09:30 Newscast December 19, 2014

A new Southern Media and Opinion Research poll shows 58-percent of Louisianians disapprove of Governor Bobby Jindal’s job performance as he heads into his final year in office. Scott Carwile has more…

cut 1 (30) “reporting”

Fire officials in New Roads are investigating an early morning fire they say has left at least one dead. They say the deadly blaze broke out in an apartment that is above a business. At this time, authorities have neither determined the cause of the fire nor whether the unidentified victim was living in the building.

Gas prices are about 75-cents lower than a year ago as we head into what should be a busy two weeks of holiday travel. Gregg Laskoski, with gas-buddy-dot-com, says this Christmas gift of lower gas prices is the result of a decline in global crude oil prices…

cut 9 (12) “a barrell”

He says the statewide average price for regular gas is about $2.30 a gallon.

Tomorrow, the last Saturday before Christmas could be as big a shopping day as Black Friday according to experts. LSU Marketing Professor Andrew Kuo says with the growing popularity of online shopping, consumers have been spreading out their store shopping throughout the entire month of December…

cut 15 (08) “business online”

MartketWatch reports Super Saturday could edge out Black Friday as the top sales day of the year in 2014.

08:30 Newscast December 19, 2014

58-percent of Louisianians disapprove of Governor Bobby Jindal’s job performance as he heads into his final year in office according to a new Southern Media and Opinion Research poll. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat doesn’t think these poll numbers will factor into Jindal’s decision to run for President in 2016. But Pinsonat says this could be something that could potentially hurt him…

cut 6 (11) “definitely hurt him”

He says Jindal has a job approval rating of 70-percent among Republicans and just over 50-percent among white voters.

Some much needed rain is falling on Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this rain is coming at a great time as the state has been rain deficient over the last two months. But he says the precipitation will be short lived with conditions clearing by Saturday morning…

cut 12 (08) “of the state”

Up to four inches of rain is expected in some areas of the state.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested an accused methamphetamine dealer after a traffic stop Thursday. They say after officers pulled over 37-year-old Jesse James of Gonzales for reckless driving, they found he had several active warrants for issuing bad checks. A search of James’ car found an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine. James faces several charges including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The last Saturday before Christmas could be as big a shopping day as Black Friday. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 3 (30) “reporting”

07:30 Newscast December 19, 2014

A new poll by Southern Media and Opinion Research shows 58-percent of Louisianians disapprove of Governor Bobby Jindal’s job performance but 70-percent of Republicans give the governor a positive job rating as he heads into his final year in office. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says with both houses of the state legislature being controlled by Republicans, he doesn’t see these poll numbers changing the way Jindal will do business in his last year…

cut 5 (09) “of their voters”

600 likely Louisiana voters were surveyed.

Gas prices are running about 75-cents lower than a year ago as we head into what should be a busy couple of travel weeks this holiday period. Gregg Laskoski, with gas-buddy-dot-com, says says the US Department of Energy is projecting a national average price of $2.60 a gallon for 2015…

cut 8 (09) “long,long time”

Laskoski says this Christmas gift of lower gas prices is the result of a decline in global crude oil prices.

Experts say this last Saturday before Christmas could be as big a shopping day as Black Friday especially if you’re still looking for TVs, appliances or clothes. LSU Marketing Professor Andrew Kuo says the day after Thanksgiving sales weren’t as high this year as they have been in the past which is another reason stores are expected to be packed tomorrow…

cut 14 (10) “department stores”

Kuo says tomorrow you can expect to continue to see excellent apparel sales, discounted appliances, and last minute TV deals.

After a couple of very dry months, some much needed rain will be falling all across the state today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says rainfall amounts with this storm could be anywhere from a half inch up to four inches. Keim says there is the possibility of severe weather depending on the track of the storm…

cut 11 (09) “some severe weather”

Keim says the entire state is teetering right on the edge of drought with everything east of the Atchafalaya Basin experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions.

06:45 Sportscast December 19, 2014

U-L Lafayette and Nevada meet tomorrow morning in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. It’s the fourth straight year the Ragin Cajuns have played in this bowl game and last year 55-thousand people were attendance to see the Cajuns face in-state foe Tulane. Billy Ferrante, executive director of the New Orleans Bowl, says unfortunately they will not see that kind of crowd this year…

cut 16 (09) walk-up gameday”

Kickoff is scheduled for 10AM tomorrow morning.

