LRN AM NEWSCALL DEC 23

Flu season is here, just in time for the holidays. Don Molino has more on how to stay healthy this holiday season…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The year-end holiday travel period, as defined by AAA, begins today and this year is expected to reach the highest level on record. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A Houma substitute teacher has been arrested for allegedly having sex with teenagers. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

_____________________________________________

The holiday season is here, and unfortunately so is flu season. Dr. Frank Welch with LDH says we’re seeing a slight uptick in the number of flu cases in Louisiana.

cut 4  (08) “1.5 percent”

Welch says about 4 of every 100 doctor visits is for the flu. He says public health officials are also watching for potential outbreaks of other illnesses. He says there’s a fairly large outbreak of mumps in northern Arkansas.

Cut 5  (09)  “going around”

Welch says illness is more prevalent this time of year because so many people stay indoors, which allows viruses to spread. He says there are ways people can avoid getting sick during the holidays.

Cut 6 (11) “family gatherings”

___________________________________________________

The year-end holiday travel period, as defined by AAA, begins today and this year is expected to reach the highest level on record. Spokesman Don Redman says more than 103 million Americans are forecast to travel today through January 2nd, a 1.5% increase over 2015…:

CUT 7 (10)  “smashed that”

Redman says increased travel this year is being driven by additional consumer spending because the labor market is improving and wages are rising. He says most people will be driving…:

Cut 8 (08) “roadway”

Redman says low gas prices and increased consumer optimism will prompt more Americans than ever to set out on road trips, take to the skies or board trains, buses and cruise ships to celebrate the holidays. He says the estimate US drivers have saved more than $27 billion at the pump so far this year…:

Cut 9 (09)  “previous record”

________________________________________

A high scoring game is expected this afternoon when Louisiana Tech takes on Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl. The Bulldogs average 44 points a game, while the Midshipmen score points with a relentless ground attack. But the Voice of the Bulldogs, Dave Nitz, says Navy’s leading rusher, Will Worth, is out with an injury…

Cut 10 (11) “in Ft. Worth”

Today’s game features one of the top wide receivers in the game. Louisiana Tech’s Trent Taylor has caught 124 passes for 15-hundred yards and ten touchdowns. Nitz says he’s looking forward to the senior’s last game in a Bulldog uniform…

cut 11 (12) “gets open”

Nitz says the motivation is high for the Bulldogs to win this game…

cut 12 (10) “to the seniors”

________________________________________

Only hours remain to finish up your Christmas shopping in time for the big day. LSU marketing professor Ofer Mintz doesn’t expect the stores will be too crowded today and tomorrow, and he says last minute shoppers can still find good deals.

Cut 13 (10) “bargains there”

Mintz says brick and mortar stores could see more business in these final hours before Christmas, since it’s too late to order online. He says smart retailers will use that to their advantage to draw more shoppers through the doors.

cut 14 (10) “other things”

Mintz says all kinds of people will be shopping today and tomorrow, not just procrastinators. He has some advice for people heading out to fight the crowds the day before Christmas Eve.

Cut 15 (08) “don’t hesitate”

18:30 Newscast Dec 22

A Houma substitute teacher has been arrested for allegedly having sex with teenagers. Police say they received a report about sexual misconduct between 30-year-old Heidi Verret and three students. Detectives say Verret allegedly had sex with three teenagers at her home over the course of several months. The ages of the victims ranged from 15 to 16-years-old.

Followers of the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Instagram account got an unexpected surprise, courtesy of 61-year-old Executive Director Lynn Dorsey

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Governor John Bel Edwards defends his brother Tangipahoa Sheriff Daniel Edwards following FBI raids at both the Sheriff’s Office and the Hammond Police Department. Edwards says he doesn’t know what the federal agents could be looking for.

Cut 3 (11) “my brother Daniel”

An FBI spokesperson says they were carrying out court ordered actions during the December 15 raids.

The West Monroe High School band has been selected to march in the Presidential Inaugural parade. Band director Robert Freeman says they’ll play a new version of the Louisiana medley they performed at President George W. Bush’s second inauguration.

Cut 7 (10) “musical gumbo”
Freeman says the trip will cost each student about $600.

