8:30 LRN Newscast November 23

A State Police investigation continues into the deadly shooting of an armed black male by three officers late Sunday night in the Jefferson Parish city of Metairie. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

State Police say an eight-year-old was killed in a three-vehicle wreck in Avoyelles Parish on Monday. Investigators say the child was in a vehicle that was rear-ended by an international commercial vehicle on Louisiana Highway one and was pushed into a pickup truck. Even though the child was restrained, the eight-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nearly 15 months after Hurricane Laura slammed into southwest Louisiana the state has announced 11-million dollars has become available to help repair homes in Lake Charles…
cut 5 (08) “….median income”
Governor John Bel Edwards says the grants will be capped at 50-thousand dollars and he says more grant dollars will become available once the state receives approval to spend 595-million dollars in federal disaster recovery funding.

Second Harvest Foodbank is asking for holiday donations….
cut 11 (09) “….most people possible”
That’s Second Harvest spokesperson Jay Vise who says you can make a donation at no-kid-hungry-dot-org.

The Saints continue to be bitten by the injury bug. Now starting tight end Adam Trautman is out four to six weeks with a sprained knee. New Orleans hosts Buffalo on Thanksgiving night.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards and the Mayor of Lake Charles announce the creation of an eleven-million dollar housing program to help residents recover from the 2020 hurricanes and flooding in May. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Edwards believes the COVID-19 vaccine should be added to the list of vaccines required for students to attend school, once it receives full FDA approval for children. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder reportedly texted lawmakers that this is a line in the sand that will not be crossed.

State Lawmakers plan to hold a three-week special session in February on Redistricting. Speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club, Crowley Representative John Stefanski says lawmakers are close to completing a statewide “roadshow”, to hear what the public thinks about drawing new districts…:
Cut 7 (10) “…at that time as well.”
Stefanski says he’s hearing from lawmakers who are interested in just tweaking the current six U-S House districts.

State Police continues to investigate Sunday night’s fatal police shooting in Metairie. Trooper Kate Stegall says officers encountered an armed man who refused to comply with orders to drop his weapon and whipped around and pointed it at the officers…
cut 14 (09) “….at the scene”
The subject’s identity has not been released.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards announces 11-million dollars has been secured to help low to moderate-income residents in Lake Charles perform housing repairs from damage done during the 2020 hurricanes and historic flooding in May. It’s a combination of federal housing and disaster recovery funds that’s available to the state and city from various programs.
Cut 4 (09) “…Mayor Hunter. “
Edwards says the state is still waiting to allocate another 595-million dollars in federal money.

State Police is investigating a fatal police shooting that occurred Sunday night in Metairie. Trooper Kate Stegall says a black male subject armed with a firearm and a knife was fatally shot after pointing a gun in the direction of a Trooper and two East Jefferson Levee District Officers…
cut 15 (09) “….bureau of investigations”

State lawmakers will have a special session in February for Redistricting. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

AM Newscall Nov 23

AM NEWSCALL

Governor Edwards and the Mayor of Lake Charles announce the creation of an $11.3 million housing program to help residents recover from the 2020 hurricanes and May flooding. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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State lawmakers will have a special session in February for Redistricting. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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A State Police investigation continues into the deadly shooting of an armed black male by three officers late Sunday night in the Jefferson Parish city of Metairie. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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Governor Edwards announces $11.3 million has been secured to help residents recover from the 2020 hurricanes along with flooding that severely damaged homes in Lake Charles. It’s a combination of funding from HUD Community Development Block Grants, the City of Lake Charles, the Louisiana Housing Corporation, and the National Housing Trust Fund.

Cut 4 (09) “…Mayor Hunter. “

The funding will be used for two programs the C-O-L-C Home Rehabilitation and Recovery Program and the City of Lake Charles Small Rental Rehabilitation Program. Edwards says the program is intended to address unmet housing needs.

Cut 5 (08) “…median income.”

