Today, Louisiana’s 8 electors will cast their votes for President-elect Donald Trump. Scott Wilfong is one of those electors. He says it’s an honor to cast his vote for the people of Louisiana, as he has done once before for Mitt Romney in 2012…:
cut 4 (08) “to 538″”
Wilfong says he and other electors have received tons of feedback from people asking them not to vote for Mr. Trump, but feels that would be a disservice to the wishes of the people of Louisiana.

There’s talk around the Capitol about the potential for another special session to address a looming $300 million budget shortfall for this fiscal year. That’s according to a report from LaPolitics.com. But But political analyst and pollster Bernie Pinsonat says voters do not want to raise any more taxes…:
Cut 13 (08) “we have”

The United Health Foundation finds there are fewer smokers in Louisiana than there were last year. Halen Doughty has more…:
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Arctic air has moved into Louisiana where temperatures across the state this morning are in the mid 20s in north Louisiana, and low 30s across the I-10 corridor. A freeze warning is in effect for Calcasieu, East Cameron, Vermilion and West Cameron parishes until 9am this morning.

Louisiana’s electors head to the state capitol today to cast their votes for president-elect Donald Trump. Jeff Palermo has more…

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There’s just two weeks left of US Senator David Vitter’s final term in office. Emelie Gunn has more…

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The United Health Foundation finds there are fewer smokers in Louisiana than there were last year. Halen Doughty has more…

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Today, Louisiana’s 8 electors will cast their votes for President-elect Donald Trump. Scott Wilfong is one of those electors. He says it’s an honor to cast his vote for the people of Louisiana, as he has done once before for Mitt Romney in 2012.

cut 4  (08) “to 538”

Wilfong says each elector will cast his or her ballot in their respective state capitals today. He says the votes will then be sent to Washington, where the new Congress will read them when they convene in January.

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Wilfong says he and other electors have received hundreds of phone calls, emails, and letters asking them not to vote for Mr. Trump. But he says it would be a disservice to the people of Louisiana to go against their votes. However, he does expect some electors will be swayed.

Cut 6 (10) “he needs”

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David Vitter has just two weeks left in office as a U.S Senator.  Vitter says representing and serving the people of Louisiana has been the greatest honor of his professional life. He says he’s most proud of his work in the post-Katrina recovery, as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the coast just months after Vitter was sworn in as a Senator.

CUT 7 (11)  “flood protection”

Vitter served as Louisiana’s 1^st Congressional District Representative from 1999 to 2004 and as a US Senator since 2005. Prior to that, Vitter served in Louisiana’s House of Representatives from 1992 to 1999. He says there are some things he did not accomplish that he hopes will be achieved under the Trump Administration, including term limits for lawmakers.

Cut 8 (10) “for Congress”

Vitter says he does not want a role in the new administration, as he and his wife, Wendy, have been looking forward to life in the private sector. He says he cannot negotiate potential jobs while still in office, but he has an idea of what he’d like to do after he leaves Washington.

Cut 9 (09)  “Washington, D.C.”

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Fewer Louisianans are smoking cigarettes, according to the United Health Foundation. The report found 22-percent of Louisiana residents are smokers, compared to 24-percent in 2015. CEO of the Smoking Cessation Trust, Mike Rogers, credits legislation that bans smoking in bars and casinos, like one that was passed in New Orleans last year.

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Louisiana now ranks 43^rd in the country for the rate of smokers, up from 46^th last year. Rogers says there are many health benefits to quitting smoking, and smokers will notice a change in their health almost immediately.

cut 11 (11) “go to normal”

The US average for adult smokers is about 17-percent. Rogers hopes we’ll continue to see a decline in the number of smokers. He says the public is becoming more knowledgeable about the dangers of smoking.

cut 12 (10) “of smoking”

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There’s talk around the Capitol about the potential for another special session to address a looming $300 million budget shortfall for this fiscal year. That’s according to La-politics-dot-com, who heard that from a source within the Edwards administration. But political analyst and pollster Bernie Pinsonat says voters do not want to raise any more taxes.

