Monthly Archives: October 2023

10.10.23
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LRN AM Newscall October 11

Inflation remains the top problem for small business owners nationwide resulting in less optimism for future business conditions. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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After hearing from potential candidates last night, the US House begins what could be another lengthy process of choosing the next Speaker.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Thanks to a disturbance in the Gulf south Louisiana will have rain today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Small business optimism nationwide dips in September as inflation remains the single greatest problem in operating a business. National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn McVea says sales growth has slowed, leaving owners with limited options for financial relief.

Cut 4 (11) “…to operate.”

Optimism fell by half a point in September to 90.8 marking the 21st consecutive month below the 49-year average of 98.

McVea says the national survey 29 percent of owners report weaker sales have had a significant impact on their business. She says it also found that 43 percent of owners reported job openings that were hard to fill.

Cut 5 (12) “…just frustrating.”

Small business owners expecting better business conditions over the next six months deteriorated by six points from August to a negative 43 percent. McVea says owners are pessimistic about future conditions.

Cut 6 (10) “…the year.”

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Congressional members are scheduled to vote their next Speaker of the House today. Among the contenders are Louisiana’s Steve Scalise and Ohio Representative Jim Jordan. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan expects it will be a close race for the two Republicans….

Cut 7 (09) “…the Democrats.”

When former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was elected in January it took fifteen rounds of voting and several concessions to far-right party members. Hogan believes the election process for the next speaker could be just as contentious.

Cut 8 (10) “…anytime soon.” 

Former President Trump has endorsed Jordan and the only member of Louisiana’s congressional delegation to voice their support for Scalise is Congresswoman Julia Letlow. With little backing from Scalise’s own state, Hogan says it’s indicative of the deep division within the Republican party.

Cut 9 (09)  “…on top.”

As for other Republican members of Congress, Hogan says they are digging in their heels on issues they feel strongly about. As for Trump’s endorsement of Jordan, Hogan says many Republican congressional members are fearful it could be used against them among voters if they support Scalise instead.

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Something you haven’t had to do in a while is grab your umbrella, and you’ll need to today because rain is in the forecast for south Louisiana. Thanks to a disturbance in the gulf, State Climatologist Barry Keim says rain will last most of the day and perhaps spill into Thursday…

Cut 10 (09) “…the state.”

Keim says southwest Louisiana could see some precipitation but as you move north of Baton Rouge and Alexandria, you’re less likely to have any rainfall.

Cut 11 (12) “…the weekend.”

For the Saturday, Keim says weatherwise it will be, believe it or not, an improvement to what Louisiana experienced last weekend…

Cut 12 (11) “…absolutely glorious.” 

And on Sunday things will be slightly cooler with lows in the 40s in northern parishes and in the 50s for southern parishes with high temperatures in the 70s.

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Constitutional amendment three on Saturday’s ballot asks voters if they want to require state lawmakers to use 25 percent of any state surplus to pay retirement debt for the four state retirement systems. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson authored the amendment and says the state spends over a billion dollars every year just in interest on this debt…

Cut 13 (09) “… other things.”

Currently, lawmakers must use at least 10 percent of any state budget surplus to pay down a portion of the retirement debt.

Opponents of the amendment say state surplus dollars help fund road and bridge work, coastal restoration, and other infrastructure needs. But Nelson says it’s time the state takes a serious approach towards paying off retirement debt…

Cut 14 (08) “…pet project.”

The Council for a Better Louisiana is in support of Amendment Three. Nelson says the goal is to pay down debt to have more money in the future…

Cut 15 (07) “…moving forward.”

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ULM is coming off a humbling 48-point loss to South Alabama at home last Saturday as they get ready to go on the road to play Texas State. Coach Terry Bowden says they can’t let the defeat to the Jaguars to define their season…

Cut 16 (17) “…will respond.”

The Warhawks are 2-3 overall, 0-2 in the Sun Belt. Bowden knows his team is capable of playing better than what they showed last Saturday

Cut 17 (16) “…this week.”

ULM at Texas State at 6 PM.

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LSU has one of the best offenses in college football, but it’s not just Jayden Daniels and the passing game. Logan Diggs has established himself as one of the top running backs in the SEC. Diggs has rushed for over 100 yards in the last two games and Coach Brian Kelly says he’s been a complete back…

Cut 18 (24) “…at that.”

