16:45 LRN Sportscast November 22nd

Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore was not at practice for the portion viewed by the media today. Lattimore left last Sunday’s game with an ankle injury. New Orleans has signed two cornerbacks Sterling Moore, who has been with the team before and Destre McDougle. McDougle is a former third round pick of the Jets in 2014 and was released by the Eagles this week.

In other Black and Gold injury news…Saints Safety Kenny Vaccaro says he’s 100-percent ready for Sunday’s game against the Rams. Vaccaro and linebacker A-J Klein were participants in practice today.

In the NBA tonight, the Pelicans will host San Antonio. New Orleans is coming off a 114 to 107 win over Thunder.

LSU basketball finishes its trip to Hawaii today as they play Marquette. No Brandon Sampson for the Tigers as he could miss a month with a sprained ankle that he suffered in last night’s loss to Notre Dame. Tonight’s game will tip-off at seven o’c lock.

LSU and Texas A-and-M renew their rivalry on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. But is it really a rivalry, because the Bayou Bengals have won six straight over the Aggies. A-and-M’s last win over LSU was in 1995 and even if the Aggies win, there are reports Head Coach Kevin Sumlin will be fired. Christian Kirk is Texas A-and-M’s top offensive player. He has six receiving touchdowns and he’s also returned a kick-off and punt return for a touchdown.

West Monroe state representative Frank Hoffmann has been the voice of ULM for the last 42-years, but Saturday he will call his last football game when the Warhawks take on Arkansas State. Hoffman says it’s bitter sweet to end his long play by play career.
Cut 9 (11) “doing it”
Hoffman says his favorite season was 1987 when Northeast Louisiana won the 1987 national championship.

15:30 LRN Newscast November 22nd

The state Attorney General’s office is asking holiday shoppers to take the appropriate steps to protect themselves from online scams. The A-G’s spokesperson Ruth Wisher says some advertised deals are not what they claim to be and some websites may be phony. Wisher says there are crooks who will orchestrate a scam known as cybersquatting…
cut 14 (08) “…it’s legal”
Wisher says to help confirm a site is secure make sure there is an “s” in the https and look for a “lock” symbol before paying.

Here’s a great Thanksgiving story. Zach Wilson is finally back with his family in Caddo Parish after spending three months in a Guatemalen jail. Wilson went to Guatemala for a week-long mission, but ended up in prison when ammunition was found in his backpack while going through security at the airport. Wilson’s family said it was an honest mistake.

Voice of the ULM Warhawks Frank Hoffmann will hang up his mic after calling Saturday’s game against Arkansas State. Emelie Gunn has more…
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The holidays can be a challenge for those living with Alzheimer’s. Families and friends may be unsure how to handle their loved one suffering from the disease, which can create stress for everyone. Stacey Denham is with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Louisiana chapter….
Cut 6 (11) that stress”

14:30 LRN Newscast November 22nd

The Attorney General’s Office is offering safety tips for consumers who will shop online this holiday. Spokesperson Ruth Wisher says shoppers need to be aware that internet scams are out there…
Cut 12 (10) “it is”
With today being Thanksgiving eve, many kids already have that Christmas wish list figured out. Chris Byrne….a-k-a the Toy Guy, says Kidi-Buzz from V-Tech is all the rage. He says it’s essentially a kid-friendly smartphone that’s not a phone…
cut 4 (10) “…their phone”
Byrne says some of the hottest toys are already in short supply, so if you see something, buy it right then.

Azheimer’s is a really difficult disease to deal with around the holidays. The Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana chapter is offering tips. Stacey Denham says depending on abilities and preferences, make sure to keep the person with Alzheimer’s involved in the celebrations and don’t make that person guess who is in the room with them…
cut 7 (11) “…together”
This Saturday, state representative Frank Hoffmann will call his final ULM football game. Hoffman has served as the voice of the Indians and now Warhawks for 42 years, eighth longest tenure by a university play-by-play man…
cut 10 (11) “…34-24”
Hoffmann says he’ll never forget 1987 when Northeast Louisiana University won the Division One-Double-A national championship.