17:30 Newscast Dec 22

The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office is part of a multi-agency investigation to bust criminals targeting flood victims. Spokesperson Lori Steele says so far, 12 people have been arrested by various law enforcement agencies. She says it’s incredible to see so many agencies cooperating to get these victims some answers and sentimental items recovered.

Cut 15 (08) “take shape”

Steele says the investigation is ongoing and more arrests could be made.

Fans are criticizing LSU running back Leonard Fournette for deciding not to play in the Citrus Bowl. Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron came to Fournette’s defense today, saying he would still be with the team, if his ankle was not injured.

Cut 11 (10) “no question”

Fournette missed four games this season because of an ankle injury.

An employee of the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau accidentally uploaded a nude video to the bureau’s Instagram account. Webster CVB Chairman Jerry Madden says the adult video was posted by the CVB’s Executive Director, 61-year-old Lynn Dorsey.

Cut 8 (09) “our parish”

Madden says Dorsey was staying in a Baton Rouge hotel room when the video went live Monday night.

The West Monroe High School Rebel Band has been selected to play at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Band Director Robert Freeman says West Monroe was the only high school in Louisiana chosen to perform in the parade. He says it’s exciting for these students to have this once in a lifetime experience.

Cut 5 (12) “experience once”

16:45 LRN Sportscast December 22nd

LSU running back Leonard Fournette has received criticism from fans and those in the national media for deciding not to play in the Citrus Bowl. Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron came to Fournette’s defense today by saying Leonard would still be with the team today, if his ankle was not injured…
cut 11 (10) “no question”
Orgeron insists the team has no qualms with the decision Leonard has made.

Tomorrow afternoon in Fort Worth, Texas, Louisiana Tech will face Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl. Both teams enter the game on two-game losing streaks. Navy averages 310 yards rushing a game, while Tech has only allowed 134 yards rushing per contest. And two of the Midshipmen top rushers, Will Worth and Toneo Gulley are injured and will not play.

The Saints are putting the finishing touches on its game plan for Saturday’s home game against Tampa Bay. These two teams met two weeks ago and New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees had a poor performance as he was intercepted three times and finished with a passer rating of 48.5 in a 16-11 defeat. Kick-off Saturday is at 3:25.

The LSU men’s basketball team plays in its final non-conference game, before SEC play begins when the Tigers visit Wake Forest. Last year, the Demons Deacons beat the Tigers 77-71 at the Maravich Center. Tonight’s game will be played in Winston-Salem and can be seen on ESPN U at 8 PM.

In other action….Louisiana Tech hosts LSU Shreveport, ULM is at VCU and McNeese State is North Carolina State. The Cowboys are coming off a seven-point win over Tulane.

Northwestern State’s top scorer Zeek Woodley will have surgery tomorrow to repair a broken wrist and he’ll miss the next six to eight weeks. Woodley suffered the injury in Monday night’s loss to Rice. He’s averaging 17 points a game and he’s 70 points away from becoming N-S-U’s all-time scoring leader.

The Pelicans are off tonight. New Orleans fell to 10-21 on the season last night with a loss to Oklahoma City. Tomorrow night they host Miami.

16:30 LRN Newscast December 22nd

Followers of the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Instagram account got an unexpected surprise, courtesy of 61-year-old Executive Director Lynn Dorsey. Michelle Southern has more…
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Some LSU fans have criticized Leonard Fournette for opting to skip the Citrus Bowl. Coach Ed Orgeron insists the team is fine with this…
cut 12 (08) “with it”
He says if Fournette was healthy, he would play against Louisville.

Governor John Bel Edwards is defending his brother, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards, whose office was raided by FBI agents last week. The feds said the searches were court ordered. The governor insists his brother had nothing to do with any illegal activity..:
cut 4 (09) “much less illegal”
Two suspects who worked for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office are reportedly facing federal charges.

The West Monroe High School Rebel Band has been selected to perform in President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural parade. It will cost each band member 600-dollars to make the trip, but band director Robert Freeman says they couldn’t turn down this opportunity…
cut 6 (09) “….be accepted”
The West Monroe marching band also performed at President George W Bush’s 2013 inauguration.

