16:45 LRN Sportscast January 28

Game five of the Pelicans current seven-game homestand is tonight as New Orleans hosts Sacramento. Anthony Davis is listed as doubtful for tonight’s game, with concussion like symptoms. Tyreke Evans is also questionable because of knee tendinitis. The Kings will not have Rudy Gay, because of an eye injury. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

ULM, UL Lafayette and Louisiana Tech are also home tonight. The Warhawks face Texas Arlington, who is in second place in league play. The Cajuns take on Texas State, who they have never lost to. And Louisiana Tech faces Texas San-Antonio, who has struggled this season as they are 4-16 on the season.

The LSU Tigers are getting ready to host number one ranked Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon. The Bayou Bengals are coming off an 89-85 win over Georgia on Tuesday night and they have an overall record of 13-7. A win over the Sooners would really boost LSU’s NCAA Tournament hopes.

The LHSAA’s annual convention wraps up tomorrow and there are some big votes on the agenda for principals. One proposal would create select- non-select playoffs in basketball, softball and baseball. There’s also a proposal to return the football playoffs back to a five-class system, there’s also a proposal to have metro and rural divisions for the football postseason.

LSU linebacker Ronnie Feist is transferring Texas-San Antonio and he’ll play for new head coach Frank Wilson, who is LSU’s former recruiting coordinator and running backs coach. Feist made the announcement on Instagram. The Edgard native played in 15 games during four years in Baton Rouge and registered only five tackles.

In other SEC football news…Missouri has dismissed quarterback Maty Mauk from the team. Mauk has battled substance abuse during his time in Columbia. With him as a starting quarterback, Missouri is 17-5 and they were 2-6 in the eight games he missed in 2015. LSU is set to host Missouri on October 1st.

LRN PM Newscall January 28

Health officials say while the Zika virus is a threat, it’s not a cause for alarm in Louisiana, just yet. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Authorities are wondering if the former Monroe TV personality known as “Mr Wonder” is involved in any child sexual abuse cases in California. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The Louisiana Supreme Court overturns a constitutional amendment that prohibits convicted felons from running for political office. In their ruling, the Court says what residents voted on in 1997 did not match what was enacted by the state legislature. Legal analyst Tim Meche says this was a very considered opinion by the justices…

CUT 3 (10)  “the right way”

Voters approved the amendment barring convicted felons from seeking office for 15 years after the end of their sentence. However, the ballot version omitted an exemption passed by the legislature for those only sentenced to probation. Meche says this is an example of inexcusable sloppiness in the state legislature…

CUT 4 (06)  “foul up occurred”

He believes lawmakers will likely bring this issue up to voters again, based on the Louisiana Supreme Court’s ruling. Meche says the Court’s message to the state legislature is very clear…

CUT 5 (07)  “the right way”

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Health officials say while the Zika virus is a threat, it’s not a cause for alarm in Louisiana, just yet. The relatively new mosquito-borne virus has been linked to birth defects in pregnant women. Dr. Joseph Bocchini, infectious disease expert at LSU Health Shreveport, says the Zika virus could lead to congenital infection in pregnant women…

CUT 6 (08) “and development”

The Zika virus has been associated with babies being born with underdeveloped brains and small skulls in Brazil. Bocchini says, as of now, there is no spread of the virus in the United States. There is one confirmed case of the Zika virus in Arkansas, but Bocchini says that should not raise concern…

CUT 7 (08) “is spreading”

Bocchini says it’s recommended that women who are pregnant, or planning to be pregnant, avoid travel to the Caribbean and South America where the virus is circulating. Bocchini says there will be a greater threat in Louisiana when the weather gets warmer and mosquitoes become more active…

CUT 8 (06) “or summer”

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The alleged child predator who was a popular Monroe television host in the 70s, claims he is not the “Mr. Wonder” that authorities have been looking for. The man identified as Frank Selas was arrested in San Diego for allegedly sexually abusing children during a Louisiana camping trip in 1979. Deputy US Marshal Steve Jurman, based in San Diego, says it’s mind blowing the access to kids this man had since 1985 in California…:

CUT 9 (08)  “cub scouts”

Jurman says the suspect also lists on his website that he is a former PTA president at an elementary school, youth soccer and basketball coach, and that he taught Sunday school. Jurman says it’s not uncommon for suspects to contest identity in an extradition hearing, but they have pictures where the two look exactly alike, and Selas also told cops he changed his name and social security number…:

cut 10 (06)  “identity goes”

An identity hearing is scheduled for February 11th, where the man’s attorneys are expected to argue their client is not the person named on the warrant. Jurman says, not only is this a big story in Louisiana, it’s also what a lot of people are talking about in California…:

Cut 11 (08) “off the radar”

