11:30 LRN Newscast December 14

The state Board of Commerce and Industry agrees to give a developer planning to build a massive liquefield natural gas export facility in Calcasieu Parish a tax break that could eventually reach two-billion dollars. The advocacy group, Together Louisiana, objected. Broderick Bagert says local government taxing bodies did not give residents enough information about the project…
cut 6 (08) “…asking for”
But the board voted 17-2 in favor of the tax break. Governor John Bel Edwards must give final approval.

Despite lower premiums, Obamacare individual market signups are down 10 percent in Louisiana on the eve of the December 15th deadline for enrollment. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says proponents of Obamacare are pointing towards a lower investment in advertising for the service, but he thinks locally there’s a more obvious answer.
Cut 3 (09) “.policies”
He also credits an improving economy for bringing down the numbers, as more indviduals are on employer based health plans.

Former Congressman Charles Boustany says the trade war with China is failing, and Louisiana taxpayers have paid so far an additional 85-million dollars in additional tariffs, 19-million dollars in October alone. Boustany says the trade war is a hurricane, and we’re starting to feel the first bands of bad economic weather…
Cut 10 (10) “…get hurt”
Boustany is a spokesman for Tariffs Hurt the Heartland.

The Loyola University New Orleans Jesuit Social Research Institute finds Louisiana has the second highest rate of food insecurity. An estimated 784-thousand residents struggle with hunger and contributing to the problem is food deserts, the lack of grocery stores in low income, minority neighborhoods. Father Fred Kammer..
cut 9 (08) “…national trend”
The report concludes Louisiana needs to make food policy a higher priority.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints and Panthers meet Monday night in Charlotte and Carolina quarterback Cam Newton says he keeps a yellow broom in his locker that was given to him as a gift by New Orleans defensive end Cam Jordan. The Black and Gold swept the season series last year, winning both games in the regular season and also winning in the postseason. Newton says if the Panthers win Monday and in the regular season finale, he’ll send the broom back to Jordan.

New Orleans Saints have already locked up back to back NFC South Titles, but Newton says the Saints have more of a history of losing than winning…
cut 14 (12) “….own too”
It’s a must win for the Panthers, who are six and seven and right now the odds of making the playoffs for them is less than 10-percent.

Great game last night in the NFL, the Chargers came back to beat the Chiefs 29-28. Does that Patrick Mahomes MVP chances.

UL-Lafayette and Tulane will meet for the 29th time in football when the two teams play each other Saturday in Cure Bowl in Orlando. The Green Wave is a slight favorite as they’ve played well since former LSU quarterback Justin McMillan started directing the Green Wave offense. Cajuns Coach Billy Napier says McMillan is an effective passer…
cut 15 (13) “…season’s went.”
When McMillan was named the starter, the Green Wave were two and five, and since then they’ve gone 4-and-1. Kick-off at 12:30.

In high school football, Ascension Catholic Football Coach Drey Trosclair has been fired, despite leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back Division Four state championship game appearances. The Advocate reports the school was not happy he had school boosters on the sidelines during the title game and they also asked him not to run up the score on their opponents.

10:30 LRN Newscast December 14

A former Louisiana Republican Congressman says the trade war is failing, and its draging down the Louisiana economy….
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Louisiana ranks 50th in America’s health rankings. Thirty-five different areas of health determine the overall ranking. Dr. Rhonda Randall with the United Health Foundation says among the areas of concern, child poverty, where Louisiana ranks last.
Cut 4 (08) “…the nation, it improved.″
A report out of Loyola University in New Orleans says Louisiana has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the country, a result of the state’s substantial poverty rate, and proliferation of food deserts where residents don’t have access to, or can’t afford healthy food. Jesuit Social Research Institute Director Father Fred Kammer says food deserts can be found in urban and rural areas.
Cut 7 (12) “…our cities.”
The report concludes that food insecurity in Louisiana must be understood as a social injustice issue of the highest priority, requiring attention from all levels of government.

