Governor Bobby Jindal says, as he looks back on his two terms in office, one of the things he feels he will regret is that his administration didn’t try to do more. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (26)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The US Army Corps of Engineers activates increased levee patrols along the Mississippi River in southeast Louisiana due to high water. Emelie Gunn reports…:

CUT 2 (31)  “Emelie Gunn”

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Governor Bobby Jindal says, as he looks back on his 8 years in office, one of the things he feels he will regret is that his administration didn’t try to do more. But, Jindal says there is one issue he wishes the administration could have pushed through…

CUT 3 (09)  “even stronger”

The governor says he wishes they could have repealed the state’s income tax. Jindal says he’ll never regret the things they tried to do, even if they weren’t successful. He says he always told his cabinet that they’d run out of time before they ran out of things to do…

CUT 4 (08)  “we had here”

Jindal says he hasn’t made any decision about a political future. The governor says he’s currently focusing on wrapping up his administration and making the transition to the new administration as smooth as possible…

CUT 5 (10)  “next year”

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Two former Destrehan High School teachers accused in a juvenile student sex case, have been formally charged in Jefferson Parish 14 months after the alleged encounter. 25-year-old Rachel Respess is charged with failing to report the commission of a felony, while 33-year-old Shelley Dufresne faces two counts of carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Legal analyst Chick Foret…:

CUT 6 (10) “or the jury”

Both women were originally charged with two counts of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and it wasn’t immediately clear why the Jefferson Parish case resulted in different charges. Foret says with the present charge Respess is facing, she wouldn’t have to register as a sex offender…:

CUT 7 (11) “a sex offense” 

8 months ago, Dufresne pleaded guilty in to an obscenity charge in St. Charles Parish for her month-long relationship with the then 16-year-old. The sexual encounter with Respess allegedly took place at her Kenner apartment. Foret says the Jefferson Parish & St. Charles prosecutors persue the charges based on the evidence before them…:

CUT 8 (10) “phone calls”

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ULM held a press conference this morning to officially announce former McNeese State coach Matt Viator as the new head football coach of the Warhawks. Viator amassed a 77-33 record in his 10 seasons at McNeese leading the Cowboys to four Southland Conference championships. Viator says he looks at this as a great opportunity and a great challenge…

CUT 9 (07)  “the one here”

Viator replaces Todd Berry who was let go after the Warhawks 59-21 loss to Arkansas State on November 14th. McNeese finished this season with a 10-1 record, losing in the second round of the FCS playoffs. Viator says the first order of business is to put together his staff…

cut 10 (08)  “for sure”

The Warhawks finished this season with a 2-11 record. Viator says all he’s tried to do as a head coach is to “do it right” and he’ll bring that approach to ULM…

Cut 11 (07) “going to lose”

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The Army Corps of engineers says they have activated levee patrols in southeast Louisiana due to high water levels on the Mississippi River. Spokesman Ricky Boyett says the gauge on the river in New Orleans reached 11 feet which is a “trigger” to start the additional lookouts…:

cut 12 (06)  “bank stability”

Boyett says Baton Rouge south also reached a trigger point at 31 feet and both levels are expected to rise before falling off dramatically before the weekend. He says the Phase 1 Flood Fight could last a a little more than a week but that depends on mother nature…:

cut 13 (10)  “below 11″

Boyett says heavy loads over the levee are not permitted during the increased protections and, unless special waivers are granted, underground work within 1500 feet of the levee is not allowed. He says the inspections for these flood fights are entirely proactive…:(Boyett says they activate flood fights in different stages to identify any possible issues that could arise so that they can be addressed now before it becomes a problem.)

cut 14 (11)  “an issue” 

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Governor Bobby Jindal spoke at the Baton Rouge Press Club to discuss his accomplishments during his two terms in office. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Republican Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany has announced his intent to run US Senate. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Eric Gill”

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 The East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner says heroin overdose deaths have reached a record high in the parish this year. Michelle Southern has more….

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor Bobby Jindal made appearance at the Baton Rouge Press Club to discuss the administration’s accomplishments over the last eight years. Jindal knows some of his policies were unpopular, but believes he did what was best for the state. The governor says he wanted to bring change to the state and it’s important to look at the positive results.

cut 4  (10)  “this state”

Jindal says he took on education reform during his two terms and believes it will have a lasting impact on our state.

Cut 5  (11)  “charter schools”

Jindal says his only regret about his time in office is what he wasn’t able to accomplish. He says reducing spending and cutting taxes were also other accomplishments.

