LRN AM Newscall Dec 1

Foodbanks are in need of aid as we begin moving into the Holidays. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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 The Louisiana Workforce Commission is reviewing unemployment claims they believe to be fraudulent. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Most of Louisiana is enduring its first hard freeze of the winter this morning. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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After close to three years Entergy Louisiana has now completed its purchase of the Washington Parish Energy Center, near Bogalusa. Entergy spokesperson Brandon Scardigli says the 361-megawatt natural gas-powered facility will deliver a cost-effective and low-carbon source of power to the company’s grid.

Cut 4 (09) “…those goals.”

The facility, constructed by the Calpine Corporation, was purchased for $261 million. Entergy signed an agreement to purchase the plant in April of 2017 and it was unanimously approved by the PSC.

Scardigli says customers will see a slight increase in their bill for the next year to finance the acquisition.

Cut 5 (10) “…the country.”

Entergy’s newest purchase in Washington Parish is a modern and low-carbon facility and Scardigli says it will add to the company’s clean energy portfolio.

Cut 6 (08) “…our customers.”

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Food banks across the country are being inundated with requests for aid and are seeking your help on this Giving Tuesday.

Second Harvest Food Bank spokesperson Jay Vise says families are struggling with federal benefits dried up and unemployment running out.

Cut 7 (09)  “…across Louisiana.”

Over the past few weeks, there have been a growing number of pictures from foodbanks in other states showing cars lined up as far as the eye can see. Vise says they’re seeing that here as well.

Cut 8 (10) “..heartbreaking.”

Vise says they’d love for the public to make any donations they can afford at this time but even more critically they could use some extra hands. He says they’ve worked hard to make it a COVID safe space.

Cut 9 (12) “…volunteers.

To contribute go to Second Harvest’s website and click donate now. A volunteer option is also available.

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If you’ve recently applied for unemployment in Louisiana, you might notice a delay in payments, that’s because the Louisiana Workforce Commission is reviewing approximately 32-thousand claims they believe to be fraudulent. LWC Secretary Ava Dejoie says the timing could not be worse.

Cut 10 (12) “…unfortunate.”

Dejoie says the suspicious claims are being rigorously reviewed and unfortunately this is happening all over the country.

Cut 11 (11) “…situation.”

Dejoie says not all accounts will see a delay in payments, those more likely to see a hold up are ones filing for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance without a previous claim, and accounts that have their payments sent to a debit card or a bank account not linked to their name.

Cut 12 (10) “…their name.”

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Most of the state is experiencing its first hard freeze of the winter this morning.

After a fairly warm November State Climatologist Barry Keim says this season’s first freeze is running a little behind schedule.

Cut 13 (11) “…Baton Rouge.”

The only areas not experiencing a freeze warning are the New Orleans Metro and southeastern coastal parishes. New Orleans generally does not experience its first freeze until December 13th.

Keim says most of the state won’t see highs over 60 degrees today and will be enduring brutal lows in the 30s and 40s. That’s a big change from last week where we had highs in the mid-70s.

Cut 14 (10) “…direction.” 

Keim says this cold, cold weather won’t be going away any time soon. Expect it to linger through the weekend.

Cut 15 (06)“…days.” 

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Pelicans All-Star Forward Brandon Ingram has officially re-signed a five-year contract extension worth a reported 158-million dollars. Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin says at 23-years-old Ingram is just scratching the surface as a basketball player

Cut 16 (19) “..spoke to us.”

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After giving up 112 yards of offense to Denver on Sunday, the Saints now rank number one in the NFL in total defense. According to the NFL it’s the first time, the Saints have ranked number one in total defense since week 8 of the 2020 season. Coach Sean Payton on the improvement of the defense since the start of this year

cut 17 (16) “…red zone.”

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One season after winning the national title, the LSU football program looking at its worst season in over 20 years. Coach Ed Orgeron says no one wants to go through a season like this, but it will help build grit and character and will pay off later on…

cut 18 (26) “…young foundation.”

LSU’s best receiver Terrace Marshall has decided to opt-out for the rest of the season as he’ll get ready for the NFL draft. Orgeron expects freshman tight end Arik Gilbert to become a bigger part of the passing game

cut 19 (22) “…good receivers.”

