LRN AM Newscall December 22nd

Today is the first full day of winter. Don Molino has more on what you can expect weather-wise this season…

CUT 1 (23) “I’m Don Molino”

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Fewer people are choosing to hook up costly broadband to their homes for internet and are instead only using their smartphones. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An alcoholic version of the famous Abita Root Beer is hitting stores this week. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Today is the first full day of winter. Winter officially began at 10:49PM last night with the winter solstice. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the seasonal forecast is kind of gloomy…

cut 4  (06)  “an El Nino”

He says this winter will bring cooler and wetter than normal conditions to Louisiana. Keim says, despite a forecast for cooler temperatures, you shouldn’t expect a lot of freezes across Louisiana this winter…

Cut 5  (10)  “months or so”

He says those who enjoy the cold during this time of year will be disappointed for much of the season. Keim says El Nino will keep many arctic air intrusions into Louisiana at bay, but not all of them…

Cut 6 (06)  “less than normal”

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Fewer people are choosing to hook up costly broadband to their homes for internet and are instead only using their smartphones. That’s according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center on home broadband adoption between 2013-2015. Senior Researcher John Horrigan says, today, 67% of Americans have broadband at home…:

CUT 7 (10)  “couple of years”

Horrigan says while fewer people are getting internet for their homes, more consumers are becoming “smartphone only” — mainly because residential broadband service is becoming more expensive. He says smartphone only people rely solely on their cellular devices for online access…:

Cut 8  (09)  “2015”

Horrigan says they are seeing this happening mostly among low income Americans, but they also found a number of incidents of this pattern among lower-middle income users…:

Cut 9 (10) “as well”

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Governor elect John Bel Edwards is taking steps so low-income adults do not lose food stamp benefits in January. The Jindal administration took action to prevent certain able bodied adults from receiving food stamps. But Julie Baxter Payer, spokesperson for Governor-elect Edwards, says he will seek to remove the work requirement, so an estimated 31-thousand adults can still access food stamps

Cut 10 (08) “that back” 

Payer says Edwards wants to provide food stamp benefits for abled bodied adults for at least one-year, until they improve state worker training programs. She says until that time, these individuals should continue to receive this federal assistance…

cut 11 (10) “to employment”

Governor Jindal’s spokesperson, Mike Reed, says the best way to break the cycle of poverty is for individuals to get a job and get off of government assistance. But Payer says Edwards believes these adults face significant barriers to employment and they’ll look to extend a waiver that Jindal allowed to expire

Cut 12 (11) “our intention”

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An alcoholic version of the famous Abita Root Beer arrives in stores this week. Abita Brewing Company Brewmaster Mark Wilson says the hard root beer will be the first product in its line of “Bayou Bootlegger” hard sodas. He says it only made sense to come up with an adult take on the same old-fashioned Abita Root Beer recipe made with pure Louisiana cane sugar…:

Cut 13 (09)  “of that process”

Wilson says fans of Abita Root Beer have been asking for an alcoholic version and now is the time to give it to them. He says the flavors in the Abita Root Beer deliver aromas of wintergreen, vanilla, sassafras with hints of close and anise…:

Cut 14 (07) “version of it”

Wilson says the Bayou Bootlegger Hard Root Beer is brewed to achieve a 5.9 percent alcohol by volume and is all natural and gluten free. He says they hope the hard root beer is eventually as popular as the original…:

Cut 15  (10) “that would be great”

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Three Louisiana college baseball teams are ranked in the first preseason poll. Collegiate Baseball has UL Lafayette ranked sixth, LSU is ranked seventh and Tulane is ranked 19th. Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri says it’s nice to see his team ranked in the top ten

Cut 16  (11)  “everyday players”

LSU reached the College World Series last season and return one of the top pitchers in the country in Alex Lange. However, they must replace eight of nine everyday starters from last season’s batting order. Mainieri says he’s excited that Lange and veteran left hander Jared Poche will anchor their pitching staff in 2016…

Cut 17 (12) “let down”

LSU’s incoming class was ranked seventh nationally by Collegiate Baseball. Mainieri says they’ll count on a couple of those players right away….

Cut 18 (17) “our league”

17:30 Newscast, December 21st, 2015

As the fall shrimp season comes to a close, many shrimpers and seafood dealers say this has been a terrible year for the industry. Louisiana Shrimp Association President Clint Guidry agrees, but says there are reasons to be hopeful. He says a resurgence of imported shrimp led to some of the lowest prices ever seen at the dock…
CUT 9 (08) “white shrimp season”
He says recently passed legislation to better control the importing of shrimp should help.