Cut 6 (10)  “tax cuts”

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Republican Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany has announced his intent to run for the US Senate. He joins fellow Republicans Minden Congressman John Fleming and Col. Rob Maness in seeking the seat being vacated by US Senator David Vitter. Boustany says he wants to bring his record of conservative leadership from the US House to the upper chamber…

CUT 7 (10)  “on the map”

While in Congress, Boustany has brought new Veterans Clinics to Louisiana, and has led efforts in tax reform, health care, and energy policy. Boustany feels his congressional experience will be a benefit in the Senate, especially in dealing with the current state of oil and gas industry…

Cut 8  (10)  “energy commodities”

State Treasurer John Kennedy is expected to jump in the field and PSC member Scott Angelle’s name has been mentioned as a potential candidate. With a large number of Republicans expected to run, Boustany says this race will be about ideas and about a vision for Louisiana…

Cut 9 (10) “lead on”

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 The East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner Beau Clark reports a record number in deaths in the parish due to heroin, in 2015. Clark says this is about a 9-percent increase from 2013. He says we still have two more weeks left in the year, so there is a chance that the number could be even higher.

Cut 10 (10) “of heroin” 

Clark says the likely reasons heroin deaths have increased is because of the prescription monitoring program, which makes prescription drugs harder to access on the street along with a decrease in sentencing for heroin dealers. He says to stop this trend, there should be stricter penalties for dealers and we need to work with heroin users to break the habit.

cut 11 (09) “of it”

 Clark says the drug effects people of all races but the majority of victims are white males. He says there has been a recent change in potency in many batches of heroin across the state, which could instantly kill a drug user.

Cut 12 (06) “to death”

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The Benson family saga took a turn Monday as Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson offered to resign as a trustee in a disputed family trust in Texas on the condition that his daugher Renee doesn’t take his place. Legal analyst Tim Meche believes this move means Benson has a weak hand in this case…

Cut 13 (09)  “being deposed”

The family had agreed to mediation before the scheduled February 1st trial date, but this moves looks to settle the case before that. Meche says Renee and other estranged family members have claimed that Tom is being controlled by those around him and this move may back that theory up…

Cut 14 (12) “doing that”

This case does not involve ownership in the NFL or NBA franchises. However, Meche says Benson’s move could be an indication of things to come. He says Benson’s refusal to participate in any of the legal proceedings has forced him into making concessions to the family…

Cut 15  (10) “and the Pelicans”

As crude oil prices continue to fall, Shell has announced they will cut an additional 2,800 jobs. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Long lines are expected at the post office today — the busiest mailing day of the year. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Shell has announced they will cut an additional 2,800 jobs as crude oil prices continue to fall. The company previously announced a cut of 7,500 jobs. LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says, with crude oil prices below $40 a barrel, the entire industry is almost in a panic mode….

CUT 3 (08)  “Gulf of Mexico”

He says the current price of oil makes deepwater exploration in the Gulf of Mexico not profitable. Scott says as long as Saudi Arabia floods the market with crude oil, prices will not improve forcing oil companies to continue to cut back. He says Shell is not the only company making cuts…

CUT 4 (08)  “across the board”

He says one of the few places companies can still make money at these oil prices is the Permian Basin in west Texas. Scott says many companies are concentrating efforts there and that’s not good for Louisiana…

CUT 5 (06)  “can imagine”

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Long lines are expected at the post office today — the busiest mailing day of the year. USPS spokesman McKinney Boyd says, nationwide, they will process more than 600 million pieces of mail today alone. He says lots of folks went Christmas shopping over the weekend, wrapped up their packages Sunday, and today will drop them off at the post office.:

CUT 6 (06) “loved ones”

Boyd says postal workers across the country are already delivering packages seven days a week. For arrival by Christmas, they recommend sending by December 21 for Priority Mail and December 23rd for express shipping. Boyd says package volume is already well above last year’s pace…:

CUT 7 (10) “are increasing” 

Boyd says over the course of the holiday season, 15.5 billion items of mail will be sent worldwide by USPS. He says they have ramped up staff and are ready to roll…:

CUT 8 (09) “December 25th“

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An officer involved shooting early this morning in New Orleans has left one man dead. NOPD Chief Michael Harrison says the incident began following a simple traffic stop. Harrison says they have viewed the body cam footage from Officer Fredrick Carter…

CUT 9 (07)  “returned fire”

He says the body camera shows Officer Carter returning fire after the suspect shot at the him. The subject, whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. Harrison says the incident unfolded quickly…

cut 10 (08)  “very fast”

He says a firearm was found next to the subject’s body. Officer Carter, who was not injured, will be reassigned pending the outcome of the investigation. Harrison says it’s unclear why the subject fired at the officer as the traffic stop seemed to be routine…