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An 89-year-old New Orleans man who left high school to join the military and fight in World War II has finally received his high school diploma. Trace Senior Living Community Executive Director Richard Totorico says Michael Decker is a resident at his facility and was so surprised to finally graduate and receive a letterman’s jacket…

cut 12 (10) “as well”

Totorico says Decker thought he was going to a doctor’s appointment and was welcomed a group of people celebrating his accomplishment. He says Decker hasn’t taken his letterman’s jacket off since it was presented to him.

cut 13 (09)  “the trace”

Totorico says all the residents at the senior living community knew about the surprise and were so excited for Decker. He says Decker went into a war zone at 17 and missed out on a typical high school experience…

cut 14 (10)  “for him”

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14:30 LRN Newscast January 28

The Louisiana Supreme Court has overturned a constitutional amendment that bans convicted felons for running for a state office. The state’s highest court ruled the language on the ballot did not match what was enacted by the state legislature in 1997. Legal analyst Tim Meche…
cut 5 (07) “…right way”

Authorities are wondering if the former Monroe TV personality known as “Mr Wonder” is involved in any child sexual abuse cases in California. Eric Gill has more…
voicer 2 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

The World Health Organization says the Zika virus is now spreading explosively in the Americas. There have been no reported cases in Louisiana as LSU Health shreveport infectious disease expert, Doctor Joseph Bocchini says mosquitoes are spreading the virus in the Caribbean and South America. He says there will be a greater threat in Louisiana when the weather gets warmer and mosquitoes are more active…
cut 8 (06) “….or summer’
Bocchini says pregnant should avoid travel to South America or the Caribbean.

An 89-year-old New Orleans man who left high school to join the military and fight in World War Two has finally received his high school diploma. Trace Senior Living Community Executive Director Richard Totorico says they surprised Michael Decker with a diploma and letterman’s jacket…
cut 12 (10) “…as well”
Totorico says Decker has not taken his letterman’s jacket off since it was presented to him.

11:40 LRN Sportscast January 28

It’s day two of the LHSAA’s annual convention and there are big votes on the agenda tomorrow regarding the split football championships. There’s also a proposal to go back to a five-class system, another proposal to split playoff teams into metro and rural divisions and there’s also a proposal that would only have Classes 1A through 3A with a split playoff format. If none of those proposals pass, then the LHSAA will keep its playoff system that’s been in place since 2013 for at least one more year.

In the NBA, the Pelicans host the Sacramento Kings tonight. Anthony Davis is doubtful after suffering a concussion in Monday’s loss to Houston. Tyreke Evans is questionable with right knee tendinitis. The Pels are 0-5 this season without Davis.

And the Lakers have announced plans to build a statue of Shaquille O’ Neal outside of the Stapes Center, where L-A plays its home games. Shaq won three NBA championships with the Lakers.

ULM looks to stay undefeated at home tonight as they host UT Arlington. The Warhawks are 4-4 in the league, while the Mavs are 5-2 in the Sun Belt and they have some impressive non-conference wins over Ohio State and Memphis.

Also tonight, the Ragin Cajuns take on Texas State. UL Lafayette is on a four-game winning streak and they are also undefeated at home. Plus the Cajuns have never lost to Texas State in their six previous meetings.

And Louisiana Tech plays its first home game in nearly three weeks as the Bulldogs host Texas San Antonio. Tech enters this game in fifth place in the Conference USA standings, while the Roadrunners are tied for 11th.

In Sunday’s NFL Pro Bowl, Saints defensive end Cam Jordan will play on Jerry Rice’s team. That team will also feature former LSU Tigers Odell Beckham Junior and Jarvis Landry, while former Saints players, Darren Sproles and Malcolm Jenkins, will play on a team coached by Michael Irvin.

16:45 LRN sportscast Jan 27

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association executive committee voted to ratify the public-private football playoffs split that was approved by principals in 2013. That means for now the split is back on after the LHSAA’s executive director Eddie Bonnine said two weeks ago that the format was unconstitutional.

But high school principals can make further changes to the split when they vote on Friday. LHSAA president Vic Bonnaffee says there’s also a proposal to separate rural and metro schools….
cut 30 (09) “…have a direction”
Bonnaffee says the LHSAA will also vote on pay increases for officials and attendance boundaries to determine eligibility.

LSU announced today that it’s spring football game will take place on Saturday April 16th at 3 PM. No word on television.

Former LSU star Odell Beckham Junior has been named one of four team captains for the Pro Bowl and he’ll determine the rosters for Team Irvin and Team Rice when the Pro Bowl draft takes place tonight. There are five other former Tigers who have made the pro bowl, three of them are set to play in Sunday’s game, Andrew Whitworth, Jarvis Landry and Patrick Peterson, the other two, Trai Turner is in the Super Bowl and Tyrann Mathieu is hurt.

