LRN AM Newscall January 15th ###Revised###

As the federal government shutdown continues, the focus of food stamp recipients can expect February benefits coming this week.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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If you are looking forward to trying some great new Louisiana craft beers, the government shutdown is slowing down the release of those brews. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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A Southeastern Louisiana communications professor says the 128 decibels measured in the dome during Sunday’s Saints win was nearly as loud as a thunder crack at it’s source. Fans watching the game on Fox got a little taste of that roar…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser laid out the Office of Tourism’s goals for 2019 in a speech at the Baton Rouge Press Club. Nungesser says he wants to build on international tourism. Recently, international flights from Germany and London started offering service to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International airport and bringing in more out of country visitors could mean big bucks for Louisiana…

Cut 4 (12) “…traveled.” 

Nungesser is also looking at ways to bring in more dollars to help improve tourist destinations like state parks. He says there are around 15 public-private partnerships near completion, but before they can be finalized he needs the legislature’s help.

Cut 5 (09) “…do.”

And Nungesser says he wants to keep the relationship alive between New Orleans and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve. The past three years the popular TV program featured the Big Easy on New Year’s Eve, with a television audience of 20-30 million viewers. He says the contract to have the show in NOLA has reached its end and he wants it renewed.

Cut 6 (11) “…year.”

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As the federal government shutdown continues, the focus of food stamp recipients turns to what they can expect as the SNAP program is federally funded. Department of Children and Family Services Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says February benefits are coming this week.

Cut 7 (09) “…100% federally funded.”

Guillory says there is uncertainty as to what happens with the program beyond February.

Cut 8 (09) “…anything about March.”

Guillory says it’s important for recipients to know these are not extra benefits and theses will be the only benefits they receive for February.

Cut 9 (11) “…these benefits accordingly.″

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The federal government shutdown is impacting the craft beer business in Louisiana as the industry is heavily regulated by the feds. President of the Louisiana Brewers Guild and Bayou Teche Brewing Karlos Knott says brewers are not able to get product labels approved during the shutdown, so some of the seasonal beers are being put on hold.

Cut 10 (09) “…back a bit.”

Knott says some of the new breweries that were hoping to have opened in the time since the shutdown, but now they are at a standstill.

Cut 11 (10) “…45 days delayed.”

Knott says the time in which a brewery only needed to release a few beers each year is in the past, so the shutdown is making it impossible for brewers to cater to the demand of consumers.

Cut 12 (10) “…shutdown is over.”

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Reports say that for at least one moment in Sunday’s Saints playoff win, the Dome rumbled as fans roared at a recorded 128 decibels. Southeastern Louisiana communications professor Joe Burns says it’s a remarkable feat, because exposure to any sound over 100-120 Db can be painful, and prolonged exposure can result in damage to your hearing.

Cut 13 (11) “…of loudness.”

The NFL Db record is held by Seattle for a 137 decibel outburst in 2017, but Burns says that number is questionable because even momentary exposure to 140 Db may result in deafness.

Decibels increase logarithmically, and to put 128 decibels in perspective, the average conversation is 60 decibels, and a chainsaw is about 110. Burns says an acquaintance of his runs sound for the Essence Fest, and their maximum sound level sits far below what Saints fans accomplished.

Cut 14 (11) “…that’s insane.”

The Rock School radio host says crowds certainly can impact games, as feeling that 128 decibels at field level, with a helmet on, would be disorienting.

Burns says it’s likely that reported 128 Db was only a momentary spike, and not a prolonged period that could result in hearing damage. Still, if you’re bringing your children to the Rams NFC Championship clash this Sunday, he has a suggestion….

Cut 15 (11) “….to you”

The World Health Organization recommends children not be exposed to any noise above 120 decibels.

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Sunday’s NFC Championship game between the Saints and Rams is a rematch of a November 4th game won by New Orleans 45-35. But since that game, Los Angeles has developed a two-headed run attack with Todd Gurley and recently signed CJ Anderson. Saints Coach Sean Payton is impressed with how the Rams ran the ball in their playoff win over Dallas…

Cut 16 (11)  “…defended the run.”

L-A rushed for 273 yards on Saturday in a 30-22 win over Dallas. The Rams defense held the Cowboys to 50 yards rushing. Coach Sean Payton says L-A has one of the game’s best defensive lines led by defensive tackle Aaron Donald…

 cut 17 (16)   “…tape here.” 

