AM Newscall 03.07.19

Four new inductees take their place in the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction tonight.  Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Connor Ferrill.”

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New research indicates the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine does not raise the risk of autism. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Radio ads critical of Governor John Bel Edwards are reportedly pulled off the airwaves. Jeff Palermo has more…

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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana has launched Rx Saving Solutions, a new tool that allows its members to save money by monitoring the price of prescriptions from different sources or alternatives with generics. Company spokesperson Teresa Day says the goal is to help their members become  better healthcare consumers.

Cut 4 (08) “…keep healthcare affordable.”

The tool will benefit more than 637,000 Louisiana residents. Day says Blue Cross members can login to their accounts and elect to receive text or email messages about ways to save.

Cut 5 (09) “…they take regularly.”

Day says the tool can be accessed via desktop or mobile app.  She adds that it has been in development for over a year.

Cut 6 (13) “…for our members.”

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The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction takes place tonight in Baton Rouge, recognizing those that have made significant contributions to the state’s ag industry. This year’s class has four inductees. LRN Farm Broadcaster Don Molino says Linda Zaunbrecher of Gueydan is only the second woman inductee.

Cut 7 (11) “…in southwest Louisiana.”

Molino says Korean War veteran Jack Hamilton of Lake Providence is receiving a posthumous induction.

Cut 8 (13) “…across the state.”

Molino says Dr. Grady Coburn of Cheneyville is one of Louisiana’s earliest crop consultants.

Cut 9 (12) “…group as president.″

Molino says George LaCour, Jr. of Morganza is respected worldwide for his experience with sustainability and conservation in the cotton industry.

Cut 10 (09) “…cotton producers association.”

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New research out of Denmark indicates the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine does not raise the risk of autism.  That same study shows the vaccine does not trigger autism in kids who are in risk of it.  Louisiana Department of Health Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says this is the 17th study to debunk the  myth of a connection between autism and vaccination and what separates this is one is the size of the study group.

Cut 11 (11) “…the MMR vaccine.”

Welch says the vaccination-autism myth originated from a study in England involving a group of less than 12 autistic children, where the researcher concluded that many of their autistic symptoms happened after their vaccinations.

Cut 12 (07) “…are vaccinating children.”

Welch warns that many myths can be circulated on the internet, and can lead to energy taken away from research into ways to correct autism and other problems.

Cut 13 (10) “…using reliable sources.”

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John Bel Edwards re-election team says radio ads that attack the governor are blatantly false. Victory 2019 spokesperson Eric Holl says the ads claim the governor’s budgets did not contain a dime for early childhood education. Holl says every budget the governor signed had millions for Pre-K education

Cut 14 (09) “…his record.”

Holl says the ads were so blatantly false, they legally had to be pulled down. A group called Truth in Politics produced the spot and spokesperson Jay Connaughton says the ads are still running and they stand by their message…

Cut 15 (08) “…intimidate us”

Connaughton says the Edwards re-election campaign hired Hillary Clinton’s lawyers and threatened legal action if the spot wasn’t removed from the airwaves. He says they made a slight change to the ad, but the context remains the same…

Cut 16  (10) “the most” 

Holl says Edwards took office with a massive budget deficit and now that the state finances are in better shape, the goal is to give teachers a pay raise this year and if re-elected, increase funding for early childhood education…

 cut 17 (11)   “second term” 

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Spring football begins today for the LSU Tigers. Steve Ensminer returns as the offensive coordinator and he has another year to work with starting quarterback Joe Burrow. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says with former Saints assistant Joe Brady added to the LSU coaching staff, expect to see more run-pass option out of Burrow…

Cut 18 (18)  of Burrow” 

LSU’s leading rusher last season, Nick Brossette, has moved on, so the Tigers will look to fill the void he leaves behind. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is the team’s returning leading rusher, but Nunez says an incoming freshman who will arrive in the summer, John Emery, might be the Tigers top back next season…

Cut 19 (13)   “…recruited him”

The nation’s number one recruit, Derek Stingley Junior, is one of four incoming freshman that will practice with the Tigers during Spring Football. Nunez says Stingley is the one biggest storylines heading into the 2019 season…

Cut 20 (11) “…talent level”