12:30 Newscast, December 8th, 2016

There are two U.S. House seats remaining on the ballot for this Saturday’s election. Jeff Palermo has more on the competitive races..:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

There aren’t many people expected to vote in this Saturday’s runoff and Secretary of State Tom Scheduler says he wants to start talking about eliminating December federal elections. He says it makes more sense finish up in November…:
CUT 8 (10) “this year”

President Obama is slated to sign the first major mental health bill in nearly a decade. It’s co-authored by US Senator Bill Cassidy. Emelie Gunn reports…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The friend of the man on trial for murder in the death of former Saints player Will Smith took the stand today. Kevin O’Neal, who is a witness for the state, said he and the suspect, Cardell Hayes, were in fear for their safety from the beginning of the situation that lead to the shooting. The sequestered jury is hearing day 4 of testimony in the Smith trial.

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast December 8th

There are reports that Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin could be named the next head coach of Houston as early as today. Kiffin is reportedly LSU’s top choice to be the Tigers offensive coordinator. According to a report in USA Today, former LSU coach Les Miles was eliminated from consideration from the Houston job on Wednesday.

A couple of Ragin Cajun players have been named to the All Sun Belt first team, wide receiver Al Riles and linebacker Otha Peters. UL Lafayette’s Elijan McGuire was a second-team selection, along with defensive lineman Joe Dillon and ULM’s Jeff Savage was a second-team pick along the offensive line.

Nicholls State quarterback Chase Fourcade and defensive lineman Sully Laiche finished in the top ten in voting for the Jerry Rice Award, which goes to Football Championship Subdivision’s top freshman.

In the NBA, the Pelicans are will try to get back on track as they face the 76ers tonight in the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans has lost 5 of their last 6. Philadelphia is 4 and 18.

In college hoops, UL-Lafayette shut down Loyola New Orleans 94-60. Southern fell to Tulane 84-75. Tonight, Nicholls State travels to face Florida State.

During testimony at today’s Will Smith trial, Kevin O’Neal took the witness stand. He was a passenger in Cardell Hayes’ hummer when the accident occurred and shots were fired by Hayes towards Smith. O’ Neal said Hayes and himself felt under attack during the heated argument that ensued following the traffic accident.

Quarterback Drew Brees was one of several current and former Saints players who were on hand for the opening day of testimony in the Smith murder trial. He says him and wife Brittany wanted to be there for Smith’s widow, Racquel,,,,
cut 17 (19) “…that time”
This Sunday, New Orleans visits Tampa Bay. A team that has won four in a row.

11:30 Newscast, December 8th, 2016

The two remaining U.S. House races in Louisiana are heating up as the election is only two days away. ULM Political Science Professor John Sutherlin gives his take on the close 3rd Congressional District race between Republicans Captain Clay Higgins, aka the Cajun John Wayne, and Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle…:
Cut 3 (10) “Angelle”
Most analysts agree that Republican Mike Johnson will win the 4th Congressional District seat over Democrat Marshall Jones.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says based on the likelihood of low turnout on Saturday’s elections, he would like to have a conversations with the legislature about ending December elections. He says it might make more sense to have the primary for federal elections in early October and the runoff in November…:
Cut 6 (11) “and seniority”

Canadian air is moving towards Louisiana and bringing winter weather with it. Jeff Palermo reports…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Tis the season for holiday parties, and that means your company Christmas party too. Tulane business professor Dr. Mark Rosa says now that we’re out of the recession, he expects most companies will throw parties this year…:
CUT 1 (08) “get-together”
He says you should always consider an office Christmas party mandatory.

 

10:30 Newscast Dec 8

Louisiana has the best business climate for construction, according to a report from American Builders and Contractors. Vice President of Governmental Affairs with ABC of Louisiana, John Walters, hopes this ranking will persuade more companies to build in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (11) “of workers”

Walters says they’re working to help people advance their skills in this industry.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like winter in the Bayou State. State climatologist Barry Keim says it’s time for Louisianans to break out their cold weather gear.

Cut 10 (10) “the state”

Keim says today high temperatures will only be in the 40s for most of the state.

US Senator Bill Cassidy’s mental healthcare reform bill is on its way to be signed into law by the president. Cassidy says this legislation gives family members more access to their loved one’s doctors.

Cut 14 (11) “mental illness”

Cassidy says the bill will also keep mentally ill people out of jails and get them into treatment.

As holiday party invitations start flooding your inbox, Tulane business professor Mark Rosa has some do’s and don’ts for your office Christmas party. He says it’s important for people to circulate and detach from technology.

Cut 8 (08) “somebody else”

Rosa also warns against talking shop and running out early.

