LRN PM Newscall December 5

Over the last week, the Louisiana Department of Health has seen a rise in reported flu cases.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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One in four kids in Louisiana live in food insecure homes according to a new study. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”  

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With the holiday season in effect, the state has seen an uptick in flu cases.  This news comes after a horrible flu season last year, with triple the number of hospitalizations and deaths than normal.  Flu Bug expert for Louisiana Department of Health Frank Welch says if you have not received a flu shot yet, you need to.

Cut 3 (10) “…get that flu shot.”

After seeing such a rapid spread of the illness last year, Welch says this year’s swell in cases seems normal.

Cut 4 (09) “…the normal uptick.″

Welch says getting the flu shot only doesn’t guarantee someone won’t get the flu, but if they do get the flu after getting the flu shot, it won’t be so severe.

Cut 5 (10)  “…amount of protection.” 

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The nation is bidding farewell to the 41st President of the United States, George H-W Bush, who had his funeral service today at the Washington National Cathedral in D-C. Bush, who lived most of his adult life in Texas, had a close connection to Louisiana. In 2001, he gave this advice to LSU graduates while delivering a commencement speech…

Cut 6 (12) “…your country”

Laura Bush, before she was the First Lady, was a commencement speaker at LSU in 1992 and former President George W. Bush spoke at LSU’s commencement in May of 2004. When George H-W Bush spoke in 2001 he told the graduates to be bold

Cut 7 (14) “it good”

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A Report from Hunger Free America says Louisiana has the third highest rate of food insecure children in the nation. About 25 percent of kids in the state live in households where their parents do not make enough money, and CEO Joel Berg puts much of the blame on the state’s low minimum wage.

Cut 8 (10) “…enough food”

Arkansas and New Mexico led the list, with neighboring Mississippi coming in at 5th.

Berg says that doesn’t mean the state is a third world country, but it does mean many families are having to make tough choices choose b absolute necessities despite living in such a wealthy country

Cut 9 (12) “much poverty”

The report estimates food insecure homes would need an additional 441 million dollars in purchasing power a year to meet their basic needs.

Minimum wage increases have been passed in a majority of states over the past few years, but Louisiana remains one of the few left that utilize the federal minimum of 7.25 an hour. Berg says addressing that would be a good start towards addressing the state’s chronic poverty…

Cut 10 (08)   “…in Louisiana”

The report noted a significant decrease in food insecurity in states with minimums over 10 dollars an hour. The Governor is backing an 8.50 an hour minimum wage.

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LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva told ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge that despite the great year for the Tigers, it’s not time to talk about a contract extension for Coach Ed Orgeron. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says it’s Alleva’s style to wait after the final game is played

Cut 11 (11) “…of the team”

Orgeron is currently getting paid 3.5 million dollars a year and his current contract does not expire until December 31st, 2021. According to USA Today, Orgeron’s salary is the 37th highest among college football coaches. Moran says he can see Orgeron getting a raise in the offseason

Cut 12 (04)   “…salary.”

Moran says LSU’s 9-3 season to this point was better than expected and that might result in an increase in pay and at least another year added on to his contract…

Cut 13 (11) “…the winter”

12:30 LRN Newscast December 5

The nation is bidding farewell to the 41st President of the United States, George H-W Bush, who had his funeral service today at the Washington National Cathedral in D-C. Bush, who lived most of his adult life in Texas, had a close connection to Louisiana. In 2001, he gave this advice to LSU graduates while delivering a commencement speech…
cut 6 (12) “..your country”
Bush was known for his congenial demeanor and his willing to compromise. Former Louisiana Congressman Henson Moore served as the White House Deputy Chief of Staff during Bush’s final year in office and he says the former president’s bipartianship was one of his best qualities…
cut 12 (12) “…work together”
Bush died Friday at the age of 94.

The state’s flu bug expert for the Louisiana Health Department, Doctor Frank Welch, says we are starting to see an uptick in the number of flu cases. Welch says last year’s flu season went down as one of the worst in recent memory, but this year’s swell in cases seems normal…
cut 4 (09) “….the normal uptick
Welch says with Christmas coming up, he advises residents to get their flu shot.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff deputies say a man wanted for shooting his father in the hip, fatally shot himself during a standoff with authorities near Chopin this morning. Deputies began a manhunt for Joseph Dauzat last night after he reportedly shot his dad at a residence.

11:30 LRN Newscast December 5

Former President George H.W Bush’s funeral is today. His most famous line occurred at the 1988 Republican National Convention at the Superdome when he said, “Read My Lips, No New Taxes.” But LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says two years later, Bush was pressed by Democrats to raise taxes on gas and other items, in exchange Republicans got spending cuts….
cut 9 (11) “…compromise”

State health officials say we are starting to see more reported cases of flu. Doctor Frank Welch monitors flu activity for the Louisiana Department of Health…
cut 3 (10) “…get that flu shot”
Welch says if you are feeling ill, stay home from work or school so you don’t infect others.

