AM Newscall February 2

Calvary Baptist Academy is celebrating former head coach Doug Pederson’s trip to the Super Bowl as the Philadelphia Eagles head coach.  Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has raised five million dollars and has a 56 percent approval rating at the moment, Matt Doyle talked to a political analyst about what that means for his reelection chances.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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L-S-P will have new Dodge Chargers on the highway and some of them will be more difficult to detect as State Police vehicles. Jeff Palermo explains…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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One northwest Louisiana private school is rooting hard for Philadelphia in Super Bowl 52 Sunday.  The Eagles’ head coach Doug Pederson was the head coach for Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport between 2005 and 2009, leading them to their first ever district title just two years after taking the helm.  Academy Superintendent Chad McDowell says he’s not surprised that Pederson will be in the biggest stage of the sports world…

Cut 4  (08) “Andy Reid.” 

McDowell says they are letting the students off easy by celebrating Spirit Week and allowing them to wear Eagles jerseys.  He says some students weren’t around when Pederson was at the school, but they still like him…

Cut 5  (07)  “their uniforms.”

There has been quite of bit of media coverage about Pederson being the first Louisiana high school coach directing a team into a Super Bowl.  McDowell says he’s happy to see Pederson’s time at Calvary is one he cherishes…

Cut 6 (08)  “Baptist Academy.”

The Eagles will kick off against the New England Patriots Sunday at 5:30pm on NBC.

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Governor John Bel Edwards has five million dollars in his reelection war chest at the midway point of his term.  The fundraising numbers from his annual campaign finance report, combined with his high favorability ratings, give the governor a strong starting position heading into the 2019 governor’s race. Political Analyst Clancy DuBos says it still might not be enough to get him a second term.

Cut 7 (08)  “perhaps several.”

85 percent of those funds came from Louisiana, but DuBos says the governor will have to ramp up his national fundraising to keep up with his GOP rivals.

Cut 8 (10) “other option.”

According to Morning Consult, Edwards is the nation’s most popular Democratic governor, with a 56 percent approval rating, the exact level of support he received when running against David Vitter. DuBos says polling indicates Edwards is doing a good job of connecting with Louisiana voters.

Cut 9 (11)  “to them “

DuBos says other factors helping the governor’s approval rating are his handling of natural disasters and that most voters blame the Jindal administration for the state’s fiscal woes.

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Starting this month, Louisiana State Police will be adding Dodge Chargers to their fleet with a twist.  Some of the new vehicles will be fully marked, while others will be semi-marked and a few will not be marked at all.  State Police Lt. J.B. Slaton says the new less visible vehicles will allow Troopers to blend in with traffic and stop drivers who are reckless…

Cut 10 (07) “the road.”

State Police have used a uniform logo up to this time.  Slaton says using a “ghost logo” will help them blend in better which hopefully translates to safer driving…

Cut 11 (11) “aggressive drivers.”

State Police realize there will be drivers who think they are trying to camouflage themselves better, especially with the less visible reflective silver lettering and logos and lower profile blue lights instead of traditional overhead light. But Slaton says safe law abiding drivers have nothing to worry about…

Cut 12 (09) “the road.”

The interiors will retain the current safety features and equipment and trooper uniforms will remain the same.

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The iconic Voice of the Saints Jim Henderson is retiring after a storied career calling the most triumphant and heartbreaking moments in Black and Gold history. The announcement came as a shock to many, as the Saints are a team on the rise, full of young talent, but Henderson says that’s exactly why he chose this moment to leave.

Cut 13 (10)  “go out”

Henderson called games, produced original programming, and provided in depth analysis during his thirty year tenure. He says the hectic football season can take a toll on your family.

Cut 14 (12) “of sacrifice”

Henderson fondly remembers his first time in the Saints broadcast booth.

Cut 15 (12) “we go”

Henderson says most of all, he’s looking forward to just being a fan again.

