AM Newscall Dec 1

AM NEWSCALL

LSU’s new head football coach Brian Kelly received a warm welcome at the Baton Rouge airport Tuesday. About 50 people were on hand when the former skipper of the Fighting Irish touched down in Tiger Country.

Cut 1 (33) “…at Notre Dame nowadays.”

___________________________________

Teacher pay is on the mind of the man who heads up the state’s teacher’s union. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

___________________________________

News of the highly transmissible Omicron COVID variant of COVID has Ochsner health officials on alert and advising the public on how to prepare. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

The man who’s been Mayor of Pineville since 1999 is stepping down. Mayor Clarence Fields announces he will not seek re-election next year to a seventh term in office. The 66-year-old Fields says he was recently diagnosed with a vision problem and – but for that – he would have likely wanted to run again…:

Cut 4 (08) “…what led to it. “

Fields was first appointed to that office in 1999; succeeding Leo Deslatte when he resigned from office. He was formally elected in 2000 and has served ever since. Fields says, after almost 25 years of service, he looks forward to spending more time with his children and grandchildren. He says the decision to stand down was a difficult one…:

Cut 5 (07) “…under the circumstances.”

Fields was a 2021 inductee into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame and is credited with revitalizing Pineville business, leading improvements to the Rapides Parish city’s infrastructure & recreational departments and bringing new commercial and residential developments. He says his sixth term in office ends June 30, 2022…:

Cut 6 (10) “…until then.”

________________________________________________________

The announcement and arrival of LSU’s newest hire Brian Kelly as head football coach is met with excitement and shock as about 50 of the purple and gold faithful gathered at the Baton Rouge Airport to greet the former Norte Dame coach. After two mediocre seasons, the news of Kelly at the helm renews hope in the program.

Cut 7 (12) “…(two voices) why we’re out here.”

After the news of Lincoln Riley being hired by USC and Billy Napier to Florida, Tiger fans were growing anxious when a new coach had not been named after the final game of the regular season Saturday. For some, the hire came out of the blue.

Cut 8 (11) “…I’m excited.”

While some questioned if LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward would be able to bring in a big name after high-profile candidates made commitments elsewhere, landing Kelly has restored their faith in Woodward.

Cut 9 (12)  “…no brainer.”

Kelly will be officially announced at a noon press conference today.

_____________________________________________________

With Louisiana ranking 12th in teacher pay among the 16 states in the South, Larry Carter, who heads up the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, is sounding off about the need for the state to at least reach the regional annual salary average of just over 55-thousand-dollars.

Cut 10 (10)  “…seeking higher pay.”

Carter says it will be up to the governor, state lawmakers and educators to work together to see that the state allocates the additional state funding. The current average pay for the more than 40-thousand teachers in the state is just over 51-thousand-500-dollars and that’s helping to lead to teacher shortages in some school districts.

The President of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers says the state needs to get to work on upping the pay of the tens of thousands of teachers in the state.  Larry Carter says the average pay is just over 51-thousand-500-dollars, thousands below the southern regional average of more than 55-thousand. That’s helping fuel a teacher shortage in the state. He says teachers surveyed didn’t rank pay as the most important issue:

Cut  11 (06)  “…educational decision making.”  

Still, Carter says the battle will go on for higher pay with the hope that Governor Edwards can get teacher pay increased to the regional average by the end of his second term in January 2024.

Carter says while strides with Governor Edwards’ support have been made to improve teacher pay in Louisiana, it still falls far short of regional average pay for instructors in 16 southern states.

Cut 12 (13) “…the other 16.”

_____________________________________________

The highly transmissible Omicron COVID variant from South Africa is a growing concern among health officials. Ochsner Health Medical Director of Infection Control and Prevention, Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says fortunately the vaccines can be tweaked easily if needed.

Cut 13 (09) “…this variant.”

Ochsner Director of Hospital Quality Dr. Sandra Kemmerly says preliminary data from Israel shows the Pfizer vaccine retains adequate efficacy against the Omicron variant. She says when news of the new variant broke over the holidays it was a reminder that the pandemic is far from over.

Cut 14 (07)  “…be prepared.”

By prepared, Kemmerly touts vaccines and booster shots for those 18 and older who were fully vaccinated more than six months ago. And because it takes 14 days to receive the full benefit of the vaccines, health providers encourage you to get boosted sooner than later and before the Omicron variant reaches Louisiana.

Kemmerly says while studies of Omicron are ongoing there has been an alarming increase in hospitalizations in South Africa, but the nation also has a vaccination rate of only 30-percent.

Cut 15 (12)  “..unvaccinated.”

To date the Omicron variant has not been detected in the US, however, cases have been reported in Canada.

