07:30 Newscast January 5, 2015

A new Congress will be sworn-in tomorrow which marks the end of Mary Landrieu’s term as U-S Senator. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says, in her 18 years in the Senate, Landrieu fought for Louisiana…

cut 11 (10) “available”

In 2006, Landrieu co-authored a piece of legislation that expanded oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico and it also steered billions of dollars in revenues produced offshore to Louisiana to help fund the state’s coastal restoration efforts.

It’s possible we’re at the bottom of the dramatic drop in the price we pay at the pump. Gasbuddy-dot-com Senior Petroleum Analyst Gregg Laskoski says if gas prices are at their lowest point right now it wouldn’t be much of a surprise because that’s typically what happens in January…

cut 8 (05) “gasoline”

He says their current statewide average for a gallon of regular in Louisiana is around $2.10.

The state Department of Health and Hospitals is urging businesses to come up with programs or policies at the workplace that would encourage employees to live a healthy lifestyle. D-H-H Well-Ahead Director Melissa Martin says the most important initiative is to offer a tobacco free environment. She says the state offers many cessation coaching programs for the workplace…

cut 5 (09) “many diseases”

Martin says for ideas you can go online to wellaheadla-dot-com.

It looks like a cold week is on tap for Louisiana as artic air makes it way into the state. Tim Humphrey, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says a high pressure area currently located in Canada will bring us the cold air…

cut 14 (12) “for us”

Humphrey says this cold air mass will be dry, so you won’t have to worry about any winter precipitation.

06:45 Sportscast January 5, 2015

After missing 21 games with a shoulder injury, Pelicans shooting guard Eric Gordon may play tonight when New Orleans hosts the Washington Wizards. The Pelicans are 17-and-16 on the season, one game back of Phoenix for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday says it will be a big boost to get Gordon back…

cut 17 (20) “helps everybody out”

Gordon is averaging almost 10 points a game.

In college hoops over the weekend, it was Tulane over Memphis 74-66, Southern beat Prairie View 68-56, LSU defeated Savannah State 75-59, and UL-Lafayette crushed Troy 91-64.

At LSU, the search for a defensive coordinator continues. Among those considered serious contenders include LSU defensive line coach Brick Haley, Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop, Alabama linebackers coach Kevin Steele, and former NFL defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. Head coach Les Miles is expected to meet with his staff today and a hire is likely to be made by the end of the week.

You’ll see a few changes on the sidelines at ULM in the upcoming football season. Inside wide receivers coach Mario Price will start coaching the team’s running backs and take over the role of recruiting coordinator. Former ULM quarterback Cody Wells will return to the Warhawk sideline after one season as a graduate assistant at Jacksonville State University. Wells will serve as the new inside wide receivers coach.

UL-Lafayette head coach Mark Hudspeth announces that defensive line coach Tim Edwards and interim outside linebackers coach Matt Wallerstedt will not be returning to the program for the 2015 season.

Louisiana Tech defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is expected to interview for the same position at Mississippi State early this week.

06:30 Newscast January 5, 2015

With a new Congress set to swear-in tomorrow that puts a wrap on Mary Landrieu’s last day as a U-S Senator. Landrieu has served Louisiana in the Senate the last 18 years and LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says she’ll be remembered for her work to bring federal resources to the Bayou State…

cut 10 (11) “Katrina”

Hogan says Landrieu’s middle of the road approach to politics could result in her making a lot of money as a lobbyist.

The state department of health and hospitals is encouraging businesses to come up with programs or policies at the workplace that would encourage employees to live a healthy lifestyle. D-H-H Well-Ahead Director Melissa Martin says we are at the workplace more frequently than anywhere else…

cut 4 (08) “wellness programs”

Martin says the most important initiative is to offer a tobacco free environment.

