AM Newscall Dec 10

AM NEWSCALL

Saturday is Election Day, but not everywhere in Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher reports there are a number of key races to watch, though…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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A Louisiana-based company with Waitr roots wants to be your guide to booking your next hunting or fishing trip. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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If you’re struggling with ideas for those down-to-the-stretch Christmas purchases, reporter Dave Brannen has some recommendations from a tech expert.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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Saturday is Election Day in many parts of Louisiana, but there are only ballots to be cast in 34 parishes; all have local matters, tax proposals and runoff races to decide. “LAPolitics.com” editor Jeremy Alford says one parish to watch Saturday night is Caddo Parish, where voters must decide on a $237-million bond package for investments in the water system, technology, infrastructure & public safety. It’s one he says Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is pushing hard, but some are pushing back…:

Cut 4 (08) “…referendum on the mayor. “

Alford says Orleans Parish has a runoff for sheriff, with 4-term incumbent Marlin Gusman facing a tough challenge from fellow Democrat Susan Hutson. A lot of money has been thrown into Hutson’s campaign to unseat the longtime sheriff, so the race bears watching. Alford says another to watch is in Monroe, in Ouachita Parish, and an attempt to recall Mayor Gerald Brown …:

Cut 5 (11) “…back in the Big Seat.”

And then there’s St. Tammany Parish and the vote on allowing a Bossier City casino license to move to Slidell for a multi-million dollar casino resort and sports complex. Gaming has been banned in that parish since the late 1990s. Alford says he expects local voters will want to show up and have their voices heard…:

Cut 6 (13) “…a lot of interest there.”

The casino license move has been OK’ed by state gaming officials, but the will not move forward if voters reject it. Polls open at 7 am Saturday and close at 8 pm. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin predicts only about a 10-percent total voter turnout statewide.

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If you don’t quite feel in the Christmas spirit, the weather probably has something to do with that. State Meteorologist Barry Keim says you can get ready for a “wild ride” with some significant changes, but not right now:

Cut 7 (08) “…un-December like obviously.”

But he says a cold front is headed our way upping the chances of rain overnight and into Saturday, with some possible severe weather, mainly across the northern part of the state. The balmy weather will be gone by Sunday with temps dipping into the 30s and 40s under clear skies.

Keim doesn’t expect the rain to be on the heavy side prior to moving out, followed by much colder weather Sunday.

Cut 8 (08) “…so plan accordingly.”

Keim says as the cold front approaches, the warm side of it will bring with it the chance for severe weather and the possibility of hail and tornadoes.

Cut 9 (09)  “…of the state.”

He says the daylight hours on Saturday will be the most transitional day, with a narrow line of stormy weather expected to cross the state as the cold front moves southeastward, though drenching, flooding-type rains are not expected.

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If you’ve ever longed for a simpler way to book a hunting or fishing trip to include lodging, an outfitter, or charter captain and found it a bit overwhelming, well there’s a new one-stop-shop service that’s based in the Sportsman’s Paradise just for you. It’s called Mallard Bay and founder Logan Meaux says it’s comparable to Airbnb.

Cut 10 (09)  “…you name it.”

Mallard Bay is based in Baton Rouge and excursions aren’t just limited to Louisiana, they also include states like Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Alabama.

Meaux says after having difficulty booking a hunting trip for his father, founder of Waitr Chris Meaux’s birthday, he came up with the idea and began talking with outfitters and sportsmen, and created what is now Mallard Bay.

Cut  11 (10)  “…every day.”  

So, if you’re looking for an ideal gift for the outdoorsman or woman in your life, Meaux says Mallard Bay can help you find the perfect trip and they are even offering a discount for listeners.

Cut 12 (11) “…your trip.”

Visit MallardBay.com for more information.

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With only two weeks of shopping left before Christmas, procrastinators likely need some help picking a gift for someone. Tech Expert Andrea Smith says gift cards are a great way to go, but there’s an “if” in that option.

Cut 13 (07) “…the person likes.”

She says those who are gamers will likely appreciate the choice of a gift card, such as one for PlayStation where a large portfolio of digital games is available or use as a gaming subscription form of payment, the cards ranging in denominations from ten to 100 dollars.