LRN Newscall November 22nd

Some of the hottest holiday toys for the season are already in short supply. Michelle Southern speaks with a toy expert..:

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Voice of the ULM Warhawks Frank Hoffmann will hang up his mic after giving the play by play of Saturday’s game against Arkansas State. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Nobody wants to be that parent who wasn’t able to get their hands on the most popular toy this holiday season. So what’s hot in 2017? Chris Byrne, aka “The Toy Guy,” plays with toys for a living for the consumer review website TTPM.com. He says arts and crafts are a huge trend this year…:

Cut 3 (10) “of frosting”

Byrne says on the high tech end, KidiBuzz from VTech is all the rage. He says it’s essentially a kid-friendly smartphone, that’s not a phone…:

Cut 4  (10) ” their phone” 

Byrne says they find parents are not loyal to specific retailers when it comes to toys at this busy time of the year. He says some of the hottest holiday toys for the season are already in short supply, so if you see something you want, buy it right then…:

Cut 5  (07)  are selling out”

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The holidays can be challenging for those living with Alzheimer’s. Families and friends may be unsure how to handle their loved one suffering from the disease, which can create stress for everyone. Stacey Denham with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Louisiana chapter says when you approach someone with the disease, do it in a non-threatening way

Cut 6 (11)  that stress”

Denham says depending on abilities and preferences, make sure to keep the person with Alzheimer’s involved in the celebrations and don’t make that person guess who is in the room with them…

Cut 7 (11)     together” 

When there are several people around, it can become very confusing for someone coping with Alzheimer’s.  She says let guests know what to expect before they arrive and tell them how they can help…

Cut 8 (09) “that conversation”

Denham says there is a help line available anytime at 800-272-3900.

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West Monroe state representative Frank Hoffmann has been the voice of the ULM Warhawks for the last 42-years but Saturday, he will call his last game against when ULM takes on Arkansas State. Hoffman says it’s bitter sweet to end his long play by play career.

Cut 9 (11)  “doing it”

Hoffmann is the eighth active longest play by play voice for a university in the nation. Hoffman says he’s called some great wins over his 42-years.

Hoffmann says the most memorable game he’s ever called was when the ULM won against Northwestern State on a Hail Mary pass and then went on to win the National Championship in 1987.

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The Attorney General’s Office is offering safety tips for consumers who will shop online this holiday. Spokesperson Ruth Wisher says shoppers need to be aware that internet scams are out there…

Cut 12 (10) “it is”

Wisher says if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. She says consumers should always pay online with a credit card.

Cut 13 (09)  “an S”

To report a scam to the Attorney General call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-351-4889. Wisher says it’s never a good idea to online shop while using a public wireless network. She says consumers should also be on the lookout for the scam, cybersquatting.

Cut 14 (08) “it’s legal”

12:30 LRN Newscast November 22nd

The Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program has distributed nearly 92-million dollars to over 31-hundred homeowners affected by last year’s historic floods. The state received one-point-seven billion dollars from Congress to help with the recovery, so Pat Forbes, executive director of the Office of Community Development, says they still have a lot more money to hand out, but they need flood victims to complete the application process…
Cut 15 (10) “done so.”
Forbes says so far Restore Louisiana has served only about 10-percent of the people they hoped to serve.

Traffic is already building on some of the state’s interestates as this is the busiest travel day of the year. AAA estimated 51-million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving weekend, the most since 2005.

Good news for a family in Caddo Parish. Zack Wilson of Keithville is returning home today after he was detained in Guatemala after ammunition was found in his backpack during the screening process at the airport. Wilson forgot the ammunition was in his bag, but he was charged as a terrorist. Louisiana’s congressional delegation worked to bring Wilson back to the United States.

The Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana chapter is offering tips on how to handle holiday gatherings with a person who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Stacey Denham says let guests know what to expect before they arrive….
cut 8 (09) “….that conversation”
Denham it’s also important to keep Azheimer’s sufferers involved in the celebrations.

11:40 LRN Sportscast November 22nd

It’s senior day for LSU this Saturday, but it’s unlikely that K-J Malone will be able to play because of a knee injury. Malone hasn’t played since injuring his knee in the game against Florida, but the Tigers have gone 4-and-1 during that time. Malone says he’s tried to stay as part of the team as much as he could, despite his injury….
cut 19 (13) “…as a positive”
The Tigers take on Texas A-and-M at Tiger Stadium on Saturday. Reports say Aggies Head Coach Kevin Sumlin will be fired after the game and A-and-M is expected to make a push to hire Florida State Head Coach Jimbo Fisher.

Saints running back Mark Ingram has been named NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Ingram rushed for a season-high 134 yards in New Orleans come from behind win over Washington. This Sunday, the Saints visit the Rams. Los Angles ranks 28th against the run in the NFL, so maybe another big game from Ingram.

