LRN AM Newscall January 4

Will Louisiana’s legislature seek this year to give themselves their first pay raise in over 40 years? Kevin Gallagher has more on that…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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If you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy King Cakes this carnival season Ochsner Eat Fit has a solution for you. Whitney Thomas Reports.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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Tulane’s amazing football season is expected to generate new interest in the school. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Will Louisiana lawmakers seek to give themselves a pay raise this year? After New York state recently raised its legislative base pay, some members of Louisiana’s legislature are saying they have not had an increase in their base in 4 decades. “LaPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says it would be both the worst possible time to do that for voters…but also perhaps the best time…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…for this issue.”

The base pay for lawmakers is $16,800 a year, and it has been for 41 years. With committee chairmanships, they can make up to $37-thousand. In 2008, a bill advanced that would have set a new base at $37-k. Alford says that proved to be unpopular with the public…:

Cut 5 (06) “…that legislation.”

The state is projected to have a big revenue surplus for the fiscal year that starts in July, so House & Senate members may look to push it through. Alford says, however, many lawmakers may feel they cannot support a pay raise for themselves with elections coming this fall. He says there is a way to do it and not seem self-serving…:

Cut 6 (07)  “…starts in 2028.” 

Alford says it may be a long time before there is another governor who would support a legislative pay raise. John Bel Edwards voted “yes” to the proposed pay raise that was vetoed in 2008, and he’d likely support it again in his last year in office.

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Ochsner Eat Fit is bringing back Eat Fit King cakes for the 5th year in a row. The king cake is gluten-free, keto-friendly, with low carbs, and zero sugar. Ochsner dietitian Brittany Craft says it’s all about giving people a healthier option.

Cut 7 (12) “…natural ingredients.”

Eat Fit King Cakes have 93 percent fewer carbs, with four times the protein and two-and-a-half more fiber with zero grams of sugar.  People may worry about not getting the traditional taste, but Craft says the cakes are just as delicious.

Cut 8 (12)  “…sprinkles on top.”

The king cake will be served all across Louisiana through different retailers. Craft says people buying them in-store and online you’ll see a price difference.

Cut 9 (13)  “…like that.”

For a full list of retailers and to order visit www.EatFitKingCake.com

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Tulane’s amazing comeback to beat USC in the Cotton Bowl is not only the school’s biggest win in history, but school President Michael Fitts says it also topped off a season that marked a record improvement of ten wins in a single season.

Cut 10 (11) “…top 25 teams.” 

The Green Wave’s 46-45 victory in Arlington Monday is undoubtedly the school’s greatest victory and Fitts says not only is the win fantastic for their student-athletes and head coach Willie Fritz but says it’s energized the entire Tulane community.

Cut 11 (08)  “…the country.”

Fitts says the school already has more than 40-thousand applications from prospective students to fill 17-hundred places and with the football team’s miraculous he expects that number to increase.

Cut 12 (05) “…in Tulane University.”

The Green Wave finishes the season 12-2.

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Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is in critical condition in a Cincinnati hospital after collapsing on the field with a cardiac arrest Monday night in a game against the Bengals.

LSU Health New Orleans cardiac electrophysiologist,  Dr. Jameel Ahmed says a hard hit at the right time can cause cardiac arrest.

Cut 13 (13) “…electrical arrhythmia. ”

The Bills announced his diagnosis of cardiac arrest early Tuesday morning. He is still in ICU and in critical condition. Dr. Ahmed says the NFL medical staff are trained for situations like this.

Cut 14 (12)  “…favorable prognostics.”

Dr. Ahmed says being in ICU does not mean a patient is dying, it’s more so for the rehabilitation of the body.

Cut 15 (12)  “…its own”

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The Saints are on a three-game winning streak, but they have been eliminated from playoff contention with a seven and nine record. Head Coach Dennis Allen says it’s easy to look back at moments that could have gone differently this season…

Cut  16 (20)  “…from your successes.” 

With a three-sack day on Sunday, defensive End Cameron Jordan set a new franchise record for career sacks with the Saints. His 115.5 sacks put him half a sack ahead of Saints legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson. Allen, who has coached Jordan for seven of his twelve seasons with the Saints says it was a proud moment…

 Cut 17 (21) “…those characteristics” 

The Saints will prepare to host Carolina in their final matchup of the season. Although both teams are eliminated from the playoffs, Allen insisted that no game is meaningless. New Orleans will look to end their season on a positive note, and Allen says that every player who is healthy to play will…

Cut 18 (21) “…what we do.” 

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UL-Lafayette has had a disappointing start to league play after dropping their third straight game to Old Dominion last Saturday. The Cajuns were 10-1 before the three-game skid and preseason favorites to win the Sun-Belt, but have lost their first two conference games. Coach Bob Marlin says his team is frustrated with the losses…

Cut 19 (21) “…play better.”

The Cajuns will look to bounce back Thursday night when they host Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles are 13-2 and undefeated in Sun-Belt action. The Cajuns are still favored to win the game and Marlin says his team is ready to defend home court…

Cut 20 (19)     …big difference.”