LRN AM Newscall January 4th ###Sports cuts changed because of the Aranda news###

A bad flu season in Louisiana is only getting worse.  Don Molino has more on how to cope.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino.”

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Starting this year, drivers ed courses have mandatory police interaction training. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is worried that a budget shortfall will hurt the state’s tourism industry.  Kelley Ray has a look at his concerns.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Louisiana remains one of the states with the most confirmed cases of influenza during the early half of the flu season.  Department of Health’s Dr. Frank Welch says he is very concerned at the early aggressiveness the flu is showing this year…

Cut 4  (11) “in Louisiana” 

Louisiana sees on average about 8,000 hospitalizations and 700 deaths per year as a result of the flu.  Welch says not all flu cases are serious enough to go to the hospital, so stay away from people if you are sick.  Welch says it’s easy to know when you are not a threat to pass on the flu to someone else…

Cut 5  (07)  “contagious anymore.”

So why is Louisiana being hit so hard this flu season?  Welch says there are four strains but there is one that is particularly troublesome…

Cut 6 (12)  “for longer.”

He says it’s still not too late to get a flu shot.  Even if you get sick with the flu after getting the shot, it will lessen the length and severity of the bug.

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A new component of driver’s education is a section on how to respond to being pulled over by a police officer. The additional curriculum is the result of a new law that went into effect January 1st, aimed at decreasing fatalities resulting from police interactions during traffic stops. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says he has received a lot of support for the legislation…

Cut 7 (06)  “the law.”

Along with educating new drivers on how to talk to police, the new program will emphasize how to be prepared if you get pulled over. Gatti says there’s some suggestions that even experienced drivers might not know…

Cut 8 (06) “their sun visor.”

Gatti hopes the new education will reduce the tension that sometimes occurs during a traffic stop…

Cut 9 (10)  “its worth it.”

Gatti said the idea first came to him from former Dallas Cowboy and Haynesville raised Demetric Evans.

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As Louisiana tourism enters 2018, there are some glaring concerns as to how to encourage more visitors to come to the Bayou State.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the state’s tourism budget is facing a ten percent cut if legislators are unable to resolve the fiscal cliff issues.  Plus Nungesser is worried about some of the chronic problems that’s impacting the state’s biggest tourism draw, New Orleans…

Cut 10 (10) “going up.”

Nungesser says the Lt. Governor’s office has seen massive cuts the last several years and is afraid further cuts will reduce the ability to keep the state park system operating…

Cut 11 (09) “and maintained.”

Nungesser says he’s also concerned about the state’s littering and the image that is projected to potential visitors.  He says Louisiana residents can do some small things that will make a big impact…

Cut 12 (08) “the highway.”

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The national price at the pump is at its highest in nearly five years after the busiest holiday travel season on record. The average here in Louisiana is 2.26 a gallon for regular gas, up nearly four cents over last week, but AAA spokesperson Don Redman says he doesn’t expect the price to hold…

Cut 13 (10)  “come down.”

Redman says he believes gas will come down at least ten cents in the next month…

Cut 14 (07) “into February.”

The polar vortex is grinding travel to a halt across the country, shutting down portions of highways across the southeast. Redman says the cold weather will help bring prices down…

Cut 15 (09) “moving around.”

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After a strong offer from Texas A&M, Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda will stay at LSU. Head Coach Ed Orgeron confirmed the news on Twitter last night. Aranda, who was already the highest paid defensive coordinator in college football, will reportedly receive on average 2.5 million dollars over the next four years. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says the Aggies offer was also really attractive…

Cut 16 (09) “blank check.”

In his social media post, Orgeron thanked the LSU administration and the Board of Supervisors for their support. Moran says it would have been a huge loss if Aranda left for another SEC West school….

Cut 17 (09) “program functions”

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NFC South division rivals will meet in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday afternoon as the Saints host the Carolina Panthers. New Orleans won the two regular season meetings and Quarterback Drew Brees says he has the utmost respect for Carolina…

Cut 18 (14) “opportunities”

Second-year safety Vonn Bell is looking forward to his first playoff game…

Cut 19 (16)   “prove it”

18:30 LRN Newscast January 3

Parts of coastal Southeast Louisiana saw snow early this morning.  Measurable snow fell in Grand Isle and areas of south Plaquemines Parish.  Alek Krautman with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the last time snow stuck to the ground in that area was December 1989…

Cut 3 (11) “Venice area.”

