Help is on the way for Louisiana small businesses who are struggling with inflation, labor shortages and more. The U.S. Treasury has approved $113-million in aid, in the form of venture capital, seed capital, low-interest loans and more.  Governor John Bel Edwards says it part of a larger $10-billion federal program for small businesses nationwide. Edwards says a great many locally-owned businesses are struggling in the wake of hurricanes in 2020 and ’21…plus the pandemic…:

CUT 05  (13)        “…federal partners.”

Louisiana Economic Development will administer the program. Information is online at “LouisianaSSBCI.com”

A Louisiana man is under arrest in Utah, after stealing a car then crashing it into a utility pole. 26-year-old Malcolm Van Buren reportedly led cops on a high speed chase leading up to the crash. When caught he told Utah Highway Patrol officers that “demons were after him” and were going to kill him. They suspected drug impairment and a test found high levels of meth in his blood.

On this December the 7^th, afternoon high temperatures will reach into the 80’s. Can the unseasonably warm temperatures change how one shops for the holiday season? Brooke Thorington asks an expert…:

CUT 03(32)      “…Thorington.”

Inflation is causing delays in big road projects on DOTD’s slate. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says a new I-10 interchange project just south of Baton Rouge is now about $14-million over budget due to rising costs of…everything. An I-210 project at Nelson Road in Lake Charles in now  $40-million over budget.

Today is Pearl Harbor Day; the day the Japanese attacked a U.S. Naval base in Hawaii triggering America’s entry into World War II. The remains of a Louisiana sailor who died at Pearl Harbor 81 years ago will have a proper burial burial today…:

CUT 02  (33)   “…Thorington.”

amid mounting pressure over rising crime and unhappy staff, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson announced yesterday that he will retire as of December 22nd. Some saw the announcement as a surprise; others not so much. a Search for Ferguson’s replacement is getting underway.

The U.S. Treasury approves Louisiana’s application for up to $113-million in support for the state’s small business owners; a part of the $10-billion state Small Business Credit Initiative. The program will give financial help to “mom & pops” in the form of venture capital, seed capital low-interest loans and more. Governor John Bel Edwards says this is great news…:

CUT 04   (07)   “…capital investment.”

Find out more about the assistance at “LouisianaSSBCI.com”

District 2 Congressman Troy Carter says he hopes the agreement signed between Governor Edwards and French officials last week will help bridge the gaps between advocates for clean energy and those who prefer relying on fossil fuels…:

CUT 07   (10)   “…a better way.”

Another hot & muggy day is ahead for this December day, with afternoon highs reaching into the 80’s. Not very Christmas-y. Does weather like this have an effect on holiday spending? LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says yes, the weather does affect buying…:

CUT 12  (07)        “…may not.”

The post-Thanksgiving shopping weekend was pretty active, but retailers report sales have sales have dropped off in the warmer days since.

Law enforcement officials in Ascension Parish are trying to figure out why a man convicted of murder just five years ago has been able to walk free for months despite his charge carrying a mandatory life sentence. Michael “Ma-Man” LeBlanc was released from jail in Madison Parish back in May. Sheriff Bobby Webre says law enforcement officials don’t know LeBlanc’s current whereabouts or how he was released. It’s suspected it was some kind of paperwork snafu.

A new round of federal small business assistance will bring over $100-million to Louisiana’s locally-owned businesses. More from Whitney Thomas…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Thomas.”

Police Port Barre arrest two teens for making a bomb threat against the town’s high school last week. The threat was in the form of a note left on a restroom wall. No bomb was found. Cops say the two 15-year-old planned the hoax together. They are both in juvenile detention. This is Port Barre’s 3^rd bomb threat so far this school year.

A new round of federal small business assistance will bring over $ 100 million to Louisiana’s locally-owned businesses. More from Whitney Thomas…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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The remains of a Louisiana sailor who died at Pearl Harbor 81 years ago will have a proper burial today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Can the unseasonably warm temperatures for December in the Bayou State change how one shops for the holiday season? Brooke Thorington asks the question.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The U.S. Treasury approves Louisiana’s application for up to $ 113 million in support for the state’s small business owners; a part of the $10-billion State Small Business Credit Initiative. The program will give financial help to “mom & pops” in the form of venture capital, seed capital, low-interest loans, and more. Governor John Bel Edwards says this is great news…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…capital and investment.”

The size of the federal commitment is significant when one considers that Louisiana received just over $13-million when the program was last done in 2010. Louisiana Economic Development will administer the program. Edwards says a great many small businesses are struggling in the wake of the pandemic and fierce hurricanes in 2020 and ’21…:

Cut 5 (13) “…federal partners.”

Edwards says the funds will be of particular assistance to the state’s many minority-owned small businesses…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…that we’re successful.” 

To find out more about the program, visit “LouisianaSSBCI.com”

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Congressman Troy Carter says he hopes the Memorandum of Understanding inked by Governor John Bel Edwards and French officials last week will help bridge the gaps between advocates for clean energy and those who prefer relying on fossil fuels.

Cut 7 (10) “…a better way.”

