11:30 LRN Newscast November 23rd

The U-S Senate runoff candidates will not debate after failing to come to an agreement on a date or conditions. A major sticking point was whether the debate should have a live audience. Republican John Kennedy said no, while Democrat Foster Campbell said yes. LSU Political Communications Professor Martin Johnson says it’s unclear if either candidate will benefit from not having a debate….
cut 4 (11) “…pretty important”
Early voting for the December 10th election is Saturday.

The USDA is recommending not to wash your raw turkey. Washing raw meat can spread bacteria three feet away. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s also a good idea to cut the turkey off the bone and refigerate within two hours of cooking…
cut 9 (08) “….and freeze”

AAA says be prepared to see a bunch of Thanksgiving travelers on the roadways this weekend…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

There’s plenty of excitement for the Bayou Classic between Southern and Grambling State. Bayou Classic spokesperson Angela Young says tickets for the annual football game are going fast….
cut 25 (09) “…complete sellout”
Kickoff on Saturday is at 4 PM.

10:30 LRN Newscast November 23rd

An estimated 48-million Americans will travel 50 miles or more for the Thanksgiving holiday this weekend. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says driving remains the most popular mode of travel for Thanksgiving with more than 89% of people getting behind the wheel…
cut 12 (10) “…the roadway”
Redman says mototists who use regular gasoline, should be able to fill up for less than two dollars a gallon in our region.

The White House has sent a letter to Congress asking them to approve a three-point-one billion dollar disaster aid package that will cover Louisiana flood victims and those impacted by Hurricane Matthew. The governor’s spokesperson, Richard Carbo, says John Bel Edwards will be in DC next week to lobby members of Congress to approve the President’s request…
cut 16 (05) “…larger amount”
It doesn’t look like voters will get a chance to hear the U.S. Senate candidates debate again before the December 10th runoff. They could not agree on a date and conditions for the debate. LSU political communications Professor Martin Johnson says it’s disappointing the public won’t have a chance to hear Republican John Kennedy and Democrat Foster Campbell discuss their platforms.

Cut 3 (09) “not happening”

The festivities for the 43rd Annual Bayou Classic are underway. Grambling State and Southern, who are undefeated in the SWAC , will go head to head this Saturday in the Superdome. Bayou Classic spokesperson Angela Young says there’s a celebration at Joe Brown Park in New Orleans today.
cut 4 (11) “the community”

09:30 LRN Newscast November 23rd

The White House has urged Congress to pass a 3.1 billion dollar disaster assistance package to help Louisiana flood victims and states impacted by Hurricane Matthew. Congress will consider the President’s request after the Thanksgiving holiday. U.S. Representative Garret Graves of Baton Rouge says Louisiana’s Congressional delegation continues to lobby federal lawmakers about the need for assistance.
Cut 13 (10) “successful”-
So far Congress has approved 438-million in flood relief dollars, but it’s unknown when those dollars will eventually get into the hands of flood victims.

There will not be a televised debate between the two US Senate runoff candidates. Republican John Kennedy and Democrat Foster Campbell could not agree on a date or the conditions of the debate, like should there be a live audience. Early voting for the December 10th runoff starts on Saturday.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain has safety tips for Thanksgiving chefs, like don’t wash a raw turkey. Halen Doughty has more…
cut 1 (30) “….Halen Doughty”

The hype is building for Saturday’s Bayou Classic between Southern and Grambling. Both teams are undefeated in the SWAC and the winner advances to the league championship game. But Bayou Classic spokesperson Angela Young says it’s more than just a football game…
cut6 (10) “…it’s amazing”

08:30 LRN Newscast November 23rd

The governor’s office is encouraged the White House has asked federal lawmakers to approve 3-point-1 billion dollars in federal disaster aid for Louisiana and states impacted by Hurricane Matthew. The Bayou State has already received 438-million dollars from Congress and the governor’s spokesperson, Richard Carbo, says Congressional leaders understand the state’s needs have yet to be met….
cut 15 (10) “….our request”
Governor Edwards is planning another trip to D-C next week.

There’s plenty of buzz for the Bayou Classic football game between Southern and Grambling State. Bayou Classic spokesperson Angela Young says tickets are going fast….
cut 5 (09) “…complete sellout”
Kickoff on Saturday is at 4 PM.

