LRN PM Newscall July 28

PM NEWSCALL

The White House says we’re not in a recession, but do economists agree? Kevin Gallagher asks one…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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A new political party known as the Forward Party emerges in the U.S. But will they be able to compete with the left or the right? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Popular Louisiana rapper JayDaYoungan was fatally shot in a double shooting late yesterday afternoon in Bogalusa. Bogalusa Police Chief Kendall Bullen says 24-year-old Javorius Scott along with a relative were shot while sitting on the front porch of a home on Superior Avenue…

Cut 3 (09) “..his wounds” 

The other person shot, Kenyatta Scott Senior, is listed in stable condition at a nearby hospital. Bullen says they are still looking for the gunman….

Cut 4  (06) “…fired the shots.”

Bullen says the fatal shooting of JayDaYoungan has sparked other shootings in Bogalusa…

Cut 5  (08) “…is related.”

Bullen says his detectives made an arrest last night that stopped a subsequent shooting. He hopes to make an additional arrests including the person who killed Scott. JayDaYoungan has a large social media presence and is known for his singles, “23 Island,” “Elimination” and “Opps.”

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The U.S. has now seen two consecutive quarters of decline in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is the frequent definition of what makes an economic recession. U.L. Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner says the true definition is more complicated than that, but…:

Cut 6 (11) “…in a recession right now.” 

The White House and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell say otherwise, but Wagner says there are abundant indicators of recession from almost all aspects of the economy…except labor, which remains steady and growing right now…:

Cut 7 (09) “…nail in the coffin.” 

Wagner says it’s been 70 years since there were two straight quarters of GDP shrinkage that did NOT create a recession.

Wagner says the positive employment and unemployment numbers – which seemingly belie a recession is underway – are themselves a distortion of indicators, based on recent events; namely…the pandemic…:

Cut 8 (10) “…how the economy is doing.”

He says if unemployment statistics included those who lost work during the pandemic…drew all their benefits since and have quit looking for work, they’d be 3 to 4-percent higher. He suspects a recession is already upon us.

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A new political party has emerged in the US calling themselves the Forward Party. LSU Political Science professor Robert Hogan says third parties have a history of fizzling out but with a growing political divide in the country…

Cut 9 (09)  “…some support.”

That being said Hogan feels the Forward Party’s ability to become a formidable force in politics will depend on its platform.

Cut 10 (10) “…in the middle.” 

Political parties are very dependent on campaign funds and Hogan says it’s extreme issues that drive fundraising and if a party promotes itself as moderate, they are less likely receive donations.

Hogan says a third party also faces a disincentive campaign from the two major parties discouraging voters from venturing away from the left or the right.

Cut 11 (11)  “…from winning.”

The Forward party’s slogan is “Not left. Not right. FORWARD.”

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One of the seven people challenging Congressman Clay Higgins for re-election discussed his reasons for running, while appearing on Jim Engster’s “Talk Louisiana” radio show. Lafayette city prosecutor Holden Hoggatt says he was disappointed at Higgins’ lack of leadership after the 2020 hurricanes…:

Cut 12 (14) “…the final straw.”   

This week, the District 3 congressman released a multi-page document detailing all he did before and after hurricanes Laura and Delta, and the $3.4-billion he worked to deliver to southwest Louisiana’s recovery. Hoggatt calls the release “absolutely false”…:

Cut 13 (10) “…and congresswomen’s uhhh efforts.”

Hoggatt, a Republican, and six others are running to replace Higgins in D.C. He says that number is indicative of the dissatisfaction with the man once known as the “Cajun John Wayne” and his service to and for District 3…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…some Louisiana folks.” 

This is Hoggatt’s first run for public office.