According to GasBuddy.com, it’s possible we’re at the bottom of the dramatic drop in the price we pay at the pump. Senior Petroleum Analyst Gregg Laskoski says their current statewide average for a gallon of regular in Louisiana is around $2.10 and crude oil prices will likely not drop much lower…

cut 7 (10) “that point”

Laskoski says if gas prices do start to drop again it won’t be by much because this is the month refineries have to make the switch from the winter blend to the more expensive summer blend of gasoline.

LRN AM Newscall January 5th

The Department of Health and Hospitals is urging businesses to strengthen wellness at the office. Emelie Gunn has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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According to GasBuddy.com, it’s possible we’re getting close to the bottom of the dramatic drop in the price we pay at the pump. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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A new Congress will be sworn in tomorrow, which means Mary Landrieu’s 18-year run as a US Senator has ended. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “reporting”

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The state department of health and hospitals is encouraging businesses to come up with programs or policies at the workplace that would encourage employees to live a healthy lifestyle. D-H-H Well-Ahead Director Melissa Martin says we are at the workplace more frequently than anywhere else.

cut 4  (08)  “wellness programs”

Martin says the most important initiative is to offer a tobacco free environment. She says the state offers many cessation coaching programs for the workplace.

Cut 5  (09)  “many diseases”

Martin says providing two or three healthier cafeteria options can help improve employee wellness. And She says healthier snacks during meetings can actually provide a more productive workforce. (Martin says for ideas you can go to wellaheadla.com)

Cut 6 (12)  “for sweets”

___________________________________________________

According to GasBuddy.com, it’s possible we’re at the bottom of the dramatic drop in the price we pay at the pump. Senior Petroleum Analyst Gregg Laskoski says their current statewide average for a gallon of regular in Louisiana is around $2.10 and crude oil prices will likely not drop much lower…:

CUT 7 (10)  “that point”

Laskoski says if gas prices are at their lowest point right now it wouldn’t be much of a surprise because that’s typically what happens in January…:

Cut 8 (05)  “gasoline” 

Laskoski says if gas prices do start to drop again it won’t be by much because this is the month refineries have to make the switch from the winter blend to the summer blend of gasoline. He says we’re still paying far less than we were in January 2014…:

Cut 9 (07)  “a year ago”

________________________________________

With a new Congress set to swear-in tomorrow that puts a wrap on Mary Landrieu’s last day as a U-S Senator. Landrieu has served Louisiana in the Senate the last 18 years and LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says she’ll be remembered for her work to bring federal resources to the Bayou State…

Cut 10 (11) “Katrina” 

In 2006, Landrieu co-authored a piece of legislation that expanded oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico and it also steered billions of dollars in revenues produced offshore to Louisiana to help fund the state’s coastal restoration efforts. Hogan says Landrieu fought for the state

cut 11 (10) “available”

Landrieu has not said what she’ll do next. Hogan says Landrieu’s middle of the road approach to politics could result in her making a lot of money as a lobbyist or she could become an outspoken advocate on issues dealing with children or the poor

cut 12 (08)  “those issues”

_____________________________________

A cold week is on tap for Louisiana as artic air makes it way into the Bayou State. Tim Humphrey, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says high temperatures will only be in the 40s for north Louisiana today and 50s in south Louisiana and even more colder air will arrive Wednesday

Cut 13 (12)  “freeze likely”

Humphrey says a high pressure area currently located in Canada will bring us the cold air…

Cut 14 (12)  “for us”

Humphrey says the cold air mass heading down from Canada will be dry, so you won’t have to worry about any winter precipitation

Cut 15  (07)  “especially cold”

 

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After missing 21 games with a shoulder injury, Pelicans shooting guard Eric Gordon may play tonight when New Orleans hosts the Washington Wizards. Gordon, who is averaging almost 10 points a game, went through practice yesterday and believes there’s a chance he can play tonight

Cut 16  (12)  “still uncertain”  

The Pelicans are 17-and-16 on the season, one game back of Phoenix for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday says it will be a big boost to get Gordon back…

Cut 17 (20)  “helps everybody out”

Head Coach Monty Williams expects Gordon will provide a jolt to the team…

Cut 18 (12) “been missing”

 

LRN Newscast 10:30 01-03-2015

There’s over 20 new state laws on the books with the start of the new year. That includes changes to Louisiana’s D-W-I laws, with easier-to-understand language, and judges being able to take measures to provide substance abuse help for some D-W-I offenders…
CUT 4 (09) Q: ’3rd or 4th offenders”
That’s Jefferson Parish Assistant District Attorney Norma Broussard.

