8:30 LRN Newscast December 1

It’s Giving Tuesday and Foodbanks are in need of aid as we move into the holidays. Matt Doyle has the story…
voicer 1 (28) “….I’m Matt Doyle

Public visitation is today at St. James Episcopal Church in downtown Baton Rouge for former LSU football player and successful restauranteur Ruffin Rodrigue. The Thibodaux native was an offensive guard for the Tigers in the 1980s and his Ruffino’s restaurants in Baton Rouge and Lafayette are popular eateries in south Louisiana. Rodrigue was just 53.

Most of the state is experiencing its first hard freeze of the winter this morning. After a warm November, State Climatologist Barry Keim says this first freeze is running a little behind schedule.
Cut 13 (11) “…Baton Rouge.”
Temperatures will warm up into the 50s today and we’ll see a gradual warm-up until another shot of cold air arrives at the end of the workweek.

Entergy Louisiana says it has completed its purchase of the Washington Parish Energy Center near Bogalusa. The utility company says the natural gas-powered plant will add a reliable source of clean-energy power. Entergy Spokesperson Brandon Scardigili says customers will see a slight increase in their bill to finance the 261-million dollar acquisition…
cut 5 (10) “…the country”

7:30 LRN Newscast December 1

If you’ve recently applied for unemployment in Louisiana, there could be a delay in payment. That’s because the Louisiana Workforce Commission is reviewing about 32-thousand claims that could be fraudulent. LWC Secretary Ava Dejoie says the timing could not be worse.
Cut 10 (12) “…unfortunate.”
L-W-C says it has already stopped over 160-thousand claims since the pandemic led to a big jump in unemployment.

Entergy Louisiana has completed its purchase of the Washington Parish Energy Center near Bogalusa. Entergy spokesperson Brandon Scardigli says the 361-megawatt natural gas-powered facility will deliver a cost-effective and low-carbon source of power to the company’s grid.
Cut 4 (09) “…those goals.”

It’s giving Tuesday and there are a lot of non-profits asking for help today, including food banks. Second Harvest Food Bank, which serves the needy across south Louisiana, says they love donations, but they can also use volunteers. He says they make sure their volunteers are protected from COVID…
cut 9 (12) “…volunteers”
Second Harvest’s website has more information on volunteer opportunities and how to donate.

State Climatologist Barry Keim has this advice before you leave the house today…
cut 15 (06) “…days”
Temperatures are below freezing for a large portion of the state this morning. Expect rain during the middle week, chilly temperatures at the end of the workweek, but the weekend looks nice.

6:45 LRN Sportscast December 1

After giving up 112 yards of offense to Denver on Sunday, the Saints now rank number one in the NFL in total defense. According to the NFL, it’s the first time, the Saints have ranked number one in total defense since week 8 of the 2020 season. Coach Sean Payton on the improvement of the defense since the start of this year
cut 17 (16) “…red zone.”
New Orleans is nine and two and they’ve clinched a fourth straight winning season as they get ready to visit Atlanta this Sunday for a noon kick-off.

NBA training camps open today as Zion Williamson is set to begin his second season in the league. New Orleans hopes we’ll see a healthy Williamson this year. The former number one pick only played in 24 games last season,b ut still averaged 22 points a game and shot 58-percent from the field. The Pels first pre-season game is December 14th at Miami.

LSU’s best receiver Terrace Marshall has decided to opt-out for the rest of the season as he’ll get ready for the NFL draft. Coach Ed Orgeron expects freshman tight end Arik Gilbert to become a bigger part of the passing game
cut 19 (22) “…good receivers.”
Orgeron says he’ll decide later this week on how he’ll use his two freshmen quarterbacks against top-ranked Alabama. Also, Nick Saban is expected to be on the sidelines on Saturday night after missing Alabama’s win over Auburn because of a positive COVID-19 test.

In college basketball, LSU crushed Southeastern Louisiana 96-43 last night as freshman Cam Thomas led the Tigers with 21 points.

6:30 LRN newscast

It’s December first and cold weather has arrived in the Bayou State….
cut 14 (10) “…direction”
That’s State Climatologist Barry Keim who says he’s seeing temperatures in the upper 20s this morning in north and central Louisiana, while south Louisiana is right around the freezing mark. Highs will only be in the 50s today.

Food banks across the country are being inundated with requests for aid and are seeking your help on this Giving Tuesday. Second Harvest Food Bank spokesperson Jay Vise says families are struggling with federal benefits dried up and unemployment running out.
Cut 7 (09) “…across Louisiana.”
Vise says they do a major distribution every week at a location in Metairie and thousands of families line up for food.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is reviewing unemployment claims they believe to be fraudulent. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The number of COVID patients in hospitals has surpassed 12-hundred. The highest it’s been since mid-August.

