06:30 Newscast November 25, 2014

Former Governor Edwin Edwards took several shots at his opponent in the 6th Congressional District race in a debate where Garret Graves did not show up. Edwards accuses Graves of playing dirty politics in a flyer he sent out before the November 4th election that may lead voters to believe Paul Deitzel is gay…

cut 7 (10) “really do hurt”

Edwards is also accusing Graves of helping his family profit from Government contracts when he was the head of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.

The state continues to set new employment records. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Curt Eysink says total nonfarm employment in Louisiana reached 1,988,900 in October, which is a new record high…

cut 10 (09) “in Louisiana”

Eysink says the number of private employment jobs has grown by 31-thousand over the last year.

A West Monroe lawmaker filed a lawsuit this week seeking to extend the early voting period for the December 6th runoff because two days were lost this time due to the Thanksgiving Holidays. Governor Bobby Jindal declared this Friday a state holiday, Acadian Day, and polls are closed. Representative Marcus Hunter says he hopes the court knows the will of the legislature when it comes to voting…

cut 13 (05) “to vote”

Hunter says it’s the responsibility of Secretary of State Tom Schedler to make sure voter turnout in Louisiana is as high as it can possibly be. But Schedler says the law is the law…

cut 15 (09) “filed the suit”

Hunter says he hopes his case will be heard either today or tomorrow before the judges take off for Thanksgiving.

*CORRECTION* AM Newscall November 25, 2014

As the rate of diabetes continues to rise, new numbers show the costs associated with the disease are climbing at an alarming rate. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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Louisiana continues to set records when it comes to the number of people who are working in the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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A West Monroe lawmaker filed a lawsuit this week seeking to extend the early voting period for the December 6th runoff because two days were lost this time due to the Thanksgiving Holidays. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (25) “reporting”

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As the rate of diabetes continues to rise, new numbers show the disease costs Louisiana’s five-billion dollars a year. The study was conducted by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and the facility’s executive director, Dr. William Cefalu, says the cost of prediabetes went up 74-percent and undiagnosed diabetes grew 82-percent since 2007…

Cut 4  (06)  “number of cases”

Nationally, the cost of diabetes has grown to $322 billion per year in excess medical costs and lost productivity. Cefalu says diabetes is becoming an economic burden for the entire country…

Cut 5  (05)  “this condition”

Cefalu says increased awareness and action to stem the disease is needed to cut down the cost. He says previous studies show that prediabetes can be controlled…

Cut 6 (09)  “to diabetes”

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Former Governor Edwin Edwards took several shots at his opponent in the 6th Congressional District race in a debate where Garret Graves did not show up. Edwards accuses Graves of playing dirty politics in a flyer he sent out prior to the November 4th election that may lead voters to believe Paul Deitzel is gay…:

CUT 7 (10)  “really do hurt”

Edwards is also accusing Graves of helping his family profit from Government contracts when he was the head of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Under that leadership, Edwards says Graves’ father was awarded $130 million dollars in state contracts and he bought coastal restoration office space then made his brother-in-law the leasing agent:

Cut 8 (13)    “all that time” 

Edwards was asked if he thought Senator Mary Landrieu was affecting his campaign. The former governor joked that it’s The President hurting them both…:

Cut 9 (14)  “in this district”

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The state continues to set new employment records. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Curt Eysink says total nonfarm employment in Louisiana reached 1,988,900 in October, which is a new record high

Cut 10 (09) “in Louisiana” 

Eysink says the number of private employment jobs has grown by 31-thousand over the last year. he says two industry sectors have set employment records

cut 11 (10)  “very strong”

The state’s unemployment rate is also going up, along with the number of people who are employed. The unemployment rate for October was six-point-two percent, up four-percentage points from last year. Eysink says it’s an indicator people are responding to the state’s strong job growth

cut 12 (08)  “we have”

