7:30 LRN Newscast

The severe weather threat has moved out of Louisiana but the National Weather Service says a tornado damaged several homes in Caldwell Parish. Sheriff Clay Bennett says two people were injured. The N-W-S says they’ve received reports of damage along Highway 126 near the town of Clarks.

Endorsements are made in the December 10th Shreveport Mayoral runoff election, and some come as a bit of a surprise. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

The Louisiana Chemical Association says a potential railroad worker strike would have dire consequences to their industry as the flow of essential chemicals would come to a halt, including chemicals for crop and food protection. Louisiana Chemical Association President Greg Bowser…
cut 11 (07) “….as well”
A rail strike could happen as early as next Friday. The U-S House is scheduled to vote today on legislation to block the rail strike, despite objections from labor leaders.

The December 10th ballot has three constitutional amendments for voters to vote on. Public Affairs Research Council President Stephen Procopio says a vote for it would ban people who are not U-S citizens from voting in Louisiana elections. Procopio says it’s already against federal and state law that U-S citizens can not vote…
cut 4 (11) “…in the future”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU will make its seventh SEC Championship game appearance on Saturday when they face the top ranked Georgia Bulldogs. After an offseason of turnover and speculation, senior Linebacker Micah Baskerville says the team didn’t focus on this success down the road during the summer…
Cut 18 (20) “…and be prepared.”
LSU and Georgia kickoff at 3:00 p.m. Saturday in Atlanta. The Tigers are down to number 14 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.

The 11th ranked LSU Lady Tigers got a scare from Southeastern Louisiana last night but LSU eventually pulled through beating the Lions 63-55 in the PMAC. Angel Reese had 25 points and 11 rebounds to lead LSU, while the Lions got 28 points from Alexius Horne from Denham Springs.

Southeastern beat Idaho last week 45-42 to advance to the second round of the FCS playoffs. The Lions will visit Samford Saturday in Birmingham. SLU has made two second-round playoff appearances in the last three years, but Coach Frank Scelfo and the Lions haven’t managed to make it to the quarterfinals.
Cut 19 (15) “…through this game.”
In losses in 2019 and 2021 to Montana and James Madison, the Lions lost by a combined score of 132-48.

It looks like Willie Fritz is staying at Tulane. There was speculation Fritz was leaving to take the head coaching job at Georgia Tech, but the Yellow Jackets are promoting interim coach Brent Key to full-time coach.

The U-S Men’s Soccer team is advancing to the knock out stage of the World Cup after beating Iran 1-nil yesterday.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The 2022 hurricane season ends today and although 21 named storms were predicted by NOAA only 14 came to fruition, and eight were hurricanes. State Climatologist Berry Keim says in July and August Saharan dust from Africa stabilized the Atlantic atmosphere.
Cut 13 (11) “…storm formation.”
14 named storms is considered an average hurricane season.

Governor Edwards has endorsed state senator Greg Tarver in the Shreveport mayoral race. Tarver a black Democrat is facing white a Republican in the race, Tom Arceneaux. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says Shreveport is a majority black, majority democrat city, so Edwards endorsement is probably unnecessary…
cut 8 (10) “….getting black votes”

There are three amendments on the December 10th ballot, Brooke Thorington has the breakdown from the Public Affairs Research Council.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Tornado damage reported in Caldwell Parish. Officials say two people were injured.

LRN AM Newscall November 30

There are three amendments on the December 10th ballot, Brooke Thorington has the breakdown from the Public Affairs Research Council.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Endorsements are made in the December 10th Shreveport Mayoral runoff election, and some come as a bit of a surprise. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

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The 2022 Hurricane ends today with 7 fewer storms than predicted. Whitney Thomas Reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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There are three constitutional amendments on the December 10th ballot, the first one concerns voting, and the other two require senate confirmation of the governor’s appointees to the State Civil Service Commission and the State Police Commission.  Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says while it’s already state and federal law that US citizens aren’t allowed to vote…

Cut 4 (11)  “…in the future.”

Procopio says the State Civil Service Commission and State Police Commission are each made up of seven-board members, of which six are appointed by the governor. The proposed change would require the Senate to confirm the governor’s appointees. Currently, those appointees are nominated by six major private universities in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…reduce politics.”

In November there were eight constitutional amendments on the ballot and for the December 10th election, there are only three for consideration. Procopio says there was concern from the Secretary of State’s Office that the ballot was getting too long.

Cut 6 (10)  “…at once.” 

The six major private universities that submit nominations to the commissions are Centenary College, Dillard University, Louisiana Christian University, Loyola University, Tulane University, and Xavier University.