Cut 13 (08) “we have”

The Revenue Estimating Committee meets again in January, so lawmakers will have a better idea of how much money is available. Pinsonat says voters believe there’s too much spending, which was evident when Senator-elect John Kennedy won the runoff by a landslide 61 to 39-percent.

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Lawmakers met for three back-to-back sessions earlier this year and still failed to raise enough revenue to avoid midyear cuts to higher ed, healthcare, and TOPS. Pinsonat says at this point Louisianans are okay with cutting back state services.

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The Ragin Cajuns football team finished the 2016 season with a 6-and-7 as a result of its 28-21 loss to Southern Miss in the R-and-L Carriers Bowl. On two separate occasions, Louisiana faces two 14-point deficits, but still had a chance to win the game. Coach Mark Hudspeth says the game mirrored their season…

Cut 16 (19) “in themselves”

It’s the second straight losing season for Hudspeth and the Cajuns. But Coach Hud is optimistic about 2017, because they’ll have a bunch of returning starters coming back on offense and defense…

Cut 17 (17)    “tonight at times”

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The Saints had very little trouble moving the ball or scoring points against one of the top defenses in the NFL on Sunday. Quarterback Drew Brees threw four touchdown passes as New Orleans won 48-41 to snap out of a two-game funk by the Black and Gold offense. Coach Sean Payton says it was a good win for the team…

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Brees had 389 yards passing on the day and it is the 21st time in his career that he’s thrown at least four touchdowns without any interceptions. The future Hall of Famer says the whole team played well in this one…

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Brees silenced the naysayers who started to wonder if he’s done playing at a high level. The previous two games, Brees was intercepted six times and did not throw a touchdown. Payton liked what he saw from his veteran Q-B…

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One day after FBI agents raided the offices of the Hammond Police Department and Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s office, Sheriff Daniel Edwards announced they are cooperating with federal authorities….
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The two individuals mentioned by Edwards are former deputies. It’s uncelar what Sheriff Edwards’ role is in all of this. He is the brother of Governor John Bel Edwards.

There’s talk about more changes to TOPS. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says they’re considering raising the hourly requirement for the scholarship from 24 credits per year to 30 to encourage students to graduate more quickly…
Cut 6 (11) “extra year”

A report from United Health Foundation finds Louisiana is no longer the unhealthiest state in the country. Michelle Southern has more…
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Get ready for a change in the weather. Andy Tingler, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says a strong cold front will move through the state Saturday and produce a big temperature drop….
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There’s also a slight chance for severe weather in north Louisiana today.

It’s a warm start to this Saturday, but a strong cold front will push through the state later today, bringing a chance for severe weather, especially in north Louisiana. Temperatures will drop significantly once the front moves through. Andy Tingler, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says Sunday might be a good day to stay inside…
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LSU’s Leonard Fournette has decided not to play in the Citrus Bowl, so that he give his injured ankle more time to heal and allow his body to get ready for the NFL draft. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron supports the decision, but he’ll miss the dynamic running back…
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Louisiana is no longer the least healthy state in the country, according to the United Health Foundation. State Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says this is great news, but unfortunately Louisiana still ranks 49th in the nation for overall health. She says the state has high rates of low birth weight, infant mortality, and obesity…:
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Mississippi was the only state found to be less healthy than Louisiana.

The Big Easy is filled with college football fans as the Ragin’ Cajuns take on Southern Miss in the New Orleans Bowl tonight. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero…:
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And today in Atlanta it’s the Celebration Bowl as Grambling faces North Carolina Central in the H-B-C-U championship.

More changes could be coming to the TOPS scholarship program. Don Molino has more…
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Louisiana Willdlife and Fisheries Secretary Charlie Melancon tells the Associated Press he’s been forced out from his Cabinet Position. Melancon says he’s not been given a reason why, but he’s had public disagreements with recreational fishermen and has been criticized for his handling of agency changes that have been recommended by state auditors. A spokesperson for the governor says there’s been unnecessary public battles as the agency tries to reform.

