Governor-Elect Jeff Landry is expected to make his first cabinet appointment Wednesday, Colleen Crain has more on who that might be…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”
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Nearly 22 percent of small business owners say inflation is their biggest obstacle in operating their business according to a new survey by the National Federation of Independent Business. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”
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Plaintiffs who filed suit over the current congressional map with only one majority-Black district instead of two are pleased it’s been ruled unconstitutional.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Governor-Elect Jeff Landry is expected to name his first cabinet appointment Wednesday and political analyst Bernie Pinsonat believes it will be the head of the Department of Health and Hospitals and the obvious choice would be Dr. Ralph Abraham…
Cut 4 (09) “…cabinet member.”
Pinsonat says Abraham’s experience in Congress and his knowledge of federal healthcare programs and federal/state programs like Medicaid makes Abraham a valuable asset to Landry and Louisiana…
Cut 5 (10) “…medical doctor.”
Former congressman, Dr. Abraham has been a major part of Landry’s transition team and an early supporter of the Governor-elect. Pinsonat says Abraham who once ran for governor himself would be a popular choice to head DHH.
Cut 6 (10) “…very popular.”
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A new survey by the National Federation of Independent Business indicates a lack of optimism among small business owners in the fourth quarter. State Director Dawn McVea says nearly 22 percent of small business owners say inflation is their biggest obstacle in operating their business.
Cut 7 (12) “…a break.”
A consumer Price Index Report released for October showed annual price inflation rose to three point two percent, which was down slightly from three point seven percent in September.
McVea says the survey also shows small business owners are not growing their inventories as labor and energy costs are not falling.
Cut 8 (11) “…just lingering.”
The Optimism Index decreased by one point in October to nearly 91 points, marking the 22nd month below the 50-year average. The last time the Optimism Index was at or above the average was December 2021.
McVea reminds the public that Louisiana charges inventory tax and small business owners purchase additional supplies for the holidays. She urges Louisianans to shop small businesses this holiday season.
Cut 9 (12) “…year fresh.”
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ACLU Voting Rights Project attorney Sarah Brannon says they’re extremely pleased with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that the current congressional map violates the Voting Rights Act. It’s been ordered to be redrawn with two majority-Black districts. Brannon says the courts want the map finalized by May 2024 so…
Cut 10 (07) “…new map.”
The ACLU of Louisiana, the Legal Defense Fund, and the NAACP filed the case against the state and the defendants include the Secretary of State, Louisiana’s Speaker of the House, the Senate President, and the Attorney General.
Judge Shelly Dick issued a January 15th deadline for the state to have a revised map and because a new legislature will be sworn-in January 8th Brannon says Dick could give defendants an extension if they file for one…
Cut 11 (09) “…by May.”
Brannon says Governor John Bel Edwards has the authority to call the current legislature into a special session to meet the January deadline and Governor-elect Jeff Landry has indicated he plans to hold a special session for redistricting.
Brannon describes the map plaintiffs submitted to the courts that have two Black-majority districts.
Cut 12 (11) “…looking for.”
The 2020 Census indicated that 33% of the state’s population is Black therefore two out of the state’s six congressional districts should be drawn so two minority congressional members can be elected.
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Natchitoches Parish President John Richmond says he’s relieved a Parish Grand Jury has dismissed assault charges that were filed against him by Latorria Freeman, an opponent in his re-election campaign. He says after a headline reads a parish president is accused of something…
Cut 13 (08) “…no true bill.”
Richmond failed to garner enough votes and Freeman, a Democrat, is in the runoff with Independent John Salter. When asked if the accusation railroaded his re-election campaign, he says we can all play “Monday Morning Quarterback…”
Cut 14 (11) “…in an election.”
Salter had the most votes in the October primary with almost 28 percent of the votes, followed by Freeman with 27 percent and Richmond in third place with 24 percent.
Freeman filed charges claiming Richmond put his hands on her and pushed her during a supposed altercation at the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival in May. Richmond only recalls a conversation with his accuser.
Cut 15 (12) “…happened”
Richmond says he and his wife Kathy are rooted in their faith and they plan to remain in the area and move forward.
When LRN asked Freeman for the opportunity to give her side of the story she respond with “no comment.”
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ULM is at 13th ranked Ole Miss on Saturday and it’s unlikely they’ll snap their eight-game losing streak. After going four and eight in his first two seasons in Monroe, it looks like the program has taken a step back. But Bowden still believes he can turn it around…
Cut 16 (17) “…change courses”
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Mikaylah Williams from Bossier City scored 42 points, a record for an LSU freshman, as the seventh ranked LSU Lady Tigers defeated Kent State 109 to 79 in the PMAC during the annual field trip game. Williams was 15 of 20 from the field and hit five three-pointers. She credits her practice habits for her record breaking performance…
Cut 17 (11) “…paid off.”
Head Coach Kim Mulkey says Williams did more than just score the basketball…
Cut 18 (13) “…big as the ocean”
The Lady Tigers are at Southeastern Louisiana on Friday night.
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Georgia State will come into Tiger Stadium on Saturday to play 15th ranked LSU on a three game losing streak. Panthers head coach Shawn Elliot says they suffered a tough 42-14 loss to Appalachian State and it will not get any easier on this weekend…
Cut 19 (20) “…about that.”
Elliot knows it will be difficult to slow down LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, but at least his team gets to experience a night game in Tiger Stadium…
Cut 20 (17) “…football team”