Crawfish lovers will be pleased to know that the season harvest will be able to begin sooner than normal, because of milder than usual temperatures and lower than normal rainfall amounts in the fall…
CUT 10 (09) Q: ‘into the ponds’
That’s LSU Ag Center Aquaculture specialist Dr. Greg Lutz.

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The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a murder of a man discovered yesterday afternoon in Labadieville. Sheriff Mike Waguespack says an autopsy is scheduled for 63 year-old Gordon Jones, Sr. Anyone with information on the case should contact the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Almost everyone in Louisiana knew her as Elly Mae, and yesterday, actress and former beauty queen Donna Douglas passed away in Zachary New Year’s Day. She appeared on “The Beverly Hillbillies” on CBS from 1962 to 1971, and was famous for her loud whistle and signature line, “y’all come back now, hear?” On The Jim Engster Show in 2013, that’s the way she signed off…
CUT 8 (08) Q: “(whistle)”
Donna Douglas was 81.

LRN Newscast 01-03-15

With the beginning of a new year, there are over 20 new state laws going into effect. That includes changes to Louisiana’s D-W-I laws. Jefferson Parish assistant district attorney Norma Broussard, says the changes will make it easier for everyone to understand the penalties.
CUT 3 (06) “what’s gonna happen”
And that includes jail time for first-time offenders under the age of 21.

Milder than average temperatures for the fall is setting the stage for a good crawfish season this year. LSU Ag Center Aquaculture specialist Dr. Greg Lutz says the warmer weather allows the mudbugs to grow faster during the winter…:
CUT 9 (05) “a little bit”
So, it’s all good news for producers and crawfish lovers this year.

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Many in Louisiana are mourning the loss of one of our sweethearts-Donna Douglas-who played Elly Mae Clampett on “The Beverly Hillbillies” Douglas died on New Year’s Day. On the Jim Engster Show in May of 2013 Douglas said she’d never planned to be an actress…:
CUT 7 (09) “up there”
Donna Douglas was 81.

Friday was a big recruiting day for the LSU football and men’s basketball programs. Coach Les Miles received a verbal pledge from the state’s top ranked recruit, Warren Easton wide receiver Tyron Johnson. The six-foot-one, 190-pounder, caught 94 passes for 1,589 yards and 17 touchdowns this past season. Still no word on the announcement on the Defensive Coordinator position left vacated by John Chavis.

LRN Newscast 08:30 01-02-2015

State Police suspect driver impairment is the cause of a fiery single vehicle crash in St. Helena Parish that has claimed of a Greensburg man Friday afternoon. Twenty-three year-old Ramario Berry was a passenger in a Trailblazer driven by thirty-seven year-old Lamar Williams.

The first celebrity death of 2015 is from Louisiana. Donna Douglas, known as Elly Mae Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies, died at the age of 81…:
CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

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There’s some good news for the Louisiana crawfish season. Right now, the mudbugs are at a fair size…
CUT 11 (12) Q: “our producers”
That’s LSU Ag Center Aquaculture specialist Dr. Greg Lutz, who says crawfish should be getting bigger by the end of the month

There are some recognizable names of coaches names that could be in consideration for the LSU Defensive Coordinator position left vacated by John Chavis. Football analyst Mike Detillier says all of them should be interested if Les Miles makes the call…
CUT 13 (12) Q: “college football”
The Advocate is reporting this morning that Former Arizona Cardinals and USC Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergast has been contacted by the Tigers.

