LRN AM Newscall November 28

It was a Louisiana set and based film that kicked off the Hallmark Christmas movie season on Thanksgiving. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A new Louisiana company has received FDA clearance to provide its chemo-rated nitrile gloves to the U.S.’s huge health care industry. Marsanne Golsby has more on the significant accomplishment by Safe Source Direct…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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The Third District PSC election is one of the major races on the December 10th ballot as early voting is underway. Jeff Palermo has more on this race that will be decided by voters in southeast Louisiana…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An Alexandria man is convicted of planting bombs at three businesses in Monroe and Alexandria in 2019 and 2020. A federal jury found 40-year-old Daniel Aikens guilty of 3 counts of Making a Destructive Device, 3 counts of possession of bombs and more. Brandon Brown is the U.S. Attorney for the state’s Western District and he’ll push for a long sentence…:

Cut 4 (08)  “…as long as possible.”

Aikens set off a bomb at a Monroe beauty school in September 2019. Three months later he planted a bomb at an Alexandria gas station. A third device went off in January 2020 at an Alexandria payday loan office. Brown says Aiken called some of the businesses afterward to extort cash to prevent another bombing…:

Cut 5 (05) “…by greed. By money.”

Brown credits the prosecutors in his office for working with the FBI to put together a tight case against Aikens, a good amount of forensic evidence and C.S.I. work to nab Aikens. Aikens sentencing is scheduled for March 3rd of next year. Brown says Aikens is a bad person and needs to do serious jail time…:

Cut 6 (07)  “…40 years max.” 

Aikens is set for sentencing in December and faces up to 40 years. He also faces a murder charge in Grant Parish from a 2017 homicide.  He’s accused of killing one of his former employees who died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

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Fans of Hallmark Christmas movies are getting an added spice of Louisiana holiday traditions this year with “My Southern Family Christmas.” Ascension Parish native and filmmaker Daniel Lewis says it’s a sweet film about a family that was set and filmed in Sorrento.

Cut 7 (05) “…tradition.”

But it’s not your typical Hallmark movie. Lewis says it revolves around a Dallas reporter who ends up covering a story about Sorrento’s newest Pere Noel who happens to be her father who left when she was an infant.

Cut 8 (07)  “…about a family.”

With more than 50 films to his credit, it’s not the first production Lewis has shot in the Bayou State. Lewis says working with trained film crews in the area is always an added benefit along with the economic boost it brings to shooting locations.

Cut 9 (09)  “…mass audience.”

My Southern Family Christmas film kicked off the Hallmark Holiday season with a primetime premiere on Thanksgiving.  On December 3rd Lewis’ film A New Orleans Noel set in New Orleans and filmed in Natchez debuts on Lifetime.

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A Louisiana company has received FDA clearance for its chemo-rated nitrile exam gloves to be used in health care. SafeSource Direct partner Steve Mott says the approval positions the company to meet the demand to help keep healthcare workers safe.

Cut 10 (11) “…protected.” 

SafeSource is located in Broussard. Mott says the company was founded in January 2021 as a joint venture between Ochsner Health and Trax Development in response to disruptions in the worldwide supply chain.

Cut 11 (09)  “…at risk.”

Mott says more than 90 percent of medical grade nitrile gloves are manufactured outside the US. He says SafeSource can  produce 108,000 gloves per hour, and the expansion will mean it will produce more than 2 billion gloves annually. He says the FDA approval will mean the addition of more than 13-hundred jobs to the facility, which already employs more than 850 people.

Cut 12 (06) “…them here.”

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Early voting is underway and one of the big items on the ballot is the third district Public Service Commission Race as New Orleans Democrat Lambert Boissiere seeks a fourth term, but is facing a significant challenge from Davante Lewis. Boissiere has been on the P-S-C since 2005 and he says he’s kept utility rates in check

Cut 13 (11) “…they want”

But Lewis says utilities like Entergy used their monopoly power to generate record profits without making the necessary investments. He says utilities use campaign contributions to buy their way out of regulation

Cut 14 (09)  “…same entities”

Lewis says he’s refused to accept donations from industries regulated by the PSC. But Boissiere denies claims that utility companies can buy his vote…

Cut 15 (08)  “.  utility companies”

Lewis says the state’s electrical grid is crumbling and depends on outdated infrastructure and dirty, volatile energy sources. He says he’ll push for utilities to speed up the adoption of clean, renewable energy sources…

Cut  16 (09)  “…the state”

Boissiere says he’s championed wind and solar energy production in Louisiana.