Cut 11 (10) “right now”

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ULM announces that McNeese State’s Matt Viator will be the next Warhawk head football coach. Viator has lead the Cowboys to winning seasons in all ten of his years as head coach at McNeese and is one of the most successful coaches in the NCAA’s FCS division. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman is the voice of the Warhawks. He says Viator is a great hire…:

cut 12 (10)  “and for ULM”

ULM will introduce Viator at a press conference on Tuesday morning.  As coach of the Cowboys, Viator won three conference championships and made four FCS playoff appearances. Hoffman commends the selection committee for making the hire as quickly as they did…:

cut 13 (07)  “Viator”

Viator takes over for Todd Berry who was fired last month. Unlike Berry, Viator has spent his entire career in Louisiana and is very familiar with the state as it relates to recuriting. Hoffman says the Warhawk Nation is looking forward to seeing if Viator is up to the challenge of turning things around at the program…:

cut 14 (06)  “about that” 

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The Baton Rouge Police Department says a Dairy Queen employee is under arrest for allegedly spitting on the hamburger of an officer. Corporal Don Copolla says a Lt. with BRPD ordered his burger and noticed a clear substance on top of the bun so he notified the manager who reviewed camera footage of the incident…:

cut 15 (11)  “from the cameras”

21-year-old Elijah Johnson faces many charges including mingling harmful substances and resisting an officer. Coppola says Johnson confessed to the crime….:

cut 16 (07)  “herpes”

Intrastate commercial air service returns in Louisiana today for the time since 2004. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor Bobby Jindal has been traveling the state touting the accomplishments he’s made during his two terms as governor. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Now that all military jobs are available for women in the United States, 21-year-old Pvt. Journae King of Laplace made history in the Louisiana Army National Guard as the first woman to enlist as a field artillery soldier. Emelie Gunn reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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For the first time since 2004, intrastate commercial air service returns to Louisiana beginning today. New Orleans based GLO airlines is now offering flights between Louis Armstrong International Airport and Shreveport Regional Airport. Trey Fayard, founder and CEO of GLO, says there is a major demand for a link between north and south Louisiana…:

cut 4  (04)  “very healthy”

Fayard says this is a historic moment for his company and the Greater New Orleans and Shreveport-Bossier regions and they look forward to deliver the mission of optimizing business and leisure travel in the state. Louisiana Tech takes on Arkansas State in the New Orleans Bowl this weekend and Fayard hopes Bulldog fans take advantage of their service…:

Cut 5  (08)  “to have them”

 The aircraft is a 30-passenger Saab 340B and flights offer complimentary snacks drinks and local publications. You can see the daily flight schedule and book online at FlyGLO.com. Fayard says they take off roundtrip two times a day during the week, once on Saturday morning and once on Sunday evening. He says they may eventually adjust the times…:

Cut 6 (10)  “on Sunday”

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Governor Bobby Jindal has been traveling the state touting the accomplishments he’s made during his two terms as governor. Jindal is scheduled to speak at the Baton Rouge Press Club today. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says this tour is an attempt by Jindal to control how he’s remembered…

CUT 7 (10)  “down to”

Jindal made visits to Shreveport and Monroe last week highlighting his economic development achievements. Alford says there are some good and bad things associated with Jindal’s time in office and the governor will focus on the good in the last weeks of his term. But he questions whether the governor’s tour will sway the history books…

Cut 8  (08)  “over that”

Alford says Jindal’s term ends next month, but his eight years as Louisiana’s governor will still have an effect on how the state’s government is run…

Cut 9 (09) “administration did”

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Now that all military jobs are available for women in the United States, 21-year-old Pvt. Journae King of Laplace made history in the Louisiana Army National Guard as the first woman to enlist as a field artillery soldier. King’s recruiter, Staff Sgt. Robert Gregoire says even though she knew the position would be challenging, she stepped up to the plate.

Cut 10 (07) “for her” 

King was studying at Southern University when she decided to enlist. Gregoire says opening jobs to women makes sense because he’s seen female soldiers complete tasks just like their male counterparts during drills.

cut 11 (08) “them serve”

Gregoire says it isn’t a surprise that women were given the same opportunities as men in the military by the Secretary of Defense. He says King possesses many qualities that make a great soldier.

