11:30 LRN newscast

Avoyelles Parish Sherif deputies have arrested a Ville Platte man allegedly found in bed with a seven-year-old girl in Bunkie early yesterday morning. Captain Tim Ryan says the girl’s parents held 61-year-old Jeffrey Brant at gunpoint until authorities arrived.
Cut 3 (10) “..invited in.”
Ryan says it doesn’t appear anyone involved was harmed physically. Brant was charged with home invasion, criminal trespass and Indecent Behavior with Juveniles.

The 2022 hurricane season ends today, unless a storm forms in December which is rare, the season produced 14 named storms. Florida was hit by two hurricanes but State Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana was spared…
cut 15 (09) “…of Louisiana”

The Louisiana Chemical Association says a potential nationwide railroad worker strike would have dire consequences to their industry as the flow of essential chemicals would come to a halt, including chemicals for crop and food protection. Louisiana Chemical Association President Greg Bowser…
cut 11 (07) “….as well”
A rail strike could happen as early as next Friday. The U-S House is scheduled to vote today on legislation to block the rail strike, despite objections from labor leaders.

Republican US Senator Bill Cassidy says his “No Surprises Act” has saved 9 million Americans from receiving Surprise Medical Bills this year alone. Cassidy authored the legislation that went into effect at the beginning of the year.
Cut 6 (07) “…Americans.”
Passage of the bill was a two-year effort on behalf of Cassidy and New Hampshire Democrat Senator Maggie Hasson.

10:30 LRN Newscast Nov 30

Covington Police have identified one of the two victims that were burned beyond recognition. Police say one of the victims is 71-year-old retired Catholic priest Otis Young. The other victim has yet to be identified however Young was reported missing along with St. Peter Catholic Church Administrator Ruth Prats just hours before the bodies were discovered on Monday. Antonio Tyson has been arrested and charged in the case.

Governor Edwards has endorsed state senator Greg Tarver in the Shreveport mayoral race. Tarver a black Democrat is facing white a Republican in the race, Tom Arceneaux. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says Shreveport is a majority black, majority democrat city, so Edwards endorsement is probably unnecessary…

Cut 8 (10)  “…getting black votes.”
Greg Bowser with the Louisiana Chemical Association fears a freight rail strike could have dire consequences for the chemical industry and the country. He says water treatment facilities depend on chlorine and the ag industry on fertilizer. And because Louisiana is one of the country’s largest chemical producers, it could hurt the state’s economy.

Cut 12 (09) “…losing jobs.”

Rail workers are holding out for higher wages and more vacation time.

The 2022 hurricane season ends today and despite a predicted above-average season, Louisiana was spared this year. State Climatologist Berry Keim says Ian will go down as the signature storm after landfall in Florida.

Cut 14 (08)  “…big deal.”

Six weeks later Nicole followed a similar path. The 2022 season anticipated 21 named storms and only 14 were produced.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The 2022 Hurricane season ends today with 7 fewer storms than predicted. Whitney Thomas Reports.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

There’s tornado damage in Caldwell Parish as several homes were destroyed yesterday. Sheriff Clay Bennett says two people were injured.

The St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office has identified one of the two people killed on money severely burned in a double homicide, 71-year-old Otis Young a retired priest from St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Covington.

Governor John Bel Edwards has endorsed state senator Greg Tarver in the December 10th Shreveport mayoral election. While his Republican opponent Tom Arceneaux has the endorsement of the current mayor and two previous ones. LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says all three have a negative history with Tarver…
cut 9 (11) “…..politicians in Shreveport”

There are three constitutional amendments that will appear on everyone’s ballot in Louisiana. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says amendments two and three would require the Louisiana Senate to confirm the governor’s appointees to the State Civil Service Commission and State Police commission…
cut 5 (10) “….reduce politics”
For analysis on Constitutional Amendments go to par-louisiana-dot-org.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards endorses Democrat state Senator and Shreveport Mayoral candidate Greg Tarver to be that city’s next leader. Edwards is backing Tarver over Republican runoff challenger Tom Arceneaux. Political analyst (and Shreveport area native) Roy Fletcher says the endorsement was expected, but nevertheless good for Tarver…:
Cut 7 (11) “…moving up here.”
But the current mayor Adrian Perkins and two former mayors have endorsed Arcenaux.

The 2022 hurricane season ends today, unless a storm forms in December which is rare, the season produced 14 named storms. Florida was hit by two hurricanes but State Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana was spared…
cut 15 (09) “…of Louisiana”

The Louisiana Chemical Association says a potential nationwide rail strike next month would have dire consequences for their industry. L-C-A President Greg Bowser says if trains are not transporting chemicals like chlorine, it would have serious repercussions…
cut 10 (08) “…a standstill”
Bowser says chemicals are also needed for crop and food protection, electricity generation and automobile production. Rail workers are seeking higher pay and more pay time off.

Early voting continues for the December 10th election and there are three constitutional amendments on the ballot after there were eight on the November ballot. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the three amendments were placed on the December ballot over concerns the November ballot was getting too long…
cut 6 (10) “…..at once”
To get non-partisan analysis of the amendments go to PAR-Louisiana-dot-org.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The severe weather threat has moved out of Louisiana but the National Weather Service says a tornado damaged several homes in Caldwell Parish. Sheriff Clay Bennett says two people were injured. The N-W-S says they’ve received reports of damage along Highway 126 near the town of Clarks.

Endorsements are made in the December 10th Shreveport Mayoral runoff election, and some come as a bit of a surprise. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

The Louisiana Chemical Association says a potential railroad worker strike would have dire consequences to their industry as the flow of essential chemicals would come to a halt, including chemicals for crop and food protection. Louisiana Chemical Association President Greg Bowser…
cut 11 (07) “….as well”
A rail strike could happen as early as next Friday. The U-S House is scheduled to vote today on legislation to block the rail strike, despite objections from labor leaders.

The December 10th ballot has three constitutional amendments for voters to vote on. Public Affairs Research Council President Stephen Procopio says a vote for it would ban people who are not U-S citizens from voting in Louisiana elections. Procopio says it’s already against federal and state law that U-S citizens can not vote…
cut 4 (11) “…in the future”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU will make its seventh SEC Championship game appearance on Saturday when they face the top ranked Georgia Bulldogs. After an offseason of turnover and speculation, senior Linebacker Micah Baskerville says the team didn’t focus on this success down the road during the summer…
Cut 18 (20) “…and be prepared.”
LSU and Georgia kickoff at 3:00 p.m. Saturday in Atlanta. The Tigers are down to number 14 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.

The 11th ranked LSU Lady Tigers got a scare from Southeastern Louisiana last night but LSU eventually pulled through beating the Lions 63-55 in the PMAC. Angel Reese had 25 points and 11 rebounds to lead LSU, while the Lions got 28 points from Alexius Horne from Denham Springs.

Southeastern beat Idaho last week 45-42 to advance to the second round of the FCS playoffs. The Lions will visit Samford Saturday in Birmingham. SLU has made two second-round playoff appearances in the last three years, but Coach Frank Scelfo and the Lions haven’t managed to make it to the quarterfinals.
Cut 19 (15) “…through this game.”
In losses in 2019 and 2021 to Montana and James Madison, the Lions lost by a combined score of 132-48.

It looks like Willie Fritz is staying at Tulane. There was speculation Fritz was leaving to take the head coaching job at Georgia Tech, but the Yellow Jackets are promoting interim coach Brent Key to full-time coach.

The U-S Men’s Soccer team is advancing to the knock out stage of the World Cup after beating Iran 1-nil yesterday.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The 2022 hurricane season ends today and although 21 named storms were predicted by NOAA only 14 came to fruition, and eight were hurricanes. State Climatologist Berry Keim says in July and August Saharan dust from Africa stabilized the Atlantic atmosphere.
Cut 13 (11) “…storm formation.”
14 named storms is considered an average hurricane season.

Governor Edwards has endorsed state senator Greg Tarver in the Shreveport mayoral race. Tarver a black Democrat is facing white a Republican in the race, Tom Arceneaux. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says Shreveport is a majority black, majority democrat city, so Edwards endorsement is probably unnecessary…
cut 8 (10) “….getting black votes”

There are three amendments on the December 10th ballot, Brooke Thorington has the breakdown from the Public Affairs Research Council.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Tornado damage reported in Caldwell Parish. Officials say two people were injured.

