11:30 LRN Newscast Nov 23

President Biden orders 50 million barrels of oil to be released from the strategic reserve in an effort to gas prices, but if you’re hoping this will impact your Thanksgiving travel, it won’t. The barrels won’t hit the market until mid to late December and LSU Center for Energy Studies, Executive Director David Dismukes says however prices were already on course to correct themselves.

Cut 4 (08) “…administration’s part.”

As the pandemic continues to wane, the cruise business is picking back up in places like New Orleans. Jessica Ragusa, communications director with the Port of New Orleans, says next year should be a record year for cruising out of the Big Easy.

 Cut 6 (07) “…ever had there.” 

By comparison, there were 251 cruises out of New Orleans, involving both ocean-going vessels and river cruises.

State Police continues to investigate Sunday night’s fatal police shooting in Metairie. Trooper Kate Stegall says officers encountered an armed man who refused to drop his weapon and whipped around and pointed it at the officers…

Cut 14 (09)  “…at the scene.”
The subject’s identity has not been released.

The Second Harvest Food Bank is continuing to seek assistance at stocking its shelves ahead of Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season. Spokesman Jay Vise in New Orleans invites people to come and check out what they do and see how their donations are helping.

Cut 12 (12) “…round as well.”

If you need assistance call 2-1-1- for the nearest food bank.

10:30 LRN Newscast November 23

Governor Edwards and the Mayor of Lake Charles announce the creation of an eleven-million dollar housing program to help residents recover from the 2020 hurricanes and flooding in May. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Edwards believes the COVID-19 vaccine should be added to the list of vaccines required for students to attend school, once it receives full FDA approval for children. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder reportedly texted lawmakers that this is a line in the sand that will not be crossed.

President Biden orders 50 million barrels of oil to be released from the strategic reserve in an effort to reduce gas prices. But LSU Center for Energy Studies, Executive Director David Dismukes says the move is a classic example of do-nothing politics.
Cut 3 (11) “…past January.”
Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says gas prices are on the rise because the Biden administration does not support new oil and gas production and the shutting down of the Keystone pipeline.

House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says based on conversations he’s had with lawmakers, he’s not expecting major changes to the political boundaries for the state’s six U-S House Districts…
cut 9 (07) “….them work”
Stefanski says adjustments will have to be made because of the population growth in urban areas, and a decline in rural areas.

9:30 LRN Newscast November 23

House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says he’s hearing from lawmakers they are interested in just tweaking the current six U-S House districts when they meet in February for a redistricting session. But Stefanski is concerned that if the state’s population doesn’t grow enough, Louisiana could lose a Congressional district after the 2030 census…
cut 8 (13) “…losing one”
Stefanski says the state’s population only grew three percent over the last decade.

The Second Harvest Food Bank is continuing to seek assistance at stocking its shelves ahead of Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season. Spokesman Jay Vise in New Orleans.
Cut 10 (08) “…thankfully that’s changing.”
To make a donation go to no-kid-hungry-dot-org.

State police continue to investigate a deadly officer-involved shooting that left a man dead in Metairie late Sunday night. Trooper Kate Stegall says officers working at a traffic light repair operation were notified of a man walking down Airline Highway with a gun and a knife and subsequently approached him.
Cut 13 (09) “…did not comply.”
Stegall says the subject eventually turned around and pointed a gun at the officers who then opened fire fatally wounding him.

Governor John Bel Edwards says eleven million dollars is now available to help residents in Lake Charles repair homes damaged by last year’s hurricanes and the flooding in May. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter was on hand for the announcement…
cut 6 (09) “…uninsured”
Funds will be capped at 50-thousand dollars per household and the wait continues for when the state can have access to 595 million dollars in federal disaser recovery assistance.