According to the oddsmakers, Louisiana Tech and UL-Lafayette are favorite in their respective games this Saturday. The Bulldogs are a two-point favorite versus Frank Wilson and the U-T-S-A Roadrunners, while the Cajuns are six and a half point favorites to beat Georgia Southern. Coach Mark Hudspeth says he’s concerned about the Eagles defensive line.

Nicholls Head Coach Tim Rebowe is concerned about how they are going to slow down South Dakota this Saturday in their F-C-S opening round playoff game….
cut 17 (15) “…get it done”
South Dakota senior quarterback Chris Streveler, has thrown for 32-hundred yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions.

LSU basketball faces Marquette in its third and final game in Hawaii. Starting guard Brandon Sampson will miss the next three to four weeks, after spraining his ankle in last night’s 92-53 loss to Notre Dame.

06:45 LRN Sportscast November 22nd

Fifth-year senior left tackle K-J Malone would love to play in the regular season finale against Texas A-and-M, but his injured knee may not allow him to do so. Malone hasn’t played since the Florida game and remains very questionable for this Saturday. But the 6-4, 320-pounder from Ruston hopes to at least be in uniform…

Cut 18 (11) “…goes down”

Arden Key did not practice yesterday as it looks like he will not play versus the Aggies. And there’s a report that Texas A-and-M head coach Kevin Sumlin will be fired after this game.

No Maui magic for the LSU men’s basketball team last night as they ran into a very good Notre Dame team. The 13th ranked Fighting Irish raced out to an early lead and beat the Tigers 92-53. LSU is now 3-and-1 and they finish their trip to Hawaii by playing Marquette tonight at 7 PM.

For Nicholls State to advance in the FCS playoffs, they’ll have to figure out a way to slow down South Dakota senior quarterback Chris Streveler, who has thrown for 32-hundred yards, 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Colonels Coach Tim Rebowe says Streveler is the best quarterback they’ve faced all season

Cut 16 (20) “…the board”

Kick-off on Saturday at 3 PM.

Back to college basketball…Northwestern State won its first game of the season as the Demons downed ULM 76-61, the Ragin Cajuns lost to an undefeated Wyoming team 70-61, Louisiana Tech improved to 4-0 with a 77-64 win over George Mason and Southeastern Louisiana upset Kent State 70-66. Eddy Polanco completed a four-point play in the final minute for the win.

LRN AM Newscall November 22nd

AAA projects that the number of travelers for Thanksgiving holiday will be the highest it’s been in 12 years. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Don Molino.”

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The USDA reminds holiday chefs not to forget food safety when cooking your Thanksgiving turkey. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Restore Louisiana awards nearly 92-million dollars to 31-hundred homeowners affected by the 2016 floods. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3  (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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AAA predicts nearly 51-million people will travel 50 miles or more for the Thanksgiving holiday, a three-percent increase from last year and it’s the highest number since 2005. AAA spokesman Don Redman says gas prices are about 35-cents higher than last year, but that’s not stopping the expected 45-million that will hit the highways..

Cut 4  (07) “personal economy.”

Air fares are the lowest since 2013, which Redman says will mean about a five percent increase in air travel, but Redman warns air passengers may pay more after they land…

Cut 5  (07)  “an increase.”

Redman says planning ahead is the key to making it to your destination safely…

Cut 6 (07) “alternative routes.”

Redman adds AAA expects to service over 300-thousand due to automotive problems. He says make sure your vehicle is inspected before leaving.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds holiday chefs to be conscious of food safety. Sarah Lichtman with the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service says the first step is cleaning your hands and surfaces before and after touching raw meats. She says the next step is to separate…

Cut 7 (10)  “like that”

About 128-thousand people are hospitalized each year as a result of foodborne illness. Lichtman says it’s also important to make sure you cook your turkey to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. She debunks the common myth that the before cooking your turkey it needs to be washed in the sink.

Cut 8 (10) “the oven”

Lichtman says it’s important not to forget about leftovers sitting out on the table.

Cut 9 (10)  “containers”

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The lines have become blurred between family traditions on Thanksgiving and getting the good deals before everyone else to kick off the holiday shopping season.  National Retail Federation’s Ana Serafin Smith says many stores are opening earlier on Thanksgiving.  It all started with one retail giant…

Cut 10 (11)  “followed suit.”