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A West Monroe lawmaker filed a lawsuit this week seeking to extend the early voting period for the December 6th runoff because two days were lost this time due to the Thanksgiving Holidays. Governor Bobby Jindal declared this Friday a state holiday, Acadian Day, and polls are closed. Representative Marcus Hunter says he hopes the court knows the will of the legislature when it comes to voting…:

Cut 13 (05)  “to vote”

Hunter says this election, with the US-Senate race at the top of the ballot, is too important to shorten the amount of time someone is given the opportunity to vote. He says he hopes a judge will add those two extra days back…:

Cut 14 (12)  “Friday and Monday”

Hunter says it’s the responsibility of Secretary of State Tom Schedler to make sure voter turnout in Louisiana is as high as it can possibly be. But Schedler says the law is the law…:

Cut 15  (09)  “filed the suit”

Hunter says he hopes his case will be heard either today or tomorrow before the judges take off for Thanksgiving. Schedler says this is not the first time that polls have been closed during the early voting period when state offices are closed…:

Cut 16  (11)  “challenged in court”

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Louisiana Tech can win the West Division of Conference USA this Saturday. But the defending league champions stand in the Bulldogs way. The Rice Owls won ten games last year and were crowned the C-USA champs. This season Rice can win the West from Tech by beating the Bulldogs in Ruston this weekend. La Tech head coach Skip Holtz calls Rice a solid team

Cut 17  (17)   “been winning”

Last season, the Rice Owls embarrassed Louisiana Tech, beating them in Houston 52-14. Holtz says his players remember that game and had a feeling that this year’s contest would decide a division championship

Cut 18 (14) “west division”

LSU heads into Thursday night’s regular season finale against Texas A-and-M struggling on offense. So will true freshman quarterback Brandon Harris get some snaps against the Aggies. When asked. Coach Les Miles gave a non-committal answer

Cut 19 (14)   “he’s improved”

LSU has won the two previous meetings against Texas A-and-M, since the Aggies joined the Southeastern Conference. In both contests, the Tigers defense slowed down an A-and-M offense led by Johnny Manziel. Miles says the Aggies offense hasn’t changed much since “Johnny Football” departed…

Cut 20 (17)  “throw the football”

17:30 Newscast November 24th, 2014

Early voting for the December 6th runoff election continues across the state. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

A GoFundMe account has been set up for the Hardman Family who lost five in a crash in Ouachita Parish while on their way to their dream Disney World vacation last week. According to the site, the money, now reaching almost $30,000, will be used for the five funeral expenses. Trudi and Michael Hardman died in a crash along with three juveniles age 15, 7 and 4.

The famous Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights is officially underway. The 300,000+ lights were turned on for the first time on Saturday and will twinkle every night at dusk through January 6th of next year. Madi Ackel is this year’s Miss Merry Christmas. She says Natchitoches is always special, but this is the highlight of the year…:
CUT 9 (10) “special here”
You can get more information on the festival online at christmasfestival.com.

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson has pledged two gifts to the Pro Football Hall of Fame totaling $11 million. This is the largest individual contribution in the Hall’s 51 year history. Vice President of Communications Pete Fierle (FEAR-ly) says Hall President David Baker approached Benson earlier this season…:
CUT 6 (07) “very very quickly”
$10 million of Benson’s donation will be used to renovate Fawcett Stadium, which will now be called Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

LRN Newscast 16:30 11-24-14

Early voting for the December 6th runoff election continues across the state, and will run through this Saturday, excluding Thursday and Friday. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says voter turnout for the kickoff this past Saturday was brisk, and when compared to early voting for the primary…
cut 12 (10) “almost 45,000″
He expects the voter tunrout to be around 35 percent.

State Police are investigating a single vehicle accident involving an alleged drunk driver in the Hammond area last night that claimed the life of the driver’s father. Forty-five-year-old Douglas Hoyt of Holden was not restrained and was later pronoucned dead. As for the driver, 22 year-old Amber Hoyt,…
CUT 4 (08) Q: “vehicular homicide”
That’s Master Trooper Greg Marchand.

