Bobby Jindal will end his two terms as governor when John Bel Edwards is sworn into office on Monday. Jeff Palermo has more on Jindal’s eight years in office…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The red snapper season begins today and there are new regulations that are sure to make anglers happy. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Powerball jackpot reaches the highest mark for a lottery prize in US history at $700 million dollars. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A new law is in effect in Louisiana that cracks down on marriage fraud, especially in cases where illegal immigrants attempt to fraudulently gain US citizenship. Denham Springs State Representative Valarie Hodges, who sponsored the measure, says state marriage licenses haven’t been updated for about 40 years. She says these changes protect the institution of marriage…

cut 4  (09)  “to fraud”

The changes will bar anyone from receiving a marriage license without a birth certificate, valid international ID, or passport and require the couple to attest, under oath, that they did not lie on their paperwork. Hodges says these new requirements not only protects the reliability of information, it also tackles a bigger issue…

Cut 5  (08)  “United States”

She says marriage fraud is a common way for foreign nationals to gain permanent residency in the United States. Hodges says this legislation really tightens marriage laws in Louisiana ensuring immigrants are here legally before getting married…

Cut 6 (06)  “agree with me” 

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The red snapper fishing season opens today and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has extended the limit from three to nine miles offshore for recreational fishing. Assistant Secretary Randy Pausina says Texas and Florida have always had nine nautical miles and they worked hard to get the same boundary here…

CUT 7 (10)  “a start”

Pausina says it’s also unique to open the season in January as they’ve been able to prove that a longer season will not hurt the population….

Cut 8  (08)  “anglers”

Pausina says for years the red snapper season didn’t begin until June 1^st because of federal regulations. But he says the department worked hard to change those rules with the help of anglers who recorded how much red snapper they caught…

Cut 9 (11)  “do that”

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Bobby Jindal’s two terms as governor ends on Monday as Governor-elect John Bel Edwards is sworn in. U-L-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Jindal came into office as a bright young man with the promise of making Louisiana a better state. He says the soon to be ex-governor had early success in ethics and education.

Cut 10 (10) “are evaluated” 

Cross says Jindal is leaving on somewhat bad terms because the people of Louisiana got sick of his absence during the end of his eight years in office.

cut 11 (06) “president”

Cross says budget problems led to deep cuts to higher education during his two terms, which is how many will remember him. He says the governor also tried to put Louisiana government on smaller footing.

Cut 12 (08) “to Louisiana”

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It’s clear that more people than ever are playing the Powerball as it reaches the highest mark for a lottery prize in US history at $700 million dollars. The cash value is $428.4 million and Louisiana Lottery spokeswoman Kimberly Chopin says the prize could go even higher before Saturday’s drawing. She says this has shattered all records…:

Cut 13 (09)  “in US history”

In Wednesday’s drawing, a ticket at a New Roads gas station matched 5 for $1 million dollars and so did a ticket sold in New Iberia.  Chopin says when they have a huge playership and coverage of the numbers at this level, more than likely when the jackpot does get hit there will be multiple winners…:

Cut 14 (07) “something to behold”

Chopin says when the jackpot gets this big, more people play, which causes the prize to get larger and larger. She says it’s happening at historic levels and sales are ridiculous…:

Cut 15  (09) “$4.2 million dollars”

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The LSU Tigers look to keep their good play going on Saturday when they visit Florida in SEC hoops action. The Tigers are 2-0 in the SEC and they’ve won five of their last six. It was six games ago, when sophomore Craig Victor became eligible to play after transferring in from Arizona State. Coach Johnny Jones says Victor has provided a boost

Cut 16  (10)  “lot of areas”

LSU beat Florida twice last year, including an 18 point victory in Gainesville. Jones says it’s not easy to win on the Gators home court

Cut 17 (20) “extremely talented”

Florida is 9-5, 1-1 in SEC play under first-year head coach Mike White, who is the former head coach at Louisiana Tech. White took over for the highly successful Billy Donovan and Jones says Florida’s style of play hasn’t changed drastically…

Cut 18 (17) “of the floor”

The Louisiana National Guard is mobilizing to assist local, parish, and state emergency officials in advance of flooding threats due to near record crests expected along the Mississippi River. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Louisiana ranks 49th in the country for academic achievement in a report conducted by Education Week Magazine. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana National Guard is mobilizing to assist local, parish, and state emergency officials in advance of flooding threats due to near record crests expected along the Mississippi River. Col. Pete Schneider says they’re bringing on extra soldiers and airmen to aid efforts…

