cut 6 (07) “….too much rain”
And there’s more rain in the forecast for today and tomorrow. Fowler says this is the fifth straight year the weather has produced crop losses.

There could be another entry into the 2019 governor’s race. Former Louisiana Congressman John Fleming, who represented the fourth district for eight years, is reportedly considering a run for governor. LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeffrey Sadow doesn’t give Fleming much of a chance at beating Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards….
cut 11 (12) “…for the Republicans”
The two Republican candidates announced so far are Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone.

In November, a central Louisiana town voted a convicted felon into office, and now he’s being disqualified from holding the office due to the approval of a Constitutional amendment that was on that same ballot…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

KALB-TV reports former Bunkie Police Chief Bobby Corner will plead not guilty to malfeasance charges today at the Avoyelles Parish courthouse. State Police say Corner allowed multiple pieces of evidence to be unsecured, misplaced and lost in the police department’s building. Corner lost his re-election bid last April, after serving one-term.

8:30 LRN Newscast January 22nd

Louisiana pecan farmers are seeing losses to their crop due to bad weather and it’s impacting their bottom line. This year marks the fifth consecutive year growers are seeing weather take its toll on the industry. Ouachita Parish grower Abraham Fowler says in years past, the blame has fallen on lack of rain or mistimed rain, but this year, it’s the abundance of rain….
Cut 4 (09) “…soured and ruined.”
Fowler says this is the longest stretch of bad weather his family business has seen.

There are reports former Louisiana Congressman John Fleming could enter the 2019 governor’s race. But LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says he still thinks Congressman Ralph Abraham is the Republican’s best chance at knocking off Governor Edwards…
cut 12 (06) “….to say Abraham”
Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone is the other announced Republican challenger.

The St. Charles Parish sheriff’s office says a pharmacist shot and killed a man trying to rob his story last night in Luling. Deputies say a man wearing a mask ordered the pharmacist and a clerk to hand over drugs and a scuffle ensued. Authorities say pharmacist pulled out a gun and fatally shot the man. The sheriff’s office has not said if any charges will be filed.

If you’re feeling down about the Saints getting robbed and need a sugar pick-me-up, Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans has a cookie you might want to sink your teeth into…
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

7:30 LRN January 22nd

Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans is helping Saints fan mourn their stolen championship with the “no ref” cookie that puts the referee’s face of the NFC title game on a sugary treat that you can take a bite out of. Co-owner David Haydel says they decided to express their frustration with a little creativity in the oven…
Cut 13 (11) “…to get them.”
Head ref Bill Vinovich is displayed on the front of the sugar cookie.

Former Louisiana congressman John Fleming of Minden is reportedly considering a run for governor. Fleming represented Louisiana’s 4th District for eight years and left the House in 2017. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says it might be too late for Fleming to join the race…
cut 10 (06) “….going to run”
There are already announced two Republican candidates, Congressman Ralph Abraham and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone.

It’s another difficult year for pecan farmers. Ouachita Parish grower Abraham Fowler says this year it’s been an abundance of rain and it’s the fifth straight year they have not had ideal growing conditions…
cut 5 (08) “…been this bad”
Fowler says all he can do is wait for better weather.

A state appeals course is considering an interesting case out of the town of Ball in Rapides Parish. Roy Hebron was elected the mayor for the town of Ball, but he’s a convicted felon and on the same ballot, voters approved a new constitutional amendment that prohibits convicted felons like Hebron from holding elected office. Hebron argues he should remain in office, because he was elected when the law wasn’t in effect. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino…
cut 9 (12) “…hold office”
Ciolino predicts the courts will rule that Hebron will not be able to serve as mayor.

6:45 LRN Sportscast January 22nd

The Saints are beginning the process of trying to move on from a disappointing finish to the 2018 season. It seemed like New Orleans was destined to play in the franchise’s second Super Bowl only to see those dreams fall apart with an overtime loss to the Rams in the NFC Championship game. Cornerback PJ Williams says they have to look forward and not back…
Cut 16 (16) “..its over
Saints owner Gayle Benson says she’s thoroughly disappointed by the no call on the pass interference the NFL says should have been called against the Rams in the final two minutes of regulation. Benson says its undeniable that their team and fans were deprived at a fair shot of playing the Super Bowl and she plans to aggressively pursue changes.

