06:45 LRN Sportscast November 23rd

For LSU to win tomorrow, they’ll have to contain one of the best pass rushers the SEC has ever seen. Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett has over 30 sackles in his career and is coming off a 4.5 sack performance against Texas-San Antonio. LSU Guard Will Clapp says they have great respect for Garrett….
cut 19 (12) “…their defense”
After a frustrating loss to Florida, Clapp says the team is anxious to play tomorrow night.

McNeese State quarterback James Tabary has been named Southland Conference newcomer of the year.

The Saints return to practice today as they get ready for Sunday’s game against Los Angeles. The Rams will start number one pick Jared Goff at quarterback and defensively they are 7th in yards allowed.

Scott Farmer is out as UL Lafayette’s athletic director. He stepped down after five years. There were a lot of successes during that time. The football team won four straight bowl games, multiple NCAA Tournament appearances by the baseball and softball programs. Farmer wishes his successor the best of luck….
cut 17 (16) “…his or her advice”
School president Joseph Savoie they’ll begin interviewing candidates to be A-D in early 2017.

LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri has promoted two former playes to take the place of Andy Cannizaro, who is now the head coach at Mississippi State. Nolan Cain will be a full-time assistant and recruiting coordinator, while Micah Gibbs will be a volunteer assistant and hitting coach.

The Pelicans won their third straight last night as they beat Atlanta 112-94.

06:30 LRN newscast November 23rd

Triple-A estimates nearly 49-million Americans are traveling 50 miles or more this weekend , which is the highest number since the Thanksgiving of 2007. Local Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says the statewide average for a gallon of gasoline is below two-dollars, which is a good reason why so many people are traveling….
cut 11 (10) “….the economy”

Three-point-one-billion dollars. That’s the dollar figure the White House has asked Congress to approve for Louisiana flood aid and other states impacted by disasters. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says this money is badly needed, because what FEMA has provided so far has been inadequate…
cut 14 (10) “….unacceptable”

There will not be a debate between the two U.S. Senate candidates in the run-off. Republican John Kennedy and Democrat Foster Campbell blame each other. The election is December 10th and early voting begins Saturday.

Many households are getting ready for that Thanksgiving feast. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says it will take 24 hours for every five pounds of weight for a turkey to safely defrost in the refrigerator. If defrosting in cold water, he says people should change the water every 30 minutes. He says the only way to determine if a turkey is fully cooked is with a meat thermometer….
cut 8 (12) “…these places”

16:45 LRN Sportscast November 22nd

Rumors are rampant the LSU Tigers will make a push for Florida State Head Coach Jimbo Fisher, once the Seminoles regular season ends on Saturday night. Tigers Interim Head Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s telling his team to block out the noise…
Cut 17 (12) “job first “
Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith will not play Thursday against the Aggies. The Tigers leading tackler went down with a reported knee injury in the first half of the Florida game. Former Karr standout Donnie Alexander will get the start.

The Saints have had their issues on special teams. That’s why Coach Sean Payton has hired Kevin O’ Dea. O’Dea specializes in the snap, hold and kick. New Orleans has had two kicks blocked in the last two games. This Sunday’s game is at noon against the Los Angeles Rams.

In the NBA, the Pelicans are at Atlanta tonight.

Scott Farmer has stepped down as UL Lafayette’s atheltic director after five years. Farmer was emotional as he said good bye to the Ragin Cajun fan base…
cut 30 (16) “…to me”
Farmer will stay with the university and teach in the school’s kinesiology department. President Joe Savoie says there will be a national search for a new A-D.

Despite winning only one game, Northwestern State’s Jay Thomas will return for his fifth season as the Demons Head Coach.

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri has promoted volunteer coach and former Tigers pitcher Nolan Cain to assistant coach and recruiting coorinator. And former LSU catcher Micah Gibbs has been named volunteer coach and hitting coach

14:30 LRN Newscast November 22nd

A National Retail Federation survey finds nearly six out of 10 Americans will shop either in a store or online or both over Thanksgiving Weekend. Emelie Gunn has more…
Voicer 1 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The state legislative auditor’s office says there’s been poor recording keeping in the attorney general’s office. State auditor Beth Davis says they couldn’t tell how the A-G spent nearly 25-million dollars…
cut 13 (09) “…they could locate”
Current A-G Jeff Landry blames his predeccesor Buddy Caldwell.

A Lafayette man attempting to push a disabled trailer to the side of the road was struck and killed by an 81-year-old truck driver. State Police Master Trooper Brooks David say the fatal crash happened this morning just after 1:00 am in Henderson on Interstate 10….
cut 9 (10) “…doing so”
David says 25-year-old Vineeth Keesara was pronounced dead at the scene. Impairment is not suspected by the truck driver.

A Monroe family has donated 90 bulletproof vests for all of the troopers and investigators who work for Troop F. Bunzy Bryant says they’ve been close to the Troop for 16 years and wanted to do something to make sure they are safe….
cut 8 (11) “….of them”
The vests are strong enough to stop bullets from high-powered rifles.