LSU’s defense had its best game of the season in College Station. Orgeron says an even bigger test comes Saturday when they take on number one ranked Alabama…

cut 20 (19) “…explosive play.”

5:30 LRN Newcast Nov 30

Southwest Louisiana breathes a sigh of relief as the 2020 Hurricane Season comes to an end. Matt Doyle spoke with Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter about the historic struggles his city faces…

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

Most of the state will see freezing temperatures overnight with the exception of the Southeastern Coastal Parishes and highs tomorrow reaching into only into the 50s. Forecasters say the chilly temps will continue for the next week or a bit longer so don’t put that coat up just yet and pull out a few extra blankets for the week.

Police are seeking two suspects in the execution of a 30-year-old gas station clerk in Kenner. Kenner PD Lt. Michael Cunningham says the clerk was killed after cooperating with two gunmen during the robbery. Video shows them holding him at gunpoint while he handed over the cash, only to be shot after being told to get on his knees while his hands were raised…

Cut 11 (07) “…the street.”

You’re asked to call Kenner PD or Crimestoppers if you have any information.

Today is Cyber Monday and Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana warns you to keep an eye out for scams and shop safe. Million says there are a few things you should do to make sure your online purchases are safe, for example, avoid popup windows and check for secure sites.

Cut 13 (12) “… it’s activated.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast November 30

It wasn’t much of a football game, but it goes down as a Black and Gold victory as New Orleans defeated the quarterback less Denver Broncos 31-3. Because of COVID issues involving the Broncos QBs, Denver was forced to use a practice squad receiver and running backs as their quarterbacks. Saints Coach Sean Payton summed it up well…
Cut 13 (06) “…it is what is”
New Orleans has won eight in a row and they are 9-2 on the season.

LSU fell to 3-and-4 after a 20-7 loss to Texas A-and-M. It was another bad game on the road for freshman starting quarterback TJ Finley. Coach Ed Orgeron says the offensive line didn’t give Finley much help…
cut 16 (22) “….should of”
The Tigers will play the rest of the season without their best receiver as Terrace Marshall has opted out to get ready for the NFL draft.

The 20th ranked Ragin Cajuns routed winless ULM 70-20 on Saturday as Quarterback Levi Lewis accounted for five touchdowns. Coach Billy Napier says it was a good performance in their first game since November 14th…
cut 19 (21) “….Central Arkansas”
The Cajuns are at App State on Friday and that game has been moved to 7:30 PM and it will be televised on ESPN.

Louisiana Tech hopes to play its first game since Halloween when they take on North Texas on Thursday. The Mean Green are 3-and-4 on the season, while the Bulldogs are 4-and-3.

In basketball tonight, LSU hosts Southeastern Louisiana, while Grambling visits La Tech. The Bulldogs beat Northwestern State 91-77 last night.

3:30 LRN Newscast Nov 30

In Kenner, a 30-year old gas station clerk was brutally murdered early this morning after cooperating with two men that robbed the store. Kenner PD Lt. Michael Cunningham says the clerk was killed after he handed over money to men who held him at gunpoint. Cunningham says they are asking for help with the investigation.

Cut 10 (10) “…call us.”

There are photos of the suspects on the Kenner PD Facebook page.

It’s Cyber Monday and Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana before you buy compare prices and also check shipping dates so it will arrive on time. But most importantly Million says to use a credit card as opposed to a debit card, where the money comes directly out of your account.

Cut 14 (11) “…misrepresented” 

We will see the coldest temperatures of the season tomorrow morning with lows dipping into the upper 20s. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it’s a good time to check on your smoke detector batteries and purchase a carbon monoxide detector if you don’t have one. If you have a chimney that can burn wood, she says to make sure it’s clean before starting a fire…

Cut 5  (10) “… too late” 

Southwest Louisiana says good riddance to the worst hurricane season in recent memory. Lake Charles and surrounding areas were hammered by Hurricane Laura in late August and then Hurricane Delta six weeks later. Mayor Nic Hunter says residents are still fighting to recover.

Cut 6 (09) “..pieces.”

Laura was tied for the most powerful storm to make landfall in Louisiana in recorded history.

230 PM LRN News

Today is Cyber Monday and Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana warns you to keep an eye out for scams and shop safe. Million says there are a few things you should do to make sure your online purchases are safe, for example, avoid popup windows and check for secure sites.