The governor, who was in DC last week lobbying for more recovery funds for Louisiana, acknowledges the $595 million Congress recently appropriated for the 2020 storms. He says the majority of those funds are going to southwest Louisiana. Along with the $11.3 million announcement, Edwards says it is still not enough for the unmet housing needs.

Lake Charles Mayor Nick Hunter says the housing situation is dire and even with immediate funding, housing needs cannot be met overnight but says the funding they’ve finally secured should go a long way.

Cut 6 (09) “…uninsured.”

Funds will be capped at $50,000 per household and additional details about how to apply will be provided in the coming weeks by the City of Lake Charles.

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State Lawmakers plan to hold a three-week special session in February on Redistricting. Speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club, Crowley Representative John Stefanski says lawmakers are near completing a statewide “roadshow”, to hear what the public thinks about drawing new districts…:

Cut 7 (10) “…at that time as well.”

The law requires states to redraw their districts for Congress, state legislators, the Public Service Commission and the courts every ten years after the U.S. Census data is compiled. Stefanski says Louisiana’s population is growing at a very slow 2.74-percent, leading to some worry the state would lose another congressional district (as it did in 2011)…:

Cut 8 (13) “…about losing one.”

Lawmakers will meet shortly after Mardi Gras in early March for a Redistricting Session. He says all districts must fairly represent roughly the same number of people. Stefanski says it’s quite likely this time that the six congressional districts will need very little change…:

Cut 9 (13)  “…to make ‘em work.”

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The Second Harvest Food Bank is continuing to seek assistance at stocking its shelves ahead of Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season. Spokesman Jay Vise in New Orleans says the need is great in keeping food available to those who need assistance.

Cut 10 (08)  “…thankfully that’s changing.”

But he says the need is still very real. For those needing help, dial 2-1-1 for a location near you. To make a donation, send a check to Second Harvest Food Bank, 700 Edwards Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70123.

Vice says Second Harvest is appreciative of any and all kinds of help it receives in meeting the food needs of the less fortunate…

Cut  11 (09)  “…most people possible.”  

When it comes to providing assistance to organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank, Vise invites people to come and check out what they do and how their donations are helping.

Cut 12 (12) “…round as well.”

As for food donations, Vise says protein-type commodities are viewed as the better of the food products sought. And even before Thanksgiving, Ochsner and Second Harvest have distributed over a three-day period 24-hundred hot meals and 50-thousand pounds of groceries to folks in several parishes in the Greater New Orleans and Acadiana areas. 

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State police continue to investigate a deadly officer-involved shooting that left a man dead in Metairie late Sunday night. Trooper Kate Stegall says officers working at a traffic light repair operation were notified of a man walking down Airline Highway with a gun and a knife and subsequently approached him.

Cut 13 (09) “…did not comply.”

Stegall says the use of a taser proved ineffective and the subject then turned around and pointed a gun at the officers who then opened fire fatally wounding him. The black male victim had not been identified as of late Monday afternoon.

Trooper Stegall on what happened when the armed man refused to comply with orders to drop his weapon and whipped around and pointed it at the officers.

Cut 14 (09)  “…at the scene.”

Trooper Stegall says State Police are looking for any assistance from the public pertaining to the shooting.

Cut 15 (09)  “…bureau of investigations.”

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Ed Orgeron is heading into his final regular-season game as head coach of the LSU Tigers. The players said after the win over ULM that they want to beat Texas A-and-M this Saturday for Coach O. But Orgeron doesn’t want the focus to be on him….

Cut  16 (12) “..about them”

Orgeron took over as LSU’s interim head coach in 2016 and oversaw a national championship team in 2019. He was asked what he’ll remember from his time as head coach…

Cut 17 (16) “ been phenomenal” 

LSU is 5-6 this year and injuries have been a major issue. But Orgeron says there’s a possibility two freshmen could return on defense, including defensive lineman Maason Smith..