The Louisiana SPCA says they are getting numerous reports of pets left outside in this extremely cold weather.  Some pets are being seized by authorities and owners are being charged with animal cruelty.  SPCA spokesperson Alicia Haefele says their officers are responding to all calls concerning outdoor animals left alone…

Cut 9 (11)  “them properly.”

Dr. Joseph Johnson, one of the most influential alumni and presidents in Grambling State University’s history passed away yesterday. Johnson was instrumental in a 1981 consent decree that led to an increase in funding for the school, facilitating the creation of the Grambling School of Nursing, and the university’s first doctoral program. Dr. Mildred Gallot who wrote a book about Johnson says he persevered, in the face of institutional discrimination…

Cut 13 (11)  “for him.”

Three are under arrest in the alleged shooting death of a man found near Gonzales in Ascension Parish.  The body of 20 year old Francisco Nieves was found in a ditch near a trailer park Tuesday.  Police say the shooting didn’t occur in Gonzales, but happened in Jefferson Parish.  20-year-old Archie Armstrong of Marrero is charged with second degree murder while two others face accessory to second degree murder charges…

17:30 LRN Newscast January 3

The big weather story was there was snow on the ground in Grand Isle today. Jeff Palermo has more on our frigid weather…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Texas A&M is not taking no for an answer and is coming after LSU defense coordinator Dave Aranda again.  Aranda turned down their original offer of 1.85-milllion dollars to make him the highest paid college assistant coach in the country.  An LSU source says the new offer may be closer now to 3 million and Aranda would have the flexibility to hire his own defensive staff.

The polar vortex is wreaking havoc across Louisiana, and is suspected as the reason behind a Baton Rouge house fire that resulted in the death of an elderly couple Tuesday morning. So far, investigators are attributing many of the fires across the state to people taking big risks to keep their homes warm. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning has a few fundamental fire safety tips…

Cut 7 (12)  “if you are cooking.”

Dr. Joseph Johnson, one of the most influential alumni and presidents in Grambling State University’s history passed away yesterday. He was the university’s third president, serving from 1977 to 1991, and nearly tripled the institutions enrollment during his tenure. Dr. Mildred Gallot, who wrote a book on Grambling’s history saying he had a tough reputation.

Cut 12 (06) “meant business.”

16:45 LRN Sportscast January 3rd

Multiple media reports say Texas A-and-M is making a strong push to hire LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda.There was a report on Monday that said Aranda declined the Aggies original offer, but now sources indicate A-and-M is offering even more money and would give him the freedom to hire his own staff. Aranda is currently the highest paid defensive coordinator in the country making 1.8 million dollars.

There’s reportedly mutual interest between Arizona and former LSU Head Coach Les Miles for the Mad Hatter to become the Wildcats new head football coach. Arizona fired Rich Rodriguez this week over misconduct allegations. Miles has made it known he would like to coach again.

UL-Lafayette has hired ULM wide receivers coach and recruting coordinator Tim Leger. The former McNeese State offensive coordinator will coach the wide receivers for the Ragin Cajuns.

And the SWAC announced today that Duer Sharp is no longer the league’s commissioner. The conference says Sharp left to pursue other opportunities.

The LSU men’s basketball team begins SEC play tonight by hosting 17th ranked Kentucky. Freshman point guard Tremont Waters has led the Tigers to a 9-3 record and tonight he’ll match-up against fellow freshman Quade Green, who won four state championships in high school as a prep star in Philadelphia. Green and Waters have played against each other since the 7th grade and Waters knows his game well…
cut 19 (17) “….he’s improved”
Tip-off is at 7:30 on the SEC Network.

On Fox Sports Southwest, the Pelicans will look to snap a two-game losing streak when they visit the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. Utah has lost 10 of its last 13. Out of the next eight games, six are on the road for the Pels. Tip-off tonight is at 8 PM.

16:30 LRN Newscast January 3

Snow was the big weather maker in south east Louisiana earlier this morning.  The cold weather will continue tonight to make an impact bring another night of freezing temperatures statewide.  The Weather Service’s Alek Krautman…

Cut 5  (12)  “north Louisiana.”

