LRN AM Newscall for Monday January 1, 2015

The Centers for Disease Control says the flu has now reached the epidemic level in the United States and the state Department of Health and Hospitals says its going to get worse before it gets better in Louisiana. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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LDWF is now accepting applications to become a wildlife and fisheries field agent. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “reporting”

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The Centers for Disease Control says the flu has now reached the epidemic level in the United States and the state Department of Health and Hospitals says its going to get worse before it gets better in Louisiana. Medical director for the immunization program, Dr. Frank Welch, says the flu situation in the Bayou State is absolutely terrible…

Cut 3 (06) “influenza-like symptoms”

Welch says almost seven out of every 100 doctor visits in the state are for flu-like symptoms. He says this year’s flu shot is not perfect, but that should not be an excuse to not get immunized. Welch says the flu shot is still absolutely your best protection…

cut 4  (11)  “dies from it”

Welch says the flu shot will still partially protect you making the illness less serious and less likely someone needs to be hospitalized. And he speaks from personal experience. Welch says, after receiving a flu shot a couple of months ago, he contracted the flu last week…

Cut 5  (11)  “three days later”

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The minimum wage goes up in 21 states today. Of course, here in Louisiana the minimum hourly wage stays at $7.25. But Tulane Business Professor Mark Rosa says with nearly half of the states acting on their own, it will spur more talk about raising the federal minimum wage

Cut 6 (10)  “has been changed”

Critics of a higher minimum wage say it forces some businesses to reduce their work force in order to compensate for the higher wages. But Rosa says government can minimize impact, by raising the wage rate slightly or index it to inflation.

CUT 7 (09)  “50 percent”

Arkansas is one of the few states in the South that’s raising the minimum wage today. The lowest paid workers will have to earn at least $8.05 an hour as a result of a ballot initiative approved by voters in November. Rosa says it will be interesting to see how this impact’s Arkansas’ economy…

Cut 8 (08)  “large percentages” 

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is now accepting applications from individuals who are interested in becoming an enforcement agent. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says individuals interested in applying should visit the state’s civil service website and also must complete a test to qualify for consideration.

Cut 9 (11)  “of the week”

They will be accepting applications until January 23rd and out of those applications, 24 cadets will be chosen and will will train for six months in Baton Rouge. Einck says cadets will be taught game laws and trained to become search and rescue responders.

Cut 10 (09) “enforcement personnel” 

Einck says this is a great position for people who love to be outdoors. He says field agents spend most of their time outdoors, on the water and trekking through the woods.

cut 11 (08) “to apply”

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The new year is off to a dreary start weather wise in north Louisiana. Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says cold and rainy conditions will keep people inside

cut 12 (06)  “of rainfall”

High temperatures today will barely get out of the 40s. Mayeaux says it will be warmer tomorrow, but the rain will stick around for the northern half of the state….

Cut 13 (09)  “Saturday afternoon”

There’s also a good chance of rain in southwest Louisiana today and those rain chances increase across south Louisiana over the weekend

Cut 14 (05)  “to be wet”

LRN Newscast 17:30

New Year’s celebrations will take place across the state today. Lt. Colonel John Leblanc, director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, is reminding residents law enforcement will be out in force tonight, putting extra effort to remove impaired drivers from the road…
cut 5 (06) “….night too”
Highway Safety officials are hoping to avoid a repeat of last year where eight people were killed on Louisiana roadways during the New Year’s holiday.

Ohio State and Alabama fans are packing the French Quarter tonight as they are in town for tomorrow night’s college football semi-final game. New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesperson Lauren Cason says having two teams with huge fan bases is great for the economy…
cut 10 (11) “…great business”
Cason adds that New Orleans has been named one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the nation.

More than 56-thousand Louisiana residents have selected health insurance plans during the first month of open enrollment under what is commonly called “Obamacare.” Doctor Karen DeSalvo, with the US Department of Health and Human Services, says the 2015 open enrollment period will last until February 15th, and she urges people to get covered…

cut 8 (11) “take for granted”

Nearly 102-thousand people in Louisiana purchased health insurance through the federal marketplace in 2014.