Yahoo Sports is reporting that LSU defensive back Jalen Collins is very likely to declare himself eligible for the 2015 NFL Draft. They say that there are those inside the program who believe it’s all but assured that Collins will forego his senior season at LSU. Collins has made no official declaration.

McNeese State Athletic Director Bruce Hemphill will begin a medical leave of absence next week. Hemphill says he was recently diagnosed with tonsil cancer and is scheduled to begin receiving treatment next week.

The Saints and Falcons meet on Sunday in the Superdome. Both teams have losing records, but both teams can still win the NFC South. New Orleans can wrap up the NFC South this weekend with a Carolina loss and a Saints victory over the Falcons. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says a big key for the Black and Gold will be putting pressure on Atlanta Quarterback Matt Ryan…

cut 18 (15) “throws”

Kickoff is scheduled for 12 Noon.

Anthony Davis scored 30 points and pulled down 14 rebounds as the Pelicans topped the Houston Rockets 99-90 last night. Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson each added as the Pels see their record rise to 13-12. The Pelicans return to the Smoothie King Center Saturday night to host the Portland Trail Blazers.

In college basketball action last night … LSU defeated UAB 79-70. And it was Louisiana Tech over Nicholls State, 79-54.

06:30 Newscast December 19, 2014

A new Southern Media and Opinion Research poll shows 58-percent of Louisianians disapprove of Governor Bobby Jindal’s job performance as he heads into his final year in office. 600 likely Louisiana voters were surveyed. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says you probably won’t see the Governor’s popularity increase very much as he ends his term…

cut 4 (10) “have piled up”

But Pinsonat points out that the poll shows 70-percent of Republicans give the governor a positive job rating.

Some much needed rain will be hitting Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this rain is coming at a great time as the state has been rain deficient over the last two months. Keim says there is a coastal storm forming off the coast of Texas…

cut 10 (05) “through tomorrow morning”

He says rainfall amounts with this storm could be anywhere from a half inch up to four inches of rain.

Gas prices are about 75-cents lower than a year ago as we head into what should be a busy two weeks of traveling during this holiday period. Gregg Laskoski, with gas-buddy-dot-com, says with the statewide average at about $2.30 a gallon, it should help consumers pay for other expenses

cut 7 (08) “greater distances”

Laskoski says gas prices have been on a sharp decline since October and this trend should continue into next year.

A suspect is dead and two others injured following a chase and crash last night in Shreveport. Shreveport Police say the incident started when they were pursuing the suspect who was wanted on felony charges from Oklahoma. During the chase, the suspect blew a tire, struck another vehicle head-on, and was killed. Two people in the other vehicle were injured and transported to a local hospital.

AM Newscall December 19th, 2014

A new Southern Media and Opinion Research poll shows 58-percent of Louisianians disapprove of Governor Bobby Jindal’s job performance as he heads into his final year in office. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Holiday travelers will enjoy the lowest gas prices we’ve seen in years. Jeff Palermo has more on this nice Christmas gift for motorists.

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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The last Saturday before Christmas could be as big a shopping day as Black Friday. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A new Southern Media and Opinion Research poll shows 58-percent of Louisianians disapprove of Governor Bobby Jindal’s job performance as he heads into his final year in office. 600 likely Louisiana voters were surveyed. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says you probably won’t see the Governor’s popularity increase very much as he ends his term…

cut 4  (10)  “have piled up”

But Pinsonat points out that the poll shows 70-percent of Republicans give the governor a positive job rating. With both houses of the state legislature being controlled by Republicans, Pinsonat doesn’t see these poll numbers changing the way Jindal will do business in his last year…

Cut 5  (09)  “of their voters”

Pinsonat says Jindal has a job approval rating of just over 50-percent among white voters. He doesn’t think these poll numbers will factor into Jindal’s decision to run for President in 2016. But Pinsonat says this could be something that could potentially hurt him…

Cut 6 (11)  “definitely hurt him”