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New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson has pledged two gifts to the Pro Football Hall of Fame totaling $11 million. Here’s Eric Gill with more…
CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

A report from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, homelessness in Louisiana has declined nearly 12 percent since last year and roughly 63 percent since 2010. Louisiana Housing Corporation Executive Director Fred Tombar says one of the key factors has been the $146 million dollar Permanent Supportive Housing Program in the state.

LRN Newscast 15:30 11-24-14

Saturday was the early voting kick-off for the December 6th runoff election, and Secretary of State Tom Schedler says nearly 45 thousand voters cast their ballots. That’s a pretty big number, but Schedler says he’s not surprised…
CUT 13 (06) Q: “was very nice”
Early voting continues through this Saturday, except Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

A Tangipahoa Parish single vehicle crash involving an alleged drunk driver last night has taken the life of the of the driver’s father. 22 year-old Amber Hoyt has been charged with DWI, careless operation and vehicular homicide. Forty-five year-old Douglas Hoyt of Holden – who was not restrained -died at the scene…
CUT 5 (08) Q: ‘into tragedy”
That’s State Police master Trooper Greg Marchand.

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New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson has pledged two gifts to the Pro Football Hall of Fame with 10 million dollars in renovations for the football stadium. The Hall’s Vice-President of Communications Pete Fierle (FEAR-lee) says Benson also is giving one million dollars to help construct a “Legends Landing.”
CUT 7 (11) “to literally land”
By the way, Benson’s Saints are on Monday night football tonight taking on the Baltimore Ravens.

As of Saturday, the lights are up and lit on the Cane River for the Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights…
CUT 11 (06) Q: “as possible here”
That’s Miss Merry Christmas Madi Ackel, who says the lights will twinkle every night through January the 6th. You can get more info at christmasfestival.com.

LRN Newscast 14:30 11-24-14

Early voting for the December 6th runoff election continues across the state. Eric Gill reports…
CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

It looks like your Thanksgiving meal on Thursday will cost a little more this year, according to an informal survey by the American Farm Bureau Association. The average price for a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 will cost $49.41; thirty-seven cents more than last year. But, that’s cheaper than it was in 2012.

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State Police are investigating a single vehicle accident involving an alleged drunk driver in Tangipahoa Parish that claimed the life of the driver’s father. Master Trooper Greg Marchand says they call the call about the crash in the Hammond area last night…
CUT 3 (12) “a pine tree”
Twenty-two year-old Amber Holden was charged with DWI and vehicular homicide. Forty-five year-old Douglas Hoyt was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Natchitoches Christmas Fesitval of Lights is now underway, with thousands of lights were turned on Saturday, and they’re expecting big crowds over Thanksgiving weekend…
CUT 10 (08) Q: “at the lake”
That’s Madi Ackel, this year’s Miss Merry Christmas who also says the 88th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Parade is December 6th.

13:30 Newscast November 24th, 2014

The early voting period for the December 6th runoff election began Saturday and Secretary of State Tom Schedler says turnout on day one was good. He says on the first day of early voting for the November 4th election, about 28,000 voters came out but this past Saturday they had almost 45,000….:
CUT 1 (12) “was very nice”
He predicts about a 35% overall voter turnout. The last day to early vote is this Saturday but polls are closed Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

Governor Bobby Jindal announce ClearEdge Wholesale Glass will invest $2.65 million dollars to renovate a 41,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Baton Rouge and relocate their current smaller operations in New Orleans. He says ClearEdge will create 120 new direct jobs at the new facility with an average salary of nearly $40,000 a year plus benefits.

The famous Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights is officially underway. The 300,000+ lights were turned on for the first time on Saturday and will twinkle every night at dusk through January 6th of next year. Madi Ackel is this year’s Miss Merry Christmas. She says Natchitoches is always special, but this is the highlight of the year…:
CUT 9 (10) “special here”
Downtown attractions include carriage tours through the historic district and all shops and restaurants will be open late. The 88th Annual Christmas Festival and parade happens December 6th.