8:30 LRN Newscast November 23

A State Police investigation continues into the deadly shooting of an armed black male by three officers late Sunday night in the Jefferson Parish city of Metairie. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

State Police say an eight-year-old was killed in a three-vehicle wreck in Avoyelles Parish on Monday. Investigators say the child was in a vehicle that was rear-ended by an international commercial vehicle on Louisiana Highway one and was pushed into a pickup truck. Even though the child was restrained, the eight-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nearly 15 months after Hurricane Laura slammed into southwest Louisiana the state has announced 11-million dollars has become available to help repair homes in Lake Charles…
cut 5 (08) “….median income”
Governor John Bel Edwards says the grants will be capped at 50-thousand dollars and he says more grant dollars will become available once the state receives approval to spend 595-million dollars in federal disaster recovery funding.

Second Harvest Foodbank is asking for holiday donations….
cut 11 (09) “….most people possible”
That’s Second Harvest spokesperson Jay Vise who says you can make a donation at no-kid-hungry-dot-org.

The Saints continue to be bitten by the injury bug. Now starting tight end Adam Trautman is out four to six weeks with a sprained knee. New Orleans hosts Buffalo on Thanksgiving night.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards and the Mayor of Lake Charles announce the creation of an eleven-million dollar housing program to help residents recover from the 2020 hurricanes and flooding in May. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Edwards believes the COVID-19 vaccine should be added to the list of vaccines required for students to attend school, once it receives full FDA approval for children. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder reportedly texted lawmakers that this is a line in the sand that will not be crossed.

State Lawmakers plan to hold a three-week special session in February on Redistricting. Speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club, Crowley Representative John Stefanski says lawmakers are close to completing a statewide “roadshow”, to hear what the public thinks about drawing new districts…:
Cut 7 (10) “…at that time as well.”
Stefanski says he’s hearing from lawmakers who are interested in just tweaking the current six U-S House districts.

State Police continues to investigate Sunday night’s fatal police shooting in Metairie. Trooper Kate Stegall says officers encountered an armed man who refused to comply with orders to drop his weapon and whipped around and pointed it at the officers…
cut 14 (09) “….at the scene”
The subject’s identity has not been released.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Ragin Cajuns coach Billy Napier’s name is coming up as a possible candidate as a head coach at a variety of places including LSU and Florida. Glen Guilbeau with out-kick-dot-com says Napier is a finalist for the LSU job, but the Gators are also interested in the 42-year-old….
cut 30 (12) “….is wrong”
Guilbeau says LSU is high on bringing back former defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, who is doing well at Baylor, to replace Ed Orgeron.

If LSU doesn’t play in a bowl game, Saturday’s home game against Texas A-and-M will be Orgeron’s last as head coach of the Tigers. He was asked what he’ll remember from his time as head coach…
cut 17 (16) “….been phenonemal”

During their three-game losing streak, the Saints have only scored 13 points in the first half of those games. Coach Sean Payton was asked about the team’s recent slow starts…
Cut 19 (16) “….of em”
More bad injury news for the Saints, tight end Adam Trautman will reportedly miss the next four to six weeks with a sprained M-C-L. New Orleans has also reportedly worked out a four-year contract extension with the versatile Taysom Hill. ESPN’s Adam Schefter says Hill will get at least 40-million dollars, but if he becomes the starting quarterback, he could make as much as 95-million dollars.

The Pelicans looked bad in a 110-96 loss to the Timberwolves, but the LSU men’s basketball team looked really good beating up Belmont 83-53. ULM also crushed Northwestern State 96-66.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards announces 11-million dollars has been secured to help low to moderate-income residents in Lake Charles perform housing repairs from damage done during the 2020 hurricanes and historic flooding in May. It’s a combination of federal housing and disaster recovery funds that’s available to the state and city from various programs.
Cut 4 (09) “…Mayor Hunter. “
Edwards says the state is still waiting to allocate another 595-million dollars in federal money.

