12:30 Newscast, April 24th, 2015

Ochsner Health System in New Orleans announces they are the first in the nation to use the new Apple Watch to manage patients suffering from chronic diseases. The Ochsner Hypertension Digital Medicine Program uses the device to track patients blood pressure. Chief Clinical Transformation Officer, Dr. Richard Milani, says about 40-percent of patients with chronic disease want a medication reminder…:
CUT 10 (07) “at that time”
Milani says since the watch is on your wrist it provides individuals with nudges and feedback in a timely fashion.

State Treasurer John Kennedy says national investors have pulled out a large portion of a $114 million dollar bond deal for LSU amid concerns over budget instability and state support for higher ed in Louisiana. He says this is not a welcome development and there could be ramifications for other colleges in the state.

A bill by Gonzales state Representative Eddie Lambert would set a limit on the size of live crawfish that would be sold to people or restaurants. Scott Carwile reports…:
CUT 3 (31) “reporting”

The 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is officially underway. Keith Urban hits the main stage tonight.

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 24

Louisiana sports produced some highs and lows last night. The high was the LSU baseball team’s dramatic four to three win over Texas A-and-M. Danny Zardon delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth as Jared Foster scored on Zardon’s hit down the left field line. Game two of the series is tonight at seven P-M. Alex Lange will start on the mound for the Tigers.

But the low was in New Orleans, the Pelicans who had a 20-point lead heading into the fourth quarter ended up losing 123-119 in overtime. The Warriors Stephen Curry hit what appeared to be an impossible three point try from the corner with two seconds left to send the game into O-T. The bucket also completed a 20-5 run by Golden State to close out the fourth quarter. Curry finished with seven 3-pointers and a game-high 40 points. Game four is Saturday as the Pelcians will look to extend the series.

At the Zurich Classic of New Orleans….Brendon de Jonge and Greg Owen are tied at 10-under par. Boo Weekly who shot a 64 yesterday and is at eight-under, will complete his round later today. Former LSU golfer John Peterson is four-under as he plays the back nine of the second round.

In college basketball news, UL-Lafayette head coach Bob Marlin announces that Shawn Long will not enter this year’s NBA Draft and return for his senior season with the Ragin’ Cajuns. Long is a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection who averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds a game last season. With Long returning, all five starters from last season will be back for the 2015-16 season.

11:30 Newscast, April 24th, 2015

The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man in connection with a double homicide. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

LSU announced this morning it has postponed issuing nearly $115 million in bonds because of the “continued unpredictability of the state budget.” LSU says it will “reevaluate the offering once the state’s financial picture becomes more clear.” The university sells bonds to investors to get up front money to pay for construction projects.

ABC will air a special two hour interview with Diane Sawyer  and Keeping Up with Kardashians star Bruce Jenner where it’s expected he’ll announce he’s transgender. The Olympic Gold medalist has not spoken publicly about any of this. Matthew Patterson of Equality Louisiana hopes the 65-year-old Jenner’s very public story will be an inspiration for transgener people…:
CUT 8 (07) “of trans people”
The interview begins at 8pm.

Ochsner Health System in New Orleans announces they are the first hospital in the country to use the new Apple Watch to manage patients suffering from chronic diseases. The Ochsner Hypertension Digital Medicine Program uses the watch to track patients who are having trouble controlling their blood pressure. Chief Clinical Transformation OFficer Dr. Richard Milani…:
CUT 9 (10) “that for us”

 

10:30 Newscast, April 24th, 2015

The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office charges a suspect in connection with a double homicide in central Louisiana. 37-year-old Randy Eugene Waits has been arrested in the deaths of 19-year-old Kylie Duncan and 76-year-old Irma Cotton. Sheriff Scott Franklin says it happened in Urania…:
CUT 3 (09) “her home”
He says the teen was shot and her throat was slit and the older woman was shot in the head. Waits is charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Bruce Jenner, the 1976 Olympic Gold medalist, is going to reportedly confirm to the world tonight that he is transgender. ABC will air an exclusive two-hour special with Diane Sawyer at 8pm. Matthew Patterson of Equality Louisiana says the 65-year-old Jenner is being amazingly courageous…:
CUT 6 (07) “who you are”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Buckle Up in Your Truck” campaign runs through April 30. Jeff Palermo has more…:
CUT 2 (26) “reporting”

An arrest has been made in the case of the youth softball brawl in Youngsville when a male coach punched an opposing female coach and broke her nose. Lafayette Sheriff’s deputies charged Herman Lewis for second degree battery and say there is also an obstruction of justice warrant out for his sister who is accused of lying about the whereabouts of the accused coach.

 

09:30 Newscast April 24, 2014

The Department of Health and Hospitals issues early reminders about the importance of taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from West Nile. In 2014, Louisiana reported 61 cases of West Nile. DHH State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says, when it comes to mosquitoes, this mantra will help reduce your risk for infection…

cut 15 (05) “not on my skin”

Due to the heavy rains we’ve received in April, it’s believed this will be a big mosquito season.