__________________________________________

Saints Coach Sean Payton has yet to name a starter for tomorrow night’s home game against Dallas. Taysom Hill is expected to start as he’s been taking the first-team reps at Q-b, but he’s also battling a foot injury. Payton says the injury is getting better….

Cut  16 (18) “…from there”

Hill was a full participant in practice yesterday according to the team’s injury report. Running back Alvin Kamara was limited, but Mark Ingram was a full participant for the second straight day after missing last Thursday’s game. Ingram expects to play against the Cowboys and hopes his running mate Kamara will join him…

Cut 17 (23) “ hands on deck” 

The Saints are looking to break a four-game losing streak when they face the Cowboys. Payton says every NFL season has its bumps in the road…

Cut 18 (20) “..kind of thing”  

5:30 LRN Newscast Nov 30

It was a deadly four-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend across Louisiana. Trooper Michael Reichardt tells us 16 people died in ten fatal crashes investigated by state police across the state. He says there’s been an upward trend this year in this kind of carnage on the highways.

Cut 3 (10) “…impaired or unrestrained.”

Last year, Reichardt says the death toll was significantly lower with eight people dying in seven crashes investigated by state police.

The deadline for Medicare Annual Enrollment or to make changes is a week away. Ann Booth of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana says anyone who has Medicare Parts A and B, on disability, or 65 and older will need to either enroll or make changes to their existing plan by next Tuesday.

Cut 9 (10) “…for 2022.”

If you have questions call 1-800-568-1417.

 

The 2021 hurricane season is going out like a lamb with the tropics quiet but proved to be a lion for a good part of the official six-month storm period.  Colorado State University’s predictions were pretty much on the mark. CSU research scientist, Phil Klotzbach.

Cut 12 (08) “…which had 28.”  

Seven of the named storms and two hurricanes made landfall in the continental U.S., including Cat 4 Ida that slammed the central Louisiana coast in late August causing billions of dollars in damage.

The new head football coach of the LSU Tigers arrived in Baton Rouge this afternoon. He’s Brian Kelly who racked up a 113 to 40 won-loss record while leading the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, guiding the team to the College Football Playoffs in two of the last three years. He’s agreed to a decade-long contract worth 95 million dollars.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast Nov 30

Sad and alarming news is out about the Thanksgiving holiday weekend traffic. More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Brannen.”

Recently convicted of sex crimes, former St. Tammany Parish sheriff Jack Strain will plead guilty to federal charges in a bribery and kickbacks scheme involving the parish jail’s Work Release program. The 16-count indictment was announced in August 2019. So far Strain has not commented publicly on the matter.

 

LSU has hired one of the winningest coaches in college football to lead the Tigers. Brian Kelly leaves South Bend, Indiana, for Baton Rouge after a 113-40 record at Notre Dame. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says Kelly should succeed at LSU after guiding the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoffs in two of the last three years…:

CUT 06(10)      “…any better.”

Kelly’s 10-year deal is worth a reported $95-million plus incentives.

The deadline for Medicare Annual Enrollment or to make changes is a week away. Ann Booth of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana says their agents look at the three P’s in advising the ideal Medicare plan for an individual, they consider provider, pharmacy benefit, and the plan value…:

CUT 11(12)      “…choosing a plan.”

Call them at 800-568-1417 or visit bcbsLAplan.com/Medicare

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward keeps his reputation as an A-D who can hire big name coaches. Woodward was able to pull Brian Kelly away from Notre Dame after a successful 12-year-run and bring him to Baton Rouge. Kelly has agreed to a 10-year, 95-million dollar contract plus incentives. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says that’s the kind of money it took to get Kelly
cut 8 (08) “….getting a guy”
LSU will formally introduce Kelly tomorrow at noon.

La Tech is reportedly close to naming a new head fooball coach. The Bulldogs will reportedly hire Texas Tech offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie. He’s 40-years-old and served as the Red Raiders interim head coach for the final four games of the season and went one and three. He’s a former quarterback at Texas Tech and has been an offensive coordinator at Texas Tech and TCU.

Outgoing U-L Lafayette Coach Billy Napier will coach his final game in Cajun Field this Saturday when the Cajuns host Appalachian State in the Sun Belt Conference Championship game. Napier has been named the new head coach at Florida, but he has the utmost respect for the residents of Acadiana…
Cut 16 (19) “…thankful we are”

Rich Rodriguez spent just one year in Monroe as the offensive coordinator for the Warhawks. Rodriguez was introduced today as the new head coach of Jacksonville State, who is scheduled to join Conference USA in 2023.

Saints running backs Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram are back at practice this week and raising hope they will play on Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys. Quarterback Taysom Hill has a foot injury, but he’s expected to make his start at quarterback of the season against the Cowboys.