Cut 12 (07) “intelligent person”

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Candidates are stacking up in the 2016 US Senate Race for the seat being vacated by David Vitter. Republican Congressman Charles Boustany is formally announcing today joining fellow GOPs US Rep John Flemming and retired Air Force Col Rob Maness. Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy is expected to run and Scott Angelle’s name has been mentioned. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…:

Cut 13 (11)  “serious candidate”

Pinsonat says the major candidates right now are already elected officials with name recognition, big followings and the ability to raise money…:

Cut 14 (12) “Kennedy”

Vitter’s third term will end in January of 2017, but the election will be held November 8th, 2016 with a December 3rd runoff if necessary. Pinsonat says Louisiana is extremely likely to vote for a Republican, but the many GOP candidates should have learned a lesson from the past governor’s race…:

Cut 15  (12) “to win”

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The Saints snapped a four-game losing streak with one of their best efforts of the season as they beat the Buccaneers 24-17 in Tampa Bay. New Orleans scored on its first drive of the game and were in control of the contest throughout. Quarterback Drew Brees threw two touchdown passes and says it’s nice to see the hard work they put in during the week pay off….

Cut 16  (18)  “field today”

Marques Colston caught two touchdowns. Tim Hightower, starting his first game since 2011, rushed for 85 yards and a score. The defense held the Bucs to 291 yards of offense and 4-of-11 on third downs. Brees says they did a lot of things well.

Cut 17 (15) “winning football”

With Brees’ two TD throws, he moved past Dan Marino into fourth place all-time with 421 career touchdown passes. Brees says its a humbling honor

Cut 18 (20) “part of that”

Louisiana’s been dealing with near record high temperatures in some cases and the National Weather Service says the warm air is bringing in the next big storm system mid-weekend. Emelie Gunn reports…:

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Crawfish season is underway and early reports say the mudbugs are bigger than normal and you can thank this weather. Emelie Gunn reports…:

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana’s been dealing with near record high temperatures in some cases and the National Weather Service says the warm air is bringing in the next big storm system mid-weekend. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says it’s hard to believe we’re in December when you look at the forecast these days…:

CUT 3 (07)  “are possible”

Hansford says there is a marginal risk for severe weather moving across the state starting Saturday evening in some areas then into Sunday with showers and thunderstorms increasing. He says there’s a large disturbance moving across the southern plains on Sunday, which has opened up the Gulf of Mexico bringing these warm and humid conditions…:

CUT 4 (07)  “could be severe”

Hansford says the system will clear out to start the work week and temperatures will cool off but only slightly. He says the squall line moving through the state Saturday evening into Sunday brings with it a damaging wind threat and the potential for isolated flash flooding…:

CUT 5 (06)  “inches”

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Crawfish season is underway and early reports say the mudbugs are much bigger than normal for this time of year . Scott Landry, spokesman for Seafood Palace in Lake Charles, believes there are a couple of reasons crawfish are so big so early in the season…

CUT 6 (09) “moving around”

He says the weather and water conditions are making the early crawfish season so favorable. Landry says the crawfish, so far this season, are larger than they have been in several years. He says they look like an early spring crawfish…

CUT 7 (05) “this year” 

He says if the weather keeps up, it will be a great crawfish season. Landry expects business to be good this season because people love a bigger sized crawfish…

CUT 8 (06) “the effort“

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Construction of the equipment needed to dispose of 16 million pounds of M6 propellant stored at Camp Minden in Webster Parish continues. The process to dispose of the explosives will begin next year. LSU-Shreveport Chemistry professor Brian Salvatore toured the construction site Thursday. Salvatore says about 90-percent of everything needed to conduct the contained burn are on site…

CUT 9 (09)  “in the world”

He says the contained burn chamber was loaded on a truck this week. Salvatore says the chamber will travel to Louisiana through the river system and be unloaded at the port of Nachitoches…

cut 10 (07)  “January 8th”

He says they expect the disposal to be complete in January of 2017. Salvatore says the assembly of the contained burn chamber will be complete in January with test burns starting in February…

Cut 11 (06) “efficiency perfect”

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Former Louisiana Tech president Dan Reneau has been named interim president of the University of Louisiana System. Reneau will serve as president until the board finds a permanent replacement for Sandra Woodley, who is resigning as president at the end of the year. Reneau served as president of Louisiana Tech for 26 years before retiring in 2013…:

cut 12 (09)  “period of time”

The UL System Board says they are thrilled to have Dr. Reneau lead the system during the time of transition as his vast experience made him the ideal candidate for the job. Reneau joined the faculty at Tech in 1967 as an assistant professor of chemical engineering…:

cut 13 (07)  “system”

Woodley will stay on in an advisory role through March 15th. Reneau says he’s honored to have been asked to help out on a temporary basis…:

cut 14 (10)  “permanent president” 