4:45 LRN Sportscast November 30

It wasn’t much of a football game, but it goes down as a Black and Gold victory as New Orleans defeated the quarterback less Denver Broncos 31-3. Because of COVID issues involving the Broncos QBs, Denver was forced to use a practice squad receiver and running backs as their quarterbacks. Saints Coach Sean Payton summed it up well…
Cut 13 (06) “…it is what is”
New Orleans has won eight in a row and they are 9-2 on the season.

LSU fell to 3-and-4 after a 20-7 loss to Texas A-and-M. It was another bad game on the road for freshman starting quarterback TJ Finley. Coach Ed Orgeron says the offensive line didn’t give Finley much help…
cut 16 (22) “….should of”
The Tigers will play the rest of the season without their best receiver as Terrace Marshall has opted out to get ready for the NFL draft.

The 20th ranked Ragin Cajuns routed winless ULM 70-20 on Saturday as Quarterback Levi Lewis accounted for five touchdowns. Coach Billy Napier says it was a good performance in their first game since November 14th…
cut 19 (21) “….Central Arkansas”
The Cajuns are at App State on Friday and that game has been moved to 7:30 PM and it will be televised on ESPN.

Louisiana Tech hopes to play its first game since Halloween when they take on North Texas on Thursday. The Mean Green are 3-and-4 on the season, while the Bulldogs are 4-and-3.

In basketball tonight, LSU hosts Southeastern Louisiana, while Grambling visits La Tech. The Bulldogs beat Northwestern State 91-77 last night.

LRN PM Newscall November 30

Southwest Louisiana breathes a sigh of relief as the 2020 Hurricane Season comes to an end. Matt Doyle spoke with Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter about the historic struggles his city faces…

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

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LSU’s best wide receiver Terrace Marshall has decided to end his college career and get ready for the NFL draft. Jeff Palermo has the story..

cut 2 (31) … I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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We will see the coldest temperatures of the season tomorrow morning with lows dipping into the upper 20s. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says if you use a space heater, make sure it’s at least three feet away from combustible objects and plugged directly into wall outlets

Cut 3 (10)  “…a fire”

Rodrigue says make sure you have a working smoke detector…

Cut 4 (11)   “…our website”  

Rodrigue also advises residents to get a carbon monoxide detector. She says if you have a chimney that can burn wood, make sure you have the chimney cleaned before starting a fire…

Cut 5  (10) “… too late” 

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Southwest Louisiana says good riddance to the worst hurricane season in recent memory. Lake Charles and surrounding areas were hammered by Hurricane Laura in late August and then Hurricane Delta six weeks later. Mayor Nic Hunter says residents are still fighting to recover.

Cut 6 (09) “..pieces.”

Laura was tied for the most powerful storm to make landfall in Louisiana in recorded history. It brought horrendous wind damage that stretched from Cameron Parish all the way into Monroe. Delta produced heavy floods due to rain.

Hunter says the good news is that vital services have returned and major employers and industries in the area are committed to staying.

Cut 7 (12) “..back.”

Hunter says they don’t quite have a timeline on when life will fully return to normal but it’s likely to at least take months as debris still lines the streets.

Cut 8 (12) “.basis.”

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In Kenner, a 30-year old gas station clerk was brutally murdered early this morning after cooperating with two men that robbed the store. Kenner PD Lt. Michael Cunningham says Abd Del Ghader Sylla was killed when two men entered the station on Williams Boulevard as if they were shopping then approached the clerk with a gun and demanded cash.

Cut 9 (12) “…no reason.”

Kenner Police are asking for the public’s assistance as the suspects remain at large. Photos of the suspects are posted on the Kenner PD’s Facebook page; Cunningham says the gunman was wearing a white knit cap and black face mask.

Cut 10 (10) “…call us.”

Cunningham says surveillance video from the store shows Sylla cooperated with the suspects and no struggle ensued whatsoever, but still the clerk was shot while on his knees with his hands in the air.

Cut 11 (07) “…the street.”

You can call Kenner Police Department at (504) 712-2222 or Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111

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Today is Cyber Monday, one of the largest online shopping days of the year. Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau of South-Central Louisiana says according to an Accenture Holiday Shopping Survey more people are shopping online this year than before.

Cut 12 (12) “…COVID disease.” 

Million says there are a few things you should do to make sure your online purchases are safe, for example, avoid popup windows and check for secure sites.

Cut 13 (12) “… it’s activated.”

Million says also look for the Better Business Bureau seal and click on it to see if they are an actual accredited member.

Another tip before you put that purchase in your shopping cart, Million says to compare prices but also check shipping dates so it will arrive on time. But most importantly Million says to use a credit card as opposed to a debit card, where the money comes directly out of your account.

Cut 14 (11) “…misrepresented” 

Also check return policies, especially on large items, you might be responsible for a restocking fee and shipping.

