08:30 LRN Newscast, December 5th

The race for Louisiana Public Service Commission’s third district is getting national attention. Incumbent Lambert Boissiere the third is facing a stiff challenge from activist Davante Lewis in the December 10th runoff. Both are Democrats. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Lewis has raised so much money that Lambert is taking note:
Cut 4 (09) “election”
He says Lewis is also getting help from out of state environmental activists who want the energy industry to shift away from fossil fuels.

The Secretary of State’s Office says over 110,000 residents in Louisiana participated in the Early voting period ahead of the election.

A cruise ship crewmember is in the hospital after the Coast Guard airlifted her from the vessel just south of New Orleans. She was last reported to be in stable condition, according to a news release.

Federal officials say inflation has slowed somewhat in recent weeks. But is it enough to be felt at street level, by the average consumer?
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

The Saints will visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Monday Night Football action tonight. Despite having a 4 and 8 record, New Orleans is still alive to win the NFC South as the Bucs are in 1st place with a 5-6 record. Kickoff tonight is at 7:15pm.

07:30 LRN Newscast, December 5th

The holiday shopping season got off to a good start for retailers and it’s anticipated to continue. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Gas prices continue to fall in Louisiana. AAA reports the current statewide average is $2.96 which is down from $3.07 from the same time last week, and over 11 cents lower than a year ago.

Inflation has slowed slightly according to the federal Department of Commerce. Rising costs and prices had been at over 8 percent from last year recently, but now is at about 6 percent. U.L.-Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner thinks the labor market will continue to slow, meaning the economy will continue to worsen…:
Cut 11 (11) “real consistent yet”

The LSU AgCenter says this year’s sugarcane crop could set a new record if sugar recovery levels continue to perform well. LSU Ag Center sugarcane specialist Doctor Kenneth Gravois says a couple of dry months in the harvest season, allowed the sugarcane harvest in south Louisiana to get off to a fast start…:
Cut 7 (10) “for harvest”

 

06:45 LRN Sportscast, December 5th

After losing the SEC Championship game, LSU will have an opportunity to win its tenth game of the season when they play Purdue in the Citrus Bowl on January second at noon. Coach Brian Kelly believes it’s already been a successful season winning the SEC West, but getting to ten wins would be really sweet…:
Cut 16 (18) “on the back”

After winning the AAC, Tulane will play in the Cotton Bowl and face USC on January 2nd. Coach Willie Fritz…:
Cut 19 (18) “to it”

UL-Lafayette will make its first ever appearance in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport and will take on Houston on December 23rd. The bowl appearance for The Ragin Cajuns will be its 12th in school history, and the meeting with Houston will be the 10th between the schools.

The Saints visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tonight in Monday night football. New Orleans is four and eight, but still alive to win the NFC South as the Bucs are in first place with a five and-six record. New Orleans defensive end Cam Jordan says they can’t suffer any more losses…:
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The game will kick off at 7:15.

The Pelicans won their 4th straight game beating the Denver Nuggets 121-106 Sunday. Jose Alvarado put on quite a show in the game posting a career high 38-point performance.

06:30 LRN Newscast, December 5th

The federal Department of Commerce reports inflation has slowed slightly; now about 6 percent higher than one year ago. Rising costs and prices had been at over 8 percent recently, posting 40-year highs. Will this small decrease be enough to be felt by consumers? U.L.-Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner says the answer is probably “no”…:
Cut 10 (12) “at least into 2023”

But consumers aren’t slowing down their holiday shopping and spending this year is expected to increase 6-8 percent from last year. LSU Marketing Associate Professor Dan Rice…:
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He also attributes the increase in shopping to more people using their phones to make online purchases.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission December 10th runoff in the third district is getting national attention, and out of state dollars. Incumbent Lambert Boissiere is facing a stiff challenge from activist Davante Lewis. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says Lewis’ support is likely rooted in anger over skyrocketing electric bills..:
Cut 5 (08) “at it”
Environmental advocates are keeping a close eye on the PSC race, as the push to shift away from fossil fuels rages.

LSU is headed to the Citrus Bowl and will face Purdue for the first time ever. The game will be on January 2nd. UL-Lafayette will appear in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport for the first time ever and will face Houston on December 23rd. Tulane won the AAC and will play USC in the Cotton Bowl on January 2nd.

09:30 LRN Newscast, November 16th

Former President Donald Trump says he will run for president again in 2024, and Louisiana Congressional delegates are beginning to react. Many Trump-backed candidates fared poorly in the November 8th elections. Republicans took the simple majority in the House, but the Senate remains under Democratic leadership. Cassidy says his party should see the election results as a “teachable moment”…:
Cut 6 (09) “any given individual”

In a historic move, the LSU Band has been nominated for a Grammy thanks to their collaboration with Lake Charles musician Sean Ardoin. Ardoin’s album Full Circle, which features the Golden Band from Tigerland on every track received the nod for Best Regional Roots Music Album on Tuesday. He is elated…:
Cut 10 (11) “right now”
The awards take place in February.

A New Orleans Police officer who shot a man who pulled a knife outside the Superdome has been placed on administrative leave. The NOPD says officers were called to help the security team with a man who was occupying space in front of a ticket booth when the man pulled a knife and was then shot by the cop. The man shot was taken to an area hospital for treatment. The matter is under investigation.

Today Southern University will host a remembrance ceremony for the on-campus shooting 50 years ago. Whitney Thomas has that story…:
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Whitney Thomas”

08:30 LRN Newscast, November 16th

US Senator Bill Cassidy comments on Donald Trump running for president again in 2024. Many Trump-backed candidates fared poorly in the November 8th elections. Cassidy says most voters who were concerned with inflation, crime, and the border all voted Republican, but many seem to have had misgivings about their candidates:
Cut 5 (11) “about the future”
Cassidy avoided saying he doesn’t approve of Trump running again but indicated the party’s focus should be more on moving forward.