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The LSU Board of Supervisors is expected to approve today new contracts for LSU offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. Ensminger will make much less than his predecessor Matt Canada who collected 1.5 million dollars last season. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Ensminger’s contract is 800-thousand dollars a year…

Cut 16 (05) “would be”   

Ensminger’s contract would be good through March 31, 2020. He was making 325-thousand dollars a year as the school’s tight ends coach. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s annual salary will go up to 2.5 million dollars. Moran says Aranda would not owe the school anything if he takes a head coaching job or any job in the NFL…

Cut 17 (10) “are offered”

And LSU Pitching Coach Alan Dunn will receive a one-year contract extension, but no raise. Moran says Dunn is tied to head coach Paul Mainieri…

Cut 18 (08) “head coach”

 

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18:30 LRN Newscast February 1

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled state corrections officials do not have to prevent the heat index from going above 88 degrees on Angola’s death row. Attorney General Jeff Landry says Louisiana argued on appeal that the inmates do not have a constitutional right to be comfortable in jail:

Cut 9 (10) “really ridiculous”

Shreveport police say they are investigating the discovery of a male body found in a trunk of burned out vehicle.  Corporal Marcus Hines says The Shreveport Fire Department responded to a call and found the 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis on fire last night.  He says due to the severity of the burns, they can’t identify the victim, but will start where they can in solving this homicide…

Cut 14 (09) “the trunk.”

Alabama is making a claim they celebrated the “original Mardi Gras.”  Michelle Southern has a historical perspective…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The long time voice of the Saints has announced his retirement….

cut 30 (15)

Jim Henderson called Saints games for 30 years including the memorable NFC Championship game over the Vikings.

LRN Newscast 17:30 February 1

U-S Senator John Kennedy proposes a way to finance large infrastructure projects like a new Jimmie Davis Bridge in Shreveport, widening I-10 in New Orleans and finishing the Comite River Diversion Canal, a flood control project for the Baton Rouge area. Kennedy says the state can generate 150-million dollars if it leverages noncash securities held by the state’s Unclaimed Property Division…
Cut 6 (11) “win-win”
Governor John Bel Edwards calls it an unrealistic proposal and urges Kennedy to help pass a funding bill that would pay for major projects.

Governor John Bel Edwards filed his annual campaign finance report today showing about $5 million dollars cash on hand at the halfway point of his term. Edwards raised nearly $2.2 million in 2017 and spent about $310,230. His campaign says 85 percent of the contributions came from Louisiana citizens.

CNN anchor Don Lemon’s sister has been identified as the woman who died in an accidental drowning in Denham Springs. Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard says 58-year-old L’tanya Grimes drowned in a neighborhood pond…
cut 13 (10) “…the body”
Foul play is not suspected.

Alabama tourism claims the city of Mobile is “America’s original Mardi Gras.” That’s at least what they are saying in billboards that can be seen in New Orleans and southern Mississippi. Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy disagrees….
cut 4 (11) “….in Alabama”
Hardy says no one should be unduly upset about the claim being made by Alabama. Both have terrific celebrations.

16:45 LRN Sportscast February 1

Saints fans will miss hearing this voice on Sundays…
cut 30 (18) “….Super Bowl
The voice of the Saints for the past 30 years is retiring. Jim Henderson says it was a good time to go out after the team won an NFC South Championship. Henderson says he’ll miss calling games, but looks forward to experiencing Saints football as a fan.

Sources say the Pelicans have acquired Nikola Mirotic from the Chicago Bulls. New Orleans also gets a second round pick and they send Chicago Omer Asik, guards Jameer Nelson and Tony Allen and a first-round pick. Mirotic has averaged 17 points and six rebound after missing the first 23 games because of broken jaw.

Louisiana Tech takes a three-game winning streak into tonight’s game against Florida Atlantic. The Bulldogs are seeking their first win on the road this year. Head Coach Eric Konkol says getting this win would be huge for the teams’ development…
cut 18 (16) “….that goal”
The game tips off at 6 PM.

Also tonight, the Lady Tigers host 17th ranked Georgia. LSU is looking to improve to 6-3 in the SEC. The men fell to 3-6 in league play by losing to Tennessee 84-61 last night. Duop Reath had 21 in a losing effort.

UNO has a firm grip on first place in the Southland after beating Northwestern State 82-64 last night. Southeastern Louisiana lost to Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi 67-54.

4:30PM Newscast February 1

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the state does not have to prevent the heat index from going above 88 degrees on Angola’s death row. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Denham Springs woman, who is the sister of CNN anchor Don Lemon, drowned in a pond.  58-year-old L’tanya Grimes died Wednesday night in the Livingston Trace subdivision. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says someone saw her fishing one minute and then she was gone.

Cut 12 (06) “this time.”