According to best-black-Friday-dot-com, 38 retail chains will be open Thursday.  They include Best Buy, Gamestop, JcPenney,’s, Sears and numerous others.  The four Louisiana K-Marts are expected to open as early as 6am.  Most other retailers will remain closed until early afternoon.  Smith says the consumer demands it and retail will answer…

Cut 11 (10) “the holidays.”

Surveys show more consumers are expected to shop online this year compared to shopping at brick and mortar stores.  Smith says for some shoppers there’s a great attraction to shopping on Thanksgiving night…

Cut 12 (06) “they’re off.”

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The Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program has offered grant awards for nearly 31-hundred homeowners affected by the floods in 2016, totaling nearly 92-million dollars. Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes says these funds are helping people rebuild their homes and many of the homeowners are reimbursed for work already done.

Cut 13 (11) “to work”

Forbes says they still have a long way to go as this is less than 10-percent of the people they hope to serve. He says they have Homeowner Assistance Centers in Baton Rouge, Hammond and Lafayette to help those still in need of funds.

Cut 14 (11) “from contractors”

Over 38-thousand homeowners have qualified to receive assistance. Forbes says there is no risk of running out of this federal grant money and encourages more people to take the next step in the application process.

Cut 15 (10) “done so.”

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For Nicholls State to advance in the FCS playoffs, they’ll have to figure out a way to slow down South Dakota senior quarterback Chris Streveler, who has thrown for 32-hundred yards, 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Colonels Coach Tim Rebowe says Streveler is the best quarterback they’ve faced all season

Cut 16  (20)  “the board”

Rebowe says South Dakota is also stingy on defense as they’ve held four of their opponents to a touchdown or less…

Cut 17 (15)  “get it done”

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Fifth-year senior left tackle K-J Malone would love to play in the regular season finale against Texas A-and-M, but his injured knee may not allow him to do so. Malone hasn’t played since the Florida game and remains very questionable for this Saturday. But the 6-4, 320-pounder from Ruston hopes to at least be in uniform…

Cut 18 (11) “goes down” 

Freshman Saahdiq Charles has replaced Malone on the line and the Tigers are 4-and-1 during that time. Malone says he’s tried to stay as part of the team as much as he could, despite his injury…

Cut 19 (13)        as a positive”

18:30 LRN Newscast November 21

A report shows drug, alcohol and suicide death rates could rise by 42 percent in Louisiana…..
Voicer 1 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

The man accused of fatally shooting two people at Grambling State University last month appeared in court today and plead not guilty on two counts of first degree murder. 19-year-old Jaylin Wayne’s next court appearance is in March.

Governor John Bel Edwards sent an email today to supporters asking for donations on the second anniversary of his election. The governor’s latest campagin finance report shows he has 3.3 million dollars on hand but Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says Edwards will need every penny he can get.
Cut 14 (06) “against him”
Dubos says if Edwards is able to help solve Louisiana’s fiscal problems, it will help his re-election chances.

Nicholls State will host its first ever college football playoff game this Saturday as the Colonels will take on South Dakota. Athletic Director Matthew Roan gives a lot of credit to third-year head coach Tim Rebowe, who has been sucessful on and off the field.
Cut 7 (10) the program”
Kick-off at John L. Guidry Stadium is at 3 PM.

17:30 LRN Newscast November 21

Findings by Well Being Trust show the Bayou State’s drug, alcohol and suicide rate could go up 42-percent in the next decade. Chief Policy Officer Ben Miller says their report outlines a strategy of prevention, early identification and treatment to help prevent such a dramatic increase in these type of deaths in Louisiana…
Cut 11 (08) “encounter it.”

Two years ago today, Governor John Bel Edwards was elected and his 2019 re-election campaign is active. In fact today, he sent a letter to supporters seeking donations. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says if the governor can solve the state’s annual fiscal woes, it will greatly help his re-election chances….
cut 13 (09) “…public hospitals”
Based on his latest campaign finance report, Edwards has over 3-million dollars in cash on hand.

The USDA reminds holiday chefs not to forget food safety when cooking this Thanksgiving. Emelie Gunn has more…
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Delhi Senator Francis Thompson, who has served in the state legislature for 40 years, has announced he is battling prostate cancer. Despite this health scare, the chairman of the Senate Ag committee plans to be ready for the next legislative session…
Cut 5 (05) they’ll be wrong”
The 76-year-old will have surgery in Baton Rouge next month.