______________________________________

Gas prices are about 75-cents lower than a year ago as we head into what should be a busy two weeks of traveling during this holiday period. Gregg Laskoski, with gas-buddy-dot-com, says with the statewide average at about $2.30 a gallon, it should help consumers pay for other expenses

CUT 7 (08)  “greater distances”

Laskoski says gas prices have been on a sharp decline since October and this trend should continue into next year. He says the US Department of Energy is projecting a national average price of $2.60 a gallon for 2015

Cut 8 (09)  “long,long time” 

Laskoski says this Christmas gift of lower gas prices is the result of a decline in global crude oil prices

Cut 9 (12)  “a barrell”

______________________________________

Some much needed rain will be hitting Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this rain is coming at a great time as the state has been rain deficient over the last two months. Keim says there is a coastal storm forming off the coast of Texas this morning…

Cut 10 (05) “through tomorrow morning” 

Keim says the storm is projected to travel along the Louisiana coast. He says rainfall amounts with this storm could be anywhere from a half inch up to four inches of rain. Keim says there is the possibility of severe weather depending on the track of the storm…

cut 11 (09) “some severe weather”

Keim says the entire state is teetering right on the edge of drought with everything east of the Atchafalaya Basin experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions. Keim says the precipitation will be short lived with conditions clearing by Saturday morning…

cut 12 (08)  “of the state”

______________________________________

The last Saturday before Christmas could be as big a shopping day as Black Friday especially if you’re still looking for TVs, appliances or clothes according to experts. Andrew Kuo (quoe) is a marketing professor at LSU. He says the downside of the so-called “Super Saturday” is that shoppers are typically at the mercy of the retailers

Cut 13 (09)  “wouldn’t spend”

MartketWatch reports Super Saturday could edge out Black Friday as the top sales day of the year in 2014. Kuo says the Day after Thanksgiving sales weren’t as high this year as they have been in years past which is another reason stores are expected to be packed tomorrow…:

Cut 14 (10)  “department stores”

Kuo says tomorrow you can expect to continue to see excellent apparel sales, discounted appliances to help folks get ready for guests in their home and last minute TV deals. He says with the growing popularity of online shopping, consumers have been spreading out their store shopping throughout the entire month of December…:

Cut 15  (08)  “business online”

______________________________________

U-L Lafaytte and Nevada meet tomorrow morning in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. It’s the fourth straight year the Ragin Cajuns have played in this bowl game and last year 55-thousand people were attendance to see the Cajuns face in-state foe Tulane. Billy Ferrante, executive director of the New Orleans Bowl, says unfortunately they will see that kind of crowd this year

Cut 16  (09)    walk-up gameday”  

The Ragin Cajuns will hold a Fan Fest Friday afternoon at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street. And Ferrante says the bowl game will host a concert tonight at the New Orleans Arena featuring Kool and the Gang and Cheap Trick

Cut 17  (09)   “big crowd”

The Saints and Falcons meet on Sunday in the Superdome. Both teams have losing records, but both teams can still win the NFC South. New Orleans can wrap up the NFC South this weekend with a Carolina loss and a Saints victory over the Falcons. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says a big key for the Black and Gold will be putting pressure on Atlanta Quarterback Matt Ryan

Cut 18 (15) “throws”

The Saints played well last Monday in a win over the Chicago Bears. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 375 yards and three touchdowns and Detillier says the short passing game worked for them that night and they’ll use it again on Sunday…

Cut 19 (20)   “the Falcons”

 

LRN Newscast 17:30 December 18

Governor Bobby Jindal says he opposes the President’s plan to “normalize” relations with Communist Cuba, but Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says resumed trade would benefit Louisiana. He says other non-democratic countries enjoy normal trade relations with the US…:
CUT 7 (08) “is time”
Prior to 1961 Cuba was the Port of New Orleans’ largest trade partner.

US Senator David Vitter has a double digit lead over other 2015 Governor candidates in Louisiana according to a Southern Media and Opinion Research survey. But Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the same poll also found 40% of respondents don’t approve of Vitter’s performance:
CUT 10 (08) “a runoff”
Southern Media and Opinion Research surveyed 600 likely voters and 36-percent support Vitter.