As part of the agreement, France will send an international technical expert to Louisiana to help state agencies find French industries that might want to work on carbon reduction initiatives in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (11)  “…our climate.”

Governing Magazine says France has established several international technical experts in various parts of the world. This is the first one dedicated to energy transition and climate change and the first one based in Louisiana.

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81 years ago today, Seaman 1st Class Houston Temples of Varnado died when Pearl Harbor was attacked. His remains were finally identified and today he will be buried in Bogalusa. His niece Shirley Temples Hayman recalls a letter he sent home while he served in the Navy.

Cut 9 (07)  “…my country.”

Hayman who was only five months old when her uncle was killed, says when the Navy offered to have his remains buried in his home state and it was her son who suggested having his funeral on this significant day.

Cut 10 (05) “…Harbor day.” 

Hayman and family members are extremely proud of Temples’ military service and they are very grateful to be able to honor his memory in Louisiana.

Cut 11 (07)  “…coming home.”

The funeral will take place at 2. p.m at Ponemah Cemetery in Bogalusa.

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While it might look like Christmas it sure doesn’t feel like it in Louisiana weatherwise. So, we asked LSU marketing professor Dan Rice if the weather can impact shopping habits when it’s warmer than usual. He says yes, but it depends on the time of year…

Cut 12 (07) “…may not.”

With unseasonably warm temps in December for some, it’s hard to even consider buying a winter coat, they might prefer to purchase summer vacation attire instead. Rice says hazardous weather can change how one shops.

Cut 13 (07) “…online shopping.”

When it comes to cold rainy weather, Rice says some products see a boost in sales.

Cut 14 (13)  “…do outdoors.”

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The Saints suffered a heartbreaking 17-16 loss to the Buccaneers Monday night. After leading and controlling for much of the game, up 13 with just over 5 minutes left, the Saints allowed 2 long touchdown drives as the Bucs scored the game-winning touchdown with 3 seconds left. The Saints controlled much of the game and made three trips to the red zone, none of which resulted in a touchdown. Coach Dennis Allen says he was pleased with the team’s ability to move the ball but was frustrated by the missed opportunities…

Cut 15 (18)  “…in what we’re doing.”

Frustration has been the story of the Saints’ season. Falling to 4-9, the loss to the division rival all but eliminates them from the playoff hunt. New Orleans is the second most penalized team in the NFL and has the 2^nd worst turnover margin after their two takeaways against Tampa Bay. Allen says the team has consistently lost winnable games…

Cut  16 (19)  “…fans, everybody.” 

The Saints enter their bye week at a much-needed time. After back-to-back disappointing losses Allen hopes the team will find some time to rest and refocus before the final 4 games of the season. Now, two games behind the Bucs and at the bottom of the division, New Orleans will have to put the pieces together during their week off if they want a chance to save their season…

Cut 17 (17) “….message was” 

The Saints will host Atlanta after the bye on Dec. 18

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UL-Lafayette was selected to the 2022 Independence Bowl against Houston. Head Coach Michael Desormeaux says he and his team set out to be champions this year, and Independence bowl Champions fits that criteria. He says the team is excited about the tough matchup…

Cut 18 (21) “…great situation” 

The Cajuns will make their first appearance in the Independence Bowl in School history. Only about a three-hour drive for the team, Desormeaux hopes fans and players will be excited to show support here in Louisiana and provide a home atmosphere…

Cut 19 (18) “….to get there”

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Cut 20 (11) “…on that”

A four-year-old witnessed his father die in a boating accident in Natchitoches Parish Saturday night. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 37-year-old Jack Crowell of Natchitoches was driving the boat at night on Cane River when it hit a downed tree. Crowell was wearing an engine cutoff switch when he fell into the water.

Cut 24 after that :12

The child was saved by nearby boaters who witnessed the accident.

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s looking at legislation to help with the rising costs of the National Flood Insurance Program he’s looking at how FEMA administers the program.

Cut 11 (12)  “…risk of flooding.”

Data from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office says voters age 65 and up made up about two-thirds of the votes cast last month. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says older voters have long dominated the electorate because they are more settled in the community…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…day-to-day lives.“

LSU star wide receiver Kayshon Boutte says he’s staying. The New Iberia native says he’ll play his senior year at LSU instead of opting for the NFL draft. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says the beginning of the season, there were rumors of tension between Boutte and the new head coach, but their relationship grew and his choice to return signifies that.

Cut 13 (09) “…right in.”  

When Congress reconvenes next year, members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation will assume new leadership roles. District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise will serve as House Majority Leader and District 2’s Troy Carter will serve as a Vice-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus…:

CUT 03(12)      “…will assume.”

In addition, Congresswoman Julia Letlow will serve on House Appropriations. Congressman Clay Higgins Homeland Security – possibly as Chairman. Congressman Garret Graves will move into a key role on Transportation and Infrastructure and Congressman Mike Johnson has a pivotal role on the Judiciary Committee.

Facing mounting pressure, New Orleans Superintendent of Police Shaun Ferguson says he will retire at the year’s end. Mayor LaToya Cantrell made the announcement today. A recent survey shows 85-percent of NOPD cops are dissatisfied with management and the city council vice-president last week publicly called on Ferguson to step down.