The 2019 governor’s race took a turn that blindsided many, when US Senator John Kennedy announced he would not challenge Governor Edwards. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says there’s a reason why the GOP doesn’t have a Plan B candidate.
Cut 4 (10) “…but they will.″
The lone announced challenger is Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, while US Representative Ralph Abraham, state senator Sharon Hewitt and state treasurer John Schroder are potential candidates.

The state fire marshal’s office is mourning the death of Barry, a 10-year-old bomb sniffing dog, who served the Lafayette and Alexandria areas….
cut 14 (07) “…locating explosive devices.
State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Barry died from complications from a surgery to remove a large mass in his stomach.

10:30 LRN Newscast December 5

Today is a national day of mourning as the state funeral for George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States is underway. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…
Cut 7 (11) “…situation.”

Bush was elected in 1988 after a rousing speech at the Republican National Convention in New Orleans. But he was defeated four years later by Bill Clinton. Former Louisiana Congressman Henson Moore served as Bush’s Deputy Chief of Staff in his final year of office and says Clinton and Bush worked to raise tens of millions of dollars to help Louisiana following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita…
cut 11 (11) “…dignity”
Bush served in World War Two, was a Congressman in Texas, led the C-I-A and was Ronald Reagan’s Vice-President.

What actions will the Republican Party take with the Governor’s race now that Senator John Kennedy is staying put in his current position, and at the moment no Plan B candidate? Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson has provided a gift to some 400 WalMart shoppers in New Orleans. Mrs B paid off nearly 100-thousand dollars in gifts that were on layway, which came as a complete shock to those consumers who learned of the nice gesture.

9:30 LRN Newscast December 5

It’s a National Day of Mourning for former President George H-W Bush. Former Baton Rouge Congressman Henson Moore fondly remembers our 41st president…
voicer 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor John Bel Edwards calls President Bush a great friend to the state of Louisiana. As Matt just mentioned, Bush teamed up with Clinton to raise tens of millions of dollars following Katrina and Rita. In 2006, he made a trip to Cameron Parish to present a two-million dollar check to rebuild South Cameron Hospital.

On this National Day of Mourning, many are reflecting on President George H-W Bush’s presidency. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Bush’s presidency will be linked with the collapse of the Soviet Union…
cut 8 (12) “….significant”
In 1991, President Bush signed a treaty that led to a major reduction in US and Soviet nuclear weapons.

Here in Louisiana, there’s still a buzz over US Senator John Kennedy’s decision not to run for governor in 2019. That leaves Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone as the lone announced GOP challenger, but there are several others who are considering a campaign. But political consultant Roy Fletcher says they all face a similar obstacle…
cut 5 (09) “…somebody with nobody’

8:30 LRN Newscast December 5

George H.W. Bush’s funeral is today, with thousands paying homage to the 41st President of the United States. The former Commander in Chief gave his eventful “Read my lips, no new taxes” speech at the GOP convention in New Orleans in 1988. And his former Deputy Chief of Staff, Henson Moore, says Bush held a rally in Baton Rouge right before the election in 1992 when he lost to Bill Clinton.
Cut 10 (10) “…carry it.”
Bush helped Louisiana following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, teaming up with Clinton to raise money. In 2006, Bush traveled to Cameron Parish to present a two-million dollar check to rebuild South Cameron Memorial Hospital.

The funeral service for Bush is set to begin at 10 AM and then his casket will be flown to Texas.

LSU Poli Sci Professor Robert Hogan says today’s national day of mourning is an opportunity to reflect on how the country has changed since President George H.W. Bush was in office…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The state fire marshal’s office is mourning the death of Barry, a 10-year-old bomb sniffing dog, who served the Lafayette and Alexandria areas….
cut 14 (07) “…locating explosive devices.
State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Barry died from complications from a surgery to remove a large mass in his stomach.

7:30 LRN Newscast December 5

Today is a national day of mourning in honor of the passing of George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States who served from 1989-1993. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…
Cut 7 (11) “…situation.”
No mail delivery today, federal offices are closed and so are the financial markets.

Bush was known for his congenial demeanor and his willing to compromise. Former Louisiana Congressman Henson Moore served as the White House Deputy Chief of Staff during Bush’s final year in office and he says the former president’s bipartianship was one of his best qualities…
cut 12 (12) “…work together”
Bush died Friday at the age of 94.

The 2019 governor’s race took a turn that blindsided many, when US Senator John Kennedy announced he would not challenge Governor Edwards. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says there’s a reason why the GOP doesn’t have a Plan B candidate.
Cut 4 (10) “…but they will.″
The lone announced challenger is Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, while US Representative Ralph Abraham, state senator Sharon Hewitt and state treasurer John Schroder are potential candidates.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its K-9 officers. A 10-year-old black lab, named Barry, was with the agency since 2012. Barry came to the State Fire Marshal from the U.S. Marine Corp where he served two tours of duty overseas. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Barry died following a surgery to remove a large mass in his stomach.
Cut 13 (07) “…those surgical complications.”
Barry and his handler Corporal Mitch Trahan were awarded K-9 Team of the Year in 2014.