Sports fans are still buzzing over former LSU Tiger Odell Beckham’s one-handed touchdown grab in last night’s game between the Giants and Cowboys. But it wasn’t enough as Dallas won to move into a tie into first place with Philadelphia.

11:30 Newscast November 24th, 2014

State Police say a 22-year-old woman behind the wheel when she crashed into a tree in the Hammond area last night which caused the death of her father will be charged with vehicular homicide when she gets out of the hospital. Trooper Greg Marchand says 22-year-old Amber Hoyt was driving and her dad, 45-year-old Douglas Hoyt wasn’t buckled up and died on scene. He says it’s vital to be restrained in a vehicle and never drink and drive…:
CUT 5 (08) “into tragedy”

A GoFundMe account has been set up for the Hardman Family who lost five in a crash in Ouachita Parish while on their way to their dream Disney World vacation last week. According to the site, the money will be used for the five funeral expenses. Trudi and Michael Hardman died in a crash along with three juveniles age 15, 7 and 4.

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson has pledged two gifts to the Pro Football Hall of Fame totaling $11 million. This is the largest individual contribution in the Hall’s 51 year history. Vice President of Communications Pete Fierle (FEAR-ly) says Hall President David Baker approached Benson earlier this season…:
CUT 6 (07) “very very quickly”
$10 million of Benson’s donation will be used to renovate Fawcett Stadium, which will now be called Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Thanksgiving will cost a little more this year. An informal survey by the American Farm Bureau Association shows the average price for a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 will cost $49.41. That’s 37 cents more than last year.

10:30 Newscast November 24th, 2014

State Police are investigating a single vehicle accident involving an alleged drunk driver in Tangipahoa Parish that claimed the life of the driver’s father. Master Trooper Greg Marchand it happened in the Hammond area last night…:
CUT 3 (12) “a pine tree”
He says they suspect impairment on the part of 22-year-old Amber Hoyt and she will be booked with vehicular homicide when she gets out of the hospital. Her dad, 45-year-old Douglas Hoyt of Holden wasn’t buckled up and suffered fatal injuries in the crash.

The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating the deaths of two men who they believe killed each other in a fight. They say 19-year-old Lester Reed allegedly stabbed 32-year-old Tevin Crump with a kitchen knife then Crump shot Reed. Crump died at the scene and Reed at a hospital.

A recent State Farm survey found drivers are still texting and driving, even though they know its dangerous. Scott Carwile has more…:
CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

A District Attorney in northeast Louisiana has reportedly dismissed the careless driving ticket given to a Texas teenager as a result of a crash that killed five members of the teen’s family. DA Jerry Jones told The News Star that there is no need to add to his pain. The teen apparently fell asleep at the wheel which caused the fatal accident.

09:30 Newscast November 24, 2014

Even though they know its dangerous, drivers are still texting and driving according to a new State Farm survey. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says 80 percent of crashes are due to distracted driving. State Farm Spokesperson Gary Stephenson says drivers now use their phones to read emails, access social media and use the internet, in addition to texting…

cut 9 (11) “smart phone”

34 percent of those polled admit to texting while driving.

The Louisiana Film Entertainment Association has met their fundraising goal for a study that will research the economic impact of the movie industry in Louisiana. LFEA Executive Board member Raelyn Loop other states are mimicking our program program so Louisiana needs to remain competitive…

cut 15 (06) “the entire state”

She says the state has to look at whether the motion picture tax incentive that benefits outside companies coming to do business here is helping Louisiana.

An informal survey by the American Farm Bureau Association shows your Thanksgiving meal will cost a little more this year. Jeff Palermo reports…

cut 1 (33) “reporting”

Early voting continues for the December 6th runoff elections, which includes Louisiana’s US Senate election. You can cast your early ballot through Saturday, with the exception of Thursday and Friday. Go online to geauxvote-dot-com for a list of early voting locations in your area.