PM Newscall November 22nd

A National Retail Federation survey finds nearly six out of 10 Americans will shop either in a store or online or both over Thanksgiving Weekend. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

A Monroe family has made a generous donation to State Police Troop F to keep troopers safe in the field. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The National Retail Federation expects 59-percent of Americans will shop both in-store or online during the Thanksgiving weekend. Spokesperson Ana Serafin Smith says it’s a slight increase from last year…

Cut 3 (10) “as last year”

Smith says Black Friday remains the busiest day of the weekend with 74-percent planning to shop that day. She says folks of all ages will shop on Black Friday, especially Millennials, as they estimate 86-percent of 18-24 year olds plan to shop.

cut 4  (09) “and deals”

Smith says there’s good news for local businesses as 24-percent of consumers plan to shop on Small Business Saturday, which is up from last year

Cut 5  (10)  “everywhere else”

______________________________________

Amidst tensions between Louisiana law enforcement and the public, one Monroe family is making sure State Troopers are safe in the field. Bunzy Bryant and his wife, Lynn, donated 90 bulletproof vests to State Police Troop F in Monroe. Bryant says these vests are extra protection beyond what the troopers wear every day.

Cut 6 (11) “AK-47”

Bryant says they have been close with Troop F for 16 years and have helped their Christmas drives, crawfish boils, and softball games for years. He says State Police is part of their family, and they want to keep the troopers safe.

CUT 7 (10)  “at night”

Bryant says he and his wife have gotten tons of calls from people expressing their thanks for the family’s donation, including one call from Governor John Bel Edwards. He says they want to spread the word to criminals that our boys are protected, and they have another message for the public.

Cut 8 (11) “of them”

_____________________________________

A Lafayette man attempting to push a disabled U-Haul trailer to the side of the road was struck and killed by an 81-year-old semi-truck driver. State Police Master Trooper Brooks David say the fatal crash happened this morning just after 1:00 am in Henderson.

Cut 9 (10)  “doing so”

The trailer belonged to 26-year-old Tanika Adams. David says the semi-truck driver hit Adams, another person, 25-year-old Vineeth Keesara, the trailer and the two vehicles on the side of the road. He says Keesara was pronounced dead at the scene and Adams was transported to Lafayette General Medical Center.

Cut 10 (09) “critical injuries”

David says Troopers are still investigating how the trailer got detached. He says the driver of the 18-wheeler voluntarily submitted to a chemical test.

cut 11 (10) “this crash”

________________________________________________

State auditors are unsure if the Attorney General’s Office improperly spent nearly $25 million. Beth Davis with the Legislative Auditor’s Office says they requested support for 28 transactions totaling $24.7 million from an escrow account that receives money from court settlements, fines, and other penalties.

cut 12 (07) “were incomplete”

Davis says they can’t say whether or not any illegal transactions took place, because there is no documentation, but they can’t confirm the dealings were appropriate either. She says they’ve asked the AG’s Office to explain what happened to the money.

Cut 13 (09) “could locate”

AG Jeff Landry, who took office in January, issued a statement blaming his predecessor for poor-record keeping. But Davis says the transactions occurred over the span of two fiscal years- the one ending June 30 of 2015 and the one ending June 30 of 2016.

cut 14 (08) “current administration”

________________________________________________

11:40 LRN Sportscast November 22nd

There’s plenty of speculation that LSU will make a strong push to hire Florida State Head Coach Jimbo Fisher. But Fisher on today’s A-C-C teleconference said that he’s very hapy at Florida State and he’s fully invested in Florida State. Fisher is preparing the Seminoles to face the Florida Gators on Saturday night.

On Friday afternon, Louisiana Tech faces Southern Miss in Hattiesburg. Last year, the Golden Eagles thumped the Bulldogs in Ruston, 58-24. Tech wide receiver Trent Taylor says they would like to return the favor and win big in Hattiesburg….
cut 19 (20) “…this week”
La Tech enters the season with an 8-3 record, while the Golden Eagles are 5-6.

UL Lafayette enters Saturday’s game against Arkansas State with a 4-6 record. So the Ragin Cajuns will need to beat the best team in the Sun Belt to keep its bowl hopes alive. Kick-off is at 11 AM.

Jay Thomas remains the head coach of Northwestern State. The Demons were 1-10 in Thomas’ fourth season at the helm, but he’ll be given one more year to turn things around in Natchitoches.

The Saints are trying to improve their special teams, which is why Coach Sean Payton has brought in Kevin O’Dea to help with the special teams unit. The last two weeks, New Orleans has had a kick blocked and rookie kicker Will Lutz has also had a couple others deflected. New Orleans hosts the Los Angels Rams at noon on Sunday.

In the NBA…the Pelicans are at Atlanta. New Orleans has won three of its last four and Anthony Davis is coming off back-to-back 38 point performances.