LSU ranks among the Top ten nationally in six statistical categories at the halfway point of the season. Kelly hopes the defense can help the Tigers play complementary football…

Cut 19 (19) “…charge here.” 

10.10.23
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5:30 LRN Newscast

It’s World Day Against the Death Penalty and faith leaders from across Louisiana met at the Governor’s Mansion this morning urging Governor Edwards to call for clemency hearings for prisoners facing the death penalty. Advocate to abolish the death penalty, Sister Helen Prejean…

Cut 8 (09) “…our citizens.”

Faith leaders also prayed for the death row inmates and the family members of their victims.

Less than 350 thousand people cast votes during the early voting period that ended last Saturday and the Secretary of State’s Office predicts between 42 and 46 percent of registered voters will turnout for Saturday’s gubernatorial primary election. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon is projecting a lower turnout.

Cut 11 (09) “…total voter turnout.”

Grab your umbrellas tomorrow. A downpour is headed to southeast Louisiana as a result of a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee…

Cut 6 (09) “…during the evening”

The New Orleans area and St. Tammany Parish are expected to get more than two inches of rain. The Lafayette area could see about an inch of rain and less than half an inch for southwest Louisiana.

Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy are offering consumers big deals- weeks before Black Friday weekend. Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman says a third of holiday shoppers expect inflation to impact their buying habits. He says early shoppers are looking for coupons, discounts, and sales.

Cut 4 (11) “…for discounts.”

While retailers are offering early promotions, Rossman says shoppers are eager to get the best deals but they are also being smart spenders.

10.10.23
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Despite taking some big hits in the Missouri game and injuring his ribs, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is good to practice this week ahead of this Saturday’s game against Auburn. Auburn Coach Hugh Freeze is very impressed with Daniels…
cut 14 (15) “..to watch”
LSU Coach Brian Kelly gives Daniels a lot of credit for making himself a better Q-B…
cut 19 (22) “….in the country”
Kick off between LSU and Auburn is at 6 PM.

It’s a Tuesday night, but Louisiana Tech football is in action tonight as they visit Middle Tennessee State in a Conference USA game that will be televised by CBS Sports Network. The Bulldogs are trying to get to 3-1 in Conference USA play.

The Pelicans host the Magic for their preseason opener tonight. It will be a rare sight as Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum are all healthy and expected to play.

It could be legal to hunt black bears in this state soon. The Louisiana Wildlife Commission will hold a hearing next month and possibly vote on establishing a bear hunting season. . After being on the endangered species list, Commission member Joe McPherson says it will be a limited hunt so not many animals will be taken initially.
Cut 28 (08) “…wild alligator.”
Louisiana’s black bear was removed from the endangered species list in 2015.

10.10.23
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LRN 4:30 PM Newscast

JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says this is the lowest interest he’s ever seen in a Louisiana governor’s race. And Couvillon says, surprisingly more registered Republicans participated in early voting than Democrats…

Cut 12 (10) “.Democratic Friendly”  

Couvillon says participation among black voters was also down.

 

The Desoto Parish Clerk of Court turned himself in and was arrested today on misdemeanor charges of electioneering. Jeremy Evans posted pictures of himself on Social Media showing his September 20th visit to 2 Mansfield nursing homes. The photos showed Evans was wearing a shirt with a “re-elect Jeremy Evans” logo on it and campaign literature in his hand. LA law says no candidate can solicit votes, hand out campaign literature or place any political advertising in nursing homes past a certain date.

 

This morning Members of Louisiana InterFaith against Executions (L.I.F.E.) presented Governor Edwards with a letter signed by more than 100 faith leaders asking him and the Pardon Board to grant clemency hearings for all of the inmates awaiting execution.

Baton Rouge Catholic Bishop Michael Gerard Duca says he believes Edwards is doing all he can on behalf of death row inmates.

Cut 9 (12) “…support it.” 

A settlement reached after an injunction was filed on behalf of Louisiana District Attorneys means most of the 56 inmates on death row with not have clemency hearings. The ruling is being appealed

 

We’re more than a month from Thanksgiving but major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Best Buy are already offering Black Friday discounts, weeks before the traditional holiday shopping season. Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman says an early start gives shoppers more time to research and spread out their cash flow

Cut 3 (10) “…card debt.”

 

10.10.23
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LRN 3:30 PM Newscast

JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says based on early voting totals, total voter turnout for Saturday’s election could be less than 40-percent. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court has been arrested. Jeremy Evans is charged with two counts of electioneering after two September 20th visits to Mansfield nursing homes. During those visits, Evans posted photos of himself holding his campaign literature and wearing a shirt with a “re-elect Jeremy Evans” logo on it. The charges are misdemeanor.