A bill filed by Gonzales state Representative Eddie Lambert would make it illegal for vendors, farmers, and harvesters to sell crawfish that are smaller than three and a half inches for people to eat. He says crawfish is a multi-million dollar industry that basically has no standards. Lambert says one problem with crawfish is that they are difficult to grade…

cut 12 (10) “live animals”

The legislation will be taken up in the House Natural Resources Committee.

State Troopers arrested a Houston man in Calcasieu Parish after finding 24 pounds of cocaine in his vehicle. They say during a traffic stop, they discovered 35-year-old Alphonse Trahan, Jr. had a warrant out for his arrest from Texas. During a subsequent search of Trahan’s vehicle, troopers found the drugs in hidden compartments. Trahan faces multiple charges including possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

The 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets underway today. Michelle Southern reports…:

cut 1 (31) “reporting”

08:30 Newscast April 24, 2015

A bill by Gonzales state Representative Eddie Lambert would set a limit on the size of live crawfish that would be sold to people or restaurants. Scott Carwile reports…

cut 3 (31) “reporting”

The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man in connection with the death of two women. Authorities say they found 76-year-old Erma Cotton in her home in Urania dead from an apparent gunshot wound Wednesday. The body of pregnant 19-year-old Kylie King Duncan, who was working next door to Cotton’s residence, was found Thursday a few miles from Cotton’s home. Randy Eugene Waits faces two counts of first degree murder.

Today kicks off the 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. This weekend, headliners include Keith Urban, The Who, and Jimmy Buffett. Festival producer Quint Davis says, on top of the great music, the festival also offers gourmet food in a field on a paper plate for $10 and under…:

cut 5 (09) “andouille gumbo”

Other artists performing this weekend include Irma Thomas, Ryan Adams, John Legend, and Wilco.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Buckle Up in Your Truck” campaign runs through April 30. The campaign is an effort to get more pickup drivers to use their seat belts. Executive Director Lt. Col. John LeBlanc says buckling up in a front seat passenger car is the best way to reduce your risk to fatal injury…

cut 9 (09) “to buckle up”

He says you can expect to see increased patrols to make sure you are buckled up, no matter what kind of vehicle you’re in.

07:30 Newscast April 24, 2015

The 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets underway today. The lineup this first weekend includes headliners Keith Urban tonight, The Who tomorrow and Sunday it’s Jimmy Buffett on the Acura Stage. Festival producer Quint Davis says he’s excited about the music as usual, but he knows festers can’t get enough of the delicious Louisiana food…

cut 4 (09) “when it’s open”

Other artists performing this weekend are Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Pitbull, Wayne Toups and more.

The Department of Health and Hospitals says it’s not too early to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from West Nile. DHH State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says the virus typically doesn’t pop up in humans until July, but it’s good to start preparing your home now…

cut 14 (06) “keep the door closed”

It’s believed this will be a big mosquito season because of all the rain we’ve gotten in April.

A bill by Gonzales state Representative Eddie Lambert would make it illegal for vendors, farmers, and harvesters to sell crawfish that are smaller than three and a half inches for people to eat. Lambert says for the crawfish meat industry, these undersized crawfish are just not economically viable…

cut 11 (05) “180 crawfish”

The bill will be heard in the House Natural Resources Committee.

Today, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission begins their “Buckle Up in Your Truck” campaign. Executive Director Lt. Col. John LeBlanc says it’s an effort to get more pickup truck drivers to use their seat belts. He says because of a pickup’s tendency to roll over, it’s especially important for people to be restrained inside a truck…

cut 8 (10) “compliance rate up”

LeBlanc says less than 79-percent of pickup truck drivers are using seat belts, which is the lowest rate for all vehicles.

06:45 Sportscast April 24, 2015

The match-up between the top two ranked teams in college baseball lived up to the hype and it delivered a thrilling finish as LSU beat Texas A-and-M four to three. Danny Zardon had the game winning hit in the bottom of the 9th. Jim Hawthorne with the call for the LSU sports radio network…

cut 16 (15) “…4 to 3″

Game two is tonight at 7:00. Alex Lange gets the start for LSU.

After one day of the Zurich Class of New Orleans…Boo Weekly and Brendon de Jonge are tied at eight under par. Round one was suspended due to darkness, play resumes at 8 AM. Shreveport golfer David Toms is at even par, former LSU Tiger John Peterson is at two under par, and Justin Rose at 3-under.

A truly heartbreaking loss last night as the Pelicans fell to the Golden State Warriors in overtime 123-119. The Pels looked to have the game in hand going into the fourth quarter with a 20 point lead, but the Warriors tallied 39 points in the final period to send the game into extra time. Anthony Davis scored 29 for New Orleans while Ryan Anderson came off the bench to add 26. Stephen Curry lead all scorers with 40 as Golden State takes a three games to none lead in the best of seven series. Game four is tomorrow night at seven and will be televised on ESPN.

In college basketball news, UL-Lafayette head coach Bob Marlin announces that Shawn Long will not enter this year’s NBA Draft and return for his senior season with the Ragin’ Cajuns. Long is a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection who averaged 16.4 points and 10.2 rebounds a game last season. With Long returning, all five starters from last season will be back for the 2015-16 season.