CUT 3 (08)  “for the flooding”

He says on Friday guardsmen will begin 24-hour levee inspections in Concordia, East Carroll, Madison, and Tensas Parishes to look for seepage. Schneider says The Guard will perform a variety of operations…

CUT 4 (09)  “the spillways”

The guard has issued 13,000 sand bags to West Feliciana Parish and an additional 13,000 are being sent to Avoyelles Parish for the anticipated opening of the Morganza Spillway. More guardsmen are expected to be brought on in the coming days. Schneider says The Guard stands ready to help the people of the Louisiana…

CUT 5 (10)  “of the state”

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In an effort to contend with the rising waters of the Mississippi River, the US Army Corps of Engineers announces that the Morganza Spillway in Pointe Coupee Parish will be opened on Monday. The spillway is expected to be fully operational on January 13. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says opening the Morganza diverts water from the Mississippi River into the Atchafalaya Basin…

CUT 6 (08) “down the river”

Graves was the head of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority when the Morganza was last opened in 2011. He says that while opening the spillway will protect Baton Rouge and New Orleans from massive flooding, it could cause flooding in the lower Atchafalaya Basin…

CUT 7 (08) “from flooding” 

With the opening of the spillway, there is the potential risk of flood from Butte La Rose down to Morgan City. Graves says how long the Morganza will remain open depends on how the Mississippi flows in the next week or two…

CUT 8 (09) “ramping down”

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The man accused of stabbing LSU Football tight end Dillon Gordon at Reggie’s Bar in Tigerland early Tuesday morning has been arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force. Baton Rouge Police Cpl. L’Jean McKneely says 20-year-old Jamal Joseph Vaughn was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison this morning and charged with aggravated 2^nd Degree Battery.

CUT 9 (08)  “interview him”

McKneely says there was an argument between Gordon and Vaughn, which led to a fist fight at the bar. He says Gordon was stabbed multiple times during the fight.

cut 10 (07)  “the scene”

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The new mayor of Springfield has reinstated former Police Chief Jimmy Jones after he pled guilty to misdemeanor criminal mischief last year for trashing a woman’s DUI citation as a favor to the previous mayor. The town’s attorney Brian Abels says Springfield needed a police chief and the people of the town wanted him back in the position.

Cut 11 (10) “law enforcement”

Prosecutor with the State Attorney General’s Office, David Caldwell, says this isn’t a good idea because it could affect the Springfield Police Department with future investigations. But Abels says the town of Springfield believes Jones will do a good job as police chief.

cut 12 (05) “somehow envisioned”

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For a second straight year, Louisiana’s public schools rank 49th in the nation in academic achievement. That’s according to Education Week Magazine, who has unveiled its Quality Counts report. Education Week Research Center director Holly Yetcick (Yet-ick) says Louisiana scored a 69 out of 100 for classroom performance, which is just above a passing grade

cut 13 (02)  “this year”

Yetcick says their report looks at a variety of factors, including how schools are financed and Louisiana saw its score drop in that category

cut 14 (05)  “this year”

Yetcick says they do see areas where Louisiana is making slight gains. She says the biggest improvement was seen with fourth graders and their reading ability

cut 15 (10)  “pretty low”

According to a personal finance site, Ruston is one of the top 10 cities, out of about 2500 nationwide, with the least sustainable credit card debt. Michelle Southern reports..:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards takes office on Monday and two former governors have some advice for Edwards. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The coach that guided the Saints to their only Super Bowl victory is not ready to leave the Big Easy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (23) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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According to a personal finance site, Ruston is one of the top 10 cities out of about 2500 nationwide, with the least sustainable credit card debt. CardHub determined that the average credit card debt for a Ruston resident is $5,323. They say it would take 173 months for that debt to be paid off, at a cost of $7,138. Dr. Bill McCumber, finance professor at Louisiana Tech, says there are about 24,000 people in Ruston:

cut 4  (10)  “adds up”

Several cities on CardHub’s least sustainable credit card debt list are college towns, like Ruston. McCumber says most students are without jobs and use plastic more to pay for things with the idea they’ll get full time employment once they graduate…:

Cut 5  (09)  “to that income”

CardHub analysts looked at various data to determine the number of months required to pay off the average credit card balances and associated finance costs in 2,547 cities. McCumber believes the CardHub study is skewed, but raising awareness about credit card debt is a worthy cause…:

Cut 6 (10)  “with credit card debt” 

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards takes office on Monday and two former governors have some advice. Democrat Kathleen Blanco, who was governor of Louisiana from 2004 to 2008, says Edwards has a tough road ahead with all of the budget issues and dealing with legislators over the state’s finances is not easy…

CUT 7 (09)  “the boys”

Blanco says every new governor is tested when they first enter office. She says it remains to be seen how the governor handles those pressures with the legislature.

