Monthly Archives: November 2023

11.30.23
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AM LRN Newscall Nov 30

New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard will lead the House Democratic Caucus when the legislature meets next month for a special redistricting session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 This year’s drought has had a tremendous economic impact on Louisiana. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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U-S suicide rates reached a record high last year with nearly 50 thousand people losing their lives. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard has been elected chairman of the House Democratic Caucus for the 2024 legislative term. And even with a Republican governor and supermajority in the legislature, he says Democrats will continue to champion people-centric issues like insurance reform, equal pay for women, and rape and incest exceptions to the state’s abortion ban…

Cut 4 (06) “…in Louisiana.”

Among the first issues lawmakers will address in 2024 is the special redistricting session following a court order to create two majority-minority congressional districts. Even with a tight deadline, Williard believes lawmakers will complete the task.

Cut 5 (09) “…majority-minority seats.”

The earliest the legislature could meet after a special session can officially be called for on January 8th is the 15th and the deadline has been extended to January 30th.

Willard says the courts agree the current congressional map passed by the majority Republican legislature twice violates the Voting Rights Act. He believes GOP members who thought the courts would approve their map with only one majority-Black congressional district no longer have that failsafe.

Cut 6 (11) “…Rights Act.”

In addition to Willard as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, New Iberia Representative Marcus Bryant was elected Vice Chair, New Orleans Representative Aimee Adatto Freeman was elected Treasurer and Monroe Representative Adrian Fisher was elected Whip.

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Drought, record heat, and historic wildfires cost Louisiana over 1.7 Billion Dollars this year. Dr. Kurt Guidry with the LSU Ag Center says, unlike other damaging incidents, no part of the state escaped the impact…

Cut 7 (08) “…natural disasters..”

Guidry says, the losses are due to – partial or total loss of usable acres, lower quality yields,  and higher irrigation costs.

As staggering as losses of 1.7 billion dollars are, Guidry says, the economic impact to some agricultural industries were are not included in the figure because the impact for multi-year crops like sugar cane and livestock businesses are not yet known. Guidry says, for the livestock industry, it’s more than just the necessary sale of cattle…

Cut 8 (10) “…calves next year.” 

So what has the drought done to next year’s crawfish yield? Guidry says the winter rain may help some but this year has been a challenge…

Cut 9 (10)  “…point in time.”

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A new report by the National Center for Health Statistics reveals suicide rate in the U-S last year reached a record high. More than 49 thousand people intentionally committed suicide. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says there has been an explosion in the lethal method of suicide.

Cut 10 (07) “…with pills.”

The CDC says the country’s gun suicide rate increased by almost two percent compared to 2021. In 2022, 80 percent of men died by suicide.

Indigenous people have the highest suicide rate at 27 deaths per 100,000 followed by white men at 18 deaths per 100,000.

Bailey says there has been an increase in drug overdose deaths largely driven by opioids.

Cut 11 (10) “…related event.” 

Bailey says the stigma of mental illness needs to be removed so individuals are more likely to seek help.

Cut 12 (12) “…professional care.” 

If you or someone you know is going through a mental crisis, call or text 988 to receive support during a crisis.

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It’s the semifinal round of the high school football playoffs. The top-seed in Division One non-select, Ruston, is seeking its first state championship since 1990 but they face a red-hot Mandeville team. Sports Scouting Report Podcast host Lee Brecheen says the Bearkats are one of the best teams in the state…

Cut 13 (11) “…college prospects.”

North DeSoto is looking for its first state championship in football. They are the top seed in Division Two non-select and Brecheen says they’ll host a very talented Opelousas team tonight…

Cut 14 (12) “…move.”

Newman is one game away from playing in its first state championship game. They have to beat Calvary Baptist to get to the Dome next week. Brecheen says the Cavs will be tough to beat…

Cut 15 (12) “…much speed.”

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The Saints are 5-and-6 and a lack of touchdowns after entering the red zone is a major reason why the Black and Gold have a losing record. New Orleans is 17 of 40 in the red zone this season. That’s the four-worst percentage in the NFL. Quarterback Derek Carr says they are spending more time on red zone drills this week…

Cut 16 (12) “…in house.”

The Saints are gearing up for a big home game this Sunday against the Detroit Lions. The Lions are 8-and-3. Safety Tyrann Mathieu says this is a good measuring stick game for the Black and Gold…

Cut 17 (19) “…going forward.”