15:30 LRN Newscast December 22nd

The West Monroe High School band has been invited to march in the Presidential Inaugural parade on January 20th. They also performed at President George W. Bush’s second inauguration. Band director Robert Freeman on what they might play…
cut 7 (10) “…musical gumbo”
Fundraising efforts are underway so that band members will not have to pay a significant portion of the trip.

A stolen trailer containing items that were not damaged in the August flood has led the arrest of a dozen people in Livingston Parish. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Lori Steele says this is a good reminder that thieves like to strike during the holidays, so take the necessary precautions…
cut 16 (09) “…of the day”
LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says if Leonard Fournette was 100-percent healthy, he would play in the bowl game against Louisville. Fournette missed four games this season because of an ankle injury. Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey and Baylor’s Shock Linwood are other high profile running backs who have decided not to play in their team’s bowl game. Orgeron doesn’t see this becoming a trend in college football…
cut 13 (12) “…different case”
Orgeron insists the team is fine with Leonard’s decision not to play.

Governor John Bel Edwards defends his brother Tangipahoa Sheriff Daniel Edwards following FBI raids at both the Sheriff’s Office and the Hammond Police Department. Edwards is confident his brother was not involved in any illegal activity…:
Cut 3 (11) “…my brother Daniel”
FBI agents seized computers, cellphones, and case files from both agencies in an investigation that reportedly stems from mishandling of evidence by a drug task force.

 

14:30 LRN Newscast December 22nd

Tourism official Lynn Dorsey says the adult video she shared on the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau Instagram account was a horrible mistake. Webster C-V-B Chairman Jerry Madden says Dorsey has apologized for what was an honest error…
cut 10 (09) “….deal with”
The 61-year-old Dorsey is the C-V-B’s executive director.

Governor John Bel Edwards is defending his brother, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards, whose office was raided by FBI agents last week. The feds said the searches were court ordered. The governor insists his brother had nothing to do with any illegal activity..:
cut 4 (09) “much less illegal”
Two suspects who worked for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office are reportedly facing federal charges.

West Monroe High School’s own Rebel Band has been selected to play at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Halen Doughty has more…
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office is taking part in a multi-agency investigation to bust criminals accused of robbing flood victims. Spokesperson Lori Steele says so far, a dozen suspects have been tied to multiple crimes including the case of a stolen trailer..:
cut 14 (10) “take place”

LRN PM Newscall December 22nd

West Monroe High School’s own Rebel Band has been selected to play at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Followers of the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Instagram account got an unexpected surprise, courtesy of 61-year-old Executive Director Lynn Dorsey. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (00) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards defends his brother Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards following FBI raids at both the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Hammond Police Department. An FBI spokesperson says they were carrying out court ordered actions during the December 15 raids. But Edwards says he doesn’t know what the federal agents were looking for.

Cut 3 (11) “my brother Daniel”

FBI agents seized computers, cellphones, and case files from both agencies in an investigation that reportedly stems from mishandling of evidence by a drug task force. Edwards says he is confident his brother had nothing to do with any crimes that may have taken place in the departments.

cut 4  (09) “much less illegal”

Two suspects who worked for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office are reportedly facing federal charges.

______________________________________

The West Monroe High School Rebel Band has been selected to play at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Band Director Robert Freeman says West Monroe was the only high school in Louisiana chosen to perform in the parade. He says it’s exciting for these students to have this once in a lifetime experience.

Cut 5  (12)  “experience once”

Freeman says the band just found out they were selected Tuesday and called an emergency meeting to decide if parents would want to put up the roughly $600 it will cost for students to attend. He says they took a vote, and it was clear everyone wanted to play at this historic event.

Cut 6 (09) “be accepted”

Freeman says the Rebel Band will likely play a medley of Louisiana tunes that was arranged for them when the band played at President George W. Bush’s second inauguration. He says they plan to tweak the piece to make it a unique arrangement for this event.

CUT 7 (10)  “musical gumbo”

______________________________________________

The Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau is dealing with the ramifications of an adult video that was accidentally uploaded to the bureau’s Instagram account. Webster CVB Chairman Jerry Madden says the video was posted by the CVB’s Executive Director, 61-year-old Lynn Dorsey.

Cut 8 (09) “our parish”

Madden says Dorsey was staying in a Baton Rouge hotel room when the video went live Monday night. Dorsey was reportedly using an iPhone 7 purchased by the bureau. He says she says she was trying to send the video to her husband.