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It’s another weekend of state championship football inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The two officers accused of fatally shooting a six-year-old child and wounding his father have been formally charged with murder. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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With only two more weeks until Christmas and many people haven’t even started holiday shopping. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The nonselect select state championships are this weekend in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. The first of five game starts today at 4:30 with the One-A championship game between Kentwood two-time defending champion Haynesville. And there are three more games tomorrow starting at noon. LHSAA director Eddie Bonine says they are expecting big crowds

cut 4  (06)  “all day”

The action concludes Saturday night with the 5A championship game as John Ehret faces Zachary. The Broncos are making their first appearance in a state championship football game, while the Patriots haven’t been to the Dome in 30 years. Bonine says it’s a lot of fun to see kids play at the Dome for the first time…

Cut 5  (08)  “go wow”

Bonine says for the ten teams that have made it to the Dome this weekend, it’s been a long journey to get there…

Cut 6 (09)  “put in”

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Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections Secretary James Le Blanc says Darrel Vannoy will transition into the top position at Angola and work with outgoing Warden Burl Cain. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard, whose district includes Angola, says if the allegations Cain had private business dealings with inmates are true, then his resignation was the right call…:

CUT 7 (10)  “two sets of rules”

The Advocate published a series of articles questioning whether Cain was making major real estate deals with favored inmates and their families which would violate department policy. Havard says Cain leaves behind a great legacy in many ways, but it’s possible the warden has made some bad decisions recently…: (The Department says Vannoy’s appointment is not permanent.)

Cut 8  (09)  “up and up”

Vannoy is the current warden at Dixon Correctional Institute and a 40 year corrections employee according to the department’s release. Havard has heard from many people in his district who work at Angola that feel it’s time for new leadership…:

Cut 9 (08) “inmates”

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One of the more unique holiday traditions in Louisiana takes place tomorrow night in south Louisiana with the 12th annual Delcambre Christmas Boat Parade.  Parade President Marae Fontenot says there is a variety of events leading up to the parade including, their first ever tacky Christmas sweater 5-K run and kids can eat pancakes with Santa.

Cut 10 (11) “the boats” 

The boat parade begins at 6 p.m. Fontenot says each boat uses their own personal creativity to decorate their vessel and people from Acadiana come to watch.

cut 11 (10) “boating parade”

Fontenot says the night will finish off with an extravagant fireworks display. But she says the main attraction is the boat parade, which was started 12 years ago by Delcambre resident Jeff LeBlanc, who got the idea after seeing a similar boat parade in Florida.

Cut 12 (09) “each other”

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There are two more weeks until Christmas day and there are many that still have not done anything when it comes to Christmas shopping. Dr. Michelle Moore, LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist, says people have different personality types and procrastinators usually wait until the last minute to do everything in life, not just to holiday shop.

Cut 13 (09)  “any sooner”

Moore says procrastinators are usually just born with that type of personality and the same goes for anxious people, who get things done early on. She says often times, lolly gaggers don’t mind rushing to get their holiday shopping done just days before Christmas.

Cut 14 (10) “the end”

Moore says there is nothing clinically wrong with dilly dallying, unless it’s a personality trait that bothers you. She says men are often put into the category of procrastinating but things always end up getting accomplished.

Cut 15  (08) “bought it” 

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Emotions were running high during a public hearing in New Orleans over whether or not to remove four Confederate monuments. The City Council is expected to vote next week one way or another on a declaration that states the structures are a nuisance which would pave the way for them to come down. One pro-monument speaker said the statues are part of the city’s culture:

Cut 16  (16)  “slave culture”

Other pro-monument speakers say removing the statues would be a dishonor to US Veterans. This woman believes New Orleans should not be wasting its time on a nuisance law…:

Cut 17 (12) “council members”

But this man says the statues represent a shameful history for New Orleans…:

Cut 18 (08) “it’s oppressive”

This anti-monument woman says the issue has been discussed for a long time and it’s not going to go away…:

Cut 19 (11) “down”

The United Health Foundation’s annual America’s Health Rankings lists Louisiana as the least healthy state in the country. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Angola Warden Burl Cain has decided to give up his post at the end of the year. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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President Barack Obama signs a major new education bill that will give states more control over school accountability and student testing. It replaces the 2002 No Child Left Behind education law. State Superintendent of Education John White believes the new legislation is a good thing for Louisiana’s public schools.

CUT 3 (10)  “our kids”

White says this legislation will allow for the state to determine our own standards. He says that’s currently underway as a large committee made up of Louisiana education leaders is looking at proposed changes to Common Core.