National media outlets are reporting LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis is leaving Baton Rouge for the same job at Texas A&M. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor James Moran says it’s a big loss for a program that’s won a lot of football games over the last several years, because of their defense

cut 12 (06) “to be filled”

Chavis has been LSU’s defensive coordinator the last six seasons.

LRN Sportcast 16:45

Numerous media outlets are reporting LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis is leaving for the same job at Texas A-and-M. Chavis has been LSU’s defensive coordinator the last six years and made one-point-three million dollars this past season. LSU offered him a new contract, but Tiger Rag Assistant editor James Moran says the Aggies are willing to pay “The chief” a higher annual salary…
cut 13 (08) “…over the top”
It’s been reported the Aggies are willing to give “Chief” a 400-thousand dollar raise. Coach Les Miles was asked about losing Chavis to an SEC West rival….
cut 15 (14) “…play like hell”

Not much of a surprise here, but LSU linebacker Kwon Alexander announced on a social media site that he’s forgoing his senior season and entering the NFL draft. Alexander led the Tigers in tackles this past season and forced two fumbles.

In college bowl action today…TCU thumped Ole Miss 42-3 to finish the season 12-and-1. The Rebels end the 2014 campaign with a 9-and-4 record. They had just 139 yards of total offense today.

In NFL news…Former Saints head coach Jim Haslett is out of a job. Haslett has worked as the defensive coordinator for the Redskins since 2010, but the two sides have decided to part ways.

In the NBA…the Pelicans are at San Antonio tonight. New Orleans already owns two victories this season over the defending champs. They beat the Spurs last Friday in the Smoothie King Center and won in San Antonio on November 8th. Tip-off tonight is at 6 PM.

LRN Newscast 16:30 12-31-14

State Police will be out in force tonight putting in extra effort to keep impaired drivers off the roads for New Year’s Eve. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director, Lt. Col. John LeBlanc says…
CUT 4 (10) Q: “an impaired driver”
Last year, there were eight Louisiana road fatalities that were alcohol-related.

Between tonight’s New Year’s Eve countdown party in New Orleans, and tomorrow’s New Year’s Day matchup between Alabama and Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl, it’s going to be a huge boost for tourism in the Crescent City….
CUT 11 (10) Q: “great business”
That’s New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau Communications Director Lauren Cason.

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Federal Health officials report almost 102-thousand people in Louisiana purchased health insurance through the federal marketplace in 2014. Doctor Karen DeSalvo says the 2015 open enrollment period will last until February 15th, and so far, sign-up has been brisk…
CUT 7 (09) Q: “health insurance”
More than 56-thousand Louisiana residents have selected health insurance plans during the first month of enrollment.

There are reports that indicate LSU Defensive Coordinator John Chavis has agreed to a three-year deal with Texas A-and-M, which will pay him nearly one-point-seven million dollars a year. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says one possible candidate to replace Chavis is former Ole Miss head coach and Louisiana native Ed Orgeron…
CUT 14 (06) “defensive line coach”
Still, Moran says losing Chavis is a big loss.

LRN Newscast 15:30 12-31-14

Over 56-thousand people in Louisiana have selected a health insurance plan during the first month of enrollment “Obamacare.”
CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

A Chackbay (shack bay) man has died after being shot in his home yesterday. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office says 22 year-old Raushaud Gasery was struck by a single round that traveled through his arm and into his chest. The shooting is being ruled an accident; however police are still investigating.
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Highway Safety officials are hoping to avoid a repeat of last year where eight people were killed on Louisiana roadways during the New Year’s holiday, which historically is one of the deadliest times to be out there…
CUT 3 (09) “over these holidays”
That’s Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director, Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, who says police will be out in force tonight.

New Orleans has their famous New Year’s Eve celebration this evening, and a huge national stage tomorrow for the Sugar Bowl featuring the Alabama-Ohio State match-up. Tourism-wise, it’s huge, and there’s more coming in 2015…
CUT 11 (10) Q “annual one”
That’s New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau Communications Director Lauren Cason.