6:45 LRN Sportscast December 5

LSU’s Devin White becomes the first Fighting Tiger to win the Butkus Award, which goes to college football’s top linebacker. White received the award during a team meeting when the son of the legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus walked into the room and presented White with the trophy. White has 115 total tackles, 12 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles this season

Louisiana Tech defensive end Jaylon Ferguson is one of four finalists for the Ted Hendricks Award, which goes to college football’s top defensive end. Ferguson leads the nation with 15 sacks and needs two sacks to break the all-time NCAA record for career sacks.

Jaylon’s brother, Jazz Ferguson, has announced he’s turning pro. The Northwestern State receiver was named Southland Offensive Player of the Year after setting school records for receiving yards and touchdown catches in a season.

After a little bit of break, the Saints return to the practice field today to get ready for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay. The Bucs are 5-7 and coming off a win over Carolina. They handed New Orleans a loss in the season opener in the Dome. The Bucs could be without DeSean Jackson, he missed last Sunday’s game with a thumb injury.

The Panthers have placed tight end Greg Olsen on injured reserve, ending his 2018 season. Olsen ruptured his right plantar fascia. The Saints still have two games left with Carolina on the schedule.

In college basketball…McNeese led 22nd ranked Mississippi State by three points at halftime last night, but lost 90-77 to the Bulldogs. State went on a 19-0 run early in the second half.

Louisiana Tech beat Priairie View A-and-M 82-68. DaQuan Bracey and Derric Jean combined to score 39 points.

The Pelicans are at Dallas tonight. New Orleans is 26th in the NBA in defense, which is a big reason why they are 12-13 on the season.

6:30 LRN Newscast December 5

Former President George H.W Bush’s funeral is today. His most famous line occurred at the 1988 Republican National Convention at the Superdome when he said, “Read My Lips, No New Taxes.” But LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says two years later, Bush was pressed by Democrats to raise taxes on gas and other items, in exchange Republicans got spending cuts….
cut 9 (11) “…compromise”

The lone Republican announced candidate in next year’s governor’s race, Eddie Rispone, has maintained a low-profile since filing paperwork declaring himself a challenger to John Bel Edwards. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says Rispone, who has deep pockets, needs to introduce himself to voters…
cut 6 (08) “…out there spending”

The State Fire Marshal’s office is mourning the loss of one of its bomb-snifing dogs. Barry, a 10-year-old black Labrador, died following a surgery to remove a large mass in his stomach. State Fire Marshal’s office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says in 2014, Barry along with his handler Corporal Mitch Trahan were recognized as K-9 Team of the Year. Rodrigue says Trahan is heartbroken and emotion over the loss…
cut 15 (12) “….tough for him”

About 400 people have received a Christmas gift from Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson. She spent 100-thousand dollars on items that were on layaway at the WalMat on Tchoupitoulas Street in New Orleans.

16:45 LRN Sportscast December 4

LSU Ticket Manager Brian Broussard says Fiesta Bowl ticket sales through the university have been brisk. He says it might be a long trip to Arizona from Louisiana, but they anticipate a good contingent of LSU fans who live out west will make it to the game…
cut 8 (10) “….bowl game”
It’s the first time ever that the Tigers have played in the Fiesta Bowl.

Northwestern State wide receiver Jazz Ferguson declared for the NFL draft today. Ferguson was the 2018 Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year as he broke four single-season records.

Former Seahawk and Saints cornerback Brandon Browner was sentenced to eight years in prison today on an attempted murder charge. Browner plead no contest after prosecutors say he threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend last July and when she tried to flee, Browner smothered her with a carpet.

The Ragin Cajuns will head to Orlando next week where they’ll play Tulane in the AutoNation Cure Bowl. UL Lafayette Coach Billy Napier says it’s a good reward for his team, who battled hard to win the West Division of the Sun Belt Conference…
Cut 16 (14) show up”
Meanwhile, Green Wave Head Coach Willie Fritz is looking for a new offensive coordinator. Fritz fired offensive coordinator Doug Ruse three days after Tulane beat Navy to become bowl eligible. Fritz says he wants an offense that runs more tempo.

Louisiana Tech’s Amik Robertson, Jaylon Ferguson and O’Shea Dugas were named to the Conference USA first team.

In college hoops…Louisiana Tech hosts Prairie View tonight. The Bulldogs are 5-3 on the season. McNeese, who is 2-and-5 on the year, is at 22nd ranked Mississippi State. And Grambling State hosts Cententary.