Cut 8  (09)  “unpredictable”

Former Republican governor Mike Foster says he had some rules to live by while in office and advises governor-elect Edwards to tell his staff to forget politics. He says to do what you think is the best for the state of Louisiana.

Cut 9 (10)  “do it”

Foster says make those who try to be your enemies your friend. He says that bit of advice is something he found to really work while in office.

Cut 10 (08) “have them” 

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Small businesses in Louisiana aren’t too optimistic about 2016. Dawn Starns, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says owners haven’t changed their negative outlook in quite some time. She says things were more upbeat a couple of years ago, but now businesses have much lower expectations…:

cut 11 (09) “with the economy”

Starns feels many Louisiana businesses are in “wait and see” mode with a brand new administration beginning Monday. She says before owners start to make decisions about whether to expand, build or bring on new staff, they’ll be waiting to see how Governor-elect John Bel Edwards plans to fix the state’s fiscal mess…:

Cut 12 (11) “of optimism”

Starns says the sluggish oil and gas industry seems to be making consumers and potential business owners nervous and uncertain about the future of Louisiana’s economy…:

Cut 13 (11)  “on Louisiana”

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Sean Payton remains the head coach of the Saints, despite weeks of speculation that he may want to coach for another NFL team. Payton spoke with reporters for about an hour talking about his love for the fans, the franchise and the city, despite all of its faults

Cut 14 (12) “it is home”

In the last several weeks, there’s been reports about team wanting to speak with Payton, who is under contract with the Saints for the next two seasons. But Payton says he can’t envision coaching for another club

Cut 15  (13) “do here”

Payton has brought the Saints to the playoffs five times since his first season in New Orleans in 2006. His postseason record is 6-4, but during his tenure, the Saints defense is often ranked as one of the worst  in the NFL. The head coach knows that has to change

Cut 16  (11)  “focus on”

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has reappointed Jimmy LeBlanc as secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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State Fire Marshal investigators and the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office have arrested a man for allegedly killing his girlfriend and trying to burn her body. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Trial dates have been set for the two deputy Marksville city marshals charged with the shooting death of a 6-year-old boy in November. 32-year-old Derrick Stafford and 24-year-old Norris Greenhouse entered pleas of not guilty and will be tried separately in the death of Jeremy Mardis. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it’s not a surprise that the two men will be tried separately…

CUT 3 (10)  “as well”

Stafford’s trial is set to begin September 26th, while Greenhouse’s trial will start November 28th. Meche says trials of this nature rarely start on there original start date. But since Stafford remains jailed on a $1 million bond, Meche says he would be eager to get his trial underway…

CUT 4 (09)  “goes to trial”

Greenhouse was released from jail after his family posted a $1 million bail in November. This case has garnered a lot of media attention and Meche says that attention can cut both ways. He says it will be up to the defendants as to whether or not they’ll try to move their trials elsewhere…

CUT 5 (10)  “Avoyelles Parish”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has reappointed Jimmy LeBlanc as secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. LeBlanc says he and Edwards are on the same page when it comes to reducing Louisiana’s prison population. He says progress has been made in reducing the state’s incarceration rate…

CUT 6 (08) “big prisons”

Louisiana currently has the highest incarceration rate in the world. Moving forward, LeBlanc says solving the state’s prison problem is not something that can happen overnight…

CUT 7 (09) “to the plate” 

LeBlanc is the lone cabinet level holdover from the Jindal Administration. LeBlanc is also a friend and business associate of former Angola warden Burl Cain, who is being investigated for questionable business dealings. Edwards is assured that LeBlanc took no part in any of those activities…

CUT 8 (09) “on the team”

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The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office along with State Fire Marshal investigators have arrested a Crowley man for allegedly  killing his girlfriend and burning her body and home. 33-year-old Nicholas Dupuis has been taken into custody on a warrant for first degree murder and arson. Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Brant Thompson says Dupuis is a violent offender with a past and posted on social media about the murder before he was arrested.

