6:30 LRN Newscast November 30

Today marks the final day fo the 2018 hurricane season, a season that was more active than predicted. Colorado State hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach says their final prediction before the season started called for 14 named storms and six hurricanes…
cut 4 (10) “…actually has three”
The 2018 season will be remembered for two destructive storms, Hurricane Florence and Michael, each causing over a billion dollars worth of damage.

There’s a chance for severe weather today in Louisiana, especially for the northern third of the state. Brandi Richardson, with the National Weather Service, says southeast Louisiana could also see some severe storms…
cut 15 (08) “…prepare for it”
Richardson says the main threat of severe storms will occur later in the afternoon and tonight possibly into the overnight hours.

Disappointing night in the Big D for the Black and Gold as the Saints 10-game win streak ended last night with a 13-10 defeat to the Cowboys. New Orleans explosive offense was held to 176 yards, the fewest yards produced in the game for New Orleans since 2001. And the Saints no longer own the top seed in the NFC.

After being closed to repair damages sustained from a collision with a crane last month, the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish will be partially reopening to traffic tomorrow, but it comes with some restrictions. Kevin Barnhart has the story…
voicer 2 (21) “…Kevin Barnhart”

LRN AM Newscall November 30 ###Correction to text of Cut 13###

Today marks the end of a hurricane season that now researchers are now saying they initially under-predicted.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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After being closed to repair damages sustained from a collision with a crane last month, the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish will be partially reopening to traffic tomorrow, but it comes with some restrictions.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (21) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Donald Trump’s approval rating in Louisiana took a big jump this year, thanks to swelling support from his base…

Cut 3 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

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Today marks the final day of the 2018 hurricane season, a season that was initially forecasted to be below average.  Even though Louisiana was spared of the impact of any major weather event, other coastal areas in the US were not so lucky.  Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach, lead author of the forecast says they under-predicted the slightly above average season.

Cut 4 (10) “actually has 3.″

While the season only saw two major hurricanes, Klotzbach says both brought devastation to the areas they made landfall with Hurricane Florence having a death toll of 53 and Hurricane Michael with 43 and counting.

Cut 5 (07) “…of Florida respectively.”

Klotzbach says regardless of the forecast, it’s important for coastal residents to always be prepared during hurricane season.

Cut 6 (05) “…saw this year.”

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Good news for the thousands of motorists who use the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish. The bridge was closed last month for repairs after a barge hit the structure, but after testing and inspections, it will be partially reopened tomorrow. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says this comes after crews have been working around the clock on repairs.

Cut 7 (06) “…main cords replaced.”

Mallett insists the bridge is safe, but there will be some restrictions for drivers.

Cut 8 (05) “…of 11 feet.”

Mallett says with only one lane in each direction opening, drivers can still expect some delays.

Cut 9 (05) “…a lot of people.”

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President Donald Trump’s approval is up to a clear majority of voters in Louisiana in a new poll from Bernie Pinsonat. Pinsonat says 2018 has featured a few big signature wins for causes close to white heart for white conservative voters that dominate the state’s electorate.

Cut 10 (10)   “…55% popular.”

Trump sports a 70 percent approval rating in total from white voters in Louisiana.

The poll also surveyed voter’s opinions on Senator John Kennedy and Governor Edwards. While Trump’s overall approval rating was lower than both of theirs, the percentage of voters who give him the best possible rating beats out the two Bayou State heavyweights.

Cut 11 (07) “…percent.”

Kennedy had the next highest excellent rating at 24 percent.

As popular as the President is with Louisiana white voters, he’s even less popular with black voters who make up nearly a third of the population. Those voters almost universally dislike Trump, with 86 percent disapproving of his job, Pinsonat says politically that may not matter…

Cut 12 (07)   “his corner.”

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Louisiana is under the threat of severe weather, especially for those north of Interstate 20.  National Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist Brandi Richardson says an upper-level trough will push rain into the area during the daylight hours.

Cut 13 (12) “…north of there.” 

Richardson says the weather pattern will also bring a cold front into the area.

Cut 14 (07) “…force those thunderstorms.”

Richardson says when it comes to severe weather in for those south of I-20, it’s important for residents to be prepared as well.

Cut 15 (08) “…prepare for it.”

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Nichols is looking to keep their dream season alive, fresh off a 49-30 win over San Diego in the first round of the FCS playoffs. Up next they’ll take on Eastern Washington on Saturday up in Cheney Washington. The Eagles are averaging 60 points in their last three games and only lost 2 all years. Colonel’s Coach Tim Rebowe says they’re not to be underestimated.

Cut 16 (16) “…and them”

Eastern Washington QB Eric Barriere scored six total touchdowns in the Eagles last game, a 74-23 win over Portland State.