Warm and active weather patterns are in the forecast for the days leading up to Christmas. Temperatures are expected to be well above normal with near record warmth for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Severe weather could become an issue over the next three days according to the National Weather Service with the possibility for flash flooding, tornadoes and damaging winds.

A maintenance worker at a horse farm in Bossier Parish is in jail after he allegedly set off a bomb underneath a home located on the property. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson, Lt. Bill Davis, says 54-year-old Douglas Holley of Benton is facing two counts of attempted first degree murder and one count of manufacturing a bomb. He says investigators found incriminating evidence at Holley’s home…:
CUT 4 (08) “explosive scene”
He says apparently Holley was upset at one of the vet’s who lived at that home. Nobody was seriously injured.

A cause of a fire in Pineville that claimed the life of a resident and critically injured a second is being examined by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. They say the blaze claimed the life of the homeowner 58-year-old Neida Reeves and a critically burned a second occupant, 56-year-old Kenneth Ashworth who had second and third degree burns over 2/3 of his body. The investigation into this tragic fire is continuing.

 

16:30 Newscast, December 21st, 2015

We’re facing some nasty weather in the days leading up to Christmas. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s a busy week for many and this weather system will also bring the potential of damaging winds, tornadoes, and flash flooding…:
CUT 7 (09) “umbrellas handy”
He says up to five inches of rain could fall in areas across the state over the next three days.

Many shrimpers and seafood dealers say this has been a terrible year for the industry. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 2 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

17 arrest warrants have been issued in an attempt to stop criminal activity by the Gremlins Gang through four parishes in South Central Louisiana. State Police spokesperson Brooks David says a lengthy, multi-agency investigation led cops to suspect the Gremlins Gang is possibly linked to homicides, intimidation and widespread narcotics distribution…:
CUT 14 (11) “feels safe”
He says all of them, 10 in custody and 7 at large, face several charges, including racketeering, which carries a long prison sentence if convicted.

Former LSU Tiger Odell Beckham Junior has been suspended for one game for his actions against Carolina cornerback Josh Norman. Beckham was flagged three times for unnecessary roughness. He was reportedly upset that a member of the Panthers was walking around on the field with a bat in his hands before the game. The Giants star wideout plans to appeal the suspension.

 

LRN Sportscast 16:45 December 21

The Saints and Lions meet tonight in Monday night football even though neither team has a chance to make the playoffs. New Orleans is listed as a three-point favorite as they usually play well at home in primetimes. They’ve won 16 of their last 17 games played at the dome at night. Kick-off tonight is at 7:15.

Former LSU Tiger Odell Beckham Junior has been suspended for one game for his actions against Carolina cornerback Josh Norman. Beckham was flagged three times for unnecessary roughness. Beckham was reportedly upset that a member of the Panthers was walking around on the field with a bat in his hands before the game. The Giants star wideout plans to appeal the suspension.

Bad news for fans of the Honey Badger. Former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL. Mathieu suffered an injury while intercepting a pass in the Cardinals win over the Eagles last night. Mathieu was up for defensive player of the year honors.

Former LSU Tiger Zach Mettenberger will have a chance to start the final two games of the season for the Titans. That’s because Tennesse starter Marcus Mariota will reportedly miss the rest of the year with an MCL sprain. Mettenberger replaced Mariota yesterday and threw for 242 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in a loss to New England.

Parkway quarterback Keondre Wudtee has decommitted from Louisiana Tech. The three star prospect reportedly plans to visit Oklahoma State and TCU, before making a decision.

Three Louisiana college baseball teams are ranked in the first preseason college baseball poll. UL Lafayette comes in at number six, followed by LSU and then Tulane is ranked 19th by Collegiate Baseball’s poll.

In college hoops tonight…UL Lafayette hosts UNO. Both teams are 3-6 on the season. Southeastern Louisiana is at Georgia Tech and the LSU Lady Tigers will visit top ranked UCONN at six PM.

15:30 Newscast, December 21st, 2015

Shrimpers say they had one of the worst fall seasons in years, but there is hope things will start to turn around at the dock. Louisiana Shrimp Association President Clint Guidry says new FDA guidelines calling for 100% screening of imported shrimp before it enters the country should close the competition gap with the foreign shrimp. He says prices were starting to pick up toward the end of the fall season which is a good sign for 2016:
CUT 11 (07) “in mid-September”
He says the federal controlling of the imports of shrimp should help local producers.

Louisiana is in for a rainy week leading up to Christmas. There’s even a potential for severe weather including damaging winds, tornadoes, up to five inches of rain, and flash flooding over the next three days. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this system should start to clear Thursday then be gone Christmas day:
CUT 8 (07) “this year”

A maintenance worker at a horse farm in Bossier Parish is in jail after he allegedly set off a bomb underneath a home located at that same horse farm. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis, says 54-year-old Douglas Holley of Benton was employed at the horse farm for four months and was apparently upset with a veterinarian who lived on the property…
cut 3 (10) “it exploded”
No one was seriously injured in the incident. Holley faces two counts of attempted first degree murder and one count of manufacturing a bomb.