CUT 9 (11)  “officers”

Thompson says police first arrested 22-year-old Kantarise Lazaro of Church Point as an accomplice after finding his vehicle at the scene of the house fire. He says Lazaro told authorities he followed Dupuis to a remote location where Dupuis tried to burn his girlfriend’s, 31-year-old Shontel Joseph, body, then helped Dupuis move her body to her house.

cut 10 (08)  “this case”

Thompson says there are three different crime scenes, where Joseph was shot and killed, where she was originally burned, and where her body was moved and home set on fire. He expects additional arrests will be made throughout the course of the investigation.

Cut 11 (09) “as well”

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Tonight’s PowerBall jackpot has jumped to $500 million. The lottery prize is the 6th largest jackpot in history offered in North America. The thought of winning half a billion dollars has many people dreaming of what they would do with the money. Some people say they would definitely take care of family…

cut 12 (11) “she wants”

Tonight’s jackpot has a cash value of $306 million. The deadline to purchase tickets for tonight’s drawing is 9PM. For some, the thought of winning $500 million is just too much to comprehend. Others say they would want to help those less fortunate…

cut 13 (04)  “of myself”

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Sean Payton will remain head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Payton said today, going forward, even though it was a disappointing season in many ways, there were a lot of good things that happened. He says he’s up to the challenge and isn’t going anywhere…:

cut 14 (10)  “any other clubs” 

Payton still has two years left on his current deal and said any talk of a contract extension will take care of itself. When asked about rumors that he’s leaving New Orleans, Payton said there was no backstory or hidden conversations. He says there were some who may have speculated that he should leave the Saints while he was ahead…:

cut 15 (11)  “wagon out of town”

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards names Doctor Rebekah Gee as his secretary for the department of health and hospitals. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 Mardi Gras season kicks off today with King’s Day and bakeries all over the state will be busy cooking up king cakes. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The US set a new auto sales record in 2015, but Louisiana didn’t see such a boost. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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At $450 million dollars, tonight’s Powerball jackpot is the 4th largest in the game’s history. The cash value for the Wednesday drawing is worth an estimated $275.4 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokeswoman Kimberly Chopin says sales for this run have been through the roof, which is why it was raised from $400 million…:

cut 4  (07)  “for that drawing”

Chopin says today’s jackpot is also the biggest the multi-state game has had since February of last year, when three winners split $564.1 million. She says many people in Louisiana play Powerball when the jackpots get this big…:

Cut 5  (09)  “Powerball alone”

Chopin says they like to send out a few reminders to players who like to go in on some tickets with friends or in an office pool…:

Cut 6 (10)  “in Powerball” 

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LSU public health professor Doctor Rebekah Gee is the new secretary for the Department of Health and Hospitals. Gee says expanding the eligibility qualifications, so more people can participate in the state’s Medicaid program is her top priority. She says it would benefit thousands of poor working adults

CUT 7 (12)  “health insurance”

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards says putting procedures in place to expand the state’s Medicaid program will be one of his first duties when he takes office on Monday. Edwards says the expansion will go into effect this summer..

Cut 8  (11)  “wallets”

Gee will oversee a nine-point-seven billion dollar agency that has about seven-thousand employees. She also takes the job during a budget crisis, but the challenge doesn’t faze her

Cut 9 (08)  “will address them”

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Twelfth night is today and that means it’s the kick off to Mardi Gras season and a busy time for bakeries. Co-owner of Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans, David Haydel, says with Fat Tuesday on February 9^th and a short Mardi Gras season, king cakes will be selling quickly.

Cut 10 (08) “us busy” 

Haydel says this is the time where the bakery has all hands on deck to make sure they make enough king cakes for everyone. He says his bakery ships cakes worldwide, so no matter where you are, you can celebrate.

cut 11 (08) “king cake to”

Sam Scelfo, owner of Gambino’s Bakery, says because this Mardi Gras season is so short, they’re going to be extra busy making king cakes. He hopes people start having a lot of parties soon to ensure they’ll sell lots of cakes in the short amount of time.

Cut 12 (10) “your sales”

Scelfo says during the offseason, they play around with many different cake flavors and combinations to keep things interesting during Mardi Gras. He says they’re introducing some new flavors this season that they’ve never had before.