According to the Associated Press, the Secretary of State’s office could not spend 90-thousand dollars to upgrade software for businesses registrations and other computer systems, because that money went towards settling the sexual misconduct settlement involving former Secretary Tom Schedler.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana ranks last in the United Health Foundation’s annual ranking of healthiest states in America. Doctor Rhonda Randall says Lousiana has a high percentage of children in poverty and a high prevalence of frequent mental distress…
cut 5 (08) “…for that measure”
Lousiaina also ranks 49th for the percentage of low birthweight babies.

Former Congressman Charles Boustany says since the new tariffs were imposed, Louisiana businesses have paid an additional 85-million dollars. Boustany, who is a spokesman for Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, says the effects of steel and soybean tariffs have begun to work their way down the economic supply chain from agriculture to the shipping industry…
cut 11 (05) “…retaliation”
Supporters of the tariffs say the economic conflict with China is the best way to force the global superpower to renegotiate a new trade deal.

Despite a reputation as a food Mecca, a report out of Loyola University of New Orleans shows 783-thousand Louisiana residents have trouble accessing, or affording good, healthy food. Matt Doyle reports there are food desert areas in Louisiana
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

An 83-year-old Vietnam vet will get a doctorate from LSU today. Johnnie Jones received a Master’s of Social work from LSU in 1975 and then worked for the Department of Corrections for 25 years. He’s now planning to go to law school so he can gain more knowledge.

8:30 LRN Newscast December 14

A non-partisan campaign called Tariffs Hurt the Heartland claims Louisiana businesses have paid an extra 85-million dollars in import tariffs since President Donald Trump started a trade war with China. Supporters say the tariffs will force China to renegotiate a new trade deal. But former Congressman Charles Boustany, a spokesman for Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, says the tariffs are backfiring…
cut 12 (11) “…escalated”
Boustany proposes a new approach to the Chinese trade deficit, built around assembling a trade coalition to generate better leverage on China.

The Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry votes today on whether Driftwood LNG should receive a tax exemption that could top two-billion dollars. Louisiana Economic Development says the nearly 16-billion dollar liquefied natural gas export facility in Calcasieu Parish would see a tax break of 283-million dollars in the first year alone.

Louisiana ranks last in the United Health Foundation’s annual rankings for healthiest states in America. A High percentage of children in poverty and a high prevalence of frequent mental distress are among the challenges the state faces. Doctor Rhonda Randall says the percentage of adults smoking has also increased 5-percent over the past two years…
cut 6 (10) “…48TH”
Randall says the percentage of cardiovascular deaths also increased four-percent over the last three years.

A Loyola University New Orleans Jesuit Social Research Institute report finds Louisiana has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the nation. J-S-R-I Executive Director, Father Fred Kammer, says Louisiana is known as a foodie destination, but many areas of the state do not have a full-service grocery store that have healthy and affordable food options…
cut 8 (09) “….their family”
Kammer says Louisiana needs to make food policy a higher priority.

7:30 LrN Newscast December 14

A report out of Loyola University in New Orleans says Louisiana has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the country, a result of the state’s substantial poverty rate, and proliferation of food deserts where residents don’t have access to, or can’t afford healthy food. Jesuit Social Research Institute Director Father Fred Kammer says food deserts can be found in urban and rural areas.
Cut 7 (12) “…our cities.”
The report concludes that food insecurity in Louisiana must be understood as a social injustice issue of the highest priority, requiring attention from all levels of government.

According to the Associated Press, the Secretary of State’s office could not spend 90-thousand dollars to upgrade software for businesses registrations and other computer systems, because that money went towards settling the sexual misconduct settlement involving former Secretary Tom Schedler.

Louisiana drops one spot to dead last in America’s health rankings. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Former Congressman Charles Boustany says the trade war with China is failing, and Louisiana taxpayers have paid so far an additional 85-million dollars in additional tariffs, 19-million dollars in October alone. Boustany says the trade war is a hurricane, and we’re starting to feel the first bands of bad economic weather…
Cut 10 (10) “…get hurt”
Boustany is a spokesman for Tariffs Hurt the Heartland. The World Trade Center of New Orleans says the biggest impact they’ve noticed is in the energy sector, which relies on imported steel and aluminum.