Governor Bobby Jindal and his family have reportedly closed on their new home at the University Club in Baton Rouge. Filings with the East Baton Rouge Clerk of Court’s Office show the Jindals bought their house for $817,500. Governor-elect John Bel Edwards takes office January 11th.

In sports, the Honey Badger is done for the year. Arizona team officials confirm that former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu tore his ACL in the Cardinals win over the Eagles last night.

 

14:30 Newscast, December 21st, 2015

The Bayou State is in for some wet and possibly severe weather over the next few days. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll be seeing rain due to a slow moving cold front settling over Louisiana today….:
CUT 6 (10) “southeastern Louisiana”
He says this weather system will also bring the potential of damaging winds, tornadoes, and flash flooding.

A suspected crime organization operating in South Central Louisiana called the Germlins gang has been busted by authorities. State Police spokesperson Brooks David says 17 arrest warrants have been issued and 10 members of the Gremlins gang are in custody. He they all face charges including racketeering, which carries severe penalties…:
cut 13 (05) “in prison”
He says many involved with this gang live in Abbeville and are suspected of engaging in drug and violent crime activity throughout four parishes.

The word at the dock is that this has been one of the worst fall shrimping seasons many have seen in years. Louisiana Shrimp Association President Clint Guidry says the cheap imports have been hurting local shrimpers, but new FDA guidelines calling for 100% screening of imported shrimp before it enters the country should even the playing field…:
cut 10 (10) “traded unfairly”
Guidry says he’s looking forward to working with the new legislature and governor.

A couple got knocked out of their bed at a horse farm in Bossier Parish after an apparent disgruntled employee allegedly tried to blow up the home. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson, Lt. Bill Davis, says 54-year-old Douglas Holley of Benton is facing two counts of attempted first degree murder and one count of manufacturing a bomb. He says the two victims are counting their blessings..:
CUT 5 (08) “radical explosion”
No one was seriously injured.

 

13:30 Newscast, December 21st, 2015

As the fall shrimp season comes to a close, many shrimpers and seafood dealers say this has been a terrible year for the industry. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 2 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards is urging the federal government and the state Department of Children and Family Services to avoid interruption in food stamps for able-bodied single adults on January 1st. The Jindal Administration said starting next year, single people who are able to work would only have their benefits continue if they had a job or were in a training program. Edwards says there are still 31,000 low-income adults who would lose their benefits next Friday without intervention.

17 arrest warrants have been issued in an attempt to stop criminal activity by the Gremlins Gang. State Police spokesperson Brooks David says many involved with this gang live in Abbeville and they are suspected of engaging in drug distribution and violence throughout four parishes in south Central Louisiana…:
cut 12 (07) “criminal gang activity”
David says 10 members of the Gremlins gang are in custody and they are searching for seven others.

Warm and active weather patterns are in the forecast for the days leading up to Christmas. Temperatures are expected to be well above normal with near record warmth for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Severe weather could become an issue over the next three days according to the National Weather Service with the possibility for flash flooding, tornadoes and damaging winds.

There were no jackpot winners in Saturday’s Powerball drawing. The prize goes to an estimated $227 million dollars on Wednesday.

 

LRN PM Newscall December 21st

A Bossier Parish man faces two counts of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly trying to blow up a home in Benton. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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As the fall shrimp season comes to a close, many shrimpers and seafood dealers say this has been a terrible year for the industry. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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A maintenance worker at a horse farm in Bossier Parish is in jail after he allegedly set off a bomb underneath a home located at that same horse farm. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson, Lt. Bill Davis, says 54-year-old Douglas Holley of Benton was employed at the horse farm for four months and was apparently upset with a veterinarian who lived on the property

CUT 3 (10)  “it exploded”

No one was seriously injured. Holley is facing two counts of attempted first degree murder and one count of manufacturing a bomb. Davis says investigators found bomb making materials at Holley’s home…

CUT 4 (08)  “explosive scene”

Unless he bonds out, Holley will spend Christmas at the Bossier Maximum Security Facility. Davis says the two victims are counting their blessings, because the bomb caused damage to their pier-and-beam house…

CUT 5 (08)  “radical explosion”

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State Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana should brace for wet weather conditions leading up to Christmas. He says the rain is due to a slow moving cold front settling over the state today. Keim says this front is expected to stall before ever passing through the state…

CUT 6 (10) “southeastern Louisiana”

