10:30 LRN Newscast January 6th

Northeast Louisiana could see snow today. Winter weather advisories are in effect for most parishes in the Ark-La-Miss. Mark McAllister with the National Weather Service, says delta parishes can expect a mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow.
cut 3 (11) “….of snow”
Icy conditions have already resulted in the closure of on and off ramps on I-20 in the Monroe area.

Icy conditions are possible in south Louisiana and that’s why winter weather advisories have posted in the Baton Rouge area and the north shore.

And State Climatologist Barry Keim says we can see temperatures well below freezing this weekend….
cut 9 (10) “…northern parishes”
Keim says take precautions to protect your pets, plants and pipes.

Donald Trump’s team in Lousiaina is looking to rally residents in the Bayou State to get behind the President’s-elect agenda so that his first 100 days in office will be successful. Co-chair of the Donald Trump for Louisiana campaign Brian Trascher says they will create a special fund to run ads so people can get the full-story of what the president-elect hopes to do…
cut 14 (09) “…to do”

Are you looking to lose weight in 2017? LSU AgCenter Nutritionist Sandra May says there are no quick fixes to getting healthy, so the best way to get fit is to follow the Dietary Guidelines…
cut 11 (09) “…protein source”
She says For more information go to choose-my-plate-dot-gov.

09:30 Newscast, January 6th, 2017

State Police in Ouachita Parish has already started closing on ramps along I-20 due to icy and slippery roads as temperatures continue to rapidly drop throughout the state. Schools as far south as St. Helena and the Felicianas are closing early today due to the threat of winter weather.

As the Restore Louisiana Task Force is slated to meet again today to discuss federal flood relief distribution, members are asking victims to please be patient as the process is going slower than anyone wants. Pat Forbes with the State Office of Community Development, says it’s been 147 days since the flooding began in south Louisiana, and the state has had just 20 of those to discuss funding plans…:
Cut 5 (09) “are done”
An item on the agenda today is to finalize the path to getting the initial $438 million dollars in federal aid to those who need it most.

Nutritionists urge people setting New Year’s health resolutions not to fall for fad diets. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

President-elect Donald Trump supporters in Louisiana are gathering to drum up support for the new administration’s agenda. Co-chair of the Donald Trump for Louisiana campaign Brian Trascher says Mr. Trump’s priorities in his first hundred days will be the same issues he raised on the campaign trail…:
Cut 15 (10) “replace Obamacare”

 

08:30 Newscast, January 6th, 2017

Louisiana is bracing for cold temperatures today into tomorrow. This is prompting winter weather advisories and freeze watches and warnings in some areas. State Climatologist Barry Keim…:
Cut 8 (08) “into tonight”
He says temperatures are expected to easily dip into the 20s tonight and tomorrow night.

Donald Trump’s transition team is drumming up support for the President-elect’s agenda for his first 100 days in office. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The Restore Louisiana Task Force is meeting today to again discuss plans for distributing federal flood relief funds. The state initially secured 438-million and then another 1.2 billion was appropriated in December. Pat Forbes, executive director of the State Office of Community Development, says the total $1.6 billion pledged by Congress is greatly appreciated…:
Cut 6 (08) “full recovery”
He urges flood victims to be patient during this arduous process.

Many people make New Years resolutions to lose weight, but nutritionists are urging caution with fad diets. Registered Dietitian with the LSU AgCenter Sandra May also says juicing or detoxing can be very dangerous, especially if you have a medical condition like diabetes…:
cut 12 (10) “an option”
She says the best way to lose weight is to eat a balanced diet, and exercise.

 

07:30 Newscast, January 6th, 2017

The Restore Louisiana Task Force meets today to discuss plans to spend federal flood relief dollars. In the weeks after the August flood, the state secured 438-million and then another 1.2 billion was appropriated in December. Pat Forbes, executive director of the State Office of Community Development, says today they’ll discuss plans for the initial payment to go to the state’s most vulnerable population…:
cut 4 (11) “for everybody”

The meeting will be held in Livingston Parish today where two cities, Denham Springs and Walker, have filed a lawsuit against the state alleging a concrete wall on the interstate contributed to the flooding. While the suit doesn’t seen monetary damages, it asks DOTD to either remove or replace the barrier along I-12.

