Crude oil prices are falling again today. They are down 47-percent since June and it’s the largest drop in five years. When oil prices decline over a long period of time, it means less revenue for the state government. But Greg Albrecht, chief economist for the state legislative fiscal office, is hopeful other revenue streams can make up for the loss in mineral revenues…:
CUT 9 (09) “our revenue”
He says the Revenue Estimating Conference will meet next month and agree on a forecast for future revenues.

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush says he plans to “actively explore” a presidential campaign and an operation allowing him to raise money for a bid. So what does this mean for Governor Bobby Jindal’s presidential aspirations? UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross this news won’t change anything Jindal is doing…:
CUT 3 (09) “and moving ahead”
Jindal is in Iowa today.

Bill Cosby’s wife Camille is defending her husband against the accusations of sexual assault made by several women. She says Bill Cosby is not a predator and there has been no vetting of his accusers. Rachel Hebert is the executive director of Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response in Baton Rouge. She says these cases are so difficult because drugs and alcohol are involved…:
CUT 6 (13) “credibility”
Camille Cosby says the accusers have been given a pass in the media but Hebert feels it’s Bill Cosby who has been given too much privilege because of who he is.

Baton Rouge Police say a man is behind bars after he allegedly tried to run his ex-girlfriend over with a car then crashed into a house. 22-year-old Damion Shields was booked into parish prison on a charge of attempted second-degree murder. The woman is in the hospital but her condition is unknown at this time.

Although he has yet to declare his intent to run for President in 2016, Governor Bobby Jindal returns to Iowa today. Scott Carwile reports…:
CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

Senator-elect Bill Cassidy received four big committee assignments on Monday and does have a seat, as the GOP promised, on Senate Energy and Natural Resources. Cassidy will also serve on Appropriations, Veterans Affairs and Health, Education Labor and Pensions. He said in a statement he’s happy with these assignments as they’ll provide opportunities to find alternatives to the President’s agenda.

It wouldn’t be Christmas for some without an ugly Christmas sweater. LeShai Brown is a vendor at Polished Peasant in Sulphur which ONLY sells tacky Christmas attire. She says they’ve become so popular they’ve had to open for business an additional day. So what’s the favorite?….:
CUT 9 (05) “extra garby”
She says people have a blast with Ugly Christmas Sweater parties and strive to be the reveler with the most appalling shirt.

The UL-Lafayette Football team is headed to The Big Easy today where they’ll play in the R+L Carriers Bowl. Athletic Director Scott Farmer says it’s a honor that they’ve been associated with the New Orleans Bowl now for four years…:
CUT 6 (09) “what’s that’s done”
He says they are hoping to set yet another attendance record as they have in years past. The game against Nevada kicks off in the Mercedes Benz Superdome Saturday at 10am.

Governor Bobby Jindal returns to Iowa today further fueling speculation of a presidential run. Radio Iowa News Director Kay Henderson says Jindal has been making political appearances in Iowa for several years and this is another chance to introduce himself to more Iowans…

cut 10 (09) “County GOP”

This is the governor’s fourth trip to Iowa this year and third in the past three months.

State Police say 61 people have died in crashes on Louisiana roadways since the day before Thanksgiving this year. Col Mike Edmonson says says he’s been thinking about the family from Texas who died on I-20 on their way to Disney World and the sisters on their way to Dutchtown High School. He says it’s for these people we all need to make a commitment to buckle up, don’t drink and drive, and avoid distracted driving…

cut 15 (12) “the distractions”

The Saints pulled out a 31-15 victory over the Chicago Bears last night at Soldier Field. Quarterback Drew Brees threw three touchdown passes and the Saints defense intercepted three passes and sacked Bears quarterback Jay Cutler three times. The Black & Gold improve to 6-8 on the season and now sit alone at the top of the NFC South. The Saints will now look to snap a four-game home losing streak this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

The ugly Christmas sweater phenomenon is getting more and more popular every year. Michelle Southern talks with a gaudy clothing expert.

cut 1 (28) “reporting”

State Police say 61 people have died in crashes they’ve investigated since the day before Thanksgiving this year. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 3 (30) “reporting”
The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office says a Houma man is under arrest accused of kidnapping his estranged wife. Authorities say 52-year-old Mike Nixon allegedly forced his way into the victim’s home armed with a shotgun and forced her into his vehicle. Nixon and his estranged wife were later found at Nixon’s residence. The victim was unharmed. Nixon is charged with one count of aggravated kidnapping and one count of aggravated assault with a firearm.