LRN AM Newscall November 30

There are three amendments on the December 10th ballot, Brooke Thorington has the breakdown from the Public Affairs Research Council.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_________________________________________________

Endorsements are made in the December 10th Shreveport Mayoral runoff election, and some come as a bit of a surprise. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

______________________________________________

The 2022 Hurricane ends today with 7 fewer storms than predicted. Whitney Thomas Reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

________________________________________________

There are three constitutional amendments on the December 10th ballot, the first one concerns voting, and the other two require senate confirmation of the governor’s appointees to the State Civil Service Commission and the State Police Commission.  Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says while it’s already state and federal law that US citizens aren’t allowed to vote…

Cut 4 (11)  “…in the future.”

Procopio says the State Civil Service Commission and State Police Commission are each made up of seven-board members, of which six are appointed by the governor. The proposed change would require the Senate to confirm the governor’s appointees. Currently, those appointees are nominated by six major private universities in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…reduce politics.”

In November there were eight constitutional amendments on the ballot and for the December 10th election, there are only three for consideration. Procopio says there was concern from the Secretary of State’s Office that the ballot was getting too long.

Cut 6 (10)  “…at once.” 

The six major private universities that submit nominations to the commissions are Centenary College, Dillard University, Louisiana Christian University, Loyola University, Tulane University, and Xavier University.

________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards endorses Democrat state Senator and Shreveport Mayoral candidate Greg Tarver to be that city’s next leader. He made the announcement Tuesday in Shreveport; backing Tarver over Republican runoff challenger Tom Arceneaux. Political analyst (and Shreveport area native) Roy Fletcher says the endorsement was expected, but nevertheless good for Tarver…:

Cut 7 (11) “…moving up here.”

Tarver is a black Democrat. Arceneaux is a white Republican. Fletcher says any endorsement from a sitting governor is a good thing, but Shreveport is a majority black, majority democrat city and Edwards’ endorsement is probably unnecessary…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…getting black votes.”

In a twist Tuesday, three Black Democrats – two former and the current mayor – all endorsed Arceneaux in the race. Those were former mayors Ollie Tyler, Cedric Glover, and current mayor Adrian Perkins (who placed 4th in the November election). LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeff Sadow says all three have a negative history with Tarver…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…politicians in Shreveport.”

Both Sadow and Fletcher feel Tarver has the advantage in the December 10th runoff.

___________________________________________

In addition to having dire consequences for the country, a potential rail strike next month could also severely impact the state’s chemical industry. Greg Bowser President of the Louisiana Chemical Association if trains aren’t transporting chemicals like chlorine, it could have serious repercussions.

Cut 10 (08) “…a standsill.” 

And it’s not just water systems, Bowser says the state’s agriculture industry could be affected by a rail strike because if they aren’t able to receive fertilizer that in turn will impact the nation’s food supply.

Cut 11 (07)  “…as well.”

And because Louisiana is one of the country’s largest chemical producers, Bowser says a rail strike could hurt the state’s economy. He says the chemical industry produces $52 billion in revenue each year.

Cut 12 (09) “…losing jobs.”

Bowser is hopeful Congress will intervene so a rail strike can be avoided altogether.

___________________________________________

The 2022 hurricane season ends today and although 21 named storms were predicted by NOAA only 14 came to fruition, and eight were hurricanes. State Climatologist Berry Keim says in July and August Saharan dust from Africa stabilized the Atlantic atmosphere.

Cut 13 (11) “…storm formation.”

In 2020 there were 30 named storms and last year 21. Keim says Hurricane Ian will go down as the signature hurricane this season after making landfall in Fort Myers Florida…

Cut 14 (08)  “…big deal.”

Six weeks later Hurricane Nicole made landfall in the sunshine state. Keim says Nicole was the fourth hurricane on record to hit the U.S. towards the end of the season…

Cut 15 (11)  “…insult to injury.”

Kiem says although the season has come to an end there is still a potential for December storms. If so they’d be included as part of the 2022 season.

___________________________________________

LSU will face undefeated Georgia in the SEC Championship game. The Tigers lost to Texas A&M to eliminate them from playoff contention. LSU Defensive End BJ Ojulari says that’s not the level they play at and plan to use the performance as motivation heading into Championship weekend…

Cut  16 (18)  “…to play UGA.”