Smith says there are plenty of tech accessories she says would make great gifts, one she recommends is for cellphones.

Cut 14 (11)  “…on the go.”

Smith says another accessory recommended by her is an Anker PowerConf 330 that can help with ZOOM and other such computer connections.

Cut 15 (12)  “…mean no dropout.”

And, she says it also means an end to delays in talking back and forth so there’s no talking over each other while communicating.

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The Homer Pelicans out of Claiborne Parish will make their first appearance in a state championship football game tomorrow since 1985 when they face the Logansport Tigers in the Class 1A title game at noon. Pelicans Head Coach Richie Casey says the whole town of Homer could be in the Dome on Saturday….

Cut  16 (16) “..the situation”

The Class 3A championship tomorrow is a matchup of district rivals as top-seeded Sterlington takes on Union Parish. The Panthers beat the Farmers earlier this season and Sterlington Coach Lee Doty knew he had a good team on his hands, but didn’t know they would go through the season undefeated…

Cut 17 (16) “  ever coached” 

Zachary is also trying to complete an undefeated season with a championship as they will play Ponchatoula in the Class 5A championship game on Saturday. Broncos Coach David Brewerton says the pressure has been on the team all season to get to the Dome…

Cut 18 (20) “.to win”  

The Green Wave has not played in a state title game since 1951. Ponchatoula Coach Hank Tierney says he has a very talented team that’s looking to make history…

Cut 19 (14)  “.Zachary team”  

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 9

A man sought in connection with a double homicide in Shreveport this past Monday is in custody in Mesquite, Texas. Police say 31-year-old Jamarcus Richardson surrendered to authorities late last night. He’s accused in the shooting deaths of Teola Booker and D’Angelo Hinton, both 41. Their bodies were discovered inside a vehicle in the Mooretown neighborhood. Richardson faces two counts of first-degree murder. No word on the motive for the deadly shootings.

 

Four men are facing deer hunting violation charges after being caught hunting for deer during illegal hours and doing so from a moving vehicle in Red River Parish. But, as Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the vehicle the four were in was a Coushatta Police Department patrol unit and one of those arrested, officer Javerrea Pouncy could wind up facing charges or disciplinary action from other law enforcement agencies, including the Coushatta Police Department.

Cut 7 (08) “…to commit crimes.”  

 

LDWF cited Pouncy for night hunting and hunting without a license.

 

 

Thibodaux Regional Health System celebrates the grand opening of its 80,000 square foot facility to provide advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the facility provides services to residents of Lafourche and seven surrounding parishes. In addition to staying open after Ida, Nungesser says the hospital also provided meals for residents and first responders.

Cut 4 (08) “…so proud.”

 

Thibodaux Regional Health System is one of the largest employers in the state and was the only fully functioning hospital in the Bayou region after Hurricane Ida.

 

The 40th annual LHSAA Prep Football Classic kicks off tomorrow in the Caesars Superdome. Ouachita Christian seeks its eighth state championship as they face Southern Lab in the Division Four-title game. Longtime Eagles Coach Steven Fitzhugh says the chemistry of his team is second to none…

Cut 12 (09) “…close-knit family.”  

 

Kick-off is at noon.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Athletic’s Brody Miller reports new LSU football Coach Brian Kelly is not retaining running backs coach Kevin Faulk. Faulk has served as the Tigers running backs coach the last two seasons and before that, he was LSU’s director of player development for the last two years. The Carencro native is the school’s all-time leading rusher.

The Saints will try to snap a five-game losing streak this Sunday against the New York Jets. Coach Sean Payton says he wants to see better effort on defense…
Cut 18 (20) “.be improved”
Tonight’s NFL game is Pittsburgh at Minnesota. Vikings receiver and former LSU Tiger Justin Jefferson is second in the NFL in receiving yards with 1,209 yards.

Grambling State is reportedly close to naming Hue Jackson as its new head football coach. Jackson has been an NFL head coach in Cleveland and Oakland and this past season was the offensive coordinator at Tennessee State. Jackson would replace Broderick Fobbs.