Political analysts are still thinking over the reasons the expected nationwide Red wave didn’t happen in the November mid-term elections. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says the youngest voters had a key impact there…:

CUT 06 (10)      “…30 years.”

However, not so much here in Louisiana. Stockley says many state’s had abortion and/or marijuana issues on the ballot which brought out the youth vote. In our state, about two-thirds of votes cast were by voters over 45.

Shreveport Police arrest a man accused of committing an armed robbery…with a tree branch. Answering a call, officers found a shop clerk with cuts all over his hands and arms. With a description, they located the suspect – 33-year-old Willie Mandigo – who is now a guest of the city jail.

The famous Southern University marching band, the Human Jukebox, has signed a deal with Starter to launch its new HBCU line of apparel. The gear will be available next year.

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s working on legislation to give tax relief to people impacted by natural disasters by creating special tax deductions for personal casualty losses. Cassidy says the bill gives tax relief to those using their own money to recover from their storm losses, and he adds it will waive the standard ten percent floor for deductions. He says a homeowner who is short thirty thousand dollars would get a three thousand dollar benefit…:

CUT 10(07)      “…bring relief.”

Cassidy says he too is looking at ways to reform the very expensive National Flood Insurance Program.

The November election wasn’t the Red Wave many expected nationwide, possibly because young voters turned out big to vote on issues they care about. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says, however, the young vote was lackluster here. Why…?

CUT 07(11)      “…economic issues.”

He calls it a hum-drum election cycle.

State Wildlife & Fisheries agents say a Natchitoches man drowned over the weekend, when his boat hit a fallen tree on the Cane River ejecting him. His life preserver was not inflated. 37-year-old Jack Crowell’s 4-year-old son was in the boat and saw the whole thing.

The Saints suffered an absolute gut punch of a loss last night as New Orleans blew a 13-point lead to the Buccaneers and lost 17-16. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Palermo.”

When the 118^th Congress convenes next year, members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation assume new leadership roles. Congressman Steve Scalise will serve as House Majority Leader and Representative Troy Carter will serve as Second Vice-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Carter is the lone Democrat representing the state in DC, but says he’s proud of the roles other members will serve in Congress…:

CUT 05(08)      “…best for Louisiana.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow will serve on House Appropriations. Congressman Clay Higgins, a ranking member of Homeland Security, could possibly chair that committee. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves will move into a key role on Transportation and Infrastructure and Rep Mike Johnson has a pivotal role on the Judiciary Committee.

Deputies in West Feliciana parish says a 4-year-old boy accidentally drowned in the family bathtub. No foul play is suspected, but investigators are looking into how it happened.

Data from the Secretary of State’s office shows that younger voters – those 18 to 35 – didn’t show up for the November 8^th election. Voters 65 and up made up about two-thirds of votes cast. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says older voters have long dominated the electorate because they are more settled in the community…:

CUT 08(09)      “…their day-to-day lives.”

LSU star wide receiver Kayson Boutte says he’s staying for his senior year. Boutte says he’ll play his final year at LSU instead of opting for the NFL draft. Tiger Rag Magazine’s William Weathers says Boutte’s decision will inspire others on the fence to remain as well…:

CUT 14(08)      “…in store.”

Weathers says he believes name, image, and likeness deals play a factor in a player’s decision to stay or go.

That huge sigh of relief you heard is from LSU fans over the announcement that star wide receiver Kayson Boutte says he’s staying. Boutte says he’ll play his senior year at LSU instead of opting for the NFL draft. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says this is huge news for the Bayou Bengal’s 2023 season and quite a nod to head coach Brian Kelly.

Cut 12 (13) “…he’s on board.” 

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s working on legislation to give tax relief to people impacted by natural disasters. Because of the physical and financial impacts of hurricanes and flooding, Cassidy is working on a policy to create special tax deductions for personal casualty losses.

Cut 9 (10) “…. standard deduction.” 

He says it would be similar to that which was given to Hurricane Laura victims, and he hopes this will assist those impacted by Ida.

New numbers from the Louisiana secretary of state show the youngest voters did not turn out heavily here in the November 8^th election as they did in other states Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby..”

US Bureau of Indian Affairs awards the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana a grant to assist the community with the threats of flooding, storms, and rising sea levels. The $5 million dollar award is part of the departments expanded efforts to assist tribes impacted by climate-related environmental threats.

When the new Congress convenes next year, Louisiana Congressmembers will have key committee roles for example Congresswoman Julia Letlow will serve on House Appropriations. Congressman Troy Carter this gives Louisiana better influence.

Cut 4 (09)  “…of Louisiana.” 

Carter will serve as Second Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

While younger voters made an impact in other elections last month, turnout was low here in Louisiana.   ULM political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says that’s because the Louisiana ballot was humdrum compared to those in other states.

Cut 7 (11)  “…economic issues.”

Last month Louisiana voters 18 to 34 made up almost 13-percent of the total electorate.

In three days, Monroe police responded to four overdose deaths. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 24 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Here’s a look at commodities