06:30 Newscast April 24, 2015

A measure by Gonzales state Representative Eddie Lambert would set a limit on the size of live crawfish that would be sold to people or restaurants. Lambert says he filed the bill after hearing complaints about small crawfish from both wholesalers and consumers…

cut 10 (10) “you can’t tell”

The measure would make it illegal for vendors, farmers, and harvesters to sell crawfish that are smaller than three and a half inches for people to eat.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission begins their “Buckle Up in Your Truck” campaign today in an effort to get more pickup drivers to use their seat belts. Executive Director Lt. Col. John LeBlanc says even though Louisiana’s seat belt compliance rate rose to a record 84-percent in 2014, pickup truck drivers lag behind…

cut 7 (06) “been the lowest”

LeBlanc says you can expect to see increased patrols to make sure you are buckled up, no matter what kind of vehicle you’re in.

The Department of Health and Hospitals is issuing early reminders about the importance of taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from West Nile. They believe this will be a big mosquito season because of all the rain we’ve gotten in April. DHH State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says get rid of all standing water…

cut 13 (12) “to reach”

 

Ratard says standing water serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may be infected with West Nile. In 2014, Louisiana reported 61 cases of West Nile and Ratard says residents who are at least 65 years old are at higher risk for complications but everyone is at risk for infection.

 

**Time Correction** AM Newscall, April 24th, 2015

The 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets underway today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Buckle Up in Your Truck” campaign runs through April 30. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (26) “reporting”

______________________________________

A bill by Gonzales state Representative Eddie Lambert would set a limit on the size of live crawfish that would be sold to people or restaurants. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets underway today. The lineup this first weekend includes headliners Keith Urban tonight, The Who tomorrow and Sunday it’s Jimmy Buffett on the Acura Stage. Festival producer Quint Davis says he’s excited about the music as usual, but he knows festers can’t get enough of the delicious Louisiana food…:

cut 4  (09) “when it’s open”

Other huge artists performing this weekend are Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Pitbull, Irma Thomas, Ryan Adams, John Legend, Wilco, Jimmy Cliff, Wayne Toups and more. Davis says festival also offers gourmet food in a field on a paper plate for $10 and under…:

Cut 5  (09)  “andouille gumbo”

There are chances for rain in the forecast for New Orleans mostly today and tomorrow, but Davis says that doesn’t stop the good times from rolling. He says last year’s Jazzfest was attend by over 400,000 people…:

Cut 6 (11)  “than last year”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission begins their “Buckle Up in Your Truck” campaign today in an effort to get more pickup drivers to use their seat belts. Executive Director Lt. Col. John LeBlanc says even though Louisiana’s seat belt compliance rate rose to a record 84-percent in 2014, pickup truck drivers lag behind…

CUT 7 (06)  “been the lowest”

LeBlanc says less than 79-percent of pickup truck drivers are using seat belts, which is the lowest rate for all vehicles. He says because of a pickup’s tendency to roll over, it’s especially important for people to be restrained inside a truck…

Cut 8  (10)  “compliance rate up” 

The campaign runs through April 30. LeBlanc says you can expect to see increased patrols to make sure you are buckled up, no matter what kind of vehicle you’re in. He says buckling up in a front seat passenger car is the best way to reduce your risk to fatal injury…

Cut 9 (09)  “to buckle up”

______________________________________

A bill by Gonzales state Representative Eddie Lambert would set a limit on the size of live crawfish that would be sold to people or restaurants. The measure would make it illegal for vendors, farmers, and harvesters to sell crawfish that are smaller than three and a half inches for people to eat. Lambert says he’s heard complaints about small crawfish from both wholesalers and consumers…

Cut 10 (10) “you can’t tell”

There would be an allowance of up to five percent of undersized crawfish in each sack. He says crawfish is a multi-million dollar industry that basically has no standards. Lambert says for the crawfish meat industry, these undersized crawfish are just not economically viable…

cut 11 (05) “180 crawfish”

He says this would damage the crawfish meat industry. First offense punishment would be a fine of up to $350 with possible jail time of up to 60 days. The bill will be heard in the House Natural Resources Committee. Lambert says one problem with crawfish is that they are difficult to grade…

cut 12 (10)   “live animals”

______________________________________

The Department of Health and Hospitals is issuing early reminders about the importance of taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from West Nile. They believe this will be a big mosquito season because of all the rain we’ve gotten in April. DHH State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says get rid of all standing water…:

Cut 13 (12)  “to reach”

Ratard says standing water serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may be infected with West Nile. He says the virus typically doesn’t pop up in humans until July, but it’s good to start preparing your home now…:

Cut 14 (06) “keep the door closed”

In 2014, Louisiana reported 61 cases of West Nile and Ratard says residents who are at least 65 years old are at higher risk for complications but everyone is at risk for infection. He says when you’re outside, make sure you wear mosquito repellent containing DEET…:

Cut 15  (05)  “not on my skin”

_____________________________________