Warmer weather is expected by the weekend with temps in the 60’s statewide.

The Louisiana SPCA says stray cats are trying to find warm areas to camp out in, including your car.  They usually end up in the under carriage of vehicles.   SPCA spokesperson Alicia Haefele says a simple step can make them leave quickly…

Cut 11 (09) “that engine.”

This arctic blast has Louisianans scrambling to protect their homes. Matt Doyle talked to State Fire Marshal Butch Browning about a growing issue…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Texas A&M is not taking no for an answer and is coming after LSU defense coordinator Dave Aranda again.  Aranda turned down their original offer of 1.85-milllion dollars to make him the highest paid college assistant coach in the country.  An LSU source says the new offer may be closer now to 3 million.  and Aranda would have the flexibility to hire his own defensive staff.  There has been no decision made yet.

15:30 LrN Newscast

Compared to the last couple of days, it doesn’t feel too bad outside with the sun shining and temperatures in the lows 40s…
cut 4 (07) “..night, tonight”
That’s Alek Krautman, with the National Weather Service, who says most of the state will be under a hard freeze warning tonight into tomorrow morning.

With temperatures dropping below freezing, the Louisiana SPCA strongly encourges pet owners to bring their pets inside tonight. Spokesperson Alicia Haefele says those who do not, could lose their pets…
cut 10 (12) “…as well”
Haefele says if you see a pet left outside in the cold, don’t assume someone else has reported it, call the S-P-C-A or local authorities. Also, if you leave your vehicle outside, check for stray cats when you start your car tomorrow morning.

The freezing temperatures are creating plumbing problems. Wrapping your pipes is recommended, but many are letting the water run overnight to keep their pipes from freezing over. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning advises against this…
cut 8 (08) “…from freezing”
Several towns and cities in Louisiana are dealing with low water pressure, because too many residents are running their faucets.

Former Grambling State University President Doctor Joseph Johnson has passed away after a lengty illness. Johnson was instrumental in a 1981 consent decree that led to an increase in funding for the school, facilitating the creation of the Grambling School of Nursing, and the university’s first doctoral program. Author Mildred Gallot says Johnson persevered, in the face of institutional discrimination…
Cut 13 (11) “for him.”
Johnson was Grambling’s president from 1977 until 1991, during that time the school’s enrollment nearly tripped.

14:30 LRN Newscast January 3rd

The polar vortex is wreaking havoc across Louisiana, and is suspected as the reason behind a Baton Rouge house fire that resulted in the death of an elderly couple Tuesday morning. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says his office has seen a substantial uptick in the number of fires…
Cut 6 (10) “related to weather.”
Investigators are attributing many of the fires to people taking big risks to keep their homes warm, so be cautious with portable space heaters.

Alek Krautman, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says there’s another hard freeze warning is in effect for tonight into tomorrow morning…
cut 5 (12) “…north Louisiana”
Warmer weather is expected this weekend.

Multiple media reports say Texas A-and-M is making a strong push to hire LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. There was a report on Monday that said Aranda declined the Aggies original offer, but now the reports indicate A-and-M is offering even more money and giving him the freedom to hire his own staff. Aranda is currently the highest paid defensive coordinator in the country making 1.8 million dollars.

The third president in Grambling State’s history has passed away. Doctor Joseph Johnson was the leader of the north Louisiana school from 1977 to 1991 and enrollment nearly tripled during that time. Milda Gallot, who wrote a book on Grambling’s history, says the school also saw new construction, employee raises and new academic programs with Johnson at the helm…
cut 14 (12) “…motivated students”

LRN PM Newscall January 3rd

There was snow on the ground in Grand Isle today. Jeff Palermo has more on our frigid weather…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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This arctic blast has Louisianans scrambling to protect their homes. Matt Doyle talked to State Fire Marshal Butch Browning about a growing issue…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Parts of coastal Southeast Louisiana saw snow early this morning.  Measurable snow fell in Grand Isle and areas of south Plaquemines Parish.  Alek Krautman with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the last time snow stuck to the ground in that area was December 1989…

Cut 3 (11) “Venice area.”