CUT 4 (09)  “high expectations”

White says we can expect good things around the bend for our kids. He says this legislation increases funding for low performing schools to turn themselves around and Louisiana has had success doing so in Orleans and East Baton Rouge Parishes.

CUT 5 (09)  “failing school”

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The United Health Foundation’s annual America’s Health Rankings lists Louisiana as the least healthy state in the country. United Health Foundation’s Rhonda Randall says Louisiana fell two spots from last year. She says several factors lead to Louisiana’s low ranking…

CUT 6 (09) “graduation rate”

The report cites high smoking and obesity rates among residents as causes for the state’s unhealthy ranking. Randall says Louisiana ranks 50th in the country in the percentage of children living in poverty and that is a big concern…

CUT 7 (09) “high school” 

Randall says children living in poverty in Louisiana has increased 73-percent in the past 5 years. She says, while it may be difficult, it’s not impossible to improve Louisiana’s ranking. Randall says it may be up to you, as an individual, to spur your family and friends to make healthy lifestyle changes…

CUT 8 (07) “do the same”“

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A 14-year-old bicyclist was hit by a pickup truck and killed in Prairieville at around 6 last night. The driver was charged with negligent homicide. State Police Trooper Bryan Lee say the crash happened as the victim, Brennan Rube of Prairieville, was riding his bike on LA 73 and 26-year-old Joshua Ashford of Gonzales hit him from behind him and caused him to be thrown from the bike.

CUT 9 (09)  “speed limit”

Rube, a freshman at Dutchtown High School, was pronounced dead at the scene. Lee says troopers have determined Ashford was traveling faster than the 45 mile per hour speed limit and that was a factor in the crash.

cut 10 (03)  “negligent homicide”

Lee says Rube was wearing dark clothing, wasn’t wearing a helmet and did not have the proper lights on his bicycle that would’ve helped Ashford see him sooner but speeding played a big factor in the accident.

Cut 11 (08) “that crash”

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Angola Warden Burl Cain has decided to give up his post at the end of the year after nearly 21 years on the job. Cain’s resignation comes weeks after The Advocate newspaper published articles questioning whether his real estate deals with relatives and friends of inmates violated Department of Corrections rules. Cain says when the paper questioned his religious beliefs, he knew it was time to go…

cut 12 (04)  “over the edge”

Cain is 73-years-old and the longest serving warden in Angola history. He has gained world-wide recognition for his efforts in reforming the prison. Cain says his biggest accomplishment at Angola does not lie with the buildings on the prison campus…

cut 13 (08)  “what counts”

Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc will appoint Cain’s successor. Cain believes LeBlanc will select Dixon Correctional Institute Warden Darrell Vannoy to replace him at Angola…

cut 14 (10)  “and it’s stable” 

Longtime Angola warden Burl Cain tells a Baton Rouge television station that he will step down at the end of the year. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 A Baton Rouge based pharmaceutical company has developed a new vaccine for prostate cancer. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The first published poll on next year’s US Senate race shows Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, a Democrat, and Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy leading the field in a hypothetical matchup. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The first deadline for Louisiana residents to purchase health insurance for 2016 through the Afordable Care Act is approaching. Acting Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Andy Slavitt, says time is running out if you want insurance that begins with the new year through the Health Insurance Marketplace…

cut 4  (05)  “December 15th”

The open enrollment deadline to purchase insurance coverage that begins January 1st is December 15th. Louisiana has already surpassed last year’s enrollment numbers as almost 61,000 residents have signed up for coverage as of December 5th. Slavitturges consumers to not wait until the last minute and give yourself time to shop around for insurance coverage on healthcare-dot-gov…

Cut 5  (06)  “save some money”

Open enrollment ends on January 31st. Having health insurance when you can afford it is now law. Kevin Counihan, CEO of Health Insurance Marketplaces, says the fee for choosing to not have health insurance will increase next year…

Cut 6 (06)  “$695 or more”

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A task force formed by the state legislature has begun work on developing legislation regarding the use of police body cameras. Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine says the body cameras have been an asset to her police officers and they want to make sure other police departments take advantage of this technology

CUT 7 (12)  “90-percent”

A bill was proposed earlier this year requiring all law enforcement officers in the state to have body cameras within the next two years. Lt. Colonel David Stanton, with State Police, says the body camera technology is developing and that needs to be considered as they discuss rules for funding and training agencies…

Cut 8  (06)  “next year”

The task force is charged with developing rules for proper use of body cameras, guidelines on releasing video data and if there should be any situations where officers do not wear them. Louisiana NAACP attorney Alfreda Bester says the goal is to have something that could be submitted for the 2016 legislative session

Cut 9 (10) “criminal justice system”

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A pharmaceutical company out of Baton Rouge has created a therapeutic vaccine for prostate cancer. Phase one of the therapy vaccine, ProscaVax, developed by OncBioMune Pharmaceuticals Inc, has been approved by the FDA. CEO Jonathan Head says there is a huge need for this product and so far in trials it’s been a success with very little side effects.