Scott Power has been named the defensive coordinator for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Power has been the D-C at Stephen F Austin for the last three seasons. This past season S-F-A ranked number one in the WAC in scoring defense, total defense, takeaways, sacks, and opponent third-down conversion percentage.

The Pelicans dropped to 7-and-20 on the season with an overtime loss to Denver last night. Today they announced that guard Kira Lewis suffered a season-ending torn ACL and a Grade 2 MCL sprain. Lewis is averaging six points a game this season. New Orleans hosts the 4-and-20 Detroit Pistons tomorrow.

4:30 pm LRN Newscast Dec 09

Four men face illegal deer hunting charges after being caught night hunting for deer in Red River Parish – from a moving vehicle. But, as Adam Einck with the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries explains, there’s a twist…:

CUT 06(12)      “…Coushatta Police Department”

Ruh-roh…off-duty cop Javerrea Pouncy was among those arrested.

What to do about the huge hikes in costs of National Flood Insurance, under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 plan? Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it’s out of HIS hands, but what FEMA’s doing will put NFIP out of many homeowners’ reach…:

CUT 09(12)      “…become price prohibitive”

 

LDWF agents have recovered the body of a drowned boater who’d been missing since November 29th from the Pearl River in Washington Parish. 47-year-old Eric Williams and a friend, 50-year-old Joe Newby both drowned while boating together on the river. Newby’s remains were found the next day. LDWF says the investigation is nearing completion.

The 40th annual LHSAA Prep Football classic starts tomorrow in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The lineup Friday starts with Ouachita Christian going after an 8th state title, as they face Southern Lab. The afternoon game is Many vs. Amite for the Class 2A title and the night game is the Westgate Tigers from New Iberia facing Warren Easton in the school’s first-ever football championship. Tigers Coach Ryan Antoine says his team – chock full of seniors – will have all of Iberia Parish rooting for them…:

CUT 14(08)      “…the community.”

Kickoff is at 7pm.

3:30 pm LRN Newscast Dec 09

The Covington High student, seen on a viral video attacking & beating a disabled school teacher back in October, says she is not guilty by reason of insanity. That was 18-year-old Larriana Jackson’s plea in court Wednesday. She’s charged with felony battery on a school teacher and cruelty to the infirm. Two others are charged with posting the violent video on TikTok.

Louisiana residents are worried about them. Some have already gotten them. I’m talking about steep increases in the cost of the National Flood Insurance coverage. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, whose office has no control over the FEMA NFIP, says one thing that troubles him is the federal agency has no model for “grandfathering” of lower rates for very low risk properties…:

CUT 11(08)      “…done away with.”

He says it may be possible to shop around a find private flood insurance cheaper than the federal market.

 

A multi-parish joint sheriff’s operation arrests several individuals they say were responsible for a large amount of the crystal meth being sold on the streets of Iberville, Assumption, Ascension and East Baton Rouge Parishes. Three people – two men and a woman – were taken in and over 25 pounds of drugs confiscated.

There are plenty of storylines to go around as the LHSAA prep classic kicks off tomorrow in the Caesars Superdome. Jeff Palermo has a preview…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Palermo.”

2:30 pm LRN Newscast Dec 09

More displaced hospital and medical workers are suing over losing their jobs due to a COVID vaccine mandate. A group of nurses & staff fired last week from Shriners Hospital for Children in Shreveport have lawyered up and plan to file suit. An attorney for the group says Shriner’s actions were (quote) “egregious and lawless.”

A Coushatta cop looks to be in trouble with the law, after state wildlife agents busted up a nighttime deer hunt.  More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(35)      “…Brannen.”

 

Thibodaux Regional Health has opened its new 80-thousand square foot cancer diagnosis and treatment center. On hand for ceremonies was Lt. Governor Bill Nungesser, who says the facility will serve Lafourche and seven other nearby parishes…:

CUT 03  (09)        “…and service.”

In addition to staying open amid Hurricane Ida’s fury, the center also provided meals for storm victims and first responders.