But Nichols has been impressive themselves, averaging 27 points scored in the first halves of their last three games while only letting in 10 total points from opponents over that same period. Rebow says strong starts have been a focus this year, but against this kind of opponent, they’ll need to keep their foot on the pedal…

Cut 17 (15) “slugfest”

Rebow says his team isn’t intimidated by their deep run in the FCS playoffs, and are looking forward to cracking the elite eight with a running game that’s trampled opponents this year.

Cut 18 (17)   arrogance“

15:30 LRN Newscast November 29

Tangipahoa Sheriff Daniel Edwards says the infant whose remains were found in a garbage truck yesterday was likely a stillborn. Edwards says detectives are still trying to find the boy’s mother to make sure she’s ok…
cut 14 (11) “…infections”
Edwards says the baby weighed about three pounds and it was not in the thrash very long. He says the coroner confirms the child was a stillborn, the mother would likely not face any charges.

The son of south Louisiana serial killer Derrick Todd Lee faces a negligent homicide charge in the shooting death of a 16-year-old East Feliciana High School student. East Feliciana Sheriff Jeff Travis says investigators reported in the warrant that Lee was remorseful for killing his friend…
Cut 7 (06) “…he was.” (2x)
Investigators say 19-year-old Dedrick Lee was playing with a gun when it went off in a home in Clinton.

Senator John Kennedy leads Governor John Bel Edwards in a poll that looks ahead to a potential 2019 run-off election for governor…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Edwards re-election campaign will likely attack Kennedy for running for governor, only a couple of years into his first term in the Senate. But ULM Political science professor Joshua Stockley says…
cut 5 (09) “…position”
A decision from Kennedy is expected Monday.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Tonight in Dallas, the Saints go after their 11th straight win as they visit an improving Cowboys team that has won three in a row. Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins says they want to make Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott one dimensional….
cut 19 (16) “….we can”
Rankins has been playing at a high level lately with five sacks, eight tackles for a loss in his past five games. Kick-off is at 7:20 from A-T-and-T Stadium.

2020 quarterback prospect Max Johnson announces he has committed to the LSU Tigers. The four-star recruit from Georgia is the son of former Super Bowl quarterback Brad Johnson and he’s the nephew of Miami head coach Mark Richt. 24-7 sports ranks the left-hander as the fifth best pro-style passer in the Class of 2020.

10:30 LRN Newscast November 29

We’ll have to wait a couple more days before knowing whether Republican U-S Senator John Kennedy will run for governor next year. Kennedy previously said he’ll publicly announce his decision by December 1st, but Kennedy now says he’ll make an announcement on Monday. Baton Rouge

Governor Edwards is sounding the alarm about remarkable shortages at food banks across the state that have been drained by a string of natural disasters.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Tonight in Dallas, the Saints go after their 11th straight win as they visit the improving Dallas Cowboys.

Some House Republicans are discussing legislation for the next session that would roll back the .45 percent temporary sales tax approved in June because of a rosier than expected revenue forecast for the state. Governor John Bel Edwards says the state’s budget picture is finally stabilized and the revenues coming in can help fund at least a one-thousand dollar pay raise for teachers, which he estimates would cost 135-million dollars a year….
cut 9 (11) “….doing enough

Officials with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office calls it some of the worst neglect they’ve seen in their law enforcement careers as they found a 25-year-old specials needs person dead in deplorable conditions at a home in Elizabeth…
cut 15 (08) “…pretty bad”
Three people have been arrested, including the victim’s mother, and they are facing several charges including second-degree murder.

9:30 LRN Newscast November 29

There’s talk among House Republican leaders about rolling back the temporary state sales tax that was approved last June, because of economists’ projections the state could be seeing surplus dollars. Governor John Bel Edwards says that money can be used to help fund teacher pay raises, but House Republican Caucus Chairman Lance Harris says they can raise teacher salaries by making cuts elsewhere and redirecting the cash…
cut 10 (10) “…be adjusted”

A new study finds that “Festive Burnout” affects one in three Americans. Some of the top reasons given for “Festive Burnout” are long lines, buying presents and cooking. LSU Health New Orleans clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore recommends for those already dealing with festive burnout, reconsider your holiday activities.
Cut 12 (07) “cooking for others.”

Three people have been arrested after a 25-year-old special needs patient was found dead in deplorable living conditions. The victim’s mother, 47-year-old Karen Harrison Johnson of Elizabeth was one of the individuals arrested and so were Glen and Marilyn Maricle. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Captain Tommy Carnline says they are not sure why they let this happen, but they do think it was intentional neglect…
cut 16 (09) “….those cases”
The three have been booked into the Rapides Parish detention center on a one-point-one million dollar bond.

Governor Edwards is calling on Louisiana citizens to start stocking their local food banks for the holidays, as a series of natural disasters have left their warehouses with empty shelves. Edwards says he’s very concerned…
Cut 4 (09) “unnerving.″
Edwards says monetary donations to your local food bank is the best way to help.