Cut 10 (06) “no toxicity” 

Head says ProsaVax is a therapeutic vaccine and injected into the body after someone is diagnosed with prostate cancer. He says the goal is for this to be an alternative to radiation or surgery.

cut 11 (05) “and toxicity”

Head says they hope the vaccine will be widely available in three years. He says hopefully the trial period will show that it can allow patients to live a normal life while undergoing treatment.

Cut 12 (09) “great success”

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The first published poll on next year’s US Senate race shows Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, a Democrat, and Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy leading the field in a hypothetical matchup. The survey was commissioned for the super PAC supporting Kennedy. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says he can see Kennedy on top of this one:

Cut 13 (11)  “know who he is”

The seat is being vacated by Republican David Vitter who announced his retirement after losing the governor’s race. Other GOP potential candidates included in this poll are Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle, Congressmen Charles Boustany and John Fleming, and Retired Col Rob Maness. Cross says if all 5 Republicans run, things will get interesting…:

Cut 14 (11) “the runoff”

Cross says even though Louisiana just elected a Democratic Governor, it’s still a very red state and voters are likely going to choose a Republican for US Senate. He says it would shake things up dramatically if another Democrat joined the field…:

Cut 15  (11) “great deal” 

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The Saints continue their preparations today for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay. New Orleans has lost four in a row and its record has dropped to 4-8, leaving the Black and Gold with slim playoff hopes. Coach Sean Payton says there’s no looking back or too far ahead, as the team’s main focus is beating the Bucs

Cut 16  (10)  “our focus”

The Saints will take on a team Sunday that’s still in the playoff hunt. Tampa Bay is 6-6 and Quarterback Jameis Winston is in the running for Rookie of the Year. Payton says he’s improved since the Saints saw him in Week 2…

Cut 17 (15) “they’re winning”

Veteran running back Doug Martin is another reason for the Bucs success. He’s second in the NFL in rushing. Payton says Martin’s success on 1st and second downs is helping Tampa Bay grind out drives…

Cut 18 (15) “…he’s averaging”

A new report from Pew Charitable Trusts shows that only 12-percent of Louisiana legislators in 2015 were women, the lowest percentage in the nation. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The LSU Foundation says the percentage of alumni who give to LSU on a regular basis is “dead last” in the Southeastern Football Conference. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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A new report from Pew Charitable Trusts shows Louisiana has the lowest percentage in the nation of women participating in the state legislature. The report shows that only 12-percent of Louisiana legislators in 2015 were women. UNO Political Science Professor Christine Day says this is not a surprise as the bottom 10 of this list are generally Republican, conservative states…

CUT 3 (06)  “liberal states”

The national average of female participation in state legislatures was about 24-percent last year. In 2016, four more women will serve in the Louisiana House, while one more woman will serve in the state Senate. While it’s unclear if this will move Louisiana out of the bottom spot, Day says this is a good sign…

CUT 4 (06)  “trend nationwide”

She points out that Louisiana has had a woman in the US Senate, Mary Landrieu, and a woman governor, Kathleen Blanco. Day says Hillary Clinton’s presidential run could influence other women to jump into politics…

CUT 5 (10)  “recruit more women”

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A Calvary Baptist Academy teacher has been arrested for inappropriate conduct through online messaging with his student. According to State Police, 25-year-old Kyle Rutledge of Shreveport contacted a 16-year-old female student online. Trooper Matt Harris says the student immediately told her parents about the initial inappropriate message, who notified the school and authorities.

CUT 6 (10) “and him”

Harris says Rutledge was charged with Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, and Prohibited Sexual Conduct between Educator and Student. He says a teacher is supposed to be a trusted adult in a student’s life.

CUT 7 (09) “it happens” 

Harris says they take crimes like this very seriously. He says if convicted, Rutledge could face up to 70 years in prison and fined up to 75-thousand dollars.