Crawfish is starting to pop up at seafood stores. But Louisiana Crawfish Farmers Association President David Savoy says it’s too early to predict how plentiful the season will be…
CUT 3 (10) “were young”

Christmas is one week from today and many people would call the next 7 days the most stressful of the year. Michelle Southern talks with an LSU AgCenter Life specialist…
cut 3 (30) “…reporting”

LRN Sportscast 16:45 December 18

The Saints started this up-and-down season with a loss to Atlanta on opening day, but a win this Sunday against the Falcons could result in an NFC South Championship. Atlanta is 5-and-9 on the season, but Quarterback Matt Ryan is playing at a high level. He’s thrown for over 300 yards in his last three games and for the season he’s thrown for 41-hundred passing yards and 27 touchdowns. Coach Sean Payton says the Falcons have an explosive offense…
cut 18 (17) “….defense”
Meanwhile, Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, who is on injured reserve, tweeted out the Falcons will be bringing a broom to the bayou as he expects Atlanta to beat the Saints for a second time this season.

Rand Getlin from Yahoo Sports tweeted out earlier today that LSU defensive lineman Danielle Hunter is leaning towards returning for his senior season. Hunter leads the team this year with tackles for a loss.

The Ragin Cajuns are getting ready to face Nevada in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Saturday. It’s been a busy 48 hours for senior defensive back Corey Trim. His fiancee, Mykeyah Grafton, gave birth to a a little girl on Wednesday morning. As the team was traveling from Lafayette to New Orleans, they dropped Trim off in Baton Rouge so he can be there for the birth.

In basketball tonight…LSU is at UAB. The Tigers may have to start freshman Jalyn Patterson at point guard, because of injuries to Josh Gray and Tim Quarterman. Louisiana Tech hosts Nicholls State. The Bulldogs are looking to end a two-game losing streak, while the Colonels are looking for their third win of the season. And the Pelicans are at Houston. Guard Tyreke Evans is questionable with a knee contusion.

LRN Newscast 16:30 12-18-14

A statewide poll on next year’s governor’s race shows Republican Senator David Vitter with a double-digit percentage lead over Democratic State Representative John Bel Edwards and Republican Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne. Here’s Jeff Palermo with more…
CUT 2 (26) “reporting”

Sources close to LSU are reporting that Tigers Cornerback Jalen Collins will skip his senior year, and enter the NFL Draft. Collins has not made any official announcement, although he has met with agents, and has reportedly requested a draft grade from the NFL.

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Now that the U.S. and Cuba have announced plans to renew diplomatic relations and resume trade, what does that mean for Louisiana? Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says resumed trade would be a big benefit for the state, especially the Port of New Orleans…
CUT 6 (06) “Port of New Orleans”
Governor Bobby Jindal has expressed his disapproval of the President Obama’s plan to normalize relations with a Communist nation.

State Police is offering a $2500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for allegedly running over and killing a pedestrian in St. Rose Thanksgiving morning. Spokesperson Melissa Matey says the crash took place on La 626 in St. Charles Parish…:
cut 12 (10) ” survelliance video”
But they are still calling for the public’s help in the ID of the driver. You can call State Police or Crimestoppers.

LRN Newscast 15:30 12-18-14

A new poll on the 2015 governor’s race shows republican senator David Vitter with a solid lead. Southern Media and Opinion Research pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Vitter is benefiting from high name recognition and because he’s a vocal critic against President Obama…
CUT 9 (10) “Senator David Vitter”
Democratic State Representative John Bel Edwards finished second in the poll, receiving 26-percent to Vitter’s 36.

There is now a $25 hundred dollar reward being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for hitting and killing a pedestrian in St. Rose on Highway 626 Thanksgiving morning. State Police Spokesperson Melissa Matey says they need the public’s help…
CUT 14 (04) Q: ‘of this vehicle’
You can call State Police, and remain anonymous.
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Now that the United States and Cuba have announced plans to renew diplomatic relations and resume trade, what does that mean for Louisiana? Eric Gill takes a look at that…
CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

Governor Bobby Jindal is defending his plans to headline a prayer rally next month at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on the LSU campus. Some professors and students protesters are up in arms over the event sponsored by the American Family Association, which has been very vocal about being against homosexuality. Jindal says he’s continuing to support the rally.