Winter weather advisories and freeze watches/warnings are posted throughout the state today as temperatures dip to a point where sleet, and in some cases snow, could cause slippery roads mainly on bridges and overpasses. Today’s weather could also impact pipes, pets and plants.

Donald Trump supporters in Louisiana are rallying to drum up support for the president-elect’s agenda during his first 100 days in office.Co-chair of the Donald Trump for Louisiana campaign Brian Trascher says one of the first orders of business is to make sure Louisiana’s Congressional delegation support Mr. Trump’s cabinet picks…:
CUT 13 (08) “these nominees”
Trascher says the team plans to create a special fund that will be used to run ads so that people can get the full story on what the president-elect hopes to do.

It’s reported that former LSU head coach Les Miles met with University of Minnesota officials about the Golden Gophers’ coaching vacancy.

 

06:45 Sportscast, January 6th, 2017

The New Orleans Saints have fired Joe Vitt, the longtime assistant head coach, and a number of other coaches. Sideline reporter on the Saints Radio Network, Kristian Garic, says Vitt has been with coach Sean Payton in New Orleans since 2006…:
Cut 16 (11) “says a lot”
James Willis who also coached the linebackers was let go. Defensive line coach Bill Johnson won’t be back, and special teams assistant Stan Kwan and special teams coordinator Greg McMahon is also out. The Saints are coming off their third consecutive seven and nine season.

In the NBA, The New Orleans Pelicans fell to the Hawks 99-94 last night. Atlanta has one of the highest rated defenses in the league and Pels star Anthony Davis was held in check. The Pelicans will now embark on the longest road trip of the season, a 10-day, five-game excursion.

In the Southland Conference college hoops, Southeastern fell to Houston Baptist 81-74. McNeese lost to Sam Houston State 74-67. UNO beat Lamar in overtime 66-62. Northwestern State didn’t get a conference win after losing to UIW, 84-80. In the third annual Red Out Game, Louisiana Tech slammed UTEP in Ruston, 64-44.

This morning at 10am, we’ll find out if LSU safety Jamal Adams will head to the NFL or return with the Tigers for his senior season.

It’s reported that former LSU head coach Les Miles with University of Minnesota officials about the Golden Gophers’ coaching vacancy. The Mad Hatter was fired mid-season at LSU in 2016 after a 2–2 start.

The former head of the State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the allegations of misconduct during his tenure with the agency are fabricated. Robert Barham made the statements during the public comment period of LDWF’s Thursday meeting.

 

06:30 Newscast, January 6th, 2017

Today the Restore Louisiana Task Force will meet to discuss how the state plans to spend $1.2 billion dollars federal flood relief. Jeff Palermo reports…:
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

There are freeze watches and warnings throughout much of the state today as forecasters say light rain will begin to change to a mix of freezing
precipitation and sleet during the morning hours into the afternoon. State climatologist Barry Keim says the region north of the I-10 corridor will likely see a wintry mix…:
CUT 7 (12) “snow event”‘

Many people set New Year’s resolutions to become healthier for 2017 but nutritionists are cautioning people about the dangers of fad diets. Registered Dietitian with the LSU AgCenter Sandra May says she sees the popularity of these name brand diets ramp up at the beginning of each year. She urges consumers to eat a balanced diet…:
Cut 10 (11) “food groups”
She says juicing or detoxing can be very dangerous, especially if you have a medical condition like diabetes.

The Saints have made major changes with their coaching staff. Five assistant coaches were let go including long-time assistant head coach Joe Vitt.