Cut 13 (08)  “always offered”

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The US set a new auto sales record in 2015, but Louisiana didn’t see such a boost. Automakers announced Tuesday that last year, nationwide sales hit a record of about 17 million vehicles. Bob Israel is the President of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association. He says our oil based economy is suffering which played a part in a slight auto sales decline in Louisiana last year:

Cut 14 (10) “not devastating”

Israel says Louisiana set a record for auto sales in 2014, and those were down about 3.7 percent last year…:

Cut 15  (10) “for us”

Israel says the industry as a whole benefits from easy credit, low gas prices and economic growth, but the low oil prices are affecting sectors across the board in Louisiana. Still, he says, dealers in The Bayou State aren’t complaining…:

 Cut 16  (05)  “it was a good year”

With the state looking at about a 13-billion dollar transportation backlog, Governor-elect John Bel Edwards is looking at funding solutions. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 Speculation continues over whether Sean Payton will go or stay the head coach of the Saints in 2016. Jeff Palermo has more….

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 Analysts believe we’ll continue to see affordable gas prices in Louisiana during 2016. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards advisory panel on transportation recommends tax increases to provide an additional 75-million dollars a year in transportation funding. A higher gasoline tax, a sales tax on auto repairs and tolls are some of the suggestions. Incoming Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says more dialogue is needed before a decision on where the additional dollars will come from…

cut 4  (09)  “for the buck”

Wilson is unsure when or if Edwards will ask lawmakers to raise taxes to provide more transportation dollars. He says in the meantime, they’ll look to stop the practice of using gasoline tax money to help pay for state police

Cut 5  (10)  “overnight”

Wilson says the backlog of highway projects is nearly 13-billion dollars. He says the new administration is also looking to develop light rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans and in north Louisiana…

Cut 6 (08)  “process moving” 

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The National Weather Service is lowering the projected crest of the Mississippi River from the Louisiana-Arkansas line to about Vicksburg, Mississippi. Marty Pope, with the N-W-S in Pearl, Mississippi, says they’re now expecting a foot and a half drop in the river crest.

CUT 7 (10)  “the 17th”

 Pope says a drop in these crest projections is good news, especially in Vidalia, where there is a convention center, many hotels and a hospital along the riverfront. He says hopefully these river estimates will hold up.

Cut 8  (08)  “the area”

Pope says they are not changing crest projections for Red River Landing and areas to the south like Baton Rouge and New Orleans. He explains why….

Cut 9 (10)  “the past”

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There’s a million dollar unclaimed Powerball prize in Louisiana, and time is running out for the winner to come forward. Kimberly Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says the prize was won on August 5th from a ticket that was sold in Terrebonne Parish and is set to expire February 1st. She says this doesn’t happen often…:

Cut 10 (10) “winning ticket” 

Chopin says the winning ticket was purchased at Pointe-Aux-Chenes Supermarket on Highway 665 in Montegut. She says in all draw style games, including Powerball, winners have 180 days from the date of the drawing in which to claim their prize…:

cut 11 (10) “scratch off games”

Chopin says players should know that there are several ways you can win prizes on a Powerball game, and in this case the ticket matched 5 numbers which is good for $1 million dollars. She says anytime you buy a Powerball ticket, you should treat it like cash and sign the back right away…:

Cut 12 (09) “that ticket”

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Analysts predict we’ll continue to see affordable gas prices in 2016. Don Redman, with the American Automobile Association, says we could see prices dropping even more before springtime.

Cut 13 (08)  “to decline”

Redman says right now we’re looking at a statewide average of $1.77 for a gallon of regular gasoline compared to $2.06 at this time last year. But he says be cautious, because tension in the Middle East could create an increase in prices.

Cut 14 (10) “the day”

Redman says we’ll see the highest prices of the calendar year during March through May because of the switch to summer grade gasoline.

Cut 15  (08) “not dramatically”

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 Speculation continues to grow over whether Sean Payton will be the head coach of the Saints in 2016. Several teams are reportedly interested in talking with Payton, who is still under contract with the Saints. Quarterback Drew Brees wants Payton back…

Cut 16  (13)  “strong relationship”

 Payton is under contract with the Saints, while Brees has just one year left on his deal. Brees says he’d be willing to talk about a contract extension.

Cut 17 (13) “day after”

The Saints PR staff says that Payton will speak with reporters on Wednesday. Brees hopes the uncertainty surrounding who will be the head coach next year will be resolved soon.