3:30 LRN Newscast Nov 30

LSU announces Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly as the new Tigers head football coach. Can one of college ball’s winningest coaches bring another national title to Baton Rouge? Here’s Jeff Palermo…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

District 3 Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says he’ll sit out the 2022 Washington DC Mardi Gras bash, due to COVID restrictions. All attendees of the late January events must pass a coronavirus screening. In a letter to colleagues, Higgins says he is (quote) “stunned that the Mystick Krewe has apparently determined that free Americans are unable to be trusted with their own medical decisions,″ He says his staff will gladly help constituents who want to attend.

 

The deadline for Medicare Annual Enrollment, or to make changes, is a week away. Ann Booth, of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, says you need to either enroll or make changes by next Tuesday. Booth says choosing a plan can be hard & overwhelming at times, but they offer help to guide you in making your decision as to what’s best for you…:

CUT 10(11)      “…get their questions answered.”

Say bye-bye to the 2021 Hurricane Season; going out with quiet tropics and zero activity. This past season Louisiana felt the impact of several tropical storms and two hurricanes, including Cat 4 Ida which did billions in damage. Colorado State hurricane expert Dr. Phil Klotzbach says climate change will just mean more strong storms in our future…:

CUT 14(09)      “…little bit stronger.”

PM LRN Newscall Nov 30

Unless drivers make some changes when they’re behind the wheel this holiday season, more carnage can be expected on the state’s highway as seen over this year’s four-day Thanksgiving weekend.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

______________________________________

LSU has announced Brian Kelly as its new head football coach. Jeff Palermo one of the winningest coaches in college football will try to bring another national title to Tiger Town…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

______________________________________

It was a deadly four-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend across Louisiana. Trooper Michael Reichardt tells us 16 people died in ten fatal crashes investigated by state police across the state. He says there’s been an upward trend this year in this kind of carnage on the highways.

Cut 3 (10) “…impaired or unrestrained.”

Last year, Reichardt says the death toll was significantly lower with eight people dying in seven crashes investigated by state police.

Trooper Reichardt, there are two sure-fire ways to decrease the chance of being involved in crashes, be they fatal or not.

Cut 4 (10) “…inside your car.”

Trooper Reichardt says the doubling of the death toll on the state’s highways during the Thanksgiving weekend was no doubt due in part to more people traveling this year than last because of COVID keeping people at home.

Cut 5 (08) “..a downward spiral.”

With the holiday season upon us, Reichardt says you can expect to see the highways more crowded from now until the end of the year, with his biggest piece of advice to buckle up while traveling.

__________________________________

LSU has hired one of the winningest coaches in college football to lead the Tigers. Brian Kelly leaves South Bend, Indiana, for Baton Rouge after a 113-40 record at Notre Dame. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says Kelly should succeed at LSU after guiding the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoffs in two of the last three years…

 Cut 6 (10) “..any better” 

LSU athletics director Scott Woodward has built a reputation as someone who can hire a successful coach away from another school. Higgins says he did it again with the all-time winningest coach at Notre Dame…

Cut 7 (12) “…no baggage.”  

Kelly has agreed to a 10-year, 95-million dollar contract plus incentives. Higgins says that’s the kind of money it took to get Kelly…

Cut 8 (08) “…getting a guy”

LSU will formally introduce Kelly tomorrow at noon.

______________________________________________________

The deadline for Medicare Annual Enrollment or to make changes is a week away. Ann Booth of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana says anyone who has Medicare Parts A and B, on disability, or 65 and older will need to either enroll or make changes to their existing plan by next Tuesday.

Cut 9 (10) “…for 2022.”

Booth says choosing a plan can be difficult and overwhelming at times, but they are offering a free service to help guide you in making an educated decision about which Medicare plan is best for you.

Cut 10 (11)  “…answered.”

The number to call is 1-800-568-1417 or visit bcbsLAplan.com/Medicare

Booth says agents look at the three P’s in advising the ideal Medicare plan for an individual, they consider provider, pharmacy benefit, and the plan value.

Cut  11 (12)  “…choosing a plan.”  

______________________________________________

The 2021 hurricane season is going out like a lamb with the tropics quiet but proved to be a lion for a good part of the official six-month storm period.  Colorado State University’s predictions were pretty much on the mark. CSU research scientist, Phil Klotzbach.

Cut 12 (08) “…which had 28.”  

Seven of the named storms and two hurricanes made landfall in the continental U.S., including Cat 4 Ida that slammed the central Louisiana coast in late August causing billions of dollars in damage.

Klotzbach says the CSU researchers found the final months of hurricane season surprisingly less active than expected.

Cut 13 (11) “…come to fruition.”

Klotzbach says with climate change will come the potential for not necessarily fewer storms, but stronger ones.