Cut 13 (12) “… it’s activated.”

 

Police are seeking two suspects in the execution of a 30-year-old corner store clerk in Kenner. Kenner PD Lt. Michael Cunningham says Abd Del Ghader Sylla was killed after cooperating with two gunmen during the robbery. Video shows them holding him at gunpoint while he handed over the cash, only to be shot after being told to get on his knees while his hands were raised…

 

Cut 11 (07) “…the street.”

 

LSU’s best wide receiver Terrace Marshall has decided to end his college career and get ready for the NFL draft. Jeff Palermo has the story..

cut 2 (31) … I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

 

A shooting in Shreveport leaves a pregnant woman dead and a man injured. The two were hit by gunfire while driving, causing the vehicle to crash last night around 10 PM. The victims have not been identified but we do know are 30 and 31 years old.

LRN PM Newscall November 30

Southwest Louisiana breathes a sigh of relief as the 2020 Hurricane Season comes to an end. Matt Doyle spoke with Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter about the historic struggles his city faces…

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

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LSU’s best wide receiver Terrace Marshall has decided to end his college career and get ready for the NFL draft. Jeff Palermo has the story..

cut 2 (31) … I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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We will see the coldest temperatures of the season tomorrow morning with lows dipping into the upper 20s. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says if you use a space heater, make sure it’s at least three feet away from combustible objects and plugged directly into wall outlets

Cut 3 (10)  “…a fire”

Rodrigue says make sure you have a working smoke detector…

Cut 4 (11)   “…our website”  

Rodrigue also advises residents to get a carbon monoxide detector. She says if you have a chimney that can burn wood, make sure you have the chimney cleaned before starting a fire…

Cut 5  (10) “… too late” 

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Southwest Louisiana says good riddance to the worst hurricane season in recent memory. Lake Charles and surrounding areas were hammered by Hurricane Laura in late August and then Hurricane Delta six weeks later. Mayor Nic Hunter says residents are still fighting to recover.

Cut 6 (09) “..pieces.”

Laura was tied for the most powerful storm to make landfall in Louisiana in recorded history. It brought horrendous wind damage that stretched from Cameron Parish all the way into Monroe. Delta produced heavy floods due to rain.

Hunter says the good news is that vital services have returned and major employers and industries in the area are committed to staying.

Cut 7 (12) “..back.”

Hunter says they don’t quite have a timeline on when life will fully return to normal but it’s likely to at least take months as debris still lines the streets.

Cut 8 (12) “.basis.”

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In Kenner, a 30-year old gas station clerk was brutally murdered early this morning after cooperating with two men that robbed the store. Kenner PD Lt. Michael Cunningham says Abd Del Ghader Sylla was killed when two men entered the station on Williams Boulevard as if they were shopping then approached the clerk with a gun and demanded cash.

Cut 9 (12) “…no reason.”

Kenner Police are asking for the public’s assistance as the suspects remain at large. Photos of the suspects are posted on the Kenner PD’s Facebook page; Cunningham says the gunman was wearing a white knit cap and black face mask.

Cut 10 (10) “…call us.”

Cunningham says surveillance video from the store shows Sylla cooperated with the suspects and no struggle ensued whatsoever, but still the clerk was shot while on his knees with his hands in the air.

Cut 11 (07) “…the street.”

You can call Kenner Police Department at (504) 712-2222 or Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111

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Today is Cyber Monday, one of the largest online shopping days of the year. Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana says according to an Accenture Holiday Shopping Survey more people are shopping online this year than before.

Cut 12 (12) “…COVID disease.” 

Million says there are a few things you should do to make sure your online purchases are safe, for example, avoid popup windows and check for secure sites.

Cut 13 (12) “… it’s activated.”

Million says also look for the Better Business Bureau seal and click on it to see if they are an actual accredited member.

Another tip before you put that purchase in your shopping cart, Million says to compare prices but also check shipping dates so it will arrive on time. But most importantly Million says to use a credit card as opposed to a debit card, where the money comes directly out of your account.

Cut 14 (11) “…misrepresented” 

Also check return policies, especially on large items, you might be responsible for a restocking fee and shipping.