Cut 9 (08)  “of it”

Madden says the bureau will discuss and implement a new social media policy in light of the mishap. He says Dorsey called and reported what happened, and she has apologized for what she calls an honest mistake.

Cut 10 (09) “deal with”

_________________________________________________

LSU running back Leonard Fournette has received criticism from fans and those in the national media for deciding not to play in the Citrus Bowl. Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron came to Fournette’s defense today by saying Leonard would still be with the team today, if his ankle was not injured…

cut 11 (10) “no question”

Fournette signed with an agent this week, so he can begin his professional career and prepare for the NFL draft. Orgeron insists the team has no qualms with the decision Leonard has made…

cut 12 (08) “with it”

Fournette missed four games this season because of an ankle injury. Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey and Baylor’s Shock Linwood are other high profile running backs who have decided not to play in their team’s bowl game. Orgeron doesn’t see this becoming a trend in college football…

Cut 13 (12) “different case”

_________________________________________________________

The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office is taking part in a multi-agency investigation to bust criminals accused of robbing people after the August floods. They say, so far, a dozen suspects have been tied to multiple crimes including the case of a stolen trailer. LPSO spokeswoman Lori Steele says the trailer was recovered in late November…:

cut 14 (10) “take place”

Steele says the investigation crossed parish lines, and so far, 12 people have been arrested by various law enforcement groups. She says it’s incredible to see so many agencies cooperating to get these victims some answers and sentimental items recovered…:

Cut 15 (08) “take shape”

Steele says the very active investigation is ongoing and they anticipate more arrests will be made. She says it’s important all citizens take necessary safety precautions around this time of year…:

Cut 16  (09)  “any time of the day”

________________________________________________________

13:30 Newscast, December 22nd, 2016

The West Monroe High School Rebel Band has been selected to play at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Band Director Robert Freeman says West Monroe was the only high school in Louisiana chosen to perform in the parade which is an unbelievable honor…:
Cut 5 (12) “experience once”
He says the Rebel Band will likely play a medley of Louisiana tunes.

The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office is taking part in a multi-agency investigation to bust criminals accused of robbing people after the August floods. They say, so far, a dozen suspects have been tied to multiple crimes including the case of a stolen trailer that was taken containing items of sentimental value. The trailer was recovered, and 12 people were arrested accused of a string of crimes spanning several parishes and the very active investigation is ongoing.

Governor John Bel Edwards defends his brother Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards following FBI raids at both the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Hammond Police Department. An FBI spokesperson says they were carrying out court ordered actions during the December 15 raids. But Edwards says he doesn’t know what the federal agents were looking for…:
Cut 3 (11) “…my brother Daniel”
FBI agents seized computers, cellphones, and case files from both agencies in an investigation that reportedly stems from mishandling of evidence by a drug task force.

Most Entergy Louisiana customers will be getting a refund on next month’s bill; then a small ongoing rate decrease. Company spokesperson Mike Burns says it’s the result of an agreement reached between Entergy and the PSC…:
Cut 15 (08) “43-cents”

12:30 Newscast, December 22nd, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards says his heart breaks for flood victims who are still displaced during the holidays. Jeff Palermo has more on the ongoing flood recovery efforts…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Webster Parish Tourism Executive Director is under fire today for posting a naked video of her on the CVB Instagram account. CVB Chairman Jerry Madden says 61-year-old Lynn Dorsey meant to send it to her husband on her new iPhone 7…:
CUT 9 (08) “of it”
Madden says the bureau will discuss and implement a new social media policy in light of the mishap.

LSU fans and some national media have criticized Leonard Fournette for opting not to play in the final game of his college career ahead of the NFL draft. The running back has been suffering an injury this season and previously said it was best for his future to skip the Citrus Bowl. Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron insists the team is fine with this…:
cut 12 (08) “with it”
He says if Fournette weren’t injured he would absolutely play the New Years Eve game against Louisville.

Louisiana’s wildlife and fisheries secretary sent a letter to Governor
John Bel Edwards indicating he is resigning immediately saying some in
his department have been making the cleanup of the agency’s money
problems difficult. Charlie Melancon has clashed with LDWF employees and
it was announced he’d leave in February, but he’s decided to quit now.