The third PSC district covers Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, plus the River Parishes and sections of the Baton Rouge area.

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For the first time since 2002, the Saints were shut out in a regular season game as New Orleans failed to score any points in a 13-0 loss to the 49ers in San Francisco. Coach Dennis Allen says it was a disappointing loss…

Cut 17 (18) “…advantage of them…

It was not a surprise to see the Saints offense struggle. San Francisco leads the NFL in fewest yards per game given up. But New Orleans had some chances, but kicker Will Lutz missed a field goal, Alvin Kamara fumbled twice for the first time in his career and Allen says there were some passes that could have been caught…

Cut 18 (25) “…you have to make” 

The Saints are at Tampa Bay next Monday.

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Disappointing end to what was a great regular season for the LSU Tigers as they lost on Saturday to Texas A&M 38-23 in Bryan-College Station. The Aggies rushed for 274 yards and a Jayden Daniels fumble in the third quarter that led to a scoop and score for A&M resulted in the upset. Coach Brian Kelly

Cut 19 (19) “…didn’t have it”

So LSU finishes the regular season with a 9-3 record and the SEC West champs will face Georgia in the SEC title game on Saturday in Atlanta. Kelly says his team learned a valuable lesson in the loss to the Aggies…

Cut 20 (19) “…on the road”

10:30 LRN Newscast

The holiday shopping season is underway. How is the retail picture stacking up against record inflation? Kevin Gallagher has more…
cut 1 (33) “…Kevin Gallagher”

And today is Small Business Saturday. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says the day has become a big winner for consumers and small businesses…
cut 8 (10) “…during small business Saturday”
American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010.

An Alexandria man is convicted of planting bombs at three businesses in Monroe and Alexandria in 2019 and 2020. A federal jury found 40-year-old Daniel Aikens guilty of 3 counts of Making a Destructive Device, 3 counts of possession of bombs and more. Brandon Brown is the U.S. Attorney for the state’s Western District. Brown says he’ll push for a long sentence…:
Cut 4 (08) “…as long as possible.”
Aikens is set for sentencing in March and faces up to 40 years. He also faces a murder charge in Grant Parish from a 2017 homicide.

Another solar farm is coming to the state, this one will be in St Landry Parish. Lightsource BP development manager Jack Steele says Louisiana’s flat agricultural land is ideal for installing solar panels.…
Cut 11 (10) “…that industry”
The one near Opelousas is expected to be completed in 2024.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Today is Small Business Saturday and Kace Kieschnick reports local retailers hope consumers will spend with them.
Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Kace Keischnick”

Consumers will still find some Black Friday sales today. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says not all advertised door buster sales are actually a good value, so do your research….
cut 5 (10) “…time of year”

Early voting begins today for the December 10th election. State Commissioner of Elections Sherri Hadskey says there is something on the ballot for every voter, so get out and cast your vote…
cut 15 (09) “….runoff propositions’
You can use your Geaux-vote app or go to geaux-vote-dot-com to see what’s on your ballot.

College football’s regular season comes to an end today. The Fighting Tigers are trying to finish with a 10-2 record as they will visit the 4-and-7 Texas A-and-M Aggies. Even though A-and-M’s season has been a complete disappointment, LSU defensive end B-J Ojulari is expecting a great crowd at Kyle Field…
cut 17 (14) “…College Station”
Kick-off is at 6 PM.

8:30 LRN Newscast

It’s Small Business Saturday today. A campaign to get consumers to shop at local stores. State NFIB director, Dawn McVea, says Louisiana small businesses employ over 46% of the workforce, so shopping locally will help the state’s economy…
Cut 7 (08) “…in the state”
In the NFIB’s latest optimism survey, 13% of small business owners reported not having a good outlook for the next three months, so they are hoping for a robust Small Business Saturday.

Early voting for the December 10th election starts today and early voting will continue until December third, except for Sunday. State Commissioner of Elections Sherri Hadskey says their are a couple of other dates to remember as well…
cut 14 (12) “…December 9th”
Hadskey says there is something on the ballot for everyone, including three constitutional amendments.

Louisiana’s green energy industry continues to grow. The St Landry Parish Council has approved that parish’s first solar farm project. Marsanne Golsby has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

If you are a concealed handgun permit holder, you can add it to your LA Wallet App. The creator of the app, Envoc, says it’s been added after receiving thousands of requests for the feature. The LA Wallet app can also show your driver’s license, state ID, digital hunting and fishing licenses and COVID-19 vaccination verification.