A Webster Parish tow truck driver receives a special award for saving a woman from a burning vehicle in an October 9th crash. Andrew Lincoln says the driver’s door was jammed when he raced in to help..:
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Lincoln was honored with a lifesaving award by Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker.

The House Republican Caucus on Tuesday elected Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise for Majority Leader. Scalise says he’s humbled to be selected for the position.

A man from Clinton was killed in an ATV accident Tuesday. State Police say 45-year-old Gregory Kent went off the road and kit a culvert before being thrown into a utility pole. Kent died at the scene.

The first-of-its-kind collaboration of Lake Charles musician Sean Ardoin and the Golden Band from Tigerland, earns a Grammy nomination. Brooke Thorington has more:
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07:30 LRN Newscast, November 16th

Donald Trump says he will run for president again in 2024, and one Louisiana senator has some thoughts on that. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

A school bus driver in Hammond was arrested Tuesday on charges of pornography involving juveniles, indecent behavior and computer aided solicitation of a juvenile amid allegations he was having inappropriate communication with a student. 62-year-old Rufus Addison of Loranger was fired yesterday.

Today, Southern University is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the shooting death of 2 students during a protest that happened November 16th, 1972. Advocate Columnist Ed Pratt was just an 18-year-old freshman during the tragedy and says Denver Smith and Leonard Brown were in the wrong place at the wrong time…:
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The university named the Smith-Brown Memorial Union building in honor of both students.

A tow truck driver in Webster Parish received a special award from the sheriff for saving a woman’s life. Andrew Lincoln pulled the crash victim from a burning vehicle on October 9th, and says he’s thrilled to hear she’s recovering…:
Cut 15 (10) “back to work”
Lincoln and was honored with a lifesaving award by Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker.

06:45 LRN Sportscast, November 16th

LSU will host UAB in their final home game of the season Saturday night. Head Coach Brian Kelly has grown a relationship with his team in his first season and praised his senior class and linebacker Micah Baskerville for their resilience…:
Cut 16 (20) “that story”
Kickoff in Death Valley is at 8pm. Last night the latest College Football Playoff rankings were released, and LSU moved up one spot to No. 6.

In a historic move, the LSU Band has been nominated for a Grammy thanks to their collaboration with Lake Charles musician Sean Ardoin. The Golden Band from Tigerland is featured on Ardoin’s latest LP for all 12 tracks and it’s up for Best Regional Roots Album in the ceremony happening in February.

Louisiana Tech Coach Sunny Cumbie says freshman Landry Lyddy will start at quarterback Saturday at Charlotte. That’s because regular starter Parker McNeil has a broken middle finger on his throwing hand. Jack Turner will serve as Lyddy’s backup.

The Ragin Cajuns moved to 5 wins on the season after a victory over Georgia Southern. Now they’ll face their biggest matchup of the season as they visit 20th-ranked Florida State on Saturday with Bowl eligibility on the line. Coach Michael Desormeaux…:
Cut 19 (18) “excited for as well”
Kickoff is set for 11am.

Zion Williamson was injured last night but the Pelicans handled the Grizzlies anyway, picking up a 113-102 victory.

06:30 LRN Newscast, November 16th

Former President Donald Trump announced he will run for president again in 2024, and Louisiana delegates are sharing their thoughts on the matter. Senator Bill Cassidy stopped short of saying he doesn’t approve, yet indicated the concerns of Americans is what’s most important…:
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Some political pundits speculate Trump’s message may be wearing thin with voters.

Louisiana Republican Congressman Steve Scalise has been elected to House majority leader. Scalise, who served as Republican Whip for the past 8 years, issued a statement in response to the election saying his focus will be on the struggles of hardworking families and reducing inflation and energy costs. The last Majority Leader from Louisiana was Hale Boggs from 1971-1973.

LSU’s Golden Band from Tigerland has received a Grammy Award nomination. The band’s collaboration with Lake Charles musician Sean Ardoin is in the running for best regional roots album for the 2023 ceremony. Ardoin says the album is historic because it’s the first time a college marching band has ever collaborated with an artist for an entire LP…:
Cut 11 (08) “as well”
The ceremony takes place February 5th.

2 students were killed during a protest on the campus of Southern University 50 years ago today, and a commemoration ceremony is taking place on campus to recognize the day. Advocate Columnist Ed Pratt was an 18-year-old freshman when it happened…:
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The incident that claimed the lives of Denver Smith and Leonard Brown happened November 16th, 1972.

07:30 LRN Newscast, November 9th

No drama on election night in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…”
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The record breaking $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot was hit by a single ticket in California, but the Louisiana Lottery says there were several big winners here. They say a Powerball Match 5 winning ticket worth $1 million was sold at a truck stop in Hammond ahead of the drawing.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter was elected to his first full-term into office. The Democrat received over 75-percent of the vote. He says he’ll work for all parties in his district that covers New Orleans, the River Parishes and parts of Baton Rouge…:
Cut 15 (12) “people of Louisiana”

One of Louisiana’s six U.S. House members got to relax on Election Night. That’s because District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson, of Shreveport, was re-elected by default when no one chose to run against him. Johnson says he’s humbled by that, and he looks forward to getting to work in a Republican-led Congress in 2023…:
Cut 7 (08) “to the people again”
All of Louisiana’s incumbent members of Congress are headed back to DC.