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

Political analysts are still examining why the expected red wave didn’t happen in national elections. ULM political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says the youngest voters had a key impact.

Cut 6 (10)  “…thirty years.”

But numbers from the Louisiana Secretary of State show that didn’t happen  here, the youngest voters had the lowest turnout., Eighteen- to 20-year-olds accounted for 1.3 percent of the total electorate.

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 be the Second Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Cut 3 (12) “…will assume.” 

The CDC says flu cases are rising fast nationwide. How is the flu season in Louisiana shaping up? State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the flu came earlier than normal this year and cases in Louisiana are on the rise…:

Cut 13 (07) “…still going up.”

According to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, the job satisfaction rate at the Department of Children and Family Services is low. Emily Dixon with the Auditor’s Office says pay and managerial support are among the complaints and DCFS is working on increasing pay and filling job vacancies.

Cut 12 (10) “…daily bases.”

Last month Marketa Garner Walters resigned as Secretary of the Department after two high-profile child welfare deaths.

In 72 hours, Monroe Police responded to four overdose deaths over the weekend. Monroe Police Chief Vic Zordan says they are asking the public to contact them or Crimestoppers if they have any information about overdoses.

Cut 9 (05)  “…responsible for it.”

One arrest has been made so far and they believe they are fentanyl related.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor releases details from a job satisfaction survey of child welfare workers within the Department of Children and Family Services. Emily Dixon with Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office says workers are forced to do more with fewer resources.

Cut 11 (09)  “…completing investigations.”

The agency has already started working on initiatives to address job satisfaction, job performance, and leadership.

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 1(31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Shreveport will host the Independence Bowl and Executive Director Missy Setter says ULL and Houston fans won’t have to travel far to attend will have plenty of to keep them busy.

Cut 5 (10) “…day or two.”

Funeral services were held yesterday in Covington for Father Otis Young, the retired catholic priest who was murdered over the Thanksgiving weekend. Young and a church volunteer were beaten and stabbed to death, then burned. Ex-con Antonio Tyson has been arrested for the crime.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office releases details from a survey about the level of satisfaction workers felt within the Department of Children and Family Services…:

CUT 03 (30)      “…Thomas.”

Monroe Police responded to four overdose deaths over the weekend, within a 72 hour span. Monroe Police Chief Vic Zordan, who’s also a former DEA agent, says he believes a particularly deadly strain of fentanyl is going around. He says an arrest has been made in connection with one of the overdose deaths…:

CUT 08 (09)      “…laced product.”

He says about two-thirds of the drugs they confiscate contain fentanyl.

Flu season is hitting us hard this year. The CDC says almost 9-million Americans have gotten seriously sick with flu. Here in Louisiana, about 10-percvent of all ER visits are flu related, says state Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter. He says the best way to lower your chances of getting sick is to get the flu shot right away…:

CUT 15 (06)      “…and a half early.”

Flu shots are available almost everywhere and are free at parish health units to those that cannot afford one.