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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

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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”

06:45 LRN Sportscast November 22nd

Ed Orgeron could be coaching his final game for the LSU Tigers Thursday night against Texas A&M. There’s no doubt the Louisiana native would love to be the head coach for the Tigers for many years to come. But he says his priority is to make sure the team is ready to play the Aggies…
cut 16 (20) “…national crowd”
Linebacker Kendell Beckwith is not expected to play because of an injury, while running back Leonard Fournette is listed as day-to-day.

The Saints have hired Kevin O’Dea to be an assistant special teams coach. New Orleans has had two kicks blocked in the last two games and O’Dea specializes in the snap, hold and kick.

Northwestern State finished the 2016 season with a 1-10 record, but Demons athletic director Greg Burke says Thomas will be back for next year, which is the last year on his contract.

After a bye week, Louisiana Tech is ramping up their preparations for the regular season finale on Friday against Southern Miss. Bulldogs wide receiver Trent Taylor says they have a good idea of what the Eagles like to do on defense…
cut 18 (12) “…your offense”
Last year, Southern Miss thumped the Bulldogs on their home field, 58-24.

In college hoops, ULM lost to Seattle 81-75 last night. The Ragin Cajuns defeated Delaware State 83-82.

The Pelicans are at Altanta tonight. The Pels have won three of their last four

06:30 LRN Newscast

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 is concerned about the number of complaints regarding horses that have been neglected. H-S-L Director Jeff Dorson says it takes about 15-hundred dollars minimum to give a horse the proper care…
cut 6 (10) “…the authorities”
Dorson says there have been several who have been cited for cruelty.

Several politicians from Louisiana have been mentioned in media reports as possibly getting important roles in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Former Governor Bobby Jindal’s name has been floated as a possible Health Secretary, outgoing Senator David Vitter’s name has come up for the treasury department and it’s also been reported that US Representative Charles Boustany is on a short list to be Trump’s top U.S. trade negotiator. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s up in the air on who will actually be selected…
cut 11 (09) “…political magazines”

16:45 LRN Sportscast November 21st

Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham believes LSU will ask Florida State Head Coach Jimbo Fisher if he wants the head coaching job in Baton Rouge, if Fisher says no, than current interim head coach Ed Orgeron remains a strong candidate…
cut 8 (09) ‘…right there”
Orgeron’s candidacy took a hit with Saturday’s 16-10 loss to Florida. The Tigers had a chance to win the game on the final play, but running back Derrius Guice started right, instead of left when he tried to get across the goal line. Orgeron says Guice is not the only one who made a mistake…
cut 30 (15) “…not him’
The Saints are now in third place in the NFC South after Tampa Bay beat Kansas City 19-17. The Buccaneers are 5-5, while New Orleans is 4-6, tied for last place in the division with Carolina. The Saints host the Rams this Sunday. L-A has scored the fewest number of points in the NFL this year.

In other NFL news…former Louisiana Tech and West Monroe star Paul Turner has been promoted to the Philadelphia Eagles active roster. The Eagles play a week from tonight against the struggling Packers.

It’s Bayou Classic Week and tickets to the Mercedes Benz Superdome are selling fast for the annual matchup between Grambling and Southern. Both teams are undefeated against SWAC opponents this year.

It’s been announced Louisiana Tech will play Southern Miss in Hattiesburg at 3 PM on Friday afternoon. ESPN News will televise the contest. Tech is looking to host the Conference USA Championship game in Shreveport.

The Pelicans Anthony Davis has been named Western Conference Player of the Week. The Pels have also signed Guard Anthony Brown. He averaged 29 points in three games in the D-League.