7:30 LRN Sportscast

Let’s take a look at some high school football playoff scores from last night. In Division Four-select, Ouachita Christian is headed to the semi-finals for the fourth consecution season as the Eagles defeated Glenbrook 28-27 to snap their 17 game winning streak.

St. Martin’s in New Orleans is headed to the semi-finals for the first time ever as they defeated St. Mary’s 29-25. In Division Four, non-select, Oak Grove was a winner over Kentwood 20-14. The Tigers will visit Haynesville next week.

Ruston is in the semifinals for the first time since 1999 as the Bearkats beat Denham Springs 49-31. Ruston hosts Zachary who defeated Southside 48-37.

In Division One-select, Catholic High advances as they took down Edna Karr 32-24.

One of the bigger upsets last night. Westgate beat second seeded Neville 21-10. and Carencro beat the top seed in Division One-Select, Warren Easton 29-26.

It’s the final full weekend of college football. 5th ranked LSU is at Texas A-and-M. Rain is not in the forecasdt in College Station. Ragin Cajuns need a win at Texas State to get bowl eligible. ULM is looking for its fifth win of the season as they host Southern Miss, Louisiana Tech looks to upset UAB in Ruston. Grambling also looking to pull off an upset as they face Southern in the Bayou Classic in New Orleans. Southeastern Louisiana hosts Idaho in an FCS playoff game.

Tomorrow the Saints, visit the 49ers. San Francisco has Nick Bosa, who leads the N-F-C in sacks with 10.5. New Orleans Quarterback Andy Dalton says Bosa is as good as it gets when it comes to rushing the passer…
cut 19 (18) “….out there”
Kick-off is at 3:25.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU looks for its 10th win of the season tomorrow night when they visit Texas A-and-M in College Station. Kyle Field holds 102-thousand fans, but with the Aggies playing for just pride, their fans may prefer to watch this one from home. But LSU defensive end BJ Ojulari expects a difficult environment…
Cut 17 (14) “…College Station”
A-and-M is not heading to a bowl game for the first time in nearly 15 years.

19th-ranked Tulane will host the American Athletic Conference Championship next Saturday after beating 24th-ranked Cincinnati 27–24 today, ending the Bearkats’ 32-game home winning streak. Tyjae Spears rushed for 181 yards and 2 TDS.

In the World Cup….the U-S and England played to a zero-zero draw and will need to beat Iran on Tuesday to advance to the knockout stage.

The Ragin Cajuns can qualify for a bowl game with a win on Saturday against Texas State. ULM could keep Southern Miss out of a bowl game if the Warhawks can knock off the Golden Eagles. Southern is playing for a trip to the SWAC Championship game when they face Grambling in the Bayou Classic at 1 PM on Saturday.

Louisiana Tech closes out the regular season on Saturday when they host UAB. The Blazers are led by running back DeWayne McBride, who is the fifth-leading rusher in college football, with 1,441 rushing yards. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says it will take a team effort to slow down McBride
Cut 20 (20) “…hang on”
LSU held McBride to just 34 rushing yards last week. Kick-off is at 2:30.

Also tomorrow, Southeastern hosts Idaho in a first-round FCS playoff game.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Fifth-ranked LSU looks to finish the regular season with a ten-and-two mark when they visit Texas A-and-M tomorrow night. The Aggies are a disappointing four and seven, but Tigers defensive end Ali Gaye expects the Aggies to bring their “A” game…
Cut 16 (15) “…finish strong”
Kick-off is at 6 PM in College Station.

19th-ranked Tulane can clinch a spot in the American Athletic Conference Championship game today when they visit 24th-ranked Cincinnati. The Bearkats have won 32 straight games at home.

Soccer fans are fired up for today’s World Cup match between the United States and England. These two nations last met in the 2010 World Cup and it finished in a one-one tie. Today’s match begins at 1 PM.

An up-and-down Saints offense will face a big test Sunday when they visit San Francisco. The 49ers are the only team in the NFL that’s allowing less than 300 yards a game. New Orleans quarterback Andy Dalton says San Fran is fundamentally sound on defense
Cut 18 (14) “…they fly around the football”
Saints running back Alvin Kamara missed yesterday’s practice with an illness.