11:40 LRN Sportscast November 30

Denver completed just one pass yesterday as the Saints won their eighth in a row beating the Broncos 31-3. None of Denver’s quarterbacks could play because of COVID concerns, so the team had to use running backs and a practice squad receiver instead. Saints Q-B Taysom Hill only threw for 78 yards, but Coach Sean Payton says the game plan was to keep the ball on the ground…
cut 15 (10) “….of that’

LSU faces a huge task this Saturday as they will host top-ranked Alabama at 7 PM. The Tigers offense struggled in a 20-7 loss to Texas A-and-M last Saturday, but at least the defense played its best game of the season. Linebacker Micah Baskerville led the way with 12 tackles…
cut 18 (18) “…getting better”

The Ragin Cajuns scored a season-high 70 points in a 70-20 win over ULM on Saturday. The 70 points are the most scored in the series history. Quarterback Levi Lewis accounted for five total touchdowns. Trey Ragas and Elijah Mitchell each rushed for over 90 yards and a touchdown. Freshman Kyren Lacy led the receivers with five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. Coach Billy Napier’s offense produced 511 total yards…
cut 20 (20) “…in mind”
The Cajuns are up to number 20 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. -L Lafayette visits Appalachian State on Friday in a game that will be shown on ESPN at 7:30.

9:30 LRN Newscast November 30

A historic 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season ends today, one Louisiana residents will remember for a long time. State Climatologist Barry Keim notes the 30 total named storms broke the record of 28 set in 2005, and of those 30, five made landfall in Louisiana, another record.
Cut 10 (08) “…December”
12 named storms made landfall in the United States, also a record.

On the day the hurricane season ends, Winter arrives in Louisiana as we’ll see the coldest temperatures of the season tonight with low temperatures dipping into the upper 20s. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says if you are using a space heater, make sure it’s at least three feet away from combustible objects and plugged directly into wall outlets…
cut 3 (10) “…a fire”

Saturday is election day and voters in central and northeast Louisiana will select a new Congressman for the fifth district. Two Republicans are in the run-off, Lance Harris and Luke Letlow. Democratic candidates secured about a third of the vote in the primary, but ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says many of those voters will not cast a ballot in this election…
cut 9 (11) “…vote”
To check to see what’s on your ballot, go to geaux-vote-dot-com.

The COVID pandemic has not slowed down the housing market, in fact, home purchases are up this year and according to Zillow, more homes are changing hands now than in the last 15 years. Louisiana Realtors Association CEO Norman Morris says many home buyers are purchasing homes after taking a virtual tour of the home…
cut 6 (10)”…COVID time”

8:30 LRN Newscast November 30

A historic 2020 hurricane season ends today. It will take years for southwest Louisiana to rebuild following the double punch of Hurricanes Laura and Delta. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we had a highly unusual number of dual landfalls…
cut 12 (13) “…Louisiana”
A record five named storms made landfall in Louisiana this year.

Saturday is election day and the biggest race on the ballot is the fifth district congressional race that covers northeast and central Louisiana. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this race will likely come down to geography where Lance Harris hails from Alexandria and Luke Letlow lives in Ouachita Parish….
cut 8 (10) “….election”

One sector that has seen an increase in sales this year despite COVID is the real estate industry, Brooke Thorington tells us how things are in the Bayou State
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Many homeowners will need to turn on the heater for the first time in months as the coldest air of the fall has arrived. Most of the state will see temperatures fall below the freezing mark tomorrow morning and it will also be windy. The southern half of the state is under a freeze warning, so protect your plants and pipes.

7:30 LRN Newscast November 30

A difficult 2020 Atlantic hurricane season ends today as the year produced a record 30 named storms and 12 named storms made landfall in the United States, also a record. The most impactful storm was Hurricane Laura, which tied for the most powerful storm to make landfall in Louisiana…
cut 11 (11) “…parish”
Five named storms made landfall in Louisiana, also a record.

The race for the open 5th District Congressional seat will be decided Saturday with state lawmaker Lance Harris up against retiring Congressman Ralph Abraham’s former Chief of Staff Luke Letlow. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says Letlow is the favorite given his substantial fundraising lead…
Cut 7 (10) “…place.”
Harris has raised half a million dollars to Letlow’s 1.1 million.

Louisiana’s housing market has been busy. Louisiana Realtors Association CEO Norman Morris says several regions of the state are reporting a double-digit percentage increase in home sales compared to last year…
cut 5 (11) “…eleven months”
Morris says many buyers are looking for additional space to create a home office now that more employers are allowing workers to work from home.

It wasn’t much of a football game, but it goes down as a Black and Gold victory as New Orleans defeated the quarterback less Denver Broncos 31-3. Because of COVID issues involving the Broncos QBs, Denver was forced to use a practice squad receiver and running backs as their quarterbacks. Saints Coach Sean Payton summed it up well…
Cut 13 (06) “…it is what is”
New Orleans has won eight in a row and they are 9-2 on the season.