The snow will not stick around long.  Krautman says high temperatures across the state today will be in the low 40s…

Cut 4  (07) “night, tonight.” 

Krautman says another hard freeze warning is in effect for tonight into tomorrow morning…

Cut 5  (12)  “north Louisiana.”

Warmer weather is expected by the weekend with temps in the 60’s statewide.

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The polar vortex is wreaking havoc across Louisiana, and is suspected as the reason behind a Baton Rouge house fire that resulted in the death of an elderly couple Tuesday morning. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says his office has seen a substantial uptick in the number of fires…

Cut 6 (10)  “related to weather.”

So far, investigators are attributing many of the fires to people taking big risks to keep their homes warm. Browning has a few fundamental fire safety tips…

Cut 7 (12)  “if you are cooking.”

The freezing temperatures are a big threat to plumbing. Wrapping your pipes is recommended, but many people are letting the water run overnight to keep their pipes from freezing over. Browning advises against this…

Cut 8 (08) “from freezing”

Browning says now would be a good time to check up on your elderly relatives, and make sure their smoke detector is up and working.

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The Louisiana SPCA says they are getting numerous reports of pets left outside in this extremely cold weather.  Some pets are being seized by authorities and owners are being charged with animal cruelty.  SPCA spokesperson Alicia Haefele says their officers are responding to all calls concerning outdoor animals left alone…

Cut 9 (11)  “them properly.”

Haefele says several Parishes require owners to take their pets indoors when temperatures reach freezing.  Those who do not take steps to ensure their pets are kept warm could lose them…

Stray cats are also at risk by trying to find warmth in the under carriage of vehicles.  Haefele says a simple step can make them leave quickly…

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Dr. Joseph Johnson, one of the most influential alumni and presidents in Grambling State University’s history passed away yesterday. He was the university’s third president, serving from 1977 to 1991, and nearly tripled the institutions enrollment during his tenure. Dr. Mildred Gallot, who wrote a book on Grambling’s history and says he had a tough reputation.

 

Cut 12 (06) “meant buisiness.”

Johnson was instrumental in a 1981 consent decree that led to an increase in funding for the school, facilitating the creation of the Grambling School of Nursing, and the university’s first doctoral program. Gallot says Johnson persevered, in the face of institutional discrimination…

Cut 13 (11)  “for him.”

Gallot says part of Johnson’s success was the result of an innovative baccalaureate program…

Cut 14 (12) “motivated students.”

LRN 13:30 Newscast

The Louisiana SPCA says they are getting numerous reports of pets left outside in this extremely cold weather. Some pets are being seized by authorities and owners are being charged with animal cruelty. SPCA spokesperson Alicia Haefele says their officers are responding to all calls concerning outdoor animals left alone…
Cut 9 (11) “them properly.”
Haefele says several parishes require owners to take their pets indoors when temperatures get below freezing.

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says his office has been called to investigate nearly 25 fires of commercial and residential structures since the cold snap started. Browning has a few safety tips…
Cut 7 (12) “if you are cooking.”

So what can we expect in state politics for 2018. Kelley Ray spoke with a political analyst….
voicer 5 (31) “…I’m Kelley Ray”

Grambling State is mourning the death of former President Doctor Joseph Johnson. He was a favorite of faculty, students and alumni and served from 1977 to 1991. Mildred Gallot wrote a book about Grambling’s history and remembers Doctor Johnson fondly…
cut 12 (06) “…meant business”
Johnson led student enrollment growth from 26-hundred to a record-setting seven-thousand.

12:30 LRN Newscast

There was snow on the ground in Grand Isle today. Jeff Palermo has more on our frigid weather…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The freezing temperatures are a big threat to plumbing. Wrapping your pipes is recommended, but many are letting the water run overnight to keep their pipes from freezing over. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning advises against this…
cut 8 (08) “…from freezing”

State Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere says the governor’s appetite for spending is out of control by only calling a special session if legislative leaders agree to tax increases to deal with a one-billion dollar budget deficit. But Governor Edwards says he’s proposing a revenue neutral plan…
cut 12 (13) “…over time”
Edwards has asked for an agreement in principle with House Republican leaders by January 19th before calling a special session.