Cut 14 (09) “…little bit stronger.” 

Klotzbach says that when it comes to climate change, sea-level rise is something scientists are more concerned about rather than its impact on tropical weather.

2:30 LRN Newscast Nov 30

It was a deadly Thanksgiving holiday weekend across Louisiana. State Trooper Michael Reichardt tells us 16 people died in ten fatal crashes over the four-day period across Louisiana. This time last year that number was nearly HALF that. Trooper Reichardt says that’s probably because so many more people were ready to travel after COVID restrictions were lifted…:

CUT 05(08)      “…a downward spiral.”

LSU’s new head coach will be Brian Kelly, the winningest coach in the history of Notre Dame. Kelly’s agreed to a 10-year, $95-million deal plus incentives. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says that’s the kind of money it took to make it happen…:

CUT 08(08)      “…getting a guy.”

The university make the official announcement Wednesday.

 

The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season goes out with a fizzle today. The tropics are quiet and have been for a couple weeks. Looking back, Colorado State University hurricane researcher Dr. Phil Klotzbach says these final weeks were much quieter than expected…:

CUT 13(11)      “…come to fruition.”

Klotzbach warns we should be prepared for more storms to be stronger at landfall, like Hurricane Ida in August.

Longtime Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields announces he will not seek re-election for another term. He says his retirement will be effective in June of next year. Among his accomplishments as leader, he’s credited with rejuvenating Pineville’s business, recreation, and infrastructure and residential and commercial development. Fields has been Mayor of Pineville since 1999.

A 7-year-old Shreveport girl is in the hospital with a traumatic brain injury; the result of a severe beating. Two teenage boys – 13 and 14 – are arrested for the crime.

1:30 LRN Newscast Nov 30

LSU has landed a big fish in its hire for head football coach with Brian Kelly. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says LSU athletics director Scott Woodward has built a reputation as someone who can hire a successful coach away from another school. Higgins says he did it again with the all-time winningest coach at Notre Dame…

Cut 7 (12) “…no baggage.”  

Kelly will be formally introduced tomorrow.

The 2021 hurricane season is going out like a lamb with the tropics quiet but proved to be a lion for a good part of the official six-month storm period. Colorado State University’s predictions were pretty much on the mark. CSU research scientist, Phil Klotzbach.

Cut 12 (08) “…which had 28.”  

Troopers say they saw more traffic fatalities this Thanksgiving weekend compared to last year. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

 

Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields announces his retirement, effective the end of June 2022. Fields will not seek a seventh term. Fields was appointed to the position in 1999 and then elected in 2000.

12:30 LRN Newscast Nov 30

It was a deadly four-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend across Louisiana. Trooper Michael Reichardt tells us 16 people died in ten fatal crashes investigated by state police. He says there’s been an upward trend this year in deadly crashes and there are two proven ways to decrease the chance of being involved in a crash.

Cut 4 (10) “…inside your car.”

The deadline for Medicare Annual Enrollment or to make changes is a week away. Ann Booth of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana says anyone who has Medicare Parts A and B, on disability, or 65 and older will need to either enroll or make changes to their existing plan by next Tuesday.

Cut 9 (10) “…for 2022.”

You can visit bcbsLAplan.com/medicare

LSU has announced Brian Kelly as its new head football coach. Jeff Palermo on one of the winningest coaches in college football and how he’ll try to bring another national title to Tiger Town…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

And Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields says he won’s seek a 7th term next year.

11:40 LRN Sportscast November 30

LSU has hired one of the winningest coaches in college football to lead the Tigers. Brian Kelly leaves South Bend, Indiana for Baton Rouge after a 113-40 record at Notre Dame. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says Kelly should succeed at LSU after guiding the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoffs in two of the last three years…
cut 6 (10) “…any better’
Kelly has agreed to a 10-year, 95-million dollar contract, plus incentives.

Billy Napier says he will coach the Cajuns this Saturday in the Sun Belt Championship game even though he’s accepted the head coaching job at Florida…
cut 17 (15) “…these things”
The Cajuns host Appalachian State in Saturday’s Sun Belt title game.

Louisiana Tech has reportedly hired Texas Tech offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie as the Bulldogs next head football coach. Cumbie was a record-setting walk-on quarterback at Texas Tech and previously also served as an offensive coordinator at TCU. He served as interim coach for the Red Raiders this season going one and three.

Prior to this news, Tech athletics director Eric Wood said he’s looking for someone that will care for their student-athletes and will work well with the Ruston community. He says the main qualification is a coach that will bring a winning football program to La Tech…
Cut 20 (18) “.of the program”

And ULM needs a new offensive coordinator as Rich Rodrigeuz has been hired as the head coach at Jacksonville State, which will join Conference USA in 2023.