Cut 18 (12) “steam ahead”

The political community in Louisiana is in shock over the death of political blogger C.B Forgotston. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton meets with general manager Mickey Loomis today and one topic of discussion is sure to be the coach’s future with the team. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Louisiana’s political community is in shock over the death of political blogger C.B Forgotston. Forgotston died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Sunday at the age of 70. State Treasurer John Kennedy was saddened when he heard the news…

CUT 3 (11)  “a favorite son”

Forgotston became a political watchdog after years of working as a state legislative staffer and business lobbyist. He earned many enemies by regularly skewering elected officials on his blogsite and on Twitter. Kennedy says Forgotston was determined to uncover the truth about state government because he loved Louisiana…

CUT 4 (08)  “the right course”

Kennedy says Forgotston told it like it was and has never met another person in Louisiana state government like him. He says Forgotston’s candor, honesty, and goodness will be missed…

CUT 5 (08)  “in Louisiana”

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New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton meets with general manager Mickey Loomis today and one topic of discussion is sure to be the coach’s future with the team. Rumors have been swirling this season that Payton is looking for another opportunity in the NFL. NFL analyst Mike Detillier believes Payton is looking for some assurances from the team for him to stay on board…

CUT 6 (10) “and beyond”

He says there will need to be some structural changes to the Saints for Payton to remain as head coach. Since Payton is under contract, any NFL team that would hire him would be forced to give the Saints’ compensation, like a draft pick, for example. Detillier says that scenario would definitely not come out in the Black & Gold’s favor…

CUT 7 (06) “at this stage” 

It has been reported that Loomis is expected to give Payton permission to talk to other teams. Detillier doesn’t think we’ll have to wait long to find out about Payton’s future with the Saints…

CUT 8 (10) “or another”

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Temperatures across Louisiana are expected to drop to around freezing overnight resulting in frost and a light freeze. State Climatologist Barry Keim says areas north of the I-10/I-12 corridor will have a light freeze Tuesday morning. Keim says you will want to protect your pets and plants from cold…

CUT 9 (07)  “pets and plants”

He says areas north of the corridor will drop to at or slightly below freezing overnight. South central and southeast Louisiana is expected to remain above freezing tonight, but wind chill values are expected to drop below freezing in some areas. Keim doesn’t expect this weather event to last very long…

cut 10 (08)  “during Christmas”

He says a warm front passing through the state Wednesday night will cause warmer temperatures to settle across the state, but not as warm as temperatures on Christmas. Keim says he’s quite sure more freezes are on their way for the Bayou State…

Cut 11 (07) “the winter season”

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Lafayette Police announce the arrest of a man wanted in connection with a shooting last week that killed two people. 21-year-old Tavis Jenkins of Alexandria was taken into custody without incident earlier today. Cpl. Paul Mouton says the shooting occurred on December 27th when Jenkins let himself into his ex-girlfriend’s Lafayette apartment and was confronted by 23-year-old Linton Batiste….

cut 12 (09) “was gunfire”

17-year-old Antonio Means was shot once and passed away at a local hospital. Batiste was shot twice and died a day later. Jenkins’ ex-girlfriend was unharmed in the incident. Mouton says Jenkins faces serious charges…

cut 13 (06)  “in the apartment”

Jenkins faces two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted first degree murder. Mouton says it is a relief to have Jenkins in custody…

cut 14 (07)  “off the street” 

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Many are wondering if lawmakers can make up the state’s budget shortfall without raising taxes. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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 Many people set New Year’s resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle in 2016. Emelie Gunn spoke with a doctor who has some tips to keep them….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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We’re a week away from the swearing-in of Democrat John Bel Edwards as the state’s next governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It was announced last week that Louisiana is facing a $750 million deficit this fiscal year and another $1.9 billion next fiscal year. Many wonder if lawmakers can make up this shortfall without raising taxes. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin doesn’t think so, but he says legislators will look at other alternatives first…

cut 4  (11)  “things like that”

He says it seems almost inevitable that the legislature will have to raise some new revenues. Erwin says an increase in the state sales tax is one possible area lawmakers may target…

Cut 5  (08)  “in some way”

He says lawmakers have a lot of options when it comes to raising revenues, like raising income, gasoline, and “sin” taxes. Erwin says the legislature should take a broad-based approach in finding a permanent solution to the budget problems…

Cut 6 (08)  “a little bit” 4X

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The Corps of Engineers is scheduled to begin emergency operations on the Mississippi River as river levels are expected to crest later this month at a historically high level for the winter months at Vicksburg and Natchez. Fifth Louisiana Levee District President Reynold Minsky says relief wells were installed, which should reduce flooding…

CUT 7 (09)  “2011”

The Mississippi River reached an all-time high water level in 2011 and Minsky says they learned a lot from that event, which is helping them this time around…

Cut 8  (10)  “this flood”

Minsky says hesco baskets, which are filled with sand that serve as temporary levees will be used again to protect businesses in downtown Vidalia

Cut 9 (07)  “go to today”

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A lot of people are making New Year’s resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle in 2016 but that’s often easier said than done. LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore has some tips for those to stay on task during the New Year. She says your resolutions should be something that carry on throughout all of 2016, not just the start of the year.

