Author Archives: LRN News

01.04.17
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18:30 Newscast Jan 4

Auto jobs are coming to Shreveport as Glovis America announced plans to invest one million dollars to transform the former General Motors plant into a new inland distribution center. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says this is great news for Shreveport workers.

Cut 13 (10) “operation there”

A hiring date has not been set.

Drew Brees is getting into the donut business, as the Saints quarterback has partnered with Dunkin’ Donuts to open nearly 70 new locations in Louisiana. Marketing manager with Dunkin’ Donuts in Louisiana, Erin Sheeran, says fans can expect to see the QB in the stores.

Cut 10 (09) “in the stores”

Locations in Chalmette, Kenner, and Gonzales are expected to open this year.

Water systems around the state are increasing fees this month to help with an uptick in inspections. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

According to the National Weather Service, at least 8 tornadoes hit Louisiana Monday. The twisters damaged parts of Avoyelles, Beauregard, Evangeline, Rapides, and Tangipahoa parishes. The most powerful storm touched down in Beauregard Parish, with winds reaching 110 mph. Ten to 25 homes were damaged.

01.04.17
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14:30 Newscast Dec 4

Gas prices are once again on the rise, and GasBuddy predicts this year we will see the highest gas prices in three years. Senior petroleum analyst Gregg Laskoski says drivers can still save money at the pump. He advises people to look for the best deals because prices vary even in the same city.

Cut 5 (10) “own market”

Drew Brees is getting into the donut business, as the Saints quarterback has partnered with Dunkin’ Donuts to open nearly 70 new locations in Louisiana. Marketing manager with Dunkin’ Donuts in Louisiana, Erin Sheeran, says fans can expect to see the QB in the stores.

Cut 10 (09) “in the stores”

Locations in Chalmette, Kenner, and Gonzales are expected to open this year.

Louisianans will pay 75-cents more a month for water beginning this month. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says this fee is necessary to because they want to ramp up testing on drinking water.

Cut 7 (09) “eating amoeba”

Guidry says the legislature approved the fee increase last year.

GLOVIS America announces it will open a new inland distribution center for imported vehicles in Shreveport. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the center will be located in the old General Motors plan, which has been vacant since 2012. He says it’s great to have autoworkers back at the facility.

Cut 14 (11) “be met”

A hiring date has not been set, but he says the average salary is expected to be around $32-thouasnd.

01.04.17
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13:30 Newscast January 4,2017

Prices are once again going up at the pump, and GasBuddy forecasts the highest prices in three years for 2017. Don Molino has more…
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

The National Weather Service says at least eight tornadoes touched down in Louisiana on Monday. An EF-1 hit in Beauregard Parish with wind speeds topping out at 110 miles per hour. Powerlines were down and between 10 to 25 homes were damaged. 70 buildings were affected in Bukie as there were four tornadoes between Alexandria and Marksville.

 

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is joining the Dunkin’ Donuts team to open up 69 new donut shops in the state. Marketing manager with Dunkin’ Donuts in Louisiana, Erin Sheeran, says currently, the Bayou State has 5 locations in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. She expects Brees will be hands on when it comes to expanding the brand.
Cut 9 (09) “the business:

Sheeran says a few stores are set to open this year in Gonzales, Chalmette, and Kenner.

GLOVIS America announces a new inland distribution center for imported vehicles will be located in the old General Motors plant in Shreveport. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says Kia and Hyundai vehicles coming from other countries will receive equipment and exterior upgrades at the facility.
cut 12 (09) “of things”

01.03.17
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LRN AM NEWSCALL JAN 4

Healthcare and immigration are expected to be big issues for Louisiana’s congressional delegation in the 115th US Congress. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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While December sees the most engagements of the year, psychologists say more couples get divorced in January than any other month. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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Another cold snap is heading our way and it has a potential to bring us some snow. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana’s congressional delegation is gearing up to tackle some big issues in the 115th United States Congress. Congressman Ralph Abraham was sworn in Monday for his second term representing northeast and central Louisiana. He says a big priority for his district will be creating and protecting jobs in agriculture.

cut 4  (07) “so many people”

Abraham says while national issues like Obamacare and securing the borders will dominate many conversations in Washington, he’s also focused on Louisianans’ concerns. He says an important issue for the Bayou State will be rebuilding energy resources.

Cut 5  (11)  “expound exponentially”

Congressman Mike Johnson took his first congressional oath of office, as the former-state representative now represents the 4th District. Johnson says he’s looking forward to rolling back regulations on businesses.

Cut 6 (11) “free market again”

Johnson says rebuilding and strengthening the military is a key issue. He says bolstering our military bases is important for the nation as a whole, and especially for people in the 4th Congressional District.

CUT 7 (10)  “the state”‘

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The holidays aren’t always the most wonderful time of the year, which is why more couples get divorced in January than any other month of the year. That’s according to New Orleans marriage and family therapist Dr. Eileen Palace, who says the holidays can put added strain on relationships.

Cut 8 (10) “in January”

Palace says people’s expectations of what holidays should be can set them up for disappointment. She says that coupled with lack of sleep and increased alcohol can create problems in a relationship. But she says sometimes there are more serious issues that have been going on for years.

Cut 9 (09)  “old issues”

Palace says people are also dealing with personal issues during the holidays because it can remind them of lost loved ones or their children being grown. She says this can lead to depression in women and irritability in men. She says it’s important to be tolerant of other people’s issues and not take it personally.

Cut 10 (10) “deal with it”

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Another cold snap is coming our way, and state climatologist Barry Keim says it will be the coldest one yet. He says a cold front is moving into the state today, which will drastically cool things off in the Bayou State.

cut 11 (12) “the weekend”

Keim says it will get progressively colder every day until Sunday. He says a storm forming in the Gulf will increase the chance for wintery precipitation in north and central Louisiana on Friday.

cut 12 (11) “central Louisiana”

Keim says it won’t be cold enough for snow in south Louisiana, which means more rain. He says the entire state should keep an eye on this system because things could change quickly.

Cut 13 (09) “the precipitation”

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Workers compensation rates are continuing a downward trajectory in Louisiana, as the Louisiana Department of Insurance announces a statewide rate decrease of nearly 10-percent. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says this is good news for Louisiana businesses because it makes competing for jobs easier.

cut 14 (08) “going forward”

Donelon says rates have seen a cumulative drop of 34-percent over the last 10 years and 50-percent over the last 20 years. He says workplace safety is the biggest reason Louisiana’s workers compensation rates continue to decline.

Cut 15 (11) “26-thousand”

Donelon says not only could this lower rate bring new businesses to Louisiana, it could also help existing companies create more jobs in the Bayou State.

Cut 16 (07) “even cheaper”

01.03.17
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15:30 Newscast January 3,2017

Strong winds laid a path of destruction in Avoyelles Parish. Marksville Fire Chief Jerry Bordelon says Walmart took the brunt of the damange with a semi truck flipping over behind the building.
Cut 3 (11) “buggies.”

Bordelon says it has not been confirmed if a tornado touched down.

Some areas in north and central Louisiana could see ice or snow this week. Patrick Omundson with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says Monroe and Alexandria are expected to see less than an inch of snow. He says right now, models show a 70-percent chance of icy precipitation in Monroe on Friday.
Cut 6 (11) “Friday evening”

 

The second season of, Killing Fields, the cold case series in Iberville Parish, airs tonight on the Discovery Channel. The show follows Detective Rodie Sanchez, who comes out of retirement, along with Detectives Aubrey St. Angelo, Leslie Bradford, and Major Ronnie Hebert. Sheriff Brett Stassi says through the television show, they were able to use forensic tools they typically wouldn’t have access to.
Cut 14 (10) “financial ability”

Episode one begins at 9 p.m.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees is partnering with Dunkin Donuts franchisee Vik Patel to create 69 more donut shops throughout the state. The first new store is expected to open this year. Five stores are currently open in Louisiana. Brees is also involved in the Jimmy John’s Franchise and co-owns Walk-On’s Enterprises.

01.03.17
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11:30 Newscast January 3,2017

Strong winds blew through Avoyelles Parish leaving behind a trail of destruction. Marksville Fire Chief Jerry Bordelon says it hasn’t been confirmed yet if a tornado touched down. He says Walmart saw the most damage, as an 18-wheeler was flipped over behind the building.
Cut 3 (11) “buggies”

No injuries were reported.

Governor John Bel Edwards enters 2017 with a high favorability rating. That’s according to Southern Media and Opinion Research pollster Bernie Pinsonat. But Pinsonat says Edwards faces many challenges that could impact his popularity…
cut 5 (10) “…plummet again”

Pinsonat says there’s the possibility of yet another special session to address a $600 million deficit.

 

Southeastern Louisiana University is asking people to donate their Christmas trees to help prevent coastal erosion. Rob Moreau, manager of SLU’s Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station says when the trees are placed along the shoreline they help to trap sediment and eventually grass starts to grow inside the tree.
Cut 12 (09)

For drop off information, visit southeastern.edu/turtlecove.

The Smoking Cessation Trust is offering tips to help smokers quit for the New Year. CEO Mike Rogers says this is a great resolution for people to push for. He says many smokers who try to quit cold turkey are unsuccessful but they have a great program to help…
Cut 13 (09) “medication”

Visit smokefreela.org for more information.

01.02.17
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AM Newscall January 3,2017

Political analysts say we can look forward to more of the same in Louisiana politics next year. Halen Doughty explains why 2017 is expected to be all about the budget

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Today in Washington D.C, John Kennedy will be sworn into the 115th Congress of the United States as Louisiana’s newest Senator. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Smoking Cessation Trust has some tips for smokers to quit as their New Year’s resolution. Don Molino has more…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Don Molino”

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2016 was certainly an unusual year for Louisiana politics, so what can we expect in 2017? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says next year will be all about the budget. He says we can look forward to another contentious battle over revenue versus spending. He says like last year, we are entering the New Year with a massive budget shortfall.

cut 4  (10) “sales taxes”

Pinsonat says there’s still the possibility of yet another special session next year to address the looming $600 million deficit, which could increase after the Revenue Estimating Conference meets again later this month. He says how Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the budget problems will greatly affect his popularity. He says Edwards is entering the 2017 with a high favorability rating.

Cut 5  (10)  “plummet again”

Pinsonat says we also have to elect a new state treasurer, and even that will be about the budget. He says Senator-elect John Kennedy became popular because of the budget crisis. He adds that one of the outgoing State Treasurer’s slogans during his campaign was that Louisiana has spending problem, not a revenue problem.

Cut 6 (10) “made Kennedy popular”

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Today in Washington D.C, John Kennedy will be sworn into the 115th Congress of the United States as Louisiana’s newest Senator. The former state treasurer says he intends to hit the ground running…:

CUT 7 (10)  “lowering taxes”

Kennedy says he doesn’t think the new Congress and the new president are going to spend a lot of time talking and studying, but that the bills will start moving. He says you can bet a major topic will be how to go about getting rid of Obamacare…:

Cut 8 (09) “sure doesn’t”

Kennedy says he feels the US Senate won’t let the current federal health care system lapse without having something new to take its place. He says one of the biggest things he’s going to try to do for Louisianians is get flood relief here quickly…:

Cut 9 (09)  “still affordable”

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Southeastern Louisiana University is urging people to donate their Christmas trees to help save the state’s coast rather than throwing them in the trash. Rob Moreau, manager of SLU’s Turtle Cover Environmental Research Station, says when you put recycled trees into the marsh it can help the shoreline in many ways…

Cut 10 (08) “landfills”

For more drop off information, visit southeastern.edu/turtlecove. Moreau says they are collecting trees at several places around the Hammond area.

cut 11 (11) “restaurants”

Moreau says when the Christmas trees are placed along with shoreline, the trees help to trap the sediments. He says eventually, grass begins to grow inside of the tree.

cut 12 (09) “it works”

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The Smoking Cessation Trust is offering tips to help smokers quit for the New Year. CEO Mike Rogers says this is a great resolution for people to push for. He says most people who try to quit cold turkey are unsuccessful but they have a great program to help…

Cut 13 (09) “medication”

To qualify for the free program you must be a Louisiana resident who has been smoking before Sept. 1, 1988. Rogers says whether you qualify for the program or not, the first step to take when quitting is to set a date to stop smoking and be optimistic.

cut 14 (09) “to be”

Visit smokefreela.org for more info on the program. Rogers says removing cigarettes and tobacco from your home and car will help you not be tempted to smoke. He also suggests getting your teeth cleaned to get rid of smoking stains and improve your outlook.

Cut 15 (06) “do it”

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Saints Coach Sean Payton refused to address rumors on Monday that he could be coaching elsewhere in 2017. He said it would be silly to add fuel to those reports. Quarterback Drew Brees has said that reports of Payton leaving have been completely made up and said it comes with the territory when you don’t make the playoffs…

Cut 16 (14) “there’s going to be speculation”

Brees is coming off another great season. He threw for over 5,000 yards for a 5th time. He also tossed 37 touchdown passes and completed 70% of his passes. The 37-year-old signed a one-year contract extension prior to the start of 2016 season…

Cut 17 (15)    “at a time”

This is the third consecutive year the Saints have not made it to the playoffs. But Brees believes the right guys are in the locker room to make New Orleans a Super Bowl contender again…

Cut 18 (20) “very near future”

01.02.17
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14:30 Newscast January 2,2017

Southeast Louisiana and the Delta Parishes are under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. with the possibility of damaging winds, lightning and heavy downpours.

The Oklahoma Sooners and Auburn Tigers face off tonight in New Orleans for the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Kick off is at 7:30 central time in the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge participated in a nationwide study that’s made a major breakthrough in leukemia treatment. Halen Doughty has more…
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

 
It’s now 2017 and many people have set a resolution to become fit for the New Year. Director of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Rudy Macklin has some tips to keep up with your resolution because many people stop trying by the time February rolls around.
Cut 3 (07) “to speak.”

He advises people who are older or haven’t been active in a while to start out slow.

Sources say the Los Angeles Rams will ask the Saints to talk with coach Sean Payton about their head coaching vacancy. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier adds the Saints biggest off season money decision needs to be made on Nick Fairly. The denfesive tackle, facing free agency has the season ends, has started in every game in the 2016 season and has recorded 40 total tackles and 5.5 sacks.
Cut 13 (13) “question mark”

01.02.17
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13:30 Newscast January 2,2017

Do you struggle with keeping up with your New Year’s fitness resolutions? Halen Doughty has some tips…
CUT 1 (25) “I’m Halen Doughty”

A tornado watch is in effect until 8 p.m. for southeast Louisiana and the Delta Parishes. This cold front brings in more storms across the state today with the chance of damaging winds, lightning, heavy downpours and the possibility of isolated tornadoes. Forecasters says we should see clear skies tomorrow as the front settles.

 
With the Saints failing to make the playoffs for the third year in a row, can we expect any changes to be made in the off season? NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says he doesn’t see many things that need shaking up on the offense…:
cut 12 (10) “right tackle”

There has been talk that Saints coach Sean Payton may look at leaving New Orleans after another losing season.

With help from Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge, a major breakthrough for leukemia treatments has been reached. Dr. Jay Brooks with Ochsner says they studied how a new pill effects patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He says they tested the side effects of Ibrutinib (IB-roo-tin-ib) because not every patient benefits from chemotherapy.
Cut 6 (11) “take them continuously”

01.02.17
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12:30 Newscast January 2,2017

Southeast Louisiana and the Delta Parishes are under a tornado watch until 8 tonight. The Storm Prediction center has issued enhanced risks for severe weather. Forecasters say the weather will start to settle as this cold front moving across the state calms down and clear skies are expected for tomorrow.

It’s the New Year and many have set new fitness resolutions, but how do you make sure you keep up with them? Director of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Rudy Macklin advises people who are older or haven’t been active in a while to start out slow and get a workout partner for motivation…
Cut 5 (10) “then fine.”

Macklin says a good way to become more active is to do more physical things around the home like mowing the lawn.

 

Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge has helped with a major breakthrough for leukemia treatments. Dr. Jay Brooks with Ochsner says the study looked into the effects of a new pill on patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He says the pill, which is taken once a day, is pricey and patients will have it take it for life.
Cut 8 (10) “our society”

Brooks says some patients benefit more from chemo, while others do better taking this pill.

Kickoff for the Allstate Sugar Bowl is tonight at 7:30 in the Mercedez Benz Superdome as the Auburn Tigers take on the Oklahoma Sooners. Chief Operating Officer for the bowl, Jeff Hundley says both teams have a huge following and they are excited to have two college powerhouses competing tonight in New Orleans.
CUt 11 (09) “to watch.”