8:30 LRN Newscast November 29

A report from the USA Today Network says House Republican leaders are considering legislation for next year’s session to scale back the .45-cent temporary state sales tax, because of a projected surplus. But Governor John Bel Edwards says he wants to reinvest the additional revenue into state services that have suffered a decade of cuts….
cut 8 (10) “…education”
Economists for the governor and legislature forecast a 150-million dollar surplus for next fiscal year.

The Holiday Season is already a week long, but a survey has found one in three Americans are already suffering from “Festive Burnout.” LSU Health New Orleans clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore says several factors can contribute to making this season not so jolly….
cut 11 (09) “…starts at Thanksgiving”

Authorities say they walked in on one of the worst cases of neglect they’ve ever seen in Rapides Parish after responding to a call about a natural death.
Cut 3 (31) “…Kevin Barnhart”

The Edwards Administration has told the Secretary of State’s office they’ll have to redo a contract to replace the state’s decades-old voting machines. Interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin thought they had a deal with Dominion Voting Systems, but Louisiana’s chief procurement officer found problems with how Dominion was selected. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne agrees with that assessment.

7:30 LRN Newscast November 29

A rosier than expected revenue estimation for the state has some House Republicans saying the .45 percent sales tax passed in June may no longer be needed…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

There’s an enhanced risk for severe weather tomorrow afternoon into Friday night north of Interstate 20. Which means there’s a medium chance we could see some tornadoes, hail and wind gusts above 60-miles per hour. Much of the state is under a slight risk for tomorrow.

Governor John Bel Edwards is calling on Louisiana residents to help restock the food banks. A string of natural disasters around the country has supplies running low and Food Bank of Central Louisiana Executive Director Jayne Wright-Velez says demand around the holidays skyrockets…
cut 6 (10) “….immediately”
Food banks accept cash and food donations and they can use money to purchase foods at lower prices than you can at grocery stores.

There are 26 before Christmas Day and a recent survey finds that one in three Americans already suffer from what is known as “Festive Burnout.” LSU Health New Orleans clincial psychologist Doctor Michelle Moore says it makes sense many get tired of the holidays, because the season is 4.5 weeks long…
cut 13 (06) “…that’s going”
Top reasons given for festive burnout, long lines, buying presents and cooking.

6:45 LRN Sportscast November 29

The Saints bring a 10-game winning streak into Dallas tonight to face a Cowboys team that has won three in a row. Drew Brees and the New Orleans offense gets a lot of attention, but the Saints defense is allowing just 13 points a contest in their last three games. Coach Sean Payton…
cut 17 (13) “…might be”
The Saints allow 3.6 yards per rushing attempt, while Dallas averages 4.9 yards per carry as Ezekiel Elliot is one of the top running backs in the NFL.

The LSU Tigers have received a verbal commitment from quarterback Max Johnson, who is the son of Super Bowl winning Q-B Brad Johnson. Max Johnson is a four-star propsect out of Georgia and becomes the second quarterback to give a verbal commitment to LSU in the Class of 2020.

Louisiana Tech has accepted an invitation tot he Hawaii Bowl where they’ll play Hawaii on Saturday December 22nd at 9:30 central time. It’s the fifth straight season the Bulldogs have made a bowl appearance and they’ve won the four previous games.

The Pelicans ended a four-game losing streak last night by beating the Washington Wizards 125 to 104. Jrue Holiday had a game-high 29 points, while Anthony Davis and Julius Randle each scored 23 points. Rarely used Tim Frazier made his third start of the season and had 12 points and 12 assists. Nikola Mirotic added 15 points and nine rebounds.

In college hoops, the Ragin Cajuns outlasted UNO 77-73 in overtime. The Privateers shot just 35-percent from the field, while JaKeenan Gant, Malik Marquetti and P-J Hardy each scored 12 points for UL-Lafayette who completed a six-game road trip with a 3-and-3 record.

Nciholls also a winner last night, beating Spring Hill 85-65.

6:30 LRN Newscast November 29

Some House Republicans are discussing legislation for the next session that would roll back the additional .45 percent sales tax approved in June because of a rosier than expected revenue forecast for the state. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris did not confirm that such legislation will be brought, but says he has heard talk of lowering the state sales tax of 4.45 percent over a few years…
Cut 7 (10) “…four years.”
But Governor John Bel Edwards says the state’s budget picture is finally stabilized and the revenues coming in can help fund at least a one-thousand dollar pay raise for teachers, which he estimates would cost 135-million dollars a year….
cut 9 (11) “….doing enough

Governor Edwards is sounding the alarm about remarkable shortages at food banks across the state that have been drained by a string of natural disasters.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Authorities in Tangipahoa parish are trying to determine how a deceased newborn infant ended up in the back of a garbage truck. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers.