7:30 LRN Newscast Dec 7

Today is Pearl Harbor Day; the day the Japanese attacked a U.S. Naval base in Hawaii triggering America’s entry into World War II. The remains of a Louisiana sailor who died at Pearl Harbor 81 years ago will have a proper burial burial today…:

CUT 02  (33)   “…Thorington.”

amid mounting pressure over rising crime and unhappy staff, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson announced yesterday that he will retire as of December 22nd. Some saw the announcement as a surprise; others not so much. a Search for Ferguson’s replacement is getting underway.

 

The U.S. Treasury approves Louisiana’s application for up to $113-million in support for the state’s small business owners; a part of the $10-billion state Small Business Credit Initiative. The program will give financial help to “mom & pops” in the form of venture capital, seed capital low-interest loans and more. Governor John Bel Edwards says this is great news…:

CUT 04   (07)   “…capital investment.”

Find out more about the assistance at “LouisianaSSBCI.com”

District 2 Congressman Troy Carter says he hopes the agreement signed between Governor Edwards and French officials last week will help bridge the gaps between advocates for clean energy and those who prefer relying on fossil fuels…:

CUT 07   (10)   “…a better way.”

 

 

645 LRN Sportscast

You knew some LSU players would enter the transfer portal, the announcement by Jack Bech (Besh) that he’s entering likely surprised some Tiger fans. Bech had a frustrating sophomore season as he was slowed by injuries after he led the team in receptions in his freshman season in 2021. Bech said on his social media account that this was the hardest decisions he’s ever made. The Lafayette native had 43 catches in 2021, but just 16 catches in 2022.

The Saints have scored 16 points or less in four of their last five games, but Coach Dennis Allen still has confidence in offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael and the offense…
cut 15 (18) “…what we are doing”
New Orleans is four and nine on the season.

The Ragin Cajuns will spend Christmas week in Shreveport for the 2022 Indepenence Bowl where U-L Lafayette will face Houston. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux says they’re excited with the match-up…
cut 18 (21) “…great situation”
The Cougars are 7-and-5 on the season. The game will take place December 23rd.

Lafayette native and Louisiana Tech receiver Tre Harris has entered the NCAA Transfer portal. Harris caught 65 passes for 935 yards and ten touchdowns. He’s one of over a dozen Bulldog players who have entered the transfer portal.

The Pelicans host the Pistons tonight, New Orleans has won 11 of the last 13 to move into second place in the Western Conference standings. Tip off tonight is at 7 PM.

6:30 LRN Newscast Dec 7

Another hot & muggy day is ahead for this December day, with afternoon highs reaching into the 80’s. Not very Christmas-y. Does weather like this have an effect on holiday spending? LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says yes, the weather does affect buying…:

CUT 12  (07)        “…may not.”

The post-Thanksgiving shopping weekend was pretty active, but retailers report sales have sales have dropped off in the warmer days since.

Law enforcement officials in Ascension Parish are trying to figure out why a man convicted of murder just five years ago has been able to walk free for months despite his charge carrying a mandatory life sentence. Michael “Ma-Man” LeBlanc was released from jail in Madison Parish back in May. Sheriff Bobby Webre says law enforcement officials don’t know LeBlanc’s current whereabouts or how he was released. It’s suspected it was some kind of paperwork snafu.

A new round of federal small business assistance will bring over $100-million to Louisiana’s locally-owned businesses. More from Whitney Thomas…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Thomas.”

Police Port Barre arrest two teens for making a bomb threat against the town’s high school last week. The threat was in the form of a note left on a restroom wall. No bomb was found. Cops say the two 15-year-old planned the hoax together. They are both in juvenile detention. This is Port Barre’s 3rd bomb threat so far this school year.

AM LRN Newscast Dec 7

A new round of federal small business assistance will bring over $ 100 million to Louisiana’s locally-owned businesses. More from Whitney Thomas…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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The remains of a Louisiana sailor who died at Pearl Harbor 81 years ago will have a proper burial today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Can the unseasonably warm temperatures for December in the Bayou State change how one shops for the holiday season? Brooke Thorington asks the question.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The U.S. Treasury approves Louisiana’s application for up to $ 113 million in support for the state’s small business owners; a part of the $10-billion State Small Business Credit Initiative. The program will give financial help to “mom & pops” in the form of venture capital, seed capital, low-interest loans, and more. Governor John Bel Edwards says this is great news…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…capital and investment.”

The size of the federal commitment is significant when one considers that Louisiana received just over $13-million when the program was last done in 2010. Louisiana Economic Development will administer the program. Edwards says a great many small businesses are struggling in the wake of the pandemic and fierce hurricanes in 2020 and ’21…:

Cut 5 (13) “…federal partners.”

Edwards says the funds will be of particular assistance to the state’s many minority-owned small businesses…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…that we’re successful.” 

To find out more about the program, visit “LouisianaSSBCI.com”

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Congressman Troy Carter says he hopes the Memorandum of Understanding inked by Governor John Bel Edwards and French officials last week will help bridge the gaps between advocates for clean energy and those who prefer relying on fossil fuels.

Cut 7 (10) “…a better way.”

As part of the agreement, France will send an international technical expert to Louisiana to help state agencies find French industries that might want to work on carbon reduction initiatives in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (11)  “…our climate.”

Governing Magazine says France has established several international technical experts in various parts of the world. This is the first one dedicated to energy transition and climate change and the first one based in Louisiana.

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81 years ago today, Seaman 1st Class Houston Temples of Varnado died when Pearl Harbor was attacked. His remains were finally identified and today he will be buried in Bogalusa. His niece Shirley Temples Hayman recalls a letter he sent home while he served in the Navy.

Cut 9 (07)  “…my country.”

Hayman who was only five months old when her uncle was killed, says when the Navy offered to have his remains buried in his home state and it was her son who suggested having his funeral on this significant day.

Cut 10 (05) “…Harbor day.” 

Hayman and family members are extremely proud of Temples’ military service and they are very grateful to be able to honor his memory in Louisiana.

Cut 11 (07)  “…coming home.”

The funeral will take place at 2. p.m at Ponemah Cemetery in Bogalusa.

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While it might look like Christmas it sure doesn’t feel like it in Louisiana weatherwise. So, we asked LSU marketing professor Dan Rice if the weather can impact shopping habits when it’s warmer than usual. He says yes, but it depends on the time of year…

Cut 12 (07) “…may not.”

With unseasonably warm temps in December for some, it’s hard to even consider buying a winter coat, they might prefer to purchase summer vacation attire instead. Rice says hazardous weather can change how one shops.

Cut 13 (07) “…online shopping.”

When it comes to cold rainy weather, Rice says some products see a boost in sales.

Cut 14 (13)  “…do outdoors.”

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The Saints suffered a heartbreaking 17-16 loss to the Buccaneers Monday night. After leading and controlling for much of the game, up 13 with just over 5 minutes left, the Saints allowed 2 long touchdown drives as the Bucs scored the game-winning touchdown with 3 seconds left. The Saints controlled much of the game and made three trips to the red zone, none of which resulted in a touchdown. Coach Dennis Allen says he was pleased with the team’s ability to move the ball but was frustrated by the missed opportunities…

Cut 15 (18)  “…in what we’re doing.”

Frustration has been the story of the Saints’ season. Falling to 4-9, the loss to the division rival all but eliminates them from the playoff hunt. New Orleans is the second most penalized team in the NFL and has the 2nd worst turnover margin after their two takeaways against Tampa Bay. Allen says the team has consistently lost winnable games…

Cut  16 (19)  “…fans, everybody.” 

The Saints enter their bye week at a much-needed time. After back-to-back disappointing losses Allen hopes the team will find some time to rest and refocus before the final 4 games of the season. Now, two games behind the Bucs and at the bottom of the division, New Orleans will have to put the pieces together during their week off if they want a chance to save their season…

Cut 17 (17) “….message was” 

The Saints will host Atlanta after the bye on Dec. 18

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UL-Lafayette was selected to the 2022 Independence Bowl against Houston. Head Coach Michael Desormeaux says he and his team set out to be champions this year, and Independence bowl Champions fits that criteria. He says the team is excited about the tough matchup…

Cut 18 (21) “…great situation” 

The Cajuns will make their first appearance in the Independence Bowl in School history. Only about a three-hour drive for the team, Desormeaux hopes fans and players will be excited to show support here in Louisiana and provide a home atmosphere…

Cut 19 (18) “….to get there”

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Cut 20 (11) “…on that”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints suffered a heartbreaking 17-16 loss to the Buccaneers Monday night. Up 13 with just over 5 minutes left, the Saints allowed 2 long touchdown drives, and the Bucs scored the game-winning touchdown with 3 seconds left. Coach Dennis Allen says he was pleased with the team’s ability to move the ball, but was frustrated by the missed opportunities…

Cut 15

LSU star Wide Receiver Kayshon Boutte announced he’s staying for his senior year at LSU. The projected first round pick has opted not to go to the NFL draft this year in hopes of winning a championship with the Tigers. There were rumors of tensions between Boutte and the new LSU coaching staff, but Tiger Rag Assistant editor William Weathers says the relationship grew and Boutte’s decision signifies that…

Cut 13

Wide Receiver Jack Bech announced he will be entering the transfer portal

Louisiana Tech star Wide Receiver Tre Harris has entered the transfer portal. Harris had 65 receptions this year for 935 yards and 10 touchdowns on his way to earning first-team All-CUSA honors.

UL-Lafayette forward Jordan Brown has been named the Sun-Belt Conference Men’s Basketball player of the week. Brown led the Cajuns to a pair of wins over Loyala and New Orleans last week averaging 21.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over the two games. Brown was named the Sun Belt Preseason Player of the year and the Cajuns were given the best odds to win the conference in a preseason coaches poll. They now have a 7-1 record and sit at first in the Sun Belt. They will play host to Samford this Saturday

The Pelicans sit half a game back from first in the Western Conference after Sunday’s win over Denver and a Phoenix loss last night. New Orleans is the hottest team in the West, having won 11 of their last 13. The Pels will have a chance to move into sole possession of the West tomorrow night with a win in Detroit and a Suns loss. New Orleans will play host to the conference leaders Friday and Sunday in an important back-to-back this weekend.

5:30 LRN Newscast Dec 6

A four-year-old witnessed his father die in a boating accident in Natchitoches Parish Saturday night. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 37-year-old Jack Crowell of Natchitoches was driving the boat at night on Cane River when it hit a downed tree. Crowell was wearing an engine cutoff switch when he fell into the water.

Cut 24 after that :12

The child was saved by nearby boaters who witnessed the accident.

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s looking at legislation to help with the rising costs of the National Flood Insurance Program he’s looking at how FEMA administers the program.

Cut 11 (12)  “…risk of flooding.”

Data from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office says voters age 65 and up made up about two-thirds of the votes cast last month. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says older voters have long dominated the electorate because they are more settled in the community…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…day-to-day lives.“

LSU star wide receiver Kayshon Boutte says he’s staying. The New Iberia native says he’ll play his senior year at LSU instead of opting for the NFL draft. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says the beginning of the season, there were rumors of tension between Boutte and the new head coach, but their relationship grew and his choice to return signifies that.

Cut 13 (09) “…right in.”  

 

4:30 LRN Newscast Dec 6

When Congress reconvenes next year, members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation will assume new leadership roles. District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise will serve as House Majority Leader and District 2’s Troy Carter will serve as a Vice-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus…:

CUT 03(12)      “…will assume.”

In addition, Congresswoman Julia Letlow will serve on House Appropriations. Congressman Clay Higgins Homeland Security – possibly as Chairman. Congressman Garret Graves will move into a key role on Transportation and Infrastructure and Congressman Mike Johnson has a pivotal role on the Judiciary Committee.

Facing mounting pressure, New Orleans Superintendent of Police Shaun Ferguson says he will retire at the year’s end. Mayor LaToya Cantrell made the announcement today. A recent survey shows 85-percent of NOPD cops are dissatisfied with management and the city council vice-president last week publicly called on Ferguson to step down.

 

Political analysts are still thinking over the reasons the expected nationwide Red wave didn’t happen in the November mid-term elections. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says the youngest voters had a key impact there…:

CUT 06 (10)      “…30 years.”

However, not so much here in Louisiana. Stockley says many state’s had abortion and/or marijuana issues on the ballot which brought out the youth vote. In our state, about two-thirds of votes cast were by voters over 45.

Shreveport Police arrest a man accused of committing an armed robbery…with a tree branch. Answering a call, officers found a shop clerk with cuts all over his hands and arms. With a description, they located the suspect – 33-year-old Willie Mandigo – who is now a guest of the city jail.

The famous Southern University marching band, the Human Jukebox, has signed a deal with Starter to launch its new HBCU line of apparel. The gear will be available next year.

3:30 LRN Newscast Dec 6

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s working on legislation to give tax relief to people impacted by natural disasters by creating special tax deductions for personal casualty losses. Cassidy says the bill gives tax relief to those using their own money to recover from their storm losses, and he adds it will waive the standard ten percent floor for deductions. He says a homeowner who is short thirty thousand dollars would get a three thousand dollar benefit…:

CUT 10(07)      “…bring relief.”

Cassidy says he too is looking at ways to reform the very expensive National Flood Insurance Program.

The November election wasn’t the Red Wave many expected nationwide, possibly because young voters turned out big to vote on issues they care about. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says, however, the young vote was lackluster here. Why…?

CUT 07(11)      “…economic issues.”

He calls it a hum-drum election cycle.

 

State Wildlife & Fisheries agents say a Natchitoches man drowned over the weekend, when his boat hit a fallen tree on the Cane River ejecting him. His life preserver was not inflated. 37-year-old Jack Crowell’s 4-year-old son was in the boat and saw the whole thing.

The Saints suffered an absolute gut punch of a loss last night as New Orleans blew a 13-point lead to the Buccaneers and lost 17-16. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Palermo.”

LRN PM Newscall December 6

The Saints suffered an absolute gut punch of a loss last night as New Orleans blew a 13-point lead to the Buccaneers and lost 17-16. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1(31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Data from the Louisiana Secretary of State show the youngest voters did not turn out heavily here in the November 8th election as they did in other states. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby..”