Louisiana is no longer the least healthy state in the country, according to the United Health Foundation. The Bayou State ranks 49th, while Mississippi is now 50th. But the report found that funding for public health in Louisiana decreased by 28-percent over the last four years. State Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee hopes public health will become more of a spending priority, because money is used to protect against Zika outbreaks and flu epidemics…:
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Governor John Bel Edwards has issued a public health emergency in St. Joseph after testing found levels of lead and copper in the public water system that has been poorly maintained for years. Bottled water has been sent into the Tensas Parish town as health officials are advising residents to use an althernative source of water to drink, brush their teeth and food preparation.

With budget shortfalls still looming, higher education leaders are looking at more potential changes to the TOPS scholarship program. Lawmakers are hopeful they can find the necessary $89 million to fully fund the program next year, but Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says changes will likely come to TOPS whether or not it’s fully funded…:
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One option being discussed is raising the number of hours a TOPS student must complete in one year.

Governor John Bel Edwards has issued a public health emergency for the town of St. Joseph in Tensas Parish after the Office of Public Health found elevated levels of lead in two samples. Health workers also found elevated levels of copper at two other sites. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is providing residents of the town with bottled water. St. Jospeh has been dealing with water problems for years because of deteriorating water distribution system.

Louisiana is no longer the least healthy state in the nation according to the United Health Foundation, who has released it’s American Health rankings. Mississippi comes in at number 50, while Louisiana is at 49. One troubling statistic is that the rate of diabetes has increased from 11 to 13 percent. State health secretary Rebekah Gee says that’s due in part to the high rate of obestity. She says a healthy lifestyle starts with the individual…
cut 11 (08) “…of money”

LSU running back Leonard Fournette has not been healthy all season, which is why he won’t play in the Citrus Bowl. Fournette, who has declared for the NFL draft, has decided to give his injured ankle time to heal, so he can get ready to work out for NFL teams…
cut 15 (11) “….best for my future”
Today, Grambling plays North Carolina Central in the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta and the Cajuns face Southern Miss in the New Orleans Bowl.

Governor John Bel Edwards has issued a public health emergency for the town of St. Joseph. Edwards advises residents of the Tensas parish town to use alternative sources for drinking water, as tests showed elevated levels of lead in the water. The Department of Health recommends using alternative sources for water for brushing teeth, food preparation, and personal consumption.

A report from United Health Foundation finds Louisiana is no longer the unhealthiest state in the country. Michelle Southern has more…

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With the state having problems fully funding the TOPS scholarship program, the idea is being kicked around to require TOPS recipients to take 30 credit hours a year, instead of 24. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says the idea is to encourage students to graduate in four years. He says 20 years ago 15 hours a semester was the norm.

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Many students oppose this idea, as TOPS recipients are already having to pay roughly 60-percent of their tuition for the spring semester.

LSU’s Leonard Fournette has decided not to play in the Citrus Bowl to give his injured ankle more time to heal and get ready for the NFL draft. Head Coach Ed Orgeron supports the decision, but says he’ll miss the dynamic running back.

Cut 16 (07) “great games”

There’s talk among higher education officials about more changes to TOPS. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says they’re considering raising the hourly requirement for the scholarship from 24 credits per year to 30 to encourage students to graduate more quickly. He says TOPS only covers 8 semesters.

Cut 6 (11) “extra year”

Rallo says this would mean students would have to take either 15 credits per semester or 6 additional hours during the summer.

Now former-Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Charlie Melancon, says Governor John Bel Edwards is forcing him out of his cabinet position. Melancon told the AP he was asked to leave the office but wasn’t given a reason. The resignation comes just months after auditors identified financial problems in the department. Governor Edwards says it’s time to move the agency in a different direction.

Forecasters say a cold front is heading towards the state. Andy Tingler, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says there’s a slight chance we could see severe weather in the Monroe and Alexandria areas along with a portion of south Louisiana.

Cut 4 (04) “a potential”

Tingler says the cold air will stick around for a couple of days, at least through Tuesday.

According to United Health Foundation, Louisiana is no longer the least healthy state in the country, as the Bayou State has moved up one spot to number 49. State Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says the state still has high rates infant mortality and obesity.

Cut 9 (12) “in Medicaid”

Mississippi was the only state found to be less healthy than Louisiana.