6:45 LRN Sportscast December 14

Controversial Carolina Quarterback Cam Newton calls a gift he received from Saints defensive Cam Jordan “disrespectful.” Jordan sent Newton a broom, a reference to New Orleans sweeping the season series versus the Panthers last season. The three victories included a win in the postseason. Newton says he’s used the broom as motivation
Cut 13 (12) “…can’t wait.”
The Erik Swoope era with the Saints is over after one day. New Orleans claimed the tight end off waivers on Wednesday and released him the next day. He has been battling a knee injury. Coach Sean Payton says Ted Ginn Junior is getting close to returning, which is why the team released Brandon Marshall, who could come back. Again on Monday, it’s the Saints and Panthers in Charlotte.

The college football bowl season kicks off tomorrow and the Ragin Cajuns versus Tulane in the Cure Bowl is one of five games that will be played tomorrow. UL-Lafayette won its last three regular season games to clinch the Sun Belt West Division. A win on Saturday and the Cajuns will secure a winning record after three straight non-winning seasons. Coach Billy Napier on he wants to end the year….
cut 16 (12) “…right now”
Kick off tomorrow is at 12:30 from Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

In college hoops last night, McNeese defeated North Carolina Central 77-61 as James Harvey came off the bench to score 19 points. Troy Green had a career-high 19 points, but UNO lost to Tulsa 70-60.

Tomorrow, the Cajuns host Louisiana Tech and LSU will play St. Mary’s in Las Vegas.

6:30 LRN Newscast December 14

Former Congressman Charles Boustany says since the new tariffs were imposed, Louisiana businesses have paid an additional 85-million dollars. Boustany, who is a spokesman for Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, says the effects of steel and soybean tariffs have begun to work their way down the economic supply chain from agriculture to the shipping industries…
cut 11 (05) “…retaliation”
Supporters of the tariffs say the economic conflict with China is the best way to force the global superpower to renegotiate a new trade deal.

For the 13th time since 1990, Louisiana is ranked 50th in America’s health rankings. Thirty-five different areas of health determine the overall ranking. Dr. Rhonda Randall with the United Health Foundation says among the areas of concern, child poverty, where Louisiana ranks last.
Cut 4 (08) “…the nation, it improved.″
Randall says they’ve also found there’s a high prevalence of frequent mental distress and a high prevalence of low birthweight.

New research from the Loyola University New Orleans Jesuit Social Research Institute finds Louisiana has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the nation and its rising faster than the rest of the country. An estimated 784-thousand residents struggle with hunger and contributing to the problem is what is known food deserts, the lack of grocery stores in low income, minority neighborhoods. Father Fred Kammer..
cut 9 (08) “…national trend”
The report concludes the state of Louisiana needs to make food policy a higher priority and offer incentives for grocery stores to open in underserved communities.

4:45 LRN Sportscast December 13

The Pelicans got 44 points last night from Anthony Davis in a 118 to 114 win over Oklahoma City, who has the best record in the Western Conference. Julius Randle added 22 points and 12 rebounds and Jrue Holiday had 20 points and 10 assists. Coach Alvin Gentry says it was a good effort by his team that’s struggled to find consistency…
cut 30 (14) “…get done”
New Orleans gets a bit of a break, they don’t play again until Sunday against the Miami Heat.

After losing 84-72 last night to 24th ranked Houston, the LSU Tigers will stay on the road. Coach Will Wade’s team heads to Las Vegas to face St. Mary’s on Saturday night. It was a missed opportunity last night for the Tigers, they had a 25-point lead, but went through a significant scoring drought in the second half.

LSU continues preparations for its first ever appearance in the Fiesta Bowl where they’ll play U-C-F. Tigers tight end Foster Moreau says he’s excited for the opportunity to play in a New Year’s Six bowl game…
cut 18 (12) “….forward to”
The Athletic reports there’s growing talk among movers and shakers to expand the college football playoff from four to eight teams. But there are reports the SEC would not go along with any proposal that would end the SEC championship game.