The body has been sent for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Shreveport police say they are investigating the discovery of male body found in a trunk of burned out vehicle.  Corporal Marcus Hines says The Shreveport Fire Department responded to a call and found the 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis on fire last night. Hines says they are hopeful some witnesses will come forward to help them solve this strange case…

Cut 15 (07) “crime scene.”

He says due to the severity of the burns, they can’t identify the victim.

The Alabama state tourism agency has installed ten billboards around New Orleans and south Mississippi, inviting them to celebrate “America’s original Mardi Gras.”  They don’t specifically say Mobile, but mileage distance points in that direction.  Louisiana Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy…

Cut 3 (10) “in 1857.”

He says the country knows where the birthplace of Mardi Gras really is.

15:30 LRN Newscast February 1

Governor Edwards and U-S Senator John Kennedy disagree over a financing plan for big construction projects in Louisiana. Kennedy suggests using unclaimed property dollars to leverage it as an asset in the stock market….
cut 8 (09) “….cash”
But Edwards says it’s an unrealistic proposal.

A federal appeals court rules against a lower court’s decision that said the heat index on death row at Angola can not exceed 88-degrees. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry applauds the decision and says the Constitution does not require prisons to be comfortable, but requires them to be humane….
cut 10 (06) “….Circle K store”
The state has been providing the convicted killers with cold showers, individual fans and unlimited access to ice and water.

Mobile is making a claim they celebrated the “America original Mardi Gras.” Michelle Southern has a historical perspective…
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

And the long time voice of the Saints has announced his retirement….
cut 30 (15)
Jim Henderson called Saints games for 30 years including the memorable NFC Championship game over the Vikings.

14:30 LRN Newscast February 1

US Senator John Kennedy is recommending a financing plan using Unclaimed Property dollars as a way to help pay for major infrastructure projects. Kennedy says the current upswing of the stock market makes it a ripe time to convert the noncash securities into cash…
Cut 7 (11) “substantially finish it”
The Comite River Diversion Canal is a flood control project for Baton Rouge. Governor Edwards says a better funding solution is for Congress to pass a bill to fund it.

CNN anchor Don Lemon’s sister has been identified as the woman who died in an accidental drowning in Denham Springs. Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard says 58-year-old L’tanya Grimes drowned in a neighborhood pond…
cut 13 (10) “…the body”
A federal appeals court has overturned a lower court’s ruling that said the heat index can not exceed 88-degrees at Angola’s death row. Lawyers for three convicted killers filed a civil rights lawsuit in an effort to get the state department of corrections to install air conditioning. State Attorney General Jeff Landry applauds the Fifth Circuit’s decision and says that these are death row prisoners that shouldn’t be afforded pleasant conditions…:
Cut 11 (09) “if need be”
The attorney for the death row inmates is reviewing the ruling.

Alabama tourism claims the city of Mobile is “America’s original Mardi Gras.” That’s at least what they are saying in billboards that can be seen in New Orleans and southern Mississippi. Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy disagrees.
cut 4 (11) “….in Alabama”

PM Newscall February 1

Alabama is making a claim they celebrated the “original Mardi Gras.”  Michelle Southern has a historical perspective…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the state does not have to prevent the heat index from going above 88 degrees on Angola’s death row. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Alabama state tourism agency has installed ten billboards around New Orleans and south Mississippi, inviting them to celebrate “America’s original Mardi Gras.”  They don’t specifically say Mobile, but mileage distance points in that direction.  Louisiana Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy says Mobile never celebrated their original party on Mardi Gras day…

Cut 3 (10) “in 1857.”

Hardy says a French explorer was looking for the mouth of the Mississippi.  When he sailed up river and stopped for the night, he realized what day it was and the tradition was born…

Cut 4  (11) “in Alabama.” 

Hardy says no one should be unduly upset about the claim being made by Alabama.  Both have terrific celebrations.  But when asked, he makes sure people know where the birthplace of Carnival Season is in America…

Cut 5  (05)  “Year’s Eve.”