09:30 Newscast, December 8th, 2016

Louisiana has the best business climate for construction, according to a report from American Builders and Contractors. Halen Doughty has more:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Temperatures in Louisiana will be gradually falling throughout the day, and State Climatologist Barry Keim says you can expect it to freeze before week’s end…:
CUT 12 (12) “southern half”

A landmark mental health reform bill co-authored by Republican U.S Senator Bill Cassidy is on its way to be signed into law by the President. One of the thing the act does is strengthens suicide prevention programs. Cassidy says the legislation also provides more funding for the massive opiod crisis…:
CUT 15 (10) “that addiction”
He says it’s vital to expand access to resource for those who need treatment for mental disorders.

It’s office Christmas party time and it’s always good to brush up on reminders when it comes to imbibing with your co-workers. Tulane business professor Mark Rosa says always drink in moderation, and put your phone down and be social…:
CUT 8 (08) “somebody else”

USA Today is reporting that Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is close to signing a deal to be the next head coach at Houston. Kiffin is said to be one of the main people LSU is seeking to hire to be OC under head coach Ed Orgeron.

 

08:30 Newscast, December 8th, 2016

Canadian air is moving towards Louisiana and bringing winter weather with it. Jeff Palermo reports…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

So bundle up as you head out to your holiday office parties, and experts are advising you to also keep a few things in mind when letting your hair down with the boss. Tulane business professor Dr. Mark Rosa…:
CUT 9 (08) “in moderation”
He also says you should always consider an office holiday party mandatory.

A report from American Builders and Contractors ranks Louisiana as the best business climate for construction. Vice President of Governmental Affairs with ABC of Louisiana, John Walters, says the report shows you can have a very good career in the construction industry and there’s a demand for those workers…:
Cut 5 (11) “in Louisiana”
He credits good legislation in the state that benefits the construction industry.

There’s a lot of hype surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s visit to Baton Rouge tomorrow to rally for US Senate candidate John Kennedy. But the state treasurer’s opponent, Democrat Foster Campbell, is requesting equal coverage of his candidacy the day before Saturday’s election. Campbell is holding a press availability in the morning at 9am, ahead of Mr. Trump’s appearance at the Baton Rouge Airport which is slated for noon.

Gas prices are on the rise once again. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular according to AAA is $2.04, more than 6 cents higher than a week ago.

 

07:30 Newscast, December 8th, 2016

A report from American Builders and Contractors ranks Louisiana as the best business climate for construction. Vice President of Governmental Affairs with ABC of Louisiana, John Walters, says that’s due in large part to legislation state lawmakers have passed that benefits the construction industry…:
cut 4 (12) “labor agreements”
He says they spend a lot of time and effort in training and education trying to make sure there is a skilled, qualified workforce in Louisiana.

The public is invited to attend the event tomorrow in Baton Rouge featuring president-elect Donald Trump who is coming to stump for US Senate candidate John Kennedy — but you have to RSVP. Mr. Trump is scheduled to be at the airport at noon. You can register online at EventBrite — search for “Trump.” Kennedy is facing Democrat Foster Campbell in Saturday’s runoff election.

A mental health reform bill co-authored by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is on its way to be signed into law by President Obama. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Get ready to bundle up…it’s cold outside. State Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will only be in the 40s for most of Louisiana…:
cut 11 (09) “from Louisiana”
Keim says below freezing temperatures will arrive before the weekend starts.

 

06:45 Sportscast, December 8th, 2016

The Saints are getting to play one of the hotter teams in the NFC this weekend. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won four in a row and moved into a first place tie with Atlanta in the NFC South. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees says Tampa Bay is doing a lot of things well on defense…:
Cut 16 (19) “opportunistic”
The Saints kick off against the Bucs in Tampa at 3:25 pm Sunday.

LSU announced the details of Dave Aranda’s contract and he is now officially the highest paid assistant coach in college football. In a three year deal, the defensive coordinator will make $1.8 million in 2017, $1.85 million the next year then $1.9 million in 2019. He also receives the title of associate head coach.

In the NBA, the Pelicans are will try to get back on track as they face the 76ers tonight in the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans has lost 5 of their last 6. Philadelphia is 4 and 18.

In college hoops, UL-Lafayette shut down Loyola New Orleans 94-60. Southern fell to Tulane 84-75. Tonight, Nicholls State travels to face Florida State.

The Jefferson Parish Coroner has released the body of Joe McKnight to the funeral home after another inspection and collection of tissue samples; but he downplayed reports that a third autopsy was performed Wednesday. The former NFL player and John Curtis star was killed in an apparent road rage incident, and the circumstances surrounding exactly where he was shot are at issue. JPSO said McKnight was killed by Ronald Gasser who is charged with manslaughter.