Detroit has one of the better rushing offenses in the NFL as they average 4.6 yards a carry. Mathieu has been watching tape on Lions running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs…

Cut 18 (21)  “…last weekend.” 

 

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Cut 19 (18) “…moving forward” 

 

Cut 20 (20) “…that’s significant.”

 

 

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11.30.23
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5:30 LRN Newscast Nov 30

A retired state Supreme Court Justice heard testimony today in a lawsuit filed by Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate John Nickelson who lost the election by one vote. Nickelson says the Board of Election Supervisors only rescanned mail-in ballots instead of a hand count. The Republican says two people voted twice, and…

Cut 8 (10) “…is counted.” 

Henry Whitehorn, who was declared the winner in the recount, says the results should stand. The Democrat says he’s always been told the person with the most votes wins whether it’s by 1,000 votes or even just one vote…

Cut 9 (11) “…this election.” 

The judge has given Nickelson’s attorneys a December 2 noon deadline to file a brief to further argue the case and Whitehorn until noon December 4th.

After the worst wildfire season in Louisiana history, Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says he’ll ask lawmakers next year to approve 43 million dollars for new firefighting equipment and personnel. He says funding is critical in preparing for possible wildfires in the future. Strain says forestry-made bulldozers will also help crews to fight wildfires efficiently.

Cut 5 (11) “ …and engines.”  

A federal judge has extended the deadline for redrawing the state’s congressional map. The new incoming legislature will have until January 30th. Under state law the earliest a special session can take place would be January 15th. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says U-S District Judge Shelley Dick should realize January 30th is not enough time…

Cut 13 (09) “…like this.”

11.30.23
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16:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are gearing up for a big home game this Sunday against the Detroit Lions. New Orleans is 5-and-6, while the Lions are 8-and-3. Safety Tyrann Mathieu says this is a good measuring stick game for the Black and Gold…
cut 17 (19) “…going forward”
Kick-off is at noon.

LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels has won the 2023 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which goes to the nation’s top quarterback who best exemplifies character, scholastic and athletic achievement.

Louisiana Tech’s starting offensive tackles from this past season, Carson Bruno and Dakota White says they will entering the transfer portal, which opens on Monday.

Big game at the PMAC tonight as the seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team hosts ninth ranked Virginia Tech. All-American forward Angel Reese returns after a four-game unexplained absence, but sophomore forward Sa’Myah Smith is done for the rest of the season after injuring her knee in a game last week. Smith is a six-foot-two post player and Coach Kim Mulkey says she’ll be missed…
cut 28 (18) “:….thus far”
Smith is averaging 12 points and eight rebounds a game this season. LSU could use Smith against Va Tech. Six-foot-six Elizabeth Kitley is averaging 24 points and 12 rebounds a game for the Hokies. Tip-off is at 8 PM.

Also tonight the Ragin Cajuns are at Samford, last night New Mexico beat Louisiana Tech 74-65.

11.30.23
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4:30 LRN Newscast November 30

State lawmakers have extra time to redraw the election map to include two majority-minority districts to comply with the Voting Rights Act. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

51-year-old Willard Purkel Jr. and his son 27-year-old Colby Purkel of Covington have been arrested for their involvement in the January 6 breach of the U-S Capitol in 2021 that disrupted a congressional session to confirm the 2020 election results. Both face felony charges of civil disorder and several misdemeanors.

Next year, Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain will ask lawmakers to approve 43 million dollars for new firefighting equipment and personnel after the worst wildfire season on record. He says his wish list of equipment includes air tankers.

Cut 4 (13) “…these fires.”

Strain says crews from other states would bring their forestry bulldozers and other special equipment.

LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says rain will blanket the Bayou State today as a wet weather pattern begins. He says flash flooding in central and southwest Louisiana is possible…

Cut 6 (06) “…embedded thunderstorms”

Southwest Louisiana is also under a slight risk for severe weather.

11.30.23
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3:30 PM Newscast Nov 30

The incoming Louisiana Legislature will have until January 30th to redraw the state’s congressional map to include a second majority-minority district since a federal judge granted them a two-week extension. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this still presents a number of challenges for new lawmakers whose decisions may put their own seat at risk, and they’ll have to figure out how many voters are needed to create a new district.

Cut  14 (09) “…very difficult.”

Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says he’ll ask lawmakers next year to approve 43 million dollars for new firefighting equipment and personnel after the state’s worst wildfire season in history. Strain says he has prioritized a list of equipment.

Cut 3 (10) “….and transports.”

 

Retired Supreme Court justice, Joseph Bleich is expected to deliver a ruling Friday in a lawsuit filed by Caddo Parish Sheriff Candidate John Nickelson who lost the election by one vote and complained the recount only looked at mail-in ballots

Cut 10 (08) “…ber certified.”  

Henry Whitehorn says the lawsuit filed by his opponent is asking the court to disregard the election process and it….

Cut 11 (12) “…doesn’t matter.”

Southwest Louisiana is also under a slight risk for severe weather. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says heavy rainfall appears to be the biggest threat from this storm system that’s receiving energy from the Gulf of Mexico…

Cut 7 (09) “…big problem” 

11.30.23
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LRN PM Newscall November 30

A hearing in Caddo Parish today will decide if the election results by a single vote margin stand in the Sheriff’s race or if another runoff will be held. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A federal judge is giving state lawmakers a little more time to redraw a Congressional district map that must have two majority-minority districts to comply with the Voting Rights Act. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says he’ll ask lawmakers next year to approve 43 million dollars for new firefighting equipment and personnel after the state’s worst wildfire season in history. Strain says he has prioritized a list of equipment.

Cut 3 (10) “….and transports.”

Wildfires in the Bayou State charred 62 thousand acres and destroyed $71 million in forestland from August through October.

Strain says crews from other states would bring their forestry bulldozers and other special equipment. He says a big ticket item to add to the agency’s inventory is air tankers.

Cut 4 (13) “…these fires.”

Strain says funding is critical in preparing for possible wildfires in the future. He says forestry-made bulldozers will also help crews to fight wildfires efficiently.

Cut 5 (11) “ …and engines.”  

The next legislative session begins in March.

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Every parish in the state should see rain today as a wet weather pattern begins, especially for the southern half of Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says there’s a slight risk for flash flooding in central and southwest Louisiana…

Cut 6 (06) “…embedded thunderstorms”

Southwest Louisiana is also under a slight risk for severe weather. Most of the rest is under a marginal risk. Wetherbee says heavy rainfall appears to be the biggest threat from this storm system that’s receiving energy from the Gulf of Mexico…

Cut 7 (09) “…big problem” 

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A retired state Supreme Court Justice is hearing a lawsuit today filed by Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate John Nickelson who lost the election by one vote. During the recount, Nickelson says the Board of Election Supervisors only rescanned mail-in ballots instead of a hand count…

Cut 8 (10) “…is counted.” 

In the runoff and the recount, Henry Whitehorn was declared the winner. He says the results should stand. The Democrat says he’s always been told the person with the most votes wins whether it’s by 1,000 votes or even just one…

Cut 9 (11) “…this election.” 

Whitehorn says the lawsuit is asking the court to disregard the election process.

Nickelson says the will of the people must be respected and that’s why he’s filed the lawsuit…

Cut 10 (08) “…ber certified.”  

Whitehorn says if he had lost the recount he wouldn’t have sought legal action and the lawsuit filed by his opponent is asking the court to disregard the election process and it….

Cut 11 (12) “…doesn’t matter.”

Retired Supreme Court justice, Joseph Bleich, is hearing the case and is expected to deliver a ruling tomorrow.

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A federal judge is now giving the Louisiana Legislature until January 30th to redraw the state’s congressional map to include a second majority-minority district. It’s a two-week extension from the previous deadline of January 15th. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this still presents a challenge for lawmakers

Cut 12 (07)  “…probably create.”  

Under Louisiana law the earliest a special session can take place would be January 15th. Pinsonat says U-S District Judge Shelley Dick should realize January 30th is not enough time…

Cut 13 (09) “…like this.”

Dick has scheduled a February fifth trial date to hear the merits of the current map.

The Congressional districts of Republicans Julia Letlow and Garret Graves most at risk, as a result of a new map.

Pinsonat says this leaves a supermajority of Republicans to redraw a minority seat that would benefit Democrats. He’s unsure if new lawmakers can create a second majority-black district.

Cut  14 (09) “…very difficult.”

Governor-Elect Jeff Landry and new lawmakers will be sworn in on January 8th.

11.30.23
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2:30 PM Newscast Nov 30

After the worst wildfire season in Louisiana history, Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says he’ll ask lawmakers next year to approve 43 million dollars for new firefighting equipment and personnel and Strain says funding is critical in preparing for possible wildfires in the future. He says forestry-made bulldozers will also help crews to fight wildfires efficiently.

Cut 5 (11) “ …and engines.”  

 

A federal judge has extended the deadline for redrawing Louisiana’s congressional map. The new incoming legislature will have until January 30th. Under Louisiana law the earliest a special session can take place would be January 15th.Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says U-S District Judge Shelley Dick should realize January 30th is not enough time…

Cut 13 (09) “…like this.”

 

A hearing in Caddo Parish today will decide if the election results by a single vote margin stand in the Sheriff’s race or if another runoff will be held. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

 

Every parish in the state should see rain today as a wet weather pattern begins, especially for the southern half of Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says there’s a slight risk for flash flooding in central and southwest Louisiana…

Cut 6 (06) “…embedded thunderstorms”

11.30.23
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1:30 LRN Newscast Nov 30

A federal judge is giving state lawmakers a little more time to redraw a Congressional district map that must have two majority-minority districts to comply with the Voting Rights Act. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has named Bryan Adams to be the next State Fire Marshal and Thomas Friloux as the Louisiana National Guard’s next Adjutant General. Adams has more than 40 years of experience in fire and emergency service and Friloux has served as a Louisiana guardsman for more than 35 years.

 

A retired state Supreme Court Justice is hearing a lawsuit today filed by Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate John Nickelson who lost the election by one vote. During the recount, Nickelson says the Board of Election Supervisors only rescanned mail-in ballots instead of a hand count. The Republican says two people voted twice, and…

Cut 8 (10) “…is counted.” 

Henry Whitehorn, who was declared the winner in the recount, says the results should stand. The Democrat says he’s always been told the person with the most votes wins whether it’s by 1,000 votes or even just one vote…

Cut 9 (11) “…this election.” 
Whitehorn says the lawsuit is asking the court to disregard the election process.

 

 

 

 

11.30.23
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12:30 LRN Newscast

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s race gets its day in court today as Republican John NIckelson is demanding that a judge rule a new election should take place after he lost on November 18th by one vote. NIckeson says several of the absentee ballots counted did not include the voter’s signature…
cut 10 (08) “…be certified”
But Democrat Henry Whitehorn says the lawsuit filed by his opponent is asking the court to disregard the election process and it…
cut 11 (12) “…doesn’t matter”
Retired Supreme Court justice, Joseph Bleich, is hearing the case and is expected to deliver a ruling tomorrow.

The new Louisiana legislature has until January 30th to redraw the state’s congressional map to include a second majority-minority district after a federal judge granted a two-week extension. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this still presents a challenge for lawmakers.
Cut 12 (07) “…probably create.”
Governor-Elect Jeff Landry and new lawmakers will take office on January 8th but Louisiana law says a special session can not start until January 15th.

Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain plans to ask the next Legislature for 43-million dollars to purchase equipment to fight wildfires. Strain says the state needs air tankers…
cut 4 (13) “…these fires”
Numerous wildfires in Louisiana this year charred 62-thousand acres and destroyed 71-million dollars in forestland from August through October.

11.30.23
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

All-American forward Angel Reese will be back in time for the 7th ranked Lady Tigers ahead of their match up with 9th ranked Virginia Tech. LSU head Coach Kim Mulkey says having Angel Reese back is a big plus for the Tigers.

Cut 16 (10) “ … the country.”

The Tigers will face the Hokies tonight with tip off at 8 pm on ESPN.

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In other basketball news, the New Orleans Pelicans got star Shooting Guard CJ McCollum back after he was out for a couple of weeks with a right collapsed lung injury. McCollum scored 20 points in the Pelicans game against the Sixers last night and New Orleans Head Coach Willie Green is happy to have McCollum back on the court.

Cut 20 (12) “… healthy.”

The Pelicans will battle the Spurs tomorrow in New Orleans with tip off at 7 pm.

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Northwestern State is excited to start a new chapter in their program history as they introduced Blaine McCorkle to be their new Head Coach yesterday. McCorkle coached Belhaven College, a Division III program in Jackson, Mississippi for the last six seasons where he took the losing program to a 24 and 7 record over the last three years and their first ever Division III playoff appearance. McCorkle says that he wants to build a championship culture at Northwestern State.

Cut 15 (15) “ … to do.”

The Demons have not had a winning season since 2008.

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The Saints are banged up heading into their big matchup against the Detroit Lions this Sunday. Defensive end Cameron Jordan, running back Keandre Miller, Safety Marcus Maye, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, and linebacker Pete Werner are all listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup and did not practice yesterday. Wide Receiver Chris Olave did practice after suffering a concussion in the Atlanta game.