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When the 118th Congress convenes next year, members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation assume new leadership roles. Congressman Steve Scalise will serve as House Majority Leader and Representative Troy Carter will serve as Second Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Cut 3 (12) “…will assume.” 

Congresswoman Julia Letlow will serve on House Appropriations. Congressman Clay Higgins, a ranking member of Homeland Security, could possibly chair that committee. Carter says these roles says will allow Louisiana to be uniquely positioned to have a seat at the table…

Cut 4 (09)  “…of Louisiana.” 

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves will move into a key role on Transportation and Infrastructure and Rep Mike Johnson has a pivotal role on the Judiciary Committee. And while Carter is the lone Democrat representing the state in DC, he’s very proud of the roles other members will serve in Congress.

Cut 5 (08) “…best for Louisiana.”

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Political analysts are still examining the reason the expected red wave did not happen in national elections. ULM political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says the youngest voters had a key impact

Cut 6 (10)  “…thirty years.”

But numbers we’ve acquired from the Louisiana Secretary of State show that didn’t happen in Louisiana. Here, the youngest voters had the lowest turnout, and the oldest had the highest. Stockley says that’s because the Louisiana ballot was humdrum compared to those in other states.

Cut 7 (11)  “…economic issues.”

In Louisiana, numbers show a clear progression of higher turnout through the age groups, from a low of just 28 percent amongst voters ages 18 to 20, to a high of 66 percent amongst voters 65 and older. Stockley says older voters have long dominated the electorate because they are more settled in the community.

Cut 8 (09)  “…day-to-day lives.“

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Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s filed legislation to give tax relief to people impacted by Hurricane Ida. Cassidy says bill would create special tax deductions for those who suffered personal casualty losses.

Cut 9 (10) “….standard deduction.” 

Cassidy says the bill gives tax relief to those using their own money to recover from their storm losses, and he adds it will waive the standard ten percent floor for deductions. He says a homeowner who is short 30-thousand dollars would get a three thousand dollar benefit.

Cut 10 (07) “…bring relief.” 

Hurricane Ida made landfall as a Category 4 storm on Louisiana’s southeastern coast on August 29th, 2021, causing $75 billion in damage. Cassidy says he is also looking at potential legislation to help with the skyrocketing costs of the National Flood Insurance Program. And he says he is taking a close look at the way FEMA is administering the program.

Cut 11 (12)  “…risk of flooding.”

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LSU star wide receiver Kayshon Boutte says he’s staying. The New Iberia native says he’ll play his senior year at LSU instead of opting for the NFL draft. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says this is huge news for the Bayou Bengals 2023 season and quite a nod to head coach Brian Kelly.

Cut 12 (13) “…he’s on board.” 

At the beginning of the season, there were rumors of tension between Boutte and the new head coach, but as the season progressed, Weathers says the relationship grew and Boutte’s choice to return signifies that.

Cut 13 (09) “…right in.”  

Weathers says he believes name, image, and likeness deals play a factor in a player’s decision to stay or go early. He says Boutte’s choice to stay will inspire others on the fence to remain as well.

Cut 14 (08)   “…in store.”

While Boutte is returning to LSU, another Tigers receiver from the Acadiana area is looking to leave. Jack Beche (Besh) has entered the transfer portal after catching 16 passes this season. As a freshman, the Lafayette native led LSU in receiving with 43 catches.

2:30 LRN Newscast Dec 6

When the 118th Congress convenes next year, members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation assume new leadership roles. Congressman Steve Scalise will serve as House Majority Leader and Representative Troy Carter will serve as Second Vice-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Carter is the lone Democrat representing the state in DC, but says he’s proud of the roles other members will serve in Congress…:

CUT 05(08)      “…best for Louisiana.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow will serve on House Appropriations. Congressman Clay Higgins, a ranking member of Homeland Security, could possibly chair that committee. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves will move into a key role on Transportation and Infrastructure and Rep Mike Johnson has a pivotal role on the Judiciary Committee.

Deputies in West Feliciana parish says a 4-year-old boy accidentally drowned in the family bathtub. No foul play is suspected, but investigators are looking into how it happened.

 

Data from the Secretary of State’s office shows that younger voters – those 18 to 35 – didn’t show up for the November 8th election. Voters 65 and up made up about two-thirds of votes cast. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says older voters have long dominated the electorate because they are more settled in the community…:

CUT 08(09)      “…their day-to-day lives.”

LSU star wide receiver Kayson Boutte says he’s staying for his senior year. Boutte says he’ll play his final year at LSU instead of opting for the NFL draft. Tiger Rag Magazine’s William Weathers says Boutte’s decision will inspire others on the fence to remain as well…:

CUT 14(08)      “…in store.”

Weathers says he believes name, image, and likeness deals play a factor in a player’s decision to stay or go.