1:30 LRN Newscast Nov 30

Southwest Louisiana breathes a sigh of relief as the 2020 Hurricane Season comes to an end. Matt Doyle spoke with Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter about the historic struggles his city faces…

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

The department of health reports only 171 new COVID-19 cases today, as many testing sites were closed over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Hospitalizations are at 1,241 and vent usage is up to 125. The state also reports 13 additional fatalities.

Today is Cyber Monday, one of the largest online shopping days of the year. Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana says according to an Accenture Holiday Shopping Survey more people are shopping online this year than before.

Cut 12 (12) “…COVID disease.” 

Million advises you to use a credit card as opposed to a debit card, where the money comes directly out of your account in case that deal turns out not to be legitimate.

We will see the coldest temperatures of the season tomorrow morning with lows dipping into the upper 20s. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says if you use a space heater, make sure it’s at least three feet away from combustible objects and check to make sure you have a working smoke detector…

Cut 4 (11)   “…our website”  

1230 PM LRN News

The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season has finally come to an end and residents of Southwest Louisiana are celebrating the news. Folks in Lake Charles were battered by Hurricane Laura in late August and then Hurricane Delta just six weeks later, bringing historic devastation to the area. Mayor Nic Hunter says they don’t quite have a timeline on when life will fully return to normal but it’s likely to at least take months as debris still lines the streets.

Cut 8 (12) “.basis.”

We will see the coldest temperatures of the season tomorrow morning with lows dipping into the upper 20s. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says if you use a space heater, make sure it’s at least three feet away from combustible objects and plugged directly into wall outlets

Cut 3 (10)  “…a fire”

One sector that has seen an increase in sales this year despite COVID is the real estate industry, Brooke Thorington tells us how things are in the Bayou State

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast November 30

Denver completed just one pass yesterday as the Saints won their eighth in a row beating the Broncos 31-3. None of Denver’s quarterbacks could play because of COVID concerns, so the team had to use running backs and a practice squad receiver instead. Saints Q-B Taysom Hill only threw for 78 yards, but Coach Sean Payton says the game plan was to keep the ball on the ground…
cut 15 (10) “….of that’

LSU faces a huge task this Saturday as they will host top-ranked Alabama at 7 PM. The Tigers offense struggled in a 20-7 loss to Texas A-and-M last Saturday, but at least the defense played its best game of the season. Linebacker Micah Baskerville led the way with 12 tackles…
cut 18 (18) “…getting better”

The Ragin Cajuns scored a season-high 70 points in a 70-20 win over ULM on Saturday. The 70 points are the most scored in the series history. Quarterback Levi Lewis accounted for five total touchdowns. Trey Ragas and Elijah Mitchell each rushed for over 90 yards and a touchdown. Freshman Kyren Lacy led the receivers with five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. Coach Billy Napier’s offense produced 511 total yards…
cut 20 (20) “…in mind”
The Cajuns are up to number 20 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. -L Lafayette visits Appalachian State on Friday in a game that will be shown on ESPN at 7:30.

1130 AM LRN News

Southwest Louisiana celebrates the end of what was the worst hurricane season for the region in recent memory. Lake Charles and surrounding areas were hammered by Hurricane Laura in late August and then Hurricane Delta six weeks later. Mayor Nic Hunter says residents are still fighting to put the pieces back together.

Cut 6, 9 seconds, pieces

Laura and Delta both slammed Cameron Parish making landfall just miles apart. State Climatologist Barry Keim says that was just one of several peculiar incidents of “dual landfalls” this year.

Cut 12 (13) “.Louisiana”

Laura was tied for the most powerful storm to make landfall in Louisiana in recorded history.

ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says retiring Congressman Ralph Abraham’s former Chief of Staff Luke Letlow is favored to win the race for the 5th Congressional District this Saturday, but warns not to count state lawmaker Lance Harris out. He says this race is likely to come down to geography with Harris being from Alexandria and Letlow hailing from Ouachita Parish.

Cut 8 (10) “…election.”

In Kenner, a gas station clerk was brutally murdered early this morning after cooperating with two men that robbed the store. Kenner PD Lt. Michael Cunningham says surveillance video shows two men entered the station on Williams Boulevard at 2:10, walked around as if they were shopping, then approached the clerk with a gun and demanded cash.

Cut 9 (12) “…no reason.”