Cut 18 (18) “..of the week”  

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During their three-game losing streak, the Saints have only scored 13 points in the first half of those games. Coach Sean Payton was asked about the team’s recent slow starts…

Cut 19 (16)  “….of em”  

The Saints host Buffalo on Thanksgiving night. Last Sunday, New Orleans allowed 242 yards rushing in a 40-29 loss to the Eagles. Payton doesn’t expect the Bills to use mostly read-option football to beat the Saints…

Cut 20 (10) “.Eagles game” 

5:30 LRN Newscast Nov 22

State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says they are investigating a deadly Friday night crash in Terrebonne Parish. He says this two-vehicle wreck killed four people including the suspected impaired driver, 42-year-old Charles Triggs of Raceland…

Cut 8 (13) “..was killed.”

The three other victims have been identified as 21-year-old Dannon Fulwiley of Raceland, 23-year-old Corey Porter of Raceland, and 25-year-old Ariana Lachico of Houma.

I-10 east near LA 1 in Port Allen is open after a horse trailer detached from the vehicle pulling it this afternoon. DOTD says traffic back up for as long as 7 miles into Baton Rouge while another trailer was brought in the transport the horses. None of the horses were injured but understandably spooked by the incident and reluctant to enter another trailer.

Governor Edwards and other officials today marked the completion of a $125-million I-10 widening project between I-49 and Breaux Bridge; marking nearly a billion dollars spent on intestates during his governorship. The governor says spending money on such infrastructure projects is beneficial to the motoring public.

Cut 10 (09)  “…to travel here.”

Here’s something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving week: gasoline prices have dropped slightly. Patrick DeHaan with GasBuddy.com says regular gas is down about a penny & a half this week, and down about 4-cents from last month. DeHaan says if you’re traveling out-of-state for the holiday be prepared for some sticker shock…:

Cut 5 (05) “….higher prices.”

The national average price of regular gas is $3.41. The statewide average is $3.09.

4:30 pm LRN Newscast Nov 22

Along with state Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson, Governor Edwards cut the ribbon today on a $125-million widening project of Interstate 10, between I-49 and Breaux Bridge. Adding an extra lane, widened shoulders and a concrete barrier between east and westbound lanes. Edwards say improvements like this benefit almost everyone…:

CUT 11         (09)    “…stop and go traffic.”

According to sportswriter Glenn Guilbeau, with Outkick.com, former LSU defensive coordinator and current Baylor head coach Dave Aranda is the favorite name on the short list to replace Ed Orgeron at LSU. Guilbeau says Aranda is still well thought of in Baton Rouge…:

CUT 13         (08)    “…qualified”

Also on the shortlist: Billy Napier of UL-Lafayette and Iowa State’s Matt Campbell

 

Nicholls State University is mourning the loss of three students; killed Saturday in a head-on crash in Lafourche Parish. They are 19-year-old Lily Dufrene, and 18-year-olds Michaila Bowling and Hali Coss. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says their vehicle was hit when 39-year-old Joey Clement (CLAY-monn) tried to pass in a no-passing zone. He says Clement is charged with 4th offense DWI…:

CUT 07         (11)    “…Lafourche Parish jail.”

Just in time for Thanksgiving travel, gasoline prices come down a bit; about a penny and a half since last week, and down 4-cents since last month. Currently at a statewide average of $3.09 for regular. GasBuddy.com’s Patrick DeHaan says it’s about oil prices; right now at $85 a barrel…:

CUT 03         (10)    “…ahead of Thanksgiving.”

3:30 pm LRN Newscast Nov 22

Seven people lost their lives over the weekend in two fatal crashes in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes involving suspected drunk drivers. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Palermo.”

A woman in the Caddo Parish town of Keithville is under arrest after an infant in her care tested positive for methamphetamine. The child was taken to a hospital by a family member, and a blood test confirmed the meth in the child’s system. 24-year-old Tiffany Wilson is charged with aggravated battery.

 

Governor John Bel Edwards, DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson and other officials cut ribbons today on the recently completed widening of Interstate 10, between I-49 and Breaux Bridge. The project was a $125-million investment, says the governor…:

CUT 09(12)      “…westbound traffic.”

He says improvements of this kind sends a positive message to out-of-state business interests looking to invest in Louisiana.