A Group of Faith Leaders who oppose the Death Penalty met with Governor Edwards this morning Members of Louisiana InterFaith against Executions (L.I.F.E.) are calling for clemency hearings for death row inmates. The group presented Governor Edwards with a letter signed by more than 100 faith leaders asking him and the pardon board to grant the clemency hearing for all inmates awaiting execution. Sister Helen Prejean was among those requesting clemency hearings for the inmates

Cut 8 (09) “…our citizens.”

A recent settlement reached after an injunction was filed on behalf of Louisiana district attorneys means most of the 56 inmates on death row will not have clemency hearings. The ruling is being appealed.

Louisiana may be getting some Heavy rain tomorrow due to a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says localized flash flooding is possible in southeast Louisiana…

Cut 7 (10) “…very shortly” 

10.10.23
by

LRN PM Newscall October 10

Black Friday has come early for shoppers as major retailers are offering early deals in October. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says based on early voting totals, total voter turnout for Saturday’s election could be less than 40-percent. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Black Friday deals have come early as major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Best Buy are offering discounts now, weeks before the start of the traditional holiday shopping season. Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman says an early start gives shoppers more time to research and spread out their cash flow

Cut 3 (10) “…card debt.”

With the average credit card rate at 21 percent, Rossman says a third of holiday shoppers expect inflation to impact their buying habits. He says early shoppers are looking for coupons, discounts, and sales.

Cut 4 (11) “…for discounts.”

Rossman says 25 percent of shoppers are stressed about the cost of holiday shopping.  While retailers are offering early promotions, Rossman says shoppers are eager to get the best deals but they are also being smart spenders.

Cut 5 (06) “ …the budget”  

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Heavy rain is expected tomorrow in southeast Louisiana as a result of a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says more than two inches of rain could fall along the coast, into the New Orleans area  and St. Tammany Parish…

Cut 6 (09) “…during the evening”

The Lafayette area could see about an inch of rain and less than a half an inch for southwest Louisiana. Wetherbee says localized flash flooding is possible in southeast Louisiana…

Cut 7 (10) “…very shortly” 

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In recognition of World Day Against the Death Penalty, faith leaders met with Governor Edwards this morning calling for clemency hearings for death row inmates. Sister Helen Prejean, an advocate to abolish the death penalty, says being pro-life doesn’t mean you’re against abortion…

Cut 8 (09) “…our citizens.”

Members of Louisiana InterFaith against Executions (L.I.F.E.) presented Edwards with a letter signed by more than 100 faith leaders asking him and the Pardon Board to grant clemency hearings for all of the inmates awaiting execution.

Baton Rouge Catholic Bishop Michael Gerard Duca says he believes Edwards is doing all he can on behalf of death row inmates.

Cut 9 (12) “…support it.” 

While recognizing those who are on death row in Louisiana, faith leaders also prayed for them and the family members of their victims. Duca says they are not asking for death row inmates to be set free, only that their lives be spared.

Cut 10 (08) “…the death penalty.”

A settlement after an injunction was filed on behalf of Louisiana district attorneys means most of the 56 inmates on death row will not have clemency hearings. Advocates are appealing the ruling.

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The Secretary of State’s Office predicts between a 42 and 46-percent total voter turnout for Saturday’s election. But JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon is projecting a lower turnout, after less than 350-thousand people cast votes during the early voting period that ended last Saturday

Cut 11 (09) “…total voter turnout.”

Couvillon says this is the lowest interest he’s ever seen in a Louisiana governor’s race.

He says it was surprising to see more registered Republicans participating in early voting than Democrats…

Cut 12 (10) “.Democratic Friendly”  

Couvillon says participation among black voters was also down…

Cut 13 (10) “…anemic”

10.10.23
by

2:30 PM LRN Newscast

The DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court has been arrested. Jeremy Evans is charged with two counts of electioneering after two September 20th visits to Mansfield nursing homes. During those visits, Evans posted photos of himself holding his campaign literature and wearing a shirt with a “re-elect Jeremy Evans” logo on it. The charges are misdemeanor.

Members of Louisiana InterFaith against Executions (L.I.F.E.) met with Governor Edwards and presented him with a letter signed by more than 100 faith leaders asking him and the Pardon Board to grant clemency hearings for all inmates awaiting execution.