Cut 10 (09) “manageable” 

Moore says many people have good intentions to live a better lifestyle at the start of the New Year but often fall off by the end of January. She says giving yourself a plan and building on it every month will help you to keep up with your resolution.

cut 11 (10) “the diet”

Moore says not to make dramatic resolutions right off the bat because they are hard to keep. She says make sure you shoot for an obtainable goal.

Cut 12 (09) “do that”

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One week from today, Democrat John Bel Edwards will be sworn in as the state’s next governor. Since the election, Edwards has been appointing officials to serve in his administration. The governor-elect’s deputy chief of staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says they’re hearing good feedback about the team Edwards is building

Cut 13 (10)  “it’s just different”

Payer says the new administration plans to keep an open dialogue with the public when it comes to the harsh realities the state faces with its budget situation…

Cut 14 (08) “for Louisiana”

Incoming Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne has pegged the shortfall for this fiscal year at 750-million dollars and one-point-nine billion dollars next fiscal year. Payer says they seek the public’s help in solving these budget issues…

Cut 15  (06) “from everyone”

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In what might have been the final game of the Sean Payton era, the Saints defeated the Falcons 20-17 as Kai Forbath drilled a 30-yard field goal with no time left for the winning points. Payton says it was a gutsy win for his banged-up team…

Cut 16  (16)  “entire career”

The win gives the Saints a 7-9 record for the 2015 season and they end the year on a two-game winning streak. Payton is happy with how his squad finished the year

Cut 17 (12) “that was important”

But will Payton be around for the 2016 season. ESPN is reporting they will allow Payton to explore his options, as he is under contract with the Saints next season. So if he would coach somewhere else, the Saints would have to trade him. Payton didn’t want to talk about his future after the Falcons game…

Cut 18 (14) “be more clear”

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Will 2016 result in a rise in oil prices? Don Molino spoke with an analyst…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Don Molino”

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With a new year, a handful of laws go into effect. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Saturday’s estimated Powerball jackpot climbs to an amazing $334 million with a cash value of $205 million. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says this jackpot has been growing since November 4th. She says it’s been a while since we’ve seen a Powerball jackpot at this level…

Cut 3 (10) “at that time”

She says this is the largest Powerball jackpot since February’s $564 million jackpot. Chopin says when jackpots rise, more and more people play Powerball…

cut 4  (09)  “play responsibly”

She reminds new and regular Powerball players that it only takes one ticket to win, so play responsibly. The deadline to purchase tickets for the next drawing is Saturday at 9PM. Chopin says you shouldn’t be too quick toss your ticket if you don’t hit the jackpot…

Cut 5  (05)  “winning numbers”

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US oil prices fell 30-percent in 2015, so what could we expect in 2016? David Dismukes is the executive director at LSU’s Center for Energy Studies and he says there needs to be an increase in demand for oil for prices to go back up, but he doesn’t see that happening anytime soon

Cut 6 (10)  “rebound in 16”

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, a barrel of oil is going for 37-dollars a far cry from 2014 when oil was trading for 100-dollars a barrel. There’s a concen oil prices could approach 20-dollars in 2016, but Dismukes if it does reach that level, it won’t last long…

CUT 7 (10)  “for awhile”

The motoring public enjoys the low oil prices, because it’s led to the lowest gas prices in nearly seven years. But companies in the oil industry have been forced to layoff thousands. Dismukes says we might not see as many job losses in 2016…

Cut 8  (11)  “they do”

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The Smoking Cessation Trust is offering tips to Louisiana smokers to help them quit in 2016. Spokesperson Jim Pittman says any resident that started smoking before September 1, 1988 is eligible for free programs and services, including cessation medication, nicotine replacement therapy, and counseling. He says there are also several other recommendations for those who want to quit.

Cut 9 (09)  “about you”

Pittman suggests removing all cigarette related things from your home, car or work and make sure you wash anything that smells like cigarettes. He says to plan for challenges when you’re trying to quit because you’re going to have cravings.