LRN Newscast 14:30 12-31-14

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director, Lt. Col. John LeBlanc hopes to avoid a repeat of last year where eight people were killed on Louisiana roadways during the New Year’s holiday…
CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

A Denham Springs motorcycle police officer who was struck by a car on Monday, has died. Officer James Foster Jr. was responding to an accident on I-12, when he was thrown after he was hit by a 78 year-old woman who turned into his path. He is survived by his wife and two older teen-agers.
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The current numbers show more than 56-thousand Louisiana residents have selected health insurance plans during the first month of enrollment under “Obamacare.” Doctor Karen DeSalvo, with the US Department of Health and Human Services, says it’s encouraging…
CUT 6 (11) “this year”
The 2015 open enrollment period will last until February 15th.

It’s being reported that LSU Defensive Coordinator John Chavis is leaving to take the same gig at Texas A & M. Only this time, it will mean more money than LSU’s latest offer to keep “the chief”…
CUT 13 (08) Q: “over the top”
That’s Tiger Rag editor James Moran, who says it’s a big loss for the program. Chavis made one-point-three million dollars last season, and reportedly going to receive a three year deal with the Aggies for nearly 1.7 million.

13:30 Newscast December 31, 2014

National media outlets are reporting LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis is leaving Baton Rouge for the same job at Texas A&M. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says it’s a big loss for a program that’s won a lot of football games over the last several years, because of their defense

cut 12 (06) “to be filled”

Chavis has been LSU’s defensive coordinator the last six years and made one-point-three million dollars this past season.

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director, Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, hopes to avoid a repeat of last year where eight people were killed on Louisiana roadways during the New Year’s holiday. He says law enforcement will be out in force tonight, putting in extra effort to remove impaired drivers from the road…

cut 5 (06) “night, too”

LeBlanc says all of the fatalities that occurred on state roadways during last year’s New Year’s holiday were alcohol related.

More than 56-thousand Louisiana residents have selected health insurance plans during the first month of open enrollment under what is commonly called “Obamacare.” Doctor Karen DeSalvo, with the US Department of Health and Human Services, says the 2015 open enrollment period will last until February 15th, and she urges people to get covered…

cut 8 (11) “take for granted”

Nearly 102-thousand people in Louisiana purchased health insurance through the federal marketplace in 2014.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office says a 66-year-old man is facing charges after crashing his truck into a Lake Charles home last night. They say Robert E. Edens Jr. of Lake Charles lost control of his vehicle, crashed through a brick wall and then continued into the residence. Authorities say Edens admitted to deputies that he had been drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel. Edens is charged with first offense DWI and reckless operation.

12:30 Newscast December 31, 2014

Over 56-thousand people in Louisiana have selected a health insurance plan during the first month of enrollment through what is commonly referred to as “Obamacare.” Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (32) “reporting”

National media outlets are reporting that LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis will accept an offer for the same position at Texas A&M. It’s reported to be a three-year deal. The compensation is still being worked out. Chavis has been with the Tigers since 2009.

Tomorrow’s Sugar Bowl matchup between Ohio State and Alabama is bringing lots of fans to New Orleans. New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau Communications Director Lauren Cason says the Sugar Bowl’s added importance as one of the College Football National Championship semi-final games is bringing an extra dose of excitement to the city. She says having two teams with huge fanbases is a great for the economy…

cut 10 (11) “great business”

Cason adds that New Orleans has been named one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the nation. She says New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl provide a great start to the tourism year in New Orleans.

PM LRN Newscall December 31

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director, Lt. Col. John LeBlanc hopes to avoid a repeat of last year where eight people were killed on Louisiana roadways during the New Year’s holiday. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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Over 56-thousand people in Louisiana have selected a health insurance plan during the first month of enrollment through what is commonly referred to as “Obamacare.” Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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Highway Safety officials are hoping to avoid a repeat of last year where eight people were killed on Louisiana roadways during the New Year’s holiday. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director, Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, says historically and statistically the New Year’s holiday is one of the deadliest times to be on the road…

CUT 3 (09)  “over these holidays”