LIFE leaders prayed for the inmates and the family members of their victims. Baton Rouge Catholic Bishop Michael Gerard Duca says they are not asking for death row inmates to be set free, only that their lives be spared.

Cut 10 (08) “…the death penalty.”

 

There’s a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s expected to bring Heavy rain southeast Louisiana tomorrow. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says more than two inches of rain could fall along the coast, into the New Orleans area and St. Tammany Parish…

Cut 6 (09) “…during the evening”

Wetherbee says pay attention some areas could see some localized flash flooding.

Black Friday has come early for shoppers as major retailers are offering early deals in October. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

10.10.23
by

1:30 LRN Newscast Oct 10

JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says based on early voting totals, total voter turnout for Saturday’s election could be less than 40-percent.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

 

Bond has been set at $350-thousand for Melanie Curtain, after her sexual assault conviction was granted a new trial. She was sentenced to life in prison without parole last year for her involvement with former high-ranking Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Dennis Perkins. The Attorney General’s Office plans to take the case of the state supreme court.

 

 

In recognition of World Day Against the Death Penalty, faith leaders met with Governor Edwards this morning calling for clemency hearings for death row inmates. Baton Rouge Catholic Bishop Michael Gerard Duca says he believes Edwards is doing all he can on behalf of death row inmates.

Cut 9 (12) “…support it.” 

Members of Louisiana InterFaith against Executions (L.I.F.E.) presented Edwards with a letter signed by more than 100 faith leaders asking him and the Pardon Board to grant clemency hearings for death row inmates.

It’s not even Halloween but major retailers are already promoting Black Friday deals. Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman says while 25 percent of shoppers are stressed about the cost of holiday shopping, and the early promotions allow consumers to be smarter about their spending.

Cut 5 (06) “ …the budget”  

10.10.23
by

12:30 LRN Newscast

In recognition of World Day Against the Death Penalty, faith leaders met with Governor Edwards this morning calling for clemency hearings for death row inmates. Sister Helen Prejean, an advocate to abolish the death penalty, says being pro-life doesn’t mean you’re against abortion…

Cut 8 (09) “…our citizens.”

Edwards was presented with a letter signed by more than 100 faith leaders asking him and the Pardon Board to grant clemency hearings for all of the inmates awaiting execution.

The Secretary of State’s Office predicts between a 42 and 26 percent total voter turnout for Saturday’s election. But JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon is projecting a lower turnout, after less than 350-thousand people cast votes during the early voting period that ended last Saturday

Cut 11 (09) “…total voter turnout.”

Couvillon says this is the lowest interest he’s ever seen in a Louisiana governor’s race.

The University of Louisiana System Board has delayed hiring their own President Jim Henderson, as Louisiana Tech’s next president to allow public input. Henderson says it’s just procedural and practical ramifications of having a system president interested in a university presidency.

Cut 13 (10) “… constituent groups.”

For the last six years, Henderson has been president of the state’s largest higher education system with nine member schools and more than 90,000 students.

Major retailers like Amazon and Walmart are offering big deals in October more than a month before Black Friday shopping weekend. Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman says a third of holiday shoppers expect inflation to impact their buying habits. He says early shoppers are looking for coupons, discounts, and sales.

Cut 4 (11) “…for discounts.”

 

10.10.23
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Louisiana Tech plays a rare Tuesday night football game tonight at six PM. It’s the first time they’ve played on a Tuesday since 2010. The Bulldogs are at Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders are 1-and-5 and suffered losses to Alabama, Missouri, Western Kentucky and Colorado State. Tech is trying to bounce back after a 35-28 home loss to Western Kentucky last Thursday.

After playing two straight games on the road, LSU returns to Tiger Stadium this Saturday to face the Auburn Tigers. The game marks the start of the second half of the season and Coach Brian Kelly says his team is very much in the hunt to repeat as SEC West champs
Cut 20 (17) “…care of business.”

The 34 points scored by the Saints in a shutout win over New England ends a streak of 10 straight games of not scoring more than 21 points in a game. It also takes some of the heat off longtime offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Quarterback Derek Carr says his relationship with Carmichael is growing…
Cut 17 (19) “…always fun.”

The Pelicans tip off the preseason tonight by hosting the Orlando Magic. The starters are expected to play about 20 minutes. It will be the first time since last November that Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and C-J McCollum will play in a game together. Tip off is at 7 PM.