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.