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LSU will look to remain unbeaten in SEC play tonight when the Tigers travel to Oxford to face the 18th ranked Ole Miss Rebels. Ole Miss moved up into the Top 25 in the latest poll by beating two ranked teams last week, Auburn and Mississippi State. Tigers Coach Will Wade says the Rebels have the best backcourt in the SEC, which is a major concern…

Cut 18 (17)   SEC games” 

Ole Miss is led by Breein Tyree, who is averaging almost 18 points a game. Terence Davis and Deveontae Shuler are also averaging double figures. Wade says it’s hard to slow down all three of them…

Cut 19 (20)   “…for us”

16:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are a step closer to reaching the Super Bowl after a 20-14 win over the Eagles in front of a raucous Superdome crowd. New Orleans trailed 14-0 in the first quarter but took the lead after a massive 18-play, 92-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter. Quarterback Drew Brees on the importance of going ahead at that time…
cut 29 (12) “…get the win”
Brees threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Michael Thomas to give the Black and Gold a 17-14 lead. Thomas had a franchise record 12 catches for 171 yards. Coach Sean Payton on his third-year wide out…
cut cut 30 (13) “…finding him”
The Saints will now get ready to play the Rams, who they beat in the regular season. Kick-off for that one is at 2:05 on Sunday.

LSU star linebacker Devin White posted a video on Twitter announcing that he’s forgoing his senior season and entering the NFL draft. White made his announcement on the final day underclassmen had to declare their intentions. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says White wrestled with the decision…
Cut 15 (11) “…staying”
White is the first player from LSU to win the Butkus Award, which goes to the nation’s best linebacker.

Former McNeese Head Coach Lance Guidry has found a new job in the Southland Conference. Guidry has been named the new defensive coordinator at Southeastern Louisiana.

McNeese released its football schedule for 2019 today. The Cowboys will host Southern to kick off the season and then travel to Oklahoma State. The Pokes host Southeastern on October 5th and Northwestern on November second and they’ll travel to Nicholls on November 16th.

In the NBA, the Pelicans visit the Los Angeles Clippers tonight, tomorrow LSU is at 18th ranked Ole Miss.

3:30 LRN newscast January 14

President Donald Trump spoke for about an hour today in New Orleans at the American Farm Bureau Convention and showed no signs of backing down from his proposal for 5.7 billion dollars to build a southern border wall…
cut 8 (10) “….America’s doors”
Trump spoke at the Morial Convention Center and protesters nearby chanted “Build Bridges Not Walls.”

The Humane Society of Louisiana says they are seeing an increase in horse abuse cases. H-S-L Director Jeff Dorson says they’ve received calls about starving horses in Ascension, Catahoula, Beauregard and LaFourches Parishes. Dorson has this message for those who want to own a horse…
cut 14 (13) “….maintenance for horses”

A Shreveport Conservative, known for his last second filibuster that prevented the Legislature from voting on a revenue bill to fund state government in June says he’s running to be the next Speaker of the House…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

LSU All-American linebacker Devin White announces he’s declaring for the NFL draft. White makes his announcement on the final day for underclassmen to enter their name into the draft. White had this message for the fans in a video message on Twitter…
cut 29 (09) “…my life”

LRN PM Newscall January 14

A Shreveport Conservative, known for his last second filibuster that prevented the Legislature from voting on a revenue bill to fund state government in June says he’s running to be the next Speaker of the House…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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According to the Louisiana Department of Health, five percent of doctors visits in the state are for flu-like symptoms.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “Im Kevin Barnhart”  

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Shreveport attorney and state representative Alan Seabaugh says he’s abandoning his quest to become a federal judge in favor of seeking re-election to the legislature, and then run to be the next House Speaker. Seabuagh, one of the most conservative House members, opposed the tax plan that funded state government in the last session, and says he would bring that same mentality to the leadership position.

Cut 3 (10) “…priorities”

The Shreveport Republican is noted for his last second “filibuster” that ended a special session before a vote could be held on a revenue plan to fully fund state government.

Stuart Bishop of Lafayette, Barry Ivey of Baton Rouge, and Sherman Mack of Albany are also in the running for Speaker in the Republican controlled House. Seabaugh says while he doesn’t think the legislature is reflective of Louisiana values, he doesn’t hold anything against the last speaker, Taylor Barras.

Cut 4 (10) “…governor″

Seabaugh says he hopes John Bel Edwards will be pushed out of the Governor’s Mansion in the 2019 election, so that the next speaker can focus on passing Republican priority legislation. But, when asked if the Democratic governor does win reelection, if he would be willing to work in a bi-partisan fashion…

Cut 5 (07) “…three years”

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President Trump spoke at the American Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans today and promised to iron out trade deals that will be benefical for farmers. Mr. Trump says these new deals will make it easier to trade with Canada and other countries where  it’s currently difficult to do so

Cut 6 (08) “…immediately”

The President also made his case on why a border wall is needed. Congressional Democrats have refused to go along with spending 5-point-7 billion dollars to build a physical barrier between the U-S and Mexico. Mr. Trump says Democratic leadership is playing politics

Cut 7 (11) “Congressional election”

There were several hundred demonstrators outside of the Morial Convention Center where the president spoke. The protesters called for an end to the government shutdown and chanted “Build Bridges Not Walls.” But Mr. Trump says a border wall provides the U-S with the security it needs…

Cut 8 (10) “…America’s doors”

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According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the flu is on the upswing as five percent of doctor visits in the state are for flu-like symptoms.  Louisiana is among several hotspots in the southeast.  LDH flu bug expert Dr. Frank Welch says it’s typical for flu to start in certain areas and spread throughout the nation.