AAA says be prepared to see a bunch of Thanksgiving travelers on the roadways this weekend…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

The USDA is recommending not to wash your raw turkey. Washing raw meat can spread bacteria three feet away. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s also a good idea to cut the turkey off the bone and refigerate within two hours of cooking…
cut 9 (08) “….and freeze”

07:30 LRN Newscast November 23rd

The White House has asked Congress to approve Governor John Bel Edwards request for billions of dollars in federal disaster assistance. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 3 (31) “….I’m Emelie Gunn”

Baton Rouge has settled a class action lawsuit with Alton Sterling protesters, who claimed police used excessive force and violated their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and assembly. 92 plaintiffs were in the suit and they’ll get 230-dollars each.

AAA projects nearly 49 million Americans will travel during this holiday weekend, a nearly 2% increase over last year. Spokesman Don Redman says they haven’t seen numbers this good since Thanksgiving 2007…:
Cut 10 (07) “this holiday”
He says driving remains the most popular mode of travel with more than 89% of Thanksgiving travelers getting behind the wheel.

The U-S Department of Agriculture is recommending that you should not wash your raw turkey. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain explains why…
cut 7 (10) “…feet away”
Strain says cooking turkey to the proper temperature, which is 165-degrees in three locations, kills any bacteria that’s present, so washing is not needed.

06:45 LRN Sportscast November 23rd

For LSU to win tomorrow, they’ll have to contain one of the best pass rushers the SEC has ever seen. Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett has over 30 sackles in his career and is coming off a 4.5 sack performance against Texas-San Antonio. LSU Guard Will Clapp says they have great respect for Garrett….
cut 19 (12) “…their defense”
After a frustrating loss to Florida, Clapp says the team is anxious to play tomorrow night.

McNeese State quarterback James Tabary has been named Southland Conference newcomer of the year.

The Saints return to practice today as they get ready for Sunday’s game against Los Angeles. The Rams will start number one pick Jared Goff at quarterback and defensively they are 7th in yards allowed.

Scott Farmer is out as UL Lafayette’s athletic director. He stepped down after five years. There were a lot of successes during that time. The football team won four straight bowl games, multiple NCAA Tournament appearances by the baseball and softball programs. Farmer wishes his successor the best of luck….
cut 17 (16) “…his or her advice”
School president Joseph Savoie they’ll begin interviewing candidates to be A-D in early 2017.

LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri has promoted two former playes to take the place of Andy Cannizaro, who is now the head coach at Mississippi State. Nolan Cain will be a full-time assistant and recruiting coordinator, while Micah Gibbs will be a volunteer assistant and hitting coach.

The Pelicans won their third straight last night as they beat Atlanta 112-94.

06:30 LRN newscast November 23rd

Triple-A estimates nearly 49-million Americans are traveling 50 miles or more this weekend , which is the highest number since the Thanksgiving of 2007. Local Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says the statewide average for a gallon of gasoline is below two-dollars, which is a good reason why so many people are traveling….
cut 11 (10) “….the economy”

Three-point-one-billion dollars. That’s the dollar figure the White House has asked Congress to approve for Louisiana flood aid and other states impacted by disasters. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says this money is badly needed, because what FEMA has provided so far has been inadequate…
cut 14 (10) “….unacceptable”

There will not be a debate between the two U.S. Senate candidates in the run-off. Republican John Kennedy and Democrat Foster Campbell blame each other. The election is December 10th and early voting begins Saturday.

Many households are getting ready for that Thanksgiving feast. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says it will take 24 hours for every five pounds of weight for a turkey to safely defrost in the refrigerator. If defrosting in cold water, he says people should change the water every 30 minutes. He says the only way to determine if a turkey is fully cooked is with a meat thermometer….
cut 8 (12) “…these places”

16:45 LRN Sportscast November 22nd

Rumors are rampant the LSU Tigers will make a push for Florida State Head Coach Jimbo Fisher, once the Seminoles regular season ends on Saturday night. Tigers Interim Head Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s telling his team to block out the noise…
Cut 17 (12) “job first “
Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith will not play Thursday against the Aggies. The Tigers leading tackler went down with a reported knee injury in the first half of the Florida game. Former Karr standout Donnie Alexander will get the start.

The Saints have had their issues on special teams. That’s why Coach Sean Payton has hired Kevin O’ Dea. O’Dea specializes in the snap, hold and kick. New Orleans has had two kicks blocked in the last two games. This Sunday’s game is at noon against the Los Angeles Rams.

In the NBA, the Pelicans are at Atlanta tonight.

Scott Farmer has stepped down as UL Lafayette’s atheltic director after five years. Farmer was emotional as he said good bye to the Ragin Cajun fan base…
cut 30 (16) “…to me”
Farmer will stay with the university and teach in the school’s kinesiology department. President Joe Savoie says there will be a national search for a new A-D.

Despite winning only one game, Northwestern State’s Jay Thomas will return for his fifth season as the Demons Head Coach.