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Governor John Bel Edwards endorses Democrat state Senator and Shreveport Mayoral candidate Greg Tarver to be that city’s next leader. He made the announcement Tuesday in Shreveport; backing Tarver over Republican runoff challenger Tom Arceneaux. Political analyst (and Shreveport area native) Roy Fletcher says the endorsement was expected, but nevertheless good for Tarver…:

Cut 7 (11) “…moving up here.”

Tarver is a black Democrat. Arceneaux is a white Republican. Fletcher says any endorsement from a sitting governor is a good thing, but Shreveport is a majority black, majority democrat city and Edwards’ endorsement is probably unnecessary…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…getting black votes.”

In a twist Tuesday, three Black Democrats – two former and the current mayor – all endorsed Arceneaux in the race. Those were former mayors Ollie Tyler, Cedric Glover, and current mayor Adrian Perkins (who placed 4th in the November election). LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeff Sadow says all three have a negative history with Tarver…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…politicians in Shreveport.”

Both Sadow and Fletcher feel Tarver has the advantage in the December 10th runoff.

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In addition to having dire consequences for the country, a potential rail strike next month could also severely impact the state’s chemical industry. Greg Bowser President of the Louisiana Chemical Association if trains aren’t transporting chemicals like chlorine, it could have serious repercussions.

Cut 10 (08) “…a standsill.” 

And it’s not just water systems, Bowser says the state’s agriculture industry could be affected by a rail strike because if they aren’t able to receive fertilizer that in turn will impact the nation’s food supply.

Cut 11 (07)  “…as well.”

And because Louisiana is one of the country’s largest chemical producers, Bowser says a rail strike could hurt the state’s economy. He says the chemical industry produces $52 billion in revenue each year.

Cut 12 (09) “…losing jobs.”

Bowser is hopeful Congress will intervene so a rail strike can be avoided altogether.

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The 2022 hurricane season ends today and although 21 named storms were predicted by NOAA only 14 came to fruition, and eight were hurricanes. State Climatologist Berry Keim says in July and August Saharan dust from Africa stabilized the Atlantic atmosphere.

Cut 13 (11) “…storm formation.”

In 2020 there were 30 named storms and last year 21. Keim says Hurricane Ian will go down as the signature hurricane this season after making landfall in Fort Myers Florida…

Cut 14 (08)  “…big deal.”

Six weeks later Hurricane Nicole made landfall in the sunshine state. Keim says Nicole was the fourth hurricane on record to hit the U.S. towards the end of the season…

Cut 15 (11)  “…insult to injury.”

Kiem says although the season has come to an end there is still a potential for December storms. If so they’d be included as part of the 2022 season.

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LSU will face undefeated Georgia in the SEC Championship game. The Tigers lost to Texas A&M to eliminate them from playoff contention. LSU Defensive End BJ Ojulari says that’s not the level they play at and plan to use the performance as motivation heading into Championship weekend…

Cut  16 (18)  “…to play UGA.”

The Tigers have had an up-and-down season. After dropping their opener against Florida St, LSU won 4 straight before losing 40-13 to Tennessee at home. The Tigers then bounced back to defeat two top-ten opponents in Ole Miss and Alabama and claim the SEC West title with hopes for the CFP until their final loss to the Aggies… Running Back Josh Williams knows this team’s resilience will shine this week as it has all season…

Cut 17 (19) “…positive mindset.”

LSU will appear in the SEC Championship for the first time in 3 years in the first season under Head Coach Brian Kelly. After an offseason of turnover and speculation, senior Linebacker Micah Baskerville says the team didn’t focus on this success down the road during the summer…

Cut 18 (20) “…and be prepared.” 

LSU and Georgia kickoff at 3:00 p.m. Saturday in Atlanta

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Southeastern beat Idaho last week 45-42 to advance to the second round of the FCS playoffs. The Lions will visit Samford Saturday in Birmingham. SLU has made two second-round playoff appearances in the last three years, but Coach Frank Scelfo and the Lions haven’t managed to make it to the quarterfinals.

Cut 19 (15) “…through this game.”

In losses in 2019 and 2021 to Montana and James Madison, the Lions lost by a combined score of 132-48. Southeastern gave up 5 turnovers in the loss to James Madison last year and Sclefo is emphasizing limiting mistakes this year against the Bulldogs…

Cut 20 (21) “…out the stadium.”

 Kickoff is at 2:00

LRN PM Newscall November 29

A statewide survey finds a majority of GOP voters support former President Donald Trump over Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1(31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It was a very happy ending Monday night in St Tammany Parish, where two missing girls and their dog were found safe after a massive search. Marsanne Golsby has more

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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A new statewide poll finds a majority of Louisiana Republicans support former President Donald Trump over Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Trump has already announced his presidential candidacy and political pundits expect DeSantis to be Trump’s main competition. Pollster Ed Chervenak conducted the survey for Edgewater Research

Cut 3 (10) “…nomination.” 