The LSU men’s basketball team can now focus on Saturday’s game against number one ranked Oklahoma after beating Georgia 89-85 last night. The Tigers improved to 13-and-7 on the year and six and two in the SEC.

Tonight Tulane hosts South Florida…tomorrow…ULM hosts Texas Arlington, the Ragin Cajuns will take on Texas State in Lafayette and Louisiana Tech hosts Texas San Antonio.

The Pelicans continue their seven game homestand on Thursday as they face Sacramento. Anthony Davis is listed as doubtful after suffering concussion like symptoms in Monday’s loss to Houston.

11:40 LRN sportscast January 27

Freshman Ben Simmons had 22 points and 14 rebounds to help the LSU Tigers beat the Georgia Bulldogs 89-85 in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center last night. Georgia nearly came back from a 14-point deficit to win the game in the final seconds, but missed on a couple of opportunities.

How the football playoffs will be structured is the big issue at this year’s Louisiana High School Athletic Association convention, which begins today. LHSAA president Vic Bonnaffee says discussion ramps up as principals and coaches try to reach a consensus before a vote on Friday…
cut 30 (04) “go on”
It was learned earlier this month that the association did not use proper procedures in enacting the public-private school split in 2013. It’s possible principals will vote to keep the split thats been in place the last three years or a new split that would separate schools between rural and metro areas.

LSU announces its spring game will be played on April 16th at 3 PM in Tiger Stadium. No word yet if it will be televised. The Tigers will begin spring practice on Monday March 7th. Also pro day, a chance for NFL scouts to watch draft eligible players work out will take place on March 14th.

Saints Coach Sean Payton and his staff is in Mobile, Alabama to observe senior bowl practices. Payton says you can learn a lot about player by watching them get ready for Saturday’s Senior Bowl…
cut 20 (13) “…your team’
Payton also announced that newly hired tight ends coach Dan Campbell along with longtime linebackers coach Joe Vitt, will share the duties of assistant head coach.

Louisiana Tech baseball has been picked to finish 11th in the 12-team Conference USA this season. Rice is the preseason favorite.

17:30 LRN Newscast Jan 26

Former north Louisiana TV personality known as Mr. Wonder is in custody in California on allegations he sexually abused juveniles in the 1970s. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson, Lt. Tommy Carnline, says the arrest of 76-year-old Frank Selas closes a 37-year-old cold case…
cut 12 (11) “….a location”
Carnline says they believe Selas abused boys during camping weekends in Rapides Parish. Selas fled the area after the allegations became public.

Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy announced he’s running for US Senate this year and will emphasize business and education if elected. He says today’s children could be the first generation of Americans to be worse off than their parents…:
CUT 4 (08) “United States Senate”
Kennedy is seeking David Vitter’s seat, who has decided not to seek re-election.

State labor officials say Louisiana’s unemployment rate dropped from 7.2 percent in December 2014 to 6.1 percent last December. Emelie Gunn has more on why…
voicer 4 (30) “…reporting”

Former LSU basketball star Shaquille O’ Neal said on Monday night during a fundraiser in Los Angeles that he was paid very well during his college years in Baton Rouge and the school can’t get in trouble, because the statue of limitations is up. But Shaq said today he was only joking and he was trying to give a funny response to the questions he was asked during the event.

16:45 LRN Sportscast Jan 26

Before LSU hosts number one ranked Oklahoma on Saturday, the Tigers have to figure out a way to beat Georgia tonight. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says with the Tigers battling to make the NCAA Tournament, they can’t afford a home loss to the Bulldogs…
cut 18 (16) “….anything else”
LSU is 12-7 on the year, while Georgia is 11-6. Tip-off is at 8 PM.

Former LSU star Shaquille O’ Neal said on Monday night during a fundraiser event in Los Angeles that he was paid very well during his college years in Baton Rouge and added that the statue of limitations is up. But Shaq said today he was only joking and that he was trying to give a funny response to the questions they asked him during the event.

Southeastern Louisiana men’s basketball has a tough test tonight as they visit Texas A-and-M Corprus Christi. The Islanders are 15-3 on the year, while the Lions have the opposite record at 3-15.

SLU football coach Ron Roberts has named Matt Barrett as the Lions new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Barrett has spent the last four seasons as the wide receivers coach at Georgia Southern. Roberts also announced he’ll take over the defensive play calling.

McNeese has named Tommy Restivo as its new defensive coordinator. Restivo spent the last two seasons at South Carolina State. In 2015, they were ranked fourth in the FCS in scoring and sixth in total defense.