Governor Bobby Jindal returns to the key Presidential primary state of Iowa today. Radio Iowa News Director Kay Henderson says a Jindal victory in Iowa would not be out of the question with the caucuses over a year away. Henderson says Mike Huckaby was virtually unknown in Iowa a year from the 2008 caucuses…

cut 12 (08) “was Mitt Romney”

Although he has yet to declare his intent to run for President in 2016, Henderson says Jindal has been doing the things that one does if your are planning a presidential campaign.

The ugly Christmas sweater continues to grow more popular every year. LeShai Brown is a vendor at Polished Peasant in Sulphur which specializes in tacky Christmas attire. She says many people throw specific “Ugly Christmas Sweater” parties with the goal of being the one in attendance with the most hideous holiday shirt….

cut 8 (05) “by the trend”

Brown says a lot of her customers will buy an ugly Christmas sweater then go home and add even more ugliness.

61 people have died in crashes Louisiana State Police have investigated since the day before Thanksgiving this year. Col Mike Edmonson says the tragedies have become too frequent and the people who have lost their lives in these crashes can’t be viewed as just a number…

cut 14 (09) “accident”

Edmonson says he’s been thinking about the family from Texas who died on I-20 on their way to Disney World and the sisters on their way to Dutchtown High School.

Governor Bobby Jindal returns to Iowa today. Although he has yet to declare his intent to run for President in 2016, Radio Iowa News Director Kay Henderson says has been doing the things that one does if your are planning a presidential campaign. She says Jindal has a lot of work ahead of him when it comes to educating voters…

cut 11 (06) “personal story is”

This is the governor’s fourth trip to Iowa this year and third in the past three months.

The ugly Christmas sweater is becoming more and more popular every year for Holiday gatherings. So what is all the fuss about? LeShai Brown is a vendor at Polished Peasant in Sulphur which specializes in tacky Christmas attire. She says people have a blast with silly festive gear…

cut 7 (10) “gift giving”

Brown says many people throw specific “Ugly Christmas Sweater” parties with the goal of being the one in attendance with the most hideous holiday shirt.

The Ragin Cajun football team heads to the Crescent City where they’ll play in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl for the 4th straight time. The game has set attendance records all three years UL Lafayette has appeared. UL Athletic Director Scott Farmer says ticket sales are down so far for the game but they hope the Ragin’ Cajun Nation will show up in full force…

cut 5 (10) “really special”

The Cajuns will face Nevada Saturday morning at 10AM.

Although he has yet to declare his intent to run for President in 2016, Governor Bobby Jindal returns to Iowa today. Iowa is a key Presidential primary state. Radio Iowa News Director Kay Henderson says Jindal has been making political appearances in Iowa for several years and some Iowans have had a chance to meet him…

cut 10 (09) “County GOP”

Jindal will headline the Polk County Republican Winter Victory Dinner in West Des Moines tonight.

State Police say 61 people have died in crashes they’ve investigated since the day before Thanksgiving this year. Not being properly restrained, impairment and driver distraction were the contributing factors. Col Mike Edmonson says in his 34 years with state police, he’s never seen a worse 30 day period than this one…

cut 13 (09) “up to the present”

Edmonson says these tragedies have become too frequent.

The UL-Lafayette football team leaves today for New Orleans where they’ll play in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl for the 4th straight time. The Ragin’ Cajuns will travel to The Big Easy to take on Nevada in the Mercedes Benz Superdome Saturday with a 10am kickoff. UL Athletic Director Scott Farmer says this is always an exciting game for fans..

cut 4 (11) “very accessible”

The game has set attendance records all three years the Cajuns have appeared.

The New Orleans Saints beat the Bears 31-15 at a soggy Soldier Field in Chicago last night. The Saints are now in sole possession of first place in the NFC South.

Fisherman got some good news today as areas off the coasts of Elmer’s and Grand Terre islands opened up for the first time since the 2010 oil spill. Dean Blanchard, Seafood business owner, says the more shrimp they are able to put more on the market the lower the price will go. He says they are keeping a close eye on these shrimp to make sure they aren’t affected by the spill…:
CUT 8 (06) “good so far”
There is still an area near Barataria Bay that remains closed to fishing.

US Senator David Vitter announced his committee assignments today and says he’s been appointed to the Senate Judiciary Committee. He says he promises to use that position to launch attacks on the Obama administration’s agenda. Vitter says he’ll also become Chairman of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and continue serving on the Senate Environment, Public Works and Banking committees.

State Police say a Louisiana Department of Public Safety officer is charged with sexual battery and malfeasance in office following a traffic stop in Zachary. Eric Gill has more…:
CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

State Police say nine people were killed over the weekend. No seat belts, impaired driving and driver error were the contributing factors. 61 lives have been lost since the week before Thanksgiving in accidents investigated by State Police.