LRN AM Newscall January 2 2023

If you think you have unclaimed property, you can now check the databases of 49 states, not just Louisiana’s. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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Louisiana is ranked third for the worst roads in America according to a consumer affairs report. Whitney Thomas has that story

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas .”

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Louisiana’s unclaimed property program is now connected to a national database where you can check to see if you are owed money from one of 49 states. State Treasurer John Schroder says if you’ve lived in other places you can check on one secure website-Missing Money.com

Cut 3 (08) “…and check.” 

Schroder says the site is especially convenient for military families who have lived in multiple states, and others whose jobs have transferred them around.

He says one out of six Louisiana residents is owed money, while nationally it’s one out of seven.

Schroder says over 220 million properties totaling billions of dollars are available to search and claim on missing-money-com..

Cut 4 (09)  “…in Mississippi.”

Schroder says MissingMoney.com is ad-free, highly secure, and is the only site approved by the 49 states. Only Georgia is not participating.  He says it also charges no fees.

Cut 5 (08) “…state program”

There’s also Louisiana’s L-A-Cash-Claim-dot-org, which holds over one-billion dollars worth of properties waiting to be claimed.

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Louisiana ranks third for the worst roads in America according to Consumer Affairs. Their study looked at the D-plus grade Louisiana received from the American Society of Civil Engineers for its poor road conditions and pavement roughness. Deputy Editor at Consumer Affairs, Cassidy McCants,  says they also found Louisiana doesn’t spend enough money on its roads.

Cut 6 (07)  “…on roads” 

Louisiana has 61,300 miles of public roads, and 46% of the major roadways are in mediocre condition according to government data analyzed by a group called TRIP. McCants says drivers are paying for Louisiana’s poor roads, because of the wear and tear on their vehicles…

Cut 7 (09) “…per driver.”

McCants says they also surveyed a few residents and one driver blames the poor road conditions on the state relying on quick fixes like “patch repairs” rather than fixes made to last. 

She says another reason for Louisiana’s poor ranking is the number of traffic fatalities…

Cut 8 (11)  “…million miles.”

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The new year brings about opportunities for a fresh start and for many a new job. But what if you like what you do for a living but feel it’s time to receive more compensation, UNO professor of Economics and Finance Mark Rosa says to be prepared to present your case when you ask for a raise, promotion, or both.

Cut 9 (12)  “… to anybody.”

Rosa says when asking for a raise be reasonable, if you make $15 an hour don’t expect the company to agree to give you $72 an hour. Or if you want to be able to work three days a week at home and no one else at the company can, don’t expect your boss to agree.

Cut 10 (12) “…asking for.” 

Rosa says because many companies are having a hard time filling positions they have to be more flexible when it comes to salaries and or benefits to attract and/or retain employees.  But he warns if you give your employer an ultimatum be prepared….

Cut 11 (12)  “…credibility.”

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Strong to severe thunderstorms are likely for Monday in northwest and north central Louisiana. National Weather Service meteorologist Charlie Woodrum says a strong cold front will move across the region and tornadoes are possible…

Cut 12 (10) “…with this event.”

There’s also a slight risk for severe weather for northeast, central and southwest Louisiana. In mid-December, a child and mother were killed in Caddo Parish by an EF-2 tornado that struck Keithville. Woodrum says another tornado outbreak is possible today

Cut 13 (10) “…tornado warning”

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LSU plays Purdue today in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando as the game is set to kick-off at noon. The Tigers won the SEC West, while the Boilermakers won the Big Ten West division, but both teams will be missing several key players who helped accomplish those feats. LSU is thin at wide receiver and at defensive line, but defensive coordinator Matt House says they are embracing the challenge

Cut 14 (14)  “…guys compete.”

Purdue is going through a coaching change and so former Saints quarterback and Boilermaker legend Drew Brees is serving as an interim assistant coach for the Gold and Black. Brees has developed a great relationship with LSU during his time in New Orleans, but today he wants to beat the Bayou Bengals…

Cut 15 (11)  “…trying to beat em”

LSU’s starting quarterback in 2022 Jayden Daniels is playing today and he’s already announced he’ll play for the Tigers in 2023. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock says Daniels throwing ability has improved during his time in Baton Rouge…

Cut  16 (25)  “…hopefully” 

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