LeBlanc says all of the fatalities that occurred on state roadways during last year’s New Year’s holiday were alcohol related. He says if you do plan on ringing in the new year with alcohol, do it responsibly…

CUT 4 (10)  “an impaired driver”

LeBlanc says if you plan on drinking alcohol tonight, make sure you secure a sober driver home. He says their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign continues through January 3. LeBlanc says law enforcement will be out in force tonight, putting in extra effort to remove impaired drivers from the road…

CUT 5 (06)  “night, too”

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Federal health officials say more than 56-thousand Louisiana residents have selected health insurance plans during the first month of enrollment under what is commonly called “Obamacare.” Doctor Karen DeSalvo, with the US Department of Health and Human Services, says that’s encouraging to see…

CUT 6 (11)  “this year”

DeSalvo says it’s also worth noting that most of those who are choosing a health insurance plan through the Marketplace are not having to pay the full cost of the premiums

CUT 7 (09) “health insurance”

Almost 102-thousand people in Louisiana purchased health insurance through the federal marketplace in 2014. DeSalvo says the 2015 open enrollment period will last until February 15th, and urges people to get covered…

CUT 8 (11) “take for granted”

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This is a big tourism week for New Orleans with tomorrow’s Sugar Bowl matchup between Ohio State and Alabama. But New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau Communications Director Lauren Cason says there’s more going on in the Big Easy than the game. She says New Orleans has been named one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the nation…

CUT 9 (08)  “New Year’s Eve”

Cason says the Sugar Bowl’s added importance as one of the College Football National Championship semi-final games is bringing an extra dose of excitement to the city. She says having two teams with huge fanbases is a great for the economy…

CUT 10 (11)  “great business”

She says New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl provide a great start to the tourism year in New Orleans. Cason says there are some new events coming to the Crescent City in the new year that should add a nice boost…

cut 11 (10)  “annual ones”

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National media outlets are reporting LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis is leaving Baton Rouge for the same job at Texas A&M. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says it’s a big loss for a program that’s won a lot of football games over the last several years, because of their defense

cut 12 (06)  “to be filled”

Chavis has been LSU’s defensive coordinator the last six years and made one-point-three million dollars this past season. LSU offered him a new contract, but Moran says the Aggies are willing to pay “The chief” a higher annual salary…

cut 13 (08)  “over the top”

Reports indicate Chavis has agreed to a three-year deal with Texas A-and-M, which will pay him nearly one-point-seven million dollars a year. Moran says one possible candidate to replace Chavis is former Ole Miss head coach and Louisiana native Ed Orgeron

cut 14 (06)  “defensive line coach”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The John Chavis watch is on. Will he return to Baton Rouge and remain LSU’s defensive coordinator or will he take the same job at Texas A-and-M. Following the Tigers loss to Notre Dame in yesterday’s Music City Bowl, Coach Les Miles spoke about the “Chief” in the past tense…
cut 14 (13) “…to say”
Chavis and Miles reportedly met last night and it’s also been reported Chavis did not return with the team to Baton Rouge, on its chartered flight. Instead, he went to his home in Tennessee, where he’ll think more about the decision he has to make.

Former Saints Head Coach Jim Haslett is looking for a new job. Haslett has been the defensive coordinator for the Redskins the last five seasons, but Washington and Haslett have decided to part ways.

Tyreke Evans led all scorers with 24 points as the Pelicans defeated Phoenix 110 to 106 last night at the Smoothie King Center. Jrue Holiday added 21 points and six assists, while Anthony Davis had 19 points and a season-high 18 rebounds. New Orleans is at San Antonio tonight.

McNeese State scored the first eight points last night and never looked back as it easily defeated Mississippi State 66 to 47. It’s only the fourth time ever that the Cowboys have defeated a team from the SEC.

The Ragin Cajuns began Sun Belt play with an 83-79 overtime win over Arkansas Little Rock last night. Shawn Long led the way with 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Kasey Shepherd added 20 points and five assists. Shepherd also drained four three-pointers.

U-L-M fell to Georgia State 65-45. The Warhawks led by three at halftime, but were outscored 20-1 during a portion of the second-half.