Former Saints running back Pierre Thomas took the stand Wednesday and described what he saw when Cardell Hayes shot former NFL player Will Smith last April. Thomas says he thought a heated argument had cooled down. But Hayes attorneys say he shot Smith, because the retired athlete went back to his SUV to get a loaded gun.

 

06:30 Newscast, December 8th, 2016

A landmark mental health reform bill co-authored by Republican U.S Senator Bill Cassidy is on its way to be signed into law by the President. Cassidy says this measure will greatly benefit those who have mood disorders…:
Cut 13 (10) “health needs”
He says this legislation will also keep mentally ill individuals from going to jail and instead allow them to receive out-patient treatment.

Cold temperatures are on the way to the Bayou State. That’s according to state climatologist Barry Keim, who says it’s time for Louisianans to break out the winter gear…:
Cut 10 (10) “the state”
He says below freezing temperatures will arrive before the weekend starts.

Tis the season for holiday parties, and that means your company Christmas party too. Tulane business professor Dr. Mark Rosa says now that we’re out of the recession, he expects most companies will throw parties this year…:
CUT 7 (08) “get-together”
He says you should always consider an office Christmas party mandatory.

The Livingston Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director is not holding back when it comes to speed of FEMA getting flood victims into temporary housing. In an interview with a Baton Rouge TV station, Mark Harrell said that FEMA needs to stop giving them lip service and get off their, “A” and deliver the units. He said FEMA has failed 100% when it comes to getting people with no home into the mobile units.

 

LRN AM NEWSCALL DEC 8

Louisiana has the best business climate for construction, according to a report from American Builders and Contractors. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Canadian air is moving towards Louisiana and bringing winter weather with it. Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A mental health reform bill co-authored by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is on its way to be signed into law by President Obama. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

_____________________________________________

A report from American Builders and Contractors ranks Louisiana as the best business climate for construction. Vice President of Governmental Affairs with ABC of Louisiana, John Walters, says that’s due in large part to legislation state lawmakers have passed that benefits the construction industry.

cut 4  (12) “labor agreements”

Walters says the report shows you can have a very good career in the construction industry and there’s a demand for those workers.

Cut 5  (11)  “in Louisiana”

Another ABC report ranked Louisiana 8th for year-to-year changes in the construction unemployment rate. Walters says that’s because projects come and go in the Bayou State. But he’s optimistic that this new ranking will persuade more companies to build in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (11) “of workers”

________________________________________

Tis the season for holiday parties, and that means your company Christmas party too. Tulane business professor Dr. Mark Rosa says now that we’re out of the recession, he expects most companies will throw parties this year.

CUT 7 (08)  “get-together”

Rosa encourages everyone to attend their company’s holiday party. He says corporations put on these events so that employees can get together and socialize. He says it’s important to circulate at the party and detach from technology.

Cut 8 (08) “somebody else”

Rosa says people should avoid “talking shop” at their office parties and keep the conversation light, and they should avoid running out early. He says people can have fun at their company parties, but says moderation is key.

Cut 9 (08)  “in moderation”

________________________________________

Cold temperatures are on the way to the Bayou State. That’s according to state climatologist Barry Keim, who says it’s time for Louisianans to break out the winter gear.

Cut 10 (10)  “the state”

Keim says people in some areas of the state will want to bring an umbrella with them today. And high temperatures will only be in the 40s for most of the state.

cut 11 (09) “from Louisiana”

Keim says below freezing temperatures will arrive before the weekend starts.

cut 12 (12) “southern half”

________________________________________

A landmark mental health reform bill co-authored by Republican U.S Senator Bill Cassidy is on its way to be signed into law by the President. Cassidy says this measure will expand access to resources for those who need treatment for mental illnesses

Cut 13 (10) “health needs”

Cassidy says this legislation will also keep mentally ill individuals from going to jail and instead allow them to receive out-patient treatment. He says family members will also have an easier time to converse with doctors about the mental health of a loved one.

cut 14 (11) “mental illness”

The Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 also strengthens suicide prevention. And he says the measure will provide more funding for the massive opioid crisis.

Cut 15 (10) “that addiction”

_________________________________________________

The Saints are getting to play one of the hotter teams in the NFC. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won four in a row and moved into a first place tie with Atlanta in the NFC South. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees says Tampa Bay is doing a lot of things well on defense…

Cut 16 (19) “opportunistic”

Brees was one of several current and former Saints players who were on hand for the opening day of testimony in the Will Smith murder trial. He says him and wife Brittany wanted to be there for Smith’s widow, Racquel

Cut 17 (19)    “that time”