Tonight in college hoops,,,McNeese is at Memphis, Grambling visits Virginia, Nicholls takes on New Mexico State and ULM faces Bryant after losing to Seattle in overtime.

11:30 LRN Newscast November 22nd

The Boston Globe has mentioned Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards as a potential candidate for President in 2020. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Edwards pro-gun, pro-life beliefs might not mesh well with many democrats, but…
cut 12 (11) “…lists”
Edwards first must win re-election as governor in 2019.

Amidst tensions between Louisiana law enforcement and the public, one Monroe family is making sure State Troopers are safe in the field. Bunzy Bryant and his wife, Lynn, donated 90 bulletproof vests to State Police Troop F in Monroe. Bryant says these vests are extra protection beyond what the troopers wear every day.
Cut 6 (11) “AK-47”
Bryant says they have been close with Troop F for 16 years.

The Humane Society of Louisiana is concerned about the increase in complaints regarding neglected horses. HSL Director Jeff Dorson says dozens of horses, sometimes several at a time have been found in various stages of starvation by Humane Society members…
cut 24 (09) “more responsible”
Dorson says don’t buy a horse if you can’t afford to take care of it.
A historic jail built in DeRidder in 1914 is now open for tours after an extensive renovation. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the “Hanging Jail,” as it’s known, was as added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981….
cut 15 (08) “…kinda funny”
The Gothic Jail got its name as the Hanging Jail when two men found guilty of murdering a taxi driver hanged from the stairwell.

09:30 LRN Newscast November 22nd

Law enforcement have begun discussions on how they’ll handle potential protests once the U.S. Justice Department releases its results of the investigation into the police shooting death of Alton Sterling. State Police Colonel Mike Edmonson says they’ll do everything they can to help people protest safely…
cut 9 (10) “…are heard”
It’s still unknown when federal investigators will complete their review of the shooting.

The Humane Society of Louisiana says there’s been a 50-percent increase this year in the number of abused and neglected horses. Executive Director Jeff Dorson says the problem is there’s a surplus of horses…
cut 5 (10) “…or care”
Dorson says don’t buy a horse if you can’t afford to take care of it.

The Beauregard Parish Gothic Jail is now open for tours, according to Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser. Halen Doughty has more…
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

There’s a threat of severe weather for northwest Louisiana tonight. Forecasters say the main threats are damaging wind gusts and hail and the storm system should move the through the area between 5 PM and the overnight hours. The line of storms should move through central Louisiana tomorrow morning.

08:30 LRN Newscast November 22nd

Several community activists remain frustrated over how the Justice Department is investigating the Alton Sterling Shooting. Cleve Dunn Junior says there are key pieces of evidence from the police shooting that should be released…
cut 8 (09) “…quite some time”
US Attorney Walt Green has not released any details of the federal probe.

The Boston Globe has mentioned Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards as a potential candidate for President in 2020. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Edwards pro-gun, pro-life beliefs might not mesh well with many democrats, but…
cut 12 (11) “…lists”
Edwards first must win re-election as governor in 2019.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser announces the Beauregard Parish Gothic Jail in DeRidder is now open for tours. The Gothic Jail will be the crown jewel of Louisiana’s Myths and Legends Scenic Byway, which is intended to give tourists a reason to visit Louisiana’s back roads. Nungesser says over 40-thousand dollars was raised at a fundraiser to complete the renovations….
cut 13 (12) “…the stairwell”
Two men who were found guilty of murdering a taxi driver in the late 1920s were hung from the stairwell, earning the Gothic Jail nationwide notoriety.

A Monroe area family has donated 90 new bullet proof vests that will be worn by State Police Troopers and investigators in northeast Louisiana. Bunzy and Lynn Bryant are friends with many officers at Troop F and they wanted to do something to make sure they are safe.

07:30 LRN Newscast November 22nd

There is a heightened awareness among law enforcement for potential protests once the U.S. Justice Department announces its results of its investigation into the shooting of Alton Sterling. The 37-year-old black man was fatally shot in July after a scuffle with two white Baton Rouge police officers. Police Chief Carl Dabadie says they are working on a plan to deal with protests as least aggressively as possible….
cut 7 (10) “…wanna say”
It’s still unclear when the Justice Department will finish its investigation or whether there will be any charges.

There’s a marginal risk of severe weather for northwest Louisiana tonight. The National Weather Service says a line of thunderstorms will move through the area later today, and there’s a chance for very heavy rain, especially during the overnight hours.

The names of soon to be jobless Republican politicians have been mentioned as part of President-elect Trump’s administration. Emelie Gunn has more…
Cut 2 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The Humane Society of Louisiana is concerned about the high number of complaints they’re receiving about neglected horses. HSL Director Jeff Dorson says dozens of horses, sometimes several at a time have been found in various stages of starvation by Humane Society members…
cut 4 (09) “more responsible”