Louisiana is one of only 10 states to lose population last year according to Census Bureau estimates. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

New Orleans Police say a man who walked into a packed Gentilly Walmart with a gun fatally shooting an employee and injuring another person has been arrested. It’s unclear if the shooter targeted the victim. Police say the second victim was shot in the foot and is in stable condition.

Kids are back in school and state health officials are concerned about another increase in flu cases. Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Doctor Alex Billioux says in late fall there was a spike in flu cases caused by a B strain. He says now we are seeing the A strain make the rounds and that’s more adaptive and mutates more frequently…
cut 11 (09) “….season

U-S News and World Report ranks the Mediterranean diet as the best for 2020. Coming in second is the DASH Diet, which researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center helped develop. Chief of dietary assessment Catherine Champagne says the ranking was very close…
cut 15 (11) “….of being healthy”
Champagne says both diets emphasize eating fruits and vegetables.

Louisiana is one of only 10 states to lose population last year according to Census Bureau estimates. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Could Louisiana be heading towards another peak in the flu season? Matt Doyle asked the Office of Public Health about the growing concerns…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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US News and World Report ranks the DASH Diet, which was formulated by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, as one of the top popular diets of 2020. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “… I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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With events the size of the CFP Championship Game happening in the state comes the opportunity for fraudulent tickets to end up in fans’ hands.  Attorney General Jeff Landry warns to be on the lookout for red flags if you are hoping to cheer on LSU at the Superdome this Monday.

Cut 4 (10) “…reputable ticket brokers.”

Landry adds if the seller is a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers that is usually a good sign they are a legit source for tickets.

Landry says there will be no print-at-home PDF tickets that will be considered valid at the entry of the game.

Cut 5 (10) “…Apple or Android.”

Landry says if you have already purchased tickets and want to verify authenticity, you can do so by contacting the College Football Playoff ticket office.

Cut 6 (09) “…consumer protection hotline.”

Landry suggests using methods of payment that come with protections.  Debit cards, wire transfers, and cash are all extremely risky.

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Louisiana’s population declined by nearly 11,000 residents from 2018 to 2019 according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

26,000 people moved out of Louisiana to another state last year, the 6^th highest number in the nation despite Louisiana’s relatively small total population. Demographer Greg Rigamer says blame the local economy…

Cut 7 (07) “…of that.”

Texas was the biggest recipient of Louisiana’s ex-pats and led the nation in total population growth at 367,000 new residents.

Rigamer says a lack of good-paying jobs is the number one factor driving people out of the state. He notes the median household income is only just above 46,000 dollars…

Cut 8 (11) “…difference.”

The national median household income sits at 63,000 dollars.

Despite several years in a row of population decline, Rigamer does not expect the state to lose a congressional seat in the 2020 census like it did in the 2010 census.

Cut 9 (07) “…we have”

With 2019 in the books, the Brookings Institute estimates the 2010s may have been the slowest population growth decade in American history at just 7.1%.

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There’s concerns Louisiana could be heading for a second peak in the flu season sometime in late January/early February as cases continue to climb.

Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux says if we do get hit with another peak, it’ll likely be because a new strain of flu is beginning to pick up steam in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (09) “…peak”

Whether we ever even left the first peak that began in late fall of 2019 is unknown, due to a lack of data resulting from a ransomware attack on state computers.

Flu A is more adaptive and mutates more frequently than Flu B, but science aside Billioux says the most important thing is…

Cut 11 (09) “…season”

The CDC estimates 6.4 to 9.1 million people have gotten sick with the flu this year, resulting in 2,900 to 7,200 deaths.

Billioux says we still have a long ways to go in this flu season, which is shaping up to be abnormally long, and highly active…

Cut 12 (11) peak” 

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The DASH diet has been ranked as one of the top popular diets by US News and World Report.  The diet was developed by researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center.  Chief of dietary assessment Catherine Champagne says the diet puts more focus on plant-based foods.

Cut 13 (07) “…fruits and vegetables.” (2x)

Champagne says the diet calls for people to eat more greens and berries.  The diet has more of a positive impact than just dropping a few pounds.

Cut 14 (11) “…your cardiovascular risk.”

The DASH diet ranked only behind the Mediterranean diet.  Champagne says the ranking was very close.

Cut 15 (11) “…of being healthy.”

The Keto Diet ranked last of the 35 diets listed.

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The Saints are still licking their wounds after a tough loss to the Vikings ended an incredibly promising season prematurely.

The players and fans will be stewing on the 26-20 overtime defeat to the Vikings for months, but linebacker AJ Klein says there’s a reason why the team’s been a contender for three years in a row…

Cut 16  (12)  …locker room” 

This year’s loss wasn’t due to a miracle, or a theft, the team just got outplayed. All-Pro linebacker Demario Davis says that’s the kind of loss you can learn from.