CUT 8 (11) “correctional center”“

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The percentage of alumni who give to LSU on a regular basis is “dead last” in the Southeastern Football Conference. That’s according to LSU Foundation Head Stephen Moret. He said on the Jim Engster Show that only 6 percent of LSU’s graduates donate money to the university…:

CUT 9 (09)  “objective”

Moret says the average in private donations by alumni for all SEC school’s is around 14 percent. He said on the Jim Engster show that LSU students aren’t being told about giving back to their alma mater and why it matters, which is what needs to change…:

cut 10 (08)  “at LSU”

LSU’s endowment per student is tied for last the conference at $420 million. Moret says public higher education has been under great strain over the past several years which is why private donations are so important. He said on the Jim Engster Show they plan to show people who give that their investment is truly helping to bring LSU to the next level:

Cut 11 (08) “total impact”

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Republican Col. Rob Maness has filed a statement of candidacy for the open Louisiana senate seat being vacated by Senator David Vitter next year. Maness unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate in 2014. He says the experience of people running and being elected these days is very limiting and he believes it’s his duty to provide leadership and expertise.

cut 12 (08)  “run for it”

Maness says even with the large amount of candidates seeking this seat, he believes they have a solid voter base and are continuing to build. The retired Air Force colonel says he’s learned many lessons from his last run for senate.

cut 13 (10)  “around the state”

Maness says this time around, he’s worked to better the way his campaign team is constructed and has concentrated more on fundraising efforts.

cut 14 (07)  “ready to go” 

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Two national studies show Louisiana ranks last in the country for volunteering. Emelie Gunn finds out if these surveys accurately portray the state…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids issued its annual report card on how states are doing with efforts in keeping young people from smoking, and Louisiana gets a failing grade. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Justice Department announces there’s insufficient evidence to pursue criminal civil rights charges against any official with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office in connection with the fatal shooting of Victor White. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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According to studies from WalletHub and the Corporation for National and Community Service, Louisiana ranks as the worst state in the country when it comes to volunteering. But Executive Director of Volunteer Louisiana Judd Jeansonne says the national surveys do not align with their own statewide numbers. He says a study they commissioned and produced by LSU shows a much higher rate of volunteerism.

cut 4  (09)  “40 percent”

Jeansonne says the national surveys do not include church and faith based volunteering. He says often time people who donate their time to the church don’t see it as volunteering.

Cut 5  (10)  “other prompts”

Jeansonne says although these national studies might not accurately show the volunteer rate in the state, it still creates a negative perception. He’s convinced that most Louisiana residents are charitable when it comes to their time…

Cut 6 (10)  “we are”

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 A group called the Monumental Task Committee says they have collected over 31-thousand signatures from people who oppose the removal of four Confederate monuments in New Orleans. President Pierre McGraw says they want their voices heard before the city council holds a special committee meeting on Thursday that will discuss the removal of the structures.

CUT 7 (11)  “to attend”

McGraw says the M-T-C supports the instillation of interpretive plaques to help gain a better understanding of the original and current context of these monuments. He says they also would like to erect new monuments dedicated to influential people, including Civil Rights Freedom writers and have requested to talk with the mayor to put the construction in motion.

Cut 8  (10)  “holiday season”

McGraw says they have received creditable reports that Mayor Mitch Landrieu has contracted the removal of the monuments without opening it up to public bid. He says another concern is of the qualifications of those removing the monuments and if they would be stored safely.

Cut 9 (08) “store them”

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The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids issued its annual report card on how states are doing with efforts in keeping young people from smoking, and Louisiana gets a failing grade. Spokesman John Schachter (Shack-Ter) says the state spends $7 million dollars on tobacco prevention programs…:

Cut 10 (03) “CDC recommends” 

Schachter says most states get failing grades on their report card and Louisiana ranks 28th in the country on anti-smoking campaigns. He says the smoking industry spends $31 to promote their product for every $1 Louisiana uses on tobacco cessation and prevention programs…:

cut 11 (06) “especially kids”

Schachter says Louisiana will collect nearly $398 million dollars this year from the 1998 tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes, but will only spend about 2% of that on prevention programs. He says their report also found that tobacco claims 7200 lives in Louisiana and costs the state $1.9 billion in health care bills annually…:

Cut 12 (11) “of the state”

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The US Justice Department announces they will not seek federal criminal civil rights charges in connection with the fatal shooting of Victor White, who died from a gunshot wound sustained while in the back of an Iberia Parish Sheriff’s deputy patrol vehicle. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it appears federal officials conducted a thorough investigation.

Cut 13 (07)  “police car”

White’s family has questioned how the 22-year-old man shot himself in March of 2014, while handcuffed in the back of the police car. The Iberia Parish Coroner ruled the death a suicide. US Attorney Stephanie Finley says gunshot residue was found on both of Mr. White’s hands and Meche says its that kind of evidence that supports a self-inflicted shooting

Cut 14 (07) “shot himself”

Meche says there’s not many options for the White family, if they believe justice still has not been served…

Cut 15  (08) “for free”