LRN AM NEWSCALL JAN 6

Today the Restore Louisiana Task Force will meet to discuss how the state plans to spend $1.2 billion dollars federal flood relief. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Nutritionists urge people setting New Year’s health resolutions not to fall for fad diets. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Trump’s transition team is drumming up support for the President-elect’s agenda for his first 100 days in office. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The Restore Louisiana Task Force meets today to discuss plans to spend federal flood relief dollars. In the weeks after the August flood, the state secured 438-million and then another 1.2 billion was appropriated in December. Pat Forbes, executive director of the State Office of Community Development, says today they’ll hear the final changes to the plan for the $438 million and it will go to the state’s most vulnerable population…:

cut 4  (11) “for everybody”

Forbes says, unfortunately, when you’re dealing with federal money – the process of how to secure it takes longer than anyone wants. He says it’s been 147 days since the flooding began in south Louisiana, and the state has had just 20 of those days to discuss funding plans…:

Cut 5  (09)  “are done”

Forbes says once HUD approves the final plan for the first installment, the agency will make the money available to the state; maybe by March. He says, moving forward, the total $1.6 billion pledged by Congress is greatly appreciated…:

Cut 6 (08) “full recovery”

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There’s a chance some parts of Louisiana will see winter precipitation today. State climatologist Barry Keim says the region north of the I-10 corridor will likely see a wintry mix.

CUT 7 (12)  “snow event”

A winter weather advisory has been issued for Catahoula and Concordia parishes, along with Catahoula, Concordia, East Feliciana, northern Tangipahoa, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, Washington and West Feliciana.  But Keim says not all parts of the state will see snow, as south Louisiana is in for more wet weather.

Cut 8 (08) “into tonight”

And Keim reminds everyone to take care of their pets, pipes, and plants as some areas of the state will see temperatures well below freezing this weekend.

Cut 9 (10)  “northern parishes”

________________________________________

Many people set New Year’s resolutions to become healthier for 2017 but nutritionists are cautioning people about the dangers of fad diets. Registered Dietitian with the LSU AgCenter Sandra May says she sees the popularity of these name brand diets ramp up at the beginning of each year. She urges consumers to eat a balanced diet.

Cut 10 (11) “food groups”

May advises people to make half of their plate fruits and vegetables, based on the USDA’s My Plate, along with…

cut 11 (09) “protein source”

May says the most popular fad diets currently are the Adkins, Zone and Paleo diets. She says juicing or detoxing can be very dangerous, especially if you have a medical condition like diabetes.

cut 12 (10) “an option”

_______________________________________

Trump supporters in Louisiana are helping to drum up support for President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda for his first 100 days in office. Co-chair of the Donald Trump for Louisiana campaign Brian Trascher says they’re organizing post-election activities. He says one of the first orders of business is to make sure Louisiana’s U.S. Senators, Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, support Mr. Trump’s cabinet picks.

Cut 13 (08) “these nominees”

Trascher says the team plans to create a special fund that will be used to run ads so that people can get the full story on what the president-elect hopes to do. He says Mr. Trump was able to get elected, because of well-attended rallies and addressing Americans through his twitter account.

cut 14 (09) “he intends to do”

Trump won 58-percent of the vote in Louisiana and received more votes than any candidate in state history. Trascher says Mr. Trump’s priorities in his first hundred days will be the same issues he raised on the campaign trail.

Cut 15 (10) “replace Obamacare”

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The Saints have made major changes with their coaching staff. Five assistant coaches were let go including long-time assistant head coach Joe Vitt. Sideline reporter on the Saints Radio Network, Kristian Garic, says Vitt has been with Payton in New Orleans since 2006…


Cut 16 (11) “says a lot”

The Saints are coming off their third consecutive seven and nine season. Vitt and James Willis both coached the linebackers and they were let go. Garic says it’s not hard to see why…

Cut 17 (08)    “linebackers coach”

Defensive line coach Bill Johnson will also not be back and special teams assistant Stan Kwan and special teams coordinator Greg McMahon were also let go. Garic says you saw the hand writing on the wall with McMahon…

Cut 18 (11) “long term”

17:30 Newscast Jan 5

Precipitation is moving into Louisiana over the next 24 hours bringing in the possibility of light snow. That’s according to Patrick Omundson with the National Weather Service in Shreveport who says Louisiana likely won’t see any snow accumulation and the majority will fall along the Arkansas state line. He says the snow will start mid-day tomorrow.