The LHSAA Prep Football Classic starts tomorrow in the Caesar’s Superdome. Among key games, Many High’s Tigers look to repeat a Class 2A championship, as they face Amite at 3:30 Friday. Many beat Amite’s Warriors 34-30 in quarterfinals last season, and Tigers Coach Jess Curtis expects a similar outcome this year…:

CUT 13  (09)        “…on Friday”

Also on tap: Ouachita Christian vs. Southern Lab at noon, and New Iberia’s Westgate faces Warren Easton in the night game.

LRN PM Newscall December 9

A Coushatta police officer appears to be in trouble with the law for a variety of reasons after state wildlife agents busted up a night deer hunting expedition.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m  Dave Brannen.”

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There are plenty of storylines to go around as the LHSAA prep classic kicks off tomorrow in the Ceasars Superdome. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Thibodaux Regional Health System celebrates the grand opening of its 80,000 square foot facility to provide advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the facility provides services to residents of Lafourche and seven surrounding parishes.

Cut 3 (09) “…and service.”

In addition to staying open after Ida, Nungesser says the hospital also provided meals for residents and first responders.

Cut 4 (08) “…so proud.”

Nungesser says it’s a joy to recognize such achievements in the state, especially this time of year.

Cut 5 (10) “…Louisiana special.”

Thibodaux Regional Health System is one of the largest employers in the state and was the only fully functioning hospital in the Bayou region after Hurricane Ida.

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Four men are facing deer hunting violation charges after being caught hunting for deer during illegal hours and doing so from a moving vehicle in Red River Parish. But, as Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries explains there’s a twist to these apprehensions.

 Cut 6 (12) “…Coushatta Police Department.” 

One of those arrested Sunday night, Javerrea Pouncy of Gloster, is an off-duty cop with the police department and presumably was using his patrol unit for the hunt.

Einck says Javerrea Pouncy could wind up facing charges or disciplinary action from other law enforcement agencies, including the Coushatta Police Department.

Cut 7 (08) “…to commit crimes.”  

LDWF cited Pouncy for night hunting and hunting without a license.

Einck says one of the three other people in the police vehicle during the hunt was 31-year-old Anthony Caldwell of Coushatta who was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and had harvested an eight-point buck.

Cut 8 (09) “…not have licenses.”

Caldwell could face up to 20 years in jail if convicted on the firearms charge.

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Louisiana residents are facing or have already received significant increases in their premiums to be protected by the National Flood Insurance Program. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, whose office has no control over the FEMA NFIP, says that the agency’s new Risk Rating 2.0 program proposes to alter premiums as to make them unaffordable to many.

Cut 9 (12) “…will become price prohibitive.”

He says in some instances it may be wise to shop around for private flood insurance, instead of that offered by FEMA.

Donelon says many of those who live in flood-prone areas in coastal areas of the state do so because of their various livelihoods in order to make a living.

Cut 10 (10)  “…to the coast.”

Donelon says one of the problems with Rating Risk 2.0 is that those who purchased properties that may have had fairly low NFIP premiums may be facing significant premium increases without so-called grandfathering of rates.

Cut  11 (08)  “…done away with.”  

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The 40th annual  LHSAA Prep Football Classic kicks off tomorrow in the Ceasars Superdome. Ouachita Christian seeks its eighth state championship as they face Southern Lab in the Division Four-title game. Longtime Eagles Coach Steven Fitzhugh says the chemistry of his team is second to none…

Cut 12 (09) “…close-knit family.”  

Kick-off is at noon.

The Many Tigers are looking to repeat as Class 2A Champions when they face the Amite Warriors in the Caesars Superdome on Friday afternoon at 3:30. Many beat Amite in the quarterfinals 34-30 last season and Tigers Coach Jess Curtis expects a similar contest…

Cut 13 (09) “…on Friday”

Tomorrow night the Westgate Tigers from New Iberia will play in their first-ever football championship game when they face Warren Easton. Tigers Coach Ryan Antoine says his senior-laden team has all of Iberia Parish rooting for them…

Cut 14 (08) “…the community.” 

Kick off is at 7 PM tomorrow.