The poll asked Republicans who is their choice for the GOP’s presidential nomination in 2024, Chervenak says 56-percent support Trump’s candidacy while 36-percent would like to see DeSantis win the Republican nomination.

Cut 4 (10)  “…particular time” 

Trump received 58-percent of the vote from Louisiana voters in the 2020 presidential election. Chervenak says Trump continues to get strong support among Louisiana Republicans, but he believes the survey results are a positive for DeSantis

Cut 5 (12) “…Donald Trump has”

The survey was conducted two weeks ago and 474 registered Republicans in Louisiana were selected. Chervenak says eight-percent of those polled are undecided.

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Senator Bill Cassidy is among a group of Republicans who’ve criticized former President Donald Trump for having dinner with Kanye West who’s faced backlash for his anti-Semitic remarks. Cassidy’s tweet said hosting racist anti-Semites for dinner encourages other racist anti-Semites.

Cut 6 (07)  “…say something.”

Cassidy’s tweet also said entertaining such persons is not reflective of the Republican party.

The Senate will vote on the Respect for Marriage Act which grants federal protections for same-sex and interracial couples. Cassidy says three amendments will be presented prior to the vote. Twelve Republicans are expected to give bipartisan support for the bill, Cassidy is not among them

Cut 7 (04)  “…will pass.”

Cassidy did give bipartisan support to the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Law and touted its ability to help finance the extension of passenger-rail service through Mississippi and Louisiana along the I-20 corridor. Cassidy says there’s already a line that goes to Dallas and another to Atlanta.

Cut 8 (07)  “…or Dallas.“

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A massive search effort for two missing girls and their dog resulted in good news last night in  rural St. Tammany Parish. Sheriff Randy Smith said the girls – ages 4 and 7 – got lost with their dog around 5 pm yesterday while playing on their parents’ property.

Cut 9 (08 “…the house.” 

Smith says the girls were found safe with their dog Artemis around 10 pm. Hundreds of volunteers, numerous law enforcement agencies, two helicopters participated in the grid-by-grid search. But Smith says it was a dog that found the pet dog, and the girls.

Cut 10 (09) “…the kid.” 

In a Facebook post, the girls’ parents, Mary and Justin Bourg, thanked everyone involved for the happy outcome. Sheriff Smith said the girls were in good spirits.

Cut 11 (11)  “…little bit.”

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A large portion of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until seven o’ clock tonight. It covers northeast Louisiana and central Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says the greatest threat is along and north of I-20

Cut 12 (10) “…long track tornadoes.” 

Wetherbee says make sure you have several ways to get alerts…

Cut 13 (10) “…of the Mississippi”  

12:30 LRN Newscast

A large portion of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until seven o’ clock tonight. It covers northeast Louisiana and central Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says the greatest threat is along and north of I-20…
cut 12 (10) “…long track tornadoes”
A tornado warning has been posted for southeastern Evangeline and central St. Landry Parish until 12:45 today.

Senator Bill Cassidy is among a group of Republicans who’ve criticized former President Donald Trump for having dinner with Kanye West who’s faced backlash for his anti-Semitic remarks. Cassidy’s tweet said hosting racist anti-Semites for dinner encourages other racist anti-Semites.
Cut 6 (07) “…say something.”
Cassidy’s tweet also said entertaining such persons is not reflective of the Republican party.

A new poll among Louisiana Republicans shows former President Donald Trump still has strong support here, compared to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Pollster Ed Chervenak is with Edgewater Research
Cut 3 (10) “…nomination.”
The poll asked who Republicans want to become the GOP’s nomination for president in 2024. Chervenak says he considers DeSantis’s numbers show some erosion of support for Trump, considering the Florida governor’s lower name recognition.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, will we get an answer soon from U-S Senator John Kennedy on whether he’ll run for governor next year. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says since Democrats have control of the Senate, Kennedy is taking a hard look at the 2023 governor’s race…
cut 9 (07) “….opposed to senator”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU suffered a disappointing 38-23 loss Saturday to Texas A&M. LSU Coach Brian Kelly says the team knows they didn’t play up to standard and isn’t worried about a let-down game in the upcoming SEC Championship…
Cut 16 (17) “…their standard.”
With the loss, the Tigers fall to 9-3 on the season, eliminating them from playoff contention. Still the SEC West Champions, LSU will face number one Georgia Saturday in the SEC Championship.

Auburn officially introduced Hugh Freeze as its new football coach. In 13 seasons, Freeze has a 76-47 record as a head coach at Lambuth, Arkansas State, Ole Miss and most recently Liberty.