Cut 9 (06) “…go first I guess.″

Welch says right after the holidays is when an upswing in flu takes place as Louisiana has the perfect storm for spreading the illness.

Cut 10 (06) “…Mardi Gras activities.”

Welch says if someone hasn’t gotten a flu shot by now, they haven’t missed the boat.

Cut 11 (08) “…be fully protected.”

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The Humane Society of Louisiana says there is a rise in horse abuse cases throughout the state.  H-S-L Director Jeff Dorson says rarely does a day go by the animal protection group doesn’t get a call about one or more horses being mistreated, estimating they deal with at least a thousand cases annually.

Cut 12 (09)   “…actually delicate creatures.” 

Dorson says part of the issue is an endless cycle from the horse racing industry with an oversupply of horses being turned over to new owners without the proper credentials to care for the animals.

Cut 13 (12) “…one or two.”

Dorson says horse ownership can be overwhelming to those that don’t know what they are getting into.

Cut 14 (13) “…maintenance for horses.”

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1:30 LRN Newscast January 14

President Trump is speaking at the American Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans today and promised to iron out trade deals that will be beneficial for farmers. Mr. Trump says these new deals will make it easier to trade with Canada and other countries where it’s currently difficult to do so…
cut 6 (08) “…immediately”
The President also made his case on why a border wall is needed. Meanwhile protesters near the Morial Convention Center called for an end to the government shutdown.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the flu is on the upswing as five percent of doctor visits in the state are for flu-like symptoms. Louisiana is among several hotspots in the southeast. LDH flu bug expert Dr. Frank Welch says it’s typical for flu to start in certain areas and spread throughout the nation.
Cut 9 (06) “…go first I guess.″
Welch says if you haven’t received a flu shot yet, it’s still not too late.

LSU star linebacker Devin White posted a video on Twitter announcing that he’s entering the NFL draft. White made his announcement on the final day underclassmen had to declare their intentions. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says the Butkus award winner wrestled with the decision…
Cut 15 (11) “…staying”

Shreveport attorney and state representative Alan Seabaugh withdrew his name for consideration to a federal judgeship. Seabaugh was named to replace U-S District Judge Dee Drell, but Seabaugh says he plans to run for re-election as a state legislator and then run for House Speaker when a new legislature is sworn in and that’s not in disrespect to current House Speaker Taylor Barras…
cut 4 (10) “…governor”

11:40 LRN Sportscast January 14

The Saints are heading to the NFC Championship game after beating Philadelphia 20-14 on Sunday. After giving up two first quarter touchdown drives, the Black and Gold held the Eagles to only 97 yards of offense. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore had two interceptions, including one to seal the victory…
Cut 8 (12) “…the receivers”
New Orleans will host the Los Angeles Rams Sunday in the NFC Title game. They beat L.A. 45-35 on November 4th. And remember what Marcus Peters had to stay about Saints Coach Sean Payton, after Payton said they liked the matchup of Michael Thomas on Peters…
cut 30 (13) “…together”
Saints fans can’t wait.

LSU All-American linebacker Devin White announces he’s declaring for the NFL draft. White makes his announcement on the final day for underclassmen to enter their name into the draft. White had this message for the fans from a video message produced by LSU…
cut 29 (09) “…my life”
White is expected to be a first round pick in the April draft. Greedy Williams and Ed Alexander previously announced their plans to turn pro and will not be back next season. But Rashard Lawrence, Kristian Fulton, Breiden Fehoko and Michael Divinity have decided to return for their season.

Also staying is LSU defensive backs coach Corey Raymond. Raymond interviewed with Georgia, but sources say the New Iberia expected to remain at LSU.

He’ll be able to coach Louisiana’s Mr. Football for 2018. Incoming LSU freshman cornerback Derek Stingley Junior has been named Mr. Football for 2018. Stingley did not allow a completion during his senior season at Dunham High School and finished his career with 27 interceptions. He also scored 14 touchdowns during his senior campaign.

9:30 LRN Newscast January 14

The Saints are one win away from reaching the Super Bowl after beating the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 20-14. New Orleans climbed back from an early 14-to-0 deficit for a hard fought six point win. Coach Sean Payton
Cut 7 (12) “…that today”
The Saints will host the Rams for the NFC Championship on Sunday. New Orleans beat L.A. 45-35 on November 4th.