Cut 6 (09) “mid-evening”

Omundson says south of I-20 can expect a sleet mix, but no freezing rain.

Tonight in New Orleans, Louisiana residents are meeting to discuss the possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Jeanie Donovan from Loyola’s Social Research Institute says the forum is a call to action to get people in touch with their elected officials so they can voice how a repeal would impact Louisianans.

Cut 13 (09) “coverage”

Quite a few stores in the Bayou State are closing their doors for good this year. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Saints have made major changes with their coaching staff. Five assistant coaches were let go, including long-time assistant head coach Joe Vitt. Vitt and James Willis both coached the linebackers and they were let go. Defensive line coach Bill Johnson will also not be back, and special teams assistant Stan Kwan and special teams coordinator Greg McMahon were also let go.

17:30 Newscast Jan 5

Precipitation is moving into the Bayou State over the next 24 hours, bringing the possibility of snow north of I-20. Patrick Omundson with the National Weather Service says south of I-20 can expect a sleet mix, but no freezing rain. He doesn’t expect ravel issues, but…

Cut 7 (10) “Saturday morning”

He says a cold rain is in the forecast for south Louisiana.

Four workers on a Renaissance Offshore platform were forced into the water early this morning, when a fire broke out on the platform. US Coast Guard Petty Officer Travis Magee says they received reports of a fire on a platform 80 miles off the coast of Grand Isle.

Cut 9 (11) “the situation”

The workers were reportedly taken to Terrebonne General Medical Center for observation.

Louisiana residents are meeting in New Orleans tonight to voice their concerns about repealing the Affordable Care Act. Jeanie Donovan with Loyola’s Social Research Institute says not only would this impact coverage, it would also affect the state budget.

Cut 14 (08) “is repealed”

She says unless Republicans come up with a plan to reduce premiums, repealing Obamacare isn’t a wise decision.

Kmart and Sears announces they are closing two locations in south Louisiana by April. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says Sears may have looked at places where there’s overlap, like in Baton Rouge.

Cut 3 (12) “those consumers”

Kmart is closing in Gonzales and Jefferson Parish, while Sears will shut down in Gretna and Cortana Mall.

16:45 LRN Sportscast January 5th

It’s a big night of basketball across the state. The Pelicans are home to take on the Atlanta Hawks. New Orleans beat Atlanta 112-to-94 earlier this season. Former Louisiana Tech star Paul Millsap is averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds a game for the Hawks.

Louisiana Tech will host UTEP in the third annual Red Out game at the Thomas Asembly Center. The Bulldogs will wear red jerseys at home for the first time this year.

In the Southland Conference…Southeastern, McNeese and UNO are all off to 2-0 starts in league action and they are on the court tonight. The Lions are at Houston Baptist, the Cowboys host Sam Houston State and the Privateers are at Lamar. Northwestern State seeks its first Southland win tonight when the Demons visit U-I-W.

Last night, LSU earned its first win in the SEC . An 88-77 victory over a bad Missouri squad.

Michael Kim with 120 Sports is reporting that former LSU head coach Les Miles flew to the Twin Cities on Wednesday and met with University of Minnesota officials about their head coaching job. Miles has said he wants to resume his head coaching career at a Power 5 school.

High school football news…Rodney Guin is the new head coach at Calvary Baptist. Guin was the Cavaliers wide receivers coach this past season and before that he was the head coach of Haughton for 16 years, where he helped Dak Prescott get a scholarship at Mississippi State.

East Ascension four-star offensive tackle Adrian Ealy says he plans on signing at Oklahoma, instead of LSU.

Tomorrow at 10 AM, we’ll find out if LSU safety Jamal Adams will turn pro or return for his senior season. It’s expected he’ll enter the NFL draft.

And ESPN announces Chris Berman will no longer host NFL Countdown as he’s taking on a more limited role with the network.