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri has promoted volunteer coach and former Tigers pitcher Nolan Cain to assistant coach and recruiting coorinator. And former LSU catcher Micah Gibbs has been named volunteer coach and hitting coach

14:30 LRN Newscast November 22nd

A National Retail Federation survey finds nearly six out of 10 Americans will shop either in a store or online or both over Thanksgiving Weekend. Emelie Gunn has more…
Voicer 1 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The state legislative auditor’s office says there’s been poor recording keeping in the attorney general’s office. State auditor Beth Davis says they couldn’t tell how the A-G spent nearly 25-million dollars…
cut 13 (09) “…they could locate”
Current A-G Jeff Landry blames his predeccesor Buddy Caldwell.

A Lafayette man attempting to push a disabled trailer to the side of the road was struck and killed by an 81-year-old truck driver. State Police Master Trooper Brooks David say the fatal crash happened this morning just after 1:00 am in Henderson on Interstate 10….
cut 9 (10) “…doing so”
David says 25-year-old Vineeth Keesara was pronounced dead at the scene. Impairment is not suspected by the truck driver.

A Monroe family has donated 90 bulletproof vests for all of the troopers and investigators who work for Troop F. Bunzy Bryant says they’ve been close to the Troop for 16 years and wanted to do something to make sure they are safe….
cut 8 (11) “….of them”
The vests are strong enough to stop bullets from high-powered rifles.

PM Newscall November 22nd

A National Retail Federation survey finds nearly six out of 10 Americans will shop either in a store or online or both over Thanksgiving Weekend. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Monroe family has made a generous donation to State Police Troop F to keep troopers safe in the field. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The National Retail Federation expects 59-percent of Americans will shop both in-store or online during the Thanksgiving weekend. Spokesperson Ana Serafin Smith says it’s a slight increase from last year…

Cut 3 (10) “as last year”

Smith says Black Friday remains the busiest day of the weekend with 74-percent planning to shop that day. She says folks of all ages will shop on Black Friday, especially Millennials, as they estimate 86-percent of 18-24 year olds plan to shop.

cut 4  (09) “and deals”

Smith says there’s good news for local businesses as 24-percent of consumers plan to shop on Small Business Saturday, which is up from last year

Cut 5  (10)  “everywhere else”

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Amidst tensions between Louisiana law enforcement and the public, one Monroe family is making sure State Troopers are safe in the field. Bunzy Bryant and his wife, Lynn, donated 90 bulletproof vests to State Police Troop F in Monroe. Bryant says these vests are extra protection beyond what the troopers wear every day.

Cut 6 (11) “AK-47”

Bryant says they have been close with Troop F for 16 years and have helped their Christmas drives, crawfish boils, and softball games for years. He says State Police is part of their family, and they want to keep the troopers safe.

CUT 7 (10)  “at night”

Bryant says he and his wife have gotten tons of calls from people expressing their thanks for the family’s donation, including one call from Governor John Bel Edwards. He says they want to spread the word to criminals that our boys are protected, and they have another message for the public.

Cut 8 (11) “of them”

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A Lafayette man attempting to push a disabled U-Haul trailer to the side of the road was struck and killed by an 81-year-old semi-truck driver. State Police Master Trooper Brooks David say the fatal crash happened this morning just after 1:00 am in Henderson.

Cut 9 (10)  “doing so”

The trailer belonged to 26-year-old Tanika Adams. David says the semi-truck driver hit Adams, another person, 25-year-old Vineeth Keesara, the trailer and the two vehicles on the side of the road. He says Keesara was pronounced dead at the scene and Adams was transported to Lafayette General Medical Center.

Cut 10 (09) “critical injuries”

David says Troopers are still investigating how the trailer got detached. He says the driver of the 18-wheeler voluntarily submitted to a chemical test.

cut 11 (10) “this crash”

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State auditors are unsure if the Attorney General’s Office improperly spent nearly $25 million. Beth Davis with the Legislative Auditor’s Office says they requested support for 28 transactions totaling $24.7 million from an escrow account that receives money from court settlements, fines, and other penalties.

cut 12 (07) “were incomplete”

Davis says they can’t say whether or not any illegal transactions took place, because there is no documentation, but they can’t confirm the dealings were appropriate either. She says they’ve asked the AG’s Office to explain what happened to the money.

Cut 13 (09) “could locate”

AG Jeff Landry, who took office in January, issued a statement blaming his predecessor for poor-record keeping. But Davis says the transactions occurred over the span of two fiscal years- the one ending June 30 of 2015 and the one ending June 30 of 2016.

cut 14 (08) “current administration”

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