8:30 LRN newscast January 21

Saints fans should be celebrating a second trip to the Super Bowl, instead it’s heart break. A missed pass interference call helped the Rams steal the NFC Championship crown. coach Sean Payton says the N-F-L told him that not only was it pass interference on the Rams Nickell Robey-Coleman, but it was also helmet-to-helmet contact on Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis in the final two minutes of regulation. Payton says the technology is available to use instant replay to review a missed call…
Cut 11 (10) “…though”
Quarterback Drew Brees says the missed pass interference is something he can not control, but settling for three field goals also hurt…
Cut 13 (15) “…counted.”
Brees and Payton are now 1-and-2 in NFC Championship games.

The Saints season is over, one game away from a second Super Bowl trip in franchise history. Many who dats are blaming the officiating, specifically a missed pass interference call in the final two minutes…
Cut 14 (11) “…no call rather.”

Well here’s some good news, Job gains are continuing in the Bayou State, as we added 21,900 non-farm jobs from December 2017…
voicer 1 (26) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Corrected LRN AM Newscall for January 21 ### Changes the number in the lead-in for voicer 1###

Job gains are continuing in the Bayou State, as we added 21,900 jobs from December of 2017 to December of 2018.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The hearse that carried that at one time carried the remains of MLK is now on display in Baton Rouge.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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What could have gone down as one of the best moments in sports history for Louisiana, goes down as one the worst thanks to a missed call. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana now has 15 straight months of employment gains, and added 21,900 jobs from December of 2017 to December of 2018, putting the state’s unemployment rate at 4.9 percent. Workforce Commission chief economist Ali Bustamante says more than half of those gains came from one market.

Cut 4 (6) “…manufacturing.”

New Orleans added 12,600 jobs from 17 to 18, and Baton Rouge added 5,200.

Lafayette looks like it’s beginning to bounce back from the slow decline of the oil and gas industry, adding 2,200 jobs from December 2017 to 2018. Bustamante says the job market in Acadiana is beginning to diversify.

Cut 5 (10) “…areas.”

Houma unfortunately did not fare so well as other market, where 700 jobs have disappeared year to year. Bustamante says that’s due to a major change in the energy sector…

Cut 6 (10) “…employment levels.”

Louisiana as a whole added 1,100 jobs from November to December of 2018.

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The hearse that carried Martin Luther King Jr. to his final resting place is now on display in Baton Rouge as part of the Carrying on the Dream exhibit at Capitol Park Museum and will be on display for the next year.  Raising Cane’s founder and CEO Todd Graves recently acquired the 1966 Cadillac 616 Superior Coach…

Cut 7 (12) “…need to see.”

Graves says he plans to display the historic vehicle in other cities following it’s time in Baton Rouge.  The exhibit will also feature many pieces and photos from King’s era. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s great to have an important piece of history on display in Baton Rouge as Louisiana gets ready to put together a civil rights trail along with other southern states.

Cut 8 (08) “…a perfect timing.”

Graves says the hearse is a sobering reminder of what King did to change the world…

Cut 9 (09) “…our country.″

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The Saints Super Bowl hopes were dashed inside a stunned Superdome on Sunday by a miss pass interference call and a 57-yard field goal in O-T to give the Rams a 26-23 win over the Black and Gold. New Orleans had a chance to win in regulation, but thanks to a missed pass interference call, L-A was able to tie the game. Coach Sean Payton says the league office has told him, the refs blew the call

Cut 10 (11) “to swallow.”

Payton says the N-F-L told him that not only was it pass interference on the Rams Nickell Robey-Coleman, but it was also helmet-to-helmet contact on Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis. Payton says the technology is in place to use instant replay to review that type of play…

Cut 11 (10) “…though”

Quarterback Drew Brees said after the game he plans on being back next season to make another run at the Super Bowl, but says this loss will be tough to get over and part of the reason why is that missed P-I call

Cut 12 (12) “…tough”

Brees says the missed pass interference call is something he can not control, so he’ll focus on the opportunities missed to score more points as they had to settle for three field goals on the afternoon…

Cut 13 (15) “…counted.”

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The Saints season is over, one game away from a second Super Bowl trip in franchise history. Many who dats are blaming the officiating, specifically a missed pass interference call in the final two minutes…

Cut 14 (11) “…no call rather.”

Saints fans are already not happy with the NFL as a result of the bounty gate investigation that cost Coach Sean Payton to miss the entire 2012 season. The no call on pass interference as Who Dats even more frustrated…

Cut 15 (14) “…not fair”

The Rams are now heading to Atlanta to play in Super Bowl 53. The team from L-A will not get a lot of support from Louisiana…

Cut 16 (11)  “..in our house”

7:30 LRN Newscast January 21

An absolute heart breaking loss for the Saints in the NFC Championship game. New Orleans had a chance to win in regulation, but a missed pass interference call gave the Rams a chance and they took advantage of it and won 26-23 in overtime. Coach Sean Payton says the league office told him afterwards, the refs should have called pass interference and targeting on Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman towards the end of regulation
cut 10 (11) “to swallow.”
Here’s what the officials told Robey-Coleman after the play…
cut 30 (15) “…in the air”
But the ball was not tipped and it goes down as one of the biggest blown calls in NFL history.
The state workforce commission says employment has increased by nearly 22-thousand jobs from December 2017, marking the 15th straight month for over-the-year increase. Workforce commission chief economist Ali Bustamante says even the Lafayette market, which has seen oil and gas job losses over the last decade, increased its workforce by 22-hundred jobs from December…
cut 5 (10) “…areas”
But Houma saw a decline in 700 jobs over the last year.

If you vist the State Capitol over the next year, you can walk across the street and see the hearse that brought Martin Luther King Junior to his final resting place. CEO of Raising Cane’s, Todd Graves, purchased the 1966 Cadillac and has loaned it to the Capitol Park Museum. Graves says the hearse is a sobering reminder of what King did to change the world…
cut 9 (09) “….our country”
The exhibit will also feature many pieces and photos from King’s era.

6:45 LRN Sportscast January 21

The Saints Super Bowl hopes were dashed inside a stunned Superdome on Sunday by a missed pass interference call and a 57-yard field goal in O-T to give the Rams a 26-23 win over the Black and Gold. New Orleans had a chance to win in regulation, but thanks to the officials, L-A was able to tie the game. Coach Sean Payton says the league office told him afterwards, the refs blew the call
Cut 10 (11) “to swallow.”
It’s another heart breaking playoff loss for the Saints. Last year they had to suffer through the Minnesota Miracle, but the missed call in yesterday’s game is tougher to swallow…
cut 15 (14) “…not fair”

The Pelicans are in Memphis today to complete their five-game road trip. No Anthony Davis as he’ll miss the next week or two with a sprained finger in his left hand. New Orleans has lost three of its last four and they are 1-and-4 this season in games this season without A-D. Tip-off is at 4:30.

The LSU Tigers haven’t been ranked in the Top 25 since losing two in a row in Orlando, but that should change today. The Bayou Bengals are now 4-0 in the SEC after they handed South Carolina its first SEC loss of the season with a commanding 89-67 win over the Gamecocks. LSU had six players reach double figures, led by a pair of freshmen, Naz Reid had 15 points and so did, Emmit Williams who came off the bench to score 15 points and the freshman from Florida finished with 13 rebounds.

Taylor Simoneaux from Franklin won yesterday’s Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge. Rachel Booth of Charlottesville, Virginia was the top female finisher. Desiree Lincoln of Traverse City, Michigan won the women’s half-marathon, Jessica Jones of Baton Rouge finished as a runner-up.

