AM Newscall February 2

Calvary Baptist Academy is celebrating former head coach Doug Pederson’s trip to the Super Bowl as the Philadelphia Eagles head coach.  Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has raised five million dollars and has a 56 percent approval rating at the moment, Matt Doyle talked to a political analyst about what that means for his reelection chances.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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L-S-P will have new Dodge Chargers on the highway and some of them will be more difficult to detect as State Police vehicles. Jeff Palermo explains…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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One northwest Louisiana private school is rooting hard for Philadelphia in Super Bowl 52 Sunday.  The Eagles’ head coach Doug Pederson was the head coach for Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport between 2005 and 2009, leading them to their first ever district title just two years after taking the helm.  Academy Superintendent Chad McDowell says he’s not surprised that Pederson will be in the biggest stage of the sports world…

Cut 4  (08) “Andy Reid.” 

McDowell says they are letting the students off easy by celebrating Spirit Week and allowing them to wear Eagles jerseys.  He says some students weren’t around when Pederson was at the school, but they still like him…

Cut 5  (07)  “their uniforms.”

There has been quite of bit of media coverage about Pederson being the first Louisiana high school coach directing a team into a Super Bowl.  McDowell says he’s happy to see Pederson’s time at Calvary is one he cherishes…

Cut 6 (08)  “Baptist Academy.”

The Eagles will kick off against the New England Patriots Sunday at 5:30pm on NBC.

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Governor John Bel Edwards has five million dollars in his reelection war chest at the midway point of his term.  The fundraising numbers from his annual campaign finance report, combined with his high favorability ratings, give the governor a strong starting position heading into the 2019 governor’s race. Political Analyst Clancy DuBos says it still might not be enough to get him a second term.

Cut 7 (08)  “perhaps several.”

85 percent of those funds came from Louisiana, but DuBos says the governor will have to ramp up his national fundraising to keep up with his GOP rivals.

Cut 8 (10) “other option.”

According to Morning Consult, Edwards is the nation’s most popular Democratic governor, with a 56 percent approval rating, the exact level of support he received when running against David Vitter. DuBos says polling indicates Edwards is doing a good job of connecting with Louisiana voters.

Cut 9 (11)  “to them “

DuBos says other factors helping the governor’s approval rating are his handling of natural disasters and that most voters blame the Jindal administration for the state’s fiscal woes.

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Starting this month, Louisiana State Police will be adding Dodge Chargers to their fleet with a twist.  Some of the new vehicles will be fully marked, while others will be semi-marked and a few will not be marked at all.  State Police Lt. J.B. Slaton says the new less visible vehicles will allow Troopers to blend in with traffic and stop drivers who are reckless…

Cut 10 (07) “the road.”

State Police have used a uniform logo up to this time.  Slaton says using a “ghost logo” will help them blend in better which hopefully translates to safer driving…

Cut 11 (11) “aggressive drivers.”

State Police realize there will be drivers who think they are trying to camouflage themselves better, especially with the less visible reflective silver lettering and logos and lower profile blue lights instead of traditional overhead light. But Slaton says safe law abiding drivers have nothing to worry about…

Cut 12 (09) “the road.”

The interiors will retain the current safety features and equipment and trooper uniforms will remain the same.

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The iconic Voice of the Saints Jim Henderson is retiring after a storied career calling the most triumphant and heartbreaking moments in Black and Gold history. The announcement came as a shock to many, as the Saints are a team on the rise, full of young talent, but Henderson says that’s exactly why he chose this moment to leave.

Cut 13 (10)  “go out”

Henderson called games, produced original programming, and provided in depth analysis during his thirty year tenure. He says the hectic football season can take a toll on your family.

Cut 14 (12) “of sacrifice”

Henderson fondly remembers his first time in the Saints broadcast booth.

Cut 15 (12) “we go”

Henderson says most of all, he’s looking forward to just being a fan again.

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The LSU Board of Supervisors is expected to approve today new contracts for LSU offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. Ensminger will make much less than his predecessor Matt Canada who collected 1.5 million dollars last season. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Ensminger’s contract is 800-thousand dollars a year…

Cut 16 (05) “would be”   

Ensminger’s contract would be good through March 31, 2020. He was making 325-thousand dollars a year as the school’s tight ends coach. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s annual salary will go up to 2.5 million dollars. Moran says Aranda would not owe the school anything if he takes a head coaching job or any job in the NFL…

Cut 17 (10) “are offered”

And LSU Pitching Coach Alan Dunn will receive a one-year contract extension, but no raise. Moran says Dunn is tied to head coach Paul Mainieri…

Cut 18 (08) “head coach”

 

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