He says the entire state is vulnerable to heavy rainfall up to Christmas Eve. Keim adds that this weather system will also bring the potential of damaging winds, tornados, and flash flooding. This is a very busy week for many and Keim urges every one to exercise caution during inclement weather…

CUT 7 (09) “umbrellas handy” 

He says up to five inches of rain could fall in areas across the state over the next three days, especially in southeast Louisiana. Keim says these weather conditions should start to clear Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is looking pretty good…

CUT 8 (07) “this year”

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As the fall shrimp season comes to a close, many shrimpers and seafood dealers say this has been a terrible year for the industry. Louisiana Shrimp Association President Clint Guidry says a resurgence of imported shrimp led to some of the lowest prices ever seen at the dock…

CUT 9 (08)  “white shrimp season”

But he says the federal government has recently passed legislation to better control the importing of shrimp into the US. Guidry says new FDA guidelines calling for 100% screening of imported shrimp before it enters the country will even the playing field between imported and domestic shrimp…

cut 10 (10)  “traded unfairly”

Guidry says he’s looking forward to working with the new legislature and governor in enacting legislation to help the industry. He says a good sign going into 2016 is that shrimp prices were beginning to pick up toward the end of the fall season…

Cut 11 (07) “in mid-September”

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17 arrest warrants have been issued in an attempt to stop criminal activity by the Gremlins Gang. State Police spokesperson Brooks David says many involved with this criminal organization live in Abbeville and they are suspected of engaging in drug and violent crime activity throughout four parishes in south Central Louisiana

cut 12 (07) “criminal gang activity”

David says 10 members of the Gremlins gang are in custody and they are searching for seven others. He says all of them face several charges, including racketeering, which carries a long prison sentence if convicted…

cut 13 (05)  “in prison”

David says Abbeville and the surrounding parishes around Vermilion are safer with these individuals off the streets. He says several agencies cooperated in this year-long investigation

cut 14 (11)  “feels safe” 

 

12:30 Newscast, December 21st, 2015

Not what you wanted to hear, but Louisiana is in for a rainy week leading up to Christmas. There’s even a potential for severe weather including damaging winds, tornadoes, up to five inches of rain, and flash flooding over the next three days, according to State Climatologist Barry Keim. He says this system should start to clear Thursday then be gone Christmas day:
CUT 8 (07) “this year”
He says the rain is due to a slow moving cold front settling over the state today.

As the fall shrimp season comes to a close, many shrimpers and seafood dealers say this has been a terrible year for the industry. Louisiana Shrimp Association President Clint Guidry agrees, but says there are reasons to be hopeful. He says a resurgence of imported shrimp led to some of the lowest prices ever seen at the dock…
CUT 9 (08) “white shrimp season”
He says recently passed legislation to better control the importing of shrimp should help.

A Bossier Parish man faces two counts of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly trying to blow up a home in Benton. Jeff Palermo has the story..:
CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

In sports, 3 Louisiana college baseball teams are ranked in Collegiate Baseball’s preseason poll. UL Lafayette is 6th, LSU is 7th and Tulane is 19th.

 

LRN Sportscast 11:40 December 21

The Saints and Lions will not be in the playoffs this year, but yet they’ll meet on Monday night football tonight. Even though New Orleans failed to make the playoffs for a second straight year, Quarterback Drew Brees says the players have not given up on the season…
cut 17 (11) “…to work”
Brees is 173 passing yards away from becoming the fourth QB to reach 60-thousand for his career. If Brees throws for more than 206 yards, he’ll extend his NFL record streak of consecutive 4,000 yard seasons to 10.

New York receiver Odell Beckham’s emotional play got the best of him yesterday as the Giants lost to Carolina 38-35. Beckham was flagged three times for personal foul penalties as he battled with Panthers cornerback Josh Norman. There are reports the former LSU Tiger could be suspended for a one game, because of his action.

The Louisiana Tech football team is back in Ruston after an impressive performance in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. The Bulldogs beat Arkansas State 47-28. Kenneth Dixon scored four touchdowns and is now the NCAA’s career touchdown scorer.

Three Louisiana college baseball teams are ranked in the top 20 in Collegiate Baseball’s preseason poll. UL Lafayette is ranked sixth, LSU is ranked 7th and Tulane is ranked 19th. Southeastern Louisiana is receiving votes and they are ranked 42nd. Florida is ranked number one.

After losing to the Suns on Friday, Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry demanded better effort from his players. He got it last night as New Orleans closed out a five-game road trip with a 130 to 125 win over Denver. Anthony Davis was battling an illness and needed IV fluids during the game, but still scored 27 points. Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday each had 21 points.

In college basketball tonight…UL Lafayette hosts UNO.