Pelicans guard C-J McCollum will miss tonight’s game in Memphis because he’s been placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

Tonight is the quarterfinals of the high school football playoffs. Ruston is at Denham Springs. The Yellow Jackets are in the quarters for the first time since 1985. 28th-seeded Breaux Bridge will try to keep their cinderella season alive as they host third-seeded North DeSoto.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Holiday shopping online? An LSU Cybersecurity Expert has some tips to keep your money out of the hands of scammers. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Gift cards are a popular gift this time of year. Jill Gonzales from Wallet-hub-dot-com tells us the most popular gift cards for this year…
cut 8 (13) “….Chik-fil-A”
You’ll have 30 days until Christmas Day starting tomorrow.

If you have any questions as you cook your Thanksgiving Feast, you can call the U-S-D-A Meat and Poultry hotline at 1-888-674-6854….
cut 24 (08) “….and English”
That number again is 1-888-674-6854. You can also chat live with a USDA expert at ask.usda.gov.

Looking for some post-Thanksgiving fun? You may want to check out the Louisiana Renaissance Festival; now in its 23rd year. Festival CEO Alvon Brumfield says it’s a celebration and re-creation of European culture of the Middle Ages, and loaded with fun and entertainment…:
Cut 12 (12) “…shows that go every day.”
The L.R.F. is located just minutes off I-12 near Hammond. It’s open tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday…and the first two weekends in December.

7:30 LRN Newscast

It’s Thanksgiving Day, a day to eat and be with family and friends. For many people, tomorrow is a day to shop. Jill Gonzales with the personal finance website, Wallethub-dot-com, says if you’re looking for great deals to buy a new computer or phone, Black Friday usually doesn’t provide a great value…
cut 7 (12) “…shop for”
This unfortunately is also the time of year for thieves to take advantage of shoppers by trying to steal their identity or credit card information. LSU Cybersecurity Expert Abe Baggili (BAH-gil-lee) says be sure to check credit card statements, especially if you are making online purchases…
cut 11 (10) “…a message”
Baggili says when shopping at a store in person, use your phone to make purchases so your card number is not revealed.

During the holiday season, there are thousands of American troops serving our country across the globe. There’s an organization called Troops Direct that supplies critical supplies to U-S service members. Troops Direct CEO Aaron Negherbon says they do not supply care packages, instead they deliver medical kits, GPS units, sleeping bags, helmets and even K-9 care kits…
cut 4 (11) “…government”
To make a cash donation go to Troops-direct-dot-org.

The Louisiana Renaissance Festival in Hammond has been up and running. visitors can see live jousting, a birds of prey exhibit, play games of skill, enjoy many delicious foods and shop dozens of vendors selling hand-made works. Festival CEO Alvon Brumfield says this year’s festival has been a terrific success…:
Cut 13 (07) “…time you get here.”
To purchase tickets go to l-a-r-f-2022-dot-org. They will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend and the next two weekends after.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The 5th ranked LSU football team continues preparations for Saturday’s regular season finale at Texas A-and-M. Coach Brian Kelly lays out the schedule for today…
cut 18 (12) “…Thanksgiving together”
Tomorrow, the Tigers will leave for College Station and kick-off on Saturday night is at 6 PM.

Tomorrow, 19th Tulane takes on 24th ranked Cincinnati. A spot in the American Athletic Conference Championship game is on the line. The Green Wave are also trying to secure a New Year’s Six bowl bid.

Several Saints players who missed last week’s win over the Rams returned to practice yesterday including cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who has been out since October 9th because of a abdomen injury. Mark Ingram, Marcus Davenport, James Hurst and Cam Jordan also practiced yesterday. New Orleans is at San Francisco on Sunday.

The LSU men’s basketball team suffered its first loss of the season last night as they fell to Kansas State 61-59 in the Cayman Islands Classic championship game. It appeared the Tigers tied the game as the buzzer went off on a Trae Hannibal lay-up. But after reviewing the play, it was determined the clock started late after LSU inbounded the ball, so the basket was waved off. The Tigers only scored 18 points in the second half.

In other action yesterday, Louisiana Tech topped Alabama A-and-M 80-75 as Terran Williams had 20 points and seventh ranked Baylor dribbled past McNeese 89-60.

Zion Williamson scored a season-high 32 points as the Pelicans defeated San Antonio 129 to 110. Coach Willie Green says Williamson had a monster performance…
cut 23 (18) “…tonight”