1:30 LRN Newscast Dec 9

Thibodaux Regional Health System celebrates the grand opening of its 80,000 square foot facility to provide advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the facility provides services to residents of Lafourche and seven surrounding parishes. Nungesser says it’s a joy to recognize such achievements in the state, especially this time of year.

Cut 5 (10) “…Louisiana special.”

 

Four men are facing deer hunting violation charges after being caught hunting for deer during illegal hours and doing so from a moving police patrol unit in Red River Parish. Adam Einck with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says one of the people in the police vehicle during the hunt was 31-year-old Anthony Caldwell who was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and had harvested an eight-point buck.

Cut 8 (09) “…not have licenses.”

 

 

Louisiana residents are facing or have already received significant increases in their premiums to be protected by the National Flood Insurance Program. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, says NFIP’s new Risk Rating 2.0 program proposes to alter premiums as to make them unaffordable to many. He says many of those who live in flood-prone areas in coastal areas of the state do so because of their various livelihoods in order to make a living.

Cut 10 (10)  “…to the coast.”

 

The 40th annual LHSAA Prep Football Classic kicks off tomorrow in the Ceasars Superdome. Ouachita Christian seeks its eighth state championship as they face Southern Lab in the Division Four-title game. Longtime Eagles Coach Steven Fitzhugh says the chemistry of his team is second to none…

Cut 12 (09) “…close knit family.”  

 

Kick-off is at noon.

 

12:30 LRN Newscast Dec 9

A man sought in connection with a double homicide in Shreveport this past Monday is in custody in Mesquite, Texas. Police say 31-year-old Jamarcus Richardson surrendered to authorities late last night. He’s accused in the killing of Teola Booker and D’Angelo Hinton, both 41. Their bodies were discovered inside a vehicle in the Mooretown neighborhood. Richardson faces two counts of first-degree murder. No word on the motive for the deadly shootings.

 

Four men are facing deer hunting violation charges after being caught hunting for deer during illegal hours and doing so from a moving vehicle in Red River Parish. But, as Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the vehicle the four were in was a Coushatta Police Department patrol unit and one of those arrested, officer Javerrea Pouncy could wind up facing charges or disciplinary action from other law enforcement agencies, including the Coushatta Police Department.

Cut 7 (08) “…to commit crimes.”  

 

LDWF cited Pouncy for night hunting and hunting without a license.

 

 

Thibodaux Regional Health System celebrates the grand opening of its 80,000 square foot facility to provide advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the facility provides services to residents of Lafourche and seven surrounding parishes. In addition to staying open after Ida, Nungesser says the hospital also provided meals for residents and first responders.

Cut 4 (08) “…so proud.”

 

Thibodaux Regional Health System is one of the largest employers in the state and was the only fully functioning hospital in the Bayou region after Hurricane Ida.

11:40 LRN Sportscast December 9

Corey Raymond spent 10 years as the defensive backs coach at LSU, but now he’s with Billy Napier at Florida. Raymond was an instrumental recruiter for the Tigers and helped the school become known as D-B-U.

LSU has announced that Brad Davis will remain the Tigers offensive line coach. He’s currently the interim head coach for the bowl game. Brian Polian has been named special teams coordinator, replacing Greg McMahon who announced his retirement yesterday. Polian comes to LSU from Notre Dame, where he spent the past five years on Brian Kelly’s staff.

Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie has named Scott Parr as the Bulldogs new co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. Parr was the head coach at Navarro College the past three seasons.

And there are reports former Raiders and Browns head coach Hue Jackson will be named the new head football coach at Grambling. An official announcement is expected tomorrow.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara and quarterback Taysom Hill were full participants in practice yesterday. Kamara is set to return from a knee injury, while Hill intends to play despite an injury to his middle finger on his throwing hand. Hill threw four interceptions last Thursday when the injury occurred but is optimistic it will not affect his play…
Cut 16 (25) “..full capacity”
The Saints visit the New York Jets on Sunday.

Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow says his injured pinkie will not keep him from playing this Sunday against the 49ers. And former LSU Tiger and Seattle Seahawks starting safety Jamal Adams is done for the season after tearing his labrum in his left shoulder.