Eric Prudholm was serving a life sentence for an aggravated rape and armed robbery that happened in Bossier City in 1981, but he’s now a free man, after a new round of DNA testing led to the courts deciding his original conviction and sentence should be vacated. Innocence Project New Orleans Executive Director Jee Park says Prudholm gained his freedom by pleading no contest to robbery with credit for time served…
Cut 10 (05) “…several more years.”

According to a new report, Louisiana receives significantly more from the federal government than it sends in tax dollars. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

President Donald Trump heads to New Orleans today to speak at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s centennial Convention. Avery Davidson is the spokesperson for the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation…
cut 30 (18) “…the speach”
The President is expected to speak around 11:30 this morning.

8:30 LRN Newscast January 14

President Donald Trump will speak at the American Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans later today. Rice and soybean farmers say the tariffs and now the government shutdown have hurt their ability to make money off their crop. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says despite the tariff issues, he expects the crowd to welcome the President.
Cut 13 (12) “…hurting some farmers.”
And the President arrives in the Big Easy with no end in sight to the longest federal government shutdown in U-S history. It has reached 23 days.

The president’s visit to New Orleans will cause traffic problems. Air Force One arrives at 10:30 AM. I-10 from the airport to the Morial Convention Center will close for the presidential motorcade. The president is scheduled to speak at 11:40 AM and I-10 will be closed again for the motorcade back to the airport. But Big Easy motorists should be in a good mood after the Saints 20-14 victory over the Eagles to advance to the NFC title game.

A report from Rockefeller Institute of Government finds that Louisiana gets back a $1.52 in federal dollars for every one dollar of taxes paid to the federal government. It resulted in about a 17-billion dollar net gain in federal dollars for Louisiana in 2017…
cut 5 (10) “…two programs”
That’s the director of the fiscal analysis Laura Schultz.

58-year-old Eric Prudholm spent his first weekend as a free man since he was 21-year-old. Prudholm was released from Angola last week after his conviction for an aggravated rape and armed robbery that happened in Bossier City in 1981 was vacated. Innocence Project New Orleans Executive Director Jee Park says new DNA evidence was the key and the lesson learned from this case….
cut 11 (07) “…decades from now”
Park says Prudholm will look for a job in the food service industry.

7:30 LRN Newscast January 14

The Saints are a step closer to reaching the Super Bowl after a 20-14 win over the Eagles in front of a raucous Superdome crowd. New Orleans trailed 14-0 in the first quarter but took the lead after a massive 18-play, 92-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter. Quarterback Drew Brees on the importance of going ahead at that time…
cut 9 (12) “…get the win”
Brees and the Saints will host the Rams on Sunday in the NFC title game.

President Donald Trump travels to New Orleans to speak at the American Farm Bureau Convention today. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says many farmers support the President and so does the state of Louisiana…
cut 14 (11) “….the deep south”

A man wrongly imprisoned for life at Angola since the age of 21 is now a free man at the age of 58. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Funeral arrangements have been announced for the Chateri Payne, the Shreveport police officer who was killed last week right before she was set to begin her night shift. The funeral service will take place Saturday at Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport. The search continues for a killer and killers involved in the fatal shooting.

6:45 LRN Sportscast January 14

The Saints are heading to the NFC Championship game after beating the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 20-14. New Orleans climbed back from an early 14-to-0 deficit for a hard fought six point win in front of a jubilant Superdome crowd. Coach Sean Payton
Cut 7 (12) “…that today”
After giving up two first quarter touchdown drives, the Black and Gold defense took control, only allowing 97 yards after the first quarter. Quarterback Drew Brees threw an interception on his first pass, after that he threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns….
cut 30 (14) “….a lot better”
The Saints will host the Rams this Sunday at 2 PM.

Its decision day for LSU All-American linebacker Devin White. Will he return for his senior season or enter the NFL draft? Today is the deadline for underclassman to declare for the draft.

Over the weekend, LSU defensive end Rashard Lawrence and cornerback Kristian Fulton both announced they are returning for their senior seasons. And defensive backs coach Corey Raymond is also reportedly staying at LSU after interviewing with Georgia.

The Pelicans visit the Clippers tonight. Over the next 11 games, New Orleans will face nine teams that would qualify for the playoffs, if the regular season ended today. The Pels enter this critical stretch tied for 12th place in the Western Conference.

The Sun Belt Conference has suspended the officiating crew that worked Saturday’s ULM-Georgia State game. They missed a blatant traveling call that allowed the Panthers to win at the buzzer. It was a tough week in the Peach State as the Warhawks suffered two one-point losses.