The Tigers have had an up-and-down season. After dropping their opener against Florida St, LSU won 4 straight before losing 40-13 to Tennessee at home. The Tigers then bounced back to defeat two top-ten opponents in Ole Miss and Alabama and claim the SEC West title with hopes for the CFP until their final loss to the Aggies… Running Back Josh Williams knows this team’s resilience will shine this week as it has all season…

Cut 17 (19) “…positive mindset.”

LSU will appear in the SEC Championship for the first time in 3 years in the first season under Head Coach Brian Kelly. After an offseason of turnover and speculation, senior Linebacker Micah Baskerville says the team didn’t focus on this success down the road during the summer…

Cut 18 (20) “…and be prepared.” 

LSU and Georgia kickoff at 3:00 p.m. Saturday in Atlanta

__________________________________________________________

Southeastern beat Idaho last week 45-42 to advance to the second round of the FCS playoffs. The Lions will visit Samford Saturday in Birmingham. SLU has made two second-round playoff appearances in the last three years, but Coach Frank Scelfo and the Lions haven’t managed to make it to the quarterfinals.

Cut 19 (15) “…through this game.”

In losses in 2019 and 2021 to Montana and James Madison, the Lions lost by a combined score of 132-48. Southeastern gave up 5 turnovers in the loss to James Madison last year and Sclefo is emphasizing limiting mistakes this year against the Bulldogs…

Cut 20 (21) “…out the stadium.”

 Kickoff is at 2:00

5:30 LRN Newscast Nov 29

A Livingston Parish woman has been arrested and charged with 20 counts related to allegedly placing recording devices at her special needs child’s public school. 39-yaer-old Amanda Carter has been booked and released on bond. Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard says several devices were found at the school over the course of the semester. The investigation is ongoing.

Two young girls and their dog were found safe after a massive search effort in St. Tammany Parish Monday night. Sheriff Randy Smith says the girls – ages 4 and 7, were discovered by a search and rescue K-9 around ten after they were missing for approximately five hours. He says both were in good spirits.

Cut 11 (11)  “…little bit.”

Smith says the girls got lost deep in the woods behind their home and their dog never left their side.

A new poll among Louisiana Republicans shows former President Donald Trump still has strong support here, compared to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Edgewater Research pollster Ed Chervenak…

Cut 3 (10) “…nomination.” 
The poll asked who Republicans their choice for president in 2024. Chervenak says he considers DeSantis’s numbers show some erosion of support for Trump, considering the Florida governor’s lower name recognition.

Senator Bill Cassidy is among a group of Republicans who’ve criticized former President Donald Trump for having dinner with Kanye West who’s faced backlash for his anti-Semitic remarks. Cassidy’s tweet said hosting racist anti-Semites for dinner encourages other racist anti-Semites.

Cut 6 (07)  “…say something.”

Cassidy’s tweet also said entertaining such persons is not reflective of the Republican party.

4:30 LRN Newscast Nov 29

A new statewide poll finds a majority of Louisiana Republicans support former President Donald Trump over Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Trump has already announced his presidential candidacy and political pundits expect DeSantis to be Trump’s main competition. Edgewater Research pollster Ed Chervenak says 56% said they want Trump in ’24, while 36% said Desantis. He says it’s still a bit of good news for DeSantis…:

CUT 05(12)      “…Trump has.”

The survey polled nearly 500 Louisiana GOP voters. 8-percent were undecided on a GOP nominee.

A Livingston Parish woman has been arrested and charged with 20 counts related to allegedly placing electronic recorders in her child’s public school. 39-yeaer-old Amanda Carter has been booked and released on bond. Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard says several such devices were found at the school over the course of the semester. Details are scarce at this time, and the investigation in ongoing.

 

It was a very happy ending Monday night in St Tammany Parish, where two missing girls and their dog were found safe after a massive search…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Golsby.”

The re-election campaign for an Opelousas city councilman came to an abrupt end this week, when Councilman Floyd Ford suddenly resigned his seat and pulled out of the December 10th runoff. Now, by default, the winner is challenger Delita Rubin Broussard.