Sports reporter Glen Guilbeau with Outkick-dot-com reports Baylor Head Coach Dave Aranda, Louisiana’s Billy Napier and Iowa State’s Matt Campbell are the three finalists to replace Ed Orgeron as LSU’s head coach. Guilbeau says Aranda, who spent four years as LSU’s defensive coordinator, is the front-runner…:

CUT 12(12)      “…what Woodward wants.”

The 45-year-old Aranda is in his second season as head coach of the Bears and has them in contention for a Big 12 championship with a nine and two record. He left LSU to go to Baylor in 2019.

2:30 pm LRN Newscast Nov 22

Folks at Nichols State University are mourning the deaths of three students killed in Saturday crash in Lafourche Parish. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says they believe 39-year-old Joey Clement (CLAY-monn) was impaired when his pick-up truck slammed into an SUV…:

CUT 06         (11)    “…that crash.”

The victims are identified as 19-year-old Lily Dufrene and 18-year-olds Hali Coss and Michaila Bowling. Clement is charged with FOURTH offense DWI.

Governor Edwards and other officials today marked the completion of a $125-million I-10 widening project between I-49 and Breaux Bridge; marking nearly a billion dollars spent on intestates during his governorship. The governor says spending money on such infrastructure projects is beneficial to the motoring public…:

CUT 10         (09)    “…to travel here.”

 

Here’s something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving week: gasoline prices have dropped slightly. Patrick DeHaan with GasBuddy.com says regular gas is down about a penny & a half this week, and down about 4-cents from last month. DeHaan says if you’re traveling out-of-state for the holiday be prepared for some sticker shock…:

CUT 05         (05)    “…higher prices.

The national average price of regular gas is $3.41. The statewide average is $3.09.

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting last night in Metairie. They says last night at about 10, a trooper observed a man walking with a gun in one hand and a knife in the other. When he attempted to question the man, the suspect fled on foot. At some point during the chase, officers with the East Jefferson Levee District joined in. When the suspect turned suddenly and pointed his gun at them, all three officers fired; killing the man. The matter is under investigation

1:30 LRN Newscast Nov 22

Governor Edwards and other officials today marked the completion of a 125-million-dollar I-10 widening project between I-49 and Breaux Bridge. He says the continuing improvements to I-10 are a plus to business and help ease the commute times for everyone else.

Cut  11 (09)  “…and go traffic.”  

 

Drivers in Louisiana have something to be thankful for…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

 

State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says State Police are investigating a deadly crash that occurred Friday night in Terrebonne Parish. He says this two-vehicle wreck killed four people including the suspected impaired driver, 42-year-old Charles Triggs of Raceland…

Cut 8 (13) “..was killed.”

 

The three other people killed in this wreck have been identified as 21-year-old Dannon Fulwiley of Raceland, 23-year-old Corey Porter of Raceland, and 25-year-old Ariana Lachico of Houma.

An investigation continues into a deadly officer-involved shooting in Metairie. It happened Sunday night on Airline Highway underneath the Causeway Boulevard bridge.  A state police investigation of the incident remains ongoing with no information released so far on the identity of the person who was shot or the circumstances that led to the shooting.

12:30 LRN Newscast Nov 22

Gas Buddy Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the average price for regular gas in Louisiana is down a penny and half with the statewide average at $3.09 a gallon. DeHaan says the price of oil dropping $10 a barrel, the Department of Interior issuing new leases on federal lands, and less demand in Europe as some countries are facing COVID lockdowns are reasons for the drop in prices.

Cut 4 (11) “…of oil.”

The national average for regular gas is $3.41 a gallon.

Governor Edwards and other officials today marked the completion of the I-10 widening project between I-49 and LA-328. The ribbon-cutting involved the replacement of more than seven miles of pavement.

Cut 9 (12) “…westbound traffic.”

Since 2016, just shy of one billion dollars has been spent on I-10 projects statewide.

Seven people lost their lives in two fatal crashes in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes involving suspected drunk drivers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”