State Police is investigating a fatal police shooting that occurred Sunday night in Metairie. Trooper Kate Stegall says a black male subject armed with a firearm and a knife was fatally shot after pointing a gun in the direction of a Trooper and two East Jefferson Levee District Officers…
cut 15 (09) “….bureau of investigations”

State lawmakers will have a special session in February for Redistricting. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

AM Newscall Nov 23

AM NEWSCALL

Governor Edwards and the Mayor of Lake Charles announce the creation of an $11.3 million housing program to help residents recover from the 2020 hurricanes and May flooding. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

___________________________________

State lawmakers will have a special session in February for Redistricting. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

___________________________________

A State Police investigation continues into the deadly shooting of an armed black male by three officers late Sunday night in the Jefferson Parish city of Metairie. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

_________________________________________

Governor Edwards announces $11.3 million has been secured to help residents recover from the 2020 hurricanes along with flooding that severely damaged homes in Lake Charles. It’s a combination of funding from HUD Community Development Block Grants, the City of Lake Charles, the Louisiana Housing Corporation, and the National Housing Trust Fund.

Cut 4 (09) “…Mayor Hunter. “

The funding will be used for two programs the C-O-L-C Home Rehabilitation and Recovery Program and the City of Lake Charles Small Rental Rehabilitation Program. Edwards says the program is intended to address unmet housing needs.

Cut 5 (08) “…median income.”

The governor, who was in DC last week lobbying for more recovery funds for Louisiana, acknowledges the $595 million Congress recently appropriated for the 2020 storms. He says the majority of those funds are going to southwest Louisiana. Along with the $11.3 million announcement, Edwards says it is still not enough for the unmet housing needs.

Lake Charles Mayor Nick Hunter says the housing situation is dire and even with immediate funding, housing needs cannot be met overnight but says the funding they’ve finally secured should go a long way.

Cut 6 (09) “…uninsured.”

Funds will be capped at $50,000 per household and additional details about how to apply will be provided in the coming weeks by the City of Lake Charles.

___________________________________________

State Lawmakers plan to hold a three-week special session in February on Redistricting. Speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club, Crowley Representative John Stefanski says lawmakers are near completing a statewide “roadshow”, to hear what the public thinks about drawing new districts…:

Cut 7 (10) “…at that time as well.”

The law requires states to redraw their districts for Congress, state legislators, the Public Service Commission and the courts every ten years after the U.S. Census data is compiled. Stefanski says Louisiana’s population is growing at a very slow 2.74-percent, leading to some worry the state would lose another congressional district (as it did in 2011)…:

Cut 8 (13) “…about losing one.”

Lawmakers will meet shortly after Mardi Gras in early March for a Redistricting Session. He says all districts must fairly represent roughly the same number of people. Stefanski says it’s quite likely this time that the six congressional districts will need very little change…:

Cut 9 (13)  “…to make ‘em work.”

___________________________________________

The Second Harvest Food Bank is continuing to seek assistance at stocking its shelves ahead of Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season. Spokesman Jay Vise in New Orleans says the need is great in keeping food available to those who need assistance.

Cut 10 (08)  “…thankfully that’s changing.”

But he says the need is still very real. For those needing help, dial 2-1-1 for a location near you. To make a donation, send a check to Second Harvest Food Bank, 700 Edwards Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70123.

Vice says Second Harvest is appreciative of any and all kinds of help it receives in meeting the food needs of the less fortunate…

Cut  11 (09)  “…most people possible.”  

When it comes to providing assistance to organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank, Vise invites people to come and check out what they do and how their donations are helping.

Cut 12 (12) “…round as well.”

As for food donations, Vise says protein-type commodities are viewed as the better of the food products sought. And even before Thanksgiving, Ochsner and Second Harvest have distributed over a three-day period 24-hundred hot meals and 50-thousand pounds of groceries to folks in several parishes in the Greater New Orleans and Acadiana areas. 

_____________________________________

State police continue to investigate a deadly officer-involved shooting that left a man dead in Metairie late Sunday night. Trooper Kate Stegall says officers working at a traffic light repair operation were notified of a man walking down Airline Highway with a gun and a knife and subsequently approached him.

Cut 13 (09) “…did not comply.”

Stegall says the use of a taser proved ineffective and the subject then turned around and pointed a gun at the officers who then opened fire fatally wounding him. The black male victim had not been identified as of late Monday afternoon.

Trooper Stegall on what happened when the armed man refused to comply with orders to drop his weapon and whipped around and pointed it at the officers.

Cut 14 (09)  “…at the scene.”

Trooper Stegall says State Police are looking for any assistance from the public pertaining to the shooting.