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U-S Senator John Kennedy proposes a way to finance large infrastructure projects like a new Jimmie Davis Bridge in Shreveport, widening I-10 in New Orleans and finishing the Comite River Diversion Canal, a flood control project for the Baton Rouge area. Kennedy says the state can generate 150-million dollars if it leverages noncash securities held by the state’s Unclaimed Property Division…

Cut 6 (11)  “win-win”

Kennedy says this financing plan would not drain the state’s Unclaimed Property fund. He says residents who go to the state treasurer to claim their lost dollars will be able to do so, because there’s so much of it. He says the current upswing of the stock market makes it a ripe time to convert the noncash securities into cash…

Cut 7 (11)  “substantially finish it”

Governor John Bel Edwards calls it an unrealistic proposal and urges Kennedy to help pass a funding bill that would pay for projects like the Comite River Diversion Canal. But the former state treasurer says a similar funding mechanism was used to pay for I-49 North and it could help pay for other projects

Cut 8 (09) “cash”

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The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled state corrections officials do not have to prevent the heat index from going above 88 degrees on Angola’s death row. Attorney General Jeff Landry says Louisiana argued on appeal that the inmates do not have a constitutional right to be comfortable in jail:

Cut 9 (10) “really ridiculous”

Three death row prisoners filed suit in 2013 arguing excessive heat constituted cruel and unusual punishment, and that remedies are necessary to protect their health and safety. Landry says the Constitution does not require prisons to be comfortable; it requires them to be humane…:

Cut 10 (06) “Circle K Store”

The decision overturns the lower court ruling in favor of the inmates’ claim which ordered the state to reduce the heat during the summer months. Landry applauds the Fifth Circuit’s decision and says that these are death row prisoners that shouldn’t be afforded pleasant conditions…:

Cut 11 (09) “if need be”

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A Denham Springs woman, who is the sister of CNN anchor Don Lemon, drowned in a pond.  58-year-old L’tanya Grimes died Wednesday night in the Livingston Trace subdivision.   Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says someone saw her fishing one minute and then she was gone…

Cut 12 (06) “this time.”

After arriving on the scene, Ard says a search and recovery operation began…

Cut 13 (10) “the body.”

A CNN spokesperson confirmed that Grimes is the sister of Lemon, who originally is from Port Allen. The body has been sent for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

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Shreveport police say they are investigating the discovery of male body found in a trunk of burned out vehicle.  Corporal Marcus Hines says The Shreveport Fire Department responded to a call and found the 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis on fire last night.  He says due to the severity of the burns, they can’t identify the victim, but will start where they can in solving this homicide…

Cut 14 (09) “the trunk.”

Hines says they are hopeful some witnesses will come forward to help them solve this strange case…

Cut 15 (07) “crime scene.”

The body has been sent for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

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13:30 Newscast, February 1st, 2018

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the state does not have to prevent the heat index from going above 88 degrees on Angola’s death row…:
Cut 2 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor John Bel Edwards filed his annual campaign finance report today showing about $5 million dollars cash on hand at the halfway point of his term. Edwards raised nearly $2.2 million in 2017 and spent about $310,230. He started the year with more than $3.17 million after his first full year in office. His campaign says 85 percent of the contributions came from Louisiana citizens.

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says a 58-year-old woman has been found dead in a neighborhood pond. He says L’tanya Grimes is believed to have been fishing at the time…:
CUT 12 (06) “at this time”
A CNN spokesperson confirmed that Grimes is the sister of CNN anchor Don Lemon.

Shreveport Police is investigating the discovery of male body found in a trunk of burned out vehicle. Corporal Marcus Hines says due to the severity of the burns they can’t identify the victim, but are committed to solving this homicide..:
Cut 14 (10) “of Louisiana”
He says responders located the 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis on fire around 8:20 last night.

12:30 Newscast, February 1st, 2018

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled state corrections officials do not have to prevent the heat index from going above 88 degrees on Angola’s death row. Attorney General Jeff Landry says Louisiana argued on appeal that the inmates’ do not have a constitutional right to be comfortable in jail:
CUT 9 (10) “really ridiculous”
The decision overturns the lower court ruling in favor of the inmates’ claim which ordered the state to reduce the heat during the summer months.

Alabama tourism has purchased billboards in the New Orleans area implying that the original Mardi Gras actually happened there, and they specify how many miles drivers are away from Mobile. Louisiana Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy says it’s true that Mobile celebrated Mardi Gras style parades before New Orleans, but they did it on a completely different day…:
Cut 5 (05) “Year’s Eve”
He doesn’t think the billboards are a slam, but they are clever.

A task force’s proposal to alter TOPS for lower performing students is running into opposition from Taylor Foundation members…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”