Cut 17  (18) “rebuild” 

The team still has a lot of talent signed for the 2020 season, but rumors are beginning to emerge that that talent may not feature 41-year-old QB Drew Brees, who is out of contract, and may retire. Tackle Terron Armstead can’t imagine it…

cut 18  (16) without him”  

The GOP spent 34 million on the recent governor’s race, but were topped by Democrats who spent a whopping 39 million between the Edwards campaign, and pro-Edwards super PACs.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the party knew how important it was…

Cut 4 (09) “…race”

The combined 73 million spent was a record for a Louisiana election.

Louisiana Health Secretary Doctor Rebekah Gee is resigning effective January 31st. Gee received criticism from GOP lawmakers, including US Senator John Kennedy, who called for her firing last year on the heels of an audit that showed the state misspent 85-million dollars on ineligible Medicaid recipients. Parks Senator Fred Mills says the secretary wasn’t afraid to correct those issues

Cut 13 (07) “…those problems”

Two horses are dead following Saturday’s opening day at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs racetrack in Bossier City.  Both horses fell on the track and had to be euthanized.  Animal Wellness Action Executive Director Marty Irby says deaths of this nature will not end until federal lawmakers pass the Horseracing Integrity Act which would end doping and provide greater safety for horses.  Irby says it is vital to flag the deaths because no member of the Louisiana Congressional delegation has come forward in support of the bill yet.

Cut 11 (11) “…of this month.”

Harrah’s says they were deeply saddened, adding they will continue to work to ensure the health and safety of horses.

Mortgage rates are expected to remain low in 2020 with the national average mortgage rate currently at 3.86 percent and dropping. Bankrate.com chief financial analyst Greg McBride says we could see rates stay below four percent, a critical threshold.

Cut 8 (09) “…candidates to refinance.”

Louisiana health secretary Doctor Rebekah Gee has submitted her resignation effective January 31st. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A record-setting 73 million dollars was spent in the recent Governor’s race based on campaign finance reports filed with the Louisiana Board of Ethics. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the national GOP saw a chance to pick off a Dem in a deep red state…

Cut 3 (08) “been there”

Two horses are dead following Saturday’s opening day at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs racetrack in Bossier City.  Both horses fell on the track and had to be euthanized.  Animal Wellness Action Executive Director Marty Irby says deaths of this nature will not end until federal lawmakers pass the Horseracing Integrity Act which would end doping and provide greater safety for horses.  Irby says he’s been in talks with Senator John Kennedy about the issue.

Cut 10 (12) “…from the tracks.”

Harrah’s says they were deeply saddened, adding they will continue to work to ensure the health and safety of horses.

Mortgage rates are expected to remain low in 2020 with rates that may peak around 4.25 percent.  Bankrate.com chief financial analyst Greg McBride says the current rate is teetering around 4% and expects the economic factors to be conducive to homeownership and mortgage refinancing.

Cut 6 (11) “…the 4% mark.”

Democrats and Republicans combined to spend 73 million dollars in the 2019 Governor’s race…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Louisiana health secretary Doctor Rebekah Gee has submitted her resignation effective January 31st. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A record-setting 73 million dollars was spent in the 2019 Governor’s race based on campaign finance reports filed with the Louisiana Board of Ethics.

The Advocate reports 34 million of that came courtesy of Republican candidates and their allies. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the national party saw an opportunity to pick off a Dem in a deep red state…

Cut 3 (08) “been there”

Those GOP numbers come after adding up Eddie Rispone and Congressman Abraham’s campaign spending with Republican Governor’s Association funds, and pro-GOP super PACs.

Democrats accounted for nearly 39 million, mostly through the Edwards campaign and pro-Edwards Gumbo Pac, with some assistance from the national party. Pinsonat says the party knew how important it was…

Cut 4 (09) “…race”

The only statewide race on the ballot this year is Bill Cassidy’s Senate seat. Pinsonat says don’t expect to see these kinds of fireworks on display for that competition.

Cut 5 (10) “…him”

The numbers were derived from campaign finance reports available at the Louisiana Board of Ethic’s website.

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Mortgage rates are expected to remain low in 2020 with rates that may peak around 4.25 percent.  Bankrate.com chief financial analyst Greg McBride says the current rate is teetering around 4% and expects the economic factors to be conducive to homeownership and mortgage refinancing.

Cut 6 (11) “…the 4% mark.”

McBride says that there are still hurdles to be cleared for prospective homebuyers to make a purchase.

Cut 7 (10) “…entry-level price points..”

The national average mortgage rate is currently at 3.86 percent and dropping, staying below the 4% mark which McBride says is a critical threshold for refinancing.

Cut 8 (09) “…candidates to refinance.”

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Two horses are dead following Saturday’s opening day at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs racetrack in Bossier City.  Both horses fell on the track and had to be euthanized.  Animal Wellness Action Executive Director Marty Irby says many similar deaths are attributed to doping leading to dehydration and brittle bones.

Cut 9 (11) “…results come back.”

Irby says deaths of this nature will not end until federal lawmakers pass the Horseracing Integrity Act which would end doping and provide greater safety for horses.  Irby says he’s been in talks with Senator John Kennedy about the issue.