Texas A-and-M has said Darrell Dickey will not return as the school’s offensive coordinator.

The Saints are 4-8 after a 13-0 loss in San Francisco on Sunday. The defense played well but the offense had two trips inside the five-yard line resulting in zero points. Head Coach Dennis Allen says the team was successful in creating opportunities but couldn’t capitalize against a good team…
Cut 19 (17) “…has to increase.”
Allen was asked if the errors that are plaguing the team fall more on the players or coaches and Allen responded it’s a combination of both.

The Pelicans did not have Brandon Ingram or C-J McCollum last night, but Zion Williamson stepped up and scored 27 points as New Orleans defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 105 to 101. Williamson had a career-high eight assists.

College hoops, Tulane over ULM 75-60, UT Martin Topped McNeese 86-83 and Grambling over Dartmouth 73-49.

11:30 LRN Newscast

There’s an enhanced to moderate threat for severe weather this afternoon and into tonight for much of central and northeast Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s also a slight risk for severe storms in south Louisiana…
cut 15 (10) “….is needed”
Forecasters are urging residents to pay attention to emergency alerts.

We continue to wait on an answer from Republican U-S Senator John Kennedy on whether he’ll run for governor in 2023. Other potential GOP contenders, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and State Treasurer John Schroder say they will announce a decision in January. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says they are not the only ones awaiting Kennedy’s decision.
Cut 8 (11) “…campaigning for.”
Stockley believes Kennedy is seriously considering running for governor, because Democrats have kept control of the Senate.

Plaquemines Police Chief Kenny Payne has resigned after pleading no contest to malfeasance charges. A grand jury indicted Payne on accusations he asked a woman for sexual favors in exchange for dismissing charges against her boyfriend and then asking the Iberville Sheriff not to investigate. Payne has received a three-year suspended sentence and was forced to resign. District Attorney Tony Clayton says this case shows no one is above the law…
cut 12 (10) “…but it’s efficient”

The Louisiana Department of Health says Louisiana residents should get health screenings to determine if they are diabetic or pre-diabetic as the prevelance of diabetes is higher than the national average. Director of Well Ahead Louisiana, Melissa Martin, says residents who are at risk have access to resources with the state’s Well-ahead program….
cut 5 (13) “…easier choice”
For more information go to well-ahead-L-A-dot-com.

9:30 LRN Newscast

A police chief in south Louisiana has resigned after pleading no contest to malfeasance charges. Last week a grand jury indicted Plaquemines Police Chief Kenny Payne on accusations he asked a woman for sexual favors in exchange for dismissing charges against her boyfriend and then asking the Iberville Sheriff not to investigate. Payne has three-year suspended sentence and was forced to resign. District Attorney Tony Clayton says this case is a perfect example that no one is above the law…
cut 12 (10) “…but it’s efficient”

Now that Thanksgiving is over, will we get an answer soon from U-S Senator John Kennedy on whether he’ll run for governor next year. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says since Democrats have control of the Senate, Kennedy is taking a hard look at the 2023 governor’s race…
cut 9 (07) “….opposed to senator”

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says be aware for the potential for severe weather today, especially if you live in northeast and central Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a collision between warm and cool air masses brings the threat of damaging winds, heavy rainfall, hail, and the potential for tornadoes.
Cut 13 (12) “…tornadic activity.”
The severe weather will arrive in Louisiana after 12 PM today.

The Louisiana Department of Health says diabetes affects 14-percent of Louisiana residents and one in three Louisiana residents are pre-diabetic. Director of Well Ahead Louisiana, Melissa Martin, says diabetes is a largely preventable condition and residents can find out more at well-ahead-L-A-dot-com…
cut 6 (11) “….doctor about”

8:30 LRN Newscast

There’s an enhanced to moderate threat for severe weather this afternoon and into tonight for much of central and northeast Louisiana as a strong storm system moves into the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s also a slight risk for severe storms in south Louisiana…
cut 15 (10) “….is needed”
Forecasters are urging residents to pay attention to emergency alerts.

Plaquemines Police Chief Kenny Payne has resigned after pleading “no contest” to two malfeasance charges…
cut 10 (08) “…those charges”
District Attorney Tony Clayton says a grand jury indicted Payne last week based on evidence he asked a woman for sexual favors in exchange for dismissing charges against her boyfriend and contacting the sheriff to drop the investigation.

Will he or won’t he run for governor? A political analyst says the sooner Senator John Kennedy announces the better. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is among a group of Republicans criticizing former President Donald Trump for having dinner with the rapper Ye, who has faced backlash for his anti-Semitic remarks. Cassidy Tweeted that hosting racist anti-Semites for dinner encourages other racist anti-Semites. Cassidy said this is not the Republican Party.