Saints fans will keep an eye on tonight’s Thursday night NFL game as Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs host Phillip Rivers and the Los Angeles Chargers. Mahomes and Rivers are two of the favorties to win the NFL MVP award, along with Drew Brees.

The Saints will visit Carolina on Monday night. It’s a must win situation for the Panthers, who are 6-and-7 and on the verge of missing the playoffs. Carolina also lost three games to New Orleans last season.

LRN PM Newscall December 13

A dispute over property lines and a driveway that lead to a fatal shooting has ended in a murder conviction.  Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________________

Ralph Abraham’s gubernatorial campaign says a poll shows one week after announcing his intention to run for governor, the Congressman is in a dead heat with Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________________________

The Chackbay man who shot his neighbor a year ago over a property line dispute has been convicted of 2nd Degree Murder. Lafourche Parish DA’s spokesperson David Melancon says 61-year-old Keith Trosclair told police he feared for his life, and that his neighbor, who was known to open carry, threatened him.

Cut 3 (11) “..his life”

The property line in question centered on a driveway.

But authorities say they had reason to doubt that version of events after reports from two witnesses that Trosclair was moving towards the victim while firing, and forensic evidence that indicated the neighbor, did not pose an immediate threat when Trosclair opened fire.

Cut 4 (08) “…Mr. Trosclair″

Law enforcement says Saunders weapon was still holstered when they arrived on the scene.

Melancon says it was a tragic, and completely avoidable murder.

Cut 5 (09) “…own hands”

2nd Degree Murder carries a mandatory life sentence.

_________________________________________

Baton Rouge Police say the 18-year-old son of Alton Sterling has been arrested and faces a charge of first-degree rape.  Cameron Sterling is accused of taking a child into a bedroom, locking the door, then raping the 8-year-old boy he was babysitting last weekend.  Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says a relative made contact with authorities.

Cut 6 (10) “…information they gave.”

McKneely says the victim is a relative of Sterling.

Cut 7 (12) “…arrested last night”

McKneely says Sterling was at a hospital in the time between the incident and his arrest.

Cut 8 (10) “…in parish prison.”

Cameron Sterling’s father, Alton Sterling, was shot to death by police in 2016, triggering nationwide protests.

_______________________

Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain is reportedly under investigation for allegedly molesting several juveniles. The ex-Abita Springs police chief served as sheriff of St. Tammany from 1996 to 2015. If there’s enough evidence to charge Strain, can St. Tammany D-A Warren Montgomery prosecute him? Legal analyst Tim Meche says yes..

Cut 9 (08) “…recusing himself.″

Meche says as long as Montgomery doesn’t show any bias in one direction or the other, his office should be able to handle the case if there are charges against Strain. The reports indicate the F-B-I is also part of the investigation into the sexual abuse allegations. Meche says these type of cases are usually tried locally…

Cut 10 (10) “…state court.”

Strain is also the target of a federal probe into public corrpution involving his former work release program that he once supervised. Two of Strain’s former deputies are facing federal charges. Meche says it’s curious to find out who leaked the sexual abuse investigation to the media and why

Cut 11 (11) “…federal corruption case.”

_____________________________

Congressman Ralph Abraham says a new poll he funded shows he’s the Republican to beat Democrat John Bel Edwards in next year’s governor’s race. President of the Remington Research Group Titus Bond says they surveyed nearly 17-hundred likely voters this week and both Abraham and Edwards received 44-percent…

Cut 12 (09)   “…on support”

Eric Holl is a spokesperson for a group working to re-elect Edwards. Holl calls the Abraham funded poll a desperate plea for credibility as rumors swirl that other republicans plan to enter the race. Bond says his poll shows Abraham has replaced Senator John Kennedy as the G-O-P’s favorite to beat Edwards

Cut 13 (06) “…for governor”

Bond says their survey found that 47-percent of Democrats polled say they are open to voting for another candidate….

Cut 14 (11) “…liberal of his party”