LRN Sports 07:30 01-03-14

Louisiana Radio Network Sports, I’m Scott Carwile…

Friday was a big recruiting day for the LSU football and men’s basketball programs. Coach Les Miles received a verbal pledge from the state’s top ranked recruit, Warren Easton wide receiver Tyron Johnson. The six-foot-one, 190-pounder, caught 94 passes for 1,589 yards and 17 touchdowns this past season.

On the hardwood, five-star and the second ranked shooting guard in the country, Antonio Blakeney announced his plans to play at LSU. He joins the number one prospect in the country, Ben Simmons in LSU’s 2015 class.

The Pelicans had no trouble at all with the Rockets last night as New Orleans defeated Houston 111-83. Ryan Anderson had 22 points and Tyreke Evans chipped in with 21 points. Anthony Davis had only seven points, but Houston shot just 40-percent from the field.

=======================

Louisiana native and former Ole Miss head coach Ed Orgeron says if LSU wants to speak with him about coaching at LSU, he’ll listen. Football analyst Mike Detillier says Coach “O” has always had a great interest in working at LSU…
cut 14 (08) “…those titles”
NOLA-dot-com reports that former USC and Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast is the favorite to replace John Chavis as the Tigers defensive coordinator.

Saints Head Coach Sean Payton has reportedly let three of his assistant coahces go, wide receivers coach Henry Ellard, tight ends coach Terry Malone and assistant secondary coach Andre Curtis. Still no word on defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s future with the team.

College hoops today…LSU hosts Savannah State, The Ragin Cajuns face Troy in the Cajundome and Louisiana Tech is at Southern Miss.

LRN Newscast 17:30 01-02-15

There’s just over 20 new state laws went into effect with the start of the new year. That includes changes to Louisiana’s D-W-I laws, with easier-to-understand language, and judges being able to take measures to provide substance abuse help for some D-W-I offenders…
CUT 4 (09) Q: ’3rd or 4th offenders”
That’s Jefferson Parish assistant district attorney Norma Broussard.

Crawfish lovers will be pleased to know that the season harvest will be able to begin sooner than normal, because of milder than usual temperatures, lower than normal rainfall amounts in the fall…
CUT 10 (09) Q: ‘into the ponds’
That’s LSU Ag Center Aquaculture specialist Dr. Greg Lutz.

—————————–

One of the true darlings of Louisiana passed away on New Year’s Day. Donna Douglas, who everyone knew as Elly Mae on “The Beverly Hillbillies” died at the age of 81…
CUT 2 (31) Q: “reporting”

While there has been no official word from the team, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport tweeted that the New Orleans Saints have parted ways with tight ends coach Terry Malone and wide receivers coach Henry Ellard. There’s also a report the Saints fired assistant defensive backs coach Andre Curtis. No word on defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

LRN Newscast 16:30 01-02-15

As of January the first, there are some new state laws that are on the books. Don Molino tells about a few of them…
CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

Three Jefferson Parish men have been arrested on cockfighting charges in lower Plaquemines Parish. Yesterday, deputies responded to a report of a cockfight in a wooded area with a gathering of about 3 dozen people. The three men who allegedly organized the event fled the scene, but were apprehended a short time later.

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Most everyone here in Louisiana knows her as Elly Mae, and yesterday, actress and former beauty queen Donna Douglas passed away at the age of 81. She appeared on “The Beverly Hillbillies” from 1962 to 1971, and was famous for her loud whistle and signature line, “y’all come back now, hear?” On The Jim Engster Show in 2013, that’s the way she signed off…
CUT 8 (08) Q: “(whistle)”

LSU fans are wondering who the Tigers will get to coach up the defense, now that John Chavis has gone to Texas A & M. Football insider Mike Detillier says it shouldn’t be hard to find a good replacement ( as many NFL and college football assistants will seek out the coaching vacancy at LSU.)
cut 12 (12) “coveted job”