With no Anthony Davis in the line-up yesterday because of an injured finger, someone had to step up. Veteran Jahlil Okafor was that guy as he scored a season high 20 points and also had 10 rebounds as New Orleans defeated Memphis 105-85. Jrue Holiday and Nikola Mirotic also added 21 points. New Orleans is back home tomorrow night against Detroit.

The LSU men’s basketball team is back in the AP Top 25 after a two month absence. The Tigers are ranked 25th after beating South Carolina and then 18th ranked Ole Miss. LSU is 4-0 in the SEC, one of two teams still undefeated in league play. Number one Tennessee is the other.

Last night, Prairie View defeated Grambling 83-66. The Tigers turned it over 26 times and committed 29 fouls. Southern won for only the third time this season as the Jaguars defeated Mississippi Valley 80-56.

LSU is ranked number two in the Baseball America preseason poll. Vanderbilt is the preseason number one. Florida is ranked fourth, Mississippi State ninth. The Tigers begin preseason workouts on Friday.

6:30 LRN Newscast January 22

Saints fans remain frustrated over a missed pass interference call in Sunday’s NFC Championship game. Saints Owner Gayle Benson is also frustrated. Benson says her team was unfairly deprived a trip to the Super Bowl and vows to aggressively pursue changes in the NFL rule book that will bring more fairness and integrity to the game.

La-politics-dot-com reports former Republcian 4th District congressman John Fleming is considering a run at the governor’s mansion…
Voicer 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

A state appellate court is expected to rule soon on whether Roy Hebron can be the mayor of the Rapides Parish town of Ball. Hebron was convicted of FEMA fraud in 2011 and released from prison in 2014.He was elected in November on the same ballot where a constitutional amendment was approved prohibiting felons from holding office for five years after the completion of their sentence. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says a district court judge has already ruled against Hebron and he expects that ruling to be upheld…
cut 8 (08) “….an argument’

To help Saints fans get over the heartbreaking loss, Haydel’s Bakery is making what they call “no ref” cookies. David Haydel….
cut 15 (09) “…cookies”
The head official in Sunday’s NFC Championship game, Bill Vinovich, is featured on the front of the no ref cookie.

AM Newscall 01.22.19

In November a town voted a convicted felon into office, and and now he’s being disqualified from holding the office due to an amendment that was on that same ballot…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

According to la-politics-dot-com, former 4th District congressman John Fleming is considering a run at the governor’s mansion.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

_______________________________

If you’re feeling down about the Saints getting robbed and need a sugar pick-me-up, Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans has a cookie you might want to sink your teeth into…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

Pecan farmers are losing crops due to bad weather, and losing lots of profits too. This year marks the fifth consecutive year growers are seeing weather take its toll on the industry.  Ouachita Parish grower Abraham Lincoln Fowler says in years past, the blame has fallen on lack of rain, mistimed rain, but this year, it’s been the abundance of rain to hurt growers.

Cut 4 (09) “…soured and ruined.”

Fowler says the five year stretch is the longest stretch of bad weather his family business has scene in it’s history.

Cut 5 (08) “…been this bad.”

Fowler says there isn’t much that can be done when there is so much rain, as bringing out equipment with ground saturation would result in long lasting damage to the orchards.

Cut 6 (07) “…too much rain.”

Fowler says all he can do is continue to wait for better weather.

___________________________________________________

The man who was elected mayor of the Town of Ball last fall, and then disqualified from serving due to his criminal conviction when a new amendment went into effect, is challenging that decision in appellate court. Roy Hebron, who was convicted for FEMA Fraud in 2011, unseated the incumbent. Loyola Law Professor Dane Cioino says even though he ran before the amendment went into effect…

Cut 7 (09) “…public office.”

A majority of voters, approved an amendment in November barring convicted felons from running for, or holding office for five years after their sentence.