6:30 LRN Newscast January 21

A blown call by the officials towards the end of regulation in yesterday’s NFC Championship game has Saints fans in absolute disgust this morning, as the Rams are heading to the Super Bowl instead of New Orleans. The NFL has admitted the officials should have called a pass interference and targeting on Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman when he hit Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis before he had a chance to catch a pass. Quarterback Drew Brees says it was an obvious call…
cut 12 (12) “…that’s tough”
And don’t expect Saints fans to root for the Rams when they take on the Patriots in Super Bowl 53…
cut 16 (11) “…in our house”
It was the first time an away team won a conference championship game since the 2012-13 season.

The hearse that carried Martin Luther King Jr. to his final resting place is now on display in Baton Rouge as part of the Carrying on the Dream exhibit at Capitol Park Museum and will be on display for the next year. Raising Cane’s founder and CEO Todd Graves recently acquired the 1966 Cadillac…
Cut 7 (12) “…need to see.”
Graves says he plans to display the historic vehicle in other cities following it’s time in Baton Rouge.

The federal government shutdown is in its 30th day. Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mark Garber has told federal employees on furlough and living in his parish that they will receive an extension to pay property taxes, if they are due and they will not face any interest or penalties.

1030AM LRN News

Could a campaign promise from 2014 come back to haunt Congressman Ralph Abraham as he runs for Governor?  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Abraham’s campaign responded with a press release, saying it was a first term promise that he kept, and that the Advocate’s report was “fake news”.

And the Saints are scratching the bottom of the barrel to find anyone who can catch a pass on Sunday as both tight end Ben Watson and receiver Keith Kirkwood, who caught a TD pass last Sunday, have been ruled out against the Rams. LA had zero players on their injury watch list for the week.

Now may be a good time to check old lottery tickets you’ve been in possession of. No one has stepped forward to claim a Powerball ticket worth one million dollars that is getting close to expiration.   Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says if you find the ticket, give them a call so you can collect your winnings.

Cut 8 (06) “…claim your prize.”

The winning ticket matched up the five white balls of the drawing on August 25, 2018, and the ticket was sold in New Orleans.

Pro bowl pride of Monroe, and former West Monroe High, LSU, and now Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth is hoping to secure only his second playoff win since being drafted into the NFL in 2006.  He says last week’s win over Dallas was special…

Cut 5 (11) “…get there.”

Kickoff is set for 2PM Sunday.

930AM LRN News

During his 2014 congressional campaign, Ralph Abraham made a vow to not accept his salary if elected.  However, the Advocate newspaper reports that campaign promise only last for his first two year term. Now, Abraham is running for governor, and his rival, Governor Edwards, is blasting him for it, but ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s likely Abraham’s intentions were good when he initially made the promise.

Cut 10 (10) “…a public servant.”

Abraham says it was a first term promise, and he did keep it for that term.

Now may be a good time to check old lottery tickets you’ve been in possession of. No one has stepped forward to claim a Powerball ticket worth one million dollars that is getting close to expiration. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says although unclaimed prizes do happen from time to time, one of this magnitude is rare.

Cut 7 (06) “…the bigger ones.”

Monroe born and raised Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth is excited to be back home for what is the biggest game of his illustrious, pro-bowl career. Whitworth won three state championships in the Dome, and a 2003 BCS national championship under Nick Saban’s LSU before being drafted by the Bengals in 06, And he knows just how raucous that dome crowd can get, but he says LA is ready for the crowd, and has a lot of experience dealing with the loudest fields in football.

Cut 4 (08) “…the league″

And one of those cheering voices in the crowd will be Governor John Bel Edwards, who will be on hand again to hopefully see the Saints get the win for the second week in a row. Edwards says the Saints are an easy team to root for because of how quarterback Drew Brees conducts himself on and off the field…

Cut 14 (11) “…the Saints”

Kickoff is set for 2PM Sunday. Receiver Keith Kirkwood, who caught a TD last game, has been ruled out for the contest.