Cut 15 (09)  “…bureau of investigations.”

__________________________________________

Ed Orgeron is heading into his final regular-season game as head coach of the LSU Tigers. The players said after the win over ULM that they want to beat Texas A-and-M this Saturday for Coach O. But Orgeron doesn’t want the focus to be on him….

Cut  16 (12) “..about them”

Orgeron took over as LSU’s interim head coach in 2016 and oversaw a national championship team in 2019. He was asked what he’ll remember from his time as head coach…

Cut 17 (16) “ been phenomenal” 

LSU is 5-6 this year and injuries have been a major issue. But Orgeron says there’s a possibility two freshmen could return on defense, including defensive lineman Maason Smith..

Cut 18 (18) “..of the week”  

_________________________________________

During their three-game losing streak, the Saints have only scored 13 points in the first half of those games. Coach Sean Payton was asked about the team’s recent slow starts…

Cut 19 (16)  “….of em”  

The Saints host Buffalo on Thanksgiving night. Last Sunday, New Orleans allowed 242 yards rushing in a 40-29 loss to the Eagles. Payton doesn’t expect the Bills to use mostly read-option football to beat the Saints…

Cut 20 (10) “.Eagles game” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Nov 22

State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says they are investigating a deadly Friday night crash in Terrebonne Parish. He says this two-vehicle wreck killed four people including the suspected impaired driver, 42-year-old Charles Triggs of Raceland…

Cut 8 (13) “..was killed.”

The three other victims have been identified as 21-year-old Dannon Fulwiley of Raceland, 23-year-old Corey Porter of Raceland, and 25-year-old Ariana Lachico of Houma.

I-10 east near LA 1 in Port Allen is open after a horse trailer detached from the vehicle pulling it this afternoon. DOTD says traffic back up for as long as 7 miles into Baton Rouge while another trailer was brought in the transport the horses. None of the horses were injured but understandably spooked by the incident and reluctant to enter another trailer.

Governor Edwards and other officials today marked the completion of a $125-million I-10 widening project between I-49 and Breaux Bridge; marking nearly a billion dollars spent on intestates during his governorship. The governor says spending money on such infrastructure projects is beneficial to the motoring public.

Cut 10 (09)  “…to travel here.”

Here’s something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving week: gasoline prices have dropped slightly. Patrick DeHaan with GasBuddy.com says regular gas is down about a penny & a half this week, and down about 4-cents from last month. DeHaan says if you’re traveling out-of-state for the holiday be prepared for some sticker shock…:

Cut 5 (05) “….higher prices.”

The national average price of regular gas is $3.41. The statewide average is $3.09.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Sports reporter Glen Guilbeau with Outkick-dot-com reports Baylor Head Coach Dave Aranda, Louisiana’s Billy Napier and Iowa State’s Matt Campbell are the three finalists to replace Ed Orgeron as LSU’s head coach. Guilbeau says Aranda, who spent four years as LSU’s defensive coordinator, is the front-runner…
Cut 12 (12) “…Woodward wants.”
Guilbeau says Napier is also high on LSU’s head coaching list as he’s led the Cajuns to four straight Sun Belt West Division titles. But he says Florida, who just fired head coach Dan Mullen, is also very interested in Napier…
Cut 14 (12) “…is wrong”
He says Matt Campbell from Iowa State is also in the mix. Guilbeau’s sources tell him LSU could make a hire at the end of this week or early next week.

After dropping their third straight game yesterday, the short-handed Saints do not have much time to prepare for their next game. New Orleans, who is dealing with several injuries, will host the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving night. Quarterback Trevor Siemian says they have to rebound…
cut 18 (18) “….for sure”
Since the Saints play again on Thursday, they had to release a practice report, even though they didn’t practice. The team estimates that running back Alvin Kamara, Ryan Ramczyk, Adam Trautman and Marcus Davenport did not practice, while Mark Ingram and Terron Armstead were limited, while Taysom Hill was a full participant.

And there’s a report Hill has signed a four contract extension that could pay him up to 95-million dollars if he becomes the full-time starting quarterback.