The mayor’s race and felon amendment were on the same ballot, and Hebron is arguing he should keep the seat because he ran and won, and had the results certified under the previous law, before the amendment went into effect in December. Ciolino says the district court disagreed…

Cut 8 (08) “…an argument”

The suit against Hebron was filed by the outgoing Mayor Neil Kavanaugh.

It’s an interesting question, made all the more interesting by the fact that Hebron, a convicted felon, scored 56 percent in a three way race, while every precinct in the Town of Ball voted for the convicted felon restriction by comfortable to overwhelming margins. Ciolino says the timing is interesting, but…

Cut 9 (12) “…hold office″

Ball is just north of Alexandria.

_________________________________

A former 4th District congressman is considering jumping into the race for governor.  According to several sources, John Fleming, who currently serves the deputy assistant secretary of health information technology reform, has not given a timetable for making a final decision.  LSU Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow says the news is surprising considering the timing of the news.

Cut 10 (06) “going to run.”

Sadow says Fleming has been out of Congress for four years.  While his current position is viewed as a big deal in Washington, Sadow doesn’t foresee the position as being viewed in the same light to Louisiana voters.

Cut 11 (12) “…for the Republicans.”

Sadow says you may see some minor candidates hop into the race, but he says the likelihood of any other major candidates is probably low.

Cut 12 (06) “…to say Abraham.”

Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham are still the only two candidates to have officially entered the race.

___________________________

Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans is helping Saints fan mourn their stolen season with the  “no ref” cookie that puts the Saints/Rams head referee’s face on a sugary treat that you can take a bite out of. While grieving the loss yesterday, co-owner David Haydel says they decided to express their frustration with a little creativity in the oven…

Cut 13 (11) “…to get them.”

Head ref Bill Vinovich is displayed prominently on the front of the confection, and Haydel say’s taking that first bite might make you feel a bit better about the Bayou Burglary.

Cut 14 (07) “…vengeance there”

The baker says it’s similar to another highly popular cookie option at the Bakery, the seasonally available Alabama/LSU game treat…

Cut 15 (09) “…cookies”

___________________________

The Saints are beginning the process of trying to move on from a disappointing finish to the 2018 season. It seemed like New Orleans was destined to play in the franchise’s second Super Bowl only to see those dreams fall apart with an overtime loss to the Rams in the NFC Championship game. Cornerback PJ Williams says they have to look forward and not back…

Cut 16 (16)  “..its over

Saints owner Gayle Benson says she’s throughly disappointed by the no call on the pass interference the NFL says should have been called against the Rams in the final two minutes of regulation. But Williams says they can’t blame the result of the game entirely on the officials…

 cut 17 (18)   “..better so” 

Sunday’s lost in the NFC Divisional Round last season in heart breaking fashion on a last second touchdown pass against the Vikings. Linebacker Craig Robertson says this team knows how to bounce back…

Cut 18 (11)   even more” 

Saints linebacker DeMario Davis says they need to process the end of this season the right away in order to make another run at a Super Bowl next season…

Cut 19 (19)   “…be better”

_______________________________

Cut 20 (18) “…every day”

 

5:30 PM Newscast

The NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell could call for a re-do of Sunday’s NFC Championship game. Jeff Palermo reports the league’s rule book…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
Saints owner Gayle Benson has released a statement saying, “I have been in touch with the NFL regarding yesterday’s events and will aggressively pursue changes in NFL policies to ensure no team and fan base is ever put in a similar position again. It is a disservice to our coaches, players, employees and, most importantly, the fans who make our game possible.”

A Covington optometrist has seen a social media post spread like wildfire after yesterday’s bayou burglary.  The eye doctor made the post offering free eye exams to NFL refs before the start of next season. Dr. Jeff Anastasio says although initially posted in jest, the offer still stands, but he doesn’t seem to believe too many will take him up on the offer.
Cut 4 (07) “…of next season.″

Can we expect the use of replay expanded in the NFL after the league admits the refs missed a pass interference call in the final two minutes of regulation in Sunday’s NFC Championship game?  According to the Washington Post, the NFL competition committee will look to make pass interference reviewable when it meets this offseason. But NFL Analyst Mike Detillier is not expecting a quick change to the rule book…

Cut 7 (12) “…the NFL”