LSU softball is ranked third in two major preseason polls that came out today. The Tigers were ranked in the top five at the end of last season and returns nine starters. UL Lafayette is ranked 11th in both polls and the Cajuns are picked to win the Sun Belt as senior catcher Lexie Elkins was named preseason player of the year in the Sun Belt.

14:30 LRN Newscast Jan 26

A north Louisiana television personality, who had a kids show in the 1970s has been arrested in San Diego on allegations of criminal sexual conduct with juveniles. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Lt. Tommny Carnline says they’ve been trying to catch “Mr Wonder” for 37 years as he faces a variety of charges…
cut 13 (09) “…extent goes”
Carnline says 76-year-old Frank Selas had been hiding out in Asia and central and south America.

Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy has made it official. He will run for US Senate as he seeks the seat that will soon be left vacant by David Vitter. Kennedy, who was just re-elected as treasurer, says he wants to serve in the Senate because we’re at risk of losing the American dream…
cut 5 (08) “….this Congress”
This is Kennedy’s third campaign for US Senate.

A Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputy remains in critical condition after he was shot five times during a drug raid that took place at a home in New Orleans. Sheriff Newell Normand says 35-year-old Stephen Arnold was working as a drug task force agent, which is extremely dangerous work….
cut 7 (11) “…as possible”
Authorities say 26-year-old Jarvis Hardy shot the officer and he’s been charged with attempted first-degree murder.

The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s office is working to determine how a human fetus made its way into a sewage piping station. Sheriff Doug Anderson says city workers made the grim discovery on Monday afternoon…
cut 11 (08) “….called us”
Anderson says they are trying to determine who the fetus belonged to.

LRN PM Newscall Jan 26

Louisiana State Treasurer John Kennedy has announced that he will run for the US Senate this year. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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A north Louisiana 1970s children’s TV personality has been arrested of allegedly having sexual conduct with children. Emelie Gunn has more on “Mr. Wonder.”

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana State Treasurer John Kennedy has announced that he will run for the US Senate this year. Kennedy says the reason he’s throwing his hat in the ring is because he wants his country back. Kennedy feels the country is straying from the conservative values that were taught to him by his parents…

CUT 3 (10)  “losing those values”

The seat is being vacated by Senator David Vitter at the end of his current term. Kennedy plans to emphasize business and education if elected to the Senate. He feels that today’s children could be the first generation of Americans to be worse off than their parents…

CUT 4 (08)  “United States Senate”

Fellow Republicans, Congressmen Charles Boustany and John Fleming, and former Congressman Joseph Cao (gow) have also declared their intent to run. Kennedy feels we’re at risk of losing the American dream and neither Congress nor President Obama have done anything about it…

CUT 5 (08)  “this Congress”

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A Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputy was shot several times early Tuesday while executing a search warrant and remains in critical, but stable condition. Sheriff Newell Normand identified the deputy as 35-year-old Stephen Arnold, a 12 year JPSO veteran. Normand says Arnold was a task force narcotics agent and encountered the suspect inside the home around 6am.:

CUT 6 (05) “task force”

Police initially raced Arnold to the closest medical facility in Chalmette, but he was later escorted to University Medical Center in New Orleans. Normand says being a task force agent is extremely dangerous work…:

CUT 7 (11) “as possible”

Normand says Arnold is a great cop and the type of employee you wish you had more of them. He says when one of their own is shot, it’s extremely difficult on everyone…:

CUT 8 (09) “family crying”

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Authorities in Avoyelles Parish are investigating a human female fetus found at a sewage piping station. Sheriff Doug Anderson says city workers notified the Moreauville Police after discovering the fetus while working in a sewage pond.

CUT 9 (09)  “ongoing”

Anderson says they’re working to determine who the fetus belonged to. He says the fetus was no older than 20 to 30 weeks into development.

cut 10 (10)  “it’s disturbing”

Anderson says sewage from part of the city goes into this piping station. He says city workers made the grim discovery on Monday afternoon.

Cut 11 (08) “called us”

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A children’s TV personality in north Louisiana known as, “Mr. Wonder” is in custody on allegations of criminal sexual conduct with juveniles. 76-year-old Frank Selas was arrested in San Diego, California and his alleged crimes date back to the 1970s. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Spokesperson Lt. Tommy Carnline says Selas would invite children ages 5 to 11 on weekend camping trips…

cut 12 (11) “a location”

Carnline says Selas traveled to Japan, South and Central America throughout his lifetime and more victims could be out there. He says “Mr. Wonder” could be facing a variety of charges.

cut 13 (09)  “extent goes”

Carnline says some of these victims are now in their late 40s or 50s and some might not want to come forward. But he says they wants to give those who came forward to report the rapes in the 70s the closure they deserve.

cut 14 (11)  “tell someone”

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