Cut 10 (12) “…from the tracks.”

Irby says it is vital to flag the deaths because no member of the Louisiana Congressional delegation has come forward in support of the bill yet.

Cut 11 (11) “…of this month.”

Harrah’s released a statement saying they were deeply saddened by the racehorse deaths adding they will continue to work with the Louisiana Racing Commission and veterinary staff to ensure the health and safety of horses.

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Louisiana Health Secretary Doctor Rebekah Gee is resigning effective January 31st. Governor Edwards says Gee was on the front lines of Medicaid expansion which brought health care to more than 460-thousand adults. Parks Senator Fred Mills worked closely with Gee as chairman of the Senate Health Committee

Cut 12 (09) “…rural areas” 

Gee received criticism from Republican lawmakers, including US Senator John Kennedy who called for her firing last year on the heels of an audit that showed the state misspent 85-million dollars on ineligible Medicaid recipients. Mills says the secretary wasn’t afraid to correct those issues

Cut 13 (07) “…those problems”

Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow was one of Doctor Gee’s biggest supporters in the state legislature…

Cut 14 (12) “…ever intentional”

Gee also led efforts to reform drug pricing, which led to affordable hepatitis C medications. The governor’s office also says the state’s S-T-D ranking declined and there’s been a 32-percent drop in severe health consequences for new moms.

Louisiana Health Secretary Rebekah Gee announces her resignation effective January 31st. Republicans applaud the announcement, while Democrats say Gee improved health outcomes for thousands of Louisiana residents. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow…
cut 14 (12) “….ever intentional”
The Louisiana Republican Party says Gee mismanaged the Medicaid program spending millions of dollars on ineligible Medicaid patients.

Bankrate-dot-com says 2020 is a good year to refinance your mortgage with rates below four percent. Chief financial analyst Greg McBride says for those looking to buy a new home, there are some hurdles…
cut 7(10) “….entry-level price points”

Democrats and Republicans combined to spend 73 million dollars in the 2019 Governor’s race…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Borden Dairy company can use some cash as it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The filing also covers the Borden Dairy Company of Louisiana which operates a milk processing plant in Lafayette. There are an estimated 220 people who work for Borden and a company spokesperson says there are no plans for plant closures or personnel implications.

Louisiana Health Secretary Doctor Rebekah Gee is resigning effective January 31st. Governor Edwards says Gee was on the front lines of Medicaid expansion which brought health care to more than 460-thousand adults. Parks Senator Fred Mills worked closely with Gee as chairman of the Senate Health Committee

Cut 12 (09) “…rural areas” 

Gee was a frequent recipient of GOP criticism over Medicaid spending.

Candidates and PACs combined to spend a record 73 million dollars in the 2019 governor’s race, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says don’t expect to see those kinds of numbers for the only statewide race of 2020, a Senate seat held by Bill Cassidy…

Cut 5 (10) “…him”

Democrats accounted for 39 million of the spending, Republicans dropped 34 million.

Two horses are dead following Saturday’s opening day at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs racetrack in Bossier City.  Both horses fell on the track and had to be euthanized.  Animal Wellness Action Executive Director Marty Irby says many similar deaths are attributed to doping leading to dehydration and brittle bones.

Cut 9 (11) “…results come back.”

Irby says deaths of this nature will not end until federal lawmakers pass the Horseracing Integrity Act.

Mortgage rates are expected to remain low in 2020 with the national average mortgage rate currently at 3.86 percent and dropping. Bankrate.com chief financial analyst Greg McBride says we could see rates stay below four percent, a critical threshold.

Cut 8 (09) “…candidates to refinance.”

Experts guess the peak mortgage rates in 2020 will hit 4.25 percent.

Republicans spent 34 million on the 2019 governor’s race, but were topped by Democrats who spent a whopping 39 million between the Edwards campaign, and pro-Edwards super PACs.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the party knew how important it was…

Cut 4 (09) “…race”

The combined 73 million spent was a record for a Louisiana election.

Mortgage rates are expected to remain low in 2020 with rates that may peak around 4.25 percent.  Bankrate.com chief financial analyst Greg McBride says the current rate is teetering around 4% and expects the economic factors to be conducive to homeownership and mortgage refinancing.

Cut 6 (11) “…the 4% mark.”

The national average mortgage rate is currently at 3.86 percent and dropping.

Saints QB Drew Brees had a rough game in the team’s 26-20 playoff loss to the Vikings yesterday. He only threw for 208 yards, but had two costly turnovers, one being a 4^th quarter fumble that may have cost the Black and Gold the game. Brees will turn 41-years-old this month but did not want to speculate on his playing future during his postgame press conference. But expressed optimism about the Saints future…

Cut 15 (15) “…free agency”

A big weekend of national championship game events kicks-off  Saturday with a fan fest at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans and musical acts performing at Woldenberg Park. New Orleans host committee executive director Jeff Hundley says fans can also participate in media day at Xavier University on Saturday

Cut 10 (11) “…been held”