830AM LRN news

Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth is confident heading into Sunday’s NFC Championship game against the Saints because it’s not the first championship he’s played, and won, in Dome…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

And Governor John Bel Edwards will be at the game as well. Edwards was also on hand for New Orleans come from behind 20-14 win over Philadelphia last Sunday…

Cut 13 (09) “…to nothing.”

The spread in this monumental showdown has tighted, with the Saints being only 3 points favorites in the contest. Wide recevier Keith Kirkwood and tight end Ben Watson of the Saints have been ruled out for Sunday’s 2pm kickoff.

Now may be a good time to check old lottery tickets you’ve been in possession of. No one has stepped forward to claim a Powerball ticket worth one million dollars that is getting close to expiration.  The winning ticket matched up the five white balls of the drawing on August 25, 2018. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the ticket was sold in New Orleans.

Cut 6 (07) “…come visit us.”

During his 2014 congressional campaign, Ralph Abraham made a vow to not accept his salary if elected.  However, the Advocate newspaper reports that campaign promise only last for his first two year term. Now, Abraham is running for governor, so could this come back to impact his attempt at the Governor’s mansion?  ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says in political campaigns anything becomes fair game for criticism.

Cut 9 (11) “out on it.″

Abraham says it was a promise for his first term, a promise that he kept.

5:30 PM Newscast

Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth is confident heading into Sunday’s NFC Championship game against the Saints because it’s not the first championship he’s played, and won, in Dome…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

No one has stepped forward to claim a Powerball ticket worth one million dollars that is getting close to expiration.  The winning ticket matched up the five white balls of the drawing on August 25, 2018. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the ticket was sold in New Orleans.  So what does Annison say you should do if you find out you are in possession of the ticket?

Cut 8 (06) “…claim your prize.”

During his 2014 congressional campaign, Ralph Abraham made a vow to not accept his salary if elected.  However, the Advocate newspaper reports that campaign promise only last for his first two year term. Now, Abraham is running for governor, so could this come back to impact his attempt at the Governor’s mansion?  ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says in political campaigns anything becomes fair game for criticism.
Cut 9 (11) “out on it.″

Governor John Bel Edwards has a busy weekend in front of him. On Saturday, he’ll participate in a 5K race that’s part of the eighth running of the Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge.  And on Sunday, the Saints will be in the Merecdes Benz Superdome for the NFC Championship game against the Rams. Edwards says the Saints are an easy team to root for because of how quarterback Drew Brees conducts himself on and off the field…

Cut 14 (11) “…the Saints”

4:45 LRN Sportscast January 18

Sunday’s NFC Championship game between the Saints and Rams could come down to whoever runs the ball better. New Orleans has Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara, while Los Angeles has Todd Gurley and CJ Anderson. Saints linebacker DeMario Davis says Gurley can do it all…
cut 19 (17) “…this game”
The Rams Andrew Whitworth has been one of the best offensive tackles over the last decade. The former West Monroe and LSU star says they are prepared to deal with a loud Superdome crowd…
cut 4 (08) “…the league”
Kick off is at 2:05 after the game it’s the Patriots and Chiefs for the AFC title. Kansas City hasn’t played in a Super Bowl since 1970.

The Pelicans visit the Portland Trail Blazers tonight, the team they swept out of the playoffs last season. New Orleans has won four of its last six thanks to the MVP caliber play by Anthony Davis, who is averaging 29 points and 13 rebounds a contest on the season. Tip time is at 9:30.

Will LSU basketball coach Will Wade be dancing again tomorrow night. Wade showed off some dance moves in the locker room after last Tuesday night’s win against Ole Miss. The Tigers are 3-0 in the SEC and will host South Carolina at 5 PM at the PMAC, the Gamecocks are 4-0 in league play and have won five straight overall.

The Ragin Cajuns have won five in a row over ULM and the two teams meet Saturday in Monroe. Both teams are 2-and-2 in league play.

In the Southland…Northwestern is at Abilene Christian, Nicholls visits Central Arkansas and McNeese will host Southeastern Louisiana for a 1:30 tip off. UNO looks for its fifth straight win at Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi.