AM Newscall January 1,2016

Will 2016 result in a rise in oil prices? Don Molino spoke with an analyst…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Don Molino”

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With a new year, a handful of laws go into effect. Jeff Palermo has more…

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Saturday’s estimated Powerball jackpot climbs to an amazing $334 million with a cash value of $205 million. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says this jackpot has been growing since November 4th. She says it’s been a while since we’ve seen a Powerball jackpot at this level…

Cut 3 (10) “at that time”

She says this is the largest Powerball jackpot since February’s $564 million jackpot. Chopin says when jackpots rise, more and more people play Powerball…

cut 4  (09)  “play responsibly”

She reminds new and regular Powerball players that it only takes one ticket to win, so play responsibly. The deadline to purchase tickets for the next drawing is Saturday at 9PM. Chopin says you shouldn’t be too quick toss your ticket if you don’t hit the jackpot…

Cut 5  (05)  “winning numbers”

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US oil prices fell 30-percent in 2015, so what could we expect in 2016? David Dismukes is the executive director at LSU’s Center for Energy Studies and he says there needs to be an increase in demand for oil for prices to go back up, but he doesn’t see that happening anytime soon

Cut 6 (10)  “rebound in 16”

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, a barrel of oil is going for 37-dollars a far cry from 2014 when oil was trading for 100-dollars a barrel. There’s a concen oil prices could approach 20-dollars in 2016, but Dismukes if it does reach that level, it won’t last long…

CUT 7 (10)  “for awhile”

The motoring public enjoys the low oil prices, because it’s led to the lowest gas prices in nearly seven years. But companies in the oil industry have been forced to layoff thousands. Dismukes says we might not see as many job losses in 2016…

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The Smoking Cessation Trust is offering tips to Louisiana smokers to help them quit in 2016. Spokesperson Jim Pittman says any resident that started smoking before September 1, 1988 is eligible for free programs and services, including cessation medication, nicotine replacement therapy, and counseling. He says there are also several other recommendations for those who want to quit.

Cut 9 (09)  “about you”

Pittman suggests removing all cigarette related things from your home, car or work and make sure you wash anything that smells like cigarettes. He says to plan for challenges when you’re trying to quit because you’re going to have cravings.

Cut 10 (08) “like that” 

Pittman advises smokers to chat with their doctor about nicotine replacement therapy or a prescription medication to stop. He says feel free to contact the Smoking Cessation Trust to get more information and to see if you qualify for free treatment.

cut 11 (11) “6346”

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Because of high river levels on the Mississippi River, the US Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to possibly open the Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish next weekend. Corps spokesperson Ricky Boyett says they are closely monitoring crest projections

Cut 12 (09) “we’ll move forward”

2011 was the last time the flood control structure was opened.  Boyett says when the Bonnet Carre is opened, it helps to prevent a rising Mississippi River from spilling over its banks, causing damage to homes and businesses…

Cut 13 (05)  “certain rate”

Mississippi River flooding in the Midwest is resulting in numerous homes and businesses taking flood waters. Boyett says if they open the Bonnet Carre, it takes the pressure off Louisiana’s levee system and allows to flow out of harm’s way…

Cut 14 (06) “Lake Ponchatrain”

13:30 Newscast December 31, 2015

One of the top news stories in the state this year happened at the state capitol where a huge budget shortfall dominated the discussion. On two separate occasions, students from public colleges protested on the steps of the capitol over proposed cuts in state funding to higher education…

cut 5 (11) “cheers”

The state’s budget problems will also be a big story in 2016.

It’s New Year’s Eve and State Police is urging motorists not to drink and drive. Sgt. Nick Manale says State Police will be out in full force with DWI checkpoints, as well as, proactive patrols looking to get drunk drivers off the road. He says if you suspect an impaired driver, notify L-S-P…

cut 11 (09) “that vehicle”

Manale says, if you’re going to drink, make sure you have a plan in place to get home safely.

There seems to be a spike in hoverboard injuries during the holiday season. Jeff Palermo reports…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Today is Burl Cain’s final day as warden at Angola State Penitentiary. Cain tendered his resignation after The Advocate newspaper published articles questioning whether his real estate deals with relatives and friends of inmates violated Department of Corrections rules. Cain has gained world-wide recognition for his efforts in reforming the prison and is the longest serving warden in Angola history.

12:30 Newscast December 31, 2015

One of the state’s top stories in 2015 is that Louisiana led the country in law enforcement officers killed while in the line of duty. Five were fatally shot, including State Trooper Steven Vincent. State Police Colonel Mike Edmonson says Vincent attempted to help a stranded motorist near Lake Charles, when he was fatally shot…

cut 4 (07) “celebrate his life”

Kevin Daigle faces a first degree murder charge in Vincent’s death.

State Police is reminding everyone ringing in the New Year with alcohol, not to drink and drive. Sgt. Nick Manale says to make sure you have a plan in place to get home safely before you start drinking, because once alcohol enters the body, your judgement becomes impaired…

cut 10 (10) “ride home”

Manale says State Police will be out in full force tonight.

There seems to be a spike in hoverboard injuries during this holiday season. New Orleans Orthopedic Surgeon Russell Russo says he’s seen up to 10 injuries from hoverboard accidents in the past couple of weeks, compared to 6 in the last four months. Russo says most hoverboard injuries occur when people try to dismount the device…

cut 8 (09) “coming from”

The hoverboard is one of the most popular gifts this holiday season.

No winning jackpot tickets were sold for last night’s $300 million Powerball drawing. Saturday’s estimated jackpot climbs to $334 million with a cash value of $205 million. The deadline to purchase tickets for the next drawing is Saturday at 9PM.

11:30 Newscast December 31, 2015

2015 was filled with big stories in Louisiana. In July, the bayou state was in the national headlines when John Russell Houser opened fire inside a Lafayette movie theater, killing two people, injuring nine others and then turning the gun on himself. Here’s one man who survived the attack…

cut 3 (06) “right at people”

Also in 2015, Louisiana led the country in law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

One of the most popular gifts this holiday season is the hoverboard. But it seems that as soon as people unwrapped their hoverboard, it started sending them to the hospital. Dr. Russell Russo, a New Orleans Orthopedic Surgeon, says he has seen a spike in hoverboard injuries in the past few weeks…

cut 7 (10) “hoverboard injuries”

Russo feels the problem with hoverboards is that people jump on them and assume they’re just going to learn to ride with no issues.

University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley resigns from her post today. Woodley says one of the things she’s most proud of is working with partners to flip the narrative about higher education in the legislature where it’s no longer viewed as an expense but an investment…

cut 4 (09) “in Louisiana”

Woodley says she will look back on her three years as UL System President with fondness. Former Louisiana Tech President Dan Reneau will serve as interim system president until a permanent replacement is found.

Governor Bobby Jindal held a Unified Command Group meeting to discuss response efforts to imminent flooding threats on the Mississippi and Red Rivers. Heavy rainfall over the past several weeks has raised concerns over the rising water levels in both rivers. Governor-elect John Bel Edwards was present to ensure his administration would be up to date in case flooding conditions persist after he’s sworn in on January 11th.

10:30 Newscast December 31, 2015

52-year-old Jeffery Ducote Sr. of Boyce is in jail on a three-million dollar bond after he allegedly held a gun to a woman’s head and repeatedly raped her inside her home. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Tommy Carnline says after the sexual assault, the victim fled her home and told authorities what happened to her…

cut 15 (11) “that time”

Ducote faces four counts of first-degree rape among other charges.

New Year’s Eve means many across the state will ring in the new year by shooting off fireworks in celebration. Deputy Chief with the State Fire Marshal’s office, Brent Thompson, has some tips to stay safe tonight….

cut 7 (08) “your hand”

Thompson says to exercise extreme caution when handling fireworks.

It’s the second straight year LSU will have to find a new defensive coordinator as Kevin Steele has left Baton Rouge to become the new defensive coordinator at Auburn. Head coach Les Miles has the option to promote defensive line coach Ed Orgeron, but football analyst Mike Detillier doesn’t see that happening…

cut 12 (05) “the family”

Detillier believes Miles will go back to the list of candidates he used last year which included Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, Georgia Tech’s Ted Roof, Penn State’s Bob Shoop, and Oklahoma’s Mike Stoops.

Louisiana Tech offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tony Peterson is leaving the program to take the same position at East Carolina University. Peterson leaves the Bulldogs after three seasons and led the Tech offense in two consecutive bowl victories. Tech has announced that former Bulldog and NFL quarterback Tim Rattay will move from outside receivers coach to replace Peterson as quarterbacks coach. No word, as of yet, on who will be named the new offensive coordinator.

09:30 Newscast December 31, 2015

Today is University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley’s last day on the job. Don Molino reports…

cut 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

Today is the final day Burl Cain will serve as warden at Angola State Penitentiary. Cain put in his resignation after The Advocate newspaper published articles questioning whether his real estate deals with relatives and friends of inmates violated Department of Corrections rules. Cain is the longest serving warden in Angola history and has gained world-wide recognition for his efforts in reforming the prison.

It’s New Year’s Eve and many across Louisiana will ring in the new year by shooting off fireworks in celebration. Deputy Chief with the State Fire Marshal’s office, Brent Thompson, says you should only purchase fireworks from a licensed distributor, never online. He also advises people to never experiment with homemade fireworks…

cut 9 (05) “in jail”

Thompson says to exercise extreme caution when handling fireworks and never give fireworks to children.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says 52-year-old Jeffery Ducote Sr of Boyce man is in jail on a three-million dollar bond after he allegedly held a gun to a woman’s head and repeatedly raped her in her home. Lt. Tommy Carnline says evidence found in the home helped detectives develop Ducote as a suspect…

cut 14 (06) “so quickly”

Carnline says Ducote told his victim that he was looking for a person who used to live there. Ducote faces multiple charges including four counts of first-degree rape.

08:30 Newscast December 31, 2015

After announcing her resignation last month, today is University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley’s last day on the job. Woodley says she will look back on her time as UL System President with fondness. As far as her future plans go, Woodley is remaining mum on that…

cut 6 (08) “will be”

Until a permanent replacement is found, former Louisiana Tech President Dan Reneau will serve as interim system president.

After just one season, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele has left the LSU football team to accept the same position at Auburn. The list of candidates LSU used last year to hire Steele recently became public and football analyst Mike Detillier believes head coach Les Miles will go back to that list to replace him…

cut 11 (11) “at LSU”

The list includes Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda and Oklahoma’s Mike Stoops.

52-year-old Boyce man is in jail on a three-million dollar bond after he allegedly held a gun to a woman’s head and repeatedly raped her. Lt. Tommy Carnline, with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office, says Jeffery Ducote Sr knocked on the door at the victim’s home, held a brief conversation with the woman, and then brandished a handgun to get inside…

cut 13 (09) “terrible act”

Ducote faces four counts of first-degree rape plus other charges.

Fireworks will light the night sky tonight in celebration of New Year’s Eve. Deputy Chief Fire Marshall Brent Thompson urges you to exercise extreme caution when handling fireworks. He says to never give children fireworks, even if you think they are small and harmless…

cut 8 (07) “millisecond”

Thompson says make sure to only purchase fireworks from a licensed distributor, never online.

07:30 Newscast December 31, 2015

The drop in oil prices continues to lead to job losses in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Baton Rouge Police has arrested a woman accused of fatally shooting her boyfriend Wednesday. When officers responded to a call about a shooting, they found 23-year-old Reginald Lee suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities arrested 23-year-old Jalisa Wilson on a charge of second degree murder. Police have not released a motive for the shooting.

University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley steps down from her position today. Woodley feels she’s made a difference in higher education during her three years as UL System President…

cut 5 (09) “retention rates”

She will stay on in an advisory capacity until March 15th.

LSU has to find a new defensive coordinator. After guiding the Tigers defense for one season, Kevin Steele has left Baton Rouge to become the new defensive coordinator at Auburn. Football analyst Mike Detillier is shocked another SEC school would be interested in Steele after LSU’s defense took a step back from what it was under previous defensive coordinator John Chavis…

cut 10 (10) “in the season”

It’s the second straight year LSU will have to find a new defensive coordinator.

06:45 Sportscast December 31, 2015

After just one season, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele has left the LSU football team to accept the same position at Auburn. The list of candidates LSU used last year to hire Steele recently became public and football analyst Mike Detillier believes head coach Les Miles will go back to that list to replace him…

cut 11 (11) “at LSU”

Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, Georgia Tech’s Ted Roof, Penn State’s Bob Shoop, and Oklahoma’s Mike Stoops are some of the individuals Miles spoke with last year.

In college basketball action Wednesday, Jackson State belted Southeastern Louisiana 89-66. The Lions’ Zay Jackson led all scorers with 23. Southeastern has now lost five straight and are winless on the road this season. The Lions begin Southland Conference play Saturday at home against Stephen F. Austin.

The Saints final regular season game is this Sunday as the Black and Gold visit Atlanta. New Orleans will look to end the season on a two-game winning streak, but that won’t be good enough to avoid a second straight losing season. Quarterback Drew Brees says despite missing the playoffs again, he feels good about the future because of the character and leadership that’s on the team…

cut 16 (15) “move forward”

Doug Atkins, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and a member of that very first Saints team, has passed away at the age of 85. Atkins died of natural causes. The six-foot-eight defensive lineman played for the Black and Gold from 1967-69.

Tonight, the Pelicans host the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers will be without Blake Griffin who injured his left quad on Christmas Day. Although they’ve lost two of their last three, the Pels are riding a season high three game home winning streak.

06:30 Newscast December 31, 2015

Tonight is New Year’s Eve and thousands of people will be shooting off fireworks in celebration. Deputy Chief Fire Marshall Brent Thompson has some tips to stay safe tonight if you plan on using fireworks.

cut 7 (08) “your hand”

Thompson says it’s always safest to view a large public fireworks display.

Today is University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley’s last day on the job. Woodley announced her resignation last month. She says one of the things she’s most proud of is working with partners to flip the narrative about higher education in the legislature where it’s no longer viewed as an expense but an investment…

cut 4 (09) “in Louisiana”

Former Louisiana Tech President Dan Reneau will serve as interim system president until a permanent replacement is found.

LSU is searching for a new defensive coordinator after Kevin Steele leaves the Tigers to become the new D-C at Auburn. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”