Cut 10 (08) “like that” 

Pittman advises smokers to chat with their doctor about nicotine replacement therapy or a prescription medication to stop. He says feel free to contact the Smoking Cessation Trust to get more information and to see if you qualify for free treatment.

cut 11 (11) “6346”

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Because of high river levels on the Mississippi River, the US Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to possibly open the Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish next weekend. Corps spokesperson Ricky Boyett says they are closely monitoring crest projections

Cut 12 (09) “we’ll move forward”

2011 was the last time the flood control structure was opened.  Boyett says when the Bonnet Carre is opened, it helps to prevent a rising Mississippi River from spilling over its banks, causing damage to homes and businesses…

Cut 13 (05)  “certain rate”

Mississippi River flooding in the Midwest is resulting in numerous homes and businesses taking flood waters. Boyett says if they open the Bonnet Carre, it takes the pressure off Louisiana’s levee system and allows to flow out of harm’s way…

Cut 14 (06) “Lake Ponchatrain”

2015 comes to a close tonight. Don Molino looks back at an eventful year in Louisiana…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Don Molino”

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There seems to be a spike in hoverboard injuries during the holiday season. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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2015 was filled with big stories in Louisiana. In July, the bayou state was in the national headlines when John Russell Houser opened fire inside a Lafayette movie theater, killing two people, injuring nine others and then turning the gun on himself. Here’s one man who survived the attack…

CUT 3 (06)  “right at people”

Also in 2015, Louisiana led the country in law enforcement officers killed while in the line of duty. Five were fatally shot, including State Trooper Steven Vincent. State Police Colonel Mike Edmonson says Vincent  attempted to help a stranded motorist near Lake Charles, when he was fatally shot

CUT 4 (07)  “celebrate his life”

At the state capitol, a huge budget shortfall dominated the discussion. On two separate occasions, students from public colleges protested on the steps of the capitol over proposed cuts in state funding to higher education…

CUT 5 (11)  “cheers”

The state’s budget problems will be a big story in 2016. In November, Louisiana voters chose Democrat John Bel Edwards as the man to fix the state’s fiscal mess…

CUT 6 (08) “others”

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One of the most popular gifts this holiday season is the hoverboard. But it seems that as soon as people unwrapped their hoverboard, it started sending them to the hospital. Dr. Russell Russo, a New Orleans Orthopedic Surgeon, says he has seen a spike in hoverboard injuries in the past few weeks…

CUT 7 (10) “hoverboard injuries” 

Russo says he’s seen up to 10 injuries from hoverboard accidents in the past couple of weeks, compared to 6 in the last four months. He feels the problem with hoverboards is that people jump on them and assume they’re just going to learn to ride with no issues. Russo says most hoverboard injuries occur when people try to dismount the device…

CUT 8 (09) “coming from”

He says kids and people with osteoporosis are at a higher risk to suffer injuries from hoverboards. Russo says if you’ve received a hoverboard, it would be best if you learned how to properly ride it…

CUT 9 (09)  “jump on them”

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Louisiana State Police is reminding everyone ringing in the New Year with alcohol, not to drink and drive. Sgt. Nick Manale says to make sure you have a plan in place to get home safely before you start drinking, because once alcohol enters the body, your judgement becomes impaired.

cut 10 (10)  “ride home”

Manale says State Police will be out in full force with DWI checkpoints, as well as, proactive patrols looking to get drunk drivers off the road. He says if you suspect an impaired driver, notify L-S-P.

Cut 11 (09) “that vehicle”

Manale says they want to make sure everyone has a safe and joyous New Year’s holiday this evening and that is all based on your decision to drink and drive or get a safe ride home.

cut 12 (08) “holiday safe”

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The Red River in the Shreveport-Bossier City area is expected to crest at 31.5 feet on Saturday, but officials are not expecting a huge impact to the public. Robert Jump, Caddo Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness deputy director, says regularly the river sits at about 18 feet but even with the higher crest, they don’t predict it will cause any flood damage to businesses or homes.

cut 13 (10)  “flaws are”

Jump says they’ve learned a lot of lessons from the Red River floods in June, which ruined many homes and businesses. He says flood control measures have been put in so they area can handle up to 37 feet of water.

cut 14 (09)  “be effected” 

Jump says their largest impact right now is agriculture in the southern part of the parish and they’ve already alerted farmers to move livestock to the dry side of the levee. He